cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast Activation Protein Regulates Lesion Burden and the Fibroinflammatory Response in Apoe-Deficient Mice in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been established as an inducible and mesenchymal cell-specific mediator of disease progression in cancer and fibrosis. Atherosclerosis is a fibroinflammatory disease, and FAP was previously reported to be up-regulated in human atherosclerotic plaques compared with normal vessel. We investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of Fap-expressing cells in a murine model of atherosclerosis and used a genetic approach to determine if and how Fap affected disease progression. Fap was found to be expressed predominantly on vascular smooth muscle cells in lesions of athero-prone Apoe-/- mice. Global deletion of Fap (Fap-/-) in Apoe-/- mice accelerated atherosclerotic disease progression in both males and females, with the effect observed earlier in males. Sex-specific effects on lesion morphology were observed. Relative levels of extracellular matrix, fibrotic, and inflammatory cell content were comparable in lesions in male mice regardless of Fap status. In contrast, lesions in Fap-/- female mice were characterized by a more fibrotic composition due to a reduction in inflammation, specifically a reduction in Mox macrophages. Combined, these data suggest that Fap restrains the progression of atherosclerosis and may contribute to the sexually dimorphic susceptibility to atherosclerosis by regulating the balance between inflammation (an indicator of vulnerability to plaque rupture) and fibrosis (an indicator of plaque stability).
In HF with LVEF ≤ 42.5%, sacubitril-valsartan vs RAS inhibitors reduced a composite of CV death or HF hospitalization.

Source Citation Solomon SD, Vaduganathan M, Claggett BL, et al. Sacubitril/valsartan across the spectrum of ejection fraction in heart failure. Circulation. 2020;141:352-61. 31736342
The Utility of Speech-Language Biomarkers to Predict Oral Feeding Outcomes in the Premature Newborn.

Purpose Successful oral feeding and speech emergence are dependent upon the coordination of shared oral muscles and facial nerves. We aimed to determine if the speech-associated genes, forkhead box P2 (FOXP2), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2), glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 2A (GRIN2A), and neurexin 1, were detectable in neonatal saliva and could predict feeding outcomes in premature newborns. Method In this prospective, observational, preliminary study, saliva collected from 51 premature infants (gestational ages: 30-34 6/7 weeks) at different stages of oral feeding development underwent gene expression analysis. Binary (+/-) expression profiles were explored and examined in relation to days to achieve full oral feeds. Results GRIN2A and neurexin 1 rarely amplified in neonatal saliva and were not informative. Infants who amplified FOXP2 but not CNTNAP2 at the start of oral feeds achieved oral feeding success 3.20 (95% CI [-2.5, 8.9]) days sooner than other gene combinations. Conclusions FOXP2 and CNTNAP2 may be informative in predicting oral feeding outcomes in newborns. Salivary analysis at the start of oral feeding trials may inform feeding outcomes in this population and warrants further investigation.
Impact of Rapid Influenza Molecular Testing on Management in Pediatric Acute Care Settings

Objectives To measure the impact of rapid influenza real-time qualitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on patient management in busy pediatric emergency department (ED) and urgent care clinic settings. Study design We developed a brief, elective survey that clinicians completed when an influenza RT-PCR order was placed in the ED or urgent care clinic between February 18, 2019, and March 13, 2019. We captured the clinical suspicion for influenza, intended management plans, and actual management plans once influenza RT-PCR results were available. Results We evaluated 339 encounters, of which 164 (48.4%) had a positive influenza RT-PCR. Clinical suspicion for influenza was a nonsignificant predictor for influenza PT-PCR positivity (P = .126). After rapid influenza RT-PCR results were available, clinicians changed their original plans in 44.5% of influenza RT-PCR positive vs 92.6% of influenza RT-PCR negative cases (P Conclusions Implementation of a rapid and accurate influenza RT-PCR in the acute care setting is important to systematically diagnose influenza in children and improve outpatient management decisions, because clinical suspicion for influenza is inaccurate. A negative influenza RT-PCR decreases unnecessary antiviral use and has the potential for significant cost savings.
Combining Computational Modeling with Reaction Kinetics Experiments for Elucidating the In Situ Nature of the Active Site in Catalysis

ConspectusMicrokinetic modeling based on density functional theory (DFT) derived energetics is important for addressing fundamental questions in catalysis. The quantitative fidelity of microkinetic...
Carbohydrates great and small, from dietary fiber to sialic acids: How glycans influence the gut microbiome and affect human health

Gut microbiome composition depends heavily upon diet and has strong ties to human health. Dietary carbohydrates shape the gut microbiome by providing a potent nutrient source for particular microbe...
Dual inhibition of CB 1 receptors and iNOS, as a potential novel approach to the pharmacological management of acute and long COVID-19.

