cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress Echocardiography in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common monogenic disease of the myocardium, with a 1:500 prevalence in the general population worldwide, although often misdiagnosed or neglected [1–6]. HCM is defined by the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness ≥15 mm by any imaging modality in one or more LV myocardial segments that is not solely explained by abnormal loading conditions and occurs in the absence of other detectable causes [2, 3, 6]. A lower threshold for LV thickness (i.e., ≥13 mm) is adopted in first-degree relatives of patients with unequivocal disease. Clinical diagnosis is customarily made with two-dimensional echocardiography by detection of increased LV wall thickness, usually in the presence of a small LV cavity, after suspicion has been raised by the clinical profile or as a part of screening [2, 3]. In most patients, HCM is caused by mutations in genes encoding contractile proteins of the cardiac sarcomere, Z-disk, and intracellular calcium handling pathways [4–9]. A minority of cases are caused by inherited metabolic and neuromuscular diseases, which are most common in pediatric cohorts, or so-called phenocopies such as amyloidosis or Fabry disease. In over one-third of patients, however, the genetic basis of the disease remains unresolved [6, 7]. To date, hundreds of different mutations have been associated with HCM (>90 % affecting myosin-binding protein C, beta-myosin heavy chain, and troponin T), and many families exhibit “private” mutations which have not been previously described. Adding to the genetic complexity of the disease is the fact that many of these variants, suspected to cause disease, do not meet the requirements for pathogenicity and are necessarily classified as “variants of unknown significance” (VUS) [7]. Despite over two decades of research in the field, attempts to correlate genotype with phenotype, disease severity, and outcome have yielded inconsistent and overall disappointing results, although some clinically relevant associations have been observed [8].
B cell Rad52 deficiency enhances immunoglobulin class switching through increased recruitment of Ku70/Ku86 to S region double-strand DNA breaks (IRM10P.618)

Class switch DNA recombination (CSR) diversifies the biological effector functions of antibodies and is critical for the maturation of the immune response. It is initiated by AID-mediated generation of DSBs in the switch (S) regions that will undergo recombination, mainly through Ku70/Ku86-mediated nonhomologous end-joining. It has been shown, however, that Ku-deficient B cells can undergo CSR, suggesting that other DNA repair mechanisms are at work. Herein, we show that deficiency of Rad52, an important component of the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway, resulted in significantly increased CSR and is associated with increased recruitment of Ku70/Ku86 to the S region DSB ends. In Rad52 -/- B cells, the increased role of Ku70/Ku86 in S region DNA recombination was further emphasized by decreased occurrence of microhomologies in S-S junctions and inter-chromosomal c-Myc/IgH translocations. Conversely, enforced expression of Rad52 in B cells impaired CSR and decreased Ku70/Ku86 recruitment to S region DNA, as revealed by ChIP assays. Accordingly, EMSAs using Sμ probes with blunt-ends or short overhangs, revealed that in CSR, Ku70/Ku86 and Rad52 bind to different types of DSB ends. Our findings show that Rad52 modulates CSR by binding to S region DSB ends. This may facilitate a Ku-independent repair pathway, which would resolve AID-mediated S region DSBs, thereby explaining the residual CSR that has been shown to occur in a conditional Ku70/Ku86 B cell knockout.
Synchronization of randomly driven nonlinear oscillators and the reliable firing of cortical neurons

There has been a recent resurgence of interest in the idea that information may be encoded in the precise timing of neuronal spike trains rather than the average firing frequency alone. For example, Bialek and de Ruyter have clearly demonstrated that changes in the motion of the visual field of a housefly can be decoded from the timing of the firing sequence of a single, high level neuron in the fly visual system.1 Moreover, a recent re-examination by Bair and Koch2 of single neuron recordings in the monkey visual cortex, measured while viewing repeated presentations of random dot patterns on a TV screen3, revealed that the complex firing patterns of these high level neurons are extraordinarily reliable and precise to a few milliseconds!
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Studies of Silicate Glasses: Implications to Bonding and Leaching

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy can be applied to the study of bonding properties of metal oxides in silicate glasses and to the analysis of water-leached glass surfaces. The addition of CaO to Na...
Current state of pharmacovigilance in the Arab and Eastern Mediterranean region: results of a 2015 survey.

