cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymerizable siloxane precursors having in‐chain perfluoroalkyl groups

The synthesis and polymerization of several silphenylene siloxane polymer precursors containing a perfluoroalkylsegment in the backbone was carried out. The molecular weight characteristics of polymers from 1,3-bis[p(-hydroxydimethylsilyl)phenyl]hexafluoropropane and 1,3-bis[p(-dimethylaminodimethylsilyl)phenyl]hexafluoropropane were studied as a function of polymerization conditions. Polymers containing the dodecafluorohexane chain segment were also prepared. Polymers having inherent viscosities of 0.55 to 0.9 were obtained. The polymers crosslinked at room temperature to thermoset elastomers which were characterized by improved thermal and oxidative stability over dimethylsilicones. Room temperature swelling of the experimental polymers hydrocarbon solvents was also much lower than that of dimethylsilicones. The polymers containing the (CF2)3 and (CF2)6 linkages had glass transition points of −12°C and −34°C, respectively.
Go “Heavy” or Go Home: An Examination of Audience Attitudes and Their Relationship to Gender Cues in the 2010 Olympic Snowboarding Coverage

This study uses a multimethod approach to examine links between societal attitudes about one extreme sport, snowboarding, and gender cues present in 2010 Winter Olympics broadcasts. Results of a nationwide survey of 718 adults found that viewing time emerged as the main predictor variable for attitudes. Respondents who watched more men's coverage rated the sport as more masculine, and those who watched more women's coverage rated the sport as more feminine. Attitudes toward the athletes were more complex, with heavy viewers rating both male and female boarders as possessing more of the masculine and feminine qualities success in the sport demands. Next, a content analysis was employed to examine visual and verbal cues present in 2 hours and 25 minutes of NBC's primetime coverage. Running time was equal for both sexes. Also, some cues present in the broadcasts did support traditional gender stereotypes, but other gendered cues were emphasized equally and amply for both sexes. The results provide evidence t...
Mechanical bond strength of the cement-tibial component interface in total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to mechanically test the cement-tibial component interface using titanium and cobalt-chrome sample prostheses with several commercially available surface textures. The results of this study indicate that the type of metal substrate and surface preparation of contemporary tibial baseplates may influence the strength of the metal-cement interface and as such influence tibial component survival. The results indicate that, in general, metal-cement interface strength increases with increasing surface roughness and common surface treatments such as AlO2 grit-blasting (Ra = 6.76 microm) produce interface strengths similar to plasma-spray, porous-coated specimens. Macrosurfaced tibial components, although comparable in tension, may be vulnerable to metal-cement interface failure with rotational loading.
Effective modelling of spatial buckling of beam assemblages, accounting for warping constraints and rotation-dependency of moments

A simple, two-noded, finite element model for the three-dimensional buckling analysis of beam assemblages is developed. The underlying generalized-beam theory employed accounts for all coupled significant modes of deformations, including stretching, bending, shear and torsion, as well as warping. Its mixed formulation is of the two-field type, utilizing linear and constant interpolants for displacements and strain fields. Due considerations are given to the effect off inite rotations in space on the non-linear kinematic descriptions as well as the configuration-dependent behaviour of externally applied moment vectors of the conservative and non-conservative types. The performance of the model, and particularly the accuracy of its geometric and load-correction stiffnesses, is assessed in a fairly complete set of numerical simulations.
Human detection using mobile embedded smart cameras

Embedded smart cameras are stand-alone units that combine sensing and processing on a single embedded platform. They allow flexibility in camera placement, and provide mobility without being dependent on wired links. On the other hand, detecting and tracking objects from videos captured by mobile cameras is a very challenging task even on powerful computers. Since embedded smart cameras have very limited processing power, memory and energy, the challenge becomes even bigger. In this paper, we present a person detection system using an embedded smart camera mounted on a remote-controlled car. We employ histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) for detection, and present the performance results obtained on these resource-constrained environments. The example application is patrolling hallways in a building to detect people.
Colon replacement of the esophagus for congenital and benign disease.

Abstract Over the past 28 years, one of us (W. E. N.) has reconstructed the esophagus with the right colon for congenital and benign disease in 84 patients. The first patient in the series, who was operated on in 1955, remains asymptomatic. Nine patients had congenital tracheoesophageal fistula with atresia; 4, esophageal varices; 30, advanced obliterative esophagitis; and 23, corrosive destruction. In 7, severe esophagitis followed esophagogastrectomy; 4 had unsuccessful operations for achalasia; and 7 had colon bypass following esophageal perforation. Eleven early nonfatal complications occurred. Late nonfatal complications were seen in 6 patients. There were 4 early deaths (4%): following dehiscence of an intrathoracic esophagocolic anastomosis and 1 due to peritonitis. Four individuals died over the years, and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. The late results in 71 patients show that 60 (84.5%) believe they have a satisfactory result. Nine (13%) individuals are symptomatic, and 2 (2.8%) must be classified as failures. Early complications have been minimized by using preoperative intestinal angiography, anastomotic stapling techniques, and the Doppler study intraoperatively to prognosticate colon blood flow. Several important observations have been made: anastomosis in the neck is preferable; the transplanted colon dilates from loss of motor activity but is functionally adequate; an isoperistaltic segment is preferable, but an antiperistaltic implant suffices; colonic mucosa is relatively resistant to acid-peptic digestion; and hyperalimentation is mandatory in very ill and debilitated patients.
A concurrent programming environment for memory-mapped persistent object systems

The advantages of object-oriented programming systems are well known. However, in general, they do not support long-lived objects, nor do they allow concurrent sharing or dynamic re-use of language defined objects. Persistent object systems address some of these shortfalls. In this paper we present a design and implementation of a persistent object system that uses memory-mapping to directly map objects from the persistent store into the address space of user programs. Memory mapping makes the management and manipulation of persistent objects simpler. In particular, complex object structures can be executed (shared) concurrently on behalf of separate applications. A simple language extension has been designed and added to C++ to make the programming of persistence, sharing, synchronization and consistency control expressible. With efficient run-time support for persistent pointer resolution and consistency maintenance, this approach can provide much finer-grain execution concurrentcy and sharing, easier object navigation, simpler programability and possibly better performance, than object-oriented database systems. >
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Analysis and Action in Breast Cancer

The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the hormonal regulation of cell proliferation in breast cancer has been the object of intense research. Because most breast cancers are initially dependent upon estrogens for continued growth, much of this research has focused on the role of estrogen receptor (ER) in the control of gene expression and mitosis1, and on its use as marker for hormone responsiveness and prognosis.2 In addition, progesterone receptor (PR), as both a mediator of hormonal responses and as a product of estrogen action on breast cancer cells, has been studied extensively as a tumor marker3 and in terms of its regulation by estrogen agonists and antagonists4. Although its function in breast cancer is unknown, the presence as well as the induction of PR has been coupled to estrogen-induced proliferative responses in breast cancer cells. An improved understanding of the function and regulation of expression of these transcription factors is emerging from studies of the structure, composition and dynamics of the receptor proteins and the genes that encode them. The recent cloning and molecular analysis of all of the known steroid receptors has led to the definition of common functional domains and a proposed mechanism by which they interact with responsive genes, via cis-acting DNA enhancer elements, in normal and neoplastic tissues5. For ER and PR, these studies have been aided by the availability of a number of monoclonal antibody probes directed against specific regions of each receptor6,7. In addition, the same antibodies have been used to develop validated quantitative and histochemical immunoassays for ER and PR in a variety of hormoneresponsive tissues and related cancers8,9,10
The Power of Reach and Frequency In the Age of Digital Advertising: Offline and Online Media Demand Different Metrics

ABSTRACT A survey was conducted of 104 U.S. advertising-agency media directors regarding current practices in media-schedule evaluations—for both offline and online media—and the application and perceptions of reach-and-frequency estimation models. Results suggest that traditional exposure-based criteria such as reach-and-frequency distribution remain important and often are used in evaluations of offline media schedules. For online media, however, a majority of agencies rely on qualitative assessments followed by cost-based criteria or Internet-specific measures (page views). The findings also indicate decreased levels of satisfaction with computerized reach-and-frequency estimation models compared to media directors in the mid-1990s. The authors urge continuous validation of model accuracy and development of new reach-and-frequency estimation models.
Does military expenditure hinder economic growth? Evidence from Greece and Turkey

Abstract The relationship between economic growth and military expenditure has been extensively studied but its findings are inconclusive and contradictory. The primary reasons behind such disparities include the linear and nonlinear behavior of military expenditure on economic growth and the analysis of different techniques. This study examines the effect of military expenditure on economic growth in Greece and Turkey, which have higher military expenditure burden among the NATO 1 countries using a modified Barro model. The autoregressive distributive lag bounds testing (ARDL) for cointegration is used to determine the long run effect. A vector error correction model (VECM) has been used to analyze the short run effect between the variables. The military expenditure displays a significant negative effect on economic growth for Turkey for both short and long run. In contrast, there is no significant military expenditure effect on economic growth for Greece.
Overview of the Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor System

Natural killer (NK) cells are more than simple killers and have been implicated in control and clearance of malignant and virally infected cells, regulation of adaptive immune responses, rejection of bone marrow transplants, and autoimmunity and the maintenance of pregnancy. Human NK cells largely use a family of germ-line encoded killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) to respond to the perturbations from self-HLA class I molecules present on infected, malignant, or HLA-disparate fetal or allogenic transplants. Genes encoding KIR receptors and HLA class I ligands are located on different chromosomes, and both feature extraordinary diversity in the number and type of genes. The independent segregation of KIR and HLA gene families produce diversity in the number and type of KIR-HLA gene combinations inherited in individuals, which may determine their immunity and susceptibility to diseases. This chapter provides an overview of NK cells and their unprecedented phenotypic and functional diversity within and between individuals.
Amethystic Agents in the Treatment of Alcohol Intoxication

