cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the resiliency characteristics of several candidate Solid Rocket Booster O-ring materials

Resiliency tests have been conducted in order to evaluate O-ring sealing response in the revised Space Shuttle SRBs, giving attention to the effects of temperature and gap-opening rates. Additional testing was conducted to ascertain O-ring responses to simulated SRB field-joint deflections. All tests employed a face-seal fixture mounted on a servohydraulic apparatus. The Viton candidate O-ring material tracked the gap-opening rate better at higher temperatures and lower gap-opening rates; it was also the only material inert to the calcium grease employed. Heaters must be used to maintain the 70 F minimum temperature at which the Viton O-ring will track the required gap opening rate.
Prospects for determining the cosmological helium-3 to helium-4 ratio via absorption-line studies of the local interstellar medium

The prospects for determining the interstellar (He-3)/(He-4) ratio via absorption-line studies in the extreme ultraviolet are considered. A high-resolution extreme-ultraviolet spectrometer fed by a 1-meter-class telescope similar to that discussed in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Report (1983) is assumed, and it is found that detection of He-3 may be possible with less than three days of observing time. To measure the (He-3)/(He-4) ratio with sufficient precision to determine the number of light neutrino species will require over 50 days of integration time for each object studied.
Activation, silencing and mutually exclusive expression within the var gene family of Plasmodium falciparum

The var gene family of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum remains a topic of intense research focus due to the key role these antigen-encoding genes play in the ability of parasites to cause disease and avoid the human immune response. In recent years, as molecular tools for investigating the mechanisms that coordinate var gene expression have become more sophisticated, numerous insights have been acquired into how parasites manage to regulate transcription of this large gene family such that only a single gene is expressed at a time. The results of different experimental approaches have implicated mechanisms of chromatin modification, subnuclear localisation, promoter/promoter interactions and sterile RNAs in the silencing and activation of individual var genes, however, the roles that each of these different aspects play remain ill defined. In addition, some conflicting data regarding silencing and monoallelic expression of recombinant var promoters have recently been published, thus adding to the difficulty of understanding this complex phenomenon. In this review, we hope to present some of the existing data regarding this controversial topic in a way that will be both informative and constructive in our efforts to understand the molecular aspects of antigenic variation by malaria parasites.
Hemolymph drop impact outcomes on surfaces with varying wettability

Insect fouling from coagulated hemolymph and exoskeleton parts is a major challenge in the aerospace industry for the next generation of aerodynamic surfaces, which will employ laminar flow that requires extremely smooth surfaces. However, the wetting physics and dynamics of hemolymph (insect blood) on surfaces are not well understood. The present study seeks to gain a fundamental insight on the effect of surface wetting characteristics and dynamics resulting from a hemolymph drop impact, the first such study. In particular, hemolymph drops extracted from Acheta domesticus were dispensed from a range of heights to vary the kinetic impact on surfaces, which had widely varying water wetting behavior (from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic). The impact dynamics were investigated with high-speed imaging while the dried residues were studied with optical microscopy. It was found that a superhydrophobic surface (based on thermoplastic with silica nano-particles) was able to significantly reduce hemolymph drop spreading, and even provide complete rebound when impacting on inclined surfaces.
Emerging trend in motorisation and the epidemic of road traffic crashes in an economically growing country

Prevention of road traffic injuries in the developing world has been hampered by limitations of knowledge, absence of reliable estimates of the current level of injuries and traditionally restrictive views on health and disease. This situation exists because research for the reduction of traffic injuries is funded at a disproportionately lower level than other health issues. In addition, governments have not viewed the problem of road traffic injuries as a public health problem. Furthermore, fatality rates are also related to some social and economic parameters including population per physician, population per hospital bed, school-age population attending schools, vehicle ownership and gross national product per capita. Finally, during the period 1983–2007 motor vehicle accidents in Qatar ranked the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. During the study period, i.e. 1983–2007, the number of accidents increased by 217.4% (32,383 to 102,776), injuries by 62.1% (1560 to 2529) and fata...
Can the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test predict the outcome of varicocelectomy?

