cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of free-energy differences from computed work distributions: an application of Jarzynski's equality.

Equilibrium free-energy differences can be computed from non- equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using Jarzynski's equality (Jarzynski, C. Phys. Rev. Lett. 1997, 78, 2690) by combining a large set of independent trajectories (path ensemble). Here we present the multistep trajectory combination (MSTC) method to compute free-energy differences, which by combining trajectories significantly reduces the number of trajectories necessary to generate a representative path ensemble. This method generates well-sampled work distributions, even for large systems, by combining parts of a relatively small number of trajectories carried out in steps. To assess the efficiency of the MSTC method, we derived analytical expressions and used them to compute the bias and the variance of the free-energy estimates along with numerically calculated values. We show that the MSTC method significantly reduces both the bias and variance of the free-energy estimates compared to the estimates obtained using single-step trajectories. In addition, because in the MSTC method the process is divided into steps, it is feasible to compute the reverse transition. By combining the forward and reverse processes, the free-energy difference can be computed using the Crooks' fluctuation theorem (Crooks, G. E. J. Stat. Phys. 1998, 90, 1481 and Crooks, G. E. Phys. Rev. E 2000, 61, 2361) or Bennett's acceptance ratio (Bennett, C. H. J. Comput. Phys. 1976, 22, 245), which further reduces the bias and variance of the estimates.
Northern Hemisphere Snow-Covered Area Mapping: Optical Versus Active and Passive Microwave Data

Spaceborne passive microwave data have been available for the past 27 years, and have supported the development of several algorithms for the retrieval of snow water equivalent and snow depth that, in turn, can be used for mapping snow-covered areas. In contrast, only recently has the application of spaceborne active microwave instruments been investigated for remote sensing of snow on a global scale. This raises the question of whether a technique combining active and passive microwave data can improve the mapping of snow parameters with respect to techniques based solely on passive data. In this letter, we report results concerning the mapping of snow-covered area (SCA) in the Northern Hemisphere between the years 2000 and 2004 derived from the combination of the brightness temperatures at 19.35 and 37 GHz measured by the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Radiometer with backscatter coefficients at 13.4 GHz measured by the NASA's QuickSCAT. SCA derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is used as a reference to evaluate the performance of the microwave-based techniques and their combination. Results show that, generally, the technique using passive data provides better agreement with MODIS SCA than the technique using only scatterometer data. However, the results when both datasets are used show considerable improvement, demonstrating the potential benefits of a multisensor approach
A sequential failure detection technique and its application

An integral element of a highly reliable, fault-tolerant system is an efficient failure detection and isolation (FDI) technique. This short paper presents an FDI system whose design criterion is the minimization of the mean time to detect system failures subject to constraints on false-and miss-alarm error probabilities. The cost of missed failure is measured by system performance degradation, while the loss of unfailed components due to false alarm is unacceptable for practical levels of redundancy. An on-line recursive FDI technique is developed through an application of sequential analysis and information feedback. The feedback control is derived by utilization of a monotonicity property of the performance. The analytical performance in terms of mean detection and isolation time is presented. This sequential FDI technique is applied to the problem of second sensor failure isolation to provide fall operational-fail safe capability to the space shuttle's redundant inertial reference units.
Robust real-time detection, tracking, and pose estimation of faces in video streams

Robust human face analysis has been recognized as a crucial part in intelligent systems. In this paper, we present the development of a computational framework for robust detection, tracking, and pose estimation of faces captured by video arrays. We discuss the development of a multi-primitive skin-tone and edge-based detection module embedded in a tracking module for efficient and robust face detection and tracking. A continuous density HMM based pose estimation is developed for an accurate estimate of the face orientation motions. Experimental evaluations of these algorithms suggest the validity of the proposed framework and its computational modules.
Capitalism and Economic Liberty: The Political Foundations of Economic Growth

Economists emphasize the creation of markets as the central problem of development, encapsulated in the oft-used phrase, “get prices right.” In the economists’ approach, the role of the government is to provide a set of market-enhancing public goods, such as defining property rights, enforcing contracts, a stable macroeconomy, and providing for an appropriate distribution of income. Political decisionmaking can provide these market-enhancing public goods; but instead, it may use of the coercive power of government to take from some and give to others. Because nothing assures that government will do the former instead of the latter, politics is at the center of the problem of development. As John Locke emphasized more than three centuries ago, the protection of property and hence the development of a robust economy arises only with the control of arbitrary government and it use of coercive power.The thesis of this essay is that the problem of economic development requires building on both ideas. In particular, the political system must be properly constructed so that it is capable of sustaining a thriving market economy rather than preying on it. This paper explains the role of politics and political institutions in creating the conditions for government to be market-enhancing rather than market-predating – or, to use Shleifer and Vishny’s (2000) phrase, to foster the invisible hand rather than the grabbing hand. I apply this framework to the evolution of liberty in the modern world, first looking at seventeenth century England and then the early United States. I also discuss the foundations of liberty in modern China. Finally, I show how the failure of these principles helps explain authoritarian regimes, examining the case of modern Mexico.
A standard cell compatible bidirectional repeater with thyristor assist

