cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Gain-Of-Function Studies for Molecular-Based Surveillance and Pandemic Preparedness

The views expressed in this Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM. Zoonotic influenza viruses circulating in poultry and swine pose an ever present threat to human health. In particular, the rapid geographical expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) throughout Asia and then into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa during the 2000s galvanized the global community in an attempt to control this rapidly growing threat. Despite successful control efforts in some countries, the virus remains endemic in poultry in at least six countries and continues to cause human illness and deaths as well as countless outbreaks in birds. During the past decade, 668 cases and 393 deaths were detected and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) (1). During the 17 years since human infections with HPAI A(H5N1) were first identified in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China, in 1997, these viruses have evolved substantially through mutation and reassortment, resulting in multiple divergent genotypes and clades (2). Ongoing H5N1 circulation has appropriately resulted in a focus on sequencing viral genomes to understand the evolution of these viruses and the significance of observed genetic changes. Expanded laboratory capacity for high-throughput Sanger sequencing and recent technological advances, such as next-generation sequencing and parallel computing, have revolutionized the quantity, quality, and availability of gene sequences and our ability to quickly and accurately analyze these data (3). Consequently, the number of animal and human influenza virus sequences available in publically accessible databases has dramatically increased over the years, as have the bioinformatics …
Piezoelectric-nanowire-enabled power source for driving wireless microelectronics

Harvesting energy from irregular/random mechanical actions in variable and uncontrollable environments is an effective approach for powering wireless mobile electronics to meet a wide range of applications in our daily life. Piezoelectric nanowires are robust and can be stimulated by tiny physical motions/disturbances over a range of frequencies. Here, we demonstrate the first chemical epitaxial growth of PbZr(x)Ti(1-x)O(3) (PZT) nanowire arrays at 230 °C and their application as high-output energy converters. The nanogenerators fabricated using a single array of PZT nanowires produce a peak output voltage of ~0.7 V, current density of 4 μA cm(-2) and an average power density of 2.8 mW cm(-3). The alternating current output of the nanogenerator is rectified, and the harvested energy is stored and later used to light up a commercial laser diode. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using nanogenerators for powering mobile and even personal microelectronics.
Antibiotic resistance in an in vitro subgingival biofilm model.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to utilize an in vitro biofilm model of subgingival plaque to investigate resistances in subgingival biofilm communities to antibiotics commonly used as adjuncts to periodontal therapy.
Low Dynamic State of Viral Competition in a Chronic Avian Hepadnavirus Infection

The dynamic state of infection of 11 ducks with the duck hepatitis B virus was investigated. Chronic infections were established in newly hatched ducklings by inoculation with a mixture of wild-type virus and a mutant virus with a partial replication defect. As expected, the wild-type virus was rapidly enriched in the virus population during the spread of infection. Enrichment thereafter was correlated with normal growth of the liver, with the average mutant-to-wild-type ratio stabilizing for at least 2 months beyond the time at which the liver mass stabilized. Using experimentally determined growth rates for the mutant and wild-type viruses, we estimated that after the spread of infection, competition between the two virus strains was limited by the amount of replication required to infect new hepatocytes in the growing livers. The results suggest that, in a chronically infected liver, the selection of variants with a replication rate advantage is inefficient and that the emergence of such variants would depend on induced liver cell turnover, such as that occurring during chronic hepatitis.
University/industry collaboration in developing a simulation based software project management training course

A significant factor in the success of a software project is the management skill of the project leader. The ability to effectively plan and track a software project utilizing appropriate techniques and tools requires training, mentoring, and experience. This paper describes a collaborative effort between Arizona State University and Motorola University to develop a software project management training course. Although many such courses exist in academia and industry, this course incorporates a system dynamics simulator of the software development process. The use of this simulator to train future software project managers is analogous to the use of a flight simulator to train pilots. This paper describes the software project simulator and how it is utilized in the software project management training course. Feedback from the training course participants is also shared and discussed.
Acute adverse reactions to gadolinium in CMR: "gadol" news!

In 1794, Johan Gadolin, a Finnish scientist, isolated a new rare earth metal from a black, heavy mineral found at a quarry on an island near Stockholm. Originally named ytterbia, in honor of the nearby village, the substance soon acquired the name gadolinite in honor of Johan, and subsequently
Ask the Professor: Did the 7th Circuit Properly Rule in Sentinel II?

