cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving Long-Term Outcomes After Liver Transplantation

Long-term survival following liver transplantation is profoundly affected by conditions unrelated to graft function. Many causes of mortality are contributed to by the metabolic syndrome. The approach to metabolic syndrome in liver transplant recipients requires consideration of transplant-specific factors, particularly immunosuppression. Enhancing long-term outcomes for liver transplant recipients necessitates minimizing the amount of immunosuppression required to prevent rejection. Studies to determine the optimal approach to minimize the impact of metabolic syndrome and complications of immunosuppression in transplant recipients are needed.
Genetic Control of Lactate Dehydrogenase Formation in the Hagfish Eptatretus stoutii

The isozyme patterns of lactate dehydrogenases of various tissues were studied on 51 hagfish by starch-gel electrophoresis. Nine lactate dehydrogenase phenotypes were encountered, suggesting the coexistence of two alleles at each of the two separate gene loci. There apparently was no interaction between the products of these two separate loci. Even the products of two alleles at the same locus were apparently incapable of forming hybrid molecules, an indication of the possible monomeric nature of each lactate dehydrogenase molecule.
The E7 Open Reading Frame Acts in cis and in trans To Mediate Differentiation-Dependent Activities in the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Life Cycle

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of several important genital and other mucosal cancers. The HPV16 E7 gene encodes a viral oncogene that is necessary for the continued growth of cancer cells, but its role in the normal, differentiation-dependent life cycle of the virus is not fully understood. The function of E7 in the viral life cycle was examined using a series of mutations of E7 created in the context of the complete HPV16 genome. The effect of these E7 mutations on key events of the viral life cycle, including immortalization, episomal maintenance, late promoter activation, and infectious virion synthesis, was examined. Our studies show that the pRb binding domain is indispensable for early viral activities, whereas the C-terminal zinc finger domain contributed primarily to very late events. Mutations of the casein kinase II phosphorylation site caused a complex phenotype involving both the function of E7 protein and a cis element necessary for the activation of the late promoter, identifying for the first time a promoter element important for late promoter function in the context of the viral genome. All mutant genomes tested showed reduced viral titers following growth in organotypic raft cultures. These studies clarify the role of E7 as a regulator of late events in the differentiation-dependent HPV life cycle.
Xanthine oxidase contributes to host defense against Burkholderia cepacia in the p47(phox-/-) mouse model of chronic granulomatous disease.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase in which phagocytes are defective in generating superoxide and downstream microbicidal reactive oxidants, leading to recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is another enzyme known to produce superoxide in many tissues. Using the p47 phox−/− mouse model of CGD, we evaluated the residual antibacterial activity of XO. Clearance of Burkholderia cepacia , a major pathogen in CGD, was reduced in p47 phox−/− mice compared to that in wild-type mice and was further inhibited in p47 phox−/− mice by pretreatment with the specific XO inhibitor allopurinol. Hepatic B. cepacia burden was similar in the two genotypes, but allopurinol significantly reduced net hepatic killing and killing efficiency only in p47 phox−/− mice. Clearance and killing of intravenous Escherichia coli was intact in p47 phox−/− mice and was unaffected by pretreatment with allopurinol. In CGD, XO may contribute to host defense against a subset of reactive oxidant-sensitive pathogens.
Biomonitoring with Wireless Communications

This review is divided into three sections: technologies for monitoring physiological parameters; biosensors for chemical assays and wireless communications technologies including image transmissions. Applications range from monitoring high risk patients for heart, respiratory activity and falls to sensing levels of physical activity in military, rescue, and sports personnel. The range of measurements include, heart rate, pulse wave form, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, tissue pCO2, exhaled carbon dioxide and physical activity. Other feasible measurements will employ miniature chemical laboratories on silicon or plastic chips. The measurements can be extended to clinical chemical assays ranging from common blood assays to protein or specialized protein measurements (e.g., troponin, creatine, and cytokines such as TNF and IL6). Though the feasibility of using wireless technology to communicate vital signs has been demonstrated 32 years ago (1) it has been only recently that practical and portable devices and communications net works have become generally available for inexpensive deployment of comfortable and affordable devices and systems.
Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase in cross-linked phyllosilicates: conditions and characterizations.

