cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INDEPENDENT CORRELATES OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Recent evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment (CI), ranging from mild to severe dementia. In the present study, we aimed to identify independent risk factors for CI in patients with AF. In a retrospective study, all patients
Breeding movements and reproductive activities of porcupine in the Great Basin Desert

I assessed movements of North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) in the Great Basin of north- western Nevada in relation to reproductive activities during the late summer and fall periods of 1991 and 1992. Porcu- pines exhibit a mate-defense polygynous mating system and I hypothesized that (1) competitively dominant males would have larger home ranges than both subordinate males and adult females, and (2) variation in home range size among adult male porcupines would be positively correlated with reproductive success. Results indicated that dominant male porcupines ranged over larger areas (average 95% minimum convex polygon home range = 20.7 ha) than subordi- nate males (average 95% MCP home range = 2.9 ha) and adult females (average 95% MCP home range = 8.2 ha). Analyses of movements in relation to body size and energetic requirements revealed that home ranges of dominant male porcupines were larger than predicted based on body size (approximately 10.2 ha). Breeding period home ranges of dominant male porcupines encompassed portions of the home ranges of 3 to 10 adult females, and indices of reproduc- tive success based on observations of mate-guarding behaviors suggested a strong positive relationship between home range sizes of male porcupines and mating success. Together these data suggested that larger home ranges among domi- nant males were related to increased mating opportunities and not increased metabolic requirements associated with larger male body sizes. In the study area, however, female porcupines congregated around small, patchily distributed riparian areas, and dominant males with relatively small home ranges encompassing riparian areas may have gained mating access to multiple females. Finally, analyses of overlap among core home ranges (60% MCP) of adult male and adult female porcupines suggested that both sexes maintained relatively exclusive core home range areas, with males exhibiting significantly less range overlap with other males (x - = 9.4%) than females with other females (x = 27.1%). It is possible that the small, patchily distributed riparian areas in this desertlike area were such a limited resource that females were unable to maintain exclusive use of their home range areas.
A theoretic and Empirical Study on the Influence of Foreign Reserve Growth on Prices Level

The rapid growth of foreign reserve and rise of prices level have become two outstanding problems in Chinese economy.Given the central bank balance sheet statement and money quantity theories,a theoretic analysis is made on the influence of foreign reserve on prices level,and,combining the Chinese reality,an empirical test is made on the influence of foreign reserve on prices level from the short run and the long run.
Interval Report of a Phase I-II Study Utilizing Multiple Modalities in the Treatment of Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Bladder-sparing Trial

Clinicians at the Massachusetts General Hospital have used two cycles of methotrexate, cisplatin, and vinblastine (MCV) before radiotherapy and cisplatin in 53 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Eleven patients did not complete the protocol, but overall, the toxicity was not formidable. Of the total patients accessioned, 34 are alive. Of the 34 patients in the series who completed the full treatment protocol, the estimated survival rate at 54 months is 77%. This interim analysis suggests that the treatment is achieving at least limited success in saving lives and bladders.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in urothelial bladder cancer: Impact of regimen and variant histology

Aim: We compared the efficacy of methotrexate/vinblastine/doxorubicin/cisplatin (MVAC) versus gemcitabine/cisplatin in urothelial cancer and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) efficacy in variant histology (VH). Materials & methods: Radical cystectomy patients were retrospectively compared with those who received NACT. Factors associated with survival, pathologic complete response (pCR) and downstaging (pDS) were evaluated in multivariable models. Results: 9% of radical cystectomy patients (84/919) received NACT, with improved survival, pCR and pDS on both regimens. MVAC lead to higher pDS without an increase in pCR. On multivariable analysis, there was a nonsignificant increase in pDS with MVAC. NACT conferred similar responses in squamous and glandular differentiation VH. Conclusion: NACT was associated with improved survival, pCR and pDS. Furthermore, responses to NACT were not dependent on presence of VH.
Causal Analysis For Occurrence Report OR NA-SS-SNL-2000-2015-0005 Unexpected Type of Failure of Thermal Battery

On 6/26/2015 at approximately 1445 in 894/136, a pulse thermal battery (approximately the size of a commercial size C cell) experienced an unexpected failure following an electrical performance test that is routinely conducted on thermal batteries. A dedicated tester for this operation was used and it ran the test until the nominal 28-volt output of the battery had dropped to 5 volts, usually indicative of the battery being spent and safe enough to move. The failure occurred while a test operator was transferring the battery from the testing primary containment box to another primary containment box within the same room; initial indications are that the battery experienced an over-pressurization failure which led to the battery's base plate being expelled and the operator receiving a non-recordable injury (bruising to the palm of the hand) from the pressure of the expulsion. The operator was wearing the prescribed PPE (safety glasses and high temperature glove) and was handling the battery appropriately with an open, flat hand. Pictures of the scene are below.
Recombination and dissociation of 2-methyl allyl radicals: Experiment and theory

Abstract The recombination and dissociation of the resonantly stabilized 2-methylallyl radical has been studied in a diaphragmless shock tube by laser schlieren densitometry (LS) over temperatures of 700–1350 K and pressures of 60–260 Torr. Both 2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene and the new low temperature precursor 3-methylbut-3-enyl nitrite were used to generate 2-methylallyl radicals under these conditions. Rate coefficients were obtained for dissociation of the precursors, recombination of 2-methylallyl, and dissociation of 2-methylallyl by simulation of the LS profiles. The experiments are complemented by a priori theoretical calculations for both the recombination and dissociation of 2-methylallyl. The experimental results and theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with one another. The calculated high pressure limit rate coefficient for recombination of 2-methylallyl is log( k 1 ) = 14.737−0.641log T +251.39/(2.303× T ) and that for dissociation of 2-methylallyl is log( k 3 ) = 11.100−1.2295logT−28545/(2.303× T ). The uncertainties in k 1 and k 3 are estimated as factors of 1.5. Rate coefficients are provided over a broad range of pressures for chemical kinetic modeling.
How and Why Work with an Industry Partner

Collaboration between clinicians and industry has played an important role in the advancement of surgery. It is valuable for surgeons to appreciate why and how to work in partnership with industry. Although vital, recently, this relationship has come into question. It is imperative to learn how to maneuver through the system while still providing superior patient care. Furthermore, understanding how to manage conflicts of interest and provide transparency are keys to successful collaboration. The role of large professional medical organizations, like the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery (SAGES), have played a large role in supporting the efforts to collaborate, innovate, and introduce new devices and techniques. They provide the guidance for a surgeon in order to effectively navigate the process. This chapter discusses the many reasons why the relationship between surgeons and industry is the lifeblood of surgical advancement. It also provides a summary of how to successfully navigate the process while still keeping in focus the ultimate goal of providing excellent patient care.
Every Cloud Has a Shiny Lining

When serving data to the public, easy access and interactive information make a real difference in comprehension. In this chapter, our goal is to provide access and some interesting uses for a more recent application, shiny (Chang, Cheng, Allaire, Xie, and McPherson, 2016).
Unraveling the enigma of prehistoric bedrock ground stone features on the Chaquaqua Plateau, using close-range photogrammetry

Abstract Bedrock ground stone features are ubiquitous along the canyons of the Chaquaqua Plateau in southeastern Colorado, U.S.A, however, we know very little about their distribution, function or relationship to the regional archaeology. While some argue that prehistoric inhabitants of southeastern Colorado constructed permanent milling spaces to process local food resources, others think they may have processed corn. Most assume they were used by groups of women to process food resources together. Recent research suggests that the bedrock ground stone features differ depending on where they occur on the landscape, but may also vary because of socio-cultural ideals, as yet unknown. Sub-features are used as heuristic categories to discuss ways in which bedrock ground stone features are indicative of social processes such as group work or social reproduction of knowledge through collective labor. In this paper, we use close-range photogrammetry to examine the use of the sub-feature category as a means to refine the archaeology of bedrock ground stone surfaces in the region. Results illustrate that CRP offers an objective means to critically analyze the relationship of ground stone surfaces on bedrock features.
The Esthetic and Psychologic Benefits of an Intraoperative Provisional Restoration.

Objective When multiple visible teeth are prepared, the prolonged treatment time may lead to patients needing a break that requires them to leave the operatory. Such a situation allows the patient to view their prepared teeth, a process that can be disconcerting to some patients. Clinical Considerations An intraoperative provisional restoration can be made by using a thermoplastic vacuum-formed matrix of the patient's teeth that is filled with white-colored impression material and then placed over the prepared teeth to form a provisional restoration. Conclusions The use of an intraoperative provisional restoration can be effectively used to cover prepared teeth while providing normal tooth morphology and facial appearance after preparation of visible teeth. Clinical Significance When visible teeth are prepared, an intraoperative provisional restoration can be used to cover the prepared teeth and prevent concerned patients from viewing their prepared teeth. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:189–192, 2017)
Emerging therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by clinical and biological heterogeneity. Despite the advances in our understanding of its pathobiology, the chemotherapy-directed management has remained largely unchanged in the past 40 years. However, various novel agents have demonstrated clinical activity, either as single agents (e.g., isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors, vadastuximab) or in combination with standard induction/consolidation at diagnosis and with salvage regimens at relapse. The classes of agents described in this review include novel cytotoxic chemotherapies (CPX-351 and vosaroxin), epigenetic modifiers (guadecitabine, IDH inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors), FMS-like tyrosine kinase receptor 3 (FLT3) inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates (vadastuximab), as well as cell cycle inhibitors (volasertib), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors, and aminopeptidase inhibitors. These agents are actively undergoing clinical investigation alone or in combination with available chemotherapy.
Management of Decompensated Right Ventricular Failure in the Intensive Care Unit

Acute on chronic decompensation of right heart failure can present many challenges to the critical care practitioner that require an understanding of the effect of right heart failure on resuscitation endpoints and hemodynamic monitoring. In this chapter, we review principles of management of decompensated right heart failure using an illustrative case followed by a review of the evidence regarding monitoring, pharmacotherapy, and supportive care of these patients.
History of Tenure and Academic Freedom in the USA

Although the concept of tenure is relatively recent, the notion of providing university faculty with job security dates back to the Holy Roman Empire. As higher education in Europe moved toward secularism, issues such as faculty self-government and job security arose. These ideas from Europe affected the growth of universities in America and, as the American Westward Expansion progressed and institutions were established, faculty job protection became an increasing area of interest, ultimately leading to the formation of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
VISAR: 2½ Minutes for Data Reduction

Presented here is a simple data reduction method for use on a small computer that only requires two datachannels, can be learned and applied in minutes, and requires less than three minutes to run.Although its great simplicity suggests a loss of versatility, compromised accuracy, or reduced mathematicalrigor, the opposite is true. For example, the undesirable practice of taking the difference between twoexperimental measurements is replaced here by a sensitive nulling technique at VISAR setup. The ratio ofexperimental measurements, the quotient of the two signals, is then used for data reduction.For brevity, this paper will only discuss unique features of this method. The necessary signal acquisi-tion, calibration, and recording will be omitted.Figure 1 is an oscilloscope photograph of a complete VISAR record suitable for data reduction using this
The Impact of Higher Interest Rates on the Mortgage Market

Over the past 35 years, we have witnessed a tremendous secular decline in interest rates. Mortgage rates peaked at over 18% in 1981 and were down to 3.54% by the fall of 2016. Rates have now begun to rise, and although it is not clear how high they will go, it is clear that the secular decline in rates is over. This article identifies and examines six impacts on the mortgage market due to the end of the secular decline in interest rates: (1) decrease in mortgage origination volumes, (2) lower originator profitability and more industry consolidation, (3) slower prepayment speeds, (4) higher home prices, (5) weak repeat homebuyer activity, and (6) possibility of the second lien market.
Improving Discovery Using Meta-Heuristic Echolocation

This paper discusses a meta-heuristic echolocation mathematical model, as a possible method to discover adjacent vehicles and road-side units in a smart transportation setting with levels 3, 4, and 5 autonomous vehicles. The operation of IoAV based on monitoring several parameters as well as major obstacles for the proliferation of level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles are also analyzed. In this paper, we make the first attempt to analyze autonomous vehicles from a microscopic level, focusing on each vehicle and their communications. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed model incurs minimal computation and communication overheads.
Organic Reactions in Molten Tetrachloroaluminate Solvents

The use of molten salts as a medium for organic reactions has been known since organic chemistry’s beginning. The advantages such as short reaction times, ease of product recovery, possibility of high yields, and savings on solvent recovery together with the unusual physical properties (ionic liquids, high conductivity) shown by molten salts in comparison with other solvents opens new frontiers in the study of organic syntheses, separations, and mechanisms.
Salivary sheaths of the Asian citrus psyllid show signs of degradation 3–4 weeks following their deposition into citrus leaves by the feeding psyllids

Background: Salivary sheaths, also known as stylet sheaths or stylet tracks, are essential features of the piercing-sucking feeding mechanism of plant-feeding hemipteran insects, many of which are vectors of economically important plant viral and bacterial pathogens. Although knowledge of their structure and function is incomplete, these salivary sheaths are frequently used by researchers to study hemipteran's feeding behavior, host preference, or host resistance, because these sheaths remain in the plant tissues after the insect withdraws its stylets following its feeding or probing on these tissues. However, in most cases, it is not known how long these salivary sheaths may last in plant tissues after their deposition by the feeding insects. An earlier report suggested that the salivary sheaths of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera, Liviidae), vector of the devastating huanglongbing (citrus greening) disease bacterium, start to dissipate 1 week after their deposition in citrus leaves. Methods and Results: Here, using epifluorescence microscopy of cross sections in citron leaves, we found that D. citri salivary sheaths show signs of degradation in 3–4 weeks and become mostly degraded by 5–6 weeks, following their deposition by the psyllids into citrus tissues. Degradation of the salivary sheath starts at or near the “flange” area close to the leaf surface and continues gradually inward through the intercellular part of the sheath, within the mesophyll tissue, but apparently does not extend to the deeper or intracellular parts of the sheath in or near the phloem. Staining citron leaf sections with the fluorescent stain calcofluor white, which stains fungi, or propidium iodide (DNA/RNA stain) suggested that the degraded parts of the older salivary sheaths are not associated with fungi or bacterial accumulations. Conclusion: We speculate that degradation of the salivary sheaths may be due to enzymatic activities in the host plant, especially in the extracellular matrix of the mesophyll tissue.
Computational methods for microRNA and PIWI-interacting RNA gene discovery and functional predictions

