cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microtubules and Pressure-Overload Hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is a process whereby an increase in chamber mass occurs largely by an increase in size of terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes in response to increased external and/or internal work. Hypertrophied cardiomyocytes have abnormal electrical and mechanical properties that underlie, at least in part, altered cardiovascular function in a variety of pathological states. In particular, heart failure of diverse origins is invariably accompanied by hypertrophy, and contractile failure appears to be an inevitable consequence of hypertrophic stimuli of sufficient severity and duration. Molecular and biochemical mechanisms that are responsible for functions of the hypertrophied cardiomyocyte are being intensively studied using genetically engineered mice, animal models of human disease, and clinical investigations. These approaches have identified important alterations in myofilament and calcium-cycling proteins, sarcolemmal ion pumps, channels, and receptors and in various signal transduction pathways of hypertrophied hearts.1 In contrast to our knowledge of the importance of alterations in proteins that actively participate in myocyte contraction, relaxation, and growth, there is less information regarding the role of cytoarchitectural components of the cardiomyocyte in normal and pathological states. The cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton is composed of …
A new hardware realization of digital filters

A new approach to the implementation problem of digital filters is presented. This approach capitalizes on recent advances in semiconductor memory technology and is shown to offer significant reductions in cost and power consumption for the same speed of operation as that of existing realizations. Furthermore, this approach makes possible speeds of operation which cannot be achieved by existing realizations. The proposed approach yields a very flexible hardware configuration and a discussion of the various options is presented together with a comparison to existing realizations. The mean-squared error resulting from the use of finite word length is analyzed.
Alarm handler for the Advanced Photon Source control system

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) will have a control system employing graphics workstations at the operator interface level and VME-based microprocessors operating with a distributed database at the field level. The alarm handler is an application utilizing X-Windows running on one or more operator interface workstations which monitors alarms generated by the VME-based microprocessors. Alarms can be grouped in a hierarchical manner. The operator can monitor, acknowledge, and mask alarms either individually or aggregately. Alarm changes of state and all operator modifications are logged. When alarms occur, display windows are automatically generated conveying system and subsystem relationships and severity. Menus are used to modify the alarm action configuration files and to obtain help. Since alarm groups are defined via an alarm configuration file, the alarm handler is a general purpose application which can be customized to monitor a single subsystem or configured to monitor the entire accelerator complex. >
On correlating otoacoustic emissions with blood glucose levels

The long term objective of this research is to develop a new means for diabetic patients to painlessly and non-invasively monitor their blood glucose levels. We propose a novel method for noninvasive glucose monitoring based on measurement and analysis of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). OAEs are low-intensity sounds generated by the cochlea in response to acoustic stimuli. Evoking and measuring OAEs is done using a tiny speaker and microphone that fit snugly inside the ear canal. The OAE response can be partially masked or reduced in amplitude by presenting competing acoustic stimuli contralaterally (opposite ear), ipsilaterally (same ear), or both. This masking effect is caused by activation of neural efferent pathways from the brain. Neural effects, including evoked responses such as auditory brainstem responses and axonal transmission latencies, are known to correlate with glucose. This suggests that masked OAEs may correlate with glucose since masking is a result of neural activity, and neural activity is affected by glucose levels. Prior to our research, no studies have investigated the correlation of masked OAEs with blood glucose. In this paper we present our preliminary findings, including experimental results that suggest a correlation with blood glucose levels.
Performance comparison between statistical-based and direct data domain STAPs

In the situation that a radar platform is moving very fast, the number of training data used in space-time adaptive processing (STAP) is a major concern. Less number of training data is preferred in this situation. In this paper, four versions of statistical-based and direct data domain STAPs are discussed and compared their performance when the number of training data is varied. The four statistical-based methods are the full-rank statistical method, the relative importance of the eigenbeam (RIE) method, the principle component generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC) method, and the cross-spectral GSC method. We will compare the performance of these four methods with that of the direct data domain least squares (D3LS) approach, which utilizes only one snapshot of data in its processing. The channel mismatch will be also introduced to all methods to evaluate their performance. It is found that to make the statistical-based methods work; we need to know the rank of the interference covariance matrix. And the D3LS performs better when the number of training data available for the statistical-based methods is less than the rank of the interference covariance matrix.
Proteins of the Brain Extracellular Fluid: Evidence for Release of S-100 Protein

