cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Atrial Fibrillation After Its Induction-Importance of the Duration and Dispersion of Atrial Refractoriness and Electrical Remodeling.

Background: The electrophysiologic mechanisms of the persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after its initiation are not well understood. Therefore, the electrophysiologic charac teristics of the right atrium were evaluated in an acute, pacing-induced model of AF in the pig in order to identify parameters associated with persistence of AF.Methods and Results: AF was induced by rapid atrial pacing in 30 anesthetized, open- chest, juvenile pigs. Sustained (S) AF was defined as that lasting > 10 minutes, nonsustained (NS) AF 30 seconds, and no (N) AF <30 seconds. Activation mapping and programmed stimulation (S1S1 = 200 ms) was performed at 56 electrodes on the right atrial free wall, to determine ERP (mean and minimum), dispersion of refractoriness (ERPdisp, ELEdisp), conduction velocity (CV), wavelength, AF cycle length (mean of 10 beats), and AF cycle length/time (electrical remodeling). SAF was induced in 10 pigs, NSAF in 9, and NAF in 11. AF cycle length was shorter in SAF and/vs NS vs...
Observations of Normal Modes from 84 Recordings of the Alaskan Earthquake of 1964 March 28

Summary We have taken 84 World Wide Standard Seismograph Network recordings of the Alaskan earthquake of 1964 March 28, one of the largest earthquakes in history, and have made an intensive search for the Earth's eigenperiods in their spectra. We have found 61 spheroidal overtones and nine toroidal overtones as well as all but two fundamental modes with angular order less than 46. We have used such theoretical discriminants as polarization, dissipation, group velocity, multiplet width and continuity as a function of total angular order to separate interfering multiplets. Preliminary interpretation of the overtone eigenfrequencies leads us to models of the Earth's core where either the density decreases with depth in the inner core, leaving modes 2S2 and 5S2 with unacceptably large residuals, or there is finite rigidity with a shear velocity of about 3.5 kms−1, and all residuals are acceptably small. We favour the latter interpretation as being the more satisfactory. The average eigenperiod for each multiplet has a relative precision (standard error of the mean divided by the mean) ranging from 1.4 × 10−5 for 6S1, a high Q multiplet, to about 10−3 for the higher frequency toroidal modes, 0T1. The high precision obtained for many high Q overtones, together with their dual ray interpretation as PKIKP, PKJKP, SKIKS, SKJKS. etc. lends support to the interpretation that the inner core is solid.
The effect on the quality of high-energy beams of nonlinearities in the field of magnetic quadrupoles

Abstract Nonlinearities in the field of magnetic quadrupoles will affect the quality of any beam in which they are used. Good field-regions or image-quality determinations can be made by exploring the phase space transmitted by the beam line. The error field of each quadrupole disturbs the trajectory of any particle passing through it. We present an efficient method for approximating the effect of this disturbance. The integral equation of motion is solved approximately by a single Green's function iteration, giving an expression linear in the non-quadrupole terms in the magnetic field. This expression can then be evaluated by a linear approximation to the particle orbits in the quadrupole. The field is decomposed into multipoles, the effects of different orders are generated recursively, and the results are summed to obtain the net disturbance.
Querying the internet with PIER

The database research community prides itself on scalable technologies. Yet database systems traditionally do not excel on one important scalability dimension: the degree of distribution. This limitation has hampered the impact of database technologies on massively distributed systems like the Internet. In this paper, we present the initial design of PIER, a massively distributed query engine based on overlay networks, which is intended to bring database query processing facilities to new, widely distributed environments. We motivate the need for massively distributed queries, and argue for a relaxation of certain traditional database research goals in the pursuit of scalability and widespread adoption. We present simulation results showing PIER gracefully running relational queries across thousands of machines, and show results from the same software base in actual deployment on a large experimental cluster.
Analysis of parasitic barriers formed at SiGe/Si heterojunctions due to PN junction displacement

The effects of displacement of a pn junction from its corresponding SiGe/Si heterojunction have been investigated using a simple analytical model. The phenomenon is of interest for understanding the degradation in the performance of SiGe/Si heterojunction bipolar transistors when there is boron outdiffusion from the base that can produce pn junction displacement at both the emitter and collector-base junctions. This analysis describes the formation of parasitic barriers in the conduction band and their dependence on the device structure, pn junction displacement and bias. The barrier is found to be significantly larger when the heterojunction is displaced into the p-side of the pn junction.
Passive Control of Fan Broadband Noise

A three-dimensional linearized Euler theory for predicting tonal and broadband noise levels is used to determine the efiectiveness of fan lean and sweep on reducing the sound power density (SPD). Results for tonal and broadband noise applications are presented for uniform ∞ow interacting with unloaded blades. The ability of these passive noise control techniques to reduce the SPD broadband spectrum is shown to be frequency dependent. The success in applying lean and sweep to reduce the radiated SPD can be attributed to reductions speciflcally associated with an upstream radial modal number, ng = 0, of the upstream incident disturbances.
Study of the placebo effect with a self-administered placebo test.

