cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bipartite functions of the CREB co-activators selectively direct alternative splicing or transcriptional activation

The CREB regulated transcription co-activators (CRTCs) regulate many biological processes by integrating and converting environmental inputs into transcriptional responses. Although the mechanisms by which CRTCs sense cellular signals are characterized, little is known regarding how CRTCs contribute to the regulation of cAMP inducible genes. Here we show that these dynamic regulators, unlike other co-activators, independently direct either pre-mRNA splice-site selection or transcriptional activation depending on the cell type or promoter context. Moreover, in other scenarios, the CRTC co-activators coordinately regulate transcription and splicing. Mutational analyses showed that CRTCs possess distinct functional domains responsible for regulating either pre-mRNA splicing or transcriptional activation. Interestingly, the CRTC1–MAML2 oncoprotein lacks the splicing domain and is incapable of altering splice-site selection despite robustly activating transcription. The differential usage of these distinct domains allows CRTCs to selectively mediate multiple facets of gene regulation, indicating that co-activators are not solely restricted to coordinating alternative splicing with increase in transcriptional activity.
Verification strategy for integration 3G baseband SoC

The verification strategy of the second generation Motorola tri-processors baseband chip for the 3G wireless phone market is presented. The next generation of wireless phones supports multiple wireless protocols, high data bandwidth and a full range of multi-media applications running on an open OS. The baseband chip provides the integrated processing platform for such terminals. Baseband chips are among the most complex System on Chip (SoC) of this industry.The verification strategy to integrate such highly complex SoC is multi-fold and adaptive: hierarchical across the different abstraction levels with special emphasis on verification corners related to the abstraction level.The SoC architecture validation and optimization step should occur very early-on in the design cycle but require high level modeling methodology to capture the complete hardware and mission critical use cases and deliver quantitative data on the architecture. Adaptive verification scenarios are discussed across the abstraction levels and the SoC hierarchy, from stand-alone IP verification, through sub platforms and to the SoC level. A collection of metrics are presented and illustrate the efforts required to verify such complex SoC. We conclude with proposals and opportunities to enhance the SoC verification strategies based on the lessons learned.
A Deletion Mutation in Region V of the Cytomegalovirus DNA Polymerase Sequence Confers Multidrug Resistance

A patient with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis received ganciclovir and foscarnet for 20 and 5 months, respectively, with evidence of periodic disease progression. After this therapy, a CMV isolate from the patient was resistant to ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. Sequence analysis showed a known ganciclovir resistance mutation in the viral UL97 phosphotransferase (L595F) and a new mutation in conserved region V of the DNA polymerase gene (pol) sequence (codons 981-982 deleted). The pol mutation was transferred to a laboratory CMV strain (Towne) by homologous recombination and selection with either ganciclovir or foscarnet. Recombinant viruses containing this deletion showed a 6-8-fold increased ganciclovir resistance and a 3-5-fold increased resistance to both foscarnet and cidofovir, compared with the wild-type CMV. A single mutation in region V of CMV pol can, therefore, confer multiple drug resistance in a clinical isolate.
Blood protein adsorption onto macroporous semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and assessment of in vitro blood compatibility

This work reports a study of the adsorption of fibrinogen (Fgn) onto the surface of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). The semi-IPNs were prepared by polymerizing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with a redox system and in the presence of PEG and crosslinker ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. The proposed spongy IPNs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and environmental scanning electron microscopy methods, and network structural parameters, such as molecular weight between crosslinks and crosslink density, were calculated using swelling measurements. The adsorption of Fgn was carried out onto the spongy IPNs and kinetic constants of the adsorption process as well as isotherm constants were evaluated. The adsorption process was also studied under varying pH, ionic strengths, and chemical architecture of the IPNs. The anti-thrombogenic behaviour of the polymer matrices was judged using in vitro tests. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Melt Detection in Antarctic Ice Shelves Using Scatterometers and Microwave Radiometers

Ku-band dual-polarization radar backscatter measurements from the SeaWinds-on-QuikSCAT scatterometer are used to determine periods of surface freeze and melt in the Antarctic ice shelves. The normalized horizontal-polarization radar backscatter (sigmao) and backscatter polarization ratio are used in maximum-likelihood estimation of the ice state. This method is used to infer the daily ice-surface conditions for 25 study locations located on the Ronne, Ross, Larsen, Amery, Shackleton, and other ice shelves. The temporal and spatial variations of the radar response are observed for various neighborhood sizes surrounding each given location during the study period. Criteria for determining the dates of melt onset and freeze-up for each Austral summer are presented. Validation of the ice-state and melt-onset date estimates is performed by analyzing the corresponding brightness temperature (Tb) measurements from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) radiometers. QuikSCAT sigmao measurements from 1999 to 2003 are analyzed and found to be effective in determining periods of melt in Antarctic ice sheets at high temporal and spatial resolutions. These estimates can be used in studies of the climatic effects of the seasonal and interannual melting of the Antarctic ice sheets
Minimizing power consumption of static CMOS circuits by transistor sizing and input reordering

