cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct thrombin inhibitors for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: what, when, and where?

Abstract Background Unfractionated heparin has been the cornerstone of antithrombin therapy in the treatment of non-ST–segment elevation acute coronary syndromes for more than a decade. Several new anticoagulants have emerged in recent years and have been studied extensively in patients with unstable coronary syndromes and in the percutaneous coronary intervention setting. Methods Direct thrombin inhibitors comprise a family of agents with promising properties that offer several potential advantages over unfractionated heparin. Hirudin has been studied in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST–elevation coronary syndromes, and coronary angioplasty. Bivalirudin has been studied in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization, with very promising efficacy and safety profile compared with unfractionated heparin. Results The clinical trials of direct thrombin inhibitors in non-ST–elevation acute coronary syndromes and coronary angioplasty are reviewed.
An analysis of DNA-containing particles recovered from the cytoplasm of differentiating chick-muscle cells.

Labeled DNA-containing particles from the cytoplasm of embryonic chick muscle can be dissociated in 0.5 M KCl to a basic particle of buoyant density 1.57 g/ml in CsCl. DNA-containing particles of density 1.43 g/ml are found in a large distribution of distinct sizes whose sedimentation values in sucrose range from 16 S to greater than 100 S. DNA-containing particles in a range of densities centering about a peak of 1.52 g/ml are found cosedimenting with polyribosomes in sucrose. The latter particles contain at least two subunits which are dissociable by treatment with EDTA; the DNA-containing subparticle has a density of 1.43 g/ml. Newly made RNA is found in association with DNA-containing particles banding at 1.43 g/ml which are about 40 S and larger but not with particles of density 1.57 g/ml. Virtually all of the rapidly labeling cytoplasmic RNA taken from the polyribosomal region of a sucrose gradient is associated with particles of densities 1.43 g/ml and 1.55 g/ml; a minor portion may be associated with particles of density 1.52 g/ml which are found cosedimenting uniquely with polyribosomes. Practically all nascent chain protein is associated with particles of density 1.55 g/ml, which is the density of ribosomes or polyribosomes. Addition of labeled DNA to cytoplasmic extracts does not yield any of the foregoing particles, and no binding of label to polyribosomes or cosedimenting structures is observed. DNA-containing particles from the nucleus band at densities different from particles recovered from the cytoplasm. We propose that the particles recovered from the cytoplasm are naturally occurring and not artifacts of fractionation and processing, and we present a model for their utilization in the transfer and use of genetic information.
UAS domain of Ubxd8 and FAF1 polymerizes upon interaction with long-chain unsaturated fatty acids

Ubxd8, a multidomain protein sensor for long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), plays a crucial role to maintain cellular homeostasis of FAs. Ubxd8 polymerizes upon interaction with long-chain unsaturated FAs, but the molecular mechanism involved in this polymerization remains unclear. Here we report that the UAS domain of Ubxd8 mediates this polymerization. We show that a positively charged surface area in the domain is required for the reaction. Mutations changing the positively charged residues in this area to glutamates prevented long-chain unsaturated FAs from inducing oligomerization of Ubxd8. Consequently, the mutant protein no longer responded to regulation by long-chain unsaturated FAs in cultured cells. Long-chain unsaturated FAs also induced polymerization of Fas-associated factor 1 (FAF1), the only other mammalian protein that contains a UAS domain homologous to that of Ubxd8. These results provide further insights into protein-FA interactions by identifying the UAS domain as a motif interacting with long-chain unsaturated FAs.
Immune balance in critically ill patients.

The systemic inflammatory response reflects the non-specific clinical expression of a profound activation of the body’s immune responsive elements. Immune activation and immune suppression coexist in the blood of patients with severe sepsis. It is their interaction and the resultant host parenchymal responses that ultimately define the course of sepsis. Importantly, neither profound immune activation (pro-inflammatory) or immune suppression (anti-inflammatory) characterize the dominant process. Rather, there is a combined low grade pro-inflammatory state associated with an immune hyporesponsiveness that defines the usual immunologic state of the patient with severe sepsis.
Female swordtail fish prefer symmetrical sexual signal

Abstract It has been proposed that females use the symmetry of secondary sexual traits to differentiate between potential mates. The vertical bars on male swordtail fish function as a signal that attracts females and deters rival males in one swordtail species. In addition, male courtship behaviour of most Xiphophorus species incorporates serial lateral presentations, which provide females with a clear opportunity to assess males for bilateral symmetry. We tested the hypothesis that X. cortezi females prefer males with a symmetrical bar number by determining whether females switched their preference between two males when we switched which male had a symmetrical number of bars. The ability to manipulate the bars without influencing other male traits allowed us to control for male characters correlated with bar symmetry that females might prefer. The degree of asymmetry in bar number we used was within the degree of asymmetry found for this trait in nature. Females switched their preference between a pair of males when we switched which male was symmetrical for bar number. We discuss the possibility that females prefer a symmetrical bar number as well as an alternative hypothesis.
HIGH POWER BLACKBODY. PUMPED CO2 LASERS

