cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The BH3-only protein Bik/Blk/Nbk inhibits nuclear translocation of activated ERK1/2 to mediate IFNγ-induced cell death

IFNγ induces cell death in epithelial cells, but the mediator for this death pathway has not been identified. In this study, we find that expression of Bik/Blk/Nbk is increased in human airway epithelial cells (AECs [HAECs]) in response to IFNγ. Expression of Bik but not mutant BikL61G induces and loss of Bik suppresses IFNγ-induced cell death in HAECs. IFNγ treatment and Bik expression increase cathepsin B and D messenger RNA levels and reduce levels of phospho–extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the nuclei of bik+/+ compared with bik−/− murine AECs. Bik but not BikL61G interacts with and suppresses nuclear translocation of phospho-ERK1/2, and suppression of ERK1/2 activation inhibits IFNγ- and Bik-induced cell death. Furthermore, after prolonged exposure to allergen, hyperplastic epithelial cells persist longer, and nuclear phospho-ERK is more prevalent in airways of IFNγ−/− or bik−/− compared with wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that IFNγ requires Bik to suppress nuclear localization of phospho-ERK1/2 to channel cell death in AECs.
Clinical Course and Laboratory Data in Hypertension Associated with Oral Contraceptives

During the past two years, four reports have appeared, indicating that hypertension occurs in some women taking estrogengestagen combinations for control of conception or menstrual irregularities. Swaab (1) suggested that blood pressure could increase markedly during the use of oral contraceptives. Laragh (2) presented data on eleven patients with hypertension during contraceptive administration. In six of these patients, hypertension was first noted after starting medication. Six of the eight patients who stopped medication showed improvement or disappearance of the hypertension. In two cases, hypertension reappeared when medication was re-instituted. Woods (3) reported six patients with hypertension which was precipitated or aggravated by oral contraceptives.
Risk in Investment Decision Making and Greenhouse Tomato Production Expansion in Florida

The outcomes of agricultural investment decisions are affected by the risk in price, cost, and yield outcomes. To examine those risks, net present value models with Monte Carlo simulation are used to analyze the viability of greenhouse tomato investment decisions. The analysis is further extended by utilizing a real options approach. The results indicate that a grower would choose to continue field-grown tomato production due to high option values and risk aversion. Moreover, some policies or market conditions which increase credit availability, decrease energy prices, reduce tomato price fluctuation and/or facilitate effective risk management strategies would make the greenhouse production preferable.
The effect of Walmart and Target on property tax rates

This paper analyzes the effect of Walmart and Target on municipal property tax rates using panel data for all New Jersey municipalities from 1998 to 2007. We analyze the impact of Walmart (30 openings) and Target (33 openings) in the host municipality and the nearest adjacent municipality. We find evidence that entry by either retailer lowers the tax rate in the host municipality. However, the estimated reduction in the tax rate is much larger for Target. Target entry reduces the equalized property tax rate by $0.38 per $100 of market value in the host municipality or about 16.8 % while Walmart reduces the equalized property tax rate in the host municipality by $0.063 per $100 of market value or about 2.8 %. The most striking result is the contrast between the positive and significant effect of Walmart entry on the equalized tax rate in the adjacent municipality and the negative and significant effect of Target entry on the equalized tax rate in the adjacent municipality. Walmart entry (in the host municipality) raises the equalized tax rate by about $0.23 per $100 of market value (about a 10 % increase). Target entry, on the other hand, reduces the equalized tax rate in the adjacent municipality by $0.14 per $100 of market value or about 6.2 %.
Response to bronchodilators in very preterm infants with evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

BACKGROUND There are few effective and safe medications to treat very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with evolving BPD. Bronchodilators are often given to patients who have clinical signs of reactive airway disease, but there is not enough information regarding their effectiveness within this population. OBJECTIVE To quantify the pulmonary function response to bronchodilator therapy in a population of VLBW infants with evolving BPD. DESIGN/METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of an ongoing large database of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in premature infants. We reviewed pre and post bronchodilator PFTs ordered by a physician due to concern for reactive airway disease. Inclusion criteria: BW 14 days of age; admission diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome; requiring ongoing oxygen, CPAP or ventilator support at the time of PFT. PFTs were done prior to albuterol therapy and repeated 30 minutes after the therapy was given. PFTs included the measurement of passive respiratory mechanics with the single breath occlusion technique, including passive respiratory compliance (Crs), resistance (Rrs) and tidal volume (Vt). RESULTS 40 VLBW infants (mean gestation of 27.4 weeks; mean birth weight (BW) of 848 grams) were identified as having PFTs. 29 of these patients had a BW of ≤ 1000 grams. Patients were studied at a mean corrected gestational age of 34.9 weeks. 29 of 40 were extubated at the time of the PFT. Of these patients, 21 (52.5%) had a decrease in Rrs of ≥10%. From the other 19 patients, 5 (12.5%) had a decrease of 0 to < 10% in Rrs, 14 (35%) showed no response to therapy. There was no significant difference in Crs between groups.
Measurement of hemodynamic and anatomic parameters in a swine arteriovenous fistula model.

