cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Varicella-Zoster Virus Transfer to Skin by T Cells and Modulation of Viral Replication by Epidermal Cell Interferon-α

Primary infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes the characteristic syndrome of varicella, or chickenpox. Experiments in severe combined immunodeficiency mice with human skin grafts (SCIDhu mice) indicate that VZV infection of T cells can mediate transfer of infectious virus to skin. VZV-infected T cells reached epithelial sites of replication within 24 h after entering the circulation. Memory CD4+ T cells were the predominant population recovered from skin in SCIDhu mice given uninfected or infected mononuclear cells, suggesting that immune surveillance by memory T cells may facilitate VZV transfer. The increased susceptibility of memory T cells to VZV infection may further enhance their role in VZV pathogenesis. During VZV skin infection, viral gene products down-regulated interferon-α to permit focal replication, whereas adjacent epidermal cells mounted a potent interferon-α response against cell–cell spread. Interleukin-1α, although activated in VZV-infected cells, did not trigger expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, thereby avoiding early recruitment of inflammatory cells. The prolonged varicella incubation period appears to represent the time required for VZV to overcome antiviral responses of epidermal cells and generate vesicles at the skin surface. Modulation of VZV replication by cutaneous innate immunity may avoid an incapacitating infection of the host that would limit opportunities for VZV transmission.
The Mre11 Complex Mediates the S-Phase Checkpoint through an Interaction with Replication Protein A

The Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 complex (MRN) plays an essential role in the S-phase checkpoint. Cells derived from patients with Nijmegen breakage syndrome and ataxia telangiectasia-like disorder undergo radioresistant DNA synthesis (RDS), failing to suppress DNA replication in response to ionizing radiation (IR). How MRN affects DNA replication to control the S-phase checkpoint, however, remains unclear. We demonstrate that MRN directly interacts with replication protein A (RPA) in unperturbed cells and that the interaction is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases. We also show that this interaction is needed for MRN to correctly localize to replication centers. Abolishing the interaction of Mre11 with RPA leads to pronounced RDS without affecting phosphorylation of Nbs1 or SMC1 following IR. Moreover, MRN is recruited to sites at or adjacent to replication origins by RPA and acts there to inhibit new origin firing upon IR. These studies suggest a direct role of MRN at origin-proximal sites to control DNA replication initiation in response to DNA damage, thereby providing an important mechanism underlying the intra-S-phase checkpoint in mammalian cells.
Design and Analysis of Networks with Large Components in Presence of Region-Based Faults

Connectivity k(G) of a network G is traditionally considered to be the primary metric for evaluation of its fault tolerance capability. However, connectivity as a metric has several limitations - e.g., it has no mechanism to distinguish between localized and random faults. Also it does not provide any information about the network state, if number of failures exceed k(G). The network state information that might be of interest in such a scenario is the size of the largest connected component. In this paper, we address both these limitations and introduce a new metric called region-based largest component size (RBLCS), that provides the largest size of the component in which the network decomposes once all the nodes of a region fail. We study the computational complexity of finding RBLCS for a given network. In addition, we study the problem of least cost design of a network with a target value of RBLCS. We prove that the optimal design problem is NP-complete and present a heuristic to solve the problem. We evaluate our heuristic by comparing its solutions with the optimal solutions. Experimental results demonstrate that our heuristic produces near optimal solution in a fraction of time needed to find the optimal.
Thermodynamic description and growth kinetics of stoichiometric precipitates in the phase-field approach

Abstract In theoretical analyses and computational simulations chemical free energies of stoichiometric compounds and solid solution phases are often approximated by parabolic functions. In the present work, we focus on examining the effect of different approximations of chemical free energies on predicted precipitate growth kinetics with phase-field modelling. As an example, we studied the precipitation of plate-like θ ′ ( Al 2 Cu ) in Al–4 wt%Cu Alloys. Using six sets of chemical free energies for θ ′ and Al–Cu solid solution, growth kinetics of θ ′ precipitates were simulated by assuming either constant diffusivity or constant atomic mobility. It is demonstrated that the parabolic function provides a good description for the chemical free energy of a stoichiometric compound while the growth kinetics is sensitive to the approximation of chemical free energy for the solution phase.
A quasi-closed form expression for the conductor loss of CPW lines, with an investigation of edge shape effects

In previous work, we used a matched asymptotic technique to investigate the fields near an edge of a finitely conducting strip with nonzero thickness. It was demonstrated that with this asymptotic solution of the fields, the power loss in the region local to the edge could be determined accurately. In this paper, we will show how the accurate representation of the power loss can be used to obtain a closed form expression for the attenuation constant due to conductor loss of coplanar waveguide (CPW) structures. This expression is valid for an arbitrarily shaped edge and any conductor thickness. Results obtained with this expression are compared to and closely agree with both experimental results and other techniques found in the literature. We also investigated conductors with different edge shapes (45/spl deg/ and 90/spl deg/ edges) to explore their effect on the attenuation constant (or loss) of CPW structures.
Phase and area contributions to mass transfer kinetics

