cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of substratum compliance of hydrogels on vascular endothelial cell behavior

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death both within the United States (US) as well as globally. In 2006 alone, over one-third of all deaths in the US were attributable to CVD. The high prevalence, mortality, morbidity, and socioeconomic impact of CVD has motivated a significant research effort; however, there remain significant knowledge gaps regarding disease onset and progression as well as pressing needs for improved therapeutic approaches. One critical area of research that has received limited attention is the role of biophysical cues on the modulation of endothelial cell behaviors; specifically, the impact of local compliance, or the stiffness, of the surrounding vascular endothelial extracellular matrix. In this study, the impact of substratum compliance on the modulation of cell behaviors of several human primary endothelial cell types, representing different anatomic sites and differentiation states in vivo, were investigated. Substrates used within our studies span the range of compliance that has been reported for the vascular endothelial basement membrane. Differences in substratum compliance had a profound impact on cell attachment, spreading, elongation, proliferation, and migration. In addition, each cell population responded differentially to changes in substratum compliance, documenting endothelial heterogeneity in the response to biophysical cues. These results demonstrate the importance of incorporating substratum compliance in the design of in vitro experiments as well as future prosthetic design. Alterations in vascular substratum compliance directly influence endothelial cell behavior and may participate in the onset and/or progression of CVDs.
Composite repair of timber structures

Abstract An approach, using pultruded composites, to rejuvenate low aspect ratio timber beams, which model railroad bridge span timbers, is described. The approach focuses on overcoming the loss of shear properties by inserting fiberglass pultruded rods from the bottom to the top of the beam, through areas of damage. The concept includes the incorporation of an adhesive during the process of insertion, which not only bonds the reinforcing rods in-place, but also, fills adjacent cracks. Scale beam testing, with a variety of reinforcement cases, has been performed and the overall results are extremely positive, with test beams showing strong recovery of flexural properties and improvement in the strain to failure.
Root contraction in hyacinth III. Orientation of cortical microtubules visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy

Cortical microtubules (MTs) were visualized in root cortex cells ofHyacinthus orientalis L. using immunofluorescence techniques. Cellular MT orientation was determined adjacent to radial longitudinal and transverse walls of root tip, uncontracted, contracting, and fully contracted regions. As seen in longitudinal views, MTs formed parallel, apparently helical arrays which were oriented transversely, axially or obliquely depending upon the region. Transverse sectional views showed that MTs adjacent to transverse cell walls formed a variety of patterns which varied with developmental stage and cell location. Microtubules were oriented in crisscross or parallel arrays. The parallel arrays were oriented either parallel, perpendicular or oblique to the radius of the root. There was an apparent temporal progression in MT reorientation from outer cortical to inner cortical cell layers. A resultant progression of reoriented cell growth could account for root contraction. These findings corroborate earlier electron microscopic observations of changing MT orientation accompanying root contraction, and provide cytological evidence to test mathematical and biophysical models of the mechanics of cell expansion.
A Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Social Support Scale for Children

The Social Support Scale for Children (SSSC; Harter, 1985a) is one of the most commonly used measures of perceived social support and positive regard from others in children and young adolescents. Research on the validity of the SSSC, however, is limited. The current study examined the test-retest reliability, internal validity intersubscale correlations, and convergent validity of the SSSC. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. The participants included 279 youth between the ages of 6 to 15 from three metropolitan areas in the Midwest. The results supported the reliability and validity of the SSSC. The results supported the four factor solution reported by Harter (1985a). Rewording or removal of two items is suggested.
Image potential from a free electron metal

We calculate the response of a free electron metal to a static charge Q located outside of the metal surface. We derive the electrostatic potential outside of the surface, inside of the surface, and the frequency response. Our derivation uses standard quantum mechanics, and the results are found exactly in the random phase approximation. Unlike prior calculations, which made approximations, our results do not agree with classical image theory.
Identification, cloning, purification, and enzymatic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase

The enzyme encoded by Rv2682c in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a functional 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS), suggesting that the pathogen utilizes the mevalonate-independent pathway for isopentenyl diphosphate and subsequent polyprenyl phosphate synthesis. These key precursors are vital in the biosynthesis of many essential aspects of the mycobacterial cell wall. Rv2682c encodes the conserved DRAG sequence that has been proposed as a signature motif for DXSs and also all 13 conserved amino acid residues thought to be important to the function of transketolase enzymes. Recombinant Rv2682c is capable of utilizing glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and erythrose 4-phosphate as well as D- and L-glyceraldehyde as aldose substrates. The enzyme has K(m) values of 40 microM, 6.1 microM, 5.6 mM, and 4.5 mM for pyruvate, D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, D-glyceraldehyde, and L-glyceradehyde, respectively. Rv2682c has an absolute requirement for divalent cation and thiamin diphosphate as cofactors. The K(d) (thiamin diphosphate )for the native M. tuberculosis DXS activity partially purified from M. tuberculosis cytosol is 1 microM in the presence of Mg(2+).
Formation of highly porous biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering

In recent years, lack of donor organs has caused many to consider tissue engineering methods as means to replace diseased or damaged organs. This newly-emerging field uses tissue-specific cells in a three-dimensional organization, provided by a scaffolding material, to return functionality of the organ. For these applications, the choice of scaffolding material is crucial to the success of the technique. In addition to the chemical properties of the material, physical properties such as surface area for cell attachment are essential. Various methods of creating pores in these materials to increase surface area are reviewed here. Scaffolds formed using the different techniques, which include fiber bonding, solvent casting/particulate leaching, gas foaming and phase separation, are compared on the basis of porosity, pore size, and promotion of tissue growth.
"My baby & me": Effects of an early, comprehensive parenting intervention on at-risk mothers and their children

This study examined the efficacy of a multimodule parenting intervention, “My Baby & Me,” that began prenatally and continued until children reached 2.5 years of age. The intervention targeted specific parenting skills designed to alter trajectories of maternal and child development. Of 361 high-risk mothers (193 adolescents, 168 adults) enrolled across 4 states, half were randomly assigned to the high-intensity (HI) home visitation coaching program (55 sessions), and half to a low-intensity (LI) condition that included monthly phone calls from a coach, printed informational materials, and community resource referrals. Videotaped observations of mother–child play were coded at 5 time points for multiple maternal and child behaviors and skills. Compared to mothers in the LI group, mothers in the HI group showed higher levels of contingent responsiveness, higher quality verbal stimulation, and more verbal scaffolding by 30 months, with higher levels of warmth and greater decreases in physical intrusiveness and negativity when their children were 24 months. By 30 months, children in the HI group showed more rapid increases and higher levels of engagement with the environment, expressive language skills, and social engagement, as well as more complex toy play and fewer problem behaviors than those in the LI group. Gains in maternal responsive behaviors mediated the effects of the intervention on child outcomes. Results were comparable for adolescent and adult mothers. A strong theoretical framework, consistent focus on maternal responsiveness, high dosage, and trusting relationships with coaches are thought to explain the positive outcomes.
Are Female House Members Still More Liberal in a Polarized Era? The Conditional Nature of the Relationship Between Descriptive and Substantive Representation

Some past studies looking at the voting behavior of women in Congress have shown that they tend to be more liberal than their male colleagues and are more likely to support issues of importance to women. Yet many of these analyses were conducted prior to the entrance of a number of conservative women into the U.S. House over the past few election cycles. Focusing on roll-call voting data over 13 Congresses, this study demonstrates that women in the House are more divided along partisan and ideological lines than at any point over the past two decades, even more ideologically distant than their male colleagues. It presents evidence that over the entirety of this period after controlling for other relevant factors, the effect of gender on roll-call ideology was stronger for Republican women than for Democratic women. However, in the 108th and 109th Congresses they were virtually ideologically indistinguishable from their male Republican colleagues. A similar pattern has materialized when the analysis is str...
An online spaced-education game to teach and assess residents: a multi-institutional prospective trial.

Purpose To investigate whether a spacededucation (SE) game can be an effective means of teaching core content to medical students and a reliable and valid method of assessing their knowledge. Method This nine-month trial (2008–2009) enrolled students from three U.S. medical schools. The SE game consisted of 100 validated multiple-choice questions–explanations in preclinical/ clinical domains. Students were e-mailed two questions daily. Adaptive game mechanics re-sent questions in three or six weeks if answered, respectively, incorrectly or correctly. Questions expired if not answered on time (appointment dynamic). Students retired questions by answering each correctly twice consecutively (progression dynamic). Posting of relative performance fostered competition. Main outcome measures were baseline and completion scores. Results Seven-hundred thirty-one students enrolled. Median baseline score was 53% (interquartile range [IQR] 16) and varied significantly by year ( P < .001, d max = 2.08), school (P < .001, d max = 0.75), and gender (P < .001, d = 0.38). Median completion score was 93% (IQR 12) and varied significantly by year (P = .001, d max = 1.12), school (P < .001, d max = 0.34), and age (P = .019, d max = 0.43). Scores did not differ significantly between years 3 and 4. Seventy percent of enrollees (513/731) requested to participate in future SE games. Conclusions An SE game is an effective and wellaccepted means of teaching core content and a reliable and valid method to assess student knowledge. SE games may be valuable tools to identify and remediate students who could benefit from additional educational support.
Split-conductor current sensors with electronic load termination

