cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical effects of pure isomers of hexachlorobiphenyl: fatty livers and cell structure.

Summary The effects of a single oral dose (50 mg/kg body wt.) of 3,4,5,3',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB), 2,4,5,2',4',5'-HCB or 2,3,5,2',3',5'-HCB for a period of 72 h have been studied in the male rat. Only 3,4,5,3',4',5'-HCB caused necrosis of thymocytes. 3,4,5,3',4'5'-HCB caused marked pathological changes in the liver with less marked effects being caused by 2,4,5,2',-4,5'-HCB and 2,3.5,2',3',5'-HCB. Total lipid content was increased by all the isomers studied, but 3,4,5,3',4',5'-HCB had more pronounced effects on total lipid content. Lipid accumulation was pericentral in the livers obtained from rate treated with 3,4,5,3',4',5'-HCB, but midzonal in the livers obtained from the rats treated with the other two isomers. Analyses of various lipid fractions showed that triacylglycerols were increased seven-fold only by 3,4,5,3',4',5'-HCB, while phospholipids were increased slightly by 2,4,5,2',-4',5'-HCB or 2,3,5,2',3',5'-HCB. Only 3,4,5,3',4',5'-HCB increased the level of total and esterified cholesterol. These results show that the fatty livers caused by 3,4,5,3',4',5'-HCB were qualitatively and quantitatively different from those caused by the other two isomers at the same dose. For the first time a hexachlorobiphenyl unchlorinated in the para position, 2,3,5,2',3',5'-HCB has been shown to be a specific inducer of cytochrome P-450. The effects of 2,3,5,2',3',5'-HCB on cell structure and phospholipid content were quantitatively similar to those caused by 2,4,5,2',4',5'-HCB. Thus, chlorination at para (4,4') positions in chlcrobiphenyls is not necessarily required for biological activity. It is hypothesized that net stereoelectronic properties of the isomers or resistance to metabolism may be the underlying factor in determining structure-activity relationships.
Theoretical Study of Drift of Small Rigid Floating Objects in Wave Fields

Small floating objects do not alter the ocean wave characteristics. They are passively driven by waves. This is a theoretical study of the drift pattern of a small floating object in a monochromatic wave field. Small amplitude and deepwater wave conditions are assumed. Extension to intermediate water depth is straightforward. The effect of added mass and drag coefficients of the object, as well as the presence of wave reflection, is investigated. It is found that approximate analytic solutions exist for the two special cases where either the added mass coefficient or the drag coefficient vanishes. In general, the long-term motion of the floating object is oscillatory with the wave frequency but superimposed with a net drift. For the case when the drag coefficient vanishes, the net drift depends on the inital condition. Both forward and backward drifts are possible. For realistic added mass an drag coefficients, the motion is retarded. Sensitive dependence on the initial condition is still present. If a reflective wave is present, the motion of the object can be arrested. The higher the reflection, the more likely it is to trap the floating object. The critical reflection coefficient to trap the object is dependent on the added mass and the drag coefficient of the object.
LytM-Domain Factors Are Required for Daughter Cell Separation and Rapid Ampicillin-Induced Lysis in Escherichia coli

Bacterial cytokinesis is coupled to the localized synthesis of new peptidoglycan (PG) at the division site. This newly generated septal PG is initially shared by the daughter cells. In Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria, it is split shortly after it is made to promote daughter cell separation and allow outer membrane constriction to closely follow that of the inner membrane. We have discovered that the LytM (lysostaphin)-domain containing factors of E. coli (EnvC, NlpD, YgeR, and YebA) are absolutely required for septal PG splitting and daughter cell separation. Mutants lacking all LytM factors form long cell chains with septa containing a layer of unsplit PG. Consistent with these factors playing a direct role in septal PG splitting, both EnvC-mCherry and NlpD-mCherry fusions were found to be specifically recruited to the division site. We also uncovered a role for the LytM-domain factors in the process of β-lactam-induced cell lysis. Compared to wild-type cells, mutants lacking LytM-domain factors were delayed in the onset of cell lysis after treatment with ampicillin. Moreover, rather than lysing from midcell lesions like wild-type cells, LytM− cells appeared to lyse through a gradual loss of cell shape and integrity. Overall, the phenotypes of mutants lacking LytM-domain factors bear a striking resemblance to those of mutants defective for the N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanine amidases: AmiA, AmiB, and AmiC. E. coli thus appears to rely on two distinct sets of putative PG hydrolases to promote proper cell division.
CAFET algorithm reveals Wnt/PCP signature in lung squamous cell carcinoma.

