cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magma-Driven Multiple Dike Propagation and Fracture Toughness of Crustal Rocks

[1] Dike swarms consisting of tens to thousands of subparallel dikes are commonly observed at Earth's surface, raising the possibility of simultaneous propagation of two or more dikes at various stages of a swarm's development. The behavior of multiple propagating dikes differs from that of a single dike owing to the interacting stress fields associated with each dike. We analyze an array of parallel, periodically spaced dikes that grow simultaneously from an overpressured source into a semi-infinite, linear elastic host rock. To simplify the analysis, we assume steady state (constant velocity) magma flow and dike propagation. We use a perturbation method to analyze the coupled, nonlinear problem of multiple dike propagation and magma transport. The stress intensity factor at the dike tips and the opening displacements of the dike surfaces are calculated. The numerical results show that dike spacing has a profound effect on the behavior of dike propagation. The stress intensity factors at the tips of parallel dikes decrease with a decrease in dike spacing and are significantly smaller than that for a single dike with the same length. The reduced stress intensity factor indicates that, compared to a single dike, propagation of parallel dikes is more likely to be arrested under otherwise the same conditions. It also implies that fracture toughness of the host rock in a high confining pressure environment may not be as high as inferred from the propagation of a single dike. Our numerical results suggest fracture toughness values on the order of 100 MPa . The opening displacements for parallel dikes are smaller than that for a single dike, which results in higher magma pressure gradients in parallel dikes and lower flux of magma transport.
A neural network approach to the partial shape classification problem

A neural network approach to the partial shape classification problem is derived. Although neural networks are robust static pattern classifiers, they are generally not effective in classifying patterns with inherent time variations. In order to compensate for time variations resulting from random partial occlusion, a nonlinear alignment stage is introduced at the neural net output. In formulating the nonlinear alignment stage, a similarity measure between an input and the neural net outputs is defined. The resulting classifier is capable of tolerating high degrees of random noise and random occlusion in shapes. >
Success and failure in time-limited psychotherapy. Further evidence (comparison 4).

• This is the fourth in a series of comparisons involving patients treated in time-limited psychotherapy. The two patients were young men suffering from anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. Both were treated by a highly experienced psychotherapist. One of the patients achieved lasting therapeutic results from the sessions; the other was a therapeutic failure. The comparisons are based on a set of objective measures as well as intensive clinical study of all tape-recorded therapy sessions. Results showed that the therapeutic outcome was a function of the patient's ability to become involved in a therapeutic relationship and to work productively within the framework proffered by the therapist. Equally important were countertransference reactions that seriously interfered with successful confrontation and resolution of the patient's negative transference.
An interpretation method for objective assessment of nasal congestion with acoustic rhinometry.

Objectives Acoustic rhinometry is a relatively new modality for evaluating the status of the nose. It assesses the geometry of the nasal cavity by analyzing reflected sound waves. Despite its expanding use, there is no established interpretation method. Our aims in the present descriptive study were to develop and test a protocol as a possible method to read these graphs for clinical use. Study Design We formulated a reading protocol to grade the congestion state of the nasal cavity. The percentile difference of cross-sectional area and volume values between the baseline and decongested states were classified into five categories based on normative values. Methods Fifty-six patients with allergic rhinitis were used. All the acoustic rhinometry readings were performed in blinded fashion according to the protocol; later, the clinical information was paired with the interpretation of the graph. Results The mean percentile differences of baseline and decongestion values in patients with allergic rhinitis were in the mild to moderate range difference according to our reading system. The range of nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis patients was increased with additional pathological conditions such as sleep apnea. Conclusion The percentile difference between the baseline values and values for maximally decongested state reflect mucosal congestion as a “congestion factor,” which can be graded as mild, moderate, severe, or markedly severe, for objective evaluation of nasal congestion.
On “Ilial anterior rotation…” Vaughn HT, Nitsch W. Phys Ther. 2008;88:1578–1590.

This case report on right anterior ilial rotation hypermobility (RAIRH) presented a successful outcome with a comprehensive approach in 33 visits.1 It was particularly inspiring to read of the use of film, which clearly identified a problem with the patient's tennis stroke. After resolving RAIRH, the client's tennis stroke was retrained to address prevention of recurrence. The authors were thorough in their literature review, revealing some research that could discourage evaluation and treatment of RAIRH, while providing a good rationale for including treatment of RAIRH as part of a comprehensive approach. There were many insightful statements within the article, and my copy is well highlighted. I would like to share some general thoughts and observations I have made regarding the topic. In the case report,1 the term “altered function of the pelvis” was part of the definition of sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). This is very appropriate, as research and opinion have been presented …
Anion‐Controlled Switching of an X Ligand into a Z Ligand: Coordination Non‐innocence of a Stiboranyl Ligand

