cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the spectrum of liver disease in HCV-HIV coinfection.

Abstract Background & Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The mortality associated with HIV has decreased dramatically with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, the impact of HAART, including protease inhibitors (PIs), nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and non-NRTIs (NNRTIs), on the spectrum of HCV-related liver disease remains unclear. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to determine the impact of PI and NNRTI use on liver histological characteristics in patients with stable HIV-HCV coinfection (n = 101) compared with HIV-uninfected controls with HCV infection (n = 302). Methods: The majority of coinfected patients were men (75%), African American (82%), and had genotype 1 HCV (91%). Mean HIV load was 1.52 log copies/mL, 48% had undetectable HIV RNA and a mean CD4 count of 528 cells/μL, and 11% had a CD4 count
Test-retest reliability of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire☆

The test-retest reliability of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire was assessed by two administrations of the questionnaire at a five-week interval in 140 adults from a general population sample and at a two-week interval in 150 male participants in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT). In both study populations, there was a slight, nonsignificant drop in reported leisure time energy expenditure between the test and the retest. The largest test-retest differences in estimated energy expenditure were found among those reporting greater levels of energy expenditure. Nevertheless, in both study populations Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the test and retest were high--0.79 to 0.88 for total activity and ranging 0.69-0.86 among the light, moderate, and heavy intensity subcategories. The high reliability of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire corroborates its utility in epidemiologic research.
Estimation of aircraft taxi fuel burn using flight data recorder archives

Abstract This paper builds a model for estimating the fuel consumption of a taxiing aircraft using flight data recorder information from operational aircraft. The taxi fuel burn is modeled as a linear function of several potential explanatory variables including the taxi time, number of stops, number of turns and number of acceleration events, and the coefficients are estimated using least-squares regression. The statistical significance of each potential factor is investigated. Our analysis shows that in addition to the taxi time, the number of acceleration events is a significant factor in determining taxi fuel consumption. Since the model parameters are estimated using data from operational aircraft, they provide more accurate estimates of fuel burn than methods that use idealized physical models of fuel consumption based on aircraft velocity profiles, or the baseline fuel consumption estimates provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Velocity-density product and attenuation-density ratio measurements using broadband signals

The conventional method for measuring the attenuation and velocity of a material generally involves tedious and/or repetitious procedures. Using a narrow acoustic pulse (broad frequency spectrum) for transducer excitation, it is shown that the reflection coefficients of different materials are frequency dependent. Inspection of the dispersive features of narrow acoustic pulses allows identification of material present. Measuring the reflection coefficient as a function of frequency, the velocity-density product and attenuation-density ratio can be obtained with high precision. This technique can be extended to an n-layered structure. A number of different materials are identified based on the dispersion of a narrow acoustic pulse. >
Activation of reverse Na+―Ca2+ exchange by the Na+ current augments the cardiac Ca2+ transient: evidence from NCX knockout mice

The hypothesis that Na+ influx during the action potential (AP) activates reverse Na+–Ca2+ exchange (NCX) and subsequent entry of trigger Ca2+ is controversial. We tested this hypothesis by monitoring intracellular Ca2+ before and after selective inactivation of INa prior to a simulated action potential in patch-clamped ventricular myocytes isolated from adult wild-type (WT) and NCX knockout (KO) mice. First, we inactivated INa using a ramp prepulse to −45 mV. In WT cells, inactivation of INa decreased the Ca2+ transient amplitude by 51.1 ± 4.6% (P < 0.001, n= 14) and reduced its maximum release flux by 53.0 ± 4.6% (P < 0.001, n= 14). There was no effect on diastolic Ca2+. In striking contrast, Ca2+ transients in NCX KO cardiomyocytes were unaffected by the presence or absence of INa (n= 8). We obtained similar results when measuring trigger Ca2+ influx in myocytes with depleted sarcoplasmic reticulum. In WT cells, inactivation of INa decreased trigger Ca2+ influx by 37.8 ± 6% and maximum rate of flux by 30.6 ± 7.7% at 2.5 mm external Ca2+ (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, n= 9). This effect was again absent in the KO cells (n= 8). Second, exposure to 10 μm tetrodotoxin to block INa also reduced the Ca2+ transients in WT myocytes but not in NCX KO myocytes. We conclude that INa and reverse NCX modulate Ca2+ release in murine WT cardiomyocytes by augmenting the pool of Ca2+ that triggers ryanodine receptors. This is an important mechanism for regulation of Ca2+ release and contractility in murine heart.
Programs and Policies to Assist High School Dropouts in the Transition to Adulthood.

