cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac transplant patients response to the 31P MRS stress test

Abstract Background: Previous studies showed low resting phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate (PCr/ATP) ratios within this patient population compared with controls; however, these low PCr/ATP did not correlate with endomyocardial biopsy rejection. One possible explanation is the presence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), which might be manifested as a transient ischemic event in the mildly stressed transplanted heart. If transient ischemia is invoked through the 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) stress test, monitoring of such an event should be achievable and thus implicating possible ischemic involvement. Methods: Heart transplant patients ( n = 25) and normal controls ( n = 11) were studied using the 31 P MRS stress test; 10 patients tested positive (> 2 standard deviations [SDs] from control values). Patients also were monitored for heart rate and blood pressure with the handgrip exercise generating a small increase in the rate-pressure product. Results: The percent change (%Δ) in the PCr/ATP ratio in the control group was 1.50% ± 10.6; the transplant population showed an overall change of −6.7% ± 18.5. The responders, those that were at or below the 2 SD line from control, had a −25.6 ± 3.6% Δ PCr/ATP; whereas the non-responders reflect a 5.1 ± 13.4%. The responders' response is quite striking when considering the threshold for an abnormal PCr/ATP %Δ in response to stress testing was −19.7%, which was the 2 SD mark below the mean value for the reference population. Discussion: The 31 P MRS stress test showed that a possible transient ischemic event occurred in a subset of patients, thus implicating possible CAV in the cardiac transplant patient. Such an approach may provide an early diagnosis of this disease.
Poly-generating closed cathode fuel cell with carbon capture

High temperature fuel cells are a promising technology for ultra-low emission power generation. This paper presents a novel poly-generating system capable of greater than 80% (LHV CH4) co-production efficiency with carbon capture and liquefaction. The proposed system synergistically integrates an air separation unit providing pure oxygen to a fuel cell and liquid nitrogen to a hydrogen separation unit. Both solid oxide and molten carbonate fuel cells may be capable of this integration with additional refrigeration load needed for the molten carbonate system to condense and recirculate carbon dioxide into the cathode stream. Stack temperature control utilizes the endothermic cooling effect of internal fuel reforming. The primary characteristic of the system, converting fuel cell waste heat to produce a secondary fuel (e.g. hydrogen), portends the ultra-high efficiency while enabling additional system design and integration synergies that may reduce complexity, cost, and load following constraints. A unique controller is developed for power and thermal management of a fuel-cooled fuel cell with anode recirculation. A brief economic analysis identifies the potential revenue from each of the four product streams, electricity, hydrogen, heat, and liquid CO2, and presents a conservative, yet favorable assessment of system costs relative to market electricity and hydrogen fuel prices.
On Sportsmanship and “Running Up the Score”

(1992). On Sportsmanship and “Running Up the Score”. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 1-13.
Atypical Protein Kinase C-ζ Is Essential for Delayed Phagocytosis of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract Phagocytosis is a rapid actin-dependent endocytic process used by macrophages and neutrophils to ingest and kill microorganisms [1, 2]. Perturbation of phagocytosis is central to the ability of some pathogenic microbes to cause disease, and we demonstrated previously that the ulcerogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori (Hp) actively retards its uptake by macrophages and subsequently persists inside novel vacuoles called megasomes [3]. Neither the receptor that mediates Hp binding nor the signaling pathways that regulate bacterial engulfment have been defined. Nevertheless, the fact that other phagocytic stimuli do not exhibit delayed phagocytosis [4, 5] suggests that Hp may be ingested by a unique mechanism. We now show that Hp transiently activated protein kinase C (PKC) in macrophages and that atypical PKCζ and novel PKCϵ, but not conventional PKCα, accumulated on forming phagosomes. Pharmacologic agents, isoform-selective pseudosubstrate peptides, and antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated that PKCζ regulated local actin polymerization and bacterial engulfment, whereas other PKC isoforms did not. In contrast, opsonization of Hp with immunoglobulin G (IgG) induced rapid PKCζ-independent uptake and enhanced killing of ingested bacteria. A role for atypical PKCs in phagocytosis has not been described. We conclude that Hp defines a new phagocytic pathway in macrophages that is regulated by PKCζ.
Catastrophic SEE in high-voltage power MOSFETs

Heavy ion irradiation of high-voltage power MOSFETs with long-range ions (>123/spl mu/m in silicon) was performed using 14, 19, 22, 24, 28, and 39 MeV-cm/sup 2//mg ions at normal incidence. Prior to catastrophic failure some DUTs exhibited unusual electrical characteristic: all devices demonstrated high current transients (or current spikes) at voltages significantly lower than the voltage at which the devices failed.
Texture feature extraction and description using gabor wavelet in content-based medical image retrieval

