cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Species of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) from Mesoamerica

ABSTRACT Ten new species of Scutellaria L. (Lamiaceae) from Mesoamerica, Scutellaria albituba A. Pool, S. aurantiaca A. Pool, S. lactea A. Pool, S. molinarum A. Pool, S. multiramosa A. Pool, S. oblongifolia A. Pool, S. saslayensis A. Pool, S. talamancana A. Pool, S. tucurriquensis A. Pool, and S. tutensis A. Pool, are described and their relationships with allied species are discussed. Scutellaria oblongifolia (Panama), and S. albituba, S. lactea, and S. talamancana (Costa Rica) belong to section Uliginosae (Epling) Epling and are herbs with small, pallid flowers, the corolla tubes with galeas not exceeding 20 mm in length. Scutellaria molinarum (Honduras and Guatemala), in section Speciosae (Epling) Epling, is a large herb to 1 m with large reddish purple flowers, the corolla tubes with galea to 26 mm in length. The five remaining new species are members of section Cardinales Epling. Scutellaria multiramosa (Panama) is a shrub with reddish violet medium-sized flowers, the corolla tubes with galeas 21–27 ...
Unintended Consequences Policy Implications of the NAS Report on Criminal Careers and Career Criminals

Almost 30 years ago, the National Research Council published Criminal Careers and “Career Criminals.” This report reviewed research on the initiation, continuation, and termination of individual offending patterns over a lifetime, otherwise known as criminal careers. The landmark report set in motion a research agenda focused on how antisocial behavior rises and falls during a lifetime and the antecedents to those patterns. But what about the report’s policy implications for the criminal justice system? Did the report have any impact on criminal justice operations? This article argues that it is difficult to ascertain the report’s direct impact, in part, because of the crime and criminal justice climate that was pervasive at the time of the report’s release. Indirect impacts of the report, however, are plausible. And although unintended, the report may have accentuated short-term attention to individual explanations of criminal behavior and individual-focused crime control policies, to the exclusion of so...
Alcohol use predicts 10-year depressive symptom trajectories in the health and retirement study

Objective: To determine effects of late-middle-aged adults’ baseline drinking behavior on their subsequent 10-year depressive symptom trajectories. Method: Health and Retirement Study participants (N = 7,939) were assessed on baseline demographic, health, and drinking characteristics, and biennially assessed for the next 10 years on their depressive symptoms. Results: Growth mixture modeling generated four classes of depressive symptom trajectories: Consistently low (72%), consistently elevated (6%), increasing (12%), and decreasing (10%). Baseline abstinence from alcohol, possibly enforced by poorer health and a history of drinking problems, and heavier drinking, “binge” drinking, and having a history of drinking problems, raised risk of membership in the “consistently elevated” class. Abstinence by participants without history of drinking problems—and light, moderate, and heavier drinking—protected against membership in the “increasing” class. Abstinence by participants without history of drinking probl...
Representing Black Women: African American Women State Legislators’ Political Agendas

The research that connects minority and women’s descriptive representation to policy influence assumes that minority and women representatives are stronger advocates for minority and women’s group interests than ethnic majority or male legislators. The inclusion of Black women into formal politics is therefore supposed to elicit the fair representation of marginalized communities, and Black women representatives are expected to represent the needs of African American women constituents. Therefore, African American women state legislators’ political agendas are assumed to reflect the distinct interests and substantive needs of Blacks, women, and African American women as unique constituencies.Building on the concepts of strategic intersectionality and descriptive representation, I use representational identity theory to hypothesize that Black women elected to state legislatures are likely to advocate for issues that affect racial/ethnic minorities, women, and Black women. As a result, they aid in the political incorporation of minority women in American society, advocate for the needs of minority women, and speak to issues that affect women and racial minorities. I am interested in measuring individual contributions to an agenda centered on Black women’s interests and therefore use bill sponsorship as the measure of agenda setting. In sum, African American women legislators represent underrepresented groups, and my findings here underscore the importance of Black women’s presence in state legislatures.
Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Amphibian Defense Against Trematode Infection

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) contribute to the immune defenses of many vertebrates, including amphibians. As larvae, amphibians are often exposed to the infectious stages of trematode parasites, many of which must penetrate the host's skin, potentially interacting with host AMPs. We tested the effects of the natural AMPs repertoires on both the survival of trematode infectious stages as well as their ability to infect larval amphibians. All five trematode species exhibited decreased survival of cercariae in response to higher concentrations of adult bullfrog AMPs, but no effect when exposed to AMPs from larval bullfrogs. Similarly, the use of norepinephrine to remove AMPs from larval bullfrogs, Pacific chorus frogs, and gray treefrogs had only weak (gray treefrogs) or non-significant (other tested species) effects on infection success by Ribeiroia ondatrae. We nonetheless observed strong differences in parasite infection as a function of both host stage (first- versus second-year bullfrogs) and host species (Pacific chorus frogs versus gray treefrogs) that were apparently unrelated to AMPs. Taken together, our results suggest that AMPs do not play a significant role in defending larval amphibians against trematode cercariae, but that they could be one mechanism helping to prevent infection of post-metamorphic amphibians, particularly for highly aquatic species.
Reducing Sedentary Behavior Versus Increasing Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity in Older Adults

