cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prolonged repolarization after ventricular assist device support is associated with arrhythmias in humans with congestive heart failure.

Abstract Background Recent observations indicate that the QTc interval often increases in the early postoperative period ( Methods and Results An electrocardiogram was obtained within 4 days before LVAD placement, P Conclusion The early period after initiation of LVAD support of the failing human heart is associated with a relatively high incidence of significant ventricular arrhythmias after LVAD placement. Beyond the impact of myocardial inflammation and wound healing occurring after all LVAD implants, early postoperative increases in the QTc interval after cardiac unloading appear to predispose to ventricular arrhythmias.
Using the General Linear Mixed Model to Analyse Unbalanced Repeated Measures and Longitudinal Data

The general linear mixed model provides a useful approach for analysing a wide variety of data structures which practising statisticians often encounter. Two such data structures which can be problematic to analyse are unbalanced repeated measures data and longitudinal data. Owing to recent advances in methods and software, the mixed model analysis is now readily available to data analysts. The model is similar in many respects to ordinary multiple regression, but because it allows correlation between the observations, it requires additional work to specify models and to assess goodness-of-fit. The extra complexity involved is compensated for by the additional flexibility it provides in model fitting. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide readers with a sufficient introduction to the theory to understand the method and a more extensive discussion of model fitting and checking in order to provide guidelines for its use. We provide two detailed case studies, one a clinical trial with repeated measures and dropouts, and one an epidemiological survey with longitudinal follow-up.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) causing portosplenic, superior mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis resulting in splenic rupture and pulmonary emboli formation

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication of heparin administration. Of the few reported cases of HIT-associated intra-abdominal thrombosis, none to our knowledge provide multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) imaging findings or emphasize its utility in diagnosis. We describe a case of HIT with MDCT images demonstrating extensive intra-abdominal thrombosis and end-organ complications including splenic rupture and pulmonary emboli. This case emphasizes the potential role of MDCT in the rapid detection of HIT-related thromboembolic complications in patients with nonspecific abdominal pain.
Diagnostic efficacy of compressed digitized real-time sonography of uterine fibroids

Rationale and Objectives. The authors investigated the diagnostic efficacy of compression of real-time ultrasound (US) examinations. Methods. Low- and high-compression recordings (9:1 and 15:1, respectively) of examinations were generated by using Joint Photographic Experts Group algorithms. Seven radiologists used a five-level response scale to answer questions about the presence, number, and location of focal fibroid tumors in 67 randomly sorted uterine examinations. The images were viewed after no, low, and high compression. Results were evaluated by using multipatient, multireader receiver operating characteristic jackknife analysis. Results. Given the reduction in the US digital video rates from 74 Mbit/sec for uncompressed images to 8 Mbit/sec for low compression and 4.7 Mbit/sec for high compression, there were no statistically significant differences in accuracy between the compression schemes. Confidence intervals suggested that the sample size was adequate. Conclusion. Compressed images with compression ratios of 9:1 and 15:1 were diagnostically equivalent to uncompressed images of uterine fibroid tumors.
The human THE-LTR(O) and MstII interspersed repeats are subfamilies of a single widely distributed highly variable repeat family.

Abstract Fifteen examples of the transposon-like human element (THE) LTR and thirteen examples of the MstII interspersed repeat are aligned to generate new consensus sequences for these human repetitive elements. The consensus sequences of these elements are very similar, indicating that they compose subfamilies of a single human interspersed repetitive sequence family. Members of this highly polymorphic repeat family have been mapped to at least 11 chromosomes. Seven examples of the THE internal sequence are also aligned to generate a new consensus sequence for this element. Estimates of the abundance of this repetitive sequence family, derived from both hybridization analysis and frequency of occurrence in GenBank, indicate that THE-LTR Mst II sequences are present every 100–300 kb in human DNA. The widespread occurrence of members of this family makes them useful landmarks, like Alu, L1, and (GT)n repeats, for physical and genetic mapping of human DNA.
Physicochemical characterization and mechanism analysis of native and protonated grapefruit peels adsorbing cadmium.

AbstractBy-products such as citrus peels are low-cost biosorbents for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewaters. The cadmium-binding mechanism for native and protonated grapefruit peels was investigated. Potentiometric titrations were described well by a two-site model based on carboxyl and hydroxyl sites with pKa values of 3.9 and 11.1, respectively. A one-site model excellently described increasing metal binding from pH 1 to pH 6 due to decreasing competition with protons. Sorption isotherms showed a maximum Cd2+ uptake of 1.7 and 2.2 meq/g for native and protonated peels, respectively. An isotherm model with a 1:2 stoichiometry, where one divalent metal binds to two monoprotic sites, was superior to a 1:1 stoichiometry. For protonated peels, mainly protons were exchanged with Cd2+; for native peels, light metal ions were exchanged. Cd2+ sorption was completely reversible by acidic desorption, maintaining the sorption capacity during several cycles. Esterification of carboxyl groups, which reduced...
Macdonald’s Identities and the Large N Limit of YM 2 on the Cylinder

The purpose of this paper is to determine the large N asymptotics of the free energy FN(a,U|A) of YM2 (two-dimensional Yang Mills theory) with gauge group GN=SU(N) on a cylinder where a is a so-called principal element of type ρ. Mathematically, where HGN is the central heat kernel of GN. We find that where Ξ is an explicit quadratic functional in the limit distribution dΣ of eigenvalues of UN, depending only on the integral geometry of SU(2). The factor of N contradicts some predictions in the physics literature on the large N limit of YM2 on the cylinder (due to Gross-Matytsin, Kazakov-Wynter, and others).
China's new order and past disorders: A Dialogue Starting from Wang Hui's analysis

Abstract This dialogue develops a series of reflections on contemporary Chinese politics starting from Wang Hui's analysis of the role that the repression of the spring 1989 movement played in the acceleration of China's neoliberalist economic policies, and more in general about the peculiar forms of intervention of the party-state in the implementation of capitalist forms of economy. Four major issues are discussed: some probings of the political value of the Tiananmen movement; the suppression of the agricultural people's communes; the parallel transformation of the industrial danwei system; and the rise of Deng Xiaoping's strategy as a form of reactive subjectivity toward the political experiments of the late sixties and early seventies. The authors argue that the major consistency in the Chinese state today is the process of harsh depoliticization of subjectivities deployed during the Cultural Revolution, and retrospectively throughout the entire twentieth century in China. On the other hand, this pro...
Vector solitons in birefringent nonlinear dispersive media

It is shown that a novel class of optical solitons is possible in nonlinear dispersive media with birefringence.
Full-wave analysis of multiconductor transmission lines on anisotropic inhomogeneous substrates

The full-wave analysis of the generalized microstrip line on an inhomogeneous anisotropic substrate is carried out by using the finite-difference method. The resulting sparse matrix equation is solved efficiently using the bi-Lanczos algorithm. The use of the inhomogeneous wave equation to formulate the problem makes it easy to analyze structures with multilayered substrates. The algorithm can analyze complicated structures with multiple conductors at arbitrary locations. A spatial interpolation scheme is used to evaluate the contribution from the off-diagonal terms in TT and T. The use of the bi-Lanczos algorithm allows us to solve the problem at O(N/sup 1.5/) complexity. Storage requirements can be made to scale as O(N). This makes it possible to analyze large problems on a small computer. Very good agreement is seen between published results and results obtained using this technique.
Global Copyright Protest? A Comparison of DeCSS Posting in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and the European Union

This study explored the differences in DeCSS posting between EU member nations, the PRC, and Hong Kong. In particular, it sought to investigate the degree to which website authors in the EU, the PRC, and Hong Kong used DeCSS to protest changes in copyright law brought about by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Internet Treaties. Data were drawn from a country-restrict based sample of websites from the Google index in Spring 2004 and content analysis was conducted on each website. Results found little evidence of protest posting in PRC, some evidence in Hong Kong, and substantial evidence in the EU. Taken as a whole, the results do not provide strong evidence of global posting of DeCSS on websites in order to protest changes to copyright law. Rather, results suggest the value and meaning of DeCSS varies across different nations.
Hot-electron blast induced by ultrashort-pulsed lasers in layered media

Femtosecond laser heating on metals produces a blasting force in the sub-picosecond domain, which exerts on the metal lattices along with the non-equilibrium heat flow from hot electrons. Such a hot-electron blast depends on both temperature and temperature gradient in the electron gas, resulting in pronounced effects in multi-layered metal films due to discontinuous heat transfer and load transmission across the interface. This work employs the parabolic two-step model to study the effect of the hot-electron blast in multi-layered thin metal films. Dominating physical parameters are identified to characterize the ultrafast heating and deformation across the interface.
Initial usability assessment of off-the-shelf video game consoles for clinical game-based motor rehabilitation

Abstract Aims/background: Off-the-shelf games for consoles such as the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo WiiFit and Sony PlayStation 2 EyeToy have been developed and tested for the purpose of entertainment. Many clinics are adopting the use of these off-the-shelf devices for exercise, social interaction and rehabilitation because they are affordable, accessible and can be used within the clinic and home. Our group carried out initial usability evaluations for these off-the-shelf games and a prototype game (using an off-the-shelf device) specifically developed for people with disabilities. Methods: A series of studies have been undertaken through formative and summative evaluation and focus group research with a sample of people recovering from spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke. Findings from two studies are presented. Following a demonstration and trial of the devices, observational and questionnaire data were collected to determine participants' perception of each system's usability, appeal and ...
Stable horizontal variation in the zooplankton community structure of a reservoir maintained by predation and competition

The zooplankton community of the Ogochi Reservoir was investigated with brief field experiments to examine the mechanisms that maintain a stable horizontal distribution of species in the warm-water season. Daphnia gale&a predominated near the dam site, and its abundance declined toward the headwaters. The abundance of other species increased away from the dam, and Bosmina longirostris was found abundantly at the site near the headwaters. Demographic analysis and field experiments demonstrated that D. galeata had the potential to depress the abundance of other species through exploitative competition and to predominate at sites near the headwaters as well as at the dam site. This potential was never realized, however, at a site near the headwater because of a high mortality rate that could not be explained by food abundance or physical and chemical conditions in the water. The invertebrate predator Leptodora kindtii was abundant at sites nearer the headwaters, but its occurrence was limited temporally. Trammel gill-net samples revealed that planktivorous fish, which prey selectively on the superior competitor D. gale&a and the invertebrate predator L. kindtii, were distributed toward the headwaters in the warm-water season. The high mortality rate of D. galeata at the site near the headwaters apparently was attributable to predation by fish. The data presented demonstrate that the pelagic environment in the reservoir is functionally heterogeneous and that species interactions play an important role in maintaining the stable horizontal pattern in the community structure. Although horizontal variation in the abundance of freshwater zooplankton can be commonly found on various scales (e.g. Nie et al. 1980), its ecological implication has been little studied from the aspect of community structure (Pinel-Alloul et al. 1988). This situation is due partly to an impression that, in contrast to terrestrial habitats, the pelagic one provides a homogeneous environment for planktonic organisms or that heterogeneity in the environment is ephemeral. Lewis (1978) recognized, however, that horizontal variation in the abundance of zooplankton can be divided functionally into two patterns:
Deposition Techniques for Magnetic Thin Films and Multilayers

In principle, any technique that can deposit thin films of metals may be used to fabricate spin-valve and magnetic multilayer structures. However, because of the device applications which are the subject of this volume, and the compatibility with existing processes that they require, certain techniques have received much more attention than others. Generally, the physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods, rather than chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and liquid phase epitaxy (LPE), have been used the most for metal films. Consequently, the PVD methods will be the primary focus of this chapter. In this we include molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), DC, RF, and ion beam sputtering (IBS), and pulsed laser deposition (PLD).
Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of a nickel dihydrogen complex.

Hydrogen activation by nickel: A tBuPCP pincer ligand facilitates formation of cationic Ni(II) dihydrogen and terminal dinitrogen complexes. The compounds have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Addition of base promotes heterolytic cleavage of H(2) to form the corresponding neutral hydride complex.
Stability of loop reactors

A method of determining all the possible steady states of a tubular recycle reactor with plug flow is presented. The information needed to determine the steady states can be used to ascertain the asymptotic and global stability of the reactor without performing transient computations. The effects of changes in the recycle ratio and start-up conditions are examined. Several numerical examples are included to demonstrate the use of the method for various types of recycle reactors.
TWO DOGMAS OF DEONTOLOGY: AGGREGATION, RIGHTS, AND THE SEPARATENESS OF PERSONS

One of the currently popular dogmata of anti-consequentialism is that consequentialism doesn't respect, recognize, or in some important way account for what is referred to as the “separateness of persons.” The charge is often made, but rarely explained in any detail, much less argued for. In this paper I explain what I take to be the most plausible interpretation of the separateness of persons charge. I argue that the charge itself can be deconstructed into at least two further objections to consequentialist theories. These objections amount to (i) the rejection of axiological aggregation, and (ii) the rejection of deontic aggregation. Of these two objections, I argue that the first one, though often made, is untenable. I also argue that the second objection, in its various forms, relies on distinctions whose moral significance is vigorously denied by almost all consequentialist theorists. I thus argue that the separateness of persons objection poses no special threat to consequentialism.
Can we distinguish canonical El Niño from Modoki

[1] Following the recent discovery of the “Modoki” El Nino, a proliferation of studies and debates has ensued concerning whether Modoki is dynamically distinct from “Canonical” El Nino, how Modoki impacts and teleconnections differ, and whether Modoki events have been increasing in frequency or amplitude. Three decades of reliable, high temporal-resolution observations of coupled ocean-atmosphere variability in the equatorial Pacific reveal a rich diversity of El Ninos. Although central and eastern Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies appear mechanistically separable in terms of local and remote forcing, their frequent overlap precludes robust classifications. All observed El Ninos appear to be a mixture of locally (central Pacific) and remotely forced (eastern Pacific) SST anomalies. Submonthly resolution appears essential for this insight and for the proper dynamical diagnosis of El Nino evolution; thus, the use of long-term monthly reconstructions for classification and trend analysis is strongly cautioned against.
Inflammatory arthritis can be reined in by CpG-induced DC–NK cell cross talk