Amethystic agents represent only one class of substances or conditions that can antagonize the actions of alcohol (ethanol). To gain a proper perspective, we should recognize several situations in which many of the acute and long-term effects of ethanol can be blocked: 1. Prevention or reversal of ethanol-induced euphoria or stimulation (e.g., by alpha methyl-p-tyrosine in man; Ahlenius et al., 1973) 2. Antagonism of ethanol-induced sedation or hypnosis (e.g., by calcium chelators such as ED TA and EGTA in mice; Erickson et al., 1978) 3. Antagonism of ethanol preference (e.g., by acetaldehyde in mice; Sanders et al. vn1977) 4. Reduction of ethanol intake (e.g., by disulfiram in man; Kitson, 1977) 5. Blockade of the production of tolerance to ethanol (e.g., by cortexolone, a glucocorticoid receptor blocker in mice; Tabak-off and Yanai, 1979) 6. Prevention of the development of physical dependence to ethanol (e.g., by naloxone in mice; Blum et al., 1977) 7. Suppression of ethanol withdrawal reactions, once they have begun (e.g., by sodium bromide in mice; Goldstein, 1979) 8. Amelioration of the acute withdrawal phase of alcoholism (e.g., by chlormethiazole, a sedative-hypnotic drug, in man; McGrath, 1975) 9. Improvement in alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction (e.g., by propylthiouracil in man; Orrego et al., 1979) 10. Treatment of the alcohol-induced “tiorganic brain syndrome” (e.g., by EMD 21657, an experimental drug, in man; Saletu et al., 1978)
Guaranteed Collision Avoidance with Discrete Observations and Limited Actuation

A critical operational objective of any autonomous vehicle is to avoid collisions with other agents (i.e. vehicles and obstacles) at all times. To attain this objective, the vehicle must be able to localize other agents and implement a collision avoidance strategy. The localization process of other agents can be continuous or discrete. Although ideal, continuous observations may not be possible or practical in many realistic scenarios due to common sensor limitations (e.g. slow sampling rates, short sensing ranges, and system failures) or because of energy-saving concerns (i.e. limiting the use of sensors to prolong the life of the vehicle’s power source). Therefore, the design of avoidance laws with discrete information becomes necessary. In this chapter, we present noncooperative and cooperative avoidance strategies with time-varying discrete observations for a pair of two autonomous agents. We consider vehicles with limited sensing range and bounded control inputs, and develop strategies that guarantee the avoidance of a dynamic obstacle. The observation of the obstacle’s position occurs at discrete time intervals that decrease in size as the obstacle comes closer to the vehicle. The avoidance strategy is also paired with a bounded trajectory tracking control and the existence of local minima, as well as a heuristic solution to avoid them, is discussed. We finally illustrate the performance of the control policies via two examples.
Comorbidity of ADHD with Bipolar Disorder

The age at onset of affective illness in 56 adults with a history of bipolar disorder was studied in relation to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
TMEM16F Ion Channel Regulates Calcium-Dependent PS Exposure, Hemostasis, and Thrombosis

Abstract Abstract 1111 Collapse of membrane lipid asymmetry is a hallmark of blood coagulation. TMEM16F of the TMEM16 family that includes TMEM16A/B Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs) is linked to Scott Syndrome with deficient Ca2+-dependent lipid scrambling. We generated TMEM16F-knockout mice that exhibit bleeding defects associated with platelet deficiency in Ca2+-dependent phosphatidylserine exposure and procoagulant activity, and lack a Ca2+-activated cation current in the platelet precursor megakaryocytes. TMEM16F channels permeate both monovalent and divalent cations including Ca2+, and exhibit synergistic gating by Ca2+ and voltage. We further pinpointed a residue in the putative pore region important for the cation versus anion selectivity of TMEM16F-SCAN and TMEM16A-CaCC channels. This study thus identifies a novel Ca2+-activated channel permeable to Ca2+ and critical for Ca2+-dependent scramblase activity. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Electric treatment for hydrophilic ink deinking