A thyristor-assisted standard cell compatible self-timed bidirectional repeater with no configuration overhead enables 8mm interconnects to achieve 37% higher speed at 20% lower energy over conventional repeaters in 65nm CMOS at 1.0V. Bidirectional operation without the need for configuration logic removes the need for clocking, yielding up to 14× higher energy efficiency at low data switching activity.
DIFFICULT JOURNAL ARTICLE REJECTIONS AMONG PROLIFIC FAMILY THERAPISTS: A QUALITATIVE CRITICAL INCIDENT STUDY

This qualitative cirtical incident study examines the reactions and coping strategies of prolific family therapy scholars to difficult journal article rejections. Participants provide suggestions for ways to increase the likelihood of publication and to decrease the negative effects of journal article rejection. We discuss the implications of this investigations for the socialization of young professionals, the improvement of the journal review process, and the study of professional issues in family therapy.
Reply to “Should the Gibbs Analysis Be Revised?”

Plots of surface tension vs log [surfactant] show a steep linear decline until the CMC is reached. Conventional “Gibbs analysis” declares that the air/water interface is saturated with surfactant throughout this linear region, thereby enabling an area-per-molecule to be determined. We have previously provided evidence from four independent experimental methods that cast doubt on the “saturated interface” concept. In the preceding paper, Laven and de With question our results with deceptively authoritative but specious arguments devoid of any new experiments (e.g., they explain our conductance data by postulating the presence of two different coexisting micellar structures). However, consider the Gibbs analysis from strictly an intuitive standpoint. The Gibbs analysis demands that surfactant in the bulk phase (even at submillimolar concentrations) causes a dramatic decline in the surface tension of an interface that is already saturated. The Gibbs analysis also forces the conclusion that initial saturation...
Does Federalism Have Relevance to Government Reorganization for the Third Century

Within the constitutional framework, the politics of intergovernmental relations has been shaped and is likely to be shaped in the future. In order to understand the relevance of federalism to government reorganization one must, I think, review the key constitutional debates of the last two hundred years that concern the relations between the states and the national government. The general outcome of these debates has been to strengthen national authority at the expense of the states. The major problem of government reorganization is growing national authority coupled with the political and organizational power of civil servants, congressional staffs, and highly vocal interest groups. In the face of these factors, states and local governments are losing their capacity for independent action. How one addresses the problems of government reorganization will be dealt with in the later sections of this article.
Occurrence of Psittacosis-like Infection in Domestic and Game Birds of Michigan.

SummaryComplement-fixation tests with the virus of meningo-pneumonitis in Michigan revealed that 61 of 100 pigeons reacted with the antigen; 41 of them in dilutions of 1 :32 or greater. Pigeon serum fails to give the cross-reaction with lymphogranuloma vene-reum antigen which is commonly seen with human serum.Reactions of variable intensity were obtained with 22 of 109 sera from domestic turkeys, with 5 of 24 sera from domestic ducks and, in the lowest dilution only, with 9 of 45 chicken sera.No reactions were observed with the sera of 90 wild fowl.
Optimization of vibratory energy harvesters with stochastic parametric uncertainty: a new perspective

Vibration energy harvesting has been shown as a promising power source for many small-scale applications mainly because of the considerable reduction in the energy consumption of the electronics and scalability issues of the conventional batteries. However, energy harvesters may not be as robust as the conventional batteries and their performance could drastically deteriorate in the presence of uncertainty in their parameters. Hence, study of uncertainty propagation and optimization under uncertainty is essential for proper and robust performance of harvesters in practice. While all studies have focused on expectation optimization, we propose a new and more practical optimization perspective; optimization for the worst-case (minimum) power. We formulate the problem in a generic fashion and as a simple example apply it to a linear piezoelectric energy harvester. We study the effect of parametric uncertainty in its natural frequency, load resistance, and electromechanical coupling coefficient on its worst-case power and then optimize for it under different confidence levels. The results show that there is a significant improvement in the worst-case power of thus designed harvester compared to that of a naively-optimized (deterministically-optimized) harvester.
[Infection and physico-chemical characteristics of Anisakis among marine fish caught in Zhoushan Fishery]