Split-conductor current sensors for measurement of 60 Hz alternating currents have electronic load termination to improve the sensor's linearity. AC currents from 0.1 A to 300 A, with a magnitude error of 0.2-2% of reading at fundamental frequency, and a phase error of 0.1 degrees -2 degrees of -25 degrees C to +75 degrees C. H-compensated current sensors have shown a magnitude error of 0.1% of point and a phase error of 6 min of point in a 150/1 current dynamic range. Current ratios of more than 50000:1 have been achieved. Sensor power dissipation was less than 1 W at 100 A. >
Comparison of Numerical Simulation to Hall Thruster Plume Shield Experiment

The use of plume shields to protect spacecraft from the damaging effects of Hall thruster exhaust has been of recent interest. Experimental data of such a geometry has been taken to study the effect of a shield on plume structure. Using the AQUILA plume model, numerical simulations are run with the same configuration to see if the wake structure can be reproduced. AQUILA is well-suited to handle the wake region behind the shield where quasineutrality may break down. A new source model to represent the Hall thruster used in the experiment is generated using results from HPHall. Comparison of simulated results to measured experimental quantities are discussed, as well as a study of the effect of background pressure.
Anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome controls the stability of TPX2 during mitotic exit.

TPX2, a microtubule-associated protein, is required downstream of Ran-GTP to induce spindle assembly. TPX2 activity appears to be tightly regulated during the cell cycle, and we report here one molecular mechanism for this regulation. We found that TPX2 protein levels are cell cycle regulated, peaking in mitosis and declining sharply during mitotic exit. TPX2 is degraded in mitotic extracts, as well as in HeLa cells exiting from mitosis. This instability depends, both in vitro and in vivo, on the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a ubiquitin ligase that controls mitotic progression. In a reconstituted system, TPX2 is efficiently ubiquitinated by APC/C that has been activated by Cdh1. Two discrete elements in TPX2 are required for recognition by APC/CCdh1: a KEN box and a novel element in amino acids 1 to 86. Interestingly, the latter element, which has no known APC/C recognition motifs, is required for the ubiquitination of TPX2 by APC/CCdh1 in vitro and for its degradation in vivo. We conclude that APC/CCdh1 controls the stability of TPX2, thereby ensuring accurate regulation of the spindle assembly in the cell cycle.
Numerical simulation of the hydrodynamics and mass transfer in the large scale, rapid growth of KDP crystals—2: computation of the mass transfer

Abstract Numerical simulations of the hydrodynamics and mass transfer involved in the rapid growth of very large potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals with linear dimensions up to 60 cm and masses greater than 270 kg have been performed. The computational geometry corresponds very closely to the 1000-l crystallizers currently in use at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for the growth of KDP crystals for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). In a related paper (J. Crystal Growth 222 (2000) 263), the temporal and spatial character of the three-dimensional, time-dependent, turbulent flow field was discussed. This paper presents the corresponding results concerning the mass transfer occurring at the crystal surface during the rapid growth process. Emphasis is placed on studying the surface concentration or supersaturation distribution, since it is critically involved in the processes of morphological instability and inclusion formation. The temporal and spatial evolution of the surface supersaturation is studied as a function of crystal size, growth rate, and rotation conditions.
Design and implementation of an electron and positron multibunch turn-by-turn vertical beam profile monitor in CESR

Two fast vertical beam profile monitors have been implemented at the Cornell electron storage ring (CESR); one is dedicated to electrons, the other to positrons. They are being used to probe a range of single bunch and multi-bunch beam dynamics issues as well as machine stability issues. Readout is based on the Hamamatsu H7260K multi-anode photomultiplier [1]. This device has a 32 channel linear anode array with 1 mm channel pitch and sub-nanosecond rise time. A custom 72 MHz digitizer unit allows synchronous multi- bunch and turn-by-turn data acquisition of the 14 ns spaced bunches in CESR. An on-board digital signal processor provides local data processing capability. This paper describes the profile monitor hardware, data acquisition system, and data analysis software.
Exact left-right symmetry and spontaneous violation of parity

Left-right-symmetric gauge models suggested previously to describe all interactions of elementary particles within a single unified framework are further shown to have the desirable property that maximal parity violation in low-energy weak processes arises purely as a result of spontaneous breakdown of the local gauge symmetry. We also discuss the question of dynamical origin of parity violation.
Standoff real-time detection and hyperspectral imaging using coherent Raman

We demonstrate real-time standoff detection and identification of explosives and chemicals using backscattered collinear CARS. Nanograms of explosives are detected in milliseconds from many meters away. Standoff hyperspectral imaging of trace explosives is demonstrated.
Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on cardiac oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective:The aim of the present study is to explore effects of all-trans retinoic acid(atRA)on the expression of p22phox,a key subunit of NADPH oxidase,and cardiac oxidative stress in hypertension.Methods:Twelve-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)were treated with atRA given as daily intraperitoneal injection for one month;age-and sex-matched Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats and placebo-treated SHR served as controls.Western blot,thiobarbiturie acid and transmission electron microscope analysis were performed to examine expressions of p22phox,malonyldialdehyde(MDA)content and myocardial ultrastructure in rats after atRA treatment.Results:In placebo-treated SHR,protein expression of p22phox and MDA content were markedly enhanced compared with WKY rats(P0.01,respectively).However,in atRA-treated SHR,significant downregulations of p22phox expression and MDA content were observed in heart(P0.05,respectively),accompanied by attenuation of myocardial injury.Conclusion:Chronic atRA treatment contributes to diminishments of p22phox expression and MDA content and attenuation of myocardial injury in SHR,suggesting that atRA may have antioxidative effects on essential hypertension.
Improvement of Blood Pressure Measurement Based on ECG and PPG

According to feature point detection algorithm with large computation of blood pressure measurement based on ECG and PPG,a feature point detection algorithm w as proposed based on an improved difference method. The efficiency of the improved algorithm and the accuracy of the feature point detection had been largely improved. Through correlation analysis and regression analysis of the sampling data,the SBP( systolic blood pressure) had a strong correlation w ith PWTT( pulse w ave transmit time),but DBP( diastolic blood pressure) had a moderate correlation w ith PWTT. The experimental results indicated that using the improved algorithm,the PWTT could be calculated accurately, and then the SBP could be obtained. Also the deviation requirement could be met to noninvasive blood pressure measurement of AAMI.
Psychiatry in 2001.

In the year 2001, the status of psychiatry is viewed through the experiences and thoughts of a hypothetical psychiatrist and a hypothetical family physician. Psychiatry is continuing its explosive progress in brain physiology and psychopharmacology, but has backed away from studies and practice in the psychosocial field. As practice patterns change and more outpatient psychiatric care falls into the purview of the family physician, the two physicians see a need for ever more collaboration between their specialties. A greater commitment by family medicine to psychosocial training and research, especially in areas such as physician-patient and physician-family relationships, is urged.
Waveform inversion of acoustic waves for explosion yield estimation

We present a new waveform inversion technique to estimate the energy of near-surface explosions using atmospheric acoustic waves. Conventional methods often employ air-blast models based on a homogeneous atmosphere, where the acoustic wave propagation effects (e.g., refraction and diffraction) are not taken into account and therefore their accuracy decreases with increasing source-receiver distance. In this study, three-dimensional acoustic simulations are performed with a finite-difference method in realistic atmospheres and topography, and the modeled acoustic Green's functions are incorporated into the waveform inversion for the acoustic source-time functions. The strength of the acoustic source is related to explosion yield based on a standard air-blast model. The technique was applied to local explosions (<10km) and provided reasonable yield estimates (<∼30% error) in the presence of realistic topography and atmospheric structure. The presented method can be extended to explosions recorded at far distance provided proper meteorological specifications.
The Exponential Function

Let z denote the identity map on C. For every non-negative integer n, we define a polynomial function E n by $$ {E_n} = \sum\limits_{{k = 0}}^n {\frac{1}{{k!}}{z^k}} $$ Given an arbitrary complex number c, let n be such that n + 1 ≧ 2|c|, and let q be an arbitrary positive integer. Then we have $$\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\left| {{E_{n + q}}\left( c \right) - {E_n}\left( c \right)} \right|\underline \leqslant \sum\limits_{k = 1}^q {\frac{1}{{\left( {n + k} \right)!}}{{\left| c \right|}^{n + k}}} } \\ {\underline \leqslant \frac{{{{\left| c \right|}^{n + 1}}}}{{\left( {n + 1} \right)!}}\sum\limits_{k = 1}^q {{{\left( {\frac{{\left| c \right|}}{{n + 1}}} \right)}^{k - 1}}} } \\ {\underline \leqslant 2\frac{{{{\left| c \right|}^{n + 1}}}}{{\left( {n + 1} \right)!}}} \end{array}$$ This shows that the sequence (E n (c)) n =0, 1,... is a Cauchy sequence of complex numbers. For every complex number c, we define the complex number exp(c) as the limit of this Cauchy sequence. The function exp from C to C so defined is the exponential function.
Crystal structure of terephthalaldehyde

Terephthalaldehyde forms monoclinic crystals, space group P21/a, a = 12.698(6), b = 3.845(2), c = 14.764(3) A, β = 116.53(3)°, Z = 4, V = 645(1) A3, and Dx = 1.381(2) g cm−3. There are two independent molecules, each located at a center of symmetry and approximately related to each other by pseudo-symmetry. In both molecules the rings are planar within experimental error. In one molecule the CHO groups are twisted out of the plane of the ring by 1.3(1)°, in the other by 0.6(1)°. Weak C–H···O hydrogen bonds occur at both independent aldehyde hydrogen atoms.
Psychosocial correlates of safe sex communication between Latina women and their stable male partners: an integrative review.

