cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep Orographic Storms over the Sierra Nevada. Part II: The Precipitation Processes

Abstract The thermodynamic and kinematic structure of two stable orographic storms were described in Part I based on instrumented aircraft data and single Doppler radar data. The precipitation processes in these storms are described in this paper. The storms were deep with cloud top temperatures of about −25°C. Below the melting level the cloud droplet population was continental with a mean droplet diameter <10 μm. Above the melting level the cloud droplet population was maritime with mean droplet diameters of 20 to 30 μm. Near the −5°C level a peak in ice crystal concentration of 30 to 200 L−1 was observed. Since most of the ice crystals were needles, are rime-splintering secondary ice crystal production processes as generally described by Hallett and Mossop was probably occurring. Calculations of the condensation supply rates were compared with the depletion rates by deposition and accretion. The depletion rates by deposition were less than half the condensation supply rates, and the liquid water conten...
Seizure Prediction in Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the second most common serious neurological disease after stroke. This disease affects approximately 50 million people worldwide and 50-70 cases per 100,000 in the developed countries. In approximately 40% of patients with so-called partial seizures, current medications are unable to control their symptoms. One of the most devastating aspects of epilepsy is the anxiety and apprehension associated with the inability to predict when a seizure will occur. The inability to predict the time of seizure onset also implies the need for continuous medication therapy with the associated continuous side effects. For a number of years investigators and commercial-interest groups have sought methods for the early detection and anticipation of seizures so that “discontinuous” therapies could be introduced (e.g., Milton and Jung, 2003). At the heart of most predictive efforts is the description and analysis of the cerebral electrical activity reflected in the electroencephalogram (EEG). The brain electrical activity of a patient with epilepsy shows abnormal and often rhythmic discharges during the seizure. This activity pattern is called an electrographic seizure. Between such electrographic seizures, short discharges (spikes) are also frequently observed in the EEG of these patients. Identification of these activity patterns in clinical practice has typically been a subjective process. The introduction of computer-based instrumentation and analysis to the field of electroencephalography made evaluation of automated spike and seizure detection techniques possible (e.g., Gotman and Gloor, 1976; Gotman et ai, 1979; Gotman, 1982). During the 1980s, the EEG during seizure activity was characterized using more complex measures such as those derived from chaos theory (e.g., Babloyantz and Destexhe, 1986; van Erp, 1988). There were a number of “early” reports of the successful application of frequency-domain template analyses and auto-regressive models to the problem of seizure prediction (e.g., Viglione and Walsh, 1975; Rogowski et al, 1981).
Relationship maintenance behaviors: a cross-cultural examination of emerging adults in romantic relationships

Attachment and maintenance behaviors in romantic relationships were examined in Americans (n = 324) and Malaysians (n = 182). Findings indicated that avoidant attachment more strongly influenced maintenance behaviors in both countries compared to anxious attachment. Compared to the American participants, Malaysian participants reported higher anxious and avoidant attachment. Unlike the American participants, Malaysian men and women did not significantly differ in their attachment and maintenance behaviors, although men reported higher maintenance behaviors and lower avoidant attachment. There appeared to be a distinct division based on traditional sex-role socialization among the American participants in which women did more to maintain relationships. Clinical implications are discussed.
An approach to quantify sources, seasonal change, and biogeochemical processes affecting metal loading in streams: Facilitating decisions for remediation of mine drainage

Abstract Historical mining has left complex problems in catchments throughout the world. Land managers are faced with making cost-effective plans to remediate mine influences. Remediation plans are facilitated by spatial mass-loading profiles that indicate the locations of metal mass-loading, seasonal changes, and the extent of biogeochemical processes. Field-scale experiments during both low- and high-flow conditions and time-series data over diel cycles illustrate how this can be accomplished. A low-flow experiment provided spatially detailed loading profiles to indicate where loading occurred. For example, SO 4 2 - was principally derived from sources upstream from the study reach, but three principal locations also were important for SO 4 2 - loading within the reach. During high-flow conditions, Lagrangian sampling provided data to interpret seasonal changes and indicated locations where snowmelt runoff flushed metals to the stream. Comparison of metal concentrations between the low- and high-flow experiments indicated substantial increases in metal loading at high flow, but little change in metal concentrations, showing that toxicity at the most downstream sampling site was not substantially greater during snowmelt runoff. During high-flow conditions, a detailed temporal sampling at fixed sites indicated that Zn concentration more than doubled during the diel cycle. Monitoring programs must account for diel variation to provide meaningful results. Mass-loading studies during different flow conditions and detailed time-series over diel cycles provide useful scientific support for stream management decisions.
Research Note---The Impact of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement on Open Source Software Project Success

