cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Rat Liver Mitochondria and of Their Ribonucleic Acid

Abstract Mitochondria prepared from normal or regenerating rat liver appeared homogeneous on examination by electron microscopy. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolated from such mitochondria by phenol extraction or by deproteinization without phenol was resolved on sucrose density gradients into 18S, 12S and 4S optical density peaks. Administration of 5-[3H]-uridine to normal or partially hepatectomixed animals for 16 hours resulted in the labeling of A IS, 36S, 28–29S, 14S, 9–10S and 4S RNA species. Labeling of 18S RNA from regenerating liver but not from normal liver was also observed.
Computability and randomness of Nash equilibrium in infinite games

Abstract We present n -person non-cooperative games for which the problem of finding a Nash equilibrium in pure strategies is unsolvable. In particular, even when the utilities of the players are restricted to be polynomial functions of the strategies of the players (i.e. are ‘reasonable’ and ‘simple’) unsolvability may arise. The results are extended to the mixed strategies case. We then describe a class of closely related games where, as the parameters of the utility functions are changed, the answer to the question ‘Does the game have finitely many equilibria?’ is indistinguishable from the outcome of independent tosses of a fair coin.
The possible role of myelin destruction as a precipitating event in Alzheimer’s disease

The number of hypotheses that have been put forward to explain the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) often seems beyond count. Many are sufficiently well-reasoned, and in some cases supported by some evidence, as to suggest that they are part of the picture of this important clinical problem (or collection of problems, as discussed later). How many of them will pave the way to important clinical interventions is, however, far from clear. One of the intriguing suggestions that has been made by multiple investigators is that an important component of AD is damage to myelin [4,5,13,18,29,36,43,50,55,66,87,98, 102,109]. Such a hypothesis is attractive for multiple reasons, as discussed in the review in this issue of Neurobiology of Aging by Bartzokis [3]. As discussed in this review, oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing denizens of the CNS, are a strikingly vulnerable population of cells. In particular, susceptibility to death induced by oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and excitoxic neurotransmitters have all been extensively documented in this population. As loss of myelin compromises axonal impulse conduction, the neurological consequences of myelin destruction are considerable. The frequency with which destruction of myelin is seen in the CNS is so great, and occurs over such a wide range of disorders, as to likely qualify myelin disruption as the single largest category of clinically important CNS damage. Patients with AD do show increased latency of evoked potential responses [100], consistent with myelin-related abnormalities. The review by Bartzokis takes previous suggestions that loss of myelin may be an important component of understanding AD to the further step of suggesting that damage to oligodendrocytes may represent a critical initiating step in this important disease. He points out that the late-myelinating neocortical regions are the most vulnerable to the development of AD lesions, with the neurons most susceptible to neurodegeneration being the small di-
Step aside QFP - here comes OMPAC

Abstract The challenges surrounding assembly of high pin count quad flat packs (QFP), such as lead coplanarity and skew, has led Motorola to develop an alternative packaging solution to support advanced CMOS gate array products: OMPAC.
Temperature dependence of electrically detected ESR at filling factor /ν=1 in a 2DEG

Abstract Electrically detected electron spin resonance (ESR) was measured as a function of temperature for 0.3– 4.2 K in a AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum well sample at filling factor ν =1. The ESR amplitude exhibits a maximum at about 2.2 K and vanishes with increased or decreased temperature. To explain the observed temperature dependence of the signal amplitude, the signal amplitude temperature dependence is calculated assuming a model based on heating.
Optimization of microfluidic microsphere-trap arrays

Microarray devices are powerful for detecting and analyzing biological targets. However, the potential of these devices may not be fully realized due to the lack of optimization of their design and implementation. In this work, we consider a microsphere-trap array device by employing microfluidic techniques and a hydrodynamic trapping mechanism. We design a novel geometric structure of the trap array in the device, and develop a comprehensive and robust framework to optimize the values of the geometric parameters to maximize the microsphere arrays' packing density. We also simultaneously optimize multiple criteria, such as efficiently immobilizing a single microsphere in each trap, effectively eliminating fluidic errors such as channel clogging and multiple microspheres in a single trap, minimizing errors in subsequent imaging experiments, and easily recovering targets. We use finite element simulations to validate the trapping mechanism of the device, and to study the effects of the optimization geometric parameters. We further perform microsphere-trapping experiments using the optimized device and a device with randomly selected geometric parameters, which we denote as the un-optimized device. These experiments demonstrate easy control of the transportation and manipulation of the microspheres in the optimized device. They also show that the optimized device greatly outperforms the un-optimized device by increasing the packing density by a factor of two, improving the microsphere trapping efficiency from 58% to 99%, and reducing fluidic errors from 48% to a negligible level (less than 1%). The optimization framework lays the foundation for the future goal of developing a modular, reliable, efficient, and inexpensive lab-on-a-chip system.
Development of airway epithelium. Patterns of expression for markers of differentiation.