Extracellular protein fractions were obtained (1) by mild, isotonic irrigation of freshly perfused brain tissue; (2) by collection of proteins released into superfusing medium by physiologically viable slices of rat hippocampus; and (3) by sampling the CSF of anesthetized rats. Analysis of the S-100 protein content of these fractions gave values of 2.8, 4.2, and 1.8 micrograms S-100/mg protein, respectively. These values were three- to sixfold higher than the S-100 content of the soluble cytoplasmic protein fractions from the same tissue. This several-fold higher S-100 content of the extracellular protein fractions relative to the intracellular cytoplasmic protein fractions indicates that S-100 is selectively released into the extracellular spaces of the brain. We suggest that the biological function of this CNS protein may involve intercellular transfer.
Piezoelectric-Resonance Effect in a Radio-Frequency-Driven Ferroelectric Plasma Source

The effect of driving frequency on the minimum voltage required to form plasma in a radio-frequency ferroelectric plasma source is examined. When the driving frequency of the plasma source is less than the translational effect radial resonant frequency, the applied electric field and background pressure have an increased effect on plasma formation. Applied-voltage frequencies that are close to the radial mechanical resonance of a ferroelectric/piezoelectric disk cause plasma formation to occur at reduced voltages. In one case, a 75% reduction in the breakdown voltage is realized by altering only the frequency of the applied voltage.
A Mixed-Method Study of Princeville's Rebuilding from the Flood of 1999: Lessons on the Importance of Invisible Community Assets

Guided by previous studies and the community assets perspective, a concurrent mixed-method case study was conducted five years after a devastating flood to investigate how invisible community assets played a role in Princeville's rebuilding process from the flood of 1999. The independent variables in this study included retrospectively assessed elected leadership, community cohesion, and depression. The dependent variables were the perceived financial recovery to the pre-disaster level and the current emotional status. The quantitative method (n=127) indicates a statistically significant relationship between the retrospectively assessed depression and the financial recovery (Spearman's rho=.327, p<.001). Chi-square coefficient reveals that elected leaders' ability to mobilize needed resources was also significantly related to the financial recovery (Cramers' V=.350, p=.013). Qualitative methods identified the community's symbolic meaning and unique needs of being an aged community as the most precious internal assets of the community during the rebuilding process. Major implications are discussed.
Taphonomic Effects of Vulture Scavenging

From July through September 2007, three pig carcasses (Sus scrofa), weighing between 27 and 63 kg were placed outside in a grassy area in central Texas. A surrounding fence prevented entrance by terrestrial scavengers, while allowing avian scavengers unrestricted access. A fourth pig carcass served as a control for the rate of decomposition and was placed in a cage that prevented terrestrial and avian animal access. Modification of the carcasses was recorded through the use of two motion-sensing digital cameras and daily on-site observations. American black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) waited c. 24 h before beginning to scavenge and completely skeletonized the carcasses in 3 to 27 h of feeding, leaving scratches on the bones. The accelerated rate of decomposition and the signature markings on the bones should be considered when interpreting taphonomic events and determining an accurate postmortem interval at vulture-modified scenes.
The cardiac 26S proteasome: regulating the regulator.

See related articles, pages 362–371 and 372–380 The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the main pathway for the nonlysosomal degradation of intracellular proteins, representing upwards of 80% of all intracellular proteins. A key component of the UPS is the 26S proteasome, a macromolecular multisubunit complex that has the responsibility of recognizing, unfolding, and the ultimately destroying proteins that have been tagged by polyubiquitin chains generally at the e-NH2 group of an internal substrate lysine residue. This is a multistep process that has been reviewed in detail elsewhere.1,2 What has become clear is that the rapid destruction of these proteins, some with high biological activity, actually represents a form of regulation of cellular processes. The UPS is now recognized as a regulator of the cell cycle and cell division,3 immune response and antigen presentation,4 apoptosis,5 and cell signaling.6,7 Moreover, the UPS plays critical roles in protein quality by removal of damaged, oxidized, and/or misfolded proteins.8,9 Ciechanover et al10 have aptly referred to this process as “biological regulation via destruction.” Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that this critical regulatory system becomes dysfunctional in certain disease states, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.11 With respect to the cardiovascular system, recent studies have suggested that myocardial ischemia,12,13 certain mutant protein–associated cardiomyopathies,14 atherosclerosis,15 and even diabetes16 may be examples of proteasomal dysfunction disorders. Despite all of the evidence supporting the critical role that the UPS plays in these processes, little is know about how the 26S proteasome itself is regulated. The majority of studies have focused on substrate specificity and selectivity, function of the ubiquitin protein ligases or E3s, as a means of regulating activity of the UPS. Specificity can be accounted for …
Oxidative Stress and the Vascular Wall NADPH Oxidases Take Center Stage

