cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CENTER DIFFERENCES IN SURVIVAL WITHOUT CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE (CLD) IN VERY-LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANTS ARE NOT EXPLAINED BY POPULATION DIFFERENCES, OR THE PRESENCE AND EARLY MANAGEMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS) • 1524

Important differences among centers in survival without CLD at 28 days in VLBW infants have been reported (Avery et al, Pediatrics 79:26-30, 1987). That study was conducted before the use of surfactant, did not include infants<700g, and adjusted only for birth weight (BW), gender, and race. We analyzed prospectively collected data from 12 large, demographically diverse NICU's in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network to explore these differences. A total of 6104 inborn infants with BW 501-1500g born 3/93-12/96 were included. The unadjusted percent survival without CLD (defined as supplemental oxygen at 36 wks) ranged from 32% to 80%. Using a logistic regression model to adjust for BW, gender, race, and antenatal steroids, the center differences persisted(p<0.0001). The center differences persisted when either SGA or gestational age was included in the analysis. Potential explanations for this finding are center differences in acute lung disease (shortly after birth) that are not explained by the above demographic and obstetrical factors or differences in neonatal management. An additional analysis was performed to include the presence of clinical features of RDS in the first 24 hours of life and the use of supplemental oxygen between 6 and 24 hours of age. In this model, the center differences were still highly significant (P<0.0001). Available information about neonatal management includes the use of surfactant, the age at administration of surfactant, and ventilator support parameters prior to the first dose of surfactant. Even after including these predictors in the model, the center differences persisted (p<0.0001). We conclude that significant differences among NICU's in percent survival without CLD are not explained by center differences in BW, gender, race, gestational age, antenatal steroids, RDS, surfactant use, or ventilator settings prior to surfactant therapy. Further research will be needed to explore other factors in the management of these neonates to determine which management strategies provide the best outcomes.
Patterns and profiles of response to incivility in the workplace.

The authors draw on stress and coping theory to understand patterns of individual response to workplace incivility. According to data from 3 employee samples, incivility tended to trigger mildly negative appraisals, which could theoretically differentiate incivility from other categories of antisocial work behavior. Employees experiencing frequent and varied incivility from powerful instigators generally appraised their uncivil encounters more negatively. They responded to this stressor using a multifaceted array of coping strategies, which entailed support seeking, detachment, minimization, prosocial conflict avoidance, and assertive conflict avoidance. These coping reactions depended on the target’s appraisal of the situation, the situation’s duration, and the organizational position and power of both target and instigator. Implications for organizational science and practice are discussed.
Optical recording of calcium and voltage transients following impulses in cell bodies and processes of identified leech neurons in culture

Optical methods were used to examine the spread of electrical potentials and the distribution and time course of calcium transients in individual identified nerve cells isolated from the leech. A photodiode array detected voltage transients by measuring absorbance changes of cells stained with the voltage-sensitive dye RH155 added to the bath. Calcium transients were recorded by measuring absorbance changes of the dye arsenazo III, which had been injected into the cells. In addition, Lucifer yellow was injected to outline the some and processes. Calcium changes resulting from individual action potentials were recorded from N, P, and Retzius cells without averaging. Signals from T cells and anterior pagoda (AP) cells were weaker but could be detected with averaging. These results are in accord with previous studies on calcium contributions to action potentials in these cells. For all cells, larger or wider action potentials gave bigger signals. Calcium changes from each of a train of action potentials were of equal amplitude, showing no sign of facilitation. Calcium transients from Retzius cells that had formed chemical synapses with P cells had properties similar to those of isolated cells. We were also able to detect responses from prolonged subthreshold depolarizations to -40 mV from a hyperpolarized membrane potential (-65 mV). These signals rose throughout the duration of the pulse (1-2 sec). With the photodiode array we mapped the distribution of the calcium signals. The amplitudes from each pixel are proportional to the amount of calcium entering that element in response to the stimulating pulse, if the simplifying assumption is made that the calcium buffering of the cytoplasm is uniform throughout the cell. The largest signals were detected over the axon stump left from the cell isolation procedure. Large signals were also detected from the soma. Weak signals were detected from the processes of some cells. From many Retzius cells, no signals at all were detected from the newly formed processes. Using the photodiode array, we also recorded voltage transients from the cells. Signals were recorded from all over the arborization of the neuron, with no obvious variation in time course, showing that the entire cell, including fine slender processes and broad growth cones, was essentially isopotential. Combining these observations with the measured distribution of calcium transients in the same cell suggests that the density of calcium channels in most cells is less in the outgrowing processes than in the soma or axon stump.
Osteopontin stimulates preneoplastic cellular proliferation through activation of the MAPK pathway.