Dan Bloom of MDRC examines policies and programs designed to help high school dropouts improve their educational attainment and labor market outcomes. So called "second-chance" programs, he says, have long provided some combination of education, training, employment, counseling, and social services. But the research record on their effectiveness is fairly thin, he says, and the results are mixed. Bloom describes eleven employment- or education-focused programs serving high school dropouts that have been rigorously evaluated over the past thirty years. Some relied heavily on paid work experience, while others focused more on job training or education. Some programs, especially those that offered paid work opportunities, generated significant increases in employment or earnings in the short term, but none of the studies that followed participants for more than a couple of years found lasting improvements in economic outcomes. Nevertheless, the findings provide an important foundation on which to build. Because of the high individual and social costs of ignoring high school dropouts, the argument for investing more public funds in services, systems, and research for these young people is strong. The paucity of conclusive evidence, however, makes it hard to know how to direct resources and magnifies the importance of ensuring that all new initiatives provide for rigorous evaluation of their impacts. Bloom concludes with recommendations for policy and research aimed at building on current efforts to expand and improve effective programs for dropouts while simultaneously developing and testing new approaches that might be more effective and strengthening local systems to support vulnerable young people. He stresses the importance of identifying and disseminating strategies to engage young people who are more seriously disconnected and unlikely to join programs. A recurring theme is that providing young people with opportunities for paid work may be useful both as an engagement tool and as a strategy for improving long-term labor market outcomes.
Limit Cycle Oscillations of a Cantilevered Wing in Low Subsonic Flow

A nonlinear, aeroelastic analysis of a low-aspect, rectangular wing modeled as a plate of constant thickness demonstratesthatlimitcycleoscillationsoftheorderoftheplatethicknessarepossible.Thestructuralnonlinearity arisesfrom doublebendinginboth thechordwiseand spanwisedirections.Thepresentresultsusing a vortex lattice aerodynamic model for low-Mach-numbere owscomplementearlierstudiesforhigh supersonicspeed thatshowed similar qualitative results. Also, the theoretical results are consistent with experimental data reported by other investigators for low-aspect-ratio delta wings.
Induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Murine Candida albicans Infection

Candidemia in humans is often associated with an endotoxic shock-like syndrome, comparable to gram-negative sepsis. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) has been implicated as a mediator in the endotoxic shock syndrome. The possible role of TNF alpha causing early deaths was explored in a murine model of acute infection with Candida albicans. In vitro data from three mouse strains (BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, and C3H/HeN) and in vivo data from BALB/c mice were obtained. Peritoneal macrophages from all three strains produced TNF alpha in vitro when stimulated with C. albicans. After intravenous infection with 10(8) cfu of C. albicans, mice died within 12 h. TNF concentrations in sera from these mice were significantly greater than in controls. Pretreatment of BALB/c mice with anti-murine TNF alpha did not alter mortality of C. albicans-infected mice, but pretreatment with murine TNF alpha reduced mortality. Therefore, in contrast to what was anticipated, TNF alpha may serve a protective role in murine candidiasis.
Livestock GRACEnet: A Workgroup Dedicated to Evaluating and Mitigating Emissions from Livestock Production.

Ammonia, greenhouse gases, and particulate emissions from livestock operations can potentially affect air quality at local, regional, and even global scales. These pollutants, many of which are generated through various anthropogenic activities, are being increasingly scrutinized by regulatory authorities. Regulation of emissions from livestock production systems will ultimately increase on farm costs, which will then be passed onto consumers. Therefore, it is essential that scientifically based emission factors are developed for on-farm emissions of air quality constituents to improve inventories and assign appropriate reduction targets. To generate a larger database of on-farm emissions, the USDA–ARS created the workgroup Livestock GRACEnet (Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement Network). This introduction for the special section of papers highlights some of the research presently being conducted by members of Livestock GRACEnet with the intent of drawing attention to critical information gaps, such as (i) improving emissions measurements; (ii) developing emissions factors; (iii) developing and validating tools for estimating emissions; and (iv) mitigating emissions. We also provide a synthesis of the literature with respect to key research areas related to livestock emissions, including feeding strategies, animal housing, manure management, and manure land application, and discuss future research priorities and directions.
An SoC design methodology using FPGAs and embedded microprocessors

In System on Chip (SoC) design, growing design complexity has forced designers to start designs at higher abstraction levels. This paper proposes an SoC design methodology that makes full use of FPGA capabilities. Design modules in different abstraction levels are all combined and run together in an FPGA prototyping system that fully emulates the target SoC. The higher abstraction level design modules run on microprocessors embedded in the FPGAs, while lower-level synthesizable RTL design modules are directly mapped onto FPGA reconfigurable cells. We made a hardware wrapper that gets the embedded microprocessors to interface with the fully synthesized modules through IBM CoreConnect buses. Using this methodology, we developed an image processor SoC with cryptographic functions, and we verified the design by running real firmware and application programs. For the designs that are too large to be fit into an FPGA, dynamic reconfiguration method is used.
The Health and Health Care of US Prisoners: Results of a Nationwide Survey