In this paper we present new techniques to reduce the power consumption of a static CMOS circuit by enlarging transistors in high fan-out gates and reordering inputs to the gates. The techniques are developed based on observations from results of hspice simulations. These methods are incorporated into a performance and power constrained module generator, PowerSizer. Experimental results from the module generator on several real circuits show that as much as 15% saving in power consumption can be obtained on arithmetic circuits with almost no tradeoff in area or delay.
BKCa channel activation increases cardiac contractile recovery following hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion

Ca2+-activated large-conductance K+ (BKCa) channel activation may be an important strategy to alleviate myocardial stunning, a significant clinical problem. We demonstrate that BKCa activation with...
Using statistical transformations to improve compression for linear decompressors

Linear decompressors are the dominant methodology used in commercial test data compression tools. However, they are generally not able to exploit correlations in the test data, and thus the amount of compression that can be achieved with a linear decompressor is directly limited by the number of specified bits in the test data. The paper describes a scheme in which a nonlinear decoder is placed between the linear decompressor and the scan chains. The nonlinear decoder uses statistical transformations that exploit correlations in the test data to reduce the number of specified bits that need to be produced by the linear decompressor. Given a test set, a procedure is presented for selecting a statistical code that effectively "compresses" the number of specified bits (note that this is a novel and different application of statistical codes from what has been studied before and requires new algorithms). Results indicate that the overall compression can be increased significantly using a small nonlinear decoder produced with the procedure described in this paper.
Lack of follow-up of prostate-specific antigen test results.

Substantial numbers of men had no follow-up of abnormal PSA tests. Primary care physicians should assess continuity of care following abnormal PSA results. Data about prostate cancer screening and follow-up are needed to support clinical and policy decisions.
In search of a mental model‐like concept for group‐level modeling

In system dynamics, we care about mental models, because it is what we attempt to describe, understand, and improve using qualitative maps and computer simulation models. But if we are developing maps and models from a group of individuals, can we still call what we are trying to study a mental model? The main difference between individual and group-level phenomena is that in a group setting interaction and communication among individuals shape what is represented in maps and models. This paper attempts to clarify the object of our group-level modeling by surveying existing literature searching for concepts similar to “mental model” at the group level. The survey leads to an insight that what we attempt to represent with our maps and models varies widely by our selection of modeling methods, and how we define our object will draw attention to a different set of theoretical literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass Transportation, Apartment Rent and Property Values

Rent plays a vital role in property valuation because any positive or negative influence on rent will in turn affect a property's value. This paper examines the effect of mass transportation on apa...
Effects of model misspecification on tests of no randomized treatment effect arising from Cox’s proportional hazards model

We examine the asymptotic and small sample properties of model-based and robust tests of the null hypothesis of no randomized treatment effect based on the partial likelihood arising from an arbitrarily misspecified Cox proportional hazards model. When the distribution of the censoring variable is either conditionally independent of the treatment group given covariates or conditionally independent of covariates given the treatment group, the numerators of the partial likelihood treatment score and Wald tests have asymptotic mean equal to 0 under the null hypothesis, regardless of whether or how the Cox model is misspecified. We show that the model-based variance estimators used in the calculation of the model-based tests are not, in general, consistent under model misspecification, yet using analytic considerations and simulations we show that their true sizes can be as close to the nominal value as tests calculated with robust variance estimators. As a special case, we show that the model-based log-rank test is asymptotically valid. When the Cox model is misspecified and the distribution of censoring depends on both treatment group and covariates, the asymptotic distributions of the resulting partial likelihood treatment score statistic and maximum partial likelihood estimator do not, in general, have a zero mean under the null hypothesis. Here neither the fully model-based tests, including the log-rank test, nor the robust tests will be asymptotically valid, and we show through simulations that the distortion to test size can be substantial.
‘It's for the best’: child movement in search of health in Njabini, Kenya

Previous studies produced on the movement of individuals with HIV/AIDS for the obtainment of medical services have rarely been conducted in the Global South and have neglected the experiences of child patients. This article presents a new type of travel for medical care, where HIV+ children in Kenya are being placed or choose to be placed in orphanages in order to obtain constant access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, proper nutrition, and education. Through participant observation and photo-elicitation interviews with children in orphanages and their immediate family members in the surrounding Njabini community, this study focused on documenting children's agency in influencing movement decisions to orphanages for better health outcomes. Photo-elicitation interviews in particular allowed for greater insight into children's lives, their motivations for moving to an orphanage, and as a tool to facilitate discussion. Qualitative methods utilized with family members similarly privileged their interpretation...
Influenza A H1N1 pandemic strain evolution--divergence and the potential for antigenic drift variants.