Purpose: Although arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are currently the preferred mode of permanent hemo- dialysis access they do have significant problems due to initial non-maturation and a later venous stenosis. These problems appear to have been exacerbated following a push to increase AVF prevalence in the US. The reasons for both AVF non-maturation and the later venous stenoses are unclear but are thought to be related to abnormal hemodynamic wall shear stress (WSS) profiles. This technical note aims to describe the successful development of measurement techniques that can be used to establish a complete hemodynamic profile in a pig model with two different configurations of AVF. Methods and results: The curved and straight AVF configurations were created in an in vivo pig model. Flow and pressure in the AVFs were measured using the perivascular flow probes and Doppler flow wires while the pressure was recorded using a pressure transducer. The anatomical configuration was obtained using two different ap- proaches: a) combination of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and angiograms, (b) 64 slice CT angiography. 3D mo- dels were reconstructed using image processing and computer modeling techniques. Numerical calculations were then performed by applying the measured flow and pressure data into the configurations to obtain the hemody- namic WSS profiles. Conclusion: The described methodologies will allow the calculation and optimization of WSS profiles in animal models. This information could then be translated to the clinical setting where it would have a positive impact on improving the early maturation rates of AVFs as well as reducing the late venous stenoses. (J Vasc Access 2008; 9: 28-34)
Sharing data from MS clinical trials: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions

The treatment of people affected by multiple sclerosis, particularly the relapsing forms of the disease, has been transformed by the availability of various therapeutic agents. This landmark progress is due to an enormous foundation of clinical research and, particularly, numerous phase II and III clinical trials. Although the research community has many reasons to take pride in this progress, a fundamental question remains about whether opportunities for additional research are being lost due to inadequate clinical trial data sharing.
Molecular Studies of HTLV-1 Replication: An Update

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first human retrovirus discovered. Studies on HTLV-1 have been instrumental for our understanding of the molecular pathology of virus-induced cancers. HTLV-1 is the etiological agent of an adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and can lead to a variety of neurological pathologies, including HTLV-1-associated-myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The ability to treat the aggressive ATL subtypes remains inadequate. HTLV-1 replicates by (1) an infectious cycle involving virus budding and infection of new permissive target cells and (2) mitotic division of cells harboring an integrated provirus. Virus replication initiates host antiviral immunity and the checkpoint control of cell proliferation, but HTLV-1 has evolved elegant strategies to counteract these host defense mechanisms to allow for virus persistence. The study of the molecular biology of HTLV-1 replication has provided crucial information for understanding HTLV-1 replication as well as aspects of viral replication that are shared between HTLV-1 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Here in this review, we discuss the various stages of the virus replication cycle—both foundational knowledge as well as current updates of ongoing research that is important for understanding HTLV-1 molecular pathogenesis as well as in developing novel therapeutic strategies.
High Glasgow Blatchford Score at admission is associated with recurrent bleeding after discharge for patients hospitalized with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Background and study aims: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is associated with significant morbidity. The Glasgow Blatchford Score (GBS) can predict endoscopic intervention and in-hospital death, but the ability to predict post-discharge outcomes is unknown. The aims of the study were to determine whether the admission GBS is associated with post-discharge rebleeding and 30-day readmission following hospitalization for UGIB. Patients and methods: In this prospective, observational, cohort study, consecutive patients who were hospitalized with UGIB were enrolled. Admission GBS scores were calculated, and patients with GBS > 7 were classified as high risk. Patients were contacted 30 days following discharge to determine: 1) rate of hospital readmission due to rebleeding, 2) all-cause readmissions, and 3) mortality. Multivariable Cox regression was used to determine associations between GBS, rebleeding, and readmission. Results: A total of 336 patients with UGIB were identified. Patients with high risk GBS were older (68 vs. 62 years; P = 0.01), and were more likely to receive blood (85 % vs. 39 %; P P = 0.02). Of the 309 patients who survived to discharge, 61 (20 %) were readmitted within 30 days, 25 (8 %) of whom had rebleeding. On multivariable analysis adjusting for the need for endoscopic intervention, high risk GBS patients had higher rebleeding rates (hazard ratio [HR] 3.32, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.26 – 11.4). On multivariable analysis, patients with more co-morbidities (HR 1.06, 95 %CI 1.01 – 1.11) and cirrhosis (HR 2.23, 95 %CI 1.19 – 4.04) had higher 30-day readmission rates. Conclusions: High GBS scores were associated with higher rebleeding rates following discharge. Patients with high GBS scores (> 7) should be monitored following discharge as they have a high risk of rebleeding.
Computational Modeling of Turbulent Flows Over Rough Surfaces