Alterations in the microenvironment collaborate with cell autonomous mutations during the transformation process. Indeed, cancer- associated fibroblasts (CAF) and senescent fibroblasts stimulate tumorigenesis in xenograft models. Because senescent fibroblasts accumulate with age, these findings suggest that they contribute to age-related increases in tumorigenesis. Previously we demonstrated that senescent-associated stromal derived osteopontin (OPN) contributes to preneoplastic cell growth in vitro and in xenografts, suggesting that it impacts neoplastic progression. Analysis of fibroblasts within premalignant and malignant skin lesions ranging from solar/actinic keratosis (AK) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) revealed they express OPN. Given the stromal expression of OPN, we investigated how OPN impacts preneoplastic cell growth. We demonstrate that OPN promotes preneoplastic keratinocyte cellular proliferation and cell survival through the CD44 cell receptor and activation of the MAPK pathway. These data suggest that stromal-derived OPN impacts tumorigenesis by stimulating preneoplastic cell proliferation thus allowing expansion of initiated cells in early lesions.
Impact of Age and Comorbidity on Cervical and Breast Cancer Literacy of African Americans, Latina, and Arab Women

This study examines the relationship between age, comorbidity, and breast and cervical cancer literacy in a sample of African American, Latina, and Arab women (N = 371) from Detroit, Michigan. The Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACC) was used characterize the impact of age and comorbidity on breast and cervical cancer literacy. The relationship between ACC and breast and cervical cancer screening, and group differences, were assessed. There was a statistically significant difference between breast cancer literacy scores. ACC had a greater impact on breast cancer literacy for African Americans.
Unmasking Bulk Exciton Traps and Interchain Electronic Interactions with Single Conjugated Polymer Aggregates

For conjugated polymer materials, there is currently a major gap in understanding between the fundamental properties observed in single molecule measurements and the bulk electronic properties extracted from measurements of highly heterogeneous thin films. New materials and methodologies are needed to follow the evolution from single chain to bulk film properties as multiple chains begin to interact. In this work, we used a controlled solvent vapor annealing process to assemble single chains of phenylene–vinylene conjugated polymers into aggregates that can be individually spectroscopically interrogated. This approach allowed us to probe the effects of interchain coupling in isolated conjugated polymer nanodomains of controlled size. By assembling these aggregates from building blocks of both pristine MEH–PPV and MEH–PPV derivatives containing structure-directing ortho- or para-terphenyl inclusions, we were able to control the ordering of these nanodomains as measured by single aggregate polarization anis...
Modeling effects of rhythmic context on perceived duration: a comparison of interval and entrainment approaches to short-interval timing.

Relative merits of interval and entrainment conceptions of the internal clock were assessed within a common theoretical framework by 4 time-judgment experiments. The timing of tone onsets marking the beginning and ending of standard and comparison time intervals relative to a context rhythm were manipulated: onsets were on time, early, or late relative to the implied rhythm, and 2 distinct accuracy patterns emerged. A quadratic ending profile indicated best performance when the standard ended on time and worst performance when it was early or late, whereas a flat beginning profile (Experiments 1-3) indicated uniform performance for the 3 expectancy conditions. Only in Experiment 4, in which deviations from expected onset times were large, did significant effects of beginning times appear in time-discrimination thresholds and points of subjective equality. Findings are discussed in the context of theoretical assumptions about clock resetting, the representation of time, and independence of successive time intervals.
Comparing Public-Versus- Private Sector Pay and Benefits: Examining Lifetime Compensation

The large unfunded liabilities surrounding public pensions in the United States will ensure the issue of comparable pay between the public and private sectors remains in the forefront of public policy debates. Disagreements on pay and total compensation comparison studies vary due to different approaches, methods and data. In an effort to add to the literature on comparative compensation, a public-versus-private sector compensation model was constructed to gauge the cost of lifetime compensation. This analysis considers three types of workers within two different occupations classifications: a private sector employee with a traditional 401(k) retirement package offering, a public sector employee who has a defined benefit plan with social security income, and a public sector worker with no social security income. The two sample occupations reviewed as part of this analysis focus on administrative assistants (blue-collar workers) and engineers (white-collar employees) to provide alternatives for evaluation ...
Cell-specific Subcellular Localization of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Human Tissues