Hydrophilic inks have been widely used due to higher printing speed, competitive cost and being healthy non-organic solvents. However, they cause problems in both product quality and process runnability due to their hydrophilic surface wettability, strong negative surface charge and sub-micron size. Electric treatment was shown to be able to increase the ink sizes from 60 nm to 700 nm through electrocoagulation and electrophoresis. In addition, electric treatment assisted flotation could reduce effective residual ink concentration (ERIC) by 90 ppm, compared with only 20 ppm by traditional flotation. Furthermore, the effect of electric treatment alone on ink separation was investigated by two anode materials, graphite and stainless steel. Both of them could remove hydrophilic inks with less than 1% yield loss via electroflotation and electrophoresis. But graphite is a better material as the anode because graphite reduced ERIC by an additional 100 ppm. The yield loss of flotation following electric treatment was also lower by 17% if graphite was the anode material. The difference between the two electrode materials resulted from electrocoagulation and ink redeposition during electric treatment. An electric pretreatment-flotation-hyperwashing process was conducted to understand the deinking performance in conditions similar to a paper mill, and the ERIC was reduced from 950 ppm to less than 400 ppm.
Food Distribution and Storage in Colonies of Monomorium pharaonis (L.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The distribution (between adult workers and worker larvae) and storage of dyed foods (one protein, two lipids, and three carbohydrates) were investigated in standardized Pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis (L.), colonies (n = 250 workers, 2 queens, and 25–30 mg worker brood) in the laboratory. Two foods were in liquid form (peanut oil and 1 M sucrose) and four were in solid form (egg yolk, beef fat, table sugar, and corn starch). Workers did not actively recruit to table sugar, but in a concurrent study it was used as building material to fill nest openings. Moistened corn starch was ignored by foraging workers with little storage. Workers became satiated on 1 M sucrose before any solution was given to larvae. Peanut oil, like the 1 M sucrose solution, was rapidly distributed among and stored internally by adult workers. Unlike the 1 M sucrose solution given primarily to older larvae, peanut oil was distributed rapidly to all larval stadia. Workers showed weak recruitment to beef fat even after 7 d of starv...
Understanding deep learning via backtracking and deconvolution

Convolutional neural networks are widely adopted for solving problems in image classification. In this work, we aim to gain a better understanding of deep learning through exploring the miss-classified cases in facial and emotion recognitions. Particularly, we propose the backtracking algorithm in order to track down the activated pixels among the last layer of feature maps. We then are able to visualize the facial features that lead to the miss-classifications, by applying the feature tracking algorithm. A comparative analysis of the activated pixels reveals that for the facial recognition, the activations of the common pixels are decisive for the result of classification; for the emotion recognition, the activations of the unique pixels indeed determine the result of classification.
Steering a 3D limit-cycle walker for collaboration with a leader

This paper presents a control method for steering three dimensional (3D) dynamically walking bipeds that are engaged in cooperative tasks such as object transportation. Towards achieving safe interaction with a leading human (or robot) collaborator, the walking biped is required to exhibit compliance at the port of interaction, while simultaneously adapting its walking pattern in response to the perceived interaction forces. To address these issues, we propose a method that fuses impedance control of the biped's arm with position control of its legs in a way that the biped adaptively modifies its stepping pattern according to the collaborator's intentions. The method is applied on a 3D bipedal robot that is driven in the workspace by a collaborator, whose intention is communicated to the biped through the interaction force.
The relation between choir size and choir dynamics

If six distinct levels of choir dynamics ( pp p mp mf f ff ) are to be achieved over two octaves of fundamental frequency in a choir section, how distinct are these levels? The just noticeable difference for sound level in a free field environment is 1-2 dB, while a doubling of loudness requires a 10 phon increase (10 dB SL increase at 1000 Hz). Most singers cannot double their vocal loudness 5 times. Generally the dynamic levels are 3–6 dB apart, depending on the individual voice range profiles of the singers. Overall choir size has no effect on dynamic range, unless the size is varied dynamically by not all singers singing all the time. A few loud voices dominate ff if everyone sings. To achieve an effective choir pp, only a few voices who can sustain very soft notes should sing. The dynamic range can be significantly limited when choral blend for loudness is imposed on a non-homogeneous group of singers.
Total bilirubin trend as a predictor of common bile duct stones in acute cholecystitis and symptomatic cholelithiasis

Abstract Background We hypothesized that trends in total bilirubin in the context of cholecystitis and symptomatic cholelithiasis could be used to guide testing for the presence of common bile duct stones (CBDS). Methods A review of adult patients with acute cholecystitis or biliary colic with elevated total bilirubin and at least two levels drawn prior to procedural intervention was performed. Trends of total bilirubin and other serum makers were examined to predict the presence of CBDS. Results The total bilirubin level at presentation, average over 24 h and average over 48 h (3.74 mg/dl vs. 2.29 mg/dl, p = 0.005; 3.72 mg/dl vs. 2.40 mg/dl, p = 0.009; 2.41 mg/dl vs. 1.47 mg/dl, p Conclusion Patients presenting with elevated serum bilirubin, should undergo immediate imaging or procedural intervention rather than obtaining follow-up bilirubin levels.
Humanoid Interface for Artificially Intelligent Role-Based Game Playing

Innovations of technology can change the way humans interact with their world. The demand for robotic technology is not exclusively influenced by the component specifications of what a robot is built of, but instead driven by the applications and potential of a robot. Humanoid robots are the best interface for human and robotic interaction because they are ergonomically designed to physically mimic a person thereby benefiting mankind by having the potential to physically operate in an environment designed for society. Moreover, humans are more apt to treat humanoid robots as companions because humans are more likely to project a personality onto the robot. This paper attempts to explore two topics: the advantages of entertainment based applications for humanoids as a vehicle for role-based game playing, and exploring the model for humanoid interaction with either a human adversary or a humanoid adversary. This paper also mentions entertainment based application implementations on systems with limited resources. We utilized the DARwIn-OP as a vehicle to demonstrate a fundamental application of basic artificial intelligence. In playing the role-based game of tic-tac-toe, we created a model for human to humanoid robot interaction as well as humanoid robot to humanoid robot interaction.
Effects of induced hypothyroidism on weight gains, lactation, and reproductive performance of primiparous Brahman cows.

Primiparous, spring-calving Brahman cows (BW = 425.0 +/- 13.8 kg, body condition score [BCS] = 5.0 +/- .2 units; SEM) were used to study the effects of thyroid manipulation on weight gain, milk production, and reproduction. Nine cows served as controls. Nine cows were induced to become hypothyroid by daily ingestion of 4 mg/kg BW of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). Cows were stratified to treatment 1 d after calving based on season of birth, BW, BCS, calf sex, and calf sire. The treatment period lasted for 84 d and was followed by a 56-d posttreatment period. Cow BW, BCS, and calf weight were recorded twice weekly. Milk production was estimated at 14, 28, 56, 84, 98, 112, and 140 d after calving. Weekly blood samples were obtained for analysis of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and progesterone (P4). Estrus was monitored twice daily with the aid of a fertile bull equipped with a chin ball marker. Hypothyroidism was effectively induced in all PTU cows during the treatment period. The PTU cows gained more (P = .002) weight (54.6 +/- 7.6 kg) and tended (P = .06) to increase body condition (.61 +/- .17 units) more than control cows (15.7 +/- 7.6 kg; .11 +/- .17 units) during the treatment period. Control calves gained at a faster rate (.85 +/- .04 kg/d; P < .01) than PTU calves (.70 +/- .04 kg/d) during the treatment period. Milk production was lower (P < .05) in PTU cows on d 56 and 84. During posttreatment all trends were reversed, and BW, BCS, calf weight, and milk production were similar between the two groups by d 140. Reproductive performance was not affected by induction of hypothyroidism. In conclusion, induction of hypothyroidism was successful in increasing cow weight and BCS gains and suppressing milk production during the treatment period, but these changes were not successful in improving reproductive performance of primiparous Brahman cows.
Analysis of fault leakage from Leroy underground natural gas storage facility, Wyoming, USA

Leroy natural-gas storage site is an anticlinal, fault-bounded, aquifer-storage system located in Wyoming, USA. Based on its abundant data, uncontrolled leakage history and subsequent control by the facility operators, a modeling framework was developed for studying reservoir behavior, examining pressure and gas-inventory histories, as well as gas and brine leakage, and evaluating the sensitivity of that behavior to uncertainty about reservoir properties. A three-dimensional model capturing the bounding fault, layered geologic stratigraphy, and surface topography was calibrated by history data of reservoir pressure and gas inventory. The calibrated model predicted gas arrival at the ground surface that was consistent with the timing of observed gas bubbling into a creek. A global sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the parameters influencing fault leakage, and a geomechanical stability analysis was conducted to investigate the likelihood of fault reactivation. In general, it is shown that a discrete leakage pathway is required to explain the observed gas leakage and its subsequent operational control by reducing reservoir pressures. Specifically, the results indicate that fault leakage is a plausible explanation for the observed gas leakage. The results are relevant to other natural-gas storage sites, as well as other subsurface storage applications of buoyant fluids, such as CO2.
Therapeutic Potential of OMe-PS-miR-29b1 for Treating Liver Fibrosis.

Trans-differentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into active myofibroblasts secretes excess amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. miR-29b1 has the potential to treat liver fibrosis, because it targets several profibrotic genes. We previously demonstrated that miR-29b1 and the hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor GDC-0449 could, together, inhibit the activation of HSCs and ECM production in common bile-duct-ligated (CBDL) mice. Herein, we determined the effect of chemical modifications of miR-29b1 on its stability, immunogenicity, and Argonaute-2 ( Ago2 ) loading in vitro , after modifying its antisense strand with phosphorothioate (PS-miR-29b1), 2′-O-methyl-phosphorothioate (OMe-miR-29b1), locked nucleic acid (LNA-miR-29b1), and N,N’-diethyl-4-(4-nitronaphthalen-1-ylazo)-phenylamine (ZEN-miR-29b1). Chemical modifications significantly improved stability of miR-29b1 in 50% FBS. Among all the modified miRNAs tested, OMe-PS-miR-29b1 showed the highest stability with low immunogenicity, without the loss of efficacy in vitro . Therefore, OMe-PS-miR-29b1 was complexed with poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-carboxyl-propylenecarbonate-graft-dodecanol-graft-tetraethylenepentamine (mPEG-b-PCC-g-DC-g-TEPA) cationic micelles, and anti-fibrotic efficacy was evaluated in CBDL mice. There was a significant improvement in liver histology and decrease in the levels of injury markers. Further, mRNA/protein levels of collagen, α-SMA , and TIMP-1 were significantly lower for the OMe-PS-miR-29b1-loaded micelles compared to miR-29b1-loaded micelles. In conclusion, micellar delivery of OMe-PS-miR-29b1 is a promising strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
Mathematische Modelle für Spiele

Definition 28.1 Ein Spiel ist ein Handlungssystem mit Auswahlmoglichkeit zwischen Aktionen. Es ist charakterisiert durch die Gesamtheit seiner Spielregeln.
Making connections: students’ reflection on aging competency approach in gerontology education

ABSTRACTThe increase of the US older adult population requires additional professionally trained staff in health and social services. Exposing knowledge and skills of gerontology to address aging c...
Utility of the respiratory viral panel as an antimicrobial stewardship tool

What is known and objective The development of rapid diagnostics has revolutionized antimicrobial stewardship with efforts targeting earlier de-escalation or discontinuation of antibiotics. The respiratory viral panel (RVP) is one tool quickly able to detect common viral and bacterial pathogens using polymerase chain reaction technology. Utility may be further enhanced in conjunction with procalcitonin (PCT). However, the optimal use of the RVP to the clinical pharmacist in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory infections remains unclear. Methods The purpose of this guide is to review the available literature regarding the impact of the RVP with and without procalcitonin on antimicrobial stewardship efforts and to provide guidance on how to use each of these tools. Results and discussion In total, 13 studies were included, 5 of which utilized PCT in conjunction with RVP and 8 of which did not use PCT. The majority of studies were retrospective in nature, and the most common outcomes evaluated were antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) and time to antibiotic discontinuation. What is new and conclusion After review, RVP alone has limited value to antimicrobial stewardship; however, when used in conjunction with procalcitonin, RVP has the potential to reduce antibiotic use and duration.
ThickBrick: optimal event selection and categorization in high energy physics. Part I. Signal discovery

We provide a prescription called ThickBrick to train optimal machine-learning-based event selectors and categorizers that maximize the statistical significance of a potential signal excess in high energy physics (HEP) experiments, as quantified by any of six different performance measures. For analyses where the signal search is performed in the distribution of some event variables, our prescription ensures that only the information complementary to those event variables is used in event selection and categorization. This eliminates a major misalignment with the physics goals of the analysis (maximizing the significance of an excess) that exists in the training of typical ML-based event selectors and categorizers. In addition, this decorrelation of event selectors from the relevant event variables prevents the background distribution from becoming peaked in the signal region as a result of event selection, thereby ameliorating the challenges imposed on signal searches by systematic uncertainties. Our event selectors (categorizers) use the output of machine-learning-based classifiers as input and apply optimal selection cutoffs (categorization thresholds) that are functions of the event variables being analyzed, as opposed to flat cutoffs (thresholds). These optimal cutoffs and thresholds are learned iteratively, using a novel approach with connections to Lloyd’s k-means clustering algorithm. We provide a public, Python implementation of our prescription, also called ThickBrick, along with usage examples.
Financial Innovation and its Impact on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Nepal

Banks need higher performances for their growth and sustainability. In this regard, the financial innovation of the banks put some additional efforts to keep the banking sectors in a safer place to conduct the financial transaction between depositors and borrowers. With this view, the research study aimed to identify financial innovation and its impact on the financial performance of commercial banks in Nepal. The target population included in this study is 115 staff from different branches of commercial banks. Out of the total population, 74 (64.34%) respondents were selected as a sample for the study based on the purposive sampling method. A total of 27 commercial banks are operating in a nation; the study covered only 10 banks as a sample based on the merger and acquisitions in nature. The study also adopted a descriptive survey design with a questionnaire being the basic tool for the collection of primary data. From the study, it was revealed that the impact of internet banking service plays important role in the banking sector to make customers satisfy and also increase the financial performance of banks.
Local Theorems and Generalized Soluble Groups

We recall from the definition in Section 6.1 that a class of generalized soluble groups is a class of groups X satisfying i.e. a finite X-group is soluble and every soluble group is an X-group. Numerous classes of generalized soluble groups have arisen in previous chapters. Here several more will be introduced and we will also attempt to summarize what is known and what is still unknown about their relationships.
Drug quality assessment practices and communication of drug alerts among people who use drugs

Abstract Background Regional health bodies in British Columbia (BC) issue drug alerts to the public when health risks associated with drug quality are identified, such as increased illicit drug deaths, overdoses or other harms. There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for producing timely, effective public health alerts to mitigate these harms. This study sought to understand (1) the practices used by people who use drugs (PWUD) to assess the quality of street drugs and reduce harms from adulterants and (2) how drug alerts could be better communicated to PWUD. Methods Guided by interpretive and descriptive methodology, this study consisted of brief questionnaires and in-depth focus groups with 32 PWUD. Results Findings suggest the most effective and trusted information about drug quality was primarily from: (a) trusted, reputable dealers or (b) peer-based social networks. Most PWUD thought information received through health service providers was not timely and did not discuss drug quality with them. A number of concrete guidelines were suggested by participants to improve the effectiveness of drug alert modes and methods of communication in the community, including the use of language on drug alert postings that implies harm, indicates what drug effects to look for, and suggests appropriate responses to overdose, such as the use of naloxone. Participants also emphasized the need to date posters and remove them in a timely manner so as to not desensitize the community to such alerts. Conclusion Since it is difficult to control adulteration practices in an unregulated drug market, this study suggests methods of effectively producing and communicating drug alerts among PWUD to mitigate harms associated with drug use.
Using agile development methods to improve student writing