The tetravalent platinum stiboranyl complex [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2(o-C6Cl4O2)Sb]PtCl2Ph (2) has been synthesized by reaction of [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2SbClPh]PtCl (1) with o-chloranil. In the presence of fluoride anions, the stiboranyl moiety of 2 displays non-innocent behavior and is readily converted into a fluorostiborane unit. This transformation, which is accompanied by elimination of a chloride ligand from the Pt center, results in the formation of [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2(o-C6Cl4O2)SbF]PtClPh (3). Structural, spectroscopic, and computational studies show that the conversion of 2 into 3 is accompanied by a cleavage of the covalent PtSb bond present in 2 and formation of a longer and weaker Pt→Sb interaction in 3. These results show that this new Pt–Sb platform supports the fluoride-induced metamorphosis of a stiboranyl X ligand into a stiborane Z ligand.
Mistabron Effects on Platelets and Blood Coagulation

The mucolytic drug Mistabron is often used in bleeding situations. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of this drug in such circumstances. The platelet function of human blood is not impaired by clinically used Mistabron dosage, after stimulation with epinephrine, ADP or arachidonic acid. Coagulation proteins are not modified by Mesna, neither in vitro (blood from human beings), nor in vivo (rats).
Ground fault location testing of a noise pattern based approach on an ungrounded DC system

Finding the phase-to-ground faults in ungrounded distribution systems is very difficult and time consuming. In recent years, the advances in power electronics favor dc distribution, particularly for transportation systems such as ships. Therefore, this paper presents a fault location approach which is based on the pattern recognition of inherent high-frequency noise associated with the switching events of converters. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of the approach through a hardware laboratory test. Specifically, a low-voltage dc system, representative of the salient high-frequency behavior of a real zonal electrical distribution system for ships, was used. Closely matching the results obtained from a computer simulation model of the circuitry, the experimental test results show the ability of the approach to appropriately differentiate various fault locations in the laboratory environment. It is concluded that the approach is feasible and can be applied toward the development of an effective ground fault location system for converter-dominated dc systems.
Handoff effect on packet reservation multiple access (PRMA) in microcellular system

Packet reservation multiple access (PRMA) has been proposed for third-generation wireless information networks by D.J. Goodman and S.X. Wei (see ibid., vol.40, p.170-6, 1991). The mobile-initiated handoff has been proposed to disperse the base station (BS) burden, which is increased by the small microcell radius. However, increased contentions, due to handoff, affect the overall performance of PRMA, even though these frequent handoffs do not burden the BS. We analyze the handoff effect on PRMA performance under a microcellular system, both voice-only and combined voice-and-data systems. A steady state voice-terminal model with handoff is proposed. System-equilibrium equations are derived using the proposed model. The system performance is evaluated, using a Markov analysis method, in terms of packet-dropping probability, data-packet delay, and throughput. The change of performance under handoff show the impact of handoff on PRMA.
Polypeptides. LVI. Effect of lithium bromide and of temperature on the conformation of a copolymer of glutamic acid and lysine

By using optical rotatory dispersion measurements, the helix content of poly Glu50Lys50 has been investigated and compared with that of poly Glu20Lys20Ala60 in aqueous solutions. Measurements were made at pH 3 and at pH 8 in various concentrations of lithium bromide. Various factors affecting helix stabilization are considered and their perturbation by lithium bromide is related to the shape of the observed transition curves. A residual helix content of 12% in 8M LiBr, based upon a b0 of +100 for a fully random conformation, was observed for poly Glu50Lys50 at pH 3 and 8. The loss of helix content of poly Glu50Lys50 as a function of temperature is also reported. ΔH is approximately −6.9 kcal./mole for the overall transition, compared to −6.5 kcal./mole for poly Glu20Lys20Ala60. The midpoint of the broad transition is near 40°C. at pH 3, but much lower, at −10 to 0°C., at pH 8. These results are discussed in terms of the stabilizing factors for the partial helix content of the polypeptides.
Targeted deletion reveals an essential function for the telomere length regulator Trf1.

The human telomeric DNA binding factor TRF1 (hTRF1) and its interacting proteins TIN2, tankyrase 1 and 2, and PINX1 have been implicated in the regulation of telomerase-dependent telomere length maintenance. Here we show that targeted deletion of exon 1 of the mouse gene encoding Trf1 causes early (day 5 to 6 postcoitus) embryonic lethality. The absence of telomerase did not alter the Terf1ex1Δ/ex1Δ lethality, indicating that the phenotype was not due to inappropriate telomere elongation by telomerase. Terf1ex1Δ/ex1Δ blastocysts had a severe growth defect of the inner cell mass that was accompanied by apoptosis. However, no evidence was found for telomere uncapping causing this cell death; chromosome spreads of Terf1ex1Δ/ex1Δ blastocysts did not reveal chromosome end-to-end fusions, and p53 deficiency only briefly delayed Terf1ex1Δ/ex1Δ lethality. These data suggest that murine Trf1 has an essential function that is independent of telomere length regulation.
Effect of Carbon Black on the J-Integral and Strain Energy in the Crack Tip Region in a Vulcanized Natural Rubber