Abstract An attempt was made to develop a self-administered test of placebo reactivity that combined the reliability of a test of suggestibility with the clinical validity of reaction to the placebo effect. Response to the Placebo Test was determined by a patient's response to a placebo tablet, which was taken by the patient at home for the ostensible purpose of determining which medicine would be most helpful to him. The Placebo Test and other information were collected after the patient's initial intake evaluation at a psychiatric clinic. A series of independent variables were related to the Placebo Test as dependent variables, and an attempt was made to predict clinical course for patients in psychiatric treatment. Although the Placebo Test had high internal-consistency reliability of measurement, it may have had low validity as a test of placebo-proneness, as evidenced by the difficulty of selecting relevant parameters for measurement of the placebo effect. Depending on the method of measurement, 32 to 36 patients had positive reactions, 36 to 49 had neutral reactions, and 14 to 30 had negative reactions. Thirty-eight patients had side effects from the placebo, and 15 refused to take the test. In general, the results obtained varied with the method of scoring the Placebo Test, except for the major finding that negative placebo reactors were clearly differentiated from positive reactors and nonreactors, who were not significantly different from one another. The conclusion, now supported by two studies, is that analysis of placebo studies requires that positive reactors not be compared to a pooled group of negative reactors and nonreactors. In addition, analysis should include patients who refuse to take the placebo. The relationship between patient improvement and the likability measures is the strongest relationship among variables and improvement, and it warrants further study.
On 2-D periodically shift variant digital filters

Two-dimensional (2-D) periodically shift variant (PSV) digital filters are considered. These filters have applications in processing video signals with cyclostationary noise, scrambling of digital images, and in 2-D multirate signal processing. The filters are formulated in the form of a Givone-Roesser (GR) state-space model with periodic coefficients. This PSV model is then represented in block form as a shift-invariant system which also has the same GR state-space form. This block form has reduced computations and ease of analysis. An algorithm is developed that transforms any given 2-D PSV GR system to its equivalent shift-invariant model. Invertibility of this model is an important consideration, especially in image scrambling applications. A condition is established for the invertibility of the shift-invariant model of the 2-D PSV system. Also, the inverse system can be easily computed from the original.
Homing of Cells from the Bursa of Fabricius to Germinal Centers in the Chicken Spleen

The ability of the chicken to produce humoral immune responses is dependent upon the presence, during ontogeny, of the bursa of Fabricius (1,2), Presence of the other central lymphoid organ, the thymus, is necessary for development of delayed hypersensitivity and of the ability to reject homografts (1,2). It also has been noted that adult chickens, hormonally or surgically bursectomized in ovo, may be completely agammaglobulinemic (3,4) and lack both plasma cells and germinal centers in their lymphoid tissues (5). In addition, inoculation of chickens with avian lymphoid leukosis virus causes initial lesions in bursa follicles, followed by the appearance of enlarged,abnormal germinal centers in the spleen (6). This evidence suggests that the bursa produces precursor cells for the germinal center and plasma cell series of differentiation, as is also supported by the fact that bursa cells are able to produce immunoglobulins earlier than spleen cells during embryogenes is (7).
Synthesis of substituted pyridyl-pyrimidines as potential protein-protein interaction inhibitors

An efficient synthetic method for the preparation of pyridyl-pyrimidines as potential inhibitors of protein–protein interactions is described. The key transformation is the reaction of a pyrimidine enaminone with phenyl ethyl acetate and NH4OAc to yield the desired pyridyl-pyrimidine.
Stability of alpha and beta globin messenger RNA during induced differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells

Murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC) are induced to express erythroid differentiation when cultured with hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA). Newly synthesized alpha and beta globin mRNA are both relatively stable, half-life (t1/2) greater than 50 hr, early in the course of induced differentiation. In fully induced cells there is a decrease in stability of both newly synthesized alpha and beta globin mRNA. The decay of alpha mRNA is faster, (t 1/2, 10--12 hr) than beta globin mRNA (t1/2, 20--22 hr). Thus, differences in stability of alpha and beta globin mRNA plays a role in determining the ratio of alpha to beta mRNA content in differentiated erythroid cells.
Hemoglobin Binding Capacity of Isolated Haptoglobin Polypeptide Chains.