ABSTRACTLatina women in stable relationships have risks for human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections. Improving safe sexual communication (SSC) could enable women to accurately assess and mitigate their risk of infection within their relationship. Literature to identify psychosocial correlates that facilitate or inhibit SSC between Latina women and their partners has not yet been synthesized. The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative review and synthesis of empirical and theoretical research that examines psychosocial correlates of SSC among adult Latina women from the United States, Latina America, and the Caribbean with stable male partners. A systematic search of LILACS, EBSCO, and PsychInfo databases was conducted to identify qualitative and quantitative studies that investigated psychosocial correlates of SSC among adult Latina women with a stable male partner. Pertinent data were abstracted and quality of individual studies was appraised. A qualitative syn...
Renal Heavy Chain and Heavy+Light Chain Amyloidosis: A Report of 17 Cases and Comparison with Renal Light Chain Amyloidosis

Abstract 3992 Little is known about the rare entities of heavy and light chain amyloidosis (AHL) and heavy chain amyloidosis (AH). In this study, we report the renal and hematologic characteristics, pathology, and outcome of 17 patients with renal AH/AHL including 5 with AH (4 IgG and 1 IgA) and 12 with AHL (7 IgGλ, 3 IgAκ, 1 IgAλ, and 1 IgMλ), and compare them with 202 patients with renal AL amyloidosis (AL) diagnosed during the same time period. All cases were diagnosed by kidney biopsy that showed Congo red-positive deposits. Amyloid typing was done by laser microdissection and mass spectrometry (LMD/MS) (12 patients) or by immunofluorescence (5 patients). All patients with renal AH/AHL were Caucasians, with a M:F ratio of 2.4 and a median age at biopsy of 63 years. Compared with patients with renal AL, those with renal AH/AHL had less frequent concurrent cardiac involvement, higher likelihood of having circulating complete monoclonal Ig, lower sensitivity of fat pad biopsy and bone marrow biopsy for detecting amyloid, higher incidence of hematuria, and better patient survival. The hematologic and renal responses to chemotherapy were comparable to renal AL. In 42% of patients, AH/AHL could not have been diagnosed without LMD/MS. In conclusion, renal AH/AHL is an uncommon but under-recognized form of amyloidosis, and its diagnosis is greatly enhanced by the use of LMD/MS for amyloid typing. The accurate histological diagnosis of renal AH/AHL and distinction from AL may have important clinical and prognostic implications. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The effects of impulse noise on the eardrum and middle ear.

Noise rarely damages the tympanic membrane and middle ear. High intensity impulse noise (explosions) can rupture the eardrum and disrupt the ossicular chain. Middle ear muscles play no part in the defense of the inner ear against high intensity impulse noise. Other mechanisms that protect the inner ear are slippage of the incudomalleal joint, a maximal limit of stapes displacement, and unlinking of the ossicular chain. Language: en
Twice-Told-Tales: Small Story Analysis and the Process of Identity Formation

Let me start by laying out some assumptions — though they may be a bit oversimplified — about narrative analysis and qualitative methods. My aim is to orient the reader of this chapter toward options, that is, choices that we have when engaging in qualitative inquiry and in doing narrative analysis as a particular kind of qualitative method.
Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study

Abstract Background Marijuana use is increasingly prevalent in the United States. Effects of marijuana use on sexual function are unclear, with contradictory reports of enhancement and detriment existing. Aim To elucidate whether a relation between marijuana use and sexual frequency exists using a nationally representative sample of reproductive-age men and women. Methods We analyzed data from cycle 6 (2002), cycle 7 (2006–2010), and continuous survey (2011–2015) administrations of the National Survey of Family Growth, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. We used a multivariable model, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and anthropographic characteristics, to evaluate whether a relationship between marijuana use and sexual frequency exists. Outcomes Sexual frequency within the 4 weeks preceding survey administration related to marijuana use and frequency in the year preceding survey administration. Results The results of 28,176 women (average age = 29.9 years) and 22,943 men (average age = 29.5) were analyzed. More than 60% of men and women were Caucasian, and 76.1% of men and 80.4% of women reported at least a high school education. After adjustment, female monthly (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.07–1.68, P = .012), weekly (IRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.15–1.60, P P = .035) marijuana users had significantly higher sexual frequency compared with never users. Male weekly (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06–1.41, P = .006) and daily (IRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.21–1.53, P P P Clinical Implications Marijuana use is independently associated with increased sexual frequency and does not appear to impair sexual function. Strengths and Limitations Our study used a large well-controlled cohort and clearly defined end points to describe a novel association between marijuana use and sexual frequency. However, survey responses were self-reported and represent participants only at a specific point in time. Participants who did not answer questions related to marijuana use and sexual frequency were excluded. Conclusion A positive association between marijuana use and sexual frequency is seen in men and women across all demographic groups. Although reassuring, the effects of marijuana use on sexual function warrant further study. Sun AJ, Eisenberg ML. Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study. J Sex Med 2017;14:1342–1347.
Classical music in cardiac prevention and rehabilitation

