cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Meningitis Among Children With Cochlear Implants Beyond 24 Months After Implantation

BACKGROUND. More than 11 000 children in the United States with severe-to-profound hearing loss have cochlear implants. A 2002 investigation involving pediatric cochlear implant recipients identified meningitis episodes from January 1, 1997, through September 15, 2002. The incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in the cohort was 138.2 cases per 100 000 person-years, 30 times higher than that for children in the general US population. Children with implants with positioners were at higher risk than children with other implant models. This higher risk of bacterial meningitis continued for up to 24 months after implantation. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate additional reported cases to determine whether the increased rate of bacterial meningitis among children with cochlear implants extended beyond 24 months after implantation. METHODS. Our study population consisted of the cohort of children identified through the 2002 investigation; it included 4265 children who received cochlear implants in the United States between January 1, 1997, and August 6, 2002, and who were 6 years of age at the time of implantation. We calculated updated incidence rates and incidence according to time since implantation. RESULTS. We identified 12 new episodes of meningitis for 12 children. Eleven of the children had implants with positioners; 2 children died. Six episodes occurred 24 months after implantation. When cases identified in the 2002 and 2004 investigations were combined, the incidence rate of 24-months postimplantation bacterial meningitis among children with positioners was 450 cases per 100 000 person-years, compared with no cases among children without positioners. CONCLUSIONS. Our updated findings support continued monitoring and prompt treatment of bacterial infections by health care providers and parents of children with cochlear implants. This vigilance remains important beyond 2 years after implantation, particularly among children with positioners. The vaccination recommendations for all children with implants, with and without positioners, and all potential recipients of implants continue to apply.
Acculturation differentially predicts smoking cessation among Latino men and women.

Objectives: The current study examined the influence of gender, acculturation indicators, and their interaction on smoking cessation among Latinos. Methods: Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the main effects of gender, acculturation indicators, and their interactions on self-reported 7-day abstinence at 12-week follow-up among 271 Latino smokers seeking cessation counseling. Results: Analyses revealed significant main effects for several acculturation indicators and significant interactions of gender with number of years lived in the United States, proportion of life lived in the United States, and preferred media language (all P values <0.05). Follow-up analyses indicated no significant relationships between abstinence and acculturation indicators among women. Among men, abstinence rates increased with years in the United States, proportion of life in the United States, and preferred media language of English. Conclusions: Greater acculturation predicted higher abstinence rates, but this relationship was restricted to men. This study is among the first to examine the effects of gender and acculturation on smoking abstinence among Latinos. Findings highlight the need for research focused on mechanisms underlying these relationships. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3468–75)
Physically-aware HW-SW partitioning for reconfigurable architectures with partial dynamic reconfiguration

Many reconfigurable architectures offer partial dynamic configurability, but current system-level tools cannot guarantee feasible implementations when exploiting this feature. We present a physically aware hardware-software (HW-SW) scheme for minimizing application execution time under HW resource constraints, where the HW is a reconfigurable architecture with partial dynamic reconfiguration capability. Such architectures impose strict placement constraints that lead to implementation infeasibility of even optimal scheduling formulations that ignore the nature of these constraints. We propose an exact and a heuristic formulation that simultaneously partition, schedule, and do linear placement of tasks on such architectures. With our exact formulation, we prove the critical nature of placement constraints. We demonstrate that our heuristic generates high-quality schedules by comparing the results with the exact formulation for small tests and a popular, but placement-uanaware scheduling heuristic for larger tests. With a case study, we demonstrate extension of our approach to handle heterogenous architectures with specialized resources distributed between general purpose programmable logic columns. The execution time of our heuristic is very reasonable- task graphs with hundreds of nodes are processed in a couple of minutes.
Thermal cautery of the cornea for treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs and horses

A thermal cautery technique was used to treat spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in 9 eyes of 8 dogs and 2 eyes of 2 horses. Animals were sedated, and a topical anesthetic was applied. A handheld thermal cautery unit was then used to make multiple, small (< or = 1 mm in diameter), superficial burns throughout the affected area. The cautery unit was applied just until the slightest degree of contraction of the collagen fibrils was observed. After the stromal bed of the defect was treated, a rim of epithelium that extended approximately 1 mm around the denuded stroma was also subjected to thermal cautery. Following surgery, a contact lens was placed in dogs but not in horses, and the eye was treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobial ophthalmic solutions. Defects in all 11 eyes healed with minimal scarring; mean time to healing in dogs was 2.1 weeks (range, 2 to 3 weeks). The defect healed in 1 week in 1 horse and in 2 weeks in the other. Many therapeutic options are available for the treatment of SCCEDs. Procedures such as epithelial debridement and anterior stromal puncture have been shown to have a high rate of success. In cases for which these less invasive procedures fail, our results suggest that thermal cautery may be a reasonable alternative to previously described treatments for SCCEDs in dogs and horses prior to more invasive procedures such as superficial keratectomy.
Seismic Rupture on an Oceanic–Continental Plate Boundary: Strike‐Slip Earthquakes along the Queen Charlotte–Fairweather Fault

