cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RNA-based viral immunity initiated by the Dicer family of host immune receptors

Suppression of viral infection by RNA in a nucleotide sequence homology-dependent manner was first reported in plants in early 1990 s. Studies in the past 15 years have established a completely new RNA-based immune system against viruses that is mechanistically related to RNA silencing or RNA interference (RNAi). This viral immunity begins with recognition of viral double-stranded or structured RNA by the Dicer nuclease family of host immune receptors. In fungi, plants and invertebrates, the viral RNA trigger is processed into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to direct specific silencing of the homologous viral genomic and/or messenger RNAs by an RNaseH-like Argonaute protein. Deep sequencing of virus-derived siRNAs indicates that the immunity against viruses with a positive-strand RNA genome is induced by Dicer recognition of dsRNA formed during the initiation of viral progeny (+)RNA synthesis. The RNA-based immune pathway in these organisms overlaps the canonical dsRNA-siRNA pathway of RNAi and may require amplification of viral siRNAs by host RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in plants and nematodes. Production of virus-derived small RNAs is undetectable in mammalian cells infected with RNA viruses. However, infection of mammals with several nucleus-replicating DNA viruses induces production of virus-derived microRNAs capable of silencing host and viral mRNAs as found for viral siRNAs. Remarkably, recent studies indicate that prokaryotes also produce virus-derived small RNAs known as CRISPR RNAs to guide antiviral defense in a manner that has yet to be defined. In this article, we review the recent progress on the identification and mechanism of the key components including viral sensors, viral triggers, effectors, and amplifiers, of the small RNA-directed viral immunity. We also highlight some of the many unresolved questions.
A communication infrastructure for smart environments: a position article

With today's state-of-the-art technology, miniature sensors and actuators can be manufactured and integrated with electronics onto extremely small footprint devices. Such devices could be embedded into different platforms, creating a highly controllable, supportive, and cooperative environment. Applications of this technology can easily be envisioned in nearly every aspect of our life: in the workplace, at home, in a supermarket, in a department store, in a car, on the battlefield, and so on. Of course, to realize this vision, a network is necessary that enables communication among these devices. Since the main characteristics of these devices are that their power supply is extremely restricted and the span of the network is limited, conventional algorithms and protocols need to be adapted to this "micro" networking environment. This position article addresses some key issues in the creation of such a network. It concentrates mainly on the issue of routing in a network that will support communication among a large collection of small-sized, possibly mobile nodes, operating in an environment with continually changing conditions. Because of its very small coverage area, we term such a network a micronetwork.
VR1-Mediated Depressor Effects During High-Salt Intake: Role of Anandamide

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that increased sensitivity of blood pressure to anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid compound, occurs during high-salt intake, which can be blocked by a selective vanilloid receptor 1(VR1) antagonist, capsazepine (CAPZ). Intravenous administration of a metabolically stable analog, methanandamide (MethA), dose-dependently decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP) in conscious rats fed a high-sodium diet (HS) for 3 weeks but it had a minimal effect in normal sodium (NS)-treated rats. The MethA-induced decrease in MAP was significantly attenuated but not abolished by CAPZ, or a selective cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, SR141716A, administered separately in HS-treated rats. The MethA-induced depressor effect was prevented by the combined administration of CAPZ and SR141716A in HS-treated rats. Likewise, administration of capsaicin, a selective VR1 receptor agonist, dose-dependently decreased MAP in both HS- and NS-treated rats. The depressor effect of capsaicin was more profound in HS-treated rats, which was prevented by CAPZ. Western blot showed that expression of VR1 but not CB1 in mesenteric arteries was increased in HS-treated compared with NS-treated rats. Therefore, these data show that: (1) HS upregulates mesenteric VR1 expression; (2) HS increases sensitivity of blood pressure to AEA; and (3) HS-induced enhancement of the depressor effect of AEA can be prevented only when both VR1 and CB1 receptors are blocked. These results indicate that AEA contributes to the prevention of salt induced increases in blood pressure via, at least in part, activating the VR1 receptor.
Longitudinal changes in hematocrit in hypertensive chronic kidney disease: results from the African-American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK)