A relationship has been developed describing quantitatively the factors affecting packed column performance. The relationship, based on the Colburn equation, is proposed within the limits of a consistent flow regime in the liquid phase. Via separation of the effects of packing geometry on diffusion rates and the effect of area variation with flow rate, single phase transfer rates can be obtained from over-all mass transfer data. The appearance of a maximum in the relationship of HoG vs. G in the range of 60% of flooding is explained by the large increase of the term HoG/ai (∂ai/∂Gm) relative to the term 1/ai (∂HGai/∂Gm). The ammonia-air-system behavior is analyzed via this relationship. It is found that the gas phase resistance varies between 72 and 94% of the over-all resistance as a function of flow rate.
The duration of T cell stimulation is a critical determinant of cell fate and plasticity.

Variations in T cell receptor (TCR) signal strength, as indicated by differential activation of downstream signaling pathways, determine the fate of naive T cells after encounter with antigen. Low-strength signals favor differentiation into regulatory T (T reg ) cells containing the transcription factor Foxp3, whereas high-strength signals favor generation of interleukin-2–producing T helper (T H ) cells. We constructed a logic circuit model of TCR signaling pathways, a major feature of which is an incoherent feed-forward loop involving both TCR-dependent activation of Foxp3 and its inhibition by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), leading to the transient appearance of Foxp3 + cells under T H cell–generating conditions. Experiments confirmed this behavior and the prediction that the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF-β (transforming growth factor–β) could generate T reg cells even during continued Akt-mTOR signaling. We predicted that sustained mTOR activity could suppress FOXP3 expression upon TGF-β removal, suggesting a possible mechanism for the experimentally observed instability of Foxp3 + cells. Our model predicted, and experiments confirmed, that transient stimulation of cells with high-dose antigen generated T H , T reg , and nonactivated cells in proportions depending on the duration of TCR stimulation. Experimental analysis of cells after antigen removal identified three populations that correlated with these T cell fates. Further analysis of simulations implicated a negative feedback loop involving Foxp3, the phosphatase PTEN, and Akt-mTOR in determining fate. These results suggest that there is a critical time after TCR stimulation during which heterogeneity in the differentiating population of cells leads to increased plasticity of cell fate.
Path Durations for Use in the Stochastic‐Method Simulation of Ground Motions

The stochastic method of ground-motion simulation assumes that the en- ergy in a target spectrum is spread over a duration DT. DT is generally decomposed into the duration due to source effects (DS) and to path effects (DP). For the most commonly used source, seismological theory directly relates DS to the source corner frequency, accounting for the magnitude scaling of DT. In contrast, DP is related to propagation effects that are more difficult to represent by analytic equations based on the physics of the process. We are primarily motivated to revisit DT because the func- tion currently employed by many implementations of the stochastic method for active tectonic regions underpredicts observed durations, leading to an overprediction of ground motions for a given target spectrum. Further, there is some inconsistency in the literature regarding which empirical duration corresponds to DT. Thus, we begin by clarifying the relationship between empirical durations and DT as used in the first author's implementation of the stochastic method, and then we develop a new DP relationship. The new DP function gives significantly longer durations than in the previous DP function, but the relative contribution of DP to DT still diminishes with increasing magnitude. Thus, this correction is more important for small events or subfaults of larger events modeled with the stochastic finite-fault method.
Reperfusion-induced sustained ventricular tachycardia, leading to ventricular fibrillation, in chronically instrumented, intact, conscious mice

Reperfusion-induced lethal ventricular arrhythmias are observed during relief of coronary artery spasm, with unstable angina, exercise-induced ischemia, and silent ischemia. Accordingly, significant efforts are underway to understand the mechanisms responsible for reperfusion-induced lethal arrhythmias and mice have become increasingly important in these efforts. However, although reperfusion-induced sustained ventricular tachycardia leading to ventricular fibrillation (VF) has been recorded in many models, reports in mice are sparse and of limited success. Importantly, none of these studies were conducted in intact, conscious mice. Accordingly, a chronically instrumented, intact, conscious murine model of reperfusion-induced lethal arrhythmias has the potential to be of major importance for advancing the concepts and methods that drive cardiovascular therapies. Therefore, we describe, for the first time, the use of an intact, conscious, murine model of reperfusion-induced lethal arrhythmias. Male mice (n = 9) were instrumented to record cardiac output and the electrocardiogram. In addition, a snare was placed around the left main coronary artery. Following recovery, the susceptibility to sustained ventricular tachycardia produced by 3 min of occlusion and reperfusion of the left main coronary artery was determined in conscious mice by pulling on the snare. Reperfusion culminated in sustained ventricular tachycardia, leading to VF, in all nine conscious mice. The procedures conducted in conscious C57BL/6J mice, a strain commonly used in transgenic studies, can be utilized in genetically modified models to enhance our understanding of single gene defects on reperfusion-induced lethal ventricular arrhythmias in intact, conscious, and complex animals.
Wavelength Assignment in Optical Networks with Limited Reconfigurability

