cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2832: Rate of Change of ASPECTS can predict of outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke patients undergoing Endovascular Therapy

Objectives: We sought to assess how rate of infarction impacts outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular therapy Methods: With institutional approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review on consecutive patients receiving endovascular treatment for anterior circulation AIS at our centers between January 2009 and June 2011. Beside patient’s demographics, we collected data on time from stroke onset to end of endovascular procedure, site of occlusion, and recanalization described as a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score ≥ 2. Neuro-imaging data included the immediate pre-treatment Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). The ASPECTS score at onset was presumed to be 10. We calculated the rate of infarction as 10-ASPECTS/hour (ΔA). Our endpoint was good outcome defined as a modified Rankin Score ≤ 2 at 90 days. These parameters were entered into univariate and multivariate analyses to determine independent predictors of outcome. Results: Our cohort included 81 patients (45 females, mean age 67±12 years, median stroke score 17, median time from stroke onset to procedure completion 440 minutes). Occlusions were found in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 (11), MCA M1 (46), intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) (10), ICA origin (2), and tandem ICA origin with intracranial ICA or MCA occlusion (12). The mean baseline ASPECTS was 9 (75 patients had ASPECTS > 7). Recanalization was observed in 50%. The mean change in ASPECTS prior to endovascular therapy was 0.47 units/hour ± 0.72 units. Three parameters predicted a good outcome: recanalization (OR 10.1, 95% CI 2.7, 38.1, p 8 (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.8, 19.3, p =0.002), recanalization in the setting of a ΔA Conclusions: While rate of infarction may impact the final outcome in patients receiving endovascular therapy for AIS, perhaps a better marker is recanalization in patients with a pre-treatment ASPECTS > 8. Rate of infarction may still be a valuable parameter when selecting patients for this endovascular therapy, in particular those being transferred to treatment sites.
Synthesis, characterization, and luminescent properties of two new Zr(IV) metal–organic frameworks based on anthracene derivatives

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials constructed from metal ions or clusters, connected by multidentate organic ligands. Herein, we describe the synthesis and photophysical pro...
Energy-Efficient Autonomic Offloading in Mobile Edge Computing

The booming growth and popularity of mobile devices have led to the surge of various mobile applications. Many mobile applications, such as online vedio, gaming, are essentially computation-intensive, and hence can quickly deplete mobile devices' battery energy. To address this issue, academia and industry have proposed mobile edge computing (MEC) that can enable mobile devices to automatically offload computations to the edge servers located within the radio access networks of cellular operators. However, energy-hungry wireless communications incur extra energy consumption that may offset the energy saving due to computation offloading. To this end, we design an energy-efficient autonomic offloading scheme by jointly considering the physical layer design and application running latency. Specifically, we first mathematically model the energy consumption of a mobile application in MEC environment by taking into account the energy consumption incurred by the interactions among the tasks for the same application, which is largely ignored by previous studies. Then, we identify task execution flows based on a task interaction matrix, and formulate the maximum of the task flow's latencies as the application's latency. Finally, we formulate an energy-efficient offloading problem, which is generally NP-hard, and develop an efficient heuristic method to solve the problem. We present extensive simulation results to show that our proposed scheme can achieve significant reduction (up to 20% around) in energy consumption compared with previous schemes.
Self-Disclosure of HIV Status to Sexual Partners: A Qualitative Study of Issues Faced by Gay Men

Objective:This study aimed to explore the range of issues faced by HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men concerning HIV serostatus self-disclosure to sexual partners. Methods: In-depth semistructured interviews of 1–2 hr each were conducted with 26 HIV-positive and 15 HIV-negative gay men who were recruited from a larger cohort of gay men followed longitudinally for several years at a major medical center. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and content-analyzed by two independent raters. Results: Several themes emerged concerning how disclosure was viewed, who and what was told, why disclosure occurred, and how disclosure decisions related to sexual behavior. Variations occurred in when and why men disclosed, and in the contents and definitions of their disclosures. Men disclosed using codes and indirect hints. Various rationalizations arose for not telling as well. Many men adopted the position that they do not tell, but practice safer sex, yet definitions of safer sex varied such that what some men consider safe, others do not. Conclusion: Recognition thus needs to be increased among clinicians, researchers, patients, and others that definitions of disclosure and of safer sex can vary significantly. The data have critical implications for designing appropriate interventions to limit the further spread of HIV.
Engineered Viral RNA Decay Intermediates to Assess XRN1-mediated decay

