cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxic Effects Associated With the Administration of Deferoxamine in the Premature Baboon With Hyaline Membrane Disease

• We hypothesized that administration of the iron chelator deferoxamine would inhibit iron-catalyzed free radical generation and lessen the severity of oxygeninduced pulmonary injury. To evaluate its efficacy and safety in premature infants, we administered deferoxamine by intravenous infusion to five premature baboons with hyaline membrane disease supported with conventional ventilation and 100% oxygen for 6 days. Seven animals served as controls. Deferoxamine treatment was initiated at 10 mg/kg per hour but, after the precipitous death of the first animal, was progressively reduced to 1.25 mg/kg per hour in the other animals. Four of five deferoxamine-treated baboons developed cardiovascular collapse and all five died by 42 hours. Five of the seven control animals survived the 6-day expermental period. Since cardiovascular toxic effects have not previously been reported, these findings suggest unique vulnerability of the immature cardiovascular system to iron chelation. (AJDC. 1990;144:915-919)
Acute aortic occlusion as a late complication of coarctation repair.

Late morbidity and mortality following surgical correction of coarctation of the aorta in adults are primarily related to associated cardiovascular disease, especially persistent systemic hypertension and its sequelae. Complications related to the site of coarctation repair are relatively uncommon in this age group and include residual and recurrent coarctation and aneurysm formation. An unusual case is presented in which dehiscence of the proximal suture line of a Dacron tube graft resulted in a flap-valve effect, pseudoaneurysm formation, and acute functional occlusion of the aorta. The angiographic findings are described and the relevant literature reviewed.
Correct implementation of the fluid–object interactions subcomputation technique (FOIST)

Full understanding of the fluid–object interactions subcomputation technique (FOIST) and the related fundamental concepts in dynamics and fluid mechanics is essential in using this technique in a meaningful way. We explain what constitutes a correct implementation of the FOIST and give a published example of what does not. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A wave-pipelined router architecture using ternary associative memory

In this paper a wave-pipelining scheme is used to increase the performance of a router architecture. Wave-pipelining has a potential of significantly reducing clock cycle time and power. The design approach considered in this paper allows the propagation of data from stage to stage to occur without the use of intermediate latches. Control signals are used to ensure that intermixing of data waves does not occur. The results of the study show that wave-pipelining helps to reduce the clock period.
Novel cytoskeletal proteins in the cortex of Tetrahymena

An important unsolved problem lies in the mechanisms that determine overall size, shape, and the localization of subcellular structures in eukaryotic cells. The membrane skeleton must play a central role in these processes in many cell types, and the ciliate membrane skeleton, or epiplasm, offers favorable opportunities for exploring the molecular determinants of cortical organization. Among the ciliates, Tetrahymena is well suited for the application of a wide range of molecular and cellular approaches. Progress has been made in the identification and sequencing of genes and proteins that encode epiplasmic and cortical proteins. The amino acid sequences of these proteins suggest that they define new classes of cytoskeletal proteins, distinct from the articulin and epiplasmin proteins. We will also discuss recent in vivo and in vitro studies of the regulation of assembly of these cortical proteins. This will include information regarding the down-regulation of epiplasmic proteins during cleavage, their topographic regulation in the cell cycle, and the results of in vitro assembly and binding studies of the epiplasmic C protein.
Receptivity to and Recall of Alcohol Brand Appearances in U.S. Popular Music and Alcohol‐Related Behaviors

BACKGROUND: The average U.S. adolescent is exposed to about 2.5 hours of popular music and 8 mentions of alcohol brands every day. Alcohol brand mentions may function as advertising whether or not they are sanctioned by the alcohol industry. Our study aimed to determine associations between adolescents' involvement with music containing alcohol brand mentions and alcohol-related behaviors. METHODS: In 2010 to 2011, we conducted a random-digit-dial survey using national U.S. land line and cell phone frames. Through screening interviews, we identified 6,466 eligible households with subjects between 15 and 23 years of age, of whom 3,422 (53%) completed the telephone survey. Of these, 2,541 opted to participate in a subsequent web-based component. Independent variables included a composite score indicating owning and liking popular songs with alcohol brand mentions and correct recall of alcohol brands in songs. Outcome measures included ever having consumed a complete drink, ever bingeing, bingeing at least monthly, and having experienced problems from alcohol use. RESULTS: Among the 2,541 participants, compared with those in the lowest tertile on the receptivity scale, those in the highest tertile had higher odds of having had a complete drink (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 2.2, 5.2) after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sensation seeking, friend alcohol use, and parent alcohol use. Compared with those who did not identify at least 1 alcohol brand correctly, those who did had over twice the odds of having had a complete drink (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2, 3.8) after adjusting for all covariates. RESULTS were also significant for the outcome of ever bingeing, but not for bingeing at least monthly or having had problems due to drinking. CONCLUSIONS: In a national sample of U.S. adolescents and young adults, there were independent associations between involvement with popular music containing alcohol brand mentions and both having ever had a complete drink and having ever binged on alcohol. Language: en
OBERFLACHENINITIIERTE POLYMERISATION ZUR VERSTARKUNG SELBSTORGANISIERTER, DURCH MIKROKONTAKT-DRUCK GEMUSTERTER MONOSCHICHTEN

