cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intravascular Ultrasonic Differences Between Aorto-Ostial and Shaft Narrowing in Saphenous Veins Used as Aortocoronary Bypass Grafts

Previous studies have reported differences in interventional complication rates that depend on saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesion location. However, little is known about morphologic differences between lesions in different SVG locations. We evaluated preintervention intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of 75 de novo SVG lesions (aorto-ostial, n = 15; shaft, n = 60) in 63 patients. IVUS data were measured at the minimal lumen area and at 2 proximal and 2 distal references. Positive remodeling was defined as a lesion site SVG area that was larger than the average of the 2 distal references. Shaft lesions more often contained soft plaque (60.0% vs 26.7%, p = 0.02). Minimal lumen areas were identical (4.5 +/- 2.9 vs 4.3 +/- 1.5 mm2, p = 0.3); however, plaque burden at the minimal lumen area was greater in shaft locations (79.3 +/- 9.4% vs 72.1 +/- 9.2%, p = 0.01). The frequency of positive remodeling in shaft versus aorto-ostial lesions was 70.2% versus 26.7% (p = 0.002). SVG shaft lesions have more soft plaque and larger plaque burdens and undergo positive remodeling more frequently than SVG aorto-ostial lesions. These IVUS differences may account for some of the location-specific differences in interventional complications.
Quantitative metrics for bio-modeling algorithm selection

In this paper, we report our efforts in developing guidelines that are capable of helping researchers to select algorithms in systems biology modeling. We propose a set of metrics based on discrete observable units in terms of key bio-modeling considerations. We accomplish this by (i) reviewing classical metric definitions, (ii) implementing widely used modeling algorithms on a specific case study, and (iii) testing metrics that are a hybrid of classical metrics and key bio-modeling considerations. The modeling algorithms implemented are Michaelis-Menten kinetics, generalized mass action, flux balance analysis, and metabolic control analysis. This work extends our previous work in developing qualitative guidelines to select bio-modeling algorithms. Our results impact systems biology modeling specifically by increasing the level of confidence for users to select bio-modeling algorithms by using quantitative metrics appropriately.
Progress Toward Development of an IFE Power Plant Using Z-Pinch Technology

The Z-Pinch Power Plant uses the results from Sandia National Laboratories' Z accelerator in a power plant application to generate energy pulses using inertial confinement fusion. A collaborative project has been initiated by Sandia to investigate the scientific principles of a power generation system using this technology. Research is under way to develop an integrated concept that describes the operational issues of a 1000 MW electrical power plant. Issues under consideration include: 1-20 gigajoule fusion pulse containment, repetitive mechanical connection of heavy hardware, generation of terawatt pulses every 10 seconds, recycling of ten thousand tons of steel, and manufacturing of millions of hohlraums and capsules per year. Additionally, waste generation and disposal issues are being examined. This paper describes the current concept for the plant and also the objectives for future research.
Wavelet transforms for vector fields using omnidirectionally balanced multiwavelets

Vector wavelet transforms for vector-valued fields can be implemented directly from multiwavelets; however, existing multiwavelets offer surprisingly poor performance for transforms in vector-valued signal-processing applications. In this paper, the reason for this performance failure is identified, and a remedy is proposed. A multiwavelet design criterion known as omnidirectional balancing is introduced to extend to vector transforms the balancing philosophy previously proposed for multiwavelet-based scalar-signal expansion. It is shown that the straightforward implementation of a vector wavelet transform, namely, the application of a scalar transform to each vector component independently, is a special case of an omnidirectionally balanced vector wavelet transform in which filter-coefficient matrices are constrained to be diagonal. Additionally, a family of symmetric-antisymmetric multiwavelets is designed according to the omnidirectional-balancing criterion. In empirical results for a vector-field compression system, it is observed that the performance of vector wavelet transforms derived from these omnidirectionally-balanced symmetric-antisymmetric multiwavelets is far superior to that of transforms implemented via other multiwavelets and can exceed that of diagonal transforms derived from popular scalar wavelets.
Management of Blunt Pulmonary Injury

Thoracic injuries account for 25% of all civilian deaths. Blunt force injuries are a subset of thoracic injuries and include injuries of the tracheobronchial tree, pleural space, and lung parenchyma. Early identification of these injuries during initial assessment and resuscitation is essential to reduce associated morbidity and mortality rates. Management of airway injuries includes definitive airway control with identification and repair of tracheobronchial injuries. Management of pneumothorax and hemothorax includes pleural space drainage and control of ongoing hemorrhage, along with monitoring for complications such as empyema and chylothorax. Injuries of the lung parenchyma, such as pulmonary contusion, may require support of oxygenation and ventilation through both conventional and nonconventional mechanical ventilation strategies. General strategies to improve pulmonary function and gas exchange include balanced fluid resuscitation to targeted volume-based resuscitation end points, positioning therapy, and pain management.
Transforming Growth Factor-β Stimulates Intestinal Epithelial Focal Adhesion Kinase Synthesis via Smad- and p38-Dependent Mechanisms

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. FAK protein is reduced at the edge of migrating gut epithelial sheets in vitro, but it has not been characterized in restitutive gut mucosa in vivo. Here we show that FAK and activated phospho-FAK (FAK397) immunoreactivity was lower in epithelial cells immediately adjacent to human gastric and colonic ulcers in vivo, but dramatically increased in epithelia near the ulcers, possibly reflecting stimulation by growth factors absent in vitro. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, but not fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, or vascular endothelial growth factor, increased FAK levels in Caco-2 and IEC-6 cells. Epithelial immunoreactivity to TGF-β and phospho-Smad3 was also higher near the ulcers, varying in parallel with FAK. The TGF-β receptor antagonist SB431542 completely blocked TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 and p38 activation in IEC-6 cells. SB431542, the p38 antagonist SB203580, and siRNA-mediated reduction of Smad2 and p38α prevented TGF-β stimulation of both FAK transcription and translation (as measured via a FAK promoter-luciferase construct). FAK397 levels were directly related to total FAK protein expression. Although gut epithelial motility is associated with direct inhibition of FAK protein adjacent to mucosal wounds, TGF-β may increase FAK protein near but not bordering mucosal ulcers via Smad2/3 and p38 signals. Our results show that regulation of FAK expression may be as important as FAK phosphorylation in critically influencing gut epithelial cell migration after mucosal injury.
Azithromycin increases in vitro fibronectin production through interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts stimulated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Conclusions: Our results suggest that azithromycin’s effect on MMP-9 is regulated independently of TGFb activity. Additionally, the beneficial effects of azithromycin may be partially due to effects on homeostasis in which ECM-degrading mediators like MMP-9 are up-regulated early after infection. This may impact the damaging effects of inflammation that lead to fibrosis in this patient population.
Next-Generation cDNA Screening for Oncogene and Resistance Phenotypes

There is a pressing need for methods to define the functional relevance of genetic alterations identified by next-generation sequencing of cancer specimens. We developed new approaches to efficiently construct full-length cDNA libraries from small amounts of total RNA, screen for transforming and resistance phenotypes, and deconvolute by next-generation sequencing. Using this platform, we screened a panel of cDNA libraries from primary specimens and cell lines in cytokine-dependent murine Ba/F3 cells. We demonstrate that cDNA library-based screening can efficiently identify DNA and RNA alterations that confer either cytokine-independent proliferation or resistance to targeted inhibitors, including RNA alterations and intergenic fusions. Using barcoded next-generation sequencing, we simultaneously deconvoluted cytokine-independent clones recovered after transduction of 21 cDNA libraries. This approach identified multiple gain-of-function alleles, including KRAS G12D, NRAS Q61K and an activating splice variant of ERBB2. This approach has broad applicability for identifying transcripts that confer proliferation, resistance and other phenotypes in vitro and potentially in vivo.
ASSESSING LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT—WRITTEN AND/OR ORAL

Much dissatisfaction has been growing over the sole use of achievement tests for determining the success of written and/or oral language development in children. At the same time, the public continues to clamor for evidence that children are learning, and therefore that teachers are teaching and the schools are functioning as intended. Means must be developed that describe and identify learning outcomes. What are some promising practices that can do this, and how can they be utilized as alternatives to only testing for achievement, particularly in the area of assessing written and/or oral language development?
Validity of Respiratory Scores in Bronchiolitis

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to establish the validity and reliability of 2 respiratory scores, the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Respiratory Score (CHWRS), in bronchiolitis. A secondary objective was to identify the respiratory score components that most determine overall respiratory status. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study in infants aged Results: A total of 195 infants were included. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.68 for CHWRS versus 0.51 for RDAI in predicting disposition. There was no correlation between initial respiratory scores or change in respiratory scores over the first 24 hours and LOS. Item analysis revealed that oxygen delivery, subcostal retractions, and respiratory rate were independently correlated with ED disposition. The CHWRS was more reliable than the RDAI. Conclusions: The CHWRS had modest discriminative validity in predicting ED disposition. Neither the CHWRS nor the RDAI had good construct validity. Respiratory rate, oxygen need, and presence of retractions were most useful in predicting ED disposition.
The Measurement of Poverty in Portugal

This article measures poverty in Mainland Portugal in 1980 and 1989, and assesses the changes that occurred during the 1980s. The study adopts an objective approach to measuring poverty and establishes the poverty line using a mix of 'normative' and 'behav ioural' methodologies. It is suggested that the poverty line should be considered as a sym bolic representation of a range, rather than a precise value. The pros and cons of choosing the various monetary indicators are discussed and the poverty line is expressed in terms of total consumption, as a proxy of a living con ditions index.
An X-band circularly polarized reflectarray using split square ring elements and the modified element rotation technique