SummaryThe constituent polypeptide chains of haptoglobin were isolated under mild acid conditions and tested by gel filtration for the ability to bind hemoglobin. It was found that the β chain reta...
Glucose Recognition Proteins for Glucose Sensing at Physiological Concentrations and Temperatures

Advancements in biotechnology have allowed for the preparation of designer proteins with a wide spectrum of unprecedented chemical and physical properties. A variety of chemical and genetic methods can be employed to tailor the protein’s properties, including its stability and various functions. Herein, we demonstrate the production of semisynthetic glucose recognition proteins (GRPs) prepared by truncating galactose/glucose binding protein (GBP) of E. coli and expanding the genetic code via global incorporation of unnatural amino acids into the structure of GBP and its fragments. The unnatural amino acids 5,5,5-trifluoroleucine (FL) and 5-fluorotryptophan (FW) were chosen for incorporation into the proteins. The resulting semisynthetic GRPs exhibit enhanced thermal stability and increased detection range of glucose without compromising its binding ability. These modifications enabled the utilization of the protein for the detection of glucose within physiological concentrations (mM) and temperatures rang...
Short-Day Cotton Stocks as Possible Sources of Host Plant Resistance to the Pink Boll worm

An improvement of a previously used technique for screening cotton stocks for pink boll worm ( Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)) resistance was devised. The improved procedure involved the use of newly hatched pink boll worm larvae, rather than eggs, for infesting bolls of experimental stocks. Of the shortday stocks tested, Gossypium kirsutum race palmeri and G. hirsutum race marie-galante exhibited resistance to the pink bollworm. Further study indicated that the resistance of marie-galante was apparently due to the extensive proliferation of tissue in infested bolls which crushed, trapped or so injured the young larvae that death ensued. The resistance of marie-galante was categorized as antibiosis. The level of resistance occurring in Fl hybrids of marie-galante XDeltapine 15 suggested that the genetic characters responsible for resistance exhibited partial dominance in the cross to the susceptible stock.
Effects of angiotensin II on the expression of fibronectin of fibroblast from hypertrophic scar

Objective To investigate the effect of angiotensin II(Ang II) and Ang II receptor subtype antagonist and CaN antagonist(CsA) on the expression of fibronectin of fibroblast from hypertrophic scar. Methods Fibroblasts were freshly isolated from hypertrophic scars and were cultured.The fibroblasts were treated with different concentration of AngII(10-9～10-5mmol/L) or AngII(10-6mmol/L) plus losartan(10-5mmol/L)、PD123319(10-5mmol/L)、CsA(10-5mmol/L) for 48h separately.The expression of fibronectin was examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Results The expression of fibronectin mRNA and protein of these cells rose gradually according to the concentration of AngII. But this effect could be blocked partly or completely by losartan and CsA,while PD12319 has no effect. Conclusion AngII might take a great part in the development of hypertrophic scar via AT1R. CaN signal pathway might involve in this process.
Dynamic data driven simulation with soft data

Dynamic data driven simulation dynamically assimilates observation data at runtime to improve the simulation results. Typically, the observations are "hard data" that are data collected from sensors. In this paper we consider dynamic data driven simulation with soft data, which are data coming from human reports. Compared with the quantified hard data, soft data are qualitative, fuzzy and subject to human judgment. This paper proposes a method to convert soft data information to quantified data based on fuzzy set theory, and then combines soft and hard data to carry out data assimilation. We apply this method to dynamic data driven simulation of wildfire spread and show that the accuracy of simulation is significantly improved by assimilating both hard and soft data.
Endogenous polymerase assay for the analysis of hepatitis B virus in transgenic mice.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen that can cause severe liver diseases. This virus has a high liver tropism and is often found in large quantities in the sera of patients with HBV. HBV is enveloped and has three related envelope proteins. These envelope proteins are collectively called the surface antigens. The virus also contains a core particle inside the envelope. This core particle packages the viral genomic DNA, which is a circular, partially double-stranded DNA molecule slightly larger than 3 kb. The major protein constituent of the core particle is the core protein. The core protein mRNA, also known as the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), is larger than the genome size, with a terminal redundancy of about 200 nucleotides. In addition to the core protein, this RNA also codes for the viral DNA polymerase, which is also a reverse transcriptase (1). After its synthesis, the core protein packages the pgRNA and the viral DNA polymerase to form the core particle. This pgRNA is then converted to the minus-strand DNA by the reverse-transcriptase activity of the viral DNA polymerase. The terminalprotein (TP) domain of the DNA polymerase serves as the primer for the minus-strand DNA synthesis and is covalently linked to its 5' end (2–5). During the reverse transcription, the pgRNA is degraded by the RNase H activity of the viral DNA polymerase. A short RNA fragment derived from the 5' end of the degraded pgRNA then serves as the primer to initiate the plus-strand DNA synthesis (6,7). This RNA primer may prime near the 3' end of the minus-strand DNA to initiate the synthesis of a double-stranded linear (DL) form of the viral genome or prime near the 5' end of the minus strand for the synthesis of a short plus strand, which then switches template to the 3' end of the minus strand to continue the DNA synthesis to form the relaxed circular (RC) form of the viral genome (8–10) (Fig. 1). The function of the DL form of the viral genome is unclear and may represent a nonfunctional byproduct of DNA synthesis. In contrast, the RC form is the mature viral genome.
How Does It Work? Mechanisms of Action in an In-Prison Restorative Justice Program:

