cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A prediction model for Clostridium difficile recurrence

Background : Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a growing problem in the community and hospital setting. Its incidence has been on the rise over the past two decades, and it is quickly becoming a major concern for the health care system. High rate of recurrence is one of the major hurdles in the successful treatment of C. difficile infection. There have been few studies that have looked at patterns of recurrence. The studies currently available have shown a number of risk factors associated with C. difficile recurrence (CDR); however, there is little consensus on the impact of most of the identified risk factors. Methods : Our study was a retrospective chart review of 198 patients diagnosed with CDI via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from January 2009 to Jun 2013. In our study, we decided to use a machine learning algorithm called the Random Forest (RF) to analyze all of the factors proposed to be associated with CDR. This model is capable of making predictions based on a large number of variables, and has outperformed numerous other models and statistical methods. Results : We came up with a model that was able to accurately predict the CDR with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 63.1%, and area under curve of 82.6%. Like other similar studies that have used the RF model, we also had very impressive results. Conclusions : We hope that in the future, machine learning algorithms, such as the RF, will see a wider application. Keywords: Random Forest; machine learning algorithm; hospital infection (Published: 3 February 2015) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2015, 5 : 26033 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v5.26033
Managing Heart Failure Care Using an Internet-Based Telemedicine System

Background: Managing patients with heart failure (HF) is labor intensive, and follow-up is often inadequate to detect day-to-day changes that ultimately lead to decompensation. We tested the effect of an Internet-based telemedicine (T) system that provides frequent surveillance and increased communicate between HF patients and their provider on frequency of hospitalization in a cohort of patients with advanced HF. Methods and Results: HF patients in NYHA Class II-IV were randomized to usual care (UC, n 5 24) or T (T plus UC, n 5 24) and followed for 1 year. Office visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, telephone calls, and number of Internet communications were measured over the 1-year period. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was assessed by echocardiography in both groups. For T, mean age was 53.2 6 2.0 years (72% male, 61% Caucasian, 39% African American). For UC, mean age was 54.1 6 2.6 years (76% male, 72% Caucasian, 14% African American, and 14% Hispanic). HF etiologies and EF were similar in both groups. During the 12-month period, UC had 74 total phone calls to the practice, whereas T had 88 telephone calls plus 1887 telemedicine data messages (6.5 messages/patient/ month). ER visits were lower in the T group (T 5, UC 12; P ! .05). Hospital admissions (T 24, C 40; P 5 .025) and total hospital days (T 84, UC 226 days; P ! .005) were lower in T. Unscheduled clinic visits (T 13, UC 13; P 5 NS) and scheduled clinic visits (T 78, UC 94; P 5 NS) were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Frequent monitoring and patient management using a telemedicine system may help to reduce hospitalizations, hospitaldays,andemergencydepartment visits.(JCardiacFail2008;14:121e126)
Hormonal therapy in the management of prostate cancer: From Huggins to the present

Abstract Hormonal therapy has been the mainstay of treatment for advanced forms of prostate cancer. Although early clinical studies suggested that major improvements and even cure could occur, later randomized prospective investigations showed that hormonal treatments were palliative rather than curative. Subsequent studies have suggested, but not conclusively proven, that earlier initiation of hormonal therapy for patients with early forms of metastatic disease may prolong disease-free and overall survival. The choice of hormonal agents, either alone as monotherapy or in combination with agents of differing mechanisms of action, suggests that further improvements in survival can be achieved with combinations of hormonal agents. Many studies have suggested that the use of hormonal therapy with localized forms of prostate cancer may provide pathologic benefit in decreasing the amount of tumor found at the time of radical prostatectomy or treated during radiation therapy. Although short-term outcomes looking at tumor “downstaging” have been positive, longer follow-up will be necessary before definitive conclusions can be made regarding the ultimate utility of preoperative or preradiation therapy hormonal treatments (neoadjuvant hormonal therapy).
Study of Biodegradable Polylactide/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Blends

Both polylactide (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) are biodegradable polymers. They are thermoplastics which can be processed using most conventional polymer processing metho...
Self-rolled-up microtube ring resonators: a review of geometrical and resonant properties

Strain-induced self-rolled-up microtubes, a category of recently discovered tubular structure with ultrathin walls, have been demonstrated to be unique ring resonators. Recent development in their geometrical and resonant properties are reviewed.
The genetics of body scent

Abstract Genes of the highly polymorphic H-2 major histocompatibility complex impart to each mouse a scent that is characteristic of its H-2 haplotype. Recognition of these individual odors affects mate choice and other aspects of reproduction. Other parts of the genome also contribute to genetically determined individuality of body scent.
Physical violence against impoverished women: a longitudinal analysis of risk and protective factors.

