cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rationale for Promoting Physical Activity Among Cancer Survivors: Literature Review and Epidemiologic Examination

Purpose/objectives To review the extant literature on the link between physical activity and health outcomes among cancer survivors; identify evidence-based strategies to promote physical activity among this population; and conduct an epidemiologic study based on gaps from the literature review, examining the association between physical activity and various biologic markers. Data sources The authors used PubMed and Google Scholar up to July 2013, as well as data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the empirical study. Data synthesis Studies were examined through a systematic review process. In the epidemiologic study, 227 adult cancer survivors wore an accelerometer for four days or longer, with biologic markers (e.g., cholesterol) assessed from a blood sample. Conclusions The review study demonstrated that cancer survivors are relatively inactive, but physical activity may help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and cancer-related mortality, increase cancer treatment rates, reduce pain and other side effects associated with cancer treatment, and improve physical and mental health. The epidemiologic study showed that physical activity was associated with several understudied biomarkers (e.g., neutrophils, white blood cells) that are linked with cancer recurrence, cancer-related mortality, and other chronic diseases. Implications for nursing Nurses are encouraged to promote physical activity in cancer survivors.
Interactions between positively charged starburst dendrimers and Ru(4,7-(SO3C6H5)2-phen)3posttaggered4−

Abstract The emission intensity and emissive lifetimes of * Ru(4,7-(SO 3 C 6 H 5 ) 2 -phen) 3 poststaggered4− in solutions containing various cationic starburst dendrimers (SBD) in the presence and absence of potential quenchers were investigated. The binding constants of * Ru(4,7-(SO 3 C 6 H 5 ) 2 -phen) 3 poststaggered4− to SBD were determined using changes in the probe's excited state lifetime as a function of the SBD concentration and generation. An observed increase in the probe's lifetime in the presence of SBD is attributed to a lower O 2 concentration at the dendrimer's surface than in water. The quenching constants between * Ru(4,7-(SO 3 C 6 H 5 ) 2 -phen) 3 poststaggered4− and methylviologen (MV 2+ ) and K 4 Fe(CN) 6 and K 3 Fe(CN) 6 were determined by laser flash-photolysis in the presence of various generations of SBD.
Central place foraging by beavers (Castor canadensis): a test of foraging predictions and the impact of selective feeding on the growth form of cottonwoods (Populus fremontii)

Several predictions of central place foraging theory were tested. As predicted, beavers foraged more selectively at increasing distance from the central place. With increasing distance from the river's edge, beavers cut fewer branches and deleted small branches from their diet. Large branches were favored at all distances, which differs from patterns observed in previous studies of beaver foraging. This difference, however, is expected and supports Schoener's (1979) predictions which are based on differences between provisioning costs and item size. The selective harvesting of branches predicted by foraging theory affects plant growth form and may influence plant reproductive patterns. High rates of branch removal caused cottonwoods to develop a shrubby architecture. The importance of selective branch choice by beavers on patterns of cottonwood reproduction (i.e., delayed sexual maturity and induced cloning) is discussed.
The bugsystem: The software structure for the reduction of quantized video data of moving organisms

The description of an interactive interpretive on-line computer-television system for studying the behavior of organisms is presented. The movements of organisms in a wet-slide preparation is recorded on video tape with the aid of a microscope and rendered to a computer in outline form by a video-to-digital processor. Parameters relating to the behavior of the organisms, such as velocity and rate of change of direction, are extracted with an interactive graphics system. The objective of the system is to provide the human operator a set of both high-level and primitive keyboard operations which, in conjunction with the graphics terminal, provide the tools for the successful acquisition, analysis, and display of these behavioral data.
Racial formation in the twenty-first century

Twenty-five years after the first edition of Michael Omi and Howard Winant's Racial Formation in the United States (1986), top race scholars across disciplines continue to engage this important wor...
Specific suppression of hybridoma immunoglobulin secretion by hapten-conjugated mouse IgG: A model of B-cell tolerance