OBJECTIVES This study describes the current state of pharmacovigilance systems in Arab and Eastern Mediterranean countries. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2015. Data were gathered from a standardized online survey sent to pharmacovigilance leadership identified as the official national contact for the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring. In countries with no specified pharmacovigilance programme or leadership, Ministry of Health officers responsible for drug safety policies were invited to participate in the survey. The survey measured three domains of pharmacovigilance performance using indicators that were defined and assigned scores a priori: 10 structural, 10 process, and seven impact indicators. Total scores were assigned to each domain of indicators, and countries were compared depending on their total performance score. KEY FINDINGS Complete responses were received from 20 countries (of 24 total), representing an 83% response rate. Approximately 20% (n = 4) of respondents reported not having any pharmacovigilance programme in their country. In total, across the three primary pharmacovigilance performance domains, the mean score for the 20 countries in the survey was 28.9 [standard deviation(SD): 13.8] with a range from 4 to 48 (maximum possible score: 48). In the structural performance domain, which assessed the existence of key pharmacovigilance structures, systems and policies in each country, the mean score among respondents was 13.1 (SD: 5.7) and the scores ranged from 2 to 19 (maximum possible score: 19). In the process performance domain, which assessed the constellation of activities undertaken by pharmacovigilance programmes (including the collection, collation, analysis and evaluation of adverse drug event reports), the mean score among respondent countries was 9.1 (SD: 5.4) and the scores ranged from 0 to 17 (maximum possible score: 17). Finally, in the impact domain, which measured the scope of national efforts at promoting risk minimization and increasing awareness in use of potentially unsafe pharmaceutical products, the mean score was 6.8 (SD: 3.6) and scores ranged from 0 to 12 (maximum possible score: 12). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest wide disparities in pharmacovigilance systems in the region, underscoring the need for a multistakeholder effort in bolstering programme development and the necessity to build collaboration regionally and internationally to enhance capacity, improve public and healthcare provider awareness and assist in the development of pharmacovigilance systems still in their nascent stage.
Trends in Obesity and Implications for the Fetus

Obesity is a worldwide pandemic. The high prevalence of obesity and the projected increasing trend have adverse implications for pregnant women including thromboembolic complications, gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean section, maternal hemorrhage, and infection. Maternal obesity has a measureable impact on infant and future adult health. Offspring are at increased risk for spontaneous miscarriage, fetal malformations, fetal macrosomia, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. This review focuses on the trends in maternal obesity and its implications for maternal and fetal health as well as evidence suggesting that the pre-pregnancy and the prenatal period provide a window of opportunity to intervene and curtail the intergenerational cycle of obesity.
Applied Statistical Model and Remote Sensing for Decision Management System for Soybean

This paper proposes a Decision Management System to identify the white mold regions from the soybean fields using Autologistic Statistical Model (ASM) and Remote Sensing (RS) data analysis with commercially available Big Data sets as input data. In order to develop an identification model, numerous types of data need to be considered. In this study, the data that was used is satellite image pixel values, and data gathered from the field such as precipitation, yield, elevation, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and geospatial locations. The model evaluated the outcome using this information as input parameters and provided an overall estimation of the white mold region in the soybean fields. Based on the evaluation of the result, the accuracy rate of the proposed methods 84% which is a promising result due to the fact that each pixel of the satellite image is 30 by 30 meters.
Experimental evolution of bacteria across 60,000 generations, and what it might mean for economics and human decision-making

Evolutionary biology and economics are both rich in theory and steeped in data, but they also share challenges including the fact that the systems they seek to understand are, in certain respects, unique and not easily manipulated. Nonetheless, both fields have seen growing efforts to provide experimental approaches to address specific issues. Here, we review some results from a 30-year experiment in which 12 populations of bacteria have been evolving for over 60,000 generations to characterize: (i) the time scale of adaptation to new conditions, (ii) the repeatability of evolutionary changes, and (iii) the benefits and costs of specialization. In each case, we speculate on potential connections and implications of these findings for the field of economics. Moreover, both the bacteria in this experiment and people in modern societies live in novel environments, which leads to an evolutionary mismatch between their genes and environments. Regardless of the value of our speculations, we hope this paper stimulates further interest in pursuing experiments in fields that are often viewed as observational and not amenable to experimentation.
Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Review.

Study Design:Narrative review.Objectives:To identify the risk factors and surgical management for recurrent lumbar disc herniation using a systematic review of available evidence.Methods:We conduct...
Alterations of HIV-1 envelope phenotype and antibody-mediated neutralization by signal peptide mutations

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) mediates virus attachment and entry into the host cells. Like other membrane-bound and secreted proteins, HIV-1 Env contains at its N terminus a signal peptide (SP) that directs the nascent Env to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where Env synthesis and post-translational modifications take place. SP is cleaved during Env biosynthesis but potentially influences the phenotypic traits of the Env protein. The Env SP sequences of HIV-1 isolates display high sequence variability, and the significance of such variability is unclear. We postulate that changes in the Env SP influence Env transport through the ER-Golgi secretory pathway and Env folding and/or glycosylation that impact on Env incorporation into virions, receptor binding and antibody recognition. We first evaluated the consequences of mutating the charged residues in the Env SP in the context of infectious molecular clone HIV-1 REJO.c/2864. Results show that three different mutations affecting histidine at position 12 affected Env incorporation into virions that correlated with reduction of virus infectivity and DC-SIGN-mediated virus capture and transmission. Mutations at positions 8, 12, and 15 also rendered the virus more resistant to neutralization by monoclonal antibodies against the Env V1V2 region. These mutations affected the oligosaccharide composition of N-glycans as shown by changes in Env reactivity with specific lectins and by mass spectrometry. Increased neutralization resistance and N-glycan composition changes were also observed when analogous mutations were introduced to another HIV-1 strain, JRFL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that certain residues in the HIV-1 Env SP can affect virus neutralization sensitivity by modulating oligosaccharide moieties on the Env N-glycans. The HIV-1 Env SP sequences thus may be under selective pressure to balance virus infectiousness with virus resistance to the host antibody responses. (289 words).
Core–Shell Nanocomposites for Improving the Structural Stability of Li-Rich Layered Oxide Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries

The structural stability of Li-rich layered oxide cathode materials is the ultimate frontier to allow the full development of these family of electrode materials. Here, first-principles calculations coupled with cluster expansion are presented to investigate the electrochemical activity of phase-separation, core–shell-structured xLi2MnO3·(1 – x)LiNiCoMnO2 nanocomposites. The detrimental surface effects of the core region can be countered by the Li2MnO3 shell, which stabilizes the nanocomposites. The operational voltage windows are accurately determined to avoid the electrochemical activation of the shell and the subsequent structural evolution. In particular, the dependence of the activation voltage with the shell thickness shows that relatively high voltages can still be obtained to meet the energy density needs of Li-ion battery applications. Finally, activation energies of Li migration at the core–shell interface must also be analyzed carefully to avoid the outbreak of a phase transformation, thus maki...
Increased Frequency and Planning: A More Effective Approach to Guided Reading in Grade 2.

This yearlong quasi experimental study examined the effects of two approaches to guided reading on second-grade students' reading abilities. The 79 subjects were chosen as a nonprobability sample a...
Gossip Gradient Descent

We consider a problem of learning a linear regression model distributively with a network of N interconnected agents which receive private streaming data. Each agent can deploy an online learning algorithm, e.g. stochastic gradient descent, to learn adaptively the regression model using its receiving private data. The goal is to devise an algorithm for each agent, under the constraint that each of them can communicate only with its neighboring agents based on a communication graph, to enable each agent converge to the true model with a performance comparable to that of the traditional centralized solution. We propose an algorithm called gossip gradient descent, and establish O (√ log t over(1-λ 2 ) Nt ) convergence in expectation and mean square, where λ 2 is the second largest eigenvalue of the expected gossip matrix corresponding to the underlying communication graph. For the case when agents are privacy sensitive, we propose a differentially private variant of the algorithm, which achieves e-differential privacy and O l(√ over log 2 t e(1-λ 2 ) Nt ) convergence.
Institutional Transformation and the Advancement of Women Faculty: The Case of Academic Science and Engineering

The participation, status, and advancement of women in academic science and engineering have been pressing social concerns in the United States, particularly over the past 25 years. The concern is rooted in two basic sets of issues: the provision of human resources for the science and engineering workforce, and social equity in access to and rewards for professional participation in these fields. As human resources, women are important to the size, creativity, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce, broadly (Hanson, 1996; Pearson & Fechter, 1994). Women faculty, specifically, contribute to the culture and climate of the university and the development of students’ capacities and potential in science and engineering—with potential consequences for future generations of scientists and engineers. The percentages of women faculty are positively associated with percentages of women students who are undergraduate majors in mathematical sciences (Sharpe & Sonnert, 1999), majors in science and engineering (Canes & Rosen, 1995), and majors and recipients of bachelor’s degrees in life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering (Sonnert et al., 2007). This provides empirical support for the long-standing discussion about women faculty as “role models” for undergraduate women in scientific (and other) fields (Astin & Sax, 1996; Hackett et al., 1989; Stake & Noonan, 1983; Xie & Shauman, 1997). In graduate education in science and engineering, women faculty are consequential because of whom they train and the ways in which they do so. In a survey of 1,215 faculty in doctoral granting departments in five science and engineering fields, women faculty reported acting as primary research advisors for a larger number of women graduate students than did men, and also had larger number of women students on their research teams. Further, women faculty put significantly more emphasis upon giving help to advisees across areas, not only in designing, executing, and publishing research but also in gaining social capacities, including participating in laboratory meetings, making presentations, and interacting with faculty (Fox, 2003a). The status and advancement of women faculty in science and engineering is a pressing, national issue also because of related concerns of social equity (or inequity)
Evaluation of hydrocephalus shunts in the emergency room

The workup of suspected shunt malfunction requires consideration of several factors, including history, physical and neurologic examinations, and appropriate laboratory and radiologic tests. Hydrocephalus is a benign condition, often compatible with normal neurologic function if properly controlled. It is therefore vital that patients with hydrocephalus have their shunts carefully maintained to avoid serious complications due to shunt obstruction and infection. By following the guidelines listed above, most shunt problems can be detected and appropriate consultation arranged.
Ethnography Beyond Method: The Importance of an Ethnographic Sensibility

There is no ethnography without a corresponding ethnographic sensibility. That is, the understanding and practice of ethnography as method, theory, and writing practice rests on the cultivation of a sense of the ethnographic as the lived expectations, complexities, contradictions, possibilities, and grounds of any given cultural group. Within anthropology, the articulation of an ethnographic sensibility has long been at the heart of our disciplinary project of documenting how people collectively organize, understand, and live in the world. As such, we consider ethnography both something to know and a unique way of knowing.
Youth generated prevention messages about electronic cigarettes

Rates of e-cigarette use are high among youth, and there is little known about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. Since peer influence is a powerful determinant of tobacco use, we aimed to identify message themes about e-cigarettes that youth would use to encourage or discourage peers from using e-cigarettes. We conducted 10 focus groups (N = 69) with non-smokers and smokers from one middle school, high school and college in Connecticut. Participants engaged in a discussion about e-cigarettes, and each participant created one written message to encourage e-cigarette use and one to discourage use among peers. We content-analyzed the messages and identified three main themes and 12 encouraging and discouraging sub-themes. Encouraging themes included health benefits of e-cigarettes relative to cigarettes, attractive product characteristics (e.g. flavors) and social advantages (e.g. positive social image) of using e-cigarettes. Discouraging messages included health risks of e-cigarettes relative to cigarettes, unattractive product characteristics (e.g. cost) and social disadvantages (e.g. negative social image of using an e-cigarette). Overall, there were no differences by sex, age group or smoking status in generation of encouraging and discouraging message themes. This study identified youth-generated themes that may aid in e-cigarette prevention among youth.
Breastfeeding factors and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective Previous studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) risk. However, the effects of age, timing and episode details on the EOC-breastfeeding relationship have not been examined. The objective of this study was to examine the association between breastfeeding factors and epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods We examined breastfeeding factors among parous women in a population-based, case-control study conducted in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York from 2003 to 2008. We compared 689 incident EOC cases to 1572 community controls. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with breastfeeding patterns adjusting for potential confounders. Results Compared to never breastfeeding, breastfeeding any offspring was associated with a 30% reduction in EOC risk (OR = 0.70; 95%CI = 0.58–0.85). That association lasted more than 30 years (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.53–0.88). An average breastfeeding episode of 3 months was also associated with reduced risk (OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.58–0.80). A greater number of breastfeeding episodes was associated with greater risk reduction (OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.64–0.96 and OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.36–0.68 1–2 and 3+ episodes, respectively, compared to never breastfed, trend p = 0.01). Longer breastfeeding duration was also associated with reduced risk (OR = 0.75 and 0.62 for less than and greater than 1-year total duration, respectively, compared to never breastfed). An earlier age at first breastfeeding was further associated with increased protection (OR = 0.50–0.80, for first episode at age Conclusions Breastfeeding for as few as 3 months is associated with reduced EOC risk. Although this association decreases over time, it persists for more than 30 years. Longer cumulative duration, increasing number of breastfeeding episodes, and earlier age at first breastfeeding episode are each associated with increased benefit.
A 5-Year Review of Hospital Costs and Reimbursement in the Surgical Management of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

ABSTRACT Background To evaluate charges, expenses, reimbursement, and hospital margins with noninstrumented posterolateral fusion in situ (PLF), posterolateral fusion with pedicle screws (PPS), and PPS with interbody device (PLIF) in degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed from 2010 to 2014 based on ICD-9 diagnoses of degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis in patients undergoing single-level fusions. All charges, expenses, reimbursement, and margins were obtained through financial auditing. A multivariate linear regression model was used to compare demographics, charges, etc. A 1-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc analysis was used to analyze reimbursements and margins based upon insurances. Results Two hundred thirty-three patients met inclusion criteria. The overall charges and expenses for PLF were significantly less compared to both types of instrumented fusions (P Conclusions As more instrumentation is used, the more it costs both the hospital and the insurance companies; hospital margins did not increase correspondingly. Clinical Relevance Improved understanding of related costs and margins associated with lumbar fusions to help transition to more cost effective spine centers.
The emergence of vowels: 17 to 26 months

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the acoustic structure of a child’s vowels during early language development. Recordings were made of a child’s speech at approximately two month intervals from 17 months to 29 months. The first and second formants of all identifiable English front and back vowels were analyzed spectrographically and subsequently plotted on an F1-F2 plane. The data suggest that vowel formants shift over time towards a more precisely defined vowel space, implying that articulatory proficiency changes in accord with maturation.
Social comparison nudges without monetary incentives: Evidence from home energy reports

