cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variability in Costs Associated with Total Hip and Knee Replacement Implants

Background: Implant costs associated with total hip replacement and total knee replacement procedures account for a large share of total costs and reimbursements to hospitals. Federal policymakers are promoting episode-of-care payment and other value-based delivery and payment reforms in part to encourage physicians and hospitals to cooperate in managing costs for these and other procedures. The present study quantifies the patient, hospital, and market characteristics associated with variation in implant and total procedure costs for hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods: Clinical, demographic, and economic data were collected on 10,155 unilateral primary total knee replacement procedures and 5013 unilateral primary total hip replacement procedures from sixty-one hospitals in 2008. Variation in implant costs per procedure was measured within and across hospitals. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to measure the association between patient and hospital characteristics and implant costs and total procedure costs. Results: The average implant cost per case ranged from $1797 to $12,093 for total knee replacement procedures and from $2392 to $12,651 for total hip replacement procedures. For total knee replacement, 2.5% of total variation in device costs was attributable to patient characteristics and 61.0% was attributable to hospital characteristics; the remaining 36.5% of variance was attributable to within-hospital variation not due to patient or hospital characteristics. For total hip replacement, 4.4% of variance was attributed to patient characteristics, 36.1% was attributed to hospital characteristics, and 59.5% was attributed to within-hospital variation not due to patient or hospital characteristics. Conclusions: There are substantial variations in total hip replacement and total knee replacement implant costs within and across hospitals after controlling for patient diagnoses and comorbidities. This variation is responsible for the majority of variation in the overall cost of total hip and knee replacement surgery. Level of Evidence: Economic and decision analysis, Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Low Latency Coding: Convolutional Codes vs. LDPC Codes

This paper compares the performance of convolutional codes to that of LDPC block codes with identical decoding latencies. The decoding algorithms considered are the Viterbi algorithm and stack sequential decoding for convolutional codes and iterative message passing for LDPC codes. It is shown that, at very low latencies, convolutional codes with Viterbi decoding offer the best performance, whereas for high latencies LDPC codes dominate - and sequential decoding of convolutional codes offers the best performance over a range of intermediate latency values. The "crossover latencies" - i.e., the latency values at which the best code/decoding selection changes - are identified for a variety of code rates (1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 5/6) and target bit/frame error rates. For sequential decoding, both blockwise and continuous resynchronization procedures are used to allow the decoder to recover the correct path. The results indicate that sequential decoding substantially extends (beyond what is possible with Viterbi decoding) the range of latency values over which convolutional codes prove advantageous compared to LDPC block codes.
Regularity and multi-scale discretization of the solution construction of hyperbolic evolution equations with limited smoothness

Abstract We present a multi-scale solution scheme for hyperbolic evolution equations with curvelets. We assume, essentially, that the second-order derivatives of the symbol of the evolution operator are uniformly Lipschitz. The scheme is based on a solution construction introduced by Smith (1998) [1] and is composed of generating an approximate solution following a paradifferential decomposition of the mentioned symbol, here, with a second-order correction reminiscent of geometrical asymptotics involving a Hamilton–Jacobi system of equations and, subsequently, solving a particular Volterra equation. We analyze the regularity of the associated Volterra kernel, and then determine the optimal quadrature in the evolution parameter. Moreover, we provide an estimate for the spreading of (finite) sets of curvelets, enabling the multi-scale numerical computation with controlled error.
Control of elongation by RNA polymerase II

The elongation stage of eukaryotic mRNA synthesis can be regulated by transcription factors that interact directly with the RNA polymerase II (pol II) elongation complex and by activities that modulate the structure of its chromatin template. Recent studies have revealed new elongation factors and have implicated the general initiation factors TFIIE, TFIIF and TFIIH, as well as the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of pol II, in elongation. The recently reported high-resolution crystal structure of RNA polymerase II, which provides insight into the architecture of the elongation complex, marks a new era of investigation into transcription elongation.
Lack of correlation between lymphocytic mrna expression and activity of CYP3A4 and CYP2E1 In‐vivo in alcoholics and non‐alcoholics

