cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug interactions with fibric acids

Fibric acid derivatives may interact with other drugs and the interactions can be of clinical relevance. The pharmacological properties and effects of these drugs which pertain to their potential for drug interactions, are: (a) a very high binding affinity to plasma proteins, especially albumin; (b) the changes produced in vitamin K kinetics; (c) endoplasmic reticulum hyperplasia; (d) induction of cytochrome P450; (e) changes in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes; (f) their capability to have a direct effect on carbohydrate metabolism and/or regulation; and (g) potential pharmacokinetic interactions with antidiabetic drugs. Other types of interactions may affect the safety and/or the therapeutic efficacy of fibrates. These interactions are not necessarily risky, but may be important in the long term. Other clinically relevant interactions with less commonly used drugs have been described. Fibrates will continue to be used because they have proved to be safe and effective in correcting many types of dyslipidemia by reducing serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides and by increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, they have been proven to decrease morbidity and morality from coronary heart disease. Therefore, awareness of their potential drug interactions is most relevant to their safe clinical therapeutic use.
Comparison of the Fourth Edition and the L-M Edition of the Stanford-Binet Used with Mentally Retarded Persons.

Abstract The Stanford-Binet, Fourth Edition, was administered to 31 mentally retarded adolescents who had previously been tested with the Stanford-Binet, L-M. The mean interval between testings was 17.3 months. An interest correlation of .86 and a median IQ change of 3 points in either direction resulted. The compatability of scores between the two tests supports use of the Stanford-Binet, Fourth Edition, with mentally retarded subjects.
Superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B-induced T-helper cell activation is independent of CD4 molecules and phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis

Abstract The role of the CD4 molecule in activation of T-helper cells was examined by investigating the effect of an anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (Leu3a) in conventional peptide antigen-specific cloned T-helper cells that are also reactive to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). These T-helper cell clones are CD4+/CD45RO+/T-cell antigen receptor beta-chain variable region 12-positive and can respond to nominal peptide antigens and SEB by proliferation in the presence of class II major histocompatibility complex-expressing accessory cells. Although antigen and SEB were comparable in their ability to induce proliferative responses, interleukin 2 (IL-2) production, and IL-2 receptor alpha-chain expression, stimulation with SEB failed to trigger phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis or a rise in the intracellular free calcium ion concentration. Leu3a treatment inhibited antigen-induced proliferative responses of T cells with concomitant suppression of IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor expression. In contrast, SEB-induced responses were unaffected by Leu3a. These findings indicate that the functional consequences of binding (ligation) of conventional antigen and of superantigen with the T-cell receptor are distinct in the context of both signal transduction pathways and participation of CD4 molecules.
QueryViz: helping users understand SQL queries and their patterns

We present QueryViz, a novel visualization tool for SQL queries that reduces the time needed to read and understand existing queries. It targets two principal audiences: (i) users who often issue the same or similar queries and who need to quickly browse through a repository of existing queries; and (ii) novices that try to familiarize themselves with the logic behind alternative patterns of SQL queries. QueryViz uses as input only two strings: the database schema and the SQL query. It can thus serve as light-weight add-on to existing database systems and is also available via an online interface at http://queryviz.com.In this demonstration, we explain our visual alphabet, walk through the visualization algorithm, and let users experience the difference in understanding SQL queries from text or our graphical representation while browsing through repositories of well-known textbook SQL queries.
DNA methylation affects meiotic trans-sensing, not meiotic silencing, in Neurospora.

During the early stages of meiosis in Neurospora, the symmetry of homologous chromosomal regions is carefully evaluated by actively trans-sensing their identity. If a DNA region cannot be detected on the opposite homologous chromosome, then this lack of “sensing” activates meiotic silencing, a post-transcriptional gene silencing-like mechanism that silences all genes in the genome with homology to the loop of unpaired DNA, whether they are paired or unpaired. In this work, we genetically dissected the meiotic trans-sensing step from meiotic silencing by demonstrating that DNA methylation affects sensing without interfering with silencing. We also determined that DNA sequence is an important parameter considered during meiotic trans-sensing. Altogether, these observations assign a previously undescribed role for DNA methylation in meiosis and, on the basis of studies in other systems, we speculate the existence of an intimate connection among meiotic trans-sensing, meiotic silencing, and meiotic recombination.
Aided Inertial LAnd NAvigation system (ILANA) with a minimum set of inertial sensors

This article summarises the activities of Honeywell Sondertechnik in Maintal Germany in the development and prototyping of a new low cost land navigation system (ILANA) with a minimum amount of inertial sensors. The system utilises one GG1308 ring-laser-gyro, two vibrating beam accelerometers RBA500 and a hodometer. To aid the system, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and the possibility for manual position fixes have been incorporated. System evaluation featured the Standard-Positioning-Service (SPS) and the Precise-Positioning-Service (PPS) of GPS. This effort has been conducted by Honeywell Sondertechnik in the time span 1992-1993. It highlights the important technical aspects and presents major test results. >
Self-reported violence-related outcomes for adolescents within eight weeks of emergency department treatment for assault injury.

