cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Household Work Pattern of Adults in China

Objective To describe the household work pattern of adult people in China.Methods The study was based on the data collected by “physical activity questionnaire” in “2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey”,54 292 subjects aged 18 years and over(male 25 694,female 28 598 respectively)was involved.Results 78.9% of adults in China was involved in household work.The percentage of household work among female was significant higher than that among male(96.5% vs 59.1%).More urban population did household work compared with rural population(81.3%,78.0%).People aged 18yr～、45yr～ and 60yr～ had similar percentage of household work involvement(78.8%,80.2%,77.7%).The mean of household work time was 124 min/d,which was also higher in female than in male(190 min/d vs 49 min/d).People in urban area spent slightly less time on household work than their counterparts(116 min vs 127 min).Cooking contributed the most to the total time of household work.The average time on household work among people involved in it was 144 min/d.Conclusion More female involved in household work than male.Male should be encouraged to spend more time on household work to promote their physical activity level.
Construction of Automated Triage System for Online Registration

The paper introduces the adoption of automated triage system into online registration,which provids guidance from the beginning of registration procedure.Then from the aspects of operation interface,data structure design,function of triage,data maintenani'e and interaction with registration system,the triage system design and function realization are detailed introduced,as well as the improvement forward.
Current challenges to the clinical translation of brain machine interface technology.

Abstract Development of neural prostheses over the past few decades has produced a number of clinically relevant brain–machine interfaces (BMIs), such as the cochlear prostheses and deep brain stimulators. Current research pursues the restoration of communication or motor function to individuals with neurological disorders. Efforts in the field, such as the BrainGate trials, have already demonstrated that such interfaces can enable humans to effectively control external devices with neural signals. However, a number of significant issues regarding BMI performance, device capabilities, and surgery must be resolved before clinical use of BMI technology can become widespread. This chapter reviews challenges to clinical translation and discusses potential solutions that have been reported in recent literature, with focuses on hardware reliability, state-of-the-art decoding algorithms, and surgical considerations during implantation.
Cytochrome bc1 Complex (Respiratory Chain Complex III)

Abstract The cytochrome bc 1 complex (ubiquinol: cytochrome c oxidoreductase complex, E.C. 1.10.2.2) is an energy-transducing, electron-transfer enzyme located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of oxygen-utilizing eukaryotic cells, where it participates in cell respiration. A functionally similar but structurally simpler version of the bc 1 complex is located in the plasma membrane of many, but not all, bacteria, where it takes part in respiration, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, and cyclic photosynthetic electron transfer, depending on the species. In all of these organisms, the bc 1 complex oxidizes a membrane-localized quinol and reduces a water-soluble, c -type cytochrome and links this redox reaction to translocation of protons across the membrane in which the bc 1 complex resides. The bc 1 complexes from mitochondria of several species have been crystallized and the mechanism of the enzyme is generally well understood, although some questions remain outstanding.
Effect of confinement and interfacial adhesion on peeling of a flexible plate from an elastomeric layer

Abstract The finite element method and a cohesive zone model are used to analyze plane strain interfacial debonding of an elastomeric layer from an overhanging deformable plate when it is peeled off by applying a normal displacement at the edge of the overhang. The commercial software, ABAQUS, is employed in this work that is focused on understanding the collective role of the following two non-dimensional parameters: (i) the confinement parameter, α, defined in terms of the flexural rigidity of the plate, and the modulus and the thickness of the interlayer, and (ii) the adhesion parameter, ϕ, defined in terms of the cohesive zone parameters and the modulus to thickness ratio of the interlayer. The interfacial adhesion is characterized by a bilinear traction-separation (TS) relation. Numerical experiments reveal that when α is greater than α c , damage initiates at an interior point on the interface and at the interface corner on the traction-free edge irrespective of the value of ϕ. However, ϕ must be greater than ϕ c for the debonding to become wavy/undulatory. The critical value, ϕ c , of the adhesion parameter agrees with the necessary condition found in our previous work on debonding of an elastomeric layer from a rigid block when it is uniformly pulled outward. For α c , damage/debonding initiates only from the interface corner, and no wavy debonding ensues. The peak peeling force prior to the initiation of an internal debond is found to be a monotonically increasing function of ϕ/α, suggesting its potential use as a design variable and as a guide for determining the TS parameters. Results of a few additional numerical experiments in which the elastomeric layer can debond from both adherends provide insights into designing a demolding process for a sandwiched elastomeric layer.
The Caterpillar Game: A SW-PBIS Aligned Classroom Management System

ABSTRACTThe Caterpillar Game is a classroom management system that is aligned with School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports standards. A single-case, multiple-baseline design was used to evaluate the effects of the Caterpillar Game on disruptive student behavior and teacher praise. Three classrooms were included in the study (preschool, Kindergarten, and second grade). When the Caterpillar Game was implemented, student disruptive behavior decreased and teacher behavior-specific praise increased across all 3 classrooms. Disruptive behavior and teacher praise remained similar to intervention 2–4 weeks later, and teacher satisfaction with the Caterpillar Game was high. This study adds further support for the use of the Caterpillar Game as a classroom management tool.
The Climate Change Convention: how it was made and what it means