Turbulent flows over rough surfaces are often encountered in nature and engineering practices and are often difficult to analyze. In this study, combined modeling and computational techniques is involved to investigate such flows over a surface covered with a large-scale roughness pattern. A simplified empirical engineering model is validated by taking area average of the flow field data over the surface. The approach can interpret fluid physics based on the empirical correlation. The area-averaged mean momentum transport resulting from the wall-normal time-averaged velocity component is found to be a significant contributing term into the near-boundary shear stress balance. This makes its behavior different from the flow over a smooth surface. Comparing alternative approaches for estimating the roughness coefficients, it is found that the mass-flow-rate-deficit approach produces superior results. Flow in a channel with one wall covered with an array of cylindrical cavities and the other smooth is used as an example. The extended wall functions, based on the k-e closure and the simplified engineering model, can be applied for a large-scale roughness pattern. The approach can significantly reduce required computational cost. On the other hand, the small domain periodic computations are needed to produce roughness lengths for a particular surface geometry. This model can develop a general correlation relating the roughness lengths to a surface geometry to aid engineering design.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Computational Nonlinear Stochastic Control based on the Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov Equation

The optimal control of nonlinear stochastic systems is considered in this paper. The central role played by the Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equation in the stochastic control problem is shown under the assumption of asymptotic stability. A computational approach for the problem is devised based on policy iteration/ successive approximations, and a finite dimensional approximation of the control parametrized diusion operator, i.e., the controlled Fokker-Planck operator. Several numerical examples are provided to show the ecacy of the proposed computational methodology. require the study of the time evolution of the Probability Density Function (PDF), p(t,x), corresponding to the state, x, of the relevant dynamic system. The pdf is given by the solution to the Fokker-Planck- Kolmogorov equation (FPE), which is a PDE in the pdf of the system, defined by the underlying dynamical system's parameters. In this paper, approximate solutions of the FPE are considered, and subsequently leveraged for the design of controllers for nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems. In the past few years, the authors have developed a generalized multi-resolution meshless FEM methodology, partition of unity FEM (PUFEM), utilizing the recently developed GLOMAP (Global Local Orthogonal MAPpings) methodology to provide the partition of unity functions 6,7 and the orthogonal local basis functions, for the solution of the FPE. The PUFEM is a Galerkin projection method and the solution is characterized in terms of an finite dimensional representation of the Fokker-Planck operator underlying the problem. The methodology is also highly amenable to parallelization. 8-12 Though the FPE is invaluable in quantifying the uncertainty evolution through nonlinear systems, per- haps its greatest benefit may be in the stochastic analysis, design and control of nonlinear systems. In the context of nonlinear stochastic control, Markov Decision Processes have long been one of the most widely used methods for discrete time stochastic control. However, the Dynamic Programming equations under- lying the MDPs suer from the curse of dimensionality. 13-15 Various approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP) methods have been proposed in the past several years for overcoming the curse of dimensionality, 15-19 and broadly can be categorized under the category of functional reinforcement learning. These methods are essentially model free method of approximating the optimal control policy in stochastic optimal control prob- lems. These methods generally fall under the category of value function approximation methods, 15 policy gradient/ approximation methods 17,18 and actor-critic methods. 16,19 These methods attempt to reduce the dimensionality of the DP problem through a compact parametrization of the value functions (with respect to
The Classic from John Feagin and Walton Curl (1976) on the 5-year follow-up of the repair of the isolated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. Is there a role for ACL repair in 2016?

‘Nothing ruins good results like long term follow-up.‘ About 43 years ago, 2 bright young academic orthopaedic team doctors decided to review the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair in their West Point cadet population. These initial results seemed very promising (greater than 80% good-to-excellent outcomes) at the 2-year follow-up published as an abstract in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in 1972; however, instead of resting on their 2-year outcomes, they made the decision to look at this same group 5 years after surgery. What they found was very alarming and humbling in that the majority of this population had poor outcomes. Being of the highest moral integrity and calibre, they wrote up their results and submitted it to the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 1976. Ironically, the editor of the journal was the legendary Jack Hughston who was well known not to be an advocate of ACL surgery. This article most likely further fuelled his beliefs (‘gasoline on the fire', so to say!). Since this publication over 40 years ago, there has been an explosion of basic science and clinical papers on ACL anatomy, biomechanics, healing, injury and surgical techniques. The purpose of revisiting this ‘Classic' article is to acquire perspectives from both the original authors, Dr John Feagin and Dr Walton Curl, in conjunction with Dr Martha Murray, who is considered one of the leading experts on the science of ACL repair. This article begins with a detailed review of this ‘Classic' and highlights the main take home points. Next, there is a discussion about the historical perspectives, the scientific and societal impact, and where we are today with basic and clinical science studies. We conclude with where we are with ACL repair in 2016 and make recommendations based on current evidence for this procedure in the spectrum of ACL surgery. The ultimate goal of this review is to expose our readership to the potential use of these techniques for select patients with ACL injuries. Most importantly, one must not overlook the primary take home message of this ‘Classic Revisited', that careful and honest long-term follow-up is the key to evidence-based medicine.
Simultaneous determination of ten azo dyes in condiments and meat products by high performance liquid chromatography