Objectives. We analyzed the prevalence of chronic illnesses, including mental illness, and access to health care among US inmates.Methods. We used the 2002 Survey of Inmates in Local Jails and the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities to analyze disease prevalence and clinical measures of access to health care for inmates.Results. Among inmates in federal prisons, state prisons, and local jails, 38.5% (SE = 2.2%), 42.8% (SE = 1.1%), and 38.7% (SE = 0.7%), respectively, suffered a chronic medical condition. Among inmates with a mental condition ever treated with a psychiatric medication, only 25.5% (SE = 7.5%) of federal, 29.6% (SE = 2.8%) of state, and 38.5% (SE = 1.5%) of local jail inmates were taking a psychiatric medication at the time of arrest, whereas 69.1% (SE = 4.8%), 68.6% (SE = 1.9%), and 45.5% (SE = 1.6%) were on a psychiatric medication after admission.Conclusions. Many inmates with a serious chronic physical illness fail to receive care while incarcerated. Among...
Vision-Based Projection-Handwriting Integration in Classroom

A projector based presentation and a whiteboard handwriting capture system, when monitored by a camera, could provide a better means to present a lecture in a classroom and later to deliver more effective e-lectures for off-campus students. When the PowerPoint© (PPT) slides are projected on the whiteboard where the instructor annotates, modifies, or expands the PPT presentation, geometrically registering high-resolution images from the two sources yields high quality digital presentations. Since the two sources do not share the same materials, one with printing notes and the other with handwriting notes, a digital camera is used as a bridge to align the two sources, as well as to record the whole lecture. We present a hybrid registration approach to align the PPT and handwriting images and then propose a coarse-to-fine content matching method to register handwriting contents captured by the video camera and the whiteboard capture system. We also show an integrated user-customized presentation system to provide students better lecturing context. Experimental results are presented to validate our approach, and future research directions are also discussed.
Efflux pumps and nosocomial antibiotic resistance: a primer for hospital epidemiologists.

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents, including multidrug resistance, is an increasing problem in health care in both community and hospital settings. Bacterial adaptability in circumventing antimicrobial action stems from an array of mutational resistance mechanisms and from the acquisition of resistance genes that are present on plasmids that can transfer between bacteria within and among species. Resistance is mediated by 1 or more mechanisms from 3 general categories: alteration or protection of the antimicrobial target, alteration of drug access to the target, and/or inactivation of the antimicrobial. Although there are multiple, often interesting variations of these mechanisms, resistance results from 1 or a combination of mechanisms from these 3 categories.
Regulation of lung injury and fibrosis by p53-mediated changes in urokinase and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

Alveolar type II epithelial cell (ATII) apoptosis and proliferation of mesenchymal cells are the hallmarks of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating disease of unknown cause characterized by alveolar epithelial injury and progressive fibrosis. We used a mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)–induced lung injury to understand the involvement of p53-mediated changes in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in the regulation of alveolar epithelial injury. We found marked induction of p53 in ATII cells from mice exposed to BLM. Transgenic mice expressing transcriptionally inactive dominant negative p53 in ATII cells showed augmented apoptosis, whereas those deficient in p53 resisted BLM-induced ATII cell apoptosis. Inhibition of p53 transcription failed to suppress PAI-1 or induce uPA mRNA in BLM-treated ATII cells. ATII cells from mice with BLM injury showed augmented binding of p53 to uPA, uPA receptor (uPAR), and PAI-1 mRNA. p53-binding sequences from uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 mRNA 3′ untranslated regions neither interfered with p53 DNA binding activity nor p53-mediated promoter transactivation. However, increased expression of p53-binding sequences from uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 mRNA 3′ untranslated regions in ATII cells suppressed PAI-1 and induced uPA after BLM treatment, leading to inhibition of ATII cell apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Our findings indicate that disruption of p53–fibrinolytic system cross talk may serve as a novel intervention strategy to prevent lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.
Reproducing dominion: emotional apprenticeship in the 4-H youth livestock program.