BACKGROUND Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with poor outcomes. In cross-sectional studies, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been associated with increased risk for anemia. The aim of this study was to determine how hematocrit changes as eGFR declines and what factors impact this longitudinal association. METHODS We followed 1094 African-Americans with hypertensive nephropathy who participated in the African-American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension. Mixed effects models were used to determine longitudinal change in hematocrit as a function of eGFR. Interaction terms were used to assess for differential effects of age, gender, baseline eGFR, baseline proteinuria, malnutrition and inflammation on eGFR-associated declines in hematocrit. In sensitivity analyses, models were run using iGFR (by renal clearance of I(125) iothalamate) in place of eGFR. RESULTS At baseline, mean hematocrit was 39% and 441 (40%) individuals had anemia. The longitudinal relationship between eGFR and hematocrit differed by baseline eGFR and was steeper when baseline eGFR was 0.22) were associated with greater hematocrit declines per unit decrease in longitudinal eGFR compared with female sex, older age and low baseline proteinuria, respectively (P-interaction <0.05 for each comparison). The longitudinal eGFR-hematocrit association did not differ by body mass index, serum albumin or C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS Men, younger individuals and those with low baseline eGFR (<45 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or baseline proteinuria are particularly at risk for eGFR-related declines in hematocrit.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation is not associated with an increase risk of stroke or the type and number of grafts: a single-center retrospective analysis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter are the 2 most common types of dysrhythmia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to explore the association between the type and quantity of bypass grafts and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with postoperative AF (POAF). Hypothesis: The type and quantity of bypass grafts is associated with POAF. Methods: We queried the Society of Thoracic Surgery National Database for CABG operations, both with and without valve procedures, performed at Baystate Medical Center between January 2002 and July 2007. We used multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify predictors of POAF and to explore the impact of AF on major adverse cardiac outcomes in this post-CABG population. Results: A total of 3068 patients received CABG surgery, 187 (6.1%) of whom received concurrent valve replacement or repair. The incidence of POAF was 38.3%. POAF was significantly associated with readmission within 30 days (P < 0.009), increased length of stay (P << 0.0001), and a strong trend toward increased 30 day mortality (P = 0.058). There was no association between POAF and postoperative stroke (P = 0.92), graft type (P = nonsignificant) or number of grafts (P = nonsignificant). Conclusions: Patients with POAF experienced increased morbidity and mortality as demonstrated by previous studies. Neither the number of grafts nor type of grafts was associated with POAF. Furthermore, the rate of stroke was not associated with POAF. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
The Differential Use of Relational Maintenance Behaviors in Adult Sibling Relationships

Extending the research conducted to date on adult siblings' use of relational maintenance behaviors, the purpose of this dual study was to examine whether genetically related siblings (i.e., siblings who are identical twins, fraternal twins, full siblings, or half siblings) used relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., positivity, assurances, openness, networks, and tasks) at a higher rate than nongenetically related siblings (i.e., siblings who are stepsiblings or adopted siblings). The first study (N = 411) examined the differences in the frequency of use of relational maintenance behaviors among identical twins, fraternal twins, full siblings, half siblings, stepsiblings, and adopted siblings; the second study (N = 232) examined the differences in the frequency of use of relational maintenance behaviors with both a full sibling and a stepsibling. The results indicated that generally, genetically related siblings use relational maintenance behaviors at a higher rate than less genetically related siblings.
The role of graft materials in suture augmentation for tendon repairs and reattachment.

Various biomaterials have been used to augment sutures for the repair and reattachment of tendons. This study examined four different graft materials in a simple and reproducible model using chicken Achilles tendons to determine the strength and mechanism of suture reinforcement of tendon repairs. The graft materials tested were Gore-Tex® Soft Tissue Patch, Graftjacket™, bovine pericardium, and an experimental graft material from Xylos Corporation. Testing was performed in shear to simulate forces on a torn tendon repair and pull-off to simulate those on a tendon reattachment to bone. Compared to unaugmented suture, grafts increased suture fixation strength from 10% to 60% in shear and from 0% to 36% in pull-off with the bovine pericardium graft, providing significant improvement in both tests. In no cases (even unaugmented) did the suture pull directly through the tendon, but instead sliced along it, demonstrating that the interface between the suture and the tendon determines fixation strength. Grafts function by increasing the area, friction, and nature of this interface, not by acting as a barrier for suture pull-through. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2005
Rapid (13)C Urea Breath Test to Identify Helicobacter pylori Infection in Emergency Department Patients with Upper Abdominal Pain.