Gemusterte Polymerbursten lassen sich durch eine neue Strategie erhalten: durch oberflacheninitiierte Polymerisation, kombiniert mit Mikrokontakt-Drucken (siehe Bild; μCP steht fur die selbstorganisierte Monoschicht, die durch Mikrokontakt-Drucken erhalten wird). Da es sich hierbei um eine lebende Polymerisation handelt, konnen die Dicke der Polymerburste und ihre physikalischen Eigenschaften genau eingestellt werden.
Comparative effectiveness of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone in type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and the metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Objective - To assess the comparative efficacy and safety of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Research design and methods - Multiple electronic databases were searched for randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of efficacy or effectiveness and for studies of any design which reported adverse events. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random effects model. Results - Eighty-seven RCTs fulfilled our inclusion criteria for efficacy or effectiveness and 42 studies examined safety or tolerability. Two head-to-head RCTs of type 2 diabetes demonstrated significant improvements in A1c in both groups at follow-up with no significant difference between groups; a third study found no significant change in A1c in either group. The pooled estimate of effect on A1c for pioglitazone compared to placebo was -0.99% (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.18, -0.81) and for rosiglitazone was -0.92% (95% CI, - 1.2, -0.64). Indirect comparison revealed no significant difference in A1c (between-drug difference -0.07% [95% CI, -0.41, 0.27]). Rosiglitazone increased total cholesterol compared to pioglitazone (net between-drug effect 13.91 mg/dl [95% CI, 1.20 to 26.62]). Both drugs increased weight by 2 to 3 kg and rates of adverse events were similar for the two drugs. Data were insufficient to assess comparative effects on health outcomes such as cardiovascular events. Conclusions - Based largely on indirect evidence, the two thiazolidinediones appear to have similar effects on glycemic control and similar side-effect profiles. Rosiglitazone may increase total cholesterol compared to pioglitazone. Studies are needed which provide direct comparisons between the two drugs, particularly for long-term health outcomes.
On the nature of control algorithms for free-floating space manipulators

It is suggested that nearly any control algorithm that can be used for fixed-based manipulators also can be employed in the control of free-floating space manipulator systems, with the additional conditions of estimating or measuring a spacecraft's orientation and of avoiding dynamic singularities. This result is based on the structural similarities between the kinematic and dynamic equations for the same manipulator but with a fixed base. Barycenters are used to formulate the kinematic and dynamic equations of free-floating space manipulators. A control algorithm for a space manipulator system is designed to demonstrate the value of the analysis. >
Dielectric surface effects on transient ARCS in lightning arrester devices

Continuum calculations are used to understand the avalanche growth of electrical current in a composite insulator consisting of an air gap and a solid dielectic. The results show that trapped charge can quench the electrical breakdown. The results are compared with phenomena found in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) devices.
Throwing Your Hat Out of the Ring: Negative Recruitment and the Gender Imbalance in State Legislative Candidacy

Candidate dropouts are a crucial and understudied population; they represent a significant source for increasing women's candidacies and addressing the gender imbalance in office. Survey evidence demonstrates that women are discouraged from running in districts in which their party is strong, while men are discouraged from running in districts in which their party is weak. Are women more likely to drop out of an election race than are men? If so, why? Using election records and an original survey, this article examines the experiences of all declared candidates for the state legislature in Florida in 2000 and 2002. The sample includes candidates who won office, who lost their races, or who dropped out along the way. Evidence here shows that women are no more likely to drop out of a state legislative race than are men. Among dropouts, however, women are disproportionately likely to drop out from districts in which their party is strong. The results offer support for the contention that political elites continue to value men's political leadership more than women's, and that increasing the number of female officeholders may require efforts to support declared women candidates in the earliest stages of their candidacies.A previous version of this research was presented as a paper at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association. My thanks to Kira Sanbonmatsu for helpful comments on this study.
Preparation of quercetin‐4‐14C