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a phase-I xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme having both an N-terminal phosphatase activity and a C-terminal epoxide hydrolase activity. Endogenous hydrolase substrates include arachidonic acid epoxides, which have been involved in regulating blood pressure and inflammation. The subcellular localization of sEH has been controversial. Earlier studies using mouse and rat liver suggested that sEH may be cytosolic and/or peroxisomal. In this study we applied immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy using markers for different subcellular compartments to evaluate sEH colocalization in an array of human tissues. Results showed that sEH is both cytosolic and peroxisomal in human hepatocytes and renal proximal tubules and exclusively cytosolic in other sEH-containing tissues such as pancreatic islet cells, intestinal epithelium, anterior pituitary cells, adrenal gland, endometrium, lymphoid follicles, prostate ductal epithelium, alveolar wall, and blood vessels. sEH was not exclusively peroxisomal in any of the tissues evaluated. Our data suggest that human sEH subcellular localization is tissue dependent, and that sEH may have tissue- or cell-type-specific functionality. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the subcellular localization of sEH in a wide array of human tissues.
Evaluation of the appropriateness of dosing, indication and safety of rivaroxaban in a community hospital.

Summary What is known and objective For over 50 years, warfarin was the only oral anticoagulant approved in the United States. In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved rivaroxaban. Since its introduction, rivaroxaban has served as an alternative to warfarin to minimize drug interactions and avoid drug monitoring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of rivaroxaban dosing, indication and safety in a community hospital and to identify areas for improvement in its use. Methods This single-centre, retrospective review evaluated patients who received at least one dose of rivaroxaban between November 2011 and July 2013. The primary outcome included appropriateness of the first day of therapy based on indication and renal function per FDA-approved dosing recommendations for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and for the treatment or prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The secondary outcome included incidence of major bleeding or non-major clinically relevant bleeding. Results and discussion Of the 445 patients evaluated, 36·9% of patients treated for NVAF and 12·4% treated for VTE were on an inappropriate regimen. Major bleeding within 12 months occurred in 3·5% of patients treated for NVAF, 1·2% for VTE and 0% for off-label indications with a similar trend for non-major clinically relevant bleeding (3·8%, 1·8% and 0%, respectively). What is new and conclusion Though offering potential advantages over warfarin, the use of rivaroxaban should be monitored to increase appropriateness of therapy and improve patient safety. Therapeutic interchanges, pharmacist-directed interventions and other initiatives can be implemented to ensure appropriate use.
Bipolar Junction Transistors

In this chapter, the basic structure and operation of the bipolar junction transistor are discussed. The bipolar transistor operates by the injection of minority carriers across one junction with these carriers collected across a second junction located in close proximity. The physics of current transport by the injection process in the bipolar transistor is reviewed in this chapter to provide a basic understanding of the factors that determine the current gain. From the perspective of power devices, the influence of high-level injection created by operation at elevated current density and the limitations produced by the need to support high voltages are analyzed in detail. Based upon analysis of the minority and majority carrier distributions within the structure, the output characteristics are then generated. The impact of emitter current crowding in the on-state and during turn-off is also included in this chapter.
A simple model for the optimazation of stand-off hypervelocity particle shields

Abstract Impacts at extreme velocities of many tens or even hundreds of kilometers per second are essentially inaccessible to experiment; hence, theory and the resulting scaling laws are the only means to describe the relevant phenomena. One area amenable to this approach involves analyzing the efficacy of stand-off shields for protection against hypervelocity particles. A simple model that allows for optimal design of these shields is developed. Examples and scaling laws that provide estimates for the minimum requirements for such shields are derived from the model.
Evidence-Based Elections

The authors propose an alternative to current requirements for certifying voting equipment and conducting elections. They argue that elections should be structured to provide convincing affirmative evidence that the reported outcomes actually reflect how people voted. This can be accomplished with a combination of software-independent voting systems, compliance audits, and risk-limiting audits. Together, these yield a resilient canvass framework: a fault-tolerant approach to conducting elections that gives strong evidence that the reported outcome is correct or reports that the evidence is not convincing. If evidence-based elections are adopted, certification and testing of voting equipment can be relaxed, saving money and time and reducing barriers to innovation in voting systems-and election integrity will benefit. The authors conclude that there should be more regulation of the evidence trail and less regulation of equipment, and that compliance audits and risk-limiting audits should be required.
Supracoronary approach for keratoma removal in horses: Two cases

Summary Two competitive horses were presented for examination of chronic lameness; one associated with a hoof-wall deformity, the other with a firm mass over the dorsal pastern region. Radiographs revealed moderately radiopaque masses associated with both deformities. The lesions were characterised ultrasonographically as noninvasive, well-circumscribed heterogeneous masses. Computed tomographic examination of the second case revealed a well-defined, partially mineralised, bi-lobed mass with associated bony resorption of the underlying middle phalanx. Both patients were anaesthetised and the keratomas surgically removed via approaches 1–2 cm proximal to the coronary bands. Both horses were stall-sound 2 days after surgery and returned successfully to an equal level of competition by 8 months. A supracoronary approach is a viable alternative to partial or complete hoof wall resection for the removal of nonsolar keratomas from the foot of a horse.
Comparison of linear and predictive control employing different current reference strategies for unbalance voltage sources