Reconfigurability of optical networks is a very important feature for supporting dynamic traffic demands and to enable new services. Optical network reconfigurability is enabled by reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexers (ROADMs) and tunable transceivers. Limiting the range of wavelengths that can be accessed at a node reduces costs, and possibly reduces flexibility in reconfigurability. The limited range (band-size) of wavelengths is a result of the limited add/drop range of the ROADMs and/or limited tuning range of transceivers. In either case, limited reconfigurability introduces a new constraint in the wavelength assignment of connections called as the wavelength termination constraint. In this paper, we consider a uni-directional ring network with limited reconfigurability and take up the problem of supporting two traffic types - permutation traffic and all-to-all traffic - while minimizing the worst-case wavelength range of the ROADMs and respecting the wavelength termination and continuity constraints. ROADMs can be limited in range (L-ROADMs) or have full range (F-ROADMs). For permutation traffic, we show that at least one F-ROADM is necessary, and we also give an upper bound on the number of F-ROADMs needed as a function of the range of the other nodes that are L-ROADMs. For all-to-all traffic, we give an integer linear programming formulation and present a heuristic algorithm to minimize the worst-case range. Our results show that all ROADMs can be L-ROADMs and the worst-case range is only about 65% of the full range for large network sizes.
Plumage coloration, ejaculate quality and reproductive phenotype in the red-backed fairy-wren

Understanding how pre- and postcopulatory sexually selected traits covary can provide insight into the evolution of male ornamentation and female mate choice. In this study, we examined ejaculate quality and investment in testicular tissue in relation to plumage colour and social status in the genetically promiscuous red-backed fairy-wren, Malurus melanocephalus. In this species, males exhibit one of three alternative reproductive phenotypes during the breeding season: males can breed in red and black plumage, breed in brown plumage, or act as brown-plumed, nonbreeding auxiliaries. We found that red/ black breeders invested more heavily in spermatogenic tissue, had larger sperm reserves, and tended to have greater numbers of sperm in ejaculate samples, when compared to brown breeders and auxiliaries. Within red/black breeders, plumage redness and saturation (i.e. long wavelength hue and increased red chroma) were negatively correlated with ejaculate sample sperm density. In addition, ejaculate motility appeared to be related to variation in plumage coloration such that, overall, males with less elaborate ornamentation showed greater ejaculate quality. These results suggest that pre- and postcopulatory traits negatively covary in red/black plumed red-backed fairy-wrens and indicate a possible trade-off between investment in plumage ornaments and investment in ejaculates.
FUZZY LOGIC BASED UNCERTAINTY REPRESENTATION AND SIMULATION IN A FLEXIBLE ASSEMBLY SYSTEM

This paper provides intelligent simulation approach using manufacturing uncertainty in the form of simulation intelligence to improve the performances of manufacturing production system. It shows how simulation can be used to evaluate alternative designs in an uncertain manufacturing environment. Fuzzy rule-based manufacturing uncertainties are addressed in this study. A combination of product mix and production volume is analyzed using intelligent simulation model for an optimal production design. The intelligent simulation approach would improve the modeling accuracy in terms of more realistic presentation of uncertain activities. The proposed intelligent simulation modeling shows significant improvement and validated with real life application.
The Evolution of Policy Ideas: Tax Policy in the 20th Century

This analysis traces the evolution of ideas about one of the most important policies facing any state: taxation. The article will demonstrate that elite ideas about tax policy have changed dramatically over the past century and that these ideas have had enormous consequences for the development of the modern state. This article argues that there is an iterative, interdependent and dynamic relationship between policy makers’ ideas, political institutions and public policy outcomes. The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than commonly understood. Indeed the world is governed by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist. (John Maynard Keynes) Academic economists discussing policy issues sometimes sound as though they are, in effect, advocating that the way the world works should be changed to fit the conditions assumed in their models. (Richard Bird)
Structural and Functional Alterations of Neuromuscular Junctions in NCAM-Deficient Mice