The emergence of a novel A(H1N1) strain in 2009 was the first influenza pandemic of the genomic age, and unprecedented surveillance of the virus provides the opportunity to better understand the evolution of influenza. We examined changes in the nucleotide coding regions and the amino acid sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and nucleoprotein (NP) segments of the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain using publicly available data. We calculated the nucleotide and amino acid hamming distance from the vaccine strain A/California/07/2009 for each sequence. We also estimated Pepitope–a measure of antigenic diversity based on changes in the epitope regions–for each isolate. Finally, we compared our results to A(H3N2) strains collected over the same period. Our analysis found that the mean hamming distance for the HA protein of the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain increased from 3.6 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.3) in 2009 to 11.7 (SD: 1.0) in 2013, while the mean hamming distance in the coding region increased from 7.4 (SD: 2.2) in 2009 to 28.3 (SD: 2.1) in 2013. These trends are broadly similar to the rate of mutation in H3N2 over the same time period. However, in contrast to H3N2 strains, the rate of mutation accumulation has slowed in recent years. Our results are notable because, over the course of the study, mutation rates in H3N2 similar to that seen with A(H1N1)pdm09 led to the emergence of two antigenic drift variants. However, while there has been an H1N1 epidemic in North America this season, evidence to date indicates the vaccine is still effective, suggesting the epidemic is not due to the emergence of an antigenic drift variant. Our results suggest that more research is needed to understand how viral mutations are related to vaccine effectiveness so that future vaccine choices and development can be more predictive.
Effect of angiotensin type I–receptor blockade on left ventricular remodeling in pressure overload hypertrophy

Abstract Background: The renin-angiotensin system is involved in cardiac remodeling. In contrast to the well-recognized salutary effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, the value of angiotensin II type I (AT 1 )-receptor blockade on left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction is controversial. Methods and Results: Descending thoracic aorta–banded and sham-operated guinea pigs were given either losartan (30 mg · kg −1 · day −1 intraperitoneally) or vehicle for 8 weeks (n = 7 in each group). LV end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions and wall thicknesses were measured echocardiographically, and LV fractional shortening, relative wall thickness, and LV mass normalized by body weight were calculated. Isolated heart function (Langendorff perfusion) was studied 8 weeks after surgery, and LV performance was assessed by maximum LV pressure and ±dP/dt normalized by LV mass. Eight weeks after banding guinea pigs developed concentric LV hypertrophy and had decreased maximum LV pressure and ±dP/dt normalized by LV mass; LV end-diastolic dimension and LV fractional shortening were unchanged. In band-operated guinea pigs treatment with losartan had no significant effects on any of these measurements. Conclusions: In guinea pigs with descending aortic banding, treatment with losartan for 8 weeks neither attenuates progression of pressure overload hypertrophy nor significantly improves impaired mass-normalized pressure-derived indices of LV contraction and relaxation.
Technical Note: Adapting a fixed-lag Kalman smoother to a geostatistical atmospheric inversion framework

Inverse modeling methods are now commonly used for estimating surface fluxes of carbon dioxide, using atmospheric mass fraction measurements combined with a numerical atmospheric transport model. The geostatistical approach to flux estimation takes advantage of the spatial and/or temporal correlation in fluxes and does not require prior flux estimates. In this work, a previously-developed, computationally-efficient, fixed-lag Kalman smoother is adapted for application with a geostatistical approach to atmospheric inversions. This method makes it feasible to perform multi-year geostatistical inversions, at fine resolutions, and with large amounts of data. The new method is applied to the recovery of global gridscale carbon dioxide fluxes for 1997 to 2001 using pseudodata representative of a subset of the NOAA-ESRL Cooperative Air Sampling Network.
Nitric oxide affects short-term olfactory memory in the antennal lobe of Manduca sexta

Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play an important neuromodulatory role in olfaction. We are using the hawkmoth Manduca sexta to investigate the function of NO signaling in the antennal lobe (AL; the primary olfactory network in invertebrates). We have found previously that NO is present at baseline levels, dramatically increases in response to odor stimulation, and alters the electrophysiology of AL neurons. It is unclear, however, how these effects contribute to common features of olfactory systems such as olfactory learning and memory, odor detection and odor discrimination. In this study, we used chemical detection and a behavioral approach to further examine the function of NO in the AL. We found that basal levels of NO fluctuate with the daily light cycle, being higher during the nocturnal active period. NO also appears to be necessary for short-term olfactory memory. NO does not appear to affect odor detection, odor discrimination between dissimilar odorants, or learning acquisition. These findings suggest a modulatory role for NO in the timing of olfactory-guided behaviors. * AL : antennal lobe cGMP : cyclic guanosine monophosphate CS− : conditioned stimulus, unrewarded CS+ : conditioned stimulus, rewarded l-NAME : N -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester NO : nitric oxide NOS : nitric oxide synthase PER : proboscis extension reflex sGC : soluble guanylyl cyclase
A Dynamic Structural Model of User Learning on the Mobile Internet