The preparation of radiolabeled quercetin proceeds through initial preparation of an alkoxyacetonitrile followed by condensation with phloroglucinol to give the acetophenone, carbonyl-14C. Esterification with veratroyl chloride and rearrangement with triethylamine in refluxing pyridine yields a flavone labeled in position-4. Saponification and dealkylation give quercetin-4-14C.
LARGE DEFLECTION STABILITY OF SLENDER BEAM-COLUMNS WITH SEMIRIGID CONNECTIONS: ELASTICA APPROACH

The large-deflection elastic analysis of slender beam-columns of symmetrical cross sections with semirigid connections under end loads ~forces and moments! including the effects of out-of-plumbness is developed in a classical manner. The classical theory of the ''Elastica'' and the corresponding elliptical functions are utilized in the proposed method which can be used in the large-deflection stability analysis of slender beam-columns with rigid, semirigid, and simple connections under any combination of end loads ~conserva- tive and nonconservative!. The proposed method consisting of a closed-form solution of the Elastica can also be utilized in the large deflection analysis of beam-columns whose connections suffer from flexural degradation or, on the contrary, flexural stiffening. The main limitation of the Elastica is that only flexural strains are considered ~the effects of axial and shear strains are neglected !. Therefore results from the proposed method are theoretically exact from small to very large curvatures and transverse and longitudinal displacements for plane beam-columns under bending actions. The large-deflection analysis of a beam-column with flexible connections at both ends becomes a complex problem requiring the simultaneous solution of at least two highly nonlinear equations with elliptical integrals. The solution of this problem becomes even more complex when the end connections are nonlinear or the direction of the applied end load changes ~like ''follower'' loads !. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed method and equations are verified against available solutions of very large deflection elastic analysis of beam-columns. Four comprehensive examples are included for verification and easy reference.
Process simulation using finite element method — prediction of cutting forces, tool stresses and temperatures in high-speed flat end milling

Abstract End milling of die/mold steels is a highly demanding operation because of the temperatures and stresses generated on the cutting tool due to high workpiece hardness. Modeling and simulation of cutting processes have the potential for improving cutting tool designs and selecting optimum conditions, especially in advanced applications such as high-speed milling. The main objective of this study was to develop a methodology for simulating the cutting process in flat end milling operation and predicting chip flow, cutting forces, tool stresses and temperatures using finite element analysis (FEA). As an application, machining of P-20 mold steel at 30 HRC hardness using uncoated carbide tooling was investigated. Using the commercially available software DEFORM-2D™, previously developed flow stress data of the workpiece material and friction at the chip–tool contact at high deformation rates and temperatures were used. A modular representation of undeformed chip geometry was used by utilizing plane strain and axisymmetric workpiece deformation models in order to predict chip formation at the primary and secondary cutting edges of the flat end milling insert. Dry machining experiments for slot milling were conducted using single insert flat end mills with a straight cutting edge (i.e. null helix angle). Comparisons of predicted cutting forces with the measured forces showed reasonable agreement and indicate that the tool stresses and temperatures are also predicted with acceptable accuracy. The highest tool temperatures were predicted at the primary cutting edge of the flat end mill insert regardless of cutting conditions. These temperatures increase wear development at the primary cutting edge. However, the highest tool stresses were predicted at the secondary (around corner radius) cutting edge.
Rate-alteration technology and its place in the second-language comprehension curriculum

Abstract It may be argued that technology enhances a student's chances of successfully mastering a second language, especially if it is applied under the controlled conditions of the language laboratory, according to a second-language curriculum with a theoretical base. It is up to us, the instructors, whether we merely send the student to the lab and expect the program to cause learning to happen, or whether we create a need-fulfilling environment full of meaningful curricula according to the students' ability levels. The laboratory environment can be one of discovery and learning if the proper machinery is available and used according to directions. This is held to be true, specifically where the so called “receptive skills” are concerned. In considering the relationship between technology and its use as an aid to achieving fluency in what I prefer to call the comprehension skills, this article describes a relatively unknown piece of electronic gear—the speech compressor/expander—its genesis, the generation of a second-language comprehension model, relevant theory behind the application of rate alteration in second-language learning, empirical evidence of its viability as a tool to enhance second-language comprehension, and the place of rate-alteration technology in a comprehension curriculum.
A conditional keeper technique for sub-0.13/spl mu/ wide dynamic gates

Increasing leakage currents seriously limits the robustness of wide dynamic gates. We present an efficient, conditional keeper technique, where a large fraction of the keeper is turned ON only if the dynamic output remains high in the evaluation phase. Thus, strong keepers can be utilized with leaky gates without significant impact on performance of the gates. Compared to the conventional technique, 9-to-35% higher performances have been observed across 8-to-32-bit wide dynamic gates in a 0.13 /spl mu/m technology.
Architectures for the future networks and the next generation Internet: A survey

