cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Blocks to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication in Rodent Cells

The recent identification of human gene products that are required for early steps in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) life cycle has raised the possibility that rodents might be engineered to support HIV-1 infection. Therefore, we have examined the ability of modified mouse, rat, and hamster cell lines to support productive HIV-1 replication. Rodent cells, engineered to support Tat function by stable expression of a permissive cyclin T1 protein, proved to be able to support reverse transcription, integration, and early gene expression at levels comparable to those observed in human cell lines. Surprisingly, however, levels of CD4- and coreceptor-dependent virus entry were reduced to a variable but significant extent in both mouse and rat fibroblast cell lines. Additional posttranscriptional defects were observed, including a reduced level of unspliced HIV-1 genomic RNA and reduced structural gene expression. Furthermore, the HIV-1 Gag precursor is generally inefficiently processed and is poorly secreted from mouse and rat cells in a largely noninfectious form. These posttranscriptional defects, together, resulted in a dramatically reduced yield of infectious virus (up to 10,000-fold) over a single cycle of HIV-1 replication, as compared to human cells. Interestingly, these defects were less pronounced in one hamster cell line, CHO, which not only was able to produce infectious HIV-1 particles at a level close to that observed in human cells, but also could support transient, low-level HIV-1 replication. Importantly, the blocks to infectious virus production in mouse and rat cells are recessive, since they can be substantially suppressed by fusion with uninfected human cells. These studies imply the existence of one or more human gene products, either lacking or nonfunctional in most rodent cells that are critical for infectious HIV-1 virion morphogenesis.
Modeling the Effects of Macrophytes on Hydrodynamics

A computer model was created as a scientific and management tool for understanding the effects of macrophytes on hydrodynamics and water quality. A model was required that could simulate macrophytes in a complex water body and could be coupled to a multicompartment water quality model of phytoplankton, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, pH, and organic matter. This would permit the investigation of water resource issues where macrophyte growth, phytoplankton growth, nutrient loadings, and flood control were all contributing factors. The model was added as a compartment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers two-dimensional, laterally averaged, dynamic water quality model, CE-QUAL-W2 (Corps of Engineers, water quality, width averaged, two dimensional) and applied to the Columbia Slough, Ore. Features of the macrophyte model include the capability to simulate multiple submerged macrophyte species; transport of nutrient fluxes between plant biomass and the water column and/or sediments; growth limitation due to nutri...
Determination of the Effects of Medium Composition on the Monochloramine Disinfection Kinetics of Nitrosomonas europaea by the Propidium Monoazide Quantitative PCR and Live/Dead BacLight Methods

Various medium compositions (phosphate, 1 to 50 mM; ionic strength, 2.8 to 150 meq/liter) significantly affected Nitrosomonas europaea monochloramine disinfection kinetics, as determined by the Live/Dead BacLight (LD) and propidium monoazide quantitative PCR (PMA-qPCR) methods (lag coefficient, 37 to 490 [LD] and 91 to 490 [PMA-qPCR] mg·min/liter; Chick-Watson rate constant, 4.0 × 10−3 to 9.3 × 10−3 [LD] and 1.6 × 10−3 to 9.6 × 10−3 [PMA-qPCR] liter/mg·min). Two competing effects may account for the variation in disinfection kinetic parameters: (i) increasing kinetics (disinfection rate constant [k] increased, lag coefficient [b] decreased) with increasing phosphate concentration and (ii) decreasing kinetics (k decreased, b increased) with increasing ionic strength. The results support development of a standard medium for evaluating disinfection kinetics in drinking water.
Prequips—an extensible software platform for integration, visualization and analysis of LC-MS/MS proteomics data

Summary: We describe an integrative software platform, Prequips, for comparative proteomics-based systems biology analysis that: (i) integrates all information generated from mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics as well as from basic proteomics data analysis tools, (ii) visualizes such information for various proteomic analyses via graphical interfaces and (iii) links peptide and protein abundances to external tools often used in systems biology studies. Availability: http://prequips.sourceforge.net Contact: dhhwang@postech.ac.kr
EVOLUTION OF INSECT METAMORPHOSIS: A MICROARRAY-BASED STUDY OF LARVAL AND ADULT GENE EXPRESSION IN THE ANT CAMPONOTUS FESTINATUS

Holometabolous insects inhabit almost every terrestrial ecosystem. The evolutionary success of holometabolous insects stems partly from their developmental program, which includes discrete larval and adult stages. To gain an understanding of how development differs among holometabolous insect taxa, we used cDNA microarray technology to examine differences in gene expression between larval and adult Camponotus festinatus ants. We then compared expression patterns obtained from our study to those observed in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. We found that many genes showed distinct patterns of expression between the larval and adult ant life stages, a result that was confirmed through quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Genes involved in protein metabolism and possessing structural activity tended to be more highly expressed in larval than adult ants. In contrast, genes relatively upregulated in adults possessed a greater diversity of functions and activities. We also discovered that patterns of expression observed for homologous genes in D. melanogaster differed substantially from those observed in C. festinatus. Our results suggest that the specific molecular mechanisms involved in metamorphosis will differ substantially between insect taxa. Systematic investigation of gene expression during development of other taxa will provide additional information on how developmental pathways evolve.
Radiometric monitoring of atmospheric water vapor as it pertains to phase correction in millimeter interferometry

Water vapor in the Earth's troposphere produces fluctuations in the phase of millimeter-wavelength radiation from astronomical sources. Such fluctuations seriously limit the spatial resolution achievable with current millimeter interferometers. Since water vapor is also a source of atmospheric opacity at these wavelengths, radiomet- ric measurements of sky brightness may be used to monitor the fluctuating water vapor content of the atmosphere and thereby the fluctuations in the interferometric phase. The atmospheric opacity depends on the frequency and on the physical conditions of those atmospheric regions in which the water vapor is located. Atmospheric tempera- ture influences the strengths of the various absorption lines, and pressure influences the degree of line broadening. The magnitude of the phase fluctuations relative to the brightness fluctuations is therefore also dependent on fre- quency, temperature, and pressure. The frequency of a radiometric monitoring system may be chosen to minimize the dependence of this ratio on the atmospheric parameters.
Antioxidant Defense System in Tadpoles of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) Exposed to Paraquat

Abstract There is a great need for proactive approaches to avoid amphibian declines. We investigated the possibility that antioxidant stress markers might serve as a proactive measure of physiological stress in anuran tadpoles. Commercially purchased American Bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus, Gosner stage 36–37) were subjected to 0- (control), 0.1-, 0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.0-mg/L paraquat for 24 h. Liver and muscle (tail clip) tissues were removed and analyzed for catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), general peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR) activities. In the controls, there was no significant difference in GR activity in tissues collected from the liver and the tail; however, peroxidase, SOD, and catalase activities ranged from two- to 20-fold higher in the liver than in the muscle tissue. Treatment with paraquat resulted in significant increases in SOD, general peroxidase, and GR activities in the liver tissue, whereas the high constitutively expressed catalase activity remained unchanged...
Determining the value of your Library Science degree

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of some of the issues related to the perceived value of Library and Information Science (LIS) degrees.Design/methodology/approach– This is a viewpoint supported with research from current field literature.Findings– This is recognizing some of the problems encountered with perceived value of LIS degrees and comparing other disciplines. Recommendations are made for individuals to lead their own career needs.Originality/value– This is the author’s own points of view.
Abdominal Visceral Circulation in Man

The aorta enters the abdomen with an internal diameter of about 20 mm. transmitting an average of 3.5 liters of blood per minute. The two external iliac arteries leave the abdomen, each with an internal diameter of about 9 mm. and transmitting together about 700 ml. per minute (Hobbs and Edwards, 1963). Between these two levels, most of the spent blood has gone to the viscera of the abdomen, including the pelvis. A consideration of the anatomy of the arteries serving this perfusion must first deal with the pattern of the vessels involved, variations encountered, effects of interruption of the major pathway to each organ, the arterial collaterals available, and the adequacy of such collaterals. The branching of the visceral arteries are also of functional significance. No vessels are known in the adult human which are strictly end arteries in a morphological sense, that is, arteries which have no communication whatsoever with neighboring arteries. However, physiologically speaking, end arteries do exist, since some are connected with adjacent vessels via arterioles or capillaries, which communications may be functionally inadequate. Some of the viscera are thus known to be divided into segments whose arterial blood supply is significantly circumscribed from neighboring portions of the organ.
An Undescribed Lagenidium Parasitic Upon Potamogeton

Phycomycetous parasites in the root hairs of terrestrial plants have been reported in numerous instances, but the presence of these organisms in the root hairs of aquatic plants has been largely overlooked. This paucity of records may be due to the fact that, until recently, the presence of root hairs on the great majority of aquatic plants had not been realized. Consequently, it is of interest to record the occurrence of a Phycomycete parasite infecting the root hairs of a true aquatic and causing a marked hypertrophy of these structures. In May 1941, Dr. W. C. Muenscher of this University called the writer's attention to a collection of seedlings of Potamogeton spirillus Tuckerman with root hairs showing curious pyriform or spherical swellings. Many of these swollen hairs were hyaline and completely empty, but spore-like bodies which resembled Pythium oogonia were present in a few. There was, however, no trace of any mycelium in either the root hairs or the cells of the root. Further search revealed root hairs in which the protoplasmic contents had apparently been incorporated into an amoeboid mass lying in the swollen tip of the hair. These lobulated masses were immediately suggestive of the thalli of the Lagenidiaceae. During the course of the preliminary study, one of these amoeboid thalli produced a number of zoospores; but it was not possible at the time to ascertain definitely the flagellation of these swarmers. A second collection of more mature seedlings taken from the same locality on July 2, 1941, showed an occasional infected root hair; but in this instance, only the amoeboid thalli were present, and zo6spore discharge was not observed. Obviously the affinities of this organism could only be determined by a careful study of its zo6spores. With this in mind, another collection was made from
Thermochemical Investigations of Zirconolite, Pyrochlore and Brannerite: Candidate Materials for the Immobilization of Plutonium