This paper presents a comparison between a linear Proportional-Integral (PI) controller and a Finite Set Model Predictive Control (FS-MPC) for current control references in unbalance voltage conditions. Instantaneous active reactive control (IARC), balance positive sequence control (BPSC) and positivenegative sequence control (PNSC) current references are evaluated. Experimental results are shown for the PNSC strategy and are compared with the simulation results. The current harmonic distortion in presence of unbalanced voltage is assessed.
Choice of second-order response surface designs for logistic and Poisson regression models

Response surface methodology is widely used for process development and optimisation, product design, and as part of the modern framework for robust parameter design. For normally distributed responses, the standard second-order designs such as the central composite design and the Box-Behnken design have relatively high D and G efficiencies. In situations where these designs are inappropriate, standard computer software can be used to construct D-optimal and I-optimal designs for fitting second-order models. When the response distribution is either binomial or Poisson, the choice of an appropriate design is not as straightforward. We illustrate the construction of D-optimal second-order designs for these situations and show that they are considerably better choices than the standard designs. We present an example applying this approach to optimisation of an etching process.
Active sensor wave propagation health monitoring of beam and plate structures

Active sensor wave propagation technique is a relatively new method for in-situ nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Elastic waves propagating in material carry the information of defects. These information can be extracted by analyzing the signals picked up by active sensors. Due to the physical property of wave propagation, large area can be interrogated by a few transducers. This simplifies the process of detecting and characterizing defects. To apply this method, efficient numerical modeling is required to predict signal amplitude and time history of elastic wave scattering and diffraction. In order to construct the model, good understanding of these physical phenomena must be achieved. This paper presents results of an investigation of the applicability of active sensors for in-situ health monitoring of aging aircraft structures. The project set forth to develop non-intrusive active sensors that can be applied on existing aging aerospace structures for monitoring the onset and progress of structural damage such as fatigue cracks and corrosion. Wave propagation approach was used for large area detection. In order to get the theoretical solution of elastic wave propagating in the material, wave functions of axial wave, share wave, flexure wave, Raleigh wave, and Lamb waves were thoroughly investigated. The wave velocities and the motion of these different types of waves were calculated and simulated using mathematical analysis programs. Finite Element Method was used to simulate and predict the wave propagating through the structure for different excitation and boundary conditions. Aluminum beams and plates were used to get experiment results. Structures both pristine and with known defects are used in our investigation. The experimental results were then compared with the theoretical results.
Selection for Body Weight at Eight Weeks of Age: 6. Changes in Appetite and Feed Utilization

Abstract BIDIRECTIONAL selection experiments for juvenile growth of chickens have demonstrated that mean body weight at time t may be readily changed beyond the limits of the base population (Schnetzler, 1936; Maloney et al., 1963; Gyles and Thomas, 1963). Lacking, however, is information concerning changes that occur in factors influencing growth. Some attempts have been made to investigate the nutritional physiology of the lines derived from the two-way selection experiment for eight-week weight by Siegel (1962). Siegel and Wisman (1962) observed that decreases in protein and energy levels below that at which selection was practiced reduced body-weight gains for males and females in both lines. Protein and energy levels above those employed during selection resulted in increased growth responses for males of both lines but not females. Subsequently, Wisman and Siegel (1963) defined more precisely the protein and energy requirements for males and females in these lines. The data in both …
Population-based structural variation discovery with Hydra-Multi

Summary: Current strategies for SNP and INDEL discovery incorporate sequence alignments from multiple individuals to maximize sensitivity and specificity. It is widely accepted that this approach also improves structural variant (SV) detection. However, multisample SV analysis has been stymied by the fundamental difficulties of SV calling, e.g. library insert size variability, SV alignment signal integration and detecting long-range genomic rearrangements involving disjoint loci. Extant tools suffer from poor scalability, which limits the number of genomes that can be co-analyzed and complicates analysis workflows. We have developed an approach that enables multisample SV analysis in hundreds to thousands of human genomes using commodity hardware. Here, we describe Hydra-Multi and measure its accuracy, speed and scalability using publicly available datasets provided by The 1000 Genomes Project and by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Availability and implementation: Hydra-Multi is written in C++ and is freely available at https://github.com/arq5x/Hydra. Contact: moc.liamg@nalniuqnoraa or ude.ltsuw.emoneg@llahi Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Modeling pulverized coal conversion in entrained flows