Abstract The short, single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs and piRNAs, are known to play a critical role in the regulation of posttranscriptional gene expression and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous human diseases. Given the broad physiological importance of these transcripts, numerous computational methods have been developed to identify and annotate the sequences and secondary structure of novel microRNA and piRNA transcripts, predict their molecular interactions, and infer their functional role in human health and disease. Throughout this chapter, we highlight the current advancements within the field of computational biology related to the identification and functional characterization of miRNA and piRNA transcripts, with an emphasis on machine learning and systems biology approaches. Specifically, due to the large number of potential targets for each individual miRNA/piRNA, we focus on a series of network-based methods and demonstrate how these methodologies may be used to generate testable biological hypotheses to study the role of these non-coding RNA transcripts in human health and disease.
Using Floating-Gate Memory to Train Ideal Accuracy Neural Networks

Floating-gate silicon-oxygen-nitrogen-oxygen-silicon (SONOS) transistors can be used to train neural networks to ideal accuracies that match those of floating-point digital weights on the MNIST handwritten digit data set when using multiple devices to represent a weight or within 1% of ideal accuracy when using a single device. This is enabled by operating devices in the subthreshold regime, where they exhibit symmetric write nonlinearities. A neural training accelerator core based on SONOS with a single device per weight would increase energy efficiency by $120\times $ , operate $2.1\times $ faster, and require $5\times $ lower area than an optimized SRAM-based ASIC.
The Blockchain Ecosystem

The dynamics of blockchain, its ongoing development, and its systemic vulnerabilities are rooted in its ecosystem – the community of producers, suppliers, customers, stakeholders, and competitors. This paper provides a high-level description of the framework of the blockchain ecosystem, beginning with blockchain development, and drilling down to a level of detail about blockchain use cases and stakeholders. To provide strategic perspective, this description takes place at the highest possible level, bearing in mind, of course, that many smaller ecosystems comprise blockchain. In order to elucidate the components of the blockchain ecosystem, this paper provides examples of companies currently operating in each area. However, this paper does not endorse or criticize any particular business, practice, or model. Notably, however, blockchain companies do not always easily fit into one area of the ecosystem – they may operate in more than one area, evolve in capabilities and transition between areas over time, or even cease to exist. This illustrative map can serve many purposes. Using this map, policymakers can obtain insight into how they can incentivize a strong blockchain ecosystem with reduced vulnerabilities. Traditional companies can use this map to gain insight into how the blockchain ecosystem will come to interact with the ecosystem of their own traditional businesses. Investors and business analysts can use this map to gain insight into which companies will hold the leadership roles in the blockchain ecosystem over time. And of course, entrepreneurs can identify potentially profitable opportunities to participate in and enhance the blockchain ecosystem. Importantly, the blockchain ecosystem is a "living" map, exhibiting constant change, and it will therefore require updating on a regular, real-time basis. What is provided in this paper, then, is simply a snapshot in time of the blockchain ecosystem as it currently exists. The intention is to continue to study the ever-evolving blockchain ecosystem, obtain insight, and subsequently improve and refine the map.
Coordinating Care Among Service Providers: It’s for the Kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that communication between the medical home and early childhood service providers is a critical component of the primary healthcare provider’s ability to provide comprehensive care to not only the pediatric patient, but also the family as a whole. The use of …
Effect of Surgery Type on Time to Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Impact of Delay on Breast Cancer Survival: A National Cancer Database Analysis.

