cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes: the next steps.

Death and myocardial infarction rates have been reduced significantly with the enhanced management of cardiovascular risk factors. That’s the good news. Conversely, a significant risk for subsequent adverse ischemic events remains, particularly after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This risk of recurrent ischemic events appears to be highest early after the ACS event, decreasing over time to that of chronic stable angina by 6 to 12 months. The cause of increased events is a composite of disease progression, especially in the culprit vessel in the absence of intervention, but it also involves nonculprit lesions that appear to have a variable risk of progression. See p 143 Much has been learned about the potential risk of late recurrent events. Vulnerable plaques,1 often in multiple lesions and vessels, have been described in patients with ACS via different imaging modalities, including plaque rupture as seen on intravascular ultrasound, increased plaque temperature, angioscopic descriptions of plaque disruption with intracoronary thrombus,2,3 and morphological markers identified by coronary angiography. Associated with these morphological definitions of plaque instability have been the systemic patient markers of inflammation,4 best described by C-reactive protein,5 which is a significant predictor of late adverse ischemic events. Although all of the described markers have been associated with lesion instability, leading to an increased risk of late ischemic outcomes, the impact of therapeutic interventions has been harder to define. Late event rates appear to be related to lesion and clinical markers, suggesting the existence of a definable patient …
STRIDE II: A Water Strider-inspired ￼Miniature Robot with Circular Footpads

Water strider insects have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their power-efficient and agile water surface locomotion. This study proposes a new water strider insect-inspired robot, called STRIDE II, which uses new circular footpads for high lift, stability and payload capability, and a new elliptical leg rotation mechanism for more efficient water surface propulsion. Using the advantage of scaling effects on surface tension versus buoyancy, similar to water strider insects, this robot uses the repulsive surface tension force on its footpads as the dominant lift principle instead of creating buoyancy by using very skinny (1 mm diameter) circular footpads coated with a superhydrophobic material. The robot and the insect propel quickly and power efficiently on the water surface by the sculling motion of their two side-legs, which never break the water surface completely. This paper proposes models for the lift, drag and propulsion forces and the energy efficiency of the proposed legged robo...
Incremental Value of the Pancreas Allograft to the Survival of Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVE To quantify the incremental survival benefit of the pancreas allograft in simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant recipients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from the national transplant database from 2000 to 2007 were analyzed. SPK recipients who had functioning allografts to 1-year post transplant ( n = 3,304) were compared with those who had failure of the renal ( n = 233) or pancreatic ( n = 112) graft. The main outcome was a projection of 10 life-years of patient survival beyond the first transplant anniversary. RESULTS Recipients with function of both organs accrued 9.4 life-years following transplantation. Projected survival in patients with kidney failure was reduced to 2.5 life-years. Pancreas failure reduced predicted survival to 8 life-years. Renal allograft failure impacts life expectancy significantly (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 12.13). However, pancreas allograft failure was also associated with reduced survival (aHR 2.62). CONCLUSIONS Although the majority of the survival benefit of SPK transplant is due to the renal transplant, pancreas allograft function does contribute to patient survival.
Polity and health care expenditures: The association among 159 nations

Abstract This paper hypothesized that democratic nations, as characterized by Polity IV Project regime scores, spend more on health care than autocratic nations and that the association reported here is independent of other demographic, health system or economic characteristics of nations. WHO Global Observatory data on 159 nations with roughly 98% of the world’s population were examined. Regime scores had significant, direct and independent associations with each of four measures of health care expenditure. For every unit increment in a nation’s regime score toward a more democratic authority structure of governance, we estimated significant ( p
Aspects of Generalized Inverses in Analysis and Regularization