Both RNA synthesis and decay must be balanced within a cell to achieve proper gene expression. Additionally, modulation of RNA decay specifically offers the cell an opportunity to rapidly reshape the transcriptome in response to specific stimuli or cues. Therefore, it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms through which RNA decay contribute to gene expression homeostasis. Cell-free reconstitution approaches have been used successfully to reveal mechanisms associated with numerous post-transcriptional RNA processes. Historically, it has been difficult to examine all aspects of RNA decay in such an in vitro setting due, in part, to limitations on the ability to resolve larger RNAs through denaturing polyacrylamide gels. Thus, in vitro systems to study RNA decay rely on smaller, less biologically relevant RNA fragments. Herein, we present an approach to more confidently examine RNA decay parameters of large mRNA size transcripts through the inclusion of an engineered XRN1-resistant reporter RNA (xrRNA). By placing a 67 nucleotide xrRNA near the 3' end of any in vitro transcribed RNA with variable size or sequence context, investigators can observe the accumulation of the xrRNA as a readout of exoribonuclease-mediated 5'-3' decay. This approach may allow in vitro RNA decay assays to include full biologically relevant mRNA/mRNPs, extending their utility and allow improved experimental design considerations to promote biologically relevant outcomes.
The Open EEGLAB portal

The EEGLAB signal processing environment is a widely used open source software environment for processing electroencephalographic (EEG) data. The Neuroscience Gateway (nsgportal.org) is a software portal allowing users to readily run a variety of neuroimaging software on high performance computing (HPC) resources. We have expanded the current Neuroscience Gateway (NSG) services to enable researchers to freely run EEGLAB processing scripts and pipelines on their EEG or related data via the Neuroscience Gateway. This Open EEGLAB Portal is open to all for use in nonprofit projects and allows researchers to submit unimodal or multimodal EEG data for parallel processing using standard or custom EEGLAB processing pipelines. A detailed user tutorial is available (sccn.ucsd.edu/wiki/EEGLAB_on_NSG). As a proof of concept, we apply an EEGLAB pipeline to freely available 128-channel EEG data from 1,097 participants in the Child Mind Institute Healthy Brain Network project (childmind.org/center/healthy-brain-network).
Dietary Quality Assessed by the HEI-2010 and Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Disease: An Exploratory Analysis.

Objectives: This study explores relationships between cardiometabolic measures of antioxidant capacity or inflammation and diet quality assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 which measure...
Anterior Approaches to the Acetabulum

A number of surgical approaches exist to allow surgeons the ability to access, reduce, and stabilize acetabular fractures from both the anterior and posterior aspects of the pelvis innominate bone. The anterior approaches in particular have evolved substantially since their inception to the extent that modern acetabular fracture surgery will frequently employ one or more approaches in isolation or in combination. Importantly, while separate camps may exist that favor one “philosophy” or “style,” surgeons should recognize the importance and value of each approach such that maximal access can be obtained to optimally expose reduce and stabilize the acetabulum. For example, many surgeons that would consider themselves “purists” in their use of the ilioinguinal approach have come to utilize some form of the “Modified Stoppa” or Anterior Intrapelvic Approach as a more functional medial window for access to the quadrilateral surface and posterior column. This does not represent any form of heresy or deviation; rather, the normal and necessary evolution of surgical techniques that continue to drive the progress and improve the outcomes of fracture surgery and the art of medicine. This chapter will focus on the historical and technical aspects of the “modern” and commonly used anterior surgical exposures for acetabular fracture surgery.
Total Knee Arthroplasty among Medicare Beneficiaries with Hemophilia A and B Is Associated with Increased Complications and Higher Costs.

Operations on patients with hemophilia A and B are complex. Studies evaluating postoperative outcomes and costs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with hemophilia are limited. A retrospective review of the entire Medicare dataset from 2005 to 2014 was performed. International Classification of Disease 9th revision codes were used to identify patients with hemophilia A and B and they were matched to controls using a 1:1 random matching process based on age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and select comorbidity burden. The 90-day preoperative period was evaluated for comorbidities and the 90-day postoperative period was analyzed for outcomes and reimbursements. Logistic regression models were generated to compare outcomes between cases and controls. A total of 4,034 patients with hemophilia were identified as having undergone TKA. About 44.8% were between the ages of 65 and 74 and 62.4% were female. Although the CCI was identical in both cohorts, individual comorbidities not controlled for varied significantly. Medical complications were more frequent among the patients with hemophilia: postoperative bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–2.3), deep venous thrombosis (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.8–2.8), pulmonary embolism (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 2.1–3.9), and blood transfusions (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.6–1.9). Hemophilia was associated with higher odds of periprosthetic infection (1.78 vs. 0.98%, OR: 1.8 95% CI: 1.2–2.7). The 90-day reimbursements were higher for patients with hemophilia (mean: $22,249 vs. $13,017, p
Empirical Frequency Band Analysis of Nonstationary Time Series.

The time-varying power spectrum of a time series process is a bivariate function that quantifies the magnitude of oscillations at different frequencies and times. To obtain low-dimensional, parsimo...
THE MEANING OF HEALTH

ABSTRACT A concept of health representing a synthesis of prevailing models of health and disease is introduced. This synthesized view of health is based on the assumptions that man is unitary, is characterized by an identifiable pattern, and is evolving toward higher levels of consciousness. The direction of life, and, therefore, of health is the expansion of consciousness. Within this context, disease is regarded as a meaningful factor in the evolutionary process.
First year experience of a pulmonary embolism response team with comparisons of outcomes between catheter directed therapy versus standard anticoagulation.