A detailed description of pulverized coal conversion in one-dimensional entrained flows has been formulated and correlated to hydrogasification data from the Rockwell International Flash Hydropyrolysis (FHP) reactor using bituminous coals. This analysis contains physical and chemical descriptions which have not been included in previous mathematical models. These descriptions provide further important insights into the nature of entrained flow coal gasification.
Succession Planning for the Dairy Farm Business

Succession planning is a family-by-family challenge. No two farms or families are alike. To illustrate, a farm couple with one adult child in the business and four other children not in the business has a dramatically different situation than another couple with two adult children, both in the business. Tax issues, estate planning, business viability, financing and proper legal documentation often dominate succession planning and farm-transfer discussions. Family relations and issues such as goals, timing, communication and fairness typically receive far less attention. These often unappreciated issues, however, are the focus of this article.
Time-resolved study and comparison of plasmas in high power pulsed and modulated pulse power magnetron sputtering

High power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS) and its derivative, modulated pulse power (MPP) magnetron sputtering were studied in a 36 cm diameter circular planar magnetron, using a Ti target and an Ar atmosphere. The discharge characteristics and time-dependent plasma behaviors were measured to further understand their individual mechanisms and performances. The HPPMS plasma generator allowed a direct change of the pulse voltage to control the pulse current and arcing events. MPP, on the other hand, had an advantage of flexibly adjusting on- and off-time for each pulse, so that a long pulse with desired waveform shapes could be generated. Distinct discharge stages were observed in an MPP pulse. A time-resolved triple Langmuir probe was employed to measure the temporal evolution of the plasma in both magnetrons. A typical average electron density (n e ) of 1018 m−3 and an electron temperature (T e ) of 10 eV during the pulse were obtained. For the HPPMS plasma, the pulse voltage strongly affected T e , while ne increased with the pulse duration before saturated at about 150 µs. For the MPP magnetron sputtering, plasma behaviors were observed to closely depend on the programmed pulse waveforms. Various parameters, including pulse current, pulse frequency, pressure, and distance from the target, also affected the electron density and temperature. The effects of each parameter on the pulsed plasma dynamics are analyzed and attributed to mechanisms such as electron impact ionization, gas heating, and magnetic confinement. Comparisons of the two types of sputtering plasma with a same average power or pulse duration were performed and discussed.
An algorithm for visualization of big data in a two-dimensional space

In this paper, a new algorithm for visualization of high-multidimensional data is described. The algorithm follows several steps. At first, centers representing several categories are selected, and Euclidean distances between these centers are calculated in a high-dimensional space. Then these centers are placed in a 2-dimensional space in such a way that distances in this 2-dimensional space are similar to distances in the high-dimensional space. Next individual patterns are placed one-by-one in the 2-dimensional space trying to keep the similar distances in a high-dimensional and 2-dimensional space. With this algorithm, it was possible to visualize many high-dimensional data sets. The algorithm was successfully verified in several real life problems. It turned out that in some cases, which were until now considered as not linearly separable, became easily separable once patterns were transformed in the 2-dimensional space using the proposed algorithm.
Supply chain risk mitigation competency: an individual-level knowledge-based perspective

Supply chain managers are responsible for making decisions regarding supply chain risk in order to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions. This study develops and tests a theoretical model that leverages the individual-level knowledge-based view perspective to understand the process through which risk mitigation orientation of the supply chain manager contributes to his/her absorptive capacity. A supply chain manager’s absorptive capacity, in turn, enhances his/her ability to effectively mitigate supply chain risk. Study findings demonstrate that supply chain managers with high-risk mitigation orientation have greater level of absorptive capacity which enhances their risk mitigation competency. This study represents the first development and testing of a model that examines individual-level knowledge management factors that affect supply chain risk mitigation competency. This research emphasises the importance of the individual supply chain manager in managing risk and illustrates how theoretical...
Intellectual Freedom and Academic Libraries: New Challenges

All libraries strive to provide a connection for their users to the accumulated information, knowledge, and wisdom of humankind. Most libraries, regardless of their size, contribute to the preservation of that accumulated wealth. This ranges from the largest collections with their corners of esoterica to the smallest public library’s holdings of local history. Academic research libraries in particular, along with the great urban research libraries and national libraries, affirm preservation as a core value central to their being. This has been the case since their founding in the Middle Ages. [Note: for simplicity’s sake “book” will be used throughout this essay to refer to all texts including books, documents, pamphlets, periodicals, etc. Exceptions will be noted when appropriate.]
European Corn Borer Control in Potatoes

