cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ca2+-Dependent Phosphorylation of Ca2+ Cycling Proteins Generates Robust Rhythmic Local Ca2+ Releases in Cardiac Pacemaker Cells

The spontaneous beating of the heart is governed by spontaneous firing of sinoatrial node cells, which generate action potentials due to spontaneous depolarization of the membrane potential, or diastolic depolarization. The spontaneous diastolic depolarization rate is determined by spontaneous local submembrane Ca²⁺ releases through ryanodine receptors (RyRs). We sought to identify specific mechanisms of intrinsic Ca²⁺ cycling by which sinoatrial node cells, but not ventricular myocytes, generate robust, rhythmic local Ca²⁺ releases. At similar physiological intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations, local Ca²⁺ releases were large and rhythmic in permeabilized sinoatrial node cells but small and random in permeabilized ventricular myocytes. Furthermore, sinoatrial node cells spontaneously released more Ca²⁺ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum than did ventricular myocytes, despite comparable sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ content in both cell types. This ability of sinoatrial node cells to generate larger and rhythmic local Ca²⁺ releases was associated with increased abundance of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA), reduced abundance of the SERCA inhibitor phospholamban, and increased Ca²⁺-dependent phosphorylation of phospholamban and RyR. The increased phosphorylation of RyR in sinoatrial node cells may facilitate Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, whereas Ca²⁺-dependent increase in phosphorylation of phospholamban relieves its inhibition of SERCA, augmenting the pumping rate of Ca²⁺ required to support robust, rhythmic local Ca²⁺ releases. The differences in Ca²⁺ cycling between sinoatrial node cells and ventricular myocytes provide insights into the regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ cycling that drives the automaticity of sinoatrial node cells.
Long-term assessment of heart rate variability in cardiac transplant recipients.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic reinnervation of the transplanted heart were evaluated by assessing time and frequency domain measurements of heart rate variability at 5 and 8 years. Continuous 24-hour ECG measurements were performed in 13 patients (57 ± 6 months and 90 ± 7 months) after orthotopic cardiac transplantation and in 22 healthy age and gender-matched controls, and were analyzed for heart rate variability in the time and frequency domains. Heart rate variability measures reflective of sympathetic reinnervation were sub-normal at 5 years and unchanged at 8 years: those reflective of parasympathetic reinnervation were absent.
Stability of solitary waves of a fifth-order water wave model

We consider the stability of solitary waves of a class of 5th order KdV equations. It is known that their stability is determined by the second derivative of a function of the wave speed d(c). We perform a detailed investigation of the properties of this function, both analytically and numerically. For a class of homogeneous nonlinearities, we precisely determine the regions of wave speeds for which the solitary waves are stable or unstable.
Effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on cognitive function in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on cognitive function in healthy older adults and patients with Alzheimer's disease. A comprehensive literature search was performed on noninvasive stimulation studies published from January 1990 to November 2014 in Pubmed and Web of Science. Fourteen articles with a total of 331 participants were identified as studies with healthy older adults, and the mean effect size and 95% confidence interval were estimated. A significant effect size of 0.42 was found for the cognitive outcome. Further subgroup analyses demonstrated more prominent effects for studies delivering the stimulation before the execution of the task and studies applying multiple sessions of stimulation. To assess the effects of stimulation on Alzheimer's disease patients, 11 studies with a total of 200 patients were included in the analysis. A significant effect size of 1.35 was found for the cognitive outcomes. Subgroup analyses indicated more pronounced effects for studies applying the stimulation during the execution of the task compared with studies delivering the stimulation before the execution of the task. Noninvasive brain stimulation has a positive effect on cognitive function in physiological and pathological aging.
Extending object-oriented concepts to support engineering applications

A presentation is made of a structure-function (S-F) paradigm for representing engineering designs. The S-F paradigm treats structures and functions as first-class objects by modeling the physical configuration of the design as structural objects and the behavior of the design as functional objects. The paradigm supports engineering designs by using the associative knowledge between structures and functions to help in the design process and to support simulation by providing for a run-time interaction between structures and functions. The S-F paradigm would be generally applicable to model the passive and active information in any complex system. It may be implemented as a layer on top of any object-oriented model. >
Reflex-free Digital Fundus Photography Using a Simple and Portable Camera Adaptor System. A Viable Alternative

Purpose: To describe a digital single lens reflex (dSLR) camera adaptor for posterior segment photography. Method: A total of 30 normal canine and feline animals were imaged using a dSLR adaptor which mounts between a dSLR camera body and lens. Posterior segment viewing and imaging was performed with the aid of an indirect lens ranging from 28-90D. Coaxial illumination for viewing was provided by a single white light emitting diode (LED) within the adaptor, while illumination during exposure was provided by the pop-up flash or an accessory flash. Corneal and/or lens reflections were reduced using a pair of linear polarizers, having their azimuths perpendicular to one another. Results: Qualityhigh-resolution, reflection-free, digital images of the retina were obtained. Subjective image evaluation demonstrated the same amount of detail, as compared to a conventional fundus camera. A wide range of magnification(s) [1.2-4X] and/or field(s) of view [31-95 degrees, horizontal] were obtained by altering the indi...
Connecting devices and data on the healthcare network.

ing enormous changes that are unprecedented in scope, complexity, promise, and risk—and they are occurring all at the same time. Technological changes are accelerating in hundreds of categories of medical devices and systems at a pace that defies many organizations’ capacity to absorb them. Stand-alone devices are morphing into networked devices and systems that add significant costs, integration complexity, and new operational risks to an infrastructure that is already pushing the limits of what the national healthcare system can understand, afford, or safely deploy. Most healthcare organizations are not well prepared to handle major change in even one functional area, much less in several areas all at once, and there is no clear precedent—no MBA coursework—for healthcare organizations or professionals on how to comprehend and manage sectoral changes of this magnitude. Some of the skill sets and management tools being imported into healthcare from information technology (IT), banking, telecommunications, and other industries are useful, but others are decidedly not. Among the many factors moving us toward a convergence of medical devices and IT systems, we should note that: 1. The convergence of biology, informatics, and engineering is turning healthcare into an information industry.1 But healthcare is profoundly different in many ways from most of the manufacturing, finance, Internet, and telecommunications models that have built trust and investments in IT systems. This new healthcare “industrial space” is a highly dynamic and complex frontier that will require new working relationships between doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, clinical engineers, medical device manufacturers, third-party service providers, and IT experts. Traditional roles will need to be redefined, and new roles will need to be invented. 2. As national attention is focusing debate on healthcare costs, healthcare organizations are planning for the convergence of established and maturing technologies to deliver better quality of care at lower cost. Results will include improved patient care and satisfaction, fewer medical errors, increased revenue, lower costs, and better productivity.2 3. Heightened connectivity between medical devices, the network, IT hardware, and software required to manage data will make new data sets available for use in the electronic health record, for institutional research and other clinical applications.3 4. The convergence of IT systems and medical equipment systems is changing the practice of clinical engineering—the priorities, the body of knowledge, and the scope of work. As the clinical environment moves from stand-alone medical devices to a world dominated by clinical systems intimately bound to IT departments by network connections and the two-way flow of data and clinical decision support Mario Castaneda, CBET, BS, MBA, is the national director of the Clinical Technology Department at Kaiser Permanente, and is president-elect of the American College of Clinical Engineering. Email: Mario.Castaneda@kp.org. Connecting Devices and Data on the Healthcare Network
Attenuated renovascular constrictor responses to angiotensin II in adenosine 1 receptor knockout mice.

In the present experiments we examined the renovascular constrictor effects of ANG II in the chronic and complete absence of A1 adenosine receptors (A1AR) using mice with targeted deletion of the A...
Tobacco treatment practices of pharmacists in Montana.

Abstract Objectives To assess the tobacco treatment practices of Montana pharmacists, evaluate pharmacist interest in addressing tobacco use, and identify perceived barriers to delivery of tobacco cessation services. Design Descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study. Setting Montana in February 2007. Participants 192 pharmacists attending an annual continuing professional education program. Intervention Attendees at 11 meeting sites throughout the state completed the survey. Main outcome measures Pharmacists' use of the U.S. Clinical Practice Guideline 5 A's (ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange) in regard to tobacco cessation services. Results Of program attendees, 76% (192 of 253) completed the 35-item survey. More than one-half (58%) of respondents were men, and 90% were white. Respondents were licensed for a median of 22.5 years and dispensed a median of 1,000 prescriptions per week. The percent of pharmacists who treated one or more patients using the 5 A's in the preceding 30 days were as follows: asked about tobacco use, 39%; advised to quit smoking, 54%; assessed for readiness to quit smoking, 36%; assisted with quitting (i.e., cessation counseling), 46%; assisted with advice to use nonprescription cessation medication, 62%; assisted with advice to use prescription cessation medication, 54%; arranged for a follow-up appointment for additional counseling, 6%; and referred to a tobacco quit line, 23%. Most respondents (58%) reported that providing cessation services within routine practice was moderately or highly feasible. The most frequently cited barriers to providing cessation services included lack of time (52%), reimbursement (26%), and training (19%) Conclusion Few Montana pharmacists are routinely asking patients about tobacco use in a typical month. However, the majority of pharmacists reported that it would be feasible to provide more tobacco cessation activities within routine pharmacy practice. Addressing barriers related to workload, reimbursement, and training would likely increase the number of pharmacists who provide tobacco cessation services.
The ability of TNPO3-depleted cells to inhibit HIV-1 infection requires CPSF6