Networking research funding agencies in USA, Europe, Japan, and other countries are encouraging research on revolutionary networking architectures that may or may not be bound by the restrictions of the current TCP/IP based Internet. We present a comprehensive survey of such research projects and activities. The topics covered include various testbeds for experimentations for new architectures, new security mechanisms, content delivery mechanisms, management and control frameworks, service architectures, and routing mechanisms. Delay/disruption tolerant networks which allow communications even when complete end-to-end path is not available are also discussed.
Holocaust Mahnmal (Memorial): Monumental Memory amidst Contemporary Race

This essay examines the relationship between contemporary racialized subjects in Germany and the process of Holocaust memorialization. I ask why youths from these contexts fail to see themselves in the process of Holocaust memorialization, and why that process fails to see them in it. My argument is not about equivalences, but instead I examine the ways in which the monumentalization of Holocaust memory has inadvertently worked to exclude both relevant subjects and potential participants from the process of memorialization. That process as a monumental enterprise has also worked to sever connections between racialist memory and contemporary racism. The monumental display of what presents itself, at times, as moral superiority does not adequately attend to the everyday, mundane, repeatable qualities of racialized exclusion today, or in the past.
Valence and extra‐valence orbitals in main group and transition metal bonding

We address the issue first raised by Maseras and Morokuma with regard to the questionable treatment of empty p-orbitals in the algorithm for natural atomic/bond orbitals (NAOs, NBOs) and associated natural population analysis. We quantify this issue in terms of the numerical error (root-mean-square density deviation) resulting from the two alternative treatments of empty p-sets, leading to distinct NAOs, atomic charges, and idealized Lewis structural representations. Computational application of this criterion to a broad spectrum of main group and transition group species (employing both single- and multi-structure resonance models) reveals the interesting general pattern of (i) relatively insignificant differences for normal-valent species, where a single resonance structure is usually adequate, but (ii) clear superiority of the standard NAO algorithm for hypervalent species, where multi-resonance character is pronounced. These comparisons show how the divisive issue of "valence shell expansion" in transition metal bonding is deeply linked to competing conceptual models of hypervalency (viz., "p-orbital participation" in skeletal hybridization vs. 3c/4e resonance character). The results provide a quantitative measure of superiority both for the standard NAO evaluation of atomic charges as well as the general 3c/4e (A: B-C A-B :C resonance) picture of main- and transition-group hypervalency.
Influence of macular pigment optical density spatial distribution on intraocular scatter

Abstract Purpose This study evaluated the summed measures of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) spatial distribution and their effects on intraocular scatter using a commercially available device (C-Quant, Oculus, USA). Methods A customized heterochromatic flicker photometer (cHFP) device was used to measure MPOD spatial distribution across the central 16° using a 1° stimulus. MPOD was calculated as a discrete measure and summed measures across the central 1°, 3.3°, 10° and 16° diameters. Intraocular scatter was determined as a mean of 5 trials in which reliability and repeatability measures were met using the C-Quant. MPOD spatial distribution maps were constructed and the effects of both discrete and summed values on intraocular scatter were examined. Results Spatial mapping identified mean values for discrete MPOD [0.32 (s.d. = 0.08)], MPOD summed across central 1° [0.37 (s.d. = 0.11)], MPOD summed across central 3.3° [0.85 (s.d. = 0.20)], MPOD summed across central 10° [1.60 (s.d. = 0.35)] and MPOD summed across central 16° [1.78 (s.d. = 0.39)]. Mean intraocular scatter was 0.83 (s.d. = 0.16) log units. While there were consistent trends for an inverse relationship between MPOD and scatter, these relationships were not statistically significant. Correlations between the highest and lowest quartiles of MPOD within the central 1° were near significance. Conclusions While there was an overall trend of decreased intraocular forward scatter with increased MPOD consistent with selective short wavelength visible light attenuation, neither discrete nor summed values of MPOD significantly influence intraocular scatter as measured by the C-Quant device.
Regulatory Standards and Emissions-Reducing R & D

Estimation supports a theoretical role for emissions standards: to reduce negative externalities caused by hazardous air emissions, government can set standards that cause firms to accept the uncertainty of R & D. The paper uses primary data about manufacturers' emissions-reducing process R & D. Responses to a questionnaire--mailed to the companies in the Business Week R & D Scoreboard sample for 1993--provide the new data about R & D to reduce the toxic air emissions of chemicals targeted in Title III of the 1990 Clean Air Act. The companies' emissions-reducing R & D investments increase in response to Schumpeterian competition in the context of emissions regulation.
A goal-oriented reduced-order modeling approach for nonlinear systems

