cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Systems Dynamic Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention: IJPDS (2017) Issue 1, Vol 1:375 Proceedings of the IPDLN Conference (August 2016)

ABSTRACT ObjectivesAs estimated there are about 5.3 million who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in United States. The incidence is increasing as the population is aging. Due to the increasing trend of Alzheimer’s disease, there is a lot of discussion on prevention efforts or slowing the incidence. Also, models that could predict individual risk of cognitive impairment are needed to assist in prevention efforts. In general dementia development has been associated with growth in various vascular, lifestyle and other risk factors. Epidemiological research provides evidence of some vascular, lifestyle and psychological risk factors that are modifiable and protective of disease incidence either independently or while interacting with other factors. However, as reported by National Institute of Aging, it is not yet clear whether health or lifestyle factors can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The objective of this research project is to adopt a system dynamics modeling approach to study the interaction of several key factors including vascular, lifestyle and psychological aspects over the life course of individuals, to gain further understanding of Alzheimer’s disease incidence and evaluate prevention strategies. Both datasets of ‘Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)’ and ‘Health and Retirement Study (HRS)’ will be used for model development and validation. ApproachA system dynamics approach is an optimal choice for addressing the goal of this proposal because different key factors interact over time and make Alzheimer’s disease incidence a complex problem. Furthermore, system dynamics approaches focus on understanding the relationship between the structure of a system and the resulting dynamic behaviors generated through multiple interacting feedback loops. Such an approach could be invaluable in studying dynamic problems arising in complex health, social, economic, or ecological systems. ResultsFor the purpose of the proposal, the following stages are planned:1. Develop a system dynamics simulation model at individual level that predicts the Alzheimer’s disease incidence over the life course, and aggregates individual level models to predict population level trends 2. Calibrate the resulting simulation model based upon longitudinal data trends employed from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Both cohorts with Alzheimer’s disease and control subjects from this database will be used to fine-tune the simulation model. ConclusionThe final validated model would be used to test different hypotheses and evaluate various strategies and/or their combinations to help evaluate the efficacy of prevention strategies on Alzheimer’s disease incidence and its growth.
Evaluating genetic and genomic sequencing knowledge from parents and young adult cancer survivors.

1579Background: Increasing utilization of clinical comprehensive sequencing (CS) in pediatric oncology suggests that patients and/or their caregivers will need to understand the value and limitatio...
Perceived Conflict Styles of Adult Children and their Parents: What Is the Connection?

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential genesis of conflict styles for couples by evaluating the association between parents’ conflict styles and those of their adult children and their adult children’s partners. Using Social Learning Theory as a theoretical foundation, the four conflict typologies from Gottman’s work (avoidant, validating, volatile, and hostile) were applied to study the participants’ conflict styles. Multinomial logistic regression was then conducted on a sample of 25,511 participants, testing the relationships between the conflict styles of parents, their adult children’s conflict styles, and their adult children’s partners’ conflict styles. All of the perceived parental conflict styles were linked to the same conflict styles in adult children. However, for adult children and their partners, the patterns were mixed. Whereas having validating parents predicted having validating partners, having avoidant or hostile parents predicted having hostile partners. The results suggest the possibility of the intergenerational transmission of conflict styles between parents and their adult children as well as contributing to the established research on assortative mating in that individuals may be more likely to select partners who are similar to them in terms of their approaches to conflict. The results of this study have important implications for intervening early in families with less functional conflict styles.
Rethinking the Blue–Urban Edge

Blue cities around the world are re-thinking their edges, as they must. New design and planning ideas include ensuring that the blue–urban residents have abundant physical and visual access to marine environments. New parks and shorelines are being designed to be more dynamic and multifunctional—projects such as the Dryline in New York City will at once enhance water connectivity, add public park space and urban nature, and provide for flood mitigation and resilience. There are new efforts, such as the Living Breakwaters project under way in Staten Island, to enhance ecology and connect residents to the water, while also enhancing the marine environment’s resilience. New initiatives seek to integrate marine biodiversity into the design of new shoreline structures in cities such as Singapore and Seattle.
Chiari decompression outcomes using ligamentum nuchae harvest and duraplasty in pediatric patients with Chiari malformation type I.

The choice of graft material for duraplasty in Chiari decompressions remains controversial. This chapter presents a detailed technique for harvesting ligamentum nuchae, as well as the clinical and radiographic outcomes of this technique, in a case series. The authors conducted a retrospective study evaluating the outcomes of Chiari type I decompression and duraplasty done in children aged 0–18 years at a single institution from 2013 to 2016. In the study period, 25 Chiari decompressions with ligamentum nuchae graft duraplasty were done at the institution.
Sequential injection mode of high-salinity/low-salinity water in sandstone reservoirs: oil recovery and surface reactivity tests

The aim of this paper is to quantify the effect of low-salinity (LS) water on oil recovery from sandstone cores at different temperatures and at various permeabilities, oil viscosities, and Ca2+ concentrations in the formation water. Six sandstone cores were waterflooded with high-salinity (HS) and LS water at various temperatures ranging from 25 to 90 °C. Four cores were allocated to oil recovery experiments, and the other two were dedicated to surface reactivity tests. The Swi and Sor of the cores were established, and then the cores were pre-aged for 3 days at 70 °C with oil in a closed container. We examined the effect of different ionic solutions (HS water, LS water, and double Ca2+ HS water) at different temperatures. The surface reactivity test cores were flooded with the same HS and LS brines that were used in oil recovery forced-imbibition experiments. During flooding, samples of the effluent were analyzed for pH and Ca2+. The absence of an oil phase enabled us to isolate and quantify the important water–rock reactions. Ca2+ desorption from the core that was aged in the double Ca2+ concentration was larger than that desorbed from the other core, but pH and pressure was less than the other core during surface reactivity tests. Due to dehydration at high temperatures, the desorption of Ca2+ decreased as the temperature increased. Also, as the temperature increased, the pH gradient between the HS and LS water effluents decreased. Oil recovery forced-imbibition experiments with a double Ca2+ concentration showed a small LS water effect at all temperatures, meaning that the cores became more water-wet; however, the LS water effect was much greater when the amount of Ca2+ in the HS water was decreased by half. Furthermore, as the core permeability and oil viscosity increased, our tests showed a greater positive effect from the LS water. This work attempts to isolate the separate effects and thus examines the oil recovery achieved with the most important LS waterflood factors, which are temperature, ion exchange, and pH.
Fractal geometry: what is it, and what does it do?

Fractal geometry is a workable geometric middle ground between the excessive geometric order of Euclid and the geometric chaos of general mathematics. It is based on a form of symmetry that had previously been underused, namely invariance under contraction or dilation. Fractal geometry is conveniently viewed as a language that has proven its value by its uses. Its uses in art and pure mathematics, being without ‘practical’ application, can be said to be poetic. Its uses in various areas of the study of materials and of other areas of engineering are examples of practical prose. Its uses in physical theory, especially in conjunction with the basic equations of mathematical physics, combine poetry and high prose. Several of the problems that fractal geometry tackles involve old mysteries, some of them already known to primitive man, others mentioned in the Bible, and others familiar to every landscape artist.
Influence of Wind Direction on Thermodynamic Properties and Arctic Mixed-Phase Clouds in Autumn at Utqiaġvik, Alaska

Author(s): Qiu, S; Xi, B; Dong, X | Abstract: Seven years of autumnal ground-based observations (September–November 2002–2008) at the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement North Slope of Alaska site have been analyzed for addressing the occurrence frequency and macrophysical and microphysical properties of Arctic mixed-phase clouds (AMC), as well as the relationship between environmental parameters and AMC properties. In September and October, AMC occurrence frequency is 20–30% lower during a southerly wind when compared to the other wind directions; in November, the variation of AMC occurrence frequency with wind direction is small. The mean liquid water path in November is about half of that in October and September. When the surface is snow free, temperature (T) and specific humidity (q) profiles during a northerly wind are warmer and moister than those for the southerly wind. Northerly wind profiles have a higher relative humidity to ice (RHi) and lower atmosphere stability. Furthermore, the AMC occurrence frequency has a positive relationship with RHi and a negative relationship with stability. These two points may explain the lower AMC occurrence frequency during a southerly wind. During a northerly wind, AMCs have larger radar reflectivity, wider spectrum width, and larger Doppler velocity signatures. The stronger precipitation for AMC during a northerly wind is possibly due to the cleaner air masses from the ocean (north). With the same amount of q, the radar spectrum width has a higher frequency in the larger bins during a northerly wind. Both T, q, and radar reflectivity, radar spectrum width profiles show evidence of deposition in the sub-cloud layer in September and October.
Pyometra due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Pyometra is an unusual presentation of uterine infection, this condition is characterized by purulent fluid within the uterine cavity. In this report we describe pyometra due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a 90-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, nausea with emesis and diarrhea. She was evaluated at an outside emergency department and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, complex, cystic mass measuring 9.2 cm (cm) in greatest diameter. Given her age, the diagnosis of malignancy was entertained. She was referred to gynecologic-oncology service for evaluation and underwent exploratory laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and lysis of adhesions. Intraoperative findings were consistent with pyometra. Cultures ultimately grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. She initiated on antibacterial therapy and was discharged to a rehabilitation facility.
Human–Ape Interactions in a Zoo Setting: Gorillas and Orangutans Modify Their Behavior Depending upon Human Familiarity

Understanding how human presence influences animal behavior, specifically the behavior of nonhuman primates, has important implications for methodology in cognitive and behavioral studies, for our ...
Virtual reality for management of pain in hospitalized patients: A randomized comparative effectiveness trial

Objectives Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an effective, drug-free tool for pain management, but there is a lack of randomized, controlled data evaluating its effectiveness in hospitalized patients. We sought to measure the impact of on-demand VR versus “health and wellness” television programming for pain in hospitalized patients. Methods We performed a prospective, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial in hospitalized patients with an average pain score of ≥3 out of 10 points. Patients in the experimental group received a library of 21 VR experiences administered using the Samsung Gear Oculus headset; control patients viewed specialized television programming to promote health and wellness. Clinical staff followed usual care; study interventions were not protocolized. The primary outcome was patient-reported pain using a numeric rating scale, as recorded by nursing staff during usual care. Pre- and post-intervention pain scores were compared immediately after initial treatment and after 48- and 72-hours. Results There were 120 subjects (61 VR; 59 control). The mean within-subject difference in immediate pre- and post-intervention pain scores was larger in the VR group (-1.72 points; SD 3.56) than in the control group (-0.46 points; SD 3.01); this difference was significant in favor of VR (P < .04). When limited to the subgroup of patients with severe baseline pain (≥7 points), the effect of VR was more pronounced vs. control (-3.04, SD 3.75 vs. -0.93, SD 2.16 points; P = .02). In regression analyses adjusting for pre-intervention pain, time, age, gender, and type of pain, VR yielded a .59 (P = .03) and .56 (P = .04) point incremental reduction in pain versus control during the 48- and 72-hour post-intervention periods, respectively. Conclusions VR significantly reduces pain versus an active control condition in hospitalized patients. VR is most effective for severe pain. Future trials should evaluate standardized order sets that interpose VR as an early non-drug option for analgesia.
Sphyrapicus varius (yellow-bellied sapsucker) use of Cotinus obovatus (American Smoketree) in the Ozark Mountains.

Sphyrapicus varius (Yellow-bellied Sapsucker) has been reported drilling sap wells in more than 250 species of trees and woody vines in eastern North America. Criteria for species selection and use of geographically restricted endemics are poorly understood. Here I report drilling frequencies in Cotinus obovatus (American Smoketree), a rare endemic whose center of abundance occurs in the wintering range of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in the Ozark Mountains. Horizontal bands of sap wells were present on 4.5% of specimens (DBH ≥ 7 cm; n = 402) and 12.1% of larger-diameter classes (DBH ≥ 20 cm; n = 149). Sapsuckers preferred larger trees exhibiting little cambial dieback. Latticed arrays of sap wells similar to those observed on breeding territories were present on several large specimens. This survey indicates that the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker exploits rare species that may only be encountered on their winter territories. Documentation of a yearling inspecting a preexisting array of sap wells suggests that yearlings may obtain cues for appropriate tree species selection by examining sapsucker drillings encountered on wintering grounds. Because sap wells persist for years, cultural transmission of sapping information is likely transgenerational.
Smart Power Control for Quality-Driven Multi-User Video Transmissions: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach

Device-to-device (D2D) communications have been regarded as a promising technology to meet the dramatically increasing video data demand in the 5G network. In this paper, we consider the power control problem in a multi-user video transmission system. Due to the non-convex nature of the optimization problem, it is challenging to obtain an optimal strategy. In addition, many existing solutions require instantaneous channel state information (CSI) for each link, which is hard to obtain in resource-limited wireless networks. We developed a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning-based power control method, where each agent adaptively controls its transmit power based on the observed local states. The proposed method aims to maximize the average quality of received videos of all users while satisfying the quality requirement of each user. After off-line training, the method can be distributedly implemented such that all the users can achieve their target state from any initial state. Compared with conventional optimization based approach, the proposed method is model-free, does not require CSI, and is scalable to large networks.
Measuring infant handedness reliably from reaching: A systematic review

Researchers have utilized reaching paradigms to measure infant handedness for more than a century. However, methods vary widely. Recent research has identified that the number of trials used in assessment is critical with the recommendation that at least 15 trials are necessary to reliably classify infants into handedness categories via statistical cutoffs. As a first step towards establishing best practices for the field, we identified, categorized, and synthesized findings according to trial number from studies that utilized reaching to index handedness in infants across the first two years of life using PRISMA guidelines. Database searches were conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Ovid MEDLINE®. All articles published through May 2018 were included. Additional records were identified through other sources. After removing duplicates, 1,116 records were screened using the online software program Abstrackr. Of these records, 125 full-text articles were further assessed for eligibility, and 87 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results revealed that the majority of papers published since 1890 (70%) do not meet the 15-trial minimum criterion for statistically reliable measurement of infant handedness. Broad themes from articles meeting the measurement criterion and implications for future research are discussed.
Modeling broadband cloaking using 3D nano-assembled plasmonic meta-structures.