This paper provides glimpses into some aspects of generalized inverses in analysis and some aspects of regularization of ill-posed linear operator equations. The paper consists of three parts. Part I, which deals with linear analysis, is devoted primarily to generalized inverses of integral operators of the first and second kinds and to related topics. Part II provides some uses of generalized inverses in nonlinear analysis (nonlinear alternative problems, inverse mapping and open mapping theorems, nonlinear operator equations and constrained optimization problems). Part III deals briefly with regularization methods in which generalized inverses play a role. Reference citations in this paper are to the Bibliography at the end of this volume. Also, the reader may refer to Section 2 of the paper on “Perturbations and Approximations…” in this volume for notation and results on generalized inverses that are used in the present paper.
Examining the Risks and Benefits of Transesophageal Echocardiogram Imaging During Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a routine diagnostic tool. The use of TEE in clinical practice is diverse, extending from the intraoperative management of patients who undergo cardiac surgery, aortic surgery, lung transplantation, and liver transplantation,1–5 to emergent assessment of patients in the emergency room or intensive care unit,5,6 to the evaluation of left atrial appendage anatomy and function before cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).7,8 Article see p 701 Although TEE is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that is considered relatively safe across a broad spectrum of patients, severe life-threatening complications have been reported.5 The reported rates of major TEE-related complications range from 0.2% to 0.5%.5,9,10 Lennon et al11 examined patients for late complications and estimated a higher rate of gastrointestinal injuries of 1.2%. Mechanical injury to the esophageal and gastric body can lead to life-threatening bleeding. The estimated risk of significant gastrointestinal bleeding is 0.02% and 1.0%.10,11 Patients with friable mucosal tissue from underlying disease are at higher risk.5 There are also distinct aspects of potential thermal injury in patients who undergo extensive ablation of the posterior left atrium for treatment of AF. Esophageal heating and potential injury can occur from piezoelectric crystal vibration within the TEE probe tip or by direct tissue heating from absorbed ultrasound energy.12 In addition, the TEE probe may also serve as a radiofrequency energy antenna and draw energy into the esophagus. This possibility, coupled with those previously mentioned, was raised in a large surgical series of left atrial ablation patients in which 1.3% developed …
THE ROLE OF THE PREPARATORY INTERVAL IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EEG α-BLOCKINGAND REACTION TIME

The association between α-blocking and improved reaction times (RTs) has not been consistently demonstrated in past studies. The possible importance of the preparatory interval (PI) in this relationship has not been totally assessed, and it was felt that further exploration of this variable would help to explain the discrepancies. RTs were measured in two experiments, each using different types of stimuli and different PI durations. In the first, 4 PIs, 0.5-, 3.0-, 6.0-, and 15.0-sec, were used in a regular and irregular series. The warning signal was a 400-cps tone; the stimulus, a 1000-cps tone. In the second. PIs were 0.50-, 0.75-, 1.00-, and 1.50-sec; the stimulus was a single flash from a photo stimulator. EEGs were recorded simultaneously from the parieto-occipital region. Both peak-to-peak amplitude measures and subjective ratings of α-activity were made prior to the onset of the warning signal and the stimulus. The results did not support earlier findings of a relationship between α-blocking and RT. However, RT and α-blocking were each (independently) a function of the PI.
Jaw drop in Kennedy's disease

Kennedy’s disease, or spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is an inherited X-linked degenerative disease of sensory and motor neurons caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion in the first exon of the androgen receptor (AR) gene.1 Several reports2-4⇓⇓ have emphasized the distinguishing clinical features of the disease, which include slowly progressive proximal greater than distal limb weakness, bulbar weakness involving primarily facial and tongue muscles, perioral fasciculations, sensory involvement, elevated creatine kinase (CK), and signs of androgen insensitivity (gynecomastia and testicular atrophy). Despite improved awareness of SBMA, patients are still frequently misdiagnosed with other disorders, such as, ALS, myopathy, or MG. Recently, we encountered two patients with SBMA who had been misdiagnosed after presenting with “jaw drop.” A 60-year-old man with diabetes had difficulty chewing and a generalized sense of fatigue. He manually manipulated his jaw to talk or chew and avoided foods …
A lower bound for Hellbronn's triangle problem in d dimensions

In this paper we show a lower bound for the generalization of Heilbronn’s triangle problem to d dimensions; namely, we show that there exists a set S of n points in the d-dimensional unit cube so that every d + 1 points of S define a simplex of volume Ω( 1 nd ). We also show a constructive incremental positioning of n points in a unit 3-cube for which every tetrahedron defined by four of these points has volume Ω( 1 n4 ).
Optimized imaging and target tracking within a distributed camera network

This article considers the problem of using a network of N C dynamic pan, tilt, zoom cameras, each mounted at known and fixed locations, to track and obtain high resolution imagery for N T (t) mobile targets each maneuvering within a confined space. The number of targets is time-varying, the targets are free to maneuver, the targets may enter or leave the region under surveillance so that N T (t) is time-varying and may exceed N C .
Relative contributions of nutrition and inflammation to clinical outcome in dialysis patients