Abstract Purpose To estimate, using a novel interactive voice response (IVR) survey, the incidence of self-reported violence-related experiences of adolescent assault-injured patients in the weeks after discharge from the emergency department (ED). Methods In an urban ED, a prospective cohort study with 8-week follow-up IVR survey either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly after discharge was conducted with patients aged 12–19 years presenting with assault-related injuries. Survival analysis methods were used to estimate cumulative risks of self-reported violence experienced within 4 and 8 weeks. Results A total of 95 patients were enrolled; 42 (44.2%) reported to the IVR survey. As a result of the ED index event, an estimated 18.2% (confidence interval [CI] = 9.1%–34.6%) reported being assaulted (no weapon), 2.9% (CI = .4%–19.1%) had been shot or stabbed, 20.7% (CI = 10.9%–37.3%) had assaulted someone else (no weapon), and 2.9% (CI = .4%–19.1%) shot or stabbed someone else. Additionally, 54.6% (CI = 39.6%–70.9%) had avoided going certain places, 47.0% (CI = 32.5%–64.1%) considered retaliating, 38.1% (CI = 24.3%–56.3%) had been threatened, and 27.0% (CI = 15.4%–44.6%) had carried a weapon. Most outcome occurrences happened within 4 weeks. There was evidence that intent to retaliate when asked at baseline was associated with an elevated risk of several outcomes. Conclusions The risk for subsequent violence among assault-injured adolescent ED patients appears high within weeks of discharge.
Time: In full measure

Cosmochronology, geochronology, and the neutrino crisis were the component parts of a symposium at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge on April 13, 1978. The meeting was sponsored by the College of Engineering in conjunction with the departments of Geology and Physics, and its purpose was to examine current knowledge in the determination of time, from the cosmic scale to the microscopic. The College of Engineering, surely an unusual sponsor of a program of this type, was interested in the methods of establishing the age of geologic formations as part of solving the engineering problems of providing permanent containment of radioactive and other noxious, nonradioactive wastes and in determining the long-term stability of formations underlying dam sites or potential nuclearfueled steam-electric generating plants. One of the surprises of the meeting was that each speaker was unaware of any conceptual or observational discrepancies in any area other than his own.
Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing

Summary Jane Waldfogel, Terry-Ann Craigie, and Jeanne Brooks-Gunn review recent studies that use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) to examine why children who grow up in single-mother and cohabiting families fare worse than children born into married-couple households. They also present findings from their own new research. Analysts have investigated five key pathways through which family structure might influence child well-being: parental resources, parental mental health, parental relationship quality, parenting quality, and father involvement. It is also important to consider the role of the selection of different types of men and women into different family types, as well as family stability. But analysts remain uncertain how each of these elements shapes children’s outcomes. In addition to providing an overview of findings from other studies using FFCWS, Waldfogel, Craigie, and Brooks-Gunn report their own estimates of the effect of a consistently defined set of family structure and stability categories on cognitive, behavioral, and health outcomes of children in the FFCWS study at age five. The authors find that the links between fragile families and child outcomes are not uniform. Family instability, for example, seems to matter more than family structure for cognitive and health outcomes, whereas growing up with a single mother (whether that family structure is stable or unstable over time) seems to matter more than instability for behavior problems. Overall, their results are consistent with other research findings that children raised by stable single or cohabiting parents are at less risk than those raised by unstable single or cohabiting parents.
Mindfulness starts with the body: somatosensory attention and top-down modulation of cortical alpha rhythms in mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) use a common set of exercises to reduce distress in chronic pain and decrease risk of depression relapse. These standardized mindfulness (ST-Mindfulness) practices predominantly require attending to breath and body sensations. Here, we offer a novel view of ST-Mindfulness’s somatic focus as a form of training for optimizing attentional modulation of 7-14 Hz alpha rhythms that play a key role in filtering inputs to primary sensory neocortex and organizing the flow of sensory information. In support of the framework, we describe our previous finding (Kerr et al, 2011) that ST-Mindfulness enhanced attentional regulation of alpha in primary somatosensory cortex (SI). The framework allows us to make several predictions. In chronic pain, we predict somatic attention in ST-Mindfulness “de-biases” alpha in SI, freeing up pain-focused attentional resources. In depression relapse, we predict ST-Mindfulness’s somatic attention competes with internally focused rumination, as internally focused cognitive processes (e.g., working and short term memory) rely on alpha filtering of sensory input. Our computational model (Jones et al, 2009) predicts ST-Mindfulness enhances top-down modulation of alpha by facilitating precise alterations in timing and efficacy of SI thalamocortical inputs. We conclude by considering how the proposed framework aligns with Buddhist teachings that mindfulness starts with “mindfulness of the body.” Translating this theory into neurophysiology, we hypothesize that with its somatic focus, mindfulness’ top-down alpha rhythm modulation in SI enhances gain control which, in turn, sensitizes practitioners to better detect and regulate when the mind wanders from its somatic focus. This enhanced regulation of somatic mind-wandering may be an early stage of mindfulness training, leading to cognitive regulation and metacognition.
Manganese concentration in lobster (Homarus americanus) gills as an index of exposure to reducing conditions in western Long Island Sound