Objectives: The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model is now widely adopted in many institutions to provide multidisciplinary care for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, ...
"What About Life?" What Starts as Contingency is Understood Retroactively as Necessary

There is an emphasis on the politics of ‘life’ through the lens of ‘marginalization’ and the giving and taking away of life with the solution being reducible to Said’s understanding of the marginalized making a “voyage in” from the periphery to reclaiming the center. While clearly these are useful political questions, they reach an impasse, which Zizek’s work while (he claims) is in favor of immigration and open borders, correctly raises some anxieties about the politics of life from a completely different perspective. This is what I want to explore in this paper, what does Zizek’s work make possible in thinking beyond the ideological way that the ‘politics of life’ has been framed, thus opening up discourses that have been ‘set’ by a limited ‘post/de-colonial-biopolitical’ set of signifiers, which to my reading of Zizek, he is right to point out, have become the ‘master’-signifiers in the ideological matrices of how the question of life is currently framed.
Abstract WP211: Ethnic Differences in Cognitive Recovery 3 Months Following Stroke

Introduction: Mexican Americans (MA) have worse cognitive outcomes following stroke relative to non-Hispanic whites (NHW). In a population-based study we examined whether MAs and NHWs have differen...
Minimizing filling time for ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography with templates with multiple structures

Optimizing the locations and sizes of droplets is the key to reducing defects and increasing throughput of ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. In practice the templates are composed of regions with different structures. The interface between structures will generate complicated fluid flow behavior that will slow the filling time. Here, we explore several strategies through simulations to distribute resist material according to a nonuniform pattern to reduce filling time and ultimately increase throughput. In order to mimic the complexity of a template, the interface between different pairs of template structures is considered and the spreading and merging of droplets are simulated. From these simulations, it is found that the volume and arrangement of droplets underneath strongly affect the imprint time. By distributing the correct amount of resist underneath the template, one can remove the unnecessary fluid transferring step in droplet spreading and reduce the total filling time. Furthermore, by optimally placing the resist droplets, one can delay merging events and accelerate the spreading speed. Finally, the advantage of hexagonal arrangements is explored.
MR Elastography demonstrates reduced white matter shear stiffness in early-onset hydrocephalus

Abstract Introduction Hydrocephalus that develops early in life is often accompanied by developmental delays, headaches and other neurological deficits, which may be associated with changes in brain shear stiffness. However, noninvasive approaches to measuring stiffness are limited. Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) of the brain is a relatively new noninvasive imaging method that provides quantitative measures of brain tissue stiffness. Herein, we aimed to use MRE to assess brain stiffness in hydrocephalus patients compared to healthy controls, and to assess its associations with ventricular size, as well as demographic, shunt-related and clinical outcome measures. Methods MRE was collected at two imaging sites in 39 hydrocephalus patients and 33 healthy controls, along with demographic, shunt-related, and clinical outcome measures including headache and quality of life indices. Brain stiffness was quantified for whole brain, global white matter (WM), and lobar WM stiffness. Group differences in brain stiffness between patients and controls were compared using two-sample t-tests and multivariable linear regression to adjust for age, sex, and ventricular volume. Among patients, multivariable linear or logistic regression was used to assess which factors (age, sex, ventricular volume, age at first shunt, number of shunt revisions) were associated with brain stiffness and whether brain stiffness predicts clinical outcomes (quality of life, headache and depression). Results Brain stiffness was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls, both unadjusted (p ≤ 0.002) and adjusted (p ≤ 0.03) for covariates. Among hydrocephalic patients, lower stiffness was associated with older age in temporal and parietal WM and whole brain (WB) (beta (SE): −7.6 (2.5), p = 0.004; −9.5 (2.2), p = 0.0002; −3.7 (1.8), p = 0.046), being female in global and frontal WM and WB (beta (SE): −75.6 (25.5), p = 0.01; −66.0 (32.4), p = 0.05; −73.2 (25.3), p = 0.01), larger ventricular volume in global, and occipital WM (beta (SE): −11.5 (3.4), p = 0.002; −18.9 (5.4), p = 0.0014). Lower brain stiffness also predicted worse quality of life and a higher likelihood of depression, controlling for all other factors. Conclusions Brain stiffness is reduced in hydrocephalus patients compared to healthy controls, and is associated with clinically-relevant functional outcome measures. MRE may emerge as a clinically-relevant biomarker to assess the neuropathological effects of hydrocephalus and shunting, and may be useful in evaluating the effects of therapeutic alternatives, or as a supplement, of shunting.
Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 mediates PKG1α impact on cardiac function and controls blood pressure through separate mechanisms.

cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1α (PKG1α) promotes left ventricle (LV) compensation to pressure overload. PKG1-activating drugs improve heart failure (HF) outcomes but are limited by vasodilation-induced hypotension. Signaling molecules which mediate PKG1α cardiac therapeutic effects but do not promote PKG1α-induced hypotension could therefore represent improved therapeutic targets. We investigated roles of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) in mediating PKG1α effects on LV function after pressure overload, and in regulating blood pressure (BP). In a transaortic constriction HF model PKG activation with sildenafil preserved LV function in MLK3+/+, but not MLK3-/- littermates. MLK3 co-immunoprecipitated with PKG1α. MLK3-PKG1α co-interaction decreased in failing LVs. PKG1a phosphorylated MLK3 on Thr-277/Ser-281 sites required for kinase activation. MLK3-/- mice displayed hypertension and increased arterial stiffness, though PKG stimulation with sildenafil or the sGC stimulator BAY41-2272 still reduced BP in MLK3-/- mice. MLK3 kinase inhibition with URMC-099 did not affect BP, but induced LV dysfunction in mice. These data reveal MLK3 as a PKG1α substrate mediating PKG1α preservation of LV function but not acute PKG1α BP effects. Mechanistically, MLK3 kinase-dependent effects preserve LV function, while MLK3 kinase-independent signaling regulates BP. These findings suggest augmenting MLK3 kinase activity could preserve LV function in HF but avoid hypotension from PKG1α activation.
Introducing a dynamic photosynthetic model of photoinhibition, heat, and water stress in the next-generation land surface model ACASA

Abstract More frequent, intense, and more extended droughts and heatwaves are challenging agricultural productivity and management. This study introduces a new modeling approach to represent the impact of heat and water stress on energy and mass fluxes from orchards. A photosynthesis model that explicitly accounts for dynamic responses of Rubisco and RuBP limitations to stress was linked to the Advanced Canopy-Atmosphere-Soil Algorithm (ACASA). ACASA is a multilayer soil-vegetation-atmosphere numerical model based on higher-order closure of turbulence equations to calculate plant-atmosphere exchanges of carbon dioxide, water, and heat. Field measurements of leaf area index, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis were performed to estimate model parameters. Model results were compared to data from an eddy covariance flux tower deployed at an almond orchard. Overall, this new approach, ACASA-DynPM, is in closer agreement with observations of H, λE, and Fc compared to ACASA. On days of high temperatures and water stress, ACASA-DynPM outperforms ACASA. Thus, we argue that accounting for plant physiological stress might be especially relevant when estimating energy and mass fluxes over intensively irrigated agricultural regions. Such biases can have implications for the modeled degree of crop stress and water demands, and eventually, it can impact climate regional estimates when coupled with an atmospheric model.
DNA ligase IV mutations confer shorter lifespan and increased sensitivity to nutrient stress in Drosophila melanogaster.

The nonhomologous end-joining pathway is a primary DNA double-strand break repair pathway in eukaryotes. DNA ligase IV (Lig4) catalyzes the final step of DNA end ligation in this pathway. Partial loss of Lig4 in mammals causes Lig4 syndrome, while complete loss is embryonically lethal. DNA ligase 4 (DNAlig4) null Drosophila melanogaster is viable, but sensitive to ionizing radiation during early development. We proposed to explore if DNAlig4 loss induced other long-term sensitivities and defects in D. melanogaster. We demonstrated that DNAlig4 mutant strains had decreased lifespan and lower resistance to nutrient deprivation, indicating Lig4 is required for maintaining health and longevity in D. melanogaster.
Intracerebroventricular pressure inhibits gastric antral and duodenal contractility but not acid secretion in conscious rabbits

Acute nausea characteristically accompanies head injury or increased intracranial pressure, or both. The etiology of this symptom is unclear. We studied the effect of increased intracranial pressure on gastric antral and duodenal contractility and gastric acid secretion in conscious rabbits. Intracerebroventricular pressure was maintained at 3, 8, or 13 cmH2O using normal saline perfused into the lateral cerebral ventricle and gastric antral and duodenal contractility was monitored using chronically implanted strain gauge force transducers. Gastric acid secretion was measured in a separate group of rabbits with chronically implanted gastric cannulas. Increased intracerebroventricular pressure (13 cmH2O) resulted in an immediate suppression of the amplitude of gastric and duodenal contractions by greater than 80% and greater than 60%, respectively. After normalization of intracerebroventricular pressure, the contractile pattern returned to basal levels. Intravenous bolus injection of bethanechol reversed the suppression of gastric antral contractility induced by increased intracranial pressure. Increased pressure for 2 h did not modify gastric acid output as compared with normal pressure controls, whereas atropine significantly inhibited and histamine stimulated gastric acid secretion in the same animals maintained at normal pressure. These results demonstrate that acutely increased intracranial pressure rapidly and reversibly inhibits gastric and duodenal motor function in conscious rabbits.
An electromyographic investigation of the sartorius and tensor fascia latae muscles.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the sartorius and tensor fascia latae muscles through electromyography using fine-wire electrodes. Electrical activity of the sartorius and tensor fascia latae muscles of 10 subjects, 4 males and 6 females, was recorded during a series of basic anatomical movements. Results showed that the sartorius functioned as a flexor and abductor of the femur, as a flexor of the lower leg from 90° to maximum flexion, and as a flexor of the trunk on the femur. The tensor fascia latae functioned during flexion and abduction of the femur, during trunk flexion and abduction of the femur, during trunk flexion, and only slightly during medial rotation of the femur.
The Elements of General Equilibrium Theory