We analyzed the gene expression patterns of 138 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) samples and developed a new algorithm called Coverage Analysis with Fisher’s Exact Test (CAFET) to identify molecular pathways that are differentially activated in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) subtypes. Analysis of the lung cancer samples demonstrated hierarchical clustering according to the histological subtype and revealed a strong enrichment for the Wnt signaling pathway components in the cluster consisting predominantly of SCC samples. The specific gene expression pattern observed correlated with enhanced activation of the Wnt Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway and inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling branch. Further real time RT-PCR follow-up with additional primary tumor samples and lung cancer cell lines confirmed enrichment of Wnt/PCP pathway associated genes in the SCC subtype. Dysregulation of the canonical Wnt pathway, characterized by increased levels of β-catenin and epigenetic silencing of negative regulators, has been reported in adenocarcinoma of the lung. Our results suggest that SCC and AC utilize different branches of the Wnt pathway during oncogenesis.
Effects of u.v. irradiation of very young chickens on growth and bone development.

Six experiments were conducted to study the effects of exposure of young chickens to u.v. radiation. Chickens were fed a cholecalciferol (D3)-deficient diet and exposed to u.v. radiation from fluorescent lights giving total radiance (285-365 nm) at 0.15 m of 99.9 mJ/s per m(2). In Expt 1, chickens had increased body weight, bone ash and plasma Ca and decreased incidence of rickets and tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) when exposed to fluorescent light radiation 24 h per d, 24 h every 2 d, or 24 h every 3 d starting with exposure on day 1 after hatching. However, when not exposed on day 1, but on days 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16, the bone ash was reduced, and the incidence of TD and rickets was increased, compared with chickens exposed on day 1 after hatching. When chickens were exposed at 1 d of age to radiation from two lamps, each of which gave a radiance (285-365 nm) at 0.26 m of 856 mJ/s per m(2), both the length of time of radiation and location of the lamps (above or below the chicken) influenced the response as measured by body weight, bone ash, plasma Ca and incidence of rickets. When chickens that received a TD-inducing diet were exposed to 30 min u.v. radiation from below at 1 d of age they developed significantly less TD than did those not exposed when fed either 27.5 or 55.0 microg D3/kg diet.
Andean Lives: Gregorio Condori Mamani and Asunta Quispe Huamán

Andean Lives: Gregorio Condori Mamani and Asunta Quispe Huaman.Ricardo Valderrama Fernandez and Carmen Escalante Gutierrez, original eds.; Paul H. Gelles and Gabriela Martinez Escobar, trans. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1996. 199 pp.
Caspase-2–induced Apoptosis Requires Bid Cleavage: A Physiological Role for Bid in Heat Shock–induced Death

The mechanisms through which Caspase-2 leads to cell death are controversial. Here we show, using a combination of cell-free and cell culture-based approaches, that cleavage of the Bcl-2-family protein Bid is required for the induction of apoptosis by Caspase-2. Caspase-2 promoted cytochrome c release from mitochondria in the presence of cytosol from wild-type, but not Bid-deficient, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Recombinant wild-type Bid, but not a noncleavable mutant (D59E), restored cytochrome c release. Similarly, Bid-null MEFs were relatively resistant to apoptosis triggered by active Caspase-2, and apoptosis was restored in Bid-null cells by the expression of wild-type, but not D59E, Bid. Finally, Bid-null MEFs were substantially more resistant to apoptosis induced by heat shock, which has been shown to be dependent on apical activation of Caspase-2. The data are consistent with a model in which Caspase-2 induces apoptosis via cleavage of Bid at D59 and the subsequent engagement of the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway.
Designing Online Environments for Expert/Novice Collaboration Wikis to Support Legitimate Peripheral Participation

Designing environments that can bring novices and experts together is not trivial. We explore how we can design environments where these collaborations happen in such a way that everyone benefits. We explore these questions in the context of one such environment. In this study, we used the Game Ontology Project (GOP), a wiki-enabled hierarchy of elements of gameplay used by game studies researchers, in a game design class. Students found that their participation was enjoyable and useful for learning. Also, there is evidence that they developed a deeper under- standing of the medium of videogames. However, encouraging sustained participation was challenging because students tended to view the GOP as a static source, rather than a participa- tory and editable resource. Expert analysis of the students' contributions to the ontology found them to be useful and significant. We conclude with thoughts on the importance of these kinds of authentic environments in traditional learning.
The experience of discrimination by US and Internationally educated nurses in hospital practice in the USA: a qualitative study.