Consumer adoption and usage of mobile Internet-based content services has been growing steadily over the past few years in many countries around the world. In this paper, we develop and estimate a dynamic structural model of user behavior and learning with regard to content generation and usage activities in mobile multimedia environments. Users learn about two different categories of web content – (i) content from regular social networking and community (SNC) sites and (ii) content from mobile portal sites. They can choose to engage in the creation (uploading) and consumption (downloading) of multimedia content from these two categories of websites. In our context, users have two sources of learning about how well the content matches their preferences – (i) direct experience through their own behavior and (ii) indirect experience such as the behavior of their social network neighbors. To incorporate these issues, we develop a dynamic structural model and estimate it using a unique dataset of consumers’ mobile Internet-based content creation and usage behavior over a 3-month time period. Our estimates suggest that, on an average, the content downloaded from mobile portal sites has the highest level of match value with user preferences. In contrast, the content downloaded from SNC sites has the lowest level of match value. Learning based on direct experience is more accurate (has less variability) than learning based on indirect experience. Our policy simulations suggest that mobile operators can dynamically tailor their content and incentivize users to generate content according to user characteristics and their preferences. Potential implications for mobile operators and mobile advertisers are discussed.
PTH receptor-1 signalling—mechanistic insights and therapeutic prospects

Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein receptor (PTH/PTHrP type 1 receptor; commonly known as PTHR1) is a family B G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that regulates skeletal development, bone turnover and mineral ion homeostasis. PTHR1 transduces stimuli from PTH and PTHrP into the interior of target cells to promote diverse biochemical responses. Evaluation of the signalling properties of structurally modified PTHR1 ligands has helped to elucidate determinants of receptor function and mechanisms of downstream cellular and physiological responses. Analysis of PTHR1 responses induced by structurally modified ligands suggests that PTHR1 can continue to signal through a G-protein-mediated pathway within endosomes. Such findings challenge the longstanding paradigm in GPCR biology that the receptor is transiently activated at the cell membrane, followed by rapid deactivation and receptor internalization. Evaluation of structurally modified PTHR1 ligands has further led to the identification of ligand analogues that differ from PTH or PTHrP in the type, strength and duration of responses induced at the receptor, cellular and organism levels. These modified ligands, and the biochemical principles revealed through their use, might facilitate an improved understanding of PTHR1 function in vivo and enable the treatment of disorders resulting from defects in PTHR1 signalling. This Review discusses current understanding of PTHR1 modes of action and how these findings might be applied in future therapeutic agents.
Mississippi Sales, Inc

This case illustrates the dilemma of an employee who, having received an offer to go elsewhere (although to a noncompeting business), must decide where his loyalties lie.
Response Classes: What Are They, Where Do They Come From, and Where Do They Go?

Operant response classes are customarily defined in terms of the function of the responses. The function is the effect on the environment which constitutes the contingencies of reinforcement that i...
A Bamboo Wheelchair for Disabled Zambians: Phase 1—Design and Material Selection

In the country of Zambia, located in southeast Africa, roughly 80% of the population lives off of less than 1 USD per day (Shaoul, 2002). There is little basic healthcare and the area is particularly disease-ridden. HIV is prevalent and various forms of infections are complicated by insufficient means to properly care for wounds and by HIV’s toll on the immune system (USAID, 2009). Infections can progress far enough to lead to amputations. Many Zambians are unable to walk after an injury that might be considered minimal in more developed countries, and most cannot afford any currently-marketed options to compensate for the loss of leg function.© 2010 ASME
Role of Suppressor Cells in Experimental Pyelonephritis

The effect of suppressor cells on the synthesis of antibody and development of antigenresponsive lymphocytes was studied in rabbits with pyelonephritis produced with Escherichia coli 06:K13:H1. The responsiveness of splenic lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), which was reduced early in infection, was restored by preincubation of cells with indomethacin. The response of lymphocytes to E. coli antigen was also suppressed early. Indomethacin increased response to PHA but did not affect response to antigen. Rabbits given indomethacin from days 1-3 of infection had a delay in suppressor cell activity until day 9, but this early inhibition had no effect on synthesis of immunoglobulin or antibody or on serum levels of IgM or IgG. Thus, activity of splenic suppressor cells in pyelonephritis can be diminished by indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, but the suppressor cells do not appear to influence the immune response or activities of bone marrow-derived lymphocytes such as antibody formation in experimental pyelonephritis.
EARLY AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT VERSUS A CONSERVATIVE STRATEGY FOR ASYMPTOMATIC SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS: META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