We investigate how intellectual property rights IPR enforcement against developers and users of open source software OSS affects the success of related OSS projects. We hypothesize that when an IPR enforcement action is filed, user interest and developer activity will be negatively affected in two types of related OSS projects---those that display technology overlap with the OSS application in dispute and business projects that are specific to the disputed OSS platform. We examine two widely publicized lawsuits---SCO v. IBM and FireStar/DataTern v. Red Hat---using data from SourceForge.net. Our difference-in-difference estimates show that in the months following the filing of SCO v. IBM, OSS projects that exhibit high technology overlap with the disputed OSS experienced a 15% greater decline in user interest and 45% less developer activity than projects in the control group; OSS projects that are intended for business and specific to the disputed OSS platform had a 34% greater decline in user interest and 86% less developer activity than the control group. We find similar results following the filing of FireStar/DataTern v. Red Hat. Our results are also robust to a variety of robustness checks, including a falsification exercise and subsample analyses.
Design and evaluation of online arithmetic for signal processing applications on FPGAs

Thispapershowsthedesignandtheevaluationofon-linearithmeticmodulesforthemostcommonoperatorsusedin DSPapplications,usingFPGAsasthetargettechnology. Thedesignsarehighlyoptimizedforthetargettechnology and the common range of precision in DSP. The results are based on experimental data collected using CAD tools. All designs are synthesized for the same type of devices (Xilinx XC4000) for comparison, avoiding rough estimates of the system performance, and generating a more reliable and detailed comparison of on-line signal processing solutionswithother‘stateoftheart’approaches,suchasdistributedarithmetic. Weshowthaton-linedesignshave a hard stand for basic DSP applications that use only addition and multiplication. However, we also show that on-linedesignsareabletoovertakeotherapproachesastheapplicationsbecomemoresophisticated,e.g.whendata dependencies exist, or when non constant multiplicands restrict the use of other approaches.
Interaction of nitroglycerin with human blood components.

Abstract □ Nitroglycerin is rapidly lost from solution when incubated with red blood cells or whole blood. The assumption that the loss is enzymatic in nature may not be true, since no major metabolite is detected during this incubation. Explanation on the basis of a chemical reaction is also difficult, since the products of the chemical hydrolysis of nitroglycerin are the same as the metabolic products. After an initial rapid loss, nitroglycerin disappearance at 37° follows an apparent first-order process in the concentration range of 10-480 ng/ml when incubated with washed red blood cells suspended in normal saline solution. The half-life for the reaction of the apparent first-order phase varies with the initial concentration and increases as the concentration increases (4 min at 10 ng/ml, 52 min at 480 ng/ml), suggesting a mixed kinetic mechanism. Metabolites of nitroglycerin (1,2- and 1,3-dinitroglycerin) react similarly to nitroglycerin in terms of an apparent initial, fast step, a secondary first-order dependence, and concentration-dependent rate effects; however, the rate of the reaction is much slower (t 1/2 = 33 min at 10 ng/ml) for the metabolite. These data suggest the possibility of a physical mechanism for the loss of nitroglycerin. Since the loss to red blood cells can be rapid, it seems that the mechanism should be delineated, and that the rate of disappearnce be considered in an analysis of the pharmacodynamics of the drug.
The current role of profundaplasty in complex arterial reconstruction

By use of direct surgical procedures, including endarterectomy and patch angioplasty, the reconstructed profunda femoris artery has been employed to treat symptoms of claudication from femoral-popliteal occlusive disease and to facilitate healing of amputations that spare the knee joint. As the techniques of distal arterial bypass have become more sophisticated with improved long-term patency, the role of profundaplasty has changed. Sixty-eight reconstructions of the profunda femoris artery were reviewed for 51 patients with limb-threatening ischemia (69%), claudication (28%), or infected prosthetic vascular grafts (3%). Thirty-three (49%) of the limbs had undergone 73 prior arterial reconstructions. Forty-nine patients had inflow procedures performed at the time of the profundaplasty, and 13 had concomitant reconstruction of arterial outflow. In only 6 cases was the procedure an isolated profundaplasty. Successful profundaplasty was defined as primary patency of the vascular reconstruction. By life table analysis, revascularizations utilizing profundaplasty had a primary patency of 81% at one year, 64% at two years, and 54% at four years. The series achieved a limb salvage rate of 96% at four years. Isolated profundaplasty is seldom utilized to treat critical ischemia of the lower extremity. The current role of profundaplasty places the procedure as an important adjunct to achieve long-term limb salvage and patency of complex vascular reconstructions.
User interface development and software environments: the Chiron-1 system

The authors discuss a list of requirements which should be met by the user interface development system (UIDS) to address the special demands of software environments. Chiron-1 uses an annotation-based, concurrent model which makes a clear separation between an application's functional and user interface parts, while still promoting effective communication between those parts. The UIDS model and language interface and the UIDS architecture are described. The authors describe how applications are built with Chiron-1, and illustrate the process with an example. Important Chiron-1 concepts are presented, and their significance in the software environment context is explained. The authors detail some design issues and report on the status of current work and the plans for future research. >
Channel equalization using an Euclidean direction search based adaptive algorithm