Many people in and out of academia agree that we need to help students improve their writing and other communication skills. In addition to making students more employable, writing can help them understand difficult concepts. In this paper, we describe how agile software development techniques can help improve student writing. Specifically, we discuss risk management, appropriate processes, spiral development, and peer reviews, and how they have been applied in a team project course and a non-majors course.
Medieval or Modern? A Scholastic's View of Business Ethics, circa 1430

There are varying opinions about whether or not the field of business ethics has a history or is a development of more modern times. It is suggested that a book by a Dominican Friar, Johannes Nider, De Contractibus Mercatorum, written ca. 1430 and published ca. 1468 provides a basis for a history of over 500 years. Business ethics grew out of attempts to reconcile Biblical precepts, canon law, civil law, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the writings of early philosophers with the realities of expanding economic activity. Nider's background is discussed as well as his book as an example of incunabula.
Discovering Majorana neutrinos produced via a Z boson at hadron colliders

We demonstrate that the current Tevatron dataset with {integral}L=5 fb{sup -1} has strong sensitivity to the production of a fourth-generation Majorana neutrino (N) via an s-channel Z boson Z{yields}NN{yields}WlWl, well beyond current experimental limits. A single Tevatron experiment could significantly extend current 95% C.L. mass lower limits, to m{sub N}>175 GeV/c{sup 2}, or report 3{sigma} evidence for the N if m{sub N} 300 GeV/c{sup 2}, or report 3{sigma} evidence for the N if m{sub N}<225 GeV/c{sup 2}.
An overview of quantum groups

Quantum groups are remarkable new mathematical structures of considerable current interest in both physics and mathematics. The origin, structure, representations and properties of quantum groups are reviewed with emphasis on q-group tensor operator algebra.
Politics and the Russian Army: Organizational Culture and the Future of Russian Civil–Military Relations

The fate of Russian democracy under Vladimir Putin remains highly uncertain. One clear message of this book, however, is that the Russian military is not a threat to democratization. At the end of this chapter I will take up this point more directly and will discuss some of the policy implications of my argument. Before turning to policy, however, we must return to history and political science. The three remaining tasks, then, are to summarize the evidence and my interpretation of it, to explore some theoretical issues raised by the book, and to discuss what policy implications follow from this analysis. THE RUSSIAN MILITARY IN POLITICS In the early Imperial period of Russian history, which starts with Peter the Great, the officer corps was heavily involved in leadership politics. Military men were responsible for the rise to power of Peter himself, Catherine the Great, Alexander I, and a slew of other monarchs in the eighteenth century. Imperial Russia had a problem with palace coups. This pattern of praetorianism was sharply reversed in the nineteenth century. The failed Decembrist uprising of 1825 represented a key organizational lesson for the officer corps, and from this point forward the Russian army was much more cautious about becoming involved in sovereign power issues. This lesson was reinforced by civilian oversight efforts instituted by Tsar Nicholas I, and one of the mechanisms he created, secret police monitoring of the officer corps, persists to this day.
Finding Inadvertent Release of Information

The common interpretation of this topic is the accidental release of sensitive information such as e-mail or classified documents. However, this topic also addresses the issue that independently generated information, by multiple authors at different times, may together reveal more information than intended. The public website of a large organization may inadvertently disseminate sensitive information that is more than what is required using a need-to-know policy. The security of publicly disseminated information is a critical component of cyber-infrastructure and homeland security. The key problem in identifying such information involves inferences across multiple documents, since the information contained in a single document may on its own be innocuous. For example, one could synthesize the schedule of an important official by mining the web for announcements of his appearances. Techniques for detecting such vulnerabilities are complex and range from semiautomated methods using search engines to state-of-the-art research in text mining. Keywords: sensitive information; cross-domain information sharing; text categorization; information extraction; data mining; text mining; cross-document inference; multidocument summarization
Shaping bio-inspired nanotechnologies to target thrombosis for dual optical-magnetic resonance imaging