Objective: The objective of the current service evaluation was to assess whether classical music positively impacts upon exercise intensity in patients undergoing a cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programme. Design: A crossover study design was used, in which patients were exposed to both classical music and no music over 2 consecutive weeks, determined through a random order. Setting: This took place in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation exercise sessions at two Imperial College NHS Healthcare sites. Patients: The sample consisted of 30 cardiac rehabilitation patients undergoing secondary prevention. Main outcome measures: Comparison of heart rate (average and peak) and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) recorded in each patient under both music and non-music conditions. Results: Average heart rate, Borg RPE, and energy expenditure showed minimal differences between exercise modes. However, peak heart rate increased on average by 7 beats per minute when comparing exercising un...
Detecting neurodegenerative disorders from web search signals

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are important public health problems warranting early detection. We trained machine-learned classifiers on the longitudinal search logs of 31,321,773 search engine users to automatically detect neurodegenerative disorders. Several digital phenotypes with high discriminatory weights for detecting these disorders are identified. Classifier sensitivities for PD detection are 94.2/83.1/42.0/34.6% at false positive rates (FPRs) of 20/10/1/0.1%, respectively. Preliminary analysis shows similar performance for AD detection. Subject to further refinement of accuracy and reproducibility, these findings show the promise of web search digital phenotypes as adjunctive screening tools for neurodegenerative disorders.
Surgical approaches to tibial plateau fractures

Intraartikulare Tibiakopffrakturen konnen bei komplexem Verletzungsmuster und kompromittierten Weichteilen eine operative Herausforderung darstellen. Versorgungsziel ist die weichteilschonende und anatomische Gelenkflachenrekonstruktion. Je nach Frakturverlauf wird zur korrekten Positionierung der abstutzenden Plattenosteosynthese eine frakturspezifische Zugangsstrategie empfohlen. Wahrend sich uber den anterolateralen Zugang ein Grosteil aller lateralen Tibiakopffrakturen versorgen lasst, ist nur das anterolaterale Gelenkflachendrittel einsehbar. Posterolaterale Fragmente erfordern einen individuellen Zugang, z. B. posterolateral oder -medial. Die Osteotomie der femoralen Epikondylen kann bei Bedarf die Gelenkeinsicht zur Repositionskontrolle verbessern. Verletzungen der posterioren Saulen sollten uber posteriore Zugange anatomisch rekonstruiert und biomechanisch korrekt adressiert werden. Knocherne hintere Kreuzbandausrisse konnen minimalinvasiv von posteromedial refixiert werden.
Growth Parameters in Normal and Tumor Cells: Non-Cycling Cells and Metastatic Variants as Monitored by Flow Cytometry

Today in the biological sciences there is a growing interest and use in technologies capable of remote in vivo quantization of cellular constituents. The biophysical application of two such technologies, as scanning (1) and flow (2) cytometry, to elucidate the in vivo mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and expression of metastatic potential in mammalian cell systems, has been recently introduced (for an updated review see also the chapters by Nicolini, Mendelsohn and Casperson in the previous book of this NATO-ASI series (3)). These technologies have made possible the detailed and quantitatively accurate characterization of “native interphase chromatin” (1,4,5) and membrane (2,6). This characterization has in turn led to a new model for normal and abnormal cell growth, that is related to and dependent upon the quinternary nuclear organization of the chromatin (1,4).
Principles and Theory of Electron Holography

Electron holography was conceived as a means for overcoming the limitation of the resolution of electron microscopes due to the unavoidable presence of aberrations of electromagnetic lenses.129,130 The essential means for doing this was the formation of an interference pattern between the electron wave scattered by the specimen and a reference wave of known form. The practical realization of this aim had to await the technological developments of smaller, brighter electron sources to give greatly improved coherence of the illumination and more effective, quantitative recording media. With the advent of these aids, rapid progress is now being made toward realization of the potential of electron holography for providing important advances in the power and range of applications of electron microscopy.
NMR Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is at the forefront of scientific and technological research and development of the 21st century. NMR quantum computing is one the most mature technologies for implementing quantum computation. It utilizes the motion of spins of nuclei in custom-designed molecules manipulated by RF pulses. The motion is on a nano- or microscopic scale governed by the Schrodinger equation in quantum mechanics. In this chapter, we explain the basic ideas and principles of NMR quantum computing, including basic atomic physics, NMR quantum gates, and operations. New progress in optically addressed solid-state NMR is expounded. Examples of Shor’s algorithm for factorization of composite integers and the quantum lattice-gas algorithm for the diffusion partial differential equation are also illustrated.
Using Atmospheric Energy Transport to Quantitatively Constrain South Pacific Convergence Zone Shifts during ENSO