An adaptive filtering algorithm based on the Euclidean direction search (EDS) method is presented for channel equalization. It is shown that this algorithm has a computational complexity of O(N), where N is the number of adaptable filter coefficients. It is also proven that the algorithm converges to the true solution and that the convergence rate of the EDS method is superior to that of the well known LMS algorithm. Computer simulations of channel equalization using the EDS method exhibit a fast rate of convergence and low sensitivity to the eigenvalue spread of the correlation matrix.
Measurement and Modeling of Intrinsic Stresses in CVD W Lines

We have studied stress states in chemical vapor deposited (CVD) tungsten (W) for both blanket films and lines, to understand better the mechanical implications of intrinsic stress for interconnection structures. Since W has a low mobility at its deposition temperature, a very large intrinsic stress develops during deposition. Intrinsic strains in blanket W films were measured with an X-ray technique. The measured strains correspond to a biaxial tensile stress of the order of 1 GPa. This result was used to provide an initial strain input in a finite element calculation to obtain intrinsic stress states in W lines. SEM observation of cross sections of the metal lines enabled us to determine the growth pattern of the W, and infer the boundary conditions during growth. Finite Element Method (FEM) calculations of the room temperature stress in the lines, including both intrinsic and thermal components, are in good agreement with X-ray determinations.
SPACE-BASED MICROGRAVITY DROPLET COMBUSTION EXPERIMENTS

Recent droplet combustion experiments conducted in space are reviewed. Results from the Fiber Supported Droplet Combustion Experiments (FSDC-1 & 2) conducted in the Glovebox facility during USML-2 and MSL-1 missions and the free-floated Droplet Combustion Experiment (DCE) conducted in a rack-level facility in the Spacelab during MSL-1 flights are presented. Plans for the future FSDC-3 experiments and the DCE-2 experiment are also discussed.
Comentarios sobre teorias feministas na/s America/s Latina/s: a politica transnacional da traducao (traduc.)

Comentarios sobre os artigos de Francine Masiello, Norma Klahn, Simone Schmidt e Kia Caldewell publicados neste numero da Revista Estudos Feministas.
Some Biochemical and Serologic Properties of the Pneumococcal C Polysaccharide.

SummaryThe serologically active C polysaccharide of pneumococcus was isolated as a substance fairly homogeneous in ultracentrifuge (S20w = 3) and on paper electrophoresis consisting of glucosamine, galactosamine, and glucose, and a uridine nucleotide composed of UDP, muramic acid and a peptide consisting chiefly of alanine, glycine, glutamic and diaminopimelic acids with a trace of serine. It could be precipitated by streptomycin and redissolved in 1 M NaCl. Removal of the uridine nucleotide by mild acid hydrolysis destroyed the serological activity and the uridine nucleotide removed was capable of inhibiting the C-CRP reaction, as was uridine monophosphate in a concentration of 1 mg/ml. It is suggested that the uridine nucleotide portion of the C substance is responsible for its complexing with human CRP.
METB-01METABOLIC REPROGRAMMING DURING RESISTANCE TO ANTI-ANGIOGENIC THERAPY

Clinical trials revealed limited response duration of glioblastomas to VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab. Thriving in the harsh microenvironment created by anti-angiogenic therapy requires that tumors metabolically adapt to decreased nutrients. We investigated the hypothesis that metabolic reprogramming occurs during the evolution of anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Bevacizumab treatment lowered glucose levels 3-fold in U87 xenografts (P 0.05). HSP60 was the only assessed mitochondrial enzyme with less expression in U87-BevR versus U87-BevS xenografts (P 0.05). We found bevacizumab resistance to be associated with greater GLUT3-mediated uptake of the reduced glucose levels, impaired mitochondrial health, and greater lipid production. Treatments targeting these potential points of weakness in resistant tumors should be developed and considered for use alongside anti-angiogenic therapy in glioblastoma.
The Bactericidal Mechanisms of Antibiotic Drugs

(1967). The Bactericidal Mechanisms of Antibiotic Drugs. Hospital Practice: Vol. 2, No. 7, pp. 54-58.
Kinetic and Conformational Insights of Protein Adsorption onto Montmorillonite Revealed Using in Situ ATR-FTIR/2D-COS