Unmethylated CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are generally thought of as potent adjuvants with considerable therapeutic potential to enhance immune responses against microbes and tumors. Surprisingly, certain so-called stimulatory CpG-ODNs strongly inhibited the effector phase of inflammatory arthritis in the K/BxN serum transfer system, either preventively or therapeutically. Also unexpected was that the inhibitory influence did not depend on the adaptive immune system cells mobilized in an immunostimulatory context. Instead, they relied on cells of the innate immune system, specifically on cross talk between CD8α+ dendritic cells and natural killer cells, resulting in suppression of neutrophil recruitment to the joint, orchestrated through interleukin-12 and interferon-γ. These findings highlight potential applications of CpG-ODNs and downstream molecules as antiinflammatory agents.
Regulation of lubricin/superficial zone protein by Wnt signalling in bovine synoviocytes.

Lubricin, homologous to superficial zone protein (SZP), functions as a boundary lubricant in articular cartilage and plays an essential role in the maintenance of joint function and homeostasis. Wnt signalling plays a key role in joint development, including synovial joint formation, and several Wnt proteins are expressed in the synovium and articular cartilage in arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of Wnt signalling on SZP accumulation in synoviocytes. Isolated synoviocytes from bovine knee joints were cultured with Wnt proteins (Wnt-3a and Wnt-5a) and antagonists or agonists of the Wnt–β-catenin pathway or Wnt–Ca2+ pathway in serum-free chemically defined medium. SZP accumulation in the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Wnt-3a suppressed SZP accumulation via a Wnt–β-catenin-dependent pathway. In contrast, Wnt-5a stimulated SZP accumulation via a β-catenin independent pathway. The present investigation provides novel insights into the role of the Wnt signalling pathways in SZP accumulation in synoviocytes and their roles in the homeostasis of normal joints. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimality of gauge and degree-sensitive VLSI layouts of planar graphs

It is known that the layout area of a planar graph is influenced most by input parameters such as the size of its nodes, and its resemblance to an outerplanar graph. The latter is measured by the gauge of the graph. We examine the area-optimality of these layouts by exhibiting gauge and degree sensitive lower bounds on layout area. These results span the spectrum between outerplanar graphs, which have gauge 1, and arbitrary planar graphs, which may have gauge Ω(N), while simultaneously allowing vertices of arbitrarily large degree. In cases where we cannot establish optimality, our bounds place previous results in context by demonstrating gaps between the lower and upper bounds which are sensitive to these parameters. Moreover, we establish matching lower bounds in these cases for corresponding nonplanar graphs having identical partitioning characteristics. Previous gauge and degree sensitive techniques for finding layouts of planar graphs did not consider minimizing the maximum wire length. We address this problem briefly to provide evidence that results similar to layout area can be obtained for this problem as well.
Feasibility of MV CBCT-based treatment planning for urgent radiation therapy: dosimetric accuracy of MV CBCT-based dose calculations

Unlike scheduled radiotherapy treatments, treatment planning time and resources are limited for emergency treatments. Consequently, plans are often simple 2D image-based treatments that lag behind technical capabilities available for nonurgent radiotherapy. We have developed a novel integrated urgent workflow that uses onboard MV CBCT imaging for patient simulation to improve planning accuracy and reduce the total time for urgent treatments. This study evaluates both MV CBCT dose planning accuracy and novel urgent workflow feasibility for a variety of anatomic sites. We sought to limit local mean dose differences to less than 5% compared to conventional CT simulation. To improve dose calculation accuracy, we created separate Hounsfield unit-to-density calibration curves for regular and extended field-of-view (FOV) MV CBCTs. We evaluated dose calculation accuracy on phantoms and four clinical anatomical sites (brain, thorax/spine, pelvis, and extremities). Plans were created for each case and dose was calculated on both the CT and MV CBCT. All steps (simulation, planning, setup verification, QA, and dose delivery) were performed in one 30 min session using phantoms. The monitor units (MU) for each plan were compared and dose distribution agreement was evaluated using mean dose difference over the entire volume and gamma index on the central 2D axial plane. All whole-brain dose distributions gave gamma passing rates higher than 95% for 2%/2 mm criteria, and pelvic sites ranged between 90% and 98% for 3%/3 mm criteria. However, thoracic spine treatments produced gamma passing rates as low as 47% for 3%/3 mm criteria. Our novel MV CBCT-based dose planning and delivery approach was feasible and time-efficient for the majority of cases. Limited MV CBCT FOV precluded workflow use for pelvic sites of larger patients and resulted in image clearance issues when tumor position was far off midline. The agreement of calculated MU on CT and MV CBCT was acceptable for all treatment sites.
Polaris National Bank

