cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud Analytics for Capacity Planning and Instant VM Provisioning

The popularity of cloud service spurs the increasing demands of virtual resources to the service vendors. Along with the promising business opportunities, it also brings new technique challenges such as effective capacity planning and instant cloud resource provisioning. In this paper, we describe our research efforts on improving the service quality for the capacity planning and instant cloud resource provisioning problem. We first formulate both of the two problems as a generic cost-sensitive prediction problem. Then, considering the highly dynamic environment of cloud, we propose an asymmetric and heterogeneous measure to quantify the prediction error. Finally, we design an ensemble prediction mechanism by combining the prediction power of a set of prediction techniques based on the proposed measure. To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed solution, we design and implement an integrated prototype system to help improve the service quality of the cloud. Our system considers many practical situations of the cloud system, and is able to dynamically adapt to the changing environment. A series of experiments on the IBM Smart Cloud Enterprise (SCE) trace data demonstrate that our method can significantly improve the service quality by reducing the resource provisioning time while maintaining a low cloud overhead.
The Influence of β-Blockers on Delayed Memory Function in People With Cognitive Impairment

Adrenergic signaling is important for the retrieval of intermediate-term contextual and spatial memories. The role of norepinephrine in retrieval requires signaling through beta1-adrenergic receptors in the hippocampus. Environmental cues activate the locus ceruleus, the main adrenergic nucleus of the brain, when an environmental stimulus is memorable. This leads to norepinephrine activation in the hippocampus, which is important for retrieving memories. Although beta-blockers do not impair cognition in normal subjects, this article explores the possibility that central nervous system (CNS)-active beta-blockers could affect delayed memory in patients with cognitive impairment. The authors investigated the influence of beta-blockers on delayed memory function in cognitively impaired patients. There was a trend for worse delayed memory retrieval in patients who were on CNS-active beta-blockers. These data support the notion that common medications used in cognitively impaired elderly patients can worsen cognition and that careful selection of medications may help to maximize retrieval of newly formed memories.
Postoperative narcotic analgesic administration

The administration of narcotic analgesics to postoperative patients was examined with 180 uncomplicated adult appendectomy patients. Narcotic analgesic doses were transcribed from the hospital records of these patients for the entire postoperative period. Equianalgesic doses were calculated so that all medications were comparable with meperidine. Eighty-three percent (n = 150) of the patients received meperidine. Patients who received meperidine were given significantly more narcotic analgesics than those who received morphine sulfate. The amount of narcotic analgesics received by patients was significantly related to their length of hospital stay. Meperidine and Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen with codeine phosphate; McNeil Pharmaceutical, Spring House, PA) comprised the significantly associated analgesics. These findings suggest a need to reexamine the current use of meperidine in postoperative analgesia.
Neural basis of reward and craving--a homeostatic point of view.

Here, it is argued that the interoceptive system, which provides information about the subjects internal state and is integrated in the insular cortex, and not the subcortical ventral striatum, is the critical neural substrate for reward-related processes. Understanding the internal state of the individual, which is processed via this system, makes it possible to develop new interventions that are aimed at treating reward-dysfunction disorders, ie, substance and alcohol dependence. Although the ventral striatum is important for signaling the degree to which rewarding stimuli are predicted to occur, this system alone cannot account for the complex affective, cognitive, and behavioral phenomena that occur when individuals come into contact with potentially rewarding stimuli. On the other hand, the interoceptive system is able to make connections between all cortical, subcortical, and limbic systems to orchestrate a complex set of responses. Craving and urges are among the most notable responses, and may have important functions to preserve homeostasis.
Regulation of airway goblet cell mucin secretion by tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways

Mucus hyperproduction in pulmonary obstructive diseases results from increased goblet cell numbers and possibly increased cellular mucin synthesis, occurring in response to inflammatory mediators a...
Exploiting the hypoxic cancer cell: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Human solid tumours are considerably less well oxygenated than normal tissues. This leads to resistance to radiotherapy and anticancer chemotherapy, as well as predisposing to increased tumour metastases. However, tumour hypoxia can be exploited in cancer treatment. One such strategy is to use drugs that are toxic only under hypoxic conditions, and the first drug of this class to enter clinical testing, tirapazamine, is showing considerable promise. The second way to exploit hypoxia is to take advantage of the selective induction of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) under hypoxic conditions; gene therapy strategies based on this are in development.
Trichinella spiralis: Influence of an immunodominant, carbohydrate-associated determinant on the host antibody response repertoire