Abstract Tracheobronchial airway development begins prenatally and continues for an extended period of postnatal life. In adults, the organization of tracheobronchial airway epithelium is highly complex and variable both within the airway tree of a single species and in the same airway generation in different species, including the composition of the cell populations, their secrectory products, and their metabolic capabilities. When the same differentiated cell phenotypes are present in many different airway generations, their relative abundance varies widely. Differentiation during pre- and postnatal development is a proximal and distal phenomenon, with each phenotype differentiating over a different period of time depending on the airway microenvironment in which it is differentiating. This developmental process balances between the active proliferation necessary for airway growth and the differentiated functions required for healthy airway function in neonates. All of these processes are highly susceptible to disruption by toxicants that target the respiratory system.
Generating multivariate continuous data via the notion of nearest neighbors

Taylor and Thompson [15] introduced a clever algorithm for simulating multivariate continuous data sets that resemble the original data. Their approach is predicated upon determining a few nearest neighbors of a given row of data through a statistical distance measure, and subsequently combining the observations by stochastic multipliers that are drawn from a uniform distribution to generate simulated data that essentially maintain the original data trends. The newly drawn values are assumed to come from the same underlying hypothetical process that governs the mechanism of how the data are formed. This technique is appealing in that no density estimation is required. We believe that this data-based simulation method has substantial potential in multivariate data generation due to the local nature of the generation scheme, which does not have strict specification requirements as in most other algorithms. In this work, we provide two R routines: one has a built-in simulator for finding the optimal number o...
Use of 22 nm Litho SEM non-visual defect data as a process quality indicator

This paper proposes that the non-visual defect rate for Litho layers is an indicator of the quality of the process up to and including Litho. “Non-visual” (NV) defects are those detected by optical defect inspection systems but not re-detected by the SEM review tool. The defects are occurring either on or below the surfaces of the films deposited immediately prior to lithography, or buried within the actual lithographic films. Rather than ignore the non-visual data obtained during defect inspection post lithography, the NV rate can be used as a quality indicator to trigger immediate action for root cause determination. This paper presents a new strategy for responding to Litho SEM NV defects based on a detailed study of the origin of these defects.
Characterization of chemoautotrophic bacterial symbionts in a gutless marine worm (Oligochaeta, Annelida) by phylogenetic 16S rRNA sequence analysis and in situ hybridization

The phylogenetic relationships of chemoautotrophic endosymbionts in the gutless marine oligochaete Inanidrilus leukodermatus to chemoautotrophic ecto- and endosymbionts from other host phyla and to free-living bacteria were determined by comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmed that the 16S rRNA sequence obtained from these worms originated from the symbionts. The symbiont sequence is unique to I. leukodermatus. In phylogenetic trees inferred by both distance and parsimony methods, the oligochaete symbiont is peripherally associated with one of two clusters of chemoautotrophic symbionts that belong to the gamma subdivision of the Proteobacteria. The endosymbionts of this oligochaete form a monophyletic group with chemoautotrophic ectosymbionts of a marine nematode. The oligochaete and nematode symbionts are very closely related, although their hosts belong to separate, unrelated animal phyla. Thus, cospeciation between the nematode and oligochaete hosts and their symbionts could not have occurred. Instead, the similar geographic locations and habitats of the hosts may have influenced the establishment of these symbioses.
Measuring Fingertip Forces by Imaging the Fingernail

This paper presents an external camera method for measuring fingertip forces by imaging the fingernail and surrounding skin. This method is an alternative to the photoplethysmograph sensor originally developed by one of the authors. A 3D model of the fingernail surface and skin is obtained with a stereo camera and laser striping system. Subsequent images from a single camera are registered to the 3D model by adding fiducial markings to the fingernail. Calibration results with a force sensor show that the measurement range depends on the region of the fingernail and skin. A Bayesian method is developed to predict fingertip force given coloration changes. Preliminary accuracy results for normal and shear force measurement are presented. In comparison to the results using the photoplethysmograph fingernail sensor, our results are more accurate and double the range of forces that can be transduced, all the way up to the saturation level.
Richard Pryor: Melancholy and the Religion of Tragicomedy

Drawing on Donald Capps’ discussion in MenandTheirReligion (2000) on the development of the melancholy self in early childhood and the emergence of three religious impulses as a consequence of its development (the religions of honor, hope, and humor), this article focuses on the early childhood experience of Richard Pryor and the role that the religion of humor plays in helping him cope with these experiences. Particular attention is given to his grandmother’s paradoxical role in his life and his identification of her as his spiritual mother.
Focus on HDL: a new treatment paradigm for athero-thrombotic vascular disease