Background Expression of the cellular karyopherin TNPO3/transportin-SR2/Tnp3 is necessary for HIV-1 infection. Depletion of TNPO3 expression in mammalian cells inhibits HIV-1 infection after reverse transcription but prior to integration.
Oscillatory rheometry : The necessity for sample temperature correction

Preliminary results using an oscillatory probe rheometer to follow sol to gel transformations of pasted starch gave illogical results. G″ appeared to increase instead of decrease, as would be expected for a gelling sol. The increase was dramatic at high temperatures. In many instances the viscosity loss values (η') were negative, which is physically impossible. Therefore, the equations used were examined for a source of error. It was found that no temperature correction was made for probe frequency in the test sample. Use of the temperature correction for probe frequency in the sample along with the equations provided with the instrument showed that the oscillatory probe rheometer effectively measured viscous and viscoelastic properties of starch gel systems throughout the sol to gel transformation.
InGaN/Dilute-As GaNAs Interface Quantum Well for Red Emitters.

The design of InGaN/dilute-As GaNAs interface quantum well (QW) leads to significant redshift in the transition wavelength with improvement in electron-hole wave function overlap and spontaneous emission rate as compared to that of the conventional In0.2Ga0.8N QW. By using self-consistent six-band k·p band formalism, the nitride active region consisting of 30 A In0.2Ga0.8N and 10 A GaN0.95As0.05 interface QW leads to 623.52 nm emission wavelength in the red spectral regime. The utilization of 30 A In0.2Ga0.8N/10 A GaN0.95As0.05 interface QW also leads to 8.5 times enhancement of spontaneous emission rate attributed by the improvement in electron-hole wavefunction overlap, as compared to that of conventional 30 A In0.35Ga0.65N QW for red spectral regime. In addition, the transition wavelength of the interface QW is relatively unaffected by the thickness of the dilute-As GaNAs interface layer (beyond 10 A). The analysis indicates the potential of using interface QW concept in nitride-based light-emitting diodes for long wavelength emission.
Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Who, What, When, Why?

Despite the poor survival of patients with advanced (stage IIIB with pleural effusion or stage IV) non-small-cell lung cancer, the introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents has improved survival and quality of life with reduced toxicity compared with older cisplatin-based therapies. Randomized trials support the use of two-drug combinations for patients of all ages with performance status of 0 to 1. These two-drug combinations should contain at least one new agent. Some of these two-drug combinations may be acceptable in selected patients with a performance status of 2. Newer, targeted therapies hold promise to improve outcome without adding a great deal of additional toxicity.
Ion Migration in Ocean Sediments: Subseafloor Radioactive Waste Disposal

In this study of seabed disposal, analytical ion transport models were developed and used to elucidate ion migration through ocean sediments and to study the escape of ions from the ocean floor into the water column. An unsteady state isothermal diffusion model was developed for the region far from the canister to examine the effects of ion diffusion, adsorption, radioactive decay, sediment thickness and canister position. Analytical solutions were derived to represent the transient concentration profiles within the sediment, ion flux and the ion discharge rate to the water column for two types of initial conditions: instantaneous dissolution of the canister and constant canister leakage. Generalized graphs showing ion migration and behavior are presented.
THE NOVEL FLAVONOID CHEMISTRY AND PHYLOGENETIC ORIGIN OF PHLOX FLORIDANA.