Objective: To compare the effects of behavioral interventions targeting decreased sedentary behavior versus increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in older adults. Method: Inactive older adults (N = 38, 68 ± 7 years old, 71% female) were randomized to 12-week interventions targeting decreased sedentary behavior (Sit Less) or increased MVPA (Get Active). The SenseWear armband was used to objectively assess activity in real time. Assessments included a blinded armband, the Community Health Activites Model Program for Senior (CHAMPS) questionnaire, 400-meter walk, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results: Objectively measured MVPA increased in Get Active (75 ± 22 min/week, p .05). Only the Sit Less group improved the SPPB score (0.5 ± 0.3, p = .046). Discussion: Targeting reduced sedentary behavior had a greater effect on physical function amo...
Epidemiological Survey on a Household Outbreak of Influenza A(H1N1)

Objective To investigate and analyze the causes and characteristics of a household outbreak of influenza A(H1N1),so as to provide a scientific basis for future prevention and control.Methods Field epidemiological investigations were conducted on a family with an influenza A(H1N1) outbreak.Throat swabs were collected from the patients and nucleic acid of H1N1 influenza virus was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Characteristics of the household outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) were analyzed and its occurrence regularity and epidemic factors were explored.Results This influenza A(H1N1) epidemic was a household outbreak.Three out of four household members were diseased and one died.Conclusions The household outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) is mainly caused by close contact with household members.Influenza A(H1N1) virus is more pathogenic to individuals with underlying diseases.Susceptible populations are mainly young people.Transmission is mainly through introducing community infection into family.The prior reason of the household outbreak is that the first-episode patient is not isolated and treated in time.Early detection and report of infection sources and strict implementation of household isolation and treatment measures are critical for controlling H1N1 influenza infection sources and cutting off the transmission pathways.
The Effectiveness of Certificates of Relief as Collateral Consequence Relief Mechanisms: An Experimental Study

Securing stable, quality employment is one of the most robust predictors of desistance from offending. Yet, obtaining gainful employment is difficult for ex-offenders due to the stigma of a criminal record. In recognition of employment-related barriers to re-entry, some state legislatures have created certificates of recovery/relief, which lift occupational licensing restrictions, limit employer liability for negligent hiring claims, and aim to ensure employment decisions about certificate-holders are made on a case-by-case basis. The present study presents the results of the first empirical test of the effectiveness of such certificates. Using an experimental correspondence design, fictitious applicants applied to entry-level jobs advertised in the Columbus metropolitan area using fabricated resumes with identical names, educational backgrounds, employment experience, and skills. Because the only differences between the resumes were the type of criminal record and the presence of a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE), the results isolate the specific impacts of criminal records and certificates on employment opportunities. Results indicate that, for job seekers with a one-year-old felony drug conviction, having a certificate of recovery increases the likelihood of receiving an interview invitation or job offer more than threefold. Importantly, certificate-holders and their counterparts with clean criminal backgrounds were equally likely to receive an interview invitation or job offer. These promising preliminary results suggest certificates of recovery/relief may be an effective avenue for lessening the stigma of a criminal record for ex-offenders seeking employment.
Developmental aspects of splenic function in sickle cell diseases

Abstract In order to study developmental aspects of splenic function and dysfunction in children with Hb SS disease and other Hb S syndromes, red cells were examined by interference phase–contrast microscopy. In the youngest children studied ( 12% of the red blood cells were pocked, in similarity to what is observed in surgically asplenic individuals. Between 1 and 8 yr of age, many Hb SS children had intermediate numbers of pocked red blood cells, and that suggested hyposplenism. Young children with Hb AS, S-β thalassemia, and S-HPFH were found to have normal splenic function by this technique. Children with Hb SC disease had a moderate degree of splenic dysfunction. This technique correlates with Howell-Jolly body enumeration and 99mTc spleen scans, but it is semiquantitative, and it appears to differentiate the transfusion-reversible “functional” hyposplenism of childhood and the anatomic asplenia secondary to autosplenectomy of later life. Interference phase microscopic enumeration of red cell pocks is a useful and accurate way to assess the onset of splenic dysfunction, which identifies the time of increased susceptibility to overwhelming bacterial infections.
Resonantly Coupled Wireless Power Transfer for Non-Stationary Loads With Application in Automotive Environments

Resonantly coupled wireless power transfer (RWPT) has become a popular means to deliver energy without direct contact between the source and load. One challenging application is nonstationary loads; those that move spatially in time. Such loads change the coupling between the source and load and with it the efficiency and maximum power transfer possible. One emerging application is in the automotive environment, where nonstationary loads such as powered seats and doors exist. Moreover, the automotive environment is particularly challenging due to the presence of metallic objects and the safety requirements of the passengers. In this work, we examine RWPT for nonstationary loads and present a design methodology for optimal efficiency and power transfer and show an RWPT of 70 W across a 24 cm distance in an automotive environment. We also examine the impact of the metallic environment and show how its effects can be mitigated. Finally, we examine the field intensity during RWPT and examine the safety of the passengers. We show that 70 W can be transmitted within 10 cm of a passenger while operating below safety limits.
Tubulin C-terminal Post-translational Modifications Do Not Occur in Wood Forming Tissue of Populus.