Gabor wavelet is one of the important methods for texture feature extraction and description in content-based medical image retrieval. Usually Gabor wavelet is used for a special scale set and a special direction set. However, this usually cannot extract the most discriminative texture features. In this paper, a new method for texture feature extraction and description is proposed. The method starts from whole scale space and whole direction space, and extracts time-frequency coefficients from each scale and each direction using Gabor wavelet. The energy is computed according to the coefficients, and dominant multi-scale and multi-direction fuzzy set is computed based on all energy computed. The standardized energy is used to measure the dominance of each element. Texture feature vector is computed according to the fuzzy set. The similarity measure is carried out between the fuzzy sets. When two images are of the same kind, their similarity measure is carried out between the texture feature vectors of two images. The experiments show that the method prosed in the paper has good retrieval performances for normal medical images.
Boron tolerance and accumulation in the duckweed, Lemna minor

Abstract A sensitive measure of growth in the duckweed, Lernna minor, was used to demonstrate the tolerance of this higher plant to boron [B(OH)3] at levels of 10 to 20 μg/mL in the growth medium at pH 5.0. Growth inhibition by B in concentrations up to 100 μg/mL in the external medium was reversible after transfer to control medium. At pH 4.0 and in the presence of 20 μg/mL B for 7 days, the plants accumulated 93 μg B/g fresh weight (148% of the control) and this increased with pH up to pH 7.0 where the plants accumulated 257 μg B/g fresh weight (525% of the control). Only at pH 7.0 in the presence of B was growth inhibited. Thus, plants which had accumulated more than 100 μg B/g fresh weight still grew normally. This corresponds to about 800 μg B/g dry weight accumulated by this monocot without effect upon growth rate.
Performance Optimization with Energy Constraint in Heterogeneous Multiple Computer Systems

The problem of minimizing average task response time in heterogeneous multiple computer systems with energy constraint is considered. The average task response time in an entire system of multiple computers is formulated as a function of power allocations to the computers. The average task response time is minimized subjected to the constraint that the expected energy consumption of all the computers over certain period of time does not exceed a given energy budget. The minimization problem is solved by finding an optimal power allocation to the computers. An algorithm is developed to solve our optimization problem.
Comanche political history : an ethnohistorical perspective, 1706-1875

"A historical encyclopedia of Comanche diplomacy...No student of Southwest Native American history should overlook this book." - "Southwestern Historical Quarterly". "Soundly researched and solidly documented, this book includes painstaking analysis and comparisons of the sources...Of interest to students of southwestern as well as Comanche history." - "Choice". "A stunning scholarly achievement...This is a book that belongs on any Western historian's or writer's shelf." - "Southwestern American Literature". "This is a persuasive and comprehensive work, impressive in its detail and scope...[It is] not likely to be superseded any time soon." - "Journal of the West".
Named Data Networking for military communication systems

Many modern military communication systems rely on Internet Protocol (IP) mechanisms to provide networking functionality. In addition, mostly all of these military systems are moving towards net-centric architectures, making IP functionality vital to these networks. Despite its prodigious use, IP-type networks tend to struggle when faced with mobility. In many military communication systems, mobile nodes can move in and out of coverage areas and neighboring transmission ranges creating network outages and link intermittencies. Because of this, routing data efficiently in such networks has been a difficult problem to solve. Named Data Networking (NDN) is a new concept that takes a fundamentally different approach to what is found in IP network systems. IP-type networks names locations (in the form of IP addresses) to route messages to destinations when sending data. NDNs, on the other hand, are primarily concerned about the data itself and not necessarily about the locations where the data is found. The forwarding decisions in an NDN are based on the actual data being sent/requested and not the presumed locations of the data content. Instead of naming network locations to facilitate message delivery (like IP), NDNs name the actual data. This new approach allows the nodes of NDNs to more easily take advantage of the broadcast capabilities found in many of today's networking devices while also avoiding many of the problems that exist within IP networks. This paper provides a brief analysis of the applicability of the NDN networking model to military communication networks. Specific design features of the NDN architecture provide an efficient alternative to IP-based systems, particularly those systems supporting disadvantaged networks. This paper provides an understanding of NDN concepts and investigates how they can be applied to better improve military communications.
Bargaining, Justice, and Justification: Towards Reconstruction

Part I of this essay will be devoted to Gauthier's principle of minimax relative concession. Part II will focus, more generally, on the variety of possible strategies available to liberal theory. In Part I, I will argue that the principle of minimax relative concession does not define “essential justice” as Gauthier claims. In Part II, I will argue that the difficulties facing Gauthier's strategy are common to other strategies of die same general kind. I will close by suggesting what I think may prove to be a more promising approach.
Improving System-wide Detection Performance for Sonar Buoy Networks using In-Network Fusion