Can the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test predict the outcome of varicocelectomy?
Photochemistry of iron oxide colloids

Abstract The photochemistry of two aqueous colloids of iron oxides (hematite and amorphous), have been investigated by laser flash photolysis and steady-state techniques. Excited ruthenium tris-bipyridine, ∗Ru(bpy)32+, is quenched by the amorphous colloid provided polyacrylic acid (PAA) used to stabilize the colloid and promote adsorption of Ru(bpy)32+ onto the oxide surface. No net chemical change takes place. The quenching effect is most marked at pH 7. Generation of reduced methyl viologen, MV+ ·, by irradiation of the PAA-MV2+ complex causes a dissolution of the pure oxide by e− transfer from MV+ · to the colloid. The measured rate of this reaction is a factor of 10 less than that calculated for a diffusion-controlled process.
High-resolution intravital imaging reveals that blood-derived macrophages but not resident microglia facilitate secondary axonal dieback in traumatic spinal cord injury

After traumatic spinal cord injury, functional deficits increase as axons die back from the center of the lesion and the glial scar forms. Axonal dieback occurs in two phases: an initial axon intrinsic stage that occurs over the first several hours and a secondary phase which takes place over the first few weeks after injury. Here, we examine the secondary phase, which is marked by infiltration of macrophages. Using powerful time-lapse multi-photon imaging, we captured images of interactions between Cx3cr1(+/GFP) macrophages and microglia and Thy-1(YFP) axons in a mouse dorsal column crush spinal cord injury model. Over the first few weeks after injury, axonal retraction bulbs within the lesion are static except when axonal fragments are lost by a blebbing mechanism in response to physical contact followed by phagocytosis by mobile Cx3Cr1(+/GFP) cells. Utilizing a radiation chimera model to distinguish marrow-derived cells from radio-resistant CNS-resident microglia, we determined that the vast majority of accumulated cells in the lesion are derived from the blood and only these are associated with axonal damage. Interestingly, CNS-resident Cx3Cr1(+/GFP) microglia did not increasingly accumulate nor participate in neuronal destruction in the lesion during this time period. Additionally, we found that the blood-derived cells consisted mainly of singly labeled Ccr2(+/RFP) macrophages, singly labeled Cx3Cr1(+/GFP) macrophages and a small population of double-labeled cells. Since all axon destructive events were seen in contact with a Cx3Cr1(+/GFP) cell, we infer that the CCR2 single positive subset is likely not robustly involved in axonal dieback. Finally, in our model, deletion of CCR2, a chemokine receptor, did not alter the position of axons after dieback. Understanding the in vivo cellular interactions involved in secondary axonal injury may lead to clinical treatment candidates involving modulation of destructive infiltrating blood monocytes.
Focus on Faculty: Improving the Preparation of Teachers of English Learner Students

This article describes a teacher education program in the California State University system that made significant changes in order to address and change the sentiments of new teachers in the Central Valley of California. It describes how a teacher education program focused on preparing faculty and teacher education supervisors to meet the needs of English learners with the expectation that that they would integrate and/or prioritize this focus in their teacher preparation courses and weekly seminars.
Strawberry necrotic shock virus is a distinct virus and not a strain of Tobacco streak virus.

Fragaria (strawberry) and Rubus species (blackberry, wild blackberry, red raspberry and black raspberry) were thought to be infected with distinct isolates of Tobacco streak virus (TSV). Employing serology and nucleic acid hybridization it has been shown that these isolates form a cluster distinct from other strains of TSV. In this study we have cloned and sequenced the complete RNA 3 of an isolate of TSV from strawberry (Fragaria) as well as the coat protein (CP) gene of 14 additional isolates of TSV originating from Fragaria and Rubus species. Our data suggest that the isolates of TSV that infect Fragaria and Rubus belong to a distinct virus for which we propose the name Strawberry necrotic shock virus (SNSV). The RNA 3 of SNSV contains 2248 nucleotides, 43 more than the type isolate of TSV from white clover (TSV-WC), with a CP gene that is 669 nucleotides long, in contrast to the 714–7 nucleotides of the TSV CP sequences found in the database. The movement protein gene of SNSV is 897 nucleotides in length, 27 more than that of the TSV-WC isolate of TSV. The CP genes of the 15 Fragaria and Rubus isolates that we studied form two distinct phylogenetic clusters that share about 95% amino acid sequence identity, while they only share 60–65% amino acid sequence identity with TSV-WC.
Walter Mosley, Detective Fiction and Black Culture

L'A. examine la maniere dont Walter Mosley a adapte dans ses romans policiers les figures traditionnelles de ce type de recit a la tradition populaire afro-americaine. Par l'utilisation d'elements de la tradition orale et des recits d'esclavage, W. Mosley situe ses personnages dans la tradition de la culture noire. Ses heros afro-americains se differencient clairement des figures classiques du roman policier. Explorant les multiples facettes de son identite culturelle, Mosley integre dans ses recits les espoirs et desespoirs du vecu afro-americain et met en scene des elements de l'histoire socio-culturelle noire.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the cirrhotic liver: An update