This paper describes the origins and intentions of the Climate Change Convention which was opened for signature at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) last year.
Media hype: Patient and scientific perspectives on misleading medical news

In this age of digital technology, Internet, and social media we are increasingly subjected to an information and disinformation overload. This includes not only political and economic information but also medical news, which is often presented as a "new discovery", "miracle cure" or some other press hyperbole. In this viewpoint article we present patient and scientific perspectives some recent episodes of medical hype related to Parkinson's disease research, including proposed therapies such as nilotinib, marijuana, stem cells and other controversial therapies that have attracted the mainstream and social media. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of vigilance on the part of patients and physicians when interpreting these often exaggerated and/or unfounded health claims. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Gastric conduit revision postesophagectomy: Management for a rare complication

Abstract Objective Severe postesophagectomy gastric conduit dysfunction refractory to standard endoscopic intervention is rare, with few published reports discussing timing, technique, or results of reoperation. This case series examines assessment and management of severe conduit dysfunction and details techniques for conduit revision. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent esophagectomy between September 2008 and October 2015 and studied patients who underwent conduit revision. Results More than 400 patients underwent Ivor Lewis or transhiatal esophagectomies during this 7-year period. Eight patients underwent reoperation for conduit revision. The strategy for initial anastomosis and management of the pylorus were variable. Symptoms included dysphagia, delayed emptying, aspiration, and weight loss. Evaluation and management included esophagram, computed tomography, repeated esophagoscopy with pyloric intervention, and selective anastomotic dilation. Two patients also had associated paraconduit hiatal hernias. Average time to reoperation was 3.8 years (range 2 weeks to 6.5 years). All revisions were performed through a thoracotomy with either laparoscopy or laparotomy. Revisions were completed in 7 patients. Average length of stay was 9.9 days (range 4-21). Average follow up was 10.1 months (range 1-36). The completed revisions led to restoration of a regular diet with improved patient satisfaction. Conclusions Severe gastric conduit dysfunction after esophagectomy is rare. Symptoms, esophagram findings, and response to interventional esophagoscopy guide the decision to revise the conduit. Principles of conduit revision include reducing paraconduit hernias, reducing redundant conduit, tubularizing a dilated conduit, and ensuring adequate gastric drainage. Selective revision was performed with minimal morbidity and durable improvement in subjective symptoms of dysphagia and reflux.
Secularism and Consolation in Three Odes

Chapter 6 links the odes to the Hyperion project by showing that the odes too were concerned with the consolatory rationale of modern poetry. All of these lyric meditations unfold as exercises in secular consolation. Despite recent claims to the contrary, “Ode to Psyche” does not conceive the goddess as a figure of the immortal soul. From its dramatic opening, “Ode to a Nightingale” reveals ideal havens to be metaleptic projections born of human pain. The voice that narrates “To Autumn” assimilates natural fact to imaginative pattern, dramatizing the mind’s freedom and power to remake temporality as beauty. In all of these texts, Keats insists on the consolatory agency of the poetic imagination.
Non-Traditional Trademarks: The Error Costs of Making an Exception the Rule

Over the last sixty years, courts and the USPTO have engaged in an ill-advised expansion of trademark subject matter. Where once only words or emblems attached to a product could serve as a trademark, today a product’s design or packaging itself may receive such protection. This expansion was and is a mistake. There may indeed be rare cases where a product’s design or packaging conveys brand-specific information and could receive protection without impairing competitor’s ability to offer substitutes. Such cases are the exception and not the rule, however. Extending the strong legal presumptions and property-like protection trademark law provides to a product’s design or packaging bases the legal rule on the exceptional case. Such an approach ensures protection for the exception but has thrown open the doors to the vast array of anticompetitive strike suits that constitute the bulk of trade dress litigation today. Courts and the USPTO have tried to reduce the costs of their mistake by recognizing a secondary meaning requirement for product design and by limiting protection for functional features. In doing so, they have attempted to design the legal rules to mimic the kind and degree of competition we would like to see in the marketplace. Unfortunately, once again, they do not see the whole picture. Trade dress plaintiffs have too much incentive to bring trade dress litigation. Whether the imitation of a product’s design or packaging produces material consumer confusion or merely competition, a trade dress plaintiff has an incentive to bring a trade dress lawsuit in order to capture the rents that a successful trade dress suit, and the resulting exclusivity in product design or packaging, offers. Trade dress plaintiffs will therefore over-enforce whatever rights we give them. Trade dress defendants, on the other hand, have too little incentive to defend their right to compete. If they prevail and establish their right to copy the pillow-shape of a shredded wheat biscuit, for example, such a victory means not just the prevailing defendant, but any would-be competitor, obtains the same right to copy. As a result, most of the benefit from a trade dress victory flows not to the prevailing defendant but to consumers in the form of lower prices. Because of these asymmetric stakes, trade dress rights will be over-enforced. To achieve the right level of protection in the marketplace, we must therefore under-define them. Courts and the USPTO should therefore correct their mistake and deny trade dress substantive protection under the Lanham Act, as Congress intended.
Metformin Use May Moderate the Effect of DPP-4 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Outcomes

