cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTALLY TRANSMITTED MARBLE SPLEEN DISEASE IN PEN-RAISED WILD TURKEYS*

Pen-raised North American wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo L.) were experimentally infected with marble spleen disease (MSD) to determine their susceptibility to this disease. Gross and microscopic lesions were consistent with experimental MSD in pheasants and domestic turkeys: an enlarged mottled spleen, intranuclear inclusion bodies, and absence of pulmonary edema and hemorrhage. Detectable levels of viral antigen were not demonstrable in sera of turkeys using the agar gel precipitin test.
Efficient Algorithms for Probing the RNA Mutation Landscape

The diversity and importance of the role played by RNAs in the regulation and development of the cell are now well-known and well-documented. This broad range of functions is achieved through specific structures that have been (presumably) optimized through evolution. State-of-the-art methods, such as McCaskill's algorithm, use a statistical mechanics framework based on the computation of the partition function over the canonical ensemble of all possible secondary structures on a given sequence. Although secondary structure predictions from thermodynamics-based algorithms are not as accurate as methods employing comparative genomics, the former methods are the only available tools to investigate novel RNAs, such as the many RNAs of unknown function recently reported by the ENCODE consortium. In this paper, we generalize the McCaskill partition function algorithm to sum over the grand canonical ensemble of all secondary structures of all mutants of the given sequence. Specifically, our new program, RNAmutants, simultaneously computes for each integer k the minimum free energy structure MFE(k) and the partition function Z(k) over all secondary structures of all k-point mutants, even allowing the user to specify certain positions required not to mutate and certain positions required to base-pair or remain unpaired. This technically important extension allows us to study the resilience of an RNA molecule to pointwise mutations. By computing the mutation profile of a sequence, a novel graphical representation of the mutational tendency of nucleotide positions, we analyze the deleterious nature of mutating specific nucleotide positions or groups of positions. We have successfully applied RNAmutants to investigate deleterious mutations (mutations that radically modify the secondary structure) in the Hepatitis C virus cis-acting replication element and to evaluate the evolutionary pressure applied on different regions of the HIV trans-activation response element. In particular, we show qualitative agreement between published Hepatitis C and HIV experimental mutagenesis studies and our analysis of deleterious mutations using RNAmutants. Our work also predicts other deleterious mutations, which could be verified experimentally. Finally, we provide evidence that the 3′ UTR of the GB RNA virus C has been optimized to preserve evolutionarily conserved stem regions from a deleterