cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maturation of neuronal excitability in hippocampal neurons of mice chronically exposed to cyclic hypoxia.

To examine the effects of chronic cyclic hypoxia on neuronal excitability and function in mice, we exposed mice to cyclic hypoxia for 8 h daily (9 cycles/h) for ∼2 wk (starting at 2–3 days of age) ...
A numerical strategy for investigating the kinetic response of stimulus-responsive hydrogels

We present a strategy for obtaining numerical solutions to a system of non-linear, coupled evolution equations describing volume transitions in stimulus-responsive hydrogels (SRHs). The theory underlying our sharp-interface model of phase transitions in SRHs is provided along with the assumptions leading to the specialized formulation that is the starting point for the numerical method. The discrete formulation is then developed with a hybrid eXtended Finite-Element/Level-Set Method (XFE/LSM). Domain-integral methodologies are used consistently to extract interfacial quantities such as the mechanical driving traction, the jump in the normal component of the solute flux, and requisite geometric information. Several benchmark studies are provided to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the numerical strategy. We then investigate various features of SRH kinetics including the regimes of unstable and stable phase transitions, surface pattern formation, and bulk phase separation.
Efficiency of prostate‐specific antigen and digital rectal examination in screening, using 4.0 ng/ml and age‐specific reference range as a cutoff for abnormal values

BACKGROUND. The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic efficiency of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) testing when using either 4.0 ng/ml or an age-specific reference range (ASRR) as an abnormal cutoff PSA value. METHODS. Between 1992-1995, 116,073 men, aged 40-79 years, were screened during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. When using a 4.0-ng/ml cutoff PSA value, 22,014 had either an abnormal PSA, an abnormal DRE, or both. When using an ASRR cutoff PSA value, 17,561 had either an abnormal PSA, an abnormal DRE, or both. The positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity of PSA, DRE, and combined PSA and DRE tests were evaluated. RESULTS. When using a 4.0-ng/ml cutoff PSA value, the PPVs of abnormal PSA alone, abnormal DRE alone, and combined abnormal PSA and DRE tests were 27.7%, 17.7%, and 56.0%, respectively. Sensitivities were 34.9%, 27.1%, and 38.0%, respectively. Specificities were 63.1%, 49.0%, and 87.9%, respectively. When using an ASRR cutoff PSA value, the PPVs of each category were 31.8%, 20.8%, and 63.7%, respectively. Sensitivities were 27.1%, 41.0%, and 31.8%, respectively. Specificities were 75.0%, 32.8%, and 92.2%, respectively. The PPVs of the PSA test were higher than those of the DRE. The PPVs of combined tests were highest when using either a 4.0-ng/ml cutoff PSA value or an ASRR cutoff PSA value (all P 0.05). Sensitivity of PSA when using an ASRR was lower than when using 4.0 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS. Significantly higher PPVs indicated that utilizing both a PSA test and a DRE is most effective in screening for the early detection of prostate cancer. Although higher PPVs when using an ASRR cutoff PSA value suggested fewer unnecessary biopsies, lower sensitivities resulted in fewer cancers detected. Thus, we recommend that the combination of a PSA test with a cutoff value of 4.0 ng/ml and a DRE should continue to be utilized in the screening programs.
A low power variable length decoder for MPEG-2 based on nonuniform fine-grain table partitioning

Variable length coding is a widely used technique in digital video compression systems. Previous work related to variable length decoders (VLDs) was primarily aimed at high throughput applications, but the increased demand for portable multimedia systems has made power a very important factor. In this paper, a data-driven variable length decoding architecture is presented, which exploits the signal statistics of variable length codes to reduce power. The approach uses fine-grain lookup table (LUT) partitioning to reduce switched capacitance based on codeword frequency. The complete VLD for MPEG-2 has been fabricated and consumes 530 /spl mu/W at 1.35 V with a video rate of 48-M discrete cosine transform samples/s using a 0.6-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. More than an order of magnitude power reduction is demonstrated without performance loss compared to a conventional parallel decoding scheme with a single LUT.
Coronary enhancement for prospective ECG-gated single R-R axial 320-MDCT angiography: comparison of 60- and 80-mL iopamidol 370 injection.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate the difference in coronary enhancement provided by 60 versus 80 mL of contrast medium (370 mg I/mL) for prospectively ECG-gated single-heartbeat axial 320-MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively evaluated 108 consecutive 320-MDCT angiography studies. Group 1 (n = 36) received 60 mL of an iodinated contrast medium and group 2 (n = 72), 80 mL. All patients were imaged with a standardized protocol: iopamidol 370 followed by 40 mL of saline, both administered at a rate of 6 mL/s. Two imagers subjectively assessed image quality throughout the coronary arteries. Region-of-interest attenuation (HU) measurements were performed in the aorta plus the proximal and distal coronary arteries. RESULTS. Subjective analysis of all coronary segments showed slightly better image quality for group 2. Patients in group 1 had significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean attenuation values for the individual coronary vessels. Nevertheless, 96.7% of all coronary segments in th...
A theoretical-experimental comparison of the synchronous response of a bowed rotor in five different sets of fluid film bearings