Cortical microtubules (MTs) are evolutionarily conserved cytoskeletal components with specialized roles in plants, including regulation of cell wall biogenesis. MT functions and dynamics are dictated by the composition of their monomeric subunits, α- (TUA) and β-tubulins (TUB), which in animals and protists are subject to both transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications (PTM). While spatiotemporal regulation of tubulin gene expression has been reported in plants, whether and to what extent tubulin PTMs occur in these species remain poorly understood. We chose the woody perennial Populus for investigation of tubulin PTMs in this study, with a particular focus on developing xylem where high tubulin transcript levels support MT-dependent secondary cell wall deposition. Mass spectrometry and immunodetection concurred that detyrosination, nontyrosination and glutamylation were essentially absent in tubulins isolated from wood-forming tissues of Populus deltoides and P. tremula  alba. Label-free quantification of tubulin isotypes and RNA-Seq estimation of tubulin transcript abundance were largely consistent with transcriptional regulation. However, two TUB isoypes were detected at noticeably lower levels than expected based on RNA-Seq transcript abundance in both Populus species. These findings led us to conclude that MT composition during wood formation depends exclusively on transcriptional and, to a lesser extent, translational regulation of tubulin isotypes.
Radiation, Risks, and … a Rational Approach in Diagnostic Imaging: What the Radiology Team Should Know

Abstract Medical imaging that uses ionizing radiation is extremely valuable in patient care at all ages. However, because radiation is used, patients, parents, and other caregivers may have questions and even concerns about the possibility of risk, especially as there are unique considerations when imaging children. These questions and concerns are often directed at those most involved in direct patient engagement in radiology practices, especially nurses and technologists. Because of this, there is a need for informed discussions (including access to resources) about the amount of radiation used, potential risks, and general strategies for examination optimization. The manner in which these discussions ensue is also important. This balance of content and delivery style can be most effective in reassuring those we care for.
Injury Mortality in Individuals With Autism

Objectives. To examine epidemiological patterns of injury fatalities in individuals with a diagnosis of autism.Methods. We identified individuals with a diagnosis of autism who died between 1999 and 2014 by screening causes of death in the multiple cause-of-death data files in the National Vital Statistics System based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code F84.0. We used the general US population as the reference to calculate proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results. During the study period, 1367 deaths (1043 males and 324 females) in individuals with autism were recorded in the United States. The mean age at death for individuals with autism was 36.2 years (SD = 20.9 years), compared with 72.0 years (SD = 19.2 years) for the general population. Of the deaths in individuals with autism, 381 (27.9%) were attributed to injury (PMR = 2.93; 95% CI = 2.64, 3.24), with suffocation (n = 90; PMR = 31.93; 95% CI = 25.69, 39.24) being the leadin...
Emergent Ambient Culture in Smart Cities: Exploring the Internet of Cultural Things (IoCT) and Applications in 21st Century Urban Spaces

This work explores the Internet of Cultural Things (IoCT) and applications in the context of smart cities and learning cities. Ambient culture is advanced as an emergent form of the IoCT and applications in the context of 21st century everyday interactions in urban spaces. The constructs of awareness, learning, openness, and engagement enable formulation and operationalization of a framework for ambient culture in support of this study of the Internet of Cultural Things (IoCT) and applications in smart cities. A case study approach is used in the gathering of qualitative and quantitative data through interviews and surveys conducted with diverse individuals across several cities in Canada and Europe. In parallel with this study, anecdotal evidence is gathered from individuals and groups about smart cities, enabling further analysis and triangulation of data. This work contributes to the research literature across several domains including the IoCT and applications in relation to smart cities and learning cities. Future research and practice directions are identified for ambient culture with implications for ambient heritage, libraries, data relationships, and data infrastructures going forward.
Memshare: a dynamic multi-tenant key-value cache

Web application performance heavily relies on the hit rate of DRAM key-value caches. Current DRAM caches statically partition memory across applications that share the cache. This results in under utilization and limits cache hit rates. We present Memshare, a DRAM key-value cache that dynamically manages memory across applications. Memshare provides a resource sharing model that guarantees reserved memory to different applications while dynamically pooling and sharing the remaining memory to optimize overall hit rate. Key-value caches are typically memory capacity bound, which leaves cache server CPU and memory bandwidth idle. Memshare leverages these resources with a log-structured design that allows it to provide better hit rates than conventional caches by dynamically repartitioning memory among applications. We implemented Memshare and ran it on a week-long trace from a commercial memcached provider. Memshare increases the combined hit rate of the applications in the trace from 84.7% to 90.8%, and it reduces the total number of misses by 39.7% without significantly affecting cache throughput or latency. Even for single-tenant applications, Memshare increases the average hit rate of the state-of-the-art key-value cache by an additional 2.7%.
Mucosal immunoregulation by CD4+ (L3T4+) T cells