The contemporary notion that oxidative stress contributes to vascular wall pathology dates back some 25 years, when chemical modification of LDL was found to permit macrophage foam cell formation,1 and subsequent data indicated that vascular cells promoted LDL lipid oxidation (eg, LDL oxidation) to produce a similarly modified LDL.2 It is now clear, however, that oxidative stress in the vascular wall involves much more than the oxidation of LDL lipids. Risk factors for atherosclerosis are associated with an increased arterial wall flux of reactive oxygen species that not only may oxidize biological targets (ie, lipids), but also directly produce phenotypic changes in vascular cells such as inducing smooth muscle cell proliferation, adhesion molecule expression, and premature senescence.3 Many of these cellular responses have been implicated in both the development and the clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. Articles pp 2668 and 2677 In the cellular environment, the most common reactive oxygen species produced is superoxide (O2·−) because it is the product of a single electron added to oxygen. Cells and tissues contain abundant superoxide dismutase that converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a species that has garnered considerable interest as an endogenous signaling molecule. A landmark study by Sundaresan and colleagues7 demonstrated a requirement for intracellular H2O2 generation in the mitogenic effects of platelet-derived growth factor on smooth muscle. Subsequent investigation points to a host of phenotypic responses that involve intracellular reactive oxygen species as signaling molecules (reviewed by Chen et al8). As a result of this body of work, one can construct a paradigm (Figure 1) relating cellular responses to the phenotype of the vascular wall. In this model, the presence or absence of vascular disease represents a balance between tissue responses typically categorized as either normal …
Building DSS for negotiators: a three-step design process

A negotiation support system (NSS) is commonly defined as a set of negotiator's individual decision support systems (DSS) interconnected with a communications/group decision component. The author presents a three-step design framework to build a negotiator's DSS that offers its user analytical and strategic insights about the counterpart(s). The purpose of such an NSS is to improve the user's bargaining performance over his/her opponent(s). The proposed design process is illustrated by three versions of NEGOTIATOR, a bilateral, multiple-issue, single-party negotiation support system. The system is designed to be used either as a stand-alone DSS or an integrated DSS module of a NSS dedicated to support communications and group problem solving tasks. >
The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the human retina and macula. Recent clinical trials have determined that age- and diet-related loss of lutein and zeaxanthin enhances phototoxic damage to the human eye and that supplementation of these carotenoids has a protective effect against photoinduced damage to the lens and the retina. Two of the major mechanisms of protection offered by lutein and zeaxanthin against age-related blue light damage are the quenching of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species and the absorption of blue light. Determining the specific reactive intermediate(s) produced by a particular phototoxic ocular chromophore not only defines the mechanism of toxicity but can also later be used as a tool to prevent damage.
Communicative Competence, Intelligibility, and Model

First language development in a child does not take place in a social and cultural vacuum. This is also true for second and foreign language development. One crucial difference between first language development and second and foreign language development, however, is the options available in the classroom setting. These options are the pedagogical choices made concerning which model, whose intelligibility, and which communicative competence should be the learners’ goal. The answers to these questions vary with the learners’ purposes and with the speech community of which they want to become members. Thus, the questions are interrelated. The choice of a model depends on the identification of the communicative competence learners are to develop and the degree of mutual intelligibility with other speakers they are to achieve. An appreciation of the interdependence of these three notions and its consequences for pedagogy begins with a look at the issues and concerns, theoretical as well as applied, each represents.
Alternative Medicines in Epilepsy

A 24-year-old female patient has a known diagnosis of Localization-related epilepsy. Her focal seizures were ultimately controlled using an antiepileptic drug combination of levetiracetam and carbamazepine. The patient was brought to the emergency room 1 day by her mother when she noted that her daughter had “not been herself.” On examination, the patient was confused and did not answer questions appropriately. She appeared to be awake and her neurological examination was without focal features. When asked questions, she parroted the words of the questions back to the examiner. According to her mother, she was compliant with her antiepileptic medications. There had been no other recent major changes in her activities, other than taking the ginseng extract that she had obtained from a coworker. Her coworker had apparently been growing natural remedies at home to use as medicinal agents. Our patient took the extract in an effort to improve her memory performance. In addition, she had obtained cannabis because she thought that it helped improve her epilepsy. When she arrived in the emergency department, laboratory testing revealed no significant abnormalities in her complete blood count and metabolic profile. The levetiracetam level was found to be within the ranges supplied by the laboratory. The carbamazepine level was low at 2 mg/dL. Neuroimaging studies were unremarkable. A urine drug toxicology screen was positive for cannabis. Subsequently, an EEG was obtained (Fig. 40.1).
Crystalline, thermal and swelling properties of starches from single-segment substitution lines with different Wx alleles in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