Aim To document experiences of nurses educated abroad and in the USA in 2 urban hospitals in the southeastern USA. Background Nurses are responsible for providing quality patient care. Discrimination against nurses in the workplace may create hostile environments, potentially affecting patient care and leading to higher nurse attrition rates. Structuration theory posits that agents' interactions create structures. Agents' use of resources and rules shapes interactions, potentially changing the structures. In this study, nurses described interactions with patients and their families and other healthcare personnel, their strategies for managing interactions and rationales behind their selected strategy. Design This study employed a qualitative, explorative approach using structuration theory. Methods In 2011, 42 internationally educated and 40 USA-educated nurses practising in two urban hospitals in the southeastern USA were interviewed about their experiences in the workplace. Forty-one nurses were re-interviewed to explore the issues raised in the preliminary round: 21 internationally educated and 20 USA. Transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method. Findings Although internationally educated nurses experienced more explicit discrimination, all nurses experienced discrimination from their patients, their nurse colleagues and/or other hospital personnel. Internationally educated nurses and USA nurses shared similar coping strategies. Conclusion The prevalence of nurses' experiences of discrimination suggests that healthcare institutions need to strengthen policies to effectively address this harmful practice. More research is needed about discrimination against nurses in the workplace because discrimination may have serious psychological effects that impact nurse retention and the quality of patient care.
Surgical oral radiographic guide with a removable component for implant placement

Radiographic guides are essential for optimal implant positioning. Surgical guides permit implants to be placed in preselected positions and at proper angulations. This article describes a procedure for combining the functions of radiographic and surgical guides in a single device. The radiographic component is easily separated from the surgical component after the necessary radiographs have been made. This procedure results in less paraphernalia and reduces costs since only 1 basic guide with an add-on component is fabricated.
Supporting learning through active retrieval of video stories

Abstract This paper describes how a computer program can support learning by retrieving and presenting relevant stories drawn from a video case base. Although this is an information retrieval problem, it is not a problem that fits comfortably within the classical IR model of Salton and McGill. In the classical model the computer system is passive: it is assumed that the user will take the initiative to formulate retrieval requests. A teaching system, however, must be able to initiate retrieval and formulate retrieval requests automatically. We describe a system, called SPIEL, that performs this type of retrieval, and discuss theoretical challenges addressed in implementing such a system. These challenges include the development of a representation language for indexing the system's video library and the development of set of retrieval strategies and a knowledge base that together allow the system to locate educationally relevant stories.
Sediment from hydraulic mining detained by Englebright and small dams in the Yuba basin

Recent initiatives to find ways to reintroduce anadromous fish to the Central Valley of California have identified the Yuba River as one of the best potential watersheds for expanding spawning habitat of spring-run chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Salmon spawning in the Yuba River would require substantial modifications or removal of Englebright Dam, a large dam (86 million m 3 capacity) built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1941. An extensive on-going feasibility study by local, state, and federal organizations, therefore, is examining aspects of various dam-treatment scenarios that range from no action to complete dam removal. This paper examines the extraordinary history of the watershed and resulting conditions pertinent to the feasibility of altering Englebright Dam. It seeks to accomplish four goals. First, historical geomorphic changes in the watershed are outlined that influence the physical context of the feasibility study. The Yuba watershed is centered in the hydraulic gold-mining region made
Parasite-mediated reductions in the survival and reproduction of the backswimmer Buenoa scimitra (Hemiptera: Notonectidae)

The effect of the parasitic water mite Hydrachna virella on its host Buenoa scimitra was investigated using laboratory experiments. The mite parasitizes all but the first instar of the host. Survival rates were found to be greater among unparasitized than parasitized individuals of these instars. Instantaneous death rates were observed to be linear functions of the number of mites supported/host. The mite's effect on the host's death rate appeared to be directly related to the size of the engorged mite compared to the size of the host; greater relative sizes were associated with greater impacts. Unparasitized females oviposited significantly more eggs than parasitized females, and the instantaneous birth rate of the host was observed to be a non-linear function of mite load.
Decision making in an interdisciplinary team

Decision making in an interdisciplinary team occurs at the interface between groups with varied backgrounds, orientations, interests, and goals. Most interdisciplinary teams attempt to identify the complex set of variables influencing their decisions and then utilize this knowledge to maximize efficiency in health care delivery. Models of information and decision analysis developed by general systems theory are suggested as a method for advancing the understanding of where, when, and how decisions are made by the interdisciplinary team. A university-affiliated psychiatric service in a private general hospital is studied. Here the following forces meet, complement, compete, and collide: the community, university, hospital administration, private practitioners, insurance companies, consultation and liaison psychiatrists, university staff psychiatrists and residents, nurses, aides, social workers, activities personnel, patients and their families, the patient group, the ward milieu. Considering these factors, we describe: (1) the flow of information and feedback loops into, within, and out of the psychiatric service; (2) the location of decision nodes; (3) decision-making echelons. The general systems theory concepts utilized in this analysis are proposed as pragmatic tools for improving interdisciplinary team function.
Monte Carlo characterization of target doses in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