This case is designed to be used as a role play in conjunction with Star Enterprises (A), (B), and (C). The company banker is preparing to discuss with Star's management the company's financial requirements.
Mate-Locating and Courtship Behaviors of the Artichoke Plume Moth, Platyptilia carduidactyla (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae)

The mating behavior of the artichoke plume moth, Platyptilia carduidactyla, consists of a sequence of behaviors that coordinate the reproductive activities of the male and the female. The sequence begins with the female everting her sex pheromone gland. The male may respond to a “calling” female by (1) wing fanning; (2) flying; (3) flying upwind; (4) landing; (5) wing fluttering while walking; (6) approaching the female; (7) rapidly fluttering his wings by the female's side; and (8) making a copulatory attempt. Unsuccessful courtships often terminate with the female retracting her pheromone gland and moving away from the courting male. Once a female displays these behaviors, the male's chances of succeeding in mating with her are low. Certain doses of the pheromone (Z)-1l-hexadecenal can stimulate the whole sequence of behaviors seen in the males response to “calling” females, but only when a model of a female is present near the pheromone source. The behaviors seen in the mate-locating phase of the sequence show a distinct dose-dependent relationship, with increasing concentrations of the pheromone increasing the probability of making any behavioral transition in this phase. In the courtship phase, there is no distinct relationship between the dose of this pheromone and the probability of the male making a given transition. (Z)-1l-Hexadecenal plays an important role in the mating behavior of this species, but at close range other stimuli influence the probability that the courtship will follow the stereotyped pattern.
Utilization of a Bird's Nest by the Meadow Vole

The eastern meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord), ordinarily constructs its own nest of grass on the surface or below the surface of the ground. On October 6, 1954, I discovered a litter of …
Energetics and Resource Optimization for Planetary EVA Operations in Steep Terrain

An eventual return to the Moon or the launch of a human exploration mission to Mars will drive the need for developing novel surface Extravehicular Activity (EVA) technologies as well as require new operational and planning techniques. These advances are necessary to enable EVA access to the planetary surface locales that are most likely to yield exciting scientific knowledge, such as in the sedimentary deposit regions recently found on Mars or within and around large craters formed from asteroid collisions; as these represent the areas thought most likely to contain fossilized evidence of life or geological information pertaining to the origins and age of the planets. These sites, while rich in potential for scientific discovery, also introduce challenging terrain for exploration by surface EVA teams. In order to gain access to these areas, the design of surface EVA systems will need to take into account the energetics required to explore steep terrain and the associated impacts on life support resources. This paper summarizes relevant work in partial gravity locomotion and energetics as well as resource optimization. In addition, it extends the prior research and establishes new hypotheses that inertial and stability effects will have an impact on future planetary EVA design. Finally, preliminary suggestions are provided for establishing hardware requirements and design guidelines for planetary surface EVA operations, including necessary adaptations uniquely related to space suit capabilities and constraints.
Solution-phase dimerization of an oblong shape-persistent macrocycle.

A new shape-persistent macrocycle comprising two 2,3-triphenylene moieties bridged by m-phenylene ethynylenes has been synthesized. UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies indicate limited interaction between the two triphenylene units. The compound, which has a pronounced oblong shape (the core measures approximately 2.2 × 1.0 nm), aggregates in CDCl3 and toluene-d8 to give stacked dimers, as indicated by the 1H NMR signals corresponding to protons on or near the core, which shift upfield with increasing concentration. These changes in NMR shielding were modeled using DFT calculations on candidate dimer geometries. The best match to the experimental data was obtained for a dimer consisting of arene–arene stacking by 3.6 A (on average) with a displacement along the molecular long axis of 3.5–4.0 A. This displacement is larger than can be explained by the electronic effects of aromatic stacking interactions. Instead, the minimization of steric interactions between the side chains appears to control the dime...
Research on innovation of agricultural enterprization IV: Agricultural enterprization of industry-a positive analysis from three different industries

Recently,a lot of researches have proved that the management of agricultural enterprization can be carried out before,during and after the agricultural production process.In this paper,industries of circulation of agricultural products,cane sugar and silkworm were taken as examples to analyze their management conditions of agricultural enterprises.The results proved that some industries can carry on the management of agricultural enterprises through the whole industry,from which the point that agricultural enterprise would be suitable in a wide range.
Communicating to Improve Health Using Theory to Improve Fundraising for Health-Related Events