Abstract 1) The J-integral is path independent in both PS and SEN specimens and equals the tearing energy. 2) The critical J-integral at initiation is less in PS specimens than in SEN specimens, because the greater biaxial stress in PS restricts the process zone. 3) At initiation, the crack-tip radius, proportional to the local strain, is independent of CB. 4) The energy density within and the size of the process zone near the crack tip increase with CB; these are major contributions to CB reinforcement.
Non-hepatocellular carcinoma spinal metastases

Metastases to the spine from non-hepatocellular carcinomas, such as cholangiocarcinoma and angiosarcoma, occur rarely. With improvements in oncologic care, the number of patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer is expected to increase. We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the clinical presentation, treatment, outcome and survival of patients diagnosed with non-hepatocellular carcinoma spinal metastasis using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. We identified 19 cases of spinal metastases from non-hepatocellular carcinomas that fit our pre-specified criteria. The mean age at presentation was 62.3years and cholangiocarcinoma was the most common subtype. Patients frequently presented with pain, weakness or paraparesis and at the time of diagnosis, most of them had multi-level involvement of the spine. A majority of patients with spinal metastasis were treated either with radiation or chemotherapy or received no treatment. A minority of the reports included information on survival, which revealed a median survival of 1.5months following diagnosis of the spinal metastasis. Although there is a paucity of published literature on non-hepatocellular carcinoma spinal metastasis, this systematic review provides descriptive clinical characteristics of these patients.
Testimony of Brian J. Love, California Assembly Select Committee on High Technology, Informational Hearing on Patent Assertion Entities

The California Assembly Select Committee on High Technology held an informational hearing on patent assertion entities (PAEs) on October 30, 2013. This testimony explains what a PAE is, how PAEs change the economics of high-tech patent litigation, and why the PAE business model is problematic.
Affordability of National Health Insurance ... and definition of a billion : correspondence

I would like to comment on an article about South Africa's future National Health Insurance, written by Dr Stephen Craven and published in the Cape Doctor of April 2013. Dr Craven states, 'The expense of the National Health Service [in the UK] is colossal. There is no cost control. The total budget for 2010-11 was Â£107 billion which, divided by 63.1 million (the 2011 population), comes to the more comprehensible Â£1.7 million per head.'
MICROGEOGRAPHIC GENETIC STRUCTURE OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND LIFE HISTORY TRAITS IN A NATURAL POPULATION OF IMPATIENS CAPENSIS.

To investigate the microgeographic spatial structure of genetic variation for quantitative traits in a natural population of Impatiens capensis, we performed a common-garden greenhouse experiment. Seedlings were collected at 10-m intervals from a 40 times 40-m permanent grid in a natural population and grown to maturity in a greenhouse. From these parents, 3 self-fertilized seed families per grid point were then grown in a randomized design in the greenhouse and scored for a variety of morphological and life-history traits. Virtually all of the traits displayed significant variation among families, and many were significantly heterogeneous among grid points, indicating microgeographic genetic differentiation on a fine spatial scale. Overall morphological divergence, measured as Mahalanobis distances between grid points, increased with geographical distance. In general, spatial autocorrelation coefficients of grid point character means were positive at 11-20 m and negative beyond 40 m, although power for significance testing was low. The first factor in a principal component analysis of grid point means was positively loaded on height-related traits and negatively loaded on total reproduction at 50 days, accounting for 31% of the variation. This factor displayed significant positive spatial autocorrelation at 11-20 m and negative autocorrelation at >40 m. The remaining factors showed no detectable spatial structuring among grid points. These differences in spatial pattern among characters suggest that forces other than drift may have influenced the genetic structure of the population. There was no evidence for density-dependent selection; seedling density was not significantly correlated with the grid point mean of any trait.
Cardiac Troponin I Ser-23/24 and Tyr-26 Phosphorylation Crosstalk