Abstract Violence represents a significant threat to the health of impoverished women. Few studies have examined what characteristics might be associated with increased risk of violence or protection from physical violence directed at such women, although this information is important in informing violence prevention and intervention efforts. This is the first study to our knowledge that has prospectively examined, in representative probability samples of impoverished women, multiple risk and protective factors to understand their relative importance to physical victimization. Study participants were 810 women in Los Angeles County, 402 in shelters and 408 in Section 8 low-income housing, who completed structured interviews at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Significant ( p
Lessons from the past: Individualism and community in three progressive schools

(1995). Lessons from the past: Individualism and community in three progressive schools. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 70, Education and the liberal‐communitarian debate, pp. 56-85.
A Comparison of Cutting Efficiency of Air-Driven Fissure Burs

A comparison was made of the cutting efficiency and durability of no. 557 and no. 57 air-driven burs of nine manufacturers. Half of the no. 557 burs were found to cut more rapidly and to wear longer than no. 57 burs within brands; however, a wide variation was seen in overall quality, since many of the no. 57 burs were found to cut more efficiently and durably when compared with many of the no. 557 burs tested.
The Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Flutter

Background Although radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial flutter is associated with a high rate of initial success, several clinical issues regarding this therapy remain to be defined. For example, the risks of recurrent atrial flutter and of developing atrial fibrillation after flutter ablation are unknown. In addition, it is not known whether elimination of atrial flutter will modify the natural history of atrial fibrillation in patients who experience both of these arrhythmias. The purpose of the present study was to determine the actuarial freedom from recurrent or new atrial arrhythmias in patients with atrial flutter undergoing catheter ablation. Methods and Results The study population consisted of 59 consecutive patients (mean age, 61.9±12.6 years) with typical atrial flutter who underwent catheter ablation of the reentrant circuit. Catheter ablation was not advised for patients in whom paroxysmal atrial fibrillation had been a major clinical problem. The inducibility of atrial fibrillation ...
Keratoconus associated with posterior polymorphous dystrophy.

with ketoconazole, 200 mg orally twice a day. One colony of fungus had grown from cultures after three days. In vitro sensitivity testing (National Medical Mycological Reference Laboratory, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney) showed the isolated fungus to be resistant to amphotericin B, flucytosine, and itraconazole but sensitive to ketoconazole. The fungus was identified as P. mutabilis van Beyma by the International Mycological Institute, London. The corneal graft has remained clear with no fungal recurrence for a follow-up period of 12 months. Histopathologic examination of the corneal button showed a deep fungal abscess with hyphae penetrating Descemet's membrane to spread on the posterior surface of the cornea (Fig. 2). Previous reports of Phialophora keratomycosis are rare.!" Like most cases of keratomycosis, the infection in our patient occurred after outdoor corneal trauma.' Since the infiltrate was in the depths of the corneal scar, we believe that the organism was inoculated into the cornea at the time of the injury in March 1990. The six-month interval between the trauma and the clinical infection probably reflects the low virulence and the opportunistic nature of the organism. This case demonstrates some of the problems in the treatment of keratomycosis. After making a presumptive diagnosis, the choice of antifungal agents is difficult because identification and sensitivity testing often involve significant delay. In our case, topical natamycin therapy was selected initially because of its wide spectrum of activity." The lack of improvement then prompted addition of nystatin topically. Despite treatment, clinical progression of the infection necessitated keratoplasty.
Health and social support networks: A case for improving interpersonal communication

Presented here is an analysis of research findings documenting the apparently obvious hypothesis that people need people and that when ties between people are interrupted or modified consequences on people's health and wellbeing can often be observed. Ways in which social support networks contribute to people's health and societal characteristics that inhibit development of such networks are discussed. Some approaches that emphasize the importance of networks are suggested.
Bioluminescence tomography based on phantoms with different concentrations of bioluminescent cancer cells

A cubic phantom containing different concentrations of cells in a 5 mm diameter cylindrical hole was tested. Luminescence light emitted from four sides of the phantom was measured and bioluminescence tomography (BLT) was reconstructed with our modified finite element reconstruction algorithm. By adding a weighting factor and threshold in the algorithm, we can detect the targets at any depth in our 3 cm × 3 cm phantom for first time.
DIATOM MINERALIZATION OF SILICIC ACID. II. REGULATION OF Si (OH)4 TRANSPORT RATES DURING THE CELL CYCLE OF NAVICULA PELLICULOSA1