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common phenomenon in maintenance dialysis (MD) patients and a risk factor for poor quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality, including cardiovascular death, in these individuals. The association between undernutrition and adverse outcome in MD patients, which stands in contrast to that seen in the general population, has been referred to as reverse epidemiology. Measures of food intake, body composition tools, nutritional scoring systems, and laboratory values are used to assess the degree of severity of PEM, but no uniform approach is available for rating the overall severity of PEM. Epidemiologic studies suggest that inflammation is a missing link between PEM and poor clinical outcome in MD patients, and the existence of a malnutrition inflammation complex syndrome is suggested in these patients. Inflammation may be due to subclinical and clinically apparent illnesses. Some investigators suggest that PEM may predispose to illness and inflammation. There is a paucity of information concerning the effect of nutritional therapy on morbidity and mortality in MD patients. Interventional studies of the effect of nutritional support on outcome often are difficult to interpret because of small sample sizes, short duration of study, and other limitations. Large-scale, randomized, clinical trials of the effects of nutritional intake, nutritional status, and inflammation on clinical outcome are needed to define better the relationships between these factors in MD patients.
Habituation, Recovery and the Similarity of Song Types within Repertoires in Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) (Aves, Emberizidae)

Male red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) respond to playback of conspecific song on their territories with the song spread, a graded aggressive display in which males extend their wings to expose their red epaulets while singing. We show that the intensity of song spread display declines with repeated presentation of one song type, and recovers when song types are switched. Recovery is greater for switches between song types that are acoustically dissimilar than for switches between song types that are acoustically similar. Recovery is no different for switches between two song types taken from the repertoires of different males than for switches between song types recorded from the same male. Analysis of acoustic features also indicates that song types recorded from different males are not more dissimilar than are song types from the same male. Our results do not support the idea that repertoires of red-winged blackbirds are composed of similar song types in order to facilitate individual recognition. Rather, repertoires may be constructed of dissimilar song types, so as to help maintain the response of listeners despite habituation.
Metabolism, Body Size and Life Span: A Case Study in Evolutionarily Divergent Populations of the Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

Synopsis We present a case study of metabolism, life history and aging in the western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans). Early research in the field supported the rate-of-living hypothesis as an explanation of aging, which was based on an apparent negative relationship between mass-specific metabolic rate and lifespan in endotherms. This hypothesis in its original form has not withstood additional tests and comparisons between the two main lineages of endotherms—birds and mammals, but there is still much to be discovered of the causative links among rate of oxygen consumption, physiology and life history, particularly in ectothermic reptiles. We present data that show adult short-lived snakes, from naturally occurring ecotypes of garter snakes, have higher mass-specific resting metabolic rates at any given body mass (metabolic intensity) across a series of normal activity temperatures (15–328C). The short-lived ecotype in this geographic region reaches a larger body size, and has life-history traits that place it at the fast end of a pace-of-life continuum (fast growth, early maturation, high reproductive output) relative to individuals of the small-bodied long-lived ecotype. The difference between ecotypes in metabolic intensity, even after acclimation to identical conditions, may reflect evolutionary divergence and genetic differences between ecotypes. The difference in metabolic intensity is not, however, present at birth, so an alternative is that developmental environment may permanently influence metabolic rate and life history. Such developmental canalization could lead to altered gene expression via environmental influences on the epigenome and result in altered metabolic trajectories in the snakes’ natural habitats.
Functions, lifetime frequency, and variety of methods of non-suicidal self-injury among college students

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and intrapersonal functions of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) have both been found to have strong relationships with NSSI. The present study examines their role in the lifetime frequency and variety of NSSI methods, taken as indicators of severity of NSSI. We hypothesized that intrapersonal functions would explain frequency and variety of NSSI beyond the effects of interpersonal functions. Further we hypothesized that intrapersonal functions would moderate the effect of BPD characteristics on frequency of NSSI. College students (n=52) who endorsed at least one lifetime act of NSSI completed self-report measures and semi-structured interviews about NSSI behaviors, frequency, variety and functions, and BPD symptoms. Results supported the hypotheses that intrapersonal functions play a role in the lifetime frequency and variety of NSSI behaviors in addition to that of interpersonal functions, but did not support the role of intrapersonal functions as a moderator. Findings are discussed in terms of relative importance of all factors involved in explaining severity of NSSI, measured as lifetime frequency and variety.
Factors that Contribute to Talented Performance: A Theoretical Model from a Chinese Perspective.

This paper examines the Chinese literature on giftedness and talented performance (TP) and compares its dominant theoretical features with some influential models to be found in the North American ...
Optical modeling of a holographic single-element head-mounted display

This paper proposes a new method to design an optically-fabricated holographic element, where the construction optical system and the playback system can be optimized jointly. The method was driven by the use of a new holographic recording material - the photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass - that can only be written at 325nm, while its playback takes place in the visible part of the spectrum. Applying the method proposed, a single holographic element head-mounted display (HMD) was modeled. Results show that a single holographic element may be constructed at 325 nm, and inserted in a playback optical system operating at 633nm, with a MTF of over 80% across a 40 degree field of view at 37cycles/mm.
Explaining the Process of Resistance to Persuasion A Politeness Theory-Based Approach