Abstract A comparison of theoretical and experimental synchronous unbalance responses of a bowed Jeffcott rotor in fluid film bearings has been completed. A transfer matrix method was used to predict theoretically the response of a 25·4 mm shaft in fluid film bearings and results were compared to data from a previous experimental study. Four bearing types were used: two axial groove, pressure dam, tilting pad and four-lobe. Very good agreement was found for all bearing types at the rotor critical speed (3000 rpm). Differences less than 15% in peak response were found and the theoretical and experimental peaks were found to occur within 200 rpm. Worst agreement was found for the preloaded four-lobe bearings and this disagreement was found for speeds other than the critical speed. Also, for equal bow and unbalance the tilting pad and four-lobe bearings were found to produce the least and most damping at the critical speed, respectively. Previous to this time a comparison of theoretical and experimental synchronous responses of a rotor system representing industrial turbomachines has not been published, nor has a comparative study of the different bearing types.
A mathematical formulation of the equivalence principle

A mathematical formulation of the equivalence principle is presented that may lead to a better understanding and easier application of the principle. As an example of its application, the problem of determining the electromagnetic field induced in a finite homogeneous body of arbitrary shape with complex permittivity and permeability is given. >
Design and synthesis of neuroprotective methylthiazoles and modification as NO-chimeras for neurodegenerative therapy.

Learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) result from synaptic failure and neuronal loss, the latter caused in part by excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. A therapeutic approach is ...
Fusobacterium nucleatum Transports Noninvasive Streptococcus cristatus into Human Epithelial Cells

Analysis of human buccal epithelial cells frequently reveals an intracellular polymicrobial consortium of bacteria. Although several oral bacteria have been demonstrated to invade cultured epithelial cells, several others appear unable to internalize. We hypothesized that normally noninvasive bacteria may gain entry into epithelial cells via adhesion to invasive bacteria. Fusobacterium nucleatum is capable of binding to and invading oral epithelial cells. By contrast, Streptococcus cristatus binds weakly to host cells and is not internalized. F. nucleatum and S. cristatus coaggregate strongly via an arginine-sensitive interaction. Coincubation of KB or TERT-2 epithelial cells with equal numbers of F. nucleatum and S. cristatus bacteria led to significantly increased numbers of adherent and internalized streptococci. F. nucleatum also promoted invasion of KB cells by other oral streptococci and Actinomyces naeslundii. Dissection of fusobacterial or streptococcal adhesive interactions by using sugars, amino acids, or antibodies demonstrated that this phenomenon is due to direct attachment of S. cristatus to adherent and invading F. nucleatum. Inhibition of F. nucleatum host cell attachment and invasion with galactose, or fusobacterial-streptococcal coaggregation by the arginine homologue l-canavanine, abrogated the increased S. cristatus adhesion to, and invasion of, host cells. In addition, polyclonal antibodies to F. nucleatum, which inhibited fusobacterial attachment to both KB cells and S. cristatus, significantly decreased invasion by both species. Similar decreases were obtained when epithelial cells were pretreated with cytochalasin D, staurosporine, or cycloheximide. These studies indicate that F. nucleatum may facilitate the colonization of epithelial cells by bacteria unable to adhere or invade directly.
Dramatic increases in latchup holding voltage for sub-0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS using shallow S/D junctions

Large increases in the latchup holding voltage are demonstrated with the use of shallow source-drain junctions in a sub-0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Holding voltages well above the supply voltage for 2 /spl mu/m n/sup +//p/sup +/ spacings are demonstrated without the use of complex processes such as retrograde wells or buried layers. SIMS data is presented to verify the reduction in junction depths to 0.15 /spl mu/m for the p/sup +//n-well and 0.14 /spl mu/m for the n/sup +//p-well junction. The improvement in holding voltage is attributed to reductions in parasitic bipolar transistor gains, due to the increase in base width. Well behaved transistor characteristics are presented using the shallow junction technology. >
Effect of a juvenile hormone analogue on lipid metabolism in a wing-polymorphic cricket: implications for the endocrine-biochemical bases of life-history trade-offs.

The wing-polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus, has a flightcapable morph (LW[f]: long winged with functional flight muscles) and a flightless morph (SW: short winged with reduced nonfunctional flight muscles) that differ genetically in many aspects of lipid metabolism. To determine whether these differences result from genetically based alterations in endocrine regulation, the juvenile hormone mimic, methoprene, was applied to the LW(f) morph. This hormone manipulation converted the LW(f) morph into a SW phenocopy with respect to all aspects of lipid metabolism studied; that is, methoprene application decreased in vivo biosynthesis of total lipid and triglyceride, increased absolute and relative biosynthesis of phospholipid, increased oxidation of fatty acids, and decreased in vitro specific activities of each of six lipogenic enzymes and a transaminase. Furthermore, methoprene increased ovarian growth and decreased fat body mass and flight muscle mass in the LW(f) morph. Differences in each of these biochemical, morphological, or reproductive traits between hormone-treated and control LW(f) females were similar in magnitude to differences between unmanipulated LW(f) and SW females. Variation in endocrine regulation contributes significantly to genetically based differences in lipid metabolism between LW(f) and SW females. This is the first evidence for endocrine regulation of a genetically based life-history trade-off operating via hormonal effects on specific metabolic pathways and enzymes of intermediary metabolism.
Bcl2-independent chromatin cleavage is a very early event during induction of apoptosis in mouse thymocytes after treatment with either dexamethasone or ionizing radiation.