An innovative immobilization procedure was developed for intercalation of enzymes into dispersed phyllosilicates which were cross-linked with silicates resulting from the hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate. Donor :hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase intercalative immobilized in the cross-linked phyllosilicate exhibited a similar or higher activity than the free enzyme. The kinetic properties of peroxidase were unaffected by intercalative immobilization. Different factors, including drying methods, particle size, surface cations of the phyllosilicate and ratio of phyllosilicate to tetramethyl orthosilicate, were investigated to optimize immobilization conditions. The immobilized peroxidase exhibited similar kinetic properties to the free enzyme and good storage stability.
A comparison of state space, range space, and carrier phase differential GPS/INS relative navigation

The first ground test results of the UCLA formation flight control computer (FFCC) are presented. The FFCC are designed to calculate real time, relative states of multiple aircraft accurately enough to fly two F-18 A/C autonomously in formation flight for a drag reduction experiment. This paper compares three schemes of differing complexity for the estimation of relative position, velocity, and attitude of two FFCC. Each scheme processes measurements from a GPS receiver and an INS on each vehicle. In the first scheme, each FFCC estimates its own absolute state using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the relative state is found by differencing the absolute state estimates from each filter. In the second scheme, one vehicle processes the single vehicle EKF while the second processes the differential range and Doppler measurements to estimate the relative state. In the third scheme, differential carrier phase measurements are added to the relative state estimation filter. The third scheme meets the target values for flying two NASA F-18 A/C in flight formation. Relative position is estimated within 10 cm, and relative attitude within 0.5 deg.
Increased distractor vulnerability but preserved vigilance in patients with schizophrenia: evidence from a translational Sustained Attention Task.

Abstract Objective Attentional deficits represent a core cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. The distractor condition Sustained Attention Task (dSAT) has been identified by the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) initiative as a promising translational task for assessing schizophrenia-related deficits in attentional selection-control, identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of such deficits, and for preclinical animal research on potential pro-cognitive treatments. Here, we examined whether patients would show specific difficulties in selection-control and in avoiding distraction in the dSAT. Method Selection-control deficits are measured by comparing attentional performance in the Sustained Attention Task (SAT) without distraction to performance on the task when distraction is present (dSAT). The baseline SAT condition can also be used to assess time-on-task or vigilance effects. Patients with schizophrenia, age- and gender-matched healthy controls and, as an additional control, school-aged children were tested on both the SAT and dSAT. Results Compared to healthy controls, patients had reduced performance overall and were differentially vulnerable to distraction. In contrast, patients but not children had preserved vigilance over time. Conclusion These results demonstrate specific input-selection control impairments in schizophrenia and suggest that patients' distraction-related impairments can be distinguished from general performance impairments and from deficits in other attentional processes (e.g., sustaining attention) evident in other groups.
Community based cancer support groups: An undervalued resource?

Abstract A pilot study was set up and to identify the local community based cancer support groups and to examine the links these groups and the staff of the regional and district general hospitals. The objective was to evaluate the current role of cancer support groups and identify strategies which would improve communication. Results of the study indicated that local support groups played an important role in providing support to cancer patients in the community. Hospital staff were not well informed about support groups and felt uncertain about their use as a resource for patients. There was a need to improve communication between local cancer support groups and hospital staff in order to offer a more comprehensive service to patients. Any strategies developed to improve communication depend on finding ways in which lay care and professional health care can work together. Specific recommendations were made as a result of the research and a number of initiatives undertaken, including a local directory of community resources and a forum where representatives from the local support groups can meet with hospital staff.
Rational matrix structure

Recent work1-9, has brought out the importance of a closer examination of the pole/zero and vector-space structure of rational matrices G(s). Results developed by several people are brought together and and examined here from a unified point of view that yields some new insights and results. Motivated by certain basic ideas from valuation theory that were introduced into system theory by Forney2, we begin in Sec. 2 by providing a concise definition of pole/zero structure of G(s) that moreover treates the structure at s = ? on an equal footing with the structure at finite s. As an example of the application of our definition, we demonstrate that the excess of poles over zeros of G(s) is actually a property of the column and row range-spaces of G(s). Application to the characterization of solutions of the so-called 'minimal design problem'1-4 is also noted. In Sec. 3 we consider how the pole/zero structure of G(s) is related to that of its columns taken separately. We are thus led to the notion of column-reducedness of G(s) at some value q of its argument s; this is shown to be a significant generalization of the well-known concept of column-properness of a polynomial matrix, see Wolovich10. In particular, the pole/zero structure of G(s) at s = q is that of its columns taken separately if and only if G(s) is column-reduced at q. We go on to consider the determination of pole/zero structure of a rational matrix at s = q by transformation to column-reduced form at q. The transformation is described in terms of its effect on the coefficients in the Laurent expansion of G(s) at q. Connection is thereby made with results of Dewilde and coworkers11-12, on extraction of pole/zero structure from Laurent expansions. That such an extraction procedure implicitly underlies several well-known alogirhtms in system theory (e.g., the Jordan-form realization algorithms of Kuo13, Funahashi14, and others, on the 'structure algorithm' of Silverman15, for system inversion) is pointed out. In Sec. 4 we briefly consider some small extensions of Forney's results2 on polynomial bases for rational vector spaces. In particular, we consider the structure of certain rational bases for such spaces.
Relation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women Approaching Menopause to Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and Reproductive Hormones in the Follicular and Luteal Phases