Protein adsorption onto clay minerals is a process with wide-ranging impacts on the environmental cycling of nutrients and contaminants. This process is influenced by kinetic and conformational factors that are often challenging to probe in situ. This study represents an in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic investigation of the adsorption of a model protein (bovine serum albumin (BSA)) onto a clay mineral (montmorillonite) at four concentrations (1.50, 3.75, 7.50, and 15.0 μM) under environmentally relevant conditions. At all concentrations probed, FTIR spectra show that BSA readily adsorbs onto montmorillonite. Adsorption kinetics follow an Elovich model, suggesting that primary limitations on adsorption rates are surface-related heterogeneous energetic restrictions associated with protein rearrangement and lateral protein-protein interaction. BSA adsorption onto montmorillonite fits the Langmuir model, yielding K = 5.97 × 10(5) M(-1). Deconvolution and curve fitting of the amide I band at the end of the adsorption process (∼120 min) shows a large extent of BSA unfolding upon adsorption at 1.50 μM, with extended chains and turns increasing at the expense of α-helices. At higher concentrations/surface coverages, BSA unfolding is less pronounced and a more compact structure is assumed. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopic (2D-COS) analysis reveals three different pathways corresponding to adsorbed conformations. At 1.50 μM, adsorption increases extended chains, followed by a loss in α-helices and a subsequent increase in turns. At 3.75 μM, extended chains decrease and then aggregated strands increase and side chains decrease, followed by a decrease in turns. With 7.50 and 15.0 μM BSA, the loss of side-chain vibrations is followed by an increase in aggregated strands and a subsequent decrease in turns and extended chains. Overall, the BSA concentration and resultant surface coverage have a profound impact on the dynamics of BSA adsorption onto montmorillonite. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular-level protein dynamics and stabilization of organic matter at mineral surfaces.
Abstract 1113: Mir-194-3p suppresses tumorigenic potential of glioblastoma stem cells by targeting the canonical NF-kB pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common tumor of the central nervous system, with its deadly nature owing to high rates of invasion and angiogenesis. A key element in its pathogenesis is a small subpopulation of neoplastic cells called glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance and relapse. Approaches to target GSCs have mostly proved futile due to their chemo- and radio-resistance potential. Given that microRNAs carry a potential to affect both normal and stem cells, we employed a microRNA-based targeted approach to identify the subset of microRNAs that could distinctively affect the stemness of GSCs. Our study tests the hypothesis that GSCs will show an altered miRNA expression upon their differentiation, and their profiling may lead to identification of specific microRNAs that regulate the process. Our initial efforts resulted in identification of hsa-miR-194-3p as one of the potential candidates, which was consistently downregulated in multiple GSCs that we investigated. Stable cell lines overexpressing hsa-miR-194-3p showed a decreased proliferation rate and reduced sphere-forming ability. In silico analysis revealed TAB2, an upstream activator of NF-κB pathway to be the potential target of hsa-miR-194-3p, which was confirmed by luciferase assay and knockdown approaches. The regulatory role of hsa-miR-194-3p was substantiated by its ability to inhibit the NF-κB pathway and the corresponding downstream targets including IL-6 and STAT3. In vivo studies revealed a reduced tumor forming ability when the cell lines overexpressing hsa-miR-194-3p were injected intracranially in NOD/SCID mice, compared with the non-target control. Our results indicate that hsa-miR-194-3p blocked the canonical NF-κB signaling and negatively affected tumor formation. We have carried out this study this in a unique model system expecting it to uncover another layer of complexity that may add a new facet to meet the challenge imposed by the cancer stem cell paradigm. In conclusion, we accentuate the anti-tumorigenic role of hsa-miR-194-3p as a connecting link to both stemness and NF-κB signaling. Funding sources: This work was supported by R01CA108633 (To AC), 1RC2CA148190 (To AC) U10CA180850-01 (To AC), 1R01CA169368 (To AC) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Brain Tumor Funders Collaborative Grant (To AC), Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Award (To AC). Citation Format: Rajbir Singh, Kamalakannan Palanichamy, John R. Jacob, Arnab Chakravarti. Mir-194-3p suppresses tumorigenic potential of glioblastoma stem cells by targeting the canonical NF-kB pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1113.
The Golden Ratio (1.62) as a dimensionless biological constant

Regarding the significance of the Golden Ratio, 1.62, in phenomena as described by Boeyens and Thackeray in 2014, I also - in a 1998 publication - demonstrated its significant and unifying role in physical and biological reality. It was demonstrated that the Golden Ratio is an inherent, dimensionless biological constant composing the dimensional physical constants of physics. In that article, it was also shown that this biological constant reflects a regenerative, adaptive or accommodating process operating through all scales of reality, from the sub-quantum, through the biological, to the cosmological level of organisation, and in so doing, giving a fractal unity to such realities, uniting quantum reality with cosmological reality, hence quantum reality with the reality of general relativity. Through a simple mathematical analysis, it was also found and noted that this dimensionless biological constant denotes a near infinitesimal, regenerative feature of space-time. Also described was how the dimensionless biological constant defined reality or space-time as having a vortical or spiral morphology. In 1949, the mathematician Kurt Godel, in solving in a new way the differential field equations from general relativity, showed the universe as having a spiral or vortical space-time geometry through the rotation of matter.
Generative Rhetoric and Public Argument: A Classical Approach

This essay seeks to establish grounds in the classical tradition for the concept of generative rhetoric, an approach to argument that finds the means of social change in the generative capacity of ...
Impact of body mass index and operative approach on surgical morbidity and costs in women with endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia

Objective To assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) and operative approach on surgical morbidity and costs in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and hyperplasia (EH).
Project ACCRUE Exploring Options to Increase Awareness of AIDS Malignancy Consortium Clinical Trials in North Carolina