AbstractThe South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) exhibits well-known spatial displacements in response to anomalous sea surface temperatures (SSTs) associated with the El Nino–Southern Oscillation...
Membrane Disturbances in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

The muscular dystrophies present as many different clinical syndromes. Each is a separate entity with a distinctive inborn error of metabolism and with clinical expression in several organ systems in addition to muscle. The specific metabolic defect has not been defined in any of the major dystrophies and at present we have no simple way to classify their clinical and biochemical heterogeneity. Two of the more common devastating muscular dystrophies are myotonic and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The recent advances in recombinant DNA technology have aroused considerable optimism with respect to defining the genetic locus of the specific inborn error in these diseases. Nevertheless, it is still important to delineate the phenotypic expression of these defects in order for us to understand the pathophysiology. Electrophysiological, morphological and biochemical studies have suggested a number of alterations in membrane structure and function. In the discussion which follows we shall briefly examine these alterations and their implications both with respect to the specific inborn error of metabolism and the resulting perturbation in organ function.
Remote Sensing for Vital Information Based on Spectral-Domain Harmonic Signatures

In this paper, we propose an efficient and robust non-contact heart rate estimation algorithm. The key idea is to recover the fundamental heartbeat frequency from its higher-order spectral features. Our contributions are threefold: 1) carefully review and examine possible approaches in vital signs detection with ultra-wide band (UWB) impulse radar; 2) numerically and experimentally show an important result that, in the spectral domain, the fundamental heartbeat signal is respiration-interference-limited, whereas its higher-order harmonics are noise-limited; and 3) implement an adaptive heart rate monitoring algorithm based on the proposed theory, which is feasible with continuous monitoring. To justify the proposed theory, we perform a spectral analysis of the harmonics of vital signs signal. We validate the proposed algorithm using a controlled vital sign simulator. We experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of the harmonics-based heart rate estimation algorithm and compare it against existing methods. For completeness, we also provide a limitation analysis of the proposed algorithm.
A Comparative Analysis Approach for Deriving Failure Scenarios in the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure

An important question facing critical infrastructure owners and operators is how their assets could be made to fail by the various threat actors. Designing, enumerating and analyzing failure scenarios helps explore the assumptions made on the operational side, the value of current mitigations and the need for certain types of protection mechanisms. This chapter describes the formulation of 55 failure scenarios in the natural gas distribution infrastructure. These failure scenarios highlight a range of potential threats across the natural gas infrastructure, from transmission to distribution and home metering. The chapter also describes a multi-pronged approach used to develop failure scenarios for the gas sector and compares them against the scenarios developed for the electric sector. The focus is on the concepts underlying the failure scenarios and their use, the threat model they encompass, and the assumptions, lessons learned and caveats underpinning their creation.
Energy-linked reactions in photosynthetic bacteria. X. Solubilization of the membrane-bound energy-linked inorganic pyrophosphatase of Rhodospirillumrubrum☆

The energy-linked membrane-bound inorganic pyrophosphatase of Rhodospirollumrubrum, G-9, has been solubilized with good yield from chromatophores using cholate in the presence of MgCl2. The enzyme has been partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel chromatography. After fractionation the enzyme requires phospholipid for activity. The solubilized enzyme is specific for PPi and requires Mg2+ for activity as has been found for other PPiases.
Regionalization of R&D activities: (Dis)economies of interdependence and inventive performance

This paper examines the impact of the extent of the regionalization of MNEs’ R&D activities on their inventive performance. By joining the regionalization theory with the recombinant view of invention, we challenge the implicit assumption that all foreign knowledge-seeking activities will necessarily offer new knowledge to the firm. We introduce the (dis)economies of interdependence, defined as the (dis)advantages that the firm derives due to the interdependence among countries within a region, as a new theoretical mechanism explaining the benefits and costs of regionalization. Our analysis of global pharmaceutical firms shows that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between the number of regions in which a firm has R&D activities and its inventive performance. Our results also indicate that a firm’s recombinant capability moderates the inverted U-shaped relationship in such a way that, when a firm’s recombinant capability is high, it reaches its turning point in a larger number of regions and the inverted U-shaped relationship is flatter. These results underscore that recombinant capability significantly influences the firm’s ability to derive benefits and reduce costs from the regionalization of its R&D activities. Our findings suggest that it is through the consideration of the (dis)economies of interdependence that offers the essential reasoning needed to unwind the inferred assumption that all foreign knowledge-seeking activities will offer access to new knowledge.
The articulation of government policy: Health insurance mandates versus taxes