Objective To study the rates of infection and physicochemical characteristics of the third stage Anisakis simplex larvae among marine fish caught in Zhoushan Fishery. Methods Fish were dissected to detect Anisakis larvae and identified morphologically. The survival tolerance of the third stage Anisakis simplex larvae in various medium, anthelmintic drug, temperature were studied in laboratory. Results The total infection rate of Anisakis simplex larvae in fish was 49.10%. High rates of Anisakis infection were observed in hairtails, Pneumatophorus japonicus, Miichthys miiuy,Argyrosomus argentatus and Muraenesox cinereus (infection rates ＞90 percent). The infection intensity of Anisakis per fish varied from 1 to 114. The mean intensity of Anisakis larvae was 15.20 per fish.3314 Anisakis were detected in 218 marine fish. The survival tolerance of the third stage Anisakis simplex larvae in various Medium, anthelmintic drug, temperature were observed in laboratory condition. The third stage Anisakis simplex larvae showed a strong endurance to stock condiment. The anisakicidal effects of the high purity wine were more effective than that of the low purity wine. The anisakicidal effects of 6.25 g/L mebendazole composite were more effective than that of 18.75 g/L and also more effective than those of other drugs. The third stage Anisakis simplex larvae could survive with length up to 9 h and 12 h in condition of -20 ℃, -10 ℃ and very sensitive to high temperature treatment. However, they could barely survive in more than 11 s and 1 s under the temperature of 50 ℃ and 60 ℃. Conclusion The percentage of infection was fairly high for Anisakis larvae of marine fish caught in Zhoushan Fishery. The third stage Anisakis simplex larvae was shown to have a fairly good tolerance to the external environments. The marine fish were frozen under -20 ℃ beyond 24 h before they were sold on market and cooked with high temperature seemed to be helpful for preventing and controlling effectively the infection of Anisakis. Key words: Marine fish; Anisakis larvae; Infection; Tolerance
Physiology and Regulation of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the components and pathways of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). The RAAS is a major hormonal cascade in the control of blood pressure (BP), hypertension, and tissue damage. The primary means by which the RAAS contributes to acute changes in extracellular fluid volume and BP homeostasis is by adjusting the level of renin in the circulation. Angiotensin II, the major effector peptide of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), binds to two major receptors, angiotensin receptor (AT1) and AT2, that generally oppose each other. During the past five years, several new pathways in the RAS have been discovered and/or clarified, including a (pro)renin receptor, the functional properties of the AT2 receptor, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2–angiotensin (1–7) mas receptor pathway. The circulating RAS is only one component of the overall RAS, and tissue RASs that operate independently of the circulating RAS have been identified and characterized, especially in the kidney. RAAS blockade has been central to our treatment of hypertension and its complications such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease and the prevention of progression to renal failure. Renin inhibition constitutes a promising new therapeutic target in RAAS blockade.
Epistenet: facilitating programmatic access & processing of semantically related mobile personal data

Effective use of personal data is a core utility of modern smartphones. On Android, several challenges make developing compelling personal data applications difficult. First, personal data is stored in isolated silos. Thus, relationships between data from different providers are missing, data must be queried by source of origin rather than meaning and the persistence of different types of data differ greatly. Second, interfaces to these data are inconsistent and complex. In turn, developers are forced to interleave SQL with Java boilerplate, resulting in error-prone code that does not generalize. Our solution is Epistenet: a toolkit that (1) unifies the storage and treatment of mobile personal data; (2) preserves relationships between disparate data; (3) allows for expressive queries based on the meaning of data rather than its source of origin (e.g., one can query for all communications with John while at the park); and, (4) provides a simple, native query interface to facilitate development.
Evidence-Based Medicine for Rotary Knee Instability

The pivot shift test is used to evaluate the knee for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity. More specifically, the pivot shift evaluates the presence of rotary knee instability, which leads to the feeling of “giving way” that patients often complain about. Evidence from the literature also shows that the pivot shift test correlates with long-term subjective patient outcomes. However, the pivot shift also has shortcomings such as a lack of a standardized maneuver and a low sensitivity without anesthesia. Due to its relevance to patients’ outcomes, we recommend using the pivot shift in conjunction with other physical examination tests, especially postoperatively, to evaluate knee stability.
Observed long-term mortality after 18,000 person-years among survivors in a large regional drowning registry.