To compare finite-size pencil beam/equivalent path-length (FSPB/EPL) and Monte Carlo (MC) SBRT dose computations for serial tomotherapy and to quantitatively assess dose differences between the dose calculation methods. Based on 72 SBRT plans for pulmonary targets, FSPB/EPL, considering the inhomogeneous lung environment, and MC calculations were performed to establish differences between FSPB/EPL predicted dose and MC derived doses. Compared with MC, FSPB/EPL consistently overestimated minimum doses to the clinical target volume and planning target volumes by an average of 18.1+/-7.15% (range 4 to 33.4%), and 21.9+/-10.4% (range 1.2 to 45.5%), respectively. The respective mean target dose differences were 15.5+/-7.4% (2.8-36.4%) and 19.2+/-7.6% (3.6-40.1%). Deviations from MC doses were lesion size and location dependent, with smaller lesions completely embedded into lung parenchyma being most susceptible. Larger lesion in contact with mediastinum and chest wall showed lesser differences. In comparison with MC dose calculation, FSPB/EPL overestimates doses delivered to pulmonary SBRT targets. The observed dose differences may have impact on local tumor control rates, and may deserve consideration when using fast, but less accurate dose calculation methods.
Fish Heart Rate Monitoring by Body-Contact Doppler Radar

This paper presents results demonstrating detection of cardiac motion and heart rate monitoring by radar for fish using a contact antenna, as a less-invasive alternative to surgical electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements. Tilapia are used as test subjects with a patch antenna. The frequency of operation, 2.4 GHz, is chosen as a tradeoff between antenna size and propagation. Single lead ECG measurements are used as a reference for comparison with two electrode configurations. The heart rate detected by the radar matched the heart rate detected by ECG. With water temperature near 30°C, measured heart rates varied with sedation level and over time, in the range of 30-80 bpm.
Adaptive control for rejecting disturbances with time-varying frequencies in tape systems

In this paper, we present two adaptive algorithms for tape systems that account for tape tension ripples. Tape tension ripples are caused by reel eccentricities that produce disturbances with time-varying frequencies. In both designs, the frequency and the magnitude of the disturbance are estimated to synthesize an input signal to cancel the disturbance. In the first design, by adjusting the values of the adaptive parameters that are related to the frequency of the disturbance, the estimated frequency reflects the time-varying nature of the disturbance. The second design extends an existing digital adaptive feed-forward cancellation scheme used in hard disk drives for application to tape tension control problems. For both designs, time-varying sinusoidal disturbance signals are used in simulations to analyze and evaluate the performances of the developed adaptive control methods on a model of a tape system.
Surface Streamer Discharge for Plasma Flow Control Using Nanosecond Pulsed Power

Nonequilibrium plasma discharges have been demonstrated to be effective in a variety of flow control applications. Traditionally, surface dielectric barrier discharge (sDBD) or spark gaps have been used due to the small size, weight, and cost of generating electronics. Nanosecond pulsed discharge in the form of streamers has similar physical properties to sDBD while alleviating its disadvantages, but it has remained relatively untested due to pulse generation requirements. New developments in compact pulsed power technology, however, have enabled the generation of surface streamer discharge using small and inexpensive pulse generators. Images of surface streamer discharge generated for plasma flow control are presented.
Integrated response of the upper and lower respiratory tract of asthmatic subjects to frigid air

To evaluate the influence of cold air hyperpnea on integrated upper and lower airway behavior, 22 asthmatic volunteers hyperventilated through their mouths (OHV) and noses (NHV) while pulmonary and...
Computer-aided antenna feed design using Characteristic Modes

A new design technique that provides practical feed designs for arbitrary PEC structures is introduced. The technique requires minimal guidance from a human operator Using the information provided by a modal analysis, known as Characteristic Modes, allows us to construct a feed arrangements solution(s). From this solution(s), we can obtain the number, locations, and excitation voltages of one or more feed ports to excite a set of modes over some specified frequency range. The technique was applied to antennas and shows to provide highly realistic feed arrangements.
A cohesive analysis of DNA/RNA sequences via entropy, energetics and spectral-domain methods to assess genomic features across single viral diversity

In virology context, a particular virus may prevail in different forms of serotypes as in the case of dengue 1-4 viral strains with common and distinct genomic features. Finding such genomic details of a serogroup is useful in knowing related information for unique vaccine designs compatible for immunity across the viral diversity. For robust comparison of genomes of serovars of a virus in order to decide on their common and differential genomic details, proposed here is a set of sequence analyses exercised side-by-side via entropy, energetic and spectral-domain methods. Results obtained thereof with dengue viral serotypes, namely DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 and DEN4, are presented. Hence, inferences on distinct as well as common features extracted are annotated and indicated for possible vaccine design applications.
Clinical equipoise on prophylaxis against catheter-associated thrombosis in critically ill children