Abstract We explore the mechanisms driving the effectiveness of a widely-used behavioral intervention that reduces energy consumption by repeatedly mailing social comparison-based home energy reports (HERs) to households. With a randomized controlled trial, we introduce HERs in a college residence, where tenants do not pay energy bills. Our results indicate that HERs induced almost no behavioral changes for heating demand, with precise estimates that allow us to rule out thermostat changes greater than 0.36 °F. To the extent that our findings can be extrapolated to other non-dormitory residential contexts, this suggests that behavioral channels, such as competitiveness, social norms, or moral suasion, may not motivate conservation in the absence of direct monetary incentives.
Crystal binding effects on neutron scattering and criticality in U-Mo fuels

Abstract Using molecular dynamics simulations, we calculate the phonon densities of states of U-10Mo and U-7Mo at different temperatures. The results are then used to calculate the thermal neutron scattering cross sections of both alloys at temperatures that span anticipated reactor operating temperatures and at several 235U enrichment levels. The cross sections are calculated using a modified version of NJOY that is able to calculate coherent elastic cross sections for disordered alloys. The addition of binding effects decreases the cross section by up to a factor of 21 over the free-atom model, resulting in a difference in k eff between 3 and 36 pcm for a simple model of a spherical fuel pellet. Based on these results, we conclude that binding effects have a minor impact on criticality, but the qualitative differences between the U–Mo bound-atom and free-atom thermal neutron scattering cross sections may be important in neutron scattering experiments and in the assessment of uncertainties in reactor models and configurations.
H-alpha Imaging with HST+NICMOS of An Elusive Damped Ly-alpha Cloud at z=0.6

Despite previous intensive ground-based imaging and spectroscopic campaigns and wide-band HST imaging of the z=0.927 QSO 3C336 field, the galaxy that hosts the damped Ly-alpha system along this line-of-sight has eluded detection. We present a deep narrow-band H-alpha image of the field of this z=0.656 damped Ly-alpha absorber, obtained through the F108N filter of NICMOS 1 onboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The goal of this project was to detect any H-alpha emission 10 times closer than previous studies to unveil the damped absorber. We do not detect H-alpha emission between 0.05'' and 6'' (0.24 and 30 $h^{-1}$ kpc) from the QSO, with a 3-sigma flux limit of $3.70 \times 10^{-17} h^{-2}$ erg/s/cm^2 for an unresolved source, corresponding to a star formation rate (SFR) of $0.3 h^{-2}$ M_sun/yr. This leads to a 3-sigma upper limit of 0.15 M_sun/yr/kpc^2 on the SFR density, or a maximum SFR of 1.87 M_sun/yr assuming a disk of 4 kpc in diameter. This result adds to the number of low redshift damped Ly-alpha absorbers that are not associated with the central regions of Milky-Way-like disks. Damped Ly-alpha absorption can arise from high density concentrations in a variety of galactic environments including some that, despite their high local HI densities, are not conducive to widespread star formation.
The effects of aircraft use and available repair spares on aircraft sortie generation: a long-duration logistical wargaming simulation tool:

Long-duration logistical wargames within the Air domain are complex and highly dynamic events that are driven by aircraft availability. In order to gain insight into the impact of aircraft use, thi...
“Provide a complete, concise economic analysis of the following article…”: Using outside readings to train students to answer a single question

The author of this article discusses the extensive use and analysis of real-world situations as the core construct on which to build a course in principles of microeconomics. Building on the litera...
Comparison of risk scores for predicting outcomes after isolated tricuspid valve surgery.

BACKGROUND Risk models play important roles in stratification and decision-making towards cardiac surgery. Isolated tricuspid valve surgery is a high risk but increasingly performed the operation, however, the performance of risk models has not been externally evaluated in these patients. We compared the prognostic utility of contemporary risk scores for isolated tricuspid valve surgery. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing isolated tricuspid valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic during 2004-2018 were evaluated in this cohort study. EuroSCORE II, Society of Thoracic Surgeon's tricuspid (STS-TVS) score, and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score were retrospectively calculated, and their performance for predicting operative mortality, postoperative complications, and mortality during follow-up was assessed. RESULTS Amongst 207 patients studied, the mean age was 54.1 ± 17.9 years, 116 (56.0%) were female, 92 (44.4%) had secondary tricuspid regurgitation, and 151 (72.9%) had a surgical repair. Mean EuroSCORE II, STS-TVS, and MELD scores were 6.3 ± 6.6%, 5.5 ± 6.2%, and 9.8 ± 4.7, respectively. C-statistics (95% confidence intervals) for operative mortality were 0.83 (0.74-0.93) for EuroSCORE II, 0.60 (0.45-0.75) for STS-TVS score, and 0.74 (0.58-0.89) for MELD score, while observed/expected ratios were 0.78 and 0.89 for the first two scores. All three scores were associated with mortality during follow-up and discriminated most postoperative complications. CONCLUSION EuroSCORE II was superior to STS-tricuspid score for isolated TVS risk assessment. Although surgical risk scores traditionally underestimated operative mortality after isolated tricuspid valve surgery, they did not in our cohort, reflecting the excellent surgical results. The simple MELD score performed similarly to the EuroSCORE II, especially for discriminating morbidities.
The Price of Freedom from Tricuspid Regurgitation.