Standard enthalpies of formation, ΔH°f (kJ/mol) at 298 K, were derived for three pyrochlore phases: Ca0.93Ce1.00Ti2.035O7.00 (−3656.0±5.6), Ca1.46U4+0.23U6+0.46Ti1.85O7.00 (−3610.6±4.1), Gd2Ti2O7 (−3822.5±4.9) and two zirconolite phases: CaZr1.03Ti1.97O7 (−3719.4±3.9) and CaHf1.02Ti1.98O7 (−3720.5±3.9). Enthalpies of formation with respect to an oxide phase assemblage, ΔH°f-ox (kJ/mol) at 298 K: CaO + MO2 + 2TiO2 = CaMTi2O7 or Gd2O3 + 2TiO2 = Gd2Ti2O7, and an oxide/perovskite phase assemblage: ΔH°f-pv+ox (kJ/mol) at 298 K: CaTiO3 + MO2 + TiO2 = CaMTi2O7, M = Ce, U, Hf, Zr were also calculated. All of the pyrochlore and zirconolite materials studied were stable in enthalpy with respect to their oxides. ΔH°f-ox: Ca0.93Ce1.00Ti2.035O7.00 (−54.1±5.2), Ca1.46U4+0.23U6+0.46Ti1.85O7.00 (−123.1±3.4), Gd2Ti2O7 (−113.4±2.8), CaZr1.03Ti1.97O7 (−89.6±2.8) and CaHf1.02Ti1.98O7 (−74.8±3.1). With respect to a perovskite plus oxide phase assemblage the hafnium zirconolite was marginally metastable in enthalpy (ΔH°f-pv+ox = +6.0±3.5 kJ/mol) while zirconolite was marginally stable in enthalpy (ΔH°f-pv+ox = −8.8±3.3 kJ/mol). The Ce-pyrochlore was not thermodynamically stable as measured by the enthalpy change relative to perovskite plus oxides: ΔH°f-pv+ox = Ca0.93Ce1.00Ti2.035O7.00 (+21.0±5.5). The U-pyrochlore sample was marginally stable in enthalpy relative to a perovskite plus oxide assemblage: ΔH°f-pv+ox = Ca1.46U4+0.23U6+0.46+Ti1.85O7.00 (−5.1±4.0). A significant field where the proposed waste form for excess weapons plutonium is not thermodynamically stable both at room temperature and at high temperature was defined. ΔH°f (kJ/mol) at 298 K were derived for three brannerite phases: CeTi2O6 (−2948.8±4.3), U0.97Ti2.03O6 (−2977.9±3.5) and ThTi2O6 (−3096.5±4.3). Enthalpies of formation with respect to an oxide phase assemblage, ΔH°f-ox (kJ/mol) at 298 K: MO2 + 2TiO2 = MTi2O6, M = Ce, U, Th were also calculated. ΔH°f-ox: CeTi2O6 (+29.4±3.6), U0.97Ti2.03O6 (−7.7±2.8) and ThTi2O6 (+19.4±1.6). Thus, Ce and Th-brannerite are entropy stabilized and thermodynamically stable only at high temperature. These thermochemical data are correlated to the observed trends in the radiation “susceptibility” of these phases. Thermodynamic data relevant to waste form processing and optimization are also discussed.
Anesthesiological considerations for children with obstructive sleep apnea.

Purpose of review To summarize recent evidence-based data regarding outcomes associated with children who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Recent findings Internet surveys conducted by pediatric otolaryngologists and pediatric anesthesiologists have reported a disturbing number of deaths within 24 h of tonsillectomy attributed to postsurgical/anesthesia apnea. Several occurred in the post anesthesia care unit after routine monitors had been removed. In addition, a number of deaths also have been attributed to children who have duplicated cytochromes allowing the rapid conversion of codeine to morphine, thus producing a relative drug overdose. Finally, there is some human and animal evidence suggesting that repeated episodes of hypoxemia result in altered opioid receptors causing relative opioid sensitivity. These factors have important clinical implications. Summary Perioperative deaths in children with OSA occur at a low frequency. Hypoxia-induced opioid sensitivity combined with an approximate 1-2% incidence of rapid conversion of codeine to morphine suggest the need for new approaches for providing preoperative assessment of risk, extended postoperative observation and the need for alternative opioids to codeine. Additionally, new less painful surgical approaches may help to reduce postoperative opioid requirements and therefore perhaps less risk for opiate-induced apnea in this vulnerable population.
Role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in Peyronie's disease.

