cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein kinase Cϵ activity induces anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes via an ERK1/2- and NF-κB-dependent pathway to enhance vascular protection

Vascular endothelial injury predisposes to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. We have investigated the hypothesis that PKCϵ (protein kinase Cϵ) is an important upstream regulator of cytoprotective pathways in vascular ECs (endothelial cells). Depletion of PKCϵ in human ECs reduced expression of the cytoprotective genes A1, A20 and Bcl-2. Conversely, constitutively active PKCϵ expressed in human ECs increased mRNA and protein levels of these cytoprotective genes, with up-regulation dependent upon ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) activation. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) by the pharmacological antagonist BAY 11-7085 or an IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB) SuperRepressor prevented cytoprotective gene induction. Activation of PKCϵ enhanced p65 NF-κB DNA binding and elevated NF-κB transcriptional activity. Importantly, although NF-κB activation by PKCϵ induced cytoprotective genes, it did not up-regulate pro-inflammatory NF-κB targets [E-selectin, VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1)]. Indeed, PKCϵ exhibited cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions, including inhibition of TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α)-induced JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) phosphorylation and ICAM-1 up-regulation, a response attenuated by depletion of A20. Thus we conclude that PKCϵ plays an essential role in endothelial homoeostasis, acting as an upstream co-ordinator of gene expression through activation of ERK1/2, inhibition of JNK and diversion of the NF-κB pathway to cytoprotective gene induction, and propose that PKCϵ represents a novel therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction.
Changes in Cisatracurium Infusion Requirements During Induced Hypothermia to Treat Increased Intracranial Pressure in a Child

Several factors may affect the dosing requirements of neuromuscular blocking agents in pediatric intensive care unit patients. I present a 4 year, 2 month old child who received neuromuscular blockade with cisatracurium and induced hypothermia to control increased intracranial pressure. Induction of hypothermia led to a reduction in cisatracurium infusion requirements. The infusion requirements promptly returned to baseline once the patient's body temperature was allowed to normalize. Prior to induction of hypothermia, the infusion requirements for cisatracurium averaged 3.2 μg/kg/min. During the 48 hours of deliberate hypothermia (core body temperature, 34°C) to control intracranial pressure, cisatracurium infusion requirements averaged 1.7 μg/kg/min. Infusion requirements promptly increased to 3.4 μg/kg/min once body temperature was allowed to return to normal.
Combined effects of parental and active smoking on early lung function deficits: a prospective study from birth to age 26 years

Background Cross-sectional reports have suggested that, among active smokers, previous exposure to parental smoking may increase susceptibility to development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We assessed prospectively whether parental smoking enhances the effects of active smoking on early deficits of lung function in young adults. Methods We used data from the prospective birth cohort, the Tucson Children9s Respiratory Study. Maternal and paternal smoking was assessed via questionnaires completed by the parents at the time of the participant9s birth. Active smoking by participants was assessed via personal questionnaires completed at ages 16 (YR16), 22 and 26 years. Four groups were generated based on the combination of parental and active smoking. Lung function parameters, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, were assessed by spirometry before and after inhalation of 180 μg of albuterol at YR11, YR16, YR22 and YR26. Results Complete data were available for 519 participants. Pre-bronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC values did not differ at YR11, YR16 or YR22 by parental or active smoking. However, at YR26 participants with exposure to parental and active smoking had pre-bronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC levels that were, on average, 2.8% (0.9% to 4.8%; p=0.003) lower than participants who were not exposed to parental or active smoking. In contrast, subjects who were only exposed to active smoking or only exposed to parental smoking did not differ from those who were not exposed to either. Between YR11 and YR26, participants with exposure to parental and active smoking had the steepest decline in sex, age and height adjusted residuals of FEV 1 /FVC, FEV 1 , forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC (FEF 25–75 ) and FEF 25–75 /FVC (all p values between 0.03 and Conclusions Parental and active smoking act synergistically to affect early lung function deficits in young adulthood.
Sea Snakes And Their Venoms

“Sea Snakes and Their Venoms” by Anthony T. Tu is part memoir, part comprehensive survey of current knowledge about sea snakes and their venoms. The book is liberally illustrated with 85 color and ...
A COMPARISON OF DEFORMATIONS AND ORBIT CLOSURE

The purpose of this research-expository paper is to clarify some of the similarities and differences between “orbit closure” and “deformations” . In Section 1 a common formulation for deformation and degeneration is presented. In particular, it is shown that if the orbit is not (Zariski) closed, then a point in the closure always arises from a deformation. In Section 2, the concept of versal deformation is introduced. It is shown that in the case of degeneration there exists a universal element. In Section 3 two definitions of “rigidity” are discussed. It is proved that in the case of Lie algebras over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, these two definitions are equivalent. The role of cohomology is also discussed in deformation and degeneration problems.
Crash and Carry: Financial Intermediaries, the Intertemporal-Carry Trade, and Austrian Business Cycles