The concept of “cloaking” an object is a very attractive one, especially in the visible (VIS) and near infra-red (NIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as that would reduce the visibility of an object to the eye. One possible route to achieving this goal is by leveraging the plasmonic property of metallic nanoparticles (NPs). We model and simulate light in the VIS and NIR scattered by a core of a homogeneous medium, covered by plasmonic cloak that is a spherical shell composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To consider realistic, scalable, and robust plasmonic cloaks that are comparable, or larger, in size to the wavelength, we introduce a multiscale simulation platform. This model uses the multiple scattering theory of Foldy and Lax to model interactions of light with AuNPs combined with the method of fundamental solutions to model interactions with the core. Numerical results of our simulations for the scattering cross-sections of core-shell composite indicate significant scattering suppression of up to 50% over a substantial portion of the desired spectral range (400 - 600 nm) for cores as large as 900 nm in diameter by a suitable combination of AuNP sizes and filling fractions of AuNPs in the shell.
Analytical model of low and high ablation regimes in carbon arcs

Graphite ablation by an electric arc or a laser/solar flux is widely used for the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. Previously, it was observed in multiple arc experiments that the ablation rate is a strong nonlinear function of the arc current and it drastically increases at some threshold current. We developed an analytical model explaining this transition in the rate of ablation by an electric arc or a laser/solar flux. The model not only explains the observations but can also accurately predict the experimentally observed ablation rates. The model takes into account redeposition of carbon back to the ablated surface, which is the key process responsible for the observed effects.
Differential Decline in Illicit Drug Use by Sexual Identity Among United States High School Students, 2005–2017

Purpose: Adolescent drug use remains a significant public health concern. Sexual minority youth (SMY) are at elevated risk for illicit drug use compared with their heterosexual peers. We investigated this pattern at the national level, exploring whether trends and disparities in drug use vary over time and by sexual identity. Methods: This study used Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data, which were collected at seven time points from 2005 to 2017. Trends and disparities over time in the use of five drugs, as well as any drug use, were analyzed by self-reported sexual identity. Results: The results demonstrated a general decrease in drug use behaviors from 2005 to 2017. The greatest number of significant decreases was among heterosexual and bisexual students; the fewest were among gay and lesbian students. Disparities between heterosexual youth and SMY persisted across years, and were greater for gay and lesbian students in 2017 than for bisexual and not-sure youth. Conclusions: Our results represent the most comprehensive analysis of recent trends in drug use by sexual identity to date. Disparities in drug use remained significant despite overall downward trends within our sample. The significant decreases among bisexual students are not readily explained. We emphasize the need for ongoing research in this area, particularly given the currently volatile social position of sexual minority populations in the United States, and for culturally responsive and trauma-informed responses to SMY drug use.
Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and Troponin Elevation in COVID-19

Abstract Background the COVID19 pandemic has resulted in worldwide morbidity at unprecedented scale. Troponin elevation is a frequent laboratory finding in hospitalized patients with the disease, and may reflect direct vascular injury or nonspecific supply-demand imbalance. In this work, we assessed the correlation between different ranges of Troponin elevation, Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and mortality. Methods We retrospectively studied 204 consecutive patients hospitalized at NYU Langone Health with COVID19. Serial ECG tracings were evaluated in conjunction with laboratory data including Troponin. Mortality was analyzed in respect to the degree of Troponin elevation and the presence of ECG changes including ST elevation, ST depression or T wave inversion. Results Mortality increased in parallel with increase in Troponin elevation groups and reached 60% when Troponin was >1 ng/ml. In patients with mild Troponin rise (0.05 – 1.00 ng/ml) the presence of ECG abnormality resulted in significantly greater mortality. Conclusion ECG repolarization abnormalities may represent a marker of clinical severity in patients with mild elevation in Troponin values. This finding can be used to enhance risk stratification in patients hospitalized with COVID19.
Long-term water quality analysis reveals correlation between bacterial pollution and sea level rise in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Abstract Long-term assessments are needed to identify water quality trends and their socio-environmental drivers for coastal management and watershed restoration. This study provides the first long-term assessment of fecal bacterial pollution in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico using enterococci data spanning the Texas coast from 2009 to 2020. The data were representative of 66 beaches, 169 stations, and over 75,000 samples. Findings demonstrate that 22 beaches are ‘hotspots’ of pollution and experienced enterococci levels that frequently exceeded the USEPA beach action value. Further, enterococci were correlated with time, population size, and sea level. Weak correlations detected in some counties highlight the multifactorial nature of water quality; additional factors are likely influencing enterococci levels. The correlation with sea level is concerning, as counties vulnerable to sea level rise frequently reported enterococci concentrations exceeding the beach action value. In consideration of sea level rise predictions, targeted studies are needed to pinpoint drivers of fecal pollution.
In vitro diagnostics for the medical dermatologist. Part I: Autoimmune tests.