Abstract Aim Long-term outcomes beyond one year after non-fatal drowning are uncharacterized. We estimated long-term mortality and identified prognostic factors in a large, population-based cohort. Methods Population-based prospective cohort study (1974–1996) of Western Washington Drowning Registry (WWDR) subjects surviving the index drowning through hospital discharge. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality through 2012. We tabulated Utstein-style exposure variables, estimated Kaplan–Meier curves, and identified prognostic factors with Cox proportional hazard modeling. We also compared 5-, 10-, and 15-year mortality estimates of the primary cohort to age-specific mortality estimates from United States Life Tables. Results Of 2824 WWDR cases, 776 subjects (5[IQR 2–17] years, 68% male) were included. Only 63 (8%) non-fatal drowning subjects died during 18,331 person-years of follow-up. Long-term mortality differed by Utstein variables (age, precipitating alcohol use, submersion interval, GCS, CPR, intubation, defibrillation, initial vital signs, neurologic status at hospital discharge) and inpatient markers of illness severity (mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, seizure, pneumothorax). Survival differed by age (HR 1.04;95%CI 1.03–1.05), drowning-related cardiac arrest (HR 3.47;95%CI 1.97–6.13), and neurologic impairment at hospital discharge (HR 5.10;95% CI 2.70–9.62). In adjusted analysis, age (HR 1.05;95%CI 1.03–1.06) and severe neurologic impairment at discharge (HR 2.31;95%CI 1.01–5.28) were associated with long-term mortality. Subjects aged 5–15 years had higher mortality risks than those calculated from Life Tables. Conclusion Most drownings were fatal, but survivors of non-fatal drowning had low risk of subsequent long-term mortality similar to the general population that was independently associated with age and neurologic status at hospital discharge.
Direct analyte-probed nanoextraction (DAPNe) coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) for examination of the ink chemistry on documents

Abstract Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has been coupled to direct analyte-probed nanoextraction (DAPNe) through use of nanomanipulation for the analysis of ink chemistry on documents. DAPNe is first used to extract ink from the document and then deposits the sample on the MALDI plate. Through this method, cutting the document for MALDI-MS analysis is avoided. DAPNe extracts ink from documents with minimal to no visible destruction. Specific dyes and binding agents in the extracted ink are monitored with mass spectrometry. Different matrices, 1, 5-diaminonapthalene (DAN), 2, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and silver nanoparticles, were tested to compare intensity enhancement of the mass spectra signals. The advantages of using MALDI-MS coupled to DAPNe are shown by characterizing Crystal Violet, Basic Yellow 2, Rhodamine B, and polyethylene glycol from red and blue pens, black pen, and a black inkjet printer cartridge.
Different, but Not Abnormal: “Out” in Africa

This essay was originally presented as a speech I was invited to give at New York University’s conference Black Portraiture[s]: The Black Body in the West in 2013. The essay addresses my personal experiences as well as critical observations of the performance and production of identity in the context of Ghana in the twentieth century. By examining the ways that specific materials, icons, media, images, and objects interact and create a multiplicity of meaning and narratives within a body of work, I begin to uncover how these layers translate to and create discourse with my lived experience in Ghana. Through an exploration of my specific process as an artist in conversation with Ghana’s complex history, I begin to examine the complex implications of sexuality in Ghana.
Irradiation-Induced Growth Hormone Neurosecretory Disfunction In ALL Patients

Abstract 4329 With the recent developments in the treatment of ALL life expectancy is prolonged and complications due to therapy are increased. Combined chemotherapy may be applied in combination with distinct doses and schema of cranial radiotherapy according to the risk groups of patients. CRT damages the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis and affects the secretion of growth hormone (GH) at first and the other anterior hypophysis hormones also. At high doses of CRT, GH deficiency might occur in the long term follow-up, at lower doses the secretion pattern of GH may change. In this study, GH axis of the ALL patients treated with prophylactic CRT were evaluated. Thirty-two children (14 girls and 18 boys), diagnosed as ALL and applied prophylactic cranial therapy were enrolled to the study. Physical findings, weight and height measurements, Tanner stagings and bone age evaluations were performed to all patients. In order to interpret the functions of anterior and posterior hypophysis morning basal IGF-1, IGFBP-3, thyroid hormones, cortisol, prolactin and dansity of urine were measured. Gonodotrophins were not tested because none of our patients had the signs of early or late puberty. In order to evaluate the growth rate, weights and heights of the patients were measured after the first year. Even though the growth rate of some patients were normal, GH stimulation tests with clonidine were done to all cases, due to the fact that GH deficiency and neurosecretory dysfunction might be present pharmacologically. Second GH stimulation test with L-dopa were applied to patients with peak GH levels of In our study, 25% of the patients were found to have complete and 21,7% incomplete GH deficiency. In 9.3% of cases there was GH-neurosecretory dysfunction (GH_NSD). There was no statistically significant relationship between the time passed after radiotherapy and GH axis dysfunction degree. IGF-BP3 was found to be more reliable than IGF-1 in estimating GH deficiency/GH-NSD. As a result, it is clear that prophylactic CRT affects the GH axis negatively in ALL patients, so their close follow-up is precious and mandatory. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Large Disparities in Receipt of Glaucoma Care between Enrollees in Medicaid and Those with Commercial Health Insurance

Purpose To determine whether the type of health insurance a patient possesses and a patient's race/ethnicity affect receipt of common tests to monitor open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Design Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Participants A total of 21 766 persons aged ≥40 years with newly diagnosed OAG between 2007 and 2011 enrolled in Medicaid or a large United States managed care network. Methods We determined the proportion of patients with newly diagnosed OAG who underwent visual field (VF) testing, fundus photography (FP), other ocular imaging (OOI), or none of these tests within the first 15 months after initial OAG diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the extent by which health insurance type and race/ethnicity affected the odds of undergoing glaucoma testing. Main Outcome Measures Odds ratios (OR) of undergoing VF testing, FP, OOI, or none of these tests in the 15 months after initial OAG diagnosis with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 18 372 persons with commercial health insurance and 3394 Medicaid recipients met the study inclusion criteria. The proportions of persons with commercial health insurance with newly diagnosed OAG who underwent VF, FP, and OOI were 63%, 22%, and 54%, respectively, whereas the proportions were 35%, 19%, and 30%, respectively, for Medicaid recipients. Compared with those with commercial health insurance, Medicaid recipients were 234% more likely to not receive any glaucoma testing in the 15 months after initial diagnosis (OR = 3.34; 95% CI, 3.07–3.63). After adjustment for confounders, whites with OAG enrolled in Medicaid had 198% higher odds of receiving no glaucoma testing compared with whites possessing commercial health insurance (OR = 2.98; 95% CI, 2.66–3.33). Blacks with Medicaid insurance demonstrated 291% higher odds (OR = 3.91; 95% CI, 3.40–4.49) of not receiving any glaucoma testing compared with blacks with commercial health insurance. Conclusions Irrespective of race/ethnicity, Medicaid recipients with OAG are receiving substantially less glaucoma testing compared with persons with commercial health insurance. Disparities in testing are observed across all races/ethnicities but were most notable for blacks. These findings are particularly disconcerting because blacks are more likely than whites to go blind from OAG and there are disproportionately more blacks in Medicaid. Efforts are needed to improve the quality of glaucoma care for Medicaid recipients, especially racial minorities.
Outpatient Spine Clinic Utilization is Associated With Reduced Emergency Department Visits Following Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Review of TRICARE claims (2006-2014) data to assess Emergency Department (ED) utilization following spine surgery. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine utilization rates and predictors of ED utilization following spine surgical interventions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Visits to the ED following surgical intervention represent an additional stress to the healthcare system. While factors associated with readmission following spine surgery have been studied, drivers of postsurgical ED visits, including appropriate and inappropriate use, remain underinvestigated. METHODS TRICARE claims were queried to identify patients who had undergone one of three common spine procedures (lumbar arthrodesis, discectomy, decompression). ED utilization at 30- and 90 days was assessed as the primary outcome. Outpatient spine surgical clinic utilization was considered the primary predictor variable. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS Between 2006 and 2014, 48,868 patients met inclusion criteria. Fifteen percent (n = 7183) presented to the ED within 30 days postdischarge. By 90 days, 29% of patients (n = 14,388) presented to an ED. The 30- and 90-day complication rates were 6% (n = 2802) and 8% (n = 4034), respectively, and readmission rates were 5% (n = 2344) and 8% (n = 3842), respectively. Use of outpatient spine clinic services significantly reduced the likelihood of ED utilization at 30 [odds ratio (OR) 0.48; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.46-0.53] and 90 days (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.52-0.57). CONCLUSION Within 90 days following spine surgery, 29% of patients sought care in the ED. However, only one-third of these patients had a complication recorded, and even fewer were readmitted. This suggests a high rate of unnecessary ED utilization. Outpatient utilization of spine clinics was the only factor independently associated with a reduced likelihood of ED utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Two-tier data fusion method for bridge condition assessment

Fusing collected inspection data provides comprehensive and relatively more accurate diagnostics of defects and accordingly more accurate condition assessment of structures. This paper presents a new two-tier method that utilized data fusion methods for condition assessment of reinforced concrete bridge decks. The method utilizes pixel and feature levels fusion of data collected from multiple nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods such as ground penetrating radar, impact echo, half-cell potential, and electrical resistivity. Data and measurements of NDE methods are extracted from the Iowa Highway research board project 2011 report for three case studies. It is observed from the three cases that each level of data fusion has its unique advantage. The power of pixel level fusion lies in its ability to provide an overview of bridge deck deterioration in one map as it appears in the fused image. On the other hand, feature fusion works better when only specific types of defects such as corrosion, delamination...
Gene/Viral Treatment Approaches for Malignant Brain Cancer

Abstract Gene therapy is a rapidly developing treatment modality that functions on its ability to deliver genes directly to the tumor site in order to yield antitumoral effects and thus prolong patient survival. The delivery of any gene(s) requires a delivery system that either involves the direct delivery of therapeutic gene(s) to the tumor site via viral or nonviral vectors, or through carriers that express the gene(s) in the tumor site via neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, or other carriers. Four basic categories of gene therapy are currently being investigated for the treatment of brain tumors: (i) prodrug activation and suicide gene therapy; (ii) immunomodulatory and cytokine-based gene therapy; (iii) brain tumor hallmark targeting therapy; and (iv) oncolytic virotherapy. Preclinical studies of gene therapy for brain tumors have led to an array of human clinical trials, demonstrated to be remarkably safe and well tolerated with encouraging therapeutic results.
Bacterial Counts on Commercial U.S. Cotton Fiber and their Possible Relation to Byssinosis in Cotton Mills

Byssinosis is a pulmonary problem among workers in cotton and flax spinning mills. It has been associated for many years with exposure to dust in millair but the active causative factor (s) in the dust have been unknown. Recently, however, evidence from several sources has led to the belief that bacteria are probably the incitant of the acute phase of the disease in cotton spinning mills. The bacteria are fiber - borne and are dispersed into air during processing. They are thought to trigger the bronchial constriction which is the basic cause of the breathing difficulty characteristic of acute byssinosis.
Fluids, Blood Substitutes, and New Tools

Fluid management can be one of the most critical decisions in patients with penetrating injuries. Patients with ongoing hemorrhage and/or third space loss often require significant replacement until control of the hemorrhage is obtained. Restoration of normal blood pressure until control of hemorrhage is obtained is controversial. Isotonic fluid is widely accepted as the initial fluid for resuscitation. Blood and blood products follow to replace ongoing losses. The role of colloids and the volume of resuscitation remain controversial. Whole blood may have a role in massive transfusion scenarios. Autotransfusion of processed blood from intraoperative and closed drainage systems is an adjunct when blood supplies are limited.
Preparing School Mental Health Professionals: Competencies in Interdisciplinary and Cross-System Collaboration

Over the last 10–15 years, there has been significant momentum in the development and implementation of school mental health (SMH) programs, both nationally and internationally (e.g., Kumar et al., 2009; Weist, Lindsey, Moore, & Slade, 2006; Wells et al., 2011). The impetus has been based largely on the prevalence of mental health ailments among children and adolescents coupled with the opportunity to treat them in a context where they spend the majority of the day. When done well, SMH programs are embedded within existing educational systems to provide a continuum of care for students with a range of mental health conditions, educational needs, and disabilities; and SMH professionals must be proficient in working within these systems (Kutash & Duchnowski, 2011; Mellin & Weist, 2011). For instance, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2006) governs how school systems provide special education and related services to youth with various disabilities, many of which have a mental health component. Another educational paradigm relevant to SMH is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS; Simonsen, Sugai, & Fairbanks, 2007). PBIS is a framework to promote and select effective instructional and behavioral practices for all students, from broad-based prevention to individualized services. These systems provide examples of the interdisciplinary context within which SMH providers must integrate their practices.
Immunocognitive Model of Depression Secondary to Anxiety in Adolescents

There is evidence that anxiety precedes the onset of depression and that rumination contributes to this risk pathway in adolescence. This study examined inflammatory biomarkers as mediators in a risk model of depressive symptoms secondary to anxiety symptoms among adolescents who ruminate. A sample of 140 adolescents (52% female, 54% African American, 40% Caucasian, 6% biracial, mean age at T1 = 16.5 years, SD = 1.2 years) provided blood samples on two visits (T1 and T2; mean time between T1 and T2 = 13.5 months, SD = 5.9 months). Self-report anxiety, depression, and rumination measures were given at T1 and the depression measure was given again at a third visit (T3, mean months since T1 = 26.0 months, SD = 9.0 months). Higher anxiety predicted more interleukin-6, but not more C-reactive protein, for adolescents with high levels of rumination. Moderated mediation analyses (N for analysis after removing cases with missing data and outliers = 86) indicated that interleukin-6, but not C-reactive protein, at T2 mediated the relationship between anxiety symptoms at T1 and depressive symptoms at T3, conditional on rumination. Anxiety and rumination interacted such that, as rumination increased, anxiety predicted greater inflammation and depressive symptoms. These results demonstrate that established cognitive vulnerabilities for the development of depressive symptoms secondary to anxiety symptoms in adolescence might indirectly operate though biological mechanisms such as inflammation. In addition to highlighting risk factors and potential treatment targets for depression, this study suggests a potential biological mechanism underlying the effects of psychotherapies that reduce rumination on negative affect (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy).
Abstract 18619: Comparison of the Antiplatelet Effects of Prasugrel versus Ticagrelor in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: Prasugrel and ticagrelor are recommended over clopidogrel in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). ...
Application of a co-polymeric solid phase extraction cartridge to residues containing nitro-organic explosives