Abstract In an effort to establish a model system for studying B-cell tolerance, the effects of haptenconjugated isologous mouse IgG on the secretion of antibody by a mouse hybridoma cell line were studied. The hybridoma cell line 35-12 (HC) secretes IgM antibody to the hapten dinitrophenyl (DNP). After HC cells are injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice, the cells initially undergo a marked reduction in the proportion of PFC/10 6 followed by a return of PFC to pretransfer levels by 7–10 days. Hapten-conjugated mouse IgG (DNP-MGG), which induces tolerance to DNP in normal mouse B cells, also induces suppression of HC PFC when administered within the first 2 days after the transfer. Administration of tolerogen either 2 days before injection of HC or after the PFC response has returned to preinjection levels fails to give suppression. Suppression is dose dependent and hapten specific since immunogenic hapten-carrier conjugates (e.g., DNP-KLH, DNP-Ficoll) and fluorescein-MGG are not suppressive. T cells may not be required for suppression since hybridoma cells inoculated into nude mice are also suppressed by DNP-MGG. These results suggest that hybridoma cells undergo a change from nonsecreting to secreting cells during in vivo growth and that administration of tolerogen during the nonsecreting stage inhibits antibody secretion.
"Dose/duration effect" relationship between alcohol consumption and cerebral atrophy: a psychological and neuroradiological evaluation.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence of brain atrophy in alcoholic patients as measured by two methods–psychological testing and CAT scanning. The study focused upon the relationships between gross cerebral atrophy and two variables which are considered to be major determinants in the development of brain damage. The variables are (1) the quantity-frequency of alcohol intake, and (2) the duration of problematic drinking. The results show that the degree of brain damage is related to the intensity of exposure to alcohol and clearly indicate that psychological testing is a reliable method for, at least, an initial diagnosis of or screening for alcohol-related cerebral atrophy.
Ostwald ripening of water-in-hydrocarbon emulsions

Abstract The purposes of this study are to determine Ostwald ripening rates in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and evaluate the potential application of the LSW theory to W/O emulsions. Water-in-oil emulsions were prepared by mixing water and hydrocarbon phases containing Span 83 and homogenizing. n-Heptane, n-decane, n-dodecane, and n-tetradecane were used to obtain a range of solubilities. A linear increase in the cube of the droplet size with time was observed (within the initial period of 1–2 h after emulsion preparation), supporting the LSW theory. Based on this linear relationship, Ostwald ripening rates were determined to be 3.0×10−24, 2.3×10−24, 1.8×10−24, and 5.8×10−25 m3 s−1 for water-in-heptane, water-in-decane, water-in-dodecane, and water-in-tetradecane emulsions, respectively. These values are in agreement with theoretical predictions calculated using the LSW equation. It was observed that the ripening process gradually slowed, resulting in deviations from the LSW theory. This was attributed to the effect of the interfacial surfactant film through which the dispersed material has to diffuse during Ostwald ripening. This effect is not taken into consideration by the LSW theory. The results showed that Ostwald ripening of W/O emulsions was less sensitive to the nature of oil used and slower compared to O/W emulsions consisting of the same hydrocarbons.
Sexual Acquisition and Transmission of HIV Cooperative Agreement Program (SATHCAP), July 2009: Introduction

In 2003, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) of the National Institutes of Health invited collaborative research proposals on the sexual transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases among drug-using and non-drug-using populations. The outcome of this effort was the cooperative agreement program called the “Sexual Acquisition and Transmission of HIV Cooperative Agreement Program” or SATHCAP. SATHCAP was designed for multidisciplinary epidemiologic research on the behavioral, biological, and environmental processes involved in the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STD) among drug users and to non-drug-using populations.
Optical Rotation and Configuration of Poly-L-Tyrosine

IN a recent communication1, Downie, Elliott and Hanby report that the optical rotatory dispersion of poly-L-tyrosine is unusual and, as a result, its configuration cannot be assigned by analogy with polypeptides having normal dispersion characteristics. However, they interpret their data, together with unspecified infra-red spectral and X-ray diffraction observations of films, as indicating that “it is more probable that in dilute solutions in pyridine, in dimethyl formamide, and in aqueous alkali, poly-L-tyrosine is in a random coil configuration”. Our study of this problem has led to somewhat different conclusions: that the configuration in pyridine and dimethyl formamide is that of the α-helix, whereas in alkaline solution the configuration is dependent on pH, indicative of the random-coil configuration. The basis of the configurational assignments will be published elsewhere in detail, but we wish to summarize them here and report the optical rotatory characteristics of the two forms.
Nasal provocation testing: An objective assessment for nasal and eustachian tube obstruction

Nasal provocative testing is the introduction of a specific factor into the nose and the subsequent assessment of the pathophysiologic changes induced by the challenge. The provocative test primarily affects the nasal airway but also may affect the adjacent organs, including the eustachian tube, middle ear, sinuses, and lower respiratory tract. Recent advances in the measurement of nasal airway resistance with microcomputer-assisted rhinomanometry have improved the objective assessment of nasal airway obstruction. Eustachian tube obstruction has been shown after nasal provocation by a new procedure, sonotubometry, which can be performed in series with rhinomanometry and pulmonary spirometry. As will be described these procedures have helped elucidate the extent and pathophysiology of diseases affecting the upper airway, especially allergic rhinitis. At present, nasal provocation is primarily a clinical investigative test. It is anticipated that with further development and refinement, it can be used to a greater extent in the diagnosis and management of nasal diseases.
Edge flames stabilized in a non-premixed microcombustor