Using split square ring elements and the modified element rotation technique, an X-band circularly polarized reflectarray is designed and implemented through microstrip technology. At 8.4 GHz, the reflectarray prototype has a gain of 30.4 dB and an aperture efficiency of 53.7%. The fractional axial ratio bandwidth is 6%, while the 3 dB gain bandwidth is 7%.
T-Shaped Innovators: Identifying the Right Talent to Support Service Innovation

(2015). T-Shaped Innovators: Identifying the Right Talent to Support Service Innovation. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 58, No. 5, pp. 12-15.
ClpXP, an ATP-powered unfolding and protein-degradation machine

ClpXP is a AAA+ protease that uses the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to perform mechanical work during targeted protein degradation within cells. ClpXP consists of hexamers of a AAA+ ATPase (ClpX) and a tetradecameric peptidase (ClpP). Asymmetric ClpX hexamers bind unstructured peptide tags in protein substrates, unfold stable tertiary structure in the substrate, and then translocate the unfolded polypeptide chain into an internal proteolytic compartment in ClpP. Here, we review our present understanding of ClpXP structure and function, as revealed by two decades of biochemical and biophysical studies.
LGBTQ Experiences in Curricular Contexts

This chapter examines curricula as important microsystems for LGBTQ college students. The authors explore sociocultural influences on curricula and discuss strategies for creating positive curricular experiences for LGBTQ students.
XLIII. Theory of the width of the modified spectrum lines in the Compton effect

(1925). XLIII. Theory of the width of the modified spectrum lines in the Compton effect. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 49, No. 290, pp. 427-433.
Leveraging the crowd for annotation of retinal images

Medical data presents a number of challenges. It tends to be unstructured, noisy and protected. To train algorithms to understand medical images, doctors can label the condition associated with a particular image, but obtaining enough labels can be difficult. We propose an annotation approach which starts with a small pool of expertly annotated images and uses their expertise to rate the performance of crowd-sourced annotations. In this paper we demonstrate how to apply our approach for annotation of large-scale datasets of retinal images. We introduce a novel data validation procedure which is designed to cope with noisy ground-truth data and with non-consistent input from both experts and crowd-workers.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Vertical Mixing in Algae Biofuel Raceways Through the Addition of Delta Wings at Angle-of-Incidence

CFD calculations of experimental algae raceways under consideration for biofuel production studies were performed in an effort to assess the effectiveness of delta wing vortex formation as a means of enhancing vertical mixing. The impact of delta wings on the level of turbulence dissipation rate in these raceways was also investigated. All simulations were completed at a constant level of power input into the raceway. Velocity profiles as well as characteristic mixing times were used to analyze and quantify the vertical mixing both with and without delta wings. The velocity profiles and turbulent dissipation rate calculations suggest that delta wings are a viable method of increasing vertical motion. However, the mixing time results for the configuration of delta wings tested suggest that the additional mixing was insignificant to the raceway as a whole. Additional work on optimizing the use of delta wings is suggested.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Lizardite-chlorite structural relationships and an inferred high-pressure lizardite polytype

We determined details of the layer stackings in lizardite (variety: baltimorite) and chlorite in a splintery sample from a massive serpentinite. Based on high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and image simulations, we localized the positions of projected columns of tetrahedral (T) and octahedral (O) cations that allow determination of the nature of the transformation of lizardite to chlorite and the structural formula of the chlorite. The lizardite stacking is of an unexpected type because adjacent layers are in non-hydrogen-bonded placements, a configuration that permits easy, strain-free transformation to chlorite. We conclude that the lizardite-chlorite transformation was isochemical and at constant volume. A consequence is that the product chlorite consists of neutral brucite- and talc-type layers and so can be regarded as a 1:1 interstratification of brucite and talc. Both the T and the O sheets in talc-type layers contain M 3+ (M = Al, Fe, Cr, ...) cations. An implication of our results combined with high-pressure studies of chlorite and TO silicates is that lizardite stacking sequences can indicate whether a given crystal has been subjected to high pressures. Lizardite in non-hydrogen-bonded sequences presumably has this configuration because of its prior exposure to elevated pressures and can thus be added to the list of indicators of past high pressure. Calibration of this new geobarometer remains for the future.
TWOSPOTTED SPIDER MITES MANAGEMENT IN SPRING ALFALFA BY TRILOGY APPLIED VIA SWATHER, 2003

