cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-plane Seebeck coefficient and Lorenz number in superlattices

Low dimensional and nanostructured materials have shown great potential to achieve much higher thermoelectric figure of merits than their bulk counterparts. Here, we study the thermoelectric properties of superlattices in the cross-plane direction using the Boltzmann transport equation and taking into account multiple minibands. Poisson equation is solved self-consistently to include the effect of charge transfer and band bending in the potential profile. The model is verified with the experimental data of cross-plane Seebeck coefficient for a superlattice structure with different doping concentrations. The simulations show that thermoelectric properties of superlattices are quite different from those of bulk materials because the electronic band structure is modified by the periodic potential. The Lorenz numbers of superlattices are surprisingly large at low carrier concentrations and deviate far away from the Wiedemann-Franz law for bulk materials. Under some conditions, the Lorenz number could be reduced by 50% compared to the bulk value. Most significantly, the Seebeck coefficient and the Lorenz number of superlattices do not change monotonically with doping concentration. An oscillatory behavior is observed. The effects of temperature and well and barrier thicknesses on the cross-plane Seebeck coefficient and Lorenz number are also investigated.
Determining the factors affecting breast cancer infectivity by oncolytic adenovirus.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Traditional treatments for cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy, are frequently ineffective and are often associated with painful side effects that diminish the quality of life for patients. New strategies for the treatment of cancer are greatly needed. Oncolytic viruses represent a new class of anticancer agents with the potential to greatly improve cancer treatment. Genetically modified adenoviruses – specifically, adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) – are commonly used to generate oncolytic viruses. These adenoviruses are replication-selective, meaning that they have been engineered to replicate only in cancer cells bearing certain mutations. For example, ONYX-015 is a mutant adenovirus designed to exploit the loss of functional p53, a loss common to many cancer cells, in order to selectively destroy malignant cells [1]. Although the use of oncolytic viruses holds great promise for cancer therapy, the success of this strategy depends on the ability of adenovirus to infect cancer cells. We are using a panel of 50 breast cancer cell lines to study Ad5 infectivity. Affymetrix array data and CGH data have been collected for all of these cell lines. We have found that the ability of Ad5 to infect these cell lines is highly variable. CAR and αv integrins are known to be required for Ad5 entry. However, the infectivity of the breast cancer cell lines does not correlate with CAR levels or αv integrin levels. For example, BT474 cells appear to have ample CAR expressed on the surface but are infected at very low rates. Alternatively, both HCC 2185 cells and MDA MB 435 cells express very little CAR on the surface but are highly infectible. We are currently investigating the possibility that other cellular factors are influencing the ability of Ad5 to infect breast cancer cells.
Subjective Rationality, Self-Confirming Equilibrium, and Corporate Strategy

This paper presents a formal theory of subjective rationality and demonstrates its application to corporate strategy. An agent is said to be subjectively rational when decisions are consistent with the available facts and, where these are lacking, with the agent's own subjective assessments. A self-confirming equilibrium arises when agents' subjectively rational actions generate events that are consistent with their own expectations. Equilibrium strategies may be suboptimal because certain counterfactual beliefs may be erroneous and yet fail to be contradicted by events observed in equilibrium. This weakening of the stronger rationality assumptions inherent in many of the more familiar equilibrium ideas appears well suited to applications in strategy. In particular, performance advantage may be sustained by a firm when its subjectively rational competitors persistently employ suboptimal self-confirming strategies.
The Northwest Atlantic deep-sea red crab (Chaceon quinquedens) population before and after the onset of harvesting

Wahle, R. A., Bergeron, C. E., Chute, A. S., Jacobson, L. D., and Chen, Y. 2008. The Northwest Atlantic deep-sea red crab (Chaceon quinquedens) population before and after the onset of harvesting. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 862-872.The population structure of deep-sea red crab (Chaceon quinquedens) in a nearly unexploited state is compared with its condition three decades later after more than a decade of sustained harvesting. Our study is based on a camera and net trawl survey conducted in 1974, which we repeated between 2003 and 2005 on the southern New England shelf break. Although the overall biomass of red crabs was estimated to be higher than in 1974, the abundance of large males, which are targeted by the fishery, was considerably lower. In particular, the biomass of large males (≥114 mm carapace width), considered in 1974 to be marketable, declined by 42%. Declines were most evident at depths and regions most accessible to the fishing fleet based in southern New England. With the change in fishery selectivity towards smaller male crabs, the abundance of currently harvestable crabs is about equal to 1974 levels. No declines were observed in the biomass of female and smaller male crabs not targeted by the fishery. Indeed, the abundance of juveniles appears considerably higher than in 1974. Perhaps, adverse effects on reproduction attributable to a reduction in the numbers of large males may be a consequence of fishing, but fishery impacts and productivity are difficult to assess because key biological information is lacking.
Determination of drive ratings for high inertial loads such as dryers