Timeliness of care is emerging as a quality indicator for breast cancer care. We sought to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment type on time to adjuvant chemotherapy and impact of treatment delay on survival. Patients with stage I–III breast cancer treated with both surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy from 2010 to 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Delay in treatment was defined as > 120 days from diagnosis to chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess factors associated with delay in treatment and the effect of treatment delay on overall survival. Of 172,043 patients identified, 89.5% initiated chemotherapy within 120 days of diagnosis. Median time from diagnosis to surgery was shorter in patients undergoing breast conservation (25 days) than mastectomy (29 days, p 120 days from diagnosis to chemotherapy was associated with worse overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, p < 0.001]. Initiation of chemotherapy greater than 120 days after diagnosis was associated with poorer overall survival. Time interval from diagnosis to surgery had the greatest impact on time from diagnosis to chemotherapy, with reconstruction resulting in the greatest delay.
Current pharmacotherapeutic strategies for cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) affects over 6 million Americans and is the most common cause of hospital readmissions in the United States. Cardiac arrhythmias are common comorbidities seen in patients with HF and are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Pharmacotherapeutic agents along with device and ablation therapies are the mainstays of treatment for cardiac arrhythmias in HF.Areas covered: An extensive literature review of articles and clinical trials on PUBMED on the topic of pharmacotherapy for cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure was conducted. This review article summarizes the above literature to describe the prevalence of the various types of arrhythmias in HF, the recommended pharmacotherapies for the treatment of these arrhythmias in HF and the evidence that supports these recommendations.Expert opinion: Cardiac arrhythmias are common in HF and are the leading cause of death in this patient population. The management of cardiac arrhythmias in HF is challenging. Pharmacotherapy is the primary though increasingly adjunctive therapy for most cardiac arrhythmias. Further, antiarrhythmic drugs must be used with caution in this patient population due to their potential adverse effects.
The motivation to run in a marathon

The trend of marathon running is becoming popular in a modern day. This is, perhaps, because of the tourism policy promoted by the government as well as the behavioral changes toward health concerning among people. The outdoor running event has been organized by many countries around the world. The running events brink a number of touriststo a country and, consequently,increase the revenue. This study, therefore, focus on this interesting topic in order to exploit how runners have been motivated to participate in the marathon event. The researcher applied multistage sampling method to select the respondents. There were three locations selected with 15 runners given an in-depth interview for those locations. The semi-structure interview questions have been used to get information about motivation to run of those respondents. The result showed that there are four main themes of motivation. The first element was mental motivation where the desire to fulfill the mental needs is the key. The second element, physical motivation, referred to how people maintain their physical health condition. This included the exercising level, gaining the energy as well as losing weight. The third motivation was societal motivation. It deals with how the runners perceived social norms. Lastly, environmental motivation accounts how standardized the event is and the quality of service of the organizers. Surprisingly, the result states that the environmental motivation does not have high motivation level to runners. This was, perhaps, the runners tend to focus on their physical motivation rather than the marathon event itself.
Parental Perception of Weight Status for Adenotonsillectomy Patients.

OBJECTIVE Weight status can affect outcomes in pediatric adenotonsillectomy performed for obstructive sleep disordered breathing. Parents frequently underestimate their child's weight and are unaware weight status may affect adenotonsillectomy success. Accurate understanding of a child's weight status is important for shared decision making with the family and perioperative care. The purpose of this study is to analyze the accuracy of the parent's perception of their child's weight status. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of prospective data collected from families of children undergoing adenotonsillectomy from June 2018 through June 2019. RESULTS A total of 522 children met the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and thirty-two children were either overweight (n = 46, 9%) or obese (n = 186, 36%). Among parents of this cohort whose children were overweight or obese, 74 (32%) erroneously reported that their child was normal weight. For the 290 nonoverweight children, 99% of parents accurately reported weight status. After adjusting for ethnicity, race, BMI%, and sex, for every 1-year increase in age of the child, the odds of the parent correctly identifying their child as overweight increased by a factor of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.27). CONCLUSION One-third of families with children who were overweight or obese undergoing adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep disordered breathing underestimated their child's weight. This study highlights the need to facilitate family understanding of weight status' potential impact on both obstructive sleep disordered breathing severity and adenotonsillectomy success, especially for younger children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2121-2125, 2021.
Colchicine Reduces MI and Revascularization in Patients with Established Coronary Artery Disease

The introduction of dietary allergens, including gluten, to exclusively breastfed infants at four months of age, compared with six months of age, delays the prevalence of celiac disease at three years of age.
Enki: A Diversity-driven Approach to Test and Train Robust Learning-enabled Systems

Data-driven Learning-enabled Systems are limited by the quality of available training data, particularly when trained offline. For systems that must operate in real-world environments, the space of possible conditions that can occur is vast and difficult to comprehensively predict at design time. Environmental uncertainty arises when run-time conditions diverge from design-time training conditions. To address this problem, automated methods can generate synthetic data to fill in gaps for training and test data coverage. We propose an evolution-based technique to assist developers with uncovering limitations in existing data when previously unseen environmental phenomena are introduced. This technique explores unique contexts for a given environmental condition, with an emphasis on diversity. Synthetic data generated by this technique may be used for two purposes: (1) to assess the robustness of a system to uncertain environmental factors and (2) to improve the system’s robustness. This technique is demonstrated to outperform random and greedy methods for multiple adverse environmental conditions applied to image-processing Deep Neural Networks.
Class B Scavenger Receptors BI and BII Protect Against LPS-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Mediating LPS Clearance.

