cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation on the Working Efficiency of the Implementation of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention Programme(2001—2010)in Dingxi City

OBJECTIVE By conducting systematic evaluation on the working condition of the implementation of Tuberculosis Control Programme in ten years(2001—2010)and summarizing the experience,we try to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of TB control programme in the future.METHODS Summarizing,adding up and analyzing systematically the data of the Tuberculosis Control Programme in ten years(2001—2010)in Dingxi City.RESULTS 17 622 cases of active tuberculosis patients were found in ten years,including 5 605 cases of new smear positive,1 074 cases of retreatment smear positive and 10 943 cases of new smear negative.The average annual active tuberculosis registration rate was 59.61/100 000.Smear-positive registration rate was 22.63/100 000.The cure rate of smear-positive patients was 90.94%.A large number of infectious tuberculosis patients were cured and embarked on the road of poverty.By estimation,the number of tuberculosis patients death case has been reduced by 4 261,and 94 869 new infections have been avoided,the number of new tuberculosis patients has been reduced by 9 487,health care cost has been reduced by 6 462 950 yuan and 199 million RMB yuan of economic benefit has been made by avoiding the loss of labor.CONCLUSION After a decade(2001—2010)of seriously implementing Tuberculosis Control Program,achieved remarkable social and economic benefits has been made in our city.The programme has played an important role in protecting people's health,strengthening the capacity of TB prevention and treatment as well as the tuberculosis epidemic control.Moreover,it made a positive contribution to local economic construction.
An Empirical Study on Government Support and Success Factors in Industry-University-Institute Cooperation

From the perspective of enterprises and universities/institutions respectively,this paper empirically studied the status of China's industryuniversity-institute cooperation and the factors impacting the cooperation effect among China's technology innovation alliances.Based on a questionnaire of 100universities/institutions and 100 enterprises,factor analysis,correlation analysis and regression analysis were given to explore the factors for successful cooperation and the effects of government support on cooperation.The results showed that industry-university-institute cooperation in the form of alliance has significant impact on the cooperation effect but universities/institutions pay less attention to it.As to the factors for successful cooperation,enterprises attach equal importance to capability and mechanism while universities/institutions give priority to capability.Thus,the government should increase policy support for enterprises and guiding support for universities/institutions.
Treatment of polyhydramnios with indomethacin

Polyhydramnios detected in a pregnancy should always be investigated thoroughly. We believe chromosomal abnormalities should be excluded, but that determination need not delay therapy. Indomethacin has been shown to reduce amniotic fluid volume in certain cases, but a strict monitoring schedule should be followed whenever it is administered. At our institution, we are investigating the effect on the fetus of newer, more selective prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors that should have beneficial effects similar to indomethacin, but be devoid of its unwanted side effects.
Evidence for a glutamatergic neural pathway in the myenteric plexus.

The objective of this study was to determine whether L-glutamate (L-Glu) may serve as a neurotransmitter candidate in the guinea pig myenteric plexus. We observed that [3H]Glu and gamma-[3H]aminobutyric acid were synthesized from [3H]glutamine and released from neurons of the myenteric plexus during K+ and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium-evoked depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. Muscle tension studies performed on ileal longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LM-MP) preparations revealed that L-Glu [mean effective dose (ED50) 2.5 x 10(-5) M] produced concentration-dependent contractions, which were unaffected by hexamethonium but abolished by tetrodotoxin, atropine, and magnesium, suggesting that L-Glu acts via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type receptors that stimulate a cholinergic neural pathway unaffected by ganglionic blockade. In addition, L-Glu (ED50 4 x 10(-5) M) and NMDA (ED50 2 x 10(-4) M) stimulated concentration-dependent release of [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) from LM-MP sections, w...
Semiempirical MO Theories: A Critique and a Review of Progress

The basic principles and methods of quantum mechanics have gradually become familiar to an increasingly large number of scientists working in many diverse areas of research. At the present time, application of quantum mechanical methods to such problems as protein structure, drug design, hydrogen bonding, and many other phenomena important in biological studies is becoming common. Nearly all such applications to phenomena of biological interest are made by means of some type of semiempirical formulation. Therefore it seems of interest to review these semiempirical methods and to discuss in detail their advantages and shortcomings. This chapter is an attempt at such a review and will be restricted to a discussion of empirical and semiempirical molecular orbital (MO) approaches. Emphasis will be placed on recent all-valence electron approaches and no discussion of the older methods will be given since these latter formulations have already been exhaus- tively reviewed elsewhere.
Communication Deficits and the Motor System: Exploring Patterns of Associations in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have notable difficulties in motor, speech and language domains. The connection between motor skills (oral-motor, manual-motor) and speech and language deficits reported in other developmental disorders raises important questions about a potential relationship between motor skills and speech-language deficits in ASD. To this end, we examined data from children with ASD (n = 1781), 2–17 years of age, enrolled in the Autism Speaks—Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN) registry who completed a multidisciplinary evaluation that included diagnostic, physical, cognitive and behavioral assessments as part of a routine standard of care protocol. After adjusting for age, non-verbal IQ, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication use, and muscle tone, separate multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant positive associations of fine motor skills (FM) with both expressive language (EL) and receptive language (RL) skills in an impaired FM subgroup; in contrast, the impaired gross motor (GM) subgroup showed no association with EL but a significant negative association with RL. Similar analyses between motor skills and interpersonal relationships across the sample found both GM skills and FM skills to be associated with social interactions. These results suggest potential differences in the contributions of fine versus gross motor skills to autistic profiles and may provide another lens with which to view communication differences across the autism spectrum for use in treatment interventions.
Injection Structures Specified by Finite State Transducers