The utility of comparative flavonoid analysis in determining amphiploid ancestry has been established in studies where the amphiploid chemistry is a summation of the parental constituents (e.g., Smith and Levin, 1963). Major departures from additivity have been termed "enigmatic" (Levin, 1968) or "not . . . an acceptable basis for . . . clarifying the status or relation of taxa" (Stromnaes and Garber, 1963). However, studies of hybrids of Baptisia (Alston et al., 1965), Dicentra (Fahselt and Ownbey, 1968), Lasthenia (Ornduff et al., 1973), Saccharum (Williams et al., 1974), and Phlox (Levy and Levin, 1971, 1974) have demonstrated that non-additivity may arise from novel (hybrid) compound production and the displacement of the usual parental end products. Apparent non-additivity also may result from subsequent diversification of either the ancestral or derived taxa or from unrecognized introgression. It may also reflect an erroneous phylogenetic framework. Phlox floridana Bentham has been judged to be an allotetraploid (2n = 28) derivative of hybridization between the diploids (2n = 14) P. pilosa ssp. pilosa Wherry and P. carolina ssp. angusta Wherry on bases of comparative morphology, karyology, and ecogeography (Levin, 1968). Subsequent considerations of seed protein chemistry (Levin and Schaal, 1970) were compatible with this assessment. However, Levin's analysis also indicated that P. floridana contained less than half of the putative parental flavonoids and exhibited numerous "new" flavonoids. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the novel compounds could be traced to the putative progenitors and, if so, how they may have originated. Investigation involved the characterization of the nonanthocyanin flavonoids in an extensive geographical survey of P. floridana, its putative progenitors, and one additional taxon, P. pilosa ssp. detonsa Wherry. The potential role of this taxon in the evolution of P. floridana will become apparent in the following systematic summary. Phlox pilosa ssp. pilosa and P. carolina ssp. angusta differ conspicuously in (1) morphology, especially in stature, vesture, and style length (Wherry, 1955), (2) karyology, in both symmetry and location of chromosomal satellites (Smith and Levin, 1967), and (3) seed protein chemistry, each taxon exhibiting taxon-specific electrophoretic markers (Levin and Schaal, 1970). Phlox floridana exhibits (1) a morphology that is intermediate between or a mosaic of diploid features, (2) a karyotype that essentially is a summation of the diploids, and (3) a seed protein chemistry of 13 markers, one specific to P. pilosa ssp. pilosa, four specific to P. carolina ssp. angusta, and eight common to both diploids. According to Wherry (1955), the diploids are sympatric throughout the range of P. carolina including all four subspecies, angusta, carolina, alta, and turritella. The range of P. floridana overlaps this sympatric zone in northwestern Florida and surrounding areas of southern Alabama and Georgia. While the above features seem to provide strong support for the stated phylogeny,
SOME COMMENTS ON COASTAL ENGINEERING

The Canadian Organizing Committee, the Vancouver Executive Committee and the National Research Council of Canada have done a superb job in planning this conference and in carrying out the enormous amount of detail necessary for its realization. On behalf of the Coastal Engineering Research Council, the other participating organizations, and all of the attendees I thank most heartily all who participated in this work. I am personally most grateful to those representatives of the Canadian Committee who made the final selection of papers. I should explain at this point that a small papers Committee is appointed for each of these conferences to review the summaries submitted by the authors - but this screening is intended only to appraise their appropriateness for a coastal engineering audience - and to eliminate those few papers which are promotional "blurbs". It has not been a technical review such as is made for "refereed" technical and scientific journals. The number of papers submitted for this Conference passing this simple review far exceeded the reasonable limits of the program - and for a brief period the Papers Committee faced the new and distasteful task of selection among papers acceptable under past standards. However, the problem was handled by the Canadian Committee - applying a formula which seemed equitable and reasonable. I trust that those affected concur in this judgment.
On the challenge of exploring the evolutionary trajectory from phosphotriesterase to arylesterase using computer simulations.

The ability to design effective enzymes presents a fundamental challenge in biotechnology and also in biochemistry. Unfortunately, most of the progress on this field has been accomplished by bringing the reactants to a reasonable orientation relative to each other, rather than by rational optimization of the polar preorganization of the environment, which is the most important catalytic factor. True computer based enzyme design would require the ability to evaluate the catalytic power of designed active sites. This work considers the evolution from a phosphotriesterase (with the paraoxon substrate) to arylesterase (with the 2-naphthylhexanoate (2NH) substrate) catalysis. Both the original and the evolved enzymes involve two zinc ions and their ligands, making it hard to obtain a reliable quantum mechanical description and then to obtain an effective free energy sampling. Furthermore, the options for the reaction path are quite complicated. To progress in this direction we started with DFT calculations of ...
A method for the direct measurement of surface tension of collectedatmospherically relevant aerosol particles using atomic force microscopy

Abstract. Accurate estimates of particle surface tension are required for models concerning atmospheric aerosol nucleation and activation. However, it is difficult to collect the volumes of atmospheric aerosol required by typical instruments that measure surface tension, such as goniometers or Wilhelmy plates. In this work, a method that measures, ex situ, the surface tension of collected liquid nanoparticles using atomic force microscopy is presented. A film of particles is collected via impaction and is probed using nanoneedle tips with the atomic force microscope. This micro-Wilhelmy method allows for direct measurements of the surface tension of small amounts of sample. This method was verified using liquids, whose surface tensions were known. Particles of ozone oxidized α-pinene, a well-characterized system, were then produced, collected, and analyzed using this method to demonstrate its applicability for liquid aerosol samples. It was determined that oxidized α-pinene particles formed in dry conditions have a surface tension similar to that of pure α-pinene, and oxidized α-pinene particles formed in more humid conditions have a surface tension that is significantly higher.
Analysis on dyslipidemia of residents over 35 years old in Wenzhou city and its influence factors