Abstract Can the articulation of government policy affect behavior? Participants in our experiment report their probability of purchasing health insurance under one of two financially equivalent policies: a government mandate to purchase insurance or a tax on the uninsured. During our one-year study frame, controversy arose over the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Pre-controversy, the mandate articulation increased purchase by 10.2 percentage points relative to the tax articulation (equivalent to a $1000 decrease in premiums). Post-controversy, the mandate was no more effective than the tax. We show that articulation affects behavior and should be considered when evaluating the efficacy of policy.
Investigation of tumor and vessel motion correlation in the liver

Intrafraction imaging-based motion management systems for external beam radiotherapy can rely on internal surrogate structures when the target is not easily visualized. This work evaluated the validity of using liver vessels as internal surrogates for the estimation of liver tumor motion. Vessel and tumor motion were assessed using ten two-dimensional sagittal MR cine datasets collected on the ViewRay MRIdian. For each case, a liver tumor and at least one vessel were tracked for 175 s. A tracking approach utilizing block matching and multiple simultaneous templates was applied. Accuracy of the tracked motion was calculated from the error between the tracked centroid position and manually defined ground truth annotations. The patient's abdomen surface and diaphragm were manually annotated in all frames. The Pearson correlation coefficient (CC) was used to compare the motion of the features and tumor in the anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) directions. The distance between the centroids of the features and the tumors was calculated to assess if feature proximity affects relative correlation, and the tumor range of motion was determined. Intra- and interfraction motion amplitude variabilities were evaluated to further assess the relationship between tumor and feature motion. The mean CC between the motion of the vessel and the tumor were 0.85 ± 0.11 (AP) and 0.92 ± 0.04 (SI), 0.83 ± 0.11 (AP) and -0.89 ± 0.06 (SI) for the surface and tumor, and 0.80 ± 0.17 (AP) and 0.94 ± 0.03 (SI) for the diaphragm and tumor. For intrafraction analysis, the average amplitude variability was 2.47 ± 0.77 mm (AP) and 3.14 ± 1.49 mm (SI) for the vessels, 2.70 ± 1.08 mm (AP) and 3.43 ± 1.73 mm (SI) for the surface, and 2.76 ± 1.41 mm (AP) and 2.91 ± 1.38 mm (SI) for the diaphragm. No relationship between distance and motion correlation was observed. The motion of liver tumors and liver vessels was well correlated, making vessels a suitable surrogate for tumor motion in the liver.
Heard Shots – Call the Police? An Examination of Citizen Responses To Gunfire

Many crimes go unreported, making the true scope of crime unknown, and criminal justice reform based on potentially limited data. An acoustic gunfire detection system (AGDS) broadens the data avail...
Sequential Changepoint Detection in Neural Networks with Checkpoints

We introduce a framework for online changepoint detection and simultaneous model learning which is applicable to highly parametrized models, such as deep neural networks. It is based on detecting changepoints across time by sequentially performing generalized likelihood ratio tests that require only evaluations of simple prediction score functions. This procedure makes use of checkpoints, consisting of early versions of the actual model parameters, that allow to detect distributional changes by performing predictions on future data. We define an algorithm that bounds the Type I error in the sequential testing procedure. We demonstrate the efficiency of our method in challenging continual learning applications with unknown task changepoints, and show improved performance compared to online Bayesian changepoint detection.
The Power of the Narrative in Corporate Lawmaking

The notion of stock-market-driven short-termism relentlessly whittling away at the American economy’s foundations is widely accepted and highly salient. Presidential candidates state as much. Senators introduce bills assuming as much. Corporate interests argue as much to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the corporate law courts. Yet the academic evidence as to the problem’s severity is no more than mixed. What explains this gap between widespread belief and weak evidence? This Article explores the role of narrative power. Some ideas are better at being popular than others. The concept of pernicious stock market short-termism has three strong qualities that make its narrative power formidable: (1) connotation — the words themselves tell us what is good (reliable long-term commitment) and what is not (unreliable short-termism); (2) category confusion — disparate types of corporate misbehavior, such as environmental degradation and employee mistreatment, are mislabeled as being truly and primarily short-termism phenomena emanating from truncated corporate time horizons (when they in fact emanate from other misalignments), thereby making us view short-termism as even more rampant and pernicious than it is; and (3) confirmation — the idea is regularly repeated, because it is easy to communicate, and often boosted by powerful agenda-setters who benefit from its repetition. The Article then highlights the real-world implications of narrative power — powerful narratives can be more certain than the underlying evidence, thereby leading policymakers astray. For example, a favorite remedy for stock-market-driven short-termism is to insulate executives from stock market pressure. If lawmakers believe that short-termism is a primary cause of environmental degradation, anemic research and development, employee mistreatment, and financial crises — as many do — then they are likely to focus on further insulating corporate executives from stock-market accountability. Doing so may, however, do little to alleviate the underlying problems, which would be better handled by, say, stronger environmental regulation and more astute financial regulation. Powerful narratives can drive out good policymaking.