cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleosomes Are Translationally Positioned on the Active Allele and Rotationally Positioned on the Inactive Allele of the HPRT Promoter

Differential chromatin structure is one of the hallmarks distinguishing active and inactive genes. For the X-linked human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (HPRT), this difference in chromatin structure is evident in the differential general DNase I sensitivity and hypersensitivity of the promoter regions on active versus inactive X chromosomes. Here we characterize the nucleosomal organization responsible for the differential chromatin structure of the active and inactive HPRT promoters. The micrococcal nuclease digestion pattern of chromatin from the active allele in permeabilized cells reveals an ordered array of translationally positioned nucleosomes in the promoter region except over a 350-bp region that is either nucleosome free or contains structurally altered nucleosomes. This 350-bp region includes the entire minimal promoter and all of the multiple transcription initiation sites of the HPRT gene. It also encompasses all of the transcription factor binding sites identified by either dimethyl sulfate or DNase I in vivo footprinting of the active allele. In contrast, analysis of the inactive HPRT promoter reveals no hypersensitivity to either DNase I or a micrococcal nuclease and no translational positioning of nucleosomes. Although nucleosomes on the inactive promoter are not translationally positioned, high-resolution DNase I cleavage analysis of permeabilized cells indicates that nucleosomes are rotationally positioned over a region of at least 210 bp on the inactive promoter, which coincides with the 350-bp nuclease-hypersensitive region on the active allele, including the entire minimal promoter. This rotational positioning of nucleosomes is not observed on the active promoter. These results suggest a model in which the silencing of the HPRT promoter during X chromosome inactivation involves remodeling a transcriptionally competent, translationally positioned nucleosomal array into a transcriptionally repressed architecture consisting of rotationally but not translationally positioned nucleosomal arrays.
Reversal Without Remapping: What We Can (and Cannot) Conclude About Learned Associations From Training-Induced Behavior Changes.

The “cognitive revolution” in psychology is often framed as a departure from associationist principles rooted in animal learning research, yet it is clear that these principles have immediate relevance for contemporary questions in cognitive and social psychology. Intuitions about the consequences of learning procedures can easily be misleading, making these principles particularly important. To illustrate this point, we identified recent examples of studies applying a particular learning paradigm—response-reversal training—to the study of three different psychological problems (e.g., why objects in the right side of space are preferred to those in the left in right-handed people). The strategy of each study was to alter a typically encountered contingency once in the laboratory, in order to reverse a hypothesized learned response. Yet, contrary to intuitions, we demonstrate that behavior changes can be observed without the reversal of a prior association. Further, many different associative changes can u...
"Espiritus? No. Pero la Maldad Existe": Supernaturalism, Religious Change, and the Problem of Evil in Puerto Rican Folk Religion

A life-history-based, ethnographic study of first- and second-generation Puerto Rican migrants to Cleveland, Ohio, examined religious and ethnopsychological conceptions of altered states of consciousness and the supernatural. This article describes the unexpectedly rich and complex lexicon of evil and malevolence (la maldad) that emerged in many of the study's 60 interviews. It is suggested that individuals undergoing religious change acquire and use an increasingly radicalized Christian notion of evil to describe, condemn, and replace traditional conceptions of the supernatural (including witchcraft). However, while the social effect may be to stigmatize and eradicate what are perceived as "superstitious''conceptions of the supernatural, variety of liter alistic narratives of encounters with supernatural evil suggest that key psychocultural dispositions may be retained.
Cervical cancer survivors at increased risk of subsequent tobacco-related malignancies, United States 1992–2008

Purpose Persistent smoking among cancer survivors may increase their risk of subsequent malignancies, including tobacco-related malignancies. Despite these risks, nearly 40 % of women diagnosed with cervical cancer continue to smoke after diagnosis. This study describes the relative risk of developing any subsequent and tobacco-related malignancy among cervical cancer survivors.
The Lack of Effect of Phenol Red or Estradiol on the Growth Response of Human, Rat, and Mouse Mammary Cells in Primary Culture*