Host antibody responses to the G2.1 epitope, a carbohydrate-associated determinant shared by several Trichinella spiralis glycoproteins, were examined by competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The G2.1 epitope dominated the AKR/J mouse antibody response whether the antigens were injected or introduced through infection, as determined by the serum blocking ability of a G2.1 epitope-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb). Serum T. spiralis-binding activity from several other infected mouse strains was blocked 22 to 86% by the G2.1 epitope-specific mAb. In addition to mice, the G2.1 epitope evoked powerful antibody responses in four other species. The binding activity of Trichinella-reactive antibodies from infected rats and pigs was inhibited 56 and 34%, respectively, by the mAb. Greater than 48% of the T. spiralis serum-binding activity from 4/5 infected humans was G2.1-specific. Most of the rabbit antibody response induced by injection of a previously characterized 43-kDa antigen was also directed to the G2.1 determinant. The specificities of 10 T. spiralis-reactive mAb were examined, and 7 reacted with the immunodominant epitope. Finally, of nine helminth species examined, only T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis extracts efficiently blocked G2.1-specific antibody binding to solid-phase antigens. These results suggest that the responses to G2.1 epitope may play an important role during infection.
Population Health, Outcomes Research, and Prevention Example of the American Heart Association 2020 Goals

In September 2008, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes was launched to “improve clinical decision making, population health and healthcare policy.”1 This statement affirmed unambiguously that health and clinical care, medicine, and policy were tightly interwoven. Three years later, during times marked by unprecedented healthcare challenges and a global epidemic of obesity and diabetes, the need for the synergy between outcomes research and population health has never been greater. The new American Heart Association (AHA) goals are a powerful example of why such synergy is critical because the effective deployment of the goals requires an effective interaction between outcomes research and population health. This Editor's Perspective discusses this specific example to illustrate how such an interaction is vital to fighting the epidemic of cardiovascular disease and stroke and can be optimized under the auspices of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes . In 2010, the AHA defined the following Strategic Impact Goals for the next decade and beyond: “By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%.”2 This statement introduces the novel concept of cardiovascular health rather than disease and of wellness rather than illness. Shining a spotlight on health created the interesting challenge of actually defining and implementing a definition of healthy characteristics that can be measured and tracked over time. To this end, the attributes of cardiovascular health have been categorized into health behaviors and health factors and aggregated as the Simple 7 (http://mylifecheck.heart.org). The Simple 7 include absent or remote smoking, body mass index <25 kg/m2, regular physical activity, healthy diet, total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg, and fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL %.2 The wake-up call …
The Microbiome, Systemic Immune Function, and Allotransplantation

Diverse effects of the microbiome on solid organ transplantation are beginning to be recognized. In allograft recipients, microbial networks are disrupted by immunosuppression, nosocomial and community-based infectious exposures, antimicrobial therapies, surgery, and immune processes. Shifting microbial patterns, including acute infectious exposures, have dynamic and reciprocal interactions with local and systemic immune systems. Both individual microbial species and microbial networks have central roles in the induction and control of innate and adaptive immune responses, in graft rejection, and in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Understanding the diverse interactions between the microbiome and the immune system of allograft recipients may facilitate clinical management in the future.
Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis by Harrington instrumentation and fusion with fresh autogenous iliac bone grafts.

Harrington instrumentation has proved to be a helpful adjunct in the over-all treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. This adjunct serves as either a major or a supplementary device for correction of the curve and as temporary internal fixation. A spine fusion maintains correction of a curve only if the fusion mass is of proper length and of sufficient strength to withstand the stresses imposed when the erect posture is resumed and all external immobilization is discontinued. A meticulously performed spine fusion to which a large amount of fresh autogenous cancellous bone has been added creates a favorable environment for the prompt formation, organization, incorporation, and remodeling of a massive bone graft into a strong fusion mass. The low pseudarthrosis rate and the maintenance of a high percentage of the initial correction in this series of eighty patients with ninety idiopathic curves appears to be due to three factors: the meticulous fusion technique supplemented with Harrington instrumentation, the use of large amounts of supplementary fresh autogenous iliac bone grafts, and adequate external immobilization.
Characterization of Blow Out Limits for a V -Gutter Stabilized Flame

It is well known that bluff objects placed in combustible high -speed flows stabilize flames. To investigate and characterize the blow out limits for a V -gutter st abilized flame, a Combustion Wind Tunnel Facility (CWTF) was utilized in an attempt to determine a possible footprint or unique attribute of approaching a blowout condition. Characterization of these limits was achieved by running the V -Gutter at a stable condition and approaching lean or rich blowout while investigating pressure oscillations, CH fluctuations, temperature changes, flame intensity and fluctuation, and flame structure. The main findings did result in a unique footprint of either approaching lean blow out or rich blow out. While approaching lean blow out, the mean and rms CH emission and pressure both decrease, the frequency decreases, and the flame structure begins to shrink down from spanning the entire section towards the center of the te st section until the flame eventually extinguishes with the intensity of these images continually diminishing until extinction. While approaching rich blow out, mean CH emission decreases while rms CH emission increases, mean pressure increases with rms p ressure initially decreasing, but increasing again prior extinction, frequency increases, and the flame intensity diminishes, but also has an increased fluctuation of intensity.
Discovery of Thienoimidazole-Based HCV NS5A Genotype 1a and 1b Inhibitors.