Abstract Purpose In preparation for a randomized controlled trial of prophylaxis against catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis in critically ill children, we aimed to determine clinical equipoise, defined as willingness to randomize children, among pediatric critical care physicians. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered electronic survey of pediatric critical care physicians in the United States. The survey focused on the effect of child's age, presence of a central venous catheter, and risk (ie, presence of coagulopathy or recent surgery) and presence of bleeding on their willingness to randomize children to an anticoagulant or placebo. Results Responses from 239 (33.0%) of 725 physicians were analyzed. Respondents were willing to randomize children 1 month or older in the presence of a catheter but only those older than 13 years in the absence of a catheter. For children with coagulopathy, they would randomize those with international normalized ratio less than or equal to 2.0, partial thromboplastin time less than or equal to 50 seconds, and platelet count greater than or equal to 50000/mm 3 . Respondents were willing to randomize children 2 days after most types of surgery and after 1 to 5 days of a bleeding event. Conclusions Clinical equipoise on prophylaxis against catheter-associated thrombosis exists among pediatric critical care physicians, which ethically justifies conducting a randomized controlled trial.
Negative pressure wound therapy for initial management of giant omphalocele

Abstract Background Current treatment of giant omphalocele includes “paint and wait” or placement of mesh or silo. These methods are associated with high complication rates. We propose negative pressure wound therapy as an alternative. Methods Patients born between 2009 and 2014 with giant omphalocele were included. Outcomes analyzed were duration of therapy, time to full enteral feeds, treatment related complications, wound surface area over time, type, and time to definitive closure. Results Eight patients were reviewed. The median duration of therapy was 68 days. Median time to full enteral feeds was 19 days. There were no treatment discontinuations or complications including sac ruptures, wound infections, or fistulas. Wound contraction stopped at 2 months or around 7 cm 2 . All surviving patients underwent definitive closure. Conclusions Negative pressure wound therapy is a safe and effective treatment for giant omphalocele that allows feeding, has a low complication rate, and is completed in 2 months.
Biochemical analysis of pistol self-cleaving ribozymes

Pistol RNAs are members of a distinct class of self-cleaving ribozymes that was recently discovered by using a bioinformatics search strategy. Several hundred pistol ribozymes share a consensus sequence including 10 highly conserved nucleotides and many other modestly conserved nucleotides associated with specific secondary structure features, including three base-paired stems and a pseudoknot. A representative pistol ribozyme from the bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus was found to promote RNA strand scission with a rate constant of ∼10 min(-1) under physiological Mg(2+) and pH conditions. The reaction proceeds via the nucleophilic attack of a 2'-oxygen atom on the adjacent phosphorus center, and thus adheres to the same general catalytic mechanism of internal phosphoester transfer as found with all other classes of natural self-cleaving ribozymes discovered to date. Analyses of the kinetic characteristics and the metal ion requirements of the cleavage reaction reveal that members of this ribozyme class likely use several catalytic strategies to promote the rapid cleavage of RNA.
Geometric Discounting in Discrete, Infinite-Horizon Choice Problems

The rate of time preference is traditionally defined as the marginal rate of substitution between current and future consumption. This definition is not applicable when outcomes are indivisible. Such is the case in all discrete-choice dynamic problems which arise, for example, in modeling housing or occupational decisions. Assuming an infinite horizon and a standard time-additive utility representation, this note shows that the discount factor can be uniquely recovered from the underlying preference order, provided that the decision-maker is sufficiently patient. Under the same conditions, the utility index over outcomes is cardinally unique. Finally, an algorithm for approximating the discount factor is provided which, at each stage, uses only finite-horizon data.
Improving Air Combat Maneuvering Skills Through Self-Study and Simulation-Based Practice

Background. Although instructor participation is generally thought to improve the effectiveness of simulation-based training, trainees may have time and opportunity to practice skills in simulation when an instructor is not available. Aim. The question of whether complex psychomotor skills, such as air combat maneuvering, can be acquired and improved entirely without instructor assistance through self-study and simulation-based practice is investigated. Method. The results of an extended sequence of simulated air combat missions flown by a single experimental subject are reported and analyzed. Over a period of eight calendar years the subject flew 2,950 simulated air combat missions organized into 138 campaigns using seven different aircraft types. Throughout the period the subject studied air combat maneuvering in a self-guided, self-study mode and consciously used maneuvers and tactics learned during that study with the intent of improving his performance. However, determining whether the subject's skills were actually improving over time was confounded by the fact that between some campaigns the subject changed the aircraft type he was flying as well as the aircraft types flown by the opposition, making direct campaign-to-campaign performance comparisons problematic. Consequently, a type-independent measure of performance was developed to normalize for the different aircraft types and allow direct comparison of performance across different aircraft types flown and opposed. Results. Two different nonparametric statistical tests were applied to the normalized performance measure across all campaigns. A third nonparametric statistical method was applied to victories within each aircraft type. All three showed statistically significant improvement in the subject's skills over time despite the complete absence of instructor assistance. Conclusions. Although this case study must be considered anecdotal because it involves only a single experimental subject, it does provide an existence proof that self-guided self-study and simulation-based practice without an instructor can produce improvement in complex psychomotor skills in some learners. In addition, the analytical methods used to normalize for different aircraft types and test for improvement may be useful in similar situations where performance must be compared across time-varying circumstances.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in What Smokers Report Paying for Their Cigarettes.