BACKGROUND In rice, five common Wx alleles, wx, Wxt , Wxg1 , Wxg2 and Wxg3 , have been identified according to their apparent amylose content (AAC) phenotypes. Previous studies revealed that this Wx allelic variation may also affect other starch properties. However, so far, to what extent the five Wx alleles influence the crystalline structure, thermal and swelling properties of rice starch is still unclear. For this purpose, a set of single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs) harboring five different Wx alleles, varying widely in AAC, was used for comparative studies. RESULTS The crystalline structure, thermal properties and swelling behavior of starches from the SSSLs varied widely depending on Wx genotype. Effects of different Wx alleles on relative crystallinity followed the order wx > Wxt > Wxg1 = Wxg2 > Wxg3 . The glutinous and Wxt genotype starches showed higher gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy compared with other Wx genotypes. The order for swelling power was wx > Wxt > Wxg1 > Wxg2 > Wxg3 , while the order for degree of solubility was Wxg3 > Wxg1 > Wxg2 > Wxt = wx. Correlation analysis indicated that AAC was significantly and negatively correlated with relative crystallinity (r = -0.996, P < 0.01) and swelling power (r = -0.982, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The present results provide new knowledge about the influence of different Wx alleles on the structural and physicochemical properties of rice starch. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity to cardiac cells of lymphocytes from patients with primary myocardial disease.

The etiology of primary myocardial disease is unknown. With the advent of immunologic technics, an immune process related to primary myocardial disease has been sought, but none has been elucidated as diagnostic or causative. The authors attempted to study the possibility of a cell-mediated component in the etiology of primary myocardial disease. Cell-mediated immunologic injury of cultured, human myocardial cells was studied in cells from patients with primary myocardial disease and controls by means of a 5,chromium-release method. Significant lymphocytic cytotoxicity against myocardial cells was detected in cells from 23 (30%) of 73 patients with primary myocardial disease, compared with two (4%) of 49 normal, healthy control subjects. Significant cytotoxicity was also observed in cells from 36 (24%) of 148 patients who had other cardiac diseases, mainly rheumatic and atherosclerotic diseases. No group showed cytotoxicity against a long-term culture of Chang hepatic cells. No clinical correlation between the severity of the disease and increased cytotoxicity could be found. It is concluded that lymphocytic reactivity against myocardial cells probably results from myocardial damage due to a variety of causes, and that it is not specific for primary myocardial disease.
Homogamy Outlaws: Interracial Couples' Strategic Responses to Racism and to Partner Differences

This study explores how black-white interracial couples experience and respond to racism and how they negotiate racial and ethnic difference in their relationships. Twelve black-white couples were ...
Feasibility on Prototype Manufacture of Detecting Armored Vehicle in Down-hole Disaster Area

This paper proposes a design idea that a kind of mini multi-function armored vehicle having ability of high exposion-preventing,strong running,and equipping mechanism of barrier clearance and fire extinguishing device,so which can deep into coal mine to detect parameters of disaster environment and wireless communicate is achieved by throwing the relay station automatically with the aid of the manipulator,so important information of field disaster is proposed for command of disaster rescue and rescue staff.Analysis and verification of feasibility on prototype manufacture based on calculation of dynamic parameters can be finished.
Clinical characteristics of benign infantile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis(Report of 26 cases)

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of benign infantile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.Methods:The clinicaldata of 26 patients with benign infantile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis from our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Results:Autumns and winters were highoccurrence seasons for the disease. Allcases developed convulsive seizures without fever symptom, and most cases were with fever and infection of rotavirus. Plasma electrolytes, electroencephalogram(EEG), cranial computer tomography(CCT) and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) were normal. Conclusion:Among 26 patients, 16 cases' causative pathogen of the disease was rotavirus.Desensitization therapyw as fulfilled successfully and the prognosis was well.
Changes in Michaelis and spectral constants for aniline in hepatic microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats.

Recent work has suggested that the rate of hepatic microsomal drug metabolism may be correlated with either the cytochrome P-450 content or the magnitude of the spectral change caused by the addition of substrates to microsomal suspensions. Accordingly, the relationships between these factors were investigated in 0.9% NaCl- and phenobarbital-treated intact, sham-operated, and partially hepatectomized rats. In intact animals phenobarbital produced a 3-4-fold increase in both microsomal aniline hydroxylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content, whereas in sham-operated or partially hepatectomized rats it produced a 4-fold increase in cytochrome P-450 content but only doubled aniline hydroxylase activity. Although phenobarbital treatment doubled the binding constants ( K[unknown] ) for aniline in all groups, it increased the maximum absorbance change ( A max) produced by the additione of aniline to microsomes about 7-fold in unoperated animals but only about 4-fold in the operated groups. It was found that the Michaelis constant ( Km ) and binding constant ( K[unknown] ) for aniline differ by a factor of 10 in microsomal preparations from intact animals. Phenobarbital treatment was found to elicit significant increases in both K[unknown] , and Km for aniline. These changes in Km and K[unknown] , imply that induction by phenobarbital may be associated with qualitative as well as quantitative changes in the hepatic microsomal aniline hydroxylase.
In vitro characterization of MAT LyLu: a Dunning rat prostate adenocarcinoma tumor subline.