Lymphocyte mRNA levels may serve as a surrogate for activity of drug metabolizing enzymes. We conducted a study to examine the relationship between CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 lymphocyte mRNA levels and the clearances (CL) of oral chlorzoxazone (CHZ) and oral and IV midazolam (MDZ), respectively. 20 alcoholics (ALC) (> 140gm of alcohol/wk) and 20 non-alcoholics (N-ALC) (20 African-Americans 20 Caucasians) enrolled in the study. MDZ was given IV (0.05mg/kg over 30 min) and orally (5mg) on consecutive days. CHZ (500mg) was administered orally 8 hr after IV MDZ. mRNA was isolated from blood lymphocytes, CYP3A4 and 2E1 mRNA was quantitated using real time PCR. Serum CHZ and MDZ concentrations were determined by HPLC-UV or LC-MS. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between ALC and N-ALC for CYP3A4 mRNA, MDZ CLORAL (149.4±87.8 vs 120.3±84.1 L/hr) and CLIV (36.9±12 vs 36.6±14.1 L/hr). No correlation was observed between lymphocytic CYP3A4 mRNA and CYP3A activity. CYP2E1 mRNA levels were not significantly different between ALC and N-ALC. In contrast, CHZ CLORAL was significantly greater (p<0.05) in ALC (31.5±11.9) compared to N-ALC (23.4±8.7) but no correlation was observed between CYP2E1 activity and mRNA. No significant race based differences were observed for either CYP mRNA or activity. In conclusion, lymphocyte CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 mRNA levels did not reflect hepatic CYP2E1 activity nor hepatic and intestinal CYP3A activity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P36–P36; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.137
Cardiovascular disease risks in adolescent males

Although primary prevention efforts aimed at reducing heart disease have focused on adults, there is evidence that risk factors for heart disease are likely to be present in children and adolescents. To identify the risk factors present in adolescent boys, 82 male adolescents were enrolled in a study. Blood pressure, cholesterol, percent body fat, and body mass index (BMI) were measured along with data collection pertaining to diets, substance use, stress, and family history of heart disease. A statistically significant number of adolescent male subjects had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high percent body fat, and high BMI and used substances associated with heart disease (smoking cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, alcohol, and amino acids). Thus, interventions must begin early in life if heart disease is to be prevented.
Full elastic finite-difference modeling and interpretation of karst system in a subsalt carbonate reservoir

AbstractWe evaluated an advanced forward-modeling-based reservoir characterization technique that uses full elastic finite-difference simulation to investigate the limits of karst identification in stacked seismic data. Identification of karsts is important for field development in carbonated reservoirs because paleokarst features can result in a loss of circulation and/or sometimes lost drill bits. Our primary objective was to verify whether we can detect and interpret the location and size of karsts from seismic data, especially given a complex overburden. We constructed an elastic reservoir model consisting of compressional velocity (VP), shear velocity (VS), and density for the study area using interpreted horizons and well log information. Karsts with varying widths, thicknesses, dip angles, and porosities were inserted to generate multiple versions of the model. We also evaluated the imaging impact of overlying faults and salt on karst detection. Full elastic simulation was performed on the various ...
Flip-Chip Bonded GaP Photodiodes for Detection of 400- to 480-nm Fluorescence

Gallium phosphide (GaP) PIN photodetectors have been flip-chip bonded onto glass substrates and then studied for their ability to detect capillary fluorescence. The system presents a compact, robust alternative to liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Linear fluorescence detection of Ciprofloxacin to concentrations of 0.01 ppm was achieved.
A non-conforming finite element method for sub-meshing

In engineering applications, there is a constant need for solving problems using finite elements, over large and complicated domains. Such analysis is often accomplished by decomposing the global domain into several sub-domains and performing the analysis individually on each local sub-domain. The global analysis can then be realized by piecing together the information that is available from each sub-domain. Non-conforming finite elements are particularly useful in this regard. In this paper, we discuss such a technique for a model problem. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions in order for the mixed method formulation of such a non-conforming method to have a unique solution. Error estimates for the finite element solution are obtained. Finally, we present computational experiments to demonstrate that this non-conforming technique is a good candidate for finite element implementation.
Noninvasive, transcranial and localized opening of the blood-brain barrier using focused ultrasound in mice

The feasibility of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening in the hippocampus of wild-type mice using focused ultrasound (FUS) through the intact skull and skin was investigated. Needle hydrophone measurements through ex vivo skulls revealed minimal attenuation (18% of the pressure amplitude), a well-focused beam pattern and minute focus displacement through the parietal bone. In experiments in vivo, the brains of three mice were sonicated transcranially. Pulsed ultrasound sonications at 1.5 MHz and acoustic pressures ranging from 0.8 to 2.7 MPa were used at 20% duty cycle. Before sonication, a bolus of 10 L of an ultrasound contrast agents (Optison) was injected intravenously. Contrast-enhanced high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (9.4 T) revealed BBB opening and allowed for the monitoring of the slow permeation of gadolinium in the hippocampus. The region of the brain where BBB opening occurred increased with the pressure amplitude. These findings thus demonstrated the feasibility of locally opening the BBB in mice using FUS through intact skull and skin and serve as the first step in determining and assessing feasibility of drug delivery to specific regions in the mouse brain using FUS. (E-mail: ek2191@columbia.edu) © 2006 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
West Nile Virus Isolated from a Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in Northwestern Missouri, USA, 2012