The lecture will be an introduction to the model of economic equilibrium. The basic concepts: preferences, initial endowments and market clearing prices will discussed - in general and by means of examples. I will indicate how fixed point theorems are used to demonstrate the existence of equilibrium prices and sketch an algorithm for Brouwers theorem. If time permits, there will be some remarks on equilibrium models with production.
Organization of the mitochondrial matrix.

We are interested in the problem of whether the Krebs TCA cycle enzymes exists as an organized structure within the mitochondrial matrix. Our first interest in this problem was based on calculations which compared the known rate of the Krebs cycle to the rate of citrate synthase at the concentrations of its substrates that were available within the matrix (1). Hackenbrock (2) had already observed that there existed in the matrix particles which seemed to form a reticulated network that stretched from one inner membrane surface to another. Between these reticulated structures were open spaces where presumably bulk water exists. In addition to showing this, Hackenbrock calculated the concentration of protein within the mitochondrial matrix to be greater than 50%, and he pointed out that, at these concentrations, it was quite likely that one could not deal with these proteins as if they were in solution. Subsequent to that, I did calculations for a heart mitochondria and showed that the heart mitochondrion had on average a distance of about 150 A between the inner surfaces of the inner membrane so that only about 2 1/2 protein molecules could be accomodated in that space (3). I had calculated earlier that the matrix compartment which is about 50% protein was a densely packed array of proteins (4). This presumes no ordered arrangement of enzymes but shows a physically crowded space. A problem that arose at that time is that certain complexes of the Krebs TCA cycle, like pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDC), would not fit easily in such a space of 150 A. The diameter of these pure complexes were about 400 A and 250 A, respectively. It therefore seemed important to determine whether or not the Krebs TCA cycle enzymes existed, as was postulated at one time by Green et al. (5), as an organized system of enzymes.
The effectiveness of application permissions

Traditional user-based permission systems assign the user's full privileges to all applications. Modern platforms are transitioning to a new model, in which each application has a different set of permissions based on its requirements. Application permissions offer several advantages over traditional user-based permissions, but these benefits rely on the assumption that applications generally require less than full privileges. We explore whether that assumption is realistic, which provides insight into the value of application permissions. We perform case studies on two platforms with application permissions, the Google Chrome extension system and the Android OS. We collect the permission requirements of a large set of Google Chrome extensions and Android applications. From this data, we evaluate whether application permissions are effective at protecting users. Our results indicate that application permissions can have a positive impact on system security when applications' permission requirements are declared up-front by the developer, but can be improved.
Parallel microRNA and mRNA expression profiling of (genotype 1b) human hepatoma cells expressing hepatitis C virus.

Background & aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are members of a class of small noncoding functional RNAs that modulate gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level in a sequence specific manner. miRNA dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of human diseases including those resulting from viral infections. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in miRNA profiles that occur in hepatoma cells expressing hepatitis C virus (HCV) and identify anticorrelated mRNAs, which may be their regulatory targets. Methods: Microarrays were used to perform global miRNA and mRNA expression analysis. Fold changes and pairwise statistics were computed for the resulting datasets. Hierarchical cluster and pathway analyses were performed to assess the degree of differential expression and identify regulatory networks. Bioinformatics tools were used to integrate mRNA profiling results with miRNA target predictions. Results: Replication of the Con1 strain of HCV virus in hepatoma cells elicited extensive differential expression of both miRNAs and mRNAs. Forty-three differentially expressed miRNAs (P≤0.001) were identified by microarray analysis in HCV expressing cells. Six thousand eight hundred and fifteen differentially expressed mRNAs (P≤0.05) were identified. Computational analyses revealed anticorrelated miRNA:mRNA pairs for each target prediction algorithm used. Pathway analysis generated a filtered pathway with 120 entities, including seven major regulators and nine major targets potentially under the control of at least 11 miRNAs. Conclusions: The expression of a number of anticorrelated miRNAs:mRNA pairs are affected by the presence of HCV. These miRNAs and their putative targets are attractive candidates for being involved in the pathogenesis and/or progression of HCV-induced chronic hepatitis.
The demand for money in China during hyperinflation: A variable expectation model

