cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Analysis of the Baroreceptor Reflex System

The regulation of blood pressure by the baroreceptor reflex was examined in anesthetized dogs. The receptor feedback path was broken by surgical intervention, the input (carotid sinus pressure) was controlled by an external servo system, and simultaneous records of input and output (systemic arterial pressure) were obtained. A variety of pressure waveforms were applied to the carotid sinus so that the nonlinear behavior could be explored thoroughly. Most of the input waveforms consisted of relatively small signals about an operating point in the normal blood pressure range. The nonlinear behavior of the reflex was illustrated in a number of ways. Square waves, sinusoids, and short pulses produced asymmetric arterial pressure waveforms. An overshoot in the arterial pressure always followed the rising edge of the input square wave, but was generally absent following the negative-going part of the square wave. Either positive or negative pulses caused a transient drop in arterial pressure. The sinusoidal response was often distorted, with the falling portion of the output waveform steeper than the rising portion. The system behaved as a rectifier, or envelope-detector, as illustrated by 1) the decrease in mean arterial pressure when either the amplitude or the frequency of a sinusoidal input was increased and 2) the appearance in the arterial pressure waveform of a component correlated with the envelope of a modulated carrier. Another nonlinear phenomenon was the decrease in low-frequency sinusoidal gain caused by the addition of a high-frequency sinusoid to the sinus pressure waveform. This behavior indicates that if closed loop behavior in the intact animal is to be predicted from the open loop sinewave response, the effects of the cardiac pressure pulse must be considered. A model was constructed from standard electronic components to simulate the input-output behavior of the baroreceptor reflex. The model was able to simulate the response to high- and low-frequency sinusoids and to reproduce the essential features of the square-wave and pulse responses. On this basis the model was considered adequate for simulating the performance of the baroreceptor reflex in certain open loop and closed loop situations.
AtomLab: A tool for teaching materials science and simulation on the atomic scale

AtomLab is a publicly available software package created to help students and faculty design and execute simulations for instructional purposes. AtomLab has been utilized as a learning environment within which to teach simulation techniques to graduate students. It has also been used to provide conceptual tools for undergraduate education. This paper presents a brief description of the AtomLab environment and of an undergraduate educational module designed to teach the atomic mechanisms of transport. Data is presented regarding the educational outcomes that were met using this module and the student response to the exercise.
An Adaptive Network That Learns Sequences of Transitions

We describe an adaptive network, TIN2, that learns the transition function of a sequential system from observations of its behavior. It integrates two subnets, TIN-1 (Winter, Ryan and Turner, 1987) and TIN-2. TIN-2 constructs state representations from examples of system behavior, and its dynamics are the main topics of the paper. TIN-1 abstracts transition functions from noisy state representations and environmental data during training, while in operation it produces sequences of transitions in response to variations in input. Dynamics of both nets are based on the Adaptive Resonance Theory of Carpenter and Grossberg (1987). We give results from an experiment in which TIN2 learned the behavior of a system that recognizes strings with an even number of 1's.
Determination of vertical ozone distributions by spacecraft measurements using a limb-scan technique.

The principle of a new inversion technique which uses multiple wavelength-solar UV radiation satellite measurements for determining vertical ozone profiles is described, and examples of computer simulations for 280, 300, 320, and 340 nm are discussed. Weighting functions corresponding to the sensitivity of the limb radiance to the relative ozone density at each altitude are the basis for the inversion equation, which is then solved by an iteration technique. The use of multiple wavelengths can provide more information of higher accuracy over a wider height range than those profiles recovered at a single wavelength. It is indicated that an effective range of altitude of approximately 20-70 km with a vertical resolution of 1-2 km is feasible for determining ozone profiles with an inferred profile error about three to four times larger than the measurement error within that altitude region. Ozone profile accuracy of the highest altitude region may be improved using wavelengths down to 260 nm, and inferred ozone profiles above 70 km are possible, but with a larger error.
Buried water molecules in helical transmembrane proteins

Buried water molecules (having no contact with bulk solvent) in 30 helical transmembrane (TM) protein structures were identified. The average amount of buried water in helical TM proteins is about the same as for all water-soluble (WS) proteins, but it is greater than the average for helical WS proteins. Buried waters in TM proteins make more polar contacts, and are more frequently found contacting helices than in WS proteins. The distribution of the buried water binding sites across the membrane profile shows that the sites to some extent reflect protein function. There is also evidence for asymmetry of the sites, with more in the extracellular half of the membrane. Many of the buried water contact sites are conserved across families of proteins, including family members having different functions. This suggests that at least some buried waters play a role in structural stabilization. Disease-causing mutations, which are known to result in misfolded TM proteins, occur at buried water contact sites at a higher than random frequency, which also supports a stabilizing role for buried water molecules.
Circuit-level techniques for reliable Physically Uncloneable Functions

In this paper we study the effect of transistor supply voltage and body bias on the performance of ring oscillator Physically Uncloneable Functions (PUFs). The uniqueness (ability to identify a PUF) and reproducibility (ability to reproduce the same output) of PUFs increase drastically in the subthreshold region of operation. Also, the reproducibility of PUFs increase when the transistors are forward body biased. A ring oscillator PUF was tested and it achieved a uniqueness of 47.8% and reproducibility of 100% when operating at a supply voltage of 0.2 V. Compared to a base line configuration, our method improved the uniqueness by 18% and reproducibility by 7%. Therefore, apart from architectural optimizations, circuit level considerations like supply voltage and body bias can improve the reliability of PUFs.
Gauge fields out of equilibrium: A gauge invariant formulation and the Coulomb gauge

We study the Abelian Higgs model out of equilibrium in two different approaches: a gauge invariant formulation proposed by Boyanovsky et al. and in the Coulomb gauge. We show that both approaches become equivalent in a consistent one loop approximation. Furthermore, we carry out a proper renormalization for the model in order to prepare the equations for a numerical implementation. The additional degrees of freedom, which arise in gauge theories, influence the behavior of the system dramatically. A comparison with results in the 't Hooft\char21{}Feynman background gauge found by us recently shows very good agreement.
Children's use of geometry for reorientation

Research on navigation has shown that humans and laboratory animals recover their sense of orientation primarily by detecting geometric properties of large-scale surface layouts (e.g. room shape), but the reasons for the primacy of layout geometry have not been clarified. In four experiments, we tested whether 4-year-old children reorient by the geometry of extended wall-like surfaces because such surfaces are large and perceived as stable, because they serve as barriers to vision or to locomotion, or because they form a single, connected geometric figure. Disoriented children successfully reoriented by the shape of an arena formed by surfaces that were short enough to see and step over. In contrast, children failed to reorient by the shape of an arena defined by large and stable columns or by connected lines on the floor. We conclude that preschool children's reorientation is not guided by the functional relevance of the immediate environmental properties, but rather by a specific sensitivity to the geometric properties of the extended three-dimensional surface layout.
Childhood leukodystrophies: a clinical perspective

Leukodystrophies are white matter disorders that are genetic in nature. In the young, they represent an important cause of progressive neurological disability. They are frequently recognized on MRI, but their identification remains a challenge. Their diagnosis is important for prognostication, palliative and experimental treatment, as well as family screening. The diagnostic strategy rests upon clinical clues and MRI patterns, complemented by appropriately selected electrophysiological and laboratory testing. Considerable overlap exists between white and gray matter disease, as neuronal degeneration will result in myelin loss. An understanding of the pathophysiology and natural disease evolution is necessary to understand the risks and benefits of experimental and palliative treatments.
Choledochoceles: Are They Choledochal Cysts?

The classification of choledochoceles as a type of choledochal cyst stems from the 1959 article by Alonso-Lej and colleagues describing 94 choledochal cysts, only 4 of which were choledochoceles. Even then, Alonso-Lej questioned the propriety of including the choledochocele, stating it was unclear "as to whether or not it originates from the same etiologic factors [as other choledochal cysts]". In 1971, Trout and Longmire also questioned the validity of classifying choledochoceles as choledochal cysts, noting the anatomic position article and variant mucosa of the choledochocele. Wearn and Wiot, in an article titled "Choledochocele: not a form of choledochal cyst", cite the differences in clinical presentation, demographics, and histology as reasons why choledochoceles represent separate entities from choledochal cysts. Over the ensuing decades, numerous investigators have questioned the legitimacy of classifying choledochoceles as choledochal cysts. In our recent series (the only one to our knowledge directly comparing patients with choledochocele and other [type I, II, IV, and V] choledochal cysts), patients with choledochoceles differed from patients with choledochal cysts in their age, gender, presenting symptoms, history of previous cholecystectomy, pancreatobiliary ductal anatomy, management, and most importantly, propensity to developing biliary malignancy. Based on the available cases of choledochoceles found in the literature, combined with the recent series from our institution, we conclude that choledochoceles seem to be distinct entities from choledochal cysts.
Pupillary Reactivity Upon Hospital Admission Predicts Long-term Outcome in Poor Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Historically, the prognosis for poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage patients has been considered dismal. As a result, many hospitals have chosen conservative management over aggressive therapy. This guarded approach, however, is based on studies that do not take into account newer, more effective, management protocols and more recent long-term evidence that significant neurological recovery occurs in the months to years following discharge. More accurate and predictive methods are needed to decide when aggressive therapy is warranted. Two hundred and twenty-six grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients of grades IV and V were admitted to Columbia University Medical Center and enrolled in our study. Demographics, clinical information (e.g. pupillary reactivity on admission), and treatment course (operative versus non-operative) were recorded. Rankin scores at 14 days, 3 months, and 1 year were also recorded. A favorable Rankin score was defined as 0–3. Unfavorable was defined as 4–6. Among all poor grade patients who received operative therapy, pupillary reactivity at admission was not predictive of a favorable Rankin score at day 14 (odds ratio = 3.3, P = 0.129). Pupillary reactivity, however, was predictive of Rankin score at 3 months (odds ratio = 4.57, P = 0.05) and 12 months (odds ratio = 6.44, P = 0.008). After constructing a Kaplan–Meiers survival curve, pupillary reactivity was a better predictor of survival at 12 months than H&H grade [Hazard ratio 3.342 (1.596–7.000) P = 0.001 versus 1.964 (1.016–3.798) P = 0.045]. This study demonstrates that significant recovery occurs in the weeks to months after poor grade aSAH. Pupillary reactivity on admission can be used as a predictor of survival and recovery at intermediate and long-term time points, more so than Hunt and Hess grade.
Two-Step Cutting for Improving Surface Integrity and Rolling Contact Fatigue Performance of Hard Machined Surfaces