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in much of the Western world. Although advances in lifestyle and risk factor modification, pharmacotherapy, endovascular interventions and surgery have considerably improved clinical outcome, 40 - 50% of adverse cardiovascular events continue to occur despite current strategies. A number of new targets for therapeutic exploitation are currently being investigated that include, among others, apolipoprotein A-I, the major structural component of high density lipoprotein (HDL) particle. The strong negative relationship between HDL-cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease in epidemiological studies, as well as data from experimental models suggest that HDL-based therapies could be an important new paradigm for prevention, treatment and reversal of atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Modification of the modified condylotomy

Abstract Purpose: This article describes the results of modification of the condylotomy procedure for treating painful internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint. Materials and Methods: Data on postoperative disc position, joint space, and pain were evaluated in patients who underwent either the original modified condylotomy or the newly modified procedure. Results: Less anterior and inferior sag of the condyle was produced by the new technique. Pain relief and disc reduction were about the same with both procedures. Conclusion: The new modifications make the operation quicker and easier, while producing outcomes similar to those obtained with the original modified procedure.
Use of Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation on the Regular Hospital Ward: Experience and Correlates of Success

BACKGROUND: Though noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) is efficacious in treating patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, little attention has been given to the optimal venue in which to provide NPPV. The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess the outcomes of NPPV initiated for acute respiratory failure on the regular in-patient ward. METHODS: Starting in May 2004, all patients started on NPPV for acute respiratory failure on regular nursing floors of the Cleveland Clinic Hospital were identified. Patients were divided into 2 groups: do-not-intubate (DNI) and non-DNI. NPPV failure was defined as the need to transfer the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were enrolled. The most common cause of acute respiratory failure was exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (41%), followed by pulmonary edema, pneumonia, obesity-hypoventilation, and neuromuscular illness. Of the 62 non-DNI patients, 19 (31%) failed NPPV on the regular ward and required transfer to the ICU. Variables associated with NPPV failure were amount of secretions (p = 0.04), etiology of respiratory failure (pneumonia was associated with the highest failure rate, p = 0.015), and infiltrate on the chest radiograph (p = 0.036). Seven of the 14 (50%) DNI patients died during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this observational study show that noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation is frequently used on the regular hospital ward and that the success rate is similar to that reported in series in which NPPV is used in the ICU.
EVM Testing of Wireless OFDM Transceivers Using Intelligent Back-End Digital Signal Processing Algorithms

In production testing of wireless systems, measurement of EVM (a critical spec that is directly related to bit error rate) incurs significant test time due to the large numbers of symbols that need to be transmitted for reasons of accuracy. In our approach, EVM is modeled as a function of the system static non-idealities (IQ mismatch, gain, IIP3 parameters) and dynamic non-idealities (system noise, VCO phase noise). Using a selected subset of the OFDM tones, the static parameters are calculated first. These are then used to facilitate noise estimation using a back-end constellation compensation and noise amplification procedure. The data generated is used to predict EVM using machine learning methods. Significant reduction in test time is achieved with little loss in test accuracy.
A State-Switched Absorber Used for Vibration Control of Continuous Systems

A state-switched absorber (SSA) is a device that is capable of switching between discrete stiffnesses; thus, it is able to instantaneously switch between resonance frequencies. The state-switched absorber is essentially a passive vibration absorber between switch events; however, at each switch event the SSA instantly "retunes" its natural frequency and maintains that frequency until the next switch event. This paper considers the optimization of the state-switched absorber applied to a continuous vibrating system and details the experimental validation of these simulation results. A simulated annealing optimization algorithm was utilized to optimize the state-switched absorber. For the most part, the SSA performed only marginally better than a classical tuned vibration absorber (TVA). However, for a select few cases considered, the SSA was able to reduce the kinetic energy of the plate to which it is attached by 12.9 dB over that of a classical tuned vibration absorber. The optimal SSA location on a clamped square plate was near the center of the plate for the vast majority of the forcing cases considered. To experimentally validate the simulation, a SSA was fabricated by employing magnetorheological elastomers to achieve a stiffness change. For several two-force component excitations, several tuning configurations of the SSA were applied and the kinetic energy of the system was found and optimized. As with the majority of the optimization cases, the experiments showed the SSA outperforming the TVA by only 2 dB. When comparing the observed results to those found via simulation, the simulations accurately predicted the performance of the SSA in the experiments.
QUANTIFYING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ROBUSTNESS THROUGH STOCHASTIC OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES

Critical design decisions are often made during the detailed design stage assuming known material and process behavior. However, in net shape manufacturing processes such as stamping, injection molding, and metals casting, the final part properties depend upon the specific tool geometry, material properties, and process dynamics encountered during production. As such, the end-use performance can not be accurately known in the detailed design stage. Moreover, slight random variations during manufacture can inadvertently result in inferior or unacceptable product performance and reduced production yields. These characteristics make it difficult for the designer to select the tooling, material, and processing details which will deliver the desired functional properties, let alone achieve a robust design which is tolerant to process variation. This paper describes a methodology for assessing the design/manufacturing robustness of candidate designs at the detailed design stage. In the design evaluation, the fundamental sources of variation are explicitly modeled and the effects conveyed through the manufacturing process to predict the distribution of end-use part properties. This is accomplished by utilizing optimization of manufacturing process variables within Monte Carlo simulation of stochastic process variation, which effectively parallels the industry practice of tuning and optimizing the process once the tool reaches the production floor. The resulting estimates can be used to evaluate the robustness of the candidate design relative to the product requirements and provide guidance for design and process modifications before tool steel is cut, as demonstrated by the application of the methodology for dimensional control of injection molded parts.
Roman and Modern Imperialism: A Reassessment

Those who view Rome from the perspective of modern empires have been struck by Rome's longevity (for example, Brunt 1965:267; Doyle 1986:81–103; Syme 1958:1). Attempts to explain this phenomenon, however, have given little if any consideration to why movements of national independence have occurred in modern times, but not in Roman antiquity. This is the more striking inasmuch as nationalist rebellions against imperial rule typically accompanied the dissolution of direct imperial control over native populations during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Certainly the decisions of modern imperialists to give up their empires have been influenced by political idealism or by calculations of economic self-interest unique to their historical situations (Liithy 1964:34). Nonetheless, the role of their subjects must also be taken into consideration, because it was the initiative of the colonial natives, not that of the imperial masters, that typically has resulted in the first calls for independence and, most often, in the nationalist rebellions that provoked imperialists into dismantling their empires. Idealistic impulses and calculations of economic self-interest alike have taken place within the context of that initiative and cannot help but to have been colored by it. It would be a mistake to identify nationalist sentiment and rebellion as the only reasons for the collapse of modern empires, but they must be included among the decisive reasons.
The combined effects of various disinfectants against poliovirus 1 in a municipal wastewater effluent

The effects of the combination of any two of the following disinfectants: chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone and peracetic acid were investigated using poliovirus 1 as a model virus in a municipal sewage effluent. It was noted that the efficacy of chlorine was enhanced in the presence of either chlorine dioxide, ozone or peracetic acid. Maximum enhancement was achieved when peracetic acid was present with either chlorine or ozone and less enhancement was noted when the peracetic acid was added before chlorine dioxide. Similar results were noted when hydrochloric acid was used instead of peracetic acid. It may be concluded that the application of any two of the disinfectants studied were rarely synergistic but merely additive or complementary (i.e., one disinfectant provides the other with a medium in which it functions better).
Sperm DNA fragmentation: awakening the sleeping genome

We have recently demonstrated that mammalian spermatozoa have the ability to degrade their DNA by a mechanism that is similar to apoptosis in somatic cells. When this mechanism is activated, the DNA is first degraded into loop-sized fragments by TOP2B (topoisomerase IIB). This degradation, termed sperm chromatin fragmentation, can be reversed by EDTA, which causes TOP2B to religate the double-stranded breaks it originally produced. Under certain conditions, a nuclease then degrades the sperm DNA further, digesting the entire sperm genome. When mouse spermatozoa which have been treated to induce TOP2B-mediated DNA breaks are injected into oocytes, the paternal DNA is specifically and completely degraded. This total digestion of paternal DNA occurs at the time of DNA synthesis initiation. In the present study, we explore the significance of an active TOP2B in the nucleus for mouse sperm function.
Beach cusps formed by intersecting waves

From the time when theories were first postulated on beach cusps, intersecting wave trains have been mentioned as one possible mechanism for cusp formation. However, this mechanism has been largely ignored, and no real effort has been made to understand it since Branner9s work in 1900. It can be experimentally shown that rip currents, generated by intersecting waves of the same length, can create beach cusps of a known periodicity that depends on the wave length and the angle between the intersecting wave trains.
SHAPING TO CONVERGENCE: EXPERIMENTS WITH SPEECH GRAFFITI