Abstract A validated solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup procedure utilizing Bond Elut NEXUS co-polymeric cartridges has been applied to soil and swab samples containing pre- and post-blast residues of nitro-organic explosives. In addition, simulated samples were also processed by SPE to evaluate matrix rejection and interferences. The matrices were extracted with acetone, diluted with deionized water, and processed by SPE. The final extracts were then analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD) to screen for the compounds of interest, which included ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), dimethyl dinitrobutane (DMDNB), 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT), nitroglycerin (NG), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetra-nitrate (PETN), cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (tetryl), cyclotetra-methylene tetranitramine (HMX), erythritol tetranitrate (ETN), and cyclotrimethylene trinitrosoamine (R-salt). The expected explosives were detected in 97% of cases after processing through SPE and analysis by GC/ECD. Approximately one-third of the samples that screened positive by ECD were subjected to confirmation testing by gas or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS or LC/MS). The results from these matrices were compared to results obtained by syringe filtration. SPE produced equal or better results than syringe filtration in both the ECD screening and MS confirmation tests, including the ability to detect higher signals for more explosives in the post-blast residue samples. The confirmation results also show that all of the expected explosives could be confirmed after processing by SPE, whereas only 83% of them were confirmed after syringe filtration. This study demonstrates the successful application of a validated method to the cleanup of organic explosive residues in complex matrices.
Fabrication and characterization of boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond microelectrodes modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and nafion

Electroanalytical methods are increasingly used in the understanding of the complexity of the human brain function in normal and diseased states. The main component of the electroanalytical methods is an electrode and its electrochemical properties are linked to the overall performance of the sensor used in detecting the various electroactive brain chemicals and molecules. In this work, we developed a droplet-based microfluidic platform and characterized a boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (BDUNCD) microelectrode that is modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) thin film and nafion coatings. The coating parameters were systematically altered and studied their effect on dopamine (DA) sensing performance. BDUNCD microelectrodes that were modified with 50 nm thick nafion coating showed a 3-fold increase in DA detection signal, whereas the microelectrodes modified with MWCNT film and nafion coating showed a 10-fold increase in the detection signal. The un-modified and modified BDUNCD microelectrodes were evaluated for their long-term stability (up to 9 h) using a custom droplet-based microfluidics. The MWCNT-nafion modified BDUNCD microelectrode showed the highest sensitivity of 15.01 μA ± 0.2% for 100 μM DA concentration with a limit of detection of 1.78 nM ± 2%.
Effects of starting cellular material composition on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell expansion and characteristics.

Background When manufacturing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells using anti-CD3/anti-CD28 beads, ex vivo T-cell expansion is dependent on the composition of leukocytes used in the manufacturing process. We investigated the effects of leukocyte composition on CAR T-cell expansion and characteristics using an alternative manufacturing method. Methods Anti-B-cell maturation antigen and CD19-CAR T cells were manufactured using autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) concentrates. The PBMNCs were enriched for lymphocytes using density gradient separation, which were used for CAR T-cell culture initiation. T-cell expansion was stimulated with soluble anti-CD3 and interleukin-2. Results Fifty-one CAR T-cell products were evaluated; 28 anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR T cells produced for 24 patients and 27 CD19 CAR T cells produced for 24 patients. CAR T-cell expansion was reduced when greater quantities of monocytes were present in the post-density gradient separation PBMNCs. In addition, the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells in the CAR T-cell products after 7 days of culture was dependent on the quantity of monocytes, RBCs, and neutrophils in the post-density gradient separation PBMNCs. Greater quantities of monocytes and RBCs were associated with a greater proportion of CD4+ cells and greater quantities of neutrophils were associated with a greater proportion of CD8+ cells. Conclusions The composition of leukocytes used to manufacture CAR T cells can affect cell expansion and the composition of CAR T-cell products. More uniform or complete lymphocyte enrichment of PBMNCs improves the consistency of final CAR T-cell products.
Utility of 18F-FDG PET and CT to assess response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

7548 Background: Perioperative chemotherapy improves survival in resected NSCLCs. Neoadjuvant administration allows for in vivo assessment of efficacy. Major pathologic response (MPR), defined as <...
Monoclonal plasma cell infiltrates in the setting of cutaneous follicular helper T cell lymphoproliferative disorders