Abstract We investigate the 2013 M w 7.5 Craig, Alaska, earthquake and nearby seismicity to understand better how temperature and composition may control the depth of seismic rupture along a strike‐slip fault offsetting contrasting lithosphere types. The Queen Charlotte–Fairweather (QCF) fault lies between the oceanic lithosphere of the Pacific plate and the accreted Insular superterrane of the North American continent. We use point‐source and finite‐fault modeling of teleseismic body waves to characterize the focal mechanism and the depth extent of seismic rupture of five M w 5.9–7.5 earthquakes. Four of the five earthquakes are consistent with rupture on the QCF fault. We find that these four earthquakes have centroid depths between 11 and 18 km (±3 km) and aftershocks with an order of magnitude less than typical continental earthquakes. Finite‐fault modeling of the 2013 Craig earthquake favors bilateral rupture along a 150 km fault with a depth range of slip between 5 and 25 km, with faster rupture (4–5 km/s) to the north than the south (1 km/s). These results suggest that the transition of brittle to ductile deformation along this section of the Pacific–North American plate boundary is thermally controlled by a more mafic rheology than average continental crust, exhibiting behavior consistent with that of an oceanic strike‐slip fault. Online Material: Figures of best‐fitting point‐source focal mechanism and waveform fits, dip sensitivity, directivity tests, aftershock distributions, and finite‐fault results.
Measurement and analysis of soot inception limits of oxygen-enriched coflow flames

This study explores the criteria for soot inception in oxygen-enriched laminar coflow flames. In these experiments we select an axial height in the coflow flame at which to identify the sooting limit. The sooting limit is obtained by varying the amount of inert until luminous soot first appears at this predefined height. The sooting limit flame temperature is found to increase linearly with stoichiometric mixture fraction, regardless of fuel type. To understand these results, the relationships between flame structure, temperature, and local C/O ratio is explored through the use of conserved scalar relationships. Comparison of these relationships with the experimental data indicates that the local C/O ratio is a controlling parameter for soot inception in diffusion flames (analogous to the global C/O ratio in premixed flames). Analysis of experimental results suggests that soot inception occurs when the local C/O ratio is above a critical value. The values for critical C/O ratios obtained from the analysis of experiments using several fuels are similar in magnitude to the corresponding C/O ratios for premixed flames. In addition, temperatures and PAH fluorescence were measured to identify regions in these flames most conducive to particle inception. Results indicate that the peak PAH concentration lies along a critical iso-C/O contour, which supports a theory that soot particles first appear along this critical contour, given sufficient temperature.
Nurses and ventilators

In the previous issue of Critical Care, Rose and colleagues report the results of a survey on the frequency with which ICU nurses are involved in decision-making in ventilator management. About 63 to 88% of the decisions were made by nurses in collaboration with physicians, and as much as 68% of ventilator adjustments were performed by nurses independent of physicians. Nurse involvement in decision-making was twice as likely in ICUs that use weaning protocols. The ICU nurse performs many roles, the most important being the continuous observation of a patient. The diversion of a nurse's attention from constant vigilance by performing tasks of no benefit, such as the use of weaning protocols, would be a most unfortunate turn of events.
Shear stress regulation of artery lumen diameter in experimental atherogenesis

We studied the adaptive response of the arterial wall and intimal thickening under conditions of increased flow in an atherogenic model. Blood flow was increased by construction of an arteriovenous fistula between the right iliac artery and vein in six cynomolgus monkeys fed a diet containing 2% cholesterol and 25% peanut oil. The left iliac artery served as the control. Serum cholesterol increased from 135 +/- 22 mg/dl to 880 +/- 129 mg/dl during the experiment. After 6 months, blood flow in the right iliac artery (420 +/- 95 ml/min) was 10 times greater than in the left iliac artery (44 +/- 9 ml/min, p less than 0.005). Flow velocity in the right iliac artery (31 +/- 6 cm/sec) was more than twofold greater than in the left (12 +/- 1 cm/sec, p less than 0.05). Despite the marked difference in blood flow and flow velocity, calculated wall shear stress was the same in both the right (16 +/- 4 dynes/cm2) and left iliac vessels (15 +/- 2 dynes/cm2) because of a twofold increase in lumen diameter (p less than 0.001) of the right iliac artery. Shear stress in the aorta was also normal (12 +/- 2 dynes/cm2). There was no difference in plaque deposition or mean intimal thickness between the right and left iliac arteries. In the right iliac artery there was a twofold increase in media cross-sectional area (p less than 0.001) but no change in media thickness or total wall thickness. Tangential wall tension and tangential wall stress were two times greater on the right than on the left (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analytic estimates of the QCD corrections to neutrino nucleus scattering

We study the QCD corrections to neutrino deep-inelastic scattering on a nucleus, and analytically estimate their size. For an isoscalar target, we show that the dominant QCD corrections to the ratio of the neutral- to charged-current events are suppressed by ${\mathrm{sin}}^{4}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W},$ where ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}$ is the weak mixing angle. We then discuss the implications for the NuTeV determination of ${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}.$
Detection in correlated impulsive noise using fourth-order cumulants

We consider detection and estimation in correlated impulsive noise. The non-Gaussian impulsive noise is modeled as the sum of two linear processes: a nominal part and an impulsive part. This model admits correlated impulsive bursts lasting many data samples. Identifiability of the noise model is established using fourth- and second-order cumulants. Under this model, the correlated time series can be whitened and an appropriate memoryless nonlinearity applied to attenuate the impulsive events. A detection statistic is then formed from the output of the nonlinearity. In the threshold detection case, the use of cumulants allows identification of the noise in the presence of the signal to be detected, obviating the need for noise-only training records. Simulation results with a sample size of 512 show small loss in detector performance versus an ideal detector with no impulsive part present.
Electron capture negative ion chemical ionization analysis of arachidonic acid.

A highly sensitive (subpicomole level) and structural specific method for the analysis of arachidonic acid esterified to complex glycerophospholipids has been developed using combined capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The methodology is based upon the formation of the pentafluorobenzyl ester of arachidonic acid, which is efficiently ionized using electron capture negative ion chemical ionization conditions to yield an abundant carboxylate anion at m/z 301. Quantification is carried out following hydrolysis of the complex glycerophospholipid in the presence of a known amount of (2H8) araachidonic acid. The use of this method is illustrated by the quantification of arachidonic acid within the glycerophospholipid classes isolated from resident peritoneal macrophage cells isolated from HS mice.
Monolithically integrated balanced photodiode using asymmetric twin-waveguide technology

We demonstrate a 14GHz regrowth-free monolithically integrated balanced photodiode balanced within 0.5dB, a minimum dark current of 5nA, a responsivity of 0.32A/W at 1.55/spl mu/m wavelength, linearity up to 2mW input optical power.
Regarding the Accretion of 2003 VB12 (Sedna) and Like Bodies in Distant Heliocentric Orbits

Recently, Brown et al. reported the exciting discovery of an ~800 km radius object, (90377) Sedna, on a distant, eccentric orbit centered at ~490 AU from the Sun. Here we undertake a first look exploring the feasibility of accreting this object and its possible cohorts between 75 AU (Sedna's perihelion distance) and 500 AU (Sedna's semimajor-axis distance) from the Sun. We find such accretion possible in a small fraction of the age of the solar system, if such objects were initially on nearly circular orbits in this region, and if the solar nebula extended outward to distances far beyond the Kuiper belt. If Sedna did form in situ, it is likely to be accompanied by a cohort of other large bodies in this distant region of the solar system.
Approximate nonlinear control for a two degree of freedom overhead crane: theory and experimentation

In this paper, we develop nonlinear algorithms for accurately controlling the payload position for a two-degree of freedom overhead crane system. Since this model does not lend itself to nonlinear control design in a straightforward manner, we develop an approximate model of the system which facilitates the construction of error systems suitable for the development of back-stepping type controllers. A Lyapunov-like argument is then applied to the approximate model under the proposed control to elucidate payload positioning performance. Experimental results are used to validate the performance of the control approach. A discussion of cable flexibility and actuator dynamics is also presented.
Rapid publication: Flanking markers define the X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets gene locus

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (HYP) is an X-linked dominant disorder characterized by decreased renal tubular phosphate reabsorption and consequent hypophosphatemia. The defect in tubular phosphate reabsorption is probably secondary to an unidentified humoral factor. Identification of the humoral factor and a full understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease await the identification of the HYP gene. Previously we demonstrated that DXS257 and DXS41 are flanking markers for the HYP gene. Two markers, DXS365 and DXS274, are tightly linked to the HYP gene, but investigators have been unable to determine whether they are centromeric or telomeric to the disease gene. Since tightly linked flanking markers are necessary prerequisites to obtain the gene by positional cloning techniques, we sought to determine the relative positions of these markers to the HYP gene by expanding our data base for linkage studies. We also investigated a new polymorphic probe for linkage to HYP to construct a more detailed genetic map around the HYP locus. Our data indicate that the markers DXS365, DXS274, and DXS92 are tightly linked to the HYP locus and suggest a locus order of Xtel-(DXS444/DXS315)-DXS43-(DXS257/DXS3 65)-HYP-(DXS274/DXS41/DXS92)-DXS-451- DXS319-Xeen. These results will facilitate attempts further to localize and clone the HYP gene.
TWO STYLES OF NEUROECONOMICS

I distinguish between two styles of research that are both called “neuroeconomics”. Neurocellular economics (NE) uses the modelling techniques and mathematics of economics – constrained maximization and equilibrium analysis – to model relatively encapsulated functional parts of brains. This approach rests upon the fact that brains are, like markets, massively distributed information-processing networks over which executive systems can exert only limited and imperfect governance. Harrison's (2008) deepest criticisms of neuroeconomics do not apply to NE. However, the more famous style of neuroeconomics is behavioural economics in the scanner. This is often motivated by complaints about conventional economics frequently heard from behavioural economists. It attempts to use neuroimaging data to justify arguments for replacing standard aspects of microeconomic theory by facts and conjectures about human psychology. Harrison's grounds for unease about neuroeconomics apply to most BES, or at least to its explicit methodology. This methodology is naively reductionist and illegitimately assumes that economics should not do what all successful science does, namely, model abstract aspects of its target phenomena instead of would-be complete and fully ecologically situated facsimiles of them.
Search methodologies for node recovery in robotic swarms

Groups of autonomous robots become increasingly useful as the mission complexity they can handle increases. However, in a mobile ad hoc network, there are continually communication failures due to changing environmental conditions and of course hardware problems, both temporary and permanent. For this work, we envision a heterogeneous robotic swarm with both “general” nodes that perform mission tasks, and “support” nodes that help maintain the connectivity of the communication network. At any given time, there are likely to be multiple network link failures, so the placement of support nodes becomes an optimization problem: where will the support nodes be most effective. In a realistic scenario, this optimization problem would be solved constantly as robots move around and the network topology changes, so the technique used must be both efficient, and close to optimal. This paper describes the study of three optimization methods - particle swarm optimization, hill climbing, and tabu search to solve this problem. We find that particle swarm optimization provides the best solutions, but takes a little bit more time to execute than tabu search or hill climbing.
Icosahedral Symmetry and Magnetism

We examine the implications of icosahedral symmetry on electronic structure and especially magnetic properties in alloys. From simple geometric and synmetry arguments to detailed electronic structure calculations it is clear that icosahedral symmetry carries important consequences for magnetism in a wide range of alloys. Enhanced local magnetic moments, reduced anisotropies and new magnetic domain structures are predicted. We also propose a course of further study focussed on producing a strongly magnetic quasicrystalline phase and we describe interesting new metastable Co-Er phases produced in the preliminary phase of this investigation.
Appraisal in the Emotion System: Coherence in Strategies for Coping:

Emotions can be understood as a coherent, integrated system of general-purpose coping strategies, guided by appraisal, for responding to situations of crisis and opportunity (when specific-purpose motivational systems may be less effective). This perspective offers functional explanations for the presence of particular emotions in the emotion repertoire, and their elicitation by particular appraisal combinations. Implications of the Emotion System model for debated issues, such as the dimensional vs. discrete nature of appraisals and emotions, are also discussed.
A multiplexed miRNA and transgene expression platform for simultaneous repression and expression of protein coding sequences

Knockdown of single or multiple gene targets by RNA interference (RNAi) is necessary to overcome escape mutants or isoform redundancy. It is also necessary to use multiple RNAi reagents to knockdown multiple targets. It is also desirable to express a transgene or positive regulatory elements and inhibit a target gene in a coordinated fashion. This study reports a flexible multiplexed RNAi and transgene platform using endogenous intronic primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) as a scaffold located in the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a model for any functional transgene. The multiplexed intronic miRNA – GFP transgene platform was designed to co-express multiple small RNAs within the polycistronic cluster from a Pol II promoter at more moderate levels to reduce potential vector toxicity. The native intronic miRNAs are co-transcribed with a precursor GFP mRNA as a single transcript and presumably cleaved out of the precursor-(pre) mRNA by the RNA splicing machinery, spliceosome. The spliced intron with miRNA hairpins will be further processed into mature miRNAs or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) capable of triggering RNAi effects, while the ligated exons become a mature messenger RNA for the translation of the functional GFP protein. Data show that this approach led to robust RNAi-mediated silencing of multiple Renilla Luciferase (R-Luc)-tagged target genes and coordinated expression of functional GFP from a single transcript in transiently transfected HeLa cells. The results demonstrated that this design facilitates the coordinated expression of all mature miRNAs either as individual miRNAs or as multiple miRNAs and the associated protein. The data suggest that, it is possible to simultaneously deliver multiple negative (miRNA or shRNA) and positive (transgene) regulatory elements. Because many cellular processes require simultaneous repression and activation of downstream pathways, this approach offers a platform technology to achieve that dual manipulation efficiently. In conclusion, the current platform technology offers a miRNA/shRNA scaffold for the expression of combinations of native or synthetic intronic miRNAs as singletons or polycistrons for combinatorial multiplexed RNAi silencing or RNA-based gene therapy applications.
Investigation of aluminum agglomeration in AP/HTPB composite propellants