TSSM have been problematic in late winter/early spring alfalfa in the Palo Verde Valley of far eastern CA in recent years. A commericial alfalfa field heavily infested with TSSM near Blythe, CA, was used for this trial, and was treated as harvested with Trilogy as this product has a 0 day PHI. Treatments were replicated five times in an RCB design, and each plot was 8 beds wide (40 inch center spacings) by field length. Treatments were applied the morning of 23 May with a Hesston 8400 swather modified for pesticide application, consisting of four TeeJet 11003VS spray tips directed downward with the outer two positioned behind the front wheels and the inner two located just behind the cutting bar. Application was made to remaining alfalfa stubble as forage was cut at a rate of seven gpa. Kinetic was added to one Trilogy treatment at the rate of 0.1775%v/v. Alfalfa from each four bed width cut by the swather was placed on the center two beds on top of treated stubble. Sampling was initiated after alfalfa was baled and removed. Samples were collected at 10, 17 and 26 DAT (2, 9 and 18 Jun). Sampling consisted of collecting 12 stems per bed (two stems/bed from the center six of the eight beds). Samples were obtained by cutting at or just below the previous harvest level. Stems were then transferred to gal plastic food storage bags. Bags were sealed, returned to the laboratory, and refrigerated at 5°C to halt TSSM development. Plant material was microscopically examined, and WFT and TSSM life forms were counted and recorded at each node. Treatments means were analyzed with Fisher's LSD (P = 0.05).
New Complexities In Operating Systems

AbstractAdvances in microelectronics and distributed computing, in combination with user demands for more and better services, have created a new set of operating system (os) possibilities and complexities. Some of these future possibilities and problems are described within the framework of a generic OS architecture and several single- and multi-user environments. Our emphasis is on the decomposition of loosely and tightly distributed systems into modules and the use of an “object”-based model for specifying and programming the modules and their interactions.
Use of S2-Alar-iliac Screws Associated With Less Complications Than Iliac Screws in Adult Lumbosacropelvic Fixation.

Study design Retrospective comparative study. Objective To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between the S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) and the iliac screw (IS) techniques in the adult population and clarify the clinical strength of S2AI screws. Summary of background data S2AI screws have been described as an alternative method for lumbosacropelvic fixation in place of ISs. The S2AI technique has several advantages with lower prominence, increased ability to directly connect to proximal instrumentation, less extensive dissection of tissue, and enhanced biomechanical strength over the IS technique. However, the clinical significance of these advantages remains unclear. Methods A single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent lumbosacropelvic fixation yielded 25 IS group patients and 65 S2AI group patients. Baseline demographic information, postoperative complications, pain and functional outcomes, and screw-related outcomes were collected. Results The S2AI group had lower rates of reoperation (8.8% vs. 48.0%, P Conclusion The use of the S2AI technique over the IS technique was an independent predictor of preventing reoperation and SSI, while achieving similar clinical and functional outcomes. Level of evidence 4.
The Prevalence of Depression and Concussions in a Sample of Active North American Semi-Professional and Professional Football Players.

BACKGROUND: Concussive events frequently occur in high impact sports such as North American football. The long term effects of concussive events on physical and psychological wellbeing are the focus of ongoing research. The purpose of this study was to determine if concussive events increase the incidence of depression in active semi-professional and professional North American football players. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was sent to 200 players to collect the following self-reported data: position played, years played, number of concussions sustained and subsequent depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD-R) scale. An independent T-test was used to determine differences in the number of concussive events in those with CESD-R scores RESULTS: Individuals with a CESD-R score ≥16, sustained a significantly greater number of concussions (3.8 vs. 1.6) than those who scored CONCLUSION: Within the parameters of this study, players that were classified as depressed had sustained significantly more concussions compared to those who were not classified as depressed. Further, multiple concussive events (≥3) appears to increase symptoms of depression. Language: en
The Authority of Ritual Experts

La question du rituel et de la liturgie amene sur le meme terrain des anthropologues, des sociologues, des historiens des religions qui reflechissent a la question de l'autorite des specialistes du rituel. Ces experts apportent une justification de l'existence et de l'importance d'un groupe, et en second lieu par leur vertu meme d'experts, permettent de comprendre comment une communaute interiorise son rituel, quels sont ses buts
Regulation of cell growth by 5’-methylthioadenosine

The ubiquitous nucleoside 5’-deoxy-5’-methylthioadenosine (MTA) is synthesized from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) via several metabolic pathways in mammalian cells (Pegg and Hibasami, 1979; Ferro, 1979). MTA, however, does not usually accumulate (normally less than 5 µM, Pegg et al., 1981), but rather is either rapidly degraded to 5-methylthioribose-l-phosphate (MTR-l-P) and adenine by MTA phosphorylase (Pegg and Williams-Ashman, 1969; Garbers, 1978; Ferro et al., 1979) or excreted into the medium in some MTA phosphorylase deficient cell lines (Kamatani and Carson, 1980).
Explanation and Understanding

