cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood Gas Dynamics at the Onset of Exercise in Heart Transplant Recipients

One hypothesis to explain the rapid neural component of exercise hyperpnea contends that afferent stimuli originating in the ventricles of the heart act reflexly on the respiratory center at the onset of exercise, ie, “cardiodynamic hyperpnea.” Orthotopic cardiac transplantation (Tx) results in the loss of afferent information from the ventricles. Thus, Tx possibly results in transient hypercapnia and hypoxemia in deafferented heart transplant recipients (HTR) at the onset of exercise due to hypoventilation. To examine the cardiodynamic hypothesis, we collected serial arterial blood gas (ABC) samples during both the transient and the steady-state responses to moderate cycle exercise in 5 HTRs (55 ± 7 years) 14 ± 7 months post-Tx and 5 control subjects matched with respect to gender, age, and body composition. Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, total lung capacity, and diffusion capacity did not differ (p≥0.05) between groups. Resting arterial Po 2 , Pco 2 , and pH did not differ between groups (p≥0.05). The ABCs were drawn every 30 s during the first 5 min and at 6,8, and 10 min of constant load square wave cycle exercise at 40 percent of the peak power output (watts). Absolute and relative changes in arterial Po 2 , Pco 2 , and pH were (p≥0.05) between HTR and the control group at all measurement periods during exercise. Heart rate (%HRmax reserve), rating of perceived exertion, and reductions in plasma volume (%Δfrom baseline) did not differ between HTR and control during exercise at 40 percent of peak power output (p≥0.05). Our results demonstrate that there is no discernible abnormality in ABC dynamics during the transient response to exercise at 40 percent of peak power output in patients with known cardiac denervation. These data do not support the cardiodynamic hyperpnea hypothesis of ventilatory control in humans. The absence of hypercapnia in HTRs is further evidence for the existence of redundant mechanisms capable of stimulating exercise hyperpnea. (Chest 1993; 103:1692-98)
Milk of Amnesia

Propofol—a creamy white, intravenous anesthetic—is referred to as the “milk of amnesia.” Although therapeutically useful, propofol and other intravenous or inhaled anesthetics are suspected of being toxic to the brains of the very young and very old. Past studies have suggested that propofol can kill immature neurons. Now, Sall and colleagues demonstrate that the concentrations of propofol used clinically do not kill neural precursor cells, but they may influence cell fate. Neural precursor cells were isolated from the hippocampus—a brain structure important for memory and cognition—of neonatal rat pups. When incubated with these cells, propofol did not affect the number of precursors in the S phase of the cell cycle, as measured by incorporation of the synthetic nucleoside bromodeoxyuridine into DNA of proliferating cells. Dose-dependent toxicity was apparent, however: The cells showed increased lactate dehydrogenase, indicating a shift to anaerobic metabolism. Nevertheless, this toxicity only occurred at doses outside of the clinically relevant range. In contrast to past studies of anesthetic effects on immature neurons, caspase-3/7 activity was not altered by any dose of propofol, excluding apoptosis as a mechanism of cell death—similarly, neither calcium nor the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, the molecular target of propofol-mediated cell death. This suggests that different molecular mechanisms may account for the therapeutic and toxic effects of general anesthetics. Although clinical doses of propofol had no effect on neural precursor cells, Sall and colleagues found that these concentrations did lead to an increase in differentiation of the neural precursors. Similar alterations of cell fate in differentiating neurons have been seen with the inhaled anesthetic isoflurane. The article by Sall and colleagues clarifies the effects of a commonly used anesthetic on developing neurons. Given the toxic effect of propofol on immature neurons and its effect on the cell fate of neural precursor cells, the next translational challenge is to determine the net effect of anesthetics on brain development. Understanding these influences will be critical to achieving safe care for neonatal patients in surgery. J. W. Sall, G. Stratmann, J. Leong, E. Woodward, P. E. Bickler, Propofol at clinically relevant concentrations increases neuronal differentiation but is not toxic to hippocampal neural precursor cells in vitro. Anesthesiology 117 , 1080–1090 (2012). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://journals.lww.com/anesthesiology/Abstract/2012/11000/Propofol_at_Clinically_Relevant_Concentrations.27.aspx
Functional dissection of lipid and protein kinase signals of PIKfyve reveals the role of PtdIns 3,5-P2 production for endomembrane integrity.