Recent studies suggest an anti-inflammatory protective role for class B scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) in endotoxin-induced inflammation and sepsis. Other data, including ours, provide evidence for an alternative role of SR-BI, facilitating bacterial and endotoxin uptake and contributing to inflammation and bacterial infection. Enhanced endotoxin susceptibility of SR-BI-deficient mice due to their anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid deficiency complicates the understanding of SR-BI's role in endotoxemia/sepsis, calling for the use of alternative models. In this study, using human SR-BI (hSR-BI) and hSR-BII transgenic mice, we found that SR-BI and, to a lesser extent, its splicing variant SR-BII protect against LPS-induced lung damage. At 20 h after intratracheal LPS instillation, the extent of pulmonary inflammation and vascular leakage was significantly lower in hSR-BI and hSR-BII transgenic mice than in wild-type mice. Higher bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) inflammatory cell count and protein content and lung tissue neutrophil infiltration found in wild-type mice were associated with markedly (2 to 3 times) increased proinflammatory cytokine production compared to these parameters in transgenic mice following LPS administration. The markedly lower endotoxin levels detected in BALF of transgenic versus wild-type mice and the significantly increased BODIPY-LPS uptake observed in lungs of hSR-BI and hSR-BII mice 20 h after the i.t. LPS injection suggest that hSR-BI- and hSR-BII-mediated enhanced LPS clearance in the airways could represent the mechanism of their protective role against LPS-induced acute lung injury.
Single-cell lineage trajectories and chromatin regulators that initialize antiviral CD8 T cell ontogeny

Individual naive CD8 T cells activated in lymphoid organs differentiate into functionally diverse and anatomically distributed T cell phylogenies in response to intracellular microbes. During infections that resolve rapidily, including live viral vaccines, distinct effector (TEFF) and memory (TMEM) cell populations develop that ensure long term immunity. During chronic infections, responding cells progressively become dysfunctional and exhaust. A diverse taxonomy of TEFF, TMEM and exhausted (TEX) CD8 T cell populations is known, but the initial developmental basis of this phenotypic variation remains unclear. Here, we defined single-cell trajectories and identified chromatin regulators that establish antiviral CD8 T cell heterogeneity using unsupervised analyses of single-cell RNA dynamics and an in vivo RNAi screen. Activated naive cells differentiate linearly into uncommitted effector-memory progenitor (EMP) cells, which initially branch into an analogous manifold during either acute or chronic infection. Disparate RNA velocities in single EMP cells initiate divergence into stem, circulating, and tissue-resident memory lineages that generate diverse TMEM and TEX precursor states in specific developmental orders. Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) signals are essential for formation and transcriptional heterogeneity of EMP cells, and promote trajectories toward TEFF rather than TEX states. Nucleosome remodelers Smarca4 and Chd7 differentially promote transcription that delineates divergent TMEM lineages before cooperatively driving terminal TEFF cell differentiation. Thus, the lineage architecture is established by specific chromatin regulators that stabilize diverging transcription in uncommitted progenitors.
Belief in Relics

A relic is a part of the body of a saint or martyr or holy person, or a piece of their clothing, or a piece of the cross. Relics are venerated in traditions other than Christianity, but in the Christian tradition in the Middle Ages belief in relics was widespread. The belief in relics, it is argued in this chapter, was more than a belief that a fragment of bone was a true relic. It was also an affective religious belief that fit into the medieval belief structure.
Women Disciples and the Great Commission

Y a-t-il une facon de suivre le Christ specifique a la femme et a sa feminite et que le NT mettrait en evidence ? L'A. repond a cette question en suggerant que plusieurs voies sont possibles pour etre disciple en tant que femme. Il s'agit aussi d'une etude structurelle du contexte concernant la question dans les Evangiles et dans les Actes des Apotres (chapitre I). C'est l'occasion de discerner la place des femmes dans l'execution du dernier commandement du Christ : porter la Bonne Nouvelle aux quatre coins du monde
Oral vitamin C prevents the attenuation in flow mediated dilation during prolonged sitting (546.3)