Approximately 50% of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are asymptomatic. Whether a strategy of early aortic valve replacement (AVR) compared to a conservative “watchful waiting” approach is preferred in these patients is uncertain and controversial. We performed a study-level meta-
Condition for Perfect Resonant Antireflection

Reflection occurs at an air-material interface. The development of antireflection schemes, which aims to cancel such reflection, is important for a wide variety of applications including solar cells and photodetectors. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a periodic array of resonant subwavelength objects placed at an air-material interface can significantly reduce reflection that otherwise would have occurred at such an interface. Here, we introduce the theoretical condition for complete reflection cancellation in this resonant antireflection scheme. Using both general theoretical arguments and analytical temporal coupled-mode theory formalisms, we show that in order to achieve perfect resonant antireflection, the periodicity of the array needs to be smaller than the free-space wavelength of the incident light for normal incidence, and also the resonances in the subwavelength objects need to radiate into air and the dielectric material in a balanced fashion. Our theory is validated using first-principles full-field electromagnetic simulations of structures operating in the infrared wavelength ranges. For solar cell or photodetector applications, resonant antireflection has the potential of providing a low-cost technique for antireflection that does not require nanofabrication into the absorber materials, which may introduce detrimental effects such as additional surface recombination. Our work here provides theoretical guidance for the practical design of such resonant antireflection schemes.
Testicular Development and Establishment of Spermatogenesis in Holstein Bulls

Fifty-two Holstein bulls were castrated at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 or 32 weeks to (1) determine whether testicular development is influenced by season of birth (April or October) and (2) examine quantitatively the establishment of spermatogenesis. Season of birth (spring or fall) did not influence (P less than .05) either testis weight at castration or the establishment of spermatogenesis. With age held constant, scrotal circumference and testis weight were correlated (.79; p less than .05). Testis weight increased from 9 +/- 1 g at 12 weeks to 117 +/- 10 g at 32 weeks of age. Seminiferous tubules occupied 44% of the testicular parenchyma at 12 weeks and 81% at 32 weeks. Differentiation of basal indifferent supporting cells to Sertoli cells started at 20 weeks, and formation of Sertoli cells was completed near 28 weeks. Gonocytes predominated at 12 weeks, but by 20 weeks most had been replaced by prespermatogonia and A-spermatogonia. Thus, transformation from a prepubertal testis to a pubertal testis containing Sertoli cells and A-spermatogonia occurred between 16 and 24 weeks (testis weight = 18 to 42 g). Preleptotene to diplotene spermatocytes appeared sequentially between 16 and 28 weeks and their numbers increased through 32 weeks. Significant numbers of pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids were not present before 28 and 32 weeks, respectively. Establishment of spermatogenesis was completed by 32 weeks (testis weight less than 80 g). Testes weighing less than 80 g were producing few if any sperm. Thus, the establishment of spermatogenesis was progressive, associated with more than a fourfold increase in testis weight, and occurred over a period of about 16 weeks.
Forty Years of North American Missiology: A Brief Review

The following article is an abridgment of the author's plenary address “Forty Years of the American Society of Missiology: Retrospect and Prospect,” delivered at the American Society of Missiology annual meeting, Wheaton, Illinois, on June 21, 2013. The full address is available in Missiology: An International Review 42, no. 1 (January 2014), and online athttp://mis.sagepub.com/content/42/1/6.full.pdf+html. (This URL was updated on December 31, 2013.) DOI: 10.1177/0091829613507026. —Editors
Getting Real About Suicide Prevention in the Classroom and Beyond: Using a Classroom Simulation to Create Communications for At-Risk Individuals

Marketing faculties, as well as business schools in general, are placing increasing importance on finding ways to better tie theoretical concepts to real-world situations. In the article that follows, we describe a project wherein students were given an opportunity to apply core consumer behavior concepts to a simulated advertising project with the aim to prevent suicide. A post hoc qualitative survey was conducted, and a series of propositions were generated. We propose that students have high levels of recall when studying in a real-world simulation. Additionally, our findings suggested that when students use core concepts in real-world simulation projects, they are able to later apply those concepts in actual real-world situations. Finally, we propose that simulations are an effective way of teaching sensitive subject matter.
Highest weight $$\mathfrak{sl }_2$$ -categorifications I: crystals

We define highest weight categorical actions of \(\mathfrak{sl }_2\) on highest weight categories and show that basically all known examples of categorical \(\mathfrak{sl }_2\)-actions on highest weight categories (including rational and polynomial representations of general linear groups, parabolic categories \(\mathcal O \) of type \(A\), categories \(\mathcal O \) for cyclotomic Rational Cherednik algebras) are highest weight in our sense. Our main result is an explicit combinatorial description of (the labels of) the crystal on the set of simple objects. A new application of this is to determining the supports of simple modules over the cyclotomic Rational Cherednik algebras starting from their labels.
The impact of operator experience during institutional adoption of trans-radial cardiac catheterization.