Direct conversion of sunlight into laser light without the need for a complicated intermediate step of energy conversion is an important possibility for high power cw space-based lasers. The principle of broadband optical pumping using flashlamps to achieve a working laser is well known and has been put into practice with the ruby laser, Nd:YAG, and dye lasers.1 Broadband pumping of gas lasers has not been so extensively studied.2 Recently, however, an optically pumped iodine laser has been demonstrated using a solar simulator.3
THE DISTRIBUTIONS OF MEMBER-BANK RESERVES AMONG THE TWELVE FEDERAL RESERVE DISTRICTS, 1948–1964*

THIS DISSERTATION ATTEMPTS to explain the distribution of member-bank reserves among the twelve Districts of the United States Federal Reserve System during the period June 1948 through December 1964. For each District, a bank and nonbankpublic sector is distinguished, and each sector's behavior toward financial assets is estimated using two-stage least squares and monthly data. With the estimated model, the behavior of banks and the public is simulated: first for an open-market purchase of government debt, and then for an exogenous increase in a District's internallygenerated income. In the open-market simulation, the increased reserves and decreased debt in one District are shown to depress interest rates; the public and banks in all Districts respond to the lower interest rates by holding respectively more deposits and reserves. Consequently, new reserves spread through all Districts. For the income-increase simulation, one might expect the District that experiences increased income to lose reserves, because of the extra imports from the additional income. However, in accordance with liquidity preference, the nonbank public in this District also desires additional deposits to support transactions associated with the increased District income. To gain these deposits, the public attempts to sell capital and government debt. Higher interest rates result, and these entice the public and banks in other Districts to purchase these assets with deposits and reserves. The District experiencing the initial increase in income therefore gains reserves in the model when its income rises. The model includes (1) demand equations of the public in each District for demand and time deposits and in the whole country for currency and government debt as a function of relevant interest rates and proxies for District incomes; (2) supply equations of the public for debt instruments (loans) to banks; (3) demand equations of banks in each District for free reserves, government debt, loans, and other assets; and (4) in each District an equation relating the rate of interest on time deposits to interest rates on bank assets. These equations and the exogenous reserve requirements and national supplies of reserves, debt, and capital make up the model: a system of simultaneous linear equations with interest rates and each District's assets and liabilities as the endogenous variables. Altogether the model includes one hundred and seventy equations. The coefficients of each behavioral equation were estimated by two-stage least squares. The estimates of public behavior are more reliable (as measured by coefficient t-values) than those for bank behavior. The simulations based on the regressions appear significant.
Intermodulation beam spreading in distributed communication systems

In an active multiple-beam distributed communication system, a number of power amplifiers are shared between the different beams, creating the condition of multi-tone operation of the amplifiers. Although the amplifiers are backed up to operate close to the linear region, efficiency considerations require operation in somewhat non-linear region of the input/output curve. The non-linearity results in the creation of undesirable intermodulation components within transmit and receive bands of the communication channels. The coherent radiation of the intermodulation components follow certain beam patterns with special distributions that are different from the main beams in the system. This paper discusses the formation of the intermodulation beams and their spread over the coverage area. The special spread is such that the interferences caused by the intermodulation products occur at reduces values and contribute minimally to the reduction in the system signal to over-all noise and interference ratio. Analysis and measurements are presented and show agreements in predicting the locations and levels of the intermodulation beams.
Finite-time consensus for second-order systems with unknown inherent nonlinear dynamics under an undirected switching graph

This paper studies finite-time consensus for networked multi-agent systems with second-order dynamics in the presence of unknown inherent nonlinear dynamics under an undirected switching interaction graph. In particular, all agents are assumed to share a common sensing range. More precisely, each agent can only communicate with other agents who are within the sensing range of itself. We propose a nonlinear distributed consensus algorithm and present sufficient conditions to guarantee that consensus can be achieved in finite time.
Complex behavior in solution of homodimeric SecA

SecA, a homodimeric protein involved in protein export in Escherichia coli, exists in the cell both associated with the membrane translocation apparatus and free in the cytosol. SecA is a multifunctional protein involved in protein localization and regulation of its own expression. To carry out these functions, SecA interacts with a variety of proteins, phospholipids, nucleotides, and nucleic acid and shows two enzymic activities. It is an ATPase and a helicase. Its role during protein localization involves interaction with the precursor polypeptides to be exported, the cytosolic chaperone SecB, and the SecY subunit of the membrane-associated translocase, as well as with acidic phospholipids. At the membrane, SecA undergoes a cycle of binding and hydrolysis of ATP coupled to conformational changes that result in translocation of precursors through the cytoplasmic membrane. The helicase activity of SecA and its affinity for its mRNA are involved in regulation of its own expression. SecA has been reported to exist in at least two conformational states during its functional cycle. Here we have used analytical centrifugation, as well as column chromatography coupled with multiangle light scatter, to show that in solution SecA undergoes at least two monomer-dimer equilibrium reactions that are sensitive to temperature and to concentration of salt.
Assessment of Subjective Distress by Patients' Self-Report versus Structured Interview