AbstractProstate carcinoma has been a therapeutic challenge. The Dunning tumor, a rat prostate adenocarcinoma tumor model, has been used to evaluate prostate carcinoma treatment protocols. The Dunning tumor subline, MAT LyLu, as described in this report, has been established and characterized as an in vitro continuous cell culture. The cell culture has been stable for greater than 60 passages. The in vitro characteristics of the MAT LyLu cell culture, such as growth rate, loss of contact inhibition, clonogenicity, morphology and tumorigenicity, are consistent with the malignant characteristics of the Dunning tumor subline. The MAT LyLu cell culture has enzyme activities which can be used to characterize the cell line. The establishment of MAT LyLu as a continuous cell culture should provide a controlled approach to evaluate the etiology and treatment of prostate carcinoma.
Phishing susceptibility: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Phishing website-based attacks remain pervasive, with high user susceptibility continuing to be a major factor. In this study we use cluster analysis coupled with an elaborate controlled experiment involving hundreds of participants to identify and examine high susceptibility user segments in terms of their perceptions, demographics, and phishing website traversal behavior. The results reveal three sets of users, including two sets that exhibit highly problematic behavior. The results have important implications for training programs, usability of anti-phishing tools, and security policies.
Rational use of rasburicase for the treatment and management of tumor lysis syndrome.

PurposeThere is a lack of high-level evidence identifying meaningful outcomes and the optimal place in therapy of rasburicase in patients with, or at high risk for tumor lysis syndrome. The primary...
Opportunities for Collaboration at the Interface of Pharmacovigilance and Manufacturing

A case can be made that much common ground exists between pharmacovigilance and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Of the 8 major US statutes that shaped the pharmaceutical industry since early in the 20th Century, 7 followed fatally catastrophic events related to the use of a manufactured product, and 1 followed the discovery of a counterfeit product. To facilitate an understanding of the interplay between pharmacovigilance and manufacturing, it is convenient to divide manufacturing into 3 categories: (1) upstream sourcing of materials: pharmacovigilance plays an important role when adverse event clusters are seen during routine vigilance detection processes and the suspicion turns to possibly contaminated source material, (2) the manufacturing process itself: pharmacovigilance may be called on to conduct a health hazard evaluation if a manufacturing deviation is detected after product release (the assessment can inform the depth of a recall), and (3) downstream distribution and product use: there is only light regulation of the interval between product distribution after manufacturing release and just before administration to patients, a time during which product may be subject to an out-of-specification determination for environmental controls or subject to malfeasant activities, such as counterfeit substitution or product diversion. Recently introduced statutory remedies, including the FDA Safety and Innovation Act and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act in the United States and the Falsified Medicines Directive (directive 2011/62/EC) in the European Union, can provide capabilities to support pharmacovigilance signal management activities that have the potential to reduce the risk to patients of experiencing adverse events caused by counterfeit, diverted, or tampered product.
Gender Identity Disparities in Bathroom Safety and Wellbeing among High School Students.

By examining the relationship between trans identity, bathroom safety and wellbeing among high school students, this article empirically investigates how educational institutions operate as sites through which gender is negotiated in ways that are consequential for trans youth. We draw cross-sectional survey data, from a multi-school climate survey (n = 1046) conducted in the Midwestern United States, to examine three aspects of high school students’ wellbeing: safety at school, self-esteem, and grades. The sample included students in 9th–12th grade who identified as trans (9.2%) and cisgender (41.2% boys, 49.6% girls), as well as LGBQ (21.6%) and heterosexual (78.4%). Most respondents were monoracial white (65.8%), monoracial Black (12.4%), and multiracial (14.1%). Using mediation and moderation linear regression models, we show that feeling safe using school facilities helps to explain widespread inequalities between trans and cisgender students. Based on these results, we suggest that in order to address disparities in educational outcomes between trans and cisgender students, as well as to improve student wellbeing in general, policies and practices need to ensure that all students have the right to safely access bathrooms and school facilities.
Magnetic stimuli-responsive chitosan-based drug delivery biocomposite for multiple triggered release