The role of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the development and maturation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) was explored by characterizing structurally and functionally NMJs from postnatal day 11 (P11) to P30 +/+, +/−, and −/− NCAM null mutant mice. Differences in NCAM levels resulted in alterations in the size and shape of NMJs, with −/− NMJs being smaller. Additionally both the withdrawal of polyneuronal innervation and the selective accumulation of synaptic vesicle protein in the presynaptic terminal were delayed. These observations suggest that the bidirectional signaling responsible for these events is impaired at −/− NMJs. Functionally, miniature end plate potential size, end plate potential size, and quantal content did not differ from that of wild type under either normal or low release conditions. However at normal release conditions, −/− NMJs, unlike +/+ NMJs, lacked paired-pulse facilitation. The most striking abnormality was the inability of NCAM null junctions to maintain transmitter output with repetitive stimuli. Combined electrophysiological and FM1-43-labeling studies suggest that NCAM null junctions are unable either to dock or to mobilize a sufficient number of vesicles at high but physiological rates of transmitter release. Taken together our observations show that many aspects of transmission are normal and, thus, that many presynaptic and postsynaptic molecules have assembled properly in the absence of NCAM. However, the fact that NCAM was required for specific aspects of transmission, including paired-pulse facilitation and reliable transmission with repetitive stimuli, suggests that NCAM either is directly involved in these processes or is required for the proper organization and/or function of other molecules underlying these processes.
IL-22 Is Expressed by the Invasive Trophoblast of the Equine (Equus caballus) Chorionic Girdle

The invasive trophoblast cells of the equine placenta migrate into the endometrium to form endometrial cups, dense accumulations of trophoblast cells that produce equine chorionic gonadotropin between days 40 and 120 of normal pregnancy. The mechanisms by which the trophoblast cells invade the endometrium while evading maternal immune destruction are poorly defined. A gene expression microarray analysis performed on placental tissues obtained at day 34 of gestation revealed a >900-fold upregulation of mRNA encoding the cytokine IL-22 in chorionic girdle relative to noninvasive chorion. Quantitative RT-PCR assays were used to verify high expression of IL-22 in chorionic girdle. Additional quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed a striking increase in IL-22 mRNA expression in chorionic girdle from days 32 to 35 and an absence of IL-22 expression in other conceptus tissues. Bioinformatic analysis and cDNA sequencing confirmed the predicted length of horse IL-22, which carries a 3′ extension absent in IL-22 genes of humans and mice, but present in the cow and pig. Our discovery of IL-22 in the chorionic girdle is a novel finding, as this cytokine has been previously reported in immune cells only. IL-22 has immunoregulatory functions, with primary action on epithelial cells. mRNA of IL-22R1 was detected in pregnant endometrium at levels similar to other equine epithelia. Based upon these findings, we hypothesize that IL-22 cytokine produced by the chorionic girdle binds IL-22R1 on endometrium, serving as a mechanism of fetal-maternal communication by modulating endometrial responses to trophoblast invasion.
22.3: Flexible Top‐gate Amorphous InGaZnO TFTs Array for AMOLED Applications

Flexible top-gate amorphous InGaZnO TFTs array on a colorless polyimide substrate for AMOLED applications was successfully fabricated at 200 °C for the first time. The light transmittance of polyimide substrate is 90%. The maximum field-effect mobility is 10.6 cm2/V-s, subthreshold swing is 0.3 V/decade, and the on/off current ratio is 108.
Markers predicting clinical benefit in breast cancer from microtubule-targeting agents

Taxanes (e.g. paclitaxel, docetaxel) and epothilones (e.g. ixabepilone) are microtubule-targeting agents, which disrupt cellular processes and induce apoptosis. Although their mechanisms of action are similar, clinical data in breast cancer patients support at least partial non-cross resistance between the classes, and even between individual compounds. Several biomarkers might contribute to the identification of patient groups likely to derive benefit from one class of microtubule-targeting agent or even one agent. Overexpression of P-glycoprotein is associated with resistance to taxanes, but not ixabepilone, in vitro; its role in vivo remains unclear. Mutations in beta-tubulin linked to resistance to taxanes but not epothilones are observed in vitro; somatic mutations of beta-tubulin appear rare clinically. Overexpression of the betaIII-tubulin isoform is associated with taxane resistance in cell lines; some clinical studies support a relationship between poor response to taxanes and overexpression of betaIII-tubulin. BetaIII-tubulin overexpression seems not to affect sensitivity to ixabepilone. Estrogen receptor negativity, low expression of microtubule-associated protein tau, and perhaps HER2 amplification may define a subset of patients with higher than average sensitivity to paclitaxel. Large scale pharmacogenomic analysis has identified molecular markers potentially capable of distinguishing patients with differential sensitivity to paclitaxel and ixabepilone. These markers require validation in clinical trials.
An Advanced Distribution Management System for South Wales Electricity

This paper describes the system architecture and system management environment for the advanced power distribution management system (DMS) at South Wales Electricity, UK. It covers the standards used, client-server design, network topology, system management function provided for each workstation and central system management features. (10 pages)
Computation of Mixed-Mode Stress Intensity Factors for Cracks in Three-Dimensional Functionally Graded Solids

This work applies a two-state interaction integral to obtain stress intensity factors along cracks in three-dimensional functionally graded materials. The procedures are applicable to planar cracks with curved fronts under mechanical loading, including crack-face tractions. Interaction-integral terms necessary to capture the effects of material nonhomogeneity are identical in form to terms that arise due to crack-front curvature. A discussion reviews the origin and effects of these terms, and an approximate interaction-integral expression that omits terms arising due to curvature is used in this work to compute stress intensity factors. The selection of terms is driven by requirements imposed by material nonhomogeneity in conjunction with appropriate mesh discretization along the crack front. Aspects of the numerical implementation with (isoparametric) graded finite elements are addressed, and examples demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method.
Identification and Diel Activity Patterns of Predators Attacking Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs in Soybean and Sweet Corn