Context: Menstrual cycle characteristics may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the relationships between menstrual cycle characteristics and daily reproductive hormone measures with CVD risk factors in middle-aged women. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional associations were examined between CVD risk factors and urinary LH, FSH, estrone conjugates, and pregnanediol glucuronide (Pdg) measured across one menstrual cycle or 50 d. Participants: Menstruating women (n = 500) who were free from diabetes or past stroke or heart attack enrolled in the Daily Hormone Study-Study of Women’s Health across the Nation were studied. Main Outcome Measures: Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, hemostatic, and metabolic factors were measured. Results: Few differences existed in risk factors between women with evidence of luteal activity and those with no evidence of luteal activity. Associations between elevated CVD risk factors and long cycle lengt...
Low Vision Care in India: A Time for Action!

With a national population now estimated at 1.1 billion people (and growing!), it is often stated that India accounts for 1/3 of all blind and visually impaired individuals in this world! If this statement is correct, this means that there are 5–6 million visually impaired and blind individuals in India. Although certainly real progress is being made, one can reasonably ask, is the existing organizational structure designed to serve the needs of so large a number of people, and are the necessary care-providers available to provide for visual rehabilitation requirements of this very substantial cohort of affected patients? Both continuing growth and aging of the Indian population tend to challenge the capacity of that nation to meet demands for ophthalmic services, as well as their ability to meet the visual rehabilitation requirements of this populace. Modern optometry is, in many ways, a nascent profession in India. On behalf of the large cohort of visually impaired patients, I argue that a difference ca...
FOOD, HEALTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND HIV/AIDS IN A REMOTE AREA OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

This article will address the relationships among development, nutritional well-being, and HIV/AIDS in a remote area of southern Africa: the northwestern Kalahari Desert region of the Republic of Botswana and the adjacent Nyae Nyae region of northeastern Namibia. According to the United Nations AIDS Program (UNAIDS) and other organizations, Botswana and Namibia have some of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Until relatively recently, however, the HIV/AIDS rates in remote areas of these two countries were lower than the national averages. A major question addressed in this article is why this might be the case. Major transformations have occurred in southern Africa with globalization, economic development, political shifts, migration, and environmental change. While development programs in Botswana and Namibia have had some positive effects in remote areas in terms of increasing access to social and physical infrastructure and, in some cases, to employment and income generating opportunities, the livelihoods and health statuses of some of the people in these areas have declined. This article explores some of the factors that may have contributed to these changes.
A disturbance observer approach to detecting and rejecting narrow-band disturbances in hard disk drives

This paper presents a servo compensator to detect and reject narrow-band disturbances in the non-repeatable runout (NRRO) for hard disk drives (HDDs). A disturbance observer (DOB) with a band-pass Q filter is used to detect the presence of the narrow-band disturbance. Once the disturbance is detected, the frequency of the disturbance is identified by the least mean squares (LMS) algorithm. Based on the frequency estimate, a narrow band-pass Q filter centered at the estimated frequency is applied to the DOB to compensate for the disturbance. The performance of this compensator is demonstrated by simulation on an open-source realistic hard disk drive model.
Controlling Mechanical Properties of Porous Mullite/Alumina Mixtures Via Precursor‐Derived Alumina

This study focuses broadly on synthesis and characterization of porous mullite/alumina mixtures for use as matrices in oxide fiber composites. Specifically, an assessment is made of the utility of a precursor-derived alumina (PDA) in controlling both the modulus and the toughness of mullite-rich particle mixtures. Property changes are probed through models of the mechanical behavior of bonded particle aggregates. Consideration of the conditions needed to cause crack deflection at a fiber–matrix interface yields an upper allowable limit on the concentration of PDA to ensure damage tolerance in a fiber composite. The predicted critical concentration lies in the range of about 7–9%, depending on the mullite/alumina ratio in the particle slurry and the subsequent aging treatment. Values slightly below this limit should yield composites that exhibit a desirable balance between fiber- and matrix-dominated properties.
Student Success Courses in the Community College: An Exploratory Study of Student Perspectives.

This study examines student success courses in two urban community colleges. Through analysis of student interview data, we find that such courses are an essential resource for students, in large p...
Tissue-level remodeling simulations of cancellous bone capture effects of in vivo loading in a rabbit model.