PIKfyve enzymatic activity is required in maintaining late endocytic membrane integrity. PIKfyve is a dual specificity enzyme that phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) and PtdIns 3-P at the 5-hydroxyl and unidentified endogenous protein substrate(s). To determine which of these activities (lipidversus protein kinase activity) is responsible for endomembrane homeostasis we analyzed a double mutant PIKfyveK1999E/K2000E. These substitutions in the putative lipid-substrate activation loop nearly completely abrogated the lipid kinase activity without any significant effect on the protein kinase activity of PIKfyveK1999E/K2000E. Expression of PIKfyveK1999E/K2000E in COS cells induced a dramatic dominant-negative effect in the form of endomembrane swelling and vacuolation. In addition, the lipid-substrate specificity of PIKfyve was modified by introducing single mutations in Lys-1999 or Lys-2000. This yielded proteins with preferentially abrogated synthesis of PtdIns 5-P (PIKfyveK2000E) or PtdIns 3,5-P2(PIKfyveK1999E), of which only the PIKfyveK1999E mutant induced the characteristic endomembrane defects upon cell transfection. Furthermore, phosphoinositide microinjection into cells demonstrated a selective ability of PtdIns 3,5-P2 to correct the endomembrane defects induced by the dominant-negative PIKfyve lipid kinase-deficient mutants. Thus, PtdIns 3,5-P2 production by PIKfyve is crucial for endomembrane integrity, and Lys-1999 most likely directs the PIKfyve interactions with the 3-phosphate group in PtdIns 3-P.
Applying Lean Six Sigma for Waste Reduction in a Manufacturing Environment

This study was applied in a welding wire manufacturing plant to improve the quality of the manufactured welding wires, reducethe manufacturing waste and increase the yield of the manufacturing process, by applying the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology and waste management. LLS is considered one of the successful approaches in the field of quality improvement and cost reduction. The case study plant working environment was analyzed to isolate the root causes for the waste generation. Remedies and countermeasures were suggested and some were implemented. The study compares the performance of the plant before and after implementation of the proposed solutions for waste reduction. Improvements in yield, waste, Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO), and sigma levels were achieved.The LSS methodology was linked to the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize the causes of waste. The objective was to use an analytical method in judging the influence of the waste causes on the amount of waste to enrich the methodology effectiveness and facilitate some ease of use in the practical field.
Paediatric Interstitial Lung Disease: Classification and Definitions

Classifications of interstitial (diffuse) lung disease in adults and children have undergone significant revision in recent years, with advances in our understanding of new entities and the biology and prognostic significance of certain histologic patterns. The contributions of the European Respiratory Society Task Force on Interstitial Lung Disease in Children and the North American Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Group are reviewed, and a clinicopathologic classification of paediatric diffuse lung disease is summarized. Clinical characteristics and histologic definitions are also presented for selected entities within this classification, specifically, acinar dysgenesis, congenital alveolar dysplasia, alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins, abnormalities of alveolar growth, pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis, neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy, surfactant dysfunction disorders, obliterative bronchiolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and immunologic disorders. More uniform application of this diagnostic terminology in the future will allow more meaningful comparisons of different patient populations, radiologic-pathologic correlation, and development of disease-specific therapeutic strategies.
Biodegradation of organic compounds sequestered in organic solids or in nanopores within silica particles

A study was conducted using model solids to determine whether the time-dependent decline in availability for biodegradation of organic pollutants in soil might result from the entrapment of these compounds in porous or nonporous solids. A strain of Pseudomonas mineralized phenanthrene in solid alkanes containing 18 to 32 carbons, three waxes, and low-molecular-weight polycaprolactone, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The rates were appreciably slower than when the substrate was not initially present within these nonporous solids. From 1.4 to 63.4% of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon added to the solids was mineralized in 90 d. The rates and extents of partitioning of phenanthrene varied markedly among the solids. The rates of partitioning and biodegradation of phenanthrene initially present in the alkanes were positively correlated. The bacterium rapidly and extensively mineralized phenanthrene provided in calcium alginate beads containing varying amounts of soluble soil organic matter. The rates and extents of phenanthrene mineralization declined as the percentage of the substrate in the nanopores within silica particles increased, but the reductions in rate, extent, or both were less pronounced than with nonporous solids. The rate of 4-nitrophenol biodegradation also declined with increasing percentages of the compound in these nanopores. The data are consistent with hypotheses that the sequestration and consequent decrease in bioavailability of organic compounds that persist in soil result from their partitioning into organic matter or their presence within nanopores in soil.
The elemental composition of virus particles: implications for marine biogeochemical cycles

In marine environments, virus-mediated lysis of host cells leads to the release of cellular carbon and nutrients and is hypothesized to be a major driver of carbon recycling on a global scale. However, efforts to characterize the effects of viruses on nutrient cycles have overlooked the geochemical potential of the virus particles themselves, particularly with respect to their phosphorus content. In this Analysis article, we use a biophysical scaling model of intact virus particles that has been validated using sequence and structural information to quantify differences in the elemental stoichiometry of marine viruses compared with their microbial hosts. By extrapolating particle-scale estimates to the ecosystem scale, we propose that, under certain circumstances, marine virus populations could make an important contribution to the reservoir and cycling of oceanic phosphorus.
Emergencies of Survival’: Moral Spectatorship and the ‘New Vision of the Child’ in Postwar Child Psychoanalysis

Drawing on the writings of Luc Boltanski on moral spectatorship and a change to Boltanski’s politics in response to images of distant suffering, this article considers a visual turn in psychoanalysis around the period of the Second World War, coincident with the emergence of a new international vision of the child as an entity requiring special protections beyond the purview of the state. Looking beyond the familiar example of child psychoanalyst Melanie Klein, this article considers the visual techniques of RenE Spitz, a psychoanalyst internationally recognized for his work with institutionalized infants who failed physically and psychically to thrive and survive despite adequate nutrition and health care, due to lack of consistent caregiving. The article describes Spitz’s research films which he turned into media texts to make social interventions internationally in institutional childcare practice and policy after the war through venues including the WHO. His work is one of numerous instances of a visu...
Application of a software development methodology during the port of UNIX system V to the M68000tm family of microprocessors

The current software quality assurance methodology employed at Motorola Microsystems is one which has only recently been adopted. The evolution of the methodology has been based, for the most part, on software development activities occurring within the organization. An interesting event occurred with the application of our software quality assurance methodology to the porting activity of a major software product which was developed outside of the Microsystems organization.This paper discusses the opportunities which we were presented to test the robustness of our newly created methodology when applied against the validation and verification of the port of the Unix1 System V operating system to the M68000 family of microprocessors.
A Blind Calibration Technique to Correct Memory Errors in Amplifier-sharing Pipelined ADCs

The authors present a statistics-based blind calibration technique for nonlinear memory errors in amplifier-sharing pipelined ADCs. The proposed method is fully digital and simple to implement. It detects memory errors in normal operation without system suspension for calibration. No special calibration signal or analog circuitry is necessary. Algorithm description and simulation results are presented. The proposed technique improves the power efficiency of pipelined ADCs by enabling sharing of low-gain operational amplifiers.
Selection performance based on classes of bimanual actions

We evaluated four selection techniques for volumetric data based on the four classes of bimanual action: symmetric-synchronous, asymmetric-synchronous, symmetric-asynchronous, and asymmetric-asynchronous. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative performance characteristics of each of these classes. In addition, we compared two types of data representations to determine whether these selection techniques were suitable for interaction in different environments. The techniques were evaluated in terms of accuracy, completion times, TLX overall workload, TLX physical demand, and TLX cognitive demand. Our results suggest that symmetric and synchronous selection strategies both contribute to faster task completion. Our results also indicate that no class of bimanual selection was a significant contributor to reducing or increasing physical demand, while asynchronous action significantly increased cognitive demand in asymmetric techniques and decreased ease of use in symmetric techniques. However, for users with greater computer usage experience, accuracy performance differences diminished between the classes of bimanual action. No significant differences were found between the two types of data representations.
Interaction of positive and negative energy waves in a magnetized bi-ion plasma with differential ion streaming

In this paper the concept of negative energy waves facilitates the analysis of instability in a magnetized bi-ion plasma with differential ion streaming. There are three frequency regimes in which instability may arise. For frequencies less than the alpha particle gyrofrequency, a negative energy alpha ion-cyclotron mode can interact with a positive energy proton-cyclotron mode. In the intermediate frequency regime lying between the alpha and proton gyrofrequencies, a negative energy alpha-acoustic mode interacts with a positive energy proton-cyclotron mode. In the high-frequency regime above the proton-cyclotron frequency a negative energy alpha-acoustic mode interacts with a positive energy proton-acoustic mode. The resonance (or coalescence) condition which lends itself to a simple geometrical interpretation as the intersection between the proton and alpha mode wave normal diagrams with differential streaming permits the evaluation of the instability growth rate in each frequency regime, which is calculated for both subsonic and supersonic differential streaming.
Design for Environment: An Environmentally Conscious Analysis Model for Modular Design

Nowadays, more and more manufacturing enterprises are working hard to improve the environmental performance of their products. Pollution may be generated through the life cycle of a product. To maximally improve a product's overall environmental performance and reduce potential environmental impacts, Design for the Environment can be used as early as the design stage for the product. For electromechanical products, modular design is a widely used design method. While traditional modularity analysis pays little attention to environmental factors, this research aims at including comprehensive environmentally conscious criteria into modularity analysis. This paper presents a semi-quantitative environmentally conscious modular analysis model in order to reduce pollution. Eight criteria are identified to capture most of potential environmental impacts of modular products, some of which are fuzzy criteria. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to rank these environmental criteria, and fuzzy numbers are used to map some uncertain judgments of decision makers with crisp numbers. Structure of a product is represented as a fuzzy graph. The proposed modularity analysis includes similarity analysis and independence analysis. In the end, an example is given to illustrate the developed methodology.
Hfq Virulence Regulation in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strain 86-24

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. EHEC encodes the sRNA chaperone Hfq, which is important in posttranscriptional regulation. In EHEC strain EDL933, Hfq acts as a negative regulator of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), which encodes most of the proteins involved in type III secretion and attaching and effacing (AE) lesions. Here, we deleted hfq in the EHEC strain 86-24 and compared global transcription profiles of the hfq mutant and wild-type (WT) strains in exponential growth phase. Deletion of hfq affected transcription of genes common to nonpathogenic and pathogenic strains of E. coli as well as pathogen-specific genes. Downregulated genes in the hfq mutant included ler, the transcriptional activator of all the LEE genes, as well as genes encoded in the LEE2 to -5 operons. Decreased expression of the LEE genes in the hfq mutant occurred at middle, late, and stationary growth phases. We also confirmed decreased regulation of the LEE genes by examining the proteins secreted and AE lesion formation by the hfq mutant and WT strains. Deletion of hfq also caused decreased expression of the two-component system qseBC, which is involved in interkingdom signaling and virulence gene regulation in EHEC, as well as an increase in expression of stx(2AB), which encodes the deadly Shiga toxin. Altogether, these data indicate that Hfq plays a regulatory role in EHEC 86-24 that is different from what has been reported for EHEC strain EDL933 and that the role of Hfq in EHEC virulence regulation extends beyond the LEE.
Discovery of 4-amino-5,6-biaryl-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as inhibitors of Lck: Development of an expedient and divergent synthetic route and preliminary SAR

4-Amino-5,6-biaryl-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were identified as potent non-selective inhibitors of Lck. A novel, divergent, and practical synthetic route was developed to access derivatives from bifunctional intermediates. Lead optimization was guided by X-ray crystallographic data, and preliminary SAR led to the identification of compounds with improved cellular potency and selectivity.
Application of Cognitive Apprenticeship model (CA) to library instruction

ABSTRACTThe cognitive apprenticeship model, which links apprenticeship learning techniques and classroom practices, offers a flexible framework for planning and implementing library sessions. Originally developed by educators Collins, Brown, and Newman, cognitive apprenticeship illuminates the thought process of teachers and other experts while they deliver instruction in problem solving, close reading, critical thinking, or other higher-order reasoning. This article discusses how librarians can employ the cognitive apprenticeship model to collapse the thought process associated with library research into components that are comprehensible to all levels of students.
The Diachrony of Grammar

The case-studies assembled in these two volumes span a lifetime of research into the diachrony of grammar. That is, into the rise and fall of syntactic constructions and their attendant grammatical morphology. While focused squarely on the data, the studies are nonetheless cast in an explicit theoretical perspective – adaptive, developmental, variationist. Taken as a whole, this work constitutes a frontal assault on Ferdinand de Saussure's corrosive legacy in linguistics. Over the years, reviewers slapped the author's wrist periodically for having dared to commit that most heinous of sins against de Saussure's hallowed legacy – panchronic grammar . In this work he pleads guilty, having never seen a piece of synchronic data that didn't reek, to high heaven, of the diachrony that gave it rise. Reek in two distinct ways: first with the frozen relics of the past that prompt us to reconstruct prior diachronic states; and second with the synchronic variation that hints at ongoing change. Conversely, the author confesses to having never seen a diachronic explanation that did not hinge on the synchronic principles – Carnap's general propositions – that govern language behavior . The synchrony and diachrony of grammar are twin faces of the same coin. To study one without the other is to gut both. By understanding how synchronic grammars come into being we also understand the cognitive, communicative, neurological and developmental universals that constrain diachronic change – and through it synchronic typology.
Using the pathology report in initial treatment decisions for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: time for a precision medicine approach

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non Hodgkin lymphoma in the Western world, and is potentially curable with standard R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy. Historically, clinical risk assessments provided prognostic information, but did not define treatment approach. We are now in an era where the heterogeneity of DLBCL is defined genetically and molecularly, and rational subset-specific therapeutic targets are guiding clinical trials. Primary mediastinal DLBCL is a unique clinicopathologic entity, and alternatives to R-CHOP may confer superior outcome. Rearrangement of the myc oncogene occurs in ~10% of patients with DLBCL, and confers a very poor prognosis with standard R-CHOP, particularly when there is concomitant rearrangement of bcl-2, a condition referred to as "double-hit" DLBCL. A larger subset of DLBCL demonstrates overexpression of both myc and bcl-2 by immunohistochemistry. Cell of origin, determined by gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry algorithms, or a novel Lymph2Cx platform, provides prognostic information, and guides therapeutic decisions in both relapsed and de novo disease. This article will define specific subsets of DLBCL and provide subtype-specific treatment options, including novel approaches under investigation. Understanding these key features of the pathology report, and limitations of these assays defining subsets of DLBCL, allows for an evolving precision medicine approach to this disease.
Surface Dynamics of Polymer Glasses: Sub-Tg Surface Reorganization in End-Functional Polymers

Dynamic water contact angle analysis is applied to characterize the surface reorganization of glassy polystyrenes (PS), terminated with either a fluorosilane or carboxylic acid end group, upon exposure to an atmosphere of saturated water vapor. Fluorosilane end groups are initially adsorbed preferentially at the surface and diffuse away from the surface when exposed to water vapor. Carboxylic acid end groups are initially depleted from the surface and are drawn to the surface when exposed to water vapor. The time dependence of the surface composition during reorganization, determined by application of Cassie’s equation, scales with the square root of time, consistent with a diffusive process. Angle dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS), applied to characterize the surface concentration depth profiles of the fluorosilane-terminated PS before and after exposure to water vapor, indicates that reorganization in the glassy state involves motions on a length scale of about 2 nm. Modified lattice mo...
Nymphal survival and movement of crawlers of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on leaf surfaces of selected vegetables.

Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring generally feeds and develops on the under leaf surface of most host plants, but in excess of 50% of the immature population may be found on the upper surface of some host species. This study determined the influence of leaf surface on survival of immature B. argentifolii and the likelihood of movement by the crawler (1st instar) from the upper (adaxial) leaf surface on selected vegetable hosts. Laboratory tests were conducted on 5 vegetables: cantaloupe, Cucumis melo L., collard, Brassica oleracea ssp. acephala de Condolle; cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers ssp. unguiculata; pepper, Capsicum annuum L. ssp. annuum; and tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller. Survival to the 1st instar was high (85-95%) on the upper leaf surface on all hosts. Survival to the adult stage was similar between whitefly nymphs on the upper and lower leaf surfaces within each host crop, except more survived on the lower surface of cowpea compared with the upper surface. Movement of the crawlers from the upper to the lower surface was high on pepper (approximately equal to 80%), cantaloupe (approximately equal to 55%), and cowpea (approximately equal to 55%). Conversely, less movement to the lower surface was observed on collard (approximately equal to 18%) and tomato (approximately equal to 30%). The impetus to move from the upper surface appears primarily a response to feeding and tactile cues instead of responses to geotropic or phototropic stimuli.
Purported absence of the testis following surgical exploration: the need for further investigation.

Abstract Two cases of purported absence of the testes following extensive surgical exploration are reported. On subsequent investigation both boys were found to have testes. It is recommended that when confronted with a patient with a similar history the operative record should be studied and the original surgeon should be contacted to ascertain that either a testis was removed or blind-ending internal spermatic vessels were found. If proper documentation is not available, further evaluation should be done.
Determining layout efficiency in the kitchen; use of the cross chart.

Economical manufacture of any product, whether it be in industry or in the institutional kitchen, depends on the efficiency of the layout of equipment. In the institutional kitchen, the layout efficiency may easily be analyzed by using the technique of the cross chart, a tool employed effectively in industry. Its use and construction are explained here.
Impact of Pain on Family Members and Caregivers of Geriatric Patients

This article provides an overview of the literature describing the effects of geriatric patients' pain on family members' relationships, psychological well-being, and physical health. The theoretic mechanisms that underlie the association between patients' pain and family members' outcomes are outlined, and studies describing these mechanisms are summarized. Limitations to the current literature are discussed, and key recommendations for future research and practice are presented.
Thomas Reid and The Story of Epistemology: The Epistemology of Testimony