Normal and neoplastic mammary cells from both human and rodent sources grow in culture in response to a number of hormones and growth factors. However, with the exception of a few human tumor lines, a consistent growth-promoting effect of estrogens on mammary cells has not been observed. Mammary cells can be shown to respond to other hormones and factors, such as PRL, hydrocortisone, and epidermal growth factor. Recent observations suggest that the pH indicator dye phenol red, found in most media, may be masking any exogenous estrogenic effects by acting as a weak estrogen. To test this possibility, we reexamined the effects of estradiol (E2) and the antiestrogen keoxifene on the growth of normal human, mouse, and rat mammary cells in the absence of phenol red. Primary cultures of these mammary cells were grown within a rat tail collagen gel matrix in a serum-free medium made up of Ham's F-12 and Dulbecco's Modified Eagles' medium (1:1) with and without phenol red. The medium was supplemented with various hormones and growth factors. These supplements were selected for each cell type to produce a variety of conditions from nongrowing to rapidly growing. The effects of E2 (10(-10)-10(-8) M, keoxifene (10(-9)-10(-6) M), and phenol red on growth under these various conditions were examined. Phenol red had no effect on growth, and its absence did not restore a response to E2. Keoxifene, in the presence or absence of E2, also had no effect on growth. Although E2 had no effect on growth, it was able to induce a 150% increase in the progesterone receptor levels in normal mouse mammary cells in culture, indicating that the cells retain their capacity to respond to E2. This work supports the idea that the effect of estrogens on growth in vivo may be mediated through some other factor(s).
Mechanisms and Frequency of Resistance to Gatifloxacin in Comparison to AM-1121 and Ciprofloxacin in Staphylococcus aureus

Gatifloxacin, an 8-methoxyfluoroquinolone, was found to be two- to fourfold more active against wild-type Staphylococcus aureus ISP794 than its desmethoxy derivative, AM-1121, and ciprofloxacin, another desmethoxy fluoroquinolone. Single grlBA mutations caused two- to fourfold increases in the MIC of gatifloxacin, and a single gyrase mutation was silent. Double mutations in gyrA and grlA or grlB caused a 32-fold increase in the MIC of gatifloxacin, in contrast to a 128-fold increase for ciprofloxacin and AM-1121. Overexpression of the NorA efflux pump had minimal effect on the MIC of gatifloxacin. The bactericidal activity of the three quinolones at four times the MIC differed only for a double mutant, with gatifloxacin exhibiting a killing pattern similar to that for ISP794, whereas ciprofloxacin and AM-1121 failed to show any killing. With gatifloxacin, selection of resistant mutants at twice the MIC was 100- to 1,000-fold less frequent than with the comparison quinolones, and mutants could rarely be selected at four times the MIC. The limit resistance in ISP74 was 512 times the MIC of gatifloxacin and 1,024 times the MICs of ciprofloxacin and AM-1121. Novel mutations in topoisomerase IV were selected in five of the six single-step mutants, three of which were shown to cause quinolone resistance by genetic studies. In conclusion, topoisomerase IV is the primary target of gatifloxacin. In contrast to comparison quinolones, mutations in both topoisomerase IV and gyrase are required for resistance to gatifloxacin by clinical breakpoints and do not abolish bactericidal effect, further supporting the benefit of the 8-methoxy substituent in gatifloxacin.
Structure of transitionally rough and fully rough turbulent boundary layers

Structural characteristics of transitionally rough and fully rough turbulent boundary layers are presented. These were measured in flows at different roughness Reynolds numbers developing over uniform spheres roughness. Inner regions of the longitudinal component of normal Reynolds stress profiles and log regions of mean profiles continuously change in the transitionally rough regime, as the roughness Reynolds number, Rek, varies. These properties asymptotically approach fully rough behaviour as Rek increases, and smooth behaviour at low Rek Profiles of other Reynolds-stress tensor components, turbulence kinetic energy, turbulence-kinetic-energy production, and the turbulence-kinetic-energy dissipation are also given, along with appropriate scaling variables. Fully rough, one-dimensional spectra of longitudinal velocity fluctuations from boundary-layer inner regions are similar to smooth-wall results for k1 y > 0.2 when non-dimensionalized using distance from the wall y as the lengthscale, and (τ/ρ)½ as the velocity scale, where τ is local shear stress, ρ is static density, and k1 is one-dimensional wavenumber in the flow direction.
Molecular characterization of the Borrelia burgdorferi in vivo-essential protein PncA

The conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinic acid by nicotinamidase enzymes is a critical step in maintaining NAD+ homeostasis and contributes to numerous important biological processes in diverse organisms. In Borrelia burgdorferi, the nicotinamidase enzyme, PncA, is required for spirochaete survival throughout the infectious cycle. Mammals lack nicotinamidases and therefore PncA may serve as a therapeutic target for Lyme disease. Contrary to the in vivo importance of PncA, the current annotation for the pncA ORF suggests that the encoded protein may be inactive due to the absence of an N-terminal aspartic acid residue that is a conserved member of the catalytic triad of characterized PncA proteins. Herein, we have used genetic and biochemical strategies to determine the N-terminal sequence of B. burgdorferi PncA. Our data demonstrate that the PncA protein is 24 aa longer than the currently annotated sequence and that pncA translation is initiated from the rare, non-canonical initiation codon AUU. These findings are an important first step in understanding the catalytic function of this in vivo-essential protein.
Polymer-Enabled Carbon Nanotube Deposition for Cellular Interrogation Applications

We have utilized a block copolymeric thin film as a modality to template the deposition of single-walled carbon nanotubes towards applications in single cell interrogation. Transmembrane studies of cellular activity (e.g. neurons, cardiomyocytes, etc.) have often been limited by the invasiveness of probe-induced membrane rupture. This often precludes chronic activity analysis. We have developed a copolymer-carbon nanotube (P-CNT) hybrid material for potential applications in non-invasive cell probing with attenuated inflammation due to the biomimetic stiffness of the copolymer coupled with nanoscale dimensions of the P-CNT complex. We applied both a diblock copolymer comprised of poly(ethylene oxide-b-methyl methacrylate; PEO-PMMA) as well as an acrylate-terminated amphiphilic `ABA' triblock copolymer comprised of polymethyloxazoline-polydimethylsiloxane-polymethyloxazoline; PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA) as the supporting matrix for carbon nanotube deposition via the Langmuir-Blodgett methodology. This enabled the suspension of the carbon nanotubes on the air-water interface for transfer to a gold substrate. Cyclic voltammetry measurements confirmed that the CNT's were interfaced directly with the gold substrates to enable electrical functionality. In addition, cellular adhesion to the polymeric substrate was demonstrated, confirming the biocompatibility of the P-CNT material. CNT-coated electrodes were also examined as biological electrodes for the monitoring of oxidation-reduction processes driven by the cytochrome c mediator, where CNT/polymer-coated surfaces were also capable of facilitating anti-protein adsorption, resulting in the observation of reversible electron transfer between the protein and electrode. This was demonstrated via acquisition of pronounced anodic and cathodic peaks with peak separations of 64mV, which confirmed a reversible transfer process.
Low power SRAM design using hierarchical divided bit-line approach

This paper presents a novel hierarchical divided bit-line approach for reducing active power in SRAMs by reducing bit-line capacitance. Two or more 6T SRAM cells are combined together to divide the bit-line into several sub bit-lines. These sub bit-lines are again combined to form two or more levels of hierarchy. This division of bit-line into hierarchical sub bit-lines results in reduction of bit-line capacitance, which reduces active power and access time. Optimum values for number of levels of hierarchy and number of blocks combined at each level have been derived. Experimental results show that the observed parameters and estimated ones follow the same trend. It is shown that the reduction in bit-line capacitance reduces active power consumption by 50-60% and the access time by about 20% at the expense of approximately 5% increase in the number of transistors. This approach is further extended by incorporating the controlled voltage swing on bit-lines. This extension reduces the power consumption by another 20-30%.
Searching for specific health-related information in MedlinePlus: Behavioral patterns and user experience

Searches for specific factual health information constitute a significant part of consumer health information requests, but little is known about how users search for such information. This study attempts to fill this gap by observing users' behavior while using MedlinePlus to search for specific health information. Nineteen students participated in the study, and each performed 12 specific tasks. During the search process, they submitted short queries or complete questions, and they examined less than 1 result per search. Participants rarely reformulated queries; when they did, they tended to make a query more specific or more general, or iterate in different ways. Participants also browsed, primarily relying on the alphabetical list and the anatomical classification, to navigate to specific health topics. Participants overall had a positive experience with MedlinePlus, and the experience was significantly correlated with task difficulty and participants' spatial abilities. The results suggest that, to better support specific item search in the health domain, systems could provide a more "natural" interface to encourage users to ask questions; effective conceptual hierarchies could be implemented to help users reformulate queries; and the search results page should be reconceptualized as a place for accessing answers rather than documents. Moreover, multiple schemas should be provided to help users navigate to a health topic. The results also suggest that users' experience with information systems in general and health-related systems in particular should be evaluated in relation to contextual factors, such as task features and individual differences.
Flavor-changing neutral currents, CP violation, and impure Majorana neutrinos

Tree level diagonalization of a neutrino mass matrix with both Majorana and Dirac masses is discussed in a general context. Flavor-changing neutral currents (FCNC{close_quote}s) in such models are inevitable. Rephasing-invariant quantities characterizing CP violation in FCNC{close_quote}s fermion{endash}Higgs-boson interactions are identified. Scenarios with maximal CP violation are discussed. At the one-loop level, the mass eigenstates become an impure Majorana type, if neutrinos decay. The possibility of a significant change in the originally hierarchical mass spectrum for the left-handed neutrinos is explored, with an example of two species of neutrinos. Neutrino oscillations with impure Majorana neutrinos are also discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Phase transitions of multivalent proteins can promote clustering of membrane receptors