Abstract We describe the isolation of West Nile virus (WNV; Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) from blood of a Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) collected in northwestern Missouri, USA in August 2012. Sequencing determined that the virus was related to lineage 1a WNV02 strains. We discuss the role of wildlife in WNV disease epidemiology.
Extending the low temperature operational limit of double-layer capacitors

Abstract This work describes the design and testing of organic electrolyte systems that extend the low temperature operational limit of double-layer capacitors (also known as supercapacitors) beyond that of typical commercially available components. Electrolytes were based on a tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/acetonitrile system, modified with low melting co-solvents (such as formates, esters and cyclic ethers) to enable charging and discharging of test cells to as low as −75 °C. Cell capacitance exhibited little dependence on the electrolyte salt concentration or the nature of the co-solvent used, however, both variables strongly influenced the cell equivalent series resistance (ESR). Minimizing the increase in ESR posed the greatest design challenge, which limited realistic operation of these test cells to −55 °C (still improved relative to the typical rated limit of −40 °C for commercially available non-aqueous cells).
Effects of Sodium Tripolyphosphate on Physical and Sensory Properties of Beef and Pork Roasts

Six paired beef round and pork loin roasts were used to determine the effects of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) on fresh and reheated roasts. Roasts were pumped 10% of their weight with distilled water (control) or with distilled water containing 4.75% STPP. Roasts were cooked to internal temperatures of 70°C (beef) or 75°C (pork) and evaluated after 0, 1 or 3 days (roasts were reheated to cooked temperatures). This study indicates that phosphate in pork and beef roasts allowed them to be reheated after 1 and 3 days of refrigeration with minimal losses of juiciness, tenderness or flavor intensity, Phosphate injection reduced warmed-over flavor in reheated pork roasts but was not successful in decreasing the incidence of warmedover flavors in reheated beef roasts.
Attitude determination concepts for the Space Station Freedom

The requirements, technical approach, and key features of the attitude determination system (ADS) being developed for the Space Station Freedom are described. Use of current technology provides new capabilities for all attitude autonomous operation and rapid determination of attitude in a debris-filled environment. The ADS is implemented using star trackers with fixed mosaic array detectors and inertial sensors based on laser gyro technology. Star catalog characteristics, star identification techniques, the functional implementation of the ADS system, and the results of preliminary covariance performance analyses are presented. Covariance analysis indicates that the stringent accuracy requirements of the Space Station can be met with the baseline system. The automated ADS mechanization provides rapid attitude acquisition from any orientation where stars are visible; astronaut intervention is not required. The inertial sensors and the star trackers are on-orbit replaceable, are highly reliable, and promise long-life operation. >
The Uses of Dynamic Earthquake Triggering

Dynamic triggering of earthquakes by seismic waves is a robustly observed phenomenon with well-documented examples from over 30 major earthquakes. We are now in a position to use dynamic triggering as a natural experiment to probe the reaction of faults to the known stresses from seismic waves. We show here that dynamic triggering can be used to investigate the distribution of stresses required for failure on faults. In some regions, faults appear to be uniformly distributed over their loading cycles with equal numbers at all possible stresses from failure. Regions under tectonic extension, at the interface between locked and creeping faults, or subject to anthropogenic forcing are most prone to triggered failure. Predictions of future seismicity rates based on seismic wave amplitudes are theoretically possible and may provide similar results to purely stochastic prediction schemes. The underlying mechanisms of dynamic triggering are still unknown. The prolonged triggered sequences require a multistage process such as shear failure from rate-state friction coupled to aseismic creep or continued triggering through a secondary cascade. Permeability enhancement leading to drainage or pore pressure redistribution on faults is an alternative possibility.
Property and Progress

Copyright laws aim to protect intangible interests in the use of literary and artistic works to provide creators with an incentive to produce. The law rationalizes that by granting exclusive “property” rights in creative works, authors will be encouraged to produce works for the ultimate benefit of society as the potential for commercial rewards is assumed to be the primary motivation for creativity. But, the exclusive control these rights give creators and owners of copyrighted works have been the subject of severe criticism because they create access barriers to the use of content, which, free speech and civil liberties advocates, argue should be free of restrictions for civil discourse and political dialogue. This Article argues that, contrary to contemporary thought that rights in the copyright system hampers progress, the protection of individual rights in literary and artistic works - besides encouraging creativity for progress - also brings into the copyright system a normative order for social conduct that advances society towards the Constitutional goal of progress. A strong institution of property rights for the copyright system correlates with greater progress of science and arts because the recognition and protection of individual authorial autonomy instills individual and collective social responsibility in how works are used and produced, generates public respect for the act of authorship, and fosters education, research, and economic development through the production and use of literary and artistic works. The creation of diverse works will contribute towards progress of science and arts only if an underlying foundation of property rights protect the creator of a work to instill a sense of individual autonomy and responsible authorship and directs public use of the work toward socially beneficial purposes in ways that strengthen, rather than weaken, the moral fabric of society. This Article concludes that the progress of science and arts is not only dependent on a system of statutory copyright provided by the Copyright Act but on an institution of property laws to provide normative guidance on proper conduct in the production and use of literary and artistic works in ways, which would advance progress.
Immune Measures in Behavioral Medicine Research: Procedures and Implications