Th is paper examines young people’s socialization into the doctrine known as “dominionism,” which justifi es the use of animals in the service of human beings. Using qualitative research, it focuses on the 4-H youth livestock program, in which boys and girls raise cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep for slaughter. Th e analysis portrays 4-H as an apprenticeship in which children learn to do cognitive emotion work, use distancing mechanisms, and create a “redemption” narrative to cope with contradictory ethical and emotional experiences. Although this paper focuses on young people’s relationships with animals, and particularly with types of animals that have received little scholarly attention, the conclusions have implications for understanding the reproduction of inequalities, more generally. An understanding of the means through which people learn to justify the treatment of the animals known as “livestock” can shed light on the mechanisms involved in generic processes of inequality.
Development of Real-Time PCR Assays for Rapid Detection of Pfiesteria piscicida and Related Dinoflagellates

Pfiesteria complex species are heterotrophic and mixotrophic dinoflagellates that have been recognized as harmful algal bloom species associated with adverse fish and human health effects along the East Coast of North America, particularly in its largest (Chesapeake Bay in Maryland) and second largest (Albermarle-Pamlico Sound in North Carolina) estuaries. In response to impacts on human health and the economy, monitoring programs to detect the organism have been implemented in affected areas. However, until recently, specific identification of the two toxic species known thus far, Pfiesteria piscicida and P. shumwayae (sp. nov.), required scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM is a labor-intensive process in which a small number of cells can be analyzed, posing limitations when the method is applied to environmental estuarine water samples. To overcome these problems, we developed a real-time PCR-based assay that permits rapid and specific identification of these organisms in culture and heterogeneous environmental water samples. Various factors likely to be encountered when assessing environmental samples were addressed, and assay specificity was validated through screening of a comprehensive panel of cultures, including the two recognized Pfiesteria species, morphologically similar species, and a wide range of other estuarine dinoflagellates. Assay sensitivity and sample stability were established for both unpreserved and fixative (acidic Lugol's solution)-preserved samples. The effects of background DNA on organism detection and enumeration were also explored, and based on these results, we conclude that the assay may be utilized to derive quantitative data. This real-time PCR-based method will be useful for many other applications, including adaptation for field-based technology.
Neighborhood of 16S rRNA nucleotides U788/U789 in the 30S ribosomal subunit determined by site-directed crosslinking

Site-specific photo crosslinking has been used to investigate the RNA neighborhood of 16S rRNA positions U788/ U789 in Escherichia coli 30S subunits. For these studies, site-specific psoralen (SSP) which contains a sulfhydryl group on a 17 A side chain was first added to nucleotides U788/U789 using a complementary guide DNA by annealing and phototransfer. Modified RNA was purified from the DNA and unmodified RNA. For some experiments, the SSP, which normally crosslinks at an 8 A distance, was derivitized with azidophenacylbromide (APAB) resulting in the photoreactive azido moiety at a maximum of 25 A from the 4' position on psoralen (SSP25APA). 16S rRNA containing SSP, SSP25APA or control 16S rRNA were reconstituted and 30S particles were isolated. The reconstituted subunits containing SSP or SSP25APA had normal protein composition, were active in tRNA binding and had the usual pattern of chemical reactivity except for increased kethoxal reactivity at G791 and modest changes in four other regions. Irradiation of the derivatized 30S subunits in activation buffer produced several intramolecular RNA crosslinks that were visualized and separated by gel electrophoresis and characterized by primer extension. Four major crosslink sites made by the SSP reagent were identified at positions U561/U562, U920/U921, C866 and U723; a fifth major crosslink at G693 was identified when the SSP25APA reagent was used. A number of additional crosslinks of lower frequency were seen, particularly with the APA reagent. These data indicate a central location close to the decoding region and central pseudoknot for nucleotides U788/U789 in the activated 30S subunit.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Religiosity on Adolescent Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems

The relationship between religiosity and alcohol use among a sample of middle-adolescent boys and girls was examined using two-wave (with a 1-year interval) prospective longitudinal data. A primary aim was to determine the extent to which religion differentially predicts three outcomes: (a) the decision to use alcohol, (b) the choice among users of how much and how often to drink, and (c) the experience of alcohol-related problems. Regression analyses revealed that religious salience was associated negatively with later decisions to use alcohol (net of the effects for gender and age), but this association became nonsignificant when controlling for peer, family, and school influences. Likewise, although religious attendance had a moderate negative relationship with subsequent alcohol problems, this relationship disappeared when more fully specified models were estimated. By contrast, religious attendance predicted decreases in the quantity and frequency of alcohol use even in the presence of peer, family, ...
C-Reactive Protein Enhances Tissue Factor Expression by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Mechanisms and In Vivo Significance