Although Francois Gigot de la Peyronie first reported penile curvature in 1743 and named it as Peyronie’s disease the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of this now well-recognized penile condition remains complex and undetermined. Peyronie’s disease usually affects 1 – 3% of males between the ages of 40 and 70, and the number of patients with such lesions have increased since the advent of oral sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer) either because more men are becoming manifest and=or not hesitant anymore to come to clinics for such evaluations.1,2 Men with Peyronie’s disease usually complain of palpable plaque, penile angulation with or without pain, decreased erectile function, some discomfort to their partners, and poor quality of their sexual life. Recent scientific developments in understanding the pathophysiology of this localized connective tissue disorder, which is characterized by the presence of one or more fibrous plaques has shown an excessive amount of collagen and elastin in the tunica albuginea of the penis.3,4 Both collagen and elastin play a vital role in the penile elasticity, rigidity, vascular compliance, and veno-occlusion mechanisms. Several etiological factors have been proposed to explain fibrosis and plaque formation in Peyronie’s disease.5 The most common factors are: (a) repetitive penile trauma=inflammation,6 (b) lowlevel autoimmune response,7 – 9 (c) genetic predisposition, as witnessed by its association with Dupuytren’s contracture and HLA-B7 antigens.10 The inflammatory response involves perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils at the site of injury.3 This is followed by excessive generation of free radicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory cytokines (chemokines). During plaque formation, there is increased myofibroblast=fibroblast proliferation accompanied by overexpression of fibrin and collagen, the main extracellular matrix components of a Peyronie’s plaque.8,11 Despite these many etiological theories, the scientific understanding of pathophysiology and treatment of Peyronie’s disease is still in its infancy. This article focuses on our understanding of the nature of ROS, oxidative stress, and inflammation as related to etiology and pathophysiology of plaque formation and the role of ROS scavengers (antioxidants) towards possible prevention and=or therapy of Peyronie’s disease.
Integration of Scheduling and Control with Closed Loop Implementation

We propose a closed loop strategy to implement simultaneous scheduling and control for chemical processes subject to disturbances. Evidences from published work in the literature suggest that the integration of scheduling and control for multiproduct processes results in optimal production taking into consideration transition stages. On the basis of that, we build a closed loop implementation for simultaneous scheduling and control, which mitigates the effects of disturbances by generating new solutions once the state deviation due to disturbances is detected. To test the performance of the proposed methodology, we use two case studies, and compare their performance with that of open loop implementation. The results of the case studies verify the effectiveness of closed loop strategy in dealing with process disturbances.
Effects of Zafirlukast on Emotions and Th1/Th2 Cytokines in Asthmatic Children

Objective To investigate the effects of Zafirlukast on emotions and Th1/Th2 cytokines in asthmatic children.Methods One hundred and eight asthmatic children were randomly allocated to 3 groups.The children in group A inhaled Pulmicort aerosol 200 μg twice every day.On the basis of inhaled Pulmicort aerosol,the children in group B took orally Zafirlukast orally 10 mg once every day.The children in group C only took orally Zafirlukast 10 mg once every day.The course of treatment of all children were 4 weeks.Anxiety,depression status and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in blood serum were respectively detected before and after treatment.Results Scores of anxiety and depression after treatment in 3 groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(Pa0.01).Scores of anxiety and depression after treatment were significantly lower in group B than those in group A and group C(Pa0.01).After treatment,IFN-γ in blood serum was higher,while IL-4 was lower in 3 groups(P0.05).IFN-γ after treatment in group B was higher,while IL-4 was lower than those in group A and group C.There was no significant difference between group A and group C(P0.05).Conclusions Zafirlukast or Glucocorticoid inhalation has the same effect on improving emotional status and accommodating disequilibrium of Th1/Th2 for asthmatic children,but effect of Zafirlukast combined with Glucocorticoid inhalation are better.
Impact of the Federal Budget Deficit on the Nominal Interest Rate Yield on New 30-Year Fixed-Rate Home Mortgages: Recent Evidence

This study provides recent evidence on the impact of the budget deficit on the nominal interest rate yield on new 30-year fixed-rate home mortgages. Using quarterly data for the period 1974.1–2007....
Design of Intelligent Sensor for Axle Counter

This paper introduces a kind of new intelligence type Axle Counter of mechanical construction Design,as well as accounted the scheme design,the sensitive component and its channel status identification algorithm how to embody the principle " fault lead safety",is being intelligent to sum the realization on axle sensor.
In-tank hydrogen-ferric ion recombination

Abstract An H2 Fe3+ recombination method is being developed for all-iron flow batteries. Working principles are described and a proof-of-concept in-tank reactor is demonstrated. A membrane-less galvanic reactor is characterized using potential, polarization and impedance measurements at hydrogen partial pressures ranging from 0.3 to 11.3 psig. Through a vertical reactor geometry, hydrogen recombination rates of up to 60 mA cm−2 were measured at PH2 = 4.5 psig for a reactor with a platinum loading of 3.2 mg cm−2, based on the geometric catalyzed area. This is equivalent to over 375 mA cm−2 with respect to the cross sectional area of the reactor at the waterline. This rate is sufficient that the reactor will readily fit inside the positive reservoir of a flow battery. The reactor was found to be resistant to degradation by flooding or catalyst loss.
Enhancement of Antibunching in Intracavity Second Harmonic Generation and Multi-Atom Optical Bistability

Antibunching effect has been predicted1 in intracavity second harmonic generation (ISHG) and multi-atom optical bistability (MAOB). However, the predicted size of antibuching is very small and would be difficult to measure experimentally, as it occurs against a large coherent background. The predicted antibunching is of the order 10−8 – 10−6 for the ISHG, and 10−4 – 10−3 for the MAOB. Schemes based on interference2 or passive filter cavities1 have been proposed to enhance the antibunching effect.
Blown films from linear low density polyethylene incorporating biodegradable additive

Environmental concerns are now driving additive suppliers and polymer resin manufacturers to step up efforts to create innovative materials for the future. In the present work, a biodegradable additive/promoter was incorporated into a butene-based linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) at different levels. The properties of the blown films derived therefrom were investigated. In the first step the degradation additive/promoter was converted into a 50% masterbatch in LLDPE. In the second step, this concentrate was let down at 5, 10, 15 and 20% level in a butene-based film grade LLDPE. The properties of the films were characterized. In the third step, the films were subjected to real-time degradation tests; using natural soil and under vermicompost conditions. Films subjected to degradation under vermicompost conditions have shown encouraging results. After 3 months, the films containing 15 and 20% additive were found to have disintegrated to a practically unusable form.
Test-retest reliability and validity of a frustration paradigm and irritability measures

Abstract Background Data on the reliability and validity of assessments for irritability, particularly behavioral paradigms, are limited. This study examined the test-retest reliability and validity of a frustration paradigm (the Affective Posner 2 task) and two irritability measures [the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) irritability]. Methods Participants were 109 youth from a general population sample of twins (aged 9–14 years). Participants completed two visits that were 2–4 weeks apart. At both visits, participants completed the Affective Posner 2 task and self-reported their irritability using the ARI. Parents reported their child's irritability using the ARI and completed the CBCL. Results The Affective Posner 2 task demonstrated good test-retest reliability, with intraclass correlations (ICCs) ranging from .44 to .78. The task effectively evoked negative affect (frustration and unhappiness) at both test and retest, demonstrating its construct validity. Moreover, self-rated frustration and unhappiness during the frustration components of the task correlated positively with self-reported but not parent-reported irritability, providing modest support for convergent validity. Parent- and child-reports of the ARI and parent-reports of the CBCL irritability measure showed excellent test-retest reliability, with ICCs ranging from .88 to .90. Limitations The sample consists of mostly twins aged 9–14 years from the communities. Thus, results may not generalize to non-twin samples or clinical samples outside of this age range. Conclusions The Affective Posner 2 paradigm and the ARI and CBCL irritability scales may be useful tools for longitudinal or treatment research on irritability.
Water graphene contact surface investigated by pairwise potentials from force-matching PAW-PBE with dispersion correction

A pairwise additive atomistic potential was developed for modeling liquid water on graphene. The graphene-water interaction terms were fit to map the PAW-PBE-D3 potential energy surface using the adaptive force matching method. Through condensed phase force matching, the potential developed implicitly considers the many-body effects of water. With this potential, the graphene-water contact angle was determined to be 86° in good agreement with a recent experimental measurement of 85° ± 5° on fully suspended graphene. Furthermore, the PAW-PBE-D3 based model was used to study contact line hysteresis. It was found that the advancing and receding contact angles of water do agree on pristine graphene, however a long simulation time was required to reach the equilibrium contact angle. For water on suspended graphene, sharp peaks in the water density profile disappear when the flexibility of graphene was explicitly considered. The water droplet induces graphene to wrap around it leading to a slightly concave contact interface.
An evolutionary programming method for estimating layered velocity structure