Results: A total of 205 patients with upper abdominal pain were tested over 12 months, and 24% (95% confidence interval: 19% to 30%) tested positive for H. pylori. Black subjects were more likely to test positive than white subjects (28% v. 6%, P < 0.001). Other factors, such as age and sex, were not different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: In our ED, H. pylori infection was present in 1 in 4 patients with epigastric pain, and testing with a UBT was feasible. Further study is needed to determine the risk factors associated with infection, the prevalence of H. pylori in other EDs, the effect of the test on ED length of stay and the costeffectiveness of an ED-based test-and-treat strategy. [West J Emerg Med. 2013;14(3):278–282.]
Converting to Continuity: Temporality and Self in Eastern Orthodox Conversion Narratives

Based on interviews with converts to Eastern Orthodox Christianity in the United States, this article documents and analyzes a narrative form in which conversion is described as the progressive discovery of a latent religious self that was part of one's life all along, or what I term a conversion to continuity. These findings contrast markedly with those of most contemporary conversion research, which emphasize the narration of a dramatic temporal break between converts’ past and present religious selves (epitomized by the evangelical “born-again” genre). I examine how and why temporal continuity was a characteristic feature of these conversion accounts and demonstrate how such narratives helped constitute forms of religious experience and self-identity that differ in important respects from those documented in previous studies. In light of these findings, I argue for a reconceptualization of continuity and discontinuity within processes of religious identity change as an institutionally anchored figure/ground relationship as opposed to an either/or dichotomy. I also highlight promising avenues for future comparative research on the relationships between time, narrative, and subjectivity across religious and secular contexts.
Monitor Technology: Shannon Allen

A series of events has led to a confrontation between Chris Kerns, manager of Engineering, and Shannon Allen, one of Kerns's direct reports. Allen is considering resigning, but the moment is not opportune. This case must be used with its companion case, "Monitor Technology--Chris Kerns," UVA-QA-0569.
Hemifacial Spasm in a Child Treated With Microvascular Decompression of the Facial Nerve

Abstract Background Hemifacial spasm is a rare condition in children that is characterized by involuntary contractions of muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. Patient Description We describe a 6-year-old girl who presented with intermittent involuntary spasms of the right face. Magnetic resonance imaging demostrated a loop of the anterior inferior cerebral artery contacting and elevating the cisternal segment of the right facial nerve; this finding was confirmed at surgery where microvascular decompression of the facial nerve was performed without complication. Following surgery she had immediate remission of symptoms, but the hemifacial spasms slowly recurred within 8 months of surgery only to resolve by age 11 years. Conclusion This is the youngest patient reported with hemifacial spasms related to a vascular etiology, which initially responded to surgical treatment. The authors review this syndrome in children and discuss possible etiologies and management options.
Real-time event detection and feature extraction using PMU measurement data

Wide-area situational awareness of grid operators and regional reliability coordinators for large-scale interconnected power systems are essential to prevent broad cascading outages. The need to enhance the power system situational awareness has been increasingly acute over the last decade as the grid evolves dramatically. The fast installation of phasor measurement units (PMUs) over the world generates large amounts of data available for event detection and feature extraction applications. As such, we devote this work to present a methodology for analyzing volumes of PMU measurement data and extracting information for effective event detection and decision making in a real-time fashion. To do so, we apply the principal component analysis (PCA) to process the obtained measurements in order to detect abnormal system behavior and adopt some visualizations to better present the extracted information related to the event. This PCA-based method is capable to directly show the location, magnitude, type and some other information related to the event to help the system operator produce better informed decisions. It can also show the similarity of bus dynamic behavior information hidden in the time-varying data. We illustrate the application of the PCA-based method using the Illinois 42-bus and the WECC 1,511-generator system models. To address the heavier computational burdens as the system size increases, we further propose a partitional PCA (PPCA) based method with improvement in computation time compared to the PCA-based method. Case studies are carried out on a large-sacle system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PPCA-based method for real-time event detection.
Frequent expression of napsin a in clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium: Potential diagnostic utility

The histotyping of high-grade endometrial carcinomas with clear cells may be subject to significant interobserver variability, which suggests that a biomarker that can distinguish endometrial clear cell carcinoma (CCC) from its mimics would be of diagnostic utility. This study assessed the usefulness of napsin A immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of CCC, on the basis of an analysis of 77 cases diagnosed as such at 9 institutions. After being independently reviewed by a subset of 3 pathologists, cases for which there was diagnostic consensus among all 3 reviewers in agreement with the primary contributor (n=60) were used to establish a "consensus group" that served as a gold standard relative to which napsin A performance was assessed. Duplicate, 1.0-mm-core tissue microarrays were constructed from the 54 cases in the consensus group for which requisite materials were available, as well as from 49 endometrial endometrioid carcinomas (all grades) and 17 endometrial serous carcinomas. Napsin A immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the microarrays and on the 17 cases for which there was no diagnostic consensus, with scoring based on the proportion of immunoreactive cells (0, 1+, 2+, and 3+ indicative of 0, 1% to 25%, 26% to 49%, and ≥50% immunoreactive cells, respectively). The distribution of scores for the 49 CCC cases with evaluable cores was as follows: 0, n=6; 1+, n=6; 2+, n=8; 3+, n=29. Among the evaluable cases, the frequency of ≥1+ napsin A immunoreactivity was significantly higher in CCCs (43/49, 88%) than in endometrial serous carcinomas (1/13, 7.7%; P<0.0001) and endometrial endometrioid carcinomas (0/49, 0%; P<0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of ≥1+ napsin A expression in predicting the consensus clear cell histotype were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.95), 0.98 (95% CI, 0.9-1), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86-0.96), and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.86-1), respectively. Napsin A expression was not associated with survival or clinicopathologic factors. In the group of cases without diagnostic consensus for CCC, 50% showed ≥1+ napsin A expression; all napsin A-negative cases had previously been classified as non-CCC by ≥2 reviewers, whereas only 37.5% of the napsin A-positive cases had been classified as CCC by 2 of the 3 reviewers. In conclusion, napsin A is a sensitive and specific biomarker of the clear cell histotype in endometrial carcinomas and accordingly may have diagnostic utility in their histotyping.
Advertising's Unintended Consequence