The membrane that surrounds a cell is made up of a mixture of lipid molecules and proteins. Membrane proteins perform a wide range of roles, including transmitting signals into, and out of, cells and helping neighboring cells to stick together. To perform these tasks, these proteins commonly need to bind to other molecules—collectively known as ligands—that are found either inside or outside the cell. Membrane proteins are able to move around within the membrane, and in many systems, ligand binding causes the membrane proteins to cluster together. Although this clustering has been seen in many different systems, no general principles that describe how clustering occurs had been found. Now, Banjade and Rosen have constructed an artificial cell membrane to investigate the clustering of a membrane protein called Nephrin, which is essential for kidneys to function correctly. When it is activated, Nephrin interacts with protein ligands called Nck and N-WASP that are found inside cells and helps filaments of a protein called actin to form. These filaments perform a number of roles including enabling cells to adhere to each other and to move. In Banjade and Rosen's artificial system, when a critical concentration of ligands was exceeded, clusters of Nephrin, Nck and N-WASP suddenly formed. This suggests that the clusters form through a physical process known as ‘phase separation’. Banjade and Rosen found that this critical concentration depends on how strongly the proteins interact and the number of sites they possess to bind each other. Within the clusters, the three proteins formed large polymer chains. The clusters were mobile and, over time, small clusters coalesced into larger clusters. Even though the clusters persisted for hours, individual proteins did not stay in a given cluster for long and instead continuously exchanged back-and-forth between the cluster and its surroundings. When actin and another protein complex that interacts with N-WASP were added to the artificial membrane system, actin filaments began to form at the protein clusters. Banjade and Rosen suggest that such clusters act as ‘signaling zones’ that coordinate the construction of the actin filaments. Regions that are also found in many other signaling proteins mediate the interactions between Nephrin, Nck and N-WASP. Banjade and Rosen therefore suggest that phase separation and protein polymer formation could explain how many different types of membrane proteins form clusters.
Small‐mammal isotope ecology tracks climate and vegetation gradients across western North America

Stable carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes have been used to infer aspects of species ecology and environment in both modern ecosystems and the fossil record. Compared to large mammals, stable isotopic studies of small-mammal ecology are limited; however, high species and ecological diversity within small mammals presents several advantages for quantifying resource use and organism–environment interactions using stable isotopes over various spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed the isotopic composition of hair from two heteromyid rodent species, Dipodomys ordii and Perognathus parvus, from localities across western North America in order to characterize dietary variation in relation to vegetation and climatic gradients. Significant correlations between the carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of these species and several climatic variables imply that seasonal temperature and precipitation control the composition and distribution of dietary resources (grass seeds). Our results also suggest a moisture influence on the nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N) of heteromyid diets. Population- and species-level variation in δ13C and δ15N values record fine-scale habitat heterogeneity and significant differences in resource use between species. Using classification and regression-tree techniques, we modeled the geographic variation in heteromyid δ13Cdiet values based on 10 climatic variables and generated an isotope landscape model (‘isoscape’). The isoscape predictions for δ13Cdiet differ from expectations based on observed C4 distributions and instead indicate that D. ordii and P. parvus record seasonally abundant grass resources, with additional model deviations potentially attributed to geographic variation in dietary selection. The oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of D. ordii is enriched relative to local meteoric water and suggests that individuals rely on highly evaporated water sources, such as seed moisture. Based on the climatic influences on vegetation and diet documented in this study, the isotopic composition of small mammals has high potential for recording ecological responses to environmental changes over short and long time scales.
Testicular ischaemic necrosis as a cause of equine cryptorchidism

Summary Cryptorchidism is a fairly common pathology presented to equine surgical facilities with the cryptorchid testicle most commonly located in the abdomen or ipsilateral inguinal canal. The causes of cryptorchidism are not known, but testicular abnormalities have been suggested. Monorchidism as a cause of maldescent of one or both testicles is rare and is hypothesised to be the result of a vascular insult, similar to testicular regression in man. This case report details laparoscopic abdominal exploration of a cryptorchid horse and identification of an abnormal testicular remnant affected by ischaemic necrosis.
Polarization instability of Raman solitons ejected during supercontinuum generation.

We numerically investigate polarization instability of soliton fission and the polarization dynamics of Raman solitons ejected during supercontinuum generation in a photonics crystal fiber using the coupled vector generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equations for both linear and circular birefringent fibers. The evolution of the state of polarizations of the ejected Raman soliton as representated on the Poincare sphere is affected by both nonlinear and linear polarization rotations on the Poincare sphere. The polarization dynamics reveal the presence of a polarization separatrix and the emergence of stable slow and unstable fast eigen-polarizations for the Raman solitons ejected in the supercontinuum generation process. Circularly birefringent fiber is investigated and found to simplify the nonlinear polarization dynamics.
Millimeter-Wave Dual-Band, Bidirectional Amplifier and Active Circulator in a CMOS SOI Process

This paper presents a reconfigurable dual Q- and W-band bidirectional amplifier and a V-band active circulator in a 45-nm CMOS silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The circuits rely on reconfigurable feedback networks to manipulate the traveling wave along a transmission line. The dual Q- and W-band bidirectional amplifier operates at 40 and 81 GHz, with peak gain of more than 4.2 dB in all modes of operation. The V-band active circulator is reconfigurable to operate in four different modes of operation: clockwise, counter-clockwise, quasi-circulation, and as a thru between port 1 and port 2. The circulator is measured to have an insertion loss of 7.4 dB with isolation between any pair of isolated ports better than 18 dB from 62-75 GHz. The circuit technique proposed here can easily be adapted to operate at different millimeter-wave frequency bands.
Computational Analysis of a Spinning Fin-Stabilized Projectile