Abstract For most geophysical inverse problems, one solves for an Earth model that minimizes the misfit between the observed data and observational predications determined from forward modeling. However, the solutions to such problems are almost always nonunique, as some of the model parameters are poorly resolved by the data. We have developed a novel form of evolutionary programming (EP) that solves directly for a broad cluster of models that adequately fit the data. We obtain improved performance of the EP algorithm by rotating the model parameter axes at each generation so that the axes are aligned perpendicular and parallel to long valleys in the misfit surface. The rotated axes are defined by the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix of the set of models; the mutation rate in each new direction varies with the square root of the corresponding eigenvalue. This modified EP method finds a wide range of models satisfying the data, allowing one to determine the uncertainty in the model parameters. We illustrate this EP method by applying it to the problem of determining velocity structure from regional travel-time data. Application of this method to a travel-time data set generated from a model that includes a low-velocity zone (LVZ) illustrates that it successfully finds a wide range of models within the broad minimum that includes the initial solution. We apply the method to regional travel-time data recorded at the Kyrgyz broadband network (KNET) and find that velocities are well resolved, except at depths of 25 to 50 km.
Correlation analysis of cortical geometry of tibia and humerus of white leghorns using clinical quantitative computed tomography and microcomputed tomography scans.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT) has been used in poultry bone research in recent years to analyze cortical and cross-sectional geometry. For QCT to be used as a standard research tool for analysis of bones of laying hens (cortical thickness <2 mm), the accuracy of the scans must be assessed. The primary difference between the QCT and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is image resolution. Image resolution is inversely related to the pixel size. The aim of the current study was to correlate the cortical parameters measured using clinical CT scans with the measurements from micro-CT, the current gold standard. A total of 15 tibiae and 14 humeri of Lohmann White hens was scanned using clinical CT and micro-CT. Reconstruction of the scans generated images with final voxel resolution of 195 μm for clinical CT scans and 46 μm for micro-CT scans. Cortical and total area were measured using MIMICS® software at proximal, middle, and distal locations of 20 mm sections of humerus diaphysis and 30 mm sections of tibia diaphysis. The total area for proximal and middle locations as well as proximal cortical area measurements for humeri produced strong correlation coefficients (R ≥ 0.70). Moderate strength correlation coefficients (R = 0.40 to 0.60) in humeri were seen in middle and distal cortical areas. Distal total area in humeri displayed a weak correlation coefficient (R ≤ 0.3; P = 0.25). Overall, tibiae demonstrated a weaker correlation. Proximal and middle cortical areas indicated moderate correlation coefficients (R = 0.40 to 0.60), while proximal and middle total areas accompanied by distal cortical and total area displayed weak correlation coefficients (R ≤ 0.3). Only the middle cortical area measurement for tibiae was significant (P = 0.03). These results indicate stronger correlation for humeri measurements among the scans than tibia. Overall, cross-sectional area measurements were only low to moderately correlated between clinical and micro-CT scans.
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND BOUNDARY-VALUE PROBLEMS

Partial differential equations are classified as to order and linearity in the same way as ordinary differential equations. The order of an equation is the order of the highest-order partial derivatives of the unknown function that appear in the equation. A boundary value problem possessing a unique solution that depends on the prescribed values in the boundary conditions is said to be a well-posed problem. Boundary conditions that yield a well-posed problem with a hyperbolic equation do not in general yield a well-posed problem with an equation of elliptic type. For some partial differential equations, it is possible to find expressions that represent all solutions, that is, represent the general solution. Such expressions contain arbitrary functions instead of arbitrary constants, as in the case of ordinary differential equations. The expression for the Laplacian of a function in spherical coordinates can be derived in the same way as was done for cylindrical coordinates, although the algebra is more complicated. In problems where the number of independent variables is greater than two, the method of separation of variables leads to the notion of a multiple Fourier series.
Image-Based Rendering

Abstract Image-based rendering (IBR) is a process of synthesizing images at novel viewpoints based on a set of existing images. Although it is primarily a task in computer graphics for novel view synthesis, it can be treated as a signal processing problem: How do we perform sampling, representation, and reconstruction for a high-dimensional function? These three basic operations correspond to light field sampling, scene representation, and rendering in IBR. Depending on the density or sparsity of the camera arrangement and the complexity of a 3D scene, IBR can be conducted in a wide continuum, from no geometry with a densely arranged camera array to explicit geometry reconstruction and occlusion reasoning with sparsely spaced cameras. In this chapter, we first provide a historical review of image-based rendering starting from integral imaging introduced in the early 1900s, followed by typical methods for light field sampling, representation, and rendering. Finally, we address some applications of image-based rendering and present with a case study of a video on demand system.
AB0859 Can zolendronic acid use lead to impair renal function in osteoporosis patients

Background Bisphosphonates are recommended in patients with osteoporosis patients. clinical concerns had been considered in kidney safety. Objectives This study investigated the safety of bisphosphonate effects on renal function in patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proven acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures after vertebroplasty. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in osteoporotic patients with acute vertebral fractures treated with vertebroplasty between January 2001 and December 2015. Their gender, age, body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ), co-morbidities were recorded, as well as their use of zolendronic acid. Those with increase in creatinine was defined as progress of renal function. Logistical regression was used to adjust the variables. Results There were 989 patients (783 females; mean age, 74.08±9.26 years). 71patients accepted zolendronic acid, the others accept other anti-osteoporotic agents. 35 (49.3%) of zolendronic acid had increased creatinine, while 379 (41.3%) of non-zolendronic acid had creatinine changes (p=0.117). After adjust variables, zolendronic acid did not increase creatinine ( p =0.291; OR: 0.750; 95% CI: 0.440–1.279).(Table 1) Conclusions Zolendronic acid use did not lead to increase in creatinine as compared with the control group. However it need more cases to confirm this findings. References Miller PD Bone. 2011 Jul;49(1):77–81. Acknowledgements We thanks Chang Gang Memorial Hospital for data support. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Environmental noise as a cause of sleep disruption in an intermediate respiratory care unit.