The role of L3T4+ T helper (Th) cells in mucosal immunoregulation was examined in mice given weekly injections of 200 µg GK 1.5 (anti-L3T4) either throughout their development or in adult life only. Depletion of L3T4+ T cells was confirmed by FACS analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. FACS analysis and ELISPOT assays were then employed to study T cell subpopulations and numbers of spontaneous antibody (Ab)-forming cells respectively in spleen, Peyer’s patches and the intestinal lamina propria and epithelium. Following treatment with anti-L3T4, CD4+ cells were depleted in every tissue studied. A concomitant decrease occurred in the numbers of CD3+ cells and a relative increase in CD8+ cells was observed. CD3+ “double negative” cells were increased in the lamina propria and intestinal epithelium. Numbers of spontaneous Ab spot-forming cells (SFC) in the spleen were unchanged or in some instances increased with respect to IgM and IgG. In lamina propria, the IgA response was selectively suppressed. Preliminary studies in Peyer’s patches revealed no change in the numbers of IgA forming cells following anti-L3T4 treatment. Thus different effects were observed in different tissues.
N -Acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I

Structural analyses of sugars on secreted glycoproteins performed about 30 years ago revealed bi-, tri-, and tetraantennary N-glycans in which GlcNAc residues linked to a conserved trimannosyl core initiated each antenna. These same structures were lectin binding sites on red cell glycoproteins (Kornfeld and Kornfeld 1970), prompting the search for the GlcNAc-transferases that catalyzed the addition of each GlcNAc residue. N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I (GnT-I) was the first N-glycan branching GlcNAc- transferase for which an assay was developed (Gottlieb et al. 1975; Stanley et al. 1975). It is a Type II transmembrane protein of ~447 amino acids (Kumar et al. 1990; Sarkar et al. 1991) that resides in the medial/trans Golgi. GnT-I catalyzes the transfer of GlcNAc from UDP-GlcNAc to the terminal α-1,3-linked Man in Man5GlcNAc2Asn to initiate the synthesis of hybrid and complex N-linked glycans in multicellular organisms (reviewed in Kornfeld and Kornfeld 1985). It is not found in yeast or bacteria. The human gene encoding GnT-I is termed MGAT1 and resides on chromosome 5q35 (Kumar et al. 1992; Tan et al. 1995), and the mouse gene, Mgat1, is on chromosome 11 (Pownall et al. 1992). Two transcripts of ~2.9kb and ~3.3 kb are observed in most mammalian tissues, with the shorter transcript predominating in liver, and the longer transcript in brain (Yang et al. 1994; Yip et al. 1997; Fukada et al. 1998). In mammals, the coding region is in a single exon and the Mgatl gene is ubiquitously expressed. Mutant mice with a targeted Mgatl gene mutation that inactivates GnT-I die at mid-gestation (Ioffe and Stanley 1994; Metzler et al. 1994). However, cultured cells (Gottlieb et al. 1975; Meager et al. 1975; Stanley et al. 1975) and plants (von Schaewen et al. 1993) lacking GnT-I are viable and healthy.
Thrombosis on Stenosis: Mechanisms of Thrombus Growth and Embolization on Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques

The association between carotid artery disease and stroke has long been recognized. Artery to artery embolism is one of several mechanisms causing either transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke ipsilateral to atherosclerotic plaques [25]. Thrombus at the site of carotid arterial occlusion [12], atherosclerotic debris, and vertebral artery stenosis or occlusion are well-documented sources of emboli [26]. Fibrin-platelet thrombus forms in carotid artery plaques with severe stenosis. These thrombi, when partially or totally dislodged, can produce distal embolism. Ulceration, a frequent finding in carotid plaques, exposes atherosclerotic plaque matrix to flowing blood and leaves behind cavities (changes in plaque morphology) within the plaques, inducing local flow disturbances; both factors independently or associated can trigger thrombosis.
Stereo- and Regioselective Synthesis of Molecular Baskets

We describe a stereoselective method for obtaining multigram quantities of molecular basket 1syn in overall 11% yield, using inexpensive cyclopentadiene and diethyl fumarate as starting materials. ...
Public Deliberation as a Novel Method for an Exception from Informed Consent Community Consultation

OBJECTIVES Community consultation is required for clinical trials considering federal exception from informed consent (EFIC) procedures. Questions remain about the value of the community consult process and whether it adds intended protections to study subjects. Public deliberation methods that provide baseline participant education and elicit values and opinions about consent options is a novel approach for community consultation. This study evaluated the use of structured public deliberation methods to assess a community's values and opinions about informed consent procedures for a pediatric trauma trial. METHODS This was a mixed-methods descriptive study of public deliberation sessions assessing participants' opinions about informed consent procedures for a pediatric trauma randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants from communities with high rates of pediatric trauma were recruited via community-based organizations and social media. Deliberation focused on three consent options for a proposed RCT: 1) enrollment using EFIC procedures with no attempt to obtain informed consent, 2) enrollment using EFIC procedures after attempting to reach a parent, or 3) enrollment only with informed consent. Participant demographic data and their opinions about the proposed study and deliberative session were also collected. RESULTS There were 102 participants across eight sessions (range of nine to 15/session, mean of 13). Most participants were female (n = 78, 76%) and a plurality were black (n = 48, 47%). The majority of participants preferred enrollment using EFIC procedures only after an attempt was made to reach a parent and informed consent was not possible (n = 56, 55%), followed by enrollment using EFIC procedures with no attempt to obtain informed consent (n = 32, 32%), and enrollment only with written informed consent (n = 13, 13%). One participant declined all options. Eighty-four participants (82%) agreed or strongly agreed that the RCT was important to do, and 79 participants (77%) said that the sessions provided enough information to make an informed decision about the proposed RCT. CONCLUSIONS Structured public deliberation is an effective approach when consulting communities for trials considering EFIC procedures. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether public deliberation methods provide participants with enhanced understanding of clinical trials compared to other community consultation methods.
Embracing the Institutional Mission: Influences of Identity Processing Styles

Previous research suggests that different information processing styles influence how effectively students adapt to a college environment. During the college years, individuals shape and refine their values and principles while they also develop a life-long philosophy. The present study examined how student ego-identity development (n = 1,249) was influenced by institutional values of social justice and engagement at an urban, Catholic institution. Results suggested that students with information-orientation and normative-orientation identity processing styles demonstrated an understanding of the institutional mission during their undergraduate years. In contrast, students with a diffuse orientation identity processing style did not necessarily develop a strong sense of the mission. These findings indicate that Catholic universities may need to implement programs to reach out to individuals with a diffuse identity processing style.
COVID-19 and acute myocardial injury: the heart of the matter or an innocent bystander?

In the span of a few months, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has permeated the mindset and overshadowed priorities throughout the world. Within public health and clinical hospital systems, the persistent and surging threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic dictates patient care. Concurrently, the focus of many researchers has transformed into a race against the pandemic to mitigate the spread of disease, and to recognise high-risk cohorts and characterise underlying mechanistic pathways of disease progression in efforts to discover effective treatments. In the current study by Wei and colleagues,1 the authors evaluated a consecutive cohort of 101 patients with COVID-19, admitted between 10 January and 10 March 2020 in Sichuan, China. They found that 15.8% of the hospitalised COVID-19 cohort demonstrated elevations in high-sensitivity troponin T, which was correlated with an increased risk for adverse outcomes including mortality. This study provides a snapshot of myocardial injury in cases of COVID-19 from a region not as overwhelmed by the pandemic as Wuhan, China. With less competition for scarce resources, thresholds for hospital admission, testing and level of care likely differed considerably between the two provinces. There is substantial variation in case fatality rates between countries, ranging from 0.3% in Germany to 8.6% in Italy.2 Although data across countries are lacking for cardiac biomarkers, rates of myocardial injury in patients with COVID-19 will likely exhibit similar variation between countries as well. To date, the majority of existing data on myocardial injury are from Wuhan—but even within the same region, reported rates of myocardial injury have varied from 7.2% to 27.8%3–7 (table 1). View this table: Table 1 Selected studies with description of myocardial injury in COVID-19 Several explanations for this variability exist. The foremost lies within case ascertainment driven by testing availability. The true denominator of individuals with COVID-19 …
The salivary pellicle on dental biomaterials

The salivary pellicle, an adlayer formed by adsorption of salivary components on teeth and dental biomaterials, has direct consequences on basic outcomes of dentistry. Here, we provide an overview of salivary pellicle formation processes with a critical focus on dental biomaterials. We describe and critique the array of salivary pellicle measurement techniques. We also discuss factors that may affect salivary pellicle formation and the heterogeneity of the published literature describing salivary pellicle formation on dental biomaterials. Finally, we survey the many effects salivary pellicles have on dental biomaterials and highlight its implications on design criteria for dental biomaterials. Future investigations may lead to rationally designed dental biomaterials to control the salivary pellicle and enhance material function and patient outcomes.
Percent Time in Goal Range While on Bivalirudin or Heparin for Ventricular Assist Device Anticoagulation at a Single Children's Hospital