Heavy, natural infestation of Katahdin potatoes by the European corn borer ( Pyrausta nubilalis (Hbn.)) did not affect yields of U. S. No. 1 potatoes. Five insecticides, applied as sprays, gave good control of this insect. They are: DDT, Kepone® (decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-methano-2H-cyclobuta [cd] pentalen 2-one), phosphamidon, Sevin® (1 naphthyl N -methylcarbamate), and Thiodan® (6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6, 9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin 3-oxide). Phorate, applied to the soil at planting time failed to give control of the borer. The green peach aphid ( Myzus persicae (Sulz.)) was effectively controlled by phorate, phosphamidon, and Thiodan. Large numbers of this species occurred where DDT, Kepone and Sevin were used and may have reduced yields of potatoes on the Sevin plots. Use of heavy spray machinery on small plots reduced yields.
Solution of optimal control/guidance problems using the parallel shooting method on a parallel computer

This paper develops the parallel shooting method for the solution of two point boundary value problems which arise in optimal control. Parallel shooting is an implementation of the multiple shooting method on a parallel processor. The method employed uses a multi-point approach. In this approach, the time interval is divided into a set of subintervals. Free parameters and constraints are introduced at the subinterval boundaries. The full set of free parameters is then iteratively corrected using the modified Newton’s procedure. The numerical integration which is required over the subintervals is performed simultaneously by a corresponding set of processors. The advantages of the method over the shooting method are reduced computational time and reduced sensi t ivi t y to i ni t ial cond 1 t ions. Implementation issues are discussed. The method is used to obtain the rigorous solution of a launch trajectory optimization problem for an Advanced Launch System design.
The Improvement of Seal Steel Ball Press Process for Cylinder Head of Engine

Introduce the work process of head line leak test machine, analysis the miss press issue and repress issue caused by bad oil gallery seal steel ball conveyor design of head line leak test machine, redesign the oil gallery seal steel ball conveyor mechanic apparatus, and give solutions for relative issues.
Comparison of home glucose monitoring with the oral glucose tolerance test to detect gestational glucose intolerance.

BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that infant morbidity is increased among women who have abnormal prenatal glucose screening tests but who do not have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). These women fall into a diagnostic gray zone and historically have not been treated. METHODS Forty-eight pregnant women with abnormal oral glucose challenge test results performed self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) testing seven times per day for 1 week before undergoing a diagnostic 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). At delivery, perinatal complications and birthweights were recorded. Results of SMBG tests for women with normal OGTTs were correlated with infant birthweights. RESULTS Thirteen infants (37%) were found to be large for gestational age (LGA). Significant correlation was found between increasing birthweight and increasing average fasting SMBG values (P 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) are at increased risk for giving birth to LGA infants and may be more likely to exhibit complications usually associated with GDM.
Crosstalk between the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1, and the cell cycle is identified across various cancer types and can impact survival of epithelial ovarian cancer patients

// Deepak Kumar Tanwar 1 , Danitra J. Parker 2 , Priyanka Gupta 2 , Brian Spurlock 2 , Ronald D. Alvarez 3 , Malay Kumar Basu 1 , Kasturi Mitra 2 1 Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA 2 Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA Correspondence to: Kasturi Mitra, email: kasturi@uab.edu Malay Kumar Basu, email: malay@uab.edu Keywords: Drp1, mitochondria, cell cycle, cancer, genome analyses Received: March 15, 2016 Accepted: June 30, 2016 Published: August 04, 2016 ABSTRACT Mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of tumorigenesis. Although mitochondrial function can impact cell cycle regulation it has been an understudied area in cancer research. Our study highlights a specific involvement of mitochondria in cell cycle regulation across cancer types. The mitochondrial fission process, which is regulated at the core by Drp1, impacts various cellular functions. Drp1 has been implicated in various cancer types with no common mechanism reported. Our Drp1-directed large-scale analyses of the publically available cancer genomes reveal a robust correlation of Drp1 with cell-cycle genes in 29 of the 31 cancer types examined. Hypothesis driven investigation on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) revealed that Drp1 co-expresses specifically with the cell-cycle module responsible for mitotic transition. Repression of Drp1 in EOC cells can specifically attenuate mitotic transition, establishing a potential casual role of Drp1 in mitotic transition. Interestingly, Drp1-Cell-Cycle co-expression module is specifically detected in primary epithelial ovarian tumors that robustly responded to chemotherapy, suggesting that Drp1 driven mitosis may underlie chemo-sensitivity of the primary tumors. Analyses of matched primary and relapsed EOC samples revealed a Drp1-based-gene-expression-signature that could identify patients with poor survival probabilities from their primary tumors. Our results imply that around 60% of platinum-sensitive EOC patients undergoing relapse show poor survival, potentially due to further activation of a mitochondria driven cell-cycle regime in their recurrent disease. We speculate that this patient group could possibly benefit from mitochondria directed therapies that are being currently evaluated at various levels, thus enabling targeted or personalized therapy based cancer management.
Five-level bidirectional converter for renewable power generation system