For finish hard machining, it is challenging to obtain excellent surface integrity without losing production efficiency. A large material removal rate improves production efficiency, but generates unfavorable surface integrity properties. In this study, an innovative approach, consisting of a major cut step followed by a finish cut step, is proposed to tackle the challenge. It shows that the surface integrity of hard machined surface is significantly improved by the finish cut in terms of microhardness and residual stress distributions. Moreover, rolling contact experiments reveal that the fatigue performance of machined surfaces produced by the two-step approach is superior to that produced by only one major cut by up to a factor of two.
Coping or copping out: police service delivery in domestic disputes

The literature of domestic violence is critical of police service dlivery in dmnestic disputes. Yet, little has been systematically documented regarding dispatch procedures, citizen-police interactions, or the special circumstances surrounding domestic investigations. This article describes the actions of investigating officers with family or intimately related persons during police encounters. It wmpares these with like investigations of non-related disputants. Among the major findings are that (1)dispatch tend to underreport the nature of domestic assaults; (2) patrol officers face mme agitated persons in domestic en- ccuunters; (3) police arrest suspects more often in domestic cases, but circumstances would appear to warrant even higher rates of arrest; (4) misis intervention appears to take precedence over arrest in some domestic assaults; and (5) police almost never refer citizens to social service agencies. Overall, the findings point to ule need for police service delivery in domestic disputes that is w e geared to law enforcement in cases of violent family Conflict. Language: en
Violent Democracies in Latin America. Edited by Enrique Desmond Arias and Daniel M. Goldstein

It is impossible to look at contemporary Latin America and not be struck by the prevalence of violence, whether in the form of drug cartels in Mexico, criminal gangs in Central America, the long-term conflict in Colombia, or urban violence in Brazil. Further, the headliners of violence from these locations obscure a more complex set of interactions that include not just traditional criminal elements but also various social actors and the state itself. This plural violence in the region is the focus of Violent Democracies in Latin America, the volume edited by Enrique Desmond Arias and Daniel M. Goldstein.
Foundering lithosphere imaged with magnetotelluric data beneath Yosemite National Park, California

A magnetotelluric profile consisting of 14 sites and spanning 240 km from the San Joaquin Valley to the Nevada border was installed across the central Sierra Nevada, through Yosemite National Park, in an effort to constrain the northward extent of lithospheric removal beneath the range. Broadband and long-period instruments from the EMSOC (Electromagnetic Studies of the Continents) consortium were used to record data with periods ranging from 0.01 to 20,000 s, allowing the conductivity structure beneath the Sierra to be imaged to a depth of 120 km. Two-dimensional models reveal that the batholith9s resistive root extends to a depth of just 30 km beneath the eastern Sierra and 45 km beneath the western Sierra. The batholith is separated by a thin conductive zone that coincides with the Moho from a resistive mantle structure at a depth of ∼55 km. We propose that this resistive structure is residual root. Deeper, a broad conductive feature dipping eastward at depths of 65–100 km below the range is upwelling asthenosphere containing 21% melt that originates from the extensional tectonic regime of the Basin and Range to the east.
p40phox Down-regulates NADPH Oxidase Activity through Interactions with Its SH3 Domain