Abstract We examined the accumulation of manganese (Mn) in gill tissues of chemically naive lobsters held in situ at six sites in Long Island Sound (LIS) for up to six weeks to evaluate the possible contribution of eutrophication-driven habitat quality factors to the 1999 mass mortality of American lobsters (Homarus americanus). These western LIS lobster habitats experience seasonal hypoxia, which results in redox-mobilized Mn being transferred to and deposited on the tissues of the lobsters. Manganese accumulated in gill tissue of lobsters throughout the study, but rates were highest at western and southern LIS sites, ranging from 3.4–0.8 μ g/g/d (~16 μg/g initial). The Baden-Eriksson observation that Mn accumulation in Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus) is associated with ecosystem hypoxia is confirmed and extended to H. americanus. It seems likely that, after accounting for molting frequency, certain critical values may be applied to other lobster habitats of the NE US shelf. If a high proportion of...
Nitrogen additions and microbial biomass: a meta-analysis of ecosystem studies

Nitrogen (N) enrichment is an element of global change that could influence the growth and abundance of many organisms. In this meta-analysis, I synthesized responses of microbial biomass to N additions in 82 published field studies. I hypothesized that the biomass of fungi, bacteria or the microbial community as a whole would be altered under N additions. I also predicted that changes in biomass would parallel changes in soil CO2 emissions. Microbial biomass declined 15% on average under N fertilization, but fungi and bacteria were not significantly altered in studies that examined each group separately. Moreover, declines in abundance of microbes and fungi were more evident in studies of longer durations and with higher total amounts of N added. In addition, responses of microbial biomass to N fertilization were significantly correlated with responses of soil CO2 emissions. There were no significant effects of biomes, fertilizer types, ambient N deposition rates or methods of measuring biomass. Altogether, these results suggest that N enrichment could reduce microbial biomass in many ecosystems, with corresponding declines in soil CO2 emissions.
Palliative balloon valvoplasty of the pulmonary valve in tetralogy of Fallot

Balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve was performed in 54 patients with tetralogy of Fallot with severe cyanosis, high haematocrit and severe valvar pulmonary stenosis. Clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic, and haemodynamic data were analyzed before and after the procedure. After balloon dilation, the systemic oxygen saturation increased from a mean value of 66% to 85%. The mean value of the haematocrit before dilation was 55 + 13, and decreased to 47 after dilation (p < 0.002) in 2 months follow-up. Balloon dilation increased the size of the pulmonary valvar orifice from a mean value of 9 + 5 mm to 11.5 + 2 mm (p < 0.005). The mean Z score of the pulmonary valves, which was -3 + 1.3 before dilation, increased to -1.1 + 1.1 immediately after the procedure (p < 0.05). The size of the right and left pulmonary arteries increased after dilation from 9 mm to 10 mm, and from 8.7 + 2.4 mm to 9.8 + 2.3 mm, respectively (p < 0.05). The comparable mean Z scores increased from -2.8 + 1.9 SD to -1.8 + 1.4 SD, and from -2.4 + 1.9 SD to -1.5 + 1.6 SD for the right and left branches, respectively (p < 0.05). In patients with stenosis at the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk and hypoplasia of the left artery, successful dilation of the pulmonary valve lead to an increase of flow and improvement in size of the hypoplastic segment. In conclusion, initial balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve in tetralogy of Fallot resulted in increase of the Z score for the pulmonary valve and improved antegrade pulmonary blood flow, inducing growth of the pulmonary arteries and ameliorating the anatomic and physiologic preoperative condition.
Dynamics of aluminum combustion