Synchronized populations of Navicula pelliculosa (Breb.) Hilse show a 10-fold increase in Si(OH)4 transport rate during traverse through the cell division cycle. The transport activity pattern is similar to a “peak enzyme.” Kinetic analysis showed there was a significant change in Ks values, indicating increased “affinity” for Si(OH)4 as cells neared maximal uptake rates. However, the dramatic changes in transport rate at various cell cycle stages were also reflected by alterations in the Vmax, values of the transport process, suggesting a change in the number of functional transport “sites” in the plasma membrane. Cells in the wall forming stage, arrested from further development by Si(OH)4 deprivation, maintained high transport rates for as long as 7 h. The rates decreased rapidly if protein synthesis were blocked or if Si(OH)4 was added, the latter allowing the cells to traverse the rest of the cycle. The half-life of the transport activity ranged from 1.0 to 2.2 h when protein synthesis was inhibited at various cell cycle stages and during the natural decline of activity late in the cycle. The transport system appears to be metabolically unstable as is typical for a “peak protein.” The rise in transport rate through the cell cycle did not depend on the presence of Si(OH)4 in the medium; therefore, the transport system does not appear to be induced by its substrate. The rise in transport is also observed in L:D synchronized cells developing in the presence of Si(OH)4; neither does the transport system appear to be derepressed. The transport rate was strongly cell cycle-stage dependent; the data appeared to fit the “dependent pathway” model proposed by Hart-well to explain oscillations in enzyme synthesis during the cell cycle.
Complexity of Verdu optimum multiuser detection algorithm applied to random-access multichannel CDMA systems

A statistical characterization of the complexity function of Verdu (1986) optimum multiuser detection (VOMD) algorithm is presented for a communication system employing finite number of randomly accessed orthogonal channels and finite number of simultaneous users. It is proved that the probability that the single channel complexity is greater than A/sup /spl tau// approaches zero exponentially fast as the average number /spl tau/ of simultaneous users in each channel increases, where A is the modulation alphabet size. The moments of the detection complexity function of each channel is found. The ratio of the /spl kappa/-th root of the /spl kappa/-th order moment of the complexity function to the complexity of applying the VOMD directly to a single channel CDMA system with the same number of users approaches zero for all /spl kappa//spl ges/1 as the number of channels increases. The probability distribution of the joint complexity function (JCF) of the aggregate system is also found. It is shown that with a probability close to 1.0 the JCF concentrates in a small region centered at the mean of the JCF, whose order of magnitude is much less than that of applying the VOMD directly to a single channel CDMA system with the same number of simultaneous users. Therefore, when CDMA systems are constrained primarily by multiuser detection complexity, a multichannel CDMA communication system can support a much larger population of simultaneous users than the traditional single channel CDMA system, while reducing the multiuser detection complexity to a more desirable level.
A Theory of Acquisition Motivation and a Pilot Investigation

Integrating the expectancy-value and consistency approaches, a theory of acquisition motivation is presented. The theory considers acquisition behavior as determined by the resultant of approach and avoidance tendencies. These tendencies are further analyzed into a resultant extrinsic tendency and a resultant intrinsic tendency to acquire an object. A pilot investigation which yields empirical support for the theory is reported. Finally, the implications of the theory for marketing strategy are discussed.
Automatic feedback control of a vapor generation system using off-The-Shelf components

AbstractA solvent vapor generation and control system was assembled that provided accurate and reliable vapor concentrations over extended periods, functioned without operator intervention, used only off-the-shelf hardware and software components, and required no special programming or electronics expertise to construct, configure, or operate. Evaluations using toluene demonstrated excellent concentration control over 4- to 72-h periods of unattended operation. Time-weighted average toluene concentrations were maintained within 1 ppm of the target over a range of 100–900 ppm, with root-mean-square variability about the setpoint of 3–5% of setpoint for all but the lowest setpoint used. Concentrations were maintained within 5% of setpoint 80–90% of the time for higher setpoints, and within 10% of setpoint over 95% of the time for all but the lowest setpoint used. Excursions of more than 10% above or below the setpoint were rare. Reduced control effectiveness at the lower setpoints was attributed to inherent...
On problems exhibiting a dual role of control

Some of the simplest classes of linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) problems involving the dual role of control are studied. Neither analytical tools nor numerical methods are known to exist for such problems. This dual role signifies that in addition to minimizing a quadratic cost, the control explicitly determines the quality of information transmitted to the next stage. It is shown that indirect techniques (information-theoretic bounds or the construction of related zero-sum games) can be used to obtain the optimal solution for some classes of such problems; these optimal solutions are linear and can be found by solving a related parameter optimization problem. For other classes of problems it is established that nonlinear strategies indeed outperform the optimal linear strategies. >
The orientation dependence of the photochemical reactivity of BiVO4

BiVO4 surfaces of all possible orientations have been used to photochemically reduce Ag+ and oxidize Pb2+. The surface orientations of grains, measured by electron backscatter diffraction, were correlated to the amounts of reduced and oxidized products on each surface. The results show that the photochemical reduction of Ag+ is strongly favored on BiVO4 (001) surfaces (indexed in group I2/b). However, Ag+ can be reduced on all orientations, with the rate of reduction decreasing with increasing inclination from the [001] direction. The oxidation of Pb2+ is strongly favored on (hk0) surfaces perpendicular to (001). Surfaces within 50° of [001] have a much lower activity for the oxidation of Pb2+. The results also show that reduction and oxidation reactions occur on complementary surfaces of BiVO4 crystals.
Esterilizadas en Nombre de la Salud Pública: Raza, Inmigración y Control Reproductivo en California en el Siglo XX