The NADPH oxidase of phagocytes generates microbicidal oxidants in response to a variety of stimuli. Its activation and assembly involve multiple SH3 domain interactions among several oxidase components. Here we present evidence that the cytosolic oxidase-associated protein, p40phox, mediates down-regulation of NADPH oxidase through interactions with its SH3 domain. Recombinant p40phox was produced in several eukaryotic expression systems (insect, mammalian, and yeast) to explore its role in oxidase function in relation to domains involved in interactions with other factors, p47phox and p67phox. p40phox inhibited oxidase activity in vitro when added to neutrophil membranes and recombinant p47phox, p67phox, and p21rac. Co-transfection of p40phox into K562 cells resulted in significant decreases (∼40%) in whole cell oxidase activity. Furthermore, the isolated SH3 domain of p40phox was even more effective in inhibiting whole cell oxidase activity, consistent with experiments showing that this domain binds to the same proline-rich target in p47phox (residues 358-390) that interacts with p67phox. In contrast, deletion of the carboxyl-terminal domain of p40phox that binds to p67phox did not relieve its oxidase inhibitory effects. Thus, p40phox appears to down-regulate oxidase function by competing with an SH3 domain interaction between other essential oxidase components.
Latvian nationalist intellectuals and the crisis of democracy in the inter-war period

The development of new states in Central and Eastern Europe during the inter-war period was an enthusiastic attempt to build free and democratic societies, which unfortunately was soon followed by ...
Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative: expanding enrollment suggests potential for large impact.

OBJECTIVES Aiming to encourage care coordination and cost efficiency, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) launched the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative in 2013. To help gauge the program's potential impact and generalizability, we describe early and current participants. STUDY DESIGN We examined the cross-sectional association between BPCI participation and providers' structural and cost characteristics. METHODS Using data from October 2013 and June 2014, we quantified changes in BPCI participation. We described structural differences between participating and nonparticipating hospitals using t tests and χ2 tests, and we used the Cochrane-Armitage test to assess whether participants were more likely be in higher 90-day episode cost quintiles than their peers at baseline (2009-2010). RESULTS Overall (risk-bearing and non-risk-bearing) participation in BPCI increased from about 400 in October 2013 to more than 2000 in June 2014-attributable, in part, to Model 2, the most comprehensive of the 4 models offered by CMMI for provider participation. Model 2 hospitals increasingly resemble eligible but nonparticipating hospitals. For the most commonly chosen condition of hip replacement, Model 2 hospitals were not costlier than their peers. Hospitals used to make up 97% of Model 2 participants, but physician practices now comprise a substantial number of Model 2 participants. However, most BPCI participants have not yet begun to bear financial risk. Risk-bearing Model 2 hospitals are a smaller and less representative group, with higher baseline costs for hip replacement than their peers. CONCLUSIONS Growing participation in BPCI suggests strong interest in bundled payments. The long-term impact of BPCI will depend on CMMI's ability to persuade interested but non-risk-bearing participants to bear risk.
Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation and Essential Tremor

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders and is characterized by an action or postural tremor of the hands, which can also affect the head, voice, trunk, and lower limbs. ET can cause significant functional disability that makes activities of daily living such as eating, drinking and writing difficult and in some cases nearly impossible. Although ET can occur at any age, it is more common with advancing age. It is estimated that up to five of every 100 persons over 60 years of age are affected (1). Current first-line pharmacological treatment includes primidone and beta adrenergic blockers such as propranolol. Second-line pharmacological therapies include benzodiazepines, gabapentin, and topiramate. In some patients, botulinum toxin injections provide some benefit but outcomes have been inconsistent. In general, pharmacological therapies are effective in only about 50% of ET patients (2). For ET patients with medication-resistant tremor that causes significant disability but who do not have significant cognitive, behavioral/psychiatric, or other medical conditions that preclude surgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus is a worthwhile treatment option.
Western Telephone Systems (B)

This case gives additional data for the Western Telephone Systems case (UVA-OM-335). Information on the average product price is provided, and analyses and graphs of forecast performance for one product line and all product lines are presented in the exhibits.
Iatrogenic atrial septal defect following transseptal cardiac interventions

In the Era of expanding use of transseptal structural heart disease interventions and catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation, there is increasing interest in the iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) often associated with these procedures. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the incidence and clinical impact of iASD, to identify possible predictors of persistent iASD, and to propose a standardized method for the detection, follow up and management of iASD.
A Technical Note on the Open Economy IS/LM Model

This technical note introduces the basic structure of what we call the Three-Paned Model. The model is essentially just an "opening up" of the closed-economy IS/LM Model, with the main pane being the IS/LM Model (modified only slightly to allow for international trade) and two additional panes that determine the amount of capital inflows, net exports, and the exchange rate. This note is not a substitute for the more in-depth presentation of these models found in textbooks, but should be used to complement each textbook’s richer treatment of the theoretical and technical aspects of these models.
Implementation and Testing of Adaptive Augmentation Techniques on a 2-DOF Helicopter