Objective:Investigate the prevalence and influence factors of dyslipidemia of residents in Wenzhou city for preparing reasonable precautions.Methods: Make multi-stage random cluster sampling,and sample 3495 permanent residents over 35 years old in Wenzhou city for questionnaire,physical examination(measurement of height,weight and blood pressure) and laboratory testing(total cholesterol,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglycerides and blood sugar),and make statistical analysis on them.Results: For blood lipid levels of residents over 35 years old in Wenzhou city(M±Q,mmol/L),total cholesterol was 5.56±1.39,high density lipoprotein cholesterol was 1.64±0.47,low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 2.83±0.69,triglyceride was1.49±1.11.Abnormal morbidity rate was 68.9%,and the morbidity rate of cities(72.6%) was higher than that of counties(66.2%).It was mainly mixed hyperlipidemia in cities and mainly combination of mixed hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia in countries.Low-risk,medium-risk and high-risk morbidity rates of dyslipidemia was respectively 33.7%,9.1% and 8.6%.Obesity,hypertension,diabetes,living and working tension,constant eating fat and constant drinking beer were risk factors of dyslipidemia.Physical activity,constant drinking milk products,constant eating bean products,vegetables and pickled products were protection factors.Conclusion: Both average blood lipid level and abnormal morbidity rate of residents in Wenzhou city were in higher levels,and dyslipidemia showed a younger trend,and epidemiological characteristics between cities and countries were different.Except age,influence factors of dyslipidemia could be controlled.Comprehensive interventions should be prepared and implemented in the whole city.
The suppression role of positive affect on students’ science achievement in East Asia: the example of Taipei

This study focuses on “high achievement but low motivation” phenomenon that is prevalent in East Asian countries and districts, and uses eighth graders in Taipei that participated in TIMSS 2007 as an example to examine the direct and indirect effects of academic motivation, positive affect, and instruction on science achievement. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were employed to test measurement and structural models and indicated a good fit of the models to the data. The results showed that expectancy and value in science and inquiry-based instruction are three significant and positive predictors of students’ positive affect toward science. In addition, expectancy, positive affect, and three types of instruction all significantly predicted students’ science achievement after the number of books at home and mother’s education were controlled. However, inquiry-based and practice-based instructions were negative predictors whereas traditional instruction was positive. The suppression role of the positive affect was partially supported between academic motivation and science achievement.
Cellular Iron Metabolism Studies Demonstate Safety of Magnetic Tracking of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Abstract Background: Ferumoxides-protamine sulfate (Fe-Pro) complexes are used for intracellular magnetic labeling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to non invasively monitor cell trafficking and tissue distribution by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It has been previously shown that there was no short or long- term toxic effects on cell's viability, proliferation, reactive oxygen species and biological functions including differentiation capacity of MSCs, however the effects of dextran coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles labeling on cellular iron metabolism and storage is unknown. Objective: Evaluate the effect of using Fe-Pro complexes for magnetic cell labeling in MSCs on the expression of transferrin receptor (TfR-1) and ferritin, proteins involved in intracellular iron metabolism and storage. Methods: Confluent MSCs were labeled with Fe-Pro complexes at the ratio of 100 ug/mL to 6 ug/mL. After labeling, cells were washed and cultured for 2 months. TfR-1 and ferritin expression were evaluated at the gene and protein levels in total cell lysates, on day 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 35 days post-labeling, by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. MSCs were evaluated for the presence of iron by Prussian blue stain and light microscopy. In addition, TfR-1 and ferritin levels were determined for Fe-Pro labeled and unlabeled MSCs, allowed to slowly multiply, as a result of dividing the cells in half when they reached confluence. Results: All cells were Prussian blue positive on light microscopy following labeling with Fe-Pro. Labeling of MSCs grown to confluence resulted in short-term increase of TfR-1 mRNA (day 1 and day 3, p= 0.0056) without changes in TfR-1 protein levels. Fe- Pro labeled MSC demonstrated an increase in ferritin gene expression on day 7 and 14 (p=0.0003) compared to unlabeled cells, while protein levels were higher compared to unlabeled MSC at each time point (p=0.005). However, ferritin protein levels from Fe-Pro labeled MSCs were not significantly increased after 7 passages. Conclusions: Magnetic labeling of cells with FDA approved ferumoxides complexed to protamine sulfate elicited short-term changes in cellular iron metabolism and storage that was dependent on ability to divide. Fe-Pro labeling did not have any long-term implications validating the safety of Fe-Pro labeling technique for MSCs trafficking studies by MRI.
Monstar disclinations in high-order singular optical beams (Conference Presentation)

We investigate disclinations in the orientation of space-variant polarization patterns produced by collinear non-factorizable superpositions of high-order spatial modes and polarization. Asymmetric disclination patterns were formed by superpositions of spatial modes with asymmetric optical vortices. They give rise to monstar patterns of high order that can have a negative or positive disclination index. This has led to an examination of what constitutes a monstar. We present theoretical as well as experimental results.
Numerical modeling of a dark current suppression mechanism in IR detector arrays