The dynamics of an edge flame confined in a non-premixed microcombustor model is studied numerically within the context of a diffusive-thermal model. Fuel and oxidizer, separated upstream by a thin plate, flow through a channel with a prescribed velocity. At the tip of the plate, the fuel and oxidizer mix and, when ignited, an edge flame is sustained at some distance from the plate. The objective in this work is to consider the effects of confinement, differential diffusion, and heat loss on the dynamics of an edge flame in a narrow channel. We consider a wide range of channel widths and allow for changing Lewis numbers, and both adiabatic conditions and heat losses along the channel walls. The results illustrate how the flame shape and standoff distance are affected by the channel width, by mixture composition through variations in Lewis numbers and by heat losses. Conditions for flame stabilization, flame oscillations and flame extinction or blowoff are predicted.
The crisis of cancer: Challenge to change

D eath, mutilation, and suffering are often associated with the diagnosis of cancer. Strength, courage, and fulfillment are too often ignored. A 13-year-old boy whose cancer had been diagnosed a year and a half previously was preparing for his formal religious initiation. He began by thanking his family, medical staff, and friends for their care during the illness, and the words that follow represent his feelings at that time :
Clitoral Priapism with No Known Risk Factors

Clitoral priapism is a rare condition that is associated with an extended duration of clitoral erection due to local engorgement of clitoral tissue resulting in pain. Although the pathophysiology is not completely understood, it has been associated with specific classes of medications, diseases that alter clitoral blood flow or others associated with small to large vessel disease. We present a case report of a 26-year-old patient who developed clitoral priapism without a clear medication or disease related etiology. The patient was treated with opiates, imipramine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and local ice packs. She recovered uneventfully. [WestJEM. 2008;9:235-237.]
Increases in plasma trans-EETs and blood pressure reduction in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are vasodilator, natriuretic, and antiinflammatory lipid mediators. Both cis- and trans-EETs are stored in phospholipids and in red blood cells (RBCs) in the circul...
Association of Escherichia coli with the small intestinal epithelium. II. Variations in association index and the relationship between association index and enterosorption in pigs.

Abstract The association between small intestinal epithelium and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EEC) was studied in ligated intestinal loops of pigs and rabbits. The association indexes (degree of association) for each of two porcine EEC strains varied widely among pigs and independently of each other. Significant litter-to-litter variations in association indexes among colostrum-deprived newborn pigs were interpreted to be the result of congenital resistance to association with specific EEC in some pigs. Since enterosorption occurred in loops with low association indexes, it was not necessary for EEC to establish a high association index for them to cause enterosorption in ligated intestinal loops. Two strains of EEC which are enteropathogenic for humans caused enterosorption in ligated loops in pigs 3 weeks old or less but not in 6-week-old pigs.
On convergence of closed sets in a metric space and distance functions

Let CL(X) denote the nonempty closed subsets of a metric space X. We answer the following question: in which spaces X is the Kuratowski convergence of a sequence {Cn} in CL(X) to a nonempty closed set C equivalent to the pointwise convergence of the distance functions for the sets in the sequence to the distance function for C ? We also obtain some related results from two general convergence theorems for equicontinuous families of real valued functions regarding the convergence of graphs and epigraphs of functions in the family.
Health and performance related reasons for wanting to quit: gender differences among teen smokers.

Adolescents frequently state health as a broad-ranging reason for wanting to quit smoking. Much less is known regarding performance-related reasons. We hypothesized that more male than female smokers want to quit for performance-related reasons (e.g., to improve athletic performance). As part of a telephone screen to determine eligibility for participation in a cessation trial in Baltimore, Maryland, 1999–2001, 509 teenage smokers [mean age 15.78 ± 1.65 years (range 11–21), 60.9% female, 32.6% African-American] were asked the open-ended question: “Why do you want to quit?” Responses were subsequently grouped into categories that included health, performance, cost, social influences, setting an example for others, self-efficacy, cosmetics, no perceived positive reinforcement, or unknown reasons. Health was the most commonly stated primary and overall reason for wanting to quit among both boys and girls. Sixty-five percent of teen smokers endorsing health reasons were girls, and 51% of those endorsing perfo...
Development of a CBMS message transfer protocol

In recent years, organizations have been turning towards the use of automation equipment to effect productivity improvements in the office environment. One of the principal new methods of expediting communications in the modern office is the use of electronic mail and messaging systems. According to International Resource Development, Incorporated, the market for electronic mail and message systems and services will increase from about d1 billion in 1979 to more than d4.5 billion by 1989. By the latter date, there will be at least 50 companies with significant participation in electronic mail. The declining services and rising costs associated with postal deliveries along with the benefits of “instant” message delivery using electronic means, have sparked a large increase in the use of electronic mail and messaging systems by United States corporations. The growth in electronic mail can be explained by the belief that todays' businesses have to communicate far more effectively in order to compete in an increasingly complex world.
On residence time and trajectory calculations in motionless mixers

