cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal diversity assisted blind channel estimation for downlink long-code CDMA systems

In a CDMA downlink, subspace channel estimation can not be applied directly since long spreading codes destroy the rank condition of the received data covariance matrix. However, after introducing temporal diversity in the transmitted chip sequence for all users, subspace techniques can be applied to estimate channels. Detection of the desired user's signal is then performed by a channel equalizer, cascaded with the desired user's code despreader. The analytical channel estimation mean-square-error is derived, based on perturbation theory. Experimental comparison with our previously proposed spatial diversity method shows superior performance of the proposed scheme.
Analyzing the Energy Landscapes of Distributed Winner-Take-All Networks

DCPS (the Distributed Connectionist Production System) is a neural network with complex dynamical properties. Visualizing the energy landscapes of some of its component modules leads to a better intuitive understanding of the model, and suggests ways in which its dynamics can be controlled in order to improve performance on difficult cases.
Bacterial Biofilms: Development, Dispersal, and Therapeutic Strategies in the Dawn of the Postantibiotic Era

Biofilm formation constitutes an alternative lifestyle in which microorganisms adopt a multicellular behavior that facilitates and/or prolongs survival in diverse environmental niches. Biofilms form on biotic and abiotic surfaces both in the environment and in the healthcare setting. In hospital wards, the formation of biofilms on vents and medical equipment enables pathogens to persist as reservoirs that can readily spread to patients. Inside the host, biofilms allow pathogens to subvert innate immune defenses and are thus associated with long-term persistence. Here we provide a general review of the steps leading to biofilm formation on surfaces and within eukaryotic cells, highlighting several medically important pathogens, and discuss recent advances on novel strategies aimed at biofilm prevention and/or dissolution.
Do Micro Snails Follow Conspecific Mucous Trails? Experiments with Vallonia excentrica (Pulmonata: Valloniidae)

Abstract. We examined whether the terrestrial micro snail Vallonia excentrica Sterki, 1893 detects and follows conspecific mucous trails. A trail-layer snail moved on a transparent 5×5 cm plastic sheet to establish a mucous trail then was removed. A trail-follower snail of the same species was allowed to move on the same plastic sheet. Of 30 trials, 24 trail-followers encountered the laid trail. We compared with null models the distance that the trail-follower trail was coincident with the laid trail, and the turning angle of the trail-follower trail upon meeting the laid trail, to determine that V. excentrica follows conspecific mucous trails more, and showed sharper turning angles upon meeting a trail, than expected by the null model.
Materials Science and Technology: A curriculum that works

Materials Science and Technology is a curriculum developed at Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, which emphasizes hands-on, minds-on studies of materials science and technology. This curriculum has been taught to over 1000 middle and high school teachers nationwide in a series of week-long institute programs, and is used in classrooms in 16 states. Evaluations have shown that the curriculum is highly effective in getting students interested in science and technology, and in encouraging them to study more science. This paper presents the basics of the curriculum and its approach, along with venues used for promoting the curriculum and the teaching methods used. Full evaluation results are discussed, including the assessment of increased student interest and increased student involvement their own learning. Means of adapting the program to a local situation are also presented.
Pollution prevention strategies for the minimizing of industrial wastes in the VCM-PVC industry†

In many U.S. companies, pollution prevention strategies coincide with economic interests. Typically a company strives to be the lowest-cost producer, to be competitive, and to reduce wastes. In this paper, the author reviews pollution prevention strategies in the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)—polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry, the current process technology and the pollution prevention practices to minimize all types of waste. This paper includes a review of the balanced oxychlorination process, the high temperature chlorination process, new EDC cracking techniques, modified EDC reactor designs, new catalysts, new separation technologies, and other alternative low-waste process pathways and modifications.
Stability of batch catalytic fluidized beds

This work is a study of the stability of a batch fluidized bed with a simple model. It is shown that multiple steady states can occur with all catalyst particles at the same temperature, some of these states being unstable. If the initial temperature of all the particles is not the same, a special kind of steady state, in which particles of different temperatures can coexist in the bed, might be obtained. The number of these pathological steady states is not finite, and the conversion obtained may be very different from that obtained by a uniform steady state. The analysis has demonstrated that the initial temperature of the catalyst particles may be a predominate factor in determining the kind of steady state obtained. For the case of uniform catalyst particles, a simple stability analysis has been developed. Several numerical solutions of the transient equations were performed to investigate the possible responses of the system to disturbances of various steady states.
A Pathogenesis Assay Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans Reveals Novel Roles for Yeast AP-1, Yap1, and Host Dual Oxidase BLI-3 in Fungal Pathogenesis

