cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of Heme Oxygenase. Can It Really Reverse Hypertension

Carbon monoxide (CO), produced within the body as a product of the catabolism of heme by the enzyme heme oxygenase (HO), has been reported to be a local vasodilator. One of its possible pathways is to stimulate guanylyl cyclase to produce cGMP as a second messenger.1 The parallel to NO, another gaseous signaling molecule that also works through cGMP-mediated pathways (although more potent), is obvious. In fact, the vasodilator actions of these 2 may be integrally linked. Both are endothelium derived.2 NO stimulation of cGMP may facilitate CO-mediated dilation of resistance vessels through calcium-activated potassium channels.3 However, the HO–CO story has not received the same interest and attention as NO, nor is it as generally well understood by those who work outside the field. In the present issue, we are presented with a provocative study by one of the well-established laboratories within the field of HO–CO. Wang et al4 focus on HO in the genetic model of hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). They report that 3 weeks of administration of hemin, the oxidation product of heme, which is both a substrate for and an inducer of HO, produced a profound 80-mmHg decrease in blood pressure that was sustained completely for 9 months after ceasing treatment (a duration in a rat’s life, which roughly translates into 17.5 human years). Although this is a remarkable, hopeful, and possibly profound observation, the study probably raises more questions than it answers. First, it is important to point out that this sustained decrease in blood pressure and reversal of hypertension is an unprecedented result. The potential importance of this observation is that a single 3-week treatment regimen induced a protracted reduction in blood pressure, long after treatment had ceased. To put this in perspective, treatment of virtually all forms of …
Sustained CD28 Expression Delays Multiple Features of Replicative Senescence in Human CD8 T Lymphocytes

CD28 costimulatory signal transduction in T lymphocytes is essential for optimal telomerase activity, stabilization of cytokine mRNAs, and glucose metabolism. During aging and chronic infection with HIV-1, there are increased proportions of CD8 T lymphocytes that lack CD28 expression and show additional features of replicative senescence. Moreover, the abundance of these cells correlates with decreased vaccine responsiveness, early mortality in the very old, and accelerated HIV disease progression. Here, we show that sustained expression of CD28, via gene transduction, retards the process of replicative senescence, as evidenced by enhanced telomerase activity, increased overall proliferative potential, and reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, the transduced cultures eventually do reach senescence, which is associated with increased CTLA-4 gene expression and a loss of CD28 cell surface expression. These findings further elucidate the central role of CD28 in the replicative senescence program, and may ultimately lead to novel therapies for diseases associated with replicative senescence.
Learning beyond the Classroom: Using Text Messages to Measure General Chemistry Students' Study Habits.

This study used a series of text message inquiries sent to General Chemistry students asking: “Have you studied for General Chemistry I in the past 48 hours? If so, how did you study?” This method for collecting data is novel to chemistry education research so the first research goals were to investigate the feasibility of the technique and the evidence for validity of the data collected. The results showed that text messages provide ample data on students' study habits though initial participant recruitment may pose a challenge. This study also explored evidence for validity and found that the percent of students reporting studying peaked with each exam date matching the expected trend (content validity) and participants in the study had only small departures from the population of students at the setting (generalizable validity). Second, students' study habits were characterized using cluster analysis finding three clusters: students that knowingly do not study, students who describe mandatory course components as studying and students who study in addition to the mandatory course components. These student groups were compared on a common exam in the course with the last group out-performing those who knowingly do not study. Finally, student study habits were charted across the semester and show signs of adapting, possibly as a result of course expectations or course content.
Thrombin generation time is a novel parameter for monitoring enoxaparin therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease

Summary. Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who receive enoxaparin are at increased risk for adverse bleeding episodes. This phenomenon appears to occur despite judicious monitoring of antifactor Xa (aFXa) activity. Better monitoring parameters are needed to quantify the anticoagulant effects of enoxaparin in the ESRD population. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the utility of using thrombin generation time (TGT), platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) to monitor the degree of anticoagulation in ESRD subjects, and to compare these results to aFXa activity, the current goldstandard monitoring parameter. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers without renal dysfunction and eight ESRD subjects were enrolled into this study. Subjects received a single dose of enoxaparin 1 mg kg )1 subcutaneously, and blood samples were obtained for the determination of aFXa activity, TGT, PCF and CEM at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 h postdose. Results: Baseline, 4, 8, and 12-h aFXa activity concentrations were not different between groups. However, the corresponding TGT at 8 and 12 h was significantly prolonged in the ESRD group (P ¼ 0.04, and P ¼ 0.008, respectively). The 4-h peak TGT trended toward significance (P ¼ 0.06). There were no differences in PCF or CEM across time. Conclusions: These data suggest that the parameter aFXa activity is a poor predictor of the anticoagulant effect of enoxaparin in patients with ESRD. Thrombin generation time appears to be more sensitive to the antithrombotic effects of enoxaparin in this population. Further large-scale trials are needed to corroborate these data.
How Do Interaction Experiences Influence Doctoral Students' Academic Pursuits in Biomedical Research?