Objectives We studied the impact of operator experience on trans-radial (TR) cardiac catheterization performance in contemporary practice. Background TR cardiac catheterization offers advantages over trans-femoral (TF) cardiac catheterization, but the TR approach has been slowly adopted in the United States. Methods We reviewed all cases of attempted TR cardiac catheterization at a single tertiary care medical center from May 2008 until April 2015. We classified the attending operator TR case experience at the time of each case, and the control group constituted cases performed by operators with >300 TR cases. Study endpoints were TR cannulation failure, TF cross-over, contrast medium dose, and fluoroscopy time. Results Over the study period, 4177 attempted TR cardiac catheterization cases were performed. The percentage of TR cases performed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) increased from 14.0% in 2009 to 30.2% in 2015 (P-trend <0.001). The rate of TR cannulation failure decreased from 4.3% in 2009 to 2.0% in 2015 (P-trend = 0.071), and the rate of TF cross-over decreased from 4.3% in 2009 to 3.2% in 2015 (P-trend = 0.034). Operators with over 100 cases had the lowest odds of TR cannulation failure, while operators with over 200 cases had the lowest odds of TF cross-over. Operators with over 200 cases used the lowest mean contrast medium dose and mean fluoroscopy time. Conclusions: Increasing operator TR experience is associated with lower odds of TR cannulation failure and TF cross-over, as well as lower contrast medium dose and fluoroscopy time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis Virus

This chapter provides an overview of the classification and description of the canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), its hosts, the key developments regarding the virus, and the diagnostic techniques and reagents. It is the infectious canine hepatitis virus. Canine infectious hepatitis virus causes high fever, anorexia, depression, and sometimes gastro intestinal (GI) and/or respiratory signs. The hosts that are infected by canine infectious hepatitis virus include dogs, foxes, coyotes, timber wolves, raccoons, and bears. The experimental disease in dogs was first documented in 1934. A vaccine using canine adenovirus type 2 has been proposed over existing vaccines. Viral isolation in cell culture is the diagnostic technique for the virus.
A novel flexible microfluidic meshwork to reduce fibrosis in glaucoma surgery.

Purpose/Relevance Fibrosis and hence capsule formation around the glaucoma implants are the main reasons for glaucoma implant failure. To address these issues, we designed a microfluidic meshwork and tested its biocompatibility in a rabbit eye model. The amount of fibrosis elicited by the microfluidic meshwork was compared to the amount elicited by the plate of conventional glaucoma drainage device. Methods Six eyes from 3 New Zealand albino rabbits were randomized to receive either the novel microfluidic meshwork or a plate of Ahmed glaucoma valve model PF7 (AGV PF7). The flexible microfluidic implant was made from negative photoresist SU-8 by using micro-fabrication techniques. The overall size of the meshwork was 7 mm × 7 mm with a grid period of 100 μm. Both implants were placed in the subtenon space at the supratemporal quadrant in a standard fashion. There was no communication between the implants and the anterior chamber via a tube. All animal eyes were examined for signs of infection and implant erosion on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 and then monthly. Exenterations were performed in which the entire orbital contents were removed at 3 months. Histology slides of the implant and the surrounding tissues were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Thickness of the fibrous capsules beneath the implants were measured and compared with paired student’s t-test between the two groups. Results The gross histological sections showed that nearly no capsule formed around the microfluidic meshwork in contrast to the thick capsule formed around the plate of AGV PF7. Thickness of the fibrotic capsules beneath the AGV PF7 plate from the 3 rabbit eyes was 90μm, 82μm, and 95 μm, respectively. The thickness at the bottom of fibrotic capsules around the new microfluidic implant were 1μm, 2μm, and 1μm, respectively. The difference in thickness of capsule between the two groups was significant (P = 0.002). No complications were noticed in the 6 eyes, and both implants were tolerated well by all rabbits. Conclusion The microfluidic meshwork elicited minimal fibrosis and capsule formation after 3-months implantation in a rabbit model. This provides promising evidence to aid in future development of a new glaucoma drainage implant that will elicit minimal scar formation and provide better long-term surgical outcomes.
The Myth of Chemical Superweapons