The problem of optimized distributed detection in a system of networked sensors involves a number of design aspects, including balancing probabilities of missed detection and false alarm as well as managing the communication resources through proper in-network information fusion. Moreover, a number of tradeoffs must be exercised, such as the one between the computational requirements for information fusion and sensor control and the communication requirements for information exchange. Therefore, overall system design decisions are best made by jointly considering the impact of design aspects and tradeoffs on the overall system performance. This paper addresses in-network fusion and associated networking algorithms that improve detection performance and energy efficiency for a multistatic sonar application. This is achieved by exchanging and fusing contacts among sonar buoys before transmission out offield. In-network fusion utilizes lower cost buoy-to-buoy communication for the majority of the data communication and enables a reduction in random uncorrelated false alarms by only reporting detections from multiple buoys that present sufficient correlation. The reduction of out-of-field contact transmissions allows a lower signal excess threshold for each buoy, corresponding to an increased probability of detection. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our distributed in-network fusion through both analysis and high fidelity sonar simulations.
Prototype Test of Energy Doubler/Saver Bending Magnet

An improved full scale bending magnet (E22-13) for the Energy Doubler was cooled down with a prototype satellite refrigerator and its characteristics were measured. We intentionally induced quenches on this magnet below 40 kG using a heater and the quench behavior was investigated from the viewpoint of system safety. The first self-induced quench of this horizontal magnet system occurred at about 41.7 kG. Due to high single phase pressure, we did not train the magnet to any higher field. The measurement of ac loss was done and the data showed some wire movement at about 20 kG. Transfer function was measured to be 9.81 (G/A). The magnetic field was measured using a harmonic coil. The field quality was found to be improved over the first full scale magnet (E22-1).
Social Network Analysis: A Structural Perspective for Family Studies:

We review research on egocentric networks to show how network analysis provides both a distinctive perspective and a methodology for studying the family. In this perspective, individuals are influenced by social networks but are also active agents in their creation. We describe such key concepts as density, range, size, homogeneity and homophily. We also consider network stability, affect structure, segmentation and overlap. We discuss a number of methodological issues along with work in selected substantive areas. Finally, we discuss the data resources of network analysis and suggest an agenda for family applications of network concepts and methodology.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in Raynaud's Phenomenon

Objective:TO evaluate the efficacy of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.Data Sources:Searches of MEDLINE (1966–March 2006) and Web of Science (1980–March 2006) were conducted; search terms were sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, phosphodiesterase, and Raynaud. Studies and case reports published in English were retrieved. Additional references were identified in bibliographic reviews.Data Synthesis:Several small studies and a number of case reports have described the use of PDE5 inhibitors in patients with either primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. The data from the best designed study show a reduced attack frequency and duration, reduced Raynaud Condition Score, and increased capillary blood flow in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.Conclusions:Available evidence suggests that sildenafil may be associated with improved microcirculation, symptomatic relief, and ulcer healing in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Limited info...
Artificial neural system in decision-aiding for large incomplete databases

The authors propose a hybrid knowledge-based model where neural network technology is used in decision-aiding processes to handle large amounts of incomplete information. The proposed model is composed of two major subunits: a decision-making network and a knowledge acquisition module. The decision-making network, after being trained, is used as a filter. The knowledge acquisition module is responsible for training the decision-making network. It is shown that the neural network, used as a complement to conventional expert systems, has a strong adaptive learning capability in decision-making. However, what constitutes the set of training data can directly affect the quality of the decision to be made. A semi-real incomplete database has been constructed to provide an appropriate test bed for the proposed decision support system. To investigate the feasibility and performance of the proposed system, a number of simulation runs were conducted and these results are presented. >
A study of the spiropyran–merocyanine system using ion mobility-mass spectrometry: experimental support for the cisoid conformation

The spiropyran–merocyanine system was studied using ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and three major conformers were identified. Assignment of conformers is based on DFT-B3LYP energy minimized structures and collision cross-sections as light-induced changes in IM-MS. The three conformers were assigned to the spiropyran, cisoid and transoid structures.
Physical Therapy Assessment and Treatment Protocol for Nursing Home Residents

This article describes a standard protocol for assessing physical function in elderly nursing home residents. Major physical dimensions that are measured with the protocol include range of motion, muscle force, muscle reflex activity, sensation, soft tissue status, balance/coordination, and posture. A practical, functionally prioritized treatment model based on the assessment is also presented. The standardized assessment and treatment plan may be useful to the physical therapist in (1) planning and prioritizing treatment, (2) identifying when goals have been met, (3) recognizing when there is a need for treatment plan modification, and (4) educating physical therapy students in applying problem-solving skills in their treatment sessions.
Mitral stenosis in patient undergoing vascular surgery: prediction of perioperative hemodynamics by dobutamine stress-echocardiography.