A study has been performed modeling both steady and unsteady combustion of aluminum. Law's steadystate aluminum combustion model has been expanded to include the effects of multiple oxidizers and their products, oxide accumulation on the surface of the burning aluminum particle, and convection. Both transport and thermodynamic properties are calculated internally for varying temperatures, relaxing the normal assumption of unity Lewis number. The aluminum combustion model has been compared to experimental data from burners, laser-ignited particles, and propellant under a variety of conditions, showing a reasonable degree of agreement. Calculations with the model show that O2 is a stronger oxidizer than H2O, which in turn is stronger than CO2. The aluminum combustion model was incorporated into a computer model for predicting acoustic effects in a Rijke burner. Calculations have shown that a significant part of the increase in acousticgrowth due to the addition of aluminum is due strictly to the change in the gas temperature profile. The change in temperature profile apparently causes the location of the velocity antinode to shift relative to the Rijke burner flame and thereby cause an increase in the flame response. The acoustic model agrees reasonably well with available acoustic growth rates for data where aluminum particles have been added to a propane Rijke burner. Nomenclature ak = sum of the mole fractions of the oxidizers in Eq. (1) Cp = heat capacity, J/kg D = diffusivity, irr/s d = particle diameter, m F = ratio of total mass flux to mass flux aluminum H = total flux of energy in aluminum combustion model, W/m2; heat of reaction, J/mol j = mass flux due to diffusion, kg/m2/s k =. arbitrary constant in Eq. (1) M = nondimensional mass flux used in Law's aluminum combustion model /?2 = mass flux, kg/m2/s Nu = Nusselt number p = pressure, N/m2 Qr = heat production due to a reaction, W/m3; heat caused by radiation, W/m2 <92 = enthalpy in the region from the flame to infinity q = heat flux, W/m2 Re = Reynolds number r = radial distance, m; reaction rate, kg/mVs T = temperature, K t = time, s v — velocity, m/s; volume, m3 \v = transport property weighting factor A- = mole fraction 77 = fraction of vaporized oxide that moves toward the particle surface 0 = fraction of metal oxide that vaporizes at the flame A = fraction of metal that reacts with the particular oxidizing species v = stoichiometric mass ratio of oxide or oxidizer to metal f = fraction of condensed products with move inward or outward p = density, kg/m3 T = characteristic time lag, s
Mars Observer's Global Mapping Mission

The Mars Observer mission, scheduled for launch in September 1992, will provide an orbital platform at Mars from which the entire Martian surface and atmosphere will be observed beginning in late 1993. Mars Observer will extend the exploration and characterization of Mars by providing new and systematic measurements of the surface and atmosphere of the planet. These measurements will be made from a low-altitude polar orbiter over a period of one Martian year (687 Earth days), permitting repetitive observations of the surface and of the seasonal variations of the atmosphere. The mission is being designed in a manner that will provide new and valuable scientific data at a significant reduction in cost and operational complexity.
Femoroacetabular impingement: Avoiding arthroplasty

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is caused by structural alterations of the hip joint and can lead to abnormal stresses to the cartilage and labrum. FAI can cause pain and early osteoarthritis. Diagnosis of FAI is based on specific clinical and radiographic features. While the efficacy of nonoperative treatment of FAI is unknown, various operative treatments, including surgical hip dislocation, anteversion periacetabular osteotomy, and hip arthroscopy, have shown successful outcomes.
Analysing Dutch dairy farmer behaviour towards the provision of public goods: The added value of an economic simulation experiment

The objective of this paper is to examine the value of experiments for assessing the impact of the proposed Common Agricultural Policy of 2013 on farm income and farming strategies. We focus specifically on the impact of an alternative direct payment system based on a flat rate and green payments. We show the added value of an economic simulation experiment to existing economic micro- and sector modeling analysis when analyzing farmer behavior. It is shown that the suitability of and rewards for the provision of green services play a significant role in their uptake by farmers and the support for them. These results are useful in implementing a revised direct payments system in the Netherlands for the future.
Probing the structure of HPD by fluorescence spectroscopy.

— Fluorescence emission spectra indicate that oligomers containing both hematoporphyrin and its dehydration products (vinyl porphyrins) comprise the tumor-localizing fraction of HPD. In the relatively polar solvent methanol, the vinyl porphyrins exhibit reduced fluorescence yields while the hematoporphyrin residues are relatively resistant to fluorescence quenching by Fe+3. In the less polar solvent tetrahydrofuran, fluorescence from oligomeric vinyl porphyrins was enhanced, and Fe+3-induced quenching of oligomeric hematoporphyrin promoted. These, together with other studies in biological systems, suggest a substantial degree of interaction among the porphyrin units contained in these oligomers, as a function of the polarity of the environment.
Dissociation Quotient of Benzoic Acid in Aqueous Sodium Chloride Media to 250°C

The dissociation quotient of benzoic acid was determined potentiometrically in a concentration cell fitted with hydrogen electrodes. The hydrogen ion molality of benzoic acid/benzoate solutions was measured relative to a standard aqueous HCl solution at seven temperatures from 5 to 250°C and at seven ionic strengths ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 molal (NaCl). The molal dissociation quotients and selected literature data were fitted in the isocoulombic (all anionic) form by a six-term equation. This treatment yielded the following thermodynamic quantities for the acid dissociation equilibrium at 25°C and 1 bar: logKa=−4.206±0.006, ΔH a o =0.3±0.3 kJ-mol−1, ΔS a o =−79.6±1.0 J-mol−1-K−1, and ΔC p;a o =−207±5 J-mol−1-K−1. A five-term equation derived to describe the dependence of the dissociation constant on solvent density is accurate to 250°C and 200 MPa.
LifeSource: two CVS visualizations