Abstract Predation on lepidopteran eggs in soybean and corn and the temporal partitioning of predation among the predator species were examined in soybean Glycine max (L.) and sweet corn Zea mays (L.). The complex of predators feeding on lepidopteran eggs [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)] and the key predators discovered in this study were different in each crop. The dominant predator in each crop was consistent from year to year but the secondary predators varied in importance. Nabids were the dominant predator group in soybean contributing 51 and 50% of the observed predation events in 1993 and 1994, respectively. The coccinellid, Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), was the dominant predator in corn contributing 43.9 and 46.3% of the observed predation events in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Other predators causing ≥10% of the observed predation events included Geocoris punctipes Say and the Phalangiidae in soybean, and the nabids, Orius insidiosus Say and Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) in sweet corn. All p...
Is the Carotid Body a Metabolic Monitor

The carotid body is a multi-modal sensor and it has been debated if it senses low glucose. We have hypothesized that the carotid body is modified by some metabolic factors other than glucose and contributes to whole body glucose metabolism. This study examined the roles of insulin, leptin and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels on carotid sinus nerve (CSN) chemoreceptor discharge. In agreement with other studies, CSN activity was not modified by low glucose. Insulin did not affect the CSN hypoxic response. Leptin significantly augmented the CSN response to hypoxia and nonspecific Trp channel blockers (SKF96365, 2-APB) reversed the effect of leptin. Gene expression analysis showed high expression of Trpm3, 6, and 7 channels in the carotid body and petrosal ganglion. The results suggest that the adult mouse carotid body does not sense glucose levels directly. The carotid body may contribute to neural control of glucose metabolism via leptin receptor-mediated TRP channel activation.
Use of Materials from Structural Excavations

Design of rolled earth dam may be influenced significantly by materials available from excavations for appurtenant spillways, outlet works and powerplant; magnitudes of these excavations for 32 major dams designed by Bureau of Reclamation are listed together with 3 examples of their influence on embankment design.
Techniques to quantify the effect of Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on sugarcane quality

Abstract The effect of sugarcane borer feeding damage on subsequent sugarcane ( Saccharum interspecific hybrid) quality has often been difficult to quantify due to errors arising from different milling techniques and sampling procedures. An experiment was conducted on cane badly damaged by the sugarcane borer to compare values of commercially recoverable sugar (CRS) from the traditional roller-mill method and a simulated form of the core-sample method. In the roller-mill method, a 15-stalk sample is crushed in a 3-roller mill, the juice is analyzed, and CRS is calculated using a cultivar correction factor which adjusts for fiber using the fiber content of clean, unbored sugarcane. In the simulated core-sample method, a 50-stalk sample plus associated trash is chopped in a pre-breaker, the crusher juice from the shredded cane samples is analyzed, and CRS is calculated using a correction for the actual fiber of the sample; thus, the detrimental effects of the sugarcane borer as reflected in water sprouts, secondary tillers, lateral shoots, and associated tops of cane are accurately taken into account. In a split-plot field experiment comparing undamaged to badly damaged cane, the sugarcane borer significantly reduced stalk weight while significantly increasing the number of water sprouts and late-season tillers. Although both the roller-mill and the core-sample method detected significant differences in CRS among cultivars when averaged over sugarcane borer-damaged and undamaged plots, only the core-sample method exhibited the precision to detect a significant cultivar × treatment interaction. The data presented in this paper show conclusively that the core-sampling method of determining CRS provides a more accurate and reliable estimate of sugarcane borer-related sugar loss under commercial conditions; however, differences between techniques are not nearly so pronounced when sugarcane-borer damage is expressed as a loss of sugar/ha. This results from the complex nature of sugarcane-borer damage and the inclusion of other yield and damage factors independent of CRS determinations.
Reduced Limit on the Permanent Electric Dipole Moment of ^{199}Hg.

This Letter describes the results of the most recent measurement of the permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of neutral ^{199}Hg atoms. Fused silica vapor cells containing enriched ^{199}Hg are arranged in a stack in a common magnetic field. Optical pumping is used to spin polarize the atoms orthogonal to the applied magnetic field, and the Faraday rotation of near-resonant light is observed to determine an electric-field-induced perturbation to the Larmor precession frequency. Our results for this frequency shift are consistent with zero; we find the corresponding ^{199}Hg EDM d_{Hg}=(-2.20±2.75_{stat}±1.48_{syst})×10^{-30}e cm. We use this result to place a new upper limit on the ^{199}Hg EDM |d_{Hg}|<7.4×10^{-30}e cm (95% C.L.), improving our previous limit by a factor of 4. We also discuss the implications of this result for various CP-violating observables as they relate to theories of physics beyond the standard model.
Biofeedback-Assisted Stress Management Training to Reverse Myocardial Remodeling in Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure

Heart failure is a progressive disease in which the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient amounts of blood to the body. Over six million Americans currently suffer from heart failure, and although pharmacological and surgical therapies continue to improve, about 50% of people with heart failure still die within five years of diagnosis. As the human heart fails, many structural, cellular and molecular alterations occur that contribute to the decrease in heart function. It has been well-established that some of these alterations are the result of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation, and decreasing sympathetic input with a beta blocker or left ventricular assist device improves clinical status and also reverses the cellular and molecular alterations associated with heart failure. We hypothesized that heart failure patients could be trained with biofeedback and that this method of sympathetic nervous system regulation would also produce myocardial remodeling in the direction of recovery.
Quasi-pyramidal texturing using phase-segregated masks

Surface texturing processes for thin silicon solar cells ideally remove as little Si as possible relative to amount of topography generated. Here we describe how a micron-scale quasi-pyramidal texture may be achieved in Si layers with arbitrary crystallinity using a phase-segregated mask in combination with reactive ion etching (RIE). The Si to be textured is coated with a thin barrier layer followed by a layer of Al-Si alloy which phase-segregates into micron-sized regions of Al and Si after low temperature (<450 °C) annealing. One component of the mask is selectively etched away and the Si under the exposed barrier regions is etched by a process that gives the desired depth and lateral undercut. In this paper we show the dependence of the segregated Al-Si morphology on Al-Si alloy composition, thickness, and annealing conditions, and then present examples of texturing produced in single crystal Si by these masks in combination with CF4/O2 reactive ion etching.
Fault location for double-circuit lines utilizing sparse voltage measurements

This paper presents a general method for pinpointing location of faults on a double-circuit transmission line by employing only voltage measurements at one or two buses based on the bus impedance matrix technique. The bus impedance matrix of the network with the addition of a fictitious bus at the fault point for each sequence network is constructed as a function of fault location. Fault location can then be derived from fault analysis utilizing the expanded bus impedance matrices. The distinctive feature of this method is that measurements can be from buses other than those of the faulted line. The proposed approach assumes that the network data is available. Quite accurate results have been obtained based on simulation studies.
395 UNDERSTANDING RESIDENT CONCERNS WITH AMBULATORY CARE EXPERIENCES IN TRAINING.

Purpose Internal medicine residents have been increasingly choosing subspecialty careers over those in general internal medicine. Resident evaluations of the ambulatory general internal medicine training have been consistently decreasing. Ambulatory internal medicine has become complicated across all practice settings, academic to private practice. The office microsystem has become a target for meaningful primary care change. We conducted resident focus groups to discuss ambulatory experiences during training. Methods All residents were invited to participate in one of three focus groups over the standard noon conference time. Thirty-nine (43%) residents participated. Three sessions were held, one for each level of training: postgraduate year (PGY) 1, 2, and 3 or higher, with similar numbers participating in each session. Resident comments were elicited on the topics of dislikes with the ambulatory experience, educational benefit of both continuity clinic and ambulatory care block experiences, types of patients cared for in the clinic, learning needs, and the ideal resident clinic. Results The primary themes that emerged from the focus groups included patient scheduling, medical records, clinic organization, system-based care, patient characteristics, resident expectations of attendings and vice versa, and resident education, including didactics, evaluation, and areas in which residents lack confidence due to lack of sufficient exposure. These limited-exposure areas included prevention, office procedures, dermatology, sports medicine/orthopedics, business of medicine and billing, time management, and researching clinical questions in an office setting. Overall, these themes and concerns were consistent across all levels of training. Conclusions Internal medicine residents have traditionally felt that residency culture is inpatient-centric and therefore voiced concerns spanning all areas of their ambulatory education. The resultant themes from our focus groups parallel those concerns plaguing most internal medicine practices, academic to private practice. With this knowledge, ambulatory education can change to meet residents perceived needs, improve confidence with general internal medicine knowledge and skills, and potentially result in higher percentages of residents choosing a career in general internal medicine. We are tailoring the ambulatory experiences in our residency program to include changes based on our residents9 concerns.
Simultaneous determination of THC and THCA in urine with GC-MS /MS

Objective To establish a method for determination of tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) and tetrahydro-cannabinolic acid(THCA) in urine by gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(GC-MS/MS). Methods AddedΔ9-Tetrahy-drocannabinol-9-carboxylicacid-D3(Δ9-THCA-D3) as the intermal standard to urine,hydrolyzed 20 min with Potassium hydroxide at 100 ℃,adjusted pH,extracted with n-heptane,dried the upper organic phase and heated it to70 ℃ with silylanized bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide(BSTFA) to get derivation,and then analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry( GC-QqQ-MS /MS),quantify with internal standard method.Results The average recoveries of the method were in the range of 90% ~ 110%. The relative standard deviation was between3. 4% ~ 6. 3%. The linearity of the method ranged from 0. 25 μg /ml to 5 μg /ml,correlation coefficient of THC and THCA were 0. 9992 and 0. 9998. The detection limit of THC was 0. 01 μg /ml,and THCA was 0. 05 μg /ml. Conclusion This method is accurate,sensitive and suitable for the analysis of THC and THCA in urine.
Use of a Multi-Tactic Approach to Locate an Endangered Florida Bonneted Bat Roost