A high inertial load can cause significant operational problems of a paper machine due to excessive acceleration and deceleration times. A comparison of the electrical drive components with the load requirements is presented in order to determine the optimum drive rating to support the acceleration and deceleration times required by production. A graphical approach is used to simplify this procedure. It is shown that by plotting the load requirements and the power unit capabilities, the optimum drive rating can be determined based on the time required for acceleration and deceleration. For a given drive size and load requirement the maximum capability can be determined without guessing. >
Human Bcl-2 Reverses Survival Defects in Yeast Lacking Superoxide Dismutase and Delays Death of Wild-Type Yeast

We expressed the human anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate its effects on antioxidant protection and stationary phase survival. Yeast lacking copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (sod1Delta) show a profound defect in entry into and survival during stationary phase even under conditions optimal for survival of wild-type strains (incubation in water after stationary phase is reached). Expression of Bcl-2 in the sod1Delta strain caused a large improvement in viability at entry into stationary phase, as well as increased resistance to 100% oxygen and increased catalase activity. In addition, Bcl-2 expression reduced mutation frequency in both wild-type and sod1Delta strains. In another set of experiments, wild-type yeast incubated in expired minimal medium instead of water lost viability quickly; expression of Bcl-2 significantly delayed this stationary phase death. Our results demonstrate that Bcl-2 has activities in yeast that are similar to activities it is known to possess in mammalian cells: (a) stimulation of antioxidant protection and (b) delay of processes leading to cell death.
Tax Increment Financing in Missouri: An Analysis of Determinants, Competitive Dynamics, Equity, and Path Dependency

Tax increment financing (TIF) has been a popular and controversial economic development tool for several decades. This research considers the determinants of competitive dynamics, equity, and path dependency on TIF use. The authors use logistic and ordinary least squares regressions on the approval, number, and value of TIFs in Missouri to flesh out the competitive dynamics, effects on intermunicipal inequality, and path dependency of TIF use. They find that there are competitive dynamics that affect TIF use: Being adjacent to another city that uses TIF increases the likelihood that a city will approve a TIF. The study finds evidence that TIF adoption patterns contribute to intermunicipal inequality, and it provides some support for the importance of path dependency in TIF use.
The perception of sub-phonemic phonetic differences.

In a preliminary study, Fry (1968) discovered that he was able to discriminate between mono-morphemic and bi-morphemic words of identical phonemic shape, such as lax v. lacks. In this study, 10 such assumedly homophonous words pairs were tested for subjects' ability to identify them. When total scores for each word pair were considered, subjects were unable to identify any of the word pairs correctly at a statistically significant level. However, in the case of some individual productions of the 'homophone' pairs, subjects were extremely consistent in how they labelled the words. The productions which were most consistently labelled were analysed in order to determine what acoustic cues the subjects were employing. Apparently, subjects were able to make use of certain acoustic cues that are sometimes considered sub-phonemic. That these cues are not linguistically significant is indicated by the fact that besides correct identifications, the subjects also produced equally consistent mislabellings.
Correction of pregnancy-related thrombocytopenia with aspirin without improvement in fetal outcome.

output by 30% to 40%, and heart rate by 10 to 15 bpm and also causes water retention, which is greatest in the third trimester. It would appear that anemia in Case No. I was the triggering factor in this ischemic episode. A decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity complicating an overburdened myocardium by the demands of pregnancy and ritodrine infusion could explain the pathophysiology of the symptoms and electrocardiogram abnormalities . This could be viewed as a cardiac stress test. Of interest, we are still unable to explain myocardial ischemia in Case No. 2, where the patient had no known risk factors and who was asymptomatic at diagnosis . It is still reasonable to suppose that this is a ritodrine-associated complication as the abnormalities seen on electrocardiogram were reversed after discontinuation of the medication. Our experience would suggest that correcting anemia prior to the use of ritodrine infusions should be accomplished to decrease the risk of myocardial ischemia. A routine electrocardiogram as a baseline study prior to ritodrine infusion should be obtained. We would also consider repeating the electrocardiogram during the ritodrine infusion in all patients. The ritodrine infusion should be discontinued immediately if any abnormalities of the electrocardiogram develop. All patients with electrocardiogram changes during ritodrine infusion should receive cardiology evaluation as this medication may unmask underlying heart disease. Further studies are necessary to determine the incidence of electrocardiogram changes during ritodrine therapy and their significance.
Long-term outcomes after biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch: 2-, 5-, and 10-year data

Abstract Background There are minimal long-term data on biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (BPD/DS). Objectives To investigate the long-term weight loss, co-morbidity remission, complications, and quality of life after BPD and BPD/DS. Setting An academic, university hospital in the United States. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent BPD or BPD/DS between 1999 and 2011. Outcomes included weight loss measures at 2, 5, and 10–15 years postoperatively; co-morbidity remission; long-term complications; nutritional deficiencies; and patient satisfaction. Results One hundred patients underwent BPD (34%) or BPD/DS (64%). Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 50.2 kg/m2. Mean follow up was 8.2 years (range: 1–15 yr) with 72% of eligible patients in active follow up at 10–15 years postoperatively. Excess weight loss (EWL) was 65.1% at 2 years, 63.8% at 5 years, and 67.9% at 10–15 years. Approximately 10% higher %EWL was achieved for those with preoperative BMI Conclusion This clinical experience supports the long-term positive safety profile and efficacy of BPD and BPD/DS at a single U.S. center. Higher levels of excess weight loss are achieved by patients with a lower preoperative BMI and BPD/DS. Although nutritional deficiencies and postoperative complications are common, patient satisfaction remains high.
Abstract 59: Fibronectin Extradomain A Modulates Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression in Hypercholesterolemic Mice Through Toll-Like Receptor 4

Background and Hypothesis: Fibronectin (FN) containing the alternatively-spliced extra domain A (EDA+-FN) is absent in the arteries or circulation of healthy humans and mice, but specifically expressed in the endothelium of atherosclerotic arteries and elevated in circulation during pathological settings including stroke and atherosclerosis. We tested the hypothesis that EDA+-FN exacerbates atherosclerosis. Model and Methods: We generated EDAhi/hi/ApoE-/- mice (over express EDA+-FN in plasma) and EDA-/-/ApoE-/- mice (EDA-deleted allele of FN). ApoE-/-mice, which express EDA+-FN in plasma (~3-5 μg/mL) similar to levels found in human pathological settings including stroke and atherosclerosis, were used as control. Male mice (n=14/group) were fed a high-fat Western diet beginning at 6 weeks until they were sacrificed at 5 and 8 months of age. Extent of atherosclerosis was evaluated in whole aortae (Oil Red O stain) and in the cross section area of the aortic sinus (Verhoeff-Van Gieson stain). Markers of inflammation were quantified by immunohistochemistry. Results: We report that atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aortae and aortic sinus of EDAhi/hi/ApoE-/- mice were increased by 2-fold, concomitant with increased plaque inflammatory content (neutrophils, macrophages, and NF-κB p65 expression; P<0.01 vs. ApoE-/-). Conversely, EDA-/-/ApoE-/- mice had smaller plaques (P<0.01 vs. ApoE-/- mice), concordant with decreased inflammatory content within plaque. Because EDA+-FN activates toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in vitro , we investigated the role of TLR4 in the EDA+-FN-mediated accelerated atherosclerosis. Genetic ablation of TLR4 in EDAhi/hi/ApoE-/- mice partially reversed exacerbated atherosclerosis (P<0.05 vs. EDAhi/hi/ApoE-/- mice), whereas TLR4 deficiency in EDA-/-/ApoE-/- had no effect. Total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were similar among groups. Finally, we report co-localization of EDA+-FN with TLR4 on macrophages in human coronary atherosclerotic plaque samples. Conclusions: Endogenous EDA+-FN exacerbates atherosclerosis via TLR4. Targeting EDA+-FN/TLR4 pathway may have the potential to reduce atherosclerosis and improve outcomes in patients at high risk for coronary artery disease.
Las Vegas is America's Playground . . . And Its Security Lab: How the Technology Developed to Protect Casinos Earnings is Also Helping to Protect Against Terrorism and Why We Should Be Concerned

Las Vegas, Nevada, has long been known as “America’s playground” due in large part to the casino and gaming business that thrives within this desert city. Along with the glitz, glamor, and sparkling lights of the casinos come the hopes of hitting the jackpot — whether through the luck of an honest wager or from cheating the house. Because of the large amount of money handled by Las Vegas casinos, casinos are continually seeking ways to protect and increase their profits through various security measures — which has made Las Vegas a technology innovator. This paper discusses some of the technology used in casinos to protect their investment and how casinos gather and share information, not only among themselves; but, with the federal government. Because of the events on September 11, 2001, the federal government’s interest in Las Vegas technology was piqued by the development of a system that could link together “non-obvious” and seemingly random information. This paper asserts that this technology combined with the “mosaic effect” allows the federal government an even greater ability to know specific details about the lives of its citizens. While acknowledging this technology exists, this paper provides recommendations that citizen groups should urge government officials to adopt regarding the government’s use of this technology.
The Role of Psychological Safety in Human Development

The degree to which individuals feel comfortable taking positive interpersonal risks (such as trying something new) is known as psychological safety. When individuals feel psychologically safe, they can exercise their agency to engage in experiences and interactions throughout life. This article describes existing research on psychological safety and situate it in the field of human development. Examples are presented that highlight the ways that individuals and their contexts come together to mutually create moments that may or may not be perceived as psychologically safe. By considering psychological safety’s role in developmental research, we may gain new insights about ways to create contexts that increase the likelihood that individuals feel psychologically safe to engage, learn, and develop.
Pathways to Achievement: Career and Educational Aspirations and Expectations of Latina/o Immigrant Parents and Early Adolescents

ABSTRACTDrawing on sociocultural and related theories, 4 questions examined career and educational aspirations and expectations among 24 immigrant Latina/o early adolescents and their parents as predictors of students’ grades. First, adolescents’ career aspirations and expectations were correlated, and both parents and adolescents held educational aspirations that exceeded their expectations. Second, most adolescents and parents held congruent educational aspirations. Third, congruence between students’ career and educational aspirations was uncommon. Fourth, parents’ educational aspirations and adolescents’ career–education congruence predicted students’ grades. Discussion highlights students’ ongoing reconciliation between aspirations and academic skills and multiple ways immigrant Latino parents contribute to their adolescents’ future.
Test-retest Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised scores for 310 educable mentally retarded and specific learning disabled students.