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) causes multiple inflammatory complications, resulting not only in severe lung inflammation but also harm to other organs. Although the current focus is on the management of acute COVID-19, there is growing concern about long-term effects of COVID-19 (Long Covid), such as fibroproliferative changes in the lung, heart and kidney. Therefore, the identification of therapeutic targets not only for the management of acute COVID-19 but also for preventing Long Covid are needed, and would mitigate against long-lasting health burden and economic costs, in addition to saving lives. COVID-19 induces pathological changes via multiple pathways, which could be targeted simultaneously for optimal effect. We discuss the potential pathologic function of increased activity of the endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor system and inducible NO synthase (iNOS). We advocate a polypharmacology approach, wherein a single chemical entity simultaneously interacts with CB1 receptors and iNOS causing inhibition, as a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19-related health complications.
Online Crowdfunding Enables Patients' Access to Gender-Affirming Surgery

Online crowdfunding allows transgender patients to fundraise for their surgeries or hormonal therapy. In this study, we updated the geographic trends in fundraising for gender-affirming surgery and...
Complications after transesophageal echocardiogram in pediatric patients with gastrostomy tube and/or Nissen fundoplication.

INTRODUCTION Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is frequently used in children with and without congenital heart disease when transthoracic echocardiography is inadequate for visualizing cardiac structures. Recent guidelines state relative contraindications of TEE include post-gastrostomy tube (GT) or Nissen fundoplication surgery. No data exist documenting the incidence of complications in this population after a TEE. Aim of this study was to document the incidence of abdominal complications after TEE in pediatric patients who previously had a GT or Nissen fundoplication. METHODS Single institution retrospective study was performed evaluating patients from 2013 through 2020. Patients were included if they had previously undergone a GT or Nissen procedure and subsequently underwent a TEE procedure. Baseline demographics were obtained. Major (esophageal/gastric perforation, oropharyngeal dysphagia, GT displacement, and Nissen breakdown) and minor (abdominal pain, feeding intolerance, and GT leakage) complications were recorded. RESULTS Total of 34 patients underwent 48 TEE procedures. Age was 6.2 ± 6.6 years (median 3.0 years, .4 - 23.0 years) and weight was 18.5 ± 14.8 kgs (median 12.4 kgs, 4.2 - 57.5 kg) at time of TEE. Twenty-nine patients had congenital heart disease. Five patients had a Nissen fundoplication, 14 patients had a GT, and 15 patients had both procedures prior to the TEE. No patient had a major abdominal complication after the TEE. One patient had abdominal pain (2.1%), one patient had feeding intolerance and leakage around the GT site (2.1%), and two patients had leakage around the GT site (4.2%) after the TEE. Patients that experienced complications were significantly younger (1.7 ± 1.1 years vs. 6.6 ± 6.7 years, P < .01) and weighed less (8.7 ± 3.5 kg vs. 20.1 ± 15.5 kg, P < .01) than those that had no complications. All minor complications resolved with minimal interventions required. CONCLUSION In this study, major abdominal complications did not occur after a TEE procedure in pediatric patients that had previous abdominal surgeries. The incidence of minor complications was relatively low and was easily remedied in this patient population. Though a relative contraindication by guidelines, TEE imaging, including transgastric views, can be performed relatively safely in pediatric patients with prior abdominal surgeries if needed.
WE-D-204-01: ICC MIWG Displays: Draft Recommendations for a Color Visualization Pipeline

Purpose: Use of color images in medical imaging has increased significantly. As of today there is no agreement on what is an appropriate visualization framework for color medical images, resulting into large variability of color appearance and it making consistency and quality assurance a challenge.The ICC Medical Imaging Working Group (MIWG) [http://www.color.org/groups/medical/medical_imaging_wg.xalter] is working towards recommendations and standards for visualizing color medical images. Methods: The MIWG collected color characterization data for a wide range of color displays (consumer, professional and medical), as well as a collection of representative greyscale and color medical images. Based on this, simulations and bench testing was done to quantitatively compare the performance of various architectures and imaging pipelines. This allows making recommendations on imaging pipeline architectures, and defining minimum requirements to guarantee minimum performance levels. Results: Preliminary results are available already, and more complete results will be available before the AAPM annual meeting. Results so far suggest that, if appropriate choices are made for the imaging pipeline, it is possible to use the ICC framework in a medical context and obtain accurate visualization of greyscale (DICOM GSDF compliance) and color medical images.But performance heavily depends on specific choices made in the imaging chain. Eg. the effective bit depth of the display link has a large impact on performance, small changes in display tone rendering curve have a significant negative effect on compliance to DICOM GSDF, etc. At the AAPM annual meeting, more complete results and draft recommendations will be available. Conclusion: There is a need to standardize how medical color images need to be visualized. The ICC Medical Imaging Working Group is working towards recommendations for a visualization framework for color medical images that extends the current grey image framework and so will allow both color and grey images to be displayed simultaneously. Tom Kimpe is employee of Barco Healthcare
Experiencing Aging: A Social Group Worker’s Self-Reflection

This article, which presents Papell’s personal experience with the aging process, was presented at the annual symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG, now IASWG) in San Diego in October 2006. Papell describes four ways of thinking, feeling, and doing that have helped her to cope with growing old and facing death. She urges social workers to listen carefully to their elderly clients so they can understand the uniqueness with which each human being deals with the process of aging. In sharing their uniqueness with peers, elderly clients can also find their commonalities with others and can feel supported and perhaps even strengthened in coping with the last stage of life.
Does it Take a Matching Offer, a Signed Contract, or a Complete Closing Before a Cooperating Broker Earns its Commission?