INTRODUCTION Smoking rates and tobacco-related health problems vary by race and ethnicity. We explore whether cigarette prices, a determinant of tobacco use, differ across racial and ethnic groups, and whether consumer behaviors influence these differences. METHODS We used national Tobacco Use Supplement data from 23 299 adult smokers in the United States to calculate average reported cigarette pack prices for six racial and ethnic groups. Using multivariate regression models, we analyzed the independent effect of race and ethnicity on price, and whether these effects changed once indicators of carton purchasing, menthol use, Indian reservation purchase, and state market prices were incorporated. RESULTS American Indians and whites pay similar amounts and report the lowest prices. Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians reported paying $0.42, $0.68, and $0.89 more for a pack of cigarettes than whites. After accounting for differences in consumer behaviors, these gaps shrunk to $0.27, $0.29, and $0.27, respectively, while American Indians paid $0.38 more than whites. Pack buying was associated with $0.99 higher per-pack prices than carton buying, which was most common among whites. Additionally, people who purchased off an Indian reservation reporting paying $1.54 more than those who purchased on reservation. CONCLUSIONS Average reported cigarette prices vary by race and ethnicity, in part due to differences in product use and purchase location. Tobacco price policies, especially those that target low prices for multipack products or on Indian reservations may increase the prices paid by whites and American Indians, who smoke at the highest rates and pay the least per pack. IMPLICATIONS This study examines differences in reported prices paid by different racial and ethnic groups, using recent, national data from the United States. Results indicating that racial and ethnic groups that smoke at the highest rates (American Indians and whites) also pay the least are consistent with evidence that price is a key factor in cigarette use. Additional analysis finds that cigarette purchasing behaviors, especially carton buying and purchasing on Indian reservations, partially account for the documented price differences, and suggest that policies focused on bulk purchases (carton, multipack) and reservation prices have strong tobacco control potential.
A Systematic Review of Genetic Influences on Coping

Coping refers to the way that an individual manages stress. Coping strategies vary; for example, problem-focused coping is directed at reducing or removing a stressor, while emotion-focused coping is directed more at managing reactions that accompany the stressor. How individuals cope with stress can impact their health, but the physiological effects of coping are not well understood. The field of genetics provides tools that could help illuminate the physiology of coping. This review of the literature was conducted to determine what is currently known about the phenotype of coping from a genetic perspective. PubMed, HubMed, PsychInfo, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were used to conduct the search, and reference lists were reviewed to identify additional publications. Only studies that measured coping style or a coping domain specifically, were written in English language, and were human-subject focused were included in the review. We identified 19 studies that met these criteria, and 2 types of genetic studies emerged for the review: heritability (n = 9) and candidate gene association (n = 10) studies. Heritability estimates of .68-.76 support a nonadditive genetic component to coping. Replication of association was found for the serotonin transporter and adrenergic receptor beta 2 genes. In addition to finding evidence supporting a role for genetic variability with coping phenotype, it is worth noting that the review revealed a lack of consistency in instruments used to phenotype coping across studies.
ARISTOTLE'S FALL

Galileo's heroic struggle against Aristotelian dogma (and ecclesiastical obstinance) is the stuff of scientific legend. His great intellectual legacy was the science of dynamics, which he built on the foundation of his law offall. Aristotle held that the time of fall from a given height is inversely proportional to weight (we assume a constant gravitational acceleration, g, throughout so that weight and mass are proportional). On this point Aristotle was quite specific [1, p. 365]:
Ground Vibration Measurements near Impact Pile Driving

Pile driving is a complex dynamic process where little insight has been garnered in terms of the energy transfer from the driver to the soil and surrounding structures. Ground motion measurements during driving of full scale steel H-piles with diesel hammers are presented. The key feature of this work is the in-depth sensor installation starting very close to the pile (0.2 m), at other radial distances from the pile, and at various depths in the ground. Differences in wave sources from the tip and the shaft of the pile as well as wave attenuation coefficients are revealed from the sensor measurements. Attenuation relationships fitted through the data could be used to predict ground motion that could cause shakedown settlement. A conventional line array of surface mounted geophones was also used and results are presented.
Computer Guided Navigation and Pre-operative Planning for Arthroscopic Hip Surgery