As material growth and processing have improved, state of the art infrared detector arrays remain limited by material properties and not processing or growth quality. In particular, the dark current can be dominated by diffusion of minority carriers in the quasineutral regions. In this work, we present a unique detector architecture that allows for dark current suppression below the fundamental diffusion limit. We have extensively studied this effect, and report dark current, photocurrent, and quantum efficiency. Finally, we conclude by offering a path to implementing this architecture into existing FPAs.
Use of pharmacy technicians in elements of medication therapy management delivery: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Documented barriers to Medication Therapy Management (MTM) delivery, such as limited time and inefficient workflow may be overcome by utilizing support staff for administrative services. However, it is unknown how pharmacy technicians have been historically utilized to assist pharmacists in MTM-delivery. Objective To characterize literature describing pharmacy technicians' participation in actions commonly undertaken in the provision of MTM services. Methods In August 2016, a PubMed (MEDLINE) and Journal of Pharmacy Technology search was conducted using the term “pharmacy technician” with services outlined within the MTM Core Elements Version 2.0, and with terms related to administrative actions in the provision of MTM. References were searched using identified studies. Eligible articles described pharmacy technicians' performance and/or assistance in at least one MTM Core Element or related administrative action to the provision of MTM. Data was independently extracted by two researchers; any variation in extraction was reconciled via with discussion until consensus reached. A standardized data extraction template was used. Results Forty-four manuscripts were included. Manuscripts were most likely to describe pharmacy technicians' assistance with medication reconciliation (70%), documentation (41%) and medication therapy review (30%). Actions least likely to be described included personal medication record development (5%), physical assessment (5%), follow-up (2%), and medication action plan development (0%). Most articles were written in the United States (73%), or Europe (16%), while the remaining articles were Canadian (11%); no articles were found originating from Asia, Africa, Australia or the Middle East. Conclusion Pharmacy technicians are utilized most often to support MTM through assistance in medication reconciliation. Standardized training for pharmacy technicians that delineates administrative support from pharmacists' role of clinical decision making could help pharmacists obtain greater efficiency in MTM delivery.
Biology and functional Response of Andrallus spinidens (F) to the rice army worm Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval)

The pentatomid bug, Andrallus spinidens (F.), is a polyphagous predator on lepidopteran larvae in rice fields in India. The basic biology and predatory potential of the bug was studied under laboratory conditions. The nymphs were reared in petri dishes and were fed 3 rd to 5 th instar Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) larvae. The mean development period from egg to adult was 21 days. Eggs were laid in batches of 45 to 95 and the mean total number of eggs laid by each female was 259. The second, third and fourth stage nymphs fed on 7.99, 8.32, 26.33 number of third instar larvae instar larvae of S. mauritia , respectively. The predator exhibited a type II functional response to S. mauritia larvae with a disc equation of Y’ = 0.41(5-0.74) x to the increasing density of S. mauritia . This study provides important life history information for using the predator A. spinidens as a possible biological control agent for army worm management in rice.
1682c The use of digital communication tools to assist moving research into practice: the niosh sound level metre app. experience

Introduction In 2013, NIOSH received requests from stakeholders to evaluate sound measurement mobile applications (apps) and their potential to characterise occupational noise exposures. NIOSH researchers conducted the first ever evaluation of such apps, and in 2014, published their findings in The Journal of Acoustical Society of America. NIOSH simultaneously promoted the study on the NIOSH science blog, the NIOSH social media, and other communication channels. Methods A plan was developed in collaboration with NIOSH communication staff to disseminate the latest findings on the NIOSH studies and product development through various social media and communication channels. The plan included the use of the NIOSH science blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, NIOSH e-Newsletter, and promoting the new content to national OSH and media outlets. Results The NIOSH peer-reviewed journal articles became the most frequently read and downloaded JASA articles, the science blog is the all-time most viewed NIOSH science blog, and a top engagement and viewed topic on NIOSH social media channels. As a result of the continuous interaction with stakeholders through the science blog and social media, and to address the need for an occupationally-centric noise exposure app, NIOSH started working on a sound level metre app aimed at the safety and health professional. In January 2017, we launched the NIOSH Sound Level Metre (SLM) mobile application for iOS devices. The app is already the most downloaded and fastest-adopted NIOSH mobile application, with more 70 000 downloads in 6 months. Conclusion The successful launch and adoption of the NIOSH SLM app demonstrates the value of collaboration between NIOSH scientific and communication staff and the importance of continuous engagement between NIOSH researchers and its stakeholders.
Effects of whole cottonseed and live yeast culture on ruminal fermentation and fluid passage rate in steers.