Progressive tricuspid regurgitation is common, particularly in patients undergoing mitral-valve surgery. Severe tricuspid regurgitation decreases survival and quality of life due to right ventricul...
Measure by Measure: Resting Heart Rate Across the 24 Hour Cycle.

BackgroundPhotoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, typically found in wrist-worn devices, can continuously monitor heart rate (HR) in large populations in real-world settings. Resting heart rate (RHR) is an important biomarker of morbidities and mortality, but no universally accepted definition nor measurement criteria exist. In this study, we provide a working definition of RHR and describe a method for accurate measurement of this biomarker, recorded using PPG derived from wristband measurement across a 24 hour cycle. Methods433 healthy subjects wore a wrist device that measured activity and HR for up to 3 months. HR during inactivity was recorded and the duration of inactivity needed for HR to stabilise was ascertained. We identified the lowest HR during each 24-hour cycle (true RHR) and examined the time of day or night this occurred. The variation of HR during inactivity through the 24-hour cycle was also assessed. The sample was also subdivided according to daily activity levels for subset analysis. FindingsAdequate data was obtained for 19,242 days and 18,520 nights. HR stabilised in most subjects after 4 minutes of inactivity. Mean (SD) RHR for the sample was 54.5 (8.0) bpm (day) and 50.5 (7.6) bpm (night). RHR values were highest in the least active group (lowest MET quartile). A circadian variation of HR during inactivity was confirmed, with the lowest values being between 0300 and 0700 hours for most subjects. InterpretationRHR measured using a PPG-based wrist-worn device is significantly lower at night than in the day, and a circadian rhythm of HR during inactivity was confirmed. Since RHR is such an important health metric, clarity on the definition and measurement methodology used is important. A minimum rest time of 4 minutes provides a reliable measurement of HR during inactivity and true RHR in a 24-hour cycle is best measured between 0300 and 0700 hours. FundingThis study was funded by Google. O_TEXTBOXResearch In contextResting heart rate is one of the most fundamental and relevant biomarkers in health and disease. Its measurement, particularly in large population studies, is increasingly reliant on sensor devices. No universally accepted definition nor measurement criteria exist. In this study, we provide a working definition of RHR and describe a method for measurement of RHR recorded using PPG derived from wristband measurement. We make recommendations to support future studies of resting heart rate using wearable sensors. C_TEXTBOX
Implementation of a Parallel Genetic Algorithm on a Cluster of Workstations: The Travelling Salesman Problem, a Case Study

A parallel version of a Genetic Algorithm is presented and implemented on a cluster of workstations. Even though our algorithm is general enough to be applied to a wide variety of problems, we used it to obtain optimal/suboptimal solutions to the well known Traveling Salesman Problem. The proposed algorithm is implemented using the Parallel Virtual Machine library over a network of workstations, and it is based on a master-slave paradigm and a distributed-memory approach. Tests were performed with clusters of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 workstations, using several real problems and population sizes. Results are presented to show how the performance of the algorithm is affected by variations on the number of slaves, population size, mutation rate, and mutation interval. The results presented show the utility, efficiency and potential value of the proposed algorithm to tackle similar NP-Complete problems.
Ca2+‐Myristoyl Switch Proteins

Ca2+-myristoyl switch proteins, a sub-branch of the calmodulin superfamily, are expressed in the brain and retina where they transduce calcium signals and are genetically linked to degenerative diseases. Recoverin and guanylate cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs) both serve as calcium sensors in retinal rod cells, neuronal frequenin (NCS1) modulates synaptic activity and neuronal secretion, and K+ channel interacting proteins (KChIPs) regulate ion channels to control neuronal excitability. Here, we review the molecular structures of myristoylated forms of NCS1, recoverin, and GCAP1 that all look very different, suggesting that the sequestered myristoyl group helps to refold these highly homologous proteins into very different structures. We propose that N-terminal myristoylation is critical for shaping each NCS family member into a unique structure, which on Ca2+-induced extrusion of the myristoyl group exposes a unique set of previously masked residues that interact with a particular physiological target. 3D Structure Three-dimensional structures of myristoylated recoverin with 0 Ca2+ bound (a, PDB code: 1iku), 1 Ca2+ bound (b, 1la3) and 2 Ca2+ bound (c, 1jsa). The first step of the mechanism involves the binding of Ca2+ to EF3 that causes minor structural changes within the EF-hand that sterically promote a 45° swiveling of the two domains, resulting in a partial unclamping of the myristoyl group and a dramatic rearrangement at the domain interface. The resulting altered interaction between EF2 and EF3 facilitates the binding of a second Ca2+ to the protein at EF2 in the second step, which causes structural changes within the N-terminal domain that directly lead to the ejection of the fatty acyl group. Keywords: EF-hand; myristoyl switch; calcium; NMR; recoverin; GCAP1; NCS-1; calmodulin
A ROTARY ENGINE TEST TO EVALUATE LUBRICANTS FOR CONTROL OF ROTOR DEPOSITS