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has only relatively recently been recognized as an orthopaedic pathology, but growing awareness and the development of innovative management techniques are contributing an increasing rate of diagnosis. Hip arthroscopy of FAI to address these morphologic deformities and their subsequent pathologic sequela is becoming a common, effective, and safe method of treating hip pain. However, hip arthroscopy remains technically difficult and presents a steep learning curve for surgeons. The challenges of preoperative characterization of the mechanical deformities combined with the difficulties of reliable intraoperative exposure and correction of impingement lesions leads to natural interest in computer assisted pre-operative planning and intra-operative navigation systems. The purpose of these emerging technologies is to benefit the surgeon’s reproducibility, efficiency and long-term clinical outcomes, while reducing the incomplete correction of the osseous deformities and subsequent symptoms. While the long-term clinical outcomes of hip arthroscopy are rooted in many aspects, consistent reproducibility and accuracy during intraoperative osseous FAI correction may represent the factor most manageable by the surgeon to maximize the likelihood of success. We discuss the current and future state of computer-assisted hip arthroscopy, as well as several examples of available pre-operative and navigation systems.
Research on Testing Technology of Industrial Ethernet Network Switch Used in Smart Substation

On the basis of studying hardware structure and function of industrial Ethernet network switch,this paper analyzes smart substation requirements for it,concludes status quo of testing technology of industrial Ethernet network switch used in smart substation.It presents relevant testing strategy and method in aspects of switch hardware structure and smart substation application oriented and proposes realization program for switch automation testing system.
A Quick Convergence Active Constellation Extension Projection onto Convex Sets Algorithm for Reducing the PAPR of OFDM System

High Peak to Average Power Ratio, commonlyabbreviated as PAPR, represents the main concern in theimplementations of all multicarrier modulation schemes such asOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. Many PAPRreduction techniques were proposed to solve this problem. Amongst these schemes is the Active Constellation Extension(ACE) which is recognized as a promising method that provideshigher gains with neither Bit Error Rate (BER) degradation norreceiver side information transmission. In this investigation, wefocus on this scheme in its Projection onto Convex Sets (POCS) variant. We propose a quick POCS-ACE convergence schemethat achieves good performances from the first iteration without degradation in BER.
Using health care outcomes to improve patient care in the NICU.

Article-at-a-Glance Background The Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Southern California Region, implemented an outcomes-based research program within its neonatal intensive care units. Method The primary objective of the Kaiser outcomes monitoring project was to provide a mechanism for identifying optimal care processes that can lead to reduced morbidity, mortality, and resource use in caring for infants with low birth weights. Comparisons with one benchmark study resulted in physician practice pattern changes in the areas of discharge planning. For example, multidisciplinary discharge-planning rounds were initiated, infants who would need home monitors or oxygen delivery devices were identified early in the care continuum, and parents received timely training in infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An analysis of nutritional practices within the Kaiser neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) resulted in the reduction of nosocomial infection rates and improvements in infant weight gains. Modification of ventilation practices reduced a high rate of severe intracranial hemorrhage in another NICU. Analysis is ongoing on the causes of lengthier durations of ventilation at one Kaiser NICU. Conclusion A recent survey of NICUs revealed that 80% of respondents were capable of performing their own outcomes research. The authors suggest that a national organization be formed to assist NICUs in the abstracting, collecting, and comparing of NICU data to study areas of interest.
Tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 alpha increase vascular endothelial permeability

Endotoxic shock is associated with acute vascular endothelial injury resulting in edema. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) are cytokines produced by endotoxin-stimulated mononuclear phagocytes that are potential mediators of endotoxic shock. In this study, we investigated the effects of TNF and IL-1 alpha on vascular endothelial cell permeability in vitro. The movement of radiolabeled macromolecules of different sizes (57Co-vitamin B12, 125I-cytochrome c, and 131I-albumin; 6.5-35A) across bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers was measured after exposure to these cytokines. TNF induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in endothelial cell monolayer permeability that was enhanced in the presence of serum. The peak increase was noted after 12 h of incubation with less alteration of permeability with longer incubations. IL-1 alpha caused a similar time-dependent increase in endothelial cell monolayer permeability, but the peak effect of IL-1 alpha was seen after 24 h. Therefore the increased permeability seen with TNF cannot be explained by release of endogenous IL-1 alone. Neither TNF nor IL-1 alpha increased release of [14C]adenine, and the only effect on lactate dehydrogenase release was a small, but statistically significant, increase after 24 h of incubation. From these studies, we conclude that TNF and IL-1 alpha directly increase vascular endothelial cell permeability in vitro and speculate that these cytokines may be involved in the acute vascular endothelial injury associated with endotoxic shock.
On the Many Actions of Ouabain: Pro-Cystogenic Effects in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Ouabain and other cardenolides are steroidal compounds originally discovered in plants. Cardenolides were first used as poisons, but after finding their beneficial cardiotonic effects, they were rapidly included in the medical pharmacopeia. The use of cardenolides to treat congestive heart failure remained empirical for centuries and only relatively recently, their mechanisms of action became better understood. A breakthrough came with the discovery that ouabain and other cardenolides exist as endogenous compounds that circulate in the bloodstream of mammals. This elevated these compounds to the category of hormones and opened new lines of investigation directed to further study their biological role. Another important discovery was the finding that the effect of ouabain was mediated not only by inhibition of the activity of the Na,K-ATPase (NKA), but by the unexpected role of NKA as a receptor and a signal transducer, which activates a complex cascade of intracellular second messengers in the cell. This broadened the interest for ouabain and showed that it exerts actions that go beyond its cardiotonic effect. It is now clear that ouabain regulates multiple cell functions, including cell proliferation and hypertrophy, apoptosis, cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell metabolism in a cell and tissue type specific manner. This review article focuses on the cardenolide ouabain and discusses its various in vitro and in vivo effects, its role as an endogenous compound, its mechanisms of action, and its potential use as a therapeutic agent; placing especial emphasis on our findings of ouabain as a pro-cystogenic agent in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
Platform-Based Product Design and Development: Knowledge Support Strategy and Implementation