Immune system activity is heavily influenced by the central nervous system. These interactions provide us the means to study mind–body interactions and how they affect health. In general, measures of immune system activity can be divided into two categories: those that are evident in the circulation and those that need to be elicited. For example, leukocytes can be collected from the circulation, counted, and their function accessed in cell culture. To test the ability of the immune system to respond to an experimental challenge more directly, studies involving wound healing, or involving the response to an infectious agent, can be performed. The purpose of this chapter is briefly to describe immune assays that are commonly employed in behavioral medicine research, including a rationale for their use as well as a brief description of the methodology. This chapter also describes previous studies in which circulatory and elicited immune measures have been studied in human subjects experiencing different psychological stressors, with an emphasis on studies involving medical students experiencing academic stress and caregivers of a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, the chapter discusses the important role that the employment of animal models can play in studies of stress and health and in defining how nervous system activity can influence the immune response.
Surgical complications following malignant brain tumor surgery: An analysis of 2002-2011 data

Objectives To estimate the incidence of surgical complications and associated in-hospital morbidity and mortality following surgery for malignant brain tumors.
Some Historic Bridges of the United States

The Bicentennial Celebration offers a fine opportunity to examine the history and achievements of the United States in bridge building. Some criteria can be set up for labeling a bridge historic: (1) Because it is connected with an event of political or national significance; (2) because it marks an advance in engineering science or technology; (3) because it is representative, even symbolic, of its era; and (4) because it is an extraordinarily beautiful work of art. In this paper some examples are discussed and some bridges can be placed in more than one of these categories. The most important conclusion is that we realize the indispensable role bridges have played and will continue to play in our culture and in the development of our environment.
Benefits of Decision Support Systems

The benefits of a decision support system (DSS) can be subtler than those of other systems. This chapter identifies benefits from various DSSs as described in the literature and categorizes them according to their effects on various phases of the problem-solving process. The chapter also outlines techniques for assessing the benefits of a DSS before and after implementation.
United States v. Windsor, Amici Curiae Supporting Dismissal of the Writ of Certiorari as Improvidently Granted

I. Congress cannot prosecute a lawsuit on behalf of the United States without violating the separation of powers. This is especially true when statutory enforcement is contingent on the Government prevailing in the litigation of a constitutional challenge. Current statute reflects the Constitution’s assignment of this power to the Executive. Legislators have Article III standing when they have sustained an injury-in-fact (including vote-nullification), and Congress, or a single house, may litigate when its own institutional prerogatives are threatened in the midst of an interbranch conflict. However, the conduct of ordinary litigation on behalf of the Government that is incident to a statute’s enforcement, including any defense of a law’s constitutionality, is reserved solely to the Executive Branch.II. This Court should not reach the merits because there is no longer a justiciable case or controversy. Since the proper parties to this action lack the necessary adverseness of interests and were already awarded the remedy they sought below, the continued litigation of this claim can lead to no further redress. Jurisdictional and prudential elements of standing, mootness, and other justiciability doctrines support constitutional avoidance.
Potential Role of Phosphorylation as a Regulator of Aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase: Relevance to Infiltrative Spread of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abundant expression of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase (AAH) correlates with infiltrative growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we examine the role of phosphorylation in relation to AAH's protein expression, hydroxylase activity, promotion of cell motility, and activation of Notch signaling in human Huh7 hepatoma cells. Predicted glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation sites encoded by human AAH cDNA were ablated by S/T→A site-directed mutagenesis using N-Myc-tagged constructs in which gene expression was controlled by a cytomegalovirus promoter. Functional consequences were assessed in transiently transfected Huh7 cells. Cells transfected with wildtype AAH had significantly increased AAH expression, catalytic activity, HES-1 expression, and directional motility relative to controls. Single phosphorylation site mutations in the C-terminus largely abrogated these effects and further inhibited catalytic activity relative to that in cells transfected with empty vector, whereas the effects of single point mutations within the N-terminus were more varied. In contrast, AAH cDNAs carrying multiple phosphorylation site mutations exhibited wildtype levels of AAH catalytic activity suggesting that the effects of AAH phosphorylation are complex and non-uniform. AAH expression and function can be modulated by direct phosphorylation of the protein. These findings suggest additional strategies for inhibiting infiltrative growth of HCC.
Antisense Transcripts Delimit Exonucleolytic Activity of the Mitochondrial 3' Processome to Generate Guide RNAs.