Abstract Hahn, P. J., Lai, Z-W., Nevaldine, B., Schiff, N., Fiore, N. C. and Silverstone, A. E. Bcl2-Independent Chromatin Cleavage is a Very Early Event during Induction of Apoptosis in Mouse Thymocytes after Treatment with Either Dexamethasone or Ionizing Radiation. Radiat. Res. 160, 559–567 (2003). We have quantified the emergence of early chromatin breaks during the signal transduction phase of apoptosis in mouse thymocytes after treatment with either ionizing radiation or dexamethasone. Dexamethasone at 1 μM can induce significant levels of DNA breaks (equivalent to the amount induced directly by 7.5 Gy ionizing radiation) within 0.5 h of treatment. The execution phase of apoptosis was not observed until 4–6 h after the same treatment. The presence of the Bcl2 transgene under the control of the p56lck promoter almost completely inhibited apoptosis up to 24 h after treatment, but it had virtually no effect on the early chromatin cleavage occurring in the first 6 h. Ionizing radiation induced chromatin...
A prototype knowledge-based simulation support system

As a preliminary step toward the goal of an intelligent automated system for simulation modeling support, we explore the feasibility of the overall concept by generating and testing a prototypical framework. A prototype knowledge-based computer system was developed to support a senior level course in industrial engineer ing so that the overall feasibility of an expert simulation support system could be studied in a controlled and observable setting. The system behavior mimics the diagnostic (intelligent) process performed by the course instructor and teaching assistants, find ing logical errors in INSIGHT simulation models and recom mending appropriate corrective measures. The system was pro grammed in a non-procedural language (PROLOG) and designed to run interactively with students working on course homework and projects. The knowledge-based structure supports intelligent behavior, providing its users with access to an evolving accumula tion of expert diagnostic knowledge. The non-procedural ap proach f...
Effects of Aging, Cytomegalovirus Infection, and EBV Infection on Human B Cell Repertoires

Elderly humans show decreased humoral immunity to pathogens and vaccines, yet the effects of aging on B cells are not fully known. Chronic viral infection by CMV is implicated as a driver of clonal T cell proliferations in some aging humans, but whether CMV or EBV infection contributes to alterations in the B cell repertoire with age is unclear. We have used high-throughput DNA sequencing of IGH gene rearrangements to study the BCR repertoires over two successive years in 27 individuals ranging in age from 20 to 89 y. Some features of the B cell repertoire remain stable with age, but elderly subjects show increased numbers of B cells with long CDR3 regions, a trend toward accumulation of more highly mutated IgM and IgG Ig genes, and persistent clonal B cell populations in the blood. Seropositivity for CMV or EBV infection alters B cell repertoires, regardless of the individual's age: EBV infection correlates with the presence of persistent clonal B cell expansions, whereas CMV infection correlates with the proportion of highly mutated Ab genes. These findings isolate effects of aging from those of chronic viral infection on B cell repertoires and provide a baseline for understanding human B cell responses to vaccination or infectious stimuli.
Stable Transmission in the Frequency-Selective MIMO Broadcast Channel

Traditional non-linear (dirty paper coding) and linear (beamforming) preceding techniques that maximize the sum rate in the multi-antenna broadcast channel often suffer severe performance degradation when the channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter is erroneous or outdated. This has motivated the recent development of a linear preceding algorithm that uses the channel distribution information (CDI) rather than channel state to provide more stable performance in time-varying environments. This paper extends the prior analysis by using simulations with measured multi-user multi-antenna broadband channel responses to examine the effect of frequency selective channel characteristics on the behavior of the traditional CSI- based strategies as well as the more recent CDI-based approach. The results show that the CDI-based beamformer can offer superior performance with reduced feedback communication requirements.
Formulation, implementation and examination of vertical coordinate choices in the Global Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM)

A 1/8� global version of the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) is described with details of its formulation, implementation, and configuration of the vertical coordinate. NCOM is a baroclinic, hydrostatic, Boussinesq, free-surface ocean model that allows its vertical coordinate to consist of r coordinates for the upper layers and z-levels below a user-specified depth. This flexibility allows implementation of a hybrid r–z coordinate system that is expected to mitigate some of the weaknesses that can be associated with either pure coordinate option. For the global NCOM application, the r–z coordinate is used to allow terrain-following r coordinates in the upper ocean, providing better resolution and topographic fidelity in shelf regions where flow is most sensitive to its representation. Including z coordinates for deeper regions efficiently maintains high near-surface vertical resolution in the open ocean. Investigation into the impact of the selected coordinate system focuses on differences between atmospherically-forced free-running (no assimilation) global solutions using r–z and pure z coordinates. Comparisons with independent temperature observations indicate that global NCOM using the r–z coordinate has improved skill relative to its z coordinate implementation. Among other metrics, we show that in comparison with time series of surface temperature from National Oceanic Data Center (NODC) buoys, mostly located in coastal regions, root mean squared differences (RMSD) improved for 63% and correlation improved for 71% of the stations
Effects of Visual Distraction on Reaction Time in a Simulated Traffic Environment