Comparison was made of symptom and behavior scores obtained by structured interview versus self-report using the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale. Psychiatric hospital admissions were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 assessment groups, structured interview, self-report, or choice of procedure. Analysis indicated that patients in the self-report group reported significantly greater difficulty on 1 of 5 dimensions assessed by the scale. The results suggest that a self-report questionnaire form of the measure is a viable alternative to the structured interview.
Cooperative Inquiry in Human Ecology: Historical Roots and Future Applications

Cooperative inquiry (CI) is examined as a method that can be applied to issues addressed within the field of human ecology. CI aligns with foundational and contemporary paradigms of human ecology. Methodologically, it responds to applied, action-oriented questions through emphasizing participation in one's surroundings as a core strategy for knowledge generation. CI also engages relationship-based standards for rigor to address issues in community research such as researcher objectivity, power dynamics, and trust building that emerge for complex and contextual questions. The article includes an explanation of recent inquiries into areas such as parenting, leadership, and art in social change and adult learning, and the researchers suggest future inquiries for human ecology.
CHARACTERISTICS OF TRACHEOBRONCHIAL DEPOSITION AND CLEARANCE IN MAN

Abstract A systematic analysis of the airway factors that effect particle deposition and the relation between deposition and mucociliary clearance was undertaken using both experimental and theoretical techniques. A model of aerosol deposition shows that the observed variation in 24-h% retention of radiolabelled aerosol in healthy adults can be accounted for in large part by changes in airway diameter, in accordance with the observed associated changes in pulmonary function. Subsequently, intrasubject changes in mucociliary clearance during the first 120 min were shown to be correlated with intrasubject variations in 24-h% retention. A mathematical model of aerosol deposition and mucociliary clearance was fitted to experimental clearance data. The model predicts a strong interdependence of mucus transport rates in the airways of the lung, which is verified by experimental data. Measured tracheal mucus transport rate varied between 1.7 and 8.1 mm min-1. The model predicts terminal airway transport rates between 1.4 and 20.2 μm min-1. Drugs or inhaled pollutants were shown to result in changes in the magnitude, variation and coordination of parameters of mucus transport within the lung.
Gynaecologic cancer symptom awareness, concern and care seeking among US women: a multi-site qualitative study

Methods. Fifteen focus groups with women aged 40–60 years were conducted in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City. Participants were given an untitled list of symptoms that could indicate various gynaecologic cancers and asked if any would concern them, what could cause each and what they would do if they experienced any of them. Results. Overall, participants expressed greater concern about symptoms clearly gynaecologic in nature than other symptoms. Participants generally did not associate symptoms with any form of cancer. Some women who had experienced symptoms reported waiting an extended period before seeking care or not seeking care at all. The belief that a symptom indicated a benign condition was the most common reason given for delaying or foregoing care seeking. Strategies participants reported using to supplement or replace consultations with health care providers included Internet research and self-care. Conclusion. Raising awareness of symptoms that can indicate gynaecologic cancers may lead to earlier detection and improved survival. In particular, women should be informed that gynaecologic cancers can cause symptoms that may not seem related to the reproductive organs (e.g. back pain) and that unusual vaginal bleeding should prompt them to seek care immediately.
First-mover (dis)advantages: Retrospective and link with the resource-based view

This article reflects upon and updates our prize-winning paper, ‘First-mover advantages,’ which was published in SMJ 10 years ago. We discuss the evolution of the literature over the past decade and suggest opportunities for continuing research. In particular, we see benefits from linking empirical findings on first-mover advantages with the complementary stream of research on the resource-based view of the firm.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. We were honored to receive the 1996 prize of the Strategic Management Society (in cooperation with John Wiley & Sons) for our 1988 paper, ‘First-Mover Advantages.’ It is customary for the award recipients to write a brief article reflecting on the original work. As our paper aimed to provide a unified conceptual framework and critical assessment of the literature, we have chosen to write a somewhat longer piece to update our survey and suggest opportunities for continuing research. Our prize-winning paper began as a series of healthy disagreements between the authors, which took place over brown bag lunches during the summer of 1986. ‘First-mover advantage’ (FMA) was a term widely invoked in strategic management, marketing, and economics. We found, however, that our interpretations of the concept differed greatly. We wondered if our disagreements stemmed from the contrast in our disciplinary backgrounds, or if they reflected a broader lack of consensus among business scholars. During a sabbatical at Northwestern University,
Bt sweet corn and selective insecticides: impacts on pests and predators.