Abstract Particle trajectory and residence time calculations are useful for theoretical analyses of laminar flow devices such as motionless mixers. A consistent methodology is given for these calculations together with sample results for the partitioned-pipe mixer. Of particular significance is a correction for end-effects at the transitions between mixing elements. Some previous treatments violated a local mass balance and used an improper weighting of residence time data. The new methodology shows substantial differences in the calculated streamlines and in the residence time distribution compared with previous results.
Erlotinib appears to produce prolonged remission of insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes associated with metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease

Patients with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and for chronic kidney disease. Metformin is the oral medication of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the absence of chronic kidney disease. There is a need for another oral glucose lowering agent for use in metabolic syndrome with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We submit the first report of erlotinib, a once-daily oral medication for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer associated with specific genetic mutations, appearing to eliminate the need for insulin in insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes associated with metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease. The mechanism by which erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor may improve glycaemic control is unknown. Potential possibilities are explored. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2012;12:87-90
Expression of the Aldo-Ketoreductases AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 in Human Cancers.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 1.5 million new cases of cancer in 2011, underscoring the need for identification of new therapeutic targets and development of novel cancer therapies. Previous studies have implicated the human aldo-keto reductases AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 in cancer, and therefore we examined AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 expression across all major human cancer types using the Oncomine cancer gene expression database (Compendia Biosciences, www.oncomine.com). Using this database, we found that expression of of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 varies greatly by cancer type and tissue of origin, including agreement with previous reports that AKR1B10 is significantly over-expressed in cancers of the lungs and liver. AKR1B1 is more broadly over-expressed in human cancers than AKR1B10, albeit at a generally lower magnitude. AKR1B1 over-expression was found to be associated with shortened patient survival in acute myelogenous leukemias and multiple myelomas. High AKR1B10 expression tends to predict less aggressive clinical course generally, notably within lung cancers, where it tends to be highly over-expressed compared to normal tissue. These findings suggest that AKR1B1 inhibitors in particular hold great potential as novel cancer therapeutics.
Patterns in the Landscape and Erosion of Cultural Sites Along the Colorado River Corridor in Grand Canyon, USA

The geologic and geomorphic template of Grand Canyon influences patterns in the archaeological record, including sites where apparent increases in erosion may be related to Glen Canyon Dam. To provide geoarchaeological context for the Colorado River corridor and such issues, we explore first-order trends in a database of field observations and topographic metrics from 227 cultural sites. The patterns revealed may be expected in other river-canyon settings of management concern. The spatial clustering of sites along the river follows variations in width of the valley bottom and the occurrence of alluvial terraces and debris fans, linking to bedrock controls. In contrast, the pattern of more Formative (Ancestral Puebloan, 800–1250 A.D.) sites in eastern Grand Canyon and Protohistoric (1250–1776 A.D.) sites in western Grand Canyon does not follow any evident geomorphic trends. In terms of site stability, wider reaches with more terrace and debris fan landforms host a disproportionate number of sites with acute erosion. This links most directly to weak alluvial substrates, and the primary erosion process is gullying with diffusive-creep processes also pervasive. Although Glen Canyon Dam does not directly influence these erosion processes, overall sediment depletion and the loss of major flooding leaves erosion unhampered along the river corridor.
An evaluation of Open Airways for schools: Using college students as instructors

Fifteen years ago, Open Airways for Schools (OAS) was found to be an effective asthma education program for elementary school children when taught by professionals. To determine whether OAS is effective when taught by college students and whether it could withstand potential cohort effects, 54 inner-city fourth and fifth graders were taught OAS. Paired t-tests revealed that OAS improved asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, self-management skills, social support, and perception of well-being (p < 0.05). Fifteen years later, OAS continues to improve children's self-management skills. Facilitators with little prior experience who received brief training in asthma knowledge and group leadership skills can effectively teach OAS.
A simple rate-equation-based thermal VCSEL model

Motivated by the potentially large number of devices and simulations involved in optoelectronic system design, and the associated need for compact optoelectronic device models, we present a simple thermal model of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light-current (LI) characteristics based on the laser rate equations and a thermal offset current. The model was implemented in conventional SPICE-like circuit simulators, including HSPICE, and used to simulate key features of VCSEL LI curves, namely, thermally dependent threshold current and output-power roll-over for a range of ambient temperatures. The use of the rate equations also allows simulation in other non-dc operating regimes. Our results compare favorably to experimental data from three devices reported in the literature.
A Revision of Ptychococcus (Arecaceae)