Pearson coefficients were computed between 1979–80 and 1982–83 Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale scores for 310 exceptional students (89 mentally retarded and 221 learning disabled). The correlations were all significant at p = .001.
Investigation of Changes in Clinical Laboratory Tests Related to Aging and Smoking

A multivariate discriminate analysis of laboratory variables collected over a period of three to five years for 502 healthy male veterans showed that 5 variables (fasting blood glucose, blood glucose two hours following ingestion of 100 gm. of glucose, total serum protein, hemoglobin, and cholesterol esters) were changing significantly in the 222 subjects who were over 50 years of age on entry into this study. It took the combined effect of fifteen variables to predict any age change in the subgroup of 280 subjects who were 25–49 at time of entry. A further subgrouping of current cigarette smokers and those who had never smoked showed no significant difference in the laboratory data in either age cohort.
The Textual Mediation of Denial: Congress, Abu Ghraib, and the Construction of an Isolated Incident

The rhetorical techniques by which governments deny, justify, and qualify alleged instances of torture have been well documented. Sociologists, however, have neglected the social contexts in which officials confront allegations of torture, as well as officials' use of evidence to strengthen their own or weaken competing claims about torture. Relying on findings from a qualitative content analysis of seven Senate Armed Services Committee hearings held in 2004 on “detainee abuse” at Abu Ghraib prison, this article examines the processes by which hearing participants portrayed the violence there as an isolated incident. Building on James A. Holstein and Jaber F. Gubrium's (2003) “constructionist analytics,” I examine the textual mediation of claims-making in the hearings, focusing on the interplay between textual realities of detainee abuse and the interpretive uses to which hearing participants put these realities. I show that developments in the textual environment of the hearings, particularly the development of a textually mediated vantage on events that “really occurred” throughout Afghanistan and Iraq, provided hearing participants with rich interpretive materials to downplay and rationalize instances of abuse that occurred in places other than Abu Ghraib prison. These findings suggest that official denial is sustained by diverse claims-making activities, including the production of a textual reality of human rights violations. The findings also extend the purview of social problems theory to account for the role of texts in the construction of social problems.
OIII‐B‐3

AIMS Vascular α2B adrenergic receptor (ADRA2B) mediate vasoconstriction and contribute to peripheral regulation of vascular tone. In vitro, ADRA2B undergoes agonist-induced desensitization and a common genetic variation, 301–303 deletion, was associated with loss of desensitization. We previously characterized variation in ADRA2B and observed 24 variant sites. This study examines the hypothesis that the 301–303del or other variants alter vascular desensitization in response to the selective ADRA2 agonist, dexmedetomidine (D) in vivo. METHODS Venoconstriction in response to D (0.01–1000 ng/min) was measured in the dorsal hand vein using a linear variable differential transformer in 40 healthy subjects (age 18–45 yrs). On a separate day, the dose that had caused > 50% constriction in the dose-response study was infused for 180 min and response measured. The area under the curve for response, normalized to the initial response (nAUC) was calculated. 5812 bp of contiguous sequence of ADRA2B were examined by bidirectional sequencing, and relationship of ADRA2B variants to nAUC determined. RESULTS Six variants (1 promoter, 3 coding, 2 3′ UTR) were found with an allele frequency> 5%. nAUC was 0.93 ± 0.22 (mean±SD). 301–303del or other common variant did not contribute to variability in nAUC.[Ins/Ins (n=22): 0.89 ± 0.23, Ins/del (n=11): 0.98 ±0.24, del/del (n=7): 0.98 ±0.16; pANOVA= 0.47]. CONCLUSION Common variants in ADRA2B do not contribute substantially to ADRA2B vascular desensitization in vivo. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P31–P31; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.112
Ab Initio Study of Lithiathion of the Si4-Cluster

The potential energy surfaces of the Li(n)Si(4)(-) (n = 0-5) clusters were explored using the Kick Coalescence method. We found that, for those systems with n ≤ 2, the butterfly and parallelogram Si(4)(2-) kernels prevail as building blocks; however, when n ≥ 3, the Si(4)(4-) tetrahedral kernel, which is commonly found in heavier alkali monosilicides, MSi (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs), arises as the prevailing building block. In addition, by a natural population analysis (NPA) we found that the maximum charge transfer -4 from Li atoms to Si atoms is attained when n = 3. The addition of more Li atoms to the Si(4)(4-) system does not increase the charge transfer, but keeps it almost constant at the maximum value. We also calculated theoretical vertical electron detachment energies (VDEs) for low-lying isomers of the Li(n)Si(4)(-) (n = 0-4) clusters in order to facilitate their experimental identification.
Hydrogen exchange method to identify the protein targets of drugs

I is essential to identify a drug's target(s) to better understand the mechanism of action and anticipate possible side effects. Identifying these target(s) is a significant challenge in drug discovery. The most commonly used approach to identify the protein targets of small bioactive molecules is to capture binding proteins by affinity chromatography. Although well established, the affinity-based methods have considerable drawbacks. Small bioactive molecules need to be attached covalently to a solid support, which may result in masking critical recognition site(s) for the target proteins, and extensive washes are required to minimize the contamination of non-specifically bound proteins. This decreases the likelihood of identifying weakly bound proteins that may play significant roles in the pharmacological actions of small bioactive molecules. We propose here a new approach that does not require the immobilization of drugs. Our method measures the thermodynamic stability of proteins in the presence and absence of a small molecule drug by monitoring the changes of hydrogen-deuterium exchange rates of histidine residues in varying concentrations of protein denaturant. Because binding of a small molecule to a protein usually enhances the thermodynamic stability of the protein, the experiment should identify the target proteins. The results from our proof-of-concept study will be presented, and the strategy for the target identification in a proteome-scale sample will be discussed. Masaru Miyagi, J Anal Bioanal Tech 2013, 4:5 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9872.S1.013
IRREGULAR WAVE KINEMATICS FROM A PRESSURE RECORD

A local Fourier approximation method is presented for the prediction of the complete kinematics of irregular waves from a submerged pressure trace. The method seeks a potential function and local water surface elevation that fit the pressure record and the full nonlinear free surface boundary conditions very closely in a small window in time. The result is a complete prediction of the kinematics of the waves throughout the water column that satisfies the complete nonlinear equations for irrotational gravity waves. Comparisons with the predictions of steady wave theory are excellent.
Indigenous Media and Postcolonial Pedagogy

Indigeneity is an inherently political concept that is commonly culturally configured and connected to demands for social and environmental justice (Cameron et al. 2009, 2014). For many people who identify themselves, their families, communities, and ways of being as Indigenous, Indigeneity merits capitalization. The capital “I” signifies recognition of continuities such as heritage, territorial dispossession, and environmental practice, as well as more emergent global movements and international laws recognizing rights and responsibilities. But the conceptual category of I/indigeneity arose out of colonialist practices of representation and repression based on racialized social hierarchies. So formulations of indigeneity (without the capital I) also operate: historically, contemporaneously, and often—but not always—beyond Indigenous aegis.
Toward the Syntactic Restriction of Code Switch between Uygur Language and Chinese——Urumqi City as a Case

Based on Uygur people's true daily conversation corpus in Urumqi city,the thesis probes into the phenomenon of syntactic restriction on Chinese——embedded language in subject language,Uygur language.The findings show that Uygur language plays a certain role of restriction upon Chinese inlaid in embedded component,position and morphology,further justifying Myers-Scotton's theory "the framework pattern of subject language".The study has some theoretic and empirical value upon language touch and language variation study.In the meantime,it provides the evidence of reference for the formulation of language policy and bilingual education in Xinjiang.
Clinical analysis of 165 extremely low birth weight infants

Objective To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). Method Data of totally 165 hospitalized ELBWI between August 1st, 2008 and November 30th, 2013 in Hunan Children's Hospital were analyzed. The information of general data and births, prenatal care, delivery room stabilization, transfer information, complications, treatment, outcome and follow up were summarized. Result (1) One hundred and sixty-five ELBWI were involved, their mean gestational age was (28.4±2.4) weeks, mean birth weight (910.9±93.1) g. (2) Rate of delivery in tertiary hospital was 46.7% (77/165) and prenatal steroids exposure was found in 52.1% (86/165). None of the cases were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in delivery room. (3) Rate of infants who were transfered to the class Ⅲ b neonatal ward within 12 hours after birth was 58.8% (97/165). (4) The main complications of them included neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS, 77.0%, 127/165), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, 70.1%, 75/107), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 50.0%, 40/80), preterm retinopathy (ROP, 43.0%, 46/107), sepsis 39.4% (65/165), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH, 34.8%, 49/141), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, 8.0%, 7/88). (5) Treatment: 97.6% (161/165) received oxygen therapy and 66.1% (109/165) received mechanical ventilation, 55.2% (91/165) used CPAP. 89.8% (114/127) of the NRDS used PS; 44.0% (33/75) of the BPD used low dose dexamethasone, 32.0% (24/75) used low dose nitric oxide; 60.0% (24/40)of the PDA used medication. 32.6% (15/46) of the ROP received laser photocoagulation. The average time of beginning enteral feeding was 2.0 d, the mean time to achieve full gastrointestinal feeding was 43.4 d. (6) Outcome: rate of survival in 165 cases with ELBWI was 51.5% (85/165), treatment was abandoned in 37.6% (62/165), total mortality was 48.5% (80/165). There were significant difference in survival rate between different birth weight group, gestational age group and admission age group(χ2=11.498, 8.789, 13.157, all P<0.05); There was significant difference in rate of giving up treatment between different birth weight and admission age groups (χ2=10.448, 8.259, all P<0.05). The primary cause of death was economic factor and worrying about prognosis.(7) Follow up: rate of neurodevelopmental impairment(NDI) in part of follow up cases was 27.9%(12/43). Conclusion ELBWI have many severe complications and sequelae, which need complex treatment and long hospital stay with a low survival rate. In order to improve the level of treatment, we need to improve the rate of prenatal steroids, carry out intrauterine and postnatal, transport of ELBWI to Ⅲ b neonatal ward as early and rationally as possible, give professional, sophisticated and integrated treatment technologies as far as possible. Key words: Infant, extremely low birth weight; Survival rate; Mortality; Retrospective studies
Store‐Operated Ca2+ Entry in Oocytes Modulate the Dynamics of IP3‐Dependent Ca2+ Release From Oscillatory to Tonic