Sweet corn, Zea mays L., is attacked by a variety of insect pests that can cause severe losses to the producer. Current control practices are largely limited to the application of broad-spectrum insecticides that can have a substantial and deleterious impact on the natural enemy complex. Predators have been shown to provide partial control of sweet corn pests when not killed by broad-spectrum insecticides. New products that specifically target the pest species, while being relatively benign to other insects, could provide more integrated control. In field trials we found that transgenic Bt sweet corn, and the foliar insecticides indoxacarb and spinosad are all less toxic to the most abundant predators in sweet corn (Coleomegilla maculata [DeGeer], Harmonia axyridis [Pallas], and Orius insidiosus [Say]) than the pyrethroid lambda cyhalothrin. Indoxacarb, however, was moderately toxic to coccinellids and spinosad and indoxacarb were somewhat toxic to O. insidiosus nymphs at field rates. Bt sweet corn and spinosad were able to provide control of the lepidopteran pests better than or equal to lambda cyhalothrin. The choice of insecticide material made a significant impact on survival of the pests and predators, while the frequency of application mainly affected the pests and the rate applied had little effect on either pests or predators. These results demonstrate that some of the new products available in sweet corn allow a truly integrated biological and chemical pest control program in sweet corn, making future advances in conservation, augmentation and classical biological control more feasible.
Improving Intravenous Fluid Therapy for Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: How to Give More Without Causing Heart Failure.

Iodinated contrast media is widely used to enhance the image of organs and the vascular compartment. In a small percentage of patients, the administration of contrast is followed by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), referred to as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). The fall in GFR is
Issues in Education: Language Building Blocks for Climbing the Learning Tree

“A plant is more skinny. When it's older, it's big and fat” (Sarika, 8) As a child raised in a relatively sparsely populated part of the world, namely, Africa (primarily Zambia and Nigeria), I grew...
Saturation of Pheromone Sticky Traps by Platynota idaeusalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The loss of pheromone sticky-trap efficiency due to trap saturation was examined for Platynota idaeusalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The relative efficiency of a trap with a sticky surface of 450 cm2 was reduced after only 20 tufted apple budmoths had been caught. This critical density was the same regardless of whether moths were left on the trap or removed. The decrease in relative efficiency was significantly more rapid when moths were left on traps than when moths were removed.
Influence of Selected Environmental Factors upon German Cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) Exploratory Behavior in Choice Boxes

Populations of field-collected Blattella germanica (L.) were placed in one chamber of a modified Ebeling choice box and subjected to selected environmental influences. Relative importance of these influences was determined through analysis of differences in sticky-trap catches which reflected exploratory behavior. Daily trap-catch data were associated with each variable tested. The number of cockroaches caught was found to increase with environmental familiarity, increased temperature, increased number of holes between chambers (especially those located at the bottom of the partition), and food deprivation. Decreased catches resulted from increased cockroach density and fecal contamination.
Expanding the lens of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy: a common factors perspective.

In this article, we examine the science and policy implications of the common factors perspective (CF; Frank & Frank, 1993; Wampold, 2007). As the empirically supported treatment (EST) approach, grounded in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is the received view (see Baker, McFall, & Shoham, 2008; McHugh & Barlow, 2012), we make the case for the CF perspective as an additional evidencebased approach for understanding how therapy works, but also as a basis for improving the quality of mental health services. Finally, we argue that it is time to integrate the 2 perspectives, and we challenge the field to do so.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MITOCHONDRIAL AND NUCLEAR GENOTYPES IN CUTTHROAT TROUT HYBRID SWARMS.

We examined mtDNA and nuclear allozyme genotypes in hybrid populations formed from interbreeding of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) and Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. c. bouvieri). These subspecies show substantial genetic divergence (Nei's D = 0.30; mtDNA P = 0.02). Diagnostic alleles at multiple nuclear loci and two distinct mtDNA haplotypes segregate in the hybrids. Nuclear and mtDNA genotypes are largely randomly associated, although there is slight disequilibrium in both nuclear and cytonuclear measures in some samples. Consistent positive gametic disequilibria for three pairs of nuclear loci confirm one previously reported linkage, and indicate two more. Allele frequencies provide no evidence for selection on individual chromosome segments. However, westslope mtDNA haplotype frequencies exceed westslope nuclear allele frequencies in all samples. This may be explained by differences in the frequency of occurrence of reciprocal F1 matings, by viability, fertility, or sex ratio differences in the progeny of reciprocal matings, or by weak selection on mtDNA haplotypes.
Design of Broadband Circularly Polarized Patch Antenna Working at C Band

A broadband circularly polarized microstrip patch antenna working at C band was designed and simulated by HFSS software.The antenna used doubly-fed points to realize circular polarization,selected two-layer PTFE glass fiber board as medium,adopted the ground plane to isolate the feed network and the radiation patch for reducing the influence of feed network on the properties of antenna circular polarization.The experimental results show that the relative bandwidth of the antenna is about 30%,and the 3 dB axial ratio angles of E-plane and H-plane are more than 90 degree.
Diamond debugger demo: Rete-based processing of linked data