Although known to European botanists since 1876, the genus Ptychococcus (Arecaceae: Arecoideae: Ptychospermatinae) of New Guinea has remained one of the most poorly known genera of the Ptychospermatinae. The present study, based on examinations of plants in the field, in herbaria, and in cultivation, reduces the number of species to two and presents a historical overview of this misunderstood genus, along with a taxonomic revision, a key, descriptions and synonymies of the two species. A neotype is designated for Ptychococcus paradoxus.
All your Google and Facebook logins are belong to us: A case for single sign-off

The websites of the modern Web integrate content from multiple parties to provide an enriched user experience. The so-called single sign-on forms part of this integration whereby a relying website enables a user to use her credentials on a third-party provider (such as Google or Facebook) to authenticate with itself and, if desired, authorize itself to use her resources on the provider. The user benefits by not remembering credentials for different websites separately and by allowing controlled use of her resources with a provider by other website. However, we observe that the current protocols for single sign-on do not have any provision of what we call single sign-off: once the user logs out of a relying website, the user still remains signed into the provider website. This can leave the user vulnerable if she forgets to sign out of the provider website after signing out of the relying website on a shared computer. We manually analyze the top twenty websites using Facebook or Google providers and conclude that the above problem is widespread. All but one website do not even warn the user with regard to this problem.
Plasma exchange for preeclampsia: I. Postpartum use for persistently severe preeclampsia-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome

The postpartum use of plasma exchange with fresh-frozen plasma was assessed in a group of seven women with severe preeclampsia-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) that persisted 30,000/mm3), rising lactic dehydrogenase (
PALM‐COEIN Nomenclature for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Approximately 30% of women will experience abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) during their life time. Previous terms defining AUB have been confusing and imprecisely applied. As a consequence, both clinical management and research on this common problem have been negatively impacted. In 2011, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Menstrual Disorders Group (FMDG) published PALM-COEIN, a new classification system for abnormal bleeding in the reproductive years. Terms such as menorrhagia, menometrorrhagia, metrorrhagia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and uterine hemorrhage are no longer recommended. The PALM-COEIN system was developed to standardize nomenclature to describe the etiology and severity of AUB. A brief description of the PALM-COEIN nomenclature is presented as well as treatment options for each etiology. Clinicians will frequently encounter women with AUB and should report findings utilizing the PALM-COEIN system.
Music Education Majors' Confidence in Teaching Improvisation

The purpose of this study was to describe undergraduate music education majors’ confidence in teaching improvisation, according to the NAfME (National Association for Music Education) K–12 Achievem...
Cat Flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): Factors Influencing Host-finding Behavior in the Laboratory

Visual and thermal cues were the primary stimuli responsible for the orientation and attraction of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouche), to sticky cylindrical targets. Postpupal age was also important. Contrast of a moving dark cylinder against a light backdrop was visually attractive to the fleas. No visual orientation was demonstrated under red light. Increasing the complexity of patterns on the target did not increase its attractiveness. Orientation and attraction to a stationary heated target was demonstrated, but required the additional stimulation of air movements to evoke a directed jump. Light, CO2, and air currents stimulated locomotion.
Lattice dynamics of femtosecond laser-excited antimony

Abstract Ultrafast electron diffraction is used to probe the lattice dynamics of femtosecond laser-excited antimony thin film. The temporal hierarchies of the intensity and position of diffraction orders are monitored. The femtosecond laser excitation of antimony film was found to lead to initial compression after the laser pulse, which gives way to tension vibrating at new equilibrium displacement. A damped harmonic oscillator model, in which the hot electron-blast force contributes to the driving force of oscillations in lattice spacing, is used to interpret the data. The electron–phonon energy-exchange rate and the electronic Gruneisen parameter were obtained.
The Effect of Matrix Attachment on the Third Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Dyes

In order to discern the source of the third order nonlinear optical (NLO) phenomenon both morphological and electronic considerations are required. A series of styrene copolymers with varying amounts of p-aminostyrene or p-chloromethylstyrene were prepared as anchoring sites for chemically reactive electrophilic and nucleophilic dyes. For comparison, the same dyes were incorporated into composites of polycarbonate. Preliminary degenerate four wave mixing results for all materials indicate that the copolymeric support allowed incorporation of greater amounts of electroactive units, versus composites, and hence allowed high third order nonlinear responses (X(3)/α of approximately 10−13 esu cm). Third order NLO responses were absent in some composite systems due to limited solubility and/or phase separation difficulties.
Long-term cultures of salivary gland cells: immortalization versus other techniques