Ca2+ signaling is ubiquitous and mediates various cellular functions encoded in its spatial, temporal, and amplitude features. Here, we investigate the role of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in regulating the temporal dynamics of Ca2+ signals in Xenopus oocytes, which can be either oscillatory or tonic. Oscillatory Ca2+ release from intracellular stores is typically observed at physiological agonist concentration. When Ca2+ release leads to Ca2+ store depletion, this triggers the activation of SOCE that translates into a low-amplitude tonic Ca2+ signal. SOCE has also been implicated in fueling Ca2+ oscillations when activated at low levels. Here, we show that sustained SOCE activation in the presence of IP3 to gate IP3 receptors (IP3 R) results in a pump-leak steady state across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane that inhibits Ca2+ oscillations and produces a tonic Ca2+ signal. Tonic signaling downstream of SOCE activation relies on focal Ca2+ entry through SOCE ER-plasma membrane (PM) junctions, Ca2+ uptake into the ER, followed by release through open IP3 Rs at distant sites, a process we refer to as "Ca2+ teleporting." Therefore, sustained SOCE activation in the presence of an IP3 -dependent "leak" pathway at the ER membrane results in a switch from oscillatory to tonic Ca2+ signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1095-1103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High-Rank Matrix Completion and Clustering under Self-Expressive Models

We propose efficient algorithms for simultaneous clustering and completion of incomplete high-dimensional data that lie in a union of low-dimensional subspaces. We cast the problem as finding a completion of the data matrix so that each point can be reconstructed as a linear or affine combination of a few data points. Since the problem is NP-hard, we propose a lifting framework and reformulate the problem as a group-sparse recovery of each incomplete data point in a dictionary built using incomplete data, subject to rank-one constraints. To solve the problem efficiently, we propose a rank pursuit algorithm and a convex relaxation. The solution of our algorithms recover missing entries and provides a similarity matrix for clustering. Our algorithms can deal with both low-rank and high-rank matrices, does not suffer from initialization, does not need to know dimensions of subspaces and can work with a small number of data points. By extensive experiments on synthetic data and real problems of video motion segmentation and completion of motion capture data, we show that when the data matrix is low-rank, our algorithm performs on par with or better than low-rank matrix completion methods, while for high-rank data matrices, our method significantly outperforms existing algorithms.
Novel Application of Cellulose Paper As a Platform for the Macromolecular Self-Assembly of Biomimetic Giant Liposomes

We report a facile and scalable method to fabricate biomimetic giant liposomes by using a cellulose paper-based materials platform. Termed PAPYRUS for Paper-Abetted liPid hYdRation in aqUeous Solutions, the method is general and can produce liposomes in various aqueous media and at elevated temperatures. Encapsulation of macromolecules and production of liposomes with membranes of complex compositions is straightforward. The ease of manipulation of paper makes practical massive parallelization and scale-up of the fabrication of giant liposomes, demonstrating for the first time the surprising usefulness of paper as a platform for macromolecular self-assembly.
Empirical study on combining complementary and contradictory information in a fuzzy-based system

In today's military environment large quantities of distinct information are available. In a time-constrained environment it is vital to have some way to judge the relative importance of information. Recent research has developed a fuzzy-based system to assign a Value of Information (VoI) determination for individual pieces of information. Subsequent work presented ideas for integrating complementary and/or contradictory information into the VoI process. This paper presents the results from experiments examining the idea of using complementary and/or contradictory new information to impact the previously used fuzzy membership values for the information content characteristic applied in the VoI calculations.
Effects of Topiramate on Cognitive Function

Investigators at the Universities of Minnesota and Florida determined the effect of topiramate on linguistic behavior, verbal recall and working memory using a computational linguistics system for automated language and speech analysis (SALSA).
Effects of a parallel-arm randomized controlled weight loss pilot study on biological and psychosocial parameters of overweight and obese breast cancer survivors.