Noninvasive imaging has become the standard for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis in cirrhotic livers. In this review paper, we go over the basics of MR imaging in cirrhotic livers and describe the imaging appearance of a spectrum of hepatic nodules marking the progression from regenerative nodules to low- and high-grade dysplastic nodules, and ultimately to HCCs. We detail and illustrate the typical imaging appearances of different types of HCC including focal, multi-focal, massive, diffuse/infiltrative, and intra-hepatic metastases; with emphasis on the diagnostic value of MR in imaging these lesions. We also shed some light on liver imaging reporting and data system, and the role of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and future MRI techniques including the use of advanced MR pulse sequences and utilization of hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents, and how they might contribute to improving the diagnostic performance of MRI in early stage HCC diagnosis.
Pivotal role of IL-6 in the hyperinflammatory responses to subacute ozone in adiponectin-deficient mice

Adiponectin is an adipose-derived hormone with anti-inflammatory activity. Following subacute ozone exposure (0.3 ppm for 24–72 h), neutrophilic inflammation and IL-6 are augmented in adiponectin-d...
Morphologic Manifestations of Gene-Specific Molecular Alterations (“Genetic Addictions”) in Mouse Models of Disease:

Neoplasia in both animals and humans results in part from lasting activation of tumor-promoting genes (“oncogenes”) or diminished function of genes responsible for preventing neoplastic induction (...
Monte Carlo Simulation of Radiative Heat Transfer in Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) Systems

We present a general purpose Monte Carlo method for the simulation of radiation heat transfer in rapid thermal processing (RTP) chambers. Three-dimensional mesh generation software is used to discretize the surfaces within the system, allowing the simulation of realistic chamber and reflector designs. An adaptive subdivision of the chamber geometry reduces the number of raysurface intersections which must be computed. The method models internal reflection, absorption, and transmission within participating media, and includes wavelength, temperature, and material dependent optical properties. Radiation heat transfer simulations are used to examine a reflector assembly, and to test the assumptions of optical wafer temperature measurement techniques.
Function of GATA Factors in the Adult Mouse Liver

GATA transcription factors and their Friend of Gata (FOG) cofactors control the development of diverse tissues. GATA4 and GATA6 are essential for the expansion of the embryonic liver bud, but their expression patterns and functions in the adult liver are unclear. We characterized the expression of GATA and FOG factors in whole mouse liver and purified hepatocytes. GATA4, GATA6, and FOG1 are the most prominently expressed family members in whole liver and hepatocytes. GATA4 chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) identified 4409 occupied sites, associated with genes enriched in ontologies related to liver function, including lipid and glucose metabolism. However, hepatocyte-specific excision of Gata4 had little impact on gross liver architecture and function, even under conditions of regenerative stress, and, despite the large number of GATA4 occupied genes, resulted in relatively few changes in gene expression. To address possible redundancy between GATA4 and GATA6, both factors were conditionally excised. Surprisingly, combined Gata4,6 loss did not exacerbate the phenotype resulting from Gata4 loss alone. This points to the presence of an unusually robust transcriptional network in adult hepatocytes that ensures the maintenance of liver function.
Molecular Features of Odorants Systematically Influence Slow Temporal Responses Across Clusters of Coordinated Antennal Lobe Units in the Moth Manduca sexta

Behavioral studies of olfactory discrimination and stimulus generalization in many species indicate that the molecular features of monomolecular odorants are important for odor discrimination. Here...
Preface: The Artists' Books of Suellen Glashausser

"The Artists' Books of Suellen Glashausser," which forms this issue of The Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, will explore one of the most extraordinary of the New Jersey Book Arts Collections, the one-of-a-kind artists' books created by Suellen Glashausser, during the last decades of the twentieth century, between 1980 and 2000. It attempts to shed light upon these highly idiosyncratic, nontraditional bookworks with reference to historical, biographical and sociocultural contexts, and to bring readers, some of whom may be unfamiliar with artists' books, into close proximity with the extraordinary productions of one of the field's most original virtuoso artists.
Spatial heterogeneity in Chihuahuan Desert vegetation: implications for sampling methods in semi-arid ecosystems

Patchiness of above-ground vegetation, such as that in semi-arid grasslands and shrublands, can pose problems in sampling plant cover, biomass and productivity. We present a method of measuring above-ground plant biomass and production that can be applied consistently among vegetation types and that generates seasonal, spatially-explicit results. Results from 15 sites within the Jornada Basin (Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico, U.S.A.) confirm considerable patchiness and non-normal distributions of plant biomass, even in grasslands. However, tests of adequacy of sample size and of sample error associated with the regression-based estimates of biomass confirmed that the estimates of above-ground net primary productivity are sufficiently precise to be useful in comparisons of both shrub-dominated and grassland sites.
Failure modes of porcelain and toughened glass suspension insulators