This study investigated the effect of visual distraction on reaction time to a target stimulus in a simulated traffic environment. Subjects viewed slides of simulated roadside signs, some of which included a traffic stop sign. Reaction time was measured to their “stop” or “go” response. As predicted, the number and color of distractors, as well as the proximity of distractors to the target stop sign, all had significant effects on reaction time: In addition, all two-way interactions between the distractor dimensions were statistically significant. Practical suggestions for reducing visual distraction in the traffic environment are discussed.
Bacillus anthracis inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase in action: the first bacterial series of structures of phosphate ion-, substrate-, and product-bound complexes.

Inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) catalyzes the first unique step of the GMP branch of the purine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway. This enzyme is found in organisms of all three kingdoms. IMPDH inhibitors have broad clinical applications in cancer treatment, as antiviral drugs and as immunosuppressants, and have also displayed antibiotic activity. We have determined three crystal structures of Bacillus anthracis IMPDH, in a phosphate ion-bound (termed “apo”) form and in complex with its substrate, inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP), and product, xanthosine 5′-monophosphate (XMP). This is the first example of a bacterial IMPDH in more than one state from the same organism. Furthermore, for the first time for a prokaryotic enzyme, the entire active site flap, containing the conserved Arg-Tyr dyad, is clearly visible in the structure of the apoenzyme. Kinetic parameters for the enzymatic reaction were also determined, and the inhibitory effect of XMP and mycophenolic acid (MPA) has been studied. In addition, the inhibitory potential of two known Cryptosporidium parvum IMPDH inhibitors was examined for the B. anthracis enzyme and compared with those of three bacterial IMPDHs from Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, and Vibrio cholerae. The structures contribute to the characterization of the active site and design of inhibitors that specifically target B. anthracis and other microbial IMPDH enzymes.
Automatic mesh generation for complex three-dimensional regions using a constrained Delaunay triangulation

This paper describes a method for generating tetrahedral meshes. The algorithm, based on the Delaunay triangulation, can treat objects of essentially arbitrary complexity. In order to preserve the surface triangulation of solid objects, it is necessary to override the Delaunay property and redefine the triangulation when points are introduced that are close to solid boundaries. Details of this constrained Delaunay algorithm are presented and an efficient implementation of the triangulation method is described. Techniques for controlling the distribution of mesh points and tetrahedron quality are also discussed.
Cooperative education as a means to enhance self-efficacy among sophomores (with particular attention to women) in undergraduate engineering

Northeastern University and the University of Wyoming are investigating whether the participation of sophomores (with particular attention to women) in formal undergraduate engineering programs that provide work experiences while enrolled (e.g., cooperative education and internships) is related to enhanced self-efficacy. While self-esteem is a global concept and self-efficacy refers to confidence about a particular content area or set of tasks, general self-esteem tends to be related to an individual's feelings of self-efficacy. Research suggests that decreased self-esteem and self-efficacy of women in engineering majors are significant obstacles to persistence. Indeed, consistent findings reported through the assessing women in engineering project have reported that the persistence of women in engineering is highly related to efficacy. Thus, this study was designed to add to the body of literature on the retention of women in undergraduate engineering. The purpose of this study is to isolate those factors that contribute most to the development of three positive self- efficacy dimensions thought to be most relevant to the retention of sophomores (especially women) in undergraduate engineering: work, academic, and career It examines, in particular, if cooperative education alone enhances efficacy (while controlling for pre-existing conditions among students enrolling in a cooperative education school as well as controlling for alternative supports for students to assist them during their undergraduate experience). One of the schools participating in the study, Northeastern, requires cooperative (co-op) education whereas the University of Wyoming does not.
Clonal expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes is regulated by late exposure to serum to prevent apoptosis.

Abstract Although serum-free media have been used to expand lymphokine-activated killer cells, antigen-specific CD8 T cell cytotoxicity does not develop in vitro in the absence of serum. The immunodominant Vβ17 response to an influenza A matrix protein epitope restricted by HLA A2.1 was used to study the serum requirement for CTL activation. Serum acts directly on T cells and not indirectly by activating APCs. In the absence of serum, the initial steps of T cell activation, including expression of CD69 and CD25, are unimpaired and some antigen-specific cytotoxicity may be generated in the first few days after stimulation. However, expression of late activation markers, such as HLA-DR and CD38, and clonal expansion of class I-restricted antigen-specific CTL does not occur if CTL are not exposed to serum within 4 days of antigen exposure. The antigen-specific CTL, but not unstimulated bystander T cells, undergo apoptosis if they are not exposed to serum within a few days of activation. Apoptosis of TCR-activated CTL does not appear to be Fas-mediated since it is not blocked by inhibiting the Fas pathway. Therefore, late exposure to an unidentified serum protein regulates the clonal expansion of TCR-activated CD8 CTL.
Perineural Invasion of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma : Raising Awareness and Optimizing Management