Weight gain often occurs after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and obesity along with sedentary behavior are associated with increased risk of BC recurrence and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a significant weight loss, of approximately 10%, would lead to beneficial changes in biomarkers associated with cancer and/or cancer recurrence, and quality of life (QOL) in overweight and obese BC survivors. This parallel-arm study took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from January 2009 until March 2010. Participants were overweight and obese postmenopausal BC survivors who had completed treatment at least 3 months prior to enrollment and who did not smoke. Twenty-one BC survivors were randomized, via a random number generator computer software, to a 1000-calorie deficit feeding and exercise intervention (CR) or a weight management counseling intervention (WM) for 12 weeks followed by a 6-week follow-up. Body weight, biomarkers, and QOL were measured at baseline, weeks 6, 12, and 18. Body composition and fitness level were measured at only two time points. Twenty-one women were enrolled into the study and 20 completed all time points. Weight loss occurred with both interventions. Body weight in CR changed from 85.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 77, 94) kg to 76.7 (95% CI 68.1, 85.2) kg, whereas in WM it changed from 98.3 (95% CI 89.8, 106.8) kg to 93.2 (95% CI 84.6, 101.7) kg. Fitness in CR changed from 4.9 (95% CI 4, 5.8) to 6.3 (95% CI 5.4, 7.2). CR led to lower plasma levels of leptin, F2-isoprostanes, and CRP. Quality of life seemed to improve with both interventions, while sleep quality decreased only in CR. Overweight and obese BC survivors were able to adhere to a strict diet and exercise program, which significantly decreased body weight, increased fitness level, and improved biomarkers and QOL. However, the strict dietary intervention in CR seemed to decrease participants’ sleep quality and social relationships. Future larger randomized controlled trials should focus on behavioral modification and personalized nutrition counseling to help breast cancer survivors achieve a sustainable weight loss and fitness level. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02940470 .
Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Its Invasin EtpE Block Reactive Oxygen Species Generation by Macrophages in a DNase X-Dependent Manner.

The obligatory intracellular pathogen Ehrlichia chaffeensis lacks most genes that confer resistance to oxidative stress but can block reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by host monocytes-macrophages. Bacterial and host molecules responsible for this inhibition have not been identified. To infect host cells, Ehrlichia uses the C terminus of its surface invasin, entry-triggering protein of Ehrlichia (EtpE; EtpE-C), which directly binds the mammalian cell surface receptor glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein DNase X. We investigated whether EtpE-C binding to DNase X blocks ROS production by mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). On the basis of a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay, E. chaffeensis inhibited phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced ROS generation by BMDMs from wild-type, but not DNase X-/-, mice. EtpE-C is critical for inhibition, as recombinant EtpE-C (rEtpE-C)-coated latex beads, but not recombinant N-terminal EtpE-coated or uncoated beads, inhibited PMA-induced ROS generation by BMDMs from wild-type mice. DNase X is required for this inhibition, as none of these beads inhibited PMA-induced ROS generation by BMDMs from DNase X-/- mice. Previous studies showed that E. chaffeensis does not block ROS generation in neutrophils, a cell type that is a potent ROS generator but is not infected by E. chaffeensis Human and mouse peripheral blood neutrophils did not express DNase X. Our findings point to a unique survival mechanism of ROS-sensitive obligate intramonocytic bacteria that involves invasin EtpE binding to DNase X on the host cell surface. This is the first report of bacterial invasin having such a subversive activity on ROS generation.IMPORTANCEEhrlichia chaffeensis preferentially infects monocytes-macrophages and causes a life-threatening emerging tick-transmitted infectious disease called human monocytic ehrlichiosis. Ehrlichial infection, and hence the disease, depends on the ability of this bacterium to avoid or overcome powerful microbicidal mechanisms of host monocytes-macrophages, one of which is the generation of ROS. Our findings reveal that an ehrlichial surface invasin, EtpE, not only triggers bacterial entry but also blocks ROS generation by host macrophages through its host cell receptor, DNase X. As ROS sensitivity is an Achilles' heel of this group of pathogens, understanding the mechanism by which E. chaffeensis rapidly blocks ROS generation suggests a new approach for developing effective anti-infective measures. The discovery of a ROS-blocking pathway is also important, as modulation of ROS generation is important in a variety of ailments and biological processes.
Theism and the Criminalization of Sin

The free will theodicy (a standard theistic response to the problem of evil) places significant value on free will: free will is of such substantial value, that God’s gift of free will to humans was justified, even though this gift foreseeably (and regularly) results in the most monstrous of evils. I will argue that when a state criminalizes sin (by punishing producers of sinful materials such as illicit drugs, or punishing consumers), it can restrict or eliminate citizens’ exercise of metaphysical free will with respect to choosing to partake in or refrain from these activities. Given the value placed on free will in the free will theodicy, theists who endorse this theodicy should thus oppose the criminalization of what I will call Millian sins—that is, actions which are immoral, but which do not directly harm another person. In other words, such theists should oppose legal moralism.
Joint facies and reservoir properties inversion

ABSTRACTI have developed a joint inversion of seismic data for the simultaneous estimation of facies and reservoir properties, such as porosity, mineralogy, and saturation. The inversion method is ...
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diagnosis of Chronic Medical Conditions in the USA.