The discovery of potent thienoimidazole-based HCV NS5A inhibitors is herein reported. A novel method to access the thienoimidazole [5,5]-bicyclic system is disclosed. This method gave access to a common key intermediate (6) that was engaged in Suzuki or Sonogashira reactions with coupling partners bearing different linkers. A detailed study of the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of the linkers revealed that aromatic linkers with linear topologies are required to achieve high potency for both 1a and 1b HCV genotypes. Compound 20, with a para-phenyl linker, was identified as a potential lead displaying potencies of 17 and 8 pM against genotype 1a and 1b replicons, respectively.
Epidemiological characteristics and coping strategies of rubella in Xi'an City from 2004-2011

[Objective]To analyze the incidence and epidemic features of rubella through analysis on rubella incidence data in Xi'an City from2004-2011,and provide scientific evidence for control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome(CRS).[Methods]The data of 2004-2011 reported rubella cases in Xi'an City were exported from China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and analyzed statistically by Excel software.[Results] A total of 4 704 cases of rubella were reported from 2004-2011,with annual average incidence of 7.40/ 100 000,no death case.The epidemic cycle of rubella was 4 years,year 2007 and 2011 were epidemic peak years.The high incidence appeared during March to July.Geographical distribution showed high incidence in urban area.Yanaliang District had the maximum incidence(16.65/100 000)in all rural districts.There were 2 705 male cases which was obviously higher than 1 954 female cases.The rubella incidence showed older age groups were easier to get infection.The age group of 10-25 years had relatively high incidence,with peak in 10-15 years age group.Most cases were students;students,preschool children and scattered children accounted for 70.18% of total cases.[Conclusion]Rubella showed periodically epidemic features in Xi'an City from 2004-2011.It is suggested to develop targeted prevention measures,to strengthen health promotion and health education,to enhance rubella vaccine immunization,to formulate rubella immunization strategy for child-bearing age groups as soon as possible so as to prevent the outbreak of rubella.
Cerebrospinal fluid losses through ventricular catheters leading to hyponatremia in two children.

SUMMARYI have presented two cases of patients with hyponatremia due to excessive cerebrospinal fluid losses from ventricular drains. The possibility of such losses exists whether the drain is used to treat hydroccphalus or to monitor intracranial pressure. I find normal saline (sodium concentration
Derivation of the Beta-spline Curve Representation

Like a B-spline [2, 20], a Beta-spline curve or surface is specified by a set of points called control vertices. Although these vertices do not generally lie on the generated curve or surface, their positions completely determine its shape. The vertices for a curve are an ordered sequence and are connected in succession to form a (closed or open) control polygon (Figure 7.1). This sequence of vertices will be denoted $${\text{V = }}\left[ {{\text{V}}_0 ,{\text{V}}_1 , \ldots ,{\text{V}}_m } \right]$$ .
The aging heart.

Pathologic studies of the myocardium and valvular structures have failed to provide convincing evidence of gross or microscopic changes that can be ascribed to aging alone. Lipofuscin accumulation and basophilic degeneration in cardiac muscle cells appear to be the most consistent findings associated with aging, but they are found in other conditions. Without doubt, pathologic changes in the myocardium, valves, and coronary arteries are found more frequently in the hearts of elderly persons, but those changes are caused by disease processes associated with an aging population rather than the aging process itself. Both the sinus and atrioventricular nodes decrease in size with age owing to a loss of cellularity. These structures become infiltrated with collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. Some have found infiltration also with fat. Amyloid deposition, basophilic degeneration of cells, and lipofuscin accumulation occur but probably do not cause functional abnormalities. Similar but less dramatic changes occur in the bundle of His and individual bundle branches. Most of the data suggests that these aging changes are not due to vascular insufficiency. Age-related changes in intrinsic mechanical function have been identified as a prolongation of contraction duration, decreased inotropic responses to catecholamines and cardiac glycosides, and an increase in mechanical refractoriness. Other possible age-related changes include alterations in relaxation, which may or may not be independent of the prolongation of contraction, and changes in the viscoelastic properties of cardiac muscle. When examined in the context of the components of a model of excitation-contraction coupling, changes in action potential duration and the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum emerge as the most likely bases for the changes. The electrical characteristics of sinus, atrioventricular, and His-Purkinje cells as well as atrial and ventricular muscle cells change with age. The sinus rate decreases, as do the escape rates of other automatic cells. The sensitivity and electrical changes produced by cardiac drugs also is affected by aging. Transmembrane electrical aging changes have been attributed to changes in the slow inward current caused by calcium and alterations in potassium conductance as well as other ionic currents. An age-related change in the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum may be contributory. There appear to be age-related changes in both the anatomy and physiology of major arteries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
3D Models for Conformational States of the V3 and V1/V2 Loops in gpl20/CD4/Antibody Complex