Stimuli-responsive biomaterials offer a unique advantage over traditional local drug delivery systems in that the drug elution rate can be controllably increased to combat developing symptomology or maintain high local elution levels for disease treatment. In this study, superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the antibiotic vancomycin were loaded into chitosan microbeads cross-linked with varying lengths of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Beads were characterized using degradation, biocompatibility, and elution studies with successive magnetic stimulations at multiple field strengths and frequencies. Thirty-minute magnetic stimulation induced a temporary increase in daily elution rate of up to 45% that was dependent on field strength, field frequency and cross-linker length. Beads degraded by up to 70% after 3 days in accelerated lysozyme degradation tests, but continued to elute antibiotic for up to 8 days. No cytotoxic effects were observed in vitro compared to controls. These promising preliminary results indicate clinical potential for use in stimuli-controlled drug delivery.
The effect of vacuum assisted socket suspension on prospective, community-based falls by users of lower limb prostheses

Individuals with lower limb amputation are at increased risk of falling compared to age-matched peers. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of socket suspension on the risk of falling, by comparing prospectively tracked falls between a group of participants that used vacuum assisted socket suspension (VASS) and a group that did not use this system. Fifteen current users of VASS and 12 non-VASS users received an email every two weeks for one year, with a link to an online survey that asked whether they fell (i.e., "unintentionally came to rest on a lower surface") or stumbled (i.e., lost balance but did not fall) in the prior two weeks. A Chi-squared test was used to compare fall and stumble risk between groups, after stratifying by level of amputation, and the phi coefficient (φ) was used to quantify effect size. While the use of VASS did not affect the rate of falling (i.e., falls per person year) for either persons with transtibial amputation (TTA) or those with transfemoral amputation (TFA), the absolute risk of having multiple falls was reduced by nearly 75% in the former (φ=0.83), which is particularly important given that recurrent falls are associated with more severe injuries. There was no effect of VASS on the risk of falls in TFA. Further work is warranted to demonstrate the persistence of these effects in larger, more controlled samples.
Abstract 374: Cardiac Fibroblasts are Essential During Pathological Stress

Cardiac fibroblasts reportedly play a role in normal heart function and are responsible for adverse remodeling after heart injury. Although fibroblast activities can be detrimental during disease, a basal level of cardiac fibroblast activity is required to maintain structural integrity and prevent rupture. We use transgenic mouse models to demonstrate that reduced fibroblasts numbers have serious consequences during pathological stress. At baseline, we observe a dramatic loss of the cardiac fibroblast lineage, which results in vasculature alterations, such as capillary dilation and decreased capillary density. Baseline changes in basement membrane (laminin) and cardiomyocyte structure have also been identified in fibroblast deficient hearts. These phenotypic changes become exacerbated after surgery indicating that fibroblasts are necessary for crosstalk between other cell types in the heart. In addition, we predict that the loss of fibroblasts will cause enhanced deterioration in cardiac function after injury due to reduced structural integrity of the heart. We will use transverse aortic constriction (TAC) as a pressure-overload model. After 5 weeks of TAC, we observe a ~50% (Baseline 71.99±6.06, TAC5wks 22.09±1.89) decrease in ejection fraction in fibroblast deficient hearts compared to a ~16% (Baseline 76.21±7.08, TAC5wks 59.59) decrease in control hearts. Our data suggest that a specific level of cardiac fibroblast activity is required to maintain normal heart function. Our goal is to identify both deleterious and beneficial roles of fibroblasts in the response of the heart to the types of pathological stress commonly encountered in patients.
Learning based gain-aware content dissemination in delay tolerant networks

This paper presents a multicast Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) routing protocol with the goal of maximizing an economic gain for Device-to-Device (D2D) commercial content dissemination. The defined economic gain is a composite routing performance index, which combines revenue from delivery, and forwarding cost from disseminating commercial content such as coupons. Majority of existing approaches, due to lack of gain-awareness, cannot control the economic gain of dissemination, as defined in this context. In the proposed approach, which is inspired by Q-learning, nodes are able to learn a set of forwarding actions which lead to a higher expected reward, i.e., gain. Due to the online learning framework, this Q-learning based Gain-aware Routing (QGR) protocol is expected to be robust in diverse and dynamic mobility environments. Using the DTN simulation software ONE, we run experiments for functional validation and performance evaluation of the proposed protocol with respect to two existing competitive protocols under different protocol constraints and mobility scenarios.
Operations Status and Bottleneck Analysis and Improvement of a Batch Process Manufacturing Line Using Discrete Event Simulation