Objective A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 10 azo dyes( red 2G,rhodamine B,orange II sodium salt,Sudan I- IV,chrysoidine,astrazon orange G,astrazon orange R) in condiments and meat products using high performance liquid chromatography. Methods Samples were ultrasonically extracted with acetonitrile,separated by liquid chromatography,then quantified by external standard method. The target analytes were separated at flow rate of 1. 0 ml / min on Thermo BetaBasic- 18( 4. 6 nm × 250 nm,5 μm) column for gradient elution. The mobile phase was acetonitrile,20 mmol / L ammonium acetate and tetrahydrofuran. The wavelengths for detection were 414 nm( orange II),500 nm( Sudan I – IV,chrysoidine,astrazon orange G,astrazon orange R) and 540nm( red 2 G,rhodamine B). Results The results showed that the 10 azo dyes can be separated efficiently. This method showed a good linearity in the range of 0. 25 μg / ml ~ 20. 0 μg / ml with the correlation coefficients( r) greater than 0. 9992. The relative standard deviations( n = 6) were less than 7. 3%. The average recoveries of the ten azo dyes at three levels( 1 mg / kg,5 mg / kg and 10 mg / kg) ranged from 73. 8% to 107. 3%. Conclusion This method,owing to its rapidity,accuracy and low operation costs,is suitable for the simultaneous determination of illegally added industrial synthetic dyes in foods.
Lead-induced alterations in rod-mediated visual functions and cGMP metabolism: new insights.

Long-term scotopic (rod-mediated) visual deficits following developmental lead exposure occur in monkeys and hooded rats. This report describes and summarizes previous ERG and biochemical findings, presents new biochemical data aimed at determining the mechanism of inhibition of lead on rod cGMP-PDE, presents an integratory framework for understanding the ERG and cGMP results and speculates on the implications ofthe present data. A-and b-wave voltage-log intensity and latency-log intensity functions, generated from singleflash ERGs in fully dark-adapted rats, revealed that low and moderate level lead exposure caused decreases in absolute sensitivity and amplitude, and increases in latency
Hospital-associated Candiduria: Predisposing Factors and Review of The Literature

Abstract: A series is presented of 98 patients with hospital-acquired candiduria identified by continual nosocomial infection surveillance. Analysis of the differences between case-matched controls and 20 patients indicated that there were significant increases in the duration of prior Foley catheterization (12 versus 6 days), length of time on multiple antibiotics (16 versus 7 days) and length of total hospitalization of the infected group. Review of the infected patients’ charts showed that the indications for bladder catheterization and use of antibiotics were usually explicitly stated and considered valid. The English literature on primary Candida urinary tract infections is reviewed and future approaches to the problem are summarized.
Atomic Structure of Self-Assembled Monolayer of Thiolates on a Tetragonal Au92 Nanocrystal

Unveiling the ligand binding mode on the crystalline surfaces is important for deciphering the long-standing structural enigma in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Here, the binding and patterning structures of thiolates (SR) on the Au(100) crystalline facet are revealed on the basis of the atomic structure of a highly regular, single crystalline Au92(SR)44 nanocrystal. The six exposed facets of this tetragonal nanocrystal give rise to six pieces of “nanoSAMs”. We found that thiolates bind to the planar (100) facets of the nanocrystal via a simple bridge-like mode and are assembled into an overlayer with c(2 × 2) symmetry. The Au–S binding mode and translational symmetry in the kernel and on the surface of the Au92 nanocrystal can be generalized infinitely to construct the bulk two-dimensional SAMs and various tetragonal nanocrystals.
The group of K1-zero-cycles on the second generalized Severi–Brauer variety of an algebra of index 4 ☆