Barnett and Block (2008) establish that not only are fractional reserve demand deposits fraudulent and create an Austrian Business Cycle (ABC), but that a certain type of mismatching between time deposits and the period for which the depository institution relends the deposited funds (banks or other financial intermediaries “borrowing short and lending long”) are also contrary to libertarian law. The question we address in the present paper is whether or not this type of disconnect between the period for which the ultimate lender committed funds and the ultimate borrower gained possession thereof also necessarily start an Austrian Business Cycle. Even though this does not constitute an increase in the stock of money, we answer in the affirmative.
The impact of task interruption on tax accountants' professional judgment

Accounting professionals are frequently interrupted, and prior research suggests that task interruption could compromise the quality of their professional judgments. This paper adopts the Goal-Based Choice Model to predict conditions under which task interruption will: (1) exacerbate accountants' motivated reasoning, introducing bias into their professional judgments, and (2) reduce performance on the interrupting task. We validate the model by conducting an experiment using experienced tax professionals as participants. Consistent with the expanded model's predictions, we find that when tax professionals are highly committed to a directional goal (minimize the client's tax liability), task interruption exacerbates their motivated reasoning, increases their perceptions of the level of support for an aggressive tax compliance position, bolsters their confidence in its defensibility, and compromises their ability to objectively evaluate the risks associated with the position. These factors cascade to increase the likelihood that they will recommend an aggressive tax compliance position. Furthermore, we find that the impact of task interruption cascades to inhibit interrupting task performance. Our results suggest that task interruption can create costly inefficiencies when these issues must be addressed during the review process, and that severe consequences for firms and their clients can arise when the review process fails to identify these deficiencies. In addition, our results suggest that task interruption's costs may outweigh its benefits in the context of professional judgment.
On the Crystallography of Peritectic Austenite and the Role of Primary Ferrite in High Manganese and Aluminum Steels

Two high manganese and aluminum steels with duplex microstructures of δ-ferrite and austenite, having different weight fractions of primary δ-ferrite (0.35 vs. 0.66), were used to study the crystallography of austenite formed during the peritectic reaction. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to characterize the crystallographic growth directions and orientation relationships between the two phases. For a primary δ-ferrite weight fraction of 0.66, the peritectic austenite product was seven times more likely to have the Kurdjumov-Sachs (K-S) orientation relationship. In contrast, a lower weight fraction of δ-ferrite produced a peritectic reaction where both δ-ferrite and the peritectic austenite product grew with the same or parallel to the heat flux. The K-S orientation was observed for only 5% of the peritectic interfaces. Manganese and aluminum solute profiles across the peritectic interface were used to show that the mechanism of the peritectic reaction remains the same for each alloy. Thermal analysis was used to compare the two alloys at the dendrite coherency point and the alloy with the smaller fraction of primary δ-ferrite had a greater solid fraction (0.4 versus 0.34) at the dendrite coherency point.
A Time-Lag Approach for Prediction of Trailing-Edge Separation in Unsteady Flow

Computational and experimental results for pitching airfoils are used to study the time lag associated with boundary-layer convection, and to develop a model that can be used to augment inviscid theoretical methods for unsteady flows past airfoils to include the effects of trailing-edge separation and unsteady stall. Computations using an unsteady RANS code were used to obtain results for an airfoil in steady flow and for several pitch-up-return motions. The motions were selected such that stall occurred only due to trailing-edge separation without leading-edge vortex formation. A leading-edge suction parameter, from earlier research, is used as the variable to connect the aerodynamic state in unsteady motion with a steady state condition. The time lag between unsteady stall and steady stall from the CFD studies was seen to be constant for a given non-dimensional pitch rate. When separation is modeled in an inviscid method using a decambering flap and this decambering is applied with a time lag to provide viscous correction to inviscid unsteady calculations, the resulting predictions of stall, hysteresis loops, and reattachment agree fairly well with CFD results both for individual cases and for trends between motions. The method, when applied to experimental results for sinusoidal pitch motions from the literature, show good agreement. While further studies are needed to extend the range of validity of the findings, the results show promise for an approach to augmenting unsteady inviscid theory for the effects of trailing edge separation and stall.
The Concorde SST and Change in the British Polity