BACKGROUND Perineural invasion (PNI) by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an infrequent but not rare complication of traditionally low-morbidity skin cancers that can lead to catastrophic sequelae; 2.5% to 14% of CSCC and approximately 3% of BCC exhibit PNI. Tumors with PNI tend to be larger, have greater subclinical extension, have a higher rate of recurrence, and have a greater risk of metastases. Tumors with PNI may result in major neurologic deficits. OBJECTIVE To review current recommendations for the management of PNI and to evaluate a treatment strategy involving excision using Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) followed by adjunctive radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cases of PNI treated with MMS and radiotherapy were reviewed for recurrence, disease-free follow-up, and adverse events. RESULTS Twelve patients with incidental PNI treated with MMS and adjunctive radiotherapy are presented. After 3 to 32 months of follow-up, there had been no recurrences. Adverse events from radiotherapy were minor and self-limited. CONCLUSIONS The use of adjunctive radiotherapy in these patients remains controversial. When managing superficial skin tumors with PNI, a multidisciplinary team including a cutaneous surgeon and a radiation oncologist familiar with PNI is recommended.
A thermochemical study of the phase reaction TbO1.5+x + (328 − x2) O2 → (17)Tb7O12

The heat of reaction and equilibrium pressure for the oxidation reaction TbO/sub 1.5 + x/ + (3/28 - x/2)O/sub 2/ ..-->.. (1/7)Tb/sub 7/O/sub 12/ have been measured by means of a Tian-Calvet-type calorimeter and a thermal balance. The results of the weight measurement show a reproducible hysteresis loop. The heat of reaction has been measured along the oxidation branch of the hysteresis loop. The partial molar enthalpy indicates four distinct compositional regions. First, the TbO/sub 1.5 + x/ region which can be described in terms of a point defect model and strong interaction between neighboring excess oxygen atoms. Second, the region between TbO/sub 1/ /sub 54/ and TbO/sub 1/ /sub 61/ is interpreted as the intrinsic hysteresis region and discussed in terms of the regular solution model. Third, the region between TbO/sub 1/ /sub 61/ and TbO/sub 1/ /sub 70/ is recognized as a pseudophase region. Fourth, a region of eta phase exists in which the partial thermodynamic quantities can be compared with those of CeO/sub 1/ /sub 714/, PrO/sub 1/ /sub 714/, and TbO/sub 1/ /sub 714/. The partial molar enthalpy was also measured for a scanning loop which is also interpreted in terms of the four regimes.
Resistivity of Unvulcanized Compounds of Rubber and Carbon Black

Abstract 1. A coaxial probe has been developed which allows measuring electrical resistivity of uncured carbon black-rubber compounds with good precision (mean coefficient of variation 4%). 2. For a given compound the resistivity correlates well with the standard dispersion rating and thus can be used for rapid monitoring of dispersion at various stages of processing. 3. Resistivity may also serve as a check on the loading and type of black in a rubber compound. 4. The resistivity of uncured compounds is higher by a factor of 2–10 than the corresponding vulcanizate value. 5. The logarithm of the resistivity appears to be a linear function of the reciprocal of the absolute temperature. The apparent activation energy of conductance for SBR compounds is 14.7–29.3 kJ/mol, the higher values being found for the better dispersions. The activation energies of EPDM compounds were found to be approximately 50% higher than those of SBR.
42 Emergency department visits for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injury among U.S. children

Statement of purpose Increasingly popular, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) continue to injure children disproportionately. This study examines ATV injuries in children who present to emergency departments (ED) in the US. Methods/approach We studied 2009–2011 data from the HCUP Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). The NEDS is the largest, all-payer ED database in the US and is comprised of a 20% stratified sample of hospital-based ED visits from over 950 hospitals in 30 states. NEDS can be used to generate national estimates, with weighted data representing approximately 130 million discharges annually. ATV-related injuries occurring in children Results A total 94,906 ATV-related ED visits were identified, occurring at a rate of 42.5/100,000 annually in children Conclusions Despite a recent decline, ATV-related ED utilisation still accounts for substantial medical charges. These data are consistent with other studies but provide additional data on cost and injury burden.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Einfluss des Prostazyklin–Analogons Iloprost auf die Kontraktilität humaner Vorhofmuskulatur