Research is limited on mechanisms of action in restorative justice interventions. This multimethods study delineates the change processes underlying a successful in-prison group treatment program by (a) examining shifts in offenders' self-schemas and (b) identifying key program components that influence this movement. Researchers assigned to small groups as "co-facilitators" gathered data using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and psychological assessments at three time points. Mechanisms of action include group norms and behaviors that contrast with prior experiences and uncover offenders' self-schemas through intrapsychic processes, which prompt them to test and act upon new possible selves through the group process.
Attributions as Decisions: A Two Stage Information Processing Model

Attribution theory is the most important development in social psychology. This audience hardly needs convincing; for skeptics all we need to do is to point out the dominance of attribution articles in the journals, chapters in edited volumes, and original books. Attribution theory has contributed to our understanding of traditional social psychology problems such as attitude change and resistance to change (e.g., Jones & Harris, 1967; McGuire, 1985), impression formation (e.g., Schneider, Hastorf, & Ellsworth, 1979), helping and altruism (e.g., Bradand & Lerner, 1975; Meyer & Mulherin, 1980), conformity (e.g., Ross, Bierbrauer, & Hoffman, 1976), aggression (e.g., Dyck & Rule, 1978; Zillman, 1978), and stereotyping (e.g., Hamilton, 1981). Less purely social areas have also been influenced by attributional work. For instance, the literatures on judgment and decision making (e.g., Nisbett & Ross, 1980), clinical problems (e.g., Anderson & Arnoult, 1985a; Arkin & Baumgardner, 1985), and memory for traits and behaviors (e.g., Crocker, Hannah, & Weber, 1983) all have benefited by attribution theory. Of course, attribution theory also has advanced in sophistication and accuracy from a liberal borrowing of ideas from a variety of areas.
Performance evaluation of fuzzy PI/PD-based H ∞ controller for BLDC drives: A real-time implementation

This paper describes experimental implementation to demonstrate that it is physically viable to implement adaptive fuzzy controller-based H∞ tracking for high performance brushless motor drives. The fuzzy controller is based on PI/PD control structure and equipped with an adaptive learning algorithm to achieve H∞ tracking performance with external disturbances. The fuzzy-PI and fuzzy-PD design serves as an improvement to PID control and a baseline for H∞ optimal control design; thus providing H∞ tracking with accuracy and achieve finer performance. The robustness of the proposed controller is displayed for different types of trajectories. Experimental results suggest that the effect of both the fuzzy approximation error and external disturbance on the tracking error can be attenuated efficiently by the proposed adaptive fuzzy-H∞ controller. The controller is suitable for the robust tracking control of the uncertain nonlinear drive systems and is an attractive control design tool.
INFRARED ABSORPTION AT TWO MICRONS AND COAL-TAR PITCH PROPERTIES

The infrared absorption of nineteen coal-tar pitches, on which a considerable amount of processing and chemical data were available, was studied. In particular, the background absorption at 2μ was measured. More detailed studies on one of the pitches showed that this absorption originates exclusively in the quinoline insoluble (Q.I.) phase of the whole pitch. It is suggested that only a fraction of the Q.I. phase absorbs at 2μ, however, and that this fraction is not constant for different pitches. It is concluded that this fraction serves as sites for new coke formation from the quinoline soluble (Q.S.) phase during carbonization and that the extent of heterogeneity of the sites in this fraction determines the mode of crystallite growth of the Q.S. phase. In particular, it appears that the coarser carbonaceous particles in the Q.I., which are carried over from the coke ovens during coal carbonization, do not provide sites which promote good crystallite alignment upon coking of the Q.S. phase. It is shown that the nature of the Q.S. phase is also of importance in determining the extent of crystallite alignment during carbonization.
Diversity in the Classroom

While second language teachers may have been slow to recognize the depth of diversity in their classrooms, they (unlike their peers in general education) have never been able to avoid diversity. Indeed, diversity is the only constant feature of the ESL classroom. Because of its importance, L2 specialists have actively attempted not only to discover and describe all of the different ways in which L2 students bring diversity to the classroom but also to find best teaching practices to effectively address all of the diversities identified. Keywords: Culture; ESL/EFL; cultural diversity in the classroom; ethnicity; learner difference; linguistic diversity in the classroom
Abstract 3985: NCoR2 regulates glioblastoma progression and treatment resistance