Abstract The adaptation of cancellous bone to mechanical stimuli occurs throughout normal skeletal growth and aging, as well as in response to surgery, disease and device implantation. Previously we developed an in vivo cancellous loading model in the distal lateral femur of the rabbit. In response to daily in vivo loading for four weeks, bone mass increased, trabeculae thickened and the apparent modulus of the underlying cancellous bone increased. Here, we simulated our prior in vivo rabbit loading experiment using a cell-based tissue remodeling algorithm ( Mullender et al., 1994 ) and compared the results to the in vivo experimental data published previously. Cancellous bone tissue was added or removed from the surface of trabeculae in regions of high and low mechanical stimulus, respectively. To examine the effect of material properties on mechanically regulated adaptation, we implemented both a homogeneous material model and a model where the relative density of tissue was lower for new and surface bone tissue compared to interior tissue. The simulations captured the changes in histomorphometric parameters and mechanical properties measured in the in vivo experiment illustrating the ability of computational simulations to predict the effect of mechanically regulated adaptation on cancellous bone histomorphometry and apparent modulus.
Adjustment to new parenthood: attenders versus nonattenders at prenatal education classes.

ABSTRACT: This longitudinal descriptive study compared the adjustment to new parenthood in two groups of first-time mothers and fathers. Participants included 106 married couples, 58 (55%) who attended prenatal childbirth education classes and 48 (45%) who did not. The study variables included prenatal, intrapartal, and new parent experiences. All mothers and fathers completed questionnaires during the last trimester of pregnancy and one month after delivery of a healthy newborn. Fathers were present during labor and birth regardless of prenatal class attendance. The groups differed in maternal age and in maternal and paternal education levels, but did not direr in measures of prenatal attachment, paternal childbirth involvement, childbirth satisfaction, parenting sense of competence, and ease of transition to parenthood. The results suggest the need for further study of the influence of prenatal classes on becoming a new parent, and of the effects of the father's presence during childbirth on birth and new parent experiences.
Radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy <72 Gy, external beam radiotherapy ≥72 Gy, permanent seed implantation, or combined seeds/external beam radiotherapy for stage T1–T2 prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose To review the biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) rates after treatment with permanent seed implantation (PI), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) Methods and materials The study population comprised 2991 consecutive patients treated at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation or Memorial Sloan Kettering at Mercy Medical Center. All cases had pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (iPSA) levels and biopsy Gleason scores (bGSs). Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation for ≤6 months was given in 622 cases (21%). No adjuvant therapy was given after local therapy. RP was used for 1034 patients (35%), EBRT 0.2 for RP cases and three consecutive rising PSA levels (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology Oncology consensus definition) for all other cases. A multivariate analysis for factors affecting the bRFS rates was performed using the following variables: clinical T stage, iPSA, bGS, androgen deprivation, year of treatment, and treatment modality. The multivariate analysis was repeated excluding the EBRT Results The 5-year bRFS rate for RP, EBRT p p p p p p p p = 0.001) to be the only independent predictors of relapse. Treatment modality ( p = 0.95), clinical T stage ( p = 0.09), and androgen deprivation ( p = 0.56) were not independent predictors for failure. Conclusion The biochemical failure rates were similar among PI, high-dose (≥72 Gy) EBRT, COMB, and RP for localized prostate cancer. The outcomes were significantly worse for low-dose (
Hurricane Gustav: The Management of a Transboundary Crisis

This chapter describes how authorities in Louisiana (governor Bobby Jindal and Baton Rouge mayor Kip Holden) coped with the effects of Hurricane Gustav. This was the first hurricane to hit Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. It hit land on Labor Day of 2008, missed New Orleans and hit Baton Rouge (the state capital).
Modeling the Electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-Model Source

The parameters for the cross-spectral density that define the electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-Model beam are mapped to random complex amplitude screens. Example wave optics propagation simulation results are presented.
Flow over a Distribution of Obliquely Aligned Elements: Part I - Experimental Investigation

Flows over surface elements with a directional orientation different from the free stream flow are common. Some examples are conduit flows with helical ribs and flow in gas-turbine internal cooling passages with angled-rib turbulators. While internal flows over obliquely aligned elements are common and have been studied extensively in the literature, the production of secondary flows in boundary layers over obliquely aligned three-dimensional elements is not well understood. Obliquely aligned elements affect the flow-direction boundary layer development, create bulk or localized circulation, and induce turbulence in the resulting three-dimensional boundary layers. MEMS devices, such as micro-balloon actuators, have been studied in recent literature as a means for active and passive control of flow separation and of flow transition to turbulence. By elongating MEMS type devices and orienting them so that the major axis of the elements is at an oblique angle to the primary flow direction, arrays of these devices may be used to control the magnitude of secondary or transverse flows induced as well as controlling the separation and transition of the mainstream flow. Systems naturally exhibiting three-dimensional boundary layers would benefit from directional flow control, or flow tailoring. The purpose of this investigation was to measure the secondary flow over a flat plate induced by an array of obliquelyaligned, right frustums of elliptical cross-section. The boundary-layer flow directional components were measured upstream and downstream of the coupon using miniature endflow X-array hotwire anemometer probes mounted on an automated traversing system. The boundary-layer measurements were performed for test coupons with arrays of elements aligned at 0°, -5°, -10°, and -15° to the free stream flow direction under nominal free stream velocities of 2, 5, and 10 m/s. The resulting boundary-layer measurements demonstrate the ability of obliquely aligned elements to produce controlled (or tailored) secondary flows. Since the test coupons used were of a finite span, the results demonstrate that controlled vortices can also be generated using the arrays.
Characterization and modeling of anisotropic SL pattern during investment casting process