We present LifeSource, two visualizations of CVS code repositories, one file-centric and one author-centric. CodeConnections, the file-centric visualization, pulls out the overall structure of a large body of interacting code and authors. CodeConnections scales well and reveals large trends in the code base at a glance. CodeSaw, the author-centric visualization, compares authors' code and project mail contributions over the course of one year. CodeSaw reveals trends in authors' lives, exposing peaks and valleys of productivity. Both visualizations uncover deep details about the life of a code project to developers and onlookers.
Critical Component Requirements for Vapor Phase Soldering Leadless Components on Circuit Board Assemblies for Military Electronics

Leadless components have an established assembly technology and a good history of reliable performance in hybrid applications. However, their attachment to printed circuit boards with vapor phase soldering is a relatively recent technology. Some critical component requirements are discussed which are necessary to ensure cost effective processing yields and reliable field performance. New specification requirements are proposed for leadless component terminations, for solderability of printed circuit board pads and component terminations, and for limits on precious metal dissolution into solder joints.
From Passow to Gardner: Curriculum for Talent Development

As one of the early pioneers in gifted education, A. Harry Passow was a strong advocate for curricula that considered the total learning environment as a means of nurturing students' individual gifts and talents. His classic description of four curricula (general, specialized, covert, and nonschool educative) that impact gifted learners is relevant in schools where gifted students may spend the majority of their day in a general education classroom. This article illustrates how Harry Passow's views on curriculum and talent development are similar to those of Howard Gardner and how the author has used both theorists' views to develop a student-centered curriculum planning model. The model has been field-tested in general education classrooms and shows promise for creating a stimulating learning environment to nurture students' talents.
UNIX Guardians: active user intervention in data protection

The GUARDNIX system is tailored for user participation in the protection of data. The system, an enhanced 4.2 BSD Unix, utilizes a special class of processes called Guardians to change normally passive files into active objects. Multiple processors are used to physically separate normal processes from the main operating system kernel. Data is provided additional protection by using cryptography. The file directory tree is partitioned, with the subtrees attached to Guardians. GUARDNIX reduces the need for roots and does not allow root processes during normal operations. >
A Novel Parachute Canopy Geometry for Airdrop Applications

Based upon past work on bluff bodies, it is hypothesized that parachute canopies with rectangular parallelepiped constructed geometries may have significantly greater drag coefficients than current circular designs. A series of wind tunnel tests were conducted in which model parachute canopies with rectangular parallelepiped geometries, i.e. a cross parachute with the sides attached together, were examined. All models had a lateral dimension of 0.2 m, and aspect ratios ranged from 0.2 to 1.2. The Reynolds number, based on the model dimension and the freestream velocity, spanned the range of 20 to 190 thousands. The models did not have a central vent, or any other geometric porosity. A line passing through the center of models prevented any off-axis motions. The data indicate that the drag coefficient has a maximum value of approximately one for the constructed aspect ratios of 0.4 and 0.6. The drag coefficient is less for smaller and larger aspect ratio models. The inflated aspect ratio for the two models with the largest drag coefficient is in the range of 0.55 – 0.66. The maximum drag coefficient is 45% larger than a similarly sized flat, circular canopy. These findings are consistent with the data on rigid bluff bodies.
Approach to a Bleeding Patient

A good history, a critical component of the evaluation, will direct the type and extent of testing that follows. In fact, the best predictor of bleeding is a bleeding history. It is important to ask whether bleeding has been a lifelong or more recent problem and whether there is a family history of abnormal bleeding. A history of iron-deficiency anemia or blood transfusions will strengthen the suspicion of a bleeding disorder. Menorrhagia is a valuable predictor of a bleeding disorder in women.1 Although bruising is often difficult to evaluate, it is helpful to ask patients to estimate the size of their largest bruise and whether bruising is spontaneous or provoked. It is also important to inquire about exposures to hemostatic challenges such as surgery, dental extractions, or trauma. Two general patterns of bleeding symptoms are useful in distinguishing disorders of platelet plug formation and coagulation defects. Platelet-related bleeding is primarily cutaneous and mucosal and usually occurs immediately after an injury or trauma. In contrast, coagulation defects classically present with deep tissue or joint bleeding, and bleeding is more likely to be delayed or recurrent.
Gene expression and development of early pig embryos produced by serial nuclear transfer