Al explorar la historia de la esterilizacion involuntaria en California en este articulo, me propongo vincular las aproximadamente 20.000 operaciones realizadas a pacientes en instituciones estatales entre 1909 y 1979 con los procedimientos solventados por el gobierno federal llevados a cabo en el Hospital del Condado de Los Angeles a principios de los anos '70. Al subrayar la confluencia de factores que facilitaron el abuso generalizado de la esterilizacion a principios de los '70, rastreo los argumentos a favor de la esterilizacion que fueron sostenidos en pro de la proteccion de la salud publica. Este panorama historico suscita preguntas importantes sobre el legado de la eugenesia en California hoy, y relaciona el pasado con avances recientes en la atencion de la salud y en investigacion genetica.
ISSUES FOR PREGNANT THERAPISTS: MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND FEE PAYMENTS

Patterns of missed appointments and fee payments for six female clients who were in therapy for one year or more prior to the therapist's pregnancy were studied. The study revealed that there were significant differences in appointments missed and no significant differences in feepaying patterns during and following the pregnancy when compared to patterns prior to the pregnancy. The changes in appointment patterns can affect the therapist's attitude toward clients and intensify a sense of instability. Anticipation of such changes can prevent unnecessary stress for both the client and therapist.
A Transient Hydrostatic Dynamometer for Single Cylinder Engine Research With Real Time Multi-Cylinder Dynamic Simulation

A new high-bandwidth transient hydrostatic dynamometer test system has been developed that accurately replicates multi-cylinder engine operation using a single-cylinder research engine. Single-cylinder engines are typically used for research because of their low cost and good cylinder accessibility for instrumentation and optics. This dynamometer maintains these advantages while dramatically improving transient and low speed testing capabilities. The system also incorporates hardware-in-the-loop models for simulation of other components that would typically be present in a vehicle application. These models include: adjoining cylinders and ancillary components in the engine, the transmission, driveline, and vehicle load. Utilizing these models it is possible to replicate actual driving cycles. This high-bandwidth transient dynamometer extends the test capabilities of single-cylinder research far beyond the traditional steady state regime, enabling transient speed single-cylinder engine research while providing single-cylinder engine operation that is comparable to the multi-cylinder engine.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
On Wilton's ripples: a special case of resonant interactions

The phenomenon of second harmonic resonance for capillary-gravity waves is reconsidered here by the asymptotic method of multiple time and space scales. The periodic finite amplitude waves of permanent form found by Wilton in 1915 which correspond to this configuration are shown to be no more than a special case of the more general resonant interaction theory, and owe their existence to a critical choice of initial conditions. It is further suggested that the influence of viscous dissipation will render this solution virtually undetectable in a real liquid.
A new method to improve network topological similarity search: applied to fold recognition

Motivation: Similarity search is the foundation of bioinformatics. It plays a key role in establishing structural, functional and evolutionary relationships between biological sequences. Although the power of the similarity search has increased steadily in recent years, a high percentage of sequences remain uncharacterized in the protein universe. Thus, new similarity search strategies are needed to efficiently and reliably infer the structure and function of new sequences. The existing paradigm for studying protein sequence, structure, function and evolution has been established based on the assumption that the protein universe is discrete and hierarchical. Cumulative evidence suggests that the protein universe is continuous. As a result, conventional sequence homology search methods may be not able to detect novel structural, functional and evolutionary relationships between proteins from weak and noisy sequence signals. To overcome the limitations in existing similarity search methods, we propose a new algorithmic framework—Enrichment of Network Topological Similarity (ENTS)—to improve the performance of large scale similarity searches in bioinformatics. Results: We apply ENTS to a challenging unsolved problem: protein fold recognition. Our rigorous benchmark studies demonstrate that ENTS considerably outperforms state-of-the-art methods. As the concept of ENTS can be applied to any similarity metric, it may provide a general framework for similarity search on any set of biological entities, given their representation as a network. Availability and implementation: Source code freely available upon request Contact: gro.bcsi@eixl
Trade Show Managers

Abstract Trade show management is a multi-faceted field, requiring a breadth of skills on the part of those engaged in the craft. Whether they go by the title of Show Manager, Director of Marketing, Vice President of Meetings/Conventions, or Director of Meetings/Conventions, these professionals work with exhibitors, attendees, and service providers to produce their events. The managers of the 200 largest shows in the United States were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward and usage of technology in their jobs. Results indicate that they rely on the Internet to conduct business and will likely increase their usage of this business tool.
Comparative In Vitro Activities of Ertapenem (MK-0826) against 1,001 Anaerobes Isolated from Human Intra-Abdominal Infections