Diamond is a Rete match based system that evaluates SPARQL queries on Linked Data. The evaluation of SPARQL query predicates is a useful intermediate milestone for a system ultimately intended to support full rule-based inference on Linked Data. A byproduct is the integrated graphical rule debugging environment is a first of its kind debug environment for SPARQL queries.
On Periodic Motions in a Time-Delayed, Quadratic Nonlinear Oscillator with Excitation

Analytical solutions of periodic motions in a time-delayed, quadratic nonlinear oscillator with periodic excitation are obtained through the finite Fourier series, and the stability and bifurcation analysis for periodic motions are discussed. The bifurcation trees of period-1 motion to chaos can be presented. Numerical illustration of periodic motion is given to verify the analytical solutions.
Diffraction-based sensitivity analysis for an external occulter laboratory demonstration

An external flower-shaped occulter flying in formation with a space telescope can theoretically provide sufficient starlight suppression to enable direct imaging of an Earth-like planet. Occulter shapes are scaled to enable experimental validation of their performance at laboratory dimensions. Previous experimental results have shown promising performance but have not realized the full theoretical potential of occulter designs. Here, we develop a two-dimensional diffraction model for optical propagations for occulters incorporating experimental errors. We perform a sensitivity analysis, and comparison with experimental results from a scaled-occulter testbed validates the optical model to the 10-10 contrast level. The manufacturing accuracy along the edge of the occulter shape is identified as the limiting factor to achieving the theoretical potential of the occulter design. This hypothesis is experimentally validated using a second occulter mask manufactured with increased edge feature accuracy and resulting in a measured contrast level approaching the 10-12 level-a better than one order of magnitude improvement in performance.
Non-lethal Clostridium sordellii bacteraemia in an immunocompromised patient with pleomorphic sarcoma

Clostridium sordellii is a spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive rod that has rarely been reported to cause disease in humans. Resultant mortality from infection is estimated at nearly 70% and is most often correlated with gynaecological procedures, intravenous drug abuse or trauma. C. sordellii infection often presents similarly to toxic shock syndrome (TSS); notable features of infection include refractory hypotension, haemoconcentration and marked leucocytosis. Although clinically similar to TSS, a notable difference is C. sordellii infections rarely involve fever. The organism9s major toxins include haemorrhagic (TcsH) and lethal factor (TcsL), which function to disrupt cytoskeletal integrity. Current literature suggests treating C. sordelli infection with a broad-spectrum penicillin, metronidazole and clindamycin. We present a case of C. sordellii bacteraemia and septic shock in an immunocompromised patient who was recently diagnosed with pleomorphic gluteal sarcoma. Despite presenting in critical condition, the patient improved after aggressive hemodynamic resuscitation, source control and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Regulating emissions part 2: engaging reluctant developing countries

The reluctant countries are different from the rich, enthusiastic nations examined in Chapter 3 for two reasons. One is to do with interests. Reluctant countries have other priorities than spending their own resources to slow global warming. The other reason is low and variable administrative capacity. These countries are “developing” in part because their administrative systems are weak, fragmented, and often erratic in their functioning. In some sectors of the economy, the government has mercurial control – for example, most energy systems in the largest developing countries are directly owned by governments and staffed with government employees. Yet in other parts of the economy, the government is barely able to monitor behavior and implement policy. In such settings, even with strong inducements it is hard for governments to make credible commitments about policies they will reliably implement at home. Such problems are hardly new in international affairs. Diplomats fix them in two ways. One is by creating incentives that lead reluctant nations to rethink their interests. Those incentives include sticks (e.g., trade sanctions) and carrots (e.g., subsidies for projects that reduce emissions and for administrative capacity-building). I start this chapter by looking at the sticks and carrots that have been deployed so far and showing how they can be made more effective. Sticks are difficult to use because they create many risks. Trade sanctions against countries that don't mitigate emissions can easily touch off broader trade wars that leave people much worse off. Politically, carrots are easier to offer.
Postdeployment Suicide Risk Increases Over a 6-month Period: Predictors of Increased Risk among Midwestern Army National Guard Soldiers

National Guard (NG) soldiers returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan were surveyed at 6 and 12 months following their return (N = 970). The overall prevalence of suicide risk at 6 and 12 months following their return was assessed, as were changes in suicide risk among soldiers initially at high or low risk. Factors associated with changes in risk were assessed. The percentage of NG soldiers with high suicide risk increased from 6.8% at 6 months to 9.2% at 12 months (odds ratio = 1.7, p = .02). In the 882 soldiers initially at low risk, 5.9% (52/882) became high risk at 12 months; in the 64 soldiers initially at high risk, 46.9% (30/64) became low risk at 12 months. Initial levels of depressive symptoms were predictive of changing to high risk; this association appeared to be partially explained by soldier reports of increased search in the meaning in life and higher levels of perceived stress. Because suicide risk increases over the first 12 months, continued risk assessments during this time period should be considered. Supporting soldiers to find meaning in their life after deployment and enhancing their capacity to cope with perceived stress may help prevent increases in suicide risk over time.
4D mathematical observer models for the task-based evaluation of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT images