PERHAPS the most distinctive characteristic of the British experience with the Concorde SST is that the objectives of state policy, for which the Concorde was to serve as an instrument, shifted dramatically over time. In the earliest period of development, the British state used the Concorde to rationalize its aircraft industry and to serve as one means of entering the European Economic Community (E.E.C.). The international objective became much less salient during the later period of its development; more importantly, the domestic objective itself changed from seeking a more efficient use of resources in the aircraft industry to simply maintaining the aircraft industry's levels of employment, in order to promote political stability-regardless of whether the project was appropriate on an economic basis. This shift in the purposes of the Concorde can be linked to changes in the power relations between Britain's society and its state.' Specifically, when development of the SST was used by the British government to restructure a somewhat reluctant aircraft industry, it succeeded because of the government's superior bargaining position and internal cohesion relative to the British aircraft companies (i.e., societal segments). Later on, the state had fewer bargaining advantages and en-
Long Working Hours and Pregnancy Complications among Residents

Residents of Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology work around 80 hours per week in their residency years. Residency training is physically demanding and highly stressful, and can become even difficult if the female resident is pregnant. It is a well-known physically strenuous occupation that has also been suspected to show negative pregnancy outcomes if the resident becomes pregnant during her residency years. The long working hours not only increases the chance of pre-term delivery, but also of other adverse outcomes such as abruptio placenta, low birth weight, intra-uterine growth retardation. From the last decade, between the years 1990-2000, the number of female medical students and these female residents has shown a dramatic increase, from 30% to almost 40%. Because of the pressure of increasing age, and fertility concerns, most of the physicians choose child bearing during their early residency years. This review article expands the understanding of long working hours during residency training and its association with pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A design of a retrospective study is also proposed in the article, to determine the association of adverse pregnancy outcomes among residents according to the latest ACGME work hour guidelines.
Mechanisms of Specificity for Hox Factor Activity.

Metazoans encode clusters of paralogous Hox genes that are critical for proper development of the body plan. However, there are a number of unresolved issues regarding how paralogous Hox factors achieve specificity to control distinct cell fates. First, how do Hox paralogs, which have very similar DNA binding preferences in vitro, drive different transcriptional programs in vivo? Second, the number of potential Hox binding sites within the genome is vast compared to the number of sites bound. Hence, what determines where in the genome Hox factors bind? Third, what determines whether a Hox factor will activate or repress a specific target gene? Here, we review the current evidence that is beginning to shed light onto these questions. In particular, we highlight how cooperative interactions with other transcription factors (especially PBC and HMP proteins) and the sequences of cis-regulatory modules provide a basis for the mechanisms of Hox specificity. We conclude by integrating a number of the concepts described throughout the review in a case study of a highly interrogated Drosophila cis-regulatory module named “The Distal-less Conserved Regulatory Element” (DCRE).
Experimental Investigation into Effects of Adsorbents on Detection of SF6 Decomposition Products in SF_6 Equipment

According to the adsorption mechanism of adsorbents,the authors built an adsorption test bed,designed test procedure,and conducted a large number of tests to investigate the effects of adsorbents on the quantitative detection of SF6 decomposition products in SF6 equipment.Based on the test data,the authors determined the main factors influencing the detection of SF6 decomposition products,including container material,adsorbent type,dosage and location of adsorbent,etc.They also compared adsorption rates among different decomposition products in same conditions.This study may be helpful to the fault diagnosis of HV gas insulated switchgears via detection of SF6 decomposition products.
Chicks produced in the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) after cloacal insemination of frozen‐thawed semen

The in vitro and in vivo functionality of cryopreserved spermatozoa was examined over two breeding seasons in a zoological colony of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Frozen-thawed semen was inseminated into five anesthetized females, over a total of eight egg production cycles, with a different male used for each artificial insemination (AI) within each season. Females were maintained within the colony in cordoned nest sites to prevent copulation with their paired male, and were inseminated every 3-10 days until the first oviposition. Semen frozen from seven males using a straw method retained 39.8%, 25.7%, 74.0%, and 52.1% of its initial total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity, and plasma membrane integrity, respectively. Normal morphology of motile cells was reduced (P < 0.05) during freeze-thawing from 76.7% immediately prior to freezing to 65.3% post-thawing. Conceptive females received 1.6 ± 0.2 inseminations before the first oviposition, with 19.2 ± 1.6 × 10(6) motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa per insemination. Overall fertility was 53.3% (8/15 eggs), hatchability was 50.0% (4/8), and genetic analyses confirmed that all embryos and hatchlings were sired by the AI male. Fertile eggs were laid at 4.0-12.1 days after AI, indicating that frozen-thawed spermatozoa resided in the female reproductive tract for up to ∼7.2 days prior to fertilization. Results demonstrate that frozen-thawed Magellanic penguin spermatozoa are fully functional in vivo and support the use of genome banking and AI as tools for managing the sustainability of zoological penguin populations. Zoo Biol. 35:326-338, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization and thermogravimetric analysis of lanthanide hexafluoroacetylacetone chelates

