cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grazing pressure of herbivorous coral reef fishes on low coral-cover reefs

The impact of grazing by herbivorous fishes (Acanthuridae, Scaridae, and Pomacentridae) on low coral-cover reefs was assessed by measuring rates of benthic algal production and consumption on inshore and offshore reefs in the upper Florida Keys. Algal production rates, determined in situ with caged and uncaged experimental plates, were low (mean 1.05 g C m−2 day−1) and similar among reef types. Algal consumption rates were estimated using two different models, a detailed model incorporating fish bite rates and algal yield-per-bite for one species extrapolated to a guild-wide value, and a general regression relating fish biomass to algal consumption. Algal consumption differed among reef types: a majority of algal production was consumed on offshore reefs (55–100%), whereas consumption on inshore patch reefs was 31–51%. Spatial variation in algal consumption was driven by differences in herbivorous fish species composition, density, and size-structure among reef types. Algal consumption rates also varied temporally due to seasonal declines in bite rates and intermittent presence of large-bodied, vagile, schooling species. Spatial coherence of benthic community structure and temporal stability of algal turf over 3 years suggests that grazing intensity is currently sufficient to limit further spread of macroalgal cover on these low coral-cover reefs, but not to exclude it from the system.
Relativistic quantum mechanics of particles with direct interactions

For an arbitrary number of particles an explicit construction is given for direct interactions satisfying cluster separability (macrolocality). The Hamiltonian is in many ways similar to the nonrelativistic many-body Hamiltonian. Under conditions of physical interest the strength of the N-body interaction decreases rapidly with increasing N.
Students' Perceptions of Life Skill Development in Project-Based Learning Schools

This research aimed to examine students’ perceptions of their life skills while attending project-based learning (PBL) schools. The study focused on three questions including: 1) What are students’ perceptions of their development of life skills in project-based learning schools? 2) In what ways, if any, do students perceive an increase in their life skill development over a one-year period of time? 3) What relationship, if any, is there between grade level and students’ perceptions of their life skills? The subjects were 275 6-12 students from two project-based learning charter schools in Minnesota. One school was located in a rural location; the other in an urban location. The triangulating data collection methods included a Likert-scale survey, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Quantitative analysis using SPSS were used to analyze the survey data. Qualitative analysis methods used were coding and identification of emergent themes. Qualitative results showed perceptions of most improved skills as time management, collaboration, communication, and self-directedness. Quantitative data results showed most improved skills within an academic year as responsibility, problem-solving, self-directedness, and work ethic. Self-directedness was the single skill that was evident in all data results. The results showed students’ perceptions of their life skills were positive and that project-based learning helped them develop multiple life skills including, but not limited to communication, collaboration, problem-solving, responsibility, and time management. Implications of this research suggest that project-based learning has a positive influence on students’ life skills development across 6-12 grade levels and helps prepare them to be successful in the 21 st century global community and economy.
Is Doing Good Enough

Abstract This study employed path analysis to examine a model of the organizational and individual correlates of workers' intrinsic job satisfaction in a sample of 221 human service workers. Work motivation theories, specifically Expectancy theory and Public Service Motivation theory, served as the theoretical foundation for the study. Results of the path analysis demonstrated that the model fit the data well. Statistically significant relationships were found among the following model variables: (1) Extrinsic job satisfaction affected intrinsic job satisfaction; (2) Personal responsibility and service quality perceptions affected extrinsic satisfaction; and (3) Empowering management practices affected all the other study variables. These findings suggest that although human services workers' altruistic desires may drive their interest in their jobs, they do have to feel empowered by management, responsible for their work and, most interestingly, they need to feel extrinsically rewarded and recognized for...
Androgen effect on gonadotropin secretion by organ-cultured anterior pituitary. 1.

SummaryEffects of testosterone (30 ng/ml) on gonadotropin release were studied using isolated male rat pituitaries maintained for 5 days. Testosterone exposure significantly elevated the FSH:LH ratio in medium as measured by radioimmunoassay. During the last 3 days of culture, FSH release was significantly greater in the presence of testosterone.The author acknowledges the encouragement and editorial advice of Dr. S. M. Click and Dr. A. Kagan.
Chlorpromazine and Tissue Metabolism

SummaryCat left ventricle heart slices and brain cortex slices and homogenates were employed in the Warburg manometric technic to examine the influence of chlorpromazine on their aerobic metabolism. Concentrations of the compound required to suppress their oxygen consumption were considerably greater than those that evoke a response in vivo and in other in vitro experiments. It appears unlikely that the pharmacological actions of chlorpromazine are due to an effect on oxidative metabolism.
Meningococcus Precipitinogens in the Cerebrospinal Fluid

The demonstration of type-specific substances for Group I-III and Type II strains of meningococcus,1 and the production of sera rich in precipitins for such substances but lacking in precipitins for the non-type-specific (C and P) fractions have led to the investigation of C.S.F. (cerebrospinal fluid) from meningococcal meningitis to ascertain whether this contains type-specific precipitinogens. Vincent and Bellot2,3 and others have demonstrated precipitin reactions between C.S.F. and polyvalent antimeningococcal serum. Most of the investigators noted some inconsistencies, especially cross-precipitation with C.S.F. of other forms of meningitis, notably pneumococcal. The reason for this, no doubt, lies in the fact that the polyvalent serum contains non-specific antibodies, and that the antibody for the C polysaccharide of the meningococcus will react with the similar fraction from other organisms, especially the pneumococcus. Using polyvalent serum, there is, of course, no possibility of typing the organis...
The illness experience of youth with lupus/mixed connective tissue disease: a mixed methods analysis of patient and parent perspectives.

ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a model of the illness experience for youth with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).MethodsWe conducted 32 semi-structured interv...
Phagosome formation in Paramecium: effects of solid particles

Digestive vacuole (DV) formation in Paramecium can be separated into four steps: sequestration and recycling of the spent DV membrane, sweeping and concentrating of particles into the nascent DV, vacuole growth, and the release of the nascent DV. How the size, load and surface charge of solid particles affected formation and subsequently the digestive processes in log-phase cells were investigated. Pulsing cells continuously with beads resulted in an initial linear increase, followed by a steady state, of labelled DVs. Above a certain threshold concentration, the rate of formation and the size of the DVs formed (as well as the steady state) all increased with increasing bead load, so that for a 16-fold increase in bead load, a corresponding fourfold increase in the incorporation of the recycled membrane into the DVs was observed. The threshold values, which depended on the sensitivity of the technique used to score these DVs, were lowered as bead size increased. The steady state of labelled DVs was shown to correspond to a strict balance between the formation and defecation rates as shown by efflux measurements and pulse-chase protocols using two consecutive labels. The duration of the pulse required to reach these steady states was inversely proportional to the logarithm of the bead number at low bead loads but remained constant at higher bead loads. The formation rates and the DV size were similar when cells were pulsed with beads from 0.5 to 3 microns, but DV size increased using beads of 4.5 and 5.7 microns. The maximal bead size that could be ingested was approximately 10 microns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
INTEGRATING GEOLOGY AND PHYSICS TO ENHANCE SCIENCE LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF STUDENTS AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY

The purpose of this article is to provide an integrated approach to make science teaching and learning more effective, interesting and motivating to students. Team teaching by the physics and geology departments enable students to learn the concepts and principles of physics and then apply them to solve geological problems facing the local community. A hands-on approach to science teaching has made science interesting to students, motivated them to learn science and provided effective learning and understanding of the scientific process. An appropriate balance of laboratory experiments, field studies and computer analysis of data is maintained in the course. Field studies include seismic, electrical, gravity and magnetic methods to assist local villages in solving their environmental and hydrologic problems. Students are exposed to real problems and learn how to acquire, analyze and interpret scientific data. The impact of this approach on students is immense and serves to impart in them a positive attitu...
Wittgenstein and Natural Languages: an Alternative to Rationalist and Empiricist Theories

No one denies that language is a cultural phenomenon of some sort, that the fledgeling members of new generations of human beings eventually exhibit their speech — the actual power of parole — by some process of natural acquisition, by merely living in an adult community that already shares a language and a history of common experience and work focused and informed by that language. Instructively, the very passage with which Ludwig Wittgenstein begins his Investigations (which is largely addressed to that intriguing issue), the passage from St. Augustine’s Confessions, admits the point in such a way that, being ubiquitous, one is almost inclined to ignore it: “When they (my elders) named some object, and accordingly moved towards something, I saw this and I grasped that the thing was called by the sound they uttered when they meant to point it out.”1
The Challenges of Global Leadership

Global leadership is particularly challenging for companies because differences in leadership expectations and management practices across cultures are not always apparent; communicating, motivating, and managing are more difficult due to language, geography, and cultural barriers; monitoring and tracking represent significant challenges due to distance; cultural differences are sometimes used as a rationalization for performance issues or resistance to change; complex organization designs such as matrix and network structures can complicate reporting relationships and accountabilities; influence without authority is a competency that takes effort and skill; and the opportunity costs are not always visible to corporate headquarters. One area where successful global leaders can make a difference is in becoming aware of and adapting their behavior when engaging in cross-cultural interactions: greeting someone, establishing rapport; leading a team; conducting a meeting or participating in a meeting; providing instructions, guidance, coaching, or teaching; resolving disagreement and conflicts; negotiating; motivating others; and giving and receiving feedback. Henson offers a simple approach to help global leaders become effective in these cross-cultural encounters.
Targeted search, endogenous market segmentation, and wage inequality