Abstract During the period 1945–1949, China experienced a severe inflation, an increase of about 78 percent per month over 45 months. Based on a model of the demand for money in China during the hyperinflation, this paper examines the hypothesis of the variable coefficient of price expectation. A non-linear function of the price expectation model was formulated. The results indicate that (1) the path of the coefficient of the expectation reversed itself at the beginning of the hyperinflation process, and (2) the elasticity of demand for money with respect to the inflation rate is lower under a variable coefficient of expectation model than under a constant coefficient of expectation model.
Computational Difficulties in the Identification and Optimization of Control Systems

As more realistic models for resource management are developed, the need for efficient computational techniques for parameter estimation and optimal control involving nonlinear vector systems will grow. We discuss some of the difficulties associated with such computational schemes and also report on results available for identification and control of several classes of systems which are of increasing importance in a number of areas of applications.
Development of track to track fusion algorithms

This paper describes techniques for track level fusion of surveillance data that are applicable to existing and near term tactical surveillance systems. The linear optimal fused estimate is a convex combination of remote estimates with weights being the estimation confidences (covariances). The covariance based algorithm is most applicable where the track estimate is generated by a Kalman filter based tracking system. When track covariance is not available, such as in /spl alpha/-/spl beta/ tracking systems, an estimated covariance can be used for track fusion. In addition, track fusion also requires accounting for the cross covariance between tracks. Various approaches to estimating the auto covariances and the cross covariances are examined, and the performance is evaluated through computer simulations.
The exploration of methodological approaches for addressing the pre- and post-harvest Salmonella interventions

ix CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 2. SUB-ILIAC LYMPH NODES AT SLAUGHTER LACK ABILITY TO PREDICT SALMONELLA ENTERICA PREVALENCE FOR SWINE FARMS ....... 15 CHAPTER 3. SALMONELLA ENTERICA IN SWINE PRODUCTION: ASSESSING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AMPLIFIED FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNITS OF CONCERN IN SWINE PRODUCTION 38 CHAPTER 4. EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF SWINE DEEP TISSUE LYMPH NODES ON SALMONELLA SPP. CONTAMINATION IN GROUND PORK USING A QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT MODELING APPROACH 78 CHAPTER 5. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS 135 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 138 APPENDIX. A SUMMARY OF OTHER RESEARCH I WAS INVOLVED IN DURING MY DOCTORAL EDUCATION 139
A Review of Parham’s 4th Edition of The Immune System: A Clear and Clean Immunology Text

Review of : The Immune System , 4 th ed.; Peter Parham; (2014). Garland Science, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, New York, NY. 532 pages.
Cape Verde: Rethinking Diaspora in Development Policy

In today's global economy, small developing countries like Cape Verde have very few options to spur growth and sustain long term socioeconomic development. Small size, poor resource endowment, declining foreign aid, and decreasing opportunities in the world economy have sharply reduced their options for growth and competitiveness. In response, Cape Verde and other small states have been placing increasing focus on migration as a development resource. For a country with a centuries long history of migration and a diaspora estimated to be twice the size of the resident population, harnessing the diaspora is a viable option for Cape Verde. But under what conditions is such an option effective? This article analyses the evolution of the diaspora's economic role, and assesses the conditions that enable or obstruct the diaspora's role as a development resource.
Thermal Protection Systems (TPSs

Thermal protection systems (TPSs) for space and hypersonic vehicles encompass a wide range of materials and design designs. In any particular vehicle, a variety of materials may be used. The choice of materials and thermal protection concepts is based upon thermal environment and exposure times, as well as whether the application requires single use or multiuse. This chapter provides an overview of materials and concepts, including tile, blankets, metallic systems, structurally integrated concepts, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), used primarily in hot structures, ultra-high temperature ceremics (UHTCs), and ablators. It is based upon a review of publicly available literature and includes a historical perspective, as well as some newer developments as of 2009. Keywords: thermal protection systems (TPSs); ablators; ceramic matrix composites (CMCs); flexible TPS (blankets); tile; sharp leading edges; ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs); non-catalytic coatings; analysis; design; aerothermodynamics; sizing; aerocapture; Lunar return; Mars entry; inflatables; Space Shuttle Orbiter; metallic TPS; carbon–carbon; arc jet
Under-treatment of Depression in Older Persons

Background Due to the cross-sectional design of most existing studies, longitudinal characterization of treatment for depression in older persons is largely unknown.
Exploring the impact of augmenting sedation assessment with physiologic monitors