“The wise and beneficent Author of nature … intended,” says Reid, “that we should be social creatures, and that we should receive the greatest and most important part of our knowledge by the information of others” (IHM VI, xxiv [196a; B 193]). That is by no means a stray, decorative comment on Reid's part. It points to an important and fascinating component of his thought; namely, his development of an epistemology of testimony. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REID'S DISCUSSION OF TESTIMONY Before we set out on an exploration of Reid's account of testimony let's reflect for a moment on the significance of the fact that he gives such an account. In chapter viii of Essay I of his Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man , Reid, after distinguishing between the “social” operations of our mind and the “solitary,” asks: “Why have speculative men laboured so anxiously to analyze our solitary operations, and given so little attention to the social?” [245b]. I judge the situation not to have changed significantly since Reid's day. By “social operations” he understands, says Reid, “such operations as necessarily suppose an intercourse with some other intelligent being” (EIP I, viii [214b]). When a person “asks information, or receives it; when he bears testimony, or receives the testimony of another; when he asks a favour, or accepts one; when he gives a command to his servant, or receives one from a superior; when he plights his faith in a promise or contract: these are acts of social intercourse between intelligent beings, and can have no place in solitude” (ibid.).
Sensitivity of Foodborne Bacteria (Spoilage and Pathogenic) to a Methanol-Acetone Extract of Milk Fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus

Effects of an inhibitory methanol-acetone (MA) extract of Streptococcus thermophilus -fermented milk was tested on growth of Salmonella enteritidis , two strains of Staphylococcus aureus (types A and E), two strains of Clostridium perfringens (types A and C) and Pseudomonas fluorescens . Each organism was tested at three levels of the extract, e.g., 250, 500 and 1000 ppm. Results indicated that the degree of sensitivity among the test organisms varied. C. perfringens (C) was the most sensitive, with a mean % inhibition (average % inhibition over the three MA extract concentrations) of 73.3, while S. enteritidis was the least sensitive (mean % inhibition = 51.8) to the extract. The differences between the mean % inhibition of P. fluorescens (65.4), S. aureus (A) (64.8), and C. perfringens (A) (62.2) were not significant (P>0.05); however, the sensitivity of these three organisms to the extract was significantly less (P<0.05) than C. perfringens (C) but significantly greater (P<0.05) than S. aureus (E) and S. enteritidis .
Normal human cell proteins that interact with the adenovirus type 5 E1B 55 kDa protein

Several of the functions of the human adenovirus type 5 E1B 55kDa protein are fulfilled via the virus-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase it forms with the viral E4 Orf6 protein and several cellular proteins. Important substrates of this enzyme have not been identified, and other functions, including repression of transcription of interferon-sensitive genes, do not require the ligase. We therefore used immunoaffinity purification and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of lysates of normal human cells infected in parallel with HAdV-C5 and E1B 55kDa protein-null mutant viruses to identify specifically E1B 55kDa-associated proteins. The resulting set of >90 E1B-associated proteins contained the great majority identified previously, and was enriched for those associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system, RNA metabolism and the cell cycle. We also report very severe inhibition of viral genome replication when cells were exposed to both specific or non-specific siRNAs and interferon prior to infection.
Utile distinctions for relational reinforcement learning

We introduce an approach to autonomously creating state space abstractions for an online reinforcement learning agent using a relational representation. Our approach uses a tree-based function approximation derived from McCallum's [1995] UTree algorithm. We have extended this approach to use a relational representation where relational observations are represented by attributed graphs [McGovern et al., 2003]. We address the challenges introduced by a relational representation by using stochastic sampling to manage the search space [Srinivasan, 1999] and temporal sampling to manage autocorrelation [Jensen and Neville, 2002]. Relational UTree incorporates Iterative Tree Induction [Utgoff et al., 1997] to allow it to adapt to changing environments. We empirically demonstrate that Relational UTree performs better than similar relational learning methods [Finney et al., 2002; Driessens et al., 2001] in a blocks world domain. We also demonstrate that Relational UTree can learn to play a sub-task of the game of Go called Tsume-Go [Ramon et al., 2001].
High power factor Z-source resonant wireless charger

Wireless charger for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is an off-line application and it needs power factor correction (PFC) function, which usually consists of a front-end boost PFC and a cascaded DC/DC converter. Recently, Z-source resonant converter (ZSRC), a single-stage solution with low cost and high efficiency, was proposed for EV wireless charger. Combining with the Z-source network, the control scheme is more challenged and sophisticated. Traditional phase-shift control can generate arbitrary combination of shoot-through state and active state over one fundamental cycle. However, ZSRC enters discontinuous mode at light loads, and huge current distortion and voltage stress are observed with phase-shift control. This paper presents a PFC control method specific for ZSRC in discontinuous mode. It can pass IEC61000-3-2 Class A criterion with all the double line frequency power absorbed in the Z-source network. Experimental results based on a 1-kW prototype with 20-cm air gap between the primary and secondary side are presented to illustrate the proposed control scheme.
Cellular and Molecular Aging