This exploratory qualitative study investigated how doctoral students reported their personal and professional interaction experiences that they believed might facilitate or impede their academic p...
Stochastic Hillclimbing as a Baseline Method for Evaluating Genetic Algorithms

We investigate the effectiveness of stochastic hillclimbing as a baseline for evaluating the performance of genetic algorithms (GAs) as combinatorial function optimizers. In particular, we address two problems to which GAs have been applied in the literature: Koza's 11-multiplexer problem and the jobshop problem. We demonstrate that simple stochastic hillclimbing methods are able to achieve results comparable or superior to those obtained by the GAs designed to address these two problems. We further illustrate, in the case of the jobshop problem, how insights obtained in the formulation of a stochastic hillclimbing algorithm can lead to improvements in the encoding used by a GA.
Bowel as a kidney substitute in renal failure

Maintenance peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis sustain the lives of approximately 250,000 uremic patients in industrialized nations worldwide. The cost of uremia therapy, however, exceeds health care budgets in developing countries. As a consequence, most of those alive today have no chance of effective treatment should their kidneys fail. Extraction, modification, or recycling of nitrogenous wastes by the gastrointestinal tract is a potentially low-cost means of substituting for missing renal function. Multiple approaches to the bowel as a substitute kidney have been attempted. Direct removal of nitrogen-containing compounds by an external gut fistula, gastric, ileal, or colonic gavage (dialysis) or induced diarrhea extract water and urea but only minimal amounts of larger molecules such as creatinine. Binding of nitrogen compounds to inert orally administered sorbents such as charcoal or oxystarch has been pursued in advanced uremia. Modification of nitrogen compounds by ingesting enzymes derived from soil bacteria or packaged in artificial cells is an approach that, although exciting, is incompletely evaluated. Evidence indicates that strains of bacteria can be induced to synthesize enzymes that recycle urea and other nitrogen compounds retained by uremic individuals. Clinical trials to substantiate uncontrolled trials of bowel substitution in renal failure will, if positive, accelerate development of a practical regimen to extend life where no other means are possible.
A New Trick of an Old Molecule: Androgen Receptor Splice Variants Taking the Stage?!

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. Although most prostate cancers are initially androgen-dependent and respond to androgen ablation therapy, majority of them eventually relapse and progress into incurable castration-resistant (or hormone refractory) prostate cancer. The underlying mechanisms are the focus of intensive investigation for development of more effective treatment. Mounting evidence from both clinical and basic research has demonstrated that the activity of the androgen receptor (AR) is still required for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Multiple mechanisms by which AR is re-activated under androgen-depleted conditions may be involved in the development of castration resistance. The recent identification of AR splicing variants may add another layer of complexity in AR biology. The present review summarizes recent progress in study of AR splicing variants in prostate cancer.
Health Information Exchange: ‘Lex Parsimoniae’

ABSTRACT: The country has identified health information exchange (HIE) as an essential strategy to address our crisis of cost, quality, and safety in health care. The Nationwide Health Information ...
A Neglected English Economist: George Poulett Scrope

I. Biographical. II. Method: the place of "natural principles," 106; the importance of experience in generalising, 107; the significance of institutions and the rational control of them, 108. — III. Impetus from practical problems: population, 110; the poor laws, 112; public work, 113; mutual assurance, 114. His outlook in harmony with his social philosophy; its relation to laissez-faire, 115. — IV. Monetary and banking problems. Fluctuations in prices the main evil, 117; an advocate of paper currency and greater control over prices, 119; the need for a "tabular standard," 121. Theory of crises, 123. — V. A critic of "orthodox" contemporaries, 126; modern analysis of demand and supply mechanism, 127; superior treatment of distribution, 129. — Bibliographical appendix, 134.
Hyperoxia Exacerbates Postnatal Inflammation-Induced Lung Injury in Neonatal BRP-39 Null Mutant Mice Promoting the M1 Macrophage Phenotype

Rationale. Hyperoxia exposure to developing lungs—critical in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia—may augment lung inflammation by inhibiting anti-inflammatory mediators in alveolar macrophages. Objective. We sought to determine the O2-induced effects on the polarization of macrophages and the role of anti-inflammatory BRP-39 in macrophage phenotype and neonatal lung injury. Methods. We used RAW264.7, peritoneal, and bone marrow derived macrophages for polarization (M1/M2) studies. For in vivo studies, wild-type (WT) and BRP-39−/− mice received continuous exposure to 21% O2 (control mice) or 100% O2 from postnatal (PN) 1 to PN7 days, along with intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered on alternate days (PN2, -4, and -6). Lung histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts, BAL protein, and cytokines measurements were performed. Measurements and Main Results. Hyperoxia differentially contributed to macrophage polarization by enhancing LPS induced M1 and inhibiting interleukin-4 induced M2 phenotype. BRP-39 absence led to further enhancement of the hyperoxia and LPS induced M1 phenotype. In addition, BRP-39−/− mice were significantly more sensitive to LPS plus hyperoxia induced lung injury and mortality compared to WT mice. Conclusions. These findings collectively indicate that BRP-39 is involved in repressing the M1 proinflammatory phenotype in hyperoxia, thereby deactivating inflammatory responses in macrophages and preventing neonatal lung injury.
Paper and Board, 6. Manufacturing

The article contains sections titled: 1. Overview of Paper and Board Machines 2. Rolls in Paper and Board Machines 2.1. General Aspects 2.2. Perforated Rolls 2.3. Deflection Control Rolls 2.3.1. One-Zone Rolls 2.3.2. Multi-Zone Rolls 2.4. Roll Covers/Coatings 2.4.1. Objectives and Basic Design Criteria 2.4.2. Application and Function 2.4.3. Materials 2.4.3.1. Rubber Roll Covers 2.4.3.2. Polyurethane Roll Covers 2.4.3.3. Composite Roll Covers 2.4.3.4. Thermal Coatings 2.4.3.5. Further Coatings 2.4.3.6. Granite Rolls and Calender Paper Shafts 3. Fabrics for Paper and Board Production 3.1. Forming Fabrics 3.2. Press Felts 3.3. Dryer Fabrics 4. Forming Section 4.1. Approach Flow System 4.1.1. Metering/Proportioning and Mixing 4.1.2. Final Cleaning and Screening 4.1.3. Deaeration 4.1.4. Engineering 4.1.5. Automation 4.2. Headbox 4.3. Wire Section 4.3.1. The Fourdrinier Wire Section 4.3.2. Cylinder Former 4.3.3. Inclined Wire 4.3.4. Hybrid Former 4.3.5. Gap Former 5. Press Section 6. Dryer Section 6.1. Overview 6.2. Drying Principles 6.2.1. Contact Drying by Steam Heated Cylinders 6.2.2. Air Impingement Drying 6.2.3. Through Air Drying 6.2.4. Infrared Drying 6.2.5. Press Drying 6.2.6. Impulse Drying 6.3. Dryer Sections 6.3.1. Multicylinder Dryer Section 6.3.1.1. Types of Multicylinder Dryer Section 6.3.1.2. Web Handling 6.3.1.3. Dryer Hood 6.3.1.4. Paper during Drying 6.3.2. Tissue Dryer Section 6.3.2.1. Tissue Cylinder 6.3.2.2. Tissue Dryer Hood 6.3.2.3. Through Air Dryer 7. Surface Sizing 8. On-line Coating 8.1. Board 8.2. Graphic Papers 9. Calendering 9.1. Objective and General Description of the Calendering Process 9.2. History of Calendering 9.3. The Different Calender Types 9.4. The Main Calendering Methods for Various Paper and Board Grades 9.4.1. Wood-Containing Paper Grades 9.4.2. Woodfree Paper Grades 9.4.3. Specialty Papers 9.4.4. Board 10. Reeling 10.1. Objectives and Basics 10.2. History 10.3. New Generation reels 10.3.1. Center Drive 10.3.2. Nip Load System 10.4. Reel Drum Design 10.5. Turn-Up Systems 10.5.1. General 10.5.2. Nordic Turn-Up 10.5.3. Web-Wide Cutting Knife 10.5.4. Air-Supported Turn-Up Systems (Gooseneck, Cobra) 10.5.5. Tape Turn-Up System 10.5.6. Turn-Up with High-Pressure Water Jet 11. Paper and Board Machines 11.1. Graphic Paper Machines 11.2. Packaging Paper Machines 11.3. Cartonboard Machines 11.4. Tissue Machines 11.5. Specialty Paper Machines
Three Tools to Help with Cluster and Grid Computing: SANS-Effort, PAPI, and NetSolve

In this tutorial, we will look at some methods for generating automatically fast robust numerical kernels for numerical operations and methods for measuring the performance on today’s processors. In addition, we will look at a system called NetSolve that allows users to access computational resources, such as hardware and software, distributed across the network. This project has been motivated by the need for an easy-to-use, efficient mechanism for using computational resources remotely. Ease of use is obtained as a result of different interfaces, some of which do not require any programming effort from the user. Good performance is ensured by a load-balancing policy that enables NetSolve to use the computational resource available as efficiently as possible. NetSolve offers the ability to look for computational resources on a network, choose the best one available, solve a problem (with retry for fault-tolerance) and return the answer to the user.
Soda and Cell Aging: Associations Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Leukocyte Telomere Length in Healthy Adults From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Objectives. We tested whether leukocyte telomere length maintenance, which underlies healthy cellular aging, provides a link between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disease.Methods. We examined cross-sectional associations between the consumption of SSBs, diet soda, and fruit juice and telomere length in a nationally representative sample of healthy adults. The study population included 5309 US adults, aged 20 to 65 years, with no history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Leukocyte telomere length was assayed from DNA specimens. Diet was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls. Associations were examined using multivariate linear regression for the outcome of log-transformed telomere length.Results. After adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, sugar-sweetened soda consumption was associated with shorter telomeres (b = –0.010; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0...
Control of asynchronous sampled data systems

This paper is concerned with the problem of controller design in the case of asynchronous sampled data systems. Optimal LQG controllers are obtained for the class of two-rate systems where all the control inputs are held at a rate which is asynchronously related to the rate with which all of the outputs are sampled. Furthermore for this class, a parameterization of all stabilizing controllers is provided. >
Peritoneal Dialysis Versus Hemodialysis: Risks, Benefits, and Access Issues

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) are dialysis options for end-stage renal disease patients in whom preemptive kidney transplantation is not possible. The selection of PD or HD will usually be based on patient motivation, desire, geographic distance from an HD unit, physician and/or nurse bias, and patient education. Unfortunately, many patients are not educated on PD before beginning dialysis. Most studies show that the relative risk of death in patients on in-center HD versus PD changes over time with a lower risk on PD, especially in the first 3 months of dialysis. The survival advantage of PD continues for 1.5-2 years but, over time, the risk of death with PD equals or becomes greater than with in-center HD, depending on patient factors. Thus, PD survival is best at the start of dialysis. Patient satisfaction may be higher with PD, and PD costs are significantly lower than HD costs. The new reimbursement system, including bundling of dialysis services, may lead to an increase in the number of incident patients on PD. The high technique failure of PD persists, despite significant reductions in peritonitis rates. Infection also continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity among HD patients, especially those using a central venous catheter as HD access. Nephrologists' efforts should be focused on educating themselves and their patients about the opportunities for home modality therapies and reducing the reliance on central venous catheter for long-term HD access.
Transformation-mismatch plasticity of NiAl/ZrO2 composites — experiments and continuum modeling

NiAl composites containing 10 and 20 vol.% unstabilized zirconia particles were thermally cycled around the polymorphic phase transformation range of zirconia while being subjected to an external uniaxial tensile stress. The strain rate of the composite during thermal cycling is significantly higher than the isothermal creep rate of either composite or unreinforced matrix at the same average temperature. An established model for transformation-mismatch plasticity of an allotropic, creeping metal has been adapted to describe the results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of transformation-mismatch plasticity in a composite induced through transformation of the minority-phase reinforcement.
The radical right in post-communist Europe. Comparative perspectives on legacies and party competition

What role do legacies of past mobilization under late communist rule play in the success of the radical right parties in Eastern Europe? This article considers two major legacies: the legacy of national-accommodative communism and the legacy of patrimonial communism. We investigate the effect of welfare retrenchment on vote support for radical right in 2000s. Social policy reform retrenchment in universalistic welfare systems has a highly incendiary potential for political conflict and radical parties. In countries with a legacy of national accommodative communism, early differentiation of major parties on socio-cultural issues and strategies of social policy compensation kept reform losers at bay, which limited voter success of radical parties. Highly polarized patrimonial regimes, on the contrary, are the most fertile breeding ground for the radical right due to the high levels of inequality and dissatisfaction resulting from a rapid dismantling of the welfare state. The ethnic composition of countries plays an important role in the radical right mobilization as well. Radical right parties benefit from a situation in which the titular majority faces a small ethno-cultural minority. 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Regents of the University of California.
Neotype and Allotype Description of Tibicen superbus (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadidae) with Description of Its Biogeography and Calling Song

We redescribe the cicada Tibicen superbus (Fitch, 1855) and designate a neotype and an allotype for the species. The biogeography of the species is provided, including the first records from Mexico. The calling song for the species also is described.
Group-type characterization of crude oil and bitumen. Part I: Enhanced separation and quantification of saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes (SARA)

Abstract Compositional analysis of crude oils is very important along the entire value chain of the oil industry, from upstream to midstream and downstream operations. An essential step of this analysis is to separate crude oil into fractions of saturate hydrocarbon (saturates), aromatic hydrocarbon (aromatics), resins, and asphaltenes (SARA). Though a number of methods have been developed for SARA separation, traditional methods involve significant drawbacks that include, but are not limited to, inconsistent results among labs and methods, extensive cross-contamination, and poor analytical precision. Here, we report on a novel automated multi-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography (AMD-HPLC) approach to enhance group-type characterization of crude oil or bitumen. The AMD-HPLC system is fully automated and developed based on a combination of adsorption and partition chromatography. It is equipped with a cyano column and a silica column. Each set of SARA columns is connected in series via multi-position valves that allow a given column to be inserted “in” or to be bypassed “out” of the flow path of the mobile phase at pre-set times in the process. In practice, a bitumen or oil sample of 0.02 g is dissolved in a solvent mixture of 15% methanol, 15% acetone, and 70% chloroform, and injected into the instrument. The sample is fractionated into the four groups by selective retention through interactions with the solvent mobile phases and the column substrates. The instrument then resets and is ready to start the next run. The entire analysis cycle requires about 60 min per run, including system re-conditioning. Based on its wide application at our laboratory, the AMD-HPLC is characterized by high efficiency, elimination of cross-contamination, and high reproducibility – when compared to traditional methods.
Prognostic indicators in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