BACKGROUND Longer lifespans conferred by antiretroviral therapy result in more time exposed to cancer risk for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Given limited diversity in AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC) clinical trials, there is need for new approaches to educate PLWHA in order to improve awareness and participation in AMC trials.METHODS With input from a community advisory board, Project ACCRUE (AMC Clinical Trials at Carolina Ramp Up Enrollment) conducted a key informant interview with service providers; online organizational surveys of AMC trial awareness and resource needs; and "lunch and learn" educational sessions, including pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments.RESULTS Providers indicated that transportation, mistrust of the medical community, and affordability were barriers to trial participation, while printed educational materials could facilitate trial recruitment. Providers indicated that their clients had concerns about participating in trials, but also recognized several benefits of participation including access to medical personnel and treatment, receipt of monetary incentives, and a feeling of satisfaction from helping others. In lunch and learn sessions, use of an audience response system to collect questionnaire data improved scores on knowledge-based items [S(55) = 460; P < .0001] compared to a pencil and paper test [S(20) = 12.5; P = .6541].LIMITATIONS Generalizability may have been compromised by the small sample size. Long-term recall was not measured, and the short retest interval may have impacted post-intervention assessments.CONCLUSIONS Service providers recognize the benefits of working with researchers to educate patients about HIV-related cancers and participation in clinical trials. Lunch and learn sessions improved knowledge and perceptions about clinical trials for PLWHA.
Study on Stabilizing Cubic HfO2 Doped Y2O3 using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Traditionally, the most common gate insulator used in transistors is Silicon Dioxide or SiO 2 ; however, as transistors are made smaller and smaller a breaking point has been reached such that SiO 2 no longer acts as an insulator. For this reason, in order to continue improving transistor density, a material or a combination of materials must replace or be added to SiO 2 as a gate insulator. HfO 2 seems to be a promising candidate due to its higher dielectric constant compared to Si 2 and large band gap. Furthermore, by doping this HfO 2 with Yttrium Oxide or Y 2 O 3 , the structural transformation from the monoclinic to the cubic phase is possible, consequently maintaining a higher dielectric constant. Several different samples of HfO 2 with varying concentrations of Y 2 O 3 were studied using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) in order to analyze the structure alterations at various temperatures.
Mitral valve repair and subvalvular intervention for secondary mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled and propensity matched studies.

Background: Combining a ring annuloplasty (Ring) with a mitral subvalvular intervention (Ring + subvalvular) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) may improve mitral valve (MV) repair durability. However, the outcomes of this strategy compared with a Ring only, have not been clearly defined. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed utilizing randomized controlled and propensity matched studies which compared a Ring + subvalvular versus Ring MV repair for the treatment of secondary MR. Risk ratio (RR), weighted mean difference (MD), and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel and inverse-variance methods, for clinical outcomes and echocardiographic measures of follow-up MR, left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, and MV apparatus geometry. Results: Five studies were identified, with a total of 397 patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, and all patients had moderate to severe secondary MR, with the vast majority in the setting of ischemic cardiomyopathy. A Ring + subvalvular repair consisted of papillary muscle approximation (n=2), papillary muscle relocation (n=2), or secondary chordal cutting (n=1). Follow-up ranged from 10.1 (mean range =0.25–42) to 69 [interquartile range (IQR) =23–82] months. When compared with Ring only at last follow-up, a Ring + subvalvular MV repair was associated with: (I) a smaller MR grade (MD =−0.44, 95% CI −0.69 to −0.19; P=0.0005); (II) a reduced risk of moderate or greater recurrent MR (RR =0.43, 95% CI, 0.27–0.66; P=0.0002); (III) a smaller mean LV end-diastolic diameter (MD =−3.56 mm, 95% CI −5.40 to −1.73; P=0.0001) and a greater ejection fraction (MD =2.64%, 95% CI, 0.13–5.15; P=0.04); and, (IV) an improved MV apparatus geometry. There were no differences in operative mortality, post-operative morbidity, or follow-up survival between surgical approaches. Conclusions: When compared with Ring only, a Ring + subvalvular MV repair is associated with greater LV reverse remodeling and systolic function, less recurrence of moderate or greater MR, and an improved geometry of the MV apparatus at short and mid-term follow-up.
Abstract P157: Assessment of Vascular Endothelial Function in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and Healthy Controls

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by an excessive rise in HR and symptoms consistent with cerebral hypoperfusion while upright. Increased sympathetic activity may contribute to this condition and may also impair nitric oxide (NO)-function. We evaluated NO function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and Peripheral Artery Tonometry (PAT) in POTS patients and age-matched controls. We studied 16 POTS patients (30±2 years, BMI 22.3±1 kg/m 2 ) and 7 healthy control subjects (HC; 31±2 years, BMI 22.1±1 kg/m 2 ). Medications affecting BP, blood volume, the immune system, and autonomic function, were withheld for ≥5 half-lives. All subjects followed the same low-monoamine, caffeine-free diet for ≥3 days before testing. Endothelial function was measured as the percentage change in FMD (%FMD) and using the reactive hyperemic index (RHI) for PAT. We also measured autonomic function, plasma levels of catecholamines, renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone. We found that POTS patients had a significantly blunted FMD (6.11±0.8 vs. 9.67±1.6 %, P=0.049, figure), compared to healthy controls. This blunted FMD response was similar as what our group has reported in obese hypertensive females (N=13, 5.7±0.9%, figure). Also, as expected they had higher upright HR (121±6 vs. 90±6 bpm, for POTS and HC, P=0.020). There were no differences in PAT (2.08±0.12, vs. 1.8±0.13 RHI, for POTS and HC, P=0.168). There were no differences in norepinephrine (765±150 vs. 545±39 pg/mL, P=0.955), renin activity (5.3±1.3 vs. 5.2±1.6 ng/mL/hr, P=0.735) or aldosterone (19.6±3.8 vs. 15.9±5.5 ng/dL, P=0.129).
Optimising the cost-effectiveness of speed limit enforcement cameras