Aluminum flame conditions, burning surface structure, and surface regression rate of co mposite propellant laminates of aluminum powder, fine and coarse ammonium perchlorate (AP), and hydroxyl -terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) are experimentally investigated. An aluminum matrix consisting of 15 µm Al powder mixed with fine -AP/HTPB (76:24) is sandwiched between two AP slabs. The Al matrix, or fuel, thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. The laminate sandwiches are burned in a combustion chamber with a nitrogen shroud at pressures of approximat ely 4 atm and 21 atm. Observation of aluminum agglomerates including separation from the burning propellant surface is conducted using a high -speed, digital video camera. Once separated from the surface, the burning agglomerates suggest the location and s tructure of the stoichiometric flame. A backlight is used to provide clear definition of the propellant surface profile. Preliminary results indicate a merged (premixed) flame at low pressures transitioning to a split (diffusion) flame at higher pressures.
Effects of Difluhenzuron on Food Consumption by the Soybean Looper

Larvae of Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) that fed continuously from the 5th instar on diflubenzuron-treated medium consumed decreasing amounts of medium as the dosage of diflubenzuron (DFB) applied to the medium surfaces increased. Fifth instars that fed continuously on DFB-treated medium and completed larval development consumed significantly less medium than controls. Soybean loopers that fed on DFB-treated medium beginning at the 6th instar consumed the same amount of medium as controls despite heavy post larval mortality among the former.
[The analysis of human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtypes in Yunnan province].

Objective To analyze the geographical distribution and risk factors of HIV-1 subtypes in Yunnan orovince.Methods Blood samples from 1319 HIV positives were collected in Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2006.The nested polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the gag(p24)-protease fragments from RNA extracted from plasma or sera.The sequences were used for subtype determination by phylogenetic tree analysis.Results Among 1319 samples studied,the subtypes has been successfully obtained from 644 samples that were constituted of seven subtypes:CRF08_BC,CRF07_BC,CRF07/08_BC,CRFD1_AE,C,B'and URFB/C.C/CRF07_BC/CRF08_BC were distributed in the whole province,but CRF01_AE were mainly distributed in the boarding areas with Myanmar such as Dehong,Baoshan,Xishuangbanna and Puer.Moreover,injecting drugs users accounted for 61.6%(270/438)among C/CRF07_BC/CRF08_BC infections,while only 8.5%(15/177)among CRF01_AE infections.Conclusion Our data indicated that at least seven subtypes were idenfified in Yunnan province,the relationship between subtypes and transmission routes were analyzed,and the geographic difference of subtypes was also observed. Key words: Yunnan; HIV-1; Subtypings; Distribution
Optimization of laser thermal treatment of Fe–Si–B metallic glass

Abstract Fe–Si–B metallic glass foils were laser treated using a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser. Electrical resistivity and ultimate tensile strength of the laser treated foils were evaluated using four point probe method and Instron universal testing machine respectively in order to realize the structural changes during laser treatment. Electrical resistivity increased with laser fluence till the laser fluence of 0.42 J/mm2 and then steadily reduced. Ultimate tensile strength remained stable in the laser fluence range of 0.39–0.52 J/mm2 and then substantially reduced. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) based statistical analysis for optimization helped to identify the laser processing condition that contributed the most to maximize ultimate tensile strength and minimize the electrical resistivity.
Desiring Futures in Cuban Cultural Production

Given that the production of sexual subjects is inextricably bound to language, theorists Lee Edelman and Jasbir Puar investigate the imbrication of the sexual subject in discourses of the Child (Edelman 2004) and the nation-state (Puar 2007). Through an interdisciplinary lens, this essay builds on their conceptual frameworks in its examination of homoerotics and the figure of the Child in Cuban cultural production. Of interest is how peripheral verbal and visual language challenge discourses that fold the sexual subject and the Child into the good of the nation and the coherence of the social order. In Edelman’s argument (2004: 3), the Child and queerness are held apart: the Child is bound to futurity given that the “political order […] returns to the Child as the image of the future it intends” and queerness figures “the place of the social order’s death drive.” The queer poetics of the peripheral language examined in this essay revise the trajectory of Child to “true man,” creating new space for movement of the queer subject and the Child in the political field.
Adopting continuous delivery in AAA console games