This work reports the thermodynamic characterizations of organometallic species as a vehicle for the rapid separation of volatile nuclear fission products via gas chromatography due to differences in adsorption enthalpy. Because adsorption and sublimation thermodynamics are linearly correlated, there is considerable motivation to determine sublimation enthalpies. A method of isothermal thermogravimetric analysis, TGA-MS and melting point analysis are employed on thirteen lanthanide 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone complexes to determine sublimation enthalpies. An empirical correlation is used to estimate adsorption enthalpies of lanthanide complexes on a quartz column from the sublimation data. Additionally, four chelates are characterized by SC-XRD, elemental analysis, FTIR and NMR.
Cultural support for improvisation

We present a novel object-centered formalization of action which allows us to define an interesting class of tasks, called cooking tasks, which can be performed without backtracking. Since backtracking is unnecessary, actions can be selected incrementally using a greedy method without having to precompute a plan. Such an approach is efficient and rapidly adjusts to unforeseen circumstances. Our argument is that cooking tasks are widely encountered in everyday life because of the special properties of a given culture's artifacts. In other words, culture has structured the world so as to make it easier to live in. We present an implementation of these ideas, experimental results, and control experiments using a standard nonlinear planner.
Leadership Training in Otolaryngology Residency

Although residency training offers numerous leadership opportunities, most residents are not exposed to scripted leadership instruction. To explore one program's attitudes about leadership training, a group of otolaryngology faculty (n = 14) and residents (n = 17) was polled about their attitudes. In terms of self-perception, more faculty (10 of 14, 71.4%) than residents (9 of 17, 52.9%; P = .461) considered themselves good leaders. The majority of faculty and residents (27 of 31) thought that adults could be taught leadership ability. Given attitudes about leadership ability and the potential for improvement through instruction, consideration should be given to including such training in otolaryngology residency.
Synthesis of Polystyrene and Molecular Weight Determination by 1H NMR End-Group Analysis

A procedure for the solution polymerization of styrene using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as the initiator is described. The use of DTBP allows for end-group analysis by 1H NMR spectroscopy and calculation of the number-average molecular weight of the polymer. This experiment was designed as a laboratory introduction to polymer chemistry for second-year undergraduate students. The highest-order focus was to get students to derive an equation to calculate the number-average molecular weight by 1H NMR spectral analysis.
Drivers of Sediment Accumulation and Nutrient Burial in Coastal Stormwater Detention Ponds, South Carolina, USA

Stormwater detention ponds are widely utilized as control structures to manage runoff during storm events. These ponds also represent biogeochemical hotspots, where carbon (C) and nutrients can be processed and buried in sediments. This study quantified C and nutrient [nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)] sources and burial rates in 14 stormwater detention ponds representative of typical residential development in coastal South Carolina. Bulk sediment accumulation was directly correlated with catchment impervious surface coverage (R2 = 0.90) with sediment accumulation rates ranging from 0.06 to 0.50 cm y−1. These rates of sediment accumulation and consequent pond volume loss were lower than anticipated based on maintenance guidelines provided by the State. N-alkanes were used as biomarkers of sediment source; the derived terrestrial aquatic ratio (TARHC) index was strongly correlated with sediment accumulation rate (R2 = 0.71) which, in conjunction with high C/N ratios (16–33), suggests that terrestrial biomass drives this sediment accumulation, with relatively minimal contributions from algal derived material. This is counter to expectations that were based on the high algal productivity generally observed in stormwater ponds and previous studies of natural lakes. Sediment C and nutrient concentrations were consistent among ponds, such that differences in burial rates were a simple function of bulk sediment accumulation rate. These burial rates (C: 8.7–161 g m−2 y−1, N: 0.65–6.4 g m−2 y−1, P: 0.238–4.13 g m−2 y−1) were similar to those observed in natural lake systems, but lower than those observed in reservoirs or impoundments. Though individual ponds were small in area (930–41,000 m2), they are regionally abundant and, when mean burial rates are extrapolated to the regional scale (≈ 21,000 ponds), ultimately sequester 2.0 × 109 g C y−1, 9.5 × 107 g N y−1, and 3.7 × 107 g P y−1 in the coastal region of South Carolina alone. Stormwater ponds represent a relatively new but increasingly significant feature of the coastal landscape and, thus, are a key component in understanding how urbanization alters the transport and transformations of C and nutrients between terrestrial uplands and downstream receiving waters.
Incidence and trends of cardiac complications in major abdominal surgery.

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death after noncardiac surgery. Major abdominal operations represent the largest category of procedures considered to have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The current aim was to examine trends in the incidence of mortality, perioperative myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest to determine the presence of potential volume-outcome relationships. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for patients undergoing elective, open abdominal esophagectomy, gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, nephrectomy, hepatectomy, splenectomy, and colectomy (major abdominal surgery) during 2008–2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of operative volume on rates of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and mortality. Results Of the 962,754 elective admissions for major abdominal surgery, 1.4% experienced in-hospital mortality, 0.7% myocardial infarction, and 0.35% cardiac arrest. Myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest were associated with a 24-fold increase in risk of perioperative mortality. Compared with institutions that have a very low volume of operations, those hospitals with larger volumes of operations had a decreased risk of cardiac arrest and incident mortality after cardiovascular complications, but the odds of myocardial infarction were greatest at higher operative-volume hospitals. The annual all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction rates decreased over time, but the incidence of cardiac arrest increased. Conclusion Myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest after major abdominal surgery increased the odds of mortality with superior rescue after cardiovascular complications at higher volume institutions. Across all US hospitals performing major abdominal surgery, the rate of cardiac arrest increased without a concomitant increase in myocardial infarction or mortality. Novel targets for risk modification of myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest as well as investigation of processes that facilitate rescue after these complications at higher operative-volume hospitals are needed to delineate quality improvement opportunities.
Oxytocin response to controlled dietary sodium and angiotensin II among healthy individuals.

Oxytocin, while classically known for its role in parturition, lactation, and social behavior, also has been implicated in the control of sodium homeostasis in animal models. To improve our underst...
Imperfect Food Markets and Household Adoption of Soil Conservation Practices in the Dominican Republic Highlands: Household Probit and Duration Models

This paper formalises the determinants of adoption and maintenance of soil conservation practices on peasant households’ food plots in the Dominican Republic highlands, where a local rural development project provides training, technical assistance and subsidies in the form of food-for-work. We model these decisions as an intertemporal labour allocation choice in the context of household-specific food markets imperfections. From the theoretical model, we derive consistent empirical models (probit and duration models). Results show, that food subsidies help bring marginal households into soil conservation. Households facing a higher return to their labour on the labour market tend nevertheless to abandon conservation practices once the subsidy stops. Large landholdings are also associated with less soil conservation. The main adopters are thus households strongly vested in agriculture, especially if they depend on own production for their consumption.
Duodenal Switch: Technique and Outcomes

Morbid obesity is a growing and complex problem that affects physical, mental, and social well-being. Bariatric surgery is the most effective method of treating morbid obesity. While not the most common procedure performed, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is the most effective. It is the most technically challenging procedure to perform, and the patient preparation and follow-up can be equally as complex. Despite this, the benefits of this technique in certain groups are noteworthy, and bariatric specialists should be aware of its utility.
Tools for Constructivism

Over the years, those laboring in the field of instructional design and development have drawn upon insights offered from a variety of theories of learning and cognition. Behavioral theories held sway for many years (as embodied, for example, in programmed instruction and computer managed drill and practice) and are only now being supplanted by cognitive information processing theories (e.g., levels of processing, schema theory, production systems, metacognition). More recently, a variation of cognitive information processing theory has begun to attract attention — connectionism (see Bereiter, 1991).
Porous Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks for Gas Storage and Separation

Lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) have attracted increasing attention as an emerging type of porous materials in the last decades due to their high porosities, adjustable pore sizes/sharps, ready functionalization, as well as high thermal/chemical stability. In this chapter, we seek to not only provide a comprehensive review focusing on porous Ln-MOF materials for a wide range of applications in gas storage and separation, such as H2 storage, selective CO2 capture and separation, and H2 and CH4 purification, but also highlight some strategies as a means of effectively enhancing their gas storage capacities and selectivities.
Tissue factor-dependent activation of tritium-labeled factor IX and factor X in human plasma