A recent California decision suggests that the rule that a broker earns its commission when it procures a purchaser whose offer matches the seller’s asking price may be changing.
On the Compuational Complexity of Upward and Rectilinear Planarity Testing

A directed graph is upward planar if it can be drawn in the plane such that every edge is a monotonically increasing curve in the vertical direction, and no two edges cross. An undirected graph is rectilinear planar if it can be drawn in the plane such that every edge is a horizontal or vertical segment, and no two edges cross. Testing upward planarity and rectilinear planarity are fundamental problems in the effective visualization of various graph and network structures. In this paper we show that upward planarity testing and rectilinear planarity testing are NP-complete problems. We also show that it is NP-hard to approximate the minimum number of bends in a planar orthogonal drawing of an n-vertex graph with an O(n1−∈) error, for any ∈>0.
Higher I 2 t stress on equipment due to increased penetration of Distributed Generation

Increased penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) raises the total I2t levels on the power distribution network. Increased level of I2t is directly related to the stress levels impressed on the equipment during short circuit faults. In this paper, the definition and significance of I2t as it relates to increased stress level of equipment are explained. It is reconfirmed through simulations that increased penetration of DG leads to higher levels of total I2t at every fault location. It is shown that I2t supplied by the DG rises with higher penetration levels, confirming previous findings. The results also indicate that I2t supplied by the substation decreases which contradicts previous research. Four types of short circuit faults, including 3Phase, Line to Line(L-L), Line to Line to Ground(L-L-G) and Single Line to Ground(1L-G) faults are simulated on the IEEE 34-node test feeder, modified with 24 buses using two different programs known as Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP®) and Advanced Systems for Power Engineering (ASPEN®). Simulation data from both programs indicating higher confidence in accuracy due to close agreement between the results has been presented.
Los movimientos indígenas y sus logros: la representación y el reconocimiento jurídico en los Andes

During the last decade, indigenous movements in the Andean region have made impressive gains in political representation, notwithstanding the unfavorable context in which they operate. They did so by taking advantage of the conjuncture of institutional crisis and constitutional reform to link their demands to those of the political elite, which sought to strengthen the legitimacy of democratic institutions. As a result, the institutional context today is more favorable for new political movements wishing to participate in formal politics –particularly for indigenous movements–. Moreover, indigenous movements have taken advantage of the weakness of traditional parties and party systems to carve out a space for themselves as leaders of or partners in coalitions against neoliberal reform and corruption.
National inpatient complications and outcomes after surgery for spinal metastasis from 1993–2002

BACKGROUND. Information regarding patient outcomes, complications, and mortality after surgery for spinal metastasis has previously been derived from single-institution series. The aim of this study was to report inpatient mortality, complications, and outcomes on a national level. METHODS. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was utilized to identify 26,233 admissions of surgically managed spinal metastasis in the U.S. from 1993 through 2002. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the effects of patient and hospital characteristics on outcomes such as mortality, complications, discharge disposition, and length of stay. RESULTS. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.6% and the complication rate was 21.9%. Pulmonary (6.7%) and postoperative hemorrhages or hematomas (5.9%) were the most common complications reported. A single postoperative complication increased the mean length of stay (LOS) by 7 days and the mortality rate by 11%. Multivariate analysis showed that complications were more likely in older patients and in patients with 2 or more comorbidities. With patients having no comorbidities as the reference group, 1 comorbidity increased the risk of in-hospital death by almost 4-fold. Mortality was significantly higher in men, in patients who had postoperative complications, and in patients who were operated in the earlier (1993–1997) year group. CONCLUSIONS. A national perspective is provided on inpatient complications and outcomes after surgery for spinal metastasis in the U.S. The significant negative effect of postoperative complications on mortality and resource utilization is demonstrated. Furthermore, preoperative comorbidity is identified as an important risk factor and its impact is defined on patient outcomes. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Time Benders: A Model of Subjective Aging in Aging Adults

This article develops a new model for understanding the aging experience. Drawing upon aging literature from the chronological, biological, mental, and social aging perspectives, the model offered is an integrated perspective that provides better understanding of the relationship between chronological age and an individual's perceived age. The article provides evidence of ways that consumers are trying to “time bend” and change today's perceived reality of aging. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for the health care industry and provides examples of how some businesses seem to already be looking at aging and health related issues through this lens.
Discrete promoter elements affect specific properties of RNA polymerase II transcription complexes.