Photopolymer-based stereo-lithography (SL) rapid prototyping patterns with honeycomb internal structure reduce lead time and material cost for pattern manufacturing and also minimize ceramic mold residue after pattern removal in investment casting process. However, relatively larger thermal expansion of SL pattern tends to cause ceramic shell cracking during the pattern thermal removal. The anisotropy of SL pattern properties incurs different stress states of ceramic shell depending on the orientation of the honeycomb structure. In this work, a comprehensive thermo-mechanical coupled finite element model was developed to characterize the anisotropy of SL pattern and its effect on stress in investment casting shell molds. An experimental-based thermal degradation material model was developed considering anisotropy of the thermo-mechanical properties of SL pattern. The static analysis of slurry dipping and transient thermo-mechanical analysis of the pattern thermal removal process were performed. Both the pattern and ceramic shell behavior were studied and validated with experimental findings. Facesheet thickness/facesheet-to-core ratio and orientation of honeycomb structure were found to be the key factors to shell stress during pattern firing. Decreased facesheet thickness reduces stress in shell but also increases shell stress sensitivity to anisotropy of SL pattern. The developed tool provides an effective and efficient way to evaluate and optimize the structure of SL pattern for investment casting process.
Temperature and ac effects on charge transport in arrays of metallic dots

We investigate the effects of finite temperature, dc pulse, and ac drives on the charge transport in metallic arrays using numerical simulations. For finite temperatures there is a finite conduction threshold which decreases linearly with temperature. Additionally we find a quadratic scaling of the current-voltage curves which is independent of temperature for finite thresholds. These results are in excellent agreement with recent experiments on 2D metallic dot arrays. We have also investigated the effects of an ac drive as well as a suddenly applied dc drive. With an ac drive the conduction threshold decreases for fixed frequency and increasing amplitude and saturates for fixed amplitude and increasing frequency. For sudden applied dc drives below threshold we observe a long time power-law conduction decay.
Capital: Capital Supply and Economic Growth: Sources of Savings

Economic growth is customarily defined as the growth of output per head of population. Among the factors which account for the growth of output, capital has usually been accorded the key role. This is especially so in the case of under-developed countries where the factor endowment reveals the scarcity of capital.2 Theoretically, the attribution of high importance to capital and saving in economic development appears to be, to some extent, due to the popularity of the Harrod-Domar model, which has spread especially through its application to economic development in under-developed countries. One way of such application is to use this model as a simple tool for over-all development programming especially for the estimation of the capital requirements, on a given capital-output ratio, for achieving a certain rate of growth. Another way of applying this model and one which involves broad policy recommendations, is to determine the extent to which, by raising the rate of saving, or by reducing the capital-output ratio, or by doing both, a country can (aside from capital inflow) achieve a higher rate of growth than otherwise.
Patterns of oxygen consumption during simultaneously occurring elevated metabolic states in the viviparous snake Thamnophis marcianus

Snakes exhibit large factorial increments in oxygen consumption during digestion and physical activity, and long-lasting sub-maximal increments during reproduction. Under natural conditions, all three physiological states may occur simultaneously, but the integrated response is not well understood. Adult male and female checkered gartersnakes (Thamnophis marcianus) were used to examine increments in oxygen consumption (i.e. V(O2)) and carbon dioxide production (i.e. V(CO2)) associated with activity (Act), digestion (Dig) and post-prandial activity (Act+Dig). For females, we carried out these trials in the non-reproductive state, and also during the vitellogenic (V) and embryogenic (E) phases of a reproductive cycle. Endurance time (i.e. time to exhaustion, TTE) was recorded for all groups during Act and Act+Dig trials. Our results indicate that male and non-reproductive female T. marcianus exhibit significant increments in V(O2) during digestion (∼5-fold) and activity (∼9-fold), and that Act+Dig results in a similar increment in V(O2) (∼9- to 10-fold). During reproduction, resting V(O2) increased by 1.6- to 1.7-fold, and peak increments during digestion were elevated by 30-50% above non-reproductive values, but values associated with Act and Act+Dig were not significantly different from non-reproductive values. During Act+Dig, endurance time remained similar for all of the groups in the present study. Overall, our results indicate that prioritization is the primary pattern of interaction in oxygen delivery exhibited by this species. We propose that the metabolic processes associated with digestion, and perhaps reproduction, are temporarily compromised during activity.
Optimizing the form of tall buildings to achieve minimum structural weight by considering along wind effect