This chapter begins the transition from talking about knowledge in general to talking about scientific knowledge in particular. Although scientific knowledge is itself something that falls under the general account of knowledge, it has special features that are worth exploring. In this chapter the importance of explanation to scientific knowledge is brought to the forefront of the discussion. The nature of scientific explanation itself as well as its relation to understanding is explored in this chapter. It is made clear that good explanations are those which provide understanding of particular phenomena. In addition to examining the relationship between explanation and understanding, this chapter also examines what can make one explanation superior to another. This examination of explanatory virtues is very important because it is common in scientific practice to adopt a particular theory as a result of its being more virtuous than its competitors. Not only is such a practice common in science, it is something that we do routinely in our everyday life.
Clinically-weighted transcriptomic signatures for protein kinase inhibitor associated cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity (CT) involving diminished cardiac contractility and heart failure is a major adverse event associated with otherwise efficacious protein kinase inhibitors (KIs). Here, we sought to develop clinically-weighted transcriptomic signatures to predict risk of CT and to better understand the biological processes associated with CT risk. We obtained transcriptome-wide response profiles in four human primary cardiomyocyte cell lines that were treated with 22 different KIs using mRNA sequencing with 3' digital gene expression. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System was used to derive relative risk scores for four types of CT for different KIs. We used elastic net regression to associate these transcriptomic profiles with KI-associated risk scores for CT subtypes to obtain clinically-weighted transcriptomic signatures, which showed good predictive properties (cross-validation R2 >0.87). Our clinically-weighted transcriptomic signatures for KI-associated CT may be of relevance in early drug development for the prediction of KI-associated CT.
Library Discovery Products: Discovering User Expectations through Failure Analysis

As the new generation of discovery systems evolve and gain maturity, it is important to continually focus on how users interact with these tools and what areas they find problematic. This study looks at user interactions within SearchWorks, a discovery system developed by Stanford University Libraries, with an emphasis on identifying and analyzing problematic and failed searches. Our findings indicate that users still experience difficulties conducting author and subject searches, could benefit from enhanced support for browsing, and expect their overall search experience to be more closely aligned with that on popular Web destinations. The article also offers practical recommendations pertaining to metadata, functionality, and scope of the search system that could help address some of the most common problems encountered by the users.
Barriers to participation in industry-sponsored clinical trials in pediatric type 2 diabetes.

Background The rapid emergence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the pediatric population has left pediatric endocrinologists with limited artillery in terms of management. While multiple medications are available for adults, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications in children are limited to only metformin and insulin. Additional treatment options require randomized controlled trials, yet heretofore several barriers at the participant and institutional level have impeded these studies from proceeding in children and adolescents. Identification of the most challenging obstacles that pediatric endocrinologists experience in participating in industry-sponsored T2D trials may facilitate development of feasible platforms for future studies. Materials and Methods We conducted an anonymous online survey consisting of 31 questions that assessed potential barriers to industry-sponsored clinical trials in pediatric patients with T2D. The survey was sent to members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES), and members conducted the survey between October and November of 2014. As part of the survey, respondents rated the significance of several possible barriers to participation in industry-sponsored T2D studies. Results We received a total of 207 responses from members of PES. Baseline demographics showed that 50% of represented institutions care for 50 or fewer T2D patients age 18 years and younger; 70% of institutions diagnose 20 or fewer new T2D cases per year; and 3 racial groups predominated: African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian. A total of 70% of responders have a research infrastructure to participate in clinical trials, but only half have dedicated research nurses. Protocol restrictions on participant recruitment due to current glycemic control or medication use as well as frequent visit schedules were reported to be major obstacles. In addition, the financial support provided to centers to carry out the studies is insufficient. Conclusions Efforts must be made to ease the burden of research participation on both pediatric T2D patients as well as pediatric endocrinologists
Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplant in Hispanics and Caucasians Treated with Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppression

BACKGROUND Development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus after kidney transplant (PTDM) significantly increases kidney graft loss and mortality. Several risk factors for PTDM have been reported, including Hispanic ethnicity and the use of calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. The incidence and impact of PTDM in the Hispanic kidney transplant population is unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 155 Hispanic and 124 Caucasian patients, who were not diabetics and underwent kidney transplant between January 2006 and December 2011. We analyzed their clinical outcomes at 12 months post-transplant, including the incidence of PTDM, acute rejection rates, and patient and graft survival. RESULTS Hispanics who developed PTDM (n=22) were more than 10 years older and had higher body mass index (BMI) than Hispanics without PTDM (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Caucasians with PTDM (n=13) were non-significantly older (2.5 years) and had higher BMI than Caucasians without PTDM (p=0.526, p=0.043, respectively). The incidence of PTDM was not significantly different between Hispanics and Caucasians treated with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (14.2% and 10.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS PTDM did not cause significant difference in short-term outcomes after kidney transplant in Hispanics or Caucasians. Larger multicenter prospective and long-term clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
Integrated photodiodes for microwave photonics applications

The talk reviews recent results from high-power high-speed photodiodes. Waveguide photodiodes and integrated photodiode-antenna emitters for 100 GHz are described.
English Authorship and the Early Modern Sublime: Spenser, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Jonson