Treatment of systemic fungal infections is difficult because of the limited number of antimycotic drugs available. Thus, there is an immediate need for simple and innovative systems to assay the contribution of individual genes to fungal pathogenesis. We have developed a pathogenesis assay using Caenorhabditis elegans, an established model host, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the invading fungus. We have found that yeast infects nematodes, causing disease and death. Our data indicate that the host produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to fungal infection. Yeast mutants sod1Δ and yap1Δ, which cannot withstand ROS, fail to cause disease, except in bli-3 worms, which carry a mutation in a dual oxidase gene. Chemical inhibition of the NADPH oxidase activity abolishes ROS production in worms exposed to yeast. This pathogenesis assay is useful for conducting systematic, whole-genome screens to identify fungal virulence factors as alternative targets for drug development and exploration of host responses to fungal infections.
Report of the committee on glaciers, 1933–34

The members of the Committee on Glaciers, 1933–34, are: Francois E. Matthes, Chairman—United States Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. Stephen R. Capps—United States Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. Wm. B. Osgood Field, Jr.—Highlawn, Lenox, Massachusetts. Wm. H. Hobbs—University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oliver Kehrlein—Sierra Club, 1050 Hills Tower, San Francisco, California. Lawrence Martin—Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. G. L. Parker—United States Geological Survey, 406 Federal Building, Tacoma, Washington. Harry Fielding Reid—608 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Carl P. Richards—The Mazamas, 306 Yamhill Street, Portland, Oregon. R. H. Sargent—United States Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. Earl A. Trager—National Park Service, Washington, D.C. In its last report (Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, fourteenth annual meeting, 1933, pp. 345–350) the Committee on Glaciers presented in tabular form the data concerning the variations in length of American glaciers—in the continental United States and Alaska—which it had gathered up to 1933, beginning with the earliest definite facts on record. Because of the comprehensive nature of that report it was impossible in the space available to discuss the records of individual glaciers or the causes and implications of their oscillations. But in the present report, which deals largely with the results of a single year (1933). there is opportunity to give something more than tabulated statistics, and accordingly the Committee presents for each glacier a brief note regarding its status and the changes it has suffered during the last two or three years. Pertinent meteorologic data are added wherever such data are at hand.
Repeated, intermittent treatment with amphetamine induces neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells).

Abstract Repeated, intermittent treatment with amphetamine (AMPH) leads to long-term neurobiological adaptations in rat brain including an increased number and branching of dendritic spines. This effect depends upon several different cell types in the intact brain. Here we demonstrate that repeated, intermittent AMPH treatment induces neurite outgrowth in cultured PC12 cells without the requirement for integrated synaptic pathways. PC12 cells were treated with 1 μM AMPH for 5 min a day, for 5 days. After 10 days of withdrawal, there was an increase in the percentage of cells with neurites (∼30%) and the length of neurites as well as an increase in the level of GAP-43 and neurofilament-M. Neurite outgrowth was enhanced as withdrawal time was increased. Neurite outgrowth was much greater following repeated, intermittent treatment with AMPH compared to continuous or single treatment with AMPH. Pretreatment with cocaine, a monoamine transporter blocker, inhibited the AMPH-mediated increase in neurite outgrowth. Neither NGF antibody nor DA receptor antagonists blocked AMPH-induced neurite outgrowth, demonstrating that AMPH-induced neurite outgrowth is not dependent on endogenous NGF release or DA receptors. Thus we have demonstrated that repeated, intermittent treatment with AMPH has a neurotrophic effect in PC12 cells. The effect requires the action of AMPH on the norepinephrine transporter, and shares characteristics in its development with other forms of sensitization but does not require an intact neuroanatomy.
POLITICAL EQUALITY IN JUSTICE AS FAIRNESS

L'A. se propose de developper l'argument manquant dans la conception liberale de la justice developpee par J. Rawls a partir du principe de la difference et du principe de la liberte, concernant la garantie de la valeur juste des libertes politiques telles qu'elles se distinguent des libertes non-politiques. Examinant la question de l'inegalite des ressources et des richesses, l'A. souleve le probleme de la valeur intrinseque de l'egalite politique
Ultrafast response of ErAs islands in GaAs

ErAs islands in GaAs were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The carrier dynamics were investigated by time resolved differential reflection measurements. The dynamics are strongly dependent on the microstructure, and decay times as short as 200 fs were observed.
Traffic Related Disabilities and Impairments and Their Economic Consequences

Etude des infirmites et handicaps dus a des accidents de circulation et des consequences economiques de ces dommages corporels
Demystifying Experience: nothingness and sacredness in heidegger and chan buddhism

從空背空。 To pursue emptiness is to lose emptiness.2 Martin Heidegger's thinking of being and Chan (禪; Zen in Japanese) Buddhism have been portrayed as revealing “pure experience” through a confrontati...
Air Traffic Controller Trust in Automation in NextGen

Abstract NextGen introduces new automated tools to help air traffic controllers (ATCos) manage the projected increase in air traffic over the next decades. Assuring that ATCos have an appropriate level of trust in automation is critical to establishing the proper use of these automated technologies. The current study examined differences between subjective trust scales used to examine air traffic controller's trust in automation levels and the relationship of these trust metrics to ATCo behaviors. The study was carried out at the Center for Human Factors in Advanced Aeronautics Technologies (CHAAT) over the course of a 16-week internship involving twelve student ATCos. Results indicated that the Modified Human-Automation Trust Scale (M-HAT) was sensitive to changes in trust levels over the course of the internship. Student ATCos scoring high on the trust scale showed reduced situation awareness (SA) during high traffic density scenarios compared to students who scored low on the trust scale, possibly due to automation-induced complacency.
Telomeric sequences of Asellus aquaticus (Crust. Isop.)