Background Using the 140 speed cameras in New York City (NYC) as a case study, we explore how to optimise the number of cameras such that the most lives can be saved at the lowest cost. Methods A Markov model was built to explore the economic and health impacts of speed camera installations in NYC as well as the optimal number and placement. Both direct and indirect medical savings associated with speed cameras are weighed against their cost. Health outcomes are measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results Over the lifetime of an average NYC resident, the existing 140 speed cameras increase QALYs by 0.00044 units (95% credible interval (CrI) 0.00027 to 0.00073) and reduce costs by US$70 (95% CrI US$21 to US$131) compared with no speed cameras. The return on investment would be maximised where the number of cameras more than doubled to 300. This would further increase QALY gains per resident by 0.00083 units (95% CrI 0.00072 to 0.00096) while reducing medical costs by US$147 (95% CrI US$70 to US$221) compared with existing speed cameras. Overall, this increase in cameras would save 7000 QALYs and US$1.2 billion over the lifetime of the current cohort of New Yorkers. Conclusion Speed cameras rank among the most cost-effective social policies, saving both money and lives.
Abstract WMP64: Door to Groin Puncture Times in Patients Managed on a Mobile Stroke Unit: Pilot Data

Introduction: The BEST-MSU study is an ongoing comparison of management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) on a mobile stroke unit (MSU) versus standard management (SM) by emergency medical services. Recent trials have demonstrated that intra-arterial therapy (IAT) is safe and effective in select AIS patients. MSU management may allow prescreening and reduce door to groin puncture time (DTG). Objective: The purpose of this analysis is to look at IAT metrics in order to determine the sample size needed to compare MSU versus SM. Methods: Using preliminary data including data from the unblinded "run-in" phase, we identified 12 AIS patients (5/15/14-6/30/15) evaluated by MSU within 4.5 hours from last-seen-normal who went on to IAT. We report DTG and calculated the sample size needed to show a reduction of at least 30 minutes. We also did a preliminary analysis of DTG trends over time. Results: Baseline characteristics and clinical variables for our pilot patients are found in the table. In cases when the MSU pre-notified the inpatient stroke team and the patient was taken straight to CTA scan from the ambulance, DTG were 80 and 66 minutes. In general, over time the frequency of patients on MSU who underwent IAT increased and DTG decreased (Figure) but small sample size precludes statistical conclusions. Given the mean DTGs and variability, to be 80% confident with a 5% significance level that the MSU will shorten these times by at least 30 minutes, 46 patients will be needed in each group. Conclusion: MSU management may reduce DTG, but further study is needed to detect any difference between MSU and SM, as well as to address longterm outcomes.
Conspiracy of Silence

Medicine is of all the arts the most noble; but, owing to the ignorance of those who practice it, and of those who, inconsiderately, form a judgment of them, it is at present far behind all the other arts. Their mistake appears to me to arise principally from this, that in the cities there is no punishment connected with the malpractice of medicine (and with it alone) except disgrace, and that does not hurt those who are familiar with it. T HESE RATHER STRONG WORDS of criticism are those of the most distinguished physician of history-Hippocrates.' The revered Hippocratic Oath calls upon every physician to proclaim: 2 Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption. Hippocrates' concern for discipline of the medical profession by itself and by society found its cognate in the Code of Hammurabi of 1750 B. C., which provided that if a physician caused a man's death or the loss of his eye by an operation, the physician's fingers were to be cut off. If he caused the death of a slave, he was obliged to restore a slave of equal value. 3 The later Justinian Code of the Romans made a similar provision, that if a surgeon operates on one's slave, and then neglects altogether to attend to his cure, or operates unskillfully, so that the slave dies in consequence, he is liable for the highest value of that slave within the preceding year. 4 In this country our own legal history includes the very early malpractice case of Cross v. Guthrie 5 in 1794 when a jury awarded $120.00 for the wrongful death of the plaintiff's wife as a result of the de
Agency Slack and the Design of Criminal Justice Institutions

This book chapter analyzes the problem of state wrongs in criminal justice institutions. The chapter first evaluates the need for institutional design solutions, as opposed to political solutions, or other responses exogenous to the structure and basic operation of criminal justice institutions. The second half of the chapter defines and explores two pivotal design choices that a democratic principal must make in creating criminal justice institutions. First, should policy responses or remedies be ex ante or ex post? And second, should they be public or privatized?
Biochemical and Structural Insights into an Allelic Variant Causing the Lysosomal Storage Disorder Aspartylglucosaminuria.

Aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by defects of the hydrolase glycosylasparaginase (GA). Previously, we showed that a Canadian AGU mutation disrupts an obligatory intramolecular autoprocessing with the enzyme trapped as an inactive precursor. Here, we report biochemical and structural characterizations of a model enzyme corresponding to a Finnish AGU allele, the T234I variant. Unlike the Canadian counterpart, the Finnish variant is capable of a slow autoprocessing to generate detectible hydrolyzation activity of the natural substrate of GA. We have determined a 1.6 A-resolution structure of the Finnish AGU model and built an enzyme-substrate complex to provide a structural basis for analyzing the negative effects of the point mutation on KM and kcat of the mature enzyme. ENZYME Glycosylasparaginase or aspartylglucosaminidase, EC3.5.1.26.
Application of 3D Imaging Technology to Latent Fingermark Aging Studies

In most latent fingermark aging studies, two-dimensional (2D) features are obtained from photo images, scans, or inked impressions. However, some relevant information is possibly being missed because fingermarks are three-dimensional (3D) objects that age in all three dimensions. A feature that has not been carefully examined is how the height of ridges changes over time. In this report, a 3D imaging technology-called optical profilometry-is introduced as a tool for the visual examination of the aging process. Optical profilometry is a nondestructive technology that allows the visualization and data acquisition of unprocessed latent fingermarks. Detailed ridge images and spatiotemporal data were successively obtained on the x-, y- and z-axis, delivering 3D topographical information. OP was able to detect the loss of ridge heights over time. The feasibility of employing this technology to collect data on the aging process of ridges has been proven.
Character in context: Character structure among United States Military Academy cadets

Research about the structure of character has largely assessed purported universal attributes. However, character develops within specific social, cultural and institutional contexts. As part of th...
Molecular Dynamics Investigations of Dibutyl-phosphoric Acid—Parameterization and Dimerization

A reparameterized molecular dynamics force field for dibutyl-phosphoric acid (HDBP) has been developed. Parameterization was done using the general Amber force field, as a starting point. The density and dipole moment of bulk phase simulations compare well to that of known experimental values, and the heat of vaporization is comparable to an estimated empirical value. All values have been optimized to within 4%. The newly optimized force field was validated against the self-diffusion coefficient, matching experimental data to within 18%, which is a significant improvement compared to the nonoptimized force field. Further, a potential of mean force study was carried out to understand the behavior of hydrogen bonds in HDBP dimers. This required the determination of hydrogen bonding criteria that captures the behavior of the HDBP dimer and is reported in this work as well.
Abstract TMP71: The Los Angeles Motor Scale - Atrial Fibrillation (LAMS-AF) Score is Superior to LAMS in Predicting Large Vessel Occlusion

Background: There is evidence that suggests that a LAMS >/= 4 is a good predictor of LVO and this threshold is oftentimes used to triage stroke patients in the field to the nearest comprehensive st...
Economic Sanctions Endanger Nuclear Medicine Services in Iran.

TO THE EDITOR: The recent withdrawal of the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, followed by economic, trade, and financial sanctions against Iran, has had a deleterious effect on nuclear medicine, on the supply of both radiotracers and spare parts for nuclear medicine devices. Although
Linear-Time Algorithm for Learning Large-Scale Sparse Graphical Models

We consider the graphical lasso, a popular optimization problem for learning the sparse representations of high-dimensional datasets, which is well-known to be computationally expensive for large-scale problems. A recent line of results has shown–under mild assumptions–that the sparsity pattern of the graphical lasso estimator can be retrieved by soft-thresholding the sample covariance matrix. Based on this result, a closed-form solution has been obtained that is optimal when the thresholded sample covariance matrix has an acyclic structure. In this paper, we prove an extension of this result to generalized graphical lasso (GGL), where additional sparsity constraints are imposed based on prior knowledge. Furthermore, we describe a recursive closed-form solution for the problem when the thresholded sample covariance matrix is chordal. By building upon this result, we describe a novel Newton-Conjugate Gradient algorithm that can efficiently solve the GGL with general structures. Assuming that the thresholded sample covariance matrix is sparse with a sparse Cholesky factorization, we prove that the algorithm converges to an $\epsilon $ -accurate solution in $O(n\log (1/\epsilon))$ time and $O(n)$ memory. The algorithm is highly efficient in practice: we solve instances with as many as 200000 variables to 7–9 digits of accuracy in less than an hour on a standard laptop computer running MATLAB.
Bilateral Synovial Cysts as a Rare Cause of Myelopathy in a 38-year-old Woman.