Against civilian populations as well as military forces, the principal threat of gas is to those without protection, as in the poorer nations of the Third World, where defenses are least likely to be available. The 1991 Gulf war apparently ended without the use of chemicals except in mines. If Iraq had used its chemical arsenal, the high state of antichemical preparedness of US and other coalition forces would have provided a high degree of protection. Perhaps these weapons did their greatest harm by instilling fear in civilians and soldiers, a dread perpetuated by ill-informed reports that ignored or underestimated the effectiveness of modern antichemical protection.
Rural two-lane highway shoulder and lane width policy evaluation using multiobjective optimization

ABSTRACTLane and shoulder widths are important highway safety factors because wider lanes and shoulders generally help to reduce crashes. In practice however, due to physical limitations of the right-of-way or statutory restrictions, it may be the case that the existing overall width of the roadway (lanes plus shoulders) cannot exceed a certain value. For a given overall roadway width constraint, wider lanes mean there will be smaller space for shoulders, and vice versa. In such zero-sum situations, it is not certain if a cross-sectional configuration with wide lanes and narrow shoulders is safer compared with one with narrow lanes and wide shoulders. Clearly, for a given total roadway width (TRW), the trade-off between shoulder and lane widths should be evaluated in order to maximize the user benefits (safety) without unduly incurring excessive agency life-cycle costs of construction and preservation. The TRW allocations to the lane and shoulder, expressed as the ratio of lane width to shoulder width, wi...
mHealth advances clinical research, bit by bit.

Monitoring the symptoms of a large cohort of asthma patients is made possible by a smartphone app created using Apple ResearchKit.
The Road to Advanced Process Control: From DDC to Real-Time Optimization and Beyond

Abstract The progression of computer control in the petroleum refining industry from Direct Digital Control (DDC) in the 1960s to Model Predictive Control and Real-Time Optimization (RTO) in the 1990s is briefly reviewed. The authors’ personal experience is used to illustrate the rapid advances in application of this constantly changing technology. The closed-loop optimization of the catalytic reforming process at the Sunoco refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada will be described in sufficient detail to illustrate the complexity, challenges and practical solutions encountered during the implementation of this unique real-time optimizer. The unit operations are described by steady-state, open equation-based, mechanistic models. Global spline collocation is used to solve the differential equations associated with the reactor models and the catalytic deactivation over time. The entire set of non-linear equations is solved simultaneously using a successive quadratic programming method designed for these large-scale optimization problems. Using the models of the plant which are appropriate at specified times during the time-to-shutdown, the optimization determines that trajectory of operating conditions over the catalyst life which maximizes the total profit over that period. At the same time, the optimization accounts for catalyst deactivation over this period, thus ensuring that the catalyst does not deactivate too fast or leave unused activity. The optimization honours all equipment constraints, product qualities, and production requirements. Model parameters are estimated continuously using on-line data, thus ensuring that the model matches the plant at all times. The optimizer sends the required setpoints for the current operation directly to the model predictive controller that controls the whole plant. The optimizer is activated when steady state operation is achieved, about seven or eight times daily. An in-plant experimental program is established in which the effluent from the four reactors is periodically sampled and analyzed. These analyses along with on-line operating data and the process model are used to estimate the reaction parameters and the catalyst activity in each reactor. After the formulation of the process model, the optimization system, and the actual operating experience of the reformer RTO have been discussed, the authors’ vision for the near future in advanced process control and process optimization will be elucidated, concluding with some challenges for both the academic and technology provider communities.
Numerical study on the cyclic response of AFRP reinforced columns with externally unbonded energy dissipaters

AbstractFiber-reinforced polymer bars are gaining increased use in the construction market as a replacement to steel reinforcement for concrete structures. However their use as compression members is limited due to their mechanical properties, typically low flexural rigidity, so that local buckling may occur relatively at low stress levels. Their premature rupture in reinforced concrete (RC) columns could be eliminated by enhancing the columns’ response elastically and concentrating damage to the externally installed, replaceable post-tensioned structural fuses. This paper is part of a larger numerical and experimental investigation to develop and validate design methods for a rocking aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) reinforced concrete column. The numerical study, implemented using the Extreme Loading for Structures software, consists of a total of thirteen columns. The columns were subjected to axial load followed by cyclic lateral load up to failure to examine the effectiveness of the rocking con...
Basic Abstract Korovkin Theory

Here we study quantitatively the rate of convergence of sequences of linear operators acting on Banach space valued continuous functions to the unit operator.
Fatigue Crack Growth Curve in Air Environment at 300°C for Stainless Steels

The need exists to define a fatigue crack growth design curve in an air environment for austenitic stainless steels in the temperature range of 300/sup 0/C, which is the operating temperature range of pressurized water reactors. In the present study, elements to determine such a curve in a deterministic way are developed. In particular, effects of R ratio (Kmin/Kmax) are reviewed, and high R ratio tests, which were lacking, have been performed. To take into account R ratio effects, a relationship giving realistic predictions in accordance with high R ratio experiments is determined. A design curve, defined from a large compilation of results from several laboratories, allows a conservative calculation of all known fatigue crack growth tests on austenitic stainless steels in the temperature range of 300/sup 0/C.
Drag and lift measurements of solid sports balls in still air