The repeated sequence TTAGGG is present at all tested vertebrate telomeres including those of humans and at the telomeres of evolutionarily very distant organisms such as trypanosomes and slime moulds. We tested for the presence of this sequence in the genome of the crustacean isopod Asellus aquaticus. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and BAL31 nuclease digestion demonstrate that the (TTAGGG)n sequence occurs at the extreme termini of the chromosomes and also at an interstitial site.
Helmet ownership and use among skateboarders: Utilisation of the Health Belief Model

Introduction:The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of skateboarders who owned and who wore a helmet and which constructs from the Health Belief Model predicted helmet ownership ...
Conversion symptoms in adolescents.

The diagnosis of conversion symptoms, common in adolescents, depends upon eliciting a pattern of behavior and symptomatology characteristic of conversion reactions, and not merely excluding an organic cause. Conversion symptoms may be seen as a form of communication in which the patient is expressing an unconscious wish or thought. The nature of the symptom has been found to have specific symbolic meaning to the patient. Many cases can be appropriately managed by the physician who takes an interest in the emotional problems of his patient and is willing to develop basic psychiatric skills.
Redox proteomics: from bench to bedside.

In general protein posttranslation modifications (PTMs) involve the covalent addition of functional groups or molecules to specific amino acid residues in proteins. These modifications include phosphorylation, glycosylation, S-nitrosylation, acetylation, lipidation, among others (Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 44(45):7342–7372, 2005). Although other amino acids can undergo different kinds of oxidative posttranslational modifications (oxPTMs) (Exp Gerontol 36(9):1495–1502, 2001), in this chapter oxPTM will be considered specifically related to Cysteine oxidation, and redox proteomics here is translated as a comprehensive investigation of oxPTMs, in biological systems, using diverse technical approaches. Protein Cysteine residues are not the only amino acid that can be target for oxidative modifications in proteins (Exp Gerontol 36(9):1495–1502, 2001; Biochim Biophys Acta 1814(12):1785–1795, 2011), but certainly it is among the most reactive amino acid (Nature 468(7325):790–795, 2010). Interestingly, it is one of the least abundant amino acid, but it often occurs in the functional sites of proteins (J Mol Biol 404(5):902–916, 2010). In addition, the majority of the Cysteine oxidations are reversible, indicating potential regulatory mechanism of proteins. The global analysis of oxPTMs has been increasingly recognized as an important area of proteomics, because not only maps protein caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), but also explores protein modulation involving ROS/RNS. Furthermore, the tools and strategies to study this type oxidation are also very abundant and developed, offering high degree of accuracy on the results. As a consequence, the redox proteomics field focuses very much on analyzing Cysteine oxidation in proteins under several experimental conditions and diseases states. Therefore, the identification and localization of oxPTMs within cellular milieu became critical to understand redox regulation of proteins in physiological and pathological conditions, and consequently an important information to develop better strategies for treatment and prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Supersensitivity to tyramine during monoamine oxidase inhibition in man. Mechanism at the level of the adrenergic neuron.

Studies were performed to determine whether inhibition of the metabolism of tyramine within the nerve ending was a maior mechanism in the supersensitivity to this amine during monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition. The enhancement of the pressor response to intravenously administered tyramine produced by MAO inhibition was compared with the enhancement of the response to amphetamine, an indirectly acting amine which is not a substrate for MAO. The responses to these two were found to be increased to approximately the same degree, indicating that the supersensitivity to tyramine at the neuron level during MAO inhibition occurs because interaction with the release mechanism in the neuron terminal increases release of norepinephrine.
Predation and survival among inadunate crinoids

The proposition is presented that the large thecae of many Paleozoic crinoids housed gonads, unlike modern crinoids that have the gonads on the arms or pinnules. Early in their history, inadunate crinoid gonads migrated into a voluminous anal sac, effectively separating them from other vital organs. Excision of the sac by predatory fishes and cephalopods would have been less traumatic than an attack on the theca, and the sac could be more readily regenerated. The pores and slits between plates on inadunate sacs are interpreted as gonopores. Some anal sacs may also have served as brood chambers. The traditional explanation of the sac as a special respiratory structure is discounted.
Slope-Ratio Assays