Recent investigations have suggested that the activation of factor IX by factor VII/tissue factor may be an important alternative route to the generation of factor Xa. Accordingly, we have compared the tissue factor-dependent activation of tritium-labeled factor IX and factor X in a human plasma system and have studied the role of proteases known to stimulate factor VII activity. Plasma was defibrinated by heating and depleted of its factors IX and X by passing it through antibody columns. Addition of human brain thromboplastin, Ca2+, and purified 3H-labeled factor X to the plasma resulted, after a short lag, in burst-like activation of the factor X, measured as the release of radiolabeled activation peptide. The progress of activation was slowed by both heparin and a specific inhibitor of factor Xa, suggesting a feedback role for this enzyme, but factor X activation could not be completely abolished by such inhibitors. In the case of 3H-factor IX activation, the rate also increased for approximately 3 min after addition of thromboplastin, but was not subsequently curtailed. A survey of proteases implicated as activators of factor VII in other settings showed that both factor Xa and (to a much smaller extent) factor IXa could accelerate the activation of factor IX. However, factor Xa was unique in obliterating activation when present at concentrations greater than approximately 1 nM. Heparin inhibited the tissue factor-dependent activation of factor IX almost completely, apparently through the effect of antithrombin on the feedback reactions of factors Xa and IXa on factor VII. These results suggest that a very tight, biphasic control of factor VII activity exists in human plasma, which is modulated mainly by factor Xa. Variation of the factor IX or factor X concentrations permitted kinetic parameters for each activation to be derived. At saturation of factor VIIa/tissue factor, factor IX activation was significantly more rapid than was previously found in bovine plasma under similar conditions. The activation of factor X at saturation was slightly more rapid than in bovine plasma, despite the presence of heparin.
Robust Optimization in High-Dimensional Data Space with Support Vector Clustering

Abstract Data-driven robust optimization has attracted immense attentions. In this work, we propose a data-driven uncertainty set for robust optimization under high-dimensional uncertainty. We propose to first decompose the high-dimensional data space into the principal subspace and the residual subspace by employing principal component analysis, and then adopt support vector clustering and classic polyhedral uncertainty set to describe the intricate geometry in the principal subspace and the tiny variations in the residual subspace, respectively, giving rise to a new data-driven uncertainty set. Similar to classic uncertainty sets, the proposed data-driven uncertainty set can also preserve the tractability of robust optimization problems. In addition, we establish the probabilistic guarantee theoretically by further calibrating the uncertainty set with an independent dataset, which ensures that the data-driven uncertainty set covers a portion of uncertainty with a given confidence level. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed uncertainty set in reducing conservatism of robust optimization problems as well as the fidelity of the established probabilistic guarantee.
Tipping the Scale Toward Gastric Disease: A Host-Pathogen Genomic Mismatch?

Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori infection is necessary but not sufficient to initiate development of intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma. It is not clear what additional factors tip the scale from commensal bacteria towards a pathogen that facilitates development of gastric cancer. Genetic variants in both the pathogen and host have been implicated, but neither alone explains a substantial portion of disease risk. In this review, we consider studies that address the important role of human and bacterial genetics and ancestry and their interactions in determining gastric disease risk. We observe gaps in the current literature that should guide future work to confirm the hypothesis of the interacting roles of host and bacterial genetics that will be necessary to translate these findings into clinically relevant information. We summarize genetic risk factors for gastric disease in both H. pylori and human hosts. However, genetic variation of one or the other organism in isolation insufficiently explains gastric disease risk. The most promising models of gastric disease risk simultaneously consider the genetic variation of both the H. pylori and human host, under a co-evolution model.
Influence of sketching instruction on elementary students’ design cognition: a study of three sketching approaches

When teaching engineering design, sketching is a key element of design thinking that facilitates connection of hands and minds. As engineers use various graphical illustrations to conceptualise, co...
Secondary Tumors of the Ovary

Secondary tumors of the ovary (STO) are tumors from extraovarian sites. Determining the primary versus secondary nature of an ovarian neoplasm is an exercise that may range from simple to essentially impossible due to similarities in gross, microscopic, and clinical features of some primary and secondary ovarian tumors. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that, in some cases, the pathologist (and clinician) may be unaware of a synchronous or historical extraovarian primary neoplasm. As misdiagnosis impacts prognosis and treatment, it is important that the pathologist have an appropriate index of suspicion of metastasis, and a grasp of the possible gross, microscopic, clinical, and immunohistochemical staining features of secondary ovarian tumors. Tumors metastatic to the ovary may originate from almost any primary site, especially in young females, in whom the rich vascularization of the ovaries may render them more susceptible to metastasis. As ovarian metastasis has been documented to appear many years after diagnosis, it is emphasized that a history of neoplasia of any type, even if remote, may be significant in the evaluation of an ovarian tumor with morphologic features unusual for a primary ovarian neoplasm.
Hyperconjugative Antiaromaticity Activates 4H-Pyrazoles as Inverse-Electron-Demand Diels–Alder Dienes

The Diels–Alder reactivity of 4,4-difluoro-3,5-diphenyl-4H-pyrazole was investigated experimentally and computationally with endo-bicyclo[6.1.0]non-4-yne. The computationally predicted rate enhancement from hyperconjugative antiaromaticity induced by fluorination of cyclopentadienes at the 5-position extends to five-membered heterocyclic dienes containing a saturated center. 4,4-Difluoro-4H-pyrazoles are new electron-deficient dienes with rapid reactivities toward strained alkynes.
Bringing the masseter reflex into the operating room