An injection structure \({\mathcal A}= (A,f)\) is a set A together with a one-place one-to-one function f. \({\mathcal A}\) is an FST injection structure if A is a regular set, that is, the set of words accepted by some finite automaton, and f is realized by a finite-state transducer. We initiate the study of FST injection structures. We show that the model checking problem for FST injection structures is undecidable which contrasts with the fact that the model checking problem for automatic relational structures is decidable. We also explore which isomorphisms types of injection structures can be realized by FST injections. For example, we completely characterize the isomorphism types that can be realized by FST injection structures over a unary alphabet. We show that any FST injection structure is isomorphic to an FST injection structure over a binary alphabet. We also prove a number of positive and negative results about the possible isomorphism types of FST injection structures over an arbitrary alphabet.
G-store: high-performance graph store for trillion-edge processing

High-performance graph processing brings great benefits to a wide range of scientific applications, e.g., biology networks, recommendation systems, and social networks, where such graphs have grown to terabytes of data with billions of vertices and trillions of edges. Subsequently, storage performance plays a critical role in designing a high-performance computer system for graph analytics. In this paper, we present G-Store, a new graph store that incorporates three techniques to accelerate the I/O and computation of graph algorithms. First, G-Store develops a space-efficient tile format for graph data, which takes advantage of the symmetry present in graphs as well as a new smallest number of bits representation. Second, G-Store utilizes tile-based physical grouping on disks so that multi-core CPUs can achieve high cache and memory performance and fully utilize the throughput from an array of solid-state disks. Third, G-Store employs a novel slide-cache-rewind strategy to pipeline graph I/O and computing. With a modest amount of memory, G-Store utilizes a proactive caching strategy in the system so that all fetched graph data are fully utilized before evicted from memory. We evaluate G-Store on a number of graphs against two state-of-the-art graph engines and show that G-Store achieves 2 to 8× saving in storage and outperforms both by 2 to 32×. G-Store is able to run different algorithms on trillion-edge graphs within tens of minutes, setting a new milestone in semi-external graph processing system.
Introduction to Fourier Series

We start the book by considering the series \(\mathop {\Sigma }\nolimits _{n=1}^\infty {\mathrm{sin}(n x) \over n},\) a nice example of a Fourier series. This series converges for all real numbers x, but the issue of convergence is delicate. We introduce summation by parts as a tool for handling some conditionally convergent series of this sort. After verifying convergence, but before finding the limit, we pause to introduce and discuss several elementary differential equations. This material also leads to Fourier series. We include the exponentiation of matrices here. The reader will observe these diverse topics begin being woven into a coherent whole
Polyhydramnios or Excessive Fetal Growth Are Markers for Abnormal Perinatal Outcome in Euglycemic Pregnancies.

Objective This study aims to investigate the perinatal outcome of fetuses with polyhydramnios and/or accelerated growth among women with a normal oral glucose challenge test (oGCT). Methods Singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies with an oGCT( 24 cm or maximum vertical pocket > 8 cm) and/or accelerated growth (abdominal circumference > 95th percentile) on two-third trimester examinations were studied. Maternal demographics, delivery, and neonatal information were recorded. Cases were compared with a reference group (normal oGCT with neither abnormal third-trimester growth nor polyhydramnios). Results A total of 282 pregnancies were in the study group, and 663 were in the reference group. Deliveries in the study group were at a higher risk for birth weight (BW)% > 90%, standard deviation, and postpartum hemorrhage when compared with the reference group (adjusted odds ratio: 2.3–5.6). Pregnancies complicated by both polyhydramnios and accelerated fetal growth were significantly more likely to result in a BW% > 90% (odds ratio [OR]: 18.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9–38.6) and PPH (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.4–7.6). Conclusion Pregnancies with normal oGCT that develop polyhydramnios and accelerated growth are at higher risk for maternal and neonatal complications. Isolated polyhydramnios without accelerated growth increases the risk for delivery complications but not neonatal morbidity.
Taracus Aspenae, N. Sp. (Opiliones: Taracidae) a New Long-Jawed Harvestman From a Cave in Northeastern Oregon, U.S.A