We develop a labor search/matching model with heterogeneous workers (a continuum of types) and heterogeneous firms (a finite number of types). One novel feature of our model is that search is targeted: each type of firm constitutes a distinctive submarket, and workers are able to choose in which submarket to participate beforehand, but search is random within each submarket, and wages are determined by Nash bargaining. We show that there is always a unique equilibrium, and the equilibrium matching pattern is weakly positive assortative. Our model is tractable enough to study how shocks, including a skill-biased technical change in some high-productivity submarket and a decrease in the number of jobs in some low-productivity submarket, affect the equilibrium segmentation pattern and wage inequality. In particular, we show that an Internet-induced increase in search efficiency would reduce the number of workers participating in higher-productivity submarkets, increase wage inequality within each submarket (workers with similar jobs), and also increase overall wage inequality across submarkets.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: The Procedure

The premise of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is simple. Using a linear stapler, a vertical tube of stomach is created, therefore restricting the oral intake of the patient. In truth, the LSG has multiple hormonal effects as well. The operative steps are simple in concept, but many nuances are present. Technique varies by surgeon, but the procedure can be thought of as four discrete sections: access and exposure, resection of omental attachments to the greater curvature, resection of the stomach, and finally leak testing and closure.
Reverse manycast data retrieval in Elastic Optical Networks

Extreme-scale science applications are highly innovative and constantly evolving. They are expected to generate data in the petabyte and exabyte ranges. This data needs to be transferred, processed, and analyzed at remote locations. A flexible data retrieval service is needed, where a user requesting data retrieval from a remote site can have a choice between replicated storage sites. Elastic Optical Networks are ideal backbone networks, since they can efficiently utilize the optical fiber's bandwidth in an elastic manner by partitioning the bandwidth into hundreds or even thousands of subcarriers. In this paper, multi-sourced data retrieval problem, called reverse manycast, is studied for static traffic in elastic optical networks, the objective is to minimize the total transmission completion time of all the requests. A novel ILP formulation and a low-complexity heuristic are proposed. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate that the proposed method can save up to 37% in completion time compared with a benchmark.
Copper Cluster Size Effect in Methanol Synthesis from CO2

Size-selected Cun catalysts (n = 3, 4, 20) were synthesized on Al2O3 thin films using mass-selected cluster deposition. A systematic study of size and support effects was carried out for CO2 hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure using a combination of in situ grazing incidence X-ray absorption spectroscopy, catalytic activity measurement, and first-principles calculations. The catalytic activity for methanol synthesis is found to strongly vary as a function of the cluster size; the Cu4/Al2O3 catalyst shows the highest turnover rate for CH3OH production. With only one atom less than Cu4, Cu3 showed less than 50% activity. Density functional theory calculations predict that the activities of the gas-phase Cu clusters increase as the cluster size decreases; however, the stronger charge transfer interaction with Al2O3 support for Cu3 than for Cu4 leads to remarkably reduced binding strength between the adsorbed intermediates and supported Cu3, which subsequently results in a less favorable energetic pathway t...
Domain Cell Theory supports the independent evolution of the Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea and the Nuclear Compartment Commonality hypothesis.

In 2015, the Royal Society of London held a meeting to discuss the various hypotheses regarding the origin of the Eukarya. Although not all participants supported a hypothesis, the proposals that d...
Alternate social theory discovery using genetic programming: towards better understanding the artificial anasazi

A pressing issue with agent-based model (ABM) replicability is the ambiguity behind micro-behavior rules of the agents. In practice, modelers choose between competing theories, each describing separate candidate solutions. Pattern-oriented modeling (POM) and stylized facts matching recommend testing theories against patterns extracted from real-world data. Yet, manually, POM is tedious and prone to human error. In this study, we present a genetic programming strategy to evolve debatable assumptions on agent micro-behaviors. After proper modularization of the candidate micro-behaviors, genetic programming can discover candidate micro-behaviors which reproduce patterns found in real-world data. We illustrate this strategy by evolving the decision tree representing the farm-seeking strategy of agents in the Artificial Anasazi ABM. Through evolutionary theory discovery, we obtain multiple candidate decision trees for farm-seeking which fit the archaeological data better than the calibrated original model in the literature. We emphasize the necessity to explore a range of components that influence the agents' decision making process and demonstrate that this is achievable through an evolutionary process if the rules are modularized as required. The end result is a set of plausible candidate solutions that closely fit the real-world data, which can then be nominated by domain experts.
Emergent Literacy Skills in Preschool Children With Hearing Loss Who Use Spoken Language: Initial Findings From the Early Language and Literacy Acquisition (ELLA) Study.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare change in emergent literacy skills of preschool children with and without hearing loss over a 6-month period. Method Participants included 19 childr...
Teaching an Elevated View of Marketing: Marketing with Customers