A computational analysis was undertaken to better understand the behavior of a proposed sub-caliber fin-stabilized projectile prior to experimental testing at the request of GX3 Innovations, the projectile designer. The original configuration was found to meet drag requirements and was statically stable. However, the spin rate approached that of the yaw resonance frequency, which is undesirable. The redesigned projectile had predicted equilibrium spin rates that were greater than those typically seen in a fin-stabilized round. As such, transient, moving mesh simulations to determine the pitch damping sum and rollinduced side moment coefficients were completed for input into a dynamic stability analyses. The dynamic stability analyses showed that the round should not experience any coning due to roll-induced side moment and would also remain dynamically stable.
A technique for the surgical treatment of distal intestinal obstructive syndrome by hand-assisted laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND Distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS) is the partial or complete obstruction of the colon or the terminal ileum by abnormally viscous intestinal contents and is a common sequela of cystic fibrosis (CF) in adults. Medical management of this entity is well described, but often falls short for those with signs of peritonitis or bowel ischemia. Current surgical options are not widely reported. These procedures usually require laparotomy, occasionally with enterotomy, and are complicated by the typically poor medical condition of patients with DIOS. A minimally invasive approach to the surgical care of CF patients with DIOS could effectively relieve obstruction refractory to medical management. METHODS A 39-year-old woman with CF presented with nausea, severe abdominal pain, and obstipation. She was diagnosed with DIOS and underwent aggressive medical management unsuccessfully. The patient underwent successful hand-assisted laparoscopic antegrade milking of a 15-cm obstructive segment of the small bowel into the colon and placement of an appendicostomy tube. This was followed by postoperative administration of antegrade enemas and nasogastric osmotic cathartics. RESULTS The patient had resumption of bowel function and was subsequently discharged to her home. CONCLUSIONS This is a reported case of laparoscopic exploration and treatment for DIOS, and provides a minimally invasive alternative to laparotomy and enterotomy in the treatment of DIOS.
Xenon and krypton availability for electric propulsion - An updated assessment

Xenon is the optimal propellant for ion engines if one considers only questions of propulsion efficiency, storability, and contamination potential. On the other hand, any significant space program using xenon p r e pelled ion engines could result in a substantial increase in the demand for xenon, perhaps beyond any projected production capability at current prices. This paper examines the status of the xenon industry worldwide, including its dependence on the oxygen industry. Possible alternative sources of xenon are examined, with the conclusion that an unlimited supply should be available for less than $30 per standard liter. Because of the natural composition of the atmosphere, extracting atmospheric xenon on a large scale also produces ten times as much krypton as xenon. As an alternative propellant for ion engines, unlimited krypton should be available for less than $3 per standard liter. The mission tradeoffs and market impact of propellant selection are examined for various potential xenon propelled missions. It appears unlikely that electric propulsion could generate demand sufficient to significantly affect xenon prices or availability in the next 5-10 years. L(
Ventral and incisional hernia: the cost of comorbidities and complications.

Ventral and incisional hernia repair (VIHR) is among the most frequently performed abdominal operations with significant incidence of postoperative complications and readmissions. Payers are targeting increased “value” of care through improved outcomes and reduced costs. Cost data in clinically relevant terms is still rare. This study aims to identify hospital costs associated with clinically relevant factors in order to facilitate strategies by surgeons to enhance the value of VIHR. An IRB-approved retrospective review of VIHRs performed at the University of Kentucky from April 2009 through September 2013 was conducted. NSQIP clinical data and hospital cost data were matched. Operating room (ORC), total encounter (TEC), and 90-day postdischarge (90PDC) hospital costs were analyzed relative to clinical variables using non-parametric tests. In total 385 patients that underwent VIHR during the time period were included in the analyses. Considering all VIHRs, median [interquartile range (IQR)] ORC was $6900 ($5600–$10,000); TEC was $10,700 ($7500–$18,600); and 90PDC was $0 ($0–$800). Compared to all VIHRs, ASA Class ≥ 3 was associated with increased ORC and TEC (p 1 was associated with increased ORC and TEC (p 1, open abdominal wound, and postoperative complications significantly increase costs. Although the hospital encounter represents the majority of the cost associated with VIHR, additional costs are incurred during the 90-day postoperative period. An appreciation of global costs is essential in developing alternative payment models for hernia in order to provide the greatest value in hernia care.
Basic Consumer Theory