During development of the General Motors rotary engine, the lubricant was recognized as important to its success because certain lubricants produced deposits which tended to stick both side and apex seals. Consequently, it was decided to develop a rotary engine-dynamometer test, using a Mazda engine, which could be used for lubricant evaluation. Three engine oils and five automatic transmission fluids were evaluated. Generally, the automatic transmission fluids controlled deposits better than the engine oils. No definite advantage was noted for apex seal wear.
Clinical factors associated with prescription of a prosthetic limb in elderly veterans.

Amputation in older people continues to be a large problem in the United States. The number of lower extremity amputations is expected to increase to 58,000 per year by 2030,1,2 and approximately 75% occur in persons aged 65 and older.3 The proportion of amputees aged 85 and older has increased from 20% to 35% over the past 40 years, which is most likely due to the aging of the population.1 Successful mobility, facilitated by prosthetic fitting, is a main concern after surgery.4 Some studies show that clinicians are hesitant to prescribe devices for elderly patients,5 and others demonstrate that, although elderly patients may have multiple comorbidities, fitting can be successful.6,7 Age alone should not be the deciding factor in prosthetic prescription,8–10 although careful selection of the geriatric patient is essential. One study suggests the following contraindications to training: cognitive dysfunction, severe neurological impairment, congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired energy tolerance from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and irreducible knee or hip contractures.2 Depending on the population studied, prosthetic fitting rates have ranged from 27% to 86%.1,4,11–14 Younger patients and those undergoing transtibial amputations compared to older patients and those undergoing transfemoral amputations are more likely to receive a prosthesis.1 Those with oncological metastases, wound healing problems,14 and dementia and those receiving renal dialysis2 tend not to perform well and are less likely to be fitted with a prosthetic limb. A Post Amputation Quality-of-Life (PAQ) framework for organizing patient-related factors available from administrative records into clinically meaningful domains to predict patient outcomes and patterns of resource use was proposed and tested. The framework is intended to bridge the surgical episode with rehabilitation processes, capturing the full continuum of care. Linkable administrative datasets available within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide opportunities to study this population across settings. In this study, the PAQ framework, comprising six domains (sociodemographic contexts, etiologies for limb loss, anatomical level of the remaining limb, comorbidities less directly associated with limb loss, medical acuity according to hospital procedures, and functional status that measures performance of basic physical and cognitive activities of daily living) was used to explore the patient factors that appear to be determining the clinical decision to prescribe a prosthetic limb. The objective of this study was to determine the degree to which prosthetic prescription differs, according to age, after controlling for clinical differences based on the PAQ framework.
Abstract 16202: Changes in Hemoglobin After Pulmonary Artery Catheterization: Results From the ESCAPE Trial

Introduction: We sought to investigate the association between hemoglobin (Hgb) changes in patients with ADHF (with and without PACs) to mortality and clinical outcomes. Methods: We examined 433 patients enrolled in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) trial. Change of Hgb (g/dL) was defined as at least 1 (g/dL) drop by hospital discharge. Quartiles of % change of Hgb (g/dL) were calculated. We used multivariable Cox regression analysis to evaluate the effect Hgb change on mortality and composite end points of death, cardiac re-hospitalization, or cardiac transplant. Results: Of the 433 patients, 324 (75%) had baseline and discharge Hgb available for analysis. Of those, 64 (20%) had at least 1 (g/dL) drop of Hgb by time of discharge. Patients in the Hgb drop group were older than those without Hgb changes (59 vs. 55, p = 0.011). There were no baseline differences in gender, race, and etiology of HF between groups. Compared to patients without Hgb changes, patients with Hgb drop had lower systolic BP (99 vs. 106, p = 0.017), lower sodium (136 vs. 137, p =0.025), higher BUN (37 vs. 26, p Conclusion: In-hospital decrease in Hgb is independently associated with increased long-term mortality and adverse cardiovascular events in severe HF. The ideal Hgb levels in ADHF patients should be investigated and the insertion of PACs to direct therapy should be weighed against bleeding risks.
The Presentation of Political Self: Cultural Resonance and the Construction of Collective Action Frames

This article asks how the cultural environment shapes activist claims making. Using data from a grassroots antitoxics/anti-incinerator movement field study, I show how activists modify their politi...
Bronchodilator S-nitrosothiol deficiency in asthmatic respiratory failure