Marketing in contemporary society is undergoing a shift in its foundational beliefs, including those concerning how the discipline treats customers. In this article, we present marketing educators ...
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM VITAMIN D LEVELS AND CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN THE ADULT POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES

Few studies have investigated the relationship between serum vitamin D levels (VD) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with varying results. Our aim was to investigate the association between VD and CRF in a representative sample of the US population using the National Health and Nutrition Survey
Inputs to the Inferior Colliculus

The inferior colliculus (IC) receives multiple inputs from a variety of sources. These include the ascending pathways from the lower brainstem as well as intrinsic, descending, motor-related, polysensory, and modulatory inputs. There is evidence that subsets of inputs form density gradients across one or more dimensions of the IC, but that the graded projections overlap throughout much of the IC. The two main gradient-based systems are: (1) the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) system which comprises pathways that are most dense ventrolaterally, decreasing ventromedially; (2) the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) system, comprising pathways that are most dense dorsomedially, decreasing ventrolaterally. There is some evidence that projections from different sources may terminate in different, or partially overlapping, regions within a fibrodendritic lamina, forming functional domains. There is also some evidence that functional properties of neurons, such as latency or best modulation rate, may be distributed in gradients that are related to the anatomical gradient systems.
Modeling multidisciplinary design with multiagent learning

Complex engineered systems design is a collaborative activity. To design a system, experts from the relevant disciplines must work together to create the best overall system from their individual components. This situation is analogous to a multiagent system in which agents solve individual parts of a larger problem in a coordinated way. Current multiagent models of design teams, however, do not capture this distributed aspect of design teams – instead either representing designers as agents which control all variables, measuring organizational outcomes instead of design outcomes, or representing different aspects of distributed design, such as negotiation. This paper presents a new model which captures the distributed nature of complex systems design by decomposing the ability to control design variables to individual computational designers acting on a problem with shared constraints. These designers are represented as a multiagent learning system which is shown to perform similarly to a centralized optimization algorithm on the same domain. When used as a model, this multiagent system is shown to perform better when the level of designer exploration is not decayed but is instead controlled based on the increase of design knowledge, suggesting that designers in multidisciplinary teams should not simply reduce the scope of design exploration over time, but should adapt based on changes in their collective knowledge of the design space. This multiagent system is further shown to produce better-performing designs when computational designers design collaboratively as opposed to independently, confirming the importance of collaboration in complex systems design.
Huddes Specilla circularia

This article discusses Hudde’s Specilla circularia , published anonymously and without the name of the publisher in 1656 . The only known printed copy was recently acquired by the Royal Library in The Hague. The treatise demonstrates by a mathematical calculation how spherical aberration in lenses can be corrected by means of a diaphragm. Thus, the work offered a theoretical justification for a practice that had already become common by trial and error. The work appears to have been eagerly read and studied by scholars in the second half of the seventeenth century, Spinoza and Leibniz among them, but in the end went into oblivion.
Risk factors for recurrent percutaneous nephrostomy catheter-related infections

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheters are mainly indicated for urinary tract obstructions. Unfortunately, the rate for infection and recurrence remains elevated. Our objective was to identify the risk factors leading to recurrent PCN-related infections (PCNI) in cancer patients. We retrospectively reviewed 571 patients who underwent initial PCN catheter placement at our institution. Of these, we identified patients with a definite PCNI and catheter exchange, with a minimum 30-day follow-up. We defined PCNI as presence of a urine culture positive for bacteria (≥ 104 CFU/mL) plus symptoms of urinary tract infection. A PCNI was considered recurrent if the same organism was isolated. Antibiotics were considered concordant if they were active against all identified organisms. A total of 81 patients (14%) developed an initial PCNI. Of 47 patients with 30-day follow-up, 10 patients (21%) were identified as having a recurrent PCNI. In terms of demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and microbiological data, there was no statistically significant difference between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups. However, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, two factors were independently associated with a decrease in recurrent PCNI: concordant antibiotic use (OR 0.04; p = 0.008) and PCN catheter exchange within 4 days of infection (OR 0.1; p = 0.048). To decrease the high rate of recurrent infections, associated costs, and potential delay in further chemotherapy, we recommend that once antimicrobial susceptibility test results are available and the patient is known to be receiving concordant antimicrobials, clinicians proceed with immediate PCN catheter exchange, ideally within the first 4 days of the infection.
Proton Conduction in 2D Aza-Fused Covalent Organic Frameworks

This paper describes the first demonstration of a general concept for achieving facile proton conduction within a class of layered two-dimensional aza-fused π-conjugated covalent organic frameworks...
Tying Things Together With Braids.