BackgroundThyroid cancer ranges from well-differentiated lesions with an excellent prognosis to anaplastic carcinoma, which is almost uniformly fatal. Thus, methods to assess the behavior of thyroi...
Enhanced Charge Separation and Collection in High-Performance Electrodeposited Hematite Films

Hematite electrodes with variable morphologies were prepared via a simple electrodeposition (ED) method. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of planar and nanostructured electrodes were examined under PEC water oxidation and compared to that of planar analogue prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The water oxidation performance of electrodeposited planar thin films was comparable to the nanostructured films; surprisingly, both ED films significantly outperformed the ALD-made planar films. The superior performance is attributed to variations in the crystallographic properties which results in enhanced hole transport and collection, as confirmed by photoelectrochemical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and structural analysis. These results indicate a nonzero hole diffusion length for the electrodeposited hematite thin films in contrast to the ALD counterparts. Electrodeposited hematite thin films modified with Co-Pi exhibit near-unity hole collection efficiencies and produ...
Functionalized Cyclopropenes As Bioorthogonal Chemical Reporters

Chemical reporters are unique functional groups that can be used to label biomolecules in living systems. Only a handful of broadly applicable reporters have been identified to date, owing to the rigorous demands placed on these functional groups in biological settings. We describe here a new chemical reporter-cyclopropene-that can be used to target biomolecules in vitro and in live cells. A variety of substituted cyclopropene scaffolds were synthesized and found to be stable in aqueous solution and in the presence of biological nucleophiles. Furthermore, some of the cyclopropene units were metabolically introduced into cell surface glycans and subsequently detected with covalent probes. The small size and selective reactivity of cyclopropenes will facilitate efforts to tag diverse collections of biomolecules in vivo.
E-032 Multidisciplinary Treatment of Anterior Cerebral Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A Single Centre Experience

Introduction Intracranial pseudoaneurysms encompass less than 1% of all intracranial arterial lesions. Most commonly, they may develop secondary to head injury, vasculopathy, infection or iatrogenic causes. Idiopathic cases are very uncommon and/or rarely diagnosed. We describe seven cases of idiopathic Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA) pseudoaneurysms that were diagnosed over the last two years at our institution, and offer our unique perspective on the overall management of these difficult to treat lesions. Methods The hospital database for neuroendovascular procedures was searched over a two-year period (2011-2013) in order to identify patients with a diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms. The search was further narrowed to identify patients with a diagnosis of ACA pseudoaneurysms. A retrospective chart review then ensued to gather information on patient demographics, imaging characteristics, treatment course, and type of pseudoaneurysm. Only idiopathic cases of pseudoaneurysm formation were included. Results The database generated seven patients, 4 males and 3 females. Mean age was 51.2 years. In all seven cases, an endovascular approach was initially attempted to embolise the lesion. Four patients had successful endovascular treatments with continued occlusion on long-term follow-up. Two of these 4 patients were treated with coil embolisation and two with flow-diversion. The fifth patient required multiple coil embolisations due to the recurrent nature of the lesion with ultimate obliteration. The sixth patient had multiple coil embolisations with continued recurrence and was definitively treated with surgical clipping. The endovascular repair failed in the seventh patient due to the complex anatomy of the lesion and severe proximal vasospasm. This patient was also deemed inappropriate for clipping due to how fragile the lesion appeared at surgery. Therefore, this lesion was successfully surgically trapped. Conclusion Idiopathic ACA pseudoaneurysms may be an under-recognised entity. The treatment is often difficult and many of the lesions are associated with unfavourable anatomy. Due to the surgical technical difficulty and complex anatomy of these lesions, an endovascular approach may be attempted first in order to treat the lesion. However, open surgical treatment should be considered in a timely fashion if endovascular repair is unable to obliterate these pseudoaneurysms. Limitations of endovascular embolisation include lesion re-growth after coiling and potential need for stents in the setting of subarachnoid haemorrhage. If the endovascular route is unsuccessful, open vascular clipping should be considered. If direct clipping is not feasible due to the anatomy/friability of the lesion, then surgical trapping should be considered if collateral flow from contralateral vessels is appreciated. Non-surgical management has a limited role, given the likelihood of lesion growth and high rates of rupture. Disclosures A. Patel: None. D. Gandhi: None. E. Aldrich: None. M. Simard: None. B. Aarabi: None. G. Jindal: None.
PERFORMANCE OF WORKING FLUIDS FOR POWER GENERATION IN A SUPERCRITICAL ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE

This paper reports on the performance of various organic refrigerants and their mixtures as working fluids for power generation in a supercritical Rankine cycle (SRC) from geothermal sources. Organic fluids that have zero or very low ozone depletion potential and are environmentally safe are selected for this study. Geothermal source temperature is varied from 125–200°C, and the cooling water temperature is changed from 10–20°C. The effect of varying operating conditions on the performance of the thermodynamic cycle has been analyzed. Operating pressure of the cycle has been optimized for thermal efficiency for each fluid at each source temperature. The condensation pressure is determined by the cooling condition and is kept fixed for each condensation temperature. Energy and exergy efficiencies of the cycle have been obtained for the pure fluids as a function of heat source temperature. Mixtures of organic fluids have been analyzed and effect of composition on performance of the thermodynamic cycle has been studied. It is observed that thermal efficiency over 20% can be achieved for 200°C heat source temperature and the lowest cooling temperature. When mixtures are considered as working fluids, the thermal efficiency of the cycle is observed to remain between the thermal efficiencies of the constituent fluids.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Benching the Monday-Morning Quarterback: The 'Attorney Judgment' Defense to Legal-Malpractice Claims

This article examines the so-called "attorney judgment" or "judgmental immunity" defense to legal-malpractice claims, including a survey of cases applying or refusing to apply the rule in various contexts. The article compares this defense to similar professional-judgment defenses raised by doctors and corporate board members. It also comments on the rule's propriety and proper application.
Noncompliance with arthritis drugs: magnitude, correlates, and clinical implications.

Objective information on arthritis drug compliance in usual care settings is sparse. Of "causes" of poor compliance, regimen complexity has received special attention. We used a previously validated pharmacy-based compliance measure to study compliance in an arthritis clinic. Across drugs, mean compliance was low (64%). Wide variations were seen among drugs, ranging from 55% mean compliance (indomethacin) to over 80% (prednisone, penicillamine). Major variations by diagnosis were also found, with rheumatoid arthritis patients more compliant than others. Regimen complexity was a relatively weak correlate of compliance, and the overall level of arthritis drug compliance was similar to that reported for antihypertensive drugs.
Challenges for the application of earthquake engineering in the Pacific Islands

Experience has shown that successful application of earthquake engineering in the Pacific, particularly the understanding of earthquake risk as applied in the high-risk urban areas, is fundamentally dependent on continuing studies of seismicity and neotectonics; research on foundation problems; the institution of building standards; and seismic microzonation studies of urban population centres. The whole needs to be carried forward by a comprehensive risk-management approach that takes scientific and engineering advances towards social outcomes by defining the people, buildings and infrastructure at risk, and engages the relevant communities in planning for ways to treat risk, including risk-financing for catastrophes. The challenges inhibiting that successful application in the Pacific Islands are manifold, and include problems imposed from outside the region as well as those inherent from within. The focus of activities related to earthquake engineering should now be on the solutions to those challenges, including improvements in education, organisational approaches and research on the local risk, as well as providing for an immediate technical response capacity to disasters and a regional network facility. Overwhelmingly, a more efficient coordination of the services provided by the international community is called for, because a concerted effort is required if there is to be any chance of successfully overcoming the challenges to sustainable development in the Pacific.
Shakespeare and autism: an exploratory evaluation of the Hunter Heartbeat Method

ABSTRACTThis preliminary report describes the Hunter Heartbeat Method, a drama-based social skills intervention designed to improve the social interaction, pragmatic language, and facial-emotion recognition skills of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Fourteen children with autism spectrum disorder were recruited for the first-ever systematic implementation of this drama-based intervention. Piloting of post-test measures indicated that the participants’ scores increased across time on measures of social skills, communication, and pragmatic language. Furthermore, the Penn Facial Recognition's facial emotion recognition task, a computer-based facial emotion task, detected change in skill across time. Importantly, the intervention was acceptable to participants and parents and feasible to implement. The preliminary results need to be replicated with a larger number of participants and within a more controlled design. However, these findings indicate that Hunter Heartbeat Method shows promise in impro...
Persistent EEG Patterns in Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: Implications for Pathophysiology (I11.008)

OBJECTIVE: To review common EEG patterns seen in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and discuss neurophysiologic explanations for the rhythmic patterns often interpreted and treated as status epilepticus. BACKGROUND: Anti-NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis often presents with psychosis followed by seizures, coma, dyskinesias, and autonomic instability; it is frequently associated with ovarian teratomas in young women. The EEG pattern typically shows generalized rhythmic delta activity and sometimes a characteristic pattern dubbed “extreme delta brush”, which is usually associated with higher antibody titers and severe disease. The initial and subsequent persistent EEG pattern, which develops in patients in coma with this disease, is often interpreted and treated as status epilepticus. DESIGN/METHODS: We identified three patients, one male and two female, between the ages of 23 and 26, admitted to our institution with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and at least two months of serial and continuous EEG data. RESULTS: Patients had clinical seizures early in the course of their disease. Some early EEG patterns and others later in the disease course were reminiscent of patterns associated with non-convulsive status epilepticus. EEG did not normalize with aggressive anesthesia, multiple anti-epileptic medications and ketogenic diet. CONCLUSIONS: While anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis often presents with seizures, the coma and characteristic EEG pattern that follows does not respond to standard treatments for status epilepticus. The EEG pattern in this disease may represent slow neuronal network oscillations that emerge as a result of downregulation of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic function due to antibody-induced reduction in NMDA surface receptor density or receptor internalization. Disclosure: Dr. Ubels Van Noord has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tecoma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kansal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Karanjia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Iragui-Madoz has nothing to disclose.
Quantifying and Optimizing the Impact of Victim Cache Line Selection in Manycore Systems