Patrick Cheney's new book places the sublime at the heart of poems and plays in late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England. Specifically, Cheney argues for the importance of an 'early modern sublime' to the advent of modern authorship in Spenser, Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Jonson. Chapters feature a model of creative excellence and social liberty that helps explain the greatness of the English Renaissance. Cheney's argument revises the received wisdom, which locates the sublime in the eighteenth-century philosophical 'subject'. The book demonstrates that canonical works like The Faerie Queene and King Lear reinvent sublimity as a new standard of authorship. This standard emerges not only in rational, patriotic paradigms of classical and Christian goodness but also in the eternizing greatness of the author's work: free, heightened, ecstatic. Playing a centralizing role in the advent of modern authorship, the early modern sublime becomes a catalyst in the formation of an English canon.
Abstract 15474: Genetic Testing in patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes to Determine Optimal Anti-Platelet Strategy: a Cost Effective Analysis

Background: Prasugrel is effective at decreasing cardiovascular events compared to clopidogrel, but increases the risk of bleeding. In 2010, the FDA issued a black box warning to consider genetic testing in clopidogrel users. Our aims were to evaluate (1) the balance of potential benefits and harms and (2) the cost-effectiveness that would result from adopting a genotype-guided strategy of dual anti-platelet therapy following PCI for ACS vs. no testing strategies of prasugrel plus aspirin (prasugrel) or clopidogrel plus aspirin (clopidogrel). Methods: A Markov state transition model was used to conduct a decision analysis and compare strategies. Probabilities of adverse outcomes were derived from TRITON-TIMI 38 trial. Event rates on clopidogrel for carriers of CYP2C19*2 vs. wild-type were derived from the TRITON genetic substudy and a recent meta-analysis. Costs are expressed in January 2011 US dollars and estimated based on Medicare reimbursements for diagnosis-related group codes. Medication costs were used from the net wholesale price for prasugrel ($5.45/d) and a generic estimate for clopidogrel ($1/d). Results: In base case analyses, the genetic testing guided strategy yielded more benefits than harms, and was less costly compared to both “no testing” strategies. Over 15 months, total costs were $83.8 ($1200.9 at 10 yrs) lower with a gain of 0.0007 QALY (0.0216 QALY at 10 yrs) in the genotype-guided strategy compared to prasugrel. Compared to clopidogrel, it was $0.38 ($2168.8 at 10 yrs) lower with a gain of 0.0036 QALY (0.112 QALY at 10 yrs). The strongest predictor of the preferred strategy was the relative risk (RR) of a thrombotic event occurring in CYP2C19*2 carriers versus wild-type. Below a RR of 1.5, a genotype-guided strategy is no longer more effective (but is less expensive) when compared to prasugrel. Compared to clopidogrel, below a RR of 1.3 a genotype-guided strategy is no longer cost effective (>$100,000/QALY). Clopidogrel costs ($1-$4/d) did not alter our results. Conclusions: Among ACS patients undergoing PCI, a genotype-guided strategy is economically favorable in determining which anti-platelet regimen is used, assuming that the risk of thrombotic events in CYP2C19*2 carriers is approximately 30-50% higher than wild type patients.
The Case for Original Intent

This essay, written for a symposium celebrating the centennial of Max Farrand's Records of the Federal Convention, seeks to situate the constitutional culture's heavy reliance on the Convention debates within an academic environment that is generally hostile to original intent arguments. The essay argues that intentionalist-friendly sources like the Convention records and The Federalist remain important not because they supply evidence of original meaning but rather because the practice of advancing historical arguments is best understood as a rhetorical exercise that derives persuasive authority from the heroic character of the founding generation. This exercise fits within a long tradition of originalist argument and need not be abandoned in the quest for a more perfect originalism.
Forager/Farmer Interactions: Information, Social Organization, and the Frontier

Publisher Summary Sitting between societies with differing patterns of energy, matter, and information flow, frontiers provide anthropologists with both provocative history and crucial laboratories for the study of social change. When two societies are thrown against each other, one can learn from the results of the collision what was required for the reproduction of those societies and how conflicts among these processes can create a dynamic toward social transformation. This chapter focuses on a single type of frontier and a single issue: the effect of sedentary agricultural settlements on the hunting and gathering groups on a sedentary farmer/mobile-forager frontier—a cultural mosaic of interspersed communities with varying subsistence and settlement requirements. Several major features of forager social life serve to maintain access to ecological and social resources by maintaining and encouraging mobility. Visiting, reciprocity, gift-giving, ritual aggregation, and fission/fusion all create social relations that permit future mobility. While the mobility creates direct access to resources and organizes both the allocation of effort among the tasks of subsistence production and the distribution of products, mobility is both the sensitive barometer and the vulnerable point of hunter–gatherer band organization.
Real-time structural dynamics of late steps in bacterial translation initiation visualized using time-resolved cryogenic electron microscopy