In this paper, we develop a novel, goal-oriented reduced-order modeling methodology. The approach uses a low-dimensional basis function set that contains both global and local, goal-oriented basis functions. Compared to reduced-order models using the standard proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) basis, these new goal-oriented POD basis functions lead to better approximations of given quantities of interest (QoI) while maintaining accuracy in the evolution of the state. We demonstrate this approach for two problems involving Burgers equation. In the first problem, the QoI is the spatial average of the solution over various regions. The QoI in the second problem is the feedback control based on a MinMax control design with an extended Kalman filter. In both cases, approximations of the QoI and the state variables are more accurate using the goal-orientated POD than using the standard POD basis with comparable online computational costs.
Immersed Boundary Method for Compressible High-Reynolds Number Viscous Flow around Moving Bodies

This paper describes a methodology for the simulation of high Reynolds number flow over rigid and moving bodies. The calculations are performed on a structured Cartesian grid regardless of the geometric complexity or motion of the body. The approach is based on a modified version of the Brinkman Penalization method. This paper describes the implementation of a simple modified penalization method for compressible flows. To avoid oscillations in the vicinity of the body and to simulate shock-containing flows, a Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory scheme is used to discretize the spatial flux derivatives. Two turbulence models are used: the two-equation Menter SST Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model and a two-equation Detached Eddy Simulation. The method is implemented for both stationary and moving grids in a three-dimensional parallel code. Results are given for a grid dependence study, flow over airfoils at subsonic, transonic and supersonic conditions, and unsteady transonic flow over a cylinder and an airfoil at high angle of attack. The eect of the choice of turbulence model is shown. The moving grid capability is demonstrated for airfoils at a high angles of attack and a cylinder rotating at high speed. Finally, as a larger scale demonstration, the flow around a rotor blade with an active flap is simulated.
Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Surgical Treatment

Abstract Background: Tuberculous infection has declined in the United States but remains a major infectious disease with morbidity and death for millions of people. Although the primary therapy is drugs, complications of the disease require surgical interventions. Methods: The published literature on tuberculosis was reviewed to provide a current understanding of the medical treatment of the disease and to define those areas where surgical intervention continues to be necessary. Results: Multi-drug therapy for tuberculosis has become the standard and has reduced the complications of the disease necessitating surgical intervention. However, multi-drug resistance and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis continue to be major problems and require effective initial therapy with surveillance to define resistant infections. The roles of surgery in tuberculosis are in establishing the diagnosis in extra-pulmonary infection and in the management of complications of disseminated disease. Tuberculosis remains an ...
Flow evaluation and simultaneous external sphincter electromyography in clinical urodynamics.

AbstractMore than 200 patients have undergone combined uroflowmetry and external sphincter electromyography studies in our urodynamic laboratories. Pediatric surface electrocardiographic electrodes placed on the perianal skin were used to monitor skeletal muscle electromyographic activity while the patient voided into a standard load-cell type of uroflowmeter. The findings indicate clearly that 1) flow electromyography is reliable and easy to perform, 2) striated muscle electromyographic activity is reduced during normal voiding, 3) external sphincter dyssynergia is rare in patients without true neurologic disease and 4) many patients, especially women, void by straining, which causes an increase in external sphincter electromyographic activity but, generally, does not impair voiding. Results of this study suggest that sphincter dyssynergia has been overdiagnosed. With the use of the flow electromyography study the behavior of the external striated muscle sphincter during voiding can be demonstrated easil...
In vitro assessment of prosthetic valve function in mitral valve replacement with chordal preservation techniques.

Background and aim of the study The importance of chordal preservation techniques in maintaining improved left ventricular function after mitral valve replacement has been well documented clinically. Currently, the choice of prosthetic valve used in chordal preservation is dependent upon the surgeon's preference. However, the transvalvular flow characteristics of common, clinically used prosthetic valves may be influenced by the mitral subvalvular apparatus, and may result in degraded valve function. The goal of this study was to perform an in vitro evaluation of the influence of chordal preservation on the transvalvular and left ventricular flow patterns of common valve prostheses. Methods Tissue and mechanical valves have been evaluated under physiologic pulsatile flow with anterior and/or posterior chordal preservation. Flow patterns were assessed by 2-D planar flow visualization, pulsed wave Doppler velocity measurements, 2-D echocardiography, and selected color Doppler flow mapping. Based on changes in transvalvular and left ventricular flow patterns, favorable prosthetic valve/chordal preservation combinations were identified. Additionally, valve orientation was varied to determine optimal orientation. Results Baseline results without chordal preservation indicate that the anti-anatomic orientation is preferred for the bileaflet valve design while the tilting disc valve should be oriented with the major axis toward the posterior (free) wall of the ventricle, corroborating published conclusions by other investigators. Some form of flow restriction is observed in all test cases with chordal preservation due to the presence of the subvalvular tissue. In general, bioprostheses showed less flow restriction then the mechanical valves, particularly with lateral flow expansion. This flow restriction may influence pressure recovery downstream of the mechanical valves tested. Increased flow constriction is observed with anterior and posterior chordal preservation. Conclusions This study favors the use of the St. Jude Medical bileaflet valve orientated in the anti-anatomic position, or the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve with chordal preservation.
Children’s future parasocial relationships with media characters: the age of intelligent characters