This chapter discusses slope-ratio assays. The response could be plotted as a straight line against the logarithm of the dose over an adequate dosage range. Parallel lines were fitted to concurrent tests with the standard and the unknown and the relative potency of the unknown determined on the log dose scale from the horizontal distance between them for a log ratio assay. Sometimes, the response is a linear function of the dose rather than of the log dose. The most important applications are in the microbiological assays where in many cases the response can be plotted linearly against arithmetic dosage units at the lower vitamin concentrations. Concurrent tests on two preparations that differ only in their content of a single active ingredient are fitted by two straight lines that converge at 0 dose. The potency of an unknown relative to the standard can then be determined from the ratio of the slopes of the fitted lines. Assays meeting these conditions have been designated as slope-ratio assays. The term has since been extended to assays where the response can be plotted linearly against some power of the dose. One of the first requirements for an efficient microbiological assay is a linear relation between some function of dosage and response over an effective range.
Neurocognitive and executive functioning in adult survivors of congenital heart disease.

Objective Congenital heart disease (CHD) can affect the developing central nervous system, resulting in neurocognitive and behavioral deficits. Preoperative neurological abnormalities as well as sequelae of the open heart operations required to correct structural abnormalities of the heart contribute to these deficits. There are few studies examining the neurocognitive functioning of adults with CHD. This study sought to investigate multiple domains of neurocognitive functioning in adult survivors of CHD who had childhood cardiac surgery with either moderate or severe disease complexity. Design A total of 48 adults (18–49 years of age) who had undergone cardiac surgery for CHD prior to five years of age participated in the study. CHD severity was classified as moderate or severe according to the 32nd Bethesda Guidelines. A computerized battery of standardized neurocognitive tests (CNS-Vital Signs), a validated rating scale of executive functioning, and demographic questionnaires were administered. Results There were no significant differences between the moderate CHD group and normative data on any cognitive measure. In contrast, the severe CHD group differed from norms in multiple domains: psychomotor speed, processing speed, complex attention, reaction time, and on the overall neurocognitive index. Number of surgeries was strongly related to worse executive functioning. There was no association between age at first surgery or time since last surgery and neuropsychological functioning. Number of surgeries was also unrelated to neurocognitive test performance. Conclusions Patients with severe CHD performed significantly worse on measures of processing speed, attention, and executive functioning. These findings may be useful in the long-term care of adults with congenital heart disease.
GUIDING FATE WITH NEXT GENERATION STEM CELL MECHANICS STUDIES

Summary Statement Flow chambers have been implemented in stem cell research to apply controlled dilational (volume changing) and deviatoric (shape changing) mechanical cues to living cells. Studies implementing such chambers demonstrate that controlled delivery of mechanical cues correlates strongly to changes in stem cell shape, structure, and fate. Introduction A custom designed flow chamber, capable of delivering highly controlled stresses at the cellular scale, enables the study of flow-induced normal and shear stresses on cell behavior. Specifically, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multiphysics modeling (coupling of CFD with finite element models) allow for controlled delivery of mechanical cues via fluid flow and cell seeding protocols, concomitant to optical mapping of cell displacements due to mechanical load, and calculation of flow velocities, imbued stresses, and cellular strains within a given volume of interest. Akin to conducting a mechanical loading test on single cells and groups of cells, paired experimental and computational experiments using the custom-designed chamber enabled calculation of the flow field9s effect on the cell(s) as well as the cells’ effect on the flow field, a critical step in predicting the local stress and strain fields at the cell-fluid interface within the chamber, during exposure to fluid flow. These stresses-strains experienced by stem cells demonstrate significant correlation to cell gene expression, and strongly suggest that stresses at the cell-fluid interface influence cell fate. The current study uses a parametric approach to define next steps to prospectively guide mechanically-modulated lineage commitment. Methods An experimentally validated, coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) finite element (FEM) model has elucidated the local mechanical environment at live cell surfaces during exposure to normal and shear stresses imparted by flow. The current study tests this model parametrically, assessing sensitivity of predicted stress-strain-fate relationships to estimates of cells’ mechanical properties, and prioritizing experiments for prospective mapping of the mechanome. Results Results indicate that an accurate estimation of the cell9s elastic modulus is critical for exact measurements of cell surface stresses and strains. However, an accurate estimation of the cell9s Poisson9s ratio is less critical for measurement validity. Furthermore, the application of a low pressure gradient to cells at high density maximises precise delivery of a range of mechanical cues. While next stage experiments can begin to map the stem cell mechanome, modifications to the current experimental setup will increase the range of deliverable stresses as well as the precision of these stresses. Discussion/Conclusion Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the regions of the mechanome that can be experimentally assessed with current approaches, as well as the precision of these assessments, through the control of cell seeding density, pressure gradient, and fluid viscosity.
Dictyostelium , the Social Amoeba