A novel five-level DC/AC bidirectional converter is developed and applied for interfacing renewable energy into the grid. The converter has reduced switching losses, voltage stress, harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference caused by switching operation of power devices. The bidirectional operation feature allows it to interface with parallel dc-dc PV optimizers that requires a start-up dc link voltage of 200–250Vdc. Two DC decoupled capacitors, a high-frequency three-level converter, a grid-frequency unfolding bridge and a filter compose the proposed converter. The high-frequency converter offers a three level positive voltage output, while the unfolding bridge is responsible for switching the flow direction every half grid cycle. With the proposed control strategy, the converter operates via two modes, i.e. the inverter and rectifier mode. In inverter mode, the output current of the converter generates a sinusoidal current in phase with the grid voltage, while in rectifier mode, grid voltage acts as the source and dc link supplies the PV optimizer with a threshold voltage to avoid false tripping of the optimizer. A hardware prototype is further developed to verify the performance of the topology and control strategy.
Urine Fibrosis Markers and Risk of Allograft Failure in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case-Cohort Ancillary Study of the FAVORIT Trial

Background Kidney tubulointerstitial fibrosis marks risk for allograft failure in kidney transplant recipients, but is poorly captured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). Whether urinary markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis can noninvasively identify risk for allograft failure above and beyond eGFR and ACR is unknown. Study Design Case-cohort study. Setting & Participants The FAVORIT (Folic Acid for Vascular Outcome Reduction in Transplantation) Trial was a randomized double-blind trial testing vitamin therapy to lower homocysteine levels in stable kidney transplant recipients. We selected a subset of participants at random (n=491) and all individuals with allograft failure during follow-up (cases; n=257). Predictor Using spot urine specimens from the baseline visit, we measured 4 urinary proteins known to correlate with tubulointerstitial fibrosis on biopsy (urine α 1 -microglobulin [A1M], monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP-1], and procollagen type III and type I amino-terminal amino pro-peptide). Outcome Death-censored allograft failure. Results In models adjusted for demographics, chronic kidney disease risk factors, eGFR, and ACR, higher concentrations of urine A1M (HR per doubling, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.43-2.08) and MCP-1 (HR per doubling, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.32-1.93) were strongly associated with allograft failure. When additionally adjusted for concentrations of other urine fibrosis and several urine injury markers, urine A1M (HR per doubling, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.27-2.44]) and MCP-1 levels (HR per doubling, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.17-1.89) remained associated with allograft failure. Urine procollagen type III and type I levels were not associated with allograft failure. Limitations We lack kidney biopsy data, BK titers, and HLA antibody status. Conclusions Urine measurement of tubulointerstitial fibrosis may provide a noninvasive method to identify kidney transplant recipients at higher risk for future allograft failure, above and beyond eGFR and urine ACR.
Predicting Voice Disorder Status From Smoothed Measures of Cepstral Peak Prominence Using Praat and Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice (ADSV).

Summary Objectives The purposes of this study were to (1) determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of a single acoustic measure, smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), to predict voice disorder status from connected speech samples using two software systems: Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice ( ADSV ) and Praat ; and (2) to determine the relationship between measures of CPPS generated from these programs. Study Design This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods Measures of CPPS were obtained from connected speech recordings of 100 subjects with voice disorders and 70 nondysphonic subjects without vocal complaints using commercially available ADSV and freely downloadable Praat software programs. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of CPPS measures. Relationships between CPPS measures from the programs were determined. Results Results showed acceptable overall accuracy rates (75% accuracy, ADSV ; 82% accuracy, Praat ) and area under the ROC curves (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81, ADSV ; AUC = 0.91, Praat ) for predicting voice disorder status, with slight differences in sensitivity and specificity. CPPS measures derived from Praat were uniquely predictive of disorder status above and beyond CPPS measures from ADSV ( χ 2 (1) = 40.71, P r = 0.88, P Conclusions A single acoustic measure of CPPS was highly predictive of voice disorder status using either program. Clinicians may consider using CPPS to complement clinical voice evaluation and screening protocols.
Combating Enhanced Intracellular Survival (Eis)-Mediated Kanamycin Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Novel Pyrrolo[1,5-a]pyrazine-Based Eis Inhibitors.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Hence, the identification of highly effective antitubercular drugs with novel modes of action is crucial. In this paper, we report the discovery and development of pyrrolo[1,5-a]pyrazine-based analogues as highly potent inhibitors of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) acetyltransferase enhanced intracellular survival (Eis), whose up-regulation causes clinically observed resistance to the aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotic kanamycin A (KAN). We performed a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study to optimize these compounds as potent Eis inhibitors both against purified enzyme and in mycobacterial cells. A crystal structure of Eis in complex with one of the most potent inhibitors reveals that the compound is bound to Eis in the AG binding pocket, serving as the structural basis for the SAR. These Eis inhibitors have no observed cytotoxicity to mammalian cells and are promising leads for the development of innovative AG adjuvant th...
ELEVATED URIC ACID IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED MORTALITY IN WOMEN UNDERGOING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Background: Serum uric acid is a marker of oxidative stress, and may predict cardiovascular events/outcomes. We aimed to determine whether elevated serum uric acid levels were predictive of worse outcomes in women undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: We retrospectively
A focus on polarity: Investigating the role of orientation cues in mediating student performance on mRNA synthesis tasks in an introductory cell and molecular biology course