The X-ray structure of the ternary complex of an engineered “core” gp120, CD4 and an antibody [1] does not contain the hypervariable V3 and VI/V2 loops (the gp120298–331 and gp120126–196 fragments, respectively). These loops are extremely important in HIV function. We have restored several feasible 3D structures of these loops in gp120 applying a computational approach based on residue-residue contact matrices.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for depression in pregnancy

Perinatal depression is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality and may have long-term consequences on child development. The US Preventive Services Task Force has recently recognized the importance of identifying and treating women with depression in the perinatal period. However, screening and accessing appropriate treatment come with logistical challenges. In many areas, there may not be sufficient access to psychiatric care, and, until these resources develop, the burden may inadvertently fall on obstetricians. As a result, understanding the risks of perinatal depression in comparison with the risks of treatment is important. Many studies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy fail to control for underlying depressive illness, which can lead to misinterpretation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor risk by clinicians. This review discusses the risks and benefits of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment in pregnancy within the context of perinatal depression. Whereas selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be associated with certain risks, the absolute risks are low and may be outweighed by the risks of untreated depression for many women and their offspring.
Measuring Structural Similarities of Graphs in Linear Time

Measuring graph similarities is an important topic with numerous applications. Early algorithms often incur quadratic time or higher, making it unpractical to use for graphs of very large scales. We present in this paper the first-known linear-time algorithm for solving this problem. Our algorithm, called Random Walker Termination (RWT), is based on random walkers and time series. Three major graph models, that is, the Erdős-Renyi random graphs, the Watts-Strogatz small world graphs, and the Barabasi-Albert preferential attachment graphs are used to generate graphs of different sizes. We show that the RWT algorithm performs well for all three graph models. Our experiment results agree with the actual similarities of generated graphs. Built on stochastic process, RWT is sufficiently stable to generate consistent results. We use the graph edge rerouting test and the cross model test to demonstrate that RWT can effectively identify structural similarities between graphs.
Learning Together: A Collaborative Autoethnographic Exploration of STEAM (STEM + the Arts) Education

Background There is a growing interest in STEAM (STEM + the Arts) education as a means to enhance the creativity of STEM students and broaden interest in STEM fields. Many art educators, however, object to the instrumental justification for study in the arts as a way to improve student performance in other areas. Purpose Drawing on the first two authors' engagement in an interdisciplinary design studio, this study develops an expanded view of how STEAM might enrich engineering education in ways that more closely align with the pedagogical commitments of the arts. Design/Method This article is written as a collaborative autoethnography between the first two authors, educators in environmental engineering and art education, respectively. The study is grounded in the educational philosophy of arts advocate Maxine Greene, who views learning as an active, collaborative search for meaning, “wide-awakeness,” and social change. Results Our dialogue reveals the potential for STEAM to provide students and educators with opportunities to explore personally relevant connections between materials, design, society, and the natural environment and to critically engage with implicit and explicit facets of disciplinary identity. Conclusions This view of STEAM simultaneously complements and challenges current conceptions of this emerging educational movement that, almost without exception, are underpinned by calls for competitive economic growth and technological development. We hope future research will build on our perspectives to continue a conversation about STEAM that considers the diverse contributions of, and mutual benefits to, all parties involved.
Low Level Lead Exposures and IQ

The Port Pirie cohort study which began in 1979 at the Department of Community Medicine, University of Adelaide, Australia, has been followed into the primary school age range and examines intelligence at the age of 7 years in relation to lifetime exposure to lead.
Platelet aggregometry cannot identify uremic platelet dysfunction in heart failure patients prior to cardiac surgery.