The frequency of transcription initiation at specific RNA polymerase II promoters is, in many cases, related to the ability of the promoter to recruit the transcription machinery to a specific site. However, there may also be functional differences in the properties of assembled transcription complexes that are promoter-specific or regulator-dependent and affect their activity. Transcription complexes formed on variants of the adenovirus major late (AdML) promoter were found to differ in several ways. Mutations in the initiator element increased the sarkosyl sensitivity of the rate of elongation and decreased the rate of early steps in initiation as revealed by a sarkosyl challenge assay that exploited the resistance of RNA synthesis to high concentrations of sarkosyl after formation of one or two phospho­diester bonds. Similar, but clearly distinct, effects were also observed after deletion of the binding site for upstream stimulatory factor from the AdML promoter. In contrast, deletion of binding sites for nuclear factor 1 and Oct-1, as well as mutations in the recognition sequence for initiation site binding protein, were without apparent effect on transcription complexes on templates containing the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter.
The Effect of Ankle Joint Muscle Strengthening Training and Static Muscle Stretching Training on Stroke Patients’ C.O.P Sway Amplitude

[Purpose] This study implement ankle joint dorsiflexion training for ankle muscle the weakness that impairs stroke patients' gait performance, to examine the effect of the training on stroke patients' plantar pressure and gait ability. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 36 stroke patients diagnosed with stroke due to cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage performed the training. Static muscle stretching was performed four times a week for 20 minutes at a time for 6 weeks by the training group. Ankle dorsiflexor training was performed four times a week, two sets per time in the case of females and three sets per time in the case of males for 6 weeks, by another group. Center of pressure sway amplitude was measured using the F-scan system during gait. All subjects were assessed with the same measurements at a pre-study examination and reassessed at eight weeks. Data were analyzed statistically using the paired t-test and one-way ANOVA. [Results] Among the between ankle dorsiflexor training group, static muscle stretching group, and control group, the difference before and after the training were proven to be statistically significant. [Conclusion] Compared to other training groups, the ankle muscle strength training group showed statistically significant increases of forward thrust at stroke patients' toe-off which positively affected stroke patients' ability to perform gait.
Ultrafast Dynamics of Porphyrins in the Condensed Phase: I. Free Base Tetraphenylporphyrin †

With femtosecond resolution, using fluorescence up-conversion and transient absorption, we have carried out measurements on free base tetraphenylporphyrin (H_2TPP) in benzene solution, pumping with ∼1300 cm^(-1) of excess vibrational energy in each of the Soret, Q_y, and Q_x bands, and also pumping the lowest vibrational band of Q_y. From these studies, made for different excitations and at different detection wavelengths, we provide a model for describing the elementary intramolecular processes in the Soret, Q_y, and Q_x electronic manifolds, with the following order of time scales and couplings: electronic (femtosecond), vibrational (femtosecond−picosecond), and singlet−triplet (nanosecond). These dynamical electronic and vibrational relaxation pathways in a molecule with small dipole in nonpolar solvents can be studied without interference from solvent reorganization, as indicated by the small Stokes shift of fluorescence. Vibrationally excited Soret → {Q_y,Q_x} and Q_y → Q_x electronic relaxation occurs in less than 100 fs, within our resolution, as evidenced by the immediate rise of Q_x fluorescence after Soret (397 nm) and Q_y (514 and 550 nm) excitation. There are generally three distinguishable ultrafast relaxation time scales within the Q_x state, which are assigned to intra- and intermolecular vibrational relaxation processes leading to thermal equilibrium in Q_x, the lowest excited singlet state. The measured time scales are as follows: 100−200 fs for intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution, 1.4 ps for vibrational redistribution caused by elastic collision with solvent molecules, and 10−20 ps for thermal equilibration by energy exchange with the solvent. Decay of the equilibrated Q_x population occurs on the nanosecond time scale by intersystem crossing to the triplet state.
Long wavelength quantum well detectors: can they compete?

Abstract We present recent results on a new type of long-wavelength infrared detector based upon intersubband transitions in a GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well. Photovoltaic quantum well detectors have been constructed which operate in the 10 microm range, and longer wavelengths are possible. Calculations comparing the performance of ideal devices of this type and ideal narrow gap semiconductor detectors are presented. The quantum well detectors are shown to have adequate performance for many array applications. Recent results demonstrating voltage-tunable detectors are also presented.
Sex-Biased Litter Reduction in Food-Restricted Wood Rats (Neotoma floridana)

Mothers of eastern wood rats (Neotoma floridana) normally invest their lactation energy equally in male and female offspring, but alter that investment when their food is severely restricted during lactation. The effect of the altered investment is a significant bias against males in both mortality and growth.
A Comparison of Measured Tone Modes for Two Low Noise Propulsion Fans