This paper presents the design procedure and experimental results of a high performance adaptive augmentation technique applied to a controller derived based on linear quadratic methods. The Quanser 2-DOF helicopter was chosen as the experimental platform on which these controllers were implemented. The paper studies the implementation of each of these controllers stand-alone as well as in the augmented scheme, and discusses its performance and robustness for cases with parametric uncertainties, and unmodeled dynamics. An attempt is made to combine linear quadratic tracker’s reliability with the adaptive augmentation’s robustness towards modeling uncertainties. It is found that appropriate tuning of parameters in the adaptive framework is key to its performance and thus the process of choosing the parameters is elaborated along with guidelines for choosing a reference model. Tuning considerations for controller implementation on the experimental setup as compared to the same on the numerical model are also addressed. The experiments performed on this nonlinear MIMO system serve as a suitable research test and evaluation basis for robotics and flight control applications.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Genus Pseudoplectania

The genus Pseudoplectania was founded by Fuckel and originally included the two species, P. nigrella and P. fulgens. The latter species was later removed from the genus by Saccardo and made the type of a new genus Otidella. Two additional species, P. melania and P. stygia, were, however, added to the genus at this time. One of these, P. stygia, is probably a synonym of the older species, P. nigrella. If we retain P. fulgens in the genus, it then contains three valid species all of which are known from North America. The following is a synopsis of our present knowledge of the genus in North America.
Prevention of corticosteroid-induced bone loss with alendronate.

The putitive bone-sparing effect of alendronate was tested in two animal models of osteopenia: estrogen-deficient female rats and glucocorticoid-treated male rats. In the first study, 18 female Sprague-Dawley rats, 4 months of age, were ovariectomized (OVX), and an additional 6 rats were sham-operated. The OVX rats were treated with either vehicle, 17beta-estradiol (E2) (100 microg/rat/week, s.c.), or alendronate (1 mg/kg/day, on alternate days, orally). In the second study, 24 8-month-old male Wistar rats were treated with either vehicle, methyl prednisolone (7 mg/kg once a week, s.c.), prednisolone plus testosterone (16 mg/kg once every 3 weeks, i.m.), or prednisolone plus alendronate (20 microg/kg twice a week, s.c.). Prior to treatment and at the end of the 6-week treatment period, bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and mean femur weights were calculated. The OVX rats had subnormal BMD (-3.91 +/- 1.0% vs control +5.19 +/- 3.92%, P < 0.05) and femur weights (720 +/- 6 mg vs %; 746 +/- 11 mg, P < 0.05). OVX-induced bone loss was completely abolished by the administration of E2 (7.01 +/- 2.32%, P < 0.005; 748 +/- 6 mg, P < 0.01), or alendronate (24.2 +/- 2.73%, P < 0.0001; 779 +/- 11 mg, P < 0.001). In the second study in older male rats, glucocorticoids significantly decreased BMD (-9.70 +/- 3.44% vs -1.10 +/- 1.75%, P < 0.05), and femur weight (1070 +/- 14 mg vs 1180 +/- 24 mg, P < 0.01). Concomitant administration of testosterone (BMD 4.23 +/- 1.84%, P < 0.005; femur weight 1260 +/- 56 mg, P < 0.02), or alendronate (BMD 8.18 +/- 1.36%, P < 0.001; femur weight 1360 +/- 50 mg) with prednisolone, abolished the corticosteroid-induced bone loss. Bone histomorphometry showed a 34% loss of trabecular bone volume in glucocorticoid-treated rats (P < 0.05), which was prevented with both testosterone and alendronate therapies. However, at the doses used in both models, alendronate was more efficacious than either E2 or testosterone in increasing BMD and femur weight. In summary, this study demonstrated that alendronate therapy is highly effective in counteracting the osteopenia of OVX and glucocorticoid therapy.
The Impact of Japanese Investment in the U.S. Hotel Industry

ABSTRACT Over the last few years, Japanese investment in the U.S hotel industry has increased significantly. Spurred by favorable tax structuring and interest rates, last year alone they expended $4. 16 billion on the purchase of hotels and resorts (Kenneth Leventhal & Co., 1989. Barron's 1990), nearly triple the amount spent in 1986. (Most of the capital went to the states of California and Hawaii.) This level of investment has raised interest and concern about potential domination by the Japanese of the U.S lodging and commercial real estate market.
PHYTOTOXIC METABOLITES OF PHOMA SORGHINA, A NEW FOLIAR PATHOGEN OF POKEWEED

Phoma sorghina is a newly described leaf spot pathogen on pokeweed. The fungus produced six phytotoxins in liquid culture which were isolated and structurally identified as 6-methylsalicylic acid, epoxydon, desoxyepoxydon, phyllostine, 2,3'-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-5',6-dimethyl diphenylether, and epoxydon 6-methylsalicylate ester. The cell-free culture filtrate and all six toxins caused necrosis when spotted on pokeweed leaves and eight other weed species thus all six toxins were nonspecific phytotoxins. Epoxydon, desoxyepoxydon and the diphenylether showed strong antimicrobial properties against all bacteria and fungi tested. 6-Methylsalicylic acid, epoxydon and the diphenylether also inhibited sorghum root growth.
Effects of Ketamine on Concentration of NSE and S100β in Plasma after Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Infants with Heart Disease