We developed and evaluated two 4D mathematical observer models for the detection of motion defects in simulated 4D gated myocardial perfusion (GMP) SPECT images, and compare predictions of the models with results from human observers. For the first model, we extended the application of conventional channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) method which uses 2D spatial channels to 4D motion images. For the second model, we developed a set of 'space-time channels' which includes a set of 2D spatial channels and an additional ID channel in the time direction. To evaluate the models, we used the 4D eXtended CArdiac Torsro (XCAT) phantom and created 16 gates/cardiac cycle with normal myocardial perfusion but a regional wall motion defect (RWMD). Simulated GMP SPECT projection data were generated using an analytical projector and reconstructed using FBP followed by spatial and temporal lowpass filtering with various cut-off frequencies. For the first model, we extracted 2D slices from each time frame containing the defect center and produced feature vectors using the 2D channels. Then, they were stacked for all the time frames to which the ROC methodology was applied. For the second model, the extracted 2D image slices were reorganized into a set of cine 2D images and the space-time channels were applied to produce space-time feature vectors to which the ROC was applied. For both models, the rating data were analyzed and areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were computed. The resulting AUC values of the second model showed better agreement to those previously obtained from a human observer study viewing the same data than those from the first model, and positive correlation in ranking between them was found. We have demonstrated that RWMD detection was affected by post-filtering. The AUC values from the proposed 4D space-time CHO model show good agreement with that from a human observer study in detecting a RWMD in the same set of simulated 4D GMP SPECT images.
Can roadside habitat lead monarchs on a route to recovery

The Eastern North American monarch butterfly population has severely declined over the past decade. The decreasing availability of larval host plants (milkweeds) due to the use of herbicide-tolerant crops has been implicated in this decline. Roadsides could provide additional habitat for monarchs. In this study we document the occurrence of milkweed and monarchs on roadsides, and discuss whether roadsides are appropriate targets for monarch habitat restoration. We sampled roadside rights-of-way in the Upper Midwestern U.S. during the summer of 2015 to estimate the abundance, distribution, and diversity of milkweeds and the extent to which monarchs use these milkweeds. We then compared monarch densities in roadsides to other habitat types and modelled immature monarch densities based on several site characteristics. Our findings suggest that roadsides have conservation potential for monarchs, especially when other habitat is scarce and if wildlife-friendly management practices are enacted. Milkweeds were found on ~60% of roadside transects. Asclepias syriaca was the most common of the seven species encountered, occurring on 97% of transects with milkweed. Immature monarchs were observed in roadsides, but in lower densities than other habitats during the same time period. At lower milkweed densities, immature monarch density per unit area is positively correlated with milkweed density. However, milkweed density weakens as a predictor of immature monarch density over ~0.6 plants per m2, possibly indicating a saturation effect.
Corporate tax aggressiveness and the maturity structure of debt

Abstract We investigate the association between tax aggressiveness and corporate debt maturity, and we find strong evidence that shorter debt maturity is more prevalent for tax aggressive firms. The results survive numerous robustness tests, including controlling for compensation-induced incentives for risk-taking, firm and CEO effects, changes regressions, and instrumental variables estimation. The results suggest that lenders view tax aggressiveness as a risky activity and therefore restrict the maturity structure of debt to provide a monitoring mechanism for debt contracts with tax-aggressive borrowers. We conclude that tax aggressiveness has a meaningful influence on debt contracting.
All silicon tandem solar cell

Crystalline silicon is consistently the dominant material for commercial photovoltaic devices. Exploiting the direct and indirect bandgap of silicon results in a silicon-silicon tandem solar cells with possible efficiency benefits over standard single-junction silicon solar cells. Epitaxial growth offers a way to make such cells and the resulting devices have higher voltage and lower currents leading to much lower module losses. All silicon tandem devices were modeled in PC1D using precise solar spectrums generated with SMARTS. The optimal layer thicknesses found when the input spectrum is AM1.5G for a silicon-silicon device are: 3.3 μm for the top absorber and 172 μm for the bottom absorber. The modeled device produces an efficiency of 21.3%, a 1.1% relative increase over a model for a commercial silicon cell.
Food and consumer behavior: why the details matter

A growing body of literature now demonstrates the importance of behavioral factors in individual food consumption. However, whether addressing hunger, nutrition, or obesity, food policies are often created to target changes at the aggregate level. These policies ignore such behavioral tools or effects and their potential heterogeneous effects on consumers. In this article, we review the most important results examining food consumption and behavioral economics and provide a thorough discussion of how such tools are now being added to the lexicon of effective policy tools. In addition, we discuss how traditional policy tools that ignore the individual behavioral effects can miss the mark or even backfire. The implication is clear: a thorough understanding of behavioral economics is necessary to create efficient food policy.
Decomposition of Microgrids in Large-Scale Electric Test Beds for Economic Dispatch Optimization