Purpose Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is frequently used for anticoagulation in pediatric patients on ventricular assist device (VAD) support. Challenges in achieving stable therapeutic doses on UFH have led to the pursuit of other agents. Although emerging evidence supports bivalirudin as a suitable alternative, studies assessing percent time in therapeutic range are lacking and clear guidance continues to pose a barrier to its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate percent time in goal range (%TGR) while on bivalirudin or UFH for VAD anticoagulation. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center analysis of pediatric patients with a paracorporeal VAD. Patients in the bivalirudin group were maintained on bivalirudin as the primary agent for VAD anticoagulation, then subsequently matched to an UFH cohort. Anticoagulant infusion rates and patient-specific anticoagulation goals as established by a clinical team were collected through electronic medical record review. The primary endpoint of %TGR was calculated for both groups using the Rosendaal method. Secondary outcomes included initial bivalirudin dose, time to attain target anticoagulation levels on bivalirudin, and reason for anticoagulant discontinuation. Results Nine patients with a total of 250 patient-days on bivalirudin had a combined overall time in therapeutic range of 171 days and median %TGR of 69.1% (range 45.4-74.7%). Bivalirudin was initiated at a median dose of 0.10 mg/kg/hr (range 0.03-0.20 mg/kg/hr). The first therapeutic level was reached after a median of 14.4 hours (range 2.0-50.0 hours) following the start of the bivalirudin infusion. Nine patients in a heparin-matched cohort had a combined 130 patient-days on therapy and median %TGR of 32.1% (range 0.0-79.1%). One death occurred in each group with a majority of patients surviving until either anticoagulant transition or heart transplantation. Conclusion Bivalirudin achieves anticoagulation goals for a majority of therapy and is a promising alternative to UFH for pediatric VAD anticoagulation.
Steps to Measurement Floor of an Optical Microangiography Device in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE To compare dynamic ranges and steps to measurement floors of peripapillary and macular metrics from a complex signal-based optical microangiography (OMAGC) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) device for glaucoma with those of OCT measurements. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Imaging of 252 eyes from 173 patients with glaucoma and 123 eyes from 92 subjects without glaucoma from a glaucoma clinic was quantified using custom and commercial software. Metrics from OCT (retinal nerve fiber layer [RNFL], ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer [GCIPL]) and OCTA (custom: peripapillary vessel area density [pVAD], macular vessel area density [mVAD], and macular vessel skeleton density [mVSD]; commercial: peripapillary perfusion density [pPDZ], macular perfusion density [mPDZ], and macular vessel density [mVDZ]) were plotted against visual field mean deviation (MD) with linear change-point analyses, measurement floors, and steps to floors. RESULTS Mean MD (dB) for glaucomatous eyes was -5.77 (-6.45 to -5.10). The number of eyes with mild glaucoma (MD >-6), moderate glaucoma (MD -6 to -12), and severe glaucoma (MD <-12) were 164, 50, and 38, respectively. pPDZ yielded the lowest estimated floor at -26.6 dB (standard error [SE] 1.53), followed by OCTA macular metrics (-25 to -21 dB; SE 1.03) and pVAD (-17.6 dB, SE 1.06). RNFL and GCIPL produced floors at -17.8 (SE 0.927) and -23.6 dB (SE 1.14). The highest number of steps to measurement floor belonged to RNFL (7.20) and GCIPL (7.33), followed by pPDZ (4.25), mVAD (3.87), and mVSD (3.81), with 2.5 or fewer steps for pVAD, mPDZ, and mVDZ. CONCLUSIONS pPDZ, mVAD, and mVSD had approximately 4 steps within their dynamic ranges, without true measurement floors, and thus may be useful in evaluating advanced glaucomatous progression. Improving OCTA test-retest repeatability could augment number of steps for OCTA metrics, increasing their clinical utility.
A Bulk-Capacitance Reduction Method Using Self-Driven Thyristor for AC–DC Converters

Universal serial bus power delivery fast chargers equipped with wide-bandgap devices are driven to higher power density and efficiency. The indispensable high-voltage bulk capacitors used to smooth the rectifier output could take 40% of the total system volume due to the large capacitance value required. This letter discussed a capacitor reduction method using a self-driven thyristor scheme comprised of only three components in total. No extra control circuit is needed. Circuit analysis and design equations are presented, and the design results are implemented in a 60-W GaN-based active-clamp flyback converter. The measurement results on the prototype show a 36.4% reduction of the bulk-capacitor size with similar efficiency compared to the conventional solution.
Comments on: Optical computation based on nonlinear total reflectional optical switch at the interface

As we read the paper by Jianqi Zhang and Huan Xu, Pramana – J. Phys. 72, 547 (2009), two issues became clear, that warranted writing this comment. First, the switch, which is the main building block of the devices, and which is used to route the signal, does not work as explained in Section 4.1. Accordingly, the optical router does not work as explained, either. In addition, the half adder does not work as explained and a completely different Truth Table is obtained. The full adder is left to the reader as an exercise. Secondly, the previously published work, which is closely related to the work reported, was not referenced or discussed. In the following paragraphs we discuss each issue in some detail to give the authors the opportunity to better explain their work and clear such issues.
An energy-efficient concurrency control algorithm for mobile ad-hoc network databases