The troponin complex is a critical molecular switch involved in transducing the calcium activating signal into contraction. Troponin I (TnI), the inhibitory subunit of the complex, is phosphorylated as a key regulatory mechanism to alter the calcium regulation of contraction. Recent work identified a novel phosphorylation of TnI at Tyr-26 that is decreased from its normal basal level in heart failure with unknown functional effects. Similar to the desensitizing TnI Ser-23/24 phosphorylation, TnI Tyr-26 is located in the unique cardiac TnI N-terminal extension. Employing TnI containing actual phosphate at Tyr-26 and Tyr-26 phosphomimetics, we demonstrate that TnI Tyr-26 phosphorylation decreases thin filament calcium sensitivity and accelerates deactivation. To assess the functional integration of TnI Ser-23/24 and Tyr-26 phosphorylation, we generated recombinant TnI with phosphomimetic substitution at all three residues. Calcium sensitivity measurements demonstrate no additional effect on calcium binding to troponin C nor calcium sensitive force development of the triple phosphomimetic TnI. However, the integration of Tyr-26 with Ser-23/24 pseudo-phosphorylation further accelerated thin filament deactivation. The kinase responsible for TnI Tyr-26 phosphorylation remains to be elucidated. Considering that the Src kinase recognition sequence (EEXY) is similar to that surrounding TnI Tyr-26 when Ser-23/24 are phosphorylated (S(p)S(p)NY), we hypothesize that Ser-23/24 phosphorylation would exhibit signaling crosstalk to alter the rate of Tyr-26 phosphorylation. Current efforts are directed towards determining the ability of Ser-23/24 phosphorylation to modulate Src-family kinase phosphorylation of Tyr-26. Our findings suggest that TnI Tyr-26 phosphorylation in isolation functions similarly to Ser-23/24 N-terminal phosphorylation to decrease myofilament calcium sensitivity and accelerate myofilament relaxation. Furthermore, Tyr-26 phosphorylation can buffer the desensitization of Ser-23/24 phosphorylation while further accelerating thin filament deactivation upon their integration. Therefore, the functional integration of TnI phosphorylation may be a common mechanism to modulate Ser-23/24 phosphorylation function.
Grain-Oriented Lithium Niobate Thin-Layers Prepared by Sol-Gel Methods

Thin-layers of lithium niobate were deposited on polycrystalline platinum and (001) sapphire. Preferred orientation was observed by x-ray diffraction measurements, and confirmed by x-ray rocking curve studies. The orientation was [006] LiNbO3 with [111] Pt and [001] Al2O3. Dielectric data are reported for grain oriented LiNbO3 as a function of frequency for layer thicknesses from 0.15 to 0.70 μm.
Two additions to the fungi imperfecti.

On February 8, 1946, plant quarantine inspectors intercepted in the cargo of an American steamer from China a portion of a dried tuber of Colocasia esculenta. Although the material appeared to be in a state of advanced desiccation, the fungus on it grew readily when transferred to corn-meal and malt agars. On corn meal it produced circular to irregular colonies which were white and cottony, with growth which was not heavy or dense. Within a week the fungus fruited abundantly over the surface of the colony, producing at length long chains of conidia which in mass were "dark greenish olive" to "olivaceous black." 1 Conidia size, shape, and color in culture were identical with that observed on the original specimen. The fungus was tentatively determined as Dendryphium sp. An examination of the species of Dendryphium in the Mycological Collections of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering revealed the presence of a culture of Dendryphiumtz sp. determined by V. K. Charles and A. E. Jenkins in 1920 which had been isolated from dead cotton roots in Texas by J. J. Taubenhaus. This specimen is identical with the fungus on Colocasia. A third collection of the fungus was made in April, 1946, on Irish potato tuber intercepted from Mexico. This hyphomycete is here described as new.
Application of Antibiotic Pharmacodynamics and Dosing Principles in Patients With Sepsis

Sepsis is associated with marked mortality, which may be reduced by prompt initiation of adequate, appropriate doses of antibiotic. Critically ill patients often have physiological changes that reduce blood and tissue concentrations of antibiotic and high rates of multidrug-resistant pathogens, which may affect patients' outcomes. All critical care professionals, including critical care nurses, should understand antibiotic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to ensure sound antibiotic dosing and administration strategies for optimal microbial killing and patients' outcomes. Effective pathogen eradication occurs when the dose of antibiotic reaches or maintains optimal concentrations relative to the minimum inhibitory concentration for the pathogen. Time-dependent antibiotics, such as β-lactams, can be given as extended or continuous infusions. Concentration-dependent antibiotics such as aminoglycosides are optimized by using high, once-daily dosing strategies with serum concentration monitoring. Vancomycin and fluoroquinolones are dependent on both time and concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration.
An enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) control strategy for sequencing batch reactors (SBRs).

A control strategy was developed for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). Unlike past research that focused on maximizing polyhdroxyalkanoate (PHA) formation during the anaerobic period, this study investigated some of the factors that govern aerobic PHA dynamics and its efficient regulation during phosphate (P) uptake. Influent COD, influent P, and the time for aeration were critical factors that governed PHA use and P uptake during aerated react. Unnecessary PHA oxidation (i.e., in the absence of extracellular P) occurred if the time for aerated react exceeded the time required for P uptake. By adjusting the aeration time to that required for P uptake, residual PHA was sustained in the SBR and excess phosphate uptake reaction potential (PRP) was generated for use during transient influent excursions in P. Unlike space oriented systems, the time for react is simply adjusted in the SBR. Because residual PHA is easily maintained once achieved, high influent COD events can be harnessed to increase or sustain excess PRP for management of expected variations in influent P.
From Vice to Virtue: Racial Boundaries and Redemption Narratives in Late 19th-Century Appalachian Feuds