There is a growing recognition that some primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas of the skin exhibit a follicular helper T cell phenotype best exemplified by primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium sized pleomorphic T cell lymphoma. The follicular helper T cells is an evolutionary function in a common TH1 cell under the influence of other cell types most notably monocyte derived dendritic cells but also plasma cells. In addition, the skin defines a characteristic organ site of involvement for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL); the first recognized form of follicular helper T cell lymphoma. One of the hallmarks of the follicular helper T cell lymphomas a significant degree of post germinal center B cell hyperplasia. We encountered 7 cases of primary cutaneous follicular helper T cell and four cases of AITL, in which the biopsies contained a light chain restricted plasma cell infiltrate in the skin. There were no features that suggested an atypical or more aggressive clinical course in association with the identification of this light chain restricted plasmacytic infiltrates except one case of AITL in whom a diffuse large cell B cell lymphoma subsequently developed. There was no association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection light chain restricted plasma cell infiltrate in any of the eleven cases. The basis of these infiltrates is likely a reciprocal functional one reflecting the role of follicular helper T cells in the induction of B cell hyperplasia and the role of plasma cells as a countercheck balance controlling the extent of follicular helper T cell hyperplasia. B cell clonality, plasma cell atypia and blastic B cell transformation can occur without implying a malignant transformation.
Dispute Resolutions in Economics

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 6, pp. 3769–3772, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
A Techno-Economic Framework for Replacing Aged XLPE Cables in the Distribution Network

In this paper, a stochastic framework is proposed for optimizing replacement strategies of aged XLPE cables in the electric power distribution network. The proposed framework facilitates realizing an economic value for the risk of unplanned outages, thereby shifting the paradigm of replacing aged XLPE cable from a technical decision that is solely based on diagnostic measurements to a techno-economic strategy. The proposed framework constitutes of three main phases: (1) obtaining a distribution for the aging process of XLPE cable due to water-trees, (2) modeling the replacement of the aged XLPE cable as a Markov decision process, and (3) applying a linear programming algorithm in order to solve for the optimal replacement policy. Based on the proposed framework, a critical health index is defined for optimum replacement, depending on the installation costs of a new cable and the unplanned outage cost.
Extracorporeal Life Support in the Adult

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has become increasingly popular as a salvage strategy to support critically ill adults. Major advances in technology and the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic stimulated renewed interest in the use of veno-venous (VV) and veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). While ECLS has evolved considerably since its introduction, it is not without potentially serious complications. The goal of this chapter is to describe the components and configurations of traditional ECLS circuits, discuss common indications for cardiac and respiratory support, review the evidence supporting the use of ECLS in adults, and highlight potential complications.
Spectrum of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferations in NSG Mice and Their Association With EBV Infection After Engraftment of Pediatric Solid Tumors

Pediatric patients receiving solid organ transplants may develop lymphoproliferative diseases, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLDs). We characterized lesions in 11 clinically ill NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice that received pediatric-patient-derived solid tumors (PDXs) and developed immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferations comparable to GvHD and PTLDs over a period of 46 to 283 days after implantation. Lymphoproliferations were diffusely positive for human-specific biomarkers, including NUMA1, CD45, and CD43, but lacked immunoreactivity for murine CD45. Human immune cells were CD3-positive, with subsets having immunoreactivity for CD4 and CD8 as well as PAX5, CD79a, and IRF4, resulting from populations of human T and B cells present within the xenotransplants. Tissues and organs infiltrated included mucocutaneous zones (oral cavity and perigenital and perianal regions), haired skin, tongue, esophagus, forestomach, thyroid, salivary glands, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and brain. In 4 of 5 mice with PTLD, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) were detected by in situ hybridization in PAX5+ human B cells associated with the PDX (n = 1/4) or with engrafted human immune cells at other anatomic locations (n = 4/11). One of the 4 mice had an EBV-associated human large B-cell lymphoma. NSG mice receiving xenotransplants can develop combinations of GvHD, EBV-driven PTLD, and B-cell lymphoma similar to those occurring in human pediatric patients. Therefore, pediatric xenotransplants should undergo histopathologic and immunohistochemical assessment upon collection to ensure that the specimen is not a lymphoma and does not contain lymphoma cells because these neoplasms can morphologically mimic small round blue cell pediatric solid tumors.
Ambidexterity & Collective Cognitive Dissonance: How Team Characteristics Promote Innovation

We examine how employees and teams deal with the conflicting goals of innovation and productivity inherent in the concept of ambidexterity. Despite the fact that much of the innovative work in toda...
Offering space at the table: the work of hosting US study abroad students in Northern Thailand

This study illuminates important aspects of the complex power dynamics present when study abroad programmes take place between institutions based in the Global North and host communities based in t...