By using an agar dilution method, the comparative in vitro activities of ertapenem (MK-0826) were studied against 1,001 anaerobes isolated from human intra-abdominal infections in 17 countries worldwide. MK-0826 was uniformly active against all isolates, including all Bacteroides fragilis group species isolates, with the exception of 12 of 61 (20%) strains of Bilophila wadsworthia, 3 strains of lactobacilli, and 1 isolate of Acidaminococcus fermentans. Geographical variation in activity was not observed.
Face to face: Blocking facial mimicry can selectively impair recognition of emotional expressions

People spontaneously mimic a variety of behaviors, including emotional facial expressions. Embodied cognition theories suggest that mimicry reflects internal simulation of perceived emotion in order to facilitate its understanding. If so, blocking facial mimicry should impair recognition of expressions, especially of emotions that are simulated using facial musculature. The current research tested this hypothesis using four expressions (happy, disgust, fear, and sad) and two mimicry-interfering manipulations (1) biting on a pen and (2) chewing gum, as well as two control conditions. Experiment 1 used electromyography over cheek, mouth, and nose regions. The bite manipulation consistently activated assessed muscles, whereas the chew manipulation activated muscles only intermittently. Further, expressing happiness generated most facial action. Experiment 2 found that the bite manipulation interfered most with recognition of happiness. These findings suggest that facial mimicry differentially contributes to recognition of specific facial expressions, thus allowing for more refined predictions from embodied cognition theories.
Reduction of discrete element models by Karhunen–Loève transform: a hybrid model approach

The term “discrete element method” (DEM) in engineering science comprises various approaches to model physical systems by agglomerates of free particles. While shapes, sizes and properties of particles may vary, in most DEM models, particles are not confined by constraints, but subject to applied forces derived from potential fields and/or contact laws. This general approach allows for widespread use of DEM models for physical phenomena including gas dynamics, granular flow, fracture and impact analysis. However, its characteristic feature, combining particle restraints and forces into applied forces, does not only provide for flexible adaption of DEM to different physics, but also creates the most limiting restriction: Evaluation of the applied forces for each particle is computational expensive restraining the time sequence and sample size for numerical analyses. As an ansatz to circumvent this obstacle for a class of DEM models, we propose a model order reduction method based on coherency in the dynamics of particles. While initial flexibility of DEM is conserved, computational effort can be reduced significantly.
An efficient method for formant to reflection coefficient conversion

The exact transformation from formant frequencies and bandwidths to reflection coefficients is a complex and time consuming process. A simple approximate transformation may be performed using a table look-up procedure with linear interpolation. Experiments have been conducted using a four formant model, each formant being represented by a complex conjugate pole pair. The formant bandwidths and the frequency of the fourth formant are assigned constant values. Informal listening has shown that a table with as few as 126 16-bit entries is sufficient to perform this transformation without significant degradation of speech quality.
Antioxidant activity of nontocopherol hazelnut (Corylus spp.) phenolics.

: Hazelnuts were investigated for the presence of antioxidant compounds other than tocopherol. Hazelnuts from 2 regions were extracted with methanol:water (2:1; v/v). Extracts were subjected to either acid or alkaline hydrolysis but neither improved the separation quality during high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Nonhydrolyzed extracts of hazelnut had greater antioxidant activity in comparison to hydrolyzed extracts. The 1st 10 minute eluent in the HPLC had greater antioxidant activity relative to the later eluting fractions. Gallic acid, p-hydroxyl benzoic acid, caffeic acid and/or epicatechin, sinapic acid, and quercetin were tentatively identified using HPLC.
A review of statin use and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer and, when it metastasizes, has a high mortality rate. Statins may affect prostate cancer progression through cholesterol- and pleiotropic-mediated effects. The data on statin effects on prostate cancer has been mixed with benefit most likely occurring in reducing prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy and reduced mortality due to prostate cancer. More research is needed in this area to better characterize potential statin-mediated mechanisms that affect cancer. Also, future studies should report patients’ anatomic/prognostic stage based on the updated staging system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer, which is a more effective predictor of recurrence and mortality than anatomic stage alone.
Classification of cavernous internal carotid artery tortuosity: a predictor of procedural complexity in Pipeline embolization.

Background Flow diverters are increasingly used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Understanding cavernous internal carotid artery (cICA) tortuosity may help to predict procedural complexities of deploying flow diverters. Methods Pipeline embolization device (PED) neurointerventions for ICA aneurysms proximal to the ICA termination were reviewed. Cavernous ICA tortuosity was measured as a ratio D/AP, where D=height difference of the anterior and posterior genus, AP=sum of the angles of the anterior (A) and posterior (P) genus. Four types of cICA tortuosity were proposed. An analysis of variance regression and Fisher9s exact test were performed to analyze differences among the types. Results Cavernous ICA tortuosity was categorized into minimal (type I, n=28), moderate (type II–III, n=29), and severe (type IV, n=26). The groups were comparable for patient age (mean ± SEM years, type I: 55.6±10.4, II–III: 56.4±14.4, IV: 55±12.8) and aneurysm size (mean±SEM mm, type I: 6.25±3.5, II–III: 7.6±4.9, IV: 9.11±4.9). Analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences in procedural fluoroscopy time (mean ± SEM min, type I: 29.8±8.4, II–III: 44.9±34.1, IV: 52.6±17.2, p Conclusions We propose a classification system for cICA tortuosity based on measurements of the anterior and posterior genu geometry. This classification correlates strongly with markers of PED procedural complexity and may be helpful in pre-procedure prognostication.
Effect of Changes in Heart Rate on Left Ventricular Performance in Conscious Dogs