Despite the expansion of available in vitro laboratory tests at a rate far exceeding that of dermatologic pharmaceuticals, the existing literature is dominated by discussion of the latter. With the advent of numerous new tests, it can be difficult for practicing dermatologists to stay up-to-date on the available options, methodologies, and recommendations for when to order one test over another. Understanding the inherent strengths and weaknesses of these options is necessary to inform appropriate ordering and proper interpretation of the results. The first article in this continuing medical education series summarizes information on methodology, test characteristics, and limitations of several in vitro laboratory tests used for the work up of undifferentiated patients suspected of having dermatologic autoimmune diseases and it provides a general guide to ordering these tests.
Bach’s grave as Communist legacy

The Communist role in creating an eternalized Bach veneration site in post-Nazi Leipzig has been effaced from scholarly and popular awareness. By problematizing where Bach’s grave came from and why...
Interdependencies Among Ethylene Oxidation and Chlorine Moderation Catalytic Cycles Over Promoted Ag/α-Al2O3 Catalysts

Ethylene epoxidation transpires with high ethylene oxide (EO) selectivity (∼90%) over promoted Ag/α-Al2O3 catalysts via the concurrent propagation of ethylene oxidation, chlorine deposition and rem...
Geometry and the Diamond Theory of Truth

Reviewing the last chapter I am reminded of how awed I was by geometry when I studied it in high school, and of how that feeling deepened when, years later, I read the Elements itself. Based on what seemed indubitable principles, buttressed by what I found to be impeccable logic, Euclid’s edifice loomed in my consciousness as a marvel among sciences, unique in its clarity and unquestionable validity.
Cyclic Mechanical Fatigue in Ceramic‐Ceramic Composites–An Update

Attention is given to cyclic mechanical fatigue effects in a number of ceramics and ceramic composites, including several monolithic ceramics in which significant residual stresses should be present as a result of thermal expansion mismatches and anisotropy. Fatigue is also noted in several BN-containing ceramic matrix-particulate composites and in SiC fiber-ceramic matrix composites. These results suggest that fatigue testing is imperative for ceramics and ceramic composites that are to be used in applications subject to cyclic loading. Fatigue process models are proposed which provide a rationale for fatigue effect observations, but do not as yet provide quantitative results. Fiber composite fatigue damage models indicate that design stresses in these materials may have to be maintained below the level at which fiber pullout occurs.
Interferon γ Induces Upregulation and Activation of Caspases 1, 3, and 8 to Produce Apoptosis in Human Erythroid Progenitor Cells

Interferon γ (IFNγ) induces apoptosis in purified human erythroid colony-forming cells (ECFC) and inhibits cell growth. Fas (APO-1; CD95) and Fas ligand (FasL) mediate apoptosis induced by IFNγ, because Fas is significantly upregulated by IFNγ, whereas Fas ligand is constitutively present in the ECFC and neutralization of FasL greatly reduces the apoptosis. Because conversion of caspases from their dormant proenzyme forms to active enzymes has a critical role in transducing a cascade leading to apoptosis, we performed further studies of the expression and activation of caspases in normal human and IFNγ-treated day-6 ECFC to better understand the mechanism of IFNγ action in producing this cell death. RNase protection assays showed that the caspase-1, -2, -6, -8, and -9 mRNAs were upregulated by IFNγ, whereas the caspase-5 and -7 mRNAs were not increased. Western blots showed that FLICE/caspase-8 was upregulated and activated by 24 hours of incubation with IFNγ. FADD was not similarly altered by incubation with IFNγ. Western blots of ICE/caspase-1, which might be required for amplification of the initial FLICE activation signal, showed that pro-ICE expression significantly increased after treatment with IFNγ for 24 hours and cleavage of pro-ICE also increased. CPP32/apopain/caspase-3, responsible for the proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP), was also studied and treatment of ECFC with IFNγ resulted in an increased concentration of caspase-3 by 24 hours and a clear induction of enzyme activation by 48 hours, which was identified by the appearance of its p17-kD peptide fragment. The cleavage of PARP was demonstrated by an obvious increase of the 89-kD PARP cleavage product, which was observed at almost the same time as caspase-3 activation in the IFNγ-treated cells, whereas untreated ECFC showed little change. Peptide inhibitors of the caspase proteins, DEVD-fmk, DEVD-cho, YVAD-cho, and IETD-fmk, were incubated with the ECFC to obtain further evidence for the involvement of caspases in IFNγ-induced apoptosis. The activation of FLICE/caspase-8 and CPP32/caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP clearly were inhibited, but the reduction of cell growth due to apoptosis, induced by IFNγ, was only partially blocked by the presence of the inhibitors. These results indicate that IFNγ acts on ECFC not only to upregulate Fas, but also to selectively upregulate caspases-1, -3, and -8, which are activated and produce apoptosis, whereas the concentrations of FasL and FADD are not demonstrably changed.
A Brief History, Status, and Perspective of Modified Oligonucleotides for Chemotherapeutic Applications