Various analyses have shown that conversation participants converge in a variety of ways in both human-human and human-computer interactions. This finding has potential applicability in spoken dialog systems, as users could be encouraged to converge to vocabulary or syntax preferred by the system. This paper reports on a user study investigating three versions of system prompts designed to promote convergence to the Speech Graffiti interaction protocol. We found that all three versions engendered significant convergence over time, although the versions varied in their immediate shaping power. We also found that gender and initial grammaticality had strong effects on overall performance.
Linear structure modeling and PCA algorithm for bridge crack detection

An algorithm to detect cracks in concrete bridges for the purpose of automating inspection of concrete bridges is presented. The algorithm combines linear structure modeling with principal component analysis (PCA) to detect cracks in images using a training set. PCA is a classical technique in feature detection; however, to improve the results of such algorithm the linear modeling is prior to PCA. Experimental results using real bridge images are presented.
An integrated display and analysis methodology for multivariable radar data

Abstract Polarimetric Doppler radars provide valuable information about the kinematic and microphysical structure of storms. However, in-depth analysis using radar products, such as Doppler-derived wind vectors and hydrometeor identification, has been difficult to achieve in (near) real time, mainly because of the large volumes of data generated by these radars, lack of quick access to these data, and the challenge of applying quality-control measures in real time. This study focuses on modifying and automating several radar-analysis and quality-control algorithms currently used in postprocessing and merging the resulting data from several radars into an integrated analysis and display in (near) real time. Although the method was developed for a specific network of four Doppler radars: two Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radars (KFTG and KCYS) and two Colorado State University (CSU) research radars [Pawnee and CSU–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU–CHILL)], the softwa...
Light regimes used in conifer tissue culture

Light has a major influence on the growth, development and morphogenesis of plants. In an in vitro environment, where conditions are manipulated to optimize a given response, careful consideration should be given to light quantity and intensity as well as the photoperiod. Unfortunately, all too often the light regime used for a given microculture situation is based either on (1) incomplete information of the optimum in vitro requirements for the species and tissue with which one is working or (2) the conditions that currently exist or are available in a particular research setting. Often a compromise must be also made when choosing a light regime to satisfy a wide range of species within a single growth area.
Irradiation with visible light enhances the antibacterial toxicity of silver nanoparticles produced by laser ablation

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a rapidly growing global health concern. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths per year occur in the USA due to antibiotic resistance. In recent years, there has been a surge in the use of metal nanoparticles as coatings for orthopedic implants, wound dressings, and food packaging, due to their antimicrobial properties. In this report, we demonstrate that the antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is enhanced with exposure to light from the visible spectrum. We find that the increased toxicity is due to augmented silver ion release and bacterial uptake. Interestingly, silver ion toxicity does not appear to depend on the formation of reactive oxygen species. Our findings provide a novel paradigm for using light to regulate the toxicity of AgNPs which may have a significant impact in the development of new antimicrobial therapeutics.
Distribution kinetics of urea between plasma and red blood cells of normal human blood.

SummaryThe distribution kinetics of urea between plasma and the red blood cells of normal human blood have been investigated in vivo using [15N] urea and in vitro using [15N] urea and [14C] urea. The partition ratio of free exchangeable urea between the cell and plasma is found to be the same as that of water distribution, showing the identical concentration (urea/ml water) of free urea in these two compartments of blood. However a significant difference (18%) is observed in the sp act ([15N] atom % excess) between the urea present in the cell and plasma compartments of blood. This indicates that about one-fifth of the cell urea may not be in a freely exchangeable form. The fractional turnover rate of urea from the red blood cells is different from that of the plasma compartment suggesting the relatively bound state of intra-cellular urea and its slow mobilization.
The Relationship between Trauma, Arrest, and Incarceration History among Black Americans: Findings from the National Survey of American Life

Prior research indicates an association between exposure to trauma (e.g., being victimized) and perpetration of crime, especially in the context of chronic victimization. This study examines the relationship between trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and history of arrest and incarceration among a representative sample of black Americans from the National Survey of American Life (N = 5,189). One-third had a history of arrest, and 18 percent had a history of incarceration. Frequency of trauma exposure was associated with involvement with the criminal justice system. Relative to never experiencing trauma, experiencing ≥4 traumas was associated with elevated odds of arrest (odds ratio [OR] = 4.03), being jailed (OR = 5.15), and being imprisoned (OR = 4.41), all p <.01. PTSD was also associated with likelihood of incarceration among those with a history of trauma (OR = 2.18, p <.01). Both trauma exposure and trauma-associated psychopathology are associated with increased likelihood of arrest and incarceration in adulthood among black Americans.
Endoscopic Treatment of Nonvariceal Upper GI Bleeding