OBJECTIVE To explore prevalent metformin use as a potential moderator of the cardiovascular effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of the three major cardiovascular outcomes trials examining DPP-4i. We used meta-regression to examine how the cardiovascular effects of DPP-4i differ between prevalent metformin users and baseline nonusers. RESULTS While prevalent metformin users experienced a trend toward improved cardiovascular outcomes with DPP-4i (summary hazard ratio [HR] 0.92 [95% CI 0.84, 1.01]), baseline metformin nonusers showed a trend toward harm (HR 1.10 [95% CI 0.97, 1.26]). The difference in overall DPP-4i effect between metformin user and nonuser subgroups was statistically significant ( P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Baseline metformin status may have a moderating effect on cardiovascular outcomes with DPP-4i use. This hypothesis-generating analysis suggests there is residual uncertainty as to how DPP-4i affect cardiovascular outcomes, depending on concurrently prescribed medications.
Cellular mechanism of resistance of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells against apoptosis-induction by Russell's Viper venom l-amino acid oxidase (Rusvinoxidase).

Abstract The present study highlights the cellular mechanism of resistance in human adenocarcinoma (Colo-205) cells against apoptosis induction by Rusvinoxidase, an l -amino acid oxidase purified from Russell's Viper venom (RVV). The significantly lower cytotoxicity as well as apoptotic activity of Rusvinoxidase towards Colo-205 cells (compared to MCF-7 breast cancer cells) is correlated with lower depletion of cellular glutathione content and increased down-regulation of catalase activity of Colo-205 cells following Rusvinoxidase treatment. Exposure to Rusvinoxidase subsequently diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and failed to impair mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in apoptosis induction resistance in Colo-205 cells. Further, higher expression levels of caspase 8, compared to caspase 9, indicate that Rusvinoxidase preferentially triggers the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in Colo-205 cells. A time-dependent lower ratio of the relative expression of Bax and Bcl-xL (pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins) in Colo-205 cells, compared to our previous study on MCF-7 cells, unambiguously supports a higher cellular resistance mechanism in Colo-205 cells against Rusvinoxidase-induced apoptosis.
I, You, and It: An Epistemological Triangle

The triangle I have in mind is one that Donald Davidson has occasionally invoked. It has you at one vertex, some one of you. I am at another vertex, and at the third vertex there is some object. The object is reflecting light at both of us, but in somewhat different patterns owing to our difference in perspective. The light rays trigger our nerve endings, setting off one train of events in your nervous system and another in mine.
Pardon the Interruption: Managing Turn-Taking through Overlap Resolution in Embodied Artificial Agents

Speech overlap is a common phenomenon in natural conversation and in task-oriented interactions. As human-robot interaction (HRI) becomes more sophisticated, the need to effectively manage turn-taking and resolve overlap becomes more important. In this paper, we introduce a computational model for speech overlap resolution in embodied artificial agents. The model identifies when overlap has occurred and uses timing information, dialogue history, and the agent’s goals to generate context-appropriate behavior. We implement this model in a Nao robot using the DIARC cognitive robotic architecture. The model is evaluated on a corpus of task-oriented human dialogue, and we find that the robot can replicate many of the most common overlap resolution behaviors found in the human data.
MSI vs. HSI in cultural heritage imaging

The goal of this research was to compare the noise between the current MSI (multispectral imaging) R-CHIVE (Rochester Cultural Heritage Imaging, Visualization, and Education) system with various HSI (hyperspectral imaging) systems. Because most archived images are visually analyzed by humanities scholars, human vision factors are considered as limiting factors in both spatial resolution and minimum detectable noise levels for possible use as system design requirements. A major part of the image modeling analysis focused on the spatial/spectral compromise inherent in HSI systems and the impact of typical broadband sources' inefficiency in the visible spectrum. The peak LED spectral irradiance was found to be 180× greater than the broadband peak irradiance, and more than 2000× that of the visible region. This resulted in an increased scan time from 8 minutes to 2 hours if spatial resolution is required to be maintained at current levels for similar bands. Instituting an acceptable loss ratio from the very high resolution MSI system resulted in peak SNR values being maintained in as short as 5 seconds disregarding readout time. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) decreased from 106 in the MSI system to a peak of 57 in the modeled HSI system, following the well depth, or analog dynamic range of the sensor, as expected in a photon-limited scene.
By-product hydrogen from steam cracking of natural gas liquids (NGLs): Potential for large-scale hydrogen fuel production, life-cycle air emissions reduction, and economic benefit

Abstract Steam crackers convert hydrocarbon feedstock (e.g., natural gas liquids) to light olefins via thermal cracking and produce hydrogen as a by-product during the process. Benefiting from the shale gas boom in recent years, the overall production capacity of U.S. steam crackers, as well as the potential of by-product hydrogen production, is continuously growing. We estimate that 3.5 million tonne/year of by-product hydrogen can be produced from steam crackers, almost doubling the size of the existing U.S. merchant hydrogen market. We also find that producing hydrogen from steam crackers creates less (15%–91%) life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than the conventional centralized steam methane reforming (SMR) pathway. For criteria air pollutants, life-cycle emissions reduction benefits vary greatly (−75% – +85%), depending on the co-product treatment scenario (substitution or allocation) and air pollutant type. The substitution scenario generally results in an increase of criteria air pollutants emissions, mainly due to the requirement of substitutive natural gas fuel. We estimate that the cost of purified by-product hydrogen fuel from steam crackers is $0.9–1.1/kg, reducing hydrogen production costs by 30% compared to the conventional central SMR pathway. Furthermore, using by-product hydrogen from steam crackers can generate credits of $1.8–2.5/kg under California's low-carbon fuel standard.
Advances in HER2-Targeted Therapy: Novel Agents and Opportunities Beyond Breast and Gastric Cancer

The introduction of HER2-targeted therapy for breast and gastric patients with ERBB2 (HER2) amplification/overexpression has led to dramatic improvements in oncologic outcomes. In the past 20 years, five HER2-targeted therapies have been FDA approved, with four approved in the past 8 years. HER2-targeted therapy similarly was found to improve outcomes in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Over the past decade, with the introduction of next-generation sequencing into clinical practice, our understanding of HER2 biology has dramatically improved. We have recognized that HER2 amplification is not limited to breast and gastric cancer but is also found in a variety of tumor types such as colon cancer, bladder cancer, and biliary cancer. Furthermore, HER2-targeted therapy has signal of activity in several tumor types. In addition to HER2 amplification and overexpression, there is also increased recognition of activating HER2 mutations and their potential therapeutic relevance. Furthermore, there is a rapidly growing number of new therapeutics targeting HER2 including small-molecule inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies. Taken together, an increasing number of patients are likely to benefit from approved and emerging HER2-targeted therapies.
Energy Transduction in Algal Phototaxis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses energy transduction in algal phototaxis. There are two types of responses, phobophototaxis and topophototaxis, of a freely moving organism to a light stimulus. In phobotaxis, the organism detects temporal changes in light intensity, whereas topophototaxis involves the orientation of the organism with respect to the direction of light rays. A phototaxigraph provides accurate measurement of phototactic rates. Under constant light conditions, changes in intensity occur as a result of the eyespot casting a shadow upon a photosensitive portion of the organism. Light intensity is not the controlling factor in determining positive and negative behavior in short term experiments, but the cultural conditions, particularly ion balance, are involved. The on-lag responds to light intensity in the same way as topotaxis, and perhaps a portion of the lag period is because of the time required for the organisms to achieve the proper orientation with respect to the light. Studies with uncouplers of phosphorylation provide support for the linking of photokinesis and cyclic photophosphorylation but are somewhat equivocal with respect to supporting the proposed relation between phobotaxis and electron transport. For example, it is found that some uncoupling agents affect phobotaxis more than they do photokinesis
Should Healing Abutments and Cover Screws for Dental Implants be Reused? A Systematic Review

Purpose To systematically review the current scientific evidence to assess if healing abutments and cover screws for dental implants can be resterilized effectively for reuse. A secondary purpose was to investigate if there has been any reported adverse biological or mechanical consequences to implants, or harm to patients with the reuse of healing abutments or cover screws. Materials and methods An electronic search of the English language scientific literature was performed independently by multiple investigators using a systematic search process using the PubMed search engine and Cochrane database. After the application of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final list of articles was reviewed to meet the various objectives of this review. Results The initial electronic search resulted in 657 titles and after the application of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were identified that satisfied the study objectives. All six articles were observational studies that described a total sample of over 300 used healed abutments obtained from patients. Out of these, three studies showed that routine methods (mechanical, chemical, and steam) used for cleaning and sterilizing used healing abutments did not result in the complete removal of contaminants, while two studies showed that routine methods supplemented with an additional regimen resulted in adequate decontamination. One additional study showed that routine methods sufficiently resulted in adequate decontamination of used healing abutments. There were no true clinical studies identified. There were no studies identified in the literature that reported on any adverse consequences to dental implants, such as infections, bone loss, mechanical complications, implant failure, or harm to patients, by reuse of healing abutments or cover screws. Conclusions Limited evidence suggests that routine methods used for cleaning and sterilization of used titanium healing abutments may not result in the complete removal of contaminants. However, the biological or mechanical implication of this finding is yet to be determined because presently there are no reports in the literature related to any unfavorable consequences to dental implants, or harm to patients by reuse of healing abutments or cover screws. Nevertheless, due to the popular clinical practice of reusing healing abutments to reduce cost to clinicians and patients, indiscriminate reuse of healing abutments should be avoided, until further supporting evidence is established.
Itch and Ache on Dialysis: New Approaches to Manage Uremic Pruritus and Restless Legs.

Background Uremic pruritus (UP) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are highly prevalent complaints among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing chronic dialysis. These chronic troublesome symptoms lead to a significant decrease in quality of life (QOL) and increase in mortality rate. Despite their distressing characteristics, these symptoms usually remain under-recognized by healthcare providers. Therefore, careful history intake, and stepwise treatment are essential. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments have been demonstrated to help in controlling these 2 conditions. Summary In this review, we discuss the latest findings regarding UP and RLS among ESRD patients on maintenance dialysis. We also examine different treatment options in this group of patients. The majority of these patients do not have the opportunity to receive a kidney transplant and need other treatments for these burdensome symptoms in order to improve their QOL and prognosis. Key Messages: UP and RLS are common but underdiagnosed conditions in ESRD patients on maintenance dialysis that are related to a decline in patients' QOL and poor prognosis. The pathophysiology of these conditions remains not well understood. Therefore, controversies still exist on treatment options. Treating these conditions provides an opportunity to improve the health-related QOL and outcomes of dialysis patients.
Fourier Subspace Preserving Particle Filter (Poster)

We introduce a new particle filter, based on the mathematical notion of weak approximation. The filter is similar to the Daum-Huang particle filter in that it propagates filter particles based on a “homotopy” that is used to adjust the position of particles. However, the homotopy that we propose is much simpler, and does not require extraneous mathematical constructions. We verify the filter's performance in one and two dimensions. The filter holds promise of providing a low-complexity, high performance filter.
Systemic immune dysfunction in cancer patients driven by IL6 and IL8 induction of an inhibitory receptor module in peripheral CD8+ T cells

Many cancer patients do not develop a durable response to the current standard of care immunotherapies despite substantial advances in targeting immune inhibitory receptors1-5. A potential compounding issue, which may serve as an unappreciated, dominant resistance mechanism, is an inherent systemic immune dysfunction that is often associated with advanced cancer6-12. Minimal response to inhibitory receptor (IR) blockade therapy and increased disease burden have been associated with peripheral CD8+ T cell dysfunction, characterized by suboptimal T cell proliferation and chronic expression of IRs (eg. Programmed Death 1 [PD1] and Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 [LAG3])13, 14. Here, we demonstrate that up to a third of cancer patients express robust intracellular LAG3 (LAG3IC), but not surface LAG3 (LAG3SUR), in peripheral CD8+ T cells compared to CD4+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). LAG3IC is associated with: (i) expression of a LAG3IC-dominant IR module that includes PD1IC, NRP1IC, CD39IC, and TIGITIC; (ii) decreased CD8+ but not CD4+ T cell function that can be reversed by anti-LAG3 (and/or anti-PD1), despite limited constitutive surface IR expression; and (iii) poor disease prognosis. Systemic immune dysfunction is restricted to CD8+ T cells, including a high percentage of peripheral naive CD8+ T cells, indicating a TCR-independent mechanism that is driven by the cytokine IL6 and the chemokine IL8. Thus, the combination of an increased LAG3-dominant IR module and elevated systemic IL6 and/or IL8 may serve as predictive biomarkers and increase the possibility that cancer patients will benefit from therapeutic combinations targeting these systemic cytokines in the setting of PD1 and/or LAG3 blockade.
6.1 Bioactive Ceramics and Bioactive Ceramic Composite Based Scaffolds

Biodegradable polymers and bioactive ceramics are being combined in a variety of composite materials for tissue-engineering scaffolds. Materials and fabrication routes for three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with interconnected high porosities suitable for bone tissue engineering are reviewed. Different polymer and ceramic compositions applied and their impact on biodegradability and bioactivity of the scaffolds are discussed, including in vitro and in vivo assessments. The mechanical properties of today׳s available porous scaffolds are analyzed in detail, revealing insufficient elastic stiffness and compressive strength compared to human bone. Further challenges in scaffold fabrication for tissue engineering such as biomolecules incorporation, surface functionalization, and 3D scaffold characterization are discussed, giving possible solution strategies. Stem cell incorporation into scaffolds as a future trend is addressed briefly, highlighting the immense potential for creating next-generation synthetic/living composite biomaterials that feature high adaptiveness to the biological environment.
Predictive Validity of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) for Pilot Performance

Abstract. The Air Force Qualifying Test (AFOQT) has been the primary selection test battery for officer candidates in the US Air Force since 1953. Despite a wealth of literature on the validity of ...
Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant vs Warfarin for Post Cardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background Treatment guidelines for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) recommend use of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over warfarin, yet clinical trials excluded individuals with post cardiac surgery AF. We sought to compare outcomes with NOACs vs warfarin for new onset post cardiac surgery AF. Methods We examined 26,522 patients from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ database with post cardiac surgery AF who were discharged on oral anticoagulation from July 2017–December 2018. Three primary outcomes were evaluated: 30-day mortality, major bleeding complications, and stroke/transient ischemic attack. Secondary outcomes included postoperative length of stay, 30-day myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, and pericardial effusion/tamponade. Results A total of 9769 (36.8%) participants were prescribed NOACs and 16,753 (63.2%) warfarin. In multivariable analysis, there was no association between type of anticoagulant and 30-day major bleeding complications (odds ratio [OR]NOAC/warfarin 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-1.18), stroke/transient ischemic attack (ORNOAC/warfarin 0.94, 95% CI 0.53-1.67) or mortality (ORNOAC/warfarin 1.08, 95% CI 0.80-1.45). After stratification by renal function or isolated coronary bypass vs valve surgery, there remained no difference in the primary outcomes. Additionally, there was no difference in 30-day myocardial infarction (ORNOAC/warfarin 1.17, 95% CI 0.62-2.22), venous thromboembolism (ORNOAC/warfarin 0.91, 95% CI 0.47-1.78), or pericardial effusion/tamponade (ORNOAC/warfarin 1.09, 95% CI 0.80-1.47) between the 2 groups. NOAC therapy was associated with a half-day reduction in postoperative length of stay (βNOAC/warfarin –0.47, 95% CI –0.62 to –0.33). Conclusions NOACs are associated with a reduction in postoperative length of stay, without excess bleeding or other short-term complications, compared with warfarin. These findings support the broader use of NOACs as a safe alternative to warfarin in patients with post cardiac surgery AF at elevated stroke risk and acceptable bleeding risk.
Physics-based linear model predictive control strategy for three-way catalyst air/fuel ratio control:

The Current practice of air-fuel ratio control relies on empirical models and traditional PID controllers, which require extensive calibration to maintain the post-catalyst air-fuel ratio close to ...
Propositional Names

I propose that an adequate name for a proposition will be (1) rigid, in Kripke’s sense of referring to the same thing in every world in which it exists, and (2) transparent, which means that it would be possible, if one knows the name, to know which object the name refers. I then argue that the Standard Way of naming propositions—prefixing the word ‘that’ to a declarative sentence—does not allow for transparent names of every proposition, and that no alternative naming convention does better. I explore the implications of this failure for deflationism about truth, arguing that any theory that requires the T biconditional to be a priori cannot succeed.
The Communication of Justice, Injustice, and Necessary Evils: An Empirical Examination:

The prevailing approach to studying justice in the workplace has focused on recipients and observers of justice. This approach, however, fails to consider the experience of other parties including ...
Synthesis and evaluation of novel plant oil-based polymers as binders for artist paints: Controllable drying behavior and low yellowness

Abstract A series of plant oil based polyvinyl ethers were synthesized and evaluated as potential replacements for linseed oil in artists' paints. For hundreds of years, plant oils have been used as binders for artist paints, but due to their slow drying, yellowing, and cracking on aging the binder market has shifted to petroleum-based acrylics. In this study, plant oil vinyl ether (POVE) monomers were synthesized from linseed, soybean, and palm oils and then polymerized using cationic polymerization. The synthesized POVE monomers had color impurities that were successfully removed via distillation resulting in essentially colorless monomers. The synthesized poly(POVE)s, showed drying behavior faster than linseed oil. A similar trend was observed in the presence of drying catalysts or pigments. Drying time and viscosity were tailored by varying the molecular weight of the poly(POVE)s. Compared to linseed oil, purified poly(POVE) binders resulted in significantly lower “yellowness” when films were produced with TiO2 pigment. Pigmented films from poly(POVE)s also resulted in better mechanical properties compared to those made using linseed oil as the binder.
A characterization of unbounded Fredholm operators

This paper is a continuation of the paper (A.G.Ramm, Amer. Math. Monthly, 108, N 9, (2001), 855-860), where bounded Fredholm operators are studied. The theory of bounded linear Fredholm-type operators is presented in many texts. This paper is written for a broad audience and the author tries to give simple and short arguments.
Performance modeling of fault-tolerant systems using VHDL