Summary Background Nitric oxide (NO) gas concentrations are high in the expired air of individuals with asthma, but not consistently so in the expired air of people with pneumonia. S-nitrosothiols are naturally occurring bronchodilators, the concentrations of which are raised in the airways of patients with pneumonia. Airway S-nitrosothiols have not been studied in asthma. Methods Tracheal S-nitrosothiol concentrations from eight asthmatic children in respiratory failure were compared with those of 21 children undergoing elective surgery. Results Mean S-nitrosothiol concentrations in asthmatic children were lower than in normal children (65 [SD 45] nmol/L vs 502 [SD 429] nmol/L) and did not vary with inspired oxygen concentration or airway thiol concentration. Interpretation Severe asthma is associated with low concentrations of airway S-nitrosothiols. This is the first reported deficiency of an endogenous bronchodilator in the human asthmatic airway lining fluid. We suggest that S-nitrosothiol metabolism may be a target for the development of new asthma therapies.
Analysis of matched pairs studies with censored data

Two sets of matched data are analyzed by several possible methods. These include methods appropriate for matched pair designs and methods for unpaired designs which have previously been used on these data sets. A computer program for paired analyses is appended.
High-energy fixed-angle elastic scattering

Abstract The leading behavior of high-energy, fixed-angle, hadron-hadron scattering is obtained in a model in which on-mass-shell colored quarks exchange colored gluons. The resultant differential cross sections are compared with the data, indicating that such a mechanism does not dominate the physical scattering process.
Screening blood: public health and medical uncertainty.

Use of the human T-lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) antibody screening test for reducing the risk of contracting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) through blood transfusion has raised ethical issues regarding notification and confidentiality. It has also raised longterm questions about mass screening mandatory reporting of positive results to public health officials behavioral change and public health interventions under conditions of medical uncertainty. Initially blood banks resisted mandatory notification of antibody-positive donors on the grounds that it established a clinical relationship between donor and blood bank and also might encourage people to come to blood centers solely to get their tests results. Now that other agencies have had time to set up alternative sites for HTLV-III antibody testing blood banks will begin to inform people about their positive antibody status. Names of seropositive individuals will be kept in the American Red Cross confidential national deferral registry. Those who test positive on a single test only will not be notified and their names will not be entered in the national registry but their names will be kept in a local registry and subsequent donations will be discarded. A troubling question concerns whether to notify past recipients of blood from donors who are now seropositive. Most blood banks have adopted a policy of not notifying such recipients since it is not known whether the donor had antibodies at the time of the index donation. Because of the psychological trauma associated with notification blood centers and alternative test sites plan to offer counseling to seropositive persons. More compelling evidence of a public health threat than presently exists will be required to justify mass screening of all those at risk of contracting or spreading AIDS. Such testing would threaten the civil liberties of the persons tested.
Orthophosphate uptake by phytoplankton and sediment

Abstract Planktonic communities in samples of water from fish ponds absorbed 5 to 100% (ave. = 41%) of 0.30 mg/l additions of orthophosphate within 24 h. Sediments from fish ponds in different edaphic regions and from different depths in ponds removed 70 to 90% of 0.30 mg/l additions of orthophosphate to the overlaying water. The sediment-water systems represented a wide range of environmental conditions, but the rates of phosphorus uptake were similar for all systems. Phosphorus loss rates from earthen ponds and sediment-water systems in plastic pools were similar to those observed in laboratory systems.
Relative Effectiveness of the California Achievement Tests in Comparison With the Act Assessment, College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test, and High School Grade Point Average in Predicting College Grade Point Average:

Studied was the relative effectiveness of the. California Achievement Tests (CAT), the ACT Assessment (Academic Tests) of the American College Testing Program (ACT), the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and high school grade point average (GPA) in predicting college freshman GPA. The incremental and differential incremental effectiveness of the CAT, ACT, and SAT in addition to high school GPA were also studied. Although high school GPA was the best single predictor, the CAT was as effective a predictor as was the ACT or the SAT. Use of either the ACT, SAT, or CAT resulted in an 18.47% increase in predictive etBciency over that obtained by using high school GPA alone. As the increase in predictive efficiency was very nearly the same (within rounding error) for the three tests (ACT, SAT, and CAT), they failed to demonstrate differential incremental validity.
Sediment Distribution on the Mid-Ocean Ridges with Respect to Spreading of the Sea Floor

An abrupt change in sediment thickness between the crests and flanks of the mid-ocean ridges can be interpreted as a major discontinuity in the rates either of spreading of the sea floor or of accumulation of sediment. The preferable interpretation of the data is that the process of spreadig of the sea floor is intermittent and that the present cycle of spreading commenced around 10 million years ago. following a long period Of quiescence during which most of the observed sediments were deposited.