The effects of adding whole cottonseed (WCS) and live yeast culture (YC) to a diet of 60% alfalfa and 40% concentrate on ruminal fermentation and liquid dilution rate in steers were examined in two trials. Twelve ruminally cannulated Hereford steers (approximately 420 kg) were used. Concentrates were 1) a basal grain mix composed of ground corn, ground barley and rice bran, 2) basal mix with 10% WCS, 3) basal mix with 1.6% YC and 4) basal mix with 10% WCS and 1.6% YC. No differences were detected (P greater than .10) in ruminal pH of steers fed WCS or YC in either trial. Ruminal ammonia levels tended to be higher (P greater than .10) in steers fed WCS. Acetate was higher and butyrate was lower in steers receiving 10% WCS (P less than .10) compared with controls. Molar proportions of acetate and butyrate increased while propionate decreased (P less than .05) over time after feeding. Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter was not influenced by treatments. Whole cottonseed and(or) YC appear to have minimal effects on ruminal fermentation, but they might alter ruminal liquid passage rate with diets containing 60% ground alfalfa and 40% concentrate.
Whole body and regional O2 uptake/delivery and lactate flux in endotoxic dogs.

In many patients critically ill with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or sepsis, O2 uptake increases if supply is increased. This occurs even when O2 delivery rates may exceed O2 demand by more than threefold. Bihari et al. (1987) suggested that this abnormal O2 supply dependency was indicative of an occult O2 debt that may be responsible for the multiorgan failure that so often occurs in these patients. Additional evidence in favor of this suggestion was supplied in studies in which arterial blood lactate levels were measured together with O2 delivery and uptake in patients with ARDS or sepsis (Astiz et al., 1987; Gilbert et al., 1986; Haupt et al., 1985; Kaufman et al., 1984). In all cases in which O2 uptake was observed to increase with O2 delivery, usually by fluid loading, blood lactate levels decreased. Initial lactate levels were elevated in spite of the fact that O2 delivery was higher in all cases than the critical level of 330 ml/min·m2 reported by Shibutani et al. (1983) for patients that did not have ARDS or sepsis. The general assumption was that the elevated lactate was due to anaerobic metabolism and that it decreased in response to increased O2 delivery to hypoxic tissues.
FIELD TESTING OF CABLE BACKFILL SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT Full scale field tests of ten simulated buried cables in different backfill materials are being carried out for the purpose of evaluating backfill treatments for the development and maintenance of low backfill thermal resistivity, comparison of measured and predicted temperature distributions, and the study of moisture movement under thermal gradients. Some results obtained so far are presented and interpreted, and the design of three new test sections for study of cable size effects is described.
SYNOPTIC METEOROLOGY | Jet Streaks

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 3, pp 1043–1057, © 2003 Elsevier Ltd.
Dynamics of tumor and immune responses during immune checkpoint blockade in non–small cell lung cancer

Despite the initial successes of immunotherapy, there is an urgent clinical need for molecular assays that identify patients more likely to respond. Here, we report that ultrasensitive measures of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and T-cell expansion can be used to assess responses to immune checkpoint blockade in metastatic lung cancer patients ( N = 24). Patients with clinical response to therapy had a complete reduction in ctDNA levels after initiation of therapy, whereas nonresponders had no significant changes or an increase in ctDNA levels. Patients with initial response followed by acquired resistance to therapy had an initial drop followed by recrudescence in ctDNA levels. Patients without a molecular response had shorter progression-free and overall survival compared with molecular responders [5.2 vs. 14.5 and 8.4 vs. 18.7 months; HR 5.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57–18.35; P = 0.007 and HR 6.91; 95% CI, 1.37–34.97; P = 0.02, respectively], which was detected on average 8.7 weeks earlier and was more predictive of clinical benefit than CT imaging. Expansion of T cells, measured through increases of T-cell receptor productive frequencies, mirrored ctDNA reduction in response to therapy. We validated this approach in an independent cohort of patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer ( N = 14), where the therapeutic effect was measured by pathologic assessment of residual tumor after anti-PD1 therapy. Consistent with our initial findings, early ctDNA dynamics predicted pathologic response to immune checkpoint blockade. These analyses provide an approach for rapid determination of therapeutic outcomes for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and have important implications for the development of personalized immune targeted strategies. Significance: Rapid and sensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA dynamic changes and T-cell expansion can be used to guide immune targeted therapy for patients with lung cancer. See related commentary by Zou and Meyerson, p. 1038
Charismatic technology

To explain the uncanny holding power that some technologies seem to have, this paper presents a theory of charisma as attached to technology. It uses the One Laptop per Child project as a case study for exploring the features, benefits, and pitfalls of charisma. It then contextualizes OLPC's charismatic power in the historical arc of other charismatic technologies, highlighting the enduring nature of charisma and the common themes on which the charisma of a century of technological progress rests. In closing, it discusses how scholars and practitioners in human-computer interaction might use the concept of charismatic technology in their own work.
Comment on “An experimental critique on the existence of fragile-to-strong transition in glass-forming liquids”