O ince most of my teaching involves preservice and in-service courses in content and methods for teachers of elementary school mathematics, I have been concerned about providing my students with experiences that convey the objectives of a contemporary mathematics curriculum. This article presents an approach that I often use to involve my students in the "guided discovery" of the significance of the "structure" of a mathematical system. With appropriate modifications, this material can also be used in the upper elementary grades, in junior and senior high school, and with groups of parents interested in the changing objectives of modern-day mathematics programs. I usually use this material near the beginning of a course in teaching methods, when the class is examining materials and teaching strategies which reflect the goals now being emphasized in many contemporary mathematics programs. Basic to a contemporary approach is the discovery and utilization of structures in mathematics. By "structures" I mean the conceptual pegs that help organize and provide a basis for understanding various mathematical systems (e.g., the commutative properties of addition and multiplication are part of the structure of the real number system). Since most elementary education majors are only familiar with the mathematics of the real number system, they often fail to appreciate the significance of discovering mathematical structures when
Damage control surgery in neonates: Lessons learned from the battlefield.

Abstract Introduction Mortality for neonates requiring surgery for serious pathology such as NEC, remains high. Damage control surgery (DCS) has evolved as an operative strategy in battlefield trauma that sacrifices the completeness of the initial surgery to address the deadly triad of acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy. This approach is now used routinely in sick adults with nontrauma surgical emergencies. Here we describe our experience of using DCS in neonates. Method Neonates undergoing DCS at our hospital from 1/8/2010 to 30/11/17 had data collected prospectively. Results 27 neonates (median age 21 days; gestation 29 weeks; weight 1200 g; M:F 18:9) underwent DCS. Diagnosis (NEC 23, volvulus 2, meconium peritonitis 1, spontaneous perforation 1). Preoperative physiology: median temperature 35.5 °C, lactate 3.7, Activated prothrombin time 49; on a median of 1 inotrope (range 0 to 4); 19 had surgery on the intensive care unit. Surgery involved resection of dead bowel with the ends ligated and the abdomen left open. Operation took 38 min (26–80 min) and crew-resource management techniques were used to optimize efficiency. Second look occurred at 48 h (24–108 h) when the physiology had normalized. There were a total of 32 anastomoses in 18 patients with one leak; 3 patients had stomas for distal rectal disease. Overall mortality was 15% (4/27) or 18% in the NEC group (4/23). Conclusion Though techniques such as “clip and drop” exist, they have not been routinely incorporated into an operative strategy for sick neonates based on physiological derangement. The two benefits from our DCS approach were a low mortality and an avoidance of stomas. This approach deserves more investigation to see whether it is as effective in babies and children with nontrauma associated abdominal catastrophes as it is in adults. Type of study Case controlled study. Level of evidence Level III.
Factors associated with acute stroke after type A aortic dissection repair: An analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.

Abstract Objectives Data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was used to examine the incidence and factors associated with acute stroke following type A repair. Methods Acute type A aortic dissection repairs performed from 2014 to 2017 were identified from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. The effect of cannulation strategy (eg, axillary, femoral, direct, or innominate), lowest temperature, cerebral protection techniques (antegrade cerebral profusion, retrograde cerebral perfusion, both, or none), repair technique, and institutional volume on postoperative stroke was investigated. Results Acute type A repair was performed on 8937 patients at 772 centers, of which 7353 met inclusion criteria. Operative mortality was 17% and incidence of postoperative stroke was 13%. Axillary cannulation was associated with lower risk of stroke versus femoral (odds ratio, 0.60; P Conclusions Stroke is a common complication after type A repair. Axillary cannulation was associated with lower incidence of stroke, whereas femoral cannulation significantly increased the risk of stroke regardless of the cerebral perfusion strategy or the degree of hypothermia. Retrograde cerebral profusion was found to have reduced risk for postoperative stroke. Degree of hypothermia and center volume were not related to stroke incidence.
Understanding Symptom Burden in Patients With Advanced Cancer Living in Rural Areas.

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of using a biobehavioral approach to examine symptom burden in rural residents with advanced cancer. Sample & setting 21 patients with advanced lung, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer were enrolled at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Methods & variables Using Cleeland's cytokine-immunologic model of symptom expression, symptom burden (i.e., severity, count, and interference) and inflammatory cytokines were measured for 24 weeks. Potential predictors included demographics, clinical characteristics, optimism, social support, and cancer-related stress. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. Results Recruitment and retention rates were similar for rural and nonrural patients. Demographics, optimism, and social support were no different between groups. The cancer-related stress total score for rural patients was nearly half of the score of nonrural patients, with rural patients reporting significantly less avoidance. Symptom severity for the five worst symptoms remained moderate during the 24 weeks, whereas nonrural residents reported steady declines in severity of their five worst symptoms. Significant differences in inflammatory cytokines between groups were only found at one time point. Implications for nursing Rural residents who seek care at a cancer center may be clinically and demographically more similar to their nonrural counterparts than to rural residents seeking local care.
Older people's use of non-pharmacological interventions for chronic, non-cancer pain and comfort.