Bacterial translation initiation entails the tightly regulated joining of the 50S ribosomal subunit to an initiator transfer RNA (fMet-tRNAfMet)-containing 30S ribosomal initiation complex (IC) to form a 70S IC that subsequently matures into a 70S elongation-competent complex (70S EC). Rapid and accurate 70S IC formation is promoted by 30S IC-bound initiation factor (IF) 1 and the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) IF2, both of which must ultimately dissociate from the 70S IC before the resulting 70S EC can begin translation elongation. Although comparison of 30S- and 70S IC structures have revealed that the ribosome, IFs, and fMet-tRNAfMet can acquire different conformations in these complexes, the timing of conformational changes during 70S IC formation, structures of any intermediates formed during these rearrangements, and contributions that these dynamics might make to the mechanism and regulation of initiation remain unknown. Moreover, lack of an authentic 70S EC structure has precluded an understanding of ribosome, IF, and fMet-tRNAfMet rearrangements that occur upon maturation of a 70S IC into a 70S EC. Using time-resolved cryogenic electron microscopy (TR cryo-EM) we report the first, near-atomic-resolution view of how a time-ordered series of conformational changes drive and regulate subunit joining, IF dissociation, and fMet-tRNAfMet positioning during 70S EC formation. We have found that, within ~20-80 ms, rearrangements of the 30S subunit and IF2, uniquely captured in its GDP{middle dot}Pi-bound state, stabilize fMet-tRNAfMet in its intermediate, '70S P/I' configuration7 and trigger dissociation of IF1 from the 70S IC. Within the next several hundreds of ms, dissociation of IF2 from the 70S IC is coupled to further remodeling of the ribosome that positions fMet-tRNAfMet into its final, 'P/P', configuration within the 70S EC. Our results demonstrate the power of TR cryo-EM to determine how a time-ordered series of conformational changes contribute to the mechanism and regulation of one of the most fundamental processes in biology.
Potential role of myo-inositol to improve ischemic stroke outcome in diabetic mouse.

Abstract Brain edema is one of the critical factors causing hightened disability and mortality in stroke patients, which is exaggerated further in diabetic patients. Organic osmolytes could play a critical role in the maintenance of cytotoxic edema. The present study was aimed to assess the role of myo-inositol, an organic osmolyte, on stroke outcome in diabetic and non-diabetic animals. In situ brain perfusion and acute brain slice methods were used to assess transport of myo-inositol across the blood-brain barrier and uptake by brain cells using non-diabetic (C57BL/6) and diabetic (streptozotocin-induced) mice, respectively. In vitro studies were conducted to assess the role of myo-inositol during and after ischemia utilizing oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and reperfusion. Further, the expression of transporters, such as SGLT6, SMIT1 and AQP4 were measured using immunofluorescence. Therapeutic efficacy of myo-inositol was evaluated in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model using non-diabetic (C57BL/6) and diabetic (db/db) mice. Myo-inositol release from and uptake in astrocytes and altered expression of myo-inositol transporters at different OGD timepoints revealed the role of myo-inositol and myo-inositol transporters during ischemia reperfusion. Further, hyperglycemic conditions reduced myo-inositol uptake in astrocytes. Interestingly, in in-vivo tMCAO, infarct and edema ratios following 24 h reperfusion decreased in myo-inositol treated mice. These results were supported by improvement in behavioral outcomes in open-field test, corner test and neurological score in both non-diabetic and db/db animals. Our data suggest that myo-inositol and myo-inositol transporters may provide neuroprotection during/following stroke both in non-diabetic and diabetic conditions.
Life's Simple 7 and Peripheral Artery Disease: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Introduction In 2010, the American Heart Association initiated Life's Simple 7 with the goal of significantly improving cardiovascular health by the year 2020. The association of Life's Simple 7 with risk of peripheral artery disease has not been thoroughly explored. Methods Racially diverse individuals from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (2000–2012) were followed for incident peripheral artery disease (ankle brachial index ≤0.90) and decline in ankle brachial index (≥0.15) over approximately 10 years of follow-up. Cox and logistic regression were used to assess associations of individual Life's Simple 7 components (score 0–2) and overall Life's Simple 7 score (score 0–14) with incident peripheral artery disease and ankle brachial index decline, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and income. Analyses were performed in 2016–2018. Results Of 5,529 participants, 251 (4.5%) developed incident peripheral artery disease; 419 (9.8%) of 4,267 participants experienced a decline in ankle brachial index. Each point higher for the overall Life's Simple 7 score was associated with a 17% lower rate of incident peripheral artery disease (hazard ratio=0.83, 95% CI=0.78, 0.88, p Conclusions Better cardiovascular health as measured by Life's Simple 7 is associated with lower incidence of peripheral artery disease and less decline in ankle brachial index. Use of the Life's Simple 7 to target modifiable health behaviors may aid in decreasing the population burden of peripheral artery disease–related morbidity and mortality.
Phosphorylation of histone H3.3 at serine 31 promotes p300 activity and enhancer acetylation