Introduction Games are traditionally developed as a boxed-product. There is a development phase, followed by a bug-fixing phase. Once the level of quality is acceptable, game is released, development team moves on to a new project. They rarely need to maintain the product and release updates after the first few months. Games are architected as a monolithic application, developed in C++. Game package contains the executable and all the art contents, which makes up most of the package. During the development phase, the level of quality is generally low, game crashes a lot. Developers mainly care about implementing their own feature and do not think too much about the stability and quality of the game as a whole. Developers spend very little time writing automated tests and rely on manual testers to verify features. It's a common practice to develop features on feature branches. The perceived benefit is developers are productive because they can submit their work to feature branches. All features come together in the bug-fixing phase when all different parts are integrated together. At this stage, many things are broken. This is a clear example of local optimisation, as a feature submitted in a feature branch does not provide any values until it’s integrated with the rest of the game and can be released. Number of bugs could be several thousands. Everyone crunches whilst getting the game to an acceptable level. Rare’s Approach At Rare, we decided to change our approach and adopt Continuous Delivery. The main advantages compared to traditional approach are: •Sustainably delivering new features that are useful to players over a long period of time. •Minimising crunch and having happier and productive developers. •Applying hypothesis-driven development mind-set and getting rapid feedback on whether a feature is achieving the intended outcome. This allows us to listen to user feedback and deliver a better quality game that’s more fun and enjoyable for players. •Reduce the cost of having a large manual test team.
Does Declining Mitochondrial NAD+ and Unscheduled Opening of Mitochondrial Transition Pore Promote Mammalian Aging?

Abstract SCI-3 The processes that lead to the susceptibility of post-mitotic tissues to diseases of aging are poorly understood, but mitochondria are considered a key regulator. SIRT3 is mitochondrial sirtuin, a member a family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases. We have previously shown that increased levels of NAD+ in mitochondria promote cell survival in a SIRT3-dependent manner, but how this protection is mediated is unknown. Here we show that mitochondrial NAD+ levels decline dramatically with age and that SIRT3 is a critical component and regulator of the mitochondrial transition pore (MTP). Mice lacking SIRT3 exhibit hyperacetylation of the MTP with age, and as a result, develop multiple defects in post-mitotic tissues as they age, including mitochondrial defects, susceptibility to cardiac failure, and learning and memory deficits. In a mouse model of Alzheimer9s disease (AD), SIRT3 knockout mice show striking phenotypes including small size, kyphosis, and a markedly reduced lifespan. Similar to mice, human brain samples show that acetylation of the MTP increases with age and with AD. These findings indicate that declining NAD levels with age lead to memory deficits and accelerate age-related diseases in post-mitotic tissues due to a decline in SIRT3 activity and unscheduled opening of the MTP. Disclosures: Sinclair: GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties.
A low-noise MMIC amplifier as a microwave-to-optics link

A low-noise MMIC distributed amplifier was designed to operate as a microwave-to-optics link in certain radar applications. It was designed to have a small signal gain of 12 dB in the frequency band of 3.1 to 3.5 GHz. In addition to the flat gain requirement, good input and output return losses with a noise figure less than 5 dB were to be realized. The amplifier has 50 Ω input and output impedances. Test measurements on the first built prototype show that amplifier has an average small signal gain of 6.2 dB in the band under the bias conditions V ds =3.5 V, and V gs =0.56 V. Input return loss is −5.47 dB, output return loss is −9.49 dB and the average isolation is −29.51 dB. Noise figure of the amplifier changes between 5.48 and 6.46 dB in the band. A gain ripple of ±0.50 dB is obtained.
Diffractive optics fabricated by electron-beam direct write methods

Due to the stringent requirements on the lateral alignment and the large number of steps required to fabricate diffractive optics by typical microlithographic techniques, the need for more efficient methods to fabricate these elements has arisen. This paper discusses the use of electron beam lithography in fabricating diffractive optical elements by direct e-beam alignment and direct write into the electron beam resist. Many of the practical advantages and disadvantages of each method will be pointed out. In particular, current research and future research directions into such direct write problems as the proximity effect, hologram ruggedness, and lengthy exposure times will be addressed.
Read two books and call me next week: maximizing the book selection process in therapeutic reading

ABSTRACTIn this study, the authors examined the book selection process regarding therapeutic reading for twenty-two graduate counseling students in which students self-selected and read a book for therapeutic purposes. The authors applied a phenomenological data analysis approach. Research findings indicate: (a) therapeutic benefits of reading begin with book selection, (b) finding the right book fit leads to the most impact, and (c) book selection often empowers readers. The authors conclude with implications for counselor practice, and suggestions for future research.
Legal Briefs: Velamentous Cord Insertion Results in Blood Loss and Adverse Outcome