Using a nationwide survey of 1,539 respondents, this study uses variables from the situational theory of problem solving to examine communication related to three of the largest U.S.-based fundraising events benefiting three nonprofit health organizations. The findings extend the situational theory of problem solving by adding health consciousness as an antecedent and provide empirical support for its increased predictive power in explaining communicative action, which may lead to future participation in fundraising events. In addition, by investigating how health-related communicative action varies across demographics and by media use, this study contributes a range of practical implications in terms of how nonprofit and health communication practitioners might better segment publics and utilize different media channels to disseminate health-related information more effectively.
The suitability of crushed porcelain and foamed glass as alternatives to heat-expanded shale in green roof substrates: An assessment of plant growth, substrate moisture, and thermal regulation

Abstract The suitability of two materials, foamed glass and crushed porcelain, as substrates for single course extensive green roofs was investigated. Both of these materials were produced from bulk waste intended for disposal in a landfill. The candidate materials were compared to a commercially available substrate made from heat-expanded shale by evaluating commonly measured physical properties, plant development, substrate moisture, and subsurface temperature. Physical properties were measured in a lab setting and all other metrics were taken from outdoor green roof platforms. Total plant coverage in both porcelain and foamed glass was equivalent to expanded shale on 5 of the 6 dates measured over two growing seasons. Substrate moisture and temperature were observed during the second season. Moisture content of both the porcelain and foamed glass was either equivalent to or greater than that of the expanded shale throughout the season. Subsurface temperatures were cooler in the porcelain and foamed glass than the expanded shale during the daytime for the majority of the second season. Variation in daily temperatures in the porcelain was significantly lower than the expanded shale when plant coverage was below 50%. Overall, both candidate materials were found to be suitable for use in extensive green roof applications.
Part X. Evaluation of antibacterial agents

In the evaluation of antibacterial agents, there are many problems which evolve from the interrelationships of drug, host, and organism and their interaction (see diagram). In the long run, we have to evaluate the entire system before we can fully understand the problem.
Analysis of Coplanar Grid CdZnTe Detector Properties

This paper focuses to better understand detector properties observed in experiment using a comprehensive Monte-Carlo simulation package. The simulation packages used in this study include Maxwell for modeling the signal induction process and the drifting of charge carriers in the electric field. Another package used is Geant4 for modeling the physics of gamma-ray interactions within the detector. A 1.5 times 1.5 times 1.0 cm3 CdZnTe gamma-ray detector was studied in detail, which employed a generation 3 coplanar grid anode design. Simulation results are compared to the experimental data, and the results are reported.
Updated survival analysis of patients (pts) with unresectable (UR) or borderline resectable (BR) locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC) treated with neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX.

e15197 Background: Although no prospective data are available for the use of FOLFIRINOX in LAPC, in a retrospective study of 18 pts with UR or BR LAPC, neoadjuvant therapy with FOLFIRINOX with or w...
Manipulation of Host Cholesterol by Obligate Intracellular Bacteria.

Cholesterol is a multifunctional lipid that plays important metabolic and structural roles in the eukaryotic cell. Despite having diverse life styles, the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens Chlamydia, Coxiella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia all target cholesterol during host cell colonization as a potential source of membrane, as well as a means to manipulate host cell signaling and trafficking. To promote host cell entry, these pathogens utilize cholesterol-rich microdomains known as lipid rafts, which serve as organizational and functional platforms for host signaling pathways involved in phagocytosis. Once a pathogen gains entrance to the intracellular space, it can manipulate host cholesterol trafficking pathways to access nutrient-rich vesicles or acquire membrane components for the bacteria or bacteria-containing vacuole. To acquire cholesterol, these pathogens specifically target host cholesterol metabolism, uptake, efflux, and storage. In this review, we examine the strategies obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens employ to manipulate cholesterol during host cell colonization. Understanding how obligate intracellular pathogens target and use host cholesterol provides critical insight into the host-pathogen relationship.
NASH Therapy: omega 3 supplementation, vitamin E, insulin sensitizers and statin drugs

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the more aggressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NASH can progress to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension and primary liver cancer. Therapy is evolving with a substantial number of trials of promising new agents now in progress. In this article however, we will examine data for several older forms of therapy which have been fairly extensively studied over the years: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) supplements, vitamin E, insulin sensitizing agents with a focus on pioglitazone and statin agents. Early interest in PUFA derived from their potential benefit in cardio-metabolic disease and the close association of NAFLD/NASH with Metabolic Syndrome. Results have been variable although most studies show reduction of liver fat without other major effects and their effects are influenced by concomitant weight loss and underlying genetic factors. Vitamin E has had some efficacy in pediatric NASH but questionable efficacy in even mild NASH among adults. Pioglitazone has shown significant histological benefit in a number of trials but concern over side-effects (especially weight gain) have dampened enthusiasm. A newer insulin sensitizer, liraglutide, has also shown promise in a small randomized, controlled trial. Very limited data exists regarding the histological effects of the statins in NASH and these agents appear to be fairly neutral with neither clear cut benefit nor detriment. Their use is best guided by cardiovascular risks rather than liver histology.
Examining the Long-Term Stability of a Strengths-Based Screener over 2 Years.