The paper highlights the differences in failure modes and electrical and mechanical strengths of porcelain and toughened glass insulators that have been in service for many years. The findings are based on a vast body of published literature, as well as a study performed on insulators that were in service for up to 70 years. The insulators were tested for insulation resistance, dielectric strength, porosity and residual mechanical strength. The microstructure of the porcelain was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Significant differences in the compositional and mi-crostructure details of porcelain insulators were observed. The electrical and mechanical strengths of porcelain insulators was found to vary significantly from one manufacturer to another, with some aged insulators showing marginal changes and others showing significant reduction in these parameters. Glass insulators evaluated showed small reduction in their residual mechanical strength when compared to new ones. These differences should have significant impact on system reliability and maintenance procedures adopted by utilities.
Characterizing the binders in rock paintings by THM-GC–MS: La Casa de Las Golondrinas, Guatemala, a cautionary tale for radiocarbon dating

Abstract Chemical characterization of the organic material in rock paintings is an important new direction in directly determining the age of such artifacts. Using plasma-chemical oxidation and accelerator mass spectrometry, radiocarbon dates (6250–5550 cal b.c. and 1500–900 cal b.c. ) were obtained for two red-pigmented pictographs from La Casa de Las Golondrinas, the largest recorded rock art site in the Guatemalan Highlands. While the dates fell within or near the 6000-year span of human activity at the site, plasma-chemical oxidation yielded significant amounts of carbon from the unpainted tuff samples that were collected for comparison with the paint. The presence of organic material not related to the paint will render a radiocarbon date irrelevant at best. Qualitative analyses using thermally assisted hydrolysis/methylation (THM)-GC–MS were undertaken to clarify the nature of the organic matter in these paint samples from Guatemala and to determine if any binder could be identified in the paint samples. Results of the analyses show only small differences in composition between the paint samples and unpainted substrate. The older date is not related to a binder, but more likely to humic acids derived from soil organic matter that were not removed by the standard chemical pretreatments; that date, then, should not be considered anthropologically relevant to placing the painting activity in time. The results demonstrate the importance of collecting both appropriate substrate and paint samples for any attempt to date rock art. The THM-GC–MS method we describe has demonstrated excellent potential as a rapid screening method for the comparison of substrate and paint samples to determine which ones have the best chance of yielding a reliable direct radiocarbon date.
Bridging Emotion, Societal Discourse, and Couple Interaction in Clinical Practice

Mutually supportive intimate relationships are a foundation for health and well-being, but societally based power imbalances make them difficult to attain. This chapter introduces Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT), in which couple therapists position themselves to counteract the destructive influences of social inequalities through in-session work focused on four conditions foundational to mutual support—mutual influence, shared vulnerability, shared relationship responsibility, and mutual attunement. The chapter begins with background on the clinical research group that developed SERT and uses a case example to illustrate five foundational principles that guide the approach: (1) context structures personal identities and relational processes, (2) emotion is contextual, (3) power is relational, (4) relationships should mutually support each partner, and (5) therapists must actively intervene in social processes. The chapter concludes with descriptions of seven SERT clinical competencies. It shows how empathic engagement of a socioculturally attuned therapist sets the stage for new sociocultural experiences. In contrast to therapy models that mask power issues, SERT suggests that therapist neutrality is not possible or desirable and views therapy as a societal intervention.
Contesting Corporate Transgenic Crops in a Semi Peripheral Context: The Case of the Anti-GM movement in India

Market penetration by the hegemonic core state's agricultural biotechnology firms has been preceded and accompanied by a vigorous anti-genetically modified seeds (anti-GM) movement in semi-peripheral India. To understand the extent of anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism exhibited by the Indian state, it is useful to investigate the character of democratizing forces-such as the anti-GM movement-which interact with and shape the state. I use primary and secondary data sources to analyze the anti-GM movement in India and argue that the movement is anti-corporate without being anti-capitalist. Further, it is counter-hegemonic but not anti-systemic. These four traits reflect the strengths and weaknesses of exemplary coalition-building between right-wing nationalists, centrists, and left activists. The Indian anti-GM movement suffered an early failure when the Indian state commercialized Bt cotton seeds in 2002, following the entry of unauthorized Bt cotton seeds and lobbying by farmers' groups for legalization of Bt cotton seeds. However, an effective coalition between the right-wing, centrist, and left elements was built by about 2006. This was followed by a most significant victory for the anti-GM movement in February 2010, when the Indian state placed an indefinite moratorium on the commercialization of Bt brinjal seeds. A second, more qualified, victory was achieved by the anti-GM movement when the Indian state placed a hold on field trials of GM crops in July 2014. The anti-GM coalition has been successful in pressing ideologically different political parties to take steps against the multinational seed firms based in core states. Further, it has enabled the Indian state to move from a sub-imperialist to an anti-imperialist role regarding GM seeds. But until the anti-GM coalition in India resolves its inner contradictions and becomes resolutely anti-capitalist and anti-systemic, it will not be able to effectively challenge the anti-imperialist Indian state's pro-capitalist stance regarding GM seeds and industrial agriculture.
Moving the Curriculum into the Twenty-First Century: Recent Advances in Economic Theory and Undergraduate Economics