Customer assets held by a Futures Commission Merchant must be protected in a specially-designed "customer segregated" account at a custodial bank pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act and various CFTC regulations. When the FCM fails, in the absence of a criminal act, the futures customers of the failed FCM should receive all of their assets back. This article analyzes a recent 7th Circuit decision involving Sentinel Management Group, a failed FCM which commingled futures customer assets with non-futures customer assets and incurred trading losses accordingly. The article examines all of the various issues raised before the 7th Circuit. The 7th Circuit had overturned Judge Zagel's district court decision and ruled that approximately $300 million, which had been returned back to the futures customers of Sentinel pursuant to another court order, were not subject to the claw-back provisions under the US Bankruptcy Code.
The Moral Intensity of Privacy: An Empirical Study of Webmaster' Attitudes

Webmasters are a key moral agent in the issue of privacy. This study attempts to understand the factors underlying their attitudes about privacy based on the theory of moral intensity. Webmasters of high-traffic sites were invited via email to participate in a web-based survey. The results support the application of moral intensity to the domain of privacy and the population of webmasters – both outcomes and social norms have statistically significant main effects on attitudes. The results also suggest a reconfiguration of the dimensions of moral intensity. This is based on the observation that proximity to the organization has a negative main effect on attitudes, and it moderates the relationship between social norms and attitudes. The original theory of moral intensity did not acknowledge the possibility of this moderating role for proximity. These observations have important implications for future research and practice in the areas of privacy, moral intensity, and ethical decision making.
Time-Capacity Expansion of Waste Treatment Systems

A minimum cost method is developed for quantifying the opposing cost factors of economies-of-scale and the time cost of money as they jointly affect optimal capital investment decisions for the expansion of wastewater treatment systems. For a linear demand growth rate, optimal facility expansion, with regard to both timing and capacity requirements, is determined using a mathematical model. The economic implications of different expansion policies are graphed for various interest rates and scalar cost effects, using cost data mathematically formulated as a function of system capacity. The model is used to demonstrate that the optimal timing of facility expansion is a function of the time cost of money and the economy-of-scale characteristics of that facility, and is independent of the absolute capacity of the facility. Further, additional economies inherent in individually expanding separable components of a wastewater treatment system are quantified by the model.
Comprehensive analysis of protein N-glycosylation sites by combining chemical deglycosylation with LC-MS.

Glycosylation is one of the most important protein modifications in biological systems. It plays a critical role in protein folding, trafficking, and stability as well as cellular events such as immune response and cell-to-cell communication. Aberrant protein glycosylation is correlated with several diseases including diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases. The heterogeneity of glycans makes comprehensive identification of protein glycosylation sites very difficult by MS because it is challenging to match mass spectra to peptides that contain different types of unknown glycans. We combined a chemical deglycosylation method with LC–MS-based proteomics techniques to comprehensively identify protein N-glycosylation sites in yeast. On the basis of the differences in chemical properties between the amide bond of the N-linkage and the glycosidic bond of the O-linkage of sugars, O-linked sugars were removed and only the innermost N-linked GlcNAc remained, which served as a mass tag for MS analysis. This chemi...
Abstract 2157: A novel role for Giα proteins in differentially regulating activation of RTK-mediated signaling

The activation of the extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway and the PI3K/Akt/mTORC pathway by growth factors is mediated by the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and plays a crucial role in physiological and pathological processes including cell proliferation, growth, survival, migration, tumorigenesis and metastasis. We previously reported that the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its family growth factors is mediated by the heterotrimeric G protein alpha inhibitory (Giα). Herein we demonstrated that Giα proteins are able to differentially regulate RTKs-mediated activation of the ERK and the Akt/mTORC1 pathways. Loss of Giα proteins in MEFs impaired activation of the ERK pathway by EGF, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and Insulin, but not basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Intriguingly, while activation of the Akt/mTORC1 pathway by EGF and bFGF was severely defective in Giα protein deficient cells, this activation was only slightly reduced in response to insulin and IGF. Also, Giα proteins were able to alter activation of the Akt/mTORC1 and the ERK pathways by serum and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in a dose dependent manner. To further understand that how Giα proteins differentially regulate RTK-mediated activation of the Akt/mTORC1 and ERK pathways, we performed an immuno-precipitation study. Our results showed that growth factors were able to induce the association of Giα proteins with growth factor receptors and their downstream adaptor proteins. Loss of Giα proteins in MEFs impaired the association of growth factor receptors with their adaptor proteins indicating that Giα proteins act downstream of RTKs but upstream of the adaptor proteins. Finally, we examined a role of Giα proteins in cancer biology. Similar to results obtained from Giα deficient MEFs, knockdown of Giα proteins in several human cancer cell lines diminished activation of the Akt/mTORC1 and the ERK pathways by growth factors. As a result, Giα protein deficiency inhibited cancer cell growth and migration. Given the fact that growth factors and their receptor pathways play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis of cancer, our findings may promote further understanding the molecular mechanism underline RTK signaling regulation in cancer biology and may have implications for cancer therapy. Supported by Department of Defense, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and NIH. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2157. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2157
Mechanism of iron carbonyl-catalyzed hydrogenation of ethylene. 1. Theoretical exploration of molecular pathways.