Summary Small, noncoding RNA biogenesis typically involves cleavage of structured precursor by RNase III-like endonucleases. However, guide RNAs (gRNAs) that direct U-insertion/deletion mRNA editing in mitochondria of trypanosomes maintain 5′ triphosphate characteristic of the transcription initiation and possess a U-tail indicative of 3′ processing and uridylation. Here, we identified a protein complex composed of RET1 TUTase, DSS1 3′-5′ exonuclease, and three additional subunits. This complex, termed mitochondrial 3′ processome (MPsome), is responsible for primary uridylation of ∼800 nt gRNA precursors, their processive degradation to a mature size of 40–60 nt, and secondary U-tail addition. Both strands of the gRNA gene are transcribed into sense and antisense precursors of similar lengths. Head-to-head hybridization of these transcripts blocks symmetrical 3′-5′ degradation at a fixed distance from the double-stranded region. Together, our findings suggest a model in which gRNA is derived from the 5′ extremity of a primary molecule by uridylation-induced, antisense transcription-controlled 3′-5′ exonucleolytic degradation.
Diaspora Bonds: Explaining Their Mixed Record

A diaspora bond is a debt instrument issued by a country — or potentially, a subsovereign entity or even a private corporation — to raise financing from its overseas diaspora (Ketkar and Ratha 2010). World Bank economists argue that they can help developing countries raise much needed capital, and that these countries may issue them successfully at a discounted “patriotic” interest rate. However, the mixed success of the countries that have issued such bonds begs the question: Why do some countries issue diaspora bonds successfully, while others fail? Using Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) (Ragin, 1987, 2001, 2008) we compare nine diaspora bonds issued by six countries (Nepal, Ethiopia, India, the Philippines, Ghana, and Kenya) to identify the causal configurations that are necessary and sufficient for a diaspora bond issuance to succeed. Our main finding is that, while widely accepted conditions such as interest rates, credit risk, and political regime also affect diaspora bonds, their success or failure cannot be understood without taking into account institutions and politics particular to diasporas and their unique relationship with the bond-issuing government.
Facilitating at-Home Colorectal Screening: The Effect of Cognitive and Motivational Instruction Features on User Perceptions and Intentions

Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT), which screen for colorectal disease, like other medical at-home testing procedures require users to follow complex instructions that need to be executed carefully for valid results. If instructions are difficult to understand, they may hamper health behavior engagement. This paper describes two experiments that tested the influence of human factors engineering guidelines and motivational instruction features on user perceptions and intentions. Results show that instructional features influenced both user perceptions and intentions. In Experiment 1 the motivational enhancement increased intentions for screening among college students. In Experiment 2, which included the targeted FOBT population (adults over 50), the combination of human factors guidelines and motivational features maximally increased requests for FOBT screening kits. By improving these features we may be able to facilitate FOBT screening and increase compliance rates.
Study on heavy metals in solid waste incineration bottom ash

The 4 heavy metals(Zn,Ni,Cu,Cd) in solid waste incineration bottom ash are studied by Four-step sequential chemical extraction method of Tessier.The results show that metal Cd mainly exists in residual fraction(account for 61.22% to 62.41% of the total mass of cadmium),metal Ni and Zn mainly exists in residual fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction,metal Cu mainly exists in organic fraction(account for 60.97% to 62.29% of the total mass of copper).The bioavailability of four heavy metals from high to low is Ni,Cd,Zn,Cu.
Speech Enhancement Using Sparse Convolutive Non-negative Matrix Factorization with Basis Adaptation.

We introduce a framework for speech enhancement based on convolutive non-negative matrix factorization that leverages available speech data to enhance arbitrary noisy utterances with no a priori knowledge of the speakers or noise types present. Previous approaches have shown the utility of a sparse reconstruction of the speech-only components of an observed noisy utterance. We demonstrate that an underlying speech representation which, in addition to applying sparsity, also adapts to the noisy acoustics improves overall enhancement quality. The proposed system performs comparably to a traditional Wiener filtering approach, and the results suggest that the proposed framework is most useful in moderateto low-SNR scenarios.
Effects of high-protein/low-carbohydrate swine diets during the final finishing phase on pork muscle quality.

The aim of this study was to lower the glycogen stores in pork muscle in order to improve pork muscle quality by feeding an ultra-high-protein/low-carbohydrate (HIPRO) diet. Forty-eight barrows (average live weight = 92 kg) were assigned across five treatments and two replications (four or five pigs per treatment by replication combination). All barrows were fed a control diet (13.1% CP) until their assigned treatment began. A treatment was the number of days the barrows were fed the HIPRO diet prior to slaughter (0, 2, 4, 7, or 14 d). The HIPRO diet (35.9% CP) was 97% extruded soybeans. Daily feed intake and weekly live weights were recorded for all barrows. At-death blood glucose levels were determined. Muscle pH, temperature, and electrical impedance were measured in the longissmus lumborum and semimembranosus muscles at 45 min, 3 h, and 24 h postmortem. Glycolytic potential; Minolta L*a*b* values; visual scores for color, firmness, and marbling; water-holding capacity traits (drip loss, purge loss, and cooking loss); and Warner-Bratzler shear force values were determined in the longissmus thoracis et lumborum. Weight gain per day decreased the longer the pigs were fed the HIPRO diet (P 0.05); therefore, no differences in rate of pH decline or ultimate pH among dietary treatments were found (P > 0.05). Likewise, there were no differences among dietary treatments in any of the measured meat quality attributes (P > 0.05). Feeding barrows the HIPRO diet for a time period prior to slaughter decreased feed intake, rate of gain, and feed efficiency and was not effective at lowering glycolytic potential or improving pork muscle quality.
Glucagonoma syndrome: a review and update on treatment

Glucagonoma syndrome is defined by the presence of an alpha-cell secreting tumour of the pancreas, elevated levels of glucagon, and a characteristic rash called necrolytic migratory erythema (NME). NME is usually a specific and often initial finding of glucagonoma syndrome, but it may occur in other settings unassociated with an alpha-cell pancreatic tumour (pseudoglucagonoma syndrome). Glucagonoma syndrome must be distinguished from pseudoglucagonoma syndrome. Prompt recognition of NME and subsequent workup for a glucagonoma can allow for an earlier diagnosis and enhance the chances of a favourable outcome. In particular, metastases occur late, so early recognition of glucagonoma syndrome before liver metastases can be life-saving. Surgical resection is the definitive treatment for glucagonoma syndrome, although chemotherapeutic agents, somatostatin analogues and radionuclide therapy are also employed. Herein, we offer an approach to workup after identifying NME and an update on its current treatment modalities.
Three Latino Legends: Snapshot by Interview

“Three Latino Legends: Snapshot by Interview,” includes conversations we conducted with three Latino football pioneers: Joe Kapp, Tom Flores, and Jim Plunkett. We turn to our elders to learn from their wealth of experience and wisdom as significant shapers in the history of the NFL.
HISTORY AS A NATIONAL EPIC: Michelet

[The only son of an impoverished printer whom Napoleon had persecuted, Jules Michelet (1798–1874) became the foremost historian of the French people. His historical works were highly personal creations, combining an immediate sympathy with the past—aroused first by his childhood visits to the Lenoir National Museum—a broad philosophical interest, a scrupulous attention to neglected primary sources, a rich, poetic style, and an ardent patriotism which led him to personify the object of his love, France, and to glorify equally, in his first works at least, each period of its history. In 1824 Michelet discovered by chance and immediately translated Vico’s Scienza Nuova which gave philosophic sanction to his spontaneous belief that the people, and not only its leaders or its institutions, shaped history. An enthusiastic teacher, he published in 1827 a Precis d’histoire moderne, a brief, but highly original, essay on the unity of modern history, which until 1850 guided historical instruction in French schools. After a History of Rome, Michelet wrote the first six volumes of his History of France (1833–1843; eleven other, less judicious volumes, 1855–1867); eleven other, less judicious volumes, 1855–1867); these early volumes depicted in a series of tableaux the unfolding life of the French people, its physical environment, its spirit and its heroes, and ended with the poignant portrait of Saint Joan.
Context-Dependent Piano Music Transcription With Convolutional Sparse Coding