The advent of rapid and efficient methods of oligonucleotide synthesis has allowed the design of modified oligonucleotides that are complementary to specific nucleotide sequences in mRNA targets. Such modified oligonucleotides can be used to disrupt the flow of genetic information from transcribed mRNAs to proteins. This antisense strategy has been used to develop therapeutic oligonucleotides against cancer and various infectious diseases in humans. This overview reports recent advances in the application of oligonucleotides as drug candidates, describes the relationship between oligonucleotide modifications and their therapeutic profiles, and provides general guidelines for enhancing oligonucleotide drug properties.
Browning's “A Forgiveness”: A Grammatical Reading

This reading situates Robert Browning's “A Forgiveness” in the context of popular Victorian lyrics in order to draw attention to features of the popular texts that are tellingly absent from or ironized within Browning's poem. I trace the “grammar of forgiveness” in the popular texts, outlining the often explicitly theological framework that guides how the language of forgiveness is used and to what intended effect. This linguistic exploration also demonstrates that Browning's title – now a curious phrase – was not unusual at the time; it was often employed in the period to make distinctions between human and divine forgiveness. The study juxtaposes the “grammar of forgiveness” found in the popular texts with that of Browning's poem, revealing that the speaker is, in his own macabre fashion, grammatically inventive, fusing forgiveness and retribution in his deadly response to his wife's feigned infidelity and the murderous visit to confession in which he reports how his wife died. Yet the speaker's bleak presentation of forgiveness, I argue, should not be read uncritically as expressing Browning's ethical perspective. Instead, I observe that the poem's form – the dramatic monologue – presents the reader with the opportunity for critique of the speaker's project, inviting reflection on the speaker's form of forgiveness rather than demanding its practice in the manner characteristic of the popular lyrics.
Slime of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: in vivo production.

Abstract Indirect hemagglutination inhibition tests were employed to detect slime in concentrations as low as 1 μg/ml. Increasing concentrations of slime resulted in proportionately greater inhibition of hemagglutination. Peritoneal aspirates and plasma of mice injected with slime were shown to exhibit the inhibitory activity of slime. The rapid dissemination of slime into the peripheral circulation was also indicated by the hemagglutination of mouse erythrocytes by specific anti-slime serum. By similar methods, the inhibitory activity of slime was also detected in peritoneal aspirates and plasma of mice infected with lethal doses of viable Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity was found to increase with time after viable cell infection, whereas such increases were not detected after the injection of heat-killed organisms. Ferritin-labeled slime antibodies were found to completely surround cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from the peritoneal cavity of mice 5 h postinfection.
Theory of Primary Photoexcitations in Donor-Acceptor Copolymers

We present a generic theory of primary photoexcitations in low band gap donor-acceptor conjugated copolymers. Because of the combined effects of strong electron correlations and broken symmetry, there is considerable mixing between a charge-transfer exciton and an energetically proximate triplet-triplet state with an overall spin singlet. The triplet-triplet state, optically forbidden in homopolymers, is allowed in donor-acceptor copolymers. For an intermediate difference in electron affinities of the donor and the acceptor, the triplet-triplet state can have a stronger oscillator strength than the charge-transfer exciton. We discuss the possibility of intramolecular singlet fission from the triplet-triplet state, and how such fission can be detected experimentally.
The African-American heart failure trial (A-HeFT): rationale and methodology☆

The stage has been well set for so timely a prospective trial, in the African-American population at high risk from heart failure (HF), with some rather unique design features. We will begin with a brief review of some of the specific data sets that have generated the hypothesis for the AfricanAmerican Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT) and then describe the trial itself as well as where we are with the conduct of the trial. Background and Rationale for A-HeFT
Algebraic and spectral properties of dual Toeplitz operators

Dual Toeplitz operators on the orthogonal complement of the Bergman space are defined to be multiplication operators followed by projection onto the orthogonal complement. In this paper we study algebraic and spectral properties of dual Toeplitz operators.
Emergency Airway Management

Emergency airway management is associated with a high complication rate. Evaluating the patient prior to airway management is important to identify patients with increased risk of failed airways. Pre-oxygenation of critically ill patients is less effective in comparison to less sick patients. Induction agents are often required, but most induction agents are associated with hypotension during emergency intubation. Use of muscle relaxants is controversial for emergency intubation, but they are commonly used in the emergency department. Supervision of emergency airway management by attending physicians significantly decreases complications. Standardized algorithms may increase the success of emergency intubation. Attention should be paid to cardiopulmonary stability in the immediate post-intubation period.
Cutaneous manifestations in patients with POEMS syndrome.