The hydrogenation of alkenes catalyzed by metal carbonyls is an intricate process involving reactions of various isomers of labile π- and σ-complexes, hydrides, dihydrides, and their radicals. Two general mechanisms have been suggested in the literature regarding the catalytic hydrogenation of simple alkenes by photochemically activated iron pentacarbonyl: a molecular mechanism that involves the sequential replacement of two carbonyl ligands by hydrogen and unsaturated ligands, and a radical mechanism involving the EPR-identified iron carbonyl hydride radicals. Even though significant results were obtained in numerous experiments and few theoretical studies, these mechanisms remain phenomenological, without detailed information regarding the potential energy surfaces (PES) and the elementary processes. Several major issues also remain open. It is still unclear, for instance, whether the ethane can be formed via a monomolecular reaction of ethyl hydride isomer intermediates HFe(CO)3(C2H5) or the only way t...
Microstructural constraints on complex thermal histories of refractory CAI-like objects in an amoeboid olivine aggregate from the ALHA77307 CO3.0 chondrite

Abstract We have carried out a FIB/TEM study of refractory CAI-like objects in one AOA from the ALHA77307 CO3.0 chondrite. The CAI-like objects in the AOA consist of a zoned sequence with a spinel-rich core through an intergrowth layer of spinel and Al-Ti-rich diopside to a diopside rim. The spinel-rich core consists of polycrystalline aggregates of spinel and ±minor melilite showing equilibrated grain boundary textures. The intergrowth layer contains fine-grained diopside and spinel with minor anorthite with highly curved and embayed grain boundaries. The diopside rim consists of polycrystalline aggregates of diopside. The compositions of pyroxene change significantly outward from Al-Ti-rich diopside in contact with the spinel-rich core to Al-Ti-poor diopside next to the surrounding olivine of the AOA. Overall microstructural and chemical characteristics suggest that the spinel-rich core formed under equilibrium conditions whereas the intergrowth layer is the result of reactions that occurred under conditions that departed significantly from equilibrium. The remarkable changes in formation conditions of the CAI-like objects may have been achieved by transport and injection of refractory objects into a region of a partially-condensed, Ca,Ti-saturated gas which reacted with spinel and melilite to form Al-Ti-rich diopside. Crystallographically-oriented TiO2 nanoparticles decorate the grain boundaries between spinel grains and between spinel and Al-Ti-rich diopside grains. During the disequilibrium back-reaction of spinel with a partially-condensed, Ca,Ti-saturated gas, metastable TiO2 nanoparticles may have condensed by an epitaxial nucleation mechanism and grown on the surface of spinel. These TiO2 nanoparticles are disordered intergrowths of the two TiO2 polymorphs, anatase and rutile. These nanoparticles are inferred to have nucleated as anatase that underwent partial transformation into rutile. The local presence of the TiO2 nanoparticles and intergrowth of anatase and rutile imply that the disequilibrium back-reaction of spinel with the gas occurred on a short timescale, i.e., minutes to hours at maximum.
The sleep effects of lurasidone: a placebo-controlled cross-over study using a 4-h phase-advance model of transient insomnia.

Background Lurasidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is a potent 5-HT7 antagonist and D2, 5-HT2A antagonist, and 5-HT1A partial agonist. As such, lurasidone would be expected to modulate sleep and circadian function but there have been no human studies of the sleep effects of a 5-HT7 antagonist. The purpose of this study was to assess effects of lurasidone on sleep. Methods This was a cross-over, polysomnographic study involving 54 healthy volunteers who underwent two treatment periods (order randomized) each consisting of two nights in the laboratory: Night 1—lights out at usual bedtime; Night 2–4-h advance of sleep phase and randomization to either lurasidone 40 mg or placebo. The next morning impairment testing was carried out. Results Lurasidone significantly (p < 0.05) increased total sleep time by an average of 28.4 min versus placebo, decreased wake time after sleep onset and wake time after the final awakening, and increased sleep efficiency. No other effects were found. Conclusions Lurasidone had a sleep maintenance effect without effects on sleep onset, rapid eye movement, or slow-wave sleep. Lurasidone is likely to be beneficial to patients with disturbed sleep, particularly those with sleep maintenance problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Note on the Ostrowski Disk Theorem

In this paper, we make some discussion for the estimate of the matrix eigenvalue, that isobtained by Ostrowske, some distribution character of the eigenvalue are described, then a sufficientcondition to determine nonsigularity of the matrix is given.
Discrimination on three related toxin genes of Vibrio Cholerae using by multiplex real time PCR