As a clinical researcher whose area of expertise is Geriatric Pelvic Medicine, the physical changes that go along with increasing age is incredibly interesting to me. However, from a more practical perspective, the biology of aging, although fascinating, is not something that I would be pushed to address in a routine clinical or administrative situation. All that notwithstanding, questions, presumptions, and theories surrounding the definition of aging are inescapable. In fact, more often than I like to admit, I will find myself getting side tracked and drifting off into deep thought about what “aging really means,” or what patients do I consider “old”? Are they really “old”? Which ones might I consider “young” and compare my assessments to their actual chronological age in years? Perhaps, the most frustrating piece of all, is that, almost invariably, after I come out of my intensely contemplative trance on” “aging,” that I end up with more questions than answers.
miRNA-mediated targeting of human cytomegalovirus reveals biological host and viral targets of IE2

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) impacts more than one-half of the human population owing to its capacity to manipulate the cell and create latent reservoirs in the host. Despite an extensive understanding of HCMV biology during acute infection in fibroblasts, the molecular basis for latency in myeloid cells remains incomplete. This knowledge gap is due largely to the fact that the existing genetic systems require virus rescue in fibroblasts, precluding the study of genes that are essential during acute infection, yet likely play unique roles in myeloid cells or the establishment of latency. Here we present a solution to address this restriction. Through the exploitation of a hematopoietic-specific microRNA, we demonstrate a one-step recombineering approach that enables gene silencing only in cells associated with latency. As a proof of concept, here we describe a TB40/E variant that undergoes hematopoietic targeting of the Immediate Early-2 (IE2) gene to explore its function during infection of myeloid cells. While virus replication of the hematopoietic-targeted IE2 variant was unimpaired in fibroblasts, we observed a >100-fold increase in virus titers in myeloid cells. Virus replication in myeloid cells demonstrated that IE2 has a significant transcriptional footprint on both viral and host genes. These data implicate IE2 as an essential mediator of virus biology in myeloid cells and illustrate the utility of cell-specific microRNA-based targeting.
Drug repurposing for vascular protection after acute ischemic stroke.

The attempts to develop new treatments for acute ischemic stroke have been fraught with costly and spectacularly disappointing failures. Repurposing of safe, older drugs provides a lower risk alternative. Vascular protection is a novel strategy for improving stroke outcome. Promising targets for vascular protection after stroke have been identified, and several of these targets can be approached with “repurposed” old drugs, including statins, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and minocycline.
Deliberation and Counterfactuals

Wilson, in her article ‘Possible Gods,’ observes that Leibniz frequently described God as possibly creating worlds other than the best possible world. The main point in the article is that the thesis that Leibniz is some sort of counterpart theorist is untenable because there cannot be any such thing as a counterpart God.1 A collateral result of her argument is that if God really can act otherwise then there obviously are counterfactual identities of God. It would also appear that Wilson’s argument stands to undermine the contention that there are no counterfactual identities of creatures. It is hardly obvious why there would be counterfactual identities of God but not of other individuals whom Leibniz stated differ from him only in degree.2
Eliminating Adverse Drug Events at Ascension Health

Improvement in ADE rate did not occur at either hospital with any one particular intervention, or even after several conventional interventions had time to take effect. Instead, instituting many simultaneous system changes, proactively assessing risk, and expanding the scope of intervention were each essential to sustaining the described reductions in harm. The next step toward eliminating ADEs requires simultaneous communication across systems in a way that is manageable, approachable, and adaptable, and that supports the elements of change. A system of mutually informed processes--from medication selection and entry through preparation and dispensing, administration, monitoring, and reconciliation--should result in safe, patient-centered, reliable, and efficient medication use. In March 2007, Ascension Health, drawing on the work described in this article, began developing such a system.
Latent variable modeling of growth with missing data and multilevel data

Abstract Latent variable modeling in psychometrics is connected with mainstream statistical theory in the areas of random coefficients, missing data, and clustered data. An educational achievement example points to the need for integrating these developments in a single analysis framework. It is shown that existing methods and software for latent variable modeling accomplish this.
After-School Athletic Activities

(1930). After-School Athletic Activities. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 16-50.
Heated tobacco products and combusted cigarettes: comparing global prices and taxes

Background Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have received excise tax rates that are lower than combusted cigarettes in most of the countries in which the products are sold as tobacco companies claimed their purported reduced risk products deserved such light touch treatment. This study sought to determine if HTPs are cheaper to use than combusted cigarettes when the cost of purchasing an expensive heating device upfront was considered. Methods and Data Product price data for tobacco heating devices, as well as cobranded heated tobacco and combusted cigarettes for 2014–2017 for 34 countries was obtained from Euromonitor International. Results Only in 17 of 46 country-year cases with adequate data were HTPs less expensive to use than combusted cigarettes over a year. Discussion The tax advantages being given to HTPs may instead of providing a price signal to a consumer looking to switch, be providing a profit signal to tobacco companies to switch over to selling more HTPs and fewer combusted cigarettes. The implications of these dynamics for public health are unclear.
Relationships between Students' Culture, Motivation and Course Evaluations: An Exploratory Study

Previous research indicates that evaluators pursue different goals when evaluating a target (e.g., some seek to provide accurate feedback while others provide praise in order to promote group harmo...
A Novel Protocol to Reduce Early Seizures After Cranioplasty: A Single-Center Experience.