Background Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome is a rare multisystem paraneoplastic condition associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. Methods From our institution’s dysproteinemia database, 107 patients met criteria for polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome between January 1, 2000, and October 1, 2009. Medical records were reviewed for documented syndrome features at diagnosis. We assessed prevalence of skin findings and associations between dermatologic and other characteristic disease findings. Results Of the 107 patients, 96 (90%) had a recognized cutaneous manifestation. Hyperpigmentation and hemangioma were most common (47%), followed by hypertrichosis (38%). Vascular skin changes – acrocyanosis (34%), Raynaud phenomenon (20%), hyperemia/erythema (20%), flushing (16%), or rubor (11%) – occurred in 62%; white nails, sclerodermoid changes, and clubbing occurred in 30%, 26%, and 6%, respectively. Mean number of skin findings per patient was 2.9 (median, 3.0; range, 0–7). Presence of cutaneous manifestation was associated with abnormal pulmonary function tests (P < 0.001); immunoglobulin G gammopathy was associated with hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. No other significant associations were seen. Conclusions The high prevalence of skin findings (90%) shows the value of dermatologic evaluation in diagnosis of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome. Our data indicate new associations between skin findings and other disease characteristics.
Millimeterwave and digital applications of InP-based MBE grown HEMTs and HBTs

Abstract Microwave and millimeterwave devices grown by MBE have significantly advanced the state of the art for RF device performance with respect to noise figure, power output, power added efficiency and extended the clock frequency of digital circuits into the millimeterwave regime. Ober the last 10–15 years, military systems have greatly benefited from the superior performance of MBE grown devices. In order to have a similar impact on the commercial marketplace, MBE growers will have to focus their efforts on a different set of performance criteria; i.e. cost, uniformity and reproducibility. This paper discusses outstanding performance achieved by MBE grown devices and outlines the criteria for commercial applications.
The dynamic programming equations for stochastic games with discrete actions

Abstract We consider the quasi-variational inequalities associated with a stochastic game with discrete actions and switching costs. We obtain an analytical uniqueness result, and, for a particular case, a regurality estimate.
A Systematic Study of Phase Changes Induced by Trans-Membrane Peptide Gramicidin-A in Multi-Component Lipid Membranes

What are the effects of proteins on lipid membrane domains? In order to answer this question, we systematically investigated the phase changes induced by trans-membrane peptide gramicidin-A in 16:0-18:2PC(PLPC)/di18:0PC(DSPC)/cholesterol and 16:0-18:2PC/di16:0PC(DPPC)/cholesterol lipid bilayers. Quaternary giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) were prepared using our recently developed Damp-Film method. The phase boundaries of liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered (Lo+Ld) coexisting region as well as the critical points were determined using video fluorescence microscopy. Within the phase coexisting regions, thermodynamic tie-lines were determined using a fluorescence assay. Our results show that adding 1 mol% of gramicidin produces significant and complex phase changes to the lipid bilayers: at some lipid compositions, gramicidin can induce lipid domains; at others, gramicidin completely abolish the phase separation; even if the phase separation is preserved, gramicidin significantly alters the lipid compositions of membrane domains and tie-lines. In the biological relevant critical region, these changes could be quite dramatic. We also measured gramicidin-A partition coefficients between coexisting Lo+Ld lipid phases. Away from the critical point, the coefficient is close to 2, indicating that gramicidin slightly prefers the disordered Ld lipid domains with smaller bilayer thickness. However, the partition coefficient continuously changes with lipid composition. Near the critical point, the partition coefficient approaches to the theoretical value of 1.
Regulation of Drosophila matrix metalloprotease Mmp2 is essential for wing imaginal disc:trachea association and air sac tubulogenesis

The Drosophila Dorsal Air Sac Primordium (ASP) is a tracheal tube that grows toward Branchless FGF-expressing cells in the wing imaginal disc. We show that the ASP arises from a tracheal branch that invades the basal lamina of the disc to juxtapose directly with disc cells. We examined the role of matrix metalloproteases (Mmps), and found that reducing Mmp2 activity perturbed disc-trachea association, altered peritracheal distributions of collagen IV and Perlecan, misregulated ASP growth, and abrogated development of the dorsal air sacs. Whereas the function of the membrane-tethered Mmp2 in the ASP is non-cell autonomous we find that it may have distinct tissue-specific roles in the ASP and disc. These findings demonstrate a critical role for Mmp2 in tubulogenesis post-induction, and implicate Mmp2 in regulating dynamic and essential changes to the extracellular matrix.
The Moving Contact Line of a Droplet on a Smooth Solid

Abstract The slip velocity near the contact line of a liquid drop is considered to be generated by the shear stress induced by a non-uniform interaction potential in the liquid. Near the contact line, this interaction potential differs from that in a semi-infinite liquid and depends upon the distance x to the leading edge. Einstein's equation is used to relate the slip velocity to the force acting upon a molecule located on the solid surface. The equation derived for the slip velocity at the leading edge on the basis of these dynamical considerations coincides with that obtained previously by the author by considering that the force is generated by the gradient of the chemical potential. However, the slip velocity decays to zero as x -4 in the latter case and as x -3 in the former.
Aberrantly sustained PAX5 expression in plasma cell differentiation is a frequent feature in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma but not marginal zone lymphoma in bone marrow