Product family is a group of related products that share common features, components, and subsystems, and satisfy a variety of market niches. Product platform is a set of parts, subsystems, interfaces, and manufacturing processes that are shared among a set of products (Meyer and Lehnerd 1997). A product family comprises a set of variables, features or components that remain constant in a product platform and from product to product. Platform-based product family design has been recognized as an efficient and effective means to realize sufficient product variety to satisfy a range of customer demands in support for mass customization (Tseng and Jiao 1998). The platform product development approach usually includes two main phases: 1) the establishment of the appropriate product platform; and 2) the customization of the platform into individual product variants to meet the specific market, business and engineering needs. The establishment, maintenance and application of the right product platform are very complex.
57 Motor vehicle crash, citation, and license suspension rates among adolescent and young adults with adhd

Statement of purpose ADHD often persists into adolescence when motor vehicle crash risk peaks. Small studies have suggested that adolescents with ADHD have more driving errors and increased crash risk. We compared monthly rates of police-reported crashes, traffic-related citations, and license suspensions over the first four years of licensure for adolescents with and without community-identified ADHD. Methods/approach We identified New Jersey residents who were born 1987–1997 and were patients of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s NJ primary care practices within four years of driving-eligible age. Electronic health records were linked to NJ’s licensing and crash databases from 2004–2014. Subjects with an ICD-9-CM diagnostic code of ‘˜314.x’ at an office visit or on their list of chronic conditions were classified as having ADHD (Gruschow, 2017). Crash, citation, and suspension rates were compared for 1769 licensed drivers with ADHD and 13 167 without ADHD. Results The crash rate in the first month post-licensure was 65% higher for drivers with ADHD than those without ADHD (294 vs. 188 per 10 000 drivers, respectively; adjRR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.87). Crash rates remained significantly higher for drivers with ADHD over the first four years post-licensure. Citation rates were also consistently higher among drivers with ADHD over four years (adjRR=1.41 [1.30, 1.52]). Finally, drivers with ADHD had higher license suspension rates than drivers without ADHD over the first year of licensure (2.7 and 1.3 suspension days per driver-year, respectively; adjRR=1.31 [1.27, 1.36]). Conclusions Adolescent drivers with ADHD had higher crash, citation, and suspension rates than drivers without ADHD over the first four years of licensure. The adjusted crash rate ratio was highest immediately after licensure. Significance and Contribution This unique longitudinal study provides the most detailed information on post-licensure crash risk of adolescents and young adults to date; future analyses will examine crash circumstances among drivers with ADHD.
Cerebral Bypass and Vascular Reconstructions for Posterior Circulation Aneurysms

Posterior circulation aneurysms are among the most challenging problems facing the cerebrovascular neurosurgeon. Aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar system may be broad-necked or fusiform, and may involve critical branches, such as the cerebellar vessels, brainstem perforators, or the posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs). Furthermore, optimal exposure of these lesions often requires specialized expertise in cranial-base anatomy and microvascular surgery. Parent vessel or perforator occlusion may result in a devastating stroke or death. Direct surgical repair, Hunterian ligation or trapping, and endovascular stenting or coiling are treatment options that may not always be feasible [1]. These challenges and the poor natural history of symptomatic posterior fossa aneurysms have fueled interest in continuing the development of techniques of posterior circulation revascularization to improve the management of these difficult cases.
Fertility Preservation Options for Females

Oncofertility is an interdisciplinary field in which providers of oncology and reproductive health care provide patients with options for fertility after cancer treatment. Infertility following cancer treatment occurs for various reasons including the need for removal of reproductive organs as well as the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on gametes and reproductive hormones. Unfortunately, few patients have comprehensive counseling on fertility preservation options prior to undergoing treatment (Schover et al., Cancer 86(4):697–709, 1999). This chapter explains the options for maintenance of fertility including oophoropexy/ovarian transposition, conservative surgical and medical management of gynecologic cancers, embryo cryopreservation via in vitro fertilization, oocyte cryopreservation, use of donor oocytes and donor embryos, gestational surrogacy, ovarian cortex cryopreservation and transplantation, in vitro maturation, ovarian suppression, uterine transplantation, and the potential for generation of gametes from somatic cells.