The Dictyostelia present a splendid opportunity for studies of sociality and genetic conflicts of interest. These eukaryotic amoebae aggregate upon starvation to form a multicellular individual in which some formerly independent individuals die to form a stalk that lifts the others to a better place for sporulation and dispersal. Dictyostelia vary in their social organization and can be cultured from soil samples in nearly all parts of the world. Genome sequences are available for increasing numbers of species; many molecular pathways are known; experimental evolution is feasible. Who lives, who dies, and how sociality is structured are great questions that are easily addressed in this group.
Static and dynamic post-buckling analyses of irregularly constrained beams under the small and large deformation assumptions

Abstract Post-buckling phenomenon has been performing advantages in many applications. In particular, buckling snap-through of slender beams under lateral constraints is of great research interest since low-rate and low-frequency excitations can be transformed into high-rate motions. Electrical energy can be generated from ambient energies through the process. Efficient conversion of the energy phases requires sufficient control over post-buckling response. However, inadequate studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of different lateral constraints on buckling mode transitions. This study aims at developing static and dynamic theoretical models to capture buckling snap-though of slender beams subjected to irregularly bilateral constraints. The models are created based on small and large deformations assumptions, respectively. An algorithm is introduced to discretize the irregular constraints into a gap vector. The equilibrium equations in the presented models are solved using an energy method that minimizes the total energy in the gap vector with respect to the weight coefficient (Cm) of different buckling modes. Experiments were carried out to validate the theoretical results. Good agreements were observed. The proposed models are then used to investigate the effects of the linearly and sinusoidally varied constraints on the beams' post-buckling response. It is found that the deformed shapes of the beams meet the patterns of the constraints. Both the static and dynamic large deformation models are able to measure the end-shortenings that result in severe rotation of the beams' neutral axes. Significant shifting is observed between the deflected beam shapes solved by the static and dynamic models. The presented models are effective in understanding and predicting the static and dynamic post-buckling responses of irregularly constrained beams under small and large deformation assumptions.
Rising malpractice premiums and obstetric practice patterns. The impact on family physicians in Washington State.

Abstract All 853 active members of the Washington Academy of Family Practice were surveyed in the summer of 1985 to determine the impact of rising malpractice premiums on patterns of obstetric practice. Of the 685 physicians who responded, 61% are currently practicing obstetrics. The median number of deliveries per year was 29, with a range of 1 to 130 deliveries per physician. Younger physicians, rural physicians and those in group practice were more likely to practice obstetrics than older, urban physicians in solo practice. Of the 266 respondents not currently practicing obstetrics, 77% had discontinued obstetric practice within the past five years—half because of issues related to professional liability. Of those practicing obstetrics, 50% stated that they would cease obstetric practice if malpractice premiums rose to $12,000.
Neurotransmitter modulation of neuronal calcium channels

There are many different calcium channels expressed in the mammalian nervous system, but N-type and P/Q-type calcium channels appear to dominate the presynaptic terminals of central and peripheral neurons. The neurotransmitter-induced modulation of these channels can result in alteration of synaptic transmission. This review highlights the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters affect the activity of N-type and P/Q-type calcium channels. The inhibition of these channels by voltage-dependent and voltage-independent mechanisms is emphasized because of the wealth of information available on the intracellular mediators and on the effect of these pathways on the single-channel gating.
Multi-core real-time scheduling in multilevel feedback queue with starvation mitigation (MLFQ-RT)

Process scheduling for real-time processes is a critical function of real-time operating systems, which are required to guarantee soft and hard deadlines for completing real-time processes. The behavior of Multi-Level Feedback Queue (MLFQ) scheduling mechanisms intrinsically support a scheduling that favors short CPU bursts to the complete exclusion of all other processes in the ready queues. This MLFQ feature has been extended to support meeting both hard and soft real-time process deadlines in robotics and automated manufacturing applications. This research explores a new derivative of MLFQ for real-time scheduling called MLFQ-Real-Time (MLFQ-RT) investigated through simulation for multi-core processors. The MLFQ-RT real-time extension for multi-core processors builds upon research previously solved for a known weakness of MLFQ scheduling: a vulnerability to starvation of processes in the lowest priority queue, so that the operating system is unable to guarantee that all processes will make progress. This scheduling algorithm is extended to multi-core processors with three hypothesis examined and validated through simulation, showing hard and soft real-time process scheduling while maintaining the previously demonstrated mitigation of starvation in low priority queues.
Human myocardium has a robust α1a-subtype adrenergic receptor inotropic response