Abstract Patient was admitted for endarterectomy of the left internal carotid artery. Echocardiography showed mitral stenosis with mitral valve area of 1.4 cm 2 . Since the patient's functional capacity could not be determined due to left-sided hemiplegia, it was decided to perform high-dose dobutamine stress-echocardiography in order to assess the patient's hemodynamics during stress. Gradients over mitral valve increased from 32/10 mmHg at baseline to 43/16 mmHg at 40 mcg/kg/min dobutamine infusion. Preoperative and 24 hour perioperative hemodynamic variables were monitored by Swan–Ganz catheher, and their values did not change significantly as compared to baseline. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day.
Does stem color affect the selection of host plants by the small cabbage white butterfly Pieris rapae

The effects of Brassica rapa stem color on the selection of host plants by Pieris rapae were investigated using choice tests between seedlings with reddish-purple, anthocyanin-containing stems and seedlings with light-green, anthocyaninless stems. The first landing response and the collective as well as the individual egg-laying behavior of P. rapae female butterflies to the reddish-purple-stemmed seedlings were comparable to the responses to the light-green-stemmed plants. These results demonstrate that stem anthocyanins do not play a significant role in host plant selection.
Analytical Treatment of Two-Phase Infiltration

An approximate analytical treatment for the problem of one-dimensional infiltration into a homogeneous porous medium is presented. Movement of both the air phase and the water phase is considered. The procedure assumes that capillary pressure can be neglected in the saturation equation, whereas it is retained in an integral equation for the unknown total flow. The two equations are solved in a step-wise manner to yield the saturation profile, and the infiltration rate at any time. Infiltration rate curves are obtained for a number of situations involving different boundary or initial conditions or both. Comparisons are made with results obtained from a finite difference solution.
Measuring Attitudes About Hate: Development of the Hate Crime Beliefs Scale:

Employing the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA) of 2009 and other such legislation as a backdrop, the present study evaluated the nature of beliefs about hate-crime legislation, offenders, and victims. In addition, it investigated construct validity (i.e., political beliefs and prejudice) and predictive validity (i.e., blame attribution and sentencing recommendations). A total of 403 U.S. adults completed measures of prejudice and an initial pool of 50 items forming the proposed Hate Crime Beliefs Scale (HCBS). Participants were randomly assigned to read one of four hate-crime vignettes, which varied in regard to type of prejudice (racial-, sexual orientation-, transgender-, and religion-based prejudices) and then responded to blame and sentencing questions. Factor analyses of the HCBS resulted in four sub-scales: Negative Views (i.e., higher scores reflect negative views of legislation and minority group protection), Offender Punishment (i.e., higher scores suggest endorsement of greater punishment), Deterrence (i.e., greater scores denote support for hate-crime legislation as a deterrent of more violence), and Victim Harm (i.e., higher scores reflect pro-victim attitudes). Greater pro-legislation and pro-victim beliefs were related to liberal political beliefs and less prejudicial attitudes, with some exceptions. Controlling for a number of demographic, situational, and attitudinal covariates, the Negative Views sub-scale displayed predictive utility, such that more negative views of legislation/minority group protection were associated with elevated victim blame, as well as lower perpetrator blame and sentencing recommendations. Results are discussed in the context of hate-crime research and policy, with additional implications considered for trial strategy, modern prejudice, and blame attribution theory.
Race disparity in grants: oversight at home.

NIH Director Francis Collins has promised to lead the NIH in identifying the cause(s) of and redressing the recently reported disparity in NIH funding associated with race (“Weaving a richer tapestry in biomedical science,” L. A. Tabak and F. S. Collins, Policy Forum, 19 August, p. [940][1]; “Race, ethnicity, and NIH research awards,” D. K. Ginther et al. , Reports, 19 August, p. [1015][2]). The limited public discussion on the possible underlying factors has focused on the NIH review process. Although this is an obvious place to continue the investigation, the explanation may lie elsewhere. Investigators in the National Cancer Institute have reported that a major responsible factor cited by unfunded and underfunded minority investigators was “barriers at the home institution” ([ 1 ][3]). These included “inadequate research infrastructure, training, and development,” “barriers to development as independent investigators,” “inadequate mentoring,” and “lack of institutional support.” Although the report focused on barriers to NIH funding for minority investigators pursuing primarily cancer health disparities research, many of the identified obstacles apply to biomedical research funding in general. To address these issues, Director Collins must be prepared to extend NIH policies to providing better oversight of the manner in which minority investigators are treated in their home institutions. For example, although NIH requires the writing of minority recruitment plans by its grantee institutions, it currently neither evaluates how nor even whether such plans are implemented. NIH also does not require outcome measures for whether minority scientists are fairly supported and promoted for successful research careers. Such stark omissions in NIH funding policies could certainly perpetuate or engender unfair racially biased attitudes and practices that would not have been uncovered by Ginther et al. 's study. 1. [↵][4]1. V. L. Shavers 2. et al ., J. Natl. Med. Assoc. 97, 1063 (2005). [OpenUrl][5][PubMed][6] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1211704 [2]: pending:yes [3]: #ref-1 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNational%2BMedical%2BAssociation%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BNatl%2BMed%2BAssoc%26rft.aulast%253DShavers%26rft.auinit1%253DV.%2BL.%26rft.volume%253D97%26rft.issue%253D8%26rft.spage%253D1063%26rft.epage%253D1077%26rft.atitle%253DBarriers%2Bto%2Bracial%252Fethnic%2Bminority%2Bapplication%2Band%2Bcompetition%2Bfor%2BNIH%2Bresearch%2Bfunding.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F16173321%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=16173321&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F334%2F6058%2F901.atom
Boron compounds as chemosterilants for house flies