Undergraduate economics lags behind cutting-edge economic theory. This paper briefly reviews seven related advances: game theory modeling, information economics, social preference, conceptualizing rationality, contracting/enforcement, collective-action problems, and social mechanisms/institutions. These developments profoundly extend and deepen economic analysis. A game-theoretic political-economy perspective facilitates their integration into the undergraduate curriculum. This paper offers specific concepts for introductory economics including reciprocity as a fundamental element of utility and implications of non-rival knowledge on economic growth. If offers prisoners' dilemma representations of collective-action problems as an analytical framework, on par with supply/demand, for analyzing market failures, enforcement, market structure, institutional prerequisites for successful exchange, and policy. The paper closes with ideas for more advanced courses, e.g. asymmetric information, social preference, or institutional construction, yielding implications on efficiency and distribution.
Emerging Concepts on the Gut Microbiome and Multiple Sclerosis

Microbiota of the human body perform fundamental tasks that contribute to normal development, health, and homeostasis and are intimately associated with numerous organ systems, including the gut. Microbes begin gut inhabitance immediately following birth and promote proper gut epithelial construction and function, metabolism and nutrition, and immune system development. Inappropriate immune recognition of self-tissue can lead to autoimmune disease, including conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which the immune system recognizes and attacks central nervous system tissue. Preclinical studies have demonstrated a requirement of gut microbiota for neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease in animal models, and a growing number of clinical investigations are finding associations between MS status and the composition of the gut microbiota. In this review, we examine current undertakings into better understanding the role of gut bacteria and their phages in MS development, review associations of the gut microbiota makeup and MS, and discuss potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may be manipulated for therapeutic benefit.
Investigation of Water Inrush from Karst Subsidence Column by Using a Coupled Hydromechanical Model

The direct cause for the water in-rush during underground mining is the mining-induced rockmass damage and resultant catastrophe of seepage characteristics.The work begins with proposing a constitutive law for rock failure under coupled hydromechanical conditions when the rock heterogeneity,as well as the coupling between deformation and fluid flow,is incorporated.This constitutive law is implemented into commercial FEM software named COMSOL Multiphysis(CM) based on the MATLAB programming,and is used for evaluating the water inrush possibility of a Karst subsidence column at Fan'gezhaung Colliery in China.The complete water in-rush process is numerically reproduced,based on which the possibility for water in-rush is assessed and the associated mechanical mechanism is clarified.
Effect of Activation Annealing and Reactive Ion Etching on MOS Channel Properties of (11-20) Oriented 4H-SiC

In this paper we have investigated the effect of two key processing steps for the fabrication of 4H-SiC trench gate power MOSFETs, namely activation annealing and reactive ion etching on the MOS interface properties of a-face (11-20) 4H-SiC. By optimizing activation annealing conditions, high channel mobility (µfe) of 111 cm2/V.s, threshold voltage (VT) of 3.5V and subthreshold slope (S) of 194 mV/dec was obtained. However, after reactive ion etching (RIE) of the surface, µfe reduced to 81 cm2/V.s with increase in VT to 5V and S to 331 mV/dec. This is possibly due to increase in interface trap density from 1.8×1012 cm-2 to 3.3×1012 cm-2 after RIE treatment estimated from by MOS gated diode characteristics. Increased trap density contributes to higher coulombic scattering as indicated by the weaker temperature dependence of high field mobility in RIE etched sample.
Advances in the early management of patients with head injury.

Traumatic injuries to the brain result in a series of complex pathophysiologic changes. Following a discussion of some of these processes, this article reviews various standard diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Advances in understanding the chemical and cellular mechanisms of head injury and the role of oxygen free radicals, lactate, and excitatory amino acids are reviewed with a discussion of possible new therapies.
Growth hormone attenuates the abnormal distribution of body water in critically ill surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Catabolic illness is associated with fluid retention and extracellular space expansion. To determine the effect of human growth hormone (GH) on body water compartments, critically ill surgical patients were studied for a 2-week period during which they either continued to receive standard intensive care unit support, or in addition, received GH, 10 mg/day. METHODS: Body water compartments were measured at the beginning and end of the period by the indicator dilution technique with sodium bromide and heavy water used as the indicators of extracellular (ECW) and total body water (TBW), respectively; intracellular water (ICW) was calculated by subtraction. RESULTS: Neither group lost significant amounts of weight or TBW. A marked ECW expansion and disturbance of the ECW/TBW ratio occurred in the patients receiving standard care, which was associated with a dramatic reduction in ICW, a critical component of the body cell mass (BCM). In contrast, GH-treated patients maintained ECW and ICW, indicating a preservation of BCM, and their ECW/TBW ratio normalized. CONCLUSIONS: GH administration prevents ECW retention and stabilizes or normalizes fluid distribution during critical illness. Taken together with its known anabolic effects under these conditions, the maintenance of ICW demonstrates that GH can be used to preserve BCM in complex surgical patients.
Newer Therapies for Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

The heart and the kidneys are the most commonly involved organs in systemic amyloidosis. Cardiac involvement is associated with an increased morbidity, treatment intolerance, and poorer overall survival. The most common types of amyloidosis that are associated with cardiac involvement include light chain (AL) amyloidosis and transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (both mutant and wild type). The traditional first-line treatment for AL amyloidosis includes alkylator-based chemotherapy or high-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Novel agents, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and monoclonal antibodies, have shown promising activity in both frontline and relapsed settings. Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) followed by ASCT has led to superior outcomes compared to OHT alone. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the first-line treatment for TTR amyloidosis. However, progression of cardiac amyloidosis after OLT is often noted due to deposition of wild TTR. Combined OLT and OHT also has a role in treatment and leads to superior outcomes in carefully selected candidates. Pharmacologic agents, including diflunisal, tafamidis, small interfering ribonucleic acid, and doxycycline, have shown promising activity in stabilizing TTR from misfolding into fibrils and are being actively investigated. Best supportive care and management of heart failure symptoms with diuretics are a mainstay of treatment in all cardiac amyloidosis subtypes. Robust data on the benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or beta blockers in amyloid cardiomyopathy is lacking.
Training Working Memory: Anatomy Matters.

Working memory (WM) is the ability to select and hold online goal-relevant information for a short time (i.e., seconds). The ability to manage the barrage of sensory inputs that we encounter allows us to engage in complex, goal-directed behavior. Thus, WM is considered a fundamental component of
Improving Incident Reporting Among Physician Trainees

BackgroundPreventable medical harm is a leading cause of death in the United States. Incident reporting systems have been identified as the primary method to capture medical error and harm. Incidents are rarely reported, particularly among physician trainees.MethodsWe conducted a single-center, quas
Prevalence of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in Atlanta

The prevalence and epidemiology of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) among metropolitan Atlanta children were studied at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USPHS, Atlanta, GA, using data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Study.
The sliding scales of repentance: Understanding variation in political apologies for infidelity

This paper investigates the apologies of four US politicians whose marital infidelities were made public. The paper notes the variations in the use of religious language, representations of the transgressions, and metadiscourse. These variations can be calibrated to political ethos, the nature of the transgression, and the amount of repair work required. Thus, generic qualities of the personal political apology are best interpreted as existing on a sliding scale relative to the situation.
Increased arterial wave reflection magnitude: A novel form of stage B heart failure?

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem: it affects >6 million people in the United States ([1][1]), the lifetime risk for developing HF after the age of 40 years is >20% ([2][2]), and 5-year survival after HF hospitalization is a dismal ≤35%, regardless of underlying left ventricular
3.5 GHz environmental sensing capability sensitivity requirements and deployment