Background Patients with heart failure often have concomitant renal disease which can result in uremic platelet dysfunction. Determining whether uremia has affected platelets by platelet aggregometry can be challenging in these patients since they are often on antiplatelet medications. This study was undertaken to determine if platelet aggregation studies could identify heart failure patients at risk for uremic bleeding prior to cardiac surgery. Methods Platelet aggregation studies from three groups were studied and compared: 17 heart failure patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, 17 heart failure patients without renal abnormalities and 17 healthy volunteers. Results Platelet aggregation was severely impaired in both heart failure groups with and without renal abnormalities compared to healthy controls, and there were no significant differences in platelet aggregation in response to any of the agonists. There was a pan-decrease in platelet aggregation to all agonists in all heart failure patients. Conclusion Platelet aggregometry does not appear to be useful in measuring platelet dysfunction in heart failure patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.
Online Social Support for Participants of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Groups

ABSTRACTThousands of people affected by or caring for someone affected by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis participate in online social support groups today. The diseases, which are often discussed in conjunction due to being similar in nature, have no cure and yet affect over 1 million people in the United States alone. There is a need for health communication scholarship to examine the nature of the messages in Crohn’s and UC groups, which can lend insight into the unique struggles and psychosocial benefits that members gain from group participation. To develop an in-depth understanding of social support exchanges on these groups, 2000 posts within a 2-year period were randomly selected and content analyzed. Using a taxonomy of social support, several categories and subcategories of social support emerged. Results showed that informational support (41.1%) and emotional support (36.1%) were most frequently exchanged, followed by esteem support (14.3%) and network support (14.2%). Data suggested that...
Targeted Metabolomics of the Phenylpropanoid Pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana using Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Introduction The phenylpropanoid pathway is a source of a diverse group of compounds derived from phenylalanine, many of which are involved in lignin biosynthesis and serve as precursors for the production of valuable compounds, such as coumarins, flavonoids, and lignans. Consequently, recent efforts have been invested in mechanistically understanding monolignol biosynthesis, making the quantification of these metabolites vital. Objective To develop an improved and comprehensive analytical method for (i) extensively profiling, and (ii) accurately quantifiying intermediates of the monolignol biosynthetic network, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. Method A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization was developed to quantify phenylpropanoid metabolites in Arabidopsis wildtype and cinnamoyl CoA reductase1 (CCR1) deficient lines (ccr1). Results Vortexing at high temperatures (65°C) enhanced release of phenylpropanoids, specifically the more hydrophobic compounds. A pH of 5.3 and ammonium acetate buffer concentration of 2.5 mM resulted in an optimal analyte response across standards. Ion suppression was estimated using standard spike recovery studies for accurate quantitation. The optimized method was used to profile Arabidopsis wildtype and ccr1 stems. An increase in hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and a decrease in the hydroxycinnamyl aldehydes and alcohols in ccr1 lines, supports a shift of flux from lignin synthesis to other secondary metabolites and phenylpropanoid derivatives. Conclusions Compared to existing targeted profiling techniques, our method is capable of quantifying a wider range of intermediates (15 out of 22 in WT Arabidopsis stems) at low in vivo concentrations (~50 pmol/g-FW for certain compounds), while requiring minimal sample preparation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery and Range Expansion in a North Central Utah Peregrine Falcon Population

Abstract. Peregrine Falcon numbers in much of the Intermountain West rebounded after a decline during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. However, recent literature regarding the species suggested that little, if any, growth was occurring in populous north central Utah, which once supported a robust Peregrine Falcon population. A concerted reintroduction effort during the 1980s resulted in establishment of nesting pairs of Peregrine Falcons on artificial towers where they were originally released as nestlings, but traditional nesting cliffs generally remained vacant. More recently, numerous Peregrine Falcon pairs have been observed nesting on cliffs both within and adjacent to their historical range in the region. I combined results from recent literature with numbers gleaned during this study to find that 45 Peregrine Falcon nesting territories are documented for the recovery era in north central Utah.
Prevalence and outcome of mutations (mut) in the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway among head and neck cancer (H&N Ca) patients (pts).

6036 Background: Almost all survivors of FA, an inherited DNA repair deficiency syndrome, will develop H&N Ca. Preclinical data in H&N Ca cells harboring FA mut show increased sensitivity to chemo ...
Zbtb7a induction in alveolar macrophages is implicated in anti-HLA–mediated lung allograft rejection