While historians have documented the criminalization process of Blacks during the Jim Crow and Progressive Eras, few scholars include in their analyses the contemporaneous change in attitudes toward poor Whites. This study examines boundary processes and organizational activism in decriminalizing a particularly virulent and hypervisible series of violent events, the Appalachian feuds of the late 19th century. How are criminal acts committed by Whites rendered less criminal? Not only are Whites less likely to be brought before legal adjudication for criminal behavior, even when there is detailed evidence of their crimes, criminal acts can be made legitimate using redemption narratives that depict White violence as justifiable and even, as in the case here, indicative of a deeper moral worth. The decriminalization of Whites hinges on organized efforts by empowered actors to maintain and police racial boundaries. This article draws on independently collected archival materials including organizational record...
Point of Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Empyema

Background Emergency ultrasonography is an efficient and cost effective tool for patients who are in respiratory distress. Chest radiographs can yield limited information for these patients. Computed tomography scans have long been the criterion standard for advanced imaging in patients with respiratory complaints, but point of care ultrasound (POCUS) can be performed at bedside, does not expose the patient to radiation, and at times may provide more information than a computed tomography scan. Case report A 60-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension presented to the emergency department complaining of a productive cough associated with fever, weakness, and progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion over the previous 1 to 2 weeks. The physical examination was remarkable for rhonchi in the right upper lobe and diminished breath sounds throughout the right lung. POCUS was performed, and the results revealed severe atelectasis and hepatization of the right lung parenchyma with visualized air bronchograms. Complex hypoechoic material with a posterior spine sign was noted, which increased concern for complex consolidation and effusion. The diagnosis of pneumonia with empyema was made. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: POCUS has become a much more commonly used imaging modality within many emergency departments. Ultrasound is more sensitive than chest radiographs for identifying pathologies such as pneumothorax and simple effusions. This case shows how well POCUS can diagnose empyema even in the setting of diagnostic uncertainty of computed tomographic imaging.
The Transatlantic Option

NATO was formed under a bipolar system, with the primary objective of managing tensions and perhaps conflict on the inner German border. These basic foundations have changed. More than any other organization, the Alliance has the difficult task of retooling itself to the Post-Cold War security environment or, alternatively, admitting gracefully that it is an institution that is gradually becoming otiose.
Sphincterotomy with endoscopic biliary drainage for severe acute cholangitis: a meta-analysis.

Aims To investigate the role of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) with endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) in acute severe obstructive cholangitis management by performing a meta-analysis of controlled trials. Method We searched PubMed and Embase for controlled studies that compared endoscopic drainage with ES versus Non-ES in acute obstructive cholangitis. Two reviewers selected the studies and extracted the data. Disagreement was addressed by a third reviewer. Heterogeneity of the studies was analyzed by Cochran’s Q statistics. A Mantel–Haenszel risk ratio was calculated utilizing a random effects model. Results Four controlled studies met our inclusion criteria with 392 participants (201 ES, 191 Non-ES). The outcomes were drainage insertion success rate, drainage effectiveness, post drainage pancreatitis, bleeding, procedure duration, perforation, cholecystitis, and 30-day mortality. Drainage insertion success rate was identical in both groups (RR: 1.00, 95 %CI% 0.96 – 1.04). Effective drainage was not significantly different (RR: 1.11, 95 %CI 0.73 – 1.7). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pancreatitis post EBD between the ES and Non-ES groups at 3 % and 4 %, respectively (RR: 0.73, 95 %CI 0.24 – 2.27). However, there was a significant increase in post EBD bleeding with ES compared to Non-ES (RR: 8.58, 95 %CI 2.03 – 36.34). Thirty-day mortality was similar between ES and Non-ES groups at 0.7 % and 1 %, respectively (RR: 0.5, 95 %CI 0.05 – 5.28). Conclusion Our findings show that EBD without ES is an effective drainage technique and carries less risk for post procedure bleeding. Patients who are critically ill and have coagulopathy should be spared from undergoing ES in the acute phase.
State investments in high-technology job growth☆

Since the early 1970's state and local governments have launched an array of economic development programs designed to promote high-technology development. The question our analysis addresses is whether these programs promote long-term high-technology employment growth net of state location and agglomeration advantages. Proponents talk about an infrastructure strategy that promotes investment in public research and specialized infrastructure to attract and grow new high technology industries in specific locations, and a more decentralized entrepreneurial strategy that reinforces local agglomeration capacities by investing in new enterprises and products, promoting the development of local networks and partnerships. Our results support the entrepreneurial strategy, suggesting that state governments can accelerate high technology development by adopting market-supportive programs that complement private sector initiatives. In addition to positive direct benefits of technology deployment/transfer programs and SBIR programs, entrepreneurial programs affect change in high-technology employment in concert with existing locational and agglomeration advantages. Rural (i.e. low population density) states tend to benefit by technology development programs. Infrastructure strategy programs also facilitate high technology job growth in places where local advantages already exist. Our results suggest that critics of industrial policy are correct that high technology growth is organic and endogenous, yet state governments are able to "pick winners and losers" in ways that grow their local economy.
Abstract 53: PTEN Nuclear Export and p53 Inhibition Mediate Free Fatty Acid-Induced Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells

Oxidative stress induced by free fatty acids (FFA) contributes to metabolic syndrome-associated development of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the p53-mediated regulation of antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) expression and induction of intracellular ROS levels by palmitic acid (PA). The p53 pathway plays a very important role in regulating ROS production. We exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to PA and demonstrated that p53 acetylation and protein levels decrease in a dose-dependent manner. The p53 downregulation correlated with a decrease in its downstream target GPx-1 and increase in the production of intracellular ROS. Nuclear PTEN was previously identified as an important factor involved in the upregulation of p53 acetylation, transcription activity and protein stability. Here, we show treatment of HUVEC with PA induced increase in PTEN phosphorylation at Ser380 and in interaction between PTEN and HAUSP, a deubiquitylating enzyme that cleaves ubiquitin from its substrates. The increased PTEN-HAUSP interaction leads to a dramatic decrease in PTEN mono-ubiquitination and increase in PTEN nuclear export, which prevents p53 acetylation. Pharmacologic inhibition or genetic ablation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) or S6K abolished PA-induced PTEN phosphorylation, PTEN-HAUSP interaction and PTEN nuclear export, suggesting that mTOR/S6K pathway is responsible for nuclear PTEN phosphorylation. Importantly, inhibition of mTOR/S6K pathway significantly blocks PA-induced PTEN nuclear export, p53-mediated GPx-1 expression, and increase in ROS production in HUVEC cells. These results demonstrate that PA treatment elevates PTEN-Ser380 phosphorylation through mTOR/S6K pathway. Once phosphorylated, PTEN in turn binds to HAUSP, reduces its mono-ubiquitination and nuclear localization, which prevents p53 from activating GPx-1 to compromise the most important antioxidant defense system and cause oxidative damage to human vascular endothelium.
Building a Data-Driven Vital Sign Indicator for an Economically Optimized Component Replacement Policy

In asset-intensive services, a well-known challenge is to maintain high availability of the physical assets while keeping the total maintenance cost low. In applications of high-value machinery such as heavy industrial equipment, a traditional approach is to perform periodic maintenance according to a runtime-based schedule. Most equipment vendors publish a maintenance schedule based on a “standard” or “average” working environment. In addition, it is a common practice that maintenance schedules from equipment vendors are highly conservative in order to reduce in-field failures which gives an adverse perception of a vendor’s reputation. Therefore, such a schedule may not result in satisfactory performance as measured according to the owner’s business objectives. Also, the assumption of normal operating condition may not apply in some situations. For example, stresses due to frequent overloading, continuous usage of engine at a high rate in tough environments, machine usage beyond its designed capacity can serve as good contributors to excessive wear and premature failures. In this paper we propose a novel computational framework to build a data-driven economically optimized vital sign indicator for a given component type and an economic criterion (e.g., average maintenance cost per unit runtime) by combining different sources of historical data such as total runtime hours, load carried, fuel consumed and event information from sensors. This new vital sign indicator can be viewed as a transformed time scale and used to find the optimal threshold value (or “scheduled replacement time equivalent”) for a component replacement policy. Our case study was based on the collected data from 50 mining haul trucks over about 6 years in one of the largest mining service companies in the world. We present that the new vital sign indicator-based replacement policy for a critical component type largely improves on the traditional runtime-based schedule in terms of a given economic criterion, achieving a lower total maintenance cost of the enterprise.
Spatial updating of multiple targets: Comparison of younger and older adults.

When walking without vision, people mentally keep track of the directions and distances of previously viewed objects, a process called spatial updating. The current experiment indicates that while people across a large age range are able to update multiple targets in memory without perceptual support, aging negatively affects accuracy, precision, and decision time. Participants (20 to 80 years of age) viewed one, three, or six targets (colored lights) on the floor of a dimly lit room. Then, without vision, they walked to a target designated by color, either directly or indirectly (via a forward turning point). The younger adults’ final stopping points were both accurate (near target) and precise (narrowly dispersed), but updating performance did degrade slightly with the number of targets. Older adults’ performance was consistently worse than the younger group, but the lack of interaction between age and memory load indicates that the effect of age on performance was not further exacerbated by a greater number of targets. The number of targets also significantly increased the latency required to turn toward the designated target for both age groups. Taken together, results extend previous work showing impressive updating performance by younger adults, with novel findings showing that older adults manifest small but consistent degradation of updating performance of multitarget arrays.
A "Layers of Negotiation" Model for Designing Constructivist Learning Materials.