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM, WHO Grade IV glioma) is one of the deadliest adult CNS tumors with a median survival of less than two years. It is largely resistant to aggressive therapeutic regimes, which combine radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Thus, it is imperative to identify the molecular players and pathways that facilitate GBM resistance and recurrence. Nuclear co-repressor protein NCoR2 is upregulated in GBM and its increased expression correlates with poor prognosis in GBM patients (Alrfaei. Plos one. 2013). NCoR2, through its binding to the histone deacetylase protein HDAC3, mediates transcriptional repression (Zhu et al. Brain Res. 2013). NCoR2 is also involved in maintenance of neural stem cells (Jepson et al. Nature. 2007), which contribute to treatment resistance. Our study employs two distinct lineages of glioma - the less aggressive proneural and the highly aggressive mesenchymal subtypes. We show that NCoR2 is differentially expressed across these subtypes, suggesting a role for NCoR2-mediated transcriptional reprogramming in GBM progression. Moreover, knockdown of NCoR2 leads to phenotypic changes both in vitro and in vivo - including effects on neurosphere formation and proliferation, differential expression of stem-like markers as well as regulation of tumor growth and progression in mice. We also demonstrate that NCoR2 expression is increased upon treatment with temozolomide (used for GBM therapy), indicating a protective pro-tumor role for NCoR2. Finally, we explore the contribution of the GBM microenvironment to GBM progression by varying the three-dimensional properties as well as the rigidity of the extracellular matrix and investigating changes in NCoR2 expression and its regulation of tumor progression. We conclude that NCoR2 regulates GBM progression and resistance to therapy potentially via inducing a stem-like phenotype as well as responding to the tumor-promoting mechanical cues within the GBM microenvironment. Citation Format: Shelly Kaushik, Joanna J. Phillips, Valerie M. Weaver. NCoR2 regulates glioblastoma progression and treatment resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3985. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3985
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Inflammatory condition occurring typically in patients > 60 years More common in women, occasionally associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA) = temporal arteritis Usually associated with ↑↑ ESR (at least > 40 mm/h) Onset can be dramatic or insidious
Are concentrated banks better informed than diversified ones

Abstract This paper discusses evidence that large, diversified banks lend using `hard' information measures, such as audited financial statements. Structural changes toward larger and more diversified banks may have left some segments of credit markets - those depending on investment in `soft' information - under-served. These trends accelerated following the Financial Crisis. At the same time, bank lending to small businesses, which typically can only supply soft information, has been slow to recover from the Crisis. These trends are worrying because entry of focused banks, the normal market mechanism to counteract such a trend, has been absent since the Crisis.
HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS INDUCES FORMATION OF INCLUSION BODIES FOR EFFICIENT GENOME REPLICATION AND TRANSCRIPTION

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes significant upper and lower respiratory disease in all age groups worldwide. The virus possesses a negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 13.3 kb encapsidated by multiple copies of the nucleoprotein (N), giving rise to helical nucleocapsids. In addition, copies of the phosphoprotein (P) and the large RNA polymerase (L) decorate the viral nucleocapsids. After viral attachment, endocytosis, and fusion mediated by the viral glycoproteins, HMPV nucleocapsids are released into the cell cytoplasm. To visualize the subsequent steps of genome transcription and replication, a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol was established to detect different viral RNA subpopulations in infected cells. The FISH probes were specific for detection of HMPV positive-sense RNA (+RNA) and viral genomic RNA (vRNA). Time course analysis of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells infected with HMPV revealed the formation of inclusion bodies (IBs) from early times postinfection. HMPV IBs were shown to be cytoplasmic sites of active transcription and replication, with the translation of viral proteins being closely associated. Inclusion body formation was consistent with an actin-dependent coalescence of multiple early replicative sites. Time course quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis suggested that the coalescence of inclusion bodies is a strategy to efficiently replicate and transcribe the viral genome. These results provide a better understanding of the steps following HMPV entry and have important clinical implications.IMPORTANCE Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a recently discovered pathogen that affects human populations of all ages worldwide. Reinfections are common throughout life, but no vaccines or antiviral treatments are currently available. In this work, a spatiotemporal analysis of HMPV replication and transcription in bronchial epithelial cell-derived immortal cells was performed. HMPV was shown to induce the formation of large cytoplasmic granules, named inclusion bodies, for genome replication and transcription. Unlike other cytoplasmic structures, such as stress granules and processing bodies, inclusion bodies are exclusively present in infected cells and contain HMPV RNA and proteins to more efficiently transcribe and replicate the viral genome. Though inclusion body formation is nuanced, it corresponds to a more generalized strategy used by different viruses, including filoviruses and rhabdoviruses, for genome transcription and replication. Thus, an understanding of inclusion body formation is crucial for the discovery of innovative therapeutic targets.
Patient-centered medical home

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a conceptual framework and operational model for primary care service delivery that began over a decade ago in response to a dysfunctional health-care system in the United States. In 2007, four national organizations representing primary care issued the joint principles of PCMH which include personal physician, physician-directed medical practice, whole-person orientation, coordinated care, quality and safety, enhanced access, and payment. These principles provide the framework for the key functions of robust medical homes. A review of the PCMH evidence base points to inconclusive results with some favorable effects on quality of care, hospital and emergency department use, and patient or caregiver experience and a few unfavorable effects on costs.
The Structure of Episodic Memory: Ganeri's ‘Mental Time Travel and Attention’*