The acoustic modes for two low tip speed propulsion fans were measured to examine the effects of fan tip speed, at constant pressure ratio. A continuously rotating microphone method was used that provided the complete modal structure (circumferential and radial order) at the fundamental and second harmonic of the blade passing tone as well as most of the third harmonic modes. The fans are compared in terms of their rotor/stator interaction modal power, and total tone power. It was hoped that the lower tip speed might produce less noise. This was not the case. The higher tip speed fan, at both takeoff and cutback speeds, had lower tone and interaction levels. This could be an indication that the higher aerodynamic loading required to produce the same pressure ratio for the lower tip speed fan resulted in a greater velocity deficit in the blade wakes and thus more noise. Results consistent with expected rotor transmission effects were noted in the inlet modal structures of both fans.
From Students to Scholars: Undergraduate Research and the Importance of Regional Conferences

This paper highlights the benefits of regional conferences to the development of undergraduate scholars. Presenting at such conferences helps undergraduates see their work in a different light—as scholarship and not simply coursework. Furthermore, the experience speeds their transformation from consumers to producers of knowledge.
A computer controlled experiment on recency in probability learning

Both theroretical work and research results have been somewhat equivocal on the subject of recency in the two-choice probability learning task. The present paper describes a computer controlled experiment designed to investigate the consequences of reinforcement of negative recency on its occurrence. Results are examined in terms of both the methodology of computer controlled experimentation and the substance of Estes' pattern model of such learning.
Correlation of Valgus Stress Radiographs With Medial Knee Ligament Injuries: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study

BackgroundThe amount of medial compartment opening for medial knee injuries determined by valgus stress radiography has not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to develop clinical guidelines for diagnosing medial knee injuries using valgus stress radiography.HypothesisMeasurements of medial compartment gapping can accurately differentiate between normal and injured medial structure knees on valgus stress radiographs.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsValgus stress radiographs were obtained on 18 adult lower extremities using 10-N·m and clinician-applied valgus loads at 0° and 20° of flexion to intact knees and after sequential sectioning of the superficial medial collateral ligament proximally and distally, the meniscofemoral and meniscotibial portions of the deep medial collateral ligament, the posterior oblique ligament, and the cruciate ligaments. Three independent observers of different experience levels measured all of the radiographs during 2 separate occasions to determi...
Conscious recollection and the human hippocampal formation: Evidence from positron emission tomography

We used positron emission tomography (PET) to examine the role of the hippocampal formation in implicit and explicit memory. Human volunteers studied a list of familiar words, and then they either provided the first word that came to mind in response to three-letter cues (implicit memory) or tried to recall studied words in response to the same cues (explicit memory). There was no evidence of hippocampal activation in association with implicit memory. However, priming effects on the implicit memory test were associated with decreased activity in extrastriate visual cortex. On the explicit memory test, subjects recalled many target words in one condition and recalled few words in a second condition, despite trying to remember them. Comparisons between the two conditions showed that blood-flow increases in the hippocampal formation are specifically associated with the conscious recollection of studied words, whereas blood-flow increases in frontal regions are associated with efforts to retrieve target words. Our results help to clarify some puzzles concerning the role of the hippocampal formation in human memory.
Two-dimensional vibrations of air-filled geomembrane tubes resting on rigid or deformable foundations

Geomembrane tubes may be used as an alternative to sandbags for flood protection. The static and dynamic behavior of such tubes is considered, in the absence of external water. A two-dimensional analysis of a cross section of the tube is conducted. The tube is inflated with air, and the weight of the tube causes the equilibrium shape to be noncircular. The material is assumed to be inextensible and to have no bending resistance. Equilibrium configurations and small vibrations about equilibrium are investigated for tubes on rigid, Winkler, and Pasternak foundations. The mode shape corresponding to the lowest frequency is symmetric with two nodes. The effects of the internal pressure, foundation stiffness, and foundation shear modulus on the first four frequencies and modes are determined numerically using a shooting method.
Transnational Urbanism in the Reform-era Chinese City: Landscapes from Shenzhen:

While the conventions of area studies scholarship have historically limited landscape analysis in China, the globalisation of scholarship and the new built environments of the reform-era Chinese city invite contemporary assessment. In Shenzhen, China's leading Special Economic Zone, the planning and construction of a new city centre complex are designed to symbolise the city's transformation from a manufacturing zone to a 'world city' and to function as its service-sector core. This landscape analysis applies the perspective of transnational urbanism to assess how the effort to instantiate 'world city' status in the built environment works through plans, ideologies and representations of domestic and transnational elites to establish legitimacy. The continuing strong role of the state in China makes the production of a new city centre a state-dominated enterprise; contesting meanings of these new landscapes takes place indirectly and symbolically in the arena of the state's spiritual civilisation campaign.
Molecular dynamics simulation of framework flexibility effects on noble gas diffusion in HKUST-1 and ZIF-8