Two experiments are conducted to test a politeness theory-derived process model of resistance to persuasion. Experiment 1 demonstrates that messages with more forceful language, compared to messages with less forceful language, produce an overall threat to face (i.e., negative and positive face). A second experiment was conducted to replicate the findings of Experiment 1 and to extend the process model by testing the hypothesis that controlling language produces a threat to face because of the meta-communicative content (i.e., unsubstantiated claim of relative power) implied by the language selected by the source. Overall, the data provide support for a politeness theory based understanding of resistance to persuasion.
The Pre-trial Stages of Arrest and Police Questioning: Implications for Interpreters and Translators in the United States

Abstract This paper focuses on the constitutional rights of limited-English-proficiency suspects in the United States during two pre-trial stages: arrest and custodial interrogation. Specifically, the paper addresses the constitutional violations arising from the linguistic barriers between these suspects and law enforcement authorities. The paper proposes a solution in the form of statutory provisions requiring the active participation of well-qualified interpreters and translators
Re-envisioning scientific literacy as relational, participatory thinking and doing

This review explores Michelle Hollingsworth Koomen’s “Inclusive science education: Learning from Wizard,” a case study of a middle school student with learning exceptionalities in a mainstream science classroom. The strength of Koomen’s work lies in her elucidation of the ways in which normative science instruction fails to adequately support Wizard’s learning. His classroom experiences position him, if unintentionally, as deficient and incapable, which in turn serves to undermine his ability to fully engage in science or to capitalize on his strengths as a learner in the service of developing disciplinary literacy. I extend this conversation by arguing for a broader view of scientific literacy and the need for a more relational pedagogy in classrooms that supports meaningful and productive engagement in science learning and fosters positive identification with science.
A Comparative Discussion of the Privilege Against Self-Incrimination

A study of how different modern jurisdictions have approached the issue of protecting the universally recognized right to silence afforded to criminal defendants.
Keeping Wildlife Out of Your Food: Mitigation and Control Strategies to Reduce the Transmission Risk of Food-Borne Pathogens

In this chapter, we provide a general framework for developing strategies to mitigate the contamination of agricultural operations with pathogens carried by wildlife. As part of this framework, we present adaptive management as a viable approach to developing these strategies to reduce the uncertainty over time as to whether management methods are being effective. We provide the general steps to developing an adaptive management strategies as well as generic mitigation methods that can be applied to agricultural operations as part of an adaptive management strategy.
BASELINE MICROSEISMIC ACTIVITY IN SUMNER COUNTY, KANSAS

Microseismicity is well known to be observable at nearly any location on the earth. Historical trends of felt earthquakes do not do sufficiently characterize the frequency and distribution of microseismic events. Regional earthquake networks are typically not designed to detect and locate microseismic events, which can have negative magnitudes. Only three earthquakes were recorded in Sumner County since 1977 by regional seismic networks operating in Kansas. A local network was recently deployed over a producing oil field in Sumner County, Kansas, to monitor microseismic activity. From July to September, 2014, fifteen seismometers were deployed in a 1.2 km area. In two months of recording, 125 microseismic events were detected within 15 km of the network ranging in magnitude from -0.6 to 2.4, none of which were reported by the regional network operators. The observed microseismic activity is most likely both natural and anthropogenic related to reservoir activity. Caution is called for when interpreting the source and cyclicity of microseismic events detected by localized temporary networks with minimal to no background data. Without having an understanding of the localized seismic activity the source and recursion of present activity cannot be assumed. Even with a regional network in place, it is critical to establish baseline microseismicity through many cycles and periods of subsurface activity.
Reactive Intermediates in the Photodecarbonylation of the Cyclopentadienyl and Indenyl Complexes CpFe(CO)2(C(O)CH3) and IndFe(CO)2(C(O)CH3) (Cp = η5-C5H5; Ind = η5-C9H7)

Time-resolved infrared and time-resolved optical spectroscopy have been used to probe further into the spectra and dynamics of reactive intermediates I and Iind generated by flash photodecarbonylation of the respective acetyl complexes CpFe(CO)2(C(O)CH3) (A) and IndFe(CO)2(C(O)CH3) (Aind) (Cp = η5-C5H5; Ind = η5-C9H7). The competitive reaction dynamics of CH3 migration to the metal, trapping by CO, and trapping by other ligands such as P(OCH3)3 were determined for these intermediates in various solvents. Hydrostatic pressure effects on the competitive photoreaction pathways for both A and Aind in hexane solutions were also examined, and it was found that the photosubstitution pathway has a significantly more negative activation volume than does the photoinduced methyl migration (although a less negative value was found than that previously reported from these laboratories). The indenyl intermediate Iind is about 5-fold more reactive toward methyl migration and toward trapping by various ligands than is th...
Nanocomposite of Polyaniline Nanorods Grown on Graphene Nanoribbons for Highly Capacitive Pseudocapacitors