We offer a framework for assessing what the structure of episodic memory might be, if one accepts a Buddhist denial of persisting or even momentary selves. Our paper is a response to Jonardon Ganer...
“I’m a news junkie . . . I like being informed”: Mobile news use by a newspaper’s digital subscribers:

A mixed methods research project combining quantitative online survey results with semistructured interview data explored how a major metropolitan newspaper’s digital subscribers engage with mobile...
Effects of Ramipril on Endothelial Function and the Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Adhesion Molecules in Young Normotensive Subjects With Successfully Repaired Coarctation of Aorta: A Randomized Cross-Over Study

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ramipril on endothelial function and inflammatory process in a group of normotensive subjects with successfully repaired coarctation of the aorta (SCR). Background Subjects with SCR experience higher long-term cardiovascular risk as a result of the relapse of arterial hypertension or owing to nonreversible structural changes in the pre-coarctation arterial tree. These subjects experience endothelial dysfunction in the right forearm and appear to have elevated levels of proatherogenic inflammatory markers, even in the absence of arterial hypertension. Methods Twenty young individuals age 27.3 ± 2.4 years old with SCR 13.9 ± 2.2 years previously, received ramipril 5 mg/day for 4 weeks in a randomized, cross-over, controlled trial. Endothelial function was evaluated in the right forearm by gauge-strain plethysmography, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Ramipril improved endothelial function (p Conclusions Ramipril reversed the impaired endothelial function and decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, sCD40L, and adhesion molecules in normotensive subjects with SCR. These findings imply that ramipril treatment may have antiatherogenic effects in subjects with SCR, even in the absence of arterial hypertension.
Chromosomal and Plasmid-Mediated Transfer of Clindamycin Resistance in Bacteroides fragilis

The characteristics of the clindamycin-erythromycin (clinr) resistance transfer factor from Bacteroides fragilis TMP 10 are presented. Transfer ability and the determinant for clinr are found on a 15.6 kilobase plasmid named pBFTM 10. Recent clindamycin and tetracycline resistant strains of Bacteroides fragilis have been isolated in Chicago. The Chicago tetr isolate, TMP 230, transfers both clinr and tetr, but appears to be plasmid free when tested by standard methods. Homology between the clinr transfer factor pBFTM 10 and the chromosome of the TMP 230 could be demonstrated by the Southern hybridization technique. The location of the clinr determinant on the chromosome and mode of transfer are under invistigation.
Formulating a Treatment Plan in Suspected Lymphoma: Ultrasound‐Guided Core Needle Biopsy Versus Core Needle Biopsy and Fine‐Needle Aspiration of Peripheral Lymph Nodes

Objectives Image-guided tissue sampling in the workup of suspected lymphoma can be performed by core needle biopsy (CNB) or CNB with fine-needle aspiration (FNA). We compared the yield of clinically actionable diagnoses between these methods of tissue sampling. Methods All ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral lymph node biopsies from 2010 to 2017 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed for biopsy type (CNB versus CNB + FNA), prior diagnosis of lymphoma, size of the target lymph node, number of cores, length of core specimens, and pathologic diagnosis. Lymphoma and lymphoid tissue were included; metastatic disease and nonlymphoid tissue were excluded. An oncologist specializing in lymphoma independently determined whether an actionable diagnosis could be made with the pathologic results in the context of the patient's medical record. χ2 analyses and univariable/multivariable logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. Results Of 578 lymph node biopsies, 306 (53%) had a prior diagnosis of lymphoma; 273 (47%) were CNB, and 305 (53%) were CNB + FNA. There was no significant difference between biopsy types (CNB versus CNB + FNA) in the number of cores (median [25th, 75th percentiles], 3 [3, 4] versus 4 [3, 4]; P = .47) or total length of tissue (4.1 [2.5, 6.1] versus 3.7 [2.3, 6] cm; P = .09). There was no difference in obtaining an actionable diagnosis between biopsy types after controlling for a known history of lymphoma (P = .271) or after controlling for the number of core specimens (P = .826). Conclusions In cases of suspected lymphoma, CNB without FNA was sufficient to obtain an actionable diagnosis.
Combined HDAC and BET inhibition to enhance cancer vaccine-elicited T-cell responses.

e14632Background: The combined inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC) and the proteins of the bromo and extra terminal (BET) family have recently shown therapeutic efficacy against pancreatic du...
A Five-Year Study of Core Competencies by Students in a Technology Management Undergraduate Program

Effective technology management programs support students in their knowledge related to skills and competencies required in the workforce. When developing a curriculum relevant to the needs of the students and today's technology industries, it is important to identify the prior knowledge and experience that students bring into the program. For this study, an online survey was utilized to collect primary data from 2013 to 2017 from 289 newly enrolled technology management students. The study examined their entry level of knowledge through multiple questions focused on four competencies: strategic management of technology, management of technological change, quality management of technology, and assessment and evaluation of technology. The study found that while two competencies showed an increase in the first-year students' knowledge over the five-year period, two competencies consistently showed a low level of knowledge throughout the same timeframe. The results also highlighted gaps in students' competencies when they initially entered a technology management undergraduate program. The significance of this study will help academic institutions improve their curricula, which ultimately will better equip students with core competencies that contribute positively to their academic and professional success.
Leptin and HPA axis activity in diabetic rats: Effects of adrenergic agonists.