Early endoscopy has an important role in the evaluation and treatment of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding [1]. Clarification of the precise appearance of the lesions by endoscopy gives important information about the prognosis, risk of rebleeding, and indications for surgery [2]. There are several effective endoscopic modalities for the control of bleeding [3,4]. This section reports on the current status of endoscopic management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Late Holocene climates of north-central Texas

Recent investigations at a multicomponent archaeological site (41DL270) along Denton Creek in Denton and Dallas Counties, Texas, yielded a series of mussel shell features which were sampled for isotopic variation in oxygen and carbon. Oxygen values showed a marked trend which may indicate that δ18O can be used as a reliable paleoclimatic indicator in small riverine drainage systems such as Denton Creek. The δ13C values exhibited high variability and were more difficult to interpret meaningfully, but are clearly related to the oxygen values. The paleoclimatic patterns inferred from the isotope variation support several recent interpretations of Late Holocene climatic change in the north-central Texas region which suggest a possible cooler and/or wetter period between 1500 and 2500 years ago, framed by warmer/drier periods before and after.
Stent Thrombosis With Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents Compared With Bare-Metal Stents

Background—The relative safety of drug-eluting stents (DESs) and bare-metal stents (BMSs) with respect to stent thrombosis (ST) continues to be debated. There are limited data comparing safety and ...
Medication identification in pediatric asthma (MED ID): The reliability and validity of a novel screening tool.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the reliability and validity of medication identification (MED ID), a novel survey assessing caregiver-perceived ability to identify inhaled asthma medications. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from the School-Based Asthma Care for Teens trial in Rochester, NY. Caregivers of adolescents with persistent asthma named the inhaled medications used by their child and identified medications on a pictorial chart. Accurate identification was defined as completed matches between listed names and selected images. Caregivers answered the MED ID survey of four scaled questions on perceived ability to identify inhaled medications. We determined internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha; examined concurrent validity by comparing MED ID sum scores with accurate identification using bivariate and multivariate analyses; and assessed the diagnostic utility of MED ID through receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS 126 caregivers (76% of enrolled) reported >1 inhaled medication; 52% of caregivers accurately identified medications. Two MED ID questions were removed during analysis. The two remaining questions had a score range of 2-10 points; higher scores indicate greater caregiver-perceived ability to identify medications. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.603. Accurate identification of medications was associated with a higher mean MED ID score (8.6 vs 7.6, p = 0.01). Accuracy was most strongly associated with MED ID scores ≥8 points (88% vs 60%, p < 0.001, Phi 0.32); findings were consistent in regression analysis. The greatest area under the curve was seen with MED ID scores ≥8 points (0.638). CONCLUSIONS The two-item MED ID survey is a reliable and valid way to assess caregiver's ability to identify inhaled asthma medications.
Deloné property of the holonomy vectors of translation surfaces

We answer a question posed by Barak Weiss on the uniform discreteness of the set of the holonomy vectors of translation surfaces.
Proteomic profiling of the hypothalamus in two mouse models of narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a disabling neurological disorder of sleepiness linked to the loss of neurons producing orexin neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Two well characterized phenotypic mouse models of narcolepsy, loss-of-function (orexin-knockout) and progressive loss of orexin (orexin/ataxin-3) exist. The open question is whether the proteomics signatures of the hypothalamus would be different between the two models. To address this gap, we utilized a label-free proteomics approach and conducted a hypothalamic proteome analysis by comparing each disease model to that of wild type. Following data processing and statistical analysis, 14484 peptides mapping to 2282 non-redundant proteins were identified, of which 39 proteins showed significant differences in protein expression across groups. Altered proteins in both models showed commonalties in pathways for mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal degeneration, as well as altered proteins related to inflammatory demyelination, insulin resistance, metabolic responses and the dopaminergic and monoaminergic systems. Model-specific alterations in insulin degraded enzyme (IDE) and synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP25) were unique to orexin-KO and orexin/ataxin-3, respectively. For both models, proteomics not only identified clinically suspected consequences of orexin loss on energy homeostasis and neurotransmitter systems, but also identified commonalities in inflammation and degeneration despite the entirely different genetic basis of the two mouse models. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Classifying commit messages: A case study in resampling techniques

In practice, there are a variety of real-world datasets that have an imbalanced nature where one of two classes dominates the data. These datasets are generally difficult to classify using machine learning algorithms as the skewed nature of the data has a significant impact on the training process. In order to combat this difficulty, many methods of under sampling and over sampling have been proposed in order to generate comparable data sets that are more easily classifiable. This study applies multiple resampling techniques to a set of commit messages that have been extracted from multiple Github and Sourceforge projects in order to answer the question, “Do developers discuss design?” This dataset is highly imbalanced with less than 15% of all commit messages being classified as having to do with design. Results demonstrate that the combined use of resampling as coupled with various classification algorithms yields improvements in classification over the state-of-the-art by more than 10% in terms of accuracy.
Abstract P049: Molecular Mechanisms of PARP1-Mediated Necrosis

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) is a nuclear enzyme associated with DNA replication, transcription, repair, and cell death. Although, PARP1 is most commonly associated with apoptosis, a speci...
Personality correlates of revenge-seeking: Multidimensional links to physical aggression, impulsivity, and aggressive pleasure.