A new species of long-jawed harvestman, Taracus aspenae n. sp. is described from Catherine Creek Ice Cave, near Le Grande, Union Co., Oregon, USA. The new species is closest to T. pallipes (Banks, 1894) and distinct from the likely sympatric T. gertschi Goodnight & Goodnight, 1942.
Macro-encapsulation and characterization of chloride based inorganic Phase change materials for high temperature thermal energy storage systems

Abstract A novel approach involving the use of ceramic materials was investigated for encapsulating chloride based PCMs with melting points higher than 650 °C. Low-cost ceramics with excellent thermal and chemical stability under molten-salt conditions were identified as the encapsulants. The processing procedure for these materials was discerned by systematic porosity distribution and materials compatibility studies. The influence of sintering temperature on the reactivity of feldspar, ball clay, kaolin and the mixture thereof with molten sodium chloride was investigated by IR spectroscopy. The porosity of the sintered ceramic samples was analyzed through water and dye absorption tests, as well as SEM analysis. The results were used for developing an optimum ceramic capsule fabrication procedure, which involved the use of a green ceramic body followed by sintering at 1190 °C. Sodium chloride and its eutectic with potassium chloride were used as the PCMs. The selected PCM was poured into and filled the fabricated ceramic capsule through a hole which was sealed at a temperature close to or higher than the melting temperature of the PCM. The fabricated capsules have been tested and have survived more than 150 thermal cycles without showing degradation in their thermo-physical properties.
NS6740, an α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor silent agonist, disrupts hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

Abstract Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus was previously shown to be enhanced by nicotine, an effect dependent on both homomeric α7 and heteromeric α2β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). In our experiments, bath-applied nicotine produced no significant enhancement of LTP. The α7 nAChR silent agonist NS6740, a weak activator of α7 nAChR ion channels but an effective modulator of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, decreased LTP and, additionally, produced a substantial reduction in the baseline synaptic function prior to the high frequency stimulation used to induce LTP. The effects of NS6740 on the various ligand-gated ion channels associated with the generation and modulation of dentate LTP were evaluated with receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. A 60 s pre-application of 5 μM NS6740 to α7 receptors blocked the response to subsequent applications of acetylcholine (ACh). In contrast, the responses of α2β2 nAChR to control applications of ACh were not significantly affected by NS6740. Likewise, responses of cells expressing GluR1 + GluR2 AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunits or GABAA α1, β2, and γ2L subunits to control agonist applications (100 μM kainic acid or 10 μM GABA, respectively), were unaffected by NS6740. The effects of NS6740 on α7 were inconsistent with simple antagonism since, while unresponsive to ACh, the receptors exposed to NS6740 were effectively activated by the positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596. The results support the hypothesis that NS6740 switches the mode of α7 signaling in a channel-independent manner that can reduce synaptic function.
An Analysis of the Stability and Convergence Properties of a Crank-Nicholson Algorithm for Nonlinear Elasto-Dynamics Problems

The stability of nonlinear step by step computing schemes for solid mechanics problems can be insured by either requiring that the energy of the approximation be conserved or by insisting that the energy be bounded for all time. While techniques exist for analyzing conserving procedures, few analysis methods exist which are capable of establishing the boundedness of the energy of nonconserving computing schemes. In this paper an analysis procedure for demonstrating the stability and convergence of nonconserving step by step solution algorithms is introduced. As a typical example this technique is used to analyze a Crank-Nicholson-Galerkin algorithm for nonlinear elastodynamics problems.
Open problems in ℓ1 optimal control

The l∞ general disturbance rejection problem can be stated as follows: Find a stabilizing controller K that minimizes: $$ _{\parallel w\parallel \infty \leqslant 1}^{\sup \parallel z\parallel \infty } $$ (8.1) where z is the regulated variable and w is the disturbance input.
My Grandmother's Personality: A Posthumous Evaluation

The author's grandmother's personality is investigated posthumously through the use of a significant-other form of the Coolidge Axis II Inventory (CATI) designed for the assessment of personality disorders. The CATI was given to the three surviving children (ages 80, 78, and 76). The oldest child had the highest mean correlation across 13 personality disorders with both of her sisters (r = .67) and the youngest child had the lowest (r = .47). The three highest mean T scores across all three raters were Sadistic (71), Self-defeating (68), and Borderline (67). The parameters of accuracy for significant-other ratings are discussed.
Covalent modification of class 2 and class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase by 4-hydroxynonenal.

The peroxidation of cellular membrane lipids gives rise to a number of chemically diverse aldehydes. Whereas a variety of different aldehydes are produced during this process, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2,3-trans nonenal (4-HNE) are the most abundant aldehydic products produced during lipid peroxidation. These two products of lipid peroxidation are,-unsaturated aldehydes and, as a result, are relatively strong electrophiles which are thought to be an important factor in their cellular toxicities. For instance, the extreme electrophilic potential of 4-hydroxynonenal directs its interactions with nucleophiles such as the thiol, histidyl or amine groups of proteins. The potential of 4-HNE to alkylate specific functional groups of cellular proteins is proposed to be responsible for its general cytotoxic effects on hepatocytes and fibroblasts, disruption of cellular calcium homeostasis, inhibition of protein kinase C, and stimulation of neutrophil Chemotaxis (see Esterbauer et al. 1991 for a comprehensive review concerning the biological effects of 4-HNE). Because of this extreme chemical reactivity toward a wide range of nucleophiles, it is difficult to identify, with a high degree of accuracy, specific cellular proteins that might be predisposed targets for interaction with 4-hydroxynonenal.
Impact of Accountable Care Organizations on Prostate Cancer Screening and Biopsies in the United States

AbstractIntroduction:Accountable care organizations are designed to financially incentivize efficiency and reduce low value care. To determine if accountable care organizations have impacted prosta...
Tubular brain tumor biopsy improves diagnostic yield for subcortical lesions

Molecular data has become an essential part of the updated World Health Organization (WHO) grading of central nervous system tumors. However, stereotactic needle biopsies provide only small volume specimens and limit the extent of histologic and molecular testing that can be performed. We assessed the use of a tubular retractor-based minimally invasive biopsy technique to provide improved tissue yield and diagnostic data compared to needle biopsy. Eighteen patients underwent an open transtubular biopsy compared to 146 stereotactic biopsies during the years of 2010–2018. Tubular biopsies resulted in a higher volume of tissue provided to the pathologist than needle biopsies (1.26 cm3 vs. 0.3 cm3; p < 0.0001). There was a higher rate of non-diagnostic sample with stereotactic compared to transtubular biopsy (13% vs. 0%; p = 0.13). Six patients who underwent stereotactic biopsy required reoperation for diagnosis, while no transtubular biopsy patient required reoperation in order to obtain a diagnostic specimen. Postoperative hematoma was the most common post-operative complication in both groups. Stereotactic transtubular biopsies are a viable alternative to stereotactic needle biopsies with excellent rates of diagnostic success and acceptable morbidity relative to the needle biopsy technique. As molecular data begins to increasingly drive treatment decisions, additional biopsy techniques that afford large tissue volumes may be necessary to adapt to the new needs of pathologists and treating oncologists.
Investigation on the connection forces of shear keys in skewed bridges during earthquakes

Abstract One of the prevalent seismic damage modes of skewed bridges is that the shear keys and/or other transverse retainers at the acute corners suffer severer damages than those at the obtuse corners. In practice, the retainers are usually designed and detailed as structural fuses to protect the substructure and foundation in high seismic zones. However, in low seismic zone, such as seismic zone 1 in AASHTO, they are designed elastic. In this paper, a parameter study was conducted to: (1) investigate the distribution of forces among the shear keys in skewed bridges and (2) evaluate AASHTO’s provisions for the minimum connection force of shear keys in low seismic zone. Parameters of interest include skew angle and expansion gap size. An experimentally validated numerical model was employed to model the prototype bridges with exterior shear keys. Nonlinear response history analysis was performed. The results show that when the longitudinal gap is closed for small to moderate gaps, the forces in the keys at the acute corners can be much higher than those at the obtuse corners. This is most likely to occur since the keys should resist the transverse loading along with the impact and friction forces at the abutment-deck interface caused by longitudinal motion. These higher forces of the keys at the acute corners could exceed AASHTO’s limit in low seismic zone. To reduce the forces in the keys, it is recommended that the gap be increased in size to avoid abutment pounding, which is an affordable solution in low seismic zone since the increase is expected to be small. Further, a Simplified Method is developed to estimate the maximum connection forces of skew bridges in low seismic zone. Good agreement was obtained between the Simplified Method and the FEM model. Therefore, the Simplified Method may be used for the preliminary design of shear keys.
An Example of Coastal Cities Hazard Exposure and Economics

Coastal cities’ economics have developed in one or more than one sector depending on several factors. These include, but are not limited to, location and accessibility, climate, environment attractions for tourism and recreation, accessibility to organic and inorganic natural resources for internal use and export, or need to import resources. Populations in urban coastal centers continue to increase as global population grows and there is a great demographic change as rural citizens flock to cities. As previously noted, the 2018 global population of 7.6 billion citizens had 4.1 billion living in cities and 3.5 in rural areas. Projections indicate that in 2050, the global population will be 9.9 billion people. Cities will grow to 6.9 billion inhabitants from natural growth, from an influx of rural people, and in some cases from immigration. This leaves a population of 3 billion people in rural areas [1]. Rural citizens come for employment opportunities, for better schools for their children, and for access to better healthcare. Coastal cities are absorbing much of the global population growth, mainly in Asia, Africa, and to some degree in South America.
Sub-nanomolar sensitive GZnP3 reveals TRPML1-mediated neuronal Zn 2+ signals

Although numerous fluorescent Zn2+ sensors have been reported, it is unclear whether and how Zn2+ can be released from the intracellular compartments into the cytosol due to a lack of probes that can detect physiological dynamics of cytosolic Zn2+. Here, we create a genetically encoded sensor, GZnP3, which demonstrates unprecedented sensitivity for Zn2+ at sub-nanomolar concentrations. Using GZnP3 as well as GZnP3-derived vesicular targeted probes, we provide the first direct evidence that Zn2+ can be released from endolysosomal vesicles to the cytosol in primary hippocampal neurons through the TRPML1 channel. Such TRPML1-mediated Zn2+ signals are distinct from Ca2+ in that they are selectively present in neurons, sustain longer, and are significantly higher in neurites as compared to the soma. Together, our work not only creates highly sensitive probes for investigating sub-nanomolar Zn2+ dynamics, but also reveals new pools of Zn2+ signals that can play critical roles in neuronal function. Numerous fluorescent Zn2+ sensors are available but most are unsuitable to detect physiological dynamics of cytosolic Zn2+. In this study, the authors present a genetically encoded sensor with sub-nanomolar sensitivity and show that Zn2 + is released from endolysosomal vesicles via TRPML1 in neurons.
Visualizing Surface T-Cell Receptor Dynamics Four-Dimensionally Using Lattice Light-Sheet Microscopy

The signaling and function of a cell are dictated by the dynamic structures and interactions of its surface receptors. To truly understand the structure-function relationship of these receptors in situ, we need to visualize and track them on the live cell surface with enough spatiotemporal resolution. Here we show how to use recently developed Lattice Light-Sheet Microscopy (LLSM) to image T-cell receptors (TCRs) four-dimensionally (4D, space and time) at the live cell membrane. T cells are one of the main effector cells of the adaptive immune system, and here we used T cells as an example to show that the signaling and function of these cells are driven by the dynamics and interactions of the TCRs. LLSM allows for 4D imaging with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. This microscopy technique therefore can be generally applied to a wide array of surface or intracellular molecules of different cells in biology.
Maternal Factors Related to Infant Motor Development at 4 Months of Age.

Background: Exercise during pregnancy and breastfeeding after pregnancy both positively influence a number of infant outcomes. However, whether physical activity during late pregnancy and breastfee...
Performance Analysis of Filter Bank Multicarrier Spread Spectrum with Biorthogonal Signaling

Filter bank multicarrier spread spectrum (FBMCSS) has proven to be a robust and reliable waveform choice for communication in harsh channels. In previous works, the impact of channel frequency selectivity on the M-PSK FBMC-SS waveform has been studied, and it has been found that it results in a relatively low performance degradation. This paper extends this theory to FBMC-SS with biorthogonal signaling – a spread spectrum signaling method which increases the spectral efficiency while improving on E b /N 0 . Presented theory is confirmed with simulated results, and found that the behavior follows that of the M-PSK case.
Thromboembolic and Hemorrhagic Outcomes in the Direct Oral Anticoagulant Trials Across the Spectrum of Kidney Function.

Chronic kidney disease is a common comorbidity among patients taking direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Herein, we evaluate the influence of kidney function on stroke or systemic embolism (SEE), hemorrhage, and composite end points (stroke/SEE/hemorrhage/death and stroke/SEE/death) among patients on DOACs and warfarin. Baseline kidney function was categorized as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 60 (reference), 45-59, and < 45mL/min/1.73 m2 for participants in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy (RE-LY) (n = 18,049), Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events (ARISTOTLE) (n = 18,187), and The Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in AF (ENGAGE AF) (n = 20,798) trials. Incidence of events was compared across GFR categories. Hazard ratios for events were estimated using Cox regression using intention-to-treat analysis adjusting for known predictors. A large proportion of participants had GFR < 60 (25-29% had 45 ≤ GFR < 60 and 9.5-12.6% with GFR < 45). Compared with patients with GFR ≥ 60, warfarin users across the trials with GFR ≥ 45-59 and GFR < 45 had a higher incidence of hemorrhage (P values < 0.0001) and warfarin users in the ARISTOTLE and ENGAGE trials had higher incidence of stroke/SEE (P values ≤ 0.05). Compared with patients with GFR ≥ 60, dabigatran users with GFR ≥ 45-59 and GFR < 45 had a higher incidence of stroke/SEE (P ≤ 0.02), hemorrhage (P < 0.001), and both composite end points (P < 0.0001). Compared with patients with GFR ≥ 60, apixaban and edoxaban users with GFR ≥ 45-59 and GFR < 45 had a higher incidence of hemorrhage (P values ≤ 0.05) and composite end points (P values ≤ 0.05). After adjustment, compared with patients with GFR ≥ 60, warfarin users with GFR < 60 in the ARISTOTLE and RE-LY trials had a higher risk of hemorrhage (P < 0.05), as did dabigatran (P < 0.001) and edoxaban (P ≤ 0.005) users, while apixaban users did not exhibit an increased risk (P = 0.08 GFR ≥ 45-59; P = 0.71 GFR < 45). Kidney function significantly influences the safety and efficacy of oral anticoagulants.
Adenosine-sensitive atrial tachycardia originating from the para-Hisian region with a slow conduction zone in the anteroseptal left atrium.

Adenosine-sensitive atrial tachycardias (ATs) originating from the para-Hisian region have been reported, and the responsible mechanism is considered to be reentry. As an alternative strategy to ablation at the earliest activation site (EAS) close to the atrioventricular node, previous reports safely eliminated these ATs at the entrance of the slow conduction zone, indicated by a manifest entrainment-guided strategy, but no report has successfully ablated those ATs using the same strategy in the left atrium. We describe a case of adenosine-sensitive AT originating from the para-Hisian region that could be eliminated at a remote site from the EAS indicated by the demonstration of manifest entrainment from the high anteroseptal left atrium. .
PROFESSOR JUAN CARLOS LASHERAS 16 August 1951 – 1 February 2021

We recently lost Juan Lasheras, a valued member of our community. The following tribute provides an overview of his life.
Unsupervised Machine Learning Identifies Quantifiable Patterns of Visual Field Loss in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Purpose Archetypal analysis, a form of unsupervised machine learning, identifies archetypal patterns within a visual field (VF) dataset such that any VF is described as a weighted sum of its archetypes (ATs) and has been used to quantify VF defects in glaucoma. We applied archetypal analysis to VFs affected by nonglaucomatous optic neuropathy caused by idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Methods We created an AT model from 2862 VFs prospectively collected from 330 eyes in the IIH Treatment Trial (IIHTT). We compared baseline IIH AT patterns with their descriptive VF classifications from the IIHTT. Results The optimum IIH AT model yielded 14 ATs resembling VF patterns reported in the IIHTT. Baseline VFs contained four or fewer meaningful ATs in 147 (89%) of study eyes. AT2 (mild general VF depression pattern) demonstrated the greatest number of study eyes with meaningful AT weight at baseline (n = 114), followed by AT1 (n = 91). Other ATs captured patterns of blind spot enlargement, hemianopia, arcuate, nasal defects, and more nonspecific patterns of general VF depression. Of all ATs, AT1 (normal pattern) had the strongest correlation with mean deviation (r = 0.69, P < 0.001). For 65 of the 93 VFs with a dominant AT, this AT matched the expert classification. Conclusions Archetypal analysis identifies quantifiable, archetypal VF defects that resemble those commonly seen in IIH. Translational Relevance Archetypal analysis provides a quantitative, objective method of measuring and monitoring disease-specific regional VF defects in IIH.
Endovascular biopsy of a sigmoid sinus lesion using a stent retriever and aspiration catheter

A teenager with a history of acute myeloid leukemia presented with headache, nausea and blurry vision over a 2 week period. The MRI of the brain was concerning for the presence of a myeloid sarcoma within the right sigmoid sinus. For evaluation of venous obstruction and the underlying lesion the patient underwent a cerebral angiogram and transvenous biopsy of the sigmoid sinus lesion using a stent retriever and aspiration catheter. The tissue extracted was consistent with myeloid sarcoma. This pathologic finding was consistent with the recurrence of leukemia and guided the targeted oncologic treatment.
Climate Variations and Hurricane Activity: Some Theoretical Issues

This chapter reviews the present state of knowledge concerning the dependence of hurricane activity on climate. This state of knowledge relies on theory, observations, and numerical models. Theory suggest that an upper bound on the intensity of hurricanes, as measured by their maximum wind speeds, would increase with global warming, with the amount of increase strongly dependent on the degree of warming of tropical oceans, of which estimates by climate models must be treated with skepticism at present. While the upper bound on intensity would increase, little is known about how the average intensity of storms might change. Storm frequency is another matter and is very sensitive to many features of the general circulation of the tropical atmosphere. Climate model simulations produce very different responses of hurricane frequency to climate change and should not be considered reliable at present, though in principle it should be possible to use such models to predict general levels of storm activity. There is no evidence whatsoever that the regions susceptible to hurricanes would undergo any net expansion or contraction. The progress in understanding the relationship between hurricane activity and climate is impeded by the lack of resources and talent directed toward this problem.
Requirements for the catalysis of strand transfer synthesis by retroviral DNA polymerases.

We have examined the properties of reverse transcriptases (RTs) required for strand transfer synthesis on poly(rA). In this process, a primer is elongated on one template and then switches to other templates for additional elongation until it is much longer than the templates on which it was made. Models of retrovirus replication require the RT to catalyze two distinct strand transfers. Additionally, they propose that the RT ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity is involved in both transfers. RTs from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), avian myeloblastosis virus, and murine leukemia virus differ in molecular mass and subunit composition. However, they all catalyzed strand transfer synthesis on (rA)300, generating characteristically long products. An RNase H-deficient enzyme, HIV-RTRD, catalyzed strand transfer synthesis to the same degree as native HIV-RT, indicating that a functional RNase H activity is not required. Additionally, N-ethylmaleimide, which inhibits RNase H but not polymerase activity of HIV-RT, did not diminish strand transfer synthesis. Highly processive DNA synthesis by each RT was found to be required for the strand transfer reaction. RNase H- murine leukemic virus RT has a structural modification that not only eradicates RNase H, but also makes the polymerase much less processive for DNA synthesis. However, conditions that allow this modified enzyme to bind repeatedly to the same primer during synthesis, i.e. conditions that simulate higher processivity, allow strand transfer synthesis. Catalysis of strand transfer synthesis is not a property of all DNA polymerases, since the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I is unable to catalyze this reaction even if high processivity is simulated. These results suggest that strand transfer synthesis relies on an unidentified functional activity present in RTs.
Neural events that underlie remembering something that never happened

We induced people to experience a false-memory illusion by first asking them to visualize common objects when cued with the corresponding word; on some trials, a photograph of the object was presented 1800 ms after the cue word. We then tested their memory for the photographs. Posterior brain potentials in response to words at encoding were more positive if the corresponding object was later falsely remembered as a photograph. Similar brain potentials during the memory test were more positive for true than for false memories. These results implicate visual imagery in the generation of false memories and provide neural correlates of processing differences between true and false memories.
Mode of Action Analysis and Human Relevance of Liver Tumors Induced by PPARα Activation

The information in this document has been funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It has been subjected to review by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Loss of nitrous oxide reductase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultured under N2O as determined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis.

The mass ratio of nitrous oxide reductase to total protein in the soluble protein fraction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa P2 was highest in cells grown on nitrate, decreased in cells grown on N2O following the exhaustion of the initial charge of nitrate, and was nearly zero in cells exposed solely to N2O.
Convergence analysis of LMS and NLMS adaptive algorithms

The main contribution of this paper is the unified treatment of convergence analysis for both LMS and NLMS adaptive algorithms. The following new results are obtained: (i) necessary and sufficient conditions of convergence, (ii) optimal adjustment gains and optimal convergence rates, (iii) interrelationship between LMS and NLMS gains, and (iv) non-stationary algorithm design.
Negation in Logic and in Natural Language

In game-theoretical semantics, perfectlyclassical rules yield a strong negation thatviolates tertium non datur when informationalindependence is allowed. Contradictorynegation can be introduced only by a metalogicalstipulation, not by game rules. Accordingly, it mayoccur (without further stipulations) onlysentence-initially. The resulting logic (extendedindependence-friendly logic) explains several regularitiesin natural languages, e.g., why contradictory negation is abarrier to anaphase. In natural language, contradictory negationsometimes occurs nevertheless witin the scope of aquantifier. Such sentences require a secondary interpretationresembling the so-called substitutionalinterpretation of quantifiers.This interpretation is sometimes impossible,and it means a step beyond thenormal first-order semantics, not an alternative to it.
Direct recording of concealed ventricular extrasystoles producing pacer inhibition

Demonstration of Concealed Ventricular Ectopy We report a case of concealed extrasystoles recorded from a pacing lead. The concealed extrasystoles were observed with right ventricular pacing, biventricular unipolar, and biventricular bipolar pacing. The simultaneous surface EKG did not show manifest ventricular extrasystoles with the concealed intracardiac potentials. This case highlights a cause of oversensing that has been theoretically reported in the literature but never directly observed.
A Linear Regulator in a Nonlinear System: Application in a Solar Central Receiver

The temperature control regulator for a single panel of a solar-powered central receiver was designed in [1] on the basis of a family of linear models. This paper uses a simple, nonlinear, thermodynamic model of the panel for a study which compares the response predicted on the basis of the synthesis model to that actually obtained using the nonlinear model. For the conditions examined here, the linear model provides an accurate approximation of the response characteristics of the global model.
MATLAB interface for portable microelectrode impedance measurements

Advances in microfabrication have generated new interest in electrical impedance biosensors. These sensors allow observations to be made remotely and continuously in a form that is easily processed by a computer. However determining the key frequency/impedance relationship of such a sensor requires specialized and costly hardware. Here we present MATLAB scripts able to determine the frequency/impedance characteristic of an impedimetric sensor just using a laptop. Salt concentration was quantified via this MATLAB-based approach.
Increasing the reliability, validity, and relevance of psychological expert evidence: An introduction to the special issue on expert evidence.