An increase in heart rate produced in 12 conscious dogs by right atrial pacing resulted in a fall of end-diastolic volume, stroke volume, stroke work and end-diastolic pressure. Stroke power and the maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure (LV dP/dt max) were affected only slightly. Sudden large changes of rate produced transient changes in LV dP/dt max typical of the positive and negative inotropic effects of activation, but steady-state LV dP/dt max was not affected; these effects persisted after autonomic blockade with propranolol and atropine. Postural changes produced no change in LV dP/dt max even after autonomic blockade. We conclude that in this preparation, the interval-strength relationship has a plateau at the physiologic range of heart rate, i.e., myocardial contractility is unaffected by change in heart rate over the range 90 to 190 beats/min.
Secondary stress in compound Germanic names in Old English verse

Conventional linguistic and metrical perspectives claim that secondary elements of Old English compound names are only stressed if they are disyllabic or inflected. This essay argues that this conclusion derives directly from the use of Eduard Sievers's metrical formalism and that other formalisms may suggest that this counterintuitive result is, in fact, incorrect. Using Geoffrey Russom's innovative word-foot metrical formalism and examining evidence from secondary alliteration patterns, this essay offers evidence that monosyllabic secondary elements were given secondary stress. Furthermore, evidence from the spacing of compound names in the Beowulf manuscript supports such a conclusion. Taken together, the evidence from scansion, alliteration patterns, and the manuscript suggest that both Sieversian formalism and the linguistic claims that it gave rise to should be replaced.
Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Characterization of Bis(μ-oxo)dicopper Complexes, Novel Intermediates in Copper-Mediated Dioxygen Activation

A description of the structure and bonding of novel bis(μ-oxo)dicopper complexes and their bis(μ-hydroxo)dicopper decomposition products was derived from combined X-ray crystallographic, spectroscopic, and ab initio theoretical studies. The compounds [(LCu)2(μ-O)2]X2 were generated from the reaction of solutions of [LCu(CH3CN)]X with O2 at −80 °C (L = 1,4,7-tribenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, LBn3; 1,4,7-triisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, LiPr3; or 1-benzyl-4,7-diisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, LiPr2Bn; X = variety of anions). The geometry of the [Cu2(μ-O)2]2+ core was defined by X-ray crystallography for [(d21-LBn3Cu)2(μ-O)2](SbF6)2 and by EXAFS spectroscopy for the complexes capped by LBn3 and LiPr3; notable dimensions include short Cu−O (∼1.80 A) and Cu···Cu (∼2.80 A) distances like those reported for analogous M2(μ-O)2 (M = Fe or Mn) rhombs. The core geometry is contracted compared to those of the bis(μ-hydroxo)dicopper(II) compounds that result from decomposition of the bis(μ-oxo) complexes upon...
Ebolavirus Requires Acid Sphingomyelinase Activity and Plasma Membrane Sphingomyelin for Infection

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) converts the lipid sphingomyelin (SM) to phosphocholine and ceramide and has optimum activity at acidic pH. Normally, ASMase is located in lysosomes and endosomes, but membrane damage or the interaction with some bacterial and viral pathogens can trigger its recruitment to the plasma membrane. Rhinovirus and measles viruses each require ASMase activity during early stages of infection. Both sphingomyelin and ceramide are important components of lipid rafts and are potent signaling molecules. Each plays roles in mediating macropinocytosis, which has been shown to be important for ebolavirus (EBOV) infection. Here, we investigated the role of ASMase and its substrate, SM, in EBOV infection. The work was performed at biosafety level 4 with wild-type virus with specificity and mechanistic analysis performed using virus pseudotypes and virus-like particles. We found that virus particles strongly associate with the SM-rich regions of the cell membrane and depletion of SM reduces EBOV infection. ASM-specific drugs and multiple small interfering RNAs strongly inhibit the infection by EBOV and EBOV glycoprotein pseudotyped viruses but not by the pseudotypes bearing the glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus. Interestingly, the binding of virus-like particles to cells is strongly associated with surface-localized ASMase as well as SM-enriched sites. Our work suggests that ASMase activity and SM presence are necessary for efficient infection of cells by EBOV. The inhibition of this pathway may provide new avenues for drug treatment.
Multimodality Imaging of CXCR4 in Cancer: Current Status towards Clinical Translation