The authors present a methodology which creates a single-path design environment based on a hardware description language (HDL). This methodology allows high-level performance modeling and, potentially, reliability modeling to be performed using the same HDL and simulation environment that is used to perform detailed design. In fact, the significant advantage of the approach is that the same modeling language and environment can be used from conceptual design to implementation, thus avoiding the need for translate among different CAD tools. The specific HDL used is the VHSIC (very-high-speed-integrated-circuit) hardware description language (VHDL). The authors illustrate the application of the methodology to fault-tolerant system design by modeling, simulating, and evaluating the performance of a multiprocessor system with the algorithm-to-architecture-mapping-model (ATAMM) management strategy being used for resource/task allocations. >
Painting and Direct Writing of Silver Nanostructures on Phosphate Glass with Electron Beam Irradiation

Surfaces with silver nanostructures are useful, due to their potential to resonate strongly with visible light. This report demonstrates a process for the directed extraction of silver at the surface of a transparent superionic conductor. A focused electron beam incident on superionic AgIAgPO3 glass results in localized negative charge deposition, which is neutralized by the electrochemical reduction of free silver ions. This process was characterized for beam energies ranging from 1 to 12 kV and primary beam fluence ranging from 50 pC μm−2 to 35 nC μm−2. For electron fluence less than 2.5 nC μm−2 the process produces vibrant coloration of the glass which can be tuned throughout the entire visible spectrum. Fluence greater than 2.5 nC μm−2 results in the controlled writing of bulk silver on the surface, with a minimum line width as small as 400 nm and narrow gaps as small as 50 nm. The high ionic conductivity of the substrate is shown to be a vital component to the process, allowing the wide range of colors to be produced along with the controlled, nondendritic growth of silver structures.
Forecast of seismic aftershocks using a neural network

Every significant earthquake is followed by a mostly identifiable cluster of aftershocks. To predict the occurrence of these aftershocks, we trained a neural network using seismic data from SCSN (Caltech) as input. The trained network is extrapolated recursively, using the last target as the next input. In this way we were able to reproduce the three major aftershocks with magnitude 4.0 or greater for the main shock of magnitude 5.2 on Jan. 7, 1996 in Southern California. This paradigm returns a deterministic result, but requires two adjustable parameters: the number of hidden nodes and tolerance.
Stopped flow spectrophotometric studies of yeast enolase subunit interaction.

Abstract We measured the kinetics of absorbance changes at 296 nm occurring on addition to or removal of magnesium from brewers' and bakers' yeast enolase A, B, or a mixture of these. The stopped flow apparatus was equipped with a highly stabilized Xenon arc light source and an on-line computer was used to record and process all data. When excess magnesium is added to partially dissociated enolase, we obtain a rapid absorbance change within the dead time of the instrument, a protein concentration-dependent change, and finally a first order change. The initial absorbance change is probably the result of magnesium binding to both monomeric and dimeric enzyme. The protein concentration-dependent change is from subunit association. The final change parallels recovery of enzymatic activity. The rates of these reactions are slower in 1 m potassium chloride, which evidently reduces the rate of subunit association. The source of the enolase, the isozymic form of the enzyme, and the age and storage conditions determine how readily the enzyme dissociates in the absence of metal. The initial activity of enzyme is inversely proportional to the absorbance changes observed in the stopped flow, that is, to the extent of dissociation. Associated enzyme is fully active within 4 ms of binding magnesium, suggesting that magnesium binding to yeast enolase monomers is not requisite for subunit association. On addition of EDTA to enzyme containing endogenous magnesium, two successive first order reactions occur, following an absorbance change within the dead time of the instrument. This occurs whether the enzyme dissociates under these conditions or not, showing that these transitions do not correspond to those seen on addition of magnesium. Consequently, at least four transitions occur in the enzyme on removal of magnesium. We conclude that magnesium can affect the subunit association equilibrium simply by binding preferentially to the dimeric form of enolase.
An oxygen-dependent coproporphyrinogen oxidase encoded by the hemF gene of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract The 8th step in the 10-step heme biosynthetic pathway of Salmonella typhimurium is the oxidation of coproporphyrinogen III to protoporphyrinogen IX. On the basis of genetic studies, we have suggested that this reaction may be catalyzed by either of two different enzymes, an oxygen-dependent one encoded by hemF or an oxygen-independent enzyme encoded by hemN. Here, we report the cloning of the S. typhimurium hemF gene and its DNA sequence. The predicted amino acid sequence of the HemF protein is 44% identical to that of the coproporphyrinogen oxidase encoded by the yeast HEM13 gene. The wild-type S. typhimurium strain LT-2 produces an oxygen-dependent coproporphyrinogen oxidase activity detectable in crude extracts, which is not found in hemF mutants and is overproduced in strains carrying the hemF gene on a multicopy plasmid. the hemF gene is the second gene in an operon with an upstream gene with an unknown function, whose amino acid sequence suggests a relation to amidases involved in cell wall synthesis or remodeling. The upstream gene and hemF are cotranscribed from a promoter which was mapped by primer extension. A weaker, hemF-specific promoter is inferred from the behavior of an omega-Cm insertion mutation in the upstream gene. Although this insertion decreases expression of beta-galactosidase about 7.5-fold when placed upstream of a hemF-lacZ operon fusion, it still allows sufficient HemF expression from an otherwise wild-type construct to confer a Hem+ phenotype. The hemF operon is transcribed clockwise with respect to the genetic map.
Observations on ammonia and volatile amines in milk.