Chronic rejection significantly limits long-term success of solid organ transplantation. De novo donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) to mismatched donor human leukocyte antigen after human lung transplantation predispose lung grafts to chronic rejection. We sought to delineate mediators and mechanisms of DSA pathogenesis and to define early inflammatory events that trigger chronic rejection in lung transplant recipients and obliterative airway disease, a correlate of human chronic rejection, in mouse. Induction of transcription factor zinc finger and BTB domain containing protein 7a (Zbtb7a) was an early response critical in the DSA-induced chronic rejection. A cohort of human lung transplant recipients who developed DSA and chronic rejection demonstrated greater Zbtb7a expression long before clinical diagnosis of chronic rejection compared to nonrejecting lung transplant recipients with stable pulmonary function. Expression of DSA-induced Zbtb7a was restricted to alveolar macrophages (AMs), and selective disruption of Zbtb7a in AMs resulted in less bronchiolar occlusion, low immune responses to lung-restricted self-antigens, and high protection from chronic rejection in mice. Additionally, in an allogeneic cell transfer protocol, antigen presentation by AMs was Zbtb7a-dependent where AMs deficient in Zbtb7a failed to induce antibody and T cell responses. Collectively, we demonstrate that AMs play an essential role in antibody-induced pathogenesis of chronic rejection by regulating early inflammation and lung-restricted humoral and cellular autoimmunity.
Air core loop antenna calibration methods

This paper compares the Helmholtz Coil and Field Loop calibration techniques to calibrate air core loop antennas. Each method computes a calibration factor, which relates voltage on the loop antenna to the magnetic field received by the antenna. Results show reasonable agreement between the two methods.
Association of Resting Heart Rate and Temporal Changes in Heart Rate With Outcomes in Participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Importance Time-updated heart rate (HR) and temporal change in HR (ΔHR) are associated with outcome in individuals with established heart failure (HF). Whether these factors are associated with outcomes in a community-based cohort is unclear. Objective To determine whether the time-updated analysis of resting HR, defined as the most recent HR value measured before occurrence of an event or the end of study, and ΔHR over time are associated with outcomes in a community-based cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants A total of 15 680 participants were enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort study, with HR recorded at baseline and during 3 follow-up visits from 1987 to 1998, with a median interval between visits of 3.0 (interquartile range, 2.9-4.0) years. The ΔHR was calculated by assessing a change in HR from the preceding visit. Participants were followed up until December 31, 2014, equating to 28 years of follow-up. The present study was conducted from March 2014 to June 2016 with updated analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Baseline HR, time-updated HR, and ΔHR associated with outcomes, adjusted for established baseline and time-updated risk factors and medications. The main outcomes measures included all-cause mortality, incident HF, incident myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death. Results Of the 15 680 participants, 8656 (55.2%) were women, mean (SD) age was 54 (6) years, and 4218 (26.9%) were African American. Time-updated HR and ΔHR were associated with death, incident HF, incident myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death compared with baseline HR. For example, a ΔHR from the preceding visit was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.10-1.15; P P Conclusions and Relevance In a community-based cohort, time-updated HR and ΔHR are associated with mortality and nonfatal outcomes of incident HF, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Common replication strategies emerging from the study of diverse groups of positive-strand RNA viruses

Studies using brome mosaic virus (BMV), Sindbis virus and poliovirus have provided evidence that disparate groups of plant and animal positive strand RNA viruses have remarkably similar replication strategies. The conservation of several functional domains within virus- encoded nonstructural proteins implies that, although the precise character of these and interacting host components varies for each virus, they employ similar mechanisms for RNA replication. For (+) strand replication, similarities in cis-acting sequence motifs and RNA secondary structures within 5′ termini of genomic (+) strands have been identified and have been shown to participate in binding of host factors. The model presented for replication of BMV RNA suggests that binding of these factors to internal control region (ICR) sequence motifs in the double- stranded replication intermediate releases a single-stranded 3′ terminus on the (-) strand that may be essential for initiation of genomic (+) strand synthesis. ICR sequences internal to the BMV genome were also found to be required for efficient replication. Asymmetric production of excess genomic (+) over (-) strand RNA, characteristic of all (+) strand viruses, may be accomplished through transition of the replicase from competence for (-) to (+) strand synthesis by the recruitment of additional host factors.
Voices of High School Seniors: Perceptions of National Honor Society Students Regarding Their Cognitive Engagement in High School

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to examine cognitive engagement in high school classrooms from the perspectives of twelve high school seniors who were members of the National Honor Society. No empirical studies have been conducted to explore how students perceive cognitive engagement before and after receiving training in gauging system-wide levels of student engagement, based on the Instructional Practices Inventory (IPI). These seniors participated in two focus groups and individual interviews, utilizing a semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol to elicit responses to questions in order to discover meaning, themes, and patterns in the perceptions of these high school seniors regarding their own and other students’ levels of engagement in high school. Participants were also trained with the IPI training protocol to become IPI data collectors to assess levels of student engagement within high school classrooms, utilizing the IPI, in a rural Iowa, midsize school system. Analysis for this research was completed using the constant comparative model which is a method for analyzing data in order to generate a theory formed from the data and based on inductive reasoning. Findings indicated a general understanding among high school seniors as to how they are and are not cognitively engaged in high school classrooms based on the following six categories: compliance, feedback and encouragement, enjoyment and interest, challenge and rigor, relationships and expectations, and control and choice. Understanding how cognitive engagement is conceptualized and experienced by high school seniors may lead to enhanced learning conditions for them. This research has implications for utilizing student voices, via high school seniors, for articulating a consistent perspective
CONSUMER EDUCATION AS A DEVELOPMENT POLICY TOOL: THE CASE OF CONSERVATION AND RENEWABLES IN JORDAN