A facile and cost-effective approach to the fabrication of a nanocomposite material of polyaniline (PANI) and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) has been developed. The morphology of the composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The resulting composite has a high specific capacitance of 340 F/g and stable cycling performance with 90% capacitance retention over 4200 cycles. The high performance of the composite results from the synergistic combination of electrically conductive GNRs and highly capacitive PANI. The method developed here is practical for large-scale development of pseudocapacitor electrodes for energy storage.
CAN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION REDUCE FUTURE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Depression is known to be a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. However, how changes in depressive symptom severity affect CV risk is not clear. Pts (N=7550) who completed two patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9 surveys >90 days apart and were >40 yrs of age were studied. Pts
Continuous extraction technology of different solubility dietary fiber from potato residue

In order to develop and utility the potato residues,the extraction and separation process of water-soluble and water-insoluble dietary fiber were studied.The results showed that the optimum pH is 6.5,1 mL of 20% α-amylase solution was added into per 50 mL extracting solution.The optimum discolored conditions of active carbon was adding 3.5 g per 50 mL extracting solution with particle size for 60~80 mesh.Color protection of the potato residue was conductive to improve the colour and save polyphenols of insoluble dietary fiber.
Pragmatism, Factor Analysis, and the Conditional Incompatibility Thesis in Mixed Methods Research:

This article advances the conditional incompatibility thesis, which when left unaddressed, poses challenges to the pragmatic maxim as a guiding framework for mixed methods research. The conditional incompatibility thesis stands in opposition to two claims, the first pertaining to the position that incompatibility can be avoided by adherence to a “whatever-works” maxim. Also questioned is the claim that quantitative and qualitative data are inherently incompatible. Arguing that there are conditions under which incompatibility occurs, we illustrate within the context of latent variable modeling how particular techniques, methods, and/or decisions fail to be philosophically neutral. Offered are methods through which researchers can be more mindful of, and thus transparent about, the influence of philosophical perspectives in their work.
Implications of bioelectric growth control in orthodontics and dentistry.

Abstract No Abstract Available. Presented at the January, 1974 meeting of the North Atlantic Component of the Angle Society.
The Temporal Instability of Resting State Network Connectivity in Intractable Epilepsy.

Objective Focal epilepsies, such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), are known to disrupt network activity in areas outside the epileptogenic zone [Tracy et al., 2015]. We devised a measure of temporal instability of resting state functional connectivity (FC), capturing temporal variations of BOLD correlations between brain regions that is less confounded than the “sliding window” approach common in the literature. Methods We investigated healthy controls and unilateral TLE patients (right and left seizure focus groups), utilizing group ICA to identify the default mode network (DMN), a network associated with episodic memory, a key cognitive deficit in TLE. Our instability analyses focused on: (1) connectivity between DMN region pairs, both within and between TLE patients and matched controls, (2) whole brain group differences between region pairs ipsilateral or contralateral to the epileptogenic temporal lobe. Results For both the whole brain and a more focused analysis of DMN region pairs, temporal stability appears to characterize the healthy brain. The TLE patients displayed more FC instability compared to controls, with this instability more pronounced for the right TLE patients. Significance Our findings challenge the view that the resting state signal is stable over time, providing a measure of signal coherence change that may generate insights into the temporal components of network organization. The precuneus was the region within the DMN consistently expressing this instability, suggesting this region plays a key role in large scale temporal dynamics of the DMN, with such dynamics disrupted in TLE, putting key cognitive functions at risk. Hum Brain Mapp 38:528–540, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The adolescent family environment and cohabitation across the transition to adulthood

This study draws upon a sample of men and women from Waves I and IV of Add Health to examine the linkages between the adolescent family environment and cohabitation behavior across the transition to adulthood. Using event history modeling the current paper considers the association between a variety of family factors and both the timing of first cohabiting unions and their outcomes (marriage, break up, still cohabiting). This paper also considers whether the impact of predictors for cohabitation timing and outcomes varies depending on the age of individuals. Results indicate that exposure during adolescence to family instability, parental cohabitation, lower parental SES, and low family belonging were associated with an elevated likelihood of entering into cohabiting unions, but primarily during adolescence and early adulthood. Family factors, including family belonging and parental relationship history, were also associated with the outcomes of first cohabitations.
Sudemycin Selectively Inhibits Growth of Primary Murine Hematopoietic Cells Expressing Mutant U2AF1