Abstract There are many product and process variations in the production systems of batch processing. Planning and executing such manufacturing operations can be a significant and challenging task. Discrete Event Simulation is an effective tool to analyze the moderate complex product and process variations and predict the operations status and bottlenecks of an existing manufacturing system, which is critical to the operation planning, execution, and improvement. This study simulates the first process stage of tire manufacturing in batch process involving product variation and process variants. The study analyses the operations status, bottlenecks, and the interdependence of the manufacturing activities between machines. In the simulation modeling and analysis, the efficiency of machines, reliability, quality, and setup time are considered. The simulation identifies the operation bottlenecks and WIP status, and proposes process changes for improved production efficiency. The simulation study helps schedule operations to reveal the requirement/necessity of changes or addition of the buffer based on buffer status analysis. The model can also verify the changes of machines for throughput improvement.
Accelerating Economic Innovation and Impact Discovery Through HPC

This project aims to use historical census and patent data to determine the factors and conditions that influence innovative productivity, with the intention of applying these findings to foster future creativity and accelerate economic growth. By matching patent data with inventor census information, this project attempts to determine these factors and conditions. A large data set, spanning decades of patent documentation and several census, along with diminished data integrity due to inconsistent formatting and incomplete fields, creates significant computational complexity. An original implementation of the merge of these two data sets applied dynamic regular expressions to identify "fuzzy matches," or pairings with an acceptable amount of error. This implementation, utilizing 1,152 cores for analysis of a single census, completed, on average, in one week's time. With the goal of improving run-time, we sought out adapted, alternative implementations. Our initial implementation utilized Levenshtein distance (edit distance) to discover the fuzzy matches. Though this improved the quality of the pairings substantially, run-time improved only modestly. To expand on this improvement, we are currently exploring an implementation combining Levenshtein distance with a special data structure that drastically reduces the number of string comparisons in order to decrease run-time. Initial results show that when occupying 1,152 cores, the new algorithm can complete a census in approximately 24 hours. This implementation offers the benefits of higher quality pairings with a seven fold improvement in execution time compared to the original run-time. The motivation for this work stems from a collaboration with Dr. Kirk Doran, Economics professor at the University of Notre Dame.
0091 Evaluating the epidemiological evidence – a comparison of frameworks for assessing individual studies

To be presented in an accepted mini-symposium Introduction Frameworks and tools developed to evaluate observational studies of environmental and occupational exposures for systematic reviews draw from similar efforts in the field of healthcare management to achieve increased transparency in assessment conclusions. Methods This presentation compares approaches developed by U.S. and European government and academic institutions that evaluate risk of bias and sensitivity for observational studies of environmental and occupational exposures. An international collaborative project to adapt a risk of bias tool developed by the Cochrane Collaborative (Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions) that will address the varied study designs and exposure assessment methods used in these types of studies is described. Results Several commonalities are identified, including the use of signalling questions to guide evaluations, outcome-specific rather than study-specific evaluations, and avoidance of numeric scores. All frameworks evaluate participant selection/attrition/exclusion, confounding, reliability and validity of exposure and outcome assessments, and selective reporting. Less consistently used domains are analytic methods, sensitivity, and conflict of interest. The frameworks use different approaches to derive an overall conclusion about risk of bias or confidence. Conclusion As with narrative reviews, structured frameworks depend heavily on expert judgement requiring the involvement of reviewers with the correct discipline-specific expertise. The transparency of the overall evidence integration in a systematic review depends on the knowledgeable and clear presentation of study evaluation conclusions. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Dark field technology for EUV and optical mask blank inspection

The current industry plan is for EUV Lithography (EUVL) to enter High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) in the 2019/20 timeframe at about the 16nm half-pitch node (16hp). Reticle quality and reticle defects continue to be a top industry risk. The primary reticle defect quality requirement continues to be defined as “no reticle defects causing 10% or larger CD errors on wafer”. Traditionally, mask shops and mask blank manufacturers have been using bright field confocal technology to perform mask blank qualification. However, due to more stringent defect requirements for EUV blank defects, and the difficulty in detecting and repairing any mask defects caused by a blank defect, the industry requires a new approach to detect defects to support 16 nm hp EUV manufacturing. To meet these emerging requirements, we have developed a new dark field imaging system for photomask blank inspection. This system can be used in the blank manufacturing process to inspect the quartz blank, to inspect after film deposition, and to inspect the finished blank after resist coating. In the mask shop, the same system can be used to inspect an uncoated blank prior to resist coating, or to perform incoming inspection on a finished blank, prior to writing. In this paper, we report on the initial results from this new system on a range of programmed defect blanks as well as production photomask blanks. Inspection results will be shown on a variety of substrates, both for EUV blanks as well as optical blanks.
Competency assessment form to improve feedback