In designing materials for use in a contructivist learning environment, instructional designers still have a role in selecting the situations that may provide a stimulus for knowledge construction and providing features that support students and teachers in using these materials. This paper describes the process of designing a series of case-based interactive videodiscs to be used within a constructivist learning environment. The cases present two elementary teachers and their students as they progress through science lessons based on the conceptual change model of science teaching. Dual audio tracks allow the viewers to hear either the classroom events or the teacher's reflections on the classroom events. Assumptions about teaching and learning that guided the design, and implications of these beliefs for the instructional materials are discussed; generalizations are derived about the differences between the process described and procedures recommended by traditional instructional design models. (Contains 18 references.)
A 45–75MHz 197–452µW oscillator with 164.6dB FoM and 2.3ps rms period jitter in 65nm CMOS

This paper presents a novel oscillator architecture that uses a low frequency temperature stable clock generated by a low power RC relaxation oscillator to improve the temperature stability of a low noise ring oscillator. Fabricated in 65nm CMOS process, the prototype oscillator consumes 197 to 452µW across an output frequency range of 45-to-75MHz. At 70MHz, the measured period jitter is 2.3ps rms with phase noise of −104dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset, which translates to an FoM of 164.6dB.
Control of coherently-coupled exciton-polaritons in monolayer tungsten disulphide (Conference Presentation)

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) with confined 2D Wannier-Mott excitons are intriguing for the fundamental study of strong light-matter interactions and the applications of exciton-polaritons based devices at high temperatures. However, the research of 2D exciton-polaritons has been hindered, because the polaritons in these atomically thin semiconductors discovered so far can hardly support strong nonlinear interactions and quantum coherence due to uncontrollable polariton dynamics and weakened coherent coupling. In this work, we demonstrate, for the first time, precisely controlled hybrid composition with angular dependence and dispersion-correlated polariton emission by tuning the polariton dispersion in TMD over a broad temperature range of 110-230 K in a single cavity. This tamed polariton emission is achieved by the realization of robust coherent exciton-photon coupling in a monolayer tungsten disulphide (WS2) with large splitting-to-linewidth ratios (SLR, >3.3). The unprecedented ability to manipulate the dispersion and correlated properties of TMD exciton-polariton at will offers new possibilities to explore important quantum phenomena such as Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) and superfluidity, but also holds great promise to applications for the inversionless lasers and valleytronic devices.
Blood Pressure, Hypertension, and Exercise

Control of blood pressure during activity is a complex process. In this chapter, the physiologic response to activity in normal children and adolescents is reviewed. The exercise BP response and exercise testing recommendations in selected pediatric subpopulations are described: children with hypertension, children at identified risk for premature atherosclerotic disease, and individuals with relevant congenital heart diagnoses (aortic valve stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). The evidence for exercise as nonpharmacologic treatment of primary hypertension is reviewed. This chapter ends with a description of existing activity recommendations for hypertensive children and adolescents.
Generating C4.5 production rules in parallel

Induction systems that represent concepts in the form of production rules have proven to be useful in a variety of domains where both accuracy and comprehensibility of the resulting models are important. However, the computational requirements for inducing a set of rules from large, noisy training sets can be enormous, so that techniques for improving the performance of rule induction systems by exploiting parallelism are of considerable interest. Recent work to parallelize the C4.5 rule generator algorithm is described. After presenting an overview of the algorithm and the parallelization strategy employed, empirical results of the parallel implementation that demonstrate substantial speedup over serial execution are provided.
FIELDAY - FINITE ELEMENT DEVICE ANALYSIS

Two- and three-dimensional mobile carrier transport in a semiconductor is simulated in the FIELDAY program using the finite element method. A wide variety of physical effects important in bipolar and field effect transistors can be modeled. The finite element method transforms the continuum description of mobile carrier transport in a semiconductor device to a simulation model at a discrete number of points. Coupled and decoupled algorithms offer two methods of linearizing the differential equations. Direct techniques are used to solve the resulting matrix equations. Pre- and post-processors enable users to rapidly generate new models and analyze results. Specific examples illustrate the flexibility and accuracy of FIELDAY. Projections of future advancements in the program are discussed.
Women Are Like Men ... Sometimes

The impact of sex on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of cardiovascular disease has been a topic of considerable investigation ([1][1]). The issue is an important one because more than 41.3 million women are living with cardiovascular disease. Although progress has been
Quality Levels in Acceptance Sampling

In attribute sampling, product quality levels may be determined by solving the well-known binomial equation. Tables giving the quality levels for specified probabilities of lot acceptance are generated for a series of sampling plans. The importance of t..
Pegylated Bovine Carboxyhemoglobin (SANGUINATE) in a Jehovah's Witness Undergoing Liver Transplant: A Case Report.