People differ in how much they seek retribution for interpersonal insults, slights, rejections, and other antagonistic actions. Identifying individuals who are most prone towards such revenge-seeking is a theoretically-informative and potentially violence-reducing endeavor. However, we have yet to understand the extent to which revenge-seeking individuals exhibit specific features of aggressiveness, impulsivity, and what motivates their hunt for retribution. Toward this end, we conducted three studies (total N = 673), in which revenge-seeking was measured alongside these other constructs. Analyses repeatedly demonstrated that revenge-seeking was associated with greater physical (but not verbal) aggressiveness, anger, and hostility. Revenge-seeking's link to physical aggression was partially accounted for by impulses toward enjoying aggression and the tendency to use aggression to improve mood. Dominance analyses revealed that sadism explained the most variance in revenge-seeking. Revenge-seeking was associated with greater impulsive responses to negative and positive affect, as well as greater premeditation of behavior. These findings paint a picture of revenge-seekers as physically aggressive curators of anger, whose retributive acts are performed with planned malice and motivated by the act's entertaining and therapeutic qualities.
Decoupling the control plane from program control flow for flexibility and performance in cloud computing

Existing cloud computing control planes do not scale to more than a few hundred cores, while frameworks without control planes scale but take seconds to reschedule a job. We propose an asynchronous control plane for cloud computing systems, in which a central controller can dynamically reschedule jobs but worker nodes never block on communication with the controller. By decoupling control plane traffic from program control flow in this way, an asynchronous control plane can scale to run millions of computations per second while being able to reschedule computations within milliseconds. We show that an asynchronous control plane can match the scalability and performance of TensorFlow and MPI-based programs while rescheduling individual tasks in milliseconds. Scheduling an individual task takes 1μs, such that a 1,152 core cluster can schedule over 120 million tasks/second and this scales linearly with the number of cores. The ability to schedule huge numbers of tasks allows jobs to be divided into very large numbers of tiny tasks, whose improved load balancing can speed up computations 2.1--2.3X.
Prediction of Complexation Properties of Crown Ethers Using Computational Neural Networks

A computational neural network method was used for the prediction of stability constants of simple crown ether complexes. The essence of the method lies in the ability of a computer neural network to recognize the structure-property relationships in these host-guest systems. Testing of the computational method has demonstrated that stability constants of alkali metal cation (Na+, K+, Cs+)-crown ether complexes in methanol at 25 °C can be predicted with an average error of ±0.3 log K units based on the chemical structure of the crown ethers alone. The computer model was then used for the preliminary analysis of trends in the stabilities of the above complexes.
Projecting the National Economic Burden of Colorectal Cancer for the U.S. Through the Year 2020

Because of aging trends in the U.S. population, the number of prevalent colorectal cancer cases is expected to increase in the next several decades. Little is known about how projected increases in prevalence will impact the economic burden of colorectal cancer care. We combined projections of colorectal cancer prevalence with estimates of phase specific costs to project the economic burden of colorectal cancer care by phase of care in the U.S. through the year 2020. Prevalence estimates were derived using a statistical modeling approach that uses cancer incidence and survival data from the U.S. SEER program of cancer registries with age structure and overall mortality data from U.S. life-tables. Estimates of direct medical costs associated with colorectal cancer care by phase of care in 2002 dollars were derived using expenditure data from the U.S. Medicare program (linked to SEER data at the individual level). Patient time estimates were derived from Medicare data and other national surveys of U.S. healthcare utilization. Projected burden was reported separately for the initial phase of care, (the period of initial treatment following diagnosis), the last year of life phase, and the continuing phase, (the period between the initial phase and the last year of life). In the year 2000, estimated costs of colorectal cancer care for men were $1.86 billion, $1.43 billion, and $1.57 billion in the initial, continuing, and last year of life phases of care, respectively. Estimated costs for women were $1.65 billion, $1.00 billion, and $1.62 billion in 2000. By the year 2020, projected costs of colorectal cancer care in the U.S. for the initial, continuing, and last year of life phases were $2.80 billion, $2.31 billion, and $2.20 billion for men and $2.31 billion, $1.46 billion, and $1.99 billion for women. The projected economic burden of colorectal cancer in the U.S. will be substantial in the next decades. Our projections are unique in providing out-year estimates of national economic burden at the level of a specific cancer and by phases of care. Although certain key parameter are "frozen" at 2002 levels, our projections may provide a baseline for evaluating the impacts of possible changes in cancer control strategies, including colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.
Phosphopeptide Enrichment Using Offline Titanium Dioxide Columns for Phosphoproteomics