The following article considers lift and drag measurements of solid sports balls propelled through still air in a laboratory setting. The balls traveled at speeds ranging from 26 to 134 m/s with sp...
Óperas filmadas: estudio comparativo de don giovanni de joseph losey y juan de kasper holten

From an artistic point of view, the adaptation of an opera to the cinema, traditionally has been considered a complex and controversial process. Don Giovanni, of W.A. Mozart is one of the operas that more audiovisual versions has generated during the centuries XX and XXI, although very few films have finally been taken to the screen. This paper is focused on comparing the audiovisual versions Don Giovanni, by Joseph Losey (1979), and Juan by Kasper Holten (2010). Through a quantitative and qualitative methodology based on content analysis, this research reflects on the degree of intervention exercised by the language and audiovisual format used in the process of reinterpretation of the pre-existing operatic text.
Reactive Acyl-CoA Species Modify Proteins and Induce Carbon Stress.

In recent years, our understanding of the scope and diversity of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) has rapidly expanded. In particular, mitochondrial proteins are decorated with an array of acyl groups that can occur non-enzymatically. Interestingly, these modifying chemical moieties are often associated with intermediary metabolites from core metabolic pathways. In this Review, we describe biochemical reactions and biological mechanisms that activate carbon metabolites for protein PTM. We explore the emerging links between the intrinsic reactivity of metabolites, non-enzymatic protein acylation, and possible signaling roles for this system. Finally, we propose a model of ‘carbon stress', similar to oxidative stress, as an effective way to conceptualize the relationship between widespread protein acylation, nutrient sensing, and metabolic homeostasis.
Homelessness: The Paradoxical Experience of Mattering-Not Mattering.

A paradox is an idea stated as an unexpected contradictory term, showing apparent opposing thoughts. Mattering-not mattering is a paradox that may surface as persons experience feeling that they ar...
Update on bazedoxifene: a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator.

In the elderly population, osteoporosis is a significant clinical problem leading to disability and even death. Many patients remain untreated, despite effective therapies, because of patients’ unwillingness to take current therapies or inability to tolerate the therapies. For this reason, ongoing research continues to search for more effective and tolerable osteoporosis agents. Bazedoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) currently in development for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. A new drug application (NDA) for postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention was recently submitted to the FDA. Preclinical and clinical studies with bazedoxifene demonstrate more tissue selectivity than other SERMs. In particular, bazedoxifene has minimal if any agonist activity in the uterus and is able to antagonize effects of estrogen on the uterus. Animal studies and early clinical studies suggest effects in the bone similar to other SERMs with prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. Until more data on efficacy and safety are published, however, its role in osteoporosis is unknown.
Standard language in death investigation laws.

Death investigation statutes and practices vary among the 50 states. We reviewed the Model Postmortem Examinations Act, recommendations of the National Association of Medical Examiners, the College of American Pathologists' "criteria for autopsies," and the death investigation statutes and practices in each state. By consolidating the terminology from these various information sources, we developed a list of death categories for which investigation by medical examiners or coroners in the United States is either mandated, commonly performed, or recommended. The list contains specific categories of death, which fall under these three more general areas: 1) unexpected and unexplained deaths, 2) deaths from intentional and unintentional external causes, and 3) deaths that fall under specialized categories related to the decedent's age, environment, or medical conditions, or to the method of bodily disposition. To promote greater uniformity in the death investigation practices among states, we recommend that the Model Postmortem Examinations Act be modified to explicitly recommend certain types of deaths for investigation and that states modify their death investigation statues to conform to such provisions. Presently, in states where death investigation statutes lack specificity in detailing the types of deaths that should be reported for possible medico-legal investigation, our recommendations, if not in conflict with local statutes, might be used as practice guidelines for the reporting and investigation of certain types of deaths. Language: en
Water Quality Monitoring and Environmental Risk Assessment in a Developing Coastal Region, Southeastern North Carolina

Results from two regional water quality monitoring programs in southeastern North Carolina were used to assess relative risks to human use and ecologic integrity in the respective aquatic habitats. Analysis focused on four environmental parameters that were measured widely in space and time and for which regulatory standards provided an objective basis for quantitative evaluation of hazard potential: dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a , fecal coliform bacteria, and turbidity. Construction of a hazard and impact matrix that integrated relative levels of noncompliance across habitat subtypes with components of the human use and ecological integrity functions yielded a dichotomous overall assessment. Human uses were most highly affected by fecal pollution, whereas ecological integrity was more seriously challenged by low dissolved oxygen, excessive turbidity, and elevated chlorophyll a .