This chapter covers basic consumer theory, including budget constraints, indifference curves, utility maximization, and constrained optimization. It will be useful for applying economic theory to the changes in the music industry as they relate to goods that are perfect substitutes and perfect complements. Technology has eroded copyright protections and enforcement, and pirated music is a substitute for legal (purchased) music. In response to these changes, musicians have supplemented their incomes by touring and offering other merchandise known as complementary goods. Thus, basic consumer theory is useful in helping us understand the shifts in consumption patterns in the music industry. An understanding of the theory will be useful in analyzing the music industry trends, especially as the consumption mode shifts to online streaming platforms.
Direct Correlation of Na + /K + -ATPase -Isoform Abundance and Myocardial Contractility in Mouse Heart

In earlier experiments on rat heart ventricles (1, 2 and 7) we found that high-and low-affinity positive inotropic effects of ouabain (PIE) were correlated with the abundance of α2 and α1 Na+/K+-ATPase isoforms respectively, whereas rat atria showed only low affinity PIE and only α1 isoforms. We also reported (3) that rat ventricular strips at high affinity concentrations (0.1 to 5 μM) accumulated aiNa significantly by 2mM. We now report the characteristics of the hearts of 2 mouse strains “FVB/N” and “129” with regard to contractile response and Na+/K+-ATPase isoform abundance. We measured myocardial contractility in atrial and ventricular strips under isometric conditions. Resting tension (final 0.5 to 1.0 g) was increased stepwise close to the point of maximally developed force (Lmax). At this level cumulative ouabain dose-response curves (10 nM to 200 μM) were obtained. The strips were suspended in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution at 35° C and stimulated at 1 Hertz, pH 7.4. Relative abundance of al and α2 isoform mRNAs and enzyme activities were determined by northern blot and enzyme coupled spectrophotometric assays, respectively.
Evaluating Management Regimes using Per-Recruit Models and Relative Stock Density for Mississippi’s Spotted Seatrout

AbstractThe Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus is the most popular target of recreational inshore fisheries in Mississippi coastal waters. The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) stock of Spotted Seatrout is composed of spatially distinct substocks, and each state imposes unique bag and size limits. In Mississippi, the stock is managed using minimum length limits and daily bag limits. We used two methods to evaluate the efficacy of length restrictions and fishing mortality (F) levels: (1) a per-recruit model simulation to evaluate the effects of proposed management actions on reproductive output and yield, and (2) an evaluation of how management regimes impact relative stock density (RSD). Relative stock density has been widely used as a management tool in recreational and generally freshwater fisheries but has not been widely employed in informing management of marine stocks. We used demographic information from fisheries-independent sampling and length-specific natural mortality estimates to construct both models. O...
DesignX in the Emergency Department: Requirements of a Digital Antibiogram

Even simple interventions in healthcare may defy a straightforward solution due to incompatible constraints imposed by multiple stakeholders and the nature of the resulting system. This paper presents one of these so-called DesignX problems by describing the design of a digital antibiogram and a first use case in Emergency Medicine. The Infectious Disease department conceived a digital treatment selection tool [antibiogram] to improve antibiotic stewardship and appropriate care in the emergency department where antimicrobial -therapy is usually based on heuristics and limited microbiologic data. Using contextual interviews, observations and paper prototyping, we found that multiple perspectives, expectations and social roles were closely intertwined. The case of the antibiogram demonstrates the complexity of small technological changes in hospitals. Social and technical implications and dependencies turn apparently minor technological interventions into DesignX problems. Accordingly, even small interventions in healthcare call for a careful iterative design process to deliver appropriate solutions.
Injured Children Receive Twice the Radiation Dose at Nonpediatric Trauma Centers Compared With Pediatric Trauma Centers.

Abstract Background Use of cranial CT scans in children has been increasing, in part due to increased awareness of sports-related concussions. CT is the largest contributor to medical radiation exposure, a risk factor for cancer. Long-term cancer risks of CT scans can be two to three times higher for children than for adults because children are more radiosensitive and have a longer lifetime in which to accumulate exposure from multiple scans. Study Aim To compare the radiation exposure injured children receive when imaged at nonpediatric hospitals (NPHs) versus pediatric hospitals. Methods Injured children younger than 18 years who received a CT scan at a referring hospital during calendar years (CYs) 2010 and 2013 were included. Patient-level factors included demographics, mode of transportation, and Injury Severity Score, and hospital-level factors included region of state, radiology services, and hospital type and size. Our primary outcome of interest was the effective radiation dose. Results Four hundred eighty-seven children were transferred to the pediatric trauma center during CYs 2010 and 2013, with a median age of 7.2 years (interquartile range 5-13). The median effective radiation dose received at NPHs was twice that received at the pediatric trauma center (3.8 versus 1.6 mSv, P Conclusion NPHs have the potential to substantially reduce the medical radiation received by injured children. Pediatric CT protocols should be considered.
Comparison of WRF PBL Models in Low-Wind Speed Conditions Against Measured Data