Identification of phosphoproteins or phosphopeptides as cancer biomarkers is an emerging field in phosphoproteomics. Owing to the low stoichiometric nature of protein phosphorylation, phosphoproteins or phosphopeptides must be enriched prior to downstream mass spectrometry analysis. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been prevalently used to enrich phosphopeptides from complex proteome samples due to its high affinity for phosphopeptides, and the method is straightforward. In this protocol, an offline phosphopeptide enrichment procedure using TiO2 columns is described. Peptides from a proteome lysate are loaded onto a TiO2 column in an acidic environment, followed by column washing with aqueous, organic, and ammonium glutamate (NH4Glu) buffers at acidic conditions. Phosphopeptides are eluted using an ammonia solution at high pH. Use of NH4Glu significantly reduces nonspecific bindings while a high recovery rate (84 %) of phosphopeptides is retained. The method is optimized for large-scale phosphoproteomic analysis and phosphoprotein biomarker discovery starting from sub-milligram or milligrams of proteome samples.
New Results on 3D Schrödinger Inverse Scattering

The generalized Marchenko and Gel’fand-Levitan methods are based on the solution of a Riemann-Hilbert problem. This paper relates the solution of this problem to the standard Wiener-Hopf factorization of an operator-valued function. It also states a new theorem that equates the number of bound states of the underlying potential for an admissible S matrix to the dimensions of the eigenspaces, at the eigenvalues ±1, of a relevant compact operator obtained from the Fourier transform of the scattering amplitude.
Telomerase Activity and Telomere Length in Daphnia

Telomeres, comprised of short repetitive sequences, are essential for genome stability and have been studied in relation to cellular senescence and aging. Telomerase, the enzyme that adds telomeric repeats to chromosome ends, is essential for maintaining the overall telomere length. A lack of telomerase activity in mammalian somatic cells results in progressive shortening of telomeres with each cellular replication event. Mammals exhibit high rates of cell proliferation during embryonic and juvenile stages but very little somatic cell proliferation occurs during adult and senescent stages. The telomere hypothesis of cellular aging states that telomeres serve as an internal mitotic clock and telomere length erosion leads to cellular senescence and eventual cell death. In this report, we have examined telomerase activity, processivity, and telomere length in Daphnia, an organism that grows continuously throughout its life. Similar to insects, Daphnia telomeric repeat sequence was determined to be TTAGG and telomerase products with five-nucleotide periodicity were generated in the telomerase activity assay. We investigated telomerase function and telomere lengths in two closely related ecotypes of Daphnia with divergent lifespans, short-lived D. pulex and long-lived D. pulicaria. Our results indicate that there is no age-dependent decline in telomere length, telomerase activity, or processivity in short-lived D. pulex. On the contrary, a significant age dependent decline in telomere length, telomerase activity and processivity is observed during life span in long-lived D. pulicaria. While providing the first report on characterization of Daphnia telomeres and telomerase activity, our results also indicate that mechanisms other than telomere shortening may be responsible for the strikingly short life span of D. pulex.
Deployment-Related Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of New Episodes of Care for Back Pain in Veterans.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be a predisposing factor to pain syndromes other than headache. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study among veterans evaluated for TBI in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Among 36,880 veterans at baseline, 55% reported back pain. TBI history was classified by trained clinicians according to VA-US Department of Defense criteria. 14,223 Veterans without back pain were followed for up to 6 years for new (incident) episodes of VA care for back pain. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI), accounting for covariates. Deployment-related mild TBI was significantly associated with self-reported back pain in cross-sectional analyses (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.21–1.35), but not with incident episodes of VA care for back pain in longitudinal analysis (aHR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.99–1.17). Deployment-related moderate to severe TBI was significantly associated with self-reported back pain in cross-sectional (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.58–1.91), and longitudinal analyses (aHR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05–1.38; P = .01). These findings indicate that deployment-related moderate to severe TBI confers increased back pain risk, but do not support a causal effect of deployment-related mild TBI on back pain. Perspective Findings from this longitudinal study of veterans indicate that deployment-related moderate to severe TBI confers increased back pain risk, but do not support a causal effect of deployment-related mild TBI on back pain.