Das stabile Prostazyklin–Analogon Iloprost hat wahrend der Rechtsherzkatheteruntersuchung von Patienten, die fur eine Transplantation evaluiert wurden, eine klinisch nachweisbare Zunahme des linksventrikularen Herzindex gezeigt. Ausgehend von diesen Ergebnissen formulierten wir die Arbeitshypothese, dass Iloprost einen direkt positiv inotropen Effekt ausubt. Stellvertretend fur linksventrikulares Myokard wurde von 22 Patienten rechtsatriales Myokard des Vorhofohres im Rahmen elektiv durchgefuhrter kardiochirurgischer Operationen (Bypass, Aortenklappenersatz, Kombination) entnommen. Aus den gewonnenen Praparaten wurden vier Trabekel prapariert und je zwei Trabekel der Kontroll– und Verumgruppe zugeordnet. Als Kontrollgruppe wurde diejenige Trabekelpopulation bezeichnet, die nur mit Iloprost–Tragerlosung (ohne Wirkstoff) stimuliert wurde. Die Verumgruppe enthielt alle Trabekel, die mit Iloprost in einer Konzentrationsreihe von 1 pg/ml bis 100 ng/ml stimuliert wurden. Die Versuche wurden im Organbad durchgefuhrt, so dass alle Praparate mit gepufferter Tyrodelosung gespult und elektrisch mit 1 Hertz (Hz) stimuliert worden sind. Die Ermittlung der Kontraktionskrafte erfolgte mit einem Kraftaufnehmer. Die maximal mogliche Kontraktionskraft wurde durch Stimulation mit 10–7 M Isoprenalin ermittelt. Iloprost in den getesteten Konzentrationen ubt weder einen positiv noch negativ inotropen Effekt auf rechtsatriales Myokardgewebe aus. Die ermittelten Kontraktionskrafte waren weder abhangig von der Masse der praparierten Trabekel, noch von einer medikamentosen Vorbehandlung mit Betablockern. Die Arbeitshypothese konnte durch den gewahlten Versuchsaufbau nicht bestatigt werden. Ob Iloprost direkt positiv inotrop auf linksventrikulares Myokard wirkt, muss in einem anderen experimentellen Ansatz, z.B. in einem Tiermodell, uberpruft werden.
Rethinking social movement micromobilization: Multi-stage theory and the role of social ties

Micromobilization research constitutes a vital stream within social movement studies. Despite a wealth of empirical research and recent advances in micromobilization theory, research is still hampe...
Epithelial Regeneration After Gastric Ulceration Causes Prolonged Cell-Type Alterations

Background & Aims The peptic ulcer heals through a complex process, although the ulcer relapse often occurs several years later after healing. Our hypothesis is that even after visual evidence of healing of gastric ulceration, the regenerated epithelium is aberrant for an extended interval, increasing susceptibility of the regenerated epithelium to damage and further diseases. Methods Gastric ulcers were induced in mice by serosal topical application of acetic acid. Results Gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid visually healed within 30 days. However, regenerated epithelial architecture was poor. The gene profile of regenerated tissue was abnormal, indicating increased stem/progenitor cells, deficient differentiated gastric cell types, and deranged cell homeostasis. Despite up-regulation of PDX1 in the regenerated epithelium, no mature antral cell type was observed. Four months after healing, the regenerated epithelium lacks parietal cells, trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) and (sex-determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) remain up-regulated deep in the gastric gland, and the Na/H exchanger 2 (a TFF2 effector in gastric healing) remains down-regulated. Gastric ulcer healing was strongly delayed in TFF2 knockout mice, and re-epithelialization was accompanied with mucous metaplasia. After Helicobacter pylori inoculum 30 days after ulceration, we observed that the gastric ulcer selectively relapses at the same site where it originally was induced. Follow-up evaluation at 8 months showed that the relapsed ulcer was not healed in H pylori –infected tissues. Conclusions These findings show that this macroscopically regenerated epithelium has prolonged abnormal cell distribution and is differentially susceptible to subsequent damage by H pylori .
Outlook for Safety and Powertrain Sensors

In the past 15-20 years, sensors have grown organically and reached relatively stable penetration rates with very low growth, at least in the mature automotive markets. Any new stimulus therefore comes from the adoption of safety and basic powertrain sensors and regulations and mandates that force adoption to full penetration in different regions. The current paper provides a 5-year snapshot of the market opportunity for safety and powertrain applications for the silicon sensors based on Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) technology and also magnetic sensors used in position, rotation and angle measurements, and looks at the underlying drivers in detail.
Sinusoidal trail formed by a Recent biting midge (Family Ceratopogonidae): trace fossil implications

A Recent sinusoidal trail made by a biting midge (family Ceratopogonidae, genus ?Bezzia) moving on the surface of wet mud along the edge of a freshwater pond has been observed. The trail is similar to the trace fossil Cochlichnus Hitchcock, 1858. The wave length, wave amplitude, and overall form and shape of this modern trail compares favorably to Eocene wave-like trails attributed to nematodes. Consequently, a ceratopogonid larva is believed responsible for at least some of those fossil trails.
Rural and Urban Incomes

The existence of a rural-urban ‘imbalance’, allegedly all pervasive south of the Sahara, represented a central element in the justification of virtually all structural adjustment programmes in SSA countries.1 The Bank argued this case for Sierra Leone. The existence or non-existence of a rural-urban ‘gap’, in incomes and public services, was key to the structural adjustment diagnosis and policy prescription. It served to justify a shift in income distribution from urban to rural areas on the grounds that it promoted greater equity.
Screening Mammography Use Among Older Women Before and After the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