Prolonged sitting has been hypothesized to impair endothelial function via mechanisms involving oxidative stress. This study was designed to determine if Vitamin C prevents the decline in flow mediated dilation (FMD) during 3hr of sitting. Methods: Eleven inactive, non-obese, healthy men (24.2±4.4 yrs) participated in two randomized 3 hr sitting trials, performed fasting in the morning on both occasions. In the prolonged sitting (SIT) trial, subjects were seated for 3 hours without moving their lower extremities. In the vitamin C trial (VIT) subjects sat similar to the SIT trial, but were asked to swallow two vitamin C tablets (1000 mg and 500 mg) at 0:30 and 1:30 hr respectively. Superficial femoral artery (SFA) FMD was measured every hour for 3 hrs. Paired sample t-tests were performed to examine the differences at each time point between SIT and VIT trial. Significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: Baseline SFA FMD% did not differ between the study conditions (SIT 5.05±3.77; VIT 2.74±2.32). However...
Using a context-sensitive learning for robot arm control

A class of networks called context-sensitive learning networks is proposed for use in the learning of complex nonlinear mappings. Particular attention is given to a network architecture for learning to control a robot arm by learning independently the different entries of the inverse Jacobian matrix. Computer simulation results show that the network is able to learn the inverse Jacobian of the PUMA 560 arm for inverse kinematic control. The network also generalized well when unseen testing examples are presented to it. >
Chapter 6 Applications for High-Brightness Light-Emitting Diodes

Publisher Summary This chapter describes five new applications in which the highly efficient aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlInGaP), and indium gallium nitride (InGaN) light-emitting diodes (LED) materials technologies can be utilized. The chapter features a different set of applications and discusses the traditional methods of lighting, the benefits that LED technology provides, and some of the design issues of the LED approach. These applications include automotive lighting-both signal lighting on the exterior of the vehicle as well as indicator lighting within the vehicle. Another application that is discussed is traffic signal lighting-both red/yellow/bluegreen traffic signals and pedestrian cross-walk traffic signals. Large-area displays are discussed. These displays range in size from airport status boards to stadium scoreboards and can be designed for monochrome, bicolor, or full-color operation with full-motion video capabilities. The final application that is discussed is LCD backlighting for transmissive and transflective liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Again, monochrome, bicolor, and full-color applications are discussed. These new LED materials technologies are already commercially available in a number of new products in these five featured applications. Together, these five new applications are the newest frontiers for LED technology and can be expected to be responsible for considerable growth in the LED semiconductor industry.
Deposition Tricks: The Dirty Dozen

Everyone knows that lawyers are a tricky bunch. Just ask the man on the street, or better yet, your average juror. However, all tricks aren't necessarily bad. Some actually enhance the search for the truth. This short article presents the following practice tips which probably will be of the most use to younger litigators. To the more senior lawyers who use these tricks, this litany will resonate loudly. Accordingly, the author hereby explains a dozen tricks of the deposition trade (which, now disclosed, I probably won't be able to use – however, I still have some others in reserve).
Mental health professionals working with religious leaders

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mental health of professionals working with religious leaders. The chapter shows that clergy play a central role in the mental health care of persons in America. Clergy clearly needs more training in mental health evaluative and referral skills, and mental health professionals often lack the knowledge and experience needed to sensitively address religious issues with their clients. Learning from each other would be of mutual benefit to mental health and religious professionals. Clergy could be invited to take part in the training of mental health specialists and vice versa. By mixing clergy and mental health students together in the same learning forum, clergy could learn more about mental health approaches to mental health care and mental health specialists could reexamine their preconceived beliefs about the role of clergy in mental health care. In addition, this learning experience would allow clergy and mental health professionals to formulate ways to develop more effective working relationships in order to better serve those who come to them for help.
A Model of Methods for Influencing Prescribing: Part I. A Review of Prescribing Models, Persuasion Theories, and Administrative and Educational Methods

The purpose of this literature review is to develop a model of methods to be used to influence prescribing. Four bodies of literature were identified as being important for developing the model:(1) Theoretical prescribing models furnish information concerning factors that affect prescribing and how prescribing decisions are made. (2) Theories of persuasion provide insight into important components of educational communications. (3) Research articles of programs to improve prescribing identify types of programs that have been found to be successful. (4) Theories of human inference describe how judgments are formulated and identify errors in judgment that can play a role in prescribing. This review is presented in two parts. This article reviews prescribing models, theories of persuasion, studies of administrative programs to control prescribing, and sub-optimally designed studies of educational efforts to influence drug prescribing.
Remagnetization and northward translation of Mesozoic red chert from Cedros Island and the San Benito Islands, Baja California, Mexico