A defect in saliva secretion is observed in human diseases such as Sjogren's disease. It is also observed during radiation therapy of cancer of head and neck when the parotid glands get incidentally irradiated. Therefore, the understanding of the mechanisms of regulation of the synthesis and secretion of salivary gland proteins is important. However, the direct investigation of molecular mechanisms that regulate the synthesis and secretion of salivary gland proteins has been hindered by the fact that longterm cultures of acinar cells have not been available. Also, the regulatory mechanisms of growth, differentiation, and transformation of acinar cells cannot be investigated until such cultures are established. Recent advances in tissue culture technology utilizing different approaches have made it possible to establish long-term cultures of epithelial cells including acinar cells from normal rat and human salivary glands, and human pleomorphic adenoma and adenocarcinoma. These approaches include: (i) immo...
Clutch sizes and sex ratios in Pediobius foveolatus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), primary parasites of Epilachna varivestis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

In Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford), which are primary parasites of the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant, mean brood sex ratio differed from 50% sons and 50% daughters. Frequency distributions of the percentage of sons differed from a random (binomial) distribution within clutches of different sizes. Clutch size predicted the percentage of sons. During single oviposition bouts, mother P. foveolatus tended to lay a mean of 12 daughter eggs followed by 2 son eggs. Oviposition duration predicted clutch size, and insemination status did not change brood size. Because offspring mortality did not occur, it was not responsible for changes in brood sex ratios or brood sizes.
Understanding Multi-modal Non-destructive Testing Data Through the Evaluation of Twelve Deteriorating Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks

Non-destructive testing (NDT) to identify reinforced concrete deterioration is an important tool in the management and preservation of the nation’s bridge inventory. Presented is research conducted to better understand multi-modal NDT and its identification of reinforced concrete deterioration. The objectives were to better understand the relationships between the various NDT data, understand damage progression with time, and increase confidence in NDT. Statistical analyses were conducted of multi-modal NDT data collected on 12 bridge decks through the USA. The research identified that the NDT methods utilized are strongly interrelated and can help identify future deterioration.
The raspberry model for protein-like particles: Ellipsoids and confinement in cylindrical pores

The study of protein mass transport via atomistic simulation requires time and length scales beyond the computational capabilities of modern computer systems. The raspberry model for colloidal particles in combination with the mesoscopic hydrodynamic method of lattice Boltzmann facilitates coarse-grained simulations that are on the order of microseconds and hundreds of nanometers for the study of diffusive transport of protein-like colloid particles. The raspberry model reproduces linearity in resistance to motion versus particle size and correct enhanced drag within cylindrical pores at off-center coordinates for spherical particles. Owing to the high aspect ratio of many proteins, ellipsoidal raspberry colloid particles were constructed and reproduced the geometric resistance factors of Perrin and of Happel and Brenner in the laboratory-frame and in the moving body-frame. Accurate body-frame rotations during diffusive motion have been captured for the first time using projections of displacements. The spatial discretization of the fluid leads to a renormalization of the hydrodynamic radius, however, the data describes a self-consistent hydrodynamic frame within this renormalized system.
INPATIENT HYPOGLYCEMIC EVENTS IN A COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS TRIAL FOR GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN A HIGH-RISK POPULATION.

Objective: Inpatient hypoglycemia (glucose ≤70 mg/dL) is a limitation of intensive control with insulin. Causes of hypoglycemia were evaluated in a randomized controlled trial examining intensive glycemic control (IG, target 140 mg/dL) versus moderate glycemic control (MG, target 180 mg/dL) on post–liver transplant outcomes. Methods: Hypoglycemic episodes were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team to calculate and identify contributing pathophysiologic and operational factors. A subsequent subgroup case control (1:1) analysis (with/without) hypoglycemia was completed to further delineate factors. A total of 164 participants were enrolled, and 155 patients were examined in depth. Results: Overall, insulin-related hypoglycemia was experienced in 24 of 82 patients in IG (episodes: 20 drip, 36 subcutaneous [SQ]) and 4 of 82 in MG (episodes: 2 drip, 2 SQ). Most episodes occurred at night (41 of 60), with high insulin amounts (44 of 60), and during a protocol deviation (51 of 60). Compared to those without hypog...
Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Three Important Nutritive Traits in the Fruit of Avocado

Avocado (Perseaamericana) is a subtropical tree prized for its large and nutritious fruit. Although native to Mesoamerica, avocado is now grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, and consumer demand for avocado continues to grow at a considerable rate. Despite the appeal of avocado, its genetic improvement has been slow owing to substantial land and labor requirements combined with the fact that young trees do not produce fruit for several years and a pollination system that makes it difficult to produce genetic crosses. Molecular markers promise to accelerate the rate of breeding progress, especially for simple traits of high heritability. One of the distinguishing features of the avocado fruit is the presence of a number of compounds that have been linked to human health. As a prelude to the use of molecular markers for the improvement of nutritional traits, this article reports estimates of the heritability of carotenoids, b-sitosterol, and a-tocopherol content (the most biologically active form of vitamin E) in ripe avocado fruit. Each of these three compounds has been linked to beneficial health outcomes, and each is shown to have a sufficiently high heritability to predict successful marker-assisted selection.
Rapid Interference Detection