Sixty-nine inorganic and organic compounds containing boron inhibited the reproduction of Musca domestica L. when both sexes were fed a diet containing 0.025-5% of the sterilants, but only 5 sterilized the males when they were treated separately. The sterilizing activity of boric acid and of certain boronic acids increased when these compounds were not administered as such but when the insects diet was treated with other boron compounds that yielded boric or boronic acids on hydrolysis. The toxicity of the parent compounds was often different from that of hydrolysates.
Comparison of suture materials for subcuticular skin closure at cesarean delivery

Background Subcuticular skin closure with suture after cesarean has been shown to result in lower rates of wound complications than with staple closure. However, the optimal choice of suture material for subcuticular skin closure is unclear. Vicryl (a braided multifilament synthetic suture; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) and Monocryl (a monofilament synthetic suture; Ethicon) are the commonly used suture materials for subcuticular closure of transverse skin incisions after cesarean in the United States. Whereas in vitro and animal studies suggest multifilament suture materials may be associated with a higher risk of wound infection than monofilament sutures, clinical data on their relative effectiveness are limited. Objective We sought to test the hypothesis that Vicryl is associated with a higher rate of wound complications than Monocryl. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial in which pregnant women undergoing scheduled or unscheduled cesareans were randomly assigned to preoperative skin preparation with either chlorhexidine–alcohol or iodine–alcohol. Women with low transverse skin incisions who were closed with either 4-0 Monocryl or 4-0 Vicryl were included in this analysis. Choice of suture material was at the discretion of the operating physician. The primary outcome was superficial or deep surgical site infection within 30 days after cesarean. Secondary outcomes were other wound complications. Outcomes were compared between the 2 groups using univariable and multivariable statistics. Results Of 1082 patients who had follow-up after discharge in the primary trial, 871 had subcuticular suture: 180 with 4-0 Vicryl and 691 with 4-0 Monocryl. Skin closure with Vicryl or Monocryl did not significantly differ between women allocated to chlorhexidine–alcohol or iodine–alcohol (51.1% vs 49.4%, P = .67). There was no significant difference in the risk of surgical site infection in women closed with Vicryl compared with Monocryl (11 [6.1%] vs 35 [5.1%]; P = .58; adjusted odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.49). Rates of other wound complications were also not significantly different. Risks of surgical site infection were similar with Vicryl and Monocryl closure in all subgroups assessed. The relative risks were not materially affected by whether diabetes or obesity was present, cesarean was scheduled or unscheduled, primary or repeat cesarean, or the subcutaneous layer was closed. Post hoc power analysis indicated that we had 80% power to detect >2-fold difference in surgical site infections. Conclusion Subcuticular skin closure with 4-0 Vicryl is associated with comparable rates of surgical site infection and other wound complications as 4-0 Monocryl. While this is an observational study with the potential for selection bias and residual confounding, our results suggest physician preference is acceptable for choice of subcuticular suture material at cesarean.
Identifying General Cognitive Abilities Involved in Argument Comprehension and Evaluation

Das Verstandnis und die Evaluation von Argumenten: Zur Rolle allgemeiner kognitiver Fahigkeiten Zusammenfassung. Personen, denen die notwendigen Fahigkeiten fur die korrekte Bewertung von Argumenten fehlen, ziehen ein Leben lang daraus Nachteile. Forschungsbefunde zeigen, dass einfache Tutorien fur viele Studierende (ca. 30 %) keinen Nutzen bringen. Wir berichten Daten zur Frage, wie sich durch allgemeine Fahigkeiten (z. B. Vokabelwissen, Leseverstandnis, analytisches Schlussfolgern) das Erlernen der Argumentevaluation vorhersagen lasst. In Studie 1 konnte gezeigt werden, dass – obwohl alle drei kognitiven Fahigkeiten einige Aspekte von Argumentverstandnis und Evaluationsfahigkeit vorhersagen – das Vokabelwissen sowohl die Argumentationsfahigkeit und nicht durch das Wissen um die Bedeutung einer spezifischen Aussage, die in der Aufgabe gestellt wurde, erklart. Die Ergebnisse zeigen auf, dass der gezielte Einsatz von Vokabelwissen und allgemeiner lexikalischer Qualitat diesen Studierenden, die nicht von ei...
Ovarian Cancer Gene Therapy with BRCA1 —An Overview