Objective To investigate the effects of ketamine on plasma NSE and S100β in plasma after cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) in infants.Methods Twenty-eight patients for repair of ventricular septal defect(VSD) were randomly divided into two groups: ketamine group(group K,n=14) received ketamine 1mg/kg intravenously before CPB and control group(group C,n=14) received normal saline instead of Ketamine.Blood samples from external cycle were collected before start of CPB and after termination of CPB for determination of plasma NSE and S100β concentration,respectively.Results In group C,the expression level of plasma NSE and S100β significantly increased after CPB(P0.05).Meanwhile,there was no significant difference of the concentrations of NSE and S100β between the two groups before start of CPB.After termination of CPB,the expression level of plasma NSE and S100β was obviously higher in group C than that in group K(P 0.05).Conclusion Ketamine can reduce the release of NSE and S100β protein in infants after CPB,so it may attenuate the brain injury.
Novel therapeutic targets in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Abstract Understanding of molecular mechanisms that drive Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) cell survival are rapidly evolving. This review briefly highlights emerging "WM-relevant" targets; for which therapeutic strategies are currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. With the discovery of MYD88 L265P signaling and remarkable activity of ibrutinib in WM, other targets within the B-cell receptor pathway are now being focused on for therapeutic intervention. Additional targets which play a role in WM cell survival include TLR7, 8 and 9, proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzymes (USP14 and UCHL5), XPO1/CRM1 and AURKA. New drugs for established targets are also discussed. Lastly, we spotlight 3 highly innovative WM-specific therapies: MYD88 peptide inhibitors, MYD88 L265P -directed immune activation and CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, which are in various stages of development. Indeed, treatment of WM is poised to undergo a paradigm shift in the coming years towards highly disease-driven and more personalized therapeutic modalities with curative intent.
US Design Patent Law: A Historical Look at the Design Patent/Copyright Interface

Under modern U.S. law, concurrent copyright and design patent protection for a given design is permissible; no election between regimes is required. The goal of this chapter is to explain how U.S. law arrived at this point, specifically by asking how design patent law has demarcated its protectable subject matter over the course of its lengthy history, and by looking outwards from the perspective of design patent law to observe how U.S. copyright law has evolved over that same time period.
Dust sensor based on luminescent glazing for control of photovoltaic panels cleaning

The installation of photovoltaic panels in dusty areas affects their efficiency by the accumulation of dust on glazing surfaces. The cleaning of the dusty panels allows recovering the maximum efficiency. However, it increases the cost of operating and maintenance for photovoltaic installations, a compromise between the reduction in the annual cleaning cost and the improvement solar energy production is obtained with implementation of a dust sensor. By this study, for a first time a dust sensor is developed by using luminescent glazing material with embedded photocells on borders. The dust deposited on sensor is detected from photogenerated current from the photocell integrated on the edges of a luminescent glass plate of 10 × 10 cm2 area. The optical and electrical characterization revealed that the generated photocurrent from the sensor output increases of 9 µA when dusts accumulation shading is widen by 10%. This new principal for dust sensors could be applied to monitor photovoltaic power plant installations for maximizing energy production from solar renewable source in dusty environment as like Saharan regions. In order to start the cleaning cycle of the photovoltaic modules, the signal generated by the dust sensor is amplified by a Darlington analog circuit which assures the relay control for operating of a direct current pump.
Cognitive Augmentation Metrics Using Representational Information Theory

In the coming era of cognitive augmentation, humans will work in natural, collegial, and peer-to-peer partnerships with systems able to perform expert-level cognition. However, we lack theoretically grounded fundamental metrics describing and characterizing this kind of human cognitive augmentation. The pursuit of such metrics leads us to some of the most fundamental questions about the nature of information and cognition. We define a cognitive process as the transformation of data, information, knowledge, or wisdom. We then employ representational information theory to calculate the effect a cognitive process has on the information. We then use that metric as the basis for deriving several other metrics such as cognitive gain, work, power, density, and efficiency to analyze a cognitively augmented human. We also propose a metric called the augmentation factor to indicate the level to which a human is augmented by working with one or more cognitive systems.
Role of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation in two adult samples