AbstractChildren experience emotionally tinged parasocial relationships with their favorite media characters across a constantly changing media landscape. On the frontier of this landscape are intelligent agents: digital companions that can socially interact with and educate children. We discuss how research on parasocial relationships with media characters can influence the design of intelligent “characters” for children. We discuss the components of parasocial relationships—including attachment, character personification, and social realism—and how these may play a role in developing intelligent characters as effective educational tools. We also examine the development and dissolution of parasocial relationships, and how these factors can inform intelligent character design. Educational and social implications for these technologies as teaching tools are also discussed.
Affordable Housing in New York

Thinking through a notoriously expensive city’s low-income housing by focusing on residents and community.
Power Families: A Note on the Box and Cox Transformation

SUMMARY The family of power transformations defined by Box and Cox (1964) is shown to lead to likelihood procedures which are scale invariant only if the design matrix allows for removal of an additive constant. Modifications of the transformation family are suggested which preserve both continuity in the transformation and scale invariance in the likelihood procedures.
α-Synuclein: A Functional Role as a Regulator of SNARE-Mediated Fusion

Fusion of vesicular and plasma membranes is mediated by SNARE proteins. In a vesicular fusion event, the t- and v-SNAREs assemble into a four-helix bundle pulling the two membranes together to cause fusion. A decrease in neurotransmitter release upon overexpression of the neuronal protein α-Synuclein (αS) has been observed in animal models, suggesting that αS may act as a regulator of neurotransmission, altering SNARE driven fusion of synaptic vesicles. Recent work in our lab has shown that αS is able to inhibit SNARE-mediated fusion in vitro, although the mechanism appears to be through binding to the lipid bilayer, not through direct interactions with SNARE proteins. Here, we investigate the possibility that αS may also modulate fusion through interactions with SNARE regulatory proteins, synaptotagmin and complexin, using an in vitro fusion assay. We find that in the presence of synaptotagmin and complexin, αS differentially alters SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion in a concentration dependent manner. At low αS concentrations, fusion is significantly enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner (i.e. increasing fusion with increasing αS). However, once a threshold concentration is exceeded, fusion is again inhibited, again in a concentration dependent manner (i.e. decreasing fusion with increasing αS). Direct evidence of protein-protein interactions was monitored using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to measure the diffusion times of the protein components. SNARE complex formation can be observed as a function of time through an increase in the diffusion time of labeled t-SNARE protein. While αS does not appear to impact the rate of complex formation alone, substantial increases in the diffusion time of the SNARE complex in the presence of αS and complexin were observed, suggesting an interaction between the two. Taken together, our results suggest that αS may have a dual role in SNARE-mediated membrane fusion, as a chaperone of SNARE regulatory components as well as, at high enough concentrations, a fusion inhibitor.
Implementation of Depression Screening and Global Health Assessment in Pediatric Subspecialty Clinics.

Abstract Purpose Adolescents with chronic illness face greater risk of psychosocial difficulties, complicating disease management. Despite increased calls to screen for patient-reported outcomes, clinical implementation has lagged. Using quality improvement methods, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of standardized screening for depression and assessment of global health and to determine recommended behavioral health follow-up, across three pediatric subspecialty clinics. Methods A total of 109 patients aged 12–22 years (median = 16.6) who were attending outpatient visits for treatment of diabetes (80% type 1), inflammatory bowel disease, or cystic fibrosis completed the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Global Health measures on electronic tablets. Patients screening positive on the PHQ-9 received same-day behavioral health assessment and regular phone check-ins to facilitate necessary follow-up care. Results Overall, 89% of 122 identified patients completed screening during a 6-month window. Patients completed measures in a timely manner (within 3 minutes) without disruption to clinic flow, and they rated the process as easy, comfortable, and valuable. Depression scores varied across disease type. Patients rated lower global health relative to a previously assessed validation cohort. Depression and global health related significantly to certain medical outcomes. Fifteen percent of patients screened positive on the PHQ-9, of whom 50% confirmed attending behavioral health appointments within 6 months of screening. Conclusions A standardized depression and global health assessment protocol implemented across pediatric subspecialties was feasible and effective. Universal behavioral health screening for adolescents and young adults living with chronic disease is necessary to meet programmatic needs in pediatric subspecialty clinics.
Characterization of Elite Suppressors Cell-Associated HIV-1 mRNA at Baseline and with T Cell Activation .