Synovial cysts are rare, and they occur even more rarely bilaterally or in the cervical spine. A 38-year-old previously healthy female presented with acute onset of numbness and tingling down her arms and weakness in her legs, which progressed steadily over 2-3 weeks to include significant gait disturbance. She denied bowel or bladder symptoms, saddle anesthesia, night sweats, weight loss, fever, or chills. MRI spine revealed a C7-T1 extradural mass consistent with bilateral synovial cysts emanating from bilateral neuroforamina resulting in critical spinal cord compression with T2 signal change in the cord. There was questionable patch enhancement after gadolinium contrast. The patient underwent C7-T1 laminectomies and partial bilateral medial facetectomies with excision of the cysts. Intraoperative cultures unexpectedly grew Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting superinfection of cysts. The patient recovered neurologic function postoperatively and was discharged on a 6-week course of IV antibiotics. We report and discuss the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and neuroradiological findings in an adult case of bilateral synovial cysts at the C-T-spine junction. Immediate resection at symptom onset is indicated due to the good clinical outcome following resection and the real risk of paralysis if cysts are not excised in a timely fashion.
Optimizing Screening for HIV.

Author(s): Chaillon, Antoine; Hoenigl, Martin; Freitas, Lorri; Feldman, Haruna; Tilghman, Winston; Wang, Lawrence; Smith, Davey; Little, Susan; Mehta, Sanjay R | Abstract: BackgroundThe HIV epidemic is unevenly distributed throughout the United States, even within neighborhoods. This study evaluated how effectively current testing approaches reached persons at risk for HIV infection across San Diego (SD) County, California.MethodsHIV case and testing data, sexually transmitted infection (STI) data, and sociodemographic data for SD County were collected from the SD Health and Human Services Agency and the "Early Test" community-based HIV screening program between 1998 and 2016. Relationships between HIV diagnoses, HIV prevalence, and STI diagnoses with screening at the ZIP code level were evaluated.ResultsOverall, 379 074 HIV tests were performed. The numbers of HIV tests performed on persons residing in a ZIP code or region overall strongly correlated with prevalent HIV cases (R 2 = .714), new HIV diagnoses (R 2 = .798), and STI diagnoses (R 2 = .768 [chlamydia], .836 [gonorrhea], .655 [syphilis]) in those regions. ZIP codes with the highest HIV prevalence had the highest number of tests per resident and fewest number of tests per diagnosis. Even though most screening tests occurred at fixed venues located in high-prevalence areas, screening of residents from lower-prevalence areas was mostly proportional to the prevalence of HIV and rates of new HIV and STI diagnoses in those locales.ConclusionsThis study supported the ability of a small number of standalone testing centers to reach at-risk populations dispersed across SD County. These methods can also be used to highlight geographic areas or demographic segments that may benefit from more intensive screening.
Evaluation of Fecal Sand Clearance in Horses With Naturally Acquired Colonic Sand Accumulation With a Product Containing Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Psyllium

Abstract Consumption of sand and dirt in horses can cause chronic diarrhea and colic because of irritation and obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract of horses. Prevention has primarily focused on changes in management to reduce the intake of sand and feeding of psyllium products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a product containing probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium in the clearance of colonic sand in horses with naturally acquired sand accumulation using a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial format. After identification of 10 horses with sand accumulation as determined by both auscultation and abdominal radiography, quantitative assessment of changes in colonic sand content in response to management changes combined with treatment with the probiotic/psyllium product or no treatment was assessed by blinded observers. Fecal sand output was monitored in both groups via sand sedimentation analysis of fecal samples every 3 days for 35 days and with pre- and post-treatment abdominal radiography. There was a significant reduction in sand accumulation in both treatment and control groups, but there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups in clearance of colonic sand as measured by both fecal sand sedimentation and quantitative radiography.
Economic and Operational Evaluation of PV and CHP combined with Energy Storage Systems considering Energy and Regulation Markets

The efficient and clean energy utilization paradigm has proved to be a realistic and economical solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the efficiency of the energy network. Recently, more projects have been focused on Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) including photovoltaic (PV) panel, combined heat and power (CHP), fuel-cell (FC), and energy storage systems, due to their capability to be utilized as local resources to reduce the power loss because of long-distance transmission. In this paper, we present a mathematical model to evaluate the operational and financial analysis on DERs such as CHP, PV systems, and thermal/electrical energy storage installed at the behind-the-meter (BTM) customers' premises considering both energy and ancillary services markets. The objective is to drive the financial and resiliency value of DERs and determine the key factors such as DER portfolios, and the pricing structures of electricity and natural gas distribution companies (EDCs and GDCs). We conclude that different types of energy tariffs will affect the financial aspect of DER projects. Also, findings emphasize the critical role of incentive programs for energy storage systems in increasing the resiliency of the power grid during blackouts.
Binuclear copper clusters as active sites for oxidases.

I would like to review briefly the evidence supporting the concept that binuclear clusters of copper ions form an important category of active site for the enzymes catalyzing the reactions of dioxygen. In addition, I will summarize some results of my coworkers relating to the properties of the binuclear copper clusters in Cancer magister methemocyanin and Agarieus bispora tyrosinase. In these copper proteins the properties of the binuclear clusters are not complicated by the presence of copper ions of other types.