Recent studies report that a single subtype of α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR), the α1A-subtype, mediates robust cardioprotective effects in multiple experimental models of heart failure, suggesting that the α1A-subtype is a potential therapeutic target for an agonist to treat heart failure. Moreover, we recently found that the α1A-subtype is present in human heart. The goal of this study was to assess the inotropic response mediated by the α1A-subtype in human myocardium, and to determine whether the response is downregulated in myocardium from failing human heart. We measured in vitro contractile responses of cardiac muscle preparations (trabeculae) isolated from the right ventricle from nonfailing and failing human hearts. Addition of the α1A-subtype agonist A61603 (100 nM) resulted in a large positive inotropic response (force increased ≈ 2-fold). This response represented ≈70% of the response mediated by the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (1 μM). Moreover, in myocardium from failing hearts, α1A-subtype responses remained robust, and only slightly reduced relative to nonfailing hearts. We conclude that α1A-subtype-mediated inotropy could represent a significant source of inotropic support in the human heart. Furthermore, the α1A-subtype remains functional in myocardium from failing human hearts and thus, might be a therapeutic target to support cardioprotective effects in patients with heart failure.
Immunological Crossreactivity Between the Class I Epitope of Streptococcal M Protein and Myosin

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory disease that occurs as a delayed sequel to group A streptococcal infection. The pathogenesis of ARF is thought to be mediated by autoimmune mechanisms19. Cardiac myosin has been identified as one of the cardiac antigens recognized by heart-crossreactive anti-streptococcal autoantibodies8, 15. Streptococcal M protein, an a-helical coiled-coil protein, structurally and immunologically mimics host tissue antigens, in particular myosin7, 9–11, 17, 18. While there are more than 80 different serological types of group A streptococcal M protein, epidemiological studies indicate that only a limited number of M protein serotypes are associated with ARF outbreaks4. This suggests that certain M protein serotypes may be more rheumatogenic than others. A recent classification scheme has been proposed by Bessen and colleagues in which streptococcal serotypes were grouped based on the expression of a surface exposed M protein epitope2. It was demonstrated that the M serotypes associated with the majority of ARF outbreaks shared an epitope (class I) defined by Mab probes 10B6 and 10F5, whose sequence was localized to a 15 amino acid fragment within the C repeat region of the type 6 M protein14. The remaining serotypes (class II) either lack this epitope or the determinant is structurally inaccessible in those strains. There was a close parallel between those serotypes designated as class I and those serotypes previously classified by Widdowson as MAP I21, 22. The fact that only certain serotypes within class I streptococci are rheumatogenic implies that these organisms are of a phenotype that is capable of inducing ARF2. This is in part supported by a recent publication in which it was shown that sera of ARF patients contained high levels of antibodies to the class I epitope, suggesting that their disease was the result of an infection by a class I streptococcus3.
An electrophoretic survey of various animal plasmas.

Previous electrophoretic studies have been reported on the plasma and serum proteins of man and of various animals, often in connection with a pathology involving the blood proteins of the animal in question. However, among the animals studied, there seldom exists a strict basis of comparison, since different investigators have carried out their experiments in different buffers of varying pH and ionic strength. Moreover, various optical devices have been used to resolve the protein concentration gradients. It was the purpose of this investigation to determine the electrophoretic constituents of plasma, under identical conditions in so far as possible, of a variety of easily accessible animal species in order to ascertain differences in composition. Extensive studies of any given animal or determinations made under varying conditions were not attempted. In the species of animals examined, a complexity and variation of proteins that are both interesting and provocative of thought have been revealed.
The Mixed Motives of Unaccompanied Child Migrants from Central America's Northern Triangle:

A growing body of literature has argued that the distinction between forced and voluntary migration can be, in practice, unclear. This literature points out that each individual migrant may have mi...
Electronic and Structural Evolution of Monoiron Sulfur Clusters, FeSn- and FeSn (n = 1−6), from Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy

We report a photoelectron spectroscopic investigation of a series of monoiron−sulfur clusters FeSn- (n = 1−6) at various photon energies. Vibrationally resolved spectra were measured for FeS- and FeS3-. A wealth of electronic structure information was obtained for FeS and were tentatively assigned, yielding a 5Δ ground state for FeS and a 7Σ+ and a 5Δ excited state at 0.675 and 1.106 eV above the ground state, respectively. Franck−Condon factor simulations were performed for the vibrationally resolved 5Δ ground state and the 5Δ excited state, yielding an Fe−S bond length of 2.18 and 2.29 A for the anion ground state and the 5Δ excited state, respectively, as well as a vibrational temperature of 180 K for the anion. The electron affinities (EA's) of FeSn were measured to be 1.725 ± 0.10, 3.222 ± 0.009, 2.898 ± 0.008, 3.129 ± 0.008, 3.262 ± 0.010, and 3.52 ± 0.02 eV for n = 1−6, respectively. A significant EA increase was only observed from FeS to FeS2, whereas all larger species FeSn (n = 3−6) possess EA's...
94. REDUCING UNNECESSARY TESTING OF VIRAL RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Background Although advancements in respiratory viral testing allow for more timely detection of viruses, these tests are expensive and lacking clear evidence of added clinical utility. The Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) used in our institution checks primarily for non-treatable viruses. It accounted for an estimated 2 million dollars in charges from 2015-2017 and was often ordered without documentation of how the test would change clinical management. This raised concern about the clinical utility and added cost of this test for our patients. Aim Statement We aimed to reduce the number of RPP tests ordered on pediatric patients in the pediatric emergency department (ED), inpatient ward and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) by 50% over 1 year. Interventions Through retrospective chart review, we identified the common clinical divisions and indications in which the RPP was being ordered. We then met with these high utilizers as well as other key stakeholders to develop provider consensus on appropriate utilization of the RPP. Using clinical consensus, along with a focused literature review, we drafted a best practice advisory (BPA), which notably, has been approved but not yet activated in our electronic health record. Measures We used problem solving methodology and a test of change to decrease RPP test utilization. We tracked test utilization in the pediatric ED, PICU and inpatient ward. Results With development of clinical consensus, the number of RPP tests ordered decreased significantly from a median of 19 tests/week in the 2016-2017 respiratory season to a median of 10 tests/week in the 2017-2018 respiratory season in target units. This resulted in an estimated reduction of charges by 54% (from approximately $811,200 to $436,800). Conclusions and Next Steps Establishing a consensus for appropriate use of respiratory viral testing can significantly reduce test utilization and healthcare cost. We anticipate the BPA will sustain resident efforts to date and further reduce unnecessary testing. We predict creating consensus for other tests may be an effective means of ensuring appropriate utilization and reducing costs.
An Analysis of Characterization of Will Traynor and Louisa Clark and the Idea of Compassionate Love in Me Before You (2016)

This review focuses on characterization and the idea of compassionate love. The writer conducted the study to explain the compassionate love seen through the characterization of the main characters in Me Before You movie, Will Traynor and Louisa Clark. The writer uses P.A.R.T.S. characterization theory by Reams (2015) and compassionate love theory by Fromm (1995), Underwood (2002, 2009) and Stenberg (1986) to analyze the two main characters. The analysis uses descriptive qualitative method. The findings of the analysis show P.A.R.T.S. characterization of both main characters. There are seven characteristics of compassionate love seen through the characterization of the main characters. It is seen that Will is a stubborn and strong-willed man, yet he still has that romantic side to show his love which centers on the good of others. Louisa is seen as a persistent and sincere woman who works as Will’s caregiver that later falls in love with Will and show how she can make him happy and give him freedom. The P.A.R.T.S. characterization of Will Traynor and Louisa Clark shows the kind of love which centers on the good of the other, i.e. compassionate love.
Linear and Nonlinear Associations between Sleep and Adjustment in Adolescence.

A growing body of work supports linear associations between sleep and socioemotional adjustment in adolescence. However, associations between sleep and adjustment are not necessarily linear and inv...
Arsenical Kidney Toxicity

Arsenic is a broad spectrum toxic agent that has been shown to produce nephrotoxic responses in humans, experimental animals, and in vitro test systems under a variety of exposure conditions. Anatomically, the kidney consists of two major components: the renal blood vasculature and the nephrons, which are the primary functional units of this multifunctional organ. Epidemiological studies in humans exposed to arsenic in drinking water have demonstrated elevated increased rates of both end stage renal failure and cancer. Arsenic has been shown to produce toxicity in cells located in both anatomical components of the kidney including the cells of the glomerular blood vessels and renal proximal tubule cells of the nephrons. The mitochondria are a major target organelle for arsenical toxicity with resultant inhibition of respiratory function, loss of ATP production, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to altered cell signaling pathways and gene expression patterns, and induction of apoptosis. The mechanisms of arsenical-induced renal toxicity are hence complex but good progress has been made in recent years towards understanding these processes and using this information to develop renal biomarkers for early detection of arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity. The biomarker approach has been particularly valuable in evaluating interactions between arsenic and other nephrotoxic elements such as lead, cadmium, gallium, and indium.
Emotional wellbeing in youth: A concept analysis

Aim The aim of this concept analysis is to report a synthesis of the extant literature and define emotional wellbeing in youth as a concept of emerging importance. Background Emotional wellbeing is a national research priority in the United States. It is not well defined nor understood in the context of its ontology, mechanisms, biomarkers, or promotion. As a result, interventional research cannot be adequately informed. Design A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to inform the sample. Data source The scientific databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, NCBI, Allied and Complementary Medicine, EMBASE, EBSCO, JAMAevidence, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute, and Reporter were queried. Review methods The Walker and Avant method was utilized to analyze the resultant sample for common themes of antecedents, attributes, and consequences of emotional wellbeing. Results Seventeen scientific research studies were included in the final sample. Conclusion Attributes of emotional wellbeing in youth include overall positive emotions, positive self-esteem, and resilience. Antecedents are safe and stable nurturing relationships; family and social connectedness, hope, and positive body-image. The consequences of emotional wellbeing in youth include self-efficacy, self-actualization, the presence of positive health behaviors, and the absence of high-risk behaviors.
Worry as a Mechanism to Motivate Information Seeking about Protective End-of-Life Communication Behaviors