Background Many older people experience chronic pain, so increased comfort and pain relief are important for older residents in assisted and/or supported-living environments. While several studies have found that people using non-pharmacological interventions without taking pain medication experienced significant differences in pain, the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on comfort and chronic pain in older people has not been studied. Aim To assess differences in comfort and pain among older people in assisted and supported-living facilities who had chronic, non-cancer pain and who used or did not use non-pharmacological interventions. Method A descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional pilot study with a convenience sample of 82 participants from 11 assisted and supported-living facilities. Three questionnaires were used to obtain data on the independent variable of use/non-use of non-pharmacological interventions and the dependent variables of perceived comfort and pain. Multivariate analyses of variance were computed to measure differences between the use/non-use groups, and Roy-Bargmann stepdown analyses were computed to further subdivide and analyse the groups who were using and not using pain medication. Results No significant differences were found in chronic pain and perceived comfort between participants who did or did not use non-pharmacological interventions if they were not also taking pain medication. However, when participants were also taking pain medication, chronic pain and perceived comfort scores were significantly affected by the use of non-pharmacological interventions. The most common non-pharmacological interventions were exercise, heat therapy, spiritual activity/religion and listening to music. Conclusion Older people using non-pharmacological interventions and taking pain medication had higher perceived comfort scores and lower pain scores than those using pain medication only. Relationships between non-pharmacological interventions and comfort should be explored further. With minor changes, this pilot study design could be used with a larger sample.
Wert des Magnetisation Transfer Contrast in der MRT zerebraler Erkrankungen nach intravenöser Gadoteridol-Gabe

Ziel unserer Studie war die Bestimmung der diagnostischen Vertigkeit des Magnetisation Transfer Contrast (MTC) bei zerebralen Erkrankungen. 24 konsekutive Patienten erhielten prospektiv nach einem festgelegten Sequenzprotokoll eine MRT des Zerebrums vor und nach Applikation von 0,1 mmol/kg KG Gadoteridol. Hierbei wurden konventionelle Spinechosequenzen und MTC-Sequenzen nativ und nach Kontrastmittelgabe in randomisierter Reihenfolge angewandt. Verschiedene Regions of Interest (ROI) wurden gemessen und anschliesend die diagnostische Aussage bewertet. Nach Applikation des MTC Vorsattigungspulses verminderte sich der Kontrast zwischen weiser und grauer Substanz deutlich. Auch die Morphologie einer Lasion war schlechter beurteilbar. Der Kontrast zwischen Gadolinium aufnehmenden Herden und dem umgebendem Hirngewebe stieg jedoch an. Insgesamt wird in der klinischen Anwendung des MTC in der Bildgebung des Gehirns keine entscheidende Verbesserung gesehen. Die Effekte nach Gadoliniumgabe sind vergleichbar mit einer Erhohung der Kontrastmitteldosis oder einem verlangerten Delay zwischen Injektion und Bildgebung. Einzig bei einer Neuritis der Hirnnerven ergibt der spezifische MT-Effekt einen diagnostischen Vorteil.
Solution of Third Grade Thin Film Flow Using Algorithmic Differentiation