Background Cranioplasty is a relatively simple and straightforward intervention; however, it is associated with a high incidence of postoperative seizures. Postcranioplasty seizures, especially early seizures, are common and associated with poor outcomes and longer hospital stays. Protocols for preventing and managing early seizures have not been well established. Methods The medical records of 595 patients who underwent cranioplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Of these patients, 259 had preexisting seizures and 336 had no seizures before cranioplasty. Prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were administered to patients who had no seizures before cranioplasty for 1 week, whereas an advanced AED regimen was administered to patients with preexisting seizures. Subsequently, clinical characteristics, occurrence of recurrent seizures, early seizures, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results Our previous study showed positive results for prophylaxis in new-onset early seizures. In the patients with preexisting seizures, 46.7% of the patients (121/259) experienced recurrent seizures after cranioplasty and 17.4% of the patients (45/259) experienced early recurrent seizures within 1 week of their operation. In the group who received the advanced AEDs, early recurrent seizures were significantly reduced to 8.7% compared with the regular group (20.5%; P = 0.027). Younger age and preoperative hydrocephalus engendered a higher risk of recurrent seizures. The number of previous craniotomies was observed to have a trend of increasing early recurrent seizures. Conclusions Cranioplasty is associated with a high incidence of postoperative seizures. Our management protocol for postcranioplasty seizures includes seizure prophylaxis and advanced use of AEDs, which can reduce the occurrence of early seizures.
Recognition, response, and recovery: Deer impact research in Allegheny hardwood forests

During the early decades of the 20th century the confluence of two major alterations to forest and wildlife population dynamics occurred in the northern tier of Pennsylvania; namely, the near-complete harvesting and resultant regrowth of all forests in the region coupled with the extirpation and subsequent reintroduction of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (Redding 1995). In the ensuing years, abundant early-successional habitat, the absence of apex predators such as wolves and mountain lions, and lax game management policies resulted in a population explosion of deer to levels that far exceeded precolonial estimates (<11 deer per square mile) (McCabe and McCabe 1997) and that were generally above levels compatible with healthy forest regeneration (≤20 deer per square mile) (Horsley et al. 2003; Fig. 1).
Abstract 109: Understanding Multi-allelic Heterozygous Variant Contributions to Cardiomyopathy Using iPSCs

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a multivariate disease with poorly understood mechanisms, but recently hundreds of variants in 30+ genes have been suggested to contribute to disease pathology. As e...
Examining the Relationship Between Self-Reported Drinking and In-Laboratory Drinking and Craving: Is There Concordance?

Background In-laboratory drinking sessions that allow direct assessment of drinking and craving are an emerging method for testing novel pharmacotherapy compounds and behavioral interventions for alcohol use disorders. Despite wide implementation, limited evidence supports the concordance between drinking in the laboratory and in a natural setting. This study examined the relationship between self-reports of drinking prior to and drinking and craving during an alcohol drinking paradigm (ADP). Methods Participants were adult heavy drinkers (N = 64) who participated in a pharmacotherapy study. Participants completed self-report alcohol assessments and a baseline ADP session prior to any medication administration. Alcohol craving was assessed during priming and ad lib ADP phases. Outcomes were the associations of total drinks consumed in-laboratory and summary drinking measures for the 30 days prior to the ADP and reports of maximum drinks (past year and lifetime). Additional outcomes were the association of self-reported drinking and alcohol craving during the ADP and the concordance between self-report and ADP World Health Organization (WHO) drinking classifications. Results Number of drinking days, average drinks per drinking occasion, and lifetime and past-year maximum drinks were all related to drinking in the laboratory. Heavy drinking days were not related to drinking in the laboratory but were associated with ADP craving. Alcohol craving was also associated with other measures of self-reported drinking. There was also a significant association between WHO drinking risk classification and in-laboratory drinking. Conclusions The observed relationships between self-reported drinking and drinking in-laboratory across drinking indices suggest that in-laboratory alcohol consumption may reflect participants' real-world alcohol consumption, supporting the value of laboratory-based drinking paradigms. The demonstrated relationship with self-reported drinking and ADP alcohol craving further supports the value of such paradigms to model key drinking predictors. These results provide support for the validity of laboratory-based paradigms to accurately reflect participants' recent drinking levels.