During nuclear transfer, reprogramming makes the donor nucleus capable of directing development of the reconstructed embryo. In most cases reprogramming is incomplete, which leads to abnormal expression of early embryonic genes and subsequently, to reduced developmental potential. In the present study, we monitored the expression of Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2 in cloned porcine embryos and evaluated whether serial nuclear transfer, the transfer of nuclei of cloned embryos into enucleated oocytes, has the potential to provide a more complete reprogramming of the donor genome. The data suggested that Nanog and Sox2 expression is properly reactivated after nuclear transfer, but the relative abundance of Oct4 transcripts is abnormally low in cloned porcine blastocysts compared to control embryos produced by in vitro fertilization. When the nuclei of 8- to 16-cell stage cloned embryos were introduced into enucleated oocytes to expose the chromosomes repeatedly to the ooplasmic factors, the resulting embryos showed poor developmental potential: a significantly lower percentage of embryos developed to the 4-cell (12.0% vs. 31.8%), 8-cell (3.1% vs. 15.0%) and blastocyst (0% vs. 8.7%) stages compared to those produced following a single round of nuclear transfer (P < 0.05). The additional time for reprogramming also did not improve gene expression. By the late 4-cell stage, Oct4 and Sox2 expression levels were low in serial nuclear transfer embryos compared to those in embryos generated by in vitro fertilization or nuclear transfer. Overall, both developmental and gene expression data indicated that reprogramming of the donor nucleus could not be improved by serial nuclear transfer in the pig.
Multi-source Information Trustworthiness Analysis

Nowadays, a vast ocean of data from different sources is collected, and numerous applications call for the extraction of actionable insights from multi-source data. One important task is to detect untrustworthy information because such information usually indicates critical, unusual, or suspicious activities. The limitation of existing approaches is that they focus on one single source or ignore temporal information. To tackle the challenge brought by dynamic multi-source data, in this dissertation, we propose a multi-source information trustworthiness analysis framework. We represent the data as high-dimensional tensors and then apply joint tensor factorization techniques to find the common subspace across multiple sources, based on which untrustworthy information is detected. In the future, we will consider unique characteristics of various application domains and develop effective trustworthiness analysis approaches for these applications. We will also develop approaches to speed up the framework for processing large-scale data based on parallel tucker decomposition or low rank representation.
Matrix Representation of the Crack-Enhanced Creep of Ceramics under Conditions of Multi-Axial Loading

A matrix representation was developed for the effect of dilute concentrations of microcracks on the rate of linear creep of an isotropic material subjected to tensile or shear loading, in the absence of frictional effects between the crack faces. For the penny-shaped cracks. the linear viscoelastic response was obtained from the corresponding expressions for the effect of cracks on elastic moduli. It was found Chat parallel cracks introduce anisotropic creep behavior. It was also shown that due to the presence of the cracks, specimen volume is no longer preserved. Even under conditions of a uniform triaxial tensile stress state, microcracked materials should exhibit a finite creep rate, in contrast to a zero creep rate for a crack-free solid.
Rep. Bean's 'Safer Net Act': An Education-Based Approach to Online Child Safety

Recent legislative efforts to address online child safety concerns seek to regulate websites or restrict online content. Education, not increased governmental regulation, is the most effective method of ensuring online child safety. Educational efforts that teach children to safely navigate online are likely to be more effective than content controls and blocking technology. Educational efforts would also not raise constitutional concerns regarding the First Amendment. When crafting online child safety public awareness and educational campaigns policymakers should consider other successful federal educational initiatives, such as the Smokey the Bear forest fire prevention campaign. Policymakers should also recognize successful online child safety tools and programs established by various private groups and industry initiatives.
The Fruit-Disease Survey

Encouraged by the success of the field meeting on Long Island in I9I9 for the study of potato diseases, the American Phytopathological Society decided to hold a similar meeting in I920 for the study of fruit diseases. The region selected was the Great Valley, extending from Staunton, Virginia, northward into Pennsylvania, one of the richest and best known fruit-growing districts in the United States; and the time was the first week in August, which proved to be a most fortunate selection because of the perfect weather. Early Monday, August 2, phytopathologists began to arrive at Staunton from all parts of the country, as well as from several foreign countries, until about 75 had assembled; the attendance being further augmented by horticulturists, entomologists, and other specialists. The mornings and afternoons were devoted to inspection work and the evenings to informal discussions of the fungi causing the diseases observed and the various methods of control. No better method could be devised for meeting the problems which pathologists have to face, and, in my opinion, the meeting under discussion was the greatest in the history of plant pathology. I have prepared a popular account of this survey for the Garden Journal; and Dr. G. R. Lyman, who was mainly responsible for its success, has published a brief report on it in the November number of Phytopathology. The following paragraph is taken from his report. August 3 was devoted to a tour of the Staunton-Harrisonburg district in Virginia, and included the inspection of interesting demonstrations of apple root-rot and cedar rust, and comparative dusting and spraying experiments for control of various apple
Clostridium sordellii Lethal-Toxin Autoprocessing and Membrane Localization Activities Drive GTPase Glucosylation Profiles in Endothelial Cells