CXCR4 has gained tremendous attention over the last decade, since it was found to be up-regulated in a wide variety of cancer types, in addition to its role in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Molecular imaging of CXCR4 with small molecules, peptides, and antibodies has been a vibrant research area over the last several years. In this review article, we will summarize the current status of imaging CXCR4 with fluorescence, bioluminescence, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography techniques. Since each molecular imaging modality has its own strengths and weaknesses, dualmodality probes that can be detected by more than one imaging techniques have also been investigated. Noninvasive visualization of CXCR4 expression has potential clinical applications in multiple facets of patient management. While big strides have been made over the last several years in the development of CXCR4- targeted imaging probes, clinical translation and investigation of these agents in cancer patients are eagerly awaited. Since CXCR4 is also involved in many other diseases beyond cancer, these clinically translatable probes can also play multiple roles in other pathological disorders such as myocardial infarction and several immunodeficiency disorders.
Epidural Anesthesia and Analgesia in High-risk Surgical Patients

The authors conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of epidural anesthesia and postoperative analgesia (EAA) on postoperative morbidity in a group of high-risk surgical patients. A total of 53 patients were admitted to the study, 28 received EAA, and 25 received standard anesthetic and analgesic techniques without EAA. Surgical "risk" was evaluated preoperatively and found to be comparable in the two groups. When compared to control patients, patients who received EAA had a reduction in the overall postoperative complication rate (P = 0.002) and in the incidence of cardiovascular failure (P = 0.007) and major infectious complications (P = 0.007). Urinary cortisol excretion, a marker of the stress response, was significantly diminished during the first 24 postoperative hours in the group receiving EAA (P = 0.025). Finally, hospital costs were significantly reduced for patients who received EAA (P = 0.02). The authors conclude that EAA exerted a significant beneficial effect on operative outcome in a group of high risk surgical patients.
The Effects of Relative Humidity on the Structural Response of Selected Wood Samples in the Cross-Grained Direction

Wood is common as a structural material throughout Art and Archaeological collections. While there is a considerable amount of information on the behavior of wood in the longitudinal direction, failure is often perpendicular to the grain direction. This study concentrated on the cross-grained mechanical behavior of several woods and their response to changes in relative humidity. The mechanical behavior of these woods coupled with the dimensional response to relative humidity can be used to assess the potential for damage to restrained wood objects as well as determine allowable museum environmental fluctuations.
The effect of Medicare Part D on prescription drug composition and demand

Purpose – The US Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 introduced optional prescription drug coverage, beginning in 2006, widely known as Medicare Part D. This paper uses up-to-date nationally representative survey data to investigate the impact of Part D not only on drug spending and consumption, but also on the composition of drug consumption. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Specifically, the paper investigates whether Part D impacted the number of therapeutic classes for which drugs were prescribed, and also whether Part D lead to increased usage of drugs for specific medical conditions that typically receive drug-intensive therapies. Findings – In addition to confirming findings from previous studies, this paper shows that Part D increased the number of therapeutic classes to which seniors receive drugs by approximately four classes. Part D also lead to increased usage of drugs used to treat upper respiratory disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Originality/value – W...
The auxiliary resonant commutated pole converter

The auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP), a new power converter topology that fully achieves soft switching without increasing primary device voltage or current ratings, is discussed. The ARCP converter is capable of true pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of each phase. The power circuit relies on the addition of an auxiliary triggered resonant commutation circuit or snubber to commutate the inductive load current from a main diode to an active device, allowing a zero voltage turn-off of the main devices. The auxiliary devices operate in a zero current soft switching mode, thereby requiring minimal current turn-off capability. The operation and control of the ARCP converter are discussed. Its performance is analyzed, and a simulation is presented. It is shown that the ARCP converter is capable of operation at elevated switching frequencies (10-30 kHz), high power levels (200-1000 kW), and high conversion efficiencies. the auxiliary devices will typically account for a 20% increase in the total silicon area of a three-phase power converter. >
Arthur Miller's America: Theatre & Culture in a Time of Change

In the fall of 2000, to honor Arthur Miller's eighty-fifth birthday, the University of Michigan sponsored an international symposium on the playwright's work, and Enoch Brater has now edited a volume based on selected presentations from that event. In plain terms, the book includes Brater's chronicle of Miller's days at the university, playwright Frank Gagliano's thoughts on adapting Timebends for the stage, Toby Zinman's interview with actor Patrick Stewart on playing Lyman Felt in The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, Brater's interviews with composer William C. Bolcom on his opera version of A View from the Bridge and with Miller himself via satellite hookup, an afterword by critic Mel Gussow, and fourteen scholarly essays that form the body of the volume.
Factors Influencing Readmission after Elective Ureteroscopy