This paper presents a novel approach to automatic transcription of piano music in a context-dependent setting. This approach employs convolutional sparse coding to approximate the music waveform as the summation of piano note waveforms (dictionary elements) convolved with their temporal activations (onset transcription). The piano note waveforms are pre-recorded for the specific piano to be transcribed in the specific environment. During transcription, the note waveforms are fixed and their temporal activations are estimated and post-processed to obtain the pitch and onset transcription. This approach works in the time domain, models temporal evolution of piano notes, and estimates pitches and onsets simultaneously in the same framework. Experiments show that it significantly outperforms a state-of-the-art music transcription method trained in the same context-dependent setting, in both transcription accuracy and time precision, in various scenarios including synthetic, anechoic, noisy, and reverberant environments.
Abstract 4713: BET bromodomain degradation as a therapeutic strategy in drug-resistant multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy with an unmet need for novel therapeutic modalities. Moreover, acquired or de novo resistance to established or novel therapeutics remains a major challenge in this, and other, neoplasias. BET Bromodomain inhibitors (BBIs), including JQ1, have potent anti-MM activity in vitro and in in vivo, but do not provide curative outcome and do not induce apoptosis in most cell types. We sought to investigate dBET, a class of BBIs that induce degradation of BET Bromodomains (BRDs) through CRBN-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, in drug-resistant MM. Additionally, we posited that resistance to dBET treatment would emerge through genetic perturbations and wished to uncover potential mechanisms prior to its clinical utilization. To address this, we compared effects of optimized lead compound, dBET6, with JQ1 on a panel of MM cell lines, including clones resistant to JQ1 or bortezomib and assessed viability using CS-BLI/CTG assay and BRD/c-MYC expression by western blot. Using an open-ended unbiased genome-wide CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-associated Cas9 approach, we examined whether we could uncover genes associated with resistance to dBET6. MM1.S cells were transduced with Cas9 and pooled lentiviral particles of the GeCKO library, consisting of 2 pooled sgRNA sub-libraries (∼120,000 sgRNAs; targeting ∼19,000 genes and ∼1800 miRNAs). Using this CRISPR/Cas9-based approach we sought to expedite the isolation of MM cells resistant to dBET6. We treated the pool of cells thrice with dBET (≥IC80), allowing regrowth between treatments and maintaining a coverage of 1000 cells/sgRNA. dBET6-resistant cells were processed to quantify sgRNA enrichment or depletion, using deep sequencing. We observed dBET6 to have significantly greater potency against MM cells than JQ1, or its combination with lenalidomide, and that MM1S.CRBN-/- cells were resistant to dBET6. Resistance to neither JQ1 nor Bortezomib conferred resistance to dBET6. We observed dBET6 to induce rapid ( Citation Format: Geoffrey M. Matthews, Yiguo Hu, Michal Sheffer, Paul J. Hengeveld, Dennis L. Buckley, Megan A. Bariteau, Haley Poarch, James E. Bradner, Constantine S. Mitsiades. BET bromodomain degradation as a therapeutic strategy in drug-resistant multiple myeloma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4713.
A Computer Organization Team Project: Introducing Performance Benchmarking to Students using a Real World Case Study

This paper discusses how we used a real world performance analysis case study to introduce students to research oriented performance benchmarking via a Computer Organization team project. The case study background research for the project was conducted in collaboration with the IBM Power Systems Center Laboratory though the IBM Academic Initiative which enabled us to study alternative system configurations. After completing multiple synthetic application benchmark studies, we were able to replicate observations regarding unexpected processor utilization reporting first made at a client site. Finding the results interesting and unexpected, we decided to use this case study to involve students in a performance benchmarking project, requiring students to complete a measurement and analysis process on an alternative platform to determine if similar results would be observed.
On-line reporting system for nuclear medicine technology educational programs: Easy, effective, and efficient

2028 Objectives To (1) understand the advantages of on-line reporting systems in educational programs; (2) demonstrate the survey results of four programs currently using the on-line reporting system; and (3) discuss the advantages for educational programs to switch clinical experience paperwork to an on-line reporting system. Methods On-line reporting systems are now available for educational programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology, but only a few programs have made the switch from traditional clinical paperwork. Four different program types were surveyed: one baccalaureate degree program, one associate degree program, one certificate program in a college system, and one certificate program that is hospital based. Two surveys were completed. One survey was for the program directors/faculty members at the various schools and one survey for the clinical supervisors/instructors (CS) at the various clinical sites. All 4 programs completed the survey either as the program director (PD) or as the faculty responsible for the system, such as clinical coordinators (CC), for 100% participation. Results Everyone involved in the online reporting system agreed that the system was easy to use, effective and extremely helpful with statistical information. In addition, the CS group felt more closely involved in the educational program vs. the traditional paper system because they could get results from the reporting/statistical section. There was not one single question or comment that said that the program(s) should go back to paper versions. Conclusions The survey results were positive for individuals using the on-line reporting system and demonstrate that there is value in using the on-line reporting system, Trajecsys. While there still room for additional analysis from a larger survey, this was the first step to demonstrate the usefulness of the Trajecsys on-line reporting system. Research Support Survey results
Renal Delivery of Anti-microRNA Oligonucleotides in Rats