The structure of our jurisprudence, both civil and criminal, is based, in part, upon a variety of theories and expectations of human behavior, perception, intentionality, and judgment. As a consequence, social scientists, in general, and psychologists, in particular, are called upon, with increasing frequency, to offer expert evidence at various stages of adjudicatory and legislative processes. Expert witnesses differ in many respects from other witnesses, the most important difference being that they are permitted or even encouraged to offer opinions and inferences, often on the basis of evidence that is not otherwise admissible. It should therefore come as no surprise, within the adversarial context of our judicial system, that the powerful advantages and disadvantages of admitting such testimony have been the subject of centuries of strident controversy and debate. The controversies have centered on a variety of topics, the most common being (a) the lack of scientifically acceptable theories and methods; (b) the question of whether such witnesses are impartial experts as opposed to advocates, "oath helpers," or "secret moral agents"; (c) the inadequacy of judicial procedures for selecting and qualifying experts; (d) the prejudicial impact of expert testimony and the degree to which such testimony may abridge fundamental rights; (e) the distortion of scientific expertise in an adversarial system; and finally, (f) the extent to which expertise is "for hire" (Faust & Ziskin, 1988; Golding, 1990; Resnick, 1986). In response to such critiques, the American Psychology-Law Society (Division 41 of the American Psychological Association) and the American Academy of Forensic Psychology have adopted the Specialty Guidelinesfor Forensic Psychol-
Agent-Assisted Navigation for Virtual Worlds

This paper describes the design and training of an agent that helps users navigate in Second Life (SL), a massively multi-player online game environment.SL allows users to create a virtual avatar and explore areas constructed by other users.With the increasing number of places to visit it is difficult for a user to explore all the places.The built-in keyword search mechanism is fairly limited and users typically find new places through personal exploration or tips from their friends.This motivates the need for a recommendation system that can suggest places to visit, personalized with the user's destination preferences.
The Role of the Interleukin‐6/gp130 Signaling Pathway in Bone Metabolism

Publisher Summary Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) family of cytokines and signaling pathways downstream of the common glycoprotein 130 (gp130) receptor subunit play critical roles in the processes of bone homeostasis and remodeling. The binding of IL‐6 to sIL‐6R is a prerequisite step for the activation of gp130/STAT3 signaling. Once gp130 is activated, there are at least two intracellular signaling cascades that can transmit divergent signals to bone cells. Although there is some conflicting data regarding the effects of IL‐6 on bone, it is generally accepted that the primary effect of this cytokine group is the stimulation of osteoclastic bone resorption. In addition, IL‐6 effects on osteoclasts appear to be predominantly indirect via modulation of osteoblasts and the OPG/RANKL/RANK system that coordinates the functions and activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. IL‐6 alone has minimal effects on osteoclast differentiation and activation. However, IL‐6 acts synergistically with growth factors, steroid hormones, inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandins in bone cells. Reciprocal interactions between IL‐6 and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) are particularly relevant to bone metabolism, and IL‐6 enhances the expression of two subtypes of EP receptor and mediates PGE 2 ‐induced suppression of OPG secretion.
Pregnancy in idiopathic ulcerative colitis.

Abstract Forty-six gestations in 33 patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis are reported. They are classified in four groups: antecedent ulcerative colitis with a pregnancy occurring in the quiescent or in the active stage of the disease, respectively, and an acute ulcerative colitis developing during gestation or in the puerperium. In Group I, 7 out of 20 patients (35 per cent) showed evidence of reactivation during pregnancy or in the puerperium but there were no deaths. In Group II, all 17 cases (100 per cent) became aggravated during this period. Though there were no immediate deaths, 5.5 per cent of the patients eventually succumbed to the disease. In Group III, 4 out of the 5 patients with an acute onset of ulcerative colitis during pregnancy died (a mortality of 80 per cent), irrespective of medical treatment or combined medical and surgical management. In Group IV, 3 out of 4 patients who had an acute onset of ulcerative colitis in the puerperium died (75 per cent). Therapeutic abortion is recommended in the severe cases of ulcerative colitis in the first trimester of pregnancy and careful medical management thereafter. It is recommended that the obstetrician, gastroenterologist, and psychiatrist work as a team in caring for the patient with idiopathic ulcerative colitis.
Chapter 1 The utility of zebrafish as a model for toxicological research

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the utility of zebrafish as a model for toxicological research. Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) have long been the genetic model of choice for vertebrate developmental biologists, as it provides several advantages for investigating organ and tissue development. Zebrafish have become a powerful model organism for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which environmental chemicals disrupt normal developmental processes. The utility of zebrafish as a laboratory model organism also makes it an excellent system for studying processes in juvenile and adult organisms, including reproductive development, carcinogenesis, aging, and the influence of environmental chemicals on these processes. The advent of modern genetic tools and genome sequencing projects has elevated zebrafish as a suitable model to effectively study human disease and pathophysiology, ushering in a new era of comparative biology and medicine. The chapter reviews the mechanistic toxicology and advantages of the zebrafish model system.
Birth, Anthropology of

Abtract Conception from successful female ovulation and male insemination results in nine months’ pregnancy and birth. The outcome of shorter gestation is premature birth of a low birthweight infant. Fertility regulation, or contraception, limits conception by male methods such as the condom or surgical vasectomy, and by females by use of the oral contraceptive pill, the female condom, or long-term breastfeeding of the previous infant. Prenatal care refers to learning how to maintain health and prepare for the birth of a healthy infant.