One of the most influential parameters in architectural and structural design of tall buildings, in addition to gravity loads, is the lateral load resulting from wind and earthquakes. Tall buildings have to be designed for a larger base shear resulting from wind forces rather than seismic forces; however, ductile detailing is used to account for seismic demands. The wind effect occurs primarily in two main modes of action: across wind and along wind. In this paper, a design method of tall buildings that considers integrated architectural and structural strategies to reduce the along wind effect in an effort to achieve the minimum weight of the structure is presented. This method creates an innovative computational workbench to design efficient tall buildings regarding the along wind effect by connecting an architectural parametric design procedure by AutoLisp (AutoCAD), a Computational Fluid Dynamics program (ANSYS), a structural analysis program (ETABS) and a genetic algorithm-based optimization procedure of ParGen.
272. Nucleic Acid Scavenging Nanofibers as Anti-Inflammatory Meshes

Dying cells release extracellular nucleic acids (NA) that can activate the inflammatory pathways of immune cells. Over-activation of these pathways contributes to sustained inflammation related to chronic wounds as well as autoimmune diseases like SLE, RA and IBD. The Sullenger lab previously showed that certain soluble, cationic polymers can scavenge extracellular nucleic acids and inhibit RNA-and DNA-mediated activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammation [1]. We hypothesize that incorporation of cationic polymers onto insoluble nanofibers would enable the scavenging of negatively charged pro-inflammatory species in a localized area, reducing cytotoxicity related to unwanted internalization of soluble cationic polymers. Herein, we report in vitro data to support that electrospun nanofibers grafted with cationic polymers (NASFs) can absorb agonists of TLR 3 and 9 directly from serum and prevent the production of NF-κβ, an immune system activating transcription factor while also demonstrating low cytotoxicity. Electropsinning of 60% Poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) in 1:1:1 tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, and acetone resulted in randomly aligned fibers with diameters of 297±13 nm. Neutral fibers were made into NASFs by adding highly cationic 1.8 kDa bPEI, which increased the average fiber diameter to 486±9 nm. Cell viability and proliferation studies with STO, Ramos blue, and Normal Human Dermal Fibroblast cells show minimal toxicity of the fibers upon direct contact with the cells. NASFs effectively eliminated the immune stimulating response of NA based agonists CpG (TLR 9) and poly (I:C) (TLR 3) while not affecting the activation caused by non-anionic TLR agonists, R848 and pam3CSK4. The NASFs reduced the Ramos-Blue™ NF-κβ response to the baseline of un-stimulated cells. To test the NASFs in a more biologically relevant context, cell debris from RAW cells that were killed with Doxorubicin (DOX) was incubated with the fibers and this cell debris medium was used to treat Ramos-Blue cells. NASFs were able to block NF-κβ response anywhere from ~27-41% depending on the initial DOX treatment concentration, showing their ability to work in a biologically relevant setting. View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideWe suspect that complete blocking cannot be achieved due to the presence of non-cationic agonists in the cell debris medium; currently studies are being conducted to determine the approximate percent activation of various TLRs from cell debris medium. Together, this data demonstrates the effective formation of NASFs and their use as localized anti-inflammatory meshes.
Bayesian learning of other agents' finite controllers for interactive POMDPs

We consider an autonomous agent operating in a stochastic, partially-observable, multiagent environment, that explicitly models the other agents as probabilistic deterministic finite-state controllers (PDFCs) in order to predict their actions. We assume that such models are not given to the agent, but instead must be learned from (possibly imperfect) observations of the other agents' behavior. The agent maintains a belief over the other agents' models, that is updated via Bayesian inference. To represent this belief we place a flexible stick-breaking distribution over PDFCs, that allows the posterior to concentrate around controllers whose size is not bounded and scales with the complexity of the observed data. Since this Bayesian inference task is not analytically tractable, we devise a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to approximate the posterior distribution. The agent then embeds the result of this inference into its own decision making process using the interactive POMDP framework. We show that our learning algorithm can learn agent models that are behaviorally accurate for problems of varying complexity, and that the agent's performance increases as a result.
Frequency and Psychosocial Correlates of Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Male Figure Skaters