In a previous work (Ferrero et al. 2016) we have tested the WRF PBL models during two different months (January and July) of the experimental campaign. Here, we are particularly interested in low-wind conditions (wind speed less then 1.5 ms−1), which are frequent in the Po Valley were the mast is located. Thus, we selected these cases and compared the model results with measurements. Some results of the comparison are presented here in term of 2D histograms and marginal rug plots between measured and simulated quantities for the month of July 2007.
Physical activity is associated with higher cognitive function among adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Objective We evaluated the specific association between physical activity and cognitive function among a national sample of the broader U.S. adult population with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods Data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to identify 219 older adults, ages 60–85, with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was used to assess cognitive function, with physical activity assessed via a validated questionnaire. Results In an unadjusted model, older adults, who had at least one blood relative with Alzheimer’s disease, had greater cognitive function when meeting MVPA guidelines in comparison to their inactive counterparts (β = 9.6; 95% CI: 4.6–14.7; P = 0.001). After adjustments, results were attenuated, but still statistically significant (8.5; 95% CI: 4.0–13.0; P = 0.001). Conclusion In this national sample of individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with higher cognitive function.
Abstract 18092: Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Using a 2nd Generation Cryoballoon Catheter or Contact-Force Sensing Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter: A Comparison of Costs and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

Introduction: Although noninferiority of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation for antral pulmonary vein isolation (APVI) has been reported in patients with paroxysma...
Regression with Correlated Responses

When responses are correlated in regression settings, (3.1) and (5.1) need to be modified to incorporate correlation. For the model components to be identifiable from each other, the correlation can not be arbitrary but structured around a limited number of parameters, say γ, and the correlation structure should not be dependent on the covariate x. Of primary interest is the selection of tuning parameters, which now consist of the smoothing parameters in λJ(η) and the correlation parameters γ.
Hierarchical Control of Terrestrial Vertebrate Taphonomy Over Space and Time: Discussion of Mechanisms and Implications for Vertebrate Paleobiology

There is no doubt among paleontologists that the fossil record of terrestrial vertebrates is fragmented and unevenly distributed over space and time. The underlying causes of this patchiness derive from a combination of factors occurring before and after the deposition of vertebrate remains. Large-scale vertebrate fossil distribution patterns present challenges in addressing the effects of small-scale taphonomic processes on distribution patterns, and what, if any, effect they may have on biodiversity reconstructions. This chapter presents a hierarchical model connecting small-scale taphonomic processes and large-scale fossil preservation patterns. Factors acting at higher levels in the hierarchy constrain the range of taphonomic processes acting at lower levels, whereas lower level processes are responsible for determining vertebrate preservation and the resulting fossil record for an area. Secular changes in climate, tectonics, sea-level, etc. alter the distribution of both environments and biodiversity over time. These changes in turn may alter the congruence between standing biodiversity and the fraction of that diversity faithfully represented in the fossil record, skewing our understanding of extinct vertebrate ecosystems and their evolution over time.
Electrical conductivity and relaxation in ice crystals with known impurity content

Three-terminal dielectric bridge measurements (in the range 20 Hz to 100 kHz between — 5°C and —90 to — 120°C) have been made of ice doped with (a) conductivity-enhancing ionic impurities (HCl, HF, NaCl, KF, NH4F) and (b) conductivity-depressing solutes (NH4OH, NH4Cl, NH5CO3, NaHCO3). Blocking electrodes were used for the first group. The true ice parameters were extracted from linearized plots of the Debye equations. Chlorides and fluorides showed very similar characteristics in their spectra and static conductivity. The results suggest that static conductivity is controlled by extrinsic protons. On the other hand, bases, or solutes that impart a positive freezing potential to the ice, suppress extrinsic protons. In this case, the static conductivity was not, or only weakly, temperature dependent and lower than in the first group. A conductivity cross-over was observed in neither case. The dielectric conductivity contribution is strongly dependent on impurity concentration but apparently less affected than the static conductivity by the nature of the solute. The principal relaxation time is reduced by most solutes, exceptions are pure (bicarbonate-free) bases, sodium bicarbonate, and carbon dioxide.
Fighting Militarily in the Name of One’s State and Fighting Militarily in the Name of One’s Religion

This chapter treats the first two of the religiously sanctioned ways of approaching war, bringing out how certain New Testament passages may be cited in apparent support of fighting militarily for one’s country. It is noted how fighting militarily in the name of one’s religion – taking up arms in a crusade or holy war against infidels or unbelievers – has a history in medieval and later Christianity and a contemporary Islamist iteration in the Middle East.
Managing emotion online