Arterial and venous thrombosis are among the most common causes of death and hospitalization worldwide. Nanotechnology approaches hold great promise for molecular imaging and diagnosis as well as tissue-targeted delivery of therapeutics. In this study, we developed and investigated bioengineered nanoprobes for identifying thrombus formation; the design parameters of nanoparticle shape and surface chemistry, i.e. incorporation of fibrin-binding peptides CREKA and GPRPP, were investigated. Two nanoparticle platforms based on plant viruses were studied - icosahedral cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) and elongated rod-shaped tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). These particles were loaded to carry contrast agents for dual-modality magnetic resonance (MR) and optical imaging, and both modalities demonstrated specificity of fibrin binding in vitro with the presence of targeting peptides. Preclinical studies in a carotid artery photochemical injury model of thrombosis confirmed thrombus homing of the nanoprobes, with the elongated TMV rods exhibiting significantly greater attachment to thrombi than icosahedral (sphere-like) CPMV. While in vitro studies confirmed fibrin-specificity conferred by the peptide ligands, in vivo studies indicated the nanoparticle shape had the greatest contribution toward thrombus targeting, with no significant contribution from either targeting ligand. These results demonstrate that nanoparticle shape plays a critical role in particle deposition at the site of vascular injury. Shaping nanotechnologies opens the door for the development of novel targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies (i.e., theranostics) for arterial and venous thrombosis.
Vascular-targeted imaging using MRI

Target specific MRI poses special opportunities and challenges. Although MRI can provide exquisite morphologic details, its relatively low sensitivity has severely hampered the development of target-specific contrast agents that can provide enough signal alteration to be detectable in vivo. In this review, we will present our data on the development of polymerized vesicles for use in vascular-targeted imaging using MRI. Because of the high amount of payload that can be carried to the target site via these particles, they can be detectable with MRI. In addition, the same platform can be used for delivering multiple different types of contrast ions as well as therapeutic agents to vascular target sites. We believe that by using the same platform for imaging and therapy, we can have an accurate way of personalizing treatment.
Intersubband phonon overlap integrals for AlGaAs/GaAs single-well heterostructures

The five lowest subband coupling coefficients ${H}_{\mathrm{mn}}$(Q) are calculated for polar-optical-phonon scattering in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.7}$As/GaAs single-well heterostructures. The wave functions are calculated self-consistently within the effective-mass approximation including exchange and correlation effects.
Design and analysis of slitless spectrometer using spherical beam volume holograms

A new design for slitless spectrometers is proposed using spherical beam volume holograms. It is shown analytically and experimentally that the spectrometer works very well under spatially incoherent illumination.
End‐to‐End Colonic Anastomosis A Comparison of Techniques in Normal Dogs

Colonic resections were repaired in normal dogs by crushing suture, inverting suture, or staple anastomosis techniques. Dogs were sacrificed 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days following surgery. Bacterial cultures, breaking strength measurement, adhesion formation, and gross and histopathologic examinations were made. Anastomoses closed by staples showed the least tissue reaction, least neutrophilic infiltration, most mature fibrous connective tissue, most normal arrangement of muscle layers, and fewest numbers of mucoceles and necrotic areas. The staple and crushing anastomosis techniques caused significantly less reduction in luminal radius than did the inverting anastomosis technique. Bacteria were isolated least frequently and adhesions were least severe following staple anastomosis, though these results were not statistically significant. Stapled anastomosis appeared to result in a higher tensile strength of the wounds at the anastomotic sites compared with the other techniques studied.
Tell Me Where It Hurts: Assessing Mental and Relational Health in Primary Care Using A Biopsychosocial Assessment Intervention

The costs of failing to diagnose or treat psychosocial issues can be dramatic. We suggest that psychosocial assessments should be integrated into routine primary care. Results from a recent study are described in which 60% of patients approached were willing to complete a biopsychosocial assessment battery. Of those who completed the survey (N = 125), 46% met criteria for further mental health assessment; only 18% of the sample had a mental health diagnosis listed in their medical record. We conclude that a psychosocial assessment intervention in primary care has the potential to increase provider awareness of biopsychosocial concerns. Clinical implications, including the unique ability of family therapists to provide the care indicated by the assessment intervention, are discussed.
On the Shortest Queue Version of the Erlang Loss Model

We consider two parallel M/M/N/N queues. Thus there are N servers in each queue and no waiting line(s). The network is fed by a single Poisson arrival stream of rate λ, and the 2N servers are identical exponential servers working at rate μ. A new arrival is routed to the queue with the smaller number of occupied servers. If both have the same occupancy then the arrival is routed randomly, with the probability of joining either queue being 1/2. This model may be viewed as the shortest queue version of the classic Erlang loss model. If all 2N servers are occupied further arrivals are turned away and lost. We let ρ=λ/μ and a=N/ρ=Nμ/λ. We study this model both numerically and asymptotically. For the latter we consider heavily loaded systems (ρ∞) with a comparably large number of servers (N∞ with a=O(1)). We obtain asymptotic approximations to the joint steady state distribution of finding m servers occupied in the first queue and n in the second. We also consider the marginal distribution of the number of occupied servers in the second queue, as well as some conditional distributions. We show that aspects of the solution are much different according as a > 1/2, a≈ 1/2, 1/4 < a < 1/2, a≈ 1/4 or 0 < a < 1/4. The asymptotic approximations are shown to be quite accurate numerically.