There exist racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of chronic medical illnesses. However, it is unclear if the disparities arise from patients’ self-reported estimates on these diseases and whether there is an association between healthcare utilization and diagnosis. To estimate national racial/ethnic prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease and identify characteristics associated with undiagnosed diseases. Retrospective analysis of multi-year survey data. Adults 18 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2011–2014 (n = 10,403). Undiagnosed hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 on physical examination with no history of hypertension), undiagnosed diabetes (hgba1c ≥ 6.5% with no history of diabetes), undiagnosed high cholesterol (LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL with no history of high cholesterol), and undiagnosed kidney disease (eGFR ≤ 30 with no history of kidney disease). The study sample was categorized into Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Other. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, Asians had increased odds of undiagnosed hypertension (OR = 1.41 [1.06–1.86]) and diabetes (OR = 6.16 [3.76–10.08]) compared to Whites. Blacks (OR = 2.53 [1.71–3.73]) and Hispanics (OR = 1.88 [1.19–2.99]) had increased odds of undiagnosed diabetes compared to Whites. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that not having any health insurance was associated with increased odds of undiagnosed diabetes and hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.56 [1.00–2.44] and OR = 2.08 [1.44–3.00], respectively). A recent healthcare visit was associated with a lower likelihood of having undiagnosed hypertension (OR = 0.58 [0.41–0.83]) and diabetes (OR = 0.35 [0.18–0.69]). In a nationally representative cohort, Asians had higher rates of undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes, and all minorities were more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes compared to Whites. Healthcare utilization was associated with undiagnosed medical conditions. Our study showed that reliance on self-reported data may systemically underestimate the prevalence of chronic illnesses among minorities and further research is needed to understand the significance of healthcare utilization in health outcomes.
Preventable hospitalizations, barriers to care, and disability

The AHRQ's Prevention Quality Indicators assume inpatient hospitalizations for certain conditions, referred as ambulatory-care sensitive (ACS) conditions, are potentially preventable and may indicate reduced access to and a lower quality of ambulatory care. Using a cohort drawn from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) linked to Medicare claims, we examined the extent to which barriers to healthcare are associated with ACS hospitalizations and related costs, and whether these associations differ by beneficiaries' disability status. Our results indicate that the regression-adjusted cost of ACS hospitalizations for elderly Medicare beneficiaries with no disabilities was $799. This cost increased six-fold, by $5148, among beneficiaries with mild disability, by $9045 for beneficiaries with moderate disability, by $5513 for those with severe disability, and by $8557 for persons with complete disability (P < 0.001). Persons reporting having foregone or delayed needed medical care because of financial difficulties (+$2082, P = .05), those experiencing low satisfaction with care coordination (+$1714, P = .01), and those reporting low satisfaction with access to care (+$1237, P = .02) also incurred significant excess ACS hospitalization costs relative to persons reporting no such barriers. This pattern held true for those with and without a disability, but were especially marked among persons with no functional limitations. These findings suggest that a better understanding of how public policy might effectively improve care coordination and reduce financial barriers to care is essential to formulating programs that reduce excess hospitalizations among the large and growing number of elderly Medicare beneficiaries.
Impact of a Multidomain Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Complaints About Memory, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making Abilities: The Action for Health in Diabetes Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Lifestyle interventions to reduce weight and increase activity may preserve higher-order cognitive abilities in overweight/obese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Adults (N = 5,084) with T2D who enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of a 10-year intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) compared with diabetes support and education were queried at baseline and repeatedly during follow-up for complaints about difficulties in memory, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Results For those without baseline complaints, assignment to ILI was associated with lower odds that complaints would emerge during follow-up for decision-making ability (odds ratio [OR]=0.851, [95% CI, 0.748,0.967], p=0.014), and, among individuals who were not obese, lower odds that complaints would emerge about problem-solving ability (OR=0.694 [0.510,0.946]). No cognitive benefits from ILI were seen for individuals with baseline complaints about cognitive abilities. ILI may have exacerbated the severity of complaints about problem-solving ability during follow-up among individuals with baseline complaints and cardiovascular disease (OR=2.949 [1.378,6.311]). Conclusions A long-term multidomain ILI may reduce the likelihood that complaints about difficulties in higher-order cognitive abilities will emerge in T2D adults without pre-existing complaints. Among those with pre-existing complaints, the ILI did not prevent increases in complaint severity.
In situ Reinforced Silicon Nitride — Barium Aluminosilicate Composite

A low cost-high performance silicon nitride-BAS composite can be fabricated via pressureless sintering. In this composite, the BAS glass-ceramic serves as an effective liquidphase-sintering aid, to attain full densification and complete the α-β Si3N4 phase transformation, and remains as a structural matrix that is reinforced by the silicon nitride whiskers. Si3N4 whiskers grow in random directions in a near completely crystallized matrix of hexacelsian BAS.