In order to assess Vibrio Cholerae which containing related toxin genes,a rapid,sensitive and specific assay based on multiplex real time PCR was developed in this study.The cholera toxin sub-unit A gene(ctxA),accessory cholera enterotoxin gene(ace),and zonula occludens toxin gene(zot) of Vibrio Cholerae was chosen as targets,and then the primers and TaqMan probe were designed.Furthermore,multiplex real time PCR was applied to detect 70 Vibrio Cholerae isolated from samples,and PCR products were sequenced in order to affirm the results of multiplex real time PCR.The results showed that ctxA,ace and zot gene of Vibrio Cholerae were detected by using multiplex real time PCR accurately and quickly.When other bacteria containing no all three target toxin genes were detected,no positive results appeared.The sensitivity was 102cfu/mL for ctxA gene and 10cfu/mL for ace and zot gene in pure culture.The standard plasmids according to each toxin gene were constructed,and consequently the detection limit of ace gene and zot gene was 10copies/μL and the detection limit of ctxA gene was 102copies/μL.The coefficient of variation of intra-assay and inter-assay was less than 5.0%.When this assay was applied directly to identify 70 Vibrio Cholerae,the results showed that 40 strains(57.2%) were positive to ctxA gene,31 strains(44.3%) were positive to ace gene,and 46 strains(65.7%) were positive to zot gene.The results above were the same to the results obtained from the sequencing assays.The coincidence was 100%.It is demonstrated that multiplex real time PCR is a simple,accurate and feasible assay for discriminating three related toxin genes of Vibrio Cholerae.The assay described here provided a reliable tool for epidemiologic survey and epidemic monitoring.
Voltage-tunable dual-layer terahertz metamaterials

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a real-time voltage-tunable terahertz metamaterial based on microelectromechanical systems and broadside-coupled split-ring resonators. In our metamaterial, the magnetic and electric interactions between the coupled resonators are modulated by a comb-drive actuator, which provides continuous lateral shifting between the coupled resonators by up to 20 μm. For these strongly coupled split-ring resonators, both a symmetric mode and an anti-symmetric mode are observed. With increasing lateral shift, the electromagnetic interactions between the split-ring resonators weaken, resulting in frequency shifting of the resonant modes. Over the entire lateral shift range, the symmetric mode blueshifts by ~60 GHz, and the anti-symmetric mode redshifts by ~50 GHz. The amplitude of the transmission at 1.03 THz is modulated by 74%; moreover, a 180° phase shift is achieved at 1.08 THz. Our tunable metamaterial device has myriad potential applications, including terahertz spatial light modulation, phase modulation, and chemical sensing. Furthermore, the scheme that we have implemented can be scaled to operate at other frequencies, thereby enabling a wide range of distinct applications. Researchers in the United States have created an artificial material with optical properties that can be changed using an electrical voltage. Metamaterials consist of repeating arrays of subwavelength elements that are designed to interact with light in ways that go beyond the abilities of naturally occurring materials. Xin Zhang and Richard Averitt at Boston University and UC San Diego and their colleagues have fabricated such a structure that can manipulate long-wavelength light called terahertz radiation. The metamaterial comprises two arrays of incomplete rings — one on a silicon nitride thin film and the other on a movable frame. The team could shift the frame using a microelectromechanical system that was integrated into the substrate. This relative motion changed the intensity and phase of the terahertz radiation being transmitted through the metamaterial.
The History, Principles, and Practice of Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Neonates

The history of the successful development of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), first in beagle puppies in the basic science laboratories, and its subsequent clinical translations initially to adults, and shortly thereafter, to a newborn infant, is recounted by the original developer of the techniques, data, and results that have led to its widespread application and acceptance throughout the world. The principles, practices, standards, techniques, observations, technology, and several of the countless details which were so essential in guiding this dream to reality, are woven throughout the narrative. The advances and milestones are traced along this passionate, relentless journey to the present day, when preterm infants are actually expected to live and thrive. The precision and conscientious attention which are essential to the judicious, safe, efficacious use of TPN in preterm neonates throughout all aspects of solution formulation and delivery, together with appropriate monitoring and assessment of outcomes, are described and discussed briefly. The multiple risks and complications associated with this complex life-saving technique are extensively tabulated, with the intention to teach, in order to avoid, prevent, or overcome them. Moreover, attention has been directed toward pointing out many of the persisting shortcomings of the technique which remain to be prevented, overcome, or corrected by future research efforts and experiences. Finally, the costs, philosophy, humanity, and future advancements necessary to apply TPN to the care of preterm infants in developing countries are stated with optimism and hope.
A Brief Chronology of U.S. Banking Regulations

The practice of banking predates the introduction of standardized currency in the form of coins. Coins evolved from measures of weight. The earliest known coins date back to the seventh century BC and were in circulation in the Lydian kingdom, which is part of present-day Turkey. Ancient Greek and Babylonian temples functioned as the world’s oldest banks. Banking declined in importance after the spread of Christianity, as charging interest was viewed as immoral, but was revived in the Middle Ages to raise funds for the Crusades with the aid of the Templars and the Hospitallers. Italy eventually became the birthplace of modern banking. The first known foreign exchange contract occurred in Genoa in 1156 when two brothers borrowed in Genoese pounds and repaid the amount in bezants in Constantinople. Accountants working for the House of Medici in Florence developed the double-entry bookkeeping method for recording credits and debits. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472 in Siena, is currently the oldest operating bank in the world. Sveriges Riksbank of Sweden became the world’s first central bank when it began its operations in 1668. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, London, Amsterdam, and Hamburg became the new financial capitals, mostly from the thriving trade of the various East India Companies.
Primary myelofibrosis and its targeted therapy.