Objective: Elite Controllers or Suppressors (ES) are patients who control HIV replication without antiretroviral therapy. In this study, we compared baseline and inducible HIV-1 mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells from ES and chronic progressors (CPs) receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy. Methods: We quantified basal levels of cell associated HIV-1 mRNA in CD4+ T cells isolated from CPs and ES. Additionally, we measured the fold upregulation of intracellular HIV-mRNA after stimulation of CD4+ T cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, and quantified the amount of HIV-mRNA levels released into culture supernatant. Results: ES have significantly less cell associated HIV-mRNA per 5x106 cells (p = 0.003); 8 of 10 CPs had quantifiable HIV-1 mRNA at baseline, whereas this was present in only 2 of 10 ES. Upon stimulation with PMA and ionomycin, 4 of 5 CPs and 7 of 9 ES showed increased cell associated HIV-mRNA. Interestingly, released HIV-1 mRNA could be detected in supernatants of CD4+ T cells stimulated with PMA/ionomycin from 5 of 8 ES. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that while the baseline levels of cell associated HIV-1 mRNA are significantly lower in ES compared to CPs, stimulation of CD4+ T cells results in a comparable relative upregulation of viral transcription.
Personalized Video Recommendations for Shared Accounts

Account sharing is a significant problem for online recommender systems to generate accurate personalized recommendations. To solve this problem, one not only has to identify whether an account is shared, but also needs to recognize the different users sharing that account. However, to generate relevant, personalized recommendations, the particular user under a shared account has to be correctly identified at the time of delivering the recommendations. In this paper, we address this problem by first identifying users behind each account using a projection based unsupervised method, and then learning a function which can predict a user's preference accurately based on their 'contextual' information. This approach allows us to generate personalized recommendations for each of the users sharing a single account. We empirically show that on real and synthetic data set our approach performs better than other state-of-the-art approaches.
Contribution of bladder cancer pathology assessment in planning clinical trials.

Abstract Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease that demonstrates a wide spectrum of histologic features. The modern classification of bladder cancer is largely based on pathologic analysis, which assesses tumor grade, stage, type, size, and other features that are essential for understanding the biological behavior of bladder cancer. Bladder cancers with similar histologic features are likely to show comparable responses to a new therapeutic agent in clinical trial. Furthermore, pathologic analysis also evaluates the quality of tissue samples in clinical trial to ensure the integrity of various molecular tests. In spite of the emerging role of genomic and molecular studies, pathology remains the cornerstone in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of bladder cancer. Herein, the pathologic considerations for bladder cancer clinical trial planning are reviewed.
Launch packaging options for the photovoltaic power module cargo element

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration recently embarked on the Space Station Freedom program, which will utilize the Shuttle Orbiter for transportation to orbit. This task will be accomplished with a number of flights over several years. Each flight is unique in terms of the hardware that is manifested and the method by which it is integrated to form viable cargo elements. Work Package 4 is responsible for the electric power system for Space Station Freedom, and was delegated the authority to develop a photovoltaic (PV) power module cargo element. The PV power module consists of several unique assemblies. The first of these is the combined solar array/beta gimbal assembly. The remaining assemblies form the single combined integrated equipment assembly for each PV power module. These three combined assemblies are packaged into a launch cradle to form the PV power module cargo element, which is placed in the cargo bay of the Shuttle Orbiter for transportation to orbit. Various constraints determine the packaging options for the three PV power module combined assemblies. The size and shape of the combined assemblies in relation to the Shuttle Orbiter cargo bay dimensions and other manifested hardware are ultimately a factor in determining the acceptable packaging schemes for the PV power module cargo element. Several packaging options for the PV power module cargo element are presented. These options are discussed in terms of their impact on the overall flight hardware manifest as determined by the various constraints.
Abstract 19498: Race-Specific Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors in Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites in an Electronic Medical Record