Summary A gas-liquid chromatography method was developed for milk and applied to good and feed-flavored milks. All fresh milk contained ammonia, propyl and hexyl amines. Feed-flavored milk contained higher concentrations of n-propyl and n-hexyl amines than were found in good-flavored milk. Addition of these amines to milk revealed that they caused a weed or feed type flavor.
Foamed Liquidand Cellular Metal Shock Attenuation Analysis for Z-IFE

Foamed liquid and cellular materials are being investigated as potential materials for shock mitigation and energy absorption in the IFE Z-pinch power plant concept. These materials are a critical part of the plant design because they absorb the energy that will be converted to electricity, generate tritium, and protect the containment structure. Foamed materials are being considered for shock mitigation because of their low densities. However, for inhomogeneous materials, such as a liquid with gas bubbles or cellular materials, a low density mixture can be obtained using various configurations, morphologies, or cell sizes. For example, cellular metals with different cell sizes, or a different number of pores per inch (ppi), can be fabricated with the same porosity and density. A series of experiments and ALEGRA simulations were conducted to investigate the effect of material configuration on shock mitigation
Fabrication of a microfluidic system for capillary electrophoresis using a two-stage embossing technique and solvent welding on poly(methyl methacrylate) with water as a sacrificial layer.

Methods for fabricating poly(methyl methacrylate) microchips using a novel two-stage embossing technique and solvent welding to form microchannels in microfluidic devices are presented. The hot embossing method involves a two-stage process to create the final microchip design. In its simplest form, a mold made of aluminum is fabricated using CNC machining to create the desired microchannel design. In this work, two polymer substrates with different glass transition temperatures (Tg), polyetherimide (PEI) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), were used to make the reusable secondary master and the final chip. First, the aluminum mold was used to emboss the PEI, a polymeric substrate with Tg ∼ 216 °C. The embossed PEI was then used as a secondary mold for embossing PMMA, a polymeric substrate with a lower Tg (∼105 °C). The resulting PMMA substrate possessed the same features as those of the aluminum mold. Successful feature transfer from the aluminum mold to the PMMA substrate was verified by profilometry. ...
Laparotomy operative note template constructed through a modified Delphi method

Objective An operative note is indispensable to physician documentation and decision-making; however, there are no accepted standards for operative note content. Our aim was to use a modified Delphi consensus-building method to construct a uniform operative note template for laparotomy. Study Design Using Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requirements, literature review, and feedback from 15 medical malpractice defense attorneys, we compiled a draft operative note template of 31 elements. We surveyed 37 Association of Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Solvay scholars asking for their input on inclusion of each item as essential content of the operative note. Results Two iterations of the survey were required to reach a predetermined 75% level of consensus. Nine elements were eliminated from the template: 6 original and 3 expert-suggested elements. Conclusion We provide an operative note template that was compiled through a Delphi process.
Subunit interactions and glutamine utilization by Escherichia coli imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase.

A selection strategy has been developed to identify amino acid residues involved in subunit interactions that coordinate the two half-reactions catalyzed by glutamine amidotransferases. The protein structures known for this class of enzymes have revealed that ammonia is shuttled over long distances and that each amidotransferase evolved different molecular tunnels for this purpose. The heterodimeric Escherichia coli imidazole glycerol phosphate (IGP) synthase was probed to assess if residues in the substrate amination subunit (HisF) are critical for the glutaminase activity in the HisH subunit. The activity of the HisH subunit is dependent upon binding of the nucleotide substrate at the HisF active site. This regulatory function has been exploited as a biochemical selection of mutant HisF subunits that retain full activity with ammonia as a substrate but, when constituted as a holoenzyme with wild-type HisH, impair the glutamine-dependent activity of IGP synthase. The steady-state kinetic constants for these IGP synthases with HisF alleles showed three distinct effects depending upon the site of mutation. For example, mutation of the R5 residue has similar effects on the glutamine-dependent amidotransfer reaction; however, kcat/Km for the glutaminase half-reaction was increased 10-fold over that for the wild-type enzyme with nucleotide substrate. This site appears essential for coupling of the glutamine hydrolysis and ammonia transfer steps and is the first example of a site remote to the catalytic triad that modulates the process. The results are discussed in the context of recent X-ray crystal structures of glutamine amidotransferases that relate the glutamine binding and acceptor binding sites.
An eclectic information processing system

This paper is a progress report on a computer system which is now being designed and constructed. As the title indicates, ideas that seem good have been taken from many different sources. Many features of contemporary large systems that were earlier incorporated into a plan for a large machine are now being applied to this smaller system.