Abstract Effective strategies for bat conservation require knowledge of species-specific roost ecology. Thus, conservation planning is difficult for species with poorly understood roost use, such as the federally endangered Eumops floridanus (Florida Bonneted Bat). Prior to this study, only 1 active natural roost had been documented throughout the Florida Bonneted Bat's geographic range. Search efforts to locate new roosts using several techniques have been unsuccessful. Here we present a simple methodology that we successfully implemented to locate a second Florida Bonneted Bat natural roost. Using acoustics, cavity searches, and emergence observations, we documented a colony of Florida Bonneted Bats roosting in a Pinus elliottii (Slash Pine) snag in Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Collier County, FL. Our discovery highlights the importance of snags, and provides additional details to state and federal agencies tasked with species recovery.
Children’s Rights

Nutrition rights of the sort discussed in the preceding chapter illustrate, in one issue area, the broader context of human rights and children rights. Children’s rights have been addressed in many different international instruments.1 The Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted by the League of Nations in 1924 was revised and became the basis of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959. The declaration enumerates ten principles regarding the rights of the child, but it does not provide any basis for implementation of those principles.2
THE FEASIBILITY AND SAFETY OF SAME DAY DISCHARGE FOR ALL COMERS AFTER ELECTIVE PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS

Background: The safety of same day discharge (SDD) after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has been demonstrated, but was only allowed in patients meeting strict arbitrary criteria. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of SDD following elective PCI in all comers. Methods: Patients
The influence of noninvasive prenatal testing on gestational age at time of abortion for aneuploidy.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to compare the gestational age at termination for trisomy 13, 18, or 21 (aneuploidy) before and after the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). METHODS A retrospective cohort of women undergoing termination for aneuploidy at two academic institutions and one private clinic. We compared two time periods: before and after the introduction of NIPT (2006-2011 and 2012-2014, respectively). Maternal demographics and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the medical record. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to compare the two cohorts. RESULTS Our cohort included 93 women: 41 prior to NIPT and 52 post-NIPT. Maternal age (38 post-NIPT vs 37 pre-NIPT; p = 0.17) did not differ between the time periods. Women in the post-NIPT were less likely to undergo diagnostic testing (82.7% vs 97.6%; p < 0.01) before proceeding to abortion after a positive screening result. In the post-NIPT period, there was a significant decrease in the gestational age at time of invasive testing (13.0 vs 15.7 weeks; p < 0.01) and women were more likely to undergo chorionic villous sampling (CVS) (59.6% vs 41.5%; p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the gestational age at termination (14.2 vs 17.2; p < 0.01). Women in the post-NIPT group were less likely to have terminations after 16 weeks (25.0% vs 61.0%; p < 0.01), 18 weeks (7.7% vs 39.0%; p < 0.01), or 20 weeks (3.9% vs 12.2%; p = 0.23). CONCLUSION With the introduction of NIPT, the median gestational age at diagnosis and termination for women with Trisomy 13, 18, or 21 was 3 weeks earlier. Women were four times less likely to have a termination after 18 weeks and three times less likely to have a termination after 20 weeks. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disciplinary variations in publicly engaged scholarship: An analysis using the Biglan classification of academic disciplines

Although contemporary models of faculty involvement in publicly engaged scholarship recognize the important influence of disciplines on faculty members, few studies have investigated disciplinary variations empirically. This study used the Biglan classification of academic disciplines to analyze publicly engaged scholarly activities reported by faculty members during reappointment, promotion, and tenure review. The Biglan dimensions (pure/applied, soft/hard, life/nonlife) were used to explore types of scholarly activity, intensity of activity, and degree of engagement. Using interpretive content analysis, we analyzed 171 reappointment, promotion, and tenure forms gathered from faculty members at one research-intensive, land-grant, Carnegie-engaged institution in the Midwest. Descriptive statistics revealed statistically significant disciplinary variations associated with all three Biglan dimensions. Study results provide evidence for moving beyond a universal, institutional approach to more nuanced discipline-specific policies, professional development programs, and support for faculty involved in publicly engaged scholarship.
Uterine Artery Embolization Indications and Contraindications