Spectrum sharing in the 3.5 GHz band between commercial and government users along U.S. coastal areas depends on an Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC), a network of radio frequency sensors and a decision system, to detect the presence of incumbent shipborne radar systems and trigger protective measures, as needed. It is well known that the sensitivity of these sensors depends on the aggregate interference generated by commercial systems to the incumbent radar receivers, but to date no comprehensive study has been made of the aggregate interference in realistic scenarios and its impact on the requirement for detection of the radar signal. This paper presents systematic methods for determining the required sensitivity and placement of ESC sensors to adequately protect incumbent shipborne radar systems from harmful interference. Using terrain-based propagation models and a population-based deployment model, the analysis finds the offshore distances at which protection must be triggered and relates these to a minimum required signal detection level at coastline sensors. We further show that sensor placement is a form of the well-known set cover problem, which has been shown to be NP-complete, and demonstrate practical solutions achieved with a greedy algorithm. Results show required sensitivities to be 4 dB to 16 dB lower than required by current industry standards. The methodology and results presented in this paper can be used by ESC operators for planning and deployment of sensors and by regulators for testing sensor performance.
A Nationwide Analysis of Cost Variation for Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Importance Cost variation among hospitals has been demonstrated for surgical procedures. Uncovering these differences has helped guide measures taken to reduce health care spending. To date, the fiscal consequence of hospital variation for autologous free flap breast reconstruction is unknown. Objective To investigate factors that influence cost variation for autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Design, Setting, and Participants A secondary cross-sectional analysis was performed using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database from 2008 to 2010. The dates of analysis were September 2016 to February 2017. The setting was a stratified sample of all US community hospitals. Participants were female patients who were diagnosed as having breast cancer or were at high risk for breast cancer and underwent autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Main Outcomes and Measures Variables of interest included demographic data, hospital characteristics, length of stay, complications (surgical and systemic), and inpatient cost. The study used univariate and generalized linear mixed models to examine associations between patient and hospital characteristics and cost. Results A total of 3302 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 50 years (interquartile range, 44-57 years). The mean cost for autologous free flap breast reconstruction was $22 677 (interquartile range, $14 907-$33 391). Flap reconstructions performed at high-volume hospitals were significantly more costly than those performed at low-volume hospitals ($24 360 vs $18 918,P Conclusions and Relevance There is significant cost variation among patients undergoing autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Experience, as measured by a hospital’s volume, provides quality health care with fewer complications but is more costly. Longer length of stay contributed to regional cost variation and may be a target for decreasing expenditure, without compromising care. In the era of bundled health care payment, strategies should be implemented to eliminate cost variation to condense spending while still providing quality care.
Abstract 19867: Pai-1 Regulates Cardiac Tgf-β Expression And Fibrosis

Introduction: Cardiac fibrosis is the pathologic consequence of stress-induced myocardial remodeling and matrix accumulation. Our group and others have previously reported that genetic deficiency of the serine protease inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1), leads to age-dependent spontaneous cardiac-selective fibrosis. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that PAI-1 knockout mice (PAI-1 -/-) would exhibit accelerated fibrosis following myocardial stress, and that PAI-1 serves as a molecular switch that regulates TGF-β, extracellular matrix, and integrin expression following cardiac injury. Results: Following infusion of Angiotensin II (AngII) via osmotic minipump (1000 ng/kg/min) PAI-1 -/- mice exhibit augmented cardiac fibrosis (16.4% vs 3.4% fibrotic area, p 3 -integrin expression occurs both during aging as well as AngII-induced interstitial fibrosis in PAI-1 -/- mice. Whole heart RNA sequencing analysis after only 1 week of AngII treatment reveals that PAI-1 -/- mice had marked elevation in transcripts for multiple forms of collagen, as well as other matrix components including matricellular proteins compared to WT mice. Cardiac integrin transcripts were also significantly altered, with the most pronounced elevation observed in integrin β 3 . Finally, absence of PAI-1 led to dramatic increases in cardiac TGF-β and TGF-β-receptor RNA in response to AngII. Interestingly, immunostaining also demonstrates that ventricular myocytes are a major source of TGF-β in the PAI-1 -/- heart. Conclusions: PAI-1 is a key negative regulator of cardiomyocyte TGF-β expression and fibrosis in response to AngII. Together, these results define an upstream role of PAI-1 in matrix homeostasis and TGF-β-mediated fibrogenesis in multiple forms of cardiac stress.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Facet-Mediated Low Back Pain: Current Knowledge and Limitations of the Evidence

The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment modality for facet-mediated low back pain. This review also evaluates gaps in evidence for RFA including optimal eligibility criteria and technique and safety concerns. There is a lack of high quality evidence supporting RFA for facet-mediated low back pain. Six randomized control studies and multiple observational studies have been carried out, with mixed results for the efficacy of RFA for pain relief. There is a high rate of variability in the eligibility criteria and technique used for RFA and little evidence to support the appropriate inclusion and procedure. There remain safety questions about RFA, especially with regard to long-term effects of denervating the multifidus muscle. Radiofrequency ablation is an interventional technique performed with the goal of reducing facet-mediated low back pain, but evidence to support it as an effective treatment modality is lacking.
T-cell receptor sequencing of bladder tumor infiltrating lymphocytes to reveal a clonal immune response.