Abstract The masseter reflex is a monosynaptic proprioceptive reflex that provides fundamental feedback information about masticatory behavior. Abnormal masseter reflex has been reported ipsilateral to midbrain lesions. In a previous study, we provided evidence of the feasibility of eliciting the H-reflex in the masseter muscle in patients under general anesthesia for intraoperative monitoring purposes. For eliciting the masseter H-reflex, we electrically stimulated the masseteric nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve innervating the masseter muscle, by inserting a pair of monopolar electromyography needles or hook wire electrodes under the zygomatic arch, anteriorly to the temporomandibular joint. H-reflexes were recorded by subdermal needles inserted in the ipsilateral masseter and temporalis muscles. The H-reflex recorded from the masseter muscle may be an important tool for monitoring lesions involving the midbrain and mid-pons, but the utility of this method needs surgical and monitoring validation before assessing its value in the operating room.
Streaked optical pyrometer for proton-driven isochoric heating experiments of solid and foam targets

We have designed, built, and calibrated an ultrafast streaked optical pyrometer (SOP) with ∼5 ps resolution for measuring the time-resolved surface blackbody temperature of an isochorically heated plasma. The pyrometer is calibrated to measure temperatures from 0.5 eV to 25 eV, with the option of adding calibrated neutral density filters to observe hotter plasmas. We demonstrated the use of this pyrometer on isochoric heating experiments using laser-accelerated proton beams as an energy source at the f/40 beamline of the Texas Petawatt Laser. We used the large focal spot size (∼80 μm radius) of the f/40 pulses to accelerate high numbers of ∼MeV protons off 5 μm thick solid gold targets. During our experimental campaign, we heated 10 µm thick aluminum foil targets to 1–10 eV over a duration of 50 ps and also observed heating to ∼2 eV in 100 µm thick 60 mg/cm3 carbon foams using the SOP to measure both the temperature and heating timescale.
Role of Budesonide for the Treatment of Rejection in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

Introduction Corticosteroids are an integral part of liver transplant (LT) immunosuppression regimens but are often accompanied by many adverse effects. Budesonide is an oral corticosteroid with extensive (80%-90%) hepatic first-pass metabolism and minimal systemic absorption. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of budesonide for management of acute cellular rejection (ACR) in pediatric LT recipients. Methods A retrospective descriptive analysis was performed for all pediatric patients who underwent LT at our center and were prescribed oral budesonide for the treatment of ACR. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values and documented adverse effects were reviewed. Results Twenty-nine patients were prescribed budesonide for the treatment of ACR; 65.5% with biopsy-proven acute rejection and 34.5% with presumed ACR. There was a significant decrease in ALT noted from the time of rejection when compared to values 1 month (P = 0.0011), 3 months (P = 0.0003), and 6 months (P = 0.0001) after treatment with budesonide. There was no difference noted between patient baseline ALT levels before rejection when compared to 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment values suggesting resolution of rejection. Three patients required conversion from budesonide to systemic steroids. There were no discontinuations of budesonide secondary to adverse effects. Conclusion Oral budesonide may be a promising alternative to systemic corticosteroids for the management of mild/moderate ACR and for empiric treatment of ACR in select pediatric LT recipients. Data from this study may provide the foundation for larger, prospective, multicenter trials to assess the effectiveness of budesonide in the treatment of ACR.
1-kW Wireless Charger for Power Wheelchairs

Wireless charging of power wheelchair allows convenient charging with hands-free operation for the people with disabilities. In this paper, the design of a 1 kW wireless charging system is presented, and the hardware results are demonstrated. The system utilizes an LCC-LCC compensation and dual-side control strategy with wireless communication to control the battery current. The system supplies 1 kW over a misalignment range of 5 cm. The primary and secondary coils are optimized to keep the magnetic field within the safety limit of 27 μT at full power transfer and maximum-misalignment condition. A grid-to-battery efficiency of 85% is achieved for the rated output power, the operating frequency of 100 kHz, and an average air gap of 4.5 cm.
Using Fair AI with Debiased Network Embeddings to Support Help Seeking in an Online Math Learning Platform

There has been a long-standing issue of sparse discussion forums participation in online learning, which can impede students’ help seeking practices. Researchers have examined AI techniques such as link prediction with network analysis to connect help seekers with help providers. However, little is known whether these AI systems will treat students fairly. In this study, we aim to start a foundation work to build a recommender system that can (1) fairly suggest peers who are likely to answer a question and (2) predict the response quality of students.
A separable programming model incorporating linear demand functions for grains and vegetable oils: an analysis of United States agriculture in 1985