Purpose: Ureteroscopy is increasingly used to manage nephrolithiasis, upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma and other urological conditions. In this study we determine the rate of readmission and emergency department visits after ureteroscopy in an underserved population, as well as factors associated with these unplanned visits.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2014 of all elective ureteroscopies was conducted at a single tertiary hospital serving an underserved population in a major metropolis. Demographic, operative and discharge characteristics were collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 276 ureteroscopies were performed with 15.6% presenting to the emergency department within 30 days. Overall 5.8% were readmitted. Readmitted patients were more likely to have hypertension (OR 3.64, p=0.02), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 5.54, p=0.001), 2 or more comorbidities (OR 3.65, p=0.12), or a complication associated with ureteroscopy (OR 7.27, p=0.007)...
Empowering the Non-Traditional College Student and Bridging the "Digital Divide".

Non-traditional student enrollment, especially at community colleges, has markedly risen in the last ten years due to national unemployment rates, the current economic climate, and employer demand for computer-literate employees. While university instructors struggle to constantly adapt their course materials to incorporate updates in software modules, various online learning systems, and consumer gadgets, they must also troubleshoot the obstacles inherent in their changing class rosters. Functioning under the definition of non-traditional as students over the age of 25 who are often first-generation college enrollees, displaced from their previous careers due unforeseen layoffs, or desperate to update their rum by earning an advanced certification or degree in order to ensure job security, this paper examines the lagging response of higher education institutions to appropriately manage the widening digital divide. The clear dissonance between typical non-traditional student computer competency and typical traditional student computer competency specifically informs this examination. In response to the amalgamated complications revealed in the non-traditional students charge to function successfully within a technologically-driven university environment, practical application strategies in the form of pre-enrollment computer competency placement testing and the implementation of required, degree-credit introductory computer courses must be established as a national initiative in order to formalize the concerted effort needed to encourage the overall academic success of non-traditional students nationwide.
Research Resource: Genetic Labeling of Human Islet Alpha Cells

The 2 most abundant human pancreatic islet cell types are insulin-producing β-cells and glucagon-producing α-cells. Defined cis-regulatory elements from rodent Insulin genes have permitted genetic labeling of human islet β-cells, enabling lineage tracing and generation of human β-cell lines, but analogous elements for genetically labeling human α-cells with high specificity do not yet exist. To identify genetic elements that specifically direct reporter expression to human α-cells, we investigated noncoding sequences adjacent to the human GLUCAGON and ARX genes, which are expressed in islet α-cells. Elements with high evolutionary conservation were cloned into lentiviral vectors to direct fluorescent reporter expression in primary human islets. Based on the specificity of reporter expression for α- and β-cells, we found that rat glucagon promoter was not specific for human α-cells but that addition of human GLUCAGON untranslated region sequences substantially enhanced specificity of labeling in both cultured and transplanted islets to a degree not previously reported, to our knowledge. Specific transgene expression from these cis-regulatory sequences in human α-cells should enable targeted genetic modification and lineage tracing.
State Emulator-Based Adaptive Architectures for Resilient Networked Multiagent Systems Over Directed and Time-Varying Graphs

In this paper, we present adaptive architectures for networked multiagent systems operating over directed networks to achieve resilient coordination in the presence of disturbances. Specifically, we consider a class of unforeseen adverse conditions consisting of persistent exogenous disturbances and present a state emulator-based distributed adaptive control architecture to retrieve the nominal networked multiagent system behavior. The stability properties of the proposed architecture are analyzed using results from Lyapunov stability and matrix mathematics. Illustrative numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the theoretical findings.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Determination of malachite green,crystal violet and their metabolite residues in freshwater fish by ultra high performance liquid chromatography using QuEChERS approach

Objective A method was developed for the determination of malachite green( MG) and crystal violet( CV) and their major metabolite,leucomalachite green( LMG) and leucinecrystal violet( LCV),in freshwater fish by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography( UHPLC) using QuEChERS approach. Methods Sample was extracted and cleaned up using QuEChERS approach. UHPLC separation was achieved by using ZORBAX Extend C18( 2. 1 mm i. d ×50 mm,1. 8 μm) with an mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and acetate buffer and gradient program was used at a flow rate of 0. 5 ml / min. DAD detector was used for the determination of MG( λ = 620 nm) and CV( λ = 588 nm),while LMG and LCV were detected by fluorescence detector( λex = 265 nm and λem = 360 nm). Results Calibration curves have a good linear relationship( r 0. 999)in the range of 10 μg / L ~ 200 μg / L for MG and CV,while 2. 0 μg / L ~ 40 μg / L for LMG and LCV. The limits of detection( LOD) were from 0. 36 μg/kg to 5. 1 μg/kg respectively. The average recoveries were from 69% to 118%,with relative standard deviations( RSDs) from 1. 8% to 10%. Conclusion The method is simple,rapid and could be applied for the analysis of MG,CV and their metabolite in freshwater fish.