Objective— We examined the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) expression of tissue factor (TF) and TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Methods and Results— TF mRNA, protein, and activity levels were significantly higher in VSMCs isolated from CRP-transgenic (Tg) mice than from wild-type (WT) mice. TFPI expression was significantly downregulated in CRP-Tg versus WT VSMCs. Transfection of human VSMCs with CRP expression plasmid significantly increased TF expression and decreased TFPI expression. Gene silencing of Fcγ receptor IIIa (FcγRIIIa) blocked the effect of CRP on VSMC TF expression. CRP activated p44/42, but not p38 or JNK MAP kinase (MAPK), and the effect of CRP on TF expression was blocked by pharmacological inhibitor of p44/42, but not p38 or JNK MAPK. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers blocked CRP-induced upregulation of VSMC TF expression. In vivo analyses revealed significant increases in TF expression and decreases in TFPI expression in carotid arteries of CRP-Tg mice versus WT mice. Conclusion— CRP increases TF and decreases TFPI expression by VSMCs in vitro and in vivo. Induction of TF expression by CRP is mediated by FcγRIIIa, p44/42 MAPK, and ROS generation. These data offer important insights into the role of CRP in the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis.
Measuring and modeling carbon stock change estimates for US forests and uncertainties from apparent inter-annual variability

Our approach is based on a collection of models that convert or augment the USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis program survey data to estimate all forest carbon component stocks, including live and standing dead tree aboveground and belowground biomass, forest floor (litter), down deadwood, and soil organic carbon, for each inventory plot. The data, which include estimates of forest area, can then be used in calculations for total stocks or change. We describe our approach, which has been used to estimate forest carbon stocks and stock change for the annual US greenhouse gas inventory compiled by the USEPA for reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Results in the national stock change trends can exhibit relatively large annual changes in these change trends, which are called inter-annual variability. We examine the inter-annual variability and underlying data for the possible causes, and discuss implications.
Time to failure of arterial shunts in a pig hemorrhagic shock model.

Abstract Temporary vascular shunts (TVSs) are relied on frequently in the current military theater. Details of their physiology and outcome are of increasing interest and needed to further define their place in the management of trauma. This study was conducted using a porcine hemorrhagic shock model and aimed to 1) establish the time to failure of short, proximally placed vascular shunts; and 2) examine histological changes in the shunted artery. The external iliac artery of male pigs was transected and a straight shunt secured in place. Hemorrhagic shock was then induced by rapidly removing 40 per cent of blood volume and maintaining severe hypotension for 40 minutes before resuscitation. Animals were observed for up to 6 days for limb function as well as overall physiological status. At the conclusion of the experiment, status of the shunt and adjacent artery was evaluated by an independent pathologist. The presence of thrombi and inflammation within the proximal and distal artery was graded. Among the 10 animals tested, nine subjects survived the initial surgery. All shunts remained patent with mean time of 4.2±1.2 days of observation. Three-position histological analysis of the connected arterial tissues revealed minimal acute inflammation and minimal or thrombus. The results suggest that TVSs in proximal arteries remain functional for at least 48 to 72 hours in proximal arteries even without anticoagulation in the setting of brief hemorrhagic shock. This knowledge may aid combat evacuation patterns.
Philosophy, Literature, and Ethics: Let the Engagement Begin

The goal is to isolate points of philosophical interest in the preceding articles on narrative medical ethics in order to focus subsequent dialogue between the two disciplines. Ethics is an enterprise that has over the centuries developed a somewhat malleable structure, comprising characteristics, methods, lines of reasoning, rules, principles, assumptions, and arguments. This structure provides the framework within which many disciplines contribute to ethics through the exercise of their particular interests, skills, and methods. Challenging or changing the structural components requires arguments of a traditional sort appropriate to the discipline of ethics. Three tenets are proposed as comprising the "received view" or credo of the literature and ethics movement. Each is examined. Then the individual articles in this issue are explored to the end of ferreting out points that would be fruitful points of discussion between philosophy and literature folks pursuing their mutual interest in ethics.
Combustion Synthesis of a Nickel Supported Catalyst: Effect of Metal Distribution on the Activity during Ethanol Decomposition

Solution combustion synthesis method is used to prepare Ni catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 pellets with controlled metal distribution. It was shown that impregnation time of the SCS solution onto the pellet determines the distribution of the Ni in the pellet which in turn affects the catalyst selectivity toward hydrogen production during ethanol decomposition.
The Construction of Radio Navigation Laboratory Based on LAN

Focusing on the existing problem of radio navigation teaching,throught making use of the open capability of network,combining technology of computer,network and simulation,this article put forward to build a radio navigation laboratory based on LAN by using computer simulation software,combining real-time sports model ship and virtual environment of maritime navigation.Its design technology,thoughts,etc.and methods can be shared with the other laboratory in the same type.
Parameters that predict success for natural cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Objectives To analyze our natural cycle IVF-ET experience in order to identify parameters predictive for success. Design Retrospective study. Setting Private-based reproductive center. Patients All patients who presented for IVF-ET interested in unmedicated cycles. Main Outcome Measures Routine monitoring for IVF-ET was performed. In addition, serum values for FSH, PRL, E 2 , and P were analyzed. Results Day 3 FSH values were not useful, whereas elevated day 3 LH values adversely correlated with outcome. Age was the single most important predictor of success. With two cycles, 87.5% of pregnancies occurred. Conclusion With proper patient selection, natural cycle IVF-ET results can be substantially improved.
Flow profiles and wall shear stress distribution at a hemodialysis venous anastomosis: Preliminary study