Microgrid decomposition (partitioning, splitting, and clustering) or otherwise determining community structures within a power transmission network is important to optimal management of the transmission system. Power transmission system decomposition is not itself a novel concept. Similar concepts have been utilized dating back to the 1950s for various reasons [kro63]. There are very limited existing literatures that use clustering for grid decomposition.
A Direct RF-to-Information Converter for reception and wideband interferer detection employing pseudo-random LO modulation

The Direct RF-to-Information Converter (DRF2IC) unifies high sensitivity signal reception, narrowband spectrum sensing and energy-efficient wideband interferer detection into a fast-reconfigurable and easily scalable architecture. In reception mode, the DRF2IC RF front-end (RFFE) consumes 46.5mW and delivers 40MHz RF bandwidth, 41.5dB conversion gain, 3.6dB NF and −2dBm B1dB. 72dB out-of-channel blocker rejection is achieved in narrowband sensing mode. In compressed sensing wideband interferer detection mode, 66dB operational dynamic range, 40dB instantaneous dynamic range, 1.43GHz instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) is demonstrated and 6 interferers scattered over 1.26GHz are detected in 1.2uS consuming 58.5mW.
Structure defects in CsCl intermetallic compounds—I. Theory

Abstract It is shown that at least two —and in some cases three—lattice sites are involved in the formation of thermal defects in CsCl structures. Significant defect mixing can be expected to occur at higher temperatures. The experimental determination of defect formation energy based on the tacit assumption of monovacancy formation is therefore expected to result in erroneously low values. The effects to be expected from the variation of composition within the stability range of the compound are discussed. It is shown that the effect of the defect mixing may lead to anomalous melting behavior in the vicinity of the stoichiometric composition. The significance of the relative values of the different defect formation energies is briefly discussed for compounds ranging from purely ionic to fully disordered. It is concluded that similar considerations apply to other intermetallic compounds, regardless of structure, in which an extensive range of structure stability exists.
Abstract WP146: Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy Following the CMS Reimbursement Guidelines

Background: In 2005, the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) approved the reimbursement for carotid artery stenting for high-risk carotid stenosis; leaving carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to be performed primarily for a low-risk population. In this study, we assess trends of outcomes associated with CEA over the period of CMS regulation. Methods: A cohort of patients with CEA was identified from the National Inpatient Sample database using the procedure codes (38.12) for the years 2001 through 2009. Patients under age 18, missing information on the death status, transfer between hospitals, and urgent or emergent admissions were eliminated. Trend analysis for the following outcomes (post procedure stroke, myocardial infarction ‘MI’, and death) was performed over the year included in the study. Two periods encompass the implementation of the guideline (first period: 2001 through 2004 and second period: 2006 through 2009) were compared. Results: Over 9 years, 152 051 CEA procedures were performed; 63375 performed during the first period and 70886 in the second period. The mean age (71.02 ± 9.2) and male preponderance (57.4%) were similar in both treatment periods (P > 0.05). Ninety six percent of this population was asymptomatic by the time CEA was performed. Overall poor outcome risk of post-procedure stroke, MI and death was 1.97%; being lower in the second compared to the first period (2.05% versus 1.88%; P =0.02; unadjusted odds ratio “OR’ 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84, 0.98; and adjusted OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96). The risk of post-procedure stroke was similar in both periods (0.94% versus 0.97%; P = 0.56); however, the risks of MI (0.91% versus 0.76%; P = 0.002) and death (0.46% versus 0.33%; P Conclusion: Following the CMS reimbursement guideline, CEA is associated with lesser risks of poor outcomes (MI and death).
Correction: Gradient-free directional cell migration in continuous microchannels

Correction for ‘Gradient-free directional cell migration in continuous microchannels’ by Young-Gwang Ko et al., Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 2467–2474.
Real-Time Optimization of Shared Resource Renewable Energy Networks

Shared resource renewable energy networks allow for the burden of high capital cost to be managed by sharing the cost and benefits of renewable energy use. In order to maximize the benefit gained from shared renewable energy, we propose a methodology to optimize the use of renewables via scheduling of energy use. By offering reduced energy rates, residents will be encouraged to run heavy energy consumers such as clothes dryers at times which improve the load generation and energy demand matching as deemed by a designed and optimized decision engine.
Physics of Hardness of High-Melting Compounds

If a rigid sharp indenter penetrates into a flat surface of tested specimen under the load P it leaves a residual surface impression. A convenient measure of the material hardness may then be obtained as the ratio $$ HM = \frac{P}{{{S_0}}} $$ (1) and $$ H = \frac{P}{S} $$ (2)
Abstract 2103: Acoustic activation of the glioma-brain microenvironment