437Background: High T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire clonality is associated with clinical response to immune checkpoint blockade in bladder cancer (Funt et al ASCO 2016). We hypothesized that T ce...
Integration, Multicultural Counseling, and Social Justice:

In this article, we explore the integration of psychology and Christianity in the areas of multicultural counseling and social justice. First, we give a brief overview of the multicultural counseli...
Quasidiagonal Extensions of the Reduced Group C * -algebras of Certain Discrete Groups

Let G be countable group containing a free subgroup F of finite index. We show that the reduced group C *-algebra C red * (G) has a quasidiagonal extension. Our proof is based on a result of Haagerup and Thorbjornsen [HT]_asserting the existence of such an extension of C red * (F) when F is a free group of rank greater than one. A consequence of our result is that if G is a free product of finitely many (non-trivial) cyclic groups and Γ≠Z 2*ℤ2 Z2, then Ext(C red *(Γ)) is not a group.
Physicians' Obligation to Speak out for Prisoners' Health

Physicians have a duty as advocates for human rights to speak out for the rights of prisoners, who often suffer both physically and psychologically. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Updated Clinical Evidence for Effective Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Congestive Heart Failure and Timing of Implant.

Investigative works of the past 20 years have compiled extensive data on the effectiveness and implications of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure. Since then, CRT has become a well-accepted and widely adapted adjunctive therapy for patients with heart failure with ventricular dyssynchrony. This overview discusses the updated knowledge on the benefits afforded with CRT and reviews the major clinical trials that have established CRT at its current practice. Based on the data, the indications of CRT and the timing of appropriate implant of CRT devices with respect to heart failure status will be presented.
Trace Detection of Explosives Using Metal Oxide Catalysts

There is a growing need for a continuous monitoring system that can detect explosives at trace levels in the vapor phase. Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is a common explosive used by terrorists in improvised explosive devices (IED’s) that still goes largely undetected in many densely-populated venues. No electronic trace detection system currently exists, which is capable of continuously monitoring TATP or its precursors. However, we have demonstrated that a thermodynamic sensor employing low mass microheaters and metal oxide catalysts can detect TATP and 2, 4-DNT at the ppb level. The improved selectivity and sensitivity of these low-mass sensors enabled us to investigate the mechanism and pathway responsible for the detection of explosives. We now believe that the sensor response relies on specific oxidation-reduction reactions taking place on the surface of the metal oxide catalyst. These surface reactions are specific to the explosive molecule of interest, catalyst (metal oxide), and the oxidation states of the catalyst. Experiments employing SnO, Cu2O, and ZnO as catalysts were performed to establish a mechanism responsible for the detection of various explosives at trace levels using our thermodynamic sensor. The responses of our trace detection system to TATP and 2, 4-DNT at trace levels will be presented as well as the proposed detection mechanism.
Average power output and the power law: identifying trends in the behavior of fluidic harvesters in grid turbulence

While the majority of the literature in energy harvesting is dedicated to resonant harvesters, non-resonant harvesters, especially those that use turbulence-induced vibration to generate energy, have not been studied in as much detail primarily due to their comparatively small power output, general non-tunability and difficulty in associating flow conditions to harvester behavior. In this extensive study, we look at the behavior of piezoelectric cantilever beams in different types of grid turbulence with the intention of identifying trends in the harvester output. Our results show that the power-law decay of the harvester output that had previously been observed for rectangular grids holds for a wide variety of fractal grids as well. Additionally, experimental data shows that the average harvester output in grid turbulence follows a power-law growth with respect to the mean flow velocity for relative short and stiff piezoelectric beams.
Biodiversity of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) of Annual Specialty Crop Systems: The Current State of Knowledge Worldwide and the Need for Study in North America

Predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) are known to be important natural enemies of common plant pests, including tetranychids, tarsonemids, eriophyids, whiteflies, and thrips. While a great deal is known about the diversity and abundances of phytoseiid species in perennial agricultural systems in the United States, such as orchards and vineyards, very little is known regarding the phytoseiid community in annual specialty crop systems. Most information regarding endemic phytoseiid diversity comes from studies in other parts of the world, which host phytoseiid species specific to those areas and where common annual specialty crops tend to differ from those in North America, especially the U.S. The aims of this review are to present an argument for further research in this area, present what is known worldwide regarding the presence of phytoseiids on annual specialty crops, and discuss patterns of diversity and life-style classification of phytoseiid species related to presence on crop species. Though different species are found in other parts of the world, comparisons in their life-style specificity and general theories of food web ecology can be used to predict patterns in endemic species composition in U.S. annual vegetable agroecosystems.
Delirium and Dementia

Foremost among the mental disorders affecting older adults are the diffuse or multifocal brain syndromes known as delirium and dementia. In delirium, cognitive disturbance is transient or fluctuating; symptoms develop rapidly, generally as a result of a change in medical state. In dementia, cognitive loss is more persistent; in most cases, symptoms have a gradual onset and a stable or progressive course.