Abstract In this manuscript, it is shown that the group of K 1 -zero-cycles on the second generalized Severi–Brauer variety of an algebra A of index 4 is given by elements of the group K 1 ( A ) together with a square-root of their reduced norm. Utilizing results of Krashen concerning exceptional isomorphisms, we translate our problem to the computation of cycles on involution varieties. Work of Chernousov and Merkurjev then gives a means of describing such cycles in terms of Clifford and spin groups and corresponding R-equivalence classes. We complete our computation by giving an explicit description of these algebraic groups.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Physics

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are becoming increasingly important for the diagnosis and staging of brain tumors, as well as for the monitoring of response to therapy. The purpose of these imaging modalities is to estimate the distribution of a radiotracer from external measurements of the pattern of photons emerging from the brain. In this chapter, the physics underlying the generation of these photons will be described. A great deal of effort has been expended in the design of SPECT and PET instrumentation, leading to major advances in this area. The major scanner configurations, as well as the instrument design considerations, are discussed. Images must be mathematically reconstructed from the external measurements; the techniques used to accomplish this while correcting for physical effects that degrade the accuracy and precision of the measurements are outlined.
Sensitivity coefficients for the correction of quantization errors in hybrid computer systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses sensitivity coefficients for the correction of quantization errors in hybrid computer systems. One of the impressive developments in the computer area has been the emergence and increasing acceptance of hybrid computer systems involving closed-loop interconnections of analog and digital hardware. These systems have found application in such diverse areas as process control, manned space flights, satellite instrumentation, and many others. The schematic diagram shown in the chapter can be considered typical of such hybrid systems though in place of the digital and analog computers, special purpose devices or actual system components may occur in specific applications. The optimization of the operation of such systems involves a detailed examination and compensation of a variety of error sources inherent in hybrid computations. These include, among others, sampling errors, time-delay errors, and quantization errors. The chapter presents the application of sensitivity analysis technique to the compensation of quantization errors.
A simplistic way for power profiling of mobile devices

Smartphones and tablets are enabling people to perform day to day tasks which were previously impossible to perform without a personal computer. Smartphones and tablets are, by nature, highly dependent on battery life. As a result, a major challenge faced by developers is to understand how their software impact power usage of a device because users of applications tend to evaluate an application not just by its utility and performance but by its impact on battery drainage as well. As a result, developers need to debug the energy efficiency of their applications alongside debugging their performance. In this paper, we explain the power profiling techniques used to determine energy efficiency of applications on Android devices. We also introduce our Software Power Monitor (SoftPowerMon) tool which can aid developers debug applications from an energy perspective and can even help platform developers' develop more efficient systems. Then, using SoftPowerMon, we power profile three different devices: two smartphones and a tablet. We conclude by comparing the performance overhead of our tool to other tools and we show that SoftPowerMon can answer “why” a specific amount of power is consumed on a device as opposed to “how much” power is consumed.
Ensuring Peaceful Use via International Licensing of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Under the NPT, all States have an inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. However, what this right means in practice is uncertain because: (1) many technologies that can be used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants can also be used to produce materials for nuclear weapons; and (2) peaceful use is not defined in the NPT. As a consequence of this uncertainty, a global expansion of nuclear power, as advocated by some climate change experts, may lead to more States having enrichment facilities, increase the risk of proliferation, and inhibit movement towards a world with few, if any, nuclear weapons. This chapter presents a new idea for resolving the inherent ambiguity of peaceful use through a legal principle: peaceful use activities would be those that are licensed by an international agency, while any non-licensed activity would be irrebuttable presumed non-peaceful. This licensing approach is an alternative to other proposals for managing the proliferation risk of an expansion of nuclear power, such as international ownership of enrichment facilities or strengthened IAEA inspections. By resolving the ambiguity of peaceful use, the licensing approach may be able to manage the proliferation risks of an expansion of nuclear power better than these proposals and offers several other safety and security advantages. The licensing approach is discussed in detail, including key license terms, international relationships and obligations, an implementation path, and existing precedents for controlling sensitive technology through licensing. The author also explains why a new approach to non-proliferation may be needed if nuclear power expands substantially and compares licensing to other reform proposals, which are briefly described.
Moving beyond Stereotypes of Empathy.