Abstract Background: It is uncertain how changes in the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force breast cancer screening recommendations (from annual to biennial mammography screening in women aged 50–74 and grading the evidence as insufficient for screening in women aged 75 and older) have affected mammography use among Medicare beneficiaries. Materials and Methods: Cohort study of 12 million Medicare fee-for-service women aged 65–74 and 75 and older to measure changes in 3-year screening use, 2007–2009 (before) and 2010–2012 (after), defined by two measures—proportion screened and frequency of screening by age, race/ethnicity, and hospital referral region. Results: Fewer women were screened, but with similar frequency after 2009 for both age groups (after vs. before: age 65–74: 60.1% vs. 60.8% screened, 2.1 vs. 2.1 mammograms per screened woman; age 75 and older: 31.7% vs. 33.6% screened, 1.9 vs. 1.9 mammograms per screened woman; all p < 0.05). Black women were the only subgroup with an increase in screenin...
A Study of The Effects of Novel Rhenium Compounds on Pancreatic and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines.

Cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. Different treatment options are available to treat the cancers and chemotherapy is one of them. Numerous chemotherapeutic agents have been developed. Depending on the type of cancer, the particular type of chemotherapeutic agent is used. Unfortunately almost all of these drugs suffer from severe side effects and drug resistances. Besides, some of the organic drugs such as alkylating agents, nitrogen mustards, nitrosoureas, alkylsulfonates, triazines, and ethylenimines can eventually lead to leukemia. Long term use of breast cancer drug tamoxifen leads to endometrial cancer. Drugs derived from inorganic coordination compounds such as cisplatin, carboplatin, etc. are highly effective to several cancers. Fortunately they don’t cause leukemia later on. However, they too suffer from severe toxicity and drug resistances. Compared to classical coordination metal complexes, organometallics offer opportunities for the design of novel drugs with metal specific modes of action [1]. For example, numerous organometallic tamoxifen derivatives have been found to be active against both estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells [2]. On the contrary, tamoxifen can be used for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer only. It is not at all effective on estrogen receptor-negative breast cancers. Additionally, it leads to endometrial cancer for its prolonged uses. Majority of the organometallic tamoxifen derivatives have been found to have much lower IC-50 values than the IC-50 value of tamoxifen. In fact, organometallic diphenols have IC-50 values of 0.7 and 0.6 µM for estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 and estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, respectively [3]. Many tricarbonyl rhenium (I) compounds have been found to be active against several cancer cell lines [4] and surprisingly they are not active against normal cells. Based on these facts, we embarked on the study of the cytotoxic properties of the rhenium tosylato complex, (CO)3(5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ReOTs (abbreviated as TOS5) on BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer and pentylcarbonato complex, (CO)3(2,2’-Bipyridyl)ReOC(O)OC5H11 (abbreviated as PC1) on LNCaP and MDA prostate cancer cell lines.
Changing edaphic conditions and exploitation of an expanded phenological niche allows for increased exotic (introduced) plant species dominance

Global change agents are creating novel climatic and edaphic conditions that may favor introduced species. We attempted to identify mechanisms and impacts of Bromus tectorum invasion in the Colorado Front Range mixed-grass prairie under changing conditions. We conducted an in-situ experiment with three removal treatments (removal of B. tectorum, removal of Pascopyrum smithii, and no removal) and two nitrogen treatments (ambient and low N), and measured plant community response. We used isotopic analysis of δ18O and δD in plants and soils to identify seasonal source water of B. tectorum and P. smithii. We found that dominance of B. tectorum was greatest under high resource conditions (ambient N, wet winter) now common due to increased N deposition and climate change. However, its removal had little impact on native plant abundance or composition. Isotopic results show B. tectorum and P. smithii partitioning water use between shallow versus deeper soil layers during the dry summer season. Our results suggest that changing environmental conditions favor the introduced grass Bromus tectorum over native species, but probably not due to altered competitive relationships. Instead, B. tectorum appears to be opportunistically responding to expansion of a phenological niche and increased nutrient availability.
Arc-Flash Mitigation: A Systematic Approach for Company Standard Power System Schemes

Arc-flash hazard assessment studies involving a very large oil and gas company's equipment rated 38 kV and below revealed locations with excessive arcflash incident energy. After conducting many additional studies of power distribution systems for various plants (e.g., refineries, gas plants, gas-oil separation plants, and natural gas liquid plants), we realized that dangerous locations (greater than 40 cal/cm2) are somewhat consistent among various plant types. This knowledge makes planning and budgeting for implementing arc-flash mitigation predictable from a corporate perspective. Specific arc-flash mitigation techniques can be embedded in the specifications of new projects as well as company material standards to avoid unnecessary retrofit activities after installation. Maintenance personnel can also be effectively trained on arc-flash mitigation and safe work practices when consistent solutions are implemented. This article demonstrates a systematic approach to address dangerous arc-flash locations for corporate planning purposes and provides practical mitigation solutions that can be applied at many company facilities.
Comparing Inference Approaches for RD Designs: A Reexamination of the Effect of Head Start on Child Mortality