An algorithm for rapid interference detection between arbitrarily shaped objects is described. The approach uses a dual representation of each object, those being a wireframe and a discretized volume (octree and raycast). Interference is detected when a portion of the wireframe of one object is contained in the volume of the other. The algorithm’s speed is rooted in the speed of the point and edge inclusion tests. Tests indicate the algorithm is an order of magnitude faster than previously published work.
P-025 does platelet function testing have a role in patients undergoing pipeline embolization device deployment

Introduction/purpose There are conflicting reports regarding the utility of platelet function tests in patients undergoing treatment with Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for intracranial aneurysms. Herein, we report the correlation between platelet function testing and the incidence of complications in a series of patients who underwent PED placement. Unlike prior reports, patient procedures at our institutions were not canceled or postponed based on platelet function tests. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of the patients with unruptured, intracranial aneurysms treated with PED device (s) at two academic hospitals was performed between June 2012 and March 2015. Patient demographics, location of intracranial aneurysm, size and number of PEDs deployed were documented for each patient. The dual antiplatelet regimen prior to and following PED deployment was documented. All patients received Aspirin 325 mg and Plavix 75 mg daily, 5 days prior to the procedure, and continued the treatment for six months. Platelet function testing was performed on the day of or the day after PED deployment using the VerifyNow (Accumetrics) system for Aspirin (ARU) and P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU) (Plavix). Therapeutic platelet function testing for Aspirin was defined as an ARU less than 550. PRUs > 70 or Results A total of 39 PEDs were deployed in 32 procedures performed on a total of 27 patients with unruptured, intracranial aneurysms (average age, 55 ± 14 years; 4 (15%) male). There were 3 (9%) procedures in which neither platelet function test was obtained. No procedure was delayed or canceled based on the results of platelet function testing. There were no immediate or delayed thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications. Clinical follow up ranged from 18 days to 2 years post procedure. Conclusion In our experience, the wide range of ARU and PRU values did not have any impact on the incidence of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications in the peri-operative or immediate post- operative period. It may be unwise to cancel or postpone PED procedures based on single PRU value measurements, since this can lead to unnecessary cost escalations for the patient and the facility. A well designed randomized control trial may offer the best answer regarding the utility of platelet function testing in the treatment of patients with intra-cranial aneurysms using flow diverters. Disclosures H. Zacharatos: None. D. Sandhu: None. R. Tummala: None. A. Grande: None. B. Jagadeesan: None.
Neuroanatomical considerations of isolated hearing loss in thalamic hemorrhage

Abstract Background and importance Thalamic lesions are associated with a wide variety of clinical syndromes. Due to the close anatomic proximity of the nuclei, many of these syndromes have considerable overlap in clinical sequelae and, as such, a lesion affecting only one modality is exceedingly rare. Clinical presentation In this case, a 55 year-old right handed man with a past medical history significant for hypertension, polysubstance abuse, and a 25 year history of seizure disorder following clipping of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm presented with isolated bilateral hearing loss. Conclusion Presumably, this neurological deficit was caused by a hypertensive hemorrhage in the posterior right thalamus. The following case and discussion will review the potential neuroanatomical pathways that we suggest could make isolated hearing loss be part of a “thalamic syndrome.”
Inherited and Related Disorders of Bone Matrix Synthesis in Men

Publisher Summary Osteoclasts are derived from monocyte/macrophage precursors. Mesenchymal cell commitment to osteoclast development involves the monocyte precursor granulocyte-macrophage colony forming cells responding to the cytokines MCSF, PU.i, the MITF transcription factor and members of the c-FOS family. However, it is the RANK/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin group stemming from osteoblasts and activated T cells acting through the NF-kB pathway that are the major factors influencing osteoclast multinucleation and differentiation. Considering the multiplicity of factors involved in osteoblast and osteoclast development, it is reasonable to hypothesize that mutations involving certain of these factors will explain bone disorders that are considered “idiopathic” at this time. Cleidocranial dysplasia, a disorder of bone modeling due to haploinsufficiency of Runx2, is an example of a skeletal disorder secondary to mutations involving the major transcription factors regulating osteoblast development. Another level of complexity is defining the relationship of genotype to phenotype. To date, this correlation has not been defined for several of these disorders. As typified by genotype/phenotype relationships in osteogenesis imperfecta, there is considerable overlap in clinical expression in the presence of mutations assumed by their location, mechanism by which the size of deletions or specific amino acid substitutions lead to either mild or severe disease.
Behavior of Aflatoxin M1 in Yogurt, Buttermilk and Kefir.