The phasic velocity field in the vicinity of the venous anastomosis in a hemodialysis angioaccess arteriovenous fistula loop graft (AVLG) is investigated employing a laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) system. Detailed LDA velocity profiles are obtained by sectional survey performed in a transparent, elastic flow model which was fabricated to represent the geometry of the AVLG system under physiological pressure and flow waveforms. The geometry of the flow model was based on a silicone rubber cast obtained from an experimental dog model. In the present study, detailed distribution of velocity profiles is obtained. The distribution of wall shear stress in the model is computed from the slope of the local velocity profiles near the wall. The relationship between the results obtained by flow visualization and the LDA measurement is discussed.
Design Studies for Stylus and Finger-Based Interaction in Writing Instruction on Tablets

HAWK (Help Agent for Writing Knowledge) is a new instructional software for the essentials of writing that runs on tablets. In trials with an after-school K-12 subject group, the use of the software showed improved writing capabilities of most students. One of the activities supported by the software involves students drawing letter shapes by tracing paths through scaffolded channels. Additionally, we detail the design studies we performed prior to implementing the full software package. We focused on how software can provide graphical feedback to students in the context of a stylus and touch-based interface for the basic educational activity of learning to write letters of the alphabet.
Engineering the Future: A Workshop for High School Teachers

The framework guiding the development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) identifies eight science and engineering principles essential for all students to learn. The Engineering the Future workshop, offered by South Dakota State University (SDSU) in the summer of 2012, focused on helping teachers better understand those principles and how to employ them effectively in their classrooms. Each day of the week-long workshop, teachers participated in a variety of engineering-related activities, accessed low and high-end instrumentation, took tours of engineering-related facilities in the region, and developed lesson plans to incorporate what they learned into their science classrooms. We used pre- and postworkshop surveys to assess the participants’ understanding and attitudes regarding science and engineering. Results of the survey showed participants had a narrow view of engineering prior to the workshop but by the end of the workshop, they were more aware of the nature of engineering, the various types of engineering, and they better understood how they could incorporate engineering principles into their current curriculum.
On the scaling-based estimation of optical turbulence in the atmosphere

We report spatio-temporal scaling characteristics of temperature in the atmosphere. These scaling traits are utilized in the estimation of Cn2. Furthermore, an alternative derivation and interpretation of a well-known Cn2 formulation by Tatarskii is proposed.
Disorders of Iron Metabolism and Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

Dysregulated iron homeostasis plays a central role in the development of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is a major contributor toward resistance to treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology requires an in-depth understanding of normal iron physiology and regulation. Recent discoveries in the field of iron biology have greatly improved our understanding of the hormonal regulation of iron trafficking in human beings and how its alterations lead to the development of anemia of CKD. In addition, emerging evidence has suggested that iron homeostasis interacts with bone and mineral metabolism on multiple levels, opening up new avenues of investigation into the genesis of disordered iron metabolism in CKD. Building on recent advances in our understanding of normal iron physiology and abnormalities in iron homeostasis in CKD, this review characterizes how anemia related to disordered iron metabolism develops in the setting of CKD. In addition, this review explores our emerging recognition of the connections between iron homeostasis and mineral metabolism and their implications for the management of altered iron status and anemia of CKD.
Charge transfer region at the edge of metal contacts on graphene and its impact on contact resistance measurement

As graphene devices are increasingly developed, the metal-graphene contact has acquired an important role, because recently reported contact resistances are not good enough to maintain the intrinsic advantages of graphene in scaled devices. It is known that a metal on graphene can provide a strong doping effect associated with its work function difference and graphene's small density of states [1], [2]. When the carrier densities of the graphene channel and the metal-covered graphene are different (fig.1), a charge transfer region (CTR) near the contact edge is formed [2], [3], in which the potential and carrier density gradually change to their equilibrium state. In this study, we investigate various factors which can affect the CTR length, and the impacts of CTR on contact resistance measurement.
Mass spectrometry protein tests: ready for prime time (or not).