The histone variant H3.3 is enriched at enhancers and active genes, as well as repeat regions such as telomeres and retroelements, in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs)1–3. Although recent studies demonstrate a role for H3.3 and its chaperones in establishing heterochromatin at repeat regions4–8, the function of H3.3 in transcription regulation has been less clear9–16. Here, we find that H3.3-specific phosphorylation17–19 stimulates activity of the acetyltransferase p300 in trans, suggesting that H3.3 acts as a nucleosomal cofactor for p300. Depletion of H3.3 from mESCs reduces acetylation on histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27ac) at enhancers. Compared with wild-type cells, those lacking H3.3 demonstrate reduced capacity to acetylate enhancers that are activated upon differentiation, along with reduced ability to reprogram cell fate. Our study demonstrates that a single amino acid in a histone variant can integrate signaling information and impact genome regulation globally, which may help to better understand how mutations in these proteins contribute to human cancers20,21. Phosphorylation of histone H3.3 at serine 31 by CHK1 is shown to stimulate activity of the acetyltransferase p300 in trans. Depletion of histone H3.3 in embryonic stem cells reduces enhancer acetylation during differentiation.
Syringe disposal among people who inject drugs before and after the implementation of a syringe services program.

Abstract Introduction Due to the increase in people who use opioids in the US, there has been a steady increase in injection drug use. Without access to safe syringe disposal locations, people who inject drugs (PWID) have few options other than improper disposal, including in public places. In 2016, Florida’s first legal Syringe Services Program (SSP) was established in Miami. This study aims to compare syringe disposal practices among PWID before and after the implementation of an SSP. Methods Visual inspection walkthroughs of randomly selected census blocks in the neighborhoods in the top quartile of narcotics-related arrests were conducted to assess improperly discarded syringes. Syringe location was geocoded in ArcGIS. Adult PWID pre-SSP (n = 448) and post-SSP (n = 482) implementation were recruited for a survey using respondent-driven sampling in Miami. A Poisson regression model was used to determine the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of improper syringe disposal pre- and post-SSP. Results A total of 191 syringes/1000 blocks were found post-implementation versus 371/1000 blocks pre-implementation, representing a 49% decrease after SSP implementation. In the surveys, 70% reported any improper syringe disposal post-SSP implementation versus 97% pre-SSP implementation. PWID in the post-implementation survey had 39% lower adjusted relative risk (aRR = 0.613; 95% CI = 0.546, 0.689) of improper syringe disposal as compared to pre-implementation. Conclusions There was a significant decrease in the number of improperly discarded syringes in public in Miami after the implementation of an SSP. Providing PWID with proper disposal venues such as an SSP could decrease public disposal in other communities.
Analyzing the Communication Interchange of Individuals With Disabilities Utilizing Facebook, Discussion Forums, and Chat Rooms: Qualitative Content Analysis of Online Disabilities Support Groups.

Background: Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States are currently living with a form of disability. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act has published guidelines to help make developing technology and social networking sites (SNS) more accessible and user-friendly to people with a range of disabilities, persons with disabilities, on average, have less access to the internet than the general population. The quality, content, and medium vary from site to site and have been greatly understudied. Due to this, it is still unclear how persons with disabilities utilize various platforms of online communication for support. Objective: The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore and compare the interactions and connections among online support groups across Facebook, discussion forums, and chat rooms to better understand how persons with disabilities were utilizing different SNS to facilitate communication interchange, disseminate information, and foster community support. Methods: Facebook groups, discussion forums, and chat rooms were chosen based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Data collected included content posted on Facebook groups, forums, and chat rooms as well as the interactions among group members. Data were analyzed qualitatively using the constant comparative method. Results: A total of 133 Facebook posts, 116 forum posts, and 60 hours of chat room discussions were collected and analyzed. In addition, 4 themes were identified for Facebook posts, 3 for discussion forums, and 3 for chat rooms. Persons with disabilities utilized discussion forums and chat rooms in similar ways, but their interactions on Facebook differed in comparison. They seem to interact on a platform based on the specific functions it offers. Conclusions: Interactions on each of the platforms displayed elements of the 4 types of social support, indicating the ability for social support to be facilitated among SNS; however, the type of social support varied by platform. Findings demonstrate that online support platforms serve specific purposes that may not be interchangeable. Through participation on different platforms, persons with disabilities are able to provide and receive social support in various ways, without the barriers and constraints often experienced by this population.
Extended Abstract: Storytelling with Data and Narratives for Health Communication

This research examines the mechanism underlying differential and combined impacts of statistical evidence and anecdotal evidence in health communication. The purpose of the current undertaking is two-fold. First, it integrates disparate lines of research into a unifying model that better explains how and why people are influenced by narratives and numbers as well as factors driving such effects. Second, the study informs health communicators about ways to appropriately employ storytelling and data techniques in crafting messages that promote health choices.