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate trends in noble gas (Ar, Kr, Xe) diffusion in the metal–organic frameworks HKUST-1 and ZIF-8. Diffusion occurs primarily through inter-cage jump events, with much greater diffusion of guest atoms in HKUST-1 compared to ZIF-8 due to the larger cage and window sizes in the former. We compare diffusion coefficients calculated for both rigid and flexible frameworks. For rigid framework simulations, in which the framework atoms were held at their crystallographic or geometry optimized coordinates, sometimes dramatic differences in guest diffusion were seen depending on the initial framework structure or the choice of framework force field parameters. When framework flexibility effects were included, argon and krypton diffusion increased significantly compared to rigid-framework simulations using general force field parameters. Additionally, for argon and krypton in ZIF-8, guest diffusion increased with loading, demonstrating that guest–guest interactions between cages enhance inter-cage diffusion. No inter-cage jump events were seen for xenon atoms in ZIF-8 regardless of force field or initial structure, and the loading dependence of xenon diffusion in HKUST-1 is different for rigid and flexible frameworks. Diffusion of krypton and xenon in HKUST-1 depends on two competing effects: the steric effect that decreases diffusion as loading increases, and the “small cage effect” that increases diffusion as loading increases. A detailed analysis of the window size in ZIF-8 reveals that the window increases beyond its normal size to permit passage of a (nominally) larger krypton atom.
Frequency Domain Characterization of Take-Up Reel Air-Entrainment in Low-Tension and High-Speed Tape Transport

Air entrainment in tape spooling is important because it affects the tape stacking quality and the dynamics for which the transport controller must be designed. Accurate estimates of the air film thickness between the layers of tape are difficult to obtain by direct measurement. In this paper, a new frequency domain method is presented where the length of the entrained air film is estimated by determining the spring constant of the unsupported tape span. Using multi-input single-output (MISO) frequency based system identification, the resonant frequency of the system associated with the longitudinal mode of the tape is derived. These data are compared to predictions from the well known nip height equation. The utility of these equations is discussed.
Requirement of Calcium Binding, Myristoylation, and Protein-Protein Interaction for the Copine BON1 Function in Arabidopsis

Copines are highly conserved proteins with lipid-binding activities found in animals, plants, and protists. They contain two calcium-dependent phospholipid binding C2 domains at the amino terminus and a VWA domain at the carboxyl terminus. The biological roles of most copines are not understood and the biochemical properties required for their functions are largely unknown. The Arabidopsis copine gene BON1/CPN1 is a negative regulator of cell death and defense responses. Here we probed the potential biochemical activities of BON1 through mutagenic studies. We found that mutations of aspartates in the C2 domains did not alter plasma membrane localization but compromised BON1 activity. Mutation at putative myristoylation residue glycine 2 altered plasma membrane localization of BON1 and rendered BON1 inactive. Mass spectrometry analysis of BON1 further suggests that the N-peptide of BON1 is modified. Furthermore, mutations that affect the interaction between BON1 and its functional partner BAP1 abolished BON1 function. This analysis reveals an unanticipated regulation of copine protein localization and function by calcium and lipid modification and suggests an important role in protein-protein interaction for the VWA domain of copines.
INELASTIC SCATTERING OF 14.0-MeV PROTONS BY THE EVEN ISOTOPES OF CADMIUM.

Angular distributions of 14.0-MeV protons scattered elastically and inelastically by targets of $^{106,108,110,112,114,116}\mathrm{Cd}$ have been obtained. Coupled-channel analysis has been used to extract extended optical-model parameters that generate fits to the scattering data of the isotopic sequence. The analysis has yielded deformabilities that have been used to calculate equivalent electromagnetic-transition enhancement factors and ratios of $B(E2)$ values, which have been compared with the results of Coulomb-excitation studies.
Effect of digoxin on shocks in cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator patients with coronary artery disease.

Digoxin provides symptomatic relief in patients with systolic heart failure, yet it has potential proarrhythmic mechanisms and has not been formally studied in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (CRT-Ds). We evaluated the association between digoxin use and appropriate tachyarrhythmia therapy in patients with CRT-D with advanced heart failure, analyzing the incidence of appropriate device therapies and overall survival in 350 consecutive primary prevention recipients with CRT-D with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, non-right bundle-branch block native QRS complex ≥120 ms, New York Heart Association III to IV heart failure, and significant coronary artery disease. Digoxin was prescribed in 162 patients (46%) at discharge from CRT-D implant. Over 48 ± 32 months of follow-up, 59 patients (17%) received ≥1 appropriate shock. Digoxin therapy was associated with shorter time to first shock in intention-to-treat (corrected hazard ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 3.87, p = 0.007) and on-treatment analysis (corrected hazard ratio 2.27, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 4.07, p = 0.006). Patients prescribed digoxin had a lower baseline LVEF, and digoxin therapy was associated with increased risk of shocks only in patients with LVEF
Differentiation and fiber type-specific activity of a muscle creatine kinase intronic enhancer

Hundreds of genes, including muscle creatine kinase (MCK), are differentially expressed in fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers, but the fiber type-specific regulatory mechanisms are not well understood. Modulatory region 1 (MR1) is a 1-kb regulatory region within MCK intron 1 that is highly active in terminally differentiating skeletal myocytes in vitro. A MCK small intronic enhancer (MCK-SIE) containing a paired E-box/myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) regulatory motif resides within MR1. The SIE's transcriptional activity equals that of the extensively characterized 206-bp MCK 5'-enhancer, but the MCK-SIE is flanked by regions that can repress its activity via the individual and combined effects of about 15 different but highly conserved 9- to 24-bp sequences. ChIP and ChIP-Seq analyses indicate that the SIE and the MCK 5'-enhancer are occupied by MyoD, myogenin and MEF2. Many other E-boxes located within or immediately adjacent to intron 1 are not occupied by MyoD or myogenin. Transgenic analysis of a 6.5-kb MCK genomic fragment containing the 5'-enhancer and proximal promoter plus the 3.2-kb intron 1, with and without MR1, indicates that MR1 is critical for MCK expression in slow- and intermediate-twitch muscle fibers (types I and IIa, respectively), but is not required for expression in fast-twitch muscle fibers (types IIb and IId). In this study, we discovered that MR1 is critical for MCK expression in slow- and intermediate-twitch muscle fibers and that MR1's positive transcriptional activity depends on a paired E-box MEF2 site motif within a SIE. This is the first study to delineate the DNA controls for MCK expression in different skeletal muscle fiber types.
An experimental evaluation of reactor containment shielding

INTRODUCTION AT THE present time there is only one reported method of evaluating the external hazard to be expected from y-radiation due to the radioactivity resulting from a release of y-emitting gases to a cylindrically shadow-shielded reactor containment vessel: that reported by GELLER and EPSTEIN (1958). The overall objective of their study was the examination of concrete shadow-shielded containment-vessel sources to determine y-radiation fields due to both scattered and direct radiation. The general
Implementing Services Integration and Interagency Collaboration: Experiences in Seven Counties

This study discusses how human service agencies implemented systems to improve service coordination through structural integration or interagency collaborative service delivery systems. Findings identified integration and change leadership principles, including clear processes to implement a powerful vision, a strongly committed executive team, stakeholder involvement, and aggressive marketing of the goals.
Functional imaging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with diffusion-weighted MRI and FDG PET/CT: quantitative analysis of ADC and SUV

Purpose Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may cause a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) and an increased standardized uptake value (SUV) on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET/CT). We analysed the reproducibility of ADC and SUV measurements in HNSCC and evaluated whether these biomarkers are correlated or independent.
Benign lymphoepithelial lesion of the parotid glands associated with reticulum cell sarcoma. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A patient with benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the parotids who developed widespread reticulum cell sarcoma is described. Fourteen other cases of Sjogren's syndrome and/or benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the salivary glands are reviewed. Some of these cases were associated with thymoma, mac-roglobulinemia, reticulum cell sarcoma of the stomach, progressive systemic sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypergammaglobulinemia, high titers of antirheumatoid factor, Raynaud's phenomenon, and adenopathy.
The Use of a Small Accelerator as a Source of 14-MeV Neutrons for Shielding Studies

It is important in calculating complex shields such as those proposed for the fusion reactors to ascertain that the neutron cross-section data sets used in the calculations are as accurate as possible and that the calculational methods used to transport the neutrons are as reliable as practical. To assure that both these criteria are met, a project at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is being conducted in which a small accelerator is used to provide 14-MeV neutrons via the T(d, n)4He reaction and an NE-213 detector is used to measure the neutron and gamma-ray pulse-height spectra of the radiations transported through and/or created in very thick laminated shields of stainless steel (type 304) and borated polyethylene. To produce the neutron flux required, the targets are made by depositing about 4 mg/cm2 of TiT onto a 1.27-cm circular area of a O.254-cm thick copper disk. The NE-213 detector is operated in standard, state-of-the-art electronic circuits. A surface-barrier alpha counter and a small NE-213 detector are located permanently at a distance of about 150 cm from the target to monitor the reaction rate in the target. The pulse-height data are unfolded to produce energy spectra by using the computer program FERD. These results are then compared almost immediately with spectra obtained using two-dimensional radiation transport methods incorporating 53-neutron, 21-gamma-ray energy-group cross section data derived from the VITAMIN-C data set (ENDF/B). Laminated stainless-steel and borated polyethylene shields having thicknesses up to 412 g/cm2 have been measured.
Prostaglandins regulate transcription by means of prostaglandin response elements located in the promoters of mammalian Na,K-ATPase β1 subunit genes

Prostaglandins are potent products of arachidonic acid metabolism that play significant roles in regulating ion transport in the kidney. In the Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) stimulates the activity of the Na,K-ATPase and regulates transcription. Transient transfection studies conducted in MDCK cells with a human Na,K-ATPase beta1 subunit promoter/luciferase construct, pHbeta1-1141 Luc, showed a PGE(1) stimulation. The PGE(1) stimulation was inhibited by the PGE receptor antagonists SC19220 and AH6809, indicating the involvement of EP1 receptors (coupled to phospholipase C) and EP2 receptors (coupled to adenylate cyclase), respectively. A prostaglandin-regulatory element (PGRE) within the beta1 subunit promoter (-110 to -92, AGTCCCTGC) is sufficient to elicit a PGE(1) stimulation in a heterologous promoter (in pLUC-MCS). Studies with promoter mutants indicated that in addition to the PGRE, an adjacent Sp1 site was also essential for regulation by PGE(1). Consistent with the involvement of Sp1 are the results of DNA affinity precipitation studies, which indicate that Sp1 as well as CREB, and Sp3 all bind to the PGRE. The involvement of this PGRE in transcriptional regulation of the Na,K-ATPase beta1 gene was examined in a number of species. Only human and chimpanzee promoters possessed an identical PGRE site, unlike dog, rat, and mouse, which possessed Sp1 sites in similar locations. Two alternative PGREs were subsequently identified. The sequence of the one of these PGREs (TGACCTTC, -445 to -438) was conserved throughout all species examined, suggesting its physiologic significance.
Response of carcinogen-altered mouse epidermal cells to phorbol ester tumor promoters and calcium

Abstract Primary cultures of mouse epidermal cells are induced to terminally differentiate when extracellular calcium levels are increased to more than 0.1 mm. After carcinogen treatment, cellular foci can be selected that resist this calcium signal to terminally differentiate. Calcium causes these foci to stratify; however, in contrast to normal epidermis, DNA-synthesizing cells in these foci are found in the suprabasal cell layers as well as in basal cells. Cell lines derived from these foci may be considered to be putative initiated cells. Three of these cell lines, designated 308, D, and F, have been characterized for their response to calcium and phorbol ester tumor promoters. The formation of cornified cells and the activity of epidermal transglutaminase were utilized as markers of epidermal differentiation. Neither calcium nor the tumor promoter 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) increased transglutaminase activity or cornification of any of the 3 lines. Proliferation was estimated by the [ 3 H]thymidine labeling index, by incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA, and by a clonal growth assay. Unlike primary normal cultures, raising the calcium level of the medium did not markedly reduce the rate of proliferation of any of the 3 cell lines. In 2 of the lines, line 308 and line D, proliferation increased in response to TPA exposure. In line F, [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in confluent cultures was inhibited by TPA, while in cells plated at clonal densities, TPA was cytotoxic at doses of 5 ng/ml or higher. If these calcium-resistant epidermal cell lines correspond to initiated cells, their lack of sensitivity to the induction of terminal differentiation by TPA could account for their growth relative to normal cells. Those lines that also respond to stimulation of proliferation by TPA to a greater extent than normal cells would have a further growth advantage.
Parallel shooting solution of the neutron transport equation in spherical geometry

Abstract A direct and efficient parallel-shooting method is given for the solution of the spherical harmonics approximation to the neutron transport equation in spherical geometry with arbitrary anisotropic scattering and source. The special numerical difficulties due to the singularity at the center of the sphere are solved in a simple and efficient way. The algorithm “measures” the roundoff instability of the problem and eliminates it by performing a minimum of matrix transformations that ensure the linear independence of the matrix columns.
WE-D-304A-01: Three-Class Classification for Binary Decision Making

Purpose: The goal of this work is to prove theoretically, and demonstrate in an example application, that 3‐class classification in a 2D decision space results in an equal or higher data concordance value than 2‐class classification in a 1D decision space. Material and Methods: Most medicaldiagnostic tests are interpreted using binary classification methods, i.e., patients are classified into normal vs. abnormal. Most of these tests, however, are not strictly binary since both normal and abnormal classes often contain distinct sub‐groups. Here, we will provide theoretical proof that, for a 3‐class problem, 3‐class classification in a 2D decision space results in an equal or higher data concordance value than 2‐class classification in a 1D decision space, and that, in order to take advantage of the 3‐class classification, the decision must be made in a 2D decision space. We applied the theory to computerized lesion classification in breast ultrasound imaging. The database consisted of sonographic images of 128 cancerous, 168 benign solid and 74 cystic lesions. We used 4 lesion descriptors as inputs for 3‐class and 2‐class Bayesian neural network (BNN) classifiers. The 3‐ and 2‐class BNNs were trained and tested in leave‐one‐case‐out analyses for the task of differentiating among 3 (cancerous, benign solid, and cystic) and 2 classes (cancerous vs. non‐cancerous), respectively. We performed a 2‐alternative‐forced‐choice (2AFC) experiment to assess the performance of both classifiers for the task of classifying cancerous vs. non‐cancerous. Results: In the 2AFC experiment, the percent correct was 92% using 3‐class classification in a 2D decision space, which was significantly higher than the 85% obtained using binary classification in a 1D decision space. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that 3‐class classification in a 2D decision space has the potential to improve computer‐aided diagnosis.