Purpose Despite evidence that violent daydreaming is a correlate of suicidal ideation, no research has examined the mechanisms underlying this association. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide insight. This theory postulates that individuals with high suicidal desire experience intractable feelings of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB). Violent daydreaming may fuel negative attitudes toward others and oneself and turn attention away from loved ones, thereby increasing feelings that one is a burden on others (PB) and socially disconnected (TB). However, no studies have tested TB and PB as explanatory mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between violent daydreaming, PB, TB, suicidal ideation, and depression in two samples (n=818). Design/methodology/approach Study 1 was comprised of general undergraduates, and Study 2 selected for undergraduates with a history of ideation. Self-report measures were administered and indirect effects analyses were conducted. Findings In both studies, violent daydreaming was associated with increased feelings of PB, TB, and ideation severity. Consistent with the interpersonal theory, TB and PB were significant parallel mediators of the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation, beyond sex and age. In contrast to Study 1, results were no longer significant in Study 2 after accounting for depression. Originality/value This was the first study to test TB and PB as mechanisms underlying the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicide risk. Findings highlight the importance of monitoring and addressing violent daydreams and interpersonal functioning throughout treatment to mitigate risk.
Restoration of Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Cystathionine-γ Lyase Activity Underlies Moxonidine-Evoked Neuroprotection and Sympathoinhibition in Diabetic Rats.

We recently demonstrated a fundamental role for cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE)–derived hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the cardioprotective effect of the centrally acting drug moxonidine in diabetic rats. Whether a downregulated CSE/H2S system in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) underlies neuronal oxidative stress and sympathoexcitation in diabetes has not been investigated. Along with addressing this question, we tested the hypothesis that moxonidine prevents the diabetes-evoked neurochemical effects by restoring CSE/H2S function within its major site of action, the RVLM. Ex vivo studies were performed on RVLM tissues of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) diabetic rats treated daily for 3 weeks with moxonidine (2 or 6 mg/kg; gavage), H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (3.4 mg/kg, i.p.), CSE inhibitor DL-propargylglycine (DLP) (37.5 mg/kg, i.p.), a combination of DLP with moxonidine, or their vehicle. Moxonidine alleviated RVLM oxidative stress, neuronal injury, and increased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (sympathoexcitation) by restoring CSE expression/activity as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. A pivotal role for H2S in moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection is supported by the following: 1) NaHS replicated the moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection, and the restoration of RVLM HO-1 expression in diabetic rats; and 2) DLP abolished moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection in diabetic rats, and caused RVLM neurotoxicity, reminiscent of a diabetes-evoked neuronal phenotype, in healthy rats. These findings suggest a novel role for RVLM CSE/H2S/HO-1 in moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection and sympathoinhibition, and as a therapeutic target for developing new drugs for alleviating diabetes-evoked RVLM neurotoxicity and cardiovascular anomalies.
G126(P) Developing level 1 teaching in paediatrics as a quality improvement programme (qip)

STEP 1 teaching is a monthly programme for Level 1 (ST1–3) Paediatric trainees. There has been a great deal of change in education within the Deanery and STEP 1 was noted to be suffering. Aims Our primary aim was to create a teaching programme for trainees which complied with RCPCH curriculum, was educational and well-received by trainees. Methods We identified the issues with STEP 1 teaching in September 2016. At this time, we undertook an audit to identify how compliant with the RCPCH curriculum the teaching had been prior to our interception of the project (October 2014 – November 2016). Following this, we produced a STEP teaching programme to roll over 12 months, mapped to the RCPCH Level 1 curriculum. We contacted Consultants within the Deanery and higher level trainees outlining the programme and asking for teaching support. Once we received interest, we then produced a teaching timetable for the next year which is now complete until July 2018. We outlined the aims for each teaching session ensuring the curriculum was met. Throughout this QIP, we have undertaken trainee feedback surveys to help develop the programme. Results The initial audit undertaken showed that of the 12 subspecialties outlined in the curriculum, only 67% were taught. Within these, there was We undertook trainee feedback surveys which highlighted issues with teaching and suggestions for improvement. Since creating the new teaching timetable, we have sent out a further survey to the same trainees. Results awaited. Conclusion Having undertaken STEP 1 teaching, we understood the importance of having a well-structured and organised programme and wanted to develop this idea. The feedback initially identified problems with the quality of teaching, and through organisation and communication with Consultants from the Deanery, we have been able to create a well-structured teaching timetable for the next year involving Tertiary Centre Consultants and District General Hospitals, which complies with the RCPCH curriculum. We hope to extend this programme to become an 18 month rolling programme. We will continue to undertake regular feedback surveys and forum discussions to continually develop the programme and make it a success.
Multi-Stakeholder Informed Guidelines for Direct Admission of Children to Hospital