The success of universal screening for effective school mental health programs is dependent on the availability of usable measures as well as empirically based recommendations for use. The current ...
News Media and Disasters: Navigating Old Challenges and New Opportunities in the Digital Age

Mass media hold an important but often misunderstood role in disaster events. Research has consistently shown that media coverage of disasters tends to be rife with misinformation and reinforces myths about race, social class, violence and criminal activity. Studies have also revealed that effective media messages can benefit mitigation efforts, enhance early warning systems, promote orderly and timely evacuation procedures, and help bring communities together in times of upheaval. This chapter examines research on the media-disaster relationship to highlight the many ways that media can positively influence disaster planning and recovery while also noting the many concerns associated with media coverage of disasters. Future directions for media-disasters research are considered along with ways that media workers and emergency management practitioners might more effectively manage the media-disaster relationship before, during, and after emergency events.
Increasing kidney donor profile index sequence does not adversely affect medium-term health-related quality of life after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND The United Network for Organ Sharing system allocates deceased donor kidneys based on the kidney donor profile index (KDPI), stratified as sequences (A ≤ 20%, B > 20- 85%), with increasing KDPI associated with decreased graft survival. While health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may improve after transplantation, the effect of donor kidney quality, reflected by KDPI sequence, on post-transplant HRQOL has not been reported. METHODS Health-related quality of life was measured using the eight scales and physical and mental component summaries (PCS, MCS) of the SF-36® Health Survey. Multivariable mixed effects models that adjusted for age, gender, rejection, and previous transplant and analysis of variance methods tested the effects of time and KDPI sequence on post-transplant HRQOL. RESULTS A total of 141 waitlisted adults and 505 recipients (>1700 observations) were included. Pretransplant PCS and MCS averaged, respectively, slightly below and within general population norms (GPN; 40-60). At 31 ± 26 months post-transplant, average PCS (41 ± 11) and MCS (51 ± 11), overall and within each KDPI sequence, were within GPN. KDPI sequence was not related to post-transplant HRQOL (P > .134) or its trajectory (interaction P > .163). CONCLUSION Increasing KDPI does not adversely affect the medium-term values and trajectories of HRQOL after kidney transplantation. This may reassure patients and centers when considering using high KDPI kidneys.
Metabolic enzyme PFKFB4 activates transcriptional coactivator SRC-3 to drive breast cancer

Alterations in both cell metabolism and transcriptional programs are hallmarks of cancer that sustain rapid proliferation and metastasis 1 . However, the mechanisms that control the interaction between metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional regulation remain unclear. Here we show that the metabolic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) regulates transcriptional reprogramming by activating the oncogenic steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3). We used a kinome-wide RNA interference-based screening method to identify potential kinases that modulate the intrinsic SRC-3 transcriptional response. PFKFB4, a regulatory enzyme that synthesizes a potent stimulator of glycolysis 2 , is found to be a robust stimulator of SRC-3 that coregulates oestrogen receptor. PFKFB4 phosphorylates SRC-3 at serine 857 and enhances its transcriptional activity, whereas either suppression of PFKFB4 or ectopic expression of a phosphorylation-deficient Ser857Ala mutant SRC-3 abolishes the SRC-3-mediated transcriptional output. Functionally, PFKFB4-driven SRC-3 activation drives glucose flux towards the pentose phosphate pathway and enables purine synthesis by transcriptionally upregulating the expression of the enzyme transketolase. In addition, the two enzymes adenosine monophosphate deaminase-1 (AMPD1) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), which are involved in purine metabolism, were identified as SRC-3 targets that may or may not be directly involved in purine synthesis. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of SRC-3 at Ser857 increases its interaction with the transcription factor ATF4 by stabilizing the recruitment of SRC-3 and ATF4 to target gene promoters. Ablation of SRC-3 or PFKFB4 suppresses breast tumour growth in mice and prevents metastasis to the lung from an orthotopic setting, as does Ser857Ala-mutant SRC-3. PFKFB4 and phosphorylated SRC-3 levels are increased and correlate in oestrogen receptor-positive tumours, whereas, in patients with the basal subtype, PFKFB4 and SRC-3 drive a common protein signature that correlates with the poor survival of patients with breast cancer. These findings suggest that the Warburg pathway enzyme PFKFB4 acts as a molecular fulcrum that couples sugar metabolism to transcriptional activation by stimulating SRC-3 to promote aggressive metastatic tumours.
Teaching family-centered perinatal care in family medicine, part 2

Pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and infant care are a continuum in the family life cycle for which the family physician is especially qualified to provide primary, comprehensive care. The purpose of this paper is to document and share the controversies, wisdom, and knowledge about caring for women and their families before, during, and after pregnancy. Family physicians can be leaders in developing an appropriate perinatal care system for the community. The level of care the family physician chooses to provide is discretionary. However, the family physician should be invested in ensuring that all families receive the greatest benefit from pregnancy, birth, and the newborn experience. Interest in perinatal care in family medicine is increasing, as reflected by the growing numbers participating in the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Working Group on Family-Centered Perinatal Care. The authors of this article, who are active in this working group, hope that this information is useful in designing a balanced curriculum and delivery system for perinatal care in family medicine training programs.
Toxicity Testing for Ocular Drug Products

As part of the safety assessment, the Food and Drug Administration evaluates dermal and ocular drug products for their potential ocular toxicity. Several factors (pH, structure-activity relationshipsin vitroalternatives, primary dermal irritation index, and acute dermal toxicity) should be considered for the drug product prior to conducting an ocular irritation assay. The drug product should not be tested further if the drug product has a pH of 2.5 or below or 11.5 or above. The assay should also not be conducted if the active ingredient(s) have analogous chemically active moieties that are known irritants or if the reformulation contains known irritants. Additionally, the assay should not be conducted if the drug product has an acute dermal toxicity lethality at or below 200 mg/kg or a primary dermal irritation index score of 5 or above. The findings fromin vitrosystems like CorrositexTM with ocular and dermal drug products should also be considered prior to performing an irritation assay. Strongly positive findings in these assays could preclude the need for a modified Draize assay. Other alternatives could be used to complement thein vivostudies, assist in defining a mechanism of action, or identify possible biotransformation metabolites of the drug products. When animal testing is to be conducted, a low volume dosing (0.01 ml or g) in one animal may be performed for suspected severe irritants. If the product is not classified as an irritant or moderate irritant, then 0.1 ml or 0.1 g of material should be instilled in two or three more rabbits. The responses are scored according to the modified Draize scoring system at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and, if necessary, at 7 days to assess the potential recovery from the insult. In summary, the Agency encourages the use of alternative tests prior to conducting a modified Draize assay for ocular irritation. Additionally, the Agency encourages the Sponsor to contact the Agency as early as possible for guidance in the development of the drug product. Such interaction could conserve valuable resources and potentially reduce the time to market for the drug product.
Sox7 Regulates Lineage Decisions in Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells

Specification of the mesodermal lineages requires a complex set of morphogenetic events orchestrated by interconnected signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks. The transcription factor Sox7 has critical functions in differentiation of multiple mesodermal lineages, including cardiac, endothelial, and hematopoietic. Using a doxycycline-inducible mouse embryonic stem cell line, we have previously shown that expression of Sox7 in cardiovascular progenitor cells promotes expansion of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In this study, we show that the ability of Sox7 to promote endothelial cell fate occurs at the expense of the cardiac lineage. Using ChIP-Seq coupled with ATAC-Seq we identify downstream target genes of Sox7 in cardiovascular progenitor cells and by integrating these data with transcriptomic analyses, we define Sox7-dependent gene programs specific to cardiac and EPCs. Furthermore, we demonstrate a protein-protein interaction between SOX7 and GATA4 and provide evidence that SOX7 interferes with the transcriptional activity of GATA4 on cardiac genes. In addition, we show that Sox7 modulates WNT and BMP signaling during cardiovascular differentiation. Our data represent the first genome-wide analysis of Sox7 function and reveal a critical role for Sox7 in regulating signaling pathways that affect cardiovascular progenitor cell differentiation.
Life Design: A Paradigm for Innovating Career Counselling in Global Context

More than a decade has elapsed since the original statement of life design as an innovative and internationally-constructed paradigm for careers science and practice. Responding to the challenges of work and career in contemporary times, life design shifts the paradigm for career counselling from match-making to meaning making. This chapter situates life design in global context; reviews its core tenets, constructs, and practice methods; and considers its conceptual, empirical, and practice advance. Life designing offers positive direction for the careers field to foster human health and well-being through promoting work and employment in all people’s lives. Continuing to adopt and advance life-design principles and practices helps transform career counselling from a straightforward logical pursuit to a complex therapeutic endeavor to assist people to use work as a way to imbue their lives with purpose and direction. Continuing advances in the emerging life design tradition led by approaches such as Career Construction Theory and Practice help dissolve long-held false distinctions between career and mental-health counselling. Such efforts give way to innovating a perspective on work as central to counselling for mental health and well-being. Goals of the life design paradigm continue to propel it as an innovative intervention model for meaningfully construing and constructing work and career in human life.