ABSTRACT Consumer education can function as a powerful, positive policy tool to help developing country governments meet vital energy planning objectives. As with traditional energy sector policy tools, such as pricing, taxation, and rationing, consumer education can influence the efficiency of energy consumption and the efficacy of energy sector investments. Many industrialized countries have substantial programs to encourage energy consumer education. However, the application of these techniques in the development context is not yet widespread. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has pioneered an innovative energy consumer education program that appears to be successfully promoting the intelligent domestic application of conservation and renewable energy technologies. This paper identifies justifications for and features of an energy consumer education effort in the development context, based on the Jordanian experience.
Attachment to God: A Qualitative Exploration of Emerging Adults’ Spiritual Relationship with God.

This study assessed emerging adults' attachment relationships with parents, peers, and God to explore the sufficiency of the correspondence and compensation models of attachment. We analyzed narrat...
Socioeconomic resources and survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with palliative radiotherapy.

e18082Background: Studies have shown that socioeconomic (SE) disparities contribute to differences in cancer survival, with patients in lower SE classes consistently having poorer survival compared...
The Relationship Between Executive Function Deficits and DSM-5-Defined ADHD Symptoms:

Objectives: To identify the relationship between the core Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) ADHD symptoms and executive function deficits (EFDs), to evaluate ADHD characteristics of those with executive dysfunction (ED), and to examine the predictive utility of the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) in identifying those with adult ADHD and ED. Method: Two samples (referred and primary care practice) were pooled together for present analysis. Results: Final analysis included 297 respondents, 171 with adult ADHD. Spearman correlation coefficients and binary logistic regressions demonstrated that ADHD inattentive (IA) and hyperactive-impulsive (H-I) symptoms were moderately to strongly correlated with and highly predictive of EFDs. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that an AISRS DSM 18-item score of ⩾ 28 was most predictive of clinical ED. Conclusion: ADHD symptoms were strongly correlated with and predictive of EFDs, clinicians should screen adults with ADHD for EFDs and ADHD treatment providers should track EFD improvement in addition to DSM-5 ADHD symptoms.
Racial and Ethnic Trends in Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Philadelphia, PA: an Observational Study

To learn more about local prostate cancer (PCa) disparities, we conducted descriptive analyses of the role of race and age in PCa using the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry data for Philadelphia (2005–2014). We focused on the most prevalent race/ethnic groups: white (33%), black (44%), and Hispanic (9%). Outcomes included PCa rates, tumor stage, and tumor grade. Percent change was used to describe changes in age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates. Frequency tables and logistic regression models were used to describe trends in proportions of advanced PCa by race and time. Race-by-time interaction terms were retained in the models if statistically significant. PCa incidence was highest for black men over time. Incidence rates declined over time for all race groups (− 28% for white men to − 38% for Hispanic men). PCa mortality rates declined in a less universal manner (− 5% for blacks to − 32% for whites). Each year, odds increased across all race groups for advanced tumor stage (4% each year among white and Hispanic men and 9% each year among black men) and for advanced tumor grade (4% each year among white and black men and 23% each year among Hispanic men). Among younger men, black men experienced significantly increased odds of advanced tumor stage each year (8%) and Hispanics experienced significantly increased odds of advanced tumor grade each year (30%). Black men remain at highest PCa risk relative to other racial/ethnic groups in Philadelphia. Younger black and Hispanic men are at particular risk for advanced PCa at diagnosis.
Music-Makers and Reformed Theology