MANET does not require any fixed infrastructure, thus it fits well in disaster rescue and military operations. However, when a node has no or insufficient energy to function, communication may fail, disconnections may happen, and transactions may be aborted if they are time-critical and miss their deadlines. Energy-efficient transaction management becomes an important issue in MANET database applications. In this paper, we propose an energyefficient concurrency control (CC) algorithm for MANET databases in a clustered network architecture where nodes are divided into clusters, each of which has a node, called cluster head, responsible for the processing of all nodes in the cluster. In our algorithm, in order to conserve energy and balance the energy consumption among servers, we elect cluster heads to work as coordinating servers, and propose an optimistic CC algorithm to offer high concurrency and avoid wasting limited system resources. The simulation results confirm that our technique performs better than existing techniques.
Characterization of a thyroid sulfotransferase responsible for the 3-O-sulfation of terminal beta-D-galactosyl residues in N-linked carbohydrate units.

Calf thyroid microsomes were found to contain an enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of sulfate from 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phospho[35S]sulfate (PAPS) to C-3 of terminal galactose residues in beta 1----4 linkage to GlcNAc. This sulfotransferase is believed to be involved in the biosynthesis of the recently described Gal(3-SO4) capping groups present in the N-linked oligosaccharides of thyroglobulin (Spiro, R.G., and Bhoyroo, V. D. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 14351-14358). Assays with various native and modified glycopeptides indicated that the enzyme acted optimally on complex-type carbohydrate units in which beta-linked Gal has been uncovered by desulfation or brought into a terminal position by removal of sialyl and/or alpha-galactosyl residues. With fetuin asialoglycopeptides as acceptors (Km = 0.1 mM) the transfer of sulfate from PAPS (Km = 6.3 microM) had a pH optimum of approximately 7.0, required Mn2+ ions (10-50 mM) and was markedly stimulated by Triton X-100 (0.1%) and ATP (2 mM). The same enzyme apparently sulfated free N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc; Km = 0.69 mM) and its ethyl glycoside, indicating that it had no absolute requirement for a peptide recognition site. Studies with a number of disaccharides related to LacNAc provided information relating to the specifying role of the beta 1----4 galactosyl linkage and the configuration at C-2 of the sugar to which it is attached. Hydrazine-nitrous acid-NaBH4 treatment of the 35S-labeled products from sulfotransferase action on asialoglycopeptides as well as on the ethyl glycoside of LacNAc yielded the same disaccharide, Gal(3-SO4) beta 1----4 anhydromannitol, as is obtained from a similar treatment of thyroglobulin. Subcellular distribution studies indicated that the PAPS:galactose 3-O-sulfotransferase is located in the Golgi compartment which is consistent with the late occurrence of the requisite beta-galactosylation step. It is proposed that in certain tissues the ultimate nature of the capping groups attached to glycoproteins containing terminal Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc sequences could be the result of a competition between this 3-O-sulfotransferase and sialyl- and/or alpha-galactosyltransferases.
Rest and the associated benefits in restorative sleep: a concept analysis.

Aim To report an analysis of the concept of rest. Background Consistency in the literature to describe the concept and use of rest is limited. Concept analysis may be advantageous in rendering an operational definition in the health care setting. This analysis is important to examine the concept of rest for structure and function to promote an understanding of the phenomenon. Rest is a vital component of restorative sleep which has implications for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Design Concept analysis. Data sources A literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest and an online Internet search with the majority of articles published between 1995–2015. Methods This concept analysis was implemented using the eight step approach developed by Walker and Avant. Results In health care, rest incorporates the cessation of activity used to promote physical and mental health. Defining attributes of rest include a pathway to calm, inner tranquillity and mental health; base of support; and stillness. Antecedents for rest are time, suitable environment and willingness. Resulting consequences include renewed physical energy, mental clarity and improved health. Conclusion Rest is a concept that is used frequently in the discipline of nursing but also in various other disciplines. Rest is a basic necessity for restorative sleep to enhance well-being through the restoration of the body, mind and spirit. Defining the concept of rest in the practice of patient care is necessary for consistent use of the term in the development of holistic, patient-centred therapies.
Copula models of joint last survivor analysis: Research Articles

Copula models are becoming increasingly popular for modelling dependencies between random variables. The range of their recent applications includes such fields as analysis of extremes in financial assets and returns; failure of paired organs in health science; reliability studies; and human mortality in insurance.This paper gives a brief overview of the principles of construction of such copula models as Gaussian, Student, and Archimedean. The latter includes Frank, Clayton, and stable (Gumbel–Hougaard) families. The emphasis is on application of copula models to joint last survivor analysis.The main example discussed in this paper deals with the mortality of spouses, known to be associated through such factors as common disaster, common lifestyle, or the broken-heart syndrome. These factors suggest modelling dependence of spouses' lives on both calendar date scale and age-at-death scale. This dependence structure suggests a different treatment than that for problems of survival analysis such as paired organ failure or twins' mortality.Construction of a conditional Bayesian copula model is further generalized in view of the relationship between the joint first life and last surviror probabilities. A numerical example is considered, involving the implementation of Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms using WinBUGs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
"Blush at first sight": significance of computed tomographic and angiographic discrepancy in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