In both architecture and software, the main goal of data locality-oriented optimizations has always been "minimizing the number of cache misses" (especially, costly last-level cache misses). However, this paper shows that other metrics such as the distance between the last-level cache and memory controller as well as the memory queuing latency can play an equally important role, as far as application performance is concerned. Focusing on a large set of multithreaded applications, we first show that the last-level cache "write backs" (memory writes due to displacement of a victim block from the last-level cache) can exhibit significant latencies as well as variances, and then make a case for "relaxing" the strict LRU policy to save (write back) cycles in both the on-chip network and memory queues. Specifically, we explore novel architecture-level schemes that optimize on-chip network latency, memory queuing latency or both, of the write back messages, by carefully selecting the victim block to write back at the time of cache replacement. Our extensive experimental evaluations using 15 multithreaded applications and a cycle-accurate simulation infrastructure clearly demonstrate that this tradeoffs (between cache hit rate and on-chip network/memory queuing latency) pays off in most of the cases, leading to about 12.2% execution time improvement and 14.9% energy savings, in our default 64-core system with 6 memory controllers.
Measured performance of the IMPACT common module — a building block for next generation phase arrays

IMPACT (Integrated Multi-use Phased Array Common Tile), is a reconfigurable building block for next generation phased arrays developed under the DARPA Arrays at Commercial Timescales (ACT) program. The goal of this program is to develop a common technology base for Electronically Scanned Array (ESA) systems. Historically, ESA systems have been comprised of highly tailored, application-specific layers. This has led to slow design cycles, costly components, and significant portions of the total cost of ownership being invested in the up-front Non-Recurring Expenses (NRE) and minimal re-use across platforms.
Bias adjustment of infrared-based rainfall estimation using Passive Microwave satellite rainfall data

Author(s): Karbalaee, N; Hsu, K; Sorooshian, S; Braithwaite, D | Abstract: This study explores using Passive Microwave (PMW) rainfall estimation for spatial and temporal adjustment of Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Cloud Classification System(PERSIANN-CCS). The PERSIANN-CCS algorithm collects information from infrared images to estimate rainfall. PERSIANN-CCS is one of the algorithms used in the IntegratedMultisatellite Retrievals for GPM (Global Precipitation Mission) estimation for the time period PMW rainfall estimations are limited or not available. Continued improvement of PERSIANN-CCS will support Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM for current as well as retrospective estimations of global precipitation. This study takes advantage of the high spatial and temporal resolution of GEO-based PERSIANN-CCS estimation and the more effective, but lower sample frequency, PMW estimation. The Probability Matching Method (PMM) was used to adjust the rainfall distribution of GEO-based PERSIANN-CCS toward that of PMW rainfall estimation. The results show that a significant improvement of global PERSIANN-CCS rainfall estimation is obtained.
Theodore Roosevelt, the Panama Lobby, and Senator John Tyler Morgan: The Battle for an Isthmian Canal, 1901–1904

This chapter examines the background events that culminated in the acquisition of the Panama Canal Zone by President Theodore Roosevelt (TR) in 1903. Aided by the so-called Panama Lobby, which was led by Philippe Bunau-Varilla and William Nelson Cromwell, TR successfully battled Senator John Tyler Morgan, who had championed the construction of a canal through Nicaragua.
Harnessing Surface Wrinkling–Cracking Patterns for Tunable Optical Transmittance

Optical devices with tunable specular optical transmittance have recently attracted great interest due to their wide range of applications. However, the reported methods of realizing tunable optical transmittance suffer from complex fabrication processes, high cost, unstable materials, or low tuning range. In this study, a simple, cheap, and highly effective approach to achieve large tuning range of optical transmittance through harnessing surface wrinkling–cracking patterns on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films is reported. The surface wrinkling–cracking patterns are induced by stretching ultraviolet/ozone-treated PDMS films and can effectively scatter the light transmitted through the films. With moderate 50% uniaxial tensile strain, the optical transmittance can be tuned between 92 and 9.2%. The films can be reversibly tuned between transparent and opaque for 1000 cycles without losing structural integrity and optical performance, with promising application in smart windows. By patterning the surface wrinkling–cracking patterns, an elastomeric switchable display is also demonstrated, which can be turned “ON” and “OFF” by mechanical strain. The material design demonstrated in this work offers a promising means to dynamically tune the optical properties of functional materials via strain-controlled surface topography. This study can find applications in various optical devices and systems that require tunable optical properties.
Including effects of watershed heterogeneity in the curve number method using variable initial abstraction