Summary Background Pharmacological sedation is a necessary tool in the management of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. The intensive care unit (ICU) sedation strategy is to use the least amount of medication to meet safety and comfort goals. Titration of pharmacological agents is currently guided by clinical assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of a neurophysiological monitor, bispectral index (BIS), aided the ICU nurse in reducing the amount of drug used, compared to a clinical tool alone, in a general critical care population. Methods In this prospective clinical trial, mechanically ventilated adults ( N = 300) were randomised to sedation assessment using only the observational assessment tool (RASS) or a combination of observational and physiologic measures (RASS + BIS). Subjects were enrolled from a medical ICU ( N = 154), a trauma ICU ( N = 72) and a general mixed-use ICU ( N = 74). Results BIS-augmented sedation was only associated with the reduction of drug use when patients were sedated with propofol or narcotic agents (propofol [1.61 mg/kg/h vs. 1.77 mg/kg/h; p p p p p p Conclusion The clinical evaluation of depth of sedation remains the most reliable method for the titration of pharmacological sedation in the critical care unit. However, BIS-augmented assessment is helpful in reducing the amount of propofol and narcotic medication used and may be considered an adjunct when these agents are utilised.
Hemagglutinins extracted from locks of unopened cotton bolls

Hemagglutinins, which may mediate plant-fungal interactions, were detected in water soluble extracts from locks of unopened cotton bolls. Hemagglutinating activity was nondialyzable, and thus the agglutinating components possess molecular weights greater than 6 000 daltons. Five of 23 tested sugars inhibited agglutination. The inhibitory sugars did not possess common stereochemical features and included mono-, di-, and trisaccharides.
The differentiated on-surface poynting vector as a measure of radiation loss from wires

This article explores use of the on-surface Poynting vector to investigate the power flow at the surface of various thin wires, excited as antennas or scatterers. By differentiating the axial Poynting vector at the wire's surface, the rate of change of power flow in the current and charge along a perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) wire can be determined. The idea being explored is to see if a change in axial power flow can reveal anything about possible power loss due to radiation. The results from the differentiated Poynting vector are normalized with those obtained from an approach developed by the author called FARS (far-field analysis of radiation sources). Two antenna-excitation models are investigated for a straight-wire dipole: the usual tangential E-field model, and a two-wire transmission-line feed. Comparison of FARS and the differentiated Poynting vector results for a 10-wavelength dipole shows them to agree to within 10% relative to end peaks in the distribution of spatial radiation, except in the vicinity of the antenna's feed point. Both also show that radiation occurs not only near the feed point and ends of the antenna, but is distributed along its length, being associated with maxima of the current standing wave. Results presented for antennas such as a bent-wire dipole, circular and square loops, and for a straight-wire scatterer demonstrated the effects of shape and excitation on the distributed radiation
Computational approaches and metrics required for formulating biologically realistic nanomaterial pharmacokinetic models

The field of nanomaterial pharmacokinetics is in its infancy, with major advances largely restricted by a lack of biologically relevant metrics, fundamental differences between particles and small molecules of organic chemicals and drugs relative to biological processes involved in disposition, a scarcity of sufficiently rich and characterized in vivo data and a lack of computational approaches to integrating nanomaterial properties to biological endpoints. A central concept that links nanomaterial properties to biological disposition, in addition to their colloidal properties, is the tendency to form a biocorona which modulates biological interactions including cellular uptake and biodistribution. Pharmacokinetic models must take this crucial process into consideration to accurately predict in vivo disposition, especially when extrapolating from laboratory animals to humans since allometric principles may not be applicable. The dynamics of corona formation, which modulates biological interactions including cellular uptake and biodistribution, is thereby a crucial process involved in the rate and extent of biodisposition. The challenge will be to develop a quantitative metric that characterizes a nanoparticle's surface adsorption forces that are important for predicting biocorona dynamics. These types of integrative quantitative approaches discussed in this paper for the dynamics of corona formation must be developed before realistic engineered nanomaterial risk assessment can be accomplished.
Electromagnetic properties of excited states in the even-even erbium isotopes from Coulomb excitation studies

The reorientation effect in Coulomb excitation has been used to measure in $^{162,164,166,168,170}\mathrm{Er}$ the static quadrupole moments ${Q}_{{{2}^{+}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ of ${2}^{+}$\ensuremath{'} $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational states; and the branching ratio ${B}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ for the decay of the ${2}^{+}$\ensuremath{'} state to the ${0}^{+}$ ground state and the first ${2}^{+}$ state. Both particle-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence and particle spectroscopy experiments were carried out to extract these quantities, using 12.5 MeV $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and 48 MeV $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ beams with enriched targets. The evaluation was based on the semiclassical Winther-deBoer code and corrected for quantum mechanical effects. The measured values of ${Q}_{{{2}^{+}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ agree well with the predictions of the rotation-vibration model, asymmetric rotor model, and, for $^{168}\mathrm{Er}$, the interacting boson approximation. For ${B}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, all of the above models predict the increasing trend with increasing mass number seen in the measurements, but are unable to correctly predict the absolute magnitudes.
Synthesis and application of acrylic colloidal unimolecular polymers as a melamine thermoset system

Acrylic polymers were synthesized with a ratio of 1 : 7 or 1 : 8 of acrylic acid to acrylic ester monomers to produce an acid-rich resin. The polymers were water reduced and solvent was stripped to produce colloidal unimolecular polymers (CUPs). These particles were typically 3–9 nm in diameter depending on the molecular weight. They were then formulated into a clear coating with melamine as the crosslinker with thermal curing. Compared to commercial latex films, these melamine-cured acrylic CUPs had a distinct advantage of having a near-zero volatile organic compound, better availability of surface functional groups, and improved water resistance. The coatings were evaluated for their methyl ethyl ketone resistance, adhesion, hardness, gloss, flexibility, abrasion, and impact resistance properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40916.
The affinity of flavin semiquinones for certain aromatic compounds and disulfides.