MicroRNAs are endogenous small, non-protein-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular functions and disease processes. A novel role for microRNAs in the development of hypertension and hypertensive tissue injury is emerging in recent studies. Development of hypertension involves multiple organ systems and cannot be modeled in vitro. Therefore, the ability to experimentally alter genes, gene products, or biological pathways, including microRNAs, in an organ-specific manner in intact animal models is particularly valuable to hypertension research. The kidney plays a central role in the long-term regulation of arterial blood pressure. In this chapter, we describe a detailed protocol for using a renal interstitial injection method to deliver anti-miR oligonucleotides to knock down microRNA specifically in the kidney in conscious rats.
Characterization of Medication Use in a Multicenter Sample of Pediatric Inpatients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Nearly 11% of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) undergo psychiatric hospitalization, and 65% are treated with psychotropic medication. Here we characterize psychotropic medication usage in subjects enrolled in the Autism Inpatient Collection. Participant psychotropic medication usage rates topped 90% at admission and discharge, though there was a decline at 2-month follow-up. Antipsychotics, ADHD medications, and sleep aids were the most commonly reported classes of medications. The impact of age, gender, and non-verbal IQ on medication usage rates was minimal, though age and IQ may play a role in prescribing practices. Future work is indicated to explore medication usage trends, the impact of clinical factors on medication use rates, and the safety of psychotropic medications in youth with ASD.
Local sequence and sequencing depth dependent accuracy of RNA-seq reads

Many biases and spurious effects are inherent in RNA-seq technology, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of sequencing read counts for each base position in a gene. Therefore, a base-level strategy is required to model the non-uniformity. Also, the properties of sequencing read counts can be leveraged to achieve a more precise estimation of the mean and variance of measurement. In this study, we aimed to unveil the effects on RNA-seq accuracy from multiple factors and develop accurate modeling of RNA-seq reads in comparison. We found that the overdispersion rate decreased when sequencing depth increased on the base level. Moreover, the influence of local sequence(s) on the overdispersion rate was notable but no longer significant after adjusting the effect from sequencing depth. Based on these findings, we propose a desirable beta-binomial model with a dynamic overdispersion rate on the base-level proportion of sequencing read counts from two samples. The current study provides thorough insights into the impact of overdispersion at the position level and especially into its relationship with sequencing depth, local sequence, and preparation protocol. These properties of RNA-seq will aid in improvement of the quality control procedure and development of statistical methods for RNA-seq downstream analyses.
Closed-form model for dual-gate ambipolar CNTFET circuit design

Current through ambipolar carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) can be controlled by two independent gates, enabling highly expressive XOR-based logic circuits. To promote efficient circuit design, it is important to develop an easy-to-use SPICE-compatible model for these dualgate ambipolar CNTFETs. This paper therefore introduces a closed-form model that matches the experimentally demonstrated behavior. This model is then applied for the first simulation of cascaded dual-gate CNTFET logic circuits that exploit ambipolarity for compact logic.
Laura Mulvey the curious cinephile

Many have come to think of cinephiles as elitist Bohemians nostalgically clinging to a medium that has lost much of its viability among the maelstroms of digital image circulation. It indeed does n...
Predicting US Recessions: A Dynamic Time Warping Exercise in Economics

Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) is a widely used algorithm in speech recognition for measuring similarity between two time series. This non-parametric technique overcomes the problems associated with Pearson's correlation coefficient by allowing a non-linear mapping of one sequence to another obtained through the minimization of the distance between the two. Despite its superiority as a similarity measure, its application in the field of economics is almost non-existent. This paper seeks to fill this gap in the economics literature by providing a self-contained description of the method. In addition, it demonstrates an application of DTW to the prediction of recessions in US using Treasury term spread data. The exercise shows that DTW is successful in predicting the recessions of both 1999 and 2007. The predictions are stronger when asymmetric step-pattern is adopted. Also, compared to other non-parametric methods, DTW raises significantly fewer false signals of recessions. Finally, DTW concludes that given the current state of the economy there is a zero probability of a recession in the next one year.
Quantification of Regional Ventricular Wall Motion in Laboratory Animals

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging offers a versatile tool for noninvasive evaluation of various aspects of cardiac structure and function, from fiber orientation to mitochondrial metabolism. Parameters that describe regional myocardial wall mechanics have been shown to be more sensitive biomarkers of early-stage functional alterations than global functional indices. Over the last three decades, several CMR techniques have been developed for quantification of regional myocardial wall mechanics. These techniques have greatly improved our understanding of myocardial wall mechanics, as well as the development of ventricular dysfunction in disease progression. Even more remarkable are the applications of these techniques to genetically modified mouse models of cardiac diseases, which have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of functional alterations and disease progression. In this chapter, we will mainly focus on the two extensively used and closely related CMR techniques, i.e., tissue tagging and displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE), and an important post-processing technique, the harmonic phase (HARP) analysis method, for semi-automated analysis of tagged images. Other CMR techniques, including strain encoding and phase velocity imaging, will also be briefly introduced. In the last section of the chapter, the applications of these techniques in the investigation of several cardiovascular diseases using laboratory animals will be discussed.