We solve the steady thin film flow problem for a third grade fluid by using Taylor series and shooting. Neither finite difference formulas nor lengthy analytical expressions are used for calculating the derivatives needed. Instead, exact derivatives are computed directly through algorithmic differentiation, which leads to recursive formulas for the derivatives. The method avoids round-off effects and the use of symbolic manipulation systems. Therefore, the method requires much less computational effort when compared to other existing methods for producing results of comparable accuracy. Our numerical results are in excellent agreement with the several approximate solutions obtained previously.
A Novel Combination of Anti-CD3 x Anti-CD123 Monoclonal Antibodies to Redirect Activated T Cells to Target Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Abstract Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy of the bone marrow (BM) and blood, characterized by clonal expansion of neoplastic myeloid precursor cells, and impairment of normal hematopoiesis. AML accounts for the largest number of annual deaths from leukemias among adults in the United States. AML blasts as well as leukemic stem cells express high levels of interlekin-3 (IL-3) receptor-a(CD123). Our previous studies show the anti-CD3 activated T cells (ATC) can be redirected with bispecific antibodies (BiAb) to CD20 for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after stem cell transplantation (SCT), Her2/ neu for breast cancer, EGFR for pancreatic cancer and GD2 for neuroblastoma. In this study, we investigated whether ATC armed with anti-CD3 x anti-CD123 bispecific antibody (CD123Bi) can target CD123 expressing targets. Methods: ATC were produced by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with anti-CD3 in the presence of IL-2. Bispecific antibody was produced by chemical hetero-conjugation of anti-CD3 (OKT3) with anti-CD123 monoclonal antibodies. We tested four AML cell lines (EOL-1, KG-1, NoMo-1 and TF-1) as targets for cytotoxicity by CD123Bi armed ATC using 51Cr release assay. Cytokines and chemokine release during CD123Bi armed ATC mediated killing of targets were analyzed by multiplex luminex assay. Results: All four AML cell lines (EOL-1, KG-1, NoMo-1 and TF-1) showed 70-90% CD123 expression and 10-70% CD123 expression on leukemic blasts. Arming dose titration ranging from 0.1 to 100 ng CD123Bi/106 ATC showed saturation at 5 ng dose, the mean specific cytotoxicity 20% plateaued at arming doses of 5, 50 and 100 ng/106 ATC at an effector to target ratio (E/T) of 10:1. ATC from 4 normal donors at 50 ng arming dose at E/T of 25:1 showed mean specific cytotoxicity of 22 and 40% directed at TF-1 and NoMo-1 cell lines, respectively. The cytotoxicity was also confirmed by analysis of IFNγ and TNFα release during cytotoxic activity directed at AML cell lines by CD123Bi armed ATC. Conclusions: ATC armed with CD123Bi at 50 ng/106 cells showed comparable cytotoxicity directed at either high or low leukemic blast populations. Since most of the CD33 positive cells were also CD123+, it is likely that CD123Bi armed ATC will be able to target CD33 positive leukemia stem cells. This approach may provide a non-toxic strategy to target leukemic blasts and leukemic stem cells. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A method to estimate the spatial coherence of photoacoustic channel data without access to channel data

Channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a metric to assess photoacoustic image quality based on the raw photoacoustic channel data. Current methods for measuring channel SNR require access to raw data or delay data prior to summation (e.g., prior to DAS beamforming) in addition to knowledge of the noise profile to differentiate signal from noise. However, access to pre-beamformed data is not always feasible with clinical ultrasound scanners, and knowledge of noise profiles are typically not available. This paper introduces a new method for calculating channel SNR based on the probability density functions (PDFs) of beamformed data and shows how this method is related to not only channel SNR, but also other properties of channel data and image data for photoacoustic images.
Dynamic Response of Fluid and Wall Temperatures during Pressurized Discharge for Simultaneous, Time-Dependent Inlet Gas Temperature, Ambient Temperature, and/or Ambient Heat Flux

In a previous study [1], the dynamic response of the process of pressurized discharge of a cryogenic liquid from a container was investigated for simultaneous multiple step disturbances in the inlet fluid temperature, the ambient temperature, and/or the heat flux from the ambient. In the present investigation the previous work is extended to include the effects of time-dependent, simultaneous, multiple disturbances of an arbitrary form of these same quantities.
Angioscopy: New Developments in Vascular Surgery

Angioscopy is not a new procedure, but it is one that has undergone recent changes as the effects of technological improvement are adapted to the surgical environment. Recent advances allow the use of angioscopy to change the way some surgeries are performed and has altered others to a great degree. If the procedure is done infrequently, it can take several months and more than a few cases to master the procedure and setup. Having a small team of six vascular nurses for four full-time vascular surgeons has helped speed this process in our institution. In some institutions, the role of the nurse described in this article is performed by the surgical resident or fellow. As we gained experience, breakdown time was reduced and setup was more efficient.
Intensive immune suppression of Bolivian squirrel monkeys activates latent polyomavirus (HUM8P.337)

The squirrel monkey polyomavirus (SMPyV) is commonly found in Bolivian squirrel monkeys, and, as such, the squirrel monkey may be a useful model for the study of polyomavirus-associated pathogenesis and experimental treatment and prevention strategies. Squirrel monkeys were given single or multiple doses of an anti-B cell antibody (Rituximab) and/or an anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody (7pt-3F9) which resulted in a complete CD20+lymphocyte depletion and transient CD8+lymphocyte depletion as compared to control animals. The animals remained clinically well, suggesting that the intensity and/or duration of immune suppression were inadequate to trigger pathogenic reactivation of the latent polyoma and herpes viruses. Quantitative PCR assays revealed excretion of the SMPyV in the urine within one week after the 7pt-3F9 infusion, continuing until the end of the study. At necropsy, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, cerebrum, cerebellum and kidney were positive for SMPyV DNA. Histologic and immunohistochemistry studies revealed moderately increased numbers of meningeal cells and inflammatory mononuclear cells in the kidney, renal medulla and foci of increased Ki67 staining in distal tubular epithelial cells in antibody treated monkeys compared to untreated monkey. One animal had multifocal encephalitis with prominent CD3+lymphocyte collections throughout the cortex. These results suggest that the transient depletion of CD8+lymphocytes may be a useful trigger for SMPyV shedding.
Bankruptcy Prediction in the High-Tech Industry