Primary myelofibrosis is a unique entity among BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative diseases, manifesting as bone marrow fibrosis and pancytopenia. Considerable evidence indicates that genetic and epigenetic abnormalities can result in defective clonal hematopoietic stem cell proliferation in addition to bone marrow microenvironment alteration. The “bad seeds in bad soil” theory illustrates the orchestrating efforts of hematopoietic stem cells, stromal cells, and their surrounding signaling molecules in myelofibrosis progression and malignancy transformation, though the exact mechanism of myelofibrosis is still not clear. This study reviews current concepts and questions regarding the pathogenesis of primary myelofibrosis and discusses the emerging targeted therapy aimed at restoring normal bone marrow environment and halting bone marrow fibrotic deterioration.
mTORC1 and mTORC2 Kinase Signaling and Glucose Metabolism Drive Follicular Helper T Cell Differentiation.

Summary Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are crucial for germinal center (GC) formation and humoral adaptive immunity. Mechanisms underlying Tfh cell differentiation in peripheral and mucosal lymphoid organs are incompletely understood. We report here that mTOR kinase complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2) are essential for Tfh cell differentiation and GC reaction under steady state and after antigen immunization and viral infection. Loss of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in T cells exerted distinct effects on Tfh cell signature gene expression, whereas increased mTOR activity promoted Tfh responses. Deficiency of mTORC2 impaired CD4 + T cell accumulation and immunoglobulin A production and aberrantly induced the transcription factor Foxo1. Mechanistically, the costimulatory molecule ICOS activated mTORC1 and mTORC2 to drive glycolysis and lipogenesis, and glucose transporter 1-mediated glucose metabolism promoted Tfh cell responses. Altogether, mTOR acts as a central node in Tfh cells by linking immune signals to anabolic metabolism and transcriptional activity.
Charge compensation and electrostatic transferability in three entropy-stabilized oxides: Results from density functional theory calculations

Density functional theory calculations were carried out for three entropic rocksalt oxides, (Mg0.1Co0.1Ni0.1Cu0.1Zn0.1)O0.5, termed J14, and J14 + Li and J14 + Sc, to understand the role of charge neutrality and electronic states on their properties, and to probe whether simple expressions may exist that predict stability. The calculations predict that the average lattice constants of the ternary structures provide good approximations to that of the random structures. For J14, Bader charges are transferable between the binary, ternary, and random structures. For J14 + Sc and J14 + Li, average Bader charges in the entropic structures can be estimated from the ternary compositions. Addition of Sc to J14 reduces the majority of Cu, which show large displacements from ideal lattice sites, along with reduction of a few Co and Ni cations. Addition of Li to J14 reduces the lattice constant, consistent with experiment, and oxidizes some of Co as well as some of Ni and Cu. The Bader charges and spin-resolved densi...
Association between Postdischarge Oral Corticosteroid Prescription Fills and Readmission in Children with Asthma.

Objectives To assess the relationships between postdischarge emergency department visits, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, and 15- to 90-day asthma readmission in children. Study design Retrospective study of 9288 children from 12 states in the Truven MarketScan Database, ages 2-18 years, hospitalized between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011, with asthma, and continuously enrolled in Medicaid for 6 months prior and 3 months after hospitalization. The primary outcome was 15- to 90-day readmission for asthma. Secondary outcomes were postdischarge emergency department visits (within 28 days) and outpatient OCS prescription fills (6-28 days postdischarge or earlier if coinciding with an outpatient asthma visit). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of hospital readmission with patient characteristics and asthma health services surrounding the index admission. Results Median age at index admission was 6 years (IQR, 3-9); 62% were male and 49% were black; 2.8% had a 15- to 90-day readmission (median, 50 days; IQR, 32-70). After index discharge, 4% had an emergency department visit (median, 17 days; IQR, 12-24) and 11% had an outpatient OCS fill (median, 14 days; IQR, 6-21). In multivariable analysis, children with a postdischarge outpatient OCS fill (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.4-4.6) or hospitalization within 6 months preceding the index admission (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.0-4.0) had the greatest likelihood for hospital readmission. Conclusions OCS fill within 28 days of hospital discharge was most strongly associated with 15- to 90-day hospital readmission. This finding may inform evolving strategies to reduce asthma readmissions in children.
A journal cancellation survey and resulting impact on interlibrary loan.