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Mass spectrometry has played an important role in protein biomarker discovery. Yet, very few of the candidate biomarkers have been validated, and mass spectrometry-based protein tests have not made a significant inroad into clinical laboratories.Areas covered: Offered here is a unique perspective on the future of mass spectrometry protein tests, in view of the following determinants: the true demand for such clinical tests, end-users requirements, platforms and systems design, sample preparation bottlenecks, analytical and clinical validation, and regulatory approval.Expert commentary: Fresh thoughts and attitudes toward MS protein tests are required in order to move them toward clinical utilization and diagnostic use en masse, with critical emphasis on content, simplicity and cost. In its current format and state of the art, they are simply not ready for prime time.
Using the NSQIP Pancreatic Demonstration Project to Derive a Modified Fistula Risk Score for Preoperative Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background The Fistula Risk Score (FRS) is a clinical tool developed from single-institutional data using primarily intraoperative factors to characterize the risk of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. We developed a modified FRS based on objective, nationally accrued data that is more readily determined before resection. Study Design The 2012 NSQIP Pancreatic Demonstration Project (PDP) was used to identify 1,731 pancreaticoduodenectomy resections over 14 months (2011 to 2012). A randomly generated 70% cohort was used for model development, and the remaining 30% for internal validation. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictors of CR-POPF. Variables with a value of p Results Five significant predictors of CR-POPF were identified and assigned points based on odds ratios: sex, BMI, preoperative total bilirubin, pancreatic ductal diameter, and gland texture. The 10-point model was further applied to the 2014 PDP for external validation. In the testing group, risk scores of 0 to 2 (negligible risk), 3 to 6 (low risk), 7 to 8 (intermediate risk), and 9 to 10 (high risk) were associated with CR-POPF rates of 0%, 6.7%, 16.4%, and 33.7%, respectively. Similar values were seen using the internal validation cohort: 0%, 6.3%, 13.5%, and 31.0%, respectively. The external validation values were 2.9%, 10.2%, 16.4%, and 25.8%, respectively. Conclusions This modified FRS allows for estimation of CR-POPF risk using preoperative and easily determined intraoperative factors, and will allow comparison of performance data for individual surgeons to national norms, improved perioperative counseling, and potential for scrutinizing and/or implementing interventions designed to decrease CR-POPF rates.
Infectious Complications and Malignancies Arising After Liver Transplantation

Since the first liver transplant was performed in 1963, great advancements have been made in hepatic transplantation. Surgical techniques have been revised and improved, diagnostic methods for identifying and preventing infections have been developed, and a more conservative use of immunosuppressive agents has resulted in better long-term posttransplant outcomes. A total of 7841 liver transplantations were performed in the United States in 2016, resulting in greater than 85% survival at 1 year posttransplant. However, technical surgical complications, infections, rejections, and chronic medical conditions persist. This article discusses the infectious complications and malignancies that may arise after liver transplantation.
The Effects of Revenue and Social Capital on Collective Governance: Implications for Political Complexity:

We evaluate two models that may explain variation in the inclusiveness of governments and their ability to provision public goods. The revenue model predicts that a government’s source of revenue d...
A new non-intrusive polynomial chaos using higher order sensitivities

Abstract This paper proposes a new non-intrusive method for uncertainty quantification called Polynomial Chaos Decomposition with Differentiation (PCDD) that uses higher-order sensitivities of the response. In PCDD, the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) of the response is differentiated with respect to the basis random variables using multi-indices. This differentiation results in a system of linear equations which can then be solved to determine the expansion coefficients. Here, the higher accuracy, Modified Forward Finite Difference (ModFFD) that involves representation of the response using Taylor expansion of order equal to the chaos-order is used in combination with PCE. Therefore, the total number of samples required with this method is equal to the number of terms in the PCE. To verify the validity of this new technique, two analytical problems and two stochastic composite laminate problems were studied. The results of the analytical problems showed that the accuracy of PCDD using ModFFD is similar to that of PCDD using analytical sensitivities, which in addition is comparable to the exact results. For composite laminate problems, the PCDD displayed very high accuracy comparable to 50,000 Latin Hypercube Samples, which underlines the computational efficiency of this proposed method.
“It’s all about the ganas”: Incorporating a Multicultural Curriculum in Developmental Education

ABSTRACTDespite the overrepresentation of students of color in developmental education, there is a lack of research on programs that promote the success and transfer of these students beginning in developmental education, especially Latinx students. Since 2012, the Dream Catchers program in Texas has targeted the recruitment, retention, and completion of Latinx and other historically underrepresented students through a literacy-based program that targets students in developmental education in community colleges. This study draws primarily from interview data gathered from 14 Dream Catchers faculty across the 10 institutions that have participated in the program. Through the lens of a multicultural developmental education curriculum, we investigate how the Dream Catchers program provides intensive, long-term professional development for its faculty in order to prepare them to work in a high-touch, holistic program. This article describes some of the professional development activities faculty undergo, what...
Hyperleukocytosis in infant acute leukemia: a role for manual exchange transfusion for leukoreduction.