This study examines the accuracy financial ratios predict bankruptcy in the high-tech industry. The prediction model is based on a sample of 120 companies (60 bankrupt and 60 matching non-bankrupt companies) during the period 2000-2002 for which six financial ratios were employed. The ratios were calculated from financial statements one and two years prior to bankruptcy. Similar studies were conducted by other authors in different industries such as retailing and manufacturing. However, no study has been found in the high-tech industry. The model's predictability is tested by using 20 bankrupt and 20 matching non-bankrupt firms after 2002, and was found to accurately predict 85 percent of the bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy cases.
Depression, Language, and Affect An Examination of the Influence of Baseline Depression and Affect Induction on Language

Literature suggests that depression influences how individuals communicate. However, no studies examine the impact of affective state on language. The current study examined the influence of depression and affective state on linguistic style. Findings suggest that depression and temporary negative moods both affect pronoun use, but depression influences use of first-person pronouns, whereas negative affect influences use of third-person pronouns.
Growth of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Suspension Cell Culture

Respiratory syncytial virus, Burnett strain, adsorbed efficiently and grew to high titers in suspension cultures of HEp-2 and MA-160 cells. Our results compared favorably with previous experience with the growth of respiratory syncytial virus in monolayer cell cultures. The use of suspension cell cultures provides a convenient and simple procedure for producing high-titering respiratory syncytial virus pools.
Malpractice Litigation and Testicular Torsion: A Legal Database Review.

Abstract Background The litigious nature of the American medical environment is a major concern for physicians, with an estimated annual cost of $10 billion. Objective The purpose of this study is to identify causes of litigation in cases of testicular torsion and what factors contribute to verdicts or settlements resulting in indemnity payments. Methods Publicly available jury verdict reports were retrieved from the Westlaw legal database (Thomson Reuters, New York, NY). In order to identify pertinent cases, we used the search terms “medical malpractice” and “testicular torsion” with date ranging from 2000 to 2013. Jury verdicts, depositions, and narrative summaries were evaluated for their medical basis, alleged malpractice, findings, and indemnity payment(s) (if any). Results Fifty-two cases were identified that were relevant to this study. Fifty-one percent of relevant cases were found in favor of the defendant physician, with the remaining 49% involving an indemnity payment (13% of which were settled). The most commonly sued medical providers were emergency physicians (48% of defendants), with urologists being second most common and making up 23% of the defendant pool. Emergency physicians were significantly more likely to make indemnity payments than urologists. Conclusion Testicular torsion is a delicate condition and requires expertise in evaluation and treatment. When emergency physicians choose not to consult an urologist for possible torsion, they leave themselves open to litigation risk. When an urologist is involved in torsion litigation, they are rarely unsuccessful in their defense. Finally, ultrasound is no guarantee for success against litigation.
Ultrasound imaging of ovarian tumor associated neo-angiogenesis as an early detection tool for ovarian cancer

A8 Background: Ovarian cancer (OVCA) represents the fetal gynecological malignancy of women and the lack of an early detection method is one of the reasons of high mortality rate due to OVCA. Ovarian tumor associated neo-angiogenesis (TAN) is an earlier event leading to OVCA and can be an effective target for early detection. Because the symptoms of OVCA are non-specific during early stage, it is difficult to identify and study patients at early stage of OVCA to develop an early detection method. Laying hen is the only widely available animal that develops OVCA spontaneously like humans. Recently, we have established, for the first time, in vivo visualizationand monitoring of ovarian tumors in hens using ultrasound imagingwith similar probe as in human (http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/cgi/reprint/26/7/909). In our method, a hen can bescreened repeatedly without affecting its physiology. The goal of this study was to detect ovarian TAN by Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in association with angiogenic markers including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and αvβ3-integrins in laying hens. Methods: White Leghorn hens of 3 years old (n = 30) with low egg laying rates (
Multichip module diagnosis

System diagnosis techniques for multichip module (MCM) functional test and diagnosis is presented. The proposed technique uses built-in additional probes for observations of modules' internal responses. The faulty probes are located after the application of system functional test by a novel signature analysis based on error correcting codes. This signature scheme is essential for the viability of the built-in probe approach, since it is used to reduce the amount of wires and circuits entailed in signature analysis for the probed test responses. A bit-slice design of the probes signature analyzer is presented. Concepts from system diagnosis is used in conjunction with signature analysis in developing the proposed MCM diagnosis technique, where the resulting patterns of the faulty probes are used in the identification of the faulty submodules (dies). >