Abstract In a recent article, Zhu et al. suggest that a discrepancy exist between viscosity measurements performed by oscillation viscometry compared to other techniques such as capillary or parallel plate methods. They argue that oscillation viscometry data increasingly deviate with temperature leading to a systematic mismatch at high temperature. They conclude that this discrepancy discredit the existence of most fragile-to-strong transitions (FST) reported recently that are based on this type of measurement. Here we show that when all the data available are taken into account, this argument loses its coherency. Indeed, if FST were an artefact of instrumental error then all liquids measured using oscillation viscometry over the same temperature and viscosity range should exhibit an apparent FST. Instead, data available at high temperature for Se shows no FST but in fact show an excellent match with model prediction over the full temperature range, while data for GeSe3 measured over the same range show a severe kink revealing an FST which therefore cannot be assigned to a mismatch between measurement techniques. Furthermore we show that oscillation viscometry data can be independently corroborated using heat capacity data via the Adam Gibbs equation. Finally we show that large vapor pressure losses occur in Ge Se glasses at high temperature and are likely responsible for the reported deviation in viscosity measurement. This is not the case of oscillation viscometry measurements that are performed in sealed ampoules. Overall these results confirm the validity of oscillation viscometry as well as the existence of fragile-to-strong transitions.
Repair of Rare Vascular Ring: Circumflex Aortic Arch with Associated Hypoplasia and Coarctation:

We describe a neonate with an unusual vascular ring formed by a right-sided aortic arch with associated coarctation and distal hypoplasia in the presence of an aberrant left subclavian artery. The descending aorta traveled behind the esophagus to descend on the left side of the spine. A left ductus arteriosus connected to the descending aorta completing the vascular ring, with notable esophageal compression. Surgical correction was accomplished through median sternotomy, resection of the hypoplastic circumflex arch, aortic arch advancement, and end-to-side anastomosis.
Pharmacology of Temporary Dermal Fillers

Temporary dermal fillers have gained popularity and are the second most requested, nonsurgical aesthetic procedure worldwide. Practical knowledge of available temporary dermal filler pharmacology is an important aspect of aesthetic practice. There are several different types of fillers: (1) temporary or biodegradable, (2) stimulant, and (3) permanent or non-biodegradable fillers. Each type of filler has specific requisites and the choice depends on the desired result and longevity to determine which is used on the patient.
Methodological and Clinical Heterogeneity and Extraction Errors in Meta-Analyses of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure.

Background Meta‐analyses are expected to follow a standardized process, and thus, they have become highly formulaic, although there is little evidence that such regimentation yields high‐quality re...
Rapid Manufacturing of Thin Soft Pneumatic Actuators and Robots.

This protocol describes a method for rapid manufacturing of soft pneumatic actuators and robots with an ultrathin form factor using a heat press and a laser cutter machine. The method starts with the lamination of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheets using a heat press for 10 min at the temperature of ~93 °C. Next, the parameters of the laser cutter machine are optimized to produce a rectangular balloon with maximum burst pressure. Using the optimized parameters, the soft actuators are laser cut/welded three times sequentially. Next, a dispensing needle is attached to the actuator, allowing it to be inflated. The effect of geometrical parameters on the deflection of the actuator are studied systematically by varying the channel width and length. Finally, the performance of the actuator is characterized using an optical camera and a fluid dispenser. Conventional fabrication methods of soft pneumatic actuators based on silicone molding are time consuming (several hours). They also result in strong but bulky actuators, which limits the actuator’s applications. Moreover, microfabrication of thin pneumatic actuators is both time-consuming and expensive. The proposed manufacturing method in the current work resolves these issues by introducing a fast, simple, and cost-effective fabrication method of ultrathin pneumatic actuators.
Recent advances on small‐molecule nanomedicines for cancer treatment

Nanomedicines have made important contributions in the development of cancer therapies due to their tumor selectivity, multifunctionality, and synergistic effect between the payloads. In addition to the required pharmaceutical ingredients, nanomedicines are generally composed of nonpharmaceutical excipients. These excipients generally form a large proportion of the nanomedicine, and they may have potential toxicity and greatly increase the cost for drug development. Small molecule nanomedicines (SMNs) minimize or abandon the excipients and are directly assembled from pharmaceutical ingredients, which can largely improve the drug delivery efficiency and biosafety while also relieving the financial burden of drug development. In this review, we summarize recently developed SMNs that are composed of a single drug, physical mixtures of multiple drugs, drug-drug covalent conjugates, dyes with drugs, photosensitizers with drugs, photosensitizers with peptides, and drugs with peptides. This review focuses on the SMN's applications in cancer treatments, their limitations, and the future development outlook of SMNs. We hope that our insights on SMNs may be helpful to the future of drug development and make nanomedicine more powerful in the battle with cancer. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.