Yogurt, buttermilk and kefir were made from milk that was naturally contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). Yogurt was made from skim milk alone or skim milk supplemented with 4% nonfat dry milk. The AFM1 content of yogurt, regardless of formulation, appeared to vary during storage, but after 6 weeks at 7°C it was essentially at the same levels as in the initial milk. Buttermilk was made from skim milk and stored up to 2 weeks at 7°C. In the first 3 trials, the AFM1 content appeared to increase after fermentation. This apparent increase remained through 4 d when these studies were stopped. In the second 3 trials, the apparent increase in AFM1 did not occur after fermentation. In these trials, AFM1 in buttermilk behaved as in yogurt; the apparent content was variable during holding, but AFM1 remained stable through 2 weeks of refrigerated storage. Kefir was made from skim milk subjected to low-heat (64°C for 30 min) or high-heat pasteurization (84°C for 30 min). After fermentation, the apparent AFM1 content of kefir decreased. During storage the AFM1 content of kefir in 3 of 4 trials appeared to increase slightly, but in no instance did it return to original levels during or at the end of storage at 7°C.
Systematic assessment of surfactants for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging.

A systematic method for evaluation of MALDI profiling and imaging was developed and applied to the use of three surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, and Tween 20, on rat brain tissue. For profiling studies, mass spectra were acquired from regular arrays of spots with manually deposited surfactant and matrix. The studies recorded the total number of peaks in the mass spectra from 2 to 20 kDa and compared the number of peaks and peak intensities with and without surfactant. It was found that SDS decreases the total number of peaks at all concentrations but does lead to an increase in the number of peaks below 5 kDa. Triton X-100 at 0.05% concentration yielded the highest number of peaks and highest number of new peaks, with the best results above 5 kDa. Correlation of the increase in signal with the estimated hydrophobicity suggests that Triton X-100 improves mass spectrometry quality through an increase in the intensity of hydrophobic protein peaks. Tween 20 provided good performance at 0.05% concentration across all mass ranges. For imaging studies, multiple images were obtained and the integrated intensity ratio for images obtained with and without surfactant was compared for 10 selected peaks. It was found that SDS tends to degrade imaging performance whereas Triton X-100 and Tween 20 improved performance compared to no surfactant, especially above 7 kDa.
Bipolar mood state reflected in cortico-amygdala resting state connectivity: A cohort and longitudinal study.

Abstract Background Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI), we previously compared cohorts of bipolar I subjects in a manic state to those in a euthymic state to identify mood state-specific patterns of cortico-amygdala connectivity. Our results suggested that mania is reflected in the disruption of emotion regulation circuits. We sought to replicate this finding in a group of subjects with bipolar disorder imaged longitudinally across states of mania and euthymia Methods We divided our subjects into three groups: 26 subjects imaged in a manic state, 21 subjects imaged in a euthymic state, and 10 subjects imaged longitudinally across both mood states. We measured differences in amygdala connectivity between the mania and euthymia cohorts. We then used these regions of altered connectivity to examine connectivity in the longitudinal bipolar group using a within-subjects design. Results Our findings in the mania vs euthymia cohort comparison were replicated in the longitudinal analysis. Bipolar mania was differentiated from euthymia by decreased connectivity between the amygdala and pre-genual anterior cingulate cortex. Mania was also characterized by increased connectivity between amygdala and the supplemental motor area, a region normally anti-correlated to the amygdala in emotion regulation tasks. Limitations Stringent controls for movement effects limited the number of subjects in the longitudinal sample. Conclusions In this first report of rsfMRI conducted longitudinally across mood states, we find that previously observed between-group differences in amygdala connectivity are also found longitudinally within subjects. These results suggest resting state cortico-amygdala connectivity is a biomarker of mood state in bipolar disorder.
The Brief Case: Benign Rectal Polyp with Schistosoma mansoni.

We report a case of a 40-year-old female of Yemeni background who presented with abdominal pain. The pain started 14 months prior and was localized to the epigastrium, was precipitated by eating, and was of a burning and itching type. The pain occurred every 2 to 3 days, lasted for several minutes,
AllergyBot: A Chatbot Technology Intervention for Young Adults with Food Allergies Dining Out

Dining out is one of the biggest challenges people with food allergies face. For young adults, especially, the fear of having an allergic reaction when dining out impairs social aspects of their life. The exhausting process of searching online and communicating with restaurants also increases their anxiety. To improve the quality of life for young adults with food allergies, we present AllergyBot, an intelligent and humane Chatbot that provides restaurants' allergy accommodation information based on users' allergens. We use established instant messaging platforms to create a form of conversation that young adults are familiar with. AllergyBot aims to reduce the users' inquiry overload, improve their overall dining out experiences, and support their social life.