A 1,950-g, 34-week-gestation, second twin was delivered to a 34-year-old gravida 8, para 3 woman whose pregnancy was remarkable for dichorionic, diamniotic twinning and a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord, detected on fetal ultrasonography 4 months before delivery. The mother was admitted for preterm labor at 32 weeks’ gestation. During the 2-week hospitalization, the mother received magnesium sulfate for tocolysis and antenatal steroids. Her fetus’ heart rate was intermittently monitored; many variable and late decelerations were apparent. The obstetrician retained by the plaintiff was critical of the mother not being continuously monitored and was critical of the caregivers for not doing a thorough evaluation of the status of the twins in the face of the decelerations. The umbilical cord was vulnerable to contractions because it was velamentously inserted. The plaintiff obstetrician found fault with the treating obstetrician for being unaware of the velamentous cord detected prenatally. When labor ensued, oxytocin was used for augmentation; an epidural was provided. The first twin weighed 2,461 g and Apgar scores were 1 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The second twin was born 20 minutes after his sibling. The infant was covered in bright red blood and found to be pale, flaccid, and lethargic, with a weak cry. Thick blood-tinged secretions were suctioned from his nose and mouth. Positive pressure ventilation was provided for 20 seconds, followed by continuous positive airway pressure for 5 minutes while the infant was brought to the NICU. Apgar scores (assisted) were 6, 8, and 7 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. The first twin was thriving, with normal blood pressure (BP), heart rate, perfusion, and hematocrit values. The second twin had low BP initially with means in the mid-30s, which then plummeted lower after an hour, reaching a nadir of …
Arenaria lanuginosa (Caryophyllaceae), Taxonomic Status and Distribution

The geographic and morphological parameters of the widespread Arenaria lanuginosa are explored with the conclusion that in North America the species consists of two, largely allopatric, intergrading varieties: A. l. var. saxosa of the southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico, and A. l. var. lanuginosa of southern Mexico and Central America, extending into South America, where it is widespread, the Caribbean Islands, and the southeastern USA (perhaps introduced). Leaf forms occur in both taxa, these often treated as distinct populational taxa. Additionally, the taxonomic reality of A. gypsostrata, related to the A. lanuginosa complex, is reconfirmed.
Two Shelf-Edge Marine Protected Areas in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico

Publisher Summary The Madison-Swanson Marine Protected Area (MPA) and Pulley Ridge Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC), two protected areas off the Florida shelf in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, were established by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect benthos-associated organisms. However, the types of organisms and the reasons for the protection are quite different. Madison- Swanson is used by an economically valuable reef fish species, the gag grouper, as a spawning ground. Pulley Ridge contains the deepest hermatypic scleractinian coral colonies in the continental USA. Biological assessments of these protected areas were carried out in generally similar fashion: initial mapping with multibeam sonar followed by targeted observations with remote still and video cameras. The formation of the Florida carbonate platform began when North America and Africa rifted apart during the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. The principal biological interest in Madison-Swanson was a large and mobile apex predator, while in Pulley Ridge it was a sessile invertebrate. The mobility, or lack thereof, of these biological targets shaped the biological assessment strategies. In Madison-Swanson, the initial effort was complete multibeam bathymetric and backscatter mapping. These maps were used to stratify the entire reserve into seven regions. The bathymetry was used to segregate the high-relief areas, while the backscatter data were used to differentiate low-relief areas with different sediment types. Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) video transects were surveyed to confirm the habitat types within each strata.
Adult Care: Practical Considerations for Patients with Endocrine Conditions Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care

Young adults with chronic endocrine diseases are a vulnerable patient population who undergo unique developmental and life changes, which require specific expertise and resources for care. Inherent differences exist in pediatric and adult-oriented care systems, which may affect the quality and level of care that young adults receive. Pediatric care approaches the young adult as a part of the larger family support system, while adult care approaches the young adult in isolation with links to other supports. Adult providers may not be trained to specifically care for young adults or have clinic resources to address pressing developmental issues. In contrast, pediatricians may not be specifically trained in diagnosing or managing comorbidities or complications of endocrine diseases that often present in adulthood. Overall, issues related to differences between pediatric and adult care can be improved by integrated efforts aimed at several key targets. This chapter reviews the optimal adult care approach to young adults with endocrine diseases and offers choice resources and practical strategies, which can change practices to accommodate this vulnerable population.
Global Implementation of Obesity Prevention Policies: a Review of Progress, Politics, and the Path Forward

This review describes policy and regulatory strategies to prevent obesity and summarizes worldwide progress and impediments to scaling up strategies globally. While there is considerable variation in the breadth and depth of uptake of recommended strategies, the adoption of effective obesity prevention policies has been slow and inconsistent. There is broad consensus that strong government, corporate, and consumer actions, including regulatory measures, are needed to advance obesity prevention policies. Governments have lacked sufficient will to take necessary action, the food industry has actively worked to thwart policies to protect its commercial interests, and consumers have not exerted sufficient influence or demand to produce change. Advancing obesity prevention will require the use of effective strategies to shape and influence the information environments and political environments towards messages and actions to support public health. Greater emphasis is needed on reducing the influence of commercial interests, mobilizing civil society, and targeting vulnerable populations through equity-focused frameworks.
Functional and physiological effects of yoga in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.