Introduction Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor characterized by diffuse brain invasion, molecular and cellular heterogeneity, and immune evasion, making current chemo-radiation treatments and emerging immunotherapies minimally effective. Transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel therapeutic modality, enabling the safe and targeted application of ultrasound energy in the brain. Recently, we demonstrated how MRgFUS can be used to transiently disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for enhanced delivery of stem cells and locally administered nanoparticles. In addition to creating structural effects, MRgFUS exposures are also capable of generating effects at the molecular level by modulating the levels of cytokines, chemokines and trophic factors in a tempo-spatially controlled manner. In the current study, we investigated the effects of MRgFUS on the GBM immune microenvironment. Materials and Methods C57BL/6 mice were implanted with luciferase expressing mouse GL261 glioma cells in the right striatum. MRgFUS exposures were applied using an MRI-guided system. Tumor, spleen, and superficial lymph nodes were collected seven days after MRgFUS treatment. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed for the following antibodies: CD45-PE, CD3-FITC, CD8-PErCp/Cy5.5, TIM3-BV605, PD-1-PacBlue, CD4-APC, Nk1.1-FITC, Cd11b-Percp/Cy5.5, CD11c-B650, CD86-APC, GR1-PacBlue, FoxP3-PE, and CD25-APC. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using unpaired T-tests. Results MRgFUS treatment of tumors resulted in a statistically significant increase in the percentage of Foxp3+ CD25+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs) in the spleen compared to untreated controls. Analysis of superficial cervical lymph nodes following MRgFUS treatment revealed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were significantly increased while CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased in MRgFUS-treated tumors compared to untreated controls. Conclusions These findings suggest that MRgFUS treatment of intracranial GBM tumors results in the redistribution of key immune cell types within the tumor microenvironment as well as the body lymphoid tissues. Specifically, we found that Tregs and MDSCs moved away from the tumor, and CD8+ T cells moved into the tumor at 1 week post-treatment. This suggests that MRgFUS has the potential to awaken the suppressed GBM microenvironment and augment immunotherapy in brain cancer. Additional studies to help elucidate the underlying mechanisms and further evaluate the potential of this approach are ongoing. Citation Format: Pavlos Anastasiadis, Kenisha Younger, Nathan B. Roberts, Joseph A. Frank, Victor Frenkel, Eduardo Davila, Graeme Woodworth. Acoustic activation of the glioma-brain microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2103.
Fn-EDA (Fibronectin Containing Extra Domain A) in the Plasma, but Not Endothelial Cells, Exacerbates Stroke Outcome by Promoting Thrombo-Inflammation

Background and Purpose- Cellular Fn-EDA (fibronectin containing extra domain A) is expressed in activated endothelial cells and elevated in circulation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Although global deficiency of Fn-EDA in mice improves stroke outcome, the specific contribution of plasma versus endothelium Fn-EDA in stroke outcome is currently unknown. We investigated the role of plasma versus endothelial Fn-EDA in stroke exacerbation in the comorbid condition of hyperlipidemia. Methods- We generated novel plasma Fn-EDA-/- ( Fn-EDA fl/fl Alb Cre) and endothelial Fn-EDA-/- ( Fn-EDA fl/fl Tie2 Cre) strains on hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient ( ApoE-/-) background. By following the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable guidelines, we evaluated stroke outcome in male and female mice. Susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury was evaluated in 2 different models of stroke: intraluminal monofilament and embolic model on days 1, 3, and 7. Quantitative assessment of stroke outcome was evaluated by measuring infarct volume (by magnetic resonance imaging), cerebral blood flow (by laser speckle imaging), neurological and sensory-motor outcome, and postischemic thrombo-inflammation (platelet thrombi, fibrin, neutrophil, phospho-NFκB [nuclear factor κB], TNFα [tumor necrosis factor α], and IL1β [interleukin 1β]). Results- Stroke outcome was comparable in ApoE-/- Fn-EDA fl/fl Tie2 Cre and control ApoE-/- Fn-EDA fl/fl mice suggesting endothelial Fn-EDA does not contribute to stroke. ApoE-/- Fn-EDA fl/fl Alb Cre mice exhibited significantly smaller infarcts and improved neurological and sensory-motor outcome at days 1, 3, and 7 in monofilament and embolic models of stroke. Improved stroke outcome was concomitant with enhanced survival, and decreased postischemic thrombo-inflammatory response ( P<0.05 versus ApoE-/- Fn-EDA fl/fl). No sex-based differences were observed. Laser speckle imaging revealed significantly improved regional cerebral blood flow at 1 hour in ApoE-/- Fn-EDA fl/fl Alb Cre mice suggesting plasma Fn-EDA promotes postischemic secondary thrombosis. Coinfusion of anti-Fn-EDA antibody with r-tPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator) in ApoE-/- mice, 1 hour after embolization, improved stroke outcome with enhanced survival, and improved neurological outcome ( P<0.05 versus r-tPA). Conclusions- Genetic evidence suggests that plasma Fn-EDA exacerbates stroke outcome by promoting postischemic thrombo-inflammation. Interventions targeting plasma Fn-EDA may reduce brain damage after reperfusion.