People tend to think that happiness is good and stress is bad, but neither of these propositions is always true. Bloom [1] counters another emotional stereotype: that empathy is a universally reliable moral compass that inspires kind and healthy action. In an earlier piece, he highlighted this point through the case of Baby Jessica, a child stranded in a well who drew immense empathy, and a disproportionate outpouring of aid, while others suffered in silence. Here, he lists other compelling examples of empathy's limits.
Novel Methodologies: Proteomic Approaches in Substance Abuse Research

Proteomics is the study of sequence, expression, function, interaction and localization of proteins in tissues or fluids of various organisms. With the advent of proteomic techniques providing greater selectivity, sensitivity and throughput, drug abuse researchers are faced with decisions as to the selection of the most appropriate applications for their respective questions. In addition, drug abuse researchers face additional challenges that are unique to neuroscience limited sample quantities, heterogeneous cellular compositions of samples and the hydrophobic nature of large classes of proteins of interest. The purpose of this chapter is provide the drug abuse researcher with current technologies and methodologies for examining coordinated regulation of multiple proteins in tissue, primarily brain. Chapter content includes useful information on subcellular organelle isolation, protein fractionation and separation using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and multi-dimensional liquid chromatography, methods for quantification of differential protein expression (e.g., two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis and isotope-coded affinity tags (ICAT and iTRAQ)), and mass spectrometry approaches. An overview of the techniques used currently to assign post-translational modification status on a proteomics scale is also evaluated. The application of these approaches to the study of cocaine and alcohol abuse is reviewed.
Abstract 094: Evaluation of Readmission and Survival Rates After Heart Failure Hospitalization in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System Between 2006 and 2013

Objective: Evaluate trends in readmission and mortality rates after heart failure (HF) hospitalization among veterans in the era of improved utilization of guideline directed therapy and nation-wid...
The Inflammatory Response

The activation and migration of leukocytes during infection or injury and the subsequent systemic physiologic changes that occur characterize the inflammatory response. This response represents the body’s attempt to identify, contain, and eliminate pathogens, but gone awry it is an important source of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The sepsis syndrome, for example, can be thought of not as an overwhelming infection but as the body’s deadly over-reaction to microbial invasion. A great deal has been learned about the mediators and mechanisms of the inflammatory response but surprisingly few therapies have been shown to be effective in controlling it to the patients’ benefit. In fact, mounting evidence suggests that natural or iatrogenic anti-inflammatory counter-regulation can be harmful if not carefully balanced. In this chapter this balance will be explored on both intra- and extra-cellular levels. The discussion will then shift back to the bedside to review the history of immunomodulation in the ICU, describe the impact of intensive care on the inflammatory response, and highlight promising areas of research into the modulation of the inflammatory response. The literature on these subjects, both basic and clinical, is expansive and cannot be covered in an all-inclusive manner. The objective of this chapter, therefore, is to provide an overview of the inflammatory response and familiarization with enough terminology to allow informed reading of the literature and understanding of the relevance of inflammation to clinical practice.
Nato Advanced Study Institute

At the beginning of this symposium, Dr. K. Smith presented the basic laws of photobiology. However, as the laser is a special type of light source, so indeed, the laws of photobiology take a special form when lasers are used.
Imaging Manifestations of Ankle Impingement Syndromes

Ankle impingement syndromes encompass various pathologic entities that contribute to ankle pain with limited range of motion. Although classically described in athletes, these changes can occur in individuals of all ages, often with a history of prior ankle trauma. Ankle impingement is broadly categorized as anterolateral, anterior, posterior, anteromedial, and posteromedial, depending on the area of the ankle affected. Both osseous and soft tissue abnormalities can contribute to impingement symptoms, and a combination of these is often present. Multiple imaging modalities have been evaluated in the work-up of suspected impingement, including radiography, CT, MR imaging, and ultrasound.
Laser-induced fluorescence measurements of acceleration zone scaling in the 12.5 kW HERMeS Hall thruster

We present laser-induced fluorescence measurements of acceleration zone scaling with discharge voltage ( V d), magnetic field strength ( B), and facility background pressure ( P B G) in NASA’s 12.5 kW Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding. At fixed discharge current, the plasma potential profiles at discharge voltages from 300 to 600 V approximately overlapped in the region with plasma potential less than 300 V; ion acceleration began further upstream at higher V d because the region with a steep potential gradient was broader. The radial divergence of mean ion velocity vectors in the outer half of the channel and near plume increased with decreasing V d. At fixed V d, the acceleration zone was located further upstream at higher B and at higher P B G. Bimodal ion velocity distribution functions (IVDFs) were measured along the channel centerline in the acceleration zone at high discharge voltages; this effect was attributed to time-averaging over movement of the acceleration zone during large-amplitude discharge current oscillations. At lower discharge voltages, the broadening of the IVDFs in the near plume could not be fully explained by ionization within the acceleration region. These results have implications for understanding front pole erosion, which can be an important wear mechanism over the long lifetimes of magnetically shielded thrusters, and they provide baseline data for validating first principles models of cross-field electron transport.We present laser-induced fluorescence measurements of acceleration zone scaling with discharge voltage ( V d), magnetic field strength ( B), and facility background pressure ( P B G) in NASA’s 12.5 kW Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding. At fixed discharge current, the plasma potential profiles at discharge voltages from 300 to 600 V approximately overlapped in the region with plasma potential less than 300 V; ion acceleration began further upstream at higher V d because the region with a steep potential gradient was broader. The radial divergence of mean ion velocity vectors in the outer half of the channel and near plume increased with decreasing V d. At fixed V d, the acceleration zone was located further upstream at higher B and at higher P B G. Bimodal ion velocity distribution functions (IVDFs) were measured along the channel centerline in the acceleration zone at high discharge voltages; this effect was attributed to time-averaging over movement of the acceleration zone ...
Quadriceps tendinopathy: a review, part 2—classification, prognosis, and treatment