Abstract Abstract 554 Core components of the pre-mRNA splicing complex (the “spliceosome”) are targets of recurrent somatic mutation in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Using whole genome and targeted resequencing, we previously identified recurrent missense mutations in U2AF1 (encoding U2AF35, the 35 kDa U2 accessory factor) at serine 34 (S34F or S34Y) or glutamine 157 (Q157R) in 8.7% of de novo MDS patients. The mechanism by which mutations in U2AF1 and other recurrently mutated spliceosome components contribute to MDS pathogenesis is unknown, but recurrent mutations in this pathway suggest that it may provide a novel therapeutic target. Pladienolide B and FR901464 are two bacterial products that modulate activity of the spliceosome. The derivatives, E7107 and spliceostatin A, and synthetic analogs (sudemycins), bind SF3B, a complex that includes SF3B1 and six other subunits of the spliceosome. Treatment of cell lines with these agents causes accumulation of aberrantly spliced gene products. Sudemycins have favorable pharmacokinetic properties (improved solubility, chemical stability, and plasma half-life) and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in low nanomolar concentrations in cell lines in vitro. They also inhibit growth in xenograft models in vivo, with no evidence of toxicity in mice treated with pharmacologically active doses. We hypothesize that splicing gene mutations cause alterations in splice isoforms that provide a selective advantage to tumor cells, and that perturbation of this environment with small molecule spliceosome modulators may cause a selective disadvantage for cells with these mutations. To test this hypothesis, we generated MSCV-based retroviruses encoding the wildtype (MSCV-WT-ires-GFP) or S34F mutant (MSCV-MT- ires-GFP) U2AF1 alleles. We infected c-kit+ primary C57BL/6J murine bone marrow cells with these recombinant retroviruses (or empty vector) and cultured them in vitro with cytokine-supplemented media. Consistent with previous reports, vehicle-treated cells (0.1% DMSO) expressing the mutant allele had reduced growth over 5 days, compared to cells expressing the wildtype allele or empty vector (P Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Verifying Self-Consistency of Protein Structure and Dynamics through MD Simulation and WAXS

Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations based on a crystal structure and selected force field represent a powerful approach to generate models for the internal motions of a protein in order to interpret the results of biological experiments and model the interactions between proteins and ligands. However, there are relatively few experimental probes that can be used to verify the results of MD, particularly with regard to slow, correlated motions of loops, folds or domains. Wide-angle X-ray solution scattering (WAXS) is sensitive to protein structure and dynamics including secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure and slow, correlated motions. Here, we present a method to utilize the crystal structure of a protein and its corresponding MD simulation to predict WAXS data from a protein. First, the WAXS pattern of a rigid protein is calculated using an explicit atom model of the hydration layer with the software package, XS. Second, MD trajectories are utilized to calculate a sigma-r plot (the standard deviation of interatomic distances averaged as a function of interatomic distance) which is subsequently combined with the results of the XS calculation to predict the scattering pattern of the dynamic protein. The difference between observed and calculated intensities is minimized by scaling the sigma-r plot with a single variable factor which provides a measure of the discrepancy between experimental and computational characterization of global dynamics. In examples presented here, we show that the correspondence between observed and calculated intensities are often excellent, providing direct experimental validation of the MD results. In other examples, we demonstrate how the approach can identify over or under-estimates of large scale motions in MD simulations that may arise from under-sampling of the structural ensemble or inappropriate choice of simulation parameters.
Maternal Inferential Input and Children's Language Skills

Researchers have consistently found a link between the quality of early parent–child book-reading interactions and children's language skill. Two aspects of quality (level of abstraction and utterance function) were examined simultaneously in the current study to further refine our understanding of how parents’ talk during shared reading predicts children's vocabulary growth and elicits children's participation in book reading. To achieve this aim, the authors examined mothers’ extratextual utterances while reading to their preschool children across a continuum of four levels of abstraction (two literal and two inferential) and in terms of utterance function (wh- question, yes/no question, and statement). In a sample of 49 mother–child dyads (mean child age = 4.47 years), the authors found that mothers’ inferential yes/no questions and statements predicted children's receptive vocabulary growth over six months, controlling for children's age, mothers’ education, and frequency of reading, and that mothers’ inferential wh- questions and literal utterances of all types were not predictive of children's vocabulary growth. Using sequential analysis, the authors also found significant contingencies between mothers’ utterances and children's responses during shared reading that were within the same level of abstraction across all utterance functions. These results are discussed in relation to prior work that has largely examined these two qualities of parent–child book interactions separately.
A van der Waals Inclusive Density Functional Theory Study of the Nature of Bonding for Thiophene Adsorption on Ni(100) and Cu(100) Surfaces