Using a cross-sectional, mixed-method design, this study examined the frequency and psychosocial correlates of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among male figure skaters (n = 29; Mage = 18.45 years) and explored their perspectives on skating-related weight pressures. One participant (3.7%) scored within range of a clinical ED. Body mass index, sport-related weight pressures, and sport-related body dissatisfaction explained 30% of variance in ED symptomatology; only weight pressures were significant. Although most endorsed the positive influences of skating, a perceived body–performance link was their most frequent weight pressure. Coping with sport-related weight pressures should be addressed in applied sport psychology and ED prevention.
Interactive, Inclusive Substance Dualism

This paper argues that a certain kind of substance dualism can adopt the ‘Compatibilist’ solution to the problem of causal exclusion. After sketching a non-Cartesian substance dualism akin to E.J. Lowe’s account (e.g. Lowe in Erkenntnis, 65(1), 5-23, 2006, 2008) and considering its shortcomings with respect to mental causation in section one, section two outlines an alternative account of mental causation and argues that this account solves the exclusion problem. Finally, section three considers a challenge to the proposed solution. With the exception of Lowe’s efforts (Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 70, 263–76, 1992, 2003, 2006, 2008), very little in defense of substance dualist mental causation is to be found in the recent philosophical literature.
Exploring Aging through Intergenerational and Cross-Cultural Narratives

The use of intergenerational and cross-cultural narratives in undergraduate social work courses is introduced, illustrated, and discussed. The focus is on material to excite and broaden the knowledge base of students by introducing cultures and an age group with whom they may not be familiar. Another goal is to present the richness and wisdom of stories that elders from various ethnicities have to tell in order to overcome stereotypes of aging and promote positive intergenerational relationships on a personal and professional level. For practice, policy, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment courses, examples are given of readings, films, a song, and specific assignments.
Anglo-Saxonists as Public Medievalists

This chapter connects the community and political activity of late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century female Anglo-Saxonists (and medievalists more broadly) with translations of Old English poetry and with the suffrage movement. These “public medievalists” provide both role models and cautions for contemporary medievalists who similarly see the need to connect medievalism to contemporary political issues, specifically those related to resistance to burgeoning white supremacist movements. The chapter ends by advocating that those in the field need to become “Public Anglo-Saxonists” to acknowledge and confront the racism and sexism inherent in the history of our discipline as part of the project to work against contemporary racism and sexism inside and outside the university.
Fetal Outcomes in Intentional Over-the-Counter Medication Overdoses in Pregnancy

We present three cases of patients attempting suicide by ingesting over-the-counter (OTC) medications diphenhydramine, salicylate, and acetaminophen. We then provide clinical guidelines for management of toxicity in pregnancy. Two cases resulted in fetal demise. Preventive strategies through an interdisciplinary team approach to screen for and treat patients with psychiatric illnesses resulting in suicidal thoughts are also discussed.
Picosecond Resolved Optically Driven Phonon Dynamics

New dual synchronously pumped and synchronously amplified variable frequency pulsed dye lasers1,2 have been assembled. These lasers have been applied3_6 to observations of phonon and polariton dynamics directly in the subpico- and in the picosecond time domain. We describe below observation of the dephasing of longitudinal optical (LO) phonons, the dephasing of polaritons, both near thermal equilibrium, and also the dynamics of LO phonons when the phonon occupation number is driven far above thermal equilibrium.
A Research Methodology Curriculum for Undergraduate Students in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Introduction: The purpose of this article is to introduce nuclear medicine technology (NMT) educators to a method of incorporating research methodologies into the curriculum. Methods: The research methodology in the NMT program at Indiana University (IU) is taught in five steps (1. Introduction to research articles and statistics 2. Mock project and individual project design 3. Data collection 4. Writing the research paper 5. Presenting the abstract and mentoring new students). These steps could be combined for programs of shorter length or with credit hour restrictions. Results: All IU NMT students (100%) presented their research abstracts as part of a continuing education program for technologists. Seventeen of twenty-five (68%) presented their abstracts at a regional professional meeting. Six of twenty-five (24%) presented their research abstracts at a national professional meeting. Three of those six (50%) received travel grants. Two students submitted their research for publication and one was successful. Conclusion: The goal of incorporating a research methodology program into the nuclear medicine program should be to introduce undergraduates to the research process and instill excitement for new technologists to continue participation in research throughout their career.
The chemistry of life

There is no function in the animal economy upon which the science of chemistry cannot throw some light.
Experience with Radiofrequency-Local Current Field Interstitial Hyperthermia: Biological Rationale, Equipment Development, and Clinical Results