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become accepted as an effective therapy for most women with symptomatic fibroids (ACOG Practice Bulletin 2008). And while the vast majority of patients would be well treated with embolization, the decision as to whether it is the best choice for any individual patient requires a consideration of the extent of the fibroids and also patient-related factors, such as interest in future childbearing, preferences toward surgery, and the relative risks of differing therapies for individual patients. Therefore, the decision as to whether UAE is appropriate for a patient is based on a multilayered consideration of factors. This chapter will review what is known about the patient selection for UAE, including the indications and contraindications of the procedure, as well as medical conditions in which patient care may be a particular challenge. We also will review the anatomic limitations of UAE, with regard to uterine and fibroid size and specific subtypes of fibroids that may have diminished results. The hope is to provide the reader with all the tools needed to appropriately guide patients in the decision of whether UAE is a good choice for them.
A generalized electro-elastic theory of polymer networks

A rigorous multi-scale analysis of the electromechanical coupling in dielectric polymers is conducted. The body couples stemming from a misalignment between the electric field and the electric-dipole density vector are studied and the conservation laws for polymer networks are derived. Using variational principles, expressions for the polarization and the stress are determined. Interestingly, it is found that the stress tensor resulting from coupled loadings in which the electric field is misaligned with the principal stretch directions is not symmetric and the asymmetry arises from the body couples. Next, the electro-mechanical response of a chain is analyzed. The deformations of the individual polymer chains are related to the macroscopic deformation via two highly non-linear constraints - the first pertaining to the compatibility of the local deformations with the imposed macroscopic one and the second stems from the symmetric part of the stress at equilibrium. In accord with the proposed framework, an amended three-chains model is introduced. The predictions of this model are found to be in excellent agreement with experimental findings. Lastly, the behavior of a polymer subjected to a simple shear and an electric field is studied. The offset between the electric field and the principal directions gives rise to body couples, a polarization that is not aligned with the electric field, and an asymmetric stress tensor.
Place-in-Process in Colm Toíbín’s The Blackwater Lightship: Emotion, Self-Identity, and the Environment

Because human dispositions toward the material environment are ubiquitous, various, and changeable, they are, like other aspects of cognition and emotion, largely unconscious. This essay claims that one of the ethical functions of cognitive literary studies is to bring to conscious understanding the phenomenon of how affective-conceptual perception of physical locations changes dynamically in light of events, experiences, and relationships. To this end, this chapter adopts the perspective of place studies to interpret changing feelings for material spaces as a result of evolving human relationships in Colm Toibin’s contemporary Irish novel, The Blackwater Lightship . After first explaining research in place studies , an interdisciplinary area that has expanded significantly over the past fifty years, and then demonstrating the compatibility of place studies with a model of evolved human cognition, this chapter provides an interpretation of feelings for place in light of human relationships as depicted in Toibin’s novel. The rather antiseptic modern home inhabited by the main character, Helen, serves as a physical extension of a determined, efficient, and somewhat cold character willing to repress her dysfunctional relationship with her extended family. Ironically, her grandmother’s crumbling house by the eroding coastline in Cush becomes the site of positive place reconstruction after the arrival of Declan (Helen’s brother) and his gay friends. The supportive community that Declan’s friends establish infuses the house and surrounding environment—the place—with new meaning.
A generalization of the Kruskal-Katona theorem

Abstract Let k n ⩽ k n −1 ⩽ … ⩽ k 1 be positive integers and let ( i j ) denote the coefficient of x i in Π r=1 j (1 + x + x 2 + … + x kr ) . For given integers l , m , where 1 ⩽ l ⩽ k n + k n −1 + … + k 1 and 1 ⩽ m ⩽ ( n n ) , it is shown that there exist unique integers m ( l ), m ( l − 1),…, m ( t ), satisfying certain conditions, for which m = ( m(l) l + ( m(l−1) l−1 ) + … + ( m(t) t ) . Moreover, any m l -subsets of a multiset with k i elements of type i , i = 1, 2,…, n , will contain at least ( m(l) l−1 ) + ( m(l−1) l−2 ) + … + ( m(t) t−1 different (l − 1) -subsets. This result has been anticipated by Greene and Kleitman, but the formulation there is not completely correct. If k 1 = 1, the numbers ( j i ) are binomial coefficients and the result is the Kruskal-Katona theorem.
Comparison of Salt-Induced Osmotic Adjustment and Trigonelline Accumulation in Two Soybean Cultivars

21-d-old seedlings of the soybean (Glycine max) cvs. Essex and Forrest were treated with NaCl in a step-wise manner over 9 d (3 d 30 mM, 3 d 70 mM, and 3 d 100 mM) and maintained under 100 mM NaCl for an additional 14 d. During salt treatment, osmotic potential decreased more in cv. Forrest relative to cv. Essex. In non-stressed leaf tissue, cv. Forrest contained more trigonelline (TRG) relative to cv. Essex. During salt treatment, TRG amounts increased in cv. Forrest but were unchanged in cv. Essex. Both cvs. osmotically adjusted in response to salt stress; the maximal osmotic adjustment was 0.80 and 0.18 MPa in cv. Forrest and cv. Essex, respectively.