We report the results of the first-principles density functional theory calculations for the adsorption of thiophene (C4H4S) on Cu(100) and Ni(100) surfaces. The adsorption properties on these surfaces are evaluated for several adsorption configurations, and the calculations are performed with the inclusion of van der Waals (vdW) interactions invoking the optimized vdW (optB86b-vdW, optB88-vdW, and optPBE-vdW) as well as revPBE-vdW and rPW86-vdW2 functionals. In agreement with the earlier reports, on both surfaces, the most stable adsorption configurations correspond to the hollow-45 at which the thiophene adsorbs parallel to the surface. For the adsorption on Ni(100), in agreement with the experimental observations, we confirm that thiophene spontaneously ruptures via breaking of a C–S bond when the center of the molecule is placed over a bridge site. On the basis of both the bond distribution and charge transfer analysis, we conclude that the rupturing of thiophene observed at the bridge-45 configuratio...
An Elevator Pitch on Deep Learning

Machine learning improves all aspects of our life and very few days pass where we don't interact with a machine learning driven application. For example, we may use fitness trackers that monitor the quality of our sleep. Before leaving to work, we may check the weather forecast. To get to work, we use a navigation system that predicts the fastest route to our first meeting. On the road, we use voice commands to interact with our phone. Web searches and e-commerce recommendations are based on machine learning. Cameras detect faces when we take a picture and our email inboxes are protected by spam filters, which are designed using machine learning tools.
Chapter 203 – Effectors of Gαo

Publisher Summary Neuronal differentiation is a complex process that integrates many signals to drive electrophysiological, morphological, and transcriptional changes. The molecular signals of many hormones, neurotransmitters, and chemokines are converted into intracellular responses by G-protein-coupled receptors. This chapter focuses on signals from Gi/o-coupled receptors that regulate neurite outgrowth during neuronal differentiation, and their potential implications in neuronal survival after injury. The function of the α subunit of Go has remained elusive despite the fact that it is the most abundant G protein in the brain. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the mechanistic details of Gαo signaling, and it has proven difficult to identify direct effectors of Gαo. Several studies demonstrate that Gαo signaling activates Src-STAT3 pathway that triggers cell transformation in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. This chapter also discusses the roles of Rap1GAPII and GRIN in Go signaling during neurite outgrowth. The ligands that stimulate Gi/o-coupled receptors and the effectors that are activated are summarized. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that cannabinoids can protect neural cells from different insults, such as glutamatergic excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, traumatic injury, and ischemia. Some of the more recent studies shed light on the importance of the PI3K/Akt pathway as a connective link between Gαo signaling and neuroprotection.
Response Rates and Response Patterns among New Employers: Results from the Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) (Presentation)

Economic growth is related to continued formation of new businesses. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation sponsors research focused on entrepreneurship and new business formation. The Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) is a national longitudinal survey of new businesses conducted for the Foundation by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR). This survey was designed to achieve completed interviews with an initial sample of 5,000 businesses formed in 2004, followed by annual surveys to collect data on the new business characteristics and financing needed to create and sustain them. Survey data will be available to researchers to improve their understanding of the dynamics of new businesses. MPR selected the sample using D&B data files and is using web-based and CATI data collection procedures to capture the information. The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics and determinants of response among this elusive population.
Quantity versus quality of nonresident father involvement: Deconstructing the argument that quantity doesn’t matter

Over the last few decades, numerous studies have examined the impact of nonresident fathers on the well-being of their children, including two meta-analyses. Such research consistently has demonstr...
Minocycline blocks traumatic brain injury-induced alcohol consumption and nucleus accumbens inflammation in adolescent male mice

Abstract Alcohol use is a well characterized risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, emerging clinical and experimental research suggests that TBI may also be an independent risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorders. In particular, TBIs incurred early in life predict the development of problem alcohol use and increase vulnerability to neuroinflammation as a consequence of alcohol use. Critically, the neuroinflammatory response to alcohol, mediated in large part by microglia, may also function as a driver of further alcohol use. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TBI increases alcohol consumption through microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Mice were injured as juveniles and alcohol consumption and preference were assessed in a free-choice voluntary drinking paradigm in adolescence. TBI increased alcohol consumption; however, treatment with minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, reduced alcohol intake in TBI mice to sham levels. Moreover, a single injection of ethanol (2 g/kg) significantly increased microglial activation in the nucleus accumbens and microglial expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in TBI, but not sham or minocycline-treated, mice. Our data implicate TBI-induced microglial activation as a possible mechanism for the development of alcohol use disorders.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiogram

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is a procedure performed for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes by first accessing the biliary tree with a needle and then usually shortly after that with a catheter (percutaneous biliary drainage or PBD). At some point during the procedure, contrast is injected into one or more bile ducts (cholangiography) and also possibly into the duodenum. PTC may be performed with fluoroscopic guidance only or also with ultrasound (US) guidance.
Cela's Oficio de tinieblas 5: Nihilism, Demolition and Reconstruction of the Novel

In oficio de tinieblas 5, the Nobel Prize winner takes complete liberty of expression, creating a "ritual of darkness" or "black mass" which represents essentially the total rejection of all generally accepted beliefs, facts, and traditions. The study shows how the author not only demolishes and ridicules academic and literary practices, but also distorts and recreates the knowledge found in history books, encyclopedias, ancient and modern literature, and the Bible. Like a nihilist, Cela seeks to do away with the status quo and thereby remodel, restore, and improve. But the author, unlike most nihilists, is not attempting to change politics or society, but rather literature, which he felt had become stagnant and irrelevant. Cela's unconventional narrative techniques are brought to the fore and particular attention is paid to the ubiquitous use of perverted sexuality and obscenities. the study also explains how the reader is taken through a maze of difficulties, contradictions, illogic and confusion. Comments are offered as to why the reader is left with a rather original reading experience which is strange, humorous and entertaining as well as frustrating, depressing, shocking and offensive. The value of the work as literature is also discussed.
Teaching data-analytics through process design

Abstract Data-analytics is becoming a very influential tool for decision-making today both in industry and academia. The incorporation of data-driven concepts in the core chemical engineering curriculum would be very beneficial to our graduates, making them competitive in today’s market. The main objective of this work is to develop tools and case studies that: (a) increase students’ understanding and appreciation of data for decision making, (b) introduce students to basic data analytics and machine learning methods, (c) introduce students to basic data visualization tools, and (d) exhibit that the interactions between rigorous simulations and data could lead to improved solutions. This work shows that process design is an appropriate course for the introduction of this material, since students are at a senior level and have obtained the necessary mathematical background, and the development of process flowsheets using commercial simulators creates opportunities for inexpensive data generation to create many case studies.
Systemic depletion of Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 accelerates mucosal wound healing and protects from colitis-associated cancers

Expression of the secreted Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 is induced by inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of systemic Dkk1 depletion on exper...
Interpretation of hemoglobin A1C in primary care setting

Diagnostic tests for diabetes have evolved with the emphasis shifting from blood glucose levels and/or oral glucose tolerance test to measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. With the advent of modern and standardized methods assaying the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin, clinicians are relying more and more on HbA1c for the management of diabetic patients. A brief review of literature shows, although HbA1c is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of diabetes, it is still far from being perfect. Clinicians need to be more aware about these limitations and take extra steps to avoid medical errors.
Immunosuppressive Drug Levels in Liver Transplant Recipients: Impact in Decision Making

To prevent rejection, liver transplant providers largely base their management decisions on their clinical impression and pharmacokinetics. Clinical impression relies on assessing graft function, liver enzymes, and biopsy. High immunosuppressive drug levels, although minimizing rejection, are related to significant side effects such as nephrotoxicity and metabolic syndrome, contributing to long-term morbidity and mortality. Similarly, levels that are lower than necessary can decrease the rate of side effects with a potential toll on rejection and graft survival. Herein, the authors present an update on immunosuppressive drug level monitoring and manipulation strategies according to different scenarios and time from transplant. They also provide a brief overview of next level immunosuppression monitoring strategies that aim to properly balance rejection rates with drug side effect profiles.
A snake who eats the devil’s tail: The recursivity of good and evil in the security state:

The Islamic State and Mexican drug ‘cartels’ have been positioned as extreme menaces to the Western world by media and state actors despite their inability to pose existential threats to the US. Th...
A New Bidirectional AC-link Microinverter Based On Dual Active Bridge Topology

AC link inverters have advantage that it doesn’t require bulky decoupling capacitor unlike DC link inverters. A bidirectional single stage DC-AC converter is highly suitable for integrating batteries and renewable sources to the grid or standalone AC load. In this paper, a novel bidirectional AC link micro inverter has been proposed which is constructed based on the principles of dual active bridge converter. The synthesis of sinusoidal output is achieved by applying new composite modulation schemes that utilizes fundamental modulation schemes used in dual active bridge converter. Outpuit rms power can be controlled by the sine PWM and the phase shift between the DC and AC bridges. The proposed converter and modulation scheme is analyzed and simulation in PSIM environment. Finally a prototype was built and the proposed converter was experimentally verified.