Our laboratory previously reported continuously monitored peak sound levels in several areas at Rhode Island Hospital. The number of sound peaks greater than 80 A-weighted decibels (dBA) was found to be high in the intensive and intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) areas, even at night. Environmental noise of this magnitude is potentially sleep-disruptive. Therefore, we hypothesized that nocturnal peak sound levels of H80 dBA would be associated with an increase in EEG arousals from sleep in patients in the IRCU. Six patients underwent sleep monitoring while environmental peak sound levels were continuously recorded. Each 8-hour period (2200 to 0600 hours) was broken down into 30-minute segments. If there were 10 minutes or more of wakefulness in a segment, that segment was dropped from further analysis. Of the remaining 61 segments, there was a very strong correlation (r = 0.57, p = 0.0001) between the number of sound peaks of ≥80 dBA and arousals from sleep. These 61 periods were then classified as quiet, moderately loud, and very loud based on the number of sound peaks (≤5, 6-15, and >15, respectively). Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the number of arousals (p = 0.001) in quiet periods and that in very loud periods. We conclude that environmental noise may be an important cause of sleep disruption in the IRCU.
Abstract 16087: A Propensity Matched Comparison of a Hybrid Approach of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Followed by Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery versus Conventional Median Sternotomy Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Plus Valve Surgery

Introduction: A hybrid approach of PCI followed by minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) has been recently introduced as an alternative for patients with concomitant coronary artery and valvular heart disease. Hypothesis: A hybrid approach might be better than the conventional median sternotomy CABG plus valve surgery for such patients. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 525 consecutive patients with concomitant coronary artery and valvular heart disease who underwent surgical intervention at our institution between January 2009 and April 2014. A propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences between the hybrid and the conventional groups. Results: A total of 63 patients who underwent a hybrid approach were propensity score-matched with a cohort of 63 conventional approach patients. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics (Table). Most patients in the hybrid group had drug-eluting stents (83%) placed for single (44.4%) or dual (50.8%) vessel disease, and within a median of 40 days, underwent single (87%) or double (13%) valve surgery. There was no difference in the type of valve surgery between the groups. Post-operatively, patients in the hybrid group had significantly shorter intensive care unit length of stay, fewer packed red blood cell units transfused, and a decreased incidence of re-intubation, prolonged ventilation, and acute kidney injury. There was no difference between the groups in other post-operative complications, including cerebrovascular accidents, re-operation for bleeding, atrial fibrillation, and 30-day mortality. At long-term follow-up (mean 29 months) the overall all-cause mortality was 9.5%, and the Kaplan-Meier estimated 5-year survival rates were similar (85 vs 90%, p =0.45). Conclusions: A hybrid approach of PCI followed by MIVS is associated with a decreased morbidity, and similar short and long-term survival when compared with conventional median sternotomy CABG plus valve surgery.
Basic Principles of Robotic Surgery

The utilization of robotic assistance in pediatric urological surgery offers the potential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce complications through minimally invasive techniques. Nevertheless, there exist few resources on robotic surgery that provide a combined discussion of historical perspectives, technical considerations, and practical implementation strategies in the setting of pediatric urology. In this chapter, we draw on expertise from experienced robotic pediatric urologists to describe principles of robotic surgery in current practice. First, we present a brief historical perspective on robotic surgery in pediatric urology and a stakeholder-based analysis of the growing use of robotic assistance. We then discuss specific considerations with regard to anesthesia, patient positioning, port placement, and instrumentation unique to the pediatric urological population. A practical approach to surgeon training and team building is outlined. Finally, we explore the promise, challenges, and limitations of robotic assistance in pediatric urology.
The Introduction of Isotopes (1935–1944)

In 1935 Niels Bohr and Georg von Hevesy invited Krogh to collaborate in biological experiments with “heavy” water, i.e. water in which some of the hydrogen ions are replaced with the isotope deuterium (D) bearing twice the atomic weight of hydrogen.1
Pharmacology of irinotecan

Irinotecan (CPT-11 [Camptosar]), a semisynthetic derivative of the plant alkaloid camptothecin, is bioactivated by carboxylesterases (EC3.1.1-) to the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38, a minor metabolite. Bioactivation of intravenously administered irinotecan by carboxylesterases occurs predominantly in the liver. Two human carboxylesterase isoforms responsible for SN-38 formation have been characterized. At relevant hepatic irinotecan concentrations up to 12 micrograms/mL, a low-Km isoform is responsible for irinotecan bioactivation. High concentrations of drugs commonly coadministered with irinotecan do not inhibit carboxylesterase activity. Intestinal carboxylesterases can also generate SN-38, followed by subsequent oral absorption. A second major polar metabolite of irinotecan, aminopentanecarboxylic acid (APC), is the product of CYP3A4-mediated oxidation of the terminal piperidine ring. APC is 100-fold less active than SN-38 as a topoisomerase I inhibitor and is a relatively weak inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. SN-38 is eliminated mainly through conjugation by hepatic uridine glucuronosyltransferase (UGT*1.1), the same isoezyme responsible for glucuronidation of bilirubin. Grade 4 irinotecan-related toxicity (ie, neutropenia, diarrhea) has recently been reported in two patients with deficient UGT*1.1 activity. SN-38 glucuronide (SN-38G), which has only 1/100th the antitumor activity of SN-38, is actively secreted into the bile by a canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter. Deconjugation of SN-38G to SN-38 by beta-glucuronidase produced by the intestinal flora may contribute to enterohepatic recirculation of SN-38 and delayed intestinal toxicity.
Chemokine CXCL10 and Coronavirus-Induced Neurologic Disease.