The purpose of our study is to explore what relationship, if any, exists between advertising and economic growth. Endogenous growth theory (Romer 1990) is proposed as a possible solution to this 50-year debate. Using endogenous growth theory, we develop a model that links advertising to incentives for business innovation and for overall levels of information and knowledge in society. Results indicate that advertising expenditures offer significant explanatory power for long-term economic growth for a panel of 64 countries. This study contributes to the debate in two major ways: (1) by empirically showing that on a macrolevel, advertising expenditures and economic growth are related; and (2) by developing a theoretical economic growth model that demonstrates that not only are advertising expenditures related to economic growth, but that they can bring about economic growth. Finally, by providing a refinement of how marketing actions may positively affect the economy, the study contributes to the broader de...
Effect of Choline Deficiency on Serum Phospholipids in Chicks

Abstract Chickens have been used by investigators interested in the relationship between serum lipid levels and large vessel atherogenesis. Atheroma formation has been associated with the presence of high serum cholesterol values when the serum phospholipid: cholesterol ratio was less than 0.5. In the present study the influence of dietary choline on serum levels of cholesterol and phospholipid was examined, using a diet high in fat and protein. It was found that dietary choline causes an elevation of the phospholipid: cholesterol ratio in both five day-old and five week-old chicks. An elevation of serum cholesterol due to choline supplementation was seen only in the five week old chicks. Dietary choline was seen as an effective way of raising the phospholipid content of the serum.
Atomistic study on the interaction of nitrogen and Mg lattice and the nitride formation in nanocrystalline Mg alloys synthesized using cryomilling process

Abstract Cryomilling is a broadly applied technique to synthesize nanostructured alloys and composites through powder metallurgy (PM) processing. Understanding the interactions between liquid nitrogen and the nanostructured metal powder is important as it can potentially impact the mechanical performance of these materials. In this study, we performed a series of ab initio density functional theory (DFT) computations to examine the interactions of liquid nitrogen and Mg-based matrices and the formation of Mg-nitrides. The diffusion energy barriers of nitrogen in the Mg and/or Mg-Al alloys were systematically quantified by calculating the transition state (TS) for the displacement of nitrogen between two neighboring equivalent positions. The TS calculation results indicate that diffusion of N atoms is much easier than that of N2 molecule in the Mg matrix. It is predicted that at least ∼0.4 eV is required to overcome the diffusion energy barrier in the Mg matrix. We also quantified the formation energy of Mg nitride in the matrix. The presence of Mg nitride was demonstrated experimentally using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). In conjunction with the DFT computations and TEM/EELS analysis, we performed analytical calculations for the strain energy introduced during cryomilling to examine the impacts of processing parameters.
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane-induced nephrotoxicity: I. Metabolic disposition of TMP in male and female Fischer 344 rats

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane (TMP), a component of unleaded gasoline, causes nephrotoxicity in male, but not in female, rats. In the present study, male and female Fischer 344 rats were treated with a single oral dose of [14C]TMP (4.4 mmol/kg; 2 microCi/mmol). Radiolabeled material in kidney, liver, and plasma was determined at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hr after dosing. Maximum concentration of TMP-derived radioactivity in kidney, liver, and plasma of male rats was found after 12 hr (1252, 1000, and 403 nmol eq/g, respectively), whereas those measured in females were found after 8 hr (577, 1163, and 317 nmol eq/g, respectively). A selective retention of the TMP-derived radiolabel in the kidneys of male rats was noted when peak tissue concentration was expressed as a percentage of administered dose. Kidney concentrations of TMP-derived radiolabel increased in a nonlinear, but dose-dependent, manner; the kidney to plasma ratio was greater at low doses than at higher doses. Increased retention of radiolabel material in the kidney was associated with a significant increase in renal concentration of the male-rat-specific protein, alpha 2u-globulin, 24 and 48 hr after TMP administration. Total radioactivity collected in urine 48 hr after TMP administration was similar in males and females (32 and 31% of dose). Identification and quantitation of the urinary metabolites of TMP showed that both male and female rats metabolize TMP via the same pathway and at a similar rate. Female rats, however, excreted more conjugates of 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol in urine than males. 2,4,4-Trimethyl-2-pentanol was the major metabolite present in the male rat kidney, but was absent in the female rat kidney. The renal retention of 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol appears to account for the delayed clearance observed in the disposition of [14C]TMP-derived radiolabel. Based on the concomitant accumulations in renal alpha 2u-globulin concentration and renal 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol concentration, an association is speculated between these two components. The male-rat-specific accumulation of 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol may therefore reflect the accumulation of a "metabolite-alpha 2u-globulin" complex. This may be relevant to the male-rat-specific nephrotoxicity produced by TMP.
Examination of the Patient and Hospitalization Characteristics of 30-Day SCD Readmissions.

OBJECTIVES Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a high level of emergency department and hospital utilization, as well as a high rate of hospital readmissions. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, as at other institutions, SCD accounts for a large proportion of readmissions. Our study examined patient and hospitalization factors involved in readmissions at Johns Hopkins Hospital. METHODS Patients at the Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Center for Adults with a readmission in fiscal year 2011 were compared with an age- and sex-matched sample of clinic patients for comorbidities, complications, and prior utilization. Hospitalizations that were followed by readmissions were compared with those that were not as to admitting service, length of stay, and average daily opioid dose. RESULTS Patients with readmissions had more complications and comorbidities and much higher prior utilization than typical clinic patients, whereas hospitalizations that were followed by readmissions had a longer length of stay but similar opioid doses. CONCLUSIONS For patients with SCD with a high volume of hospital use, readmissions may be a natural consequence of a high-admission frequency associated with greater disease severity and higher comorbidity.
Functions of the larynx and production of sounds

Abstract Vocalization in most mammalian species occurs in the larynx. This organ has developed a degree of complexity commensurate with its role in communication and as the source of self-expression through language in humans. However, the larynx also performs more primitive actions relating to respiration and swallowing. Laryngeal functions and functional anatomy are considered in this section. The myoelastic aerodynamic theory, describing how sound is produced by the vocal folds, is outlined. Illustrative examples of laryngeal pathology and laryngeal control mechanisms are discussed.
Mask absorber material dependence of 2D OPC in ArF high NA lithography

Rigorous optical proximity correction (OPC) for 3D reticle effects is critical to the success of 193nm wavelength immersion lithography implementation. The impact of 2D and 3D mask polarization and shadowing effects to 2D imaging in ultra high Numerical Aperture (NA) low-k1 imaging is assessed by simulation. An end-to-end (ETE) dense line 2D feature of various embedded (attenuated) phase shift mask (ePSM) with various material of film stack is studied. Line-end pullback is shown correlated with mask shadowing under TE-polarized OAI. Polarized OAI phase calibrated thinner mask absorber provides less shadowing, better 2D imaging window, and enables further scaling of mask feature patterning.
Adapting Pension Policy to Meet the Lisbon Strategy’s Goals

Among the most serious economic challenges facing the European Union are reduced labor productivity and budgetary difficulties sustaining the social welfare models due to aging and declining population in practically all member states. In an attempt to help address these challenges while maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of the European economies, the Lisbon Strategy (LS) encouraged EU member states (MS) to conduct pension policy reforms aimed at three objectives, reducing poverty among old people, enhancing the financial sustainability of the pension systems, as well as their modernization and increasing access to information. The extent to which member states have responded to this call for policy change is not well studied in a comparative perspective, although there are a few studies on pension reforms in individual countries such as Asenova and McKinnon (2007), Kangas, Lundberg, and Ploug (2010), and Plomien 2009. This paper addresses this scholarly gap first by comparing the old-age pension reforms undertaken by all 27 member states since 2000 and then by seeking to explain cross-country differences through two sets of factors, those that affect the need to reform, such as economic considerations and incentives, and factors that have an impact on a member state’s capacity to implement policy changes such as domestic institutional arrangements. The paper is organized as follows. The next section briefly summarizes the social policy implications of the Lisbon Strategy and the three areas in which old-age pension reforms are conducted, discussing why old-age pensions are the most appropriate focus for this study. The following section presents the theoretical framework with respect to the factors that affect member states’ responses to the Lisbon Strategy. Following the research design section, the paper then compares general old-age pension reforms in the 27 member states as well as policy measures introduced in each of the three areas, adequacy, sustainability and modernization. The analysis section reveals that economic resources, measured as GDP growth and economic constraints such as life expectancy play a dominant role in affecting the timing of both general system overhauls and more specific old-age pension reforms in the 27 EU member states. Support for European integration and domestic institutional arrangements are not significant predictors for policy change in any area of pension reform, and government ideology matters only in the adoption of modernization measures. The final section concludes and provides guidance for future research.
Antiplatelet Therapy for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Something Old and Something New