Objective: The research describes an extensible method of evaluating and cancelling electronic journals during a budget shortfall and evaluates implications for interlibrary loan (ILL) and user satisfaction. Methods: We calculated cost per use for cancellable electronic journal subscriptions (n=533) from the 2013 calendar year and the first half of 2014, cancelling titles with cost per use greater than $20 and less than 100 yearly uses. For remaining titles, we issued an online survey asking respondents to rank the importance of journals to their work. Finally, we gathered ILL requests and COUNTER JR2 turnaway reports for calendar year 2015. Results: Three hundred fifty-four respondents completed the survey. Because of the level of heterogeneity of titles in the survey as well as respondents’ backgrounds, most titles were reported to be never used. We developed criteria based on average response across journals to determine which to cancel. Based on this methodology, we cancelled eight journals. Examination of ILL data revealed that none of the cancelled titles were requested with any frequency. Free-text responses indicated, however, that many value free ILL as a suitable substitute for immediate full-text access to biomedical journal literature. Conclusions: Soliciting user feedback through an electronic survey can assist collections librarians to make electronic journal cancellation decisions during slim budgetary years. This methodology can be adapted and improved upon at other health sciences libraries.
An analysis of instructor social presence in online text and asynchronous video feedback comments

Abstract Online and blended instructors are increasingly providing student feedback via asynchronous video, and students have reported in previous research that they are better able to perceive their instructors' social presence in video as compared to text. However, research is lacking that examines actual feedback comments for indicators of social presence. We addressed this gap by coding for indicators of social presence in 422 text and asynchronous video feedback comments provided to preservice teachers in three blended and online courses. Minimal differences were found in the frequency of social presence indicators between text and video feedback. However, we warn against interpreting this finding too simplistically. While text and video feedback had similar numbers of indicators, the indicators in video feedback may have had a larger impact on social presence due to the richness of the medium. Further research is needed in order to understand how text and video feedback promote social presence in online courses.
Treatment of Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia Purpura with Concurrent IVIg and Platelet Transfusion: A Retrospective Review of 40 Patients.

Abstract Introduction: In January 2000, two patients with severe Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP) at our institution were successfully treated with prolonged infusions of IVIg and platelets. The dose of IVIg was 1 g/kg given by continuous infusion over 24 hours with concurrent platelets (1 pheresis unit every 8 hours). Based on these preliminary results, we evaluated this protocol in a larger series of 40 ITP patients. Methods: We performed an IRB-approved retrospective review of adult hospitalized patients with ITP treated with this regimen from January 2000 - December 2005. Patients with clinically significant thrombocytopenia and either active bleeding, need for anticoagulation, or requirement for a surgical procedure received the combined treatment. The subjects received IVIg and platelets as described above. Additional treatments, such as steroids, immunosupressives, or rituximab, as well as splenectomy were utilized at the discretion of the hematologist overseeing their care. Results: The average age of patients treated was 52 years. The majority of patients ranged from 20–80 years old, but 12.5% were older than 80 years. The average pretreatment platelet count was 10,000/μl, with an increase to 55,000/μl after 24 hours, and 69,000/μl after 48 hours. By 72 hours, the average platelet count had begun to decline, although the platelet count remained at an acceptable level (58,200/μl). After 24 hours, 62.7% of patients had a platelet count > 50,000/μl. Bleeding was controlled initially in all patients, and those requiring a procedure experienced no bleeding complications. Over half of the patients (52.5%) required additional treatments for recurrent or refractory ITP, and 32.5% of the patients underwent splenectomy. Six of the 21 patients requiring later retreatment (29%) received IVIg and platelets again in a similar fashion. The average retreatment platelet counts after 24 and 48 hours were 53,000/μl and 49,000/μl respectively, with clinical improvement in bleeding in all patients. No side effects of the combined treatment were noted. The response rates for the 3 IVIg products used were similar. Discussion: For ITP, IVIg and platelets are considered to be first line treatment for patients with very low platelet counts, active bleeding, or those requiring urgent procedures. There is limited literature on the optimal dose and schedule for administration of IVIg and platelets. Our approach for administration of IVIg and platelets concurrently was associated with minimal side effects, resolution of bleeding, ability to safely undergo procedures, and rapid restoration of adequate platelet counts. Additionally, elderly patients had equivalent benefit with no increased side effects, indicating that this regimen is appropriate and safe for patients of all age groups.
Plant diversity and plant identity influence Fusarium communities in soil.