Abstract. The curve number (CN) method was developed more than half a century ago and is still used in many watershed and water-quality models to estimate direct runoff from a rainfall event. Despite its popularity, the method is plagued by a conceptual problem where CN is assumed to be constant for a given set of watershed conditions, but many field observations show that CN decreases with event rainfall (P). Recent studies indicate that heterogeneity within the watershed is the cause of this behavior, but the governing mechanism remains poorly understood. This study shows that heterogeneity in initial abstraction, Ia, can be used to explain how CN varies with P. By conventional definition, Ia is equal to the cumulative rainfall before the onset of runoff and is assumed to be constant for a given set of watershed conditions. Our analysis shows that the total storage in Ia (IaT) is constant, but the effective Ia varies with P, and is equal to the filled portion ofIaT, which we call IaF. CN calculated using IaF varies with P similar to published field observations. This motivated modifications to the CN method, called variable Ia models (VIMs), which replace Ia with IaF. VIMs were evaluated against conventional models CM0.2 (λ = 0.2) and CMλ (calibrated λ) in their ability to predict runoff data generated using a distributed parameter CN model. The performance of CM0.2 was the poorest, whereas those of the VIMs were the best in predicting overall runoff and watershed heterogeneity. VIMs also predicted the runoff from smaller events better than the CMs and eliminated the false prediction of zero-runoffs, which is a common shortcoming of the CMs. We conclude that including variable Ia accounts for heterogeneity and improves the performance of the CN method while retaining its simplicity.
Aquatic Pseudomonads Inhibit Oomycete Plant Pathogens of Glycine max

Seedling root rot of soybeans caused by the host-specific pathogen Phytophthora sojae, and a large number of Pythium species, is an economically important disease across the Midwest United States that negatively impacts soybean yields. Research on biocontrol strategies for crop pathogens has focused on compounds produced by microbes from soil, however, recent studies suggest that aquatic bacteria express distinct compounds that efficiently inhibit a wide range of pathogens. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that freshwater strains of pseudomonads might be producing novel antagonistic compounds that inhibit the growth of oomycetes. To test this prediction, we utilized a collection of 330 Pseudomonas strains isolated from soil and freshwater habitats, and determined their activity against a panel of five oomycetes: Phytophthora sojae, Pythium heterothalicum, Pythium irregulare, Pythium sylvaticum, and Pythium ultimum, all of which are pathogenic on soybeans. Among the bacterial strains, 118 exhibited antagonistic activity against at least one oomycete species, and 16 strains were inhibitory to all pathogens. Antagonistic activity toward oomycetes was significantly more common for aquatic isolates than for soil isolates. One water-derived strain, 06C 126, was predicted to express a siderophore and exhibited diverse antagonistic profiles when tested on nutrient rich and iron depleted media suggesting that more than one compound was produced that effectively inhibited oomycetes. These results support the concept that aquatic strains are an efficient source of compounds that inhibit pathogens. We outline a strategy to identify other strains that express unique compounds that may be useful biocontrol agents.
Progress and Innovations in the Management of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Importance Remarkable progress has occurred in understanding the pathophysiology and in developing improved personalized therapies in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Observations We searched MEDLINE (1990-2018), the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society of Hematology websites (2010-2018). We used the search terms “acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia” or “ALL.” We largely selected publications in the past 5 years but did not exclude commonly referenced and highly regarded older publications. Target therapies toward specific transcripts (eg, BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase oncoprotein by tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and specific leukemic cell surface antigens (eg, CD20, CD22, and CD19 monoclonal antibodies) are major breakthroughs. Current treatments produce long-term survival in 50% of patients with precursor B-cell ALL including 50% to 70% with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL, 50% to 60% with T-cell ALL, and 80% with mature B-cell ALL. Next-generation sequencing and genomic profiling in ALL have identified new prognostic markers, targets, and ALL subtypes (eg, Ph-like ALL). Monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibody constructs, and chimeric antigen receptor T cellular therapies developed in the past 5 to 7 years have revolutionized the treatment of ALL and resulted in US Food and Drug Administration approvals of blinatumomab in 2014, as well as inotuzumab and tisagenlecleucel in 2017 as ALL salvage strategies. Their use in combined modalities as salvage and frontline therapies is currently under investigation. Conclusions and Relevance Therapies targeting specific transcripts or leukemic cell surface antigens are major breakthroughs in the treatment of adults with ALL. The incorporation of new monoclonal antibodies and other targeted approaches into frontline regimens is showing promising results. If confirmed, such strategies may increase the cure rates in adults to levels achieved in pediatric ALL and reduce the need for intensive and prolonged chemotherapy.