Applications of linear programming in analyzing and evaluating various policies related to agriculture have been numerous. The use of quadratic programming is relatively less common. The computational aspects of the problem present an important limitation on the use of quadratic programming when size of the model used is relatively large. In the present study, separable programming was applied to solve a quadratic programming model of U.S. agriculture. The quadratic objective function of the model was transformed into a separable function using eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the demand matrix. The quadratic programming model is formulated in such a way that number of constraints in the model is relatively small which facilitates application of separable programming to a broad spectrum of problems;The quadratic programming model is used to analyze the impact of alternative energy price and supply situations on the crop production sector of U.S. agriculture. In recent years, continuous rise in energy prices and prospects of reduction in fossil fuel-based energy supply are having numerous effects on the use of energy in all sectors of the economy and development of competing energy sources. In the present study, impact of alternative energy situations is analyzed on a number of variables related to agriculture which may be listed as follows: land, water, nitrogen and energy use in farming, regional crop production patterns, methods of farming, resource and output prices, energy and nonenergy related expenses in crop production, farm income and consumer expenditures on farm products at farm level;With increased energy prices, reduction in the use of inputs such as water and commercial fertilizer nitrogen which require energy was observed similarly. Reduction in irrigated farming and increase in acreages under minimum tillage were also observed as means of accomplishing reductions in energy use. But the decrease in energy used in farm production was very small relative to the increase in energy prices. Crop prices at farm-level, total cost of crop production, consumer expenditures at farm level and net farm income all increase due to increased energy prices;When energy supplies are reduced, the main results are similar to those observed when the energy prices increased. Regional level reduction in energy supply, rather than the national level reduction causes the nonenergy related cost of production to increase under the former alternative relative to the latter.
A Systems Biology Approach to Detect the Hidden Reactions of Terpenoid Quinone Metabolism

Terpenoid quinones are electron and proton carriers that are at the core of the energy production machinery of most living organisms. Historically, studying the metabolism of these essential compou...
Myocardial reperfusion: A State of Inflammation

Inflammation or reaction to injury is the major mechanism by which the immune system protects the host from invading organisms and remodels injured tissues. The process of inflammation, although aimed at protection and healing, can overwhelm the endogenous protection mechanisms and thereby cause unintentional extension of injury to the host tissues. The inflammatory response can be divided into an acute and a chronic phase with both positive and negative effects to the host tissues in both phases. Many of the cell types involved in inflammatory disease processes are similar although the time course may run from several days (such as in the case of reperfusion injury) to several decades, as occurs in atherosclerosis.
Communities Respond to Elder Abuse

Summary This article traces the development of services to prevent and treat elder abuse over a twenty-year time span. It begins by describing the various forms of elder abuse and the challenges they pose to service providers and program developers. Also described are abuse reporting statutes, the roles of various agencies involved in abuse investigations and responses, services commonly needed by victims, funding sources, and common impediments to service delivery.
Fusion of Multisensor Data in Pattern Recognition

This paper describes a number of techniques by which to fuse multisensor data (images, signals, scenes, etc..) and by which to generate higher level representations of an unknown pattern within the context of pattern recognition. The basic steps involved are: A. locate a representation based on exogenous context information B. compare two representations to find out if they refer to the same entity C. merging features from two representations of the same pattern into a new feature D. aggregaring two representations into a higher level representation.
Physics in a Fantasy World vs. Robust Statistical Estimation

Deformable models in the “physically-based” paradigm are almost always formulated in an ad-hoc fashion, not related to physical reality — they apply the equations on physics in a fantasy world. This paper discusses some of the drawbacks of this approach. Still these techniques have shown themselves to be useful, so there must be something here. This paper reinterprets these “physics-based” techniques by putting them into a framework of robust statistics. We use this framework to analyze the problems and ad-hoc solutions found in common physically-based formulations. These include incorrect prior shape models; bad relative weights of various energies; and the two-stage approach to minimization (adjusting global, then local shape parameters). We examine the statistical implications of common deformable object formulations. In our reformulation, the units are meaningful, training data plays a fundamental role, different kinds of information may be fused, and certainties can be reported for the segmentation results. The robust aspects of the reformulation are necessary to combat interference from the necessarily large amount of unmodeled image information.
Hardware implementation of a 2/spl times/2 differential space-time code

Communication systems using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) space-time codes are claimed to have superior performance in multipath environments. Modems using 2/spl times/2 differential space-time coding are implemented on FPGAs and RF front ends are constructed using a variety of filters, mixers, and amplifiers. Single-input-single-output (SISO) and MIMO systems are tested in an indoor laboratory environment with interference. Both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS channels are tested. Although the MIMO system outperforms the SISO system at low interference levels, high levels of interference adversely affect MIMO systems more than SISO systems.