The regression discontinuity (RD) design is a popular quasi-experimental design for causal inference and policy evaluation. The most common inference approaches in RD designs employ “flexible” parametric and nonparametric local polynomial methods, which rely on extrapolation and large-sample approximations of conditional expectations using observations somewhat near the cutoff that determines treatment assignment. An alternative inference approach employs the idea of local randomization, where the very few units closest to the cutoff are regarded as randomly assigned to treatment and finite-sample exact inference methods are used. In this paper, we contrast these approaches empirically by re-analyzing the influential findings of Ludwig and Miller (2007), who studied the effect of Head Start assistance on child mortality employing parametric RD methods. We first review methods based on approximations of conditional expectations, which are relatively well developed in the literature, and then present new methods based on randomization inference. In particular, we extend the local randomization framework to allow for parametric adjustments of the potential outcomes; our extended framework substantially relaxes strong assumptions in prior literature and better resembles other RD inference methods. We compare all these methods formally, focusing on both estimands and inference properties. In addition, we develop new approaches for randomization-based sensitivity analysis specifically tailored to RD designs. Applying all these methods to the Head Start data, we find that the original RD treatment effect reported in the literature is quite stable and robust, an empirical finding that enhances the credibility of the original result. All the empirical methods we discuss are readily available in general purpose software in R and Stata; we also provide the dataset and software code needed to replicate all our results.
Reaction Heterogeneity in LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 Induced by Surface Layer

Through operando synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of layered transition metal oxide electrodes of composition LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), we decouple the intrinsic bulk reaction mechanism from surface-induced effects. For identically prepared and cycled electrodes stored in different environments, we demonstrate that the intrinsic bulk reaction for pristine NCA follows solid-solution mechanism, not a two-phase as suggested previously. By combining high resolution powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and surface sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we demonstrate that adventitious Li2CO3 forms on the electrode particle surface during exposure to air through reaction with atmospheric CO2. This surface impedes ionic and electronic transport to the underlying electrode, with progressive erosion of this layer during cycling giving rise to different reaction states in particles with an intact versus an eroded Li2CO3 surf...
ROI-Driven Cyber Risk Mitigation Using Host Compliance and Network Configuration

Automated cyber security configuration synthesis is the holy grail of cyber risk management. The effectiveness of cyber security is highly dependent on the appropriate configuration hardening of heterogeneous, yet interdependent, network security devices, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, IPSec gateways, and proxies, to minimize cyber risk. However, determining cost-effective security configuration for risk mitigation is a complex decision-making process because it requires considering many different factors including end-hosts’ security weaknesses based on compliance checking, threat exposure due to network connectivity, potential impact/damage, service reachability requirements according to business polices, acceptable usability due to security hardness, and budgetary constraints. Although many automated techniques and tools have been proposed to scan end-host vulnerabilities and verify the policy compliance, existing approaches lack metrics and analytics to identify fine-grained network access control based on comprehensive risk analysis using both the hosts’ compliance reports and network connectivity. In this paper, we present new metrics and a formal framework for automatically assessing the global enterprise risk and determining the most cost-effective security configuration for risk mitigation considering both the end-host security compliance and network connectivity. Our proposed metrics measure the global enterprise risk based on the end-host vulnerabilities and configuration weaknesses, collected through compliance scanning reports, their inter-dependencies, and network reachability. We then use these metrics to automatically generate a set of host-based vulnerability fixes and network access control decisions that mitigates the global network risk to satisfy the desired Return on Investment of cyber security. We solve the problem of cyber risk mitigation based on advanced formal methods using Satisfiability Module Theories, which has shown scalability with large-size networks.
Avalanches driven by pressure gradients in a magnetized plasma

The results are presented for a basic heat transport experiment involving an off-axis heat source in which avalanche events occur. The configuration consists of a long, hollow, cylindrical region of elevated electron temperature embedded in a colder plasma, and far from the device walls [Van Compernolle et al. Phys. Rev. E 91, 031102(R) (2015)]. The avalanche events are identified as sudden rearrangements of the pressure profile following the growth of fluctuations from ambient noise. The intermittent collapses of the plasma pressure profile are associated with unstable drift-Alfven waves and exhibit both radial and poloidal dynamics. After each collapse, the plasma enters a quiescent phase in which the pressure profile slowly recovers and steepens until a threshold is exceeded, and the process repeats. The use of reference probes as time markers allows for the visualization of the 2D spatio-temporal evolution of the avalanche events. Avalanches are observed only for a limited combination of heating power...
The “Ideal” Body Weight for Pediatric Gentamicin Dosing in the Era of Obesity: A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis

Background:Obese pediatric patients often require dose reductions when initiating gentamicin therapy. An appropriate method for calculating ideal body weight for dosing gentamicin in pediatric patients has not been validated.Methods:A retrospective population pharmacokinetic study was designed and i