SummaryBackground In-training evaluation reports are a commonly used assessment method for clinical learners that can characterise the development of competence in essential domains of practice. Strategies to increase the usefulness and specificity of written narrative comments about learner performance in these reports are needed to guide their learning. Soliciting narrative comments by competency domain from supervising doctors on in-training evaluation reports could improve the quality of written feedback to students. Methods This is a pre–post study examining narrative comments derived from assessments of core clerkship students by faculty members and resident supervisors in seven clerkships using two assessment forms in academic years 2013/14 (pre; two comments fields – summative, constructive) and 2014/15 (post; seven comments fields – six competency domains, constructive comments). Using a purposive sample of 60 students based on overall clerkship performance, we conducted content analysis of written comments to compare comment quality based on word count, competencies addressed and reinforcing or constructive content. Differences between the two forms across these three components of quality were compared using Student's t-tests. Results The revised form elicited more narrative comments in all seven clerkships, with more competencies addressed. The revised form led to a decrease in the proportion of constructive comments about the students’ performances. In-training evaluation reports are a commonly used assessment method for clinical learners Discussion Structural changes to a medical student assessment form to elicit narrative comments by competency improved some measures of the quality of narrative comments provided by faculty members and residents. Additional study is needed to determine how learners use this information to improve their clinical practice.
Integrating spatial & spectral information for change detection in hyperspectral imagery

Change detection (CD) is an important topic in the remote sensing community. Although many CD works exist using spatial information or spectral information only, few works have incorporated both in the CD process. We propose a fused spatial-spectral feature vector for use in a maximum likelihood correlation coefficient (MLCC)-based change detector where the resulting test statistic provides the ability to label changes as departures or arrivals relative to the reference image. Results show that incorporating both spatial and spectral information has an advantage over either one independently. Additionally, incorporating spatial and spectral information in the CD process adds some robustness in the presence of misregistration errors.
Designing an International Liability Regime to Compensate Victims of Solar Radiation Management

Solar radiation management (SRM) is a geoengineering method that promises to forestall the devastating impacts of climate change by cooling the atmosphere. Although SRM could avert a climate disast...
Direct to your destination: the size, scope and competitive status of express coach carriers in the United States

The advent of express coach bus lines offering guaranteed seating and emphasizing curbside pickup and drop-off is contributing to a revival in intercity bus travel in the United States. Relatively little is known, however, about the scale and geographic scope of these carriers or the competitive landscape in which they operate. To fill this void, this study evaluates the service networks operated by the two largest express coach operators in the country, BoltBus and Megabus, and evaluates a data set of 4775 fares sold on megabus.com. The results show that these carriers cumulatively serve 127 intercity segments and operate about 52.9 million bus miles per year. Together, these carriers have grown to about one third of the size of Amtrak, with Megabus and BoltBus providing 3.3 billion and .69 billion seat miles of service, respectively, compared to Amtrak’s 12.8 billion. With respect to the types of routes it serves and the competition it faces, Megabus has evolved into a carrier quite different than Boltbus; more than one third of Megabus’ bus miles are operated on segments without Amtrak service, while virtually all of BoltBus’ miles face this competition. The analysis of Megabus’ pricing shows that fares rise modestly within 2 weeks of departure, while the per-mile costs are much less ($.08/mile) for 300–399 mile trips than for those 50–99 miles ($.22/mile). Nevertheless, the dispersion of fares tends to fall as the departure date nears, regardless of distance. Together, these prominent bus lines serve 66 of the 100 most heavily traveled U.S. city pairs that have characteristics suitable for intercity bus service—which is more than Amtrak. With further growth on the horizon, planners, federal regulators, and researchers should collaborate on establishing reporting requirements for this expanding sector.
Electrochemical Energy Storage with an Aqueous Zinc–Quinone Chemistry Enabled by a Mediator-Ion Solid Electrolyte

Quinone series of organics are promising electrode materials for the development of low-cost, sustainable, environmentally benign electrochemical energy storage technologies. However, the redox potential of quinones is sensitively dependent on the acidity and alkalinity of aqueous solutions. This study demonstrates a high-voltage aqueous zinc–quinone battery with an alkaline anode electrolyte (anolyte) and an acidic cathode electrolyte (catholyte), which are separated by a sodium mediator-ion solid electrolyte membrane. The redox chemistries of the acidic quinone cathode and the alkaline Zn anode are ionically linked by the shuttling of sodium mediator ions through the solid electrolyte.
Geriatric Urologic Trauma

Geriatric trauma is an increasing problem as the elderly become a larger proportion of the population. Management of genitourinary injuries in the elderly is similar to their younger cohort. However, this population has more comorbidities and less physiologic reserve leading to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Renal, ureteral, bladder, urethral, and genital injuries are discussed with a focus on the elderly. Regardless of the injury, geriatric urologic injuries should be managed at appropriate trauma centers with multidisciplinary expertise in urologic trauma and geriatrics. Little research has been done into the specific details and differences in urologic trauma management in the geriatric population. More research is needed to better serve these patients.