The central dogma has served as a foundational model for information flow, exchange, and storage in the biological sciences for several decades. Despite its continued importance, however, recent research suggests that novices in the domain possess several misconceptions regarding the aforementioned processes, including those pertaining specifically to the formation of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcripts. In the present study, we sought to expand upon these observations through exploration of the influence of orientation cues on students' aptitude at synthesizing mRNAs from provided deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) template strands. Data indicated that participants (n = 45) were proficient at solving tasks of this nature when the DNA template strand and the mRNA molecule were represented in an antiparallel orientation. In contrast, participants' performance decreased significantly on items in which the mRNA was depicted in a parallel orientation relative to the DNA template strand. Furthermore, participants' Grade Point Average, self-reported confidence in understanding the transcriptional process, and spatial ability were found to mediate their performance on the mRNA synthesis tasks. Collectively, these data reaffirm the need for future research and pedagogical interventions designed to enhance students' comprehension of the central dogma in a manner that makes transparent its relevance to real-world scientific phenomena. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(6):501-508, 2017.
D'Alisa, G., Demaria, F., & Kallis, G. (2014). "Degrowth: a vocabulary for a new era". Routledge.

Resena/Review (D'Alisa, G., Demaria, F., Kallis, G. (eds.), "Degrowth: a vocabulary for a new era". Milton Park: Routledge, ISBN: 978-1-138-00077-3 (pbk), 215 pags., 2014)
Another Reason to Reform the Federal Regulatory System: Agencies' Treating Nonlegislative Rules as Binding Law

This Note analyzes the nonlegislative rule exception to the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act ("APA'). To lend greater accountability to federal agencies, the APA places an obligation on agencies to incorporate public input when creating new rules. Agencies, however; can avoid considering public commentary through a vague exception: section 553(b)(A) of the APA. After analyzing section 553(b)(A), this. Note evaluates how one agency, the Food and Drug Administration, has responded to the confusion surrounding the exception. Finally, this Note considers how the Senate has overlooked problems associated with section 553(b)(A) in the Senate's most recent bill to revise administrative
Soybean Functional Genomics: Bridging the Genotype-to-Phenotype Gap

Technological advances coupled with the economic importance of soybean have led to increased efforts to understand gene function and associate genes with phenotypes of agronomic and fundamental interest. Functional genomics approaches aim to develop sufficient understanding needed to bridge the genotype-to-phenotype gap. In general terms, functional genomics approaches begin by using highly parallelized methods to analyze genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes to generate hypotheses about genes that control phenotypes. Candidate genes are then tested for their contributions to phenotypes through various methods such as RNA silencing, genetic mutation, or overexpression. In this chapter, we review the current approaches, tools, and resources that are being applied for functional genomics research in soybean.
Reading Between the Lines of Participation: Tenant Participation and Participatory Budgeting in Toronto Community Housing

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is currently practiced in more than a dozen of American cities. It is indicated by the White House as best practice in civic engagement and by scholars as a new wave of democratic innovation. With the enthusiastic spread of PB in the US, it is imperative to continuously integrate reflective learning to sustain and enhance its impact. In this paper, I share learning drawn form the practice of PB at the Toronto Community Housing (TCH), highlighting a host of communicative and procedural challenges, hindering the growth of collaborative partnerships among the management, staff and the tenants. I demonstrate that the stakeholders have developed differing perspectives and multiple experiences with regard to tenant participation, and in consequence, participation has been molded into a rather confusing format. The weakest link, I argue, has been a lack of deliberation on a participatory vision: what it is that PB and tenant participation must achieve.
A panoramic view of RNA modifications: exploring new frontiers.

Meeting report on the Cold Spring Harbor Asia conference on RNA Modifications and Epitranscriptomics, held in Suzhou, China, 13–17 November, 2017.