Abstract Background “Blush,” defined as a focal area of contrast pooling within a hematoma, is frequently encountered in patients with severe blunt torso trauma. Contemporary clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of angiography with embolization in all hemodynamically stable patients with evidence of active extravasation. Patients presenting with blush visualized on computed tomography (CT), but not demonstrated on subsequent angiography, present a challenging clinical dilemma. The purpose of this study was to study the natural course of patients with this blush disparity between CT and angiography. Methods The study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent angiography after initial CT scans revealed blush after blunt abdominal trauma at a level I trauma center (January 2005 to December 2014). Results A total of 143 patients with blunt splenic injuries were found to have CT blush and underwent catheter angiography. Of the 143 patients with blush on CT, 24 (17%) showed no evidence of blush on angiography. Patients with CT-angiographic discrepancy were more than twice as likely to rebleed compared with those with angiographic evidence of blush (25% vs 10%, P Conclusions CT imaging has enhanced our ability to detect contrast extravasation after injury, and evidence of blush on CT suggests the presence of active hemorrhage. This analysis suggests that in clinical situations in which CT blush is noted secondary to blunt trauma to the spleen or liver, a negative angiogram still carries a significant risk of recurrent hemorrhage; consideration for empiric embolization at the time of the initial procedure even in the absence of blush on angiographic evaluation is thus warranted. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and to assess the utility of this clinical paradigm.
Analysis of an Axial Compressor Blade Vibration Based on Wave Reflection Theory

The paper describes application of the theory of wave reflection in turbomachines to rotor blade vibrations measured in an axial compressor stage. The blade vibrations analyzed could not be predicted using various flutter prediction techniques. The wave reflection theory, first advanced in 1966, is expanded, and more general equations for the rotor blade excitation frequencies are derived. The results of the analysis indicate that all examined rotor blade vibrations can be explained by forced excitations caused by reflecting waves (pressure pulses). Wave reflections between the rotor blades and both the upstream and downstream stator vanes had to be considered.
THE APM BRIGHT GALAXY CATALOGUE

The APM Bright Galaxy Catalogue lists positions, magnitudes, shapes and morphological types for 14,681 galaxies brighter than $b_J$ magnitude 16.44 over a 4,180 square degree area of the southern sky. Galaxy and stellar images have been located from glass copy plates of the United Kingdom Schmidt Telescope (UKST) IIIaJ sky survey using the Automated Photographic Measuring (APM) facility in Cambridge, England. The majority of stellar images are rejected by the regularity of their image surface brightness profiles. Remaining images are inspected by eye on film copies of the survey material and classed as stellar, multiple stellar, galaxy, merger or noise. Galaxies are further classified as elliptical, lenticular, spiral, irregular or uncertain. The 180 survey fields are put onto a uniform photometric system by comparing the magnitudes of galaxies in the overlap regions between neighbouring plates. The magnitude zero-point, photometric uniformity and photographic saturation are checked with CCD photometry. Finally, the completeness and reliability of the catalogue is assessed using various internal tests and by comparing with several independently constructed galaxy catalogues.
Learning Outcomes: Comparing Student Perceptions of Skill Level and Importance

As an example of the assessment of learning outcomes, student perceptions were obtained for learning outcome importance as well as their own abilities to perform learning outcome skills. Development of outcomes involved multiple stakeholder groups and extensive reviews. Rankings were developed for highest importance and highest skill level as a way to evaluate outcomes needing emphasis. A simple priority index demonstrated one technique of allocating resources in program changes. In this example, highest priorities converged around issues of interpersonal, leadership, global economy, and interacting in the business environment. Extensive comparisons were made between class level as well as between marketing majors and other business disciplines. Although lists of outcomes, student perception ratings, and priorities will vary among institutions, this example indicated a beginning point for rating criteria.
Ley natural, historia y política

The basic philosophical vision and ethical principles of Catholic Natural Law claim universality. Natural Law thinking aspires to objectivity and universality and at the same time is open to the continuing influence from history and politics. The background principles of positive law historically go by the name of Natural Law. Suffering and injustice contribute to a vision both of the structure of human existence and of what we mean by humane law and ethics. When we confront a cultural crisis, Natural Law, looks not to the past but to the future. Few people today talk of the ethical dimensions of social realities in terms of Natural Law. This is true both in the Church and in the State. In bioethics, the principles rooted in the universal structure of human life have to provide direction and regulations on the playing field of contemporary life and medicine. A liberal Catholic perspective tries to keep in play the universal and the particular aspects of Natural Law reasoning.