ABSTRACT: If Reformed theology hopes to impact contemporary and future societies as much as possible it will have to harness the unique power of music to influence the world beyond the walls of the Church. In this essay, I want to draw attention to the ways in which Christianity, in general, and Reformed theology, in particular, are criticized through music and what we can do to respond. I will introduce an approach to Christian apologetics, which I call sonic-apologetics that enables our music-makers to defend the faith musically. In the first part of this paper, I will discuss five problems to which sonic-apologetics is an answer. This will anchor the second part of this essay, in which I construct sonic-apologetics from three notions: (1) methodological emphasis on effects, (2) genres of expression, and (3) the distinction between linear and angled apologetic responses. In the final part of this essay, I present two different study cases of sonic-apologetics. Nothing about what I will discuss regarding sonic-apologetics changing existing liturgical norms of Christian churches, especially Reformed ones. It does, however, call for those producing and performing music in these churches to direct their music-making interests and abilities toward the world outside the church walls. KEYWORDS: reformed theology, music, sonic-apologetics.
Timing of Intervention for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Patients with new onset unilateral vocal fold paralysis are often told to wait 12 months for spontaneous recovery. This wait-and-see approach is outdated in the age of in-office vocal fold injections, readily available short-acting injectable materials, and new data on the natural time course of recoverable vocal fold paralysis. This chapter incorporates up-to-date clinical and research evidence to update the traditional 12-month rule. A triad of factors in deciding the timing of intervention are discussed: the functional status of the patient, the prognosis of eventual recovery, and the time from the onset of vocal symptom. In addition, a presumed causal effect of early vocal fold injection augmentation on improving the final functional outcome is critically examined. The goal of the chapter is to impart the reader with the necessary tools and knowledge to conduct an informed discussion with the patient with unilateral vocal fold paralysis in shared decision-making on the timing of temporary or permanent intervention.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Promotes Leukemogenesis

Abstract 1395 We have previously shown that constitutive activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 protein is associated with worse outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To clarify the role of STAT3 signaling in AML leukemogenesis, STAT3 shRNAmirs were introduced into the AML cell line HEL that carries the Janus kinase 2 with V617F mutation leading to constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of STAT3 and STAT5. Clonal line of HEL cells expressing STAT3 shRNAmir or control shRNA were generated and then transduced with a lentiviral virus harboring a constitutively expressed firefly luciferase gene. Engraftment of these cells was evaluated in a disseminated xenograft non-obese diabetic severe immunocompromised mouse model. When tested in vitro, HEL STAT3 knock-down (HEL-STAT3KD) cells showed normal STAT5 expression and activity but had lower proliferation rates than control cells, PKC-bII and Pim1 were down-regulated, and activation of ERK1/2 was increased. Trans-signaling by hyper-IL-6 enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation proportional to STAT3 level. In vivo imaging of luciferase activity demonstrated significant delay in engraftment of STAT3KD cells compared with controls (Figure). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that STAT3 knockdown delays leukemia cell engraftment, that STAT3 signaling is crucial for AML leukemogenesis and should promote STAT3-tailored therapeutic targeting. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Developing and Validating a Capacity Instrument for Chinese and U.S. NGOs

Capacity-building initiatives are popular among nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. In response to a lack of valid and reliable capacity measures for NGOs working on various social issu...
A Rad51-Independent P{-}ath{-}way Promotes Single-Strand Template Repair in Gene Editing

The Rad51/RecA family of recombinases perform a critical function in typical repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs): strand invasion of a resected DSB end into a homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) template sequence to facilitate repair. However, repair of a DSB using single stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a template, a common method of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, is Rad51-independent. We have analyzed the genetic requirements for these Rad51-independent events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in two different assays. Gene editing events were carried out either by creating a DSB with the site-specific HO endonuclease and repairing the DSB with 80-nt single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODNs) or by using a bacterial retron system that produces ssDNA templates in vivo in combination with DSBs created by Cas9. We show that single strand template repair (SSTR), is dependent on Rad52, Rad59, Srs2 and the Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 (MRX) complex, but not Rad51, Rad54 or Rad55. Srs2 acts to prevent overloading of Rad51 on the ssDNA filament, whereas Rad59 appears to alleviate the inhibition of Rad51 on Rad52s strand annealing activity; thus, deletion of RAD51 suppresses both the srs2{Delta} and rad59{Delta} phenotypes. This same suppression by rad51{Delta} of rad59{Delta} is found in another DSB repair pathway, single strand annealing (SSA). In contrast, gene targeting using an 80-bp dsDNA template of the same sequence is Rad51-dependent. We also examined SSTR events in which the ssODN carried several mismatches. In the absence of the mismatch repair protein, Msh2, we found that the fate of mismatches carried on the ssDNA template are very different at the 3 end, which can anneal directly to the resected DSB end, compared to the 5 end. We also find that DNA polymerase Pol{delta}s 3 to 5 proofreading activity frequently excises a mismatch close to the 3 end of the template, similar to its removal of heterologies close to the 3 invading end of the DSB. We further report that SSTR is accompanied by a 600-fold increase in mutations in a region adjacent to the sequences directly undergoing repair. These DNA polymerase {zeta}-dependent mutations may compromise the accuracy of gene editing.