Abstract A potentiometric method has been used to determine the affinity of flavin-semiquinones for certain organic compounds of biological interest. Tryptophan shows little affinity for the semiquinone but serotonin shows a strong affinity for the semiquinone based upon previously reported affinities for the fully oxidized or fully reduced flavins. Tyrosine and disulfides, both of which have been implicated at the active centers of flavo-proteins, show a strong affinity for the semiquinones but almost no affinity for the fully oxidized flavins. Complexes with various other compounds have also been reported.
Textual Gardens: Rousseau's Elysée and Girardin's Ermenonville

(1991). Textual Gardens: Rousseau's Elysee and Girardin's Ermenonville. Romance Quarterly: Vol. 38, Essays in the French Enlightement, pp. 331-340.
Studying Neural Organization in Aplysia with the Scanning Electron Microscope

Preliminary attempts have been made to employ the scanning electron microscope in the mapping of a simple nervous system, the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica. Early results are encouraging: neuronal fibers have been identified and traced over relatively long distances from their cell bodies to structures tentatively identified as synapses and to structures tentatively identified as electrotonic connections.
An evaluation of manual materials handling in highway construction work

Abstract Construction work is generally described as strenuous but few systematic characterizations of physical load have been published to date. PATH (Posture, Activities, Tools and Handling) is an ergonomic assessment method used to measure the frequency of exposure (as a proportion of observations) to manual materials handling (MMH) activities and other exposures for construction and other non-routinized work. Observations of loads handled, body postures, tools and materials handled and hand grasps are available for further description of MMH activities. PATH has been used to characterize manual handling by iron workers (in concrete reinforcement work), carpenters (in form construction) and laborers (in the construction of utilities pits) during highway construction operations. Of these trades, the iron workers were the most frequently observed in heavy MMH activities (involving at least 13.5 kg), and they often lifted in twisted or laterally bent trunk postures. Heavy MMH activities by laborers most frequently involved the handling of boards used to construct the pit walls. Little heavy MMH (at least 22.7 kg) was observed in the carpentry tasks. MMH requirements varied greatly among tasks within each construction operation, demonstrating the importance of a task-based assessment of MMH exposures. Analysis of subsets of data on the iron workers and the carpenters showed that, in some cases, task and worker were important sources of variance. For almost all variables, the error term (interpreted primarily as day-to-day differences in exposure) was the largest source of variance. Therefore, an evaluation of multiple workers over long time periods for specific tasks is necessary for a reliable characterization of MMH requirements and other ergonomic exposures in highway construction work. Relevance to industry The methods described in this paper allow the systematic evaluation of MMH activities in highway construction and other types of non-routinized work. These can be used to identify job tasks having potentially hazardous MMH exposures, and to provide information needed for the appropriate re-design of tasks or materials to reduce physical loading on the musculoskeletal system.
Application of the Bratseth Scheme for the Analysis Of GALF, Data Using a Mesoscale Model

Abstract The successive correction scheme of Bratseth, which converges to optimum interpolation, is applied for the numerical analysis of data collected during the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment. A first guess for the analysis is provided by a 12-h forecast produced by integrating a limited-area model from a prior coarse operational analysis. Initially, univariate analyses of the mass and wind fields are produced. To achieve the coupling of the mass and wind fields, additional iterations on the geopotential are performed by extrapolating the geopotential to grid points, using improving estimates of the geostrophic wind. This improved geostrophic wind is then used to update the geostrophic component of the initial univariate wind analysis. Use of a background forecast produces much improved mesoscale structures in the analysis. Enhanced gradients of the geopotential and larger wind shears are the result of the coupling of the mass and wind fields, particularly in regions of lower data density. Applica...
Neutralization of low-energy He+ ions at a magnesium surface

Abstract Electron spin-labeling techniques, specifically the use of electron-spin-polarized He+ ions coupled with energy-resolved measurements of the ejected electron polarization, are used to probe the dynamics of low-energy (≲60 eV) He+ ion neutralization at a magnesium surface. Analysis of the polarization data indicates that incident ions undergo Auger neutralization. However, inelastic scattering and secondary electron production in the bulk also provide important contributions to the ejected electron signal at low electron energies. The measurements provide no evidence that excitation of multipole surface plasmons leads to significant electron emission.