Antiplatelet therapy for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention has rapidly evolved over the last 10 years, often outpacing clinical guidelines. This review appraises recent clinical trials within the context of landmark trials in interventional cardiology, and offers a framework for the integration of recent trials into clinical practice. This review interprets recent evidence regarding the following: (1) aspirin and the most effective dose; (2) the role of the newer, more potent P2Y12 inhibitors prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor; (3) an appraisal of the evolving paradigm for duration of dual antiplatelet therapy; and (4) perspective on the role of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the era of routine and potent P2Y12 inhibition. The newer and more potent P2Y12 inhibitors, as well as a more nuanced understanding of mainstays of treatment like aspirin, offer the promise of maximizing ischemic benefit and minimizing bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Fracture behavior of additively manufactured acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials

Abstract The effect of layer orientation on the fracture properties of poly(acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene) (ABS) materials fabricated through the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process was explored. Critical elastic-plastic strain energy release rates of single edge notch bend (SENB) specimens with variable crack-tip/laminae orientations were compared. Results show that the inter-laminar fracture toughness (fracture between layers) is approximately one order of magnitude lower than the cross-laminar toughness (fracture through layers) of similarly manufactured parts. Contrasting brittle and ductile fracture behavior is observed for inter-laminar and cross-laminar crack propagation, respectively, demonstrating that the elastic-plastic response of AM ABS parts is governed by the direction of crack propagation within the laminated structure. Fracture surfaces of failed specimens are examined using scanning electron microscopy to show micro- and macro-scale toughening/embrittling mechanisms. Techniques for designing tougher additively manufactured materials based on biological analogies are discussed.
The relationships between religiosity and youth internalizing symptoms in African American parent-adolescent dyads.

Objectives African American (AA) adolescents face a greater risk of internalizing symptoms, including symptoms of both depression and anxiety, compared with other racial groups; yet, relatively less is known about the variables that contribute to internalizing symptoms. With the aim of advancing this work, this study examined factors that may buffer against such symptoms (maternal warmth, religiosity), as well as those that may confer additional risk (maternal psychopathology). Method One hundred ninety-three AA single mothers and their adolescent youth reported on religiosity, maternal warmth and depressive symptoms, and youth internalizing symptoms. Dyadic structural equation modeling was used to examine the effects of mother and adolescent religiosity, maternal warmth, maternal depressive symptoms, and adolescent age on youth internalizing symptoms as reported by both the mother and the adolescent. Results Consistent with hypotheses, maternal depressive symptoms were significantly associated with youth internalizing symptoms (as reported by the adolescent). Further, the impact of maternal religiosity on self-reported youth internalizing symptoms and its subscales was moderated by adolescent age. Specifically, maternal religiosity was associated with fewer self-reported internalizing symptoms in young adolescents, whereas the effect waned in older youth. Conclusions Possible predictive coprocesses such as maternal influence on adolescent religious choices and identity formation are explored in the context of adolescent internalizing symptomatology. (PsycINFO Database Record
Transformative parents: Facilitating transformative experiences and interest with a parent involvement intervention

This study reports the implementation of a parental involvement intervention coupled with small group discussions aimed at facilitating transformative experiences (TEs) in science courses (biology and chemistry) in an all-girls middle and high school. Specifically, the goal was to generate parental involvement, TE, and interest. Analyses showed that the intervention was associated with more parent involvement and TE than a comparison condition. Furthermore, a high initial level of situational and individual interest was maintained in the treatment condition, whereas interest decreased in the comparison. A content analysis of journal entries suggested an association between parents showing value for science concepts and an increase in students’ perceived experiential value. The results provide evidence that a parent intervention may increase the likelihood of engagement in TE and maintaining girls’ interest in science, which has theoretical and practical implications.
Quality aspects of Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) reared in the Varano Lagoon (southern Italy) in relation to marketability