ABSTRACT Clostridium sordellii infections cause gangrene and edema in humans and gastrointestinal infections in livestock. One of the principle virulence factors is TcsL, a large protein toxin which glucosylates host GTPases to cause cytopathic and cytotoxic effects. TcsL has two enzymatic domains, an N-terminal glucosyltransferase domain (GTD) and an autoprocessing domain responsible for release of the GTD within the cell. The GTD can then use its N-terminal membrane localization domain (MLD) for orientation on membranes and modification of GTPases. This study describes the use of conditionally immortalized murine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells as a model for the study of TcsL functional activities. Point mutations that disrupt the glucosyltransferase, autoprocessing, or membrane localization activities were introduced into a recombinant version of TcsL, and the activities of these mutants were compared to those of wild-type toxin. We observed that all mutants are defective or impaired in cytotoxicity but differ in their modification of Rac1 and Ras. The data suggest a model where differences in GTPase localization dictate cellular responses to intoxication and highlight the importance of autoprocessing in the function of TcsL. IMPORTANCEClostridium sordellii is a bacterium that can infect humans and cause serious disease and death. The principle virulence factor associated with clinical symptoms is a large protein toxin known as lethal toxin. The mechanism of lethal-toxin intoxication is assumed to be similar to that of the homologous toxins from C. difficile, but very few studies have been done in the context of endothelial cells, a relevant target in C. sordellii infections. This study was designed to test the role of the lethal-toxin enzymatic activities and membrane localization in endothelial cell toxicity and host substrate modification.
Abstract 13: Advance Directives in Heart Failure Patients

Background: Heart failure (HF) has an overall poor prognosis, with only half of patients surviving more than 5 years after diagnosis. Although it is recommended that all patients with HF have advance directives (ADs) in place before the end of life is imminent, the use of ADs in these patients has not been well studied. Methods: We prospectively enrolled all Olmsted County residents presenting with active HF from October 2007 through October 2011 into a longitudinal community cohort study which included an echocardiogram and administration of health status questionnaires at enrollment. Information from ADs completed prior to enrollment was manually abstracted from the patient’s medical record. Results: A total of 608 patients were enrolled during the study period (mean age 74.0 years, 54.9% male, 49.9% with preserved EF [EF≥50%], 65.3% NYHA functional class 3 or 4). Mortality was high; 164 (27.0%) patients died after a mean follow-up of 1.8 years with estimated 1-year mortality of 14.3%. At the time of enrollment, only 249 (41.0%) patients had ADs, and they were completed an average of 3.3 years prior. Although most ADs appointed a proxy decision-maker (91.1%), less than half addressed patient wishes regarding use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (41.4%), mechanical ventilation (38.7%), administration of artificial nutrition (38.6%), or hemodialysis (10.0%) at the end of life. AD use was more common in older individuals (p<0.001); 60.7% of those ≥80 years had an AD vs. 13.6% of those who were <60 years old. While ADs were more common in women than men (46.7% vs. 36.2%, respectively) and in those with preserved EF (47.2% vs. 34.0% in those with reduced EF), differences were not significant after adjustment for age. AD use was no more common in patients with worse NYHA functional class or health status as measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Conclusions: Despite a high mortality rate, over half of community patients with HF do not have ADs, and existing AD fail to address important medical decisions common at the end of life. Further work is needed to identify potential barriers to AD use in HF patients, and to determine whether their use has any impact on patient outcomes, including end of life resource utilization.
Does Stress-Related Growth Really Matter for Adolescents’ Day-to-Day Adaptive Functioning?:

Adolescent stress-related growth refers to enhancement in an adolescent’s cognitive-affective or social resources as a result of experiencing stressors. We tested whether adolescents reporting high...
Xanthine Calculi in the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Abstract Urinary tract calculi composed primarily of xanthine are rare in adults and children. However, there is risk of xanthine calculi formation in children with hereditary xanthinuria and children on xanthine oxidase inhibitor therapy for hyperuricemia. We describe the clinical presentation and management of 2 children with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a congenital disorder of purine metabolism) and xanthine calculi. Little information has been available to direct the urologic management of such patients. We have’ based a plan for management upon our clinical experience with these children, as well as upon in vitro dissolution studies of the calculi. We have had some clinical success using an alternating acid/base dissolution therapy developed in the laboratory.
Identification of Parents’ Perceptions of Antibiotic Use for Individualized Community Education

The purpose of this project was to evaluate parents’ perceptions of antibiotics to better understand the barriers related to judicious antibiotic use and for selection of educational resources. A d...
Product Life-Cycle Extension: The Polyester Staple Experience