ABSTRACTFusarium communities play important functional roles in soil and in plants as pathogens, endophytes, and saprotrophs. This study tests how rhizosphere Fusarium communities may vary with plant species, changes in the diversity of the surrounding plant community, and soil physiochemical characteristics. Fusarium communities in soil associated with the roots of two perennial prairie plant species maintained as monocultures or growing within polyculture plant communities were characterized using targeted metagenomics. Amplicon libraries targeting the RPB2 locus were generated from rhizosphere soil DNAs and sequenced using pyrosequencing. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and assigned a taxonomy using the Evolutionary Placement Algorithm. Fusarium community composition was differentiated between monoculture and polyculture plant communities, and by plant species in monoculture, but not in polyculture. Taxonomic classification of the Fusarium OTUs showed a predominance of ...
A choice of energy conversion and transfer technologies within a resources–consumption system

The systematic analysis of the interface between energy resources and consumers realised through energy conversion and transfer technologies is a complex procedure. This paper is an attempt to formulate a scientific approach to the solution of up–to–date energy problems on the basis of efficiency multicriteria evaluation.
Optimal configurations to minimize disturbance propagation in manufacturing networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of determining optimal configurations of Roll-to-Roll (R2R) process machines which consist of many interconnected dynamic elements to transport flexible materials (webs) on rollers. The problem is to optimally locate the controlled dynamic elements within the R2R machine so as to minimize the effect of disturbances propagated by the transported web. Typical disturbances on R2R machines include misalignment and out-of-roundness of rollers which cause web wrinkles and registration errors if unattenuated. The central contribution of this paper is to pose the combinatorial problem of determining the optimal configuration for a R2R machine as a Mixed-Integer Semi-Definite Program (MISDP) and provide an algorithm to efficiently compute feasible configurations and bounds on their sub-optimality. The proposed algorithm is based on tools such as McCormick relaxations, outer-approximation via eigenvalue cuts, and bound tightening procedures. We provide numerical results for representative R2R systems to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Histidine kinases and the missing phosphoproteome from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.

Protein phosphorylation is the most common type of post-translational modification in eukaryotes. The phosphoproteome is defined as the complete set of experimentally detectable phosphorylation sites present in a cell's proteome under various conditions. However, we are still far from identifying all the phosphorylation sites in a cell mainly due to the lack of information about phosphorylation events involving residues other than Ser, Thr and Tyr. Four types of phosphate-protein linkage exist and these generate nine different phosphoresidues-pSer, pThr, pTyr, pHis, pLys, pArg, pAsp, pGlu and pCys. Most of the effort in studying protein phosphorylation has been focused on Ser, Thr and Tyr phosphorylation. The recent development of 1- and 3-pHis monoclonal antibodies promises to increase our understanding of His phosphorylation and the kinases and phosphatases involved. Several His kinases are well defined in prokaryotes, especially those involved in two-component system (TCS) signaling. However, in higher eukaryotes, NM23, a protein originally characterized as a nucleoside diphosphate kinase, is the only characterized protein-histidine kinase. This ubiquitous and conserved His kinase autophosphorylates its active site His, and transfers this phosphate either onto a nucleoside diphosphate or onto a protein His residue. Studies of NM23 protein targets using newly developed anti-pHis antibodies will surely help illuminate the elusive His phosphorylation-based signaling pathways. This review discusses the role that the NM23/NME/NDPK phosphotransferase has, how the addition of the pHis phosphoproteome will expand the phosphoproteome and make His phosphorylation part of the global phosphorylation world. It also summarizes why our understanding of phosphorylation is still largely restricted to the acid stable phosphoproteome, and highlights the study of NM23 histidine kinase as an entree into the world of histidine phosphorylation.
New Therapeutic Approaches in Signaling

The emergence of selective BRAF inhibitors for the treatment of metastatic melanoma appears poised to change the therapeutic landscape in this disease. For decades the melanoma field has lagged behind others in achieving significant alteration in the natural history of metastatic disease with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Even immunotherapy, a treatment standard both in the metastatic and adjuvant setting, fails to benefit more than a small minority of patients. While recent clinical trial results featuring novel immunologic therapies appear to be breaking the barriers observed with the previous generation of cytokine-based immunotherapies, the treatment of metastatic melanoma remains a severely unmet need. It is hoped that the discovery of somatic genetic alterations in signal transduction pathways that regulate proliferation, cell cycle, differentiation, and survival will provide further opportunities for expanding the reach of targeted therapy.
Pooling acoustic and lexical features for the prediction of valence

In this paper, we present an analysis of different multimodal fusion approaches in the context of deep learning, focusing on pooling intermediate representations learned for the acoustic and lexical modalities. Traditional approaches to multimodal feature pooling include: concatenation, element-wise addition, and element-wise multiplication. We compare these traditional methods to outer-product and compact bilinear pooling approaches, which consider more comprehensive interactions between features from the two modalities. We also study the influence of each modality on the overall performance of a multimodal system. Our experiments on the IEMOCAP dataset suggest that: (1) multimodal methods that combine acoustic and lexical features outperform their unimodal counterparts; (2) the lexical modality is better for predicting valence than the acoustic modality; (3) outer-product-based pooling strategies outperform other pooling strategies.
PASSIVE COOLING AND COURTYARDS IN COLIMA, MEXICO