The human breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 is a tumorsuppressor gene which is mutated and lost in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and has both alleles mutated in approximately 10-15% of cases of sporadic ovarian cancer. Studies of chromosome loss in ovarian cancer show that at least one allele of the BRCA1 gene is lost or mutated in up to 70% of sporadic ovarian cancers. Although no sporadic breast cancers contain BRCA1 mutations, our published study shows that expression of the mRNA is decreased suggesting that the BRCA1 gene is altered quantitatively in sporadic cancer and qualitatively in hereditary cancer. Decreased expression of the BRCA1 gene may also be important in cases of sporadic ovarian cancer that do not have BRCA1 mutations. The majority of mutant alleles are nonsense and should produce truncated proteins, which are predicted to vary in length from 5% to 99% of full-length protein. A relatively small number of missense mutations have also been identified, most commonly in the predicted ring finger domain in the N-terminus. Patients with mutations in BRCA1 differ clinically from nonfamilial breast cancer because the breast cancer is earlier in onset and more highly associated with ovarian cancer. We have recently obtained data indicating that families with BRCA1 mutations in the 3' portion of the gene develop early-onset breast cancer, but do not develop ovarian cancer, suggesting that expression of a truncated BRCA1 protein may suppress ovarian tumors, but not breast tumors (1).
The Three Newmans: A Triumvirate of Secularity

The widely divergent religious reconversions of the two Newman brothers — John Henry to Roman Catholicism and Francis William to a ‘primitive Christianity’ — have intrigued and troubled commentators and historians since the mid-nineteenth-century, when their religious crises represented a national concern. With the publication of Francis William Newman’s The Soul (1849) and Phases of Faith (1850), at least one reviewer lamented the loss of two of the Church of England’s most talented scholars and brothers — the one to ‘superstition’ and the other to ‘unbelief’.1 The fascination with the religious lives of ‘the Newman brothers’ continued well into the twentieth century and became the title of a book.2 Even broader studies of the period included discussion of the two Newmans.
A Tribute to William N. Gill

William Nelson Gill, editor-in-chief of Chemical Engineering Communications for 35 years, was a major force in the chemical engineering community in the latter half of the twentieth century and the...
Ranking and prediction of collegiate wrestling

College wrestling rankings have a major impact upon the sport, as they are one of the criteria used to determine advancement to postseason championships and seeding, thereby benchmarking individual, team, and program success. In addition to ordering athletes based upon past performance, rankings may function as predictors for future match outcomes. This research identifies potential biases in traditional ranking methodologies and offers alternatives based on the networkbased PageRank and Elo ratings. Using data from the 2013-2014 NCAA Division I wrestling season, we evaluate both existing and our new rankings on the basis of predictive accuracy. Our new methods significantly improve upon a baseline of 67% accuracy and several of the existing ranking methods. These results and follow-up analyses suggest that Elo presents an especially attractive alternative to current ranking systems for college wrestling, with potential extensions to the prediction of point differentials, ensemble methods, and generalizability to other combat sports. 6
A Decentralized Optimal Control Framework for Connected and Automated Vehicles at Urban Intersections

We address the problem of optimally controlling connected automated vehicles (CAVs) crossing an urban inter- section without any explicit traffic signaling. We first formulate a centralized problem with the objective of controlling CAV acceler- ation/deceleration to maximize traffic throughput subject to hard safety constraints and minimal energy cost. We show that the solution of this problem provides the times required for individual CAVs to cross the intersection and that the centralized problem becomes, under certain conditions, equivalent to a decentralized framework whereby each CAV minimizes its energy consumption subject to the throughput-maximizing timing constraints. We present a complete analytical solution of these decentralized problems and derive conditions under which feasible solutions satisfying all safety constraints always exist. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is validated through simulation and shows significant reductions in both fuel consumption and travel time.
Crouch Gait in Dravet Syndrome

Investigators from Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Sorbonne Paris Cite University, Raymond Poincare University, and Paris Descartes University studied motor neuron function in children with Dravet syndrome (DS).
A 21st-Century Ethical Hierarchy for Robots and Persons: $$\mathscr {E \! H}$$

I introduce and propose the ethical hierarchy (\(\mathscr {E \! H}\)) into which can be placed robots and humans in general. This hierarchy is catalyzed by the question: Can robots be more moral than humans? The light shed by \(\mathscr {E \! H}\) reveals why an emphasis on legal obligation for robots, while not unwise at the moment, is inadequate, and why at least the vast majority of today’s state-of-the-art deontic logics are morally inexpressive, whether they are intended to formalize the ethical behavior of robots or persons.
Heterotrimeric G-Protein Signaling at Atomic Resolution

Publisher Summary Heterotrimeric G proteins (subunits Gαβγ) mediate a variety of physiological responses, including sensory perception, hormone action, polarization, chemotaxis, and growth control. In the conventional paradigm for G-protein signaling, ligand-bound heptahelical receptors catalyze release of GDP from the Gα subunit, resulting in a complex between the receptor and the nucleotide-free Gαβγ heterotrimer. Association of GTP with Gα triggers release from the receptor and dissociation of Gα-GTP and Gβγ. Depending on the particular signaling pathway, either Gα-GTP or the released Gβγ subunits interact with downstream effectors until the Gα subunit is deactivated by GTP hydrolysis. Although the Gα subunit possesses an intrinsic GTP hydrolytic activity, regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domains, present in a variety of modular proteins, accelerate the rate of GTP hydrolysis. The interaction between Gα-GDP and Gβγ occurs at two distinct interfaces. Crystallographic studies of two different G-protein signaling pathways, involving the visual G protein transducin (Gt) as well as the hormone activated G proteins that stimulate (Gs) and inhibit (Gi) adenylyl cyclase (AC), reveal a highly conserved structural basis for heterotrimer assembly, activation by nucleotide exchange, and deactivation by GTP hydrolysis. The various structures explain a wealth of biochemical and cell biological data accumulated over the years, and provide a springboard for mutational analyses aimed at dissecting structure–function relationships for the myriad diverse biological responses mediated by G proteins.
Selective CD28 Blockade Results in Superior Inhibition of Donor-Specific T Follicular Helper Cell and Antibody Responses Relative to CTLA4-Ig

Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) are a barrier to improved long-term outcomes after kidney transplantation. Costimulation blockade with CTLA4-Ig has shown promise as a potential therapeutic strategy to control DSAs. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells required for optimal antibody production, are reliant on the CD28 costimulatory pathway. We have previously shown that selective CD28 blockade leads to superior allograft survival through improved control of CD8+ T cells relative to CTLA4-Ig, but the impact of CD28-specific blockade on CD4+ Tfh cells is unknown. Thus, we identified and characterized donor-reactive Tfh cells in a murine skin transplant model and then used this model to evaluate the impact of selective CD28 blockade with an anti-CD28 domain antibody (dAb) on the donor-specific Tfh cell-mediated immune response. We observed that the anti-CD28 dAb led to superior inhibition of donor-reactive CXCR5+ PD-1high Tfh cells, CD95+ GL7+ germinal center B cells and DSA formation compared with CTLA4-Ig. Interestingly, donor-reactive Tfh cells differentially upregulated CTLA4 expression, suggesting an important role for CTLA4 in mediating the superior inhibition observed with the anti-CD28 dAb. Therefore, selective CD28 blockade as a novel approach to control Tfh cell responses and prevent DSA after kidney transplantation warrants further study.
Kilohertz Electrical Stimulation Nerve Conduction Block: Effects of Electrode Material

Kilohertz electrical stimulation (KES) has enabled a novel new paradigm for spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation to treat a variety of neurological diseases. KES can excite or inhibit nerve activity and is used in many clinical devices today. However, the impact of different electrode materials on the efficacy of KES is unknown. We investigated the effect of different electrode materials and their respective charge injection mechanisms on KES nerve block thresholds using 20- and 40-kHz current-controlled sinusoidal KES waveforms. We evaluated the nerve block threshold and the power requirements for achieving an effective KES nerve block. In addition, we evaluated potential effects on the onset duration and recovery of normal conduction after delivery of KES. We found that thresholds and the onset and recovery of KES nerve block are not a function of the electrode material. In contrast, the power dissipation varies among electrode materials and is a function of the materials’ properties at high frequencies. We conclude that materials with a proven track record of chronic stability, both for the tissue and electrode, are suitable for developing KES nerve block therapies.
The Sociological Seeds of Terrorism and Resilience Understanding: A Sociological Journey Through the Traces and Signs of the Other Side of Resilience

This chapter focuses on the analysis and interpretation of the findings collected from the interviews with the experts, and it proposes a different approach to terrorism management and its implications for the future of terrorism prevention and preparedness.
Where and when adolescents are physically active: Neighborhood environment and psychosocial correlates and their interactions.

Abstract Female adolescents are less active than male peers in certain contexts including the neighborhood. Adolescents' physical activity can be explained by interactions between environmental and psychosocial factors, but few studies have tested such interactions in relation to context-specific behaviors. This study tested interactions between neighborhood environmental and psychosocial factors in relation to adolescents' context-specific physical activity. Data were collected in 2009–11 from 910 adolescents and a parent/guardian residing in the Baltimore/Seattle regions. Measures included adolescent-reported neighborhood leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and non-neighborhood LTPA, accelerometer-based non-school moderate-to vigorous-physical activity (MVPA), psychosocial factors, and objective and parent-perceived neighborhood environmental factors. Gender-stratified mixed effects linear models tested associations of 6 environmental and 4 psychosocial factors and their interactions in relation to each physical activity outcome. The psychosocial factors had consistent associations with the physical activity outcomes but the environmental correlates were context-specific. Decisional balance (weighing of pros and cons of physical activity) moderated the association between recreation facility density and neighborhood LTPA among females, with a negative association only among those with high decisional balance (pros outweighed cons). Decisional balance also moderated associations of neighborhood walkability with non-school MVPA among females and non-neighborhood LTPA among males, with positive associations only among those with high decisional balance. Results support context-specific ecological models of physical activity. Targeting environmental factors that may promote opportunities for physical activity in specific contexts as well as adolescent decision-making may help promote their physical activity in those contexts, potentially leading to increased overall physical activity.
Approaching completely continuous centimeter-scale graphene by copolymer-assisted transfer

Transferring graphene from copper foil to a target substrate should ideally be a nondestructive process, but cracks, holes, and wrinkles have proved difficult to prevent. Here we report a method in which we use a commercially available copolymer in addition to poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) to obtain 99.8% continuous centimeter-scale transferred graphene. Our findings are based on characterization using Raman spectroscopy, quantitative image analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Compared to conventional methods, this copolymer-assisted approach not only results in fewer holes, but also effectively eliminates cracks and wrinkles. We attribute this to a more thorough relaxation of the initially deposited PMMA by solvent contained in the thicker copolymer layer. This results in improved contact at the PMMA–graphene interface before removal of the underlying copper substrate.
Results of a national survey of certified nurse coaches with implications for advanced practice nurses.

Background and purpose Evidence suggests that nurse-coaching can improve health outcomes, but application of this skill is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the practices of nurse coaches including their work settings, clients/health conditions, motivations behind becoming certified as coaches, and the personal benefits experienced by nurse coaches. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was emailed to certified nurse coaches (n = 315); 164 completed the survey, including 68 (41.5%) advanced practice nurses. Conclusions The most frequent conditions seen by coaches included the following: anxiety/stress (n = 39, 27.1%), cardiometabolic conditions (n = 24, 16.7%), and pain (n = 20, 13.9%). Coaching varied in frequency, method (individual versus group), and mode (in-person, by phone, or electronically). Participants became coaches to gain skills for enhancing their practice, deliver care that fits with their values and philosophy, meet personal needs (starting a private practice and improve their own self-care), attain credentials/validation, and empower others. The majority agreed/strongly agreed that since becoming a nurse coach, their own interpersonal relationships (80.3%), health/health behaviors (84.8%), and job satisfaction (70.7%) improved. Implications for practice Nurse practitioners may be strategically situated to provide coaching and have the knowledge and skills needed to intervene with medically complex, at-risk populations.
The incorporation of L-[Me-14C]methionine and [Me-3H]choline into lung phosphatides.

Abstract A comparison has been made of l -[Me- 14 C ] methionine and [Me-3H]choline incorporation in vivo into lung and liver lecithin. The data suggest that the liver is not the source of lung lecithin and that synthesis in situ occurs via the CDP-choline pathway. The synthesis in vivo of lecithin via methylation of phosphatidyl ethanolamine appears to be of only minor importance in lung and probably results from a slow turnover of methionine methyl in this tissue. Using l -[Me- 14 C ] methionine it has been shown that the phospholipid tentatively identified as phosphatidyl-N, N-dimethylethanolamine in lung is probably an intermediate in the stepwise methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine. The finding of significant [Me-3H]choline activity in lung and liver phosphatidyl-N, N-dimethylethanolamine reconfirms the original observation that betaine is an important source of a methyl group in the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine.
The relation of left ventricular geometry to left ventricular outflow tract shape and stroke volume index calculations.

BACKGROUND Stroke volume (SV) and aortic valve area calculations require the left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) or aortic annular area calculations that involve squaring the respective diameters. Area calculation errors became evident with transcatheter aortic valve replacement where areas were underestimated due to an elliptical annulus. We hypothesized that LVOT and annular shape are more elliptical in patients with greater relative LV wall thickness (RWT) leading to underestimation of SV index using 2D Doppler echocardiography. METHODS We studied 203 consecutive patients referred to an outpatient noninvasive laboratory for Doppler echocardiograms which included acceptable 3-dimensional images. 3-dimensional assessment of the LVOT at 3-5 mm from the valve insertion, at the site of valve insertion, and at the sinus of Valsalva (SOV) was performed with assessment of the minor axis (MN), major axis (MJ), and areas at mid-systole. SV index was calculated from LVOT and annular diameters obtained from 2-dimensional echo and from 3-dimensional LVOT areas. RESULTS An inverse relation of RWT with MN/MJ at mid-systole for the LVOT (r = 0.5812, P < 0.0001) and annulus (r = 0.6865, P < 0.0001) was noted. LVOT and annulus areas were similar among groups at mid-systole. SV index calculated from 2D LVOT dimensions was significantly smaller than using 3D LVOT areas (35.6 ± 8.9 vs 53.6 ± 16.1 mL, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION There is an inverse relation between MN/MJ and RWT at the LVOT and aortic annulus despite the LVOT and annular areas being similar across most geometries resulting in SV index underestimation calculated using LVOT diameters vs 3D LVOT areas.