Innovation, according to the definition used in this paper, deals with the introduction of any new products and services within a product line. It has been a primary growth contributor to the synthetic fiber industry, and affected the theoretical product life-cycle paths of many fibers (Yale, 1965). An earlier study of nylon filament uses had shown that consumption of this fiber had grown over the years as a result of its continuous entry into new markets (Yale, 1964). As time passed, some of the existing nylon markets lost their significance. If it was not for the continuous addition of new markets, nylon would have reached maturity some years earlier. Growth of nylon, and for that matter of most products, relates to the cumulative effect of entering new markets, while some established markets are diminished or lost. In other words, products grow through a life-cycle extension process.
A Pilot Study of Strain Elastography in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE Strain elastography that uses the body's cardiorespiratory pulsations to determine tissue stiffness (referred to here as "ambient strain elastography") has not been previously described for the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The objective of this study is to assess the reliability of ultrasonographic ambient strain elastography in the evaluation of CTS and compare median nerve stiffness between patients and healthy controls. METHODS Ambient strain elastography was used to examine the wrists of 17 patients and 26 controls in cross-sectional and longitudinal views, twice by two observers. The strain ratio between the median nerve and nearby tendons was obtained and tested for intrarater and interrater reliability and differences between patients and healthy controls. RESULTS Intrarater and interrater reliabilities were strong, even for the less experienced rater (lowest r = 0.566, highest r = 0.905; P < 0.001 for all comparisons). No significant difference in strain ratio between those with CTS and controls was detected (cross-sectional image P = 0.32; longitudinal image P = 0.20). Strain ratio did not correlate significantly with traditional ultrasound measures of CTS (lowest P = 0.26) but did correlate significantly with body mass index if obtained from cross-sectional images (r = 0.346; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS This strain elastography method is reliable but does not show changes in median nerve stiffness with CTS. Body mass index may influence elastography and further studies should be conducted to clarify this relationship.
Victims of Bullying and Tobacco Use Behaviors in Adolescents: Differences between Bullied at School, Electronically, or Both.

BACKGROUND: Being a victim of bullying is associated with greater risk of youth substance use; however, research specifically examining whether tobacco use behaviors differ among adolescents who were bullied at school only, electronically only, or both at school and electronically is limited. METHODS: We examined the associations between being a victim of bullying (at school only, electronically only, or both at school and electronically) and use of tobacco products using data from the 2013 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. RESULTS: Girls who were bullied both at school and electronically reported the highest odds of all tobacco use behaviors (ever use of cigarettes, current use of cigarettes, and current use of any tobacco product) as compared with girls who were not bullied after adjusting for covariates. Conversely, for boys, only the association between being bullied electronically only and ever use of cigarettes remained significant after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate that electronic bullying may differentially influence the odds of tobacco use in high school students as compared with bullying that occurs at school only. Confirmation of these findings could inform interventions to reduce both bullying and tobacco use in high school.© 2016, American School Health Association. Language: en
Impact of chromogranin A, differentiation, and mitoses in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors ≤ 2 cm

Abstract Background Small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a unique subset of pancreatic neoplasms. Chromogranin A (CgA) levels, mitotic rate, and histologic differentiation are often used to characterize PNET behavior. This study evaluates the impact of these factors on survival in patients with PNETs. Methods The US National Cancer Data Base (1998-2012) was reviewed for patients with stages I-III, nonfunctional PNETs ≤2 cm. Clinicopathologic characteristics were collected, and univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Results Of 1159 patients, 872 had tumor differentiation recorded, 403 had mitotic rate, and 217 patients had CgA. Mitotic rate >20 mitoses per 10 high-power microscopic fields was significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.6, P = 0.002) in multivariate analysis. Of those who underwent resection, there was no significant difference in positive lymph nodes between high (>100 ng/mL) and low (≤100 ng/mL) CgA levels (0.27 versus 0.37, P = 0.4440). Multivariate analyses of patients with both grade and CgA recorded found poorly differentiated tumors and very high CgA (>400 ng/mL) negatively impacted survival (HR = 2.99, P Conclusions Poorly differentiated disease should be considered an indicator of worse prognosis in nonfunctional PNETs ≤2 cm. Surgical resection appears to improve survival in these patients.
Respeak: A Voice-based, Crowd-powered Speech Transcription System

Speech transcription is an expensive service with high turnaround time for audio files containing languages spoken in developing countries and regional accents of well-represented languages. We present Respeak - a voice-based, crowd-powered system that capitalizes on the strengths of crowdsourcing and automatic speech recognition (instead of typing) to transcribe such audio files. We created Respeak and optimized its design through a series of cognitive experiments. We deployed it with 25 university students in India who completed 5464 micro-transcription tasks, transcribing 55 minutes of widely-varied audio content, and collectively earning USD 46 as mobile airtime. The Respeak engine aligned the transcript generated by five randomly selected users to transcribe Hindi and Indian English audio files with a word error rate (WER) of 8.6% and 15.2%, respectively. The cost of speech transcription was USD 0.83 per minute with a turnaround time of 39.8 hours, substantially less than industry standards. Using a mixed-methods analysis of cognitive experiments, system performance and qualitative interviews, we evaluate Respeak's design, user experience, strengths, and weaknesses. Our findings suggest that Respeak improves the quality of speech transcription while enhancing the earning potential of low-income populations in resource-constrained settings.
Abstract 90: The Spleen Is an Essential Regulator of Systemic Neovascularization In Vivo

Myocardial neovascularization play key role in the structural remodeling that occurs in heart failure. Prior studies have suggested an important role for splenic monocytes in tissue healing after m...