Introduction: Cohort studies have shown that despite a greater burden of traditional risk factors, atrial fibrillation (AF) is less common among non-whites than whites for unclear reasons. However, the role of race-specific influences of medical factors and outcomes related to AF in African Americans (AA), Hispanic-Latino (HL), Asian (AS), or Caucasian (C) has not been examined in an electronic medical record (EMR). Hypothesis: To test the hypothesis that race-specific risk factors play an important role in the etiology and outcome of patients with AF using an EMR. Methods: Using the UIC EMR, 3607 patients with an ICD-9 CM 427.3 for AF were identified over a 7 year period (2008-2015). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare incidence of AF risk factors with subgroup analysis. Risk factors were identified from ICD-9 CM: hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke/TIA, smoking, COPD, vascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Manual review of EMR was performed in 171 of the 3607 patients to validate both AF diagnosis and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASC score (CVS). Results: Total hospitalizations: 39.6% (AA); 29.9% (C); 10.7% (HL); 2.4% (AS); and 17.4% (Other). AA and HL were more likely to have HTN as compared with C and AS (85% & 84% vs. 76% & 74%; P 0.05). Conclusion: Patterns of AF risk factors varied between ethnicities. Non-whites hospitalized with AF were more likely to have HTN, vascular disease, stroke, and smoking history than whites. Our findings support the role of the EMR in delineating the role of ethnic-specific risk factors in the etiology of AF.
Oral contraceptives and gender affect protein S status

Protein S is a plasma protein that serves as a cofactor for the anticoagulant effects of activated protein C. Congenital protein S deficiency is often associated with thromboembolic disease. During pregnancy a decrease in the functional and antigenic levels of protein S occurs; this change in protein S status may contribute to the thromboembolic complications that sometimes occur during pregnancy. In certain patients, oral contraceptive use has also been associated with thrombotic complications. In this study, protein S status was determined in 21 women taking oral contraceptives and compared with that of 21 women not taking oral contraceptives and that of 21 men. The results show that women taking oral contraceptives have significantly lower total protein S (24.3 +/- 3.6 micrograms/mL; mean +/- SD) than women not taking oral contraceptives (28.6 +/- 3.9 micrograms/mL) (P less than .005). Men had significantly higher protein S levels (30.9 +/- 3.9 micrograms/mL, P less than .01) than age-matched women not taking oral contraceptives. In plasma, an equilibrium exists between free (functionally active) protein S and protein S complexed to C4b-binding protein, which is functionally inactive. The mean levels of C4b-binding protein were essentially the same among the three groups, but the levels of free protein S were significantly different and reflected different total protein S antigen levels. Additionally, we found that inflammation significantly elevated C4b-binding protein levels and could result in a further significant decrease in free protein S levels. These data indicate that plasma protein S levels are significantly affected by hormonal status and inflammation.
Regulation of the Immune Response by T-Cell Subclasses

Purified T lymphocytes mediate a wide variety of immunologic functions. These cells can generate cytotoxic responses to alloantigens (Cerottini and Brunner, 1974; Cantor et al., 1975a), exert helper (Transplantation Reviews, 1969) and suppressive (Gershon, 1974) effects on the production of antibody, and initiate graft-vs.-host (Cantor, 1972) and delayed-type inflammatory responses (David and David, 1972). One may ask whether this diversity of function reflects a functional heterogeneity of T cells existing prior to antigen stimulation. According to this model, each T-cell function might be mediated by a subclass of T cells that has been programmed during differentiation to express a single or limited type of immune response. Alternatively, a single mature pluripotent T cell may be induced by antigen to give rise to cells capable of mediating the complete range of T-dependent responses.
A DNA-based voltmeter for organelles

Abstract The role of membrane potential in most intracellular organelles remains unexplored because of the lack of suitable probes. We describe a DNA-based fluorescent reporter that quantitates membrane potential and can be targeted to specific organelles in live cells. It is equipped with a voltage sensitive fluorophore, a reference fluorophore for ratiometric quantification, and acts as an endocytic tracer. We could thereby measure the membrane potential of different intracellular organelles in living cells, which has not been possible previously. Our understanding of how membrane potential regulates organelle biology is poised to expand through the use of these new sensors. One Sentence Summary Using a DNA-based voltmeter we can non-invasively measure the membrane potential of specific organelles in live cells.
Does job mismatch affect wage and job turnover differently by gender

This study analyzes college graduates in the workplace to evaluate the effects of horizontal mismatches between education and jobs on wages and mobility. Using the Heckman-Lee and probit models, th...
ESD Robustness of GaN-on-Si Power Devices under Substrate Biases by means of TLP/VFTLP Tests

The robustness of GaN-on-Si power devices subjected to ESD events in Transmission-Line Pulses (TLP) and Very Fast Transmission-Line Pulses (VFTLP) tests has been investigated under different substrate biases. Compared to a grounded substrate, the robustness behavior with higher trigger voltage (V t1 ) has been observed under negative substrate biases in both TLP and VFTLP measurements. The VFTLP not only increases the Vt1 with less self-heating effect, but also introduces a distinct instability after holding voltage (V h ). The failure mechanism is related to hole-accumulated filament formation and buffer traps under different substrate biases. A device simulation has been carried out to probe the physical insight into failure mechanisms.