Abstract Type I Diabetes (T1D) is associated with reduced leptin levels and increased stress axis activity marked by elevations in norepinephrine (NE) levels in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. We hypothesized that leptin suppresses stress axis activity in T1D through central and peripheral mechanisms. In the first experiment, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with a cannula in the PVN and randomly divided into a non-diabetic group treated with vehicle (n = 6) and a diabetic group treated with streptozotocin (n = 13). Food intake and water intake was measured for 14 days. On the last day, a subset of diabetic rats were treated with 500 µg of leptin i.p. Rats were subjected to push-pull perfusion of the PVN and hourly blood sampling for 5 h. In the next experiment, diabetic rats were treated either with an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, clonidine (CLON), or a beta adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO), to reverse the effects of leptin. Rats were subjected to push pull perfusion and hourly blood sampling. In experiment 1, T1D increased food intake, water intake, NE release in the PVN and circulating CS levels. Leptin treatment decreased NE release modestly but produced a robust reduction in corticosterone (CS) levels. In experiment 2, CLON but not ISO was able to reverse the effect of leptin on NE levels in the PVN, however, both agonists were capable of blocking leptin’s effects on circulating CS. These results suggest that in diabetic rats, the sensitivity of the hypothalamus to beta adrenergic agonists is altered, while the adrenals remain sensitive to both alpha and beta adrenergic agonists.
Iranian Student Experience Pursuing Admission to Universities in the United States

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the challenges faced by Iranian students during the admissions process at a mid-size southern university in the United States. Researchers used a convenience sample from Iranian masters and doctoral degree applicants admitted for the 2015-2016 academic year. Using face-to-face interviews researchers collected responses from seven Iranian students currently in the first year of their graduate programs. The overarching question guiding the study concentrated on the challenges experienced by Iranian students during the university admissions process. Focused questions included a discussion of specific challenges faced by Iranian students. The results from the interviews led the researchers to common themes that resonated across all three focused questions and a student recommendation on ways to streamline the process.
Abstract WP431: Advance Directives and Comfort Measures Only During Stroke Hospitalization

Introduction: Advance directives are often promoted as a way to ensure that patient wishes are followed; however, the impact of advance directives on actual care is controversial, and little is kno...
A Mobile and Web-Based Self-Directed Complementary and Integrative Health Program for Veterans and Their Partners (Mission Reconnect): Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Complementary and integrative health (CIH) is a viable solution to PTSD and chronic pain. Many veterans believe CIH can be performed only by licensed professionals in a health care setting. Health information technology can bring effective CIH to veterans and their partners. Objective: This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods of the Mission Reconnect protocol to deliver mobile and Web-based complementary and integrative health programs to veterans and their partners (eg, spouse, significant other, caregiver, or family member). Methods: This three-site, 4-year mixed-methods randomized controlled trial uses a wait-list control to determine the effects of mobile and Web-based CIH programs for veterans and their partners, or dyads. The study will use two arms (ie, treatment intervention arm and wait-list control arm) in a clinical sample of veterans with comorbid pain and posttraumatic stress disorder, and their partners. The study will evaluate the effectiveness and perceived value of the Mission Reconnect program in relation to physical and psychological symptoms, global health, and social outcomes. Results: Funding for the study began in November 2018, and we are currently in the process of recruitment screening and data randomization for the study. Primary data collection will begin in May 2019 and continue through May 2021. Projected participants per site will be 76 partners/dyads, for a total of 456 study participants. Anticipated study results will be published in November 2022. Conclusions: This work highlights innovative delivery of CIH to veterans and their partners for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03593772; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03593772 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/77Q2giwtw) International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/13666
Separations: A Short History and a Cloudy Crystal Ball.

Separations have played a major role in the history of chemical engineering and will continue to be important. Since separations have always been a major cost item in the process industries, they have always been a critical key to successful commercialization. First, while reviewing the history of separation processes we will observe that many separation processes such as distillation, adsorption, chromatography and filtration were used long before they were understood. Next, we will discuss the current teaching of separation processes where the goal is to get students to understand. The final part will explore predictions for the future of applications, teaching and research funding in separation processes.
2275 “The Resident Buddy System”: A Better Way to Encourage Laparoscopy Simulation Training?