Shellfish culture, based on ecological and market assessment, is considered a driving force for socio-economic change in ecologically complex coastal systems such as lagoons throughout the Mediterranean area. To diversify fish production, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was cultured at commercial farms in the Varano Lagoon (SE Italy). The aims of this study were to evaluate through four condition indices (CI, CICG, CIE and AFNOR index), the Polydora index (PI), lipid content, quality and market aspects of oysters reared at two different sites (FO and LA) of the Varano Lagoon, which are characterized by different hydrodynamic conditions. The results of this study highlighted the potential economic benefits associated with sustainable aquaculture development in the Varano Lagoon, proving that the area surrounding the LA site was more suitable for oyster culture, reaching commercial size (60 mm) in a shorter time (6–8 months). Higher growth performance of oysters was observed in the spring, when the nutrient availability positively affected the feeding response of suspension feeders. The opposite was found in winter and in summer, when the decrease in growth could be due to the reduction of nutrient and to the increase of salinity, TSM and ISM. The presence of the mud blister worm (Polydora sp.) during rearing could be a real problem, as it damages oyster market value and threatens serious financial loss to the local farmers.
A set-theoretic framework for the processing of uncertain knowledge

In this paper, a knowledge base is represented by an input space, an output space, and a set of mappings that associate subsets of the two spaces. Under this representation, knowledge propocessing has three major parts: (1) The user enters observations of evidence in the input space and assigns a degree of certainty to each observation. (2) A piece of evidence that receives a non-zero certainty activates a mapping. This certainty is multiplied by the certainty associated with the mapping, and is thus propagated to a proposition in the output space. (3) The consensus among all the propositions that have non-zero certainties is computed, and a final set of conclusions is drawn. A degree of support is associated with each conclusion. The underlying model of certainty in this processing scheme is based on the Dempster-Shafer mathematical theory of evidence. The computation of the consensus among the propositions uses Dempster's rule of combination. The inverse of the rule of combination, which we call the rule of decomposition, is derived in this paper. Given an expected consensus, the inverse rule can generate the certainty required for each proposition. Thus, the certainties in the mappings can be inferred iteratively through alternating use of the rule of combination and the rule of decomposition.
Microfluidic systems for studying dynamic function of adipocytes and adipose tissue

Recent breakthroughs in organ-on-a-chip and related technologies have highlighted the extraordinary potential for microfluidics to not only make lasting impacts in the understanding of biological systems but also to create new and important in vitro culture platforms. Adipose tissue (fat), in particular, is one that should be amenable to microfluidic mimics of its microenvironment. While the tissue was traditionally considered important only for energy storage, it is now understood to be an integral part of the endocrine system that secretes hormones and responds to various stimuli. As such, adipocyte function is central to the understanding of pathological conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Despite the importance of the tissue, only recently have significant strides been made in studying dynamic function of adipocytes or adipose tissues on microfluidic devices. In this critical review, we highlight new developments in the special class of microfluidic systems aimed at culture and interrogation of adipose tissue, a sub-field of microfluidics that we contend is only in its infancy. We close by reflecting on these studies as we forecast a promising future, where microfluidic technologies should be capable of mimicking the adipose tissue microenvironment and provide novel insights into its physiological roles in the normal and diseased states. Graphical abstract This critical review focuses on recent developments and challenges in applying microfluidic systems to the culture and analysis of adipocytes and adipose tissue.
Wasserstoffherstellung und -speicherung

Wasserstoff wird als Grundstoff in zahlreichen chemischen Prozessen eingesetzt. Jahrlich werden in Deutschland ca. 20 Milliarden Normkubikmeter, weltweit 600 Milliarden Normkubikmeter Wasserstoff hergestellt. Dabei fallen rund 40 % des Wasserstoffs als Nebenprodukt bei petrochemischen Prozessen wie der Benzinreformierung und der Ethylen- und Methanol-Herstellung an.
Relationships between Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Absorptive Capacity, Mass Customization, Time to Market and Financial and Market Performance: An Empirical Investigation

Purpose The purpose of the study is to empirically investigate the relationships between Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT), Absorptive Capacity, Mass Customization (MC) capability, Competitive Advantage and Organizational Performance measures Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review, a theoretical framework is derived. Structural equation modelling was chosen for the empirical analysis based on the focus of the research. Data collection was conducted from 232 Indian manufacturing managers. Findings The findings indicate that Absorptive Capacity have a positive impact on MC capability. Also, MC capability mediated the relationship between AMT and the financial and market performance. Furthermore, AMT positively impacted MC capability, and MC capability positively impacted both time to market and financial and market performance. AMT was not found to have a significant impact on financial and market performance. Originality/value The current study is meaningful and unique in that no st...
Alzheimer’s Disease in Physicians — Assessing Professional Competence and Tempering Stigma