Considerable progress has been made in the clinical utilization of local hyperthermia (HT) as an adjunct to radiation therapy (XRT) in the treatment of superficially-located malignancies during the past 15 years (Anderson and Kapp, 1990). Evidence is accumulating demonstrating a correlation between the ability to heat tumors and the therapeutic outcome as measured by complete response rates or duration of local control (Kapp, 1988; Valdagni et al, 1988). While the parameters which best define our ability to heat tumors remain to be better elucidated, most studies show a relationship between some measure reflecting the average minimum or average intratumoral temperature distribution and outcome (Kapp, 1988). However, currently available non-invasive microwave or ultrasound heating techniques have limited field sizes and depths of penetration, making it difficult to obtain effective heating (goal ≥43°C for 30–60 minutes) at tumor depths of greater than 2–3 cm. Investigational systems employing radiative electromagnetic arrays or capacitive heating have some promise for deeper heating but, in general, result in regional rather than local heating of the tumors (Hiraoka et al, 1984; Petrovich et al, 1989).
A System of Spinal Cord Injury Care

A system of spinal cord injury (SCI) care is addressed in this article. The history of the evolution of the current approach to system care, starting with Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, is reviewed. The magnitude of SCI trauma is addressed, and the benefits of the SCI system of care are detailed.
Review of force fields and intermolecular potentials used in atomistic computational materials research

Molecular simulation is a powerful computational tool for a broad range of applications including the examination of materials properties and accelerating drug discovery. At the heart of molecular simulation is the analytic potential energy function. These functions span the range of complexity from very simple functions used to model generic phenomena to complex functions designed to model chemical reactions. The complexity of the mathematical function impacts the computational speed and is typically linked to the accuracy of the results obtained from simulations that utilize the function. One approach to improving accuracy is to simply add more parameters and additional complexity to the analytic function. This approach is typically used in non-reactive force fields where the functional form is not derived from quantum mechanical principles. The form of other types of potentials, such as the bond-order potentials, is based on quantum mechanics and has led to varying levels of accuracy and transferability. When selecting a potential energy function for use in molecular simulations, the accuracy, transferability, and computational speed must all be considered. In this focused review, some of the more commonly used potential energy functions for molecular simulations are reviewed with an eye toward presenting their general forms, strengths, and weaknesses.
Fast and Efficient Distributed Matrix-vector Multiplication Using Rateless Fountain Codes

We propose a rateless fountain coding strategy to alleviate the problem of straggling nodes – computing nodes that unpredictably slowdown or fail – in distributed matrix-vector multiplication. Our algorithm generates linear combinations of the m rows of the matrix, and assigns them to different worker nodes, which then perform row-vector products with the encoded rows. The original matrix-vector product can be decoded as soon as slightly more than m row-vector products are collectively completed by the nodes. This strategy enables fast nodes to steal work from slow nodes, without requiring the knowledge of node speeds. Compared to recently proposed fixed-rate erasure coding strategies which ignore partial work done by straggling nodes, rateless codes have a significantly lower overall delay, and a smaller computational overhead.
A taxonomy of model assumptions on which P is based and implications for added benefit in the sciences

Although the null hypothesis significance testing procedure is problematic, many still favor the use of p-values as indicating the state of evidence against the model used to generate the p-value. ...
Some Observations on Dynamic Random Walks and Network Renormalization

We recently developed a general bifurcation analysis framework for establishing the periodicity of certain time-varying random walks. In this work, we look at the special case of lazy uniform-inflow random walks and show how a much simpler version of the argument can be used to resolve their analysis. We also revisit a renormalization technique for network sequences that we introduced earlier and we propose a few simplifications. This work can be viewed as a gentle introduction to Markov influence systems.
Comprehensive Chromosome Analysis in Diminished Ovarian Reserve Patients

Aneuploidy is a major source of adverse outcomes in human reproduction. Comprehensive chromosome analysis, now termed preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo biopsy, diagnosis, and selective chromosomally normal embryo transfer and aims to improve IVF success. Currently, there are limited data on PGT-A implementation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. In this chapter, we will provide an overview of approaches for embryo biopsy, applied diagnostic technologies, and clinical outcomes and discuss the benefit and risk of the implementing PGT-A on diminished ovarian reserve patients.
Central nervous system nocardiosis masquerading as metastatic brain lesions

Nocardiosis is an uncommon infection, however it needs to be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Central nervous system (CNS) nocardiosis, in particular, is an even rarer entity with a higher mortality. This is a case of CNS Nocardia infection with an atypical presentation that was initially concerning for metastatic disease. In an immunocompromised patient with CNS findings, atypical infectious processes need to be considered. In a patient with concomitant pulmonary findings, an evaluation for Nocardia should be pursued as the lungs are the primary route of entry for this organism. Treatment typically involves a sulfonamide with secondary antibiotic agent, however a combination using meropenem has proved effective here.