Abstract Liver transplantation in practicing Jehovah's Witnesses is challenging because of their religious beliefs preventing them from accepting allogenic blood products. Pegylated bovine carboxyhemoglobin (SANGUINATE) is an oxygen transfer agent, currently under investigation for the treatment of sickle cell disease, which may play a role in these patients by maximizing perioperative oxygen delivery. We report a case involving the use of SANGUINATE in a Jehovah's Witness undergoing liver transplant.
Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Adult Cardiac Surgery

This chapter examines four of the most common drugs used in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery. The pros and cons of each are weighed, and their effectiveness evaluated based on the best available studies. Finally, the authors’ personal view of the data and how we incorporate it into our practice is reviewed.
Evaluating and Improving Data Fusion Accuracy.

Information fusion is the process of combining different sources of information for use in a particular application. The production of almost every information product incorporates some level of data fusion. Poor implementation of data and information fusion will have an impact on many other key data processes, most particularly data quality management, data governance, and data analytics. In this chapter we focus on a particular type of data fusion process called entity-based data fusion (EBDF) and on the application of EBDF in high-risk applications where accuracy of the fusion must be very high. One of the foremost examples is in healthcare. Fusing information belonging to different patients or failing to bring together all of the information for the same patient can both have dire, even life-threatening, implications.
Novel missense alleles of SIGMAR1 as tools to understand emerin-dependent gene silencing in response to cocaine.

Sigma-1 receptor (Sigma1R; SIGMAR1), an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope, has a hydrophobic drug-binding pocket that binds with high affinity to addictive...
Phase I/IIa Trial of Atorvastatin in Patients with Acute Kawasaki Disease with Coronary Artery Aneurysm.

Objectives To determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunomodulatory effects of a 6-week course of atorvastatin in patients with acute Kawasaki disease with coronary artery (CA) aneurysm (CAA). Study design This was a Phase I/IIa 2-center dose-escalation study of atorvastatin (0.125-0.75 mg/kg/day) in 34 patients with Kawasaki disease (aged 2-17 years) with echocardiographic evidence of CAA. We measured levels of the brain metabolite 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), serum lipids, acute-phase reactants, liver enzymes, and creatine phosphokinase; peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations; and CA internal diameter normalized for body surface area before atorvastatin treatment and at 2 and 6 weeks after initiation of atorvastatin treatment. Results A 6-week course of up to 0.75 mg/kg/day of atorvastatin was well tolerated by the 34 subjects (median age, 5.3 years; IQR, 2.6-6.4 years), with no serious adverse events attributable to the study drug. The areas under the curve for atorvastatin and its metabolite were larger in the study subjects compared with those reported in adults, suggesting a slower rate of metabolism in children. The 24-OHC levels were similar between the atorvastatin-treated subjects and matched controls. Conclusions Atorvastatin was safe and well tolerated in our cohort of children with acute Kawasaki disease and CAA. A Phase III efficacy trial is warranted in this patient population, which may benefit from the known anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of this drug.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mortality in US Veterans Following an Incident Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background Blacks and Hispanics have been shown to have higher stroke mortality than Whites. However, few studies have investigated health disparities in post-stroke mortality for specific stroke types, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We analyzed risk of mortality by race/ethnicity after incident SAH in a national sample of stroke patients from the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA). Methods We included 742 patients (98% male, mean age 63±13 years) with a first occurrence of an inpatient SAH in a VHA hospital between 2002-2007. SAH was determined by ICD-9 code 430. We categorized patients as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic. Veterans with a prior definite stroke type (including TIA) were excluded. We constructed a piecewise multivariate survival model for post event all-cause mortality, separated according to 1 year post admission follow-up intervals. We then looked at 30-day mortality for vascular and stroke specific deaths. Results The proportion of White, Black, and Hispanic patients was 66%, 23%, and 11% respectively. Total mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and end of follow up was 22%, 27%, 33% and 54% respectively. Compared to Whites, Hispanics had higher mortality in the first 30 days post stroke (HR=1.67 95% CI=1.08-2.30), while Blacks and Whites experienced similar mortality (HR=1.02 95% CI=0.68, 1.54). Both Blacks and Hispanics had worse vascular (Black vs White HR=1.59 95% CI=0.95-2.66; Hispanic vs White HR=2.04 95% CI=1.13-3.66) and stroke-specific (Black vs White HR=1.47 95% CI=0.81-2.67; Hispanic vs White HR=2.12 95% CI=1.16-4.22) mortality (“case-fatality”) than Whites in the first 30 days. Conclusion Survivorship following subarachnoid hemorrhage varies in Veterans according to race and ethnicity. Further research into the severity of the stroke as well as risk factor control before and after stroke could help to improve our understanding of these differences.