Samples for paleomagnetic analysis were collected from red radiolarian ribbon chert in a Franciscan-like subduction complex (Western Baja terrane) exposed along the western margin of the Baja California Peninsula. A 40-m-thick section of chert was sampled on Cedros Island, and a 30-m-thick and two smaller sections of chert were sampled on the San Benito Islands to the west. A site in pillow basalt underlying the chert also was sampled on Cedros Island. The sections of chert on Cedros Island and the San Benito Islands contain radiolaria ranging in age from Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous. All of these rocks have similar normal-polarity direction of magnetization, indicating that they were remagnetized long after deposition. Results from a chert site, including an intrastratal fold, also indicate that the magnetization is postdepositional. A significantly improved grouping (95% confidence level) of directions after correction for the structural attitudes of the Cedros and San Benito chert sections, however, implies that the remagnetization predates breaking up and incorporation of the chert into the subduction complex. Studies of modern subduction zones imply that the attitude of the ancient subducting slab, including the chert sections, was near horizontal (dip angles
Microstructure and Wear Characterization of Selflubricating Al2O3 - MoS2 Composite Ceramic Coatings

Composite ceramic coatings of alumina (A1203) containing some molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) were electro-codeposited on to Al metal substrates by a combination of anodic sparks deposition of A1203 and electrophoresis of MoS2. The microstructures were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, EDS, SNMS,TEM, SAD and relative wear resistance measurements. The coatings consisted mostly ofa-A1203 with some γ and βpresent as well. The coatings were porous and microcracked. SEM showed them to consist of circular “splats” which had rapidly crystallized from the molten state in areas ofdielectric breakdown in the coating. In the TEM the microstructure was seento contain “sets” of parallel, elongated grains having a single crystallographic orientation. The grains were separated by dislocated, low angle grain boundaries or microcracks. The sets intersected at irregularly curved interfaces and were mechanically interlocked. Quantitative SNMS indicated that up to 26 wt% MoS 2 was incorporated in coatings fabricated from 5g\1 solutions. SEM\EDS as well as TEM\SAD\EDS identified 1-3μm particles of MoS 2 incorporated into the 5g\1 solution derived coatings. These coatings exhibited a 50% lower wear rate than pure alumina coatings deposited under the same conditions.
Poultry Research Programs in the Future

Abstract A summary of the development and evolution of poultry research programs at US land-grant universities is presented. The number of poultry science departments has declined from a high of 44 separate departments in 1960 to 16 in 1987. During the same period, the number of scientific man-years devoted to poultry research has declined from 423 to 305. Expenditures for poultry research have also declined over this period, with some indication that the amount of appropriated funds from both state and federal sources has reached a plateau at an approximate constant level, except for the effects of inflation. Many changes have taken place in research programs at agricultural experiment stations to keep research relevant to development of the agricultural sector. High level of state funding for agricultural research is very positively correlated to research programs that are tied closely to economic development of the state.
Factor Scales of the CPI: Do they Capture the Valid Variance?

Using data collected in 1962 and 1963 from a sample of 861 male and female National Merit Scholarship participants, the investigators studied the validity of 16 of the 18 CPI scales. In particular, the study was designed to discover whether the common factor variance of the CPI scales carries the valid scale variance or whether the unique scale variance contains the information critical to scale validity. Each CPI scale score was broken down into a portion attributable to the two principal factor scales (Nichols and Schnell, 1963) and a portion not so attributable. With one exception, the tolerance scale, the CPI scales showed considerable validity. That is, they were substantially more strongly related to particular criterion variables (8 to 20 criteria) than to variables in general (178 variables). With four exceptions, the valid scale variance was carried in the common factor portion rather than in the unique portion of the scale variance. The exceptions to this rule showed the valid variance being sha...
The origin of low-order and high-order impedance-coupled resonant modes in piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors: Experiments and finite element models

Abstract The characteristics of both low-order and high-order resonant modes exhibited by piezoelectric-excited millimeter-sized cantilever (PEMC) sensors were investigated to determine the coupling between electrical impedance and resonant modes observed experimentally. Experimentally measured frequency response spectra correlated well ( n = 10 sensors) with three-dimensional (3D) finite element model (FEM) calculations. FEM frequency response and eigen frequency analyses revealed the sensor's resonant modes were complex, and characterized by combinations of transverse, torsional, longitudinal, buckling, and lateral motion. The magnitude of average integrated charge and current density change in the piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate; PZT) layer at resonance directly correlated with coupling of resonant modes to electrical impedance measurement. Of the 32 resonant modes predicted by eigen frequency analysis in the frequency range 0–1 MHz, only a subset of 17 modes produced charge and current density changes in the PZT layer greater than off-resonance values. Thus, only the subset of resonant modes was coupled to electrical impedance changes and could be exploited for sensing. Transverse, longitudinal, and lateral motion of the piezoelectric layer coupled strongly with the PZT electrical impedance, while torsional and buckling motion did not. Electrically decoupled resonant modes were made measurable by introducing minor geometric asymmetry in composite layer alignment. High-order modes were shown experimentally to exhibit sub-femtogram sensitivity to mass-changes in air. Such modes consisted of combinations of transverse and longitudinal modes in both sensor layers.