Study Objective To determine if a “buddy-system” compared to independent training increases laparoscopic simulation time amongst residents. Design Assignments were provided via email at the beginning and mid-way points. At the conclusion of the study period a survey link was distributed. Setting Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix Patients or Participants Thirty-two residents at a single obstetrics and gynecology residency program were consented for the study. Interventions Each buddy pair was composed of a junior and senior resident. During the first half of the 20-week study, 12 residents were randomly assigned a buddy while 20 remained solo. During the second half, solo-trainers were assigned buddies and conversely buddies were made solo. Residents recorded check-in and -out times electronically. Measurements and Main Results Six of the 32 residents (18.8%) attended simulation in the 20-weeks, with an average time of 2 hours 14 minutes. In the solo-trainer group, 1 resident checked in 3 times and 2 residents once. In the buddy group, 1 pair checked in together and 1 person checked in alone. Fifteen residents (46.9%) completed the survey. Thirteen (86.7%) agreed they accurately reported times; 1 was neutral and 1 never attended. All communicated with their buddy monthly or less frequently, while 10 of them never communicated. Conclusion Residents’ laparoscopic simulation time was dismal at our program in this study. Dedicated mandatory simulation time may increase participation.
Caspian: A Neuromorphic Development Platform

Current neuromorphic systems often may be difficult to use and costly to deploy. There exists a need for a simple yet flexible neuromorphic development platform which can allow researchers to quickly prototype ideas and applications. Caspian offers a high-level API along with a fast spiking simulator to enable the rapid development of neuromorphic solutions. It further offers an FPGA architecture that allows for simplified deployment -- particularly in SWaP (size, weight, and power) constrained environments. Leveraging both software and hardware, Caspian aims to accelerate development and deployment while enabling new researchers to quickly become productive with a spiking neural network system.
Gain-of-function p53 protein transferred via small extracellular vesicles promotes conversion of fibroblasts to a cancer-associated phenotype

Summary Tumor and stromal interactions consist of reciprocal signaling through cytokines, growth factors, direct cell-cell interactions, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Small EVs (≤200 nm) have been considered critical messengers of cellular communication during tumor development. Here, we demonstrate that gain-of-function (GOF) p53 protein can be packaged into small EVs and transferred to fibroblasts. GOF p53 protein is selectively bound by heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a chaperone protein, and packaged into small EVs. Inhibition of HSP90 activity blocks packaging of GOF, but not wild-type, p53 in small EVs. GOF p53-containing small EVs result in their conversion to cancer-associated fibroblasts. In vivo studies reveal that GOF p53-containing small EVs can enhance tumor growth and promote fibroblast transformation into a cancer-associated phenotype. These findings provide a better understanding of the complex interactions between cancer and stromal cells and may have therapeutic implications.
Sensory Adapted Dental Environments to Enhance Oral Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poorer oral health and greater oral care challenges compared to typically developing (TD) children. Prior research suggests these challenges are associated with sensory over-responsivity which may lead to distressing oral care experiences and discourage parents from bringing their child with ASD to the dentist for regular check-ups. Objectives: It is important to identify innovative solutions that enable dentists to perform standard clinic-based procedures for children with ASD. This study examined the feasibility and pilot tested the efficacy of a sensory adapted dental environment to reduce physiological stress and anxiety, behavioral distress, sensory discomfort, and perception of pain during dental cleanings for children with ASD. Methods: …
Evaluating the socioeconomic and ecological impacts of China's forest policies, program, and practices: Summary and outlook

Abstract This Special Issue (SI) collects 16 papers that examine the direct, indirect, and/or induced socioeconomic and ecological impacts of China's major forest policies, programs, and practices. The topics covered in the SI includes: (1) ecological conservation and restoration; (2) international trade and industrial competitiveness; (3) tenure devolution and institutional changes; (4) forest resource management; and (5) applications of digital platforms. Given the quality and international significance, as well as the breath, of these studies, much can be learned from them. This article summarizes the contributions of the papers and discusses follow-up research opportunities.
Mediterranean Seaweeds as Source of Bioactive Compounds: Case Study of Some Red Algae (Rhodophyta) from North Coast of Tunisia

Red seaweeds contain high amounts of fiber, proteins and minerals; they are also a great source of vitamins. Several bioactive properties have been described for this group such as antimicrobial activity, antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, antifouling activity and anticancer activity. This study screens the antioxidant and antibacterial proprieties of twelve red macroalgae collected from the Tunisian coast. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins contents were estimated in methanolic extracts. The DPPH antiradical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity highlighted four species with significant activity: Hypnea musciformis, Asparagopsis armata, Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Pterocladiella capillacea. Antimicrobial activity was obtained for five species. This study confirms the potential use of species collected from Tunisian coast as a source of bioactive compounds.