Making known one’s end-of-life (EOL) care wishes via the processes of advance care planning (ACP) and advance directive (AD) completion is associated with many positive outcomes for patients includ...
Caspar: extracting and synthesizing user stories of problems from app reviews

A user's review of an app often describes the user's interactions with the app. These interactions, which we interpret as mini stories, are prominent in reviews with negative ratings. In general, a story in an app review would contain at least two types of events: user actions and associated app behaviors. Being able to identify such stories would enable an app's developer in better maintaining and improving the app's functionality and enhancing user experience. We present Caspar, a method for extracting and synthesizing user-reported mini stories regarding app problems from reviews. By extending and applying natural language processing techniques, Caspar extracts ordered events from app reviews, classifies them as user actions or app problems, and synthesizes action-problem pairs. Our evaluation shows that Caspar is effective in finding action-problem pairs from reviews. First, Caspar classifies the events with an accuracy of 82.0% on manually labeled data. Second, relative to human evaluators, Caspar extracts event pairs with 92.9% precision and 34.2% recall. In addition, we train an inference model on the extracted action-problem pairs that automatically predicts possible app problems for different use cases. Preliminary evaluation shows that our method yields promising results. Caspar illustrates the potential for a deeper understanding of app reviews and possibly other natural language artifacts arising in software engineering.
Prolonged neuromuscular block after rocuronium administration in laparoscopic pyloromyotomy patients: A retrospective bayesian regression analysis.

Background Infants undergoing pyloromyotomy are at a high risk of aspiration, making rapid sequence induction the preferred method of induction. Since succinylcholine use in infants can be associated with complications, rocuronium is frequently substituted despite its prolonged duration of action. Aims To examine the likelihood of non-reversibility to neostigmine at the end of surgery in laparoscopic pyloromyotomies and its correlation to both rocuronium dose and out of operating room time. Methods Patients who underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, received rocuronium, and were reversed with neostigmine were included. Bayesian multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine the probability of non-reversibility, and Bayesian multivariable median regression was performed to ascertain the correlation between out of operating room time and non-reversibility. Results 306 patients were analyzed with a median surgical duration of 19 min (interquartile range 16 to 23). 74% received succinylcholine for intubation followed by rocuronium, and the remaining received rocuronium alone. The median rocuronium dose was 0.41 mg/kg (interquartile range 0.27 - 0.56 mg/kg). Prolonged block occurred in 68 (22.2%) patients. There was a non-trivial probability of prolonged block with low rocuronium doses, and each 0.1 mg/kg increase in total rocuronium dose was associated with an odds ratio of 1.36 (95% credible interval: 1.17-1.58) of neostigmine non-reversibility at the end of surgery. Non-reversibility was correlated with a substantial increase in median out of operating room time (13.4 min, 95% credible interval: 5.5-20.8 min), which was compounded by high rocuronium dosing (2.2 min increase per 0.1 mg/kg for doses greater than 0.5 mg/kg, 95% credible interval: 0.7-3.6 min). Conclusion Prolonged blockade can occur from rocuronium administration in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy even at low doses. Therefore, consideration of appropriate rocuronium dosing or the use of sugammadex should be considered.
15-PGDH as a Negative Regulator of Age-Related Organ Fitness

ABSTRACT Emerging evidence implicates the eicosanoid molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in conferring a regenerative phenotype to multiple organ systems following tissue injury. As aging is in part characterized by loss of tissue stem cell regenerative capacity, we tested the hypothesis that the prostaglandin-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) contributes to the diminished organ fitness of aged mice. Here we demonstrate that genetic loss of 15-PGDH (Hpgd) confers a protective effect on aging of murine hematopoietic and gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Aged mice lacking 15-PGDH display increased hematopoietic output as assessed by peripheral blood cell counts, bone marrow and splenic stem cell compartments, and accelerated post-transplantation recovery compared to their WT counterparts. Loss of Hpgd expression also resulted in enhanced GI fitness and reduced local inflammation in response to colitis. Together these results suggest that 15-PGDH negatively regulates aged tissue regeneration, and that 15-PGDH inhibition may be a viable therapeutic strategy to ameliorate age-associated loss of organ fitness. ARTICLE SUMMARY 15-PGDH as a Driver of Age-Related Tissue Dysfunction
Wealth and preferences for redistribution: The effects of financial assets and home equity in 31 countries:

How does wealth affect preferences for redistribution? In general, social scientists have largely neglected to study the social effects of wealth. This neglect was partially due to a dearth of data...