Context Stress, both psychological and physiological, has been implicated as having a role in the onset and exacerbations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective This study investigated whether neuroendocrine and physical function in women with RA can be altered through a yoga intervention. Design Exercise intervention. Setting University research conducted at a medical clinic. Participants Sixteen independently living, postmenopausal women with an RA classification of I, II, or III according to the American College of Rheumatology functional classification system served as either participants or controls. Intervention The study group participated in three 75-minute yoga classes a week over a 10-week period. Main outcome measures At baseline and on completion of the 10-week intervention, diurnal cortisol patterns and resting heart rate were measured. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Test. Participants completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HIQ), a visual analog pain scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results Yoga resulted in a significantly decreased HAQ disability index, decreased perception of pain and depression, and improved balance. Yoga did not result in a significant change in awakening or diurnal cortisol patterns (P = .12).
Electron and positron scattering by atomic beryllium

We present calculations of cross sections for electron- and positron-scattering from atomic beryllium over a wide range of incident energies from the first inelastic thresholds to 5000 eV. We use model potentials that have been shown to be reliable over a wide energy range in previous studies. The present work includes the total, integrated elastic, momentum transfer, and differential cross sections. In addition, we have found several critical minima in the differential cross sections for both electron and positron scattering.
Acceptability and Perceived Benefits of Exercise Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women Seeking Psychiatric Care

Background: Exercise may be a potentially helpful strategy to improve mood during the perinatal period. However, little is known about the exercise behaviors and preferences of perinatal women seek...
Association of gender, age, and race on renal outcomes and mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock

Abstract Background The association of age, gender and race with renal outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock (SEP) is not completely elucidated. We aimed to shed light on these relationships. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients in the USA discharged between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2014 using the National Inpatient Sample. We adjusted analyses using the Charlson comorbidity index. Results 65,772,607 records were included of which 1,064,790 had SEP. There were 60% female and 12% African American (AA). The incidence of SEP was 1.6% and patients with SEP were older, had more AA and less females. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality among patients with SEP were 62% and 30.7% respectively. AA race was associated with increased risk of SEP, AKI and dialysis, (OR = 1.12, 1.25 and 1.7 respectively, all p Conclusion Female gender is associated with a lower risk of poor renal outcomes and death among patients with SEP, while AA race places patients at higher risk of poor outcomes in that setting. Increasing age is generally associated with adverse outcomes.
Mechanisms and management of edema in pediatric nephrotic syndrome

Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial compartment of tissues within the body. In nephrotic syndrome, edema is often seen in dependent areas such as the legs, but it can progress to cause significant accumulation in other areas leading to pulmonary edema, ascites, and/or anasarca. In this review, we focus on mechanisms and management of edema in children with nephrotic syndrome. We review the common mechanisms of edema, its burden in pediatric patients, and then present our approach and algorithm for management of edema in pediatric patients. The extensive body of experience accumulated over the last 5 decades means that there are many options, and clinicians may choose among these options based on their experience and careful monitoring of responses in individual patients.
Very High Redshift X-Ray-selected Active Galactic Nuclei in the Chandra Deep Field-North

Deep Chandra X-ray exposures provide an efficient route for locating optically faint active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at high redshifts. We use deep multicolor optical data to search for z > 5 AGNs in the 2 Ms X-ray exposure of the Chandra Deep Field-North. Of the 423 X-ray sources bright enough (z' 6. The one z > 5 object is spectroscopically confirmed at z = 5.19. Only 31 of the 77 sources with z' > 25.2 are undetected in the B or V bands at the 2 ? level and could lie at z > 5. There are too few moderate-luminosity AGNs at z = 5-6.5 to ionize the intergalactic medium.
Assessing ocean temperature’s role in fishery production

Ocean temperatures are increasing. Little work has been done to examine the effects that these changes will have on fishery production. The study at hand seeks to incorporate the influence of climate change into an established static bioeconomic fishery model. Stock biomass is approximated to be a function of sea surface temperature. Following a feasible generalized least squares regression using data from the Western and Central Pacific, the interaction between fishery effort and temperature is found to be statistically significant. From this model, various functional forms relating effort, catch, profit, and temperature are specified. In particular, a function that returns an effort requirement given a target catch level and temperature forecast is generated.The importance of these tools for fishery management is explored through application to Western and Central Pacific tuna fisheries. Recommendations for extensions into future research are made and the foundation for a model of efficient effort allocation across time and the entirety of a management area, given changing temperatures, is specified. The study has succeeded in establishing the statistically significant role that temperature plays in the fishery production function.