Abstract Chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) are involved in a wide variety of biological processes. Following microbial infection, there is often robust chemokine signaling elicited from infected c...
Extended Abstract: Challenging the Common Wisdom of “I-messages” in Conflict Management: Lessons from Female Engineers

A commonplace in professional communication is that individuals experiencing interpersonal conflict should use “I messages” to state their feelings. This presentation complicates this advice by discussing the results of qualitative interviews with female engineers who explicitly advise against any talk of feelings or emotions in the workplace. We then test these interviews with surveys of engineering students to assess whether I-messages help, hurt, or have no effect on the perceptions of speakers engaged in interpersonal conflict.
Mentorship in the Digital Age: Nephrology Social Media Collective Internship.

Use of social media in medicine is increasing. This is particularly visible in medical education, usually in the form of free open-access medical education (FOAMed) ([1][1]). FOAMed provides medical educational resources via the internet without barriers such as paywalls. Podcasts, visual abstracts
Energy Efficiency in 5G Cellular Network Systems

Editor’s note: Fifth-generation (5G) cellular network will significantly enhance the amount of mobile data traffic. This article presents various resource allocation and power management problems in 5G cellular networks. It highlights multiple techniques that maximize the energy efficiency while meeting performance and QoS requirements. —Partha Pratim Pande, Washington State University
A large-scale study of how districts’ curriculum policies and practices shape teachers’ mathematics lesson planning

Early career teachers (ECTs) face unprecedented pressure to fulfill expectations of ‘highly effective’ teachers within their first few years of teaching. Lesson planning is an important precursor t...
Excess Cardiac Arrest in the Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Recently, Garcia et al. ([1][1]) and Rodriguez-Leor et al. ([2][2]) demonstrated a 38% to 40% reduction in presentations for acute cardiac catheterization laboratory activations across a consortium of high-volume primary percutaneous intervention centers correlating with the implementation of
A self-healing liquid metal anode with PEO-Based polymer electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries

Abstract Ga-Sn liquid metal material is demonstrated as a self-healing anode system due to its fluidity via operando synchrotron-based transmission X-ray microscopy and X-ray diffraction experiments. Cracks formed due to volume expansions can be recovered by the fluidity of the liquid metals. By incorporating with a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolyte at 60 °C, the Ga-Sn anode shows a reversible lithium insertion and extraction process with a high initial discharge specific capacity of 682 mAh g − 1, followed by delivering a capacity of 462 mAh g − 1 in the second cycle at C/20 rate. Compared with its solid counterparts, the Ga-Sn liquid metal anode demonstrates a better capability to maintain its mechanical integrity and better contact with PEO solid electrolytes due to its advantageous features of the liquid. This study suggests a potential strategy to use liquid metal alloys with polymer solid electrolyte to solve the challenges in rechargeable lithium batteries.
Preparing School and District Leaders for Success in Developing and Facilitating Integrative STEM in Higher Education

Higher education institutions in the United States with graduate-level educational leadership programs traditionally do not offer professional learning opportunities in integrative STEM education. ...
Abstract 14425: Coronary Microvascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes is Linked to the Upregulation of P53

Diabetes mellitus is a prominent risk factor of coronary microvascular disease (CMD) and the comorbidity of CMD in diabetic patients leads to an increasing occurrence of cardiac mortality. Increase...
Spitzer Point-source Catalogs of ~ 300,000 Stars in Seven Nearby Galaxies

We present Spitzer IRAC 3.6–8 and Multiband Imaging Photometer point-source catalogs for seven galaxies: NGC 6822, M33, NGC 300, NGC 2403, M81, NGC 0247, and NGC 7793. The catalogs contain a total of ~300,000 sources and were created by dual-band selection of sources with detections at both 3.6 and . The source lists become significantly incomplete near . We complement the 3.6 and fluxes with 5.8, 8.0, and fluxes or upper limits using a combination of PSF and aperture photometry. This catalog is a resource as an archive for studying mid-infrared transients and for planning observations with the James Webb Space Telescope.
Community College Study Abroad: An Event History Analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this study is twofold. First, this study explores individual student characteristics, specifically those related to demographics, financial need, academic characteristics,...
Older Adults’ Online Shopping Continuance Intentions: Applying the Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior

This study investigates the online shopping continuance intentions of older adults in the United States, focusing on two characteristics of this demographic (perceived lack of shopping mobility and...