Background Hyperleukocytosis is a serious, life-threatening complication of pediatric acute leukemia that can cause neurologic injury, pulmonary leukostasis, metabolic derangements, and coagulopathy. Acute leukemia has the highest risk of mortality and morbidity at presentation when associated with hyperleukocytosis. Infant leukemia presents unique challenges and treatment considerations due to the disease itself and size and overall health of the patient. While medical management of hyperleukocytosis in older patients with acute leukemia has been described, including cytoreductive procedures with automated leukapheresis (AL) or manual whole blood (WB) exchange transfusion, very little data exist for standardized management of hyperleukocytosis in infant leukemia patients. Case reports We describe four cases of infant acute leukemia presenting with hyperleukocytosis and leukostasis who each received manual WB exchange transfusions in conjunction with induction chemotherapy and review the existing literature on the use of procedural leukoreduction in infants with hyperleukocytosis. Special attention is given to challenges and technical aspects of leukapheresis in infants: when to perform manual WB exchange versus AL, optimal vascular access, blood product selection, exchange rates, and the monitoring for complications. Using published cases, we outline benefits versus risks of manual WB exchange and AL in infants less than 10 kg. Conclusion If providers perform procedural leukoreduction, the literature and our experience demonstrate manual WB exchange transfusion is favored over AL in infants less than 10 kg because of technical and complication risks associated with AL. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of cytoreduction on long-term outcomes.
KLF4 binding during reprogramming is involved in 3D architectural rewiring and transcriptional regulation of enhancer hubs

Cell fate transitions are accompanied by global transcriptional, epigenetic and topological changes driven by transcription factors (TFs), as is strikingly exemplified in somatic cell reprogramming to pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) by OCT4, KLF4, SOX2 and cMYC. How TFs orchestrate the complex molecular changes around their targets in a temporal manner remains largely elusive. Here, using KLF4 as a paradigm, we provide the first TF-centric view of chromatin reorganization during reprogramming and its association to enhancer rewiring and gene regulation. We captured the enhancer connectomes in fibroblasts and PSCs by H3K27ac HiChIP and identified complex 3D enhancer hubs that were strongly correlated with cell-type specific gene expression and coregulation. KLF4-centric conformational analysis at different reprogramming stages revealed that KLF4 is involved in the dissociation of fibroblast-specific and the establishment of PSC-specific enhancer loops concomitantly with repression or activation of linked genes. Moreover, KLF4 occupancy was significantly enriched within highly connected enhancers, suggesting a role in the formation and regulation of complex enhancer hubs. Indeed, disruption of a single KLF4 binding site from a PSC-specific enhancer was sufficient to reduce expression of multiple genes within the enhancer hub, partly by impairing long-range contact. Our study provides an integrative view of the intricate activities of a master regulator during a controlled cell fate transition and offers novel insights into the order and nature of molecular events that follow TF binding.
Temperature calibration of TEM specimen heating holders by isothermal sublimation of silver nanocubes

Abstract Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) based TEM specimen heating holders exhibit excellent thermal stability and minimal specimen drift, which allows thermally-activated processes to be studied dynamically at high spatial resolution. The advantages of MEMS-based devices arise from the very small thermal masses of the sample studied, but this poses particular challenges for the precise measurement of specimen temperature. Previously, it has been proposed that the size-dependent sublimation behavior of Ag nanoparticles could be used to measure the specimen temperature by applying the Kelvin equation, but the effects of the capping ligands used in the nanoparticle synthesis and of electron beam heating have limited the application of such approaches. Here it is shown that for an appropriate choice of experimental parameters (nanoparticle size, loading, intermediate holding temperature, and illumination conditions) the sublimation of Ag nano-cubes can be used to measure the specimen temperature to an accuracy of ±5 °C, over the range 700–850 °C. The measurements are reproducible from area to area on the same MEMS chip, and from chip to chip of the same type. The values of specimen temperature obtained are consistently lower than the calibrated MEMS heater plate temperatures, and it is shown that this cannot be explained on the basis of random errors in the experimental measurements or systematic errors in the materials parameters used for the Kelvin equation analysis. It is proposed that this is instead due to the low thermal conductivity of the electron-transparent amorphous silicon nitride support membrane on the chip. As further evidence for this, it is shown that for a thicker crystalline Si support with a higher thermal conductivity, the magnitude of the difference is smaller. This approach could be extended to other temperature ranges by using nanoparticles of other metals with different vapor pressures and sublimation temperatures.