Subclassification of low-grade B cell lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation can be a diagnostic challenge, especially in the bone marrow (BM). The major differential diagnoses include marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). We hypothesize that the lymphoplasmacytic populations present in these two B cell lymphoma subtypes may differ in their spectrum of plasma cell differentiation. Plasma cell differentiation is gradual and phenotypically defined. PRDM1/Blimp-1 expression is initiated in B cells that are destined to become plasma cells, and precedes CD138 expression. We utilized PRDM1/PAX5 and CD138/PAX5 double immunohistochemistry to characterize and assess the differences of the plasmacytic populations in a series of MZLs, with or without plasmacytic differentiation, and LPLs. A higher percentage of CD138+ or PRDM1+ cells coexpressed PAX5 in LPL than in MZL without plasmacytic differentiation (p = 0.013 and 0.06, respectively, two-tailed Mann–Whitney test). The percentage of CD138+ cells with PAX5 positivity also tends to be higher in LPL compared with MZL with plasmacytic differentiation (p = 0.07, two-tailed Mann‐Whitney test). A similar percentage of PRDM1+ cells coexpressing PAX5 were noted in LPLs and MZLs with plasmacytic differentiation. These results demonstrate that PAX5 is aberrantly sustained in a subset of CD138+ cells in many LPLs and suggest that PAX5 deregulation is a frequent feature of LPL. These findings may provide a novel area of investigation into the underlying pathogenesis of LPL.
Debe cuidarse en la calle: normative influences on condom use among the steady male partners of female sex workers in the Dominican Republic

Encouragement to use condoms reflects the injunctive norm, or idea that you should use condoms. In our previous research with the regular male partners of female sex workers, in the Dominican Republic, we found that encouragement to use condoms with female sex workers from individuals in their personal social networks was not directly associated with condom use. In the current study, we used qualitative interviews to further explore the influence of social network norms on men’s sexual-risk behaviours. We interviewed 11 steady male partners of female sex workers, with participants completing two interviews to achieve greater depth. We analysed data using analytic summaries and systematic thematic coding. All men perceived that the prevailing injunctive norm was that they should use condoms with sex workers. Men received encouragement to use condoms but did not articulate a link between this encouragement and condom use. Additionally, men who did not use condoms lied to their friends to avoid social sancti...
Percutaneous antegrade pyelography in hydronephrosis Preoperative assessment

Abstract The use of percutaneous antegrade pyelography is illustrated in a series of patients in whom an accurate diagnosis could not be established by conventional intravenous or retrograde pyelography. It has been especially useful in patients with urinary diversion and ureteral fistula. We believe that antegrade pyelography is a useful, simple, and safe diagnostic procedure and should be utilized more frequently in the preoperative assessment of patients with hydronephrosis.
Multiscale autoregressive identification of neuro-electrophysiological systems

Electrical signals between connected neural nuclei are difficult to model because of the complexity and high number of paths within the brain. Simple parametric models are therefore often used. A multiscale version of the autoregressive with exogenous input (MS-ARX) model has recently been developed which allows selection of the optimal amount of filtering and decimation depending on the signal-to-noise ratio and degree of predictability. In this paper we apply the MS-ARX model to cortical electroencephalograms and subthalamic local field potentials simultaneously recorded from anesthetized rodent brains. We demonstrate that the MS-ARX model produces better predictions than traditional ARX modeling. We also adapt the MS-ARX results to show differences in inter-nuclei predictability between normal rats and rats with 6OHDA-induced parkinsonism, indicating that this method may have broad applicability to other neuro-electrophysiological studies.
Persistent pulmonary consolidation treated with intrapulmonary percussive ventilation: A preliminary report

Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is a novel form of chest physiotherapy delivered by a percussive pneumatic device (IPV, Percussionaire, Sand Point, ID). There are few published reports about the use of IPV for diseases other than cystic fibrosis. We report our experience with three pediatric patients and one adult patient with persistent pulmonary consolidation refractory to conventional therapies. Three of the four patients had neuromuscular disease; one patient had segmental atelectasis due to aspiration. Three of the four patients showed clinical and radiographic improvement within 48 hours of starting IPV. The fourth patient experienced brief episodes of third-degree atrioventricular block, hypoxemia, and bradycardia during two IPV treatments. IPV was safely restarted and he slowly improved. We conclude that while IPV requires further clinical evaluation, it appears to be a safe and effective therapy for selected patients. However, close observation is essential during and after IPV treatments, especially in patients who have difficulty mobilizing or expectorating sputum.