Alzheimer’s Disease in Physicians Policies are needed to aid the increasing numbers of working health care professionals who have Alzheimer’s disease, while safeguarding their communities. The emphasis should be on supporting, not penalizing, impaired physicians.
Service optimal selection and composition in cloud manufacturing: a comprehensive survey

With the rapid development of cloud manufacturing (CMfg) as a new service-oriented manufacturing paradigm, a considerable progress has been made in research of different aspects of it. One of the most challenging topics of interest has been service composition and optimal selection (SCOS) problem. Since CMfg is aiming towards sharing and collaborating among distributed manufacturing resources and capabilities, selecting and combining these services into a composite service to meet the user’s requirements while keeping up the optimal service performances is gaining higher emphasis. As a result, a comprehensive survey of research to date on this NP-hard problem becomes highly desirable. In this paper, first we summarize the recent advancements in CMfg and categorize them into six main areas in a brief but concise way. Then, after a short explanation of the SCOS problem, existing research work around it has been investigated and discussed in detail from the viewpoint of selection criteria, algorithms, optimization functions, correlation consideration, mapping approaches between subtasks and services, and dynamic composition. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive highlight for researchers who are inspired to explore work in the related areas and acquaint them with related research work done to date.
Direct Observation of Ligand-Centered Redox in Cp*­ 2 Rh 2 (m-C 2 S 4 )Cl x (x = 2, 0)

The coordination chemistry of tetrathiooxalate (tto) has received intermittent attention for two decades. Complexes of this ligand occur in a range of oxidation states, the limits of which can be described as C{sub 2}S{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}} (r{sub C-C} {approximately} 1.46 {angstrom}) and C{sub 2}S{sub 4}{sup 4{minus}} (r{sub C-C} {approximately} 1.35 {angstrom}). Thus, somewhat like NO and SO{sub 2}, C{sub 2}S{sub 4} is a facultative ligand with the capability of absorbing or releasing redox equivalents. Unlike SO{sub 2} and NO, however, C{sub 2}S{sub 4} is strictly binucleating. This combination of properties--electronically facultative and binucleating--is of interest in the design of functional multimetallic ensembles wherein ligands contribute to the redox properties of pairs of metals. In this report the authors demonstrate that both the metal and the C{sub 2}S{sub 4} subunits participate in the redox cycle of an M{sub 2}C{sub 2}S{sub 4} unit. This work should stimulate further studies on the coordination chemistry of C{sub 2}S{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}, for which an alternative synthesis recently has been reported.
Almost perfect in-phase and anti-phase chaotic and periodic phase synchronization in large arrays of diode lasers

Abstract In this paper we study phase synchronization in large arrays of weakly coupled single mode semiconductor laser diodes. We show that if the coupling topology is chosen appropriately, the laser array exhibits robust phase synchrony (including chaotic and non-chaotic phase synchrony). Furthermore, one can define coupling topologies that lead to chaotic anti-phase synchronization. To the best of our knowledge, chaotic anti-phase synchronization has not been observed in large arrays of coupled nonlinear oscillators. When diodes are coupled via a decayed non-local coupling scheme, the leading spatial mode can be stable. This leads to an almost-perfect phase synchronous state where the phases are synchronized, but the system is not set exactly on the synchronization manifold. This almost-perfect phase synchronous state is robust to noise and frequency disorder and can be realized under periodic (fixed-intensity limit cycle) continuous-wave and chaotic behavior. The presented result is an example of the broader phenomenon of linear transverse mode selection taking place in a coupled oscillator system with nonlinear dynamics.
Robust Identification of EV Charging Profiles

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging profiles are important for electric energy distribution network operation, load forecasting, as well as utility grid expansion and planning. A typical individual EV charging profile typically includes its start time, its initial battery state-of-charge (SOC), and its (total) charging time. For distribution networks, a network/regional EV charging profile also includes number of EVs at different times (e.g., each hour) of the day. Most existing work on EV charging profiles assume that EV charging profiles follow certain statistical distributions in a universal manner. However, EV charging profiles are highly related to weather conditions, traffic patterns, rate tariffs, population density growth, and population active time periods, for which different regions (residential vs commercial, rural vs suburban, and developed vs developing) are fundamentally different. Instead of make simplification, this paper proposes to extend authors work on non-intrusive load modeling, utilize ubiquitous advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data such as smart meters, and build robust and accurate EV charging profiles for any networks under consideration.