Overuse injuries of the extensor mechanism of the knee are common in both athletes and non-athletes and usually occur during activities associated with repetitive loading, stress, and knee extension. Numerous reports have been published describing extensor mechanism injuries in athletes, but there is a paucity of studies that focus on quadriceps tendinopathy in the non-athlete population. In addition, there is no universally accepted classification system for tendon pathology. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive literature review of these studies. This review consists of 2 parts. In the previous part we reviewed: (I) epidemiology and (II) diagnosis of quadriceps tendinopathy in the athlete as well as the general population. In this part we discuss: (I) classification; (II) prognosis; and (III) treatment results.
0286 Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Relationships between Rest-Activity Rhythms and Metabolic Biomarkers in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Sleep Study

Author(s): Xiao, Qian; Evans, Daniel S; Redline, Susan; Lane, Nancy; Ancoli-Israel, Sonia; Stone, Katie L
Remote Characterization of Resonance Frequency With a Wirelessly Powered Parametric Oscillator

It is of both fundamental importance and practical value to measure the frequency of an LC resonator beyond the near-field region, especially when the resonator is used as a standalone capacitive sensor embedded inside a closed environment. To improve the coupling efficiency between the resonator and the external sniffer loop, we propose a novel method to integrate the LC resonator with a wirelessly powered parametric resonator whose oscillation signal can be remotely identified in a noisy background. By measuring the minimum power level that is required for oscillation at different pumping frequencies, the resonator can be indirectly characterized by the frequency response curve. Starting from the basic principle of parametric oscillation, we will predict the measurable extremities in the frequency-dependent power curve under various circumstances that are classified based on the relative ratio between the lower and higher resonance frequencies. Our analytical models are validated by on-bench measurements performed on several parametric resonators with different circuit topologies. Their ability for remote characterization will make parametric resonators useful in structural health sensors or biomedical implants.
1,3‐γ‐Silyl‐elimination in Electron‐Deficient Cationic Systems.

1,3-γ-Silyl-elimination in electron-deficient cationic systems affording cyclic CF3-substituted products is studied.
Analysis of the hygrothermal effects and parametric study of the edge crack torsion (ECT) Mode III test layups

A shear deformation theory including residual thermal and moisture effects is developed for the analysis of either symmetric or asymmetric laminates with midplane edge delamination under torsional loading. The theory is based on an assumed displacement field that includes shear deformation. The governing equations and boundary conditions are obtained from the principle of virtual work. The analysis of the [901(′45) n /(∓45) n /90] s edge crack torsion (ECT) Mode III test layup indicates that there are no hygrothermal effects on the Mode III strain energy release rate because the laminate, and both sublaminates above and below the delamination, are symmetric layups. A further parametric study reveals that some other layups can have negligible hygrothermal effects even when the sublaminates above and below the delamination are not symmetric about their own midplanes. However, these layups may suffer from distortion after the curing process. Another interesting set of layups investigated is a class of antisymmetric laminates with [′(θ/(θ - 90) 2 /θ)] n layups. It is observed that when n takes on even numbers (2 and 4), both hygrothermal and Mode I effects can be neglected. From this point of view, these layups provide a way to determine the Mode III toughness between two dissimilar layers. However, when n takes on odd numbers (1 and 3), both hygrothermal and Mode I effects may be strong in these layups. In particular, when θ equals 45°, the layups are free from both hygrothermal and Mode I effects irrespective of n.
Juan Boscán y la fama: el influjo de los Triumphi de Petrarca

Recent scholarship on early modern Spanish poet Juan Boscan (c. 1490–1542) has considerably enhanced his reputation as a lyricist and established a more consequential place for his work in the lite...
Quantum Jumps and Laser Spectroscopy of a Single Barium Ion Using “Shelving”

We have observed quantum jumps between the 62S1/2 state and the 52D5/2 state of an individual laser cooled, radiofrequency trapped Ba+ ion. Striking laser fluorescence “telegraph signals” appear upon incoherent excitation of the 52D5/2 state. Preliminary spectra of the 62S1/2 — 52D5/2 quadrupole transition have been obtained via direct excitation with a tunable color center laser at 1.762 μm. These spectra employed the “shelved optical electron amplification” technique, which ensures that virtually every transition will be detected.
Toward Modeling and Verification of Uncertainty in Cyber-Physical Systems