Objectives To develop pediatric direct admission guidelines and prioritize outcomes to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hospital admission processes. Study design We conducted deliberative discussions at 1 children's hospital and 2 community hospitals, engaging parents of hospitalized children and inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department physicians and nurses to identify shared and dissenting perspectives regarding direct admission processes and outcomes. Discussions were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using a general inductive approach. We then convened a national panel to prioritize guideline components and outcome measures using a RAND/UCLA Modified Delphi approach. Results Forty-eight stakeholders participated in 6 deliberative discussions. Emergent themes related to effective multistakeholder communication, resources needed for high quality direct admissions, written direct admission guidelines, including criteria to identify children appropriate for and inappropriate for direct admission, and families' needs. Building on these themes, Delphi panelists endorsed 71 guideline components as both appropriate and necessary at children's hospitals and community hospitals and 13 outcomes to evaluate hospital admission systems. Guideline components include (1) pre-admission communication, (2) written guidelines, (3) hospital resources to optimize direct admission processes, (4) special considerations for pediatric populations that may be at particular risk of nosocomial infection and/or stress in emergency departments, (5) communication with families referred for direct admission, and (6) quality reviews to evaluate admission systems. Conclusions These direct admission guidelines can be adapted by hospitals and health systems to inform hospital admission policies and protocols. Multistakeholder engagement in evaluation of hospital admission processes may improve transitions of care and health system integration.
High ANXA7 Potentiates Eucalyptol Toxicity in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer.

Background/aim Our studies showed that ANXA7 is a novel tumor suppressor gene that is lost in various aggressive forms of prostate cancer. However, little is known about the role of ANXA7 in the anticancer drug treatment towards different cancers. Materials and methods The expression of ANXA7 was measured in the 60 cancer cell lines of the NCI-60 ADS project and correlated with the enhanced sensitivity to over 30,000 natural and synthetic compounds. Results Eucalyptol showed a high positive correlation with ANXA7 expression and castration-resistant prostate cancer cell death occurred very effectively in response to the combination of eucalyptol and overexpressed wt-ANXA7 than either agent alone. The synergistic effects of ANXA7 and eucalyptol resulted in concordant changes in gene expression profiles particularly of Ras family members, MDM4, NF-ĸB and VEGF. Conclusion Overexpression of ANXA7 enhances eucalyptol cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cell lines.
Comparitive analysis of fuzzy decision tree and logistic regression methods for pavement treatment prediction

Data mining is the process of extraction of hidden predictive information from large databases and expressing them in a simple and meaningful manner. This paper explains the use of Fuzzy logic as a data mining process to generate decision trees from a pavement (road) database obtained from Ohio Department of Transportation containing historical pavement information from 1985 to 2006. Generally there are many attributes in the pavement database and often it is a complicated process to develop a mathematical model to classify the data. This study demonstrates the use of fuzzy logic to generate decision tree to classify the pavement data. Further, the fuzzy decision tree is then converted to fuzzy rules. These fuzzy rules will assist decision-making process for selecting a particular type of repair on a pavement based on its current condition. The fuzzy decision tree induction method used is based on minimizing the measure of classification ambiguity for different attributes. These models overcome the sharp boundary problems, providing soft controller surface and good accuracy dealing with continuous attributes and prediction problems. This method was compared with common logistic regression model for predicting the pavement treatment. The results show that the fuzzy decision method outperforms the logistic regression model by 10%. The fuzzy decision tree method generates the rules, which gives the better understanding of the relationship between the parameters and the pavement treatment prediction.
Retinoblastoma: Epidemiologic Aspects

Retinoblastoma is the paradigm for the two-hit model of carcinogenesis [1]. From a genetic standpoint, three forms may be considered: familial, sporadic heritable, and nonheritable retinoblastoma (Fig. 4.1). These three forms are thought to account for most instances of retinoblastoma. However, findings on imprinting and mosaicism indicate that our understanding of the genetics of this disease is still evolving and that the genetics are more complex than indicated by our discussion of the three main forms [2–5]. In the discussion that follows, we use the proportions of retinoblastomas of each form seen in industrialized countries. In developing countries, nonheritable retinoblastoma accounts for a larger proportion.
Targeting the Microenvironment in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

Cancer–stroma interactions play a key role in cancer progression and response to standard chemotherapy. Here, we provide a summary of the mechanisms by which the major cellular components of the ovarian cancer (OC) tumor microenvironment (TME) including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid, immune, endothelial, and mesothelial cells potentiate cancer progression. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is characterized by a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic signature. This profile is correlated with clinical outcomes and can be a target for therapy. Accumulation of malignant ascites in the peritoneal cavity allows for secreted factors to fuel paracrine and autocrine circuits that augment cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Adhesion of cancer cells to the mesothelial matrix promotes peritoneal tumor dissemination and represents another attractive target to prevent metastasis. The immunosuppressed tumor milieu of HGSOC is permissive for tumor growth and can be modulated therapeutically. Results of emerging preclinical and clinical trials testing TME-modulating therapeutics for the treatment of OC are highlighted.