Abstract I apply emotion work to a case study of reader responses on the blog, Young House Love, owned by Sherry and John Petersik. The author performed a qualitative analysis of 1070 comments, examining readers' collective emotion work. After learning of the bloggers' hiatus, YHL readers responded using interpersonal and personal emotion management techniques. Comments exhibit deep acting and surface acting strategies directed primarily at the bloggers and their perceived emotional state. Positive sentiment emerged among comments as readers shared personal stories of connection, influence, expressions of support, and accounts. Furthermore, readers' comments reveal feeling rules guiding the YHL bloggers and readers. Thus, discursive efforts to influence the bloggers' emotions are conceptually linked to readers' attempts to rescue and repair the bloggers' public persona on YHL. This analysis confirms the relevance of Goffman's (1959) and Hochschild's (1979) work online and explores blogs as a tool for managing emotion. I also discuss the importance of the comments section in the co-creation of a blog.
Crossing the Border: Religious Education of Coexistence with the Case of North Korean Refugees in the U.S

When one decides to cross the border of a nation due to political oppression and poverty, it is a crucial decision for the whole world and time around them. Many people make the treacherous journey...
Models of SIV rebound after treatment interruption that involve multiple reactivation events

Abstract In order to assess the efficacy of novel HIV-1 treatments leading to a functional cure, the time to viral rebound is frequently used as a surrogate endpoint. The longer the time to viral rebound, the more efficacious the therapy. In support of such an approach, mathematical models serve as a connection between the size of the latent reservoir and the time to HIV-1 rebound after treatment interruption. The simplest of such models assumes that a single successful latent cell reactivation event leads to observable viremia after a period of exponential viral growth. Here we consider a generalization developed by Pinkevych et al. and Hill et al. of this simple model in which multiple reactivation events can occur, each contributing to the exponential growth of the viral load. We formalize and improve the previous derivation of the dynamics predicted by this model, and use the model to estimate relevant biological parameters from SIV rebound data. We confirm a previously described effect of very early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the rate of recrudescence and the viral load growth rate after treatment interruption. We find that every day ART initiation is delayed results in a 39% increase in the recrudescence rate, and a 11% decrease of the viral growth rate. We show that when viral rebound occurs early relative to the viral load doubling time, a model with multiple successful reactivation events fits the data better than a model with only a single successful reactivation event. Author Summary HIV-1 persists during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to a reservoir of latently infected cells. When ART is stopped, HIV generally rebounds within a few weeks. However, there is a small fraction of patients that do not rebound over a period of months or years. A variety of treatments are being tested for their ability to reduce the size of the latent reservoir, to induce effective immune responses against the virus, or to prevent or prolong the time to viral rebound after ART interruption. These novel treatments are typically first tested in SIV infected macaques, and the efficacy of the treatment assessed by interrupting ART and measuring the time to viral rebound. Here, we develop and test a mathematical and statistical model that describes the process of viral rebound. The model can be used for statistical inference of the efficacy of newly developed treatments. Importantly, the model takes into account that multiple recrudescence events can precede rebound. We test the model using data from early treated SIV infected macaques.
The urea cycle is transcriptionally controlled by hypoxia-inducible factors

Here, we demonstrate transcriptional regulation of urea cycle genes CPS1 and ARG1 by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and demonstrate a hepatic HIF dependent increase in urea cycle activity.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Teach for America's Investing in Innovation Scale-up

In 2010, Teach For America (TFA) launched a major expansion effort, funded in part by a five-year Investing in Innovation (i3) scale-up grant of $50 million from the U.S. Department of Education. This study examines the effectiveness of TFA elementary school teachers in the second year of the scale-up, relative to other teachers in the same grades and schools.
Epidemiology of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) in United States: challenges and opportunities.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare, inherited lysosomal storage disorders characterized by progressive multiorgan involvement. Previous studies on incidence and prevalence of MPS mainly focused on countries other than the United States (US), showing considerable variation by country. This study aimed to identify MPS incidence and prevalence in the US at a national and state level to guide clinicians and policy makers. This retrospective study examined all diagnosed cases of MPS from 1995 to 2015 in the US using the National MPS Society database records. Data included year of birth, patient geographic location, and MPS variant type. US population information was obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. The incidence and prevalence rates were calculated for each disease. Incidence rates were calculated for each state. We obtained information from 789 MPS patients during a 20-year period. Incidence of MPS in the US was found to be 0.98 per 100,000 live births. Prevalence was found to be 2.67 per 1 million. MPS I, II, and III had the highest incidence rate at birth (0.26/100,000) and prevalence rates of 0.70–0.71 per million. Birth incidences of MPS IV, VI, and VII were 0.14, 0.04 and 0.027 per 100,000 live births. This is the most comprehensive review of MPS incidence and prevalence rates in the US. Due to the large US population and state fragmentation, US incidence and prevalence were found to be lower than other countries. Nonetheless, state-level studies in the US supported these figures. Efforts should be focused in the establishment of a national rare disease registry with mandated reporting from every state as well as newborn screening of MPS.