Uncertainty is an intrinsic property of any cyber-physical system(CPS), therefore handling Uncertainty during the operation of a CPS is an essential requirement for a CPS. Design, development, and testing of modern CPS is a rapidly expanding research area. However, uncertainty handling is still relatively unexplored. The first step towards handling Uncertainty is to identify, define, and classify Uncertainty at various levels of a CPS. This review aims to capture the present state-of-the-art of uncertainty modeling in cyber-physical systems. We define appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria for the studies to be used in this review and extract data from selected studies, and present in this paper. From our selected studies, we find that two significant lines of research exist in this area, and the ultimate objective of both research directions is to develop the uncertainty-aware test-modeling framework. The first research direction from the simula u-test group [1], [6], who first developed a model of Uncertainty based on UML, called the U-Model, then they extended model-based testing (MBT) to the purview of CPS via lengthening the UML profile of Modeling and Analysis of Real-time and Embedded Systems (MARTE) by adding a set of new UML libraries. We focus on exploring the fundamentals of U-Model in this paper. The second approach is to apply methods from Formal Verification of hardware and software systems to CPS [5], [7]. This approach also strives to model and verify the uncertainties of known and unknown types in a CPS. We find the first approach more general and hence more applicable to all kinds of CPS. Finally, as our incremental contribution to this line of research, we extend U-model for certain specific use cases.
Real-time Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on College Students: Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Background: College students’ mental health may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of the abrupt shift off campus and subsequent loss of a social network and potential long-term impact on job prospects. Objective: We sought to assess the nature of COVID-19’s mental health impact among a sample of undergraduates who were experiencing the pandemic as it occurred in real time. Methods: In total, 140 college students completed smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments of anxiety and optimism related to COVID-19 and other generic mental health variables 6 times daily. Results: Participants completed >23,750 surveys. Overall, >75% of these surveys indicated at least some level of anxiety about COVID-19. On average, the proportion of responses each day at the highest levels of anxiety about COVID-19 was 7 times greater than the proportion of responses at the highest levels of non–COVID-19–specific anxiety. Structural change analyses indicated a significant downward trend in COVID-19 anxiety after the first week of June, but even at the lowest point, >15% of the participants in the sample still reported high levels of COVID-19 anxiety each day. Participants felt more anxious about COVID-19 on days when the number of new cases and deaths due to COVID-19 were higher. When participants felt anxious about COVID-19, they also felt sad, anxious (in general), and had a greater desire to drink and use drugs. Participants felt more optimistic about COVID-19 when they received more support from others and from their university. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the widespread mental health impact that COVID-19 has had on college students.
MIDFIELD Special Session; A Primer on Novel Methodologies in Longitudinal Analysis of Student Data

Innovative Practice. The past decade has opened up MIDFIELD to the use of novel methodologies. Three particular phenomena – grade variance due to course size and enrolled section, and degree program change – are of particular interest. This work demonstrates three useful methodologies for analyzing these phenomena, how they are used, and preliminary results. The first, Markov chains, can examine links between success (graduation) and changing majors. The second, Hierarchical Linear Models (HLMs) can show nested relationships between different courses, including the effect of course size and section on grade variances. The third, mutual information, can uncover relationships between sets of students who switched majors and those who did not, relative to a variable such as GPA. Some novel results include: course size has no effect on grade variance, but section does; students who switch majors graduate at a higher rate; and the effect of switching majors is more random for those who leave college than those who graduate.
Never Enough Time: Mixed Methods Study Identifies Drivers of Temporal Demand That Contribute to Burnout Among Physicians Who Care for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients.

PURPOSE:Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment because of chronic occupational stress. Approximately one third of pediatric hematology...
Cinclidium minutifolium (Mniaceae) in Alaska: Confirmation and clarification

The taxonomy of Cinclidium, with only four species recognized, has been remarkably stable compared to most other genera of the Mniaceae. Recently, however, one new species (C. alaskanum) has been added and another (C. minutifolium) resurrected. The latter was described by Brotherus in 1929 from East Siberia and known until recently only from the type collection. Most authors have considered the species a synonym of C. latifolium, but new collections made since the 1990s from other regions of Russia have prompted reconsideration. Moreover, sequencing of three regions of the chloroplast genome of Cinclidium sampled on a worldwide basis supports the view that C. minutifolium is highly genetically differentiated from the other five species. That study also suggests that C. minutifolium might occur in Alaska. Here we confirm occurrence of this species on the North Slope of Alaska and provide drawings and keys to facilitate identification by bryologists working in other areas of the Arctic.