ABSTRACT This study was done in winter 1981-1982, in which season Colimafs temperature and relative humidity daily range matches the hottest summer conditions of the United States Pacific Northwest. Colima's street grid is oriented about 40° west of south. “East” and “South” faces are heavily sun-stressed in winter; “West” and “North” get the strongest summer sun. From an initial casual observation of about 450 courtyards, a matrix was prepared for categorizing. About 80 were selected for a closer look, of which 31 were photographed and measured for plan. A range of residential-commercial-institutional buildings, economic status of occupants, and courtyard usages was included. Six of the courtyards were then monitored for two days in December. Daylight, air temperature, surface temperature, relative humidity (RH) and mean radiant temperature (MRT) were recorded both in the courtyards and the street outside. Then the building containing the most cool of these six courtyards was monitored on a hot January day, to compare upper floor-lower floor and interior room-courtyard-street conditions. Conclusions: While the deeper courtyards stayed cool as expected, the more common shallow courtyards seemed much cooler than the measurements indicated, compared to the street. These courtyards combined many slight improvements in a much more pleasant psychological setting. They successfully became markedly cool retreats from the hot dry streets.
Synthetic Catalysts for Non-biological Water Oxidation: Comparison to the photosynthetic water oxidation complex

This chapter discusses the structure and function of water oxidising complex of photosystem II and the tyrosyl radical participation in water oxidation, as well as the key structural features of photosystem II water oxidising complex as studied by EPR and Mn-EXAFS. Kinetics of photosynthetic water oxidation and the nature of manganese oxo-clusters as catalysts for WOC are discussed. The review compares the biological site to manganese and ruthenium containing complexes as catalyst for artificial water oxidation. Water oxidation by discrete manganese complexes such as Mn-bpy dimers-Mn Schiff dimer as well as that of ruthenium complexes. The kinetics and the mechanisms of water oxidation by these Mn and Ru complexes have also been presented.
On the site of action of the estradiol-induced release of luteinizing hormone (LH) in pigs.

The site of action by which estradiol triggers the preovulatory LH surge varies widely among species. In sheep (Clarke and Cummins, 1984), cattle (Kesner et al., 1981) and rats (Fink, 1979), estradiol is thought to sensitize the pituitary to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation and then to accelerate the secretion rate of GnRH. In primates, estradiol stimulates the pituitary directly to occasion the LH surge (Knobil, 1980). Herein we report the effect of the pharmacological block of central nervous system (CNS) inputs on the estradiol-induced LH surge in gilts, and describe the dynamic changes in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH after estradiol exposure.
A molecular basis to rare earth separations for recycling: tuning the TriNOx ligand properties for improved performance

A methoxy-substituted tripodal hydroxylamine ligand, H3TriNOxOMe, was synthesized and coordinated to rare earth cations for separation purposes. Metrics of the resulting complexes were investigated and compared with their parent TriNOx3- counterparts for determination of the molecular basis for the described rare earth separation system. Addition of an electron donating group to the aryl backbone resulted in a more electron rich ligand that increased the equilbrium constant for complex dimerization five-fold. The new separation system yielded efficient Nd/Dy separations in toluene rather than benzene.
The influence of socioeconomic status, tumor characteristics and patterns of breast cancer care on breast cancer specific survival among elderly women.

6557Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between patient demographic and socioeconomic status (SES), tumor characteristics, initial and follow-up breast cancer care...
Evaluation and Management of the Late Preterm Infant

Late preterm infants, commonly defined as 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks of gestation, have an underappreciated risk of increased morbidity and mortality when compared to their full-term counterparts. This population accounts for almost three quarters of all preterm births and has increased over the past 25 years. Although generally not as sick as earlier preterm infants, late preterm infants may present with significant respiratory morbidity, jaundice, feeding difficulties, temperature instability, hypoglycemia, infection, and apnea. These complications may lead to an increased initial length of hospital stay and a higher rate of readmission. In addition to an increased mortality rate, survivors are at increased risk for long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Somalis in America’s Heartland: Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is home to the second largest Somali immigrant population in the United States. The influx of refugees started in the 1990s, and has continued to increase at a significant rate. Much of the scholarship on Somali communities in the United States focuses on Minneapolis, MN (Ali 2011; Chambers 2017; Roble and Rutledge 2008) and Lewiston, ME (Ellison 2009; Rector 2008; Voyer 2013). This chapter examines the role of the local and state government policies to determine the impact they have on Somalis’ migration to Columbus and incorporation into the city. In addition, this chapter builds upon the bureaucratic incorporation literature (Jones-Correa 2006; Marrow 2009; Ramakrishnan and Lewis 2005) by shedding light on the city of Columbus’ efforts to incorporate Somalis in the community. Interviews with local policymakers, Somali leaders, and Somali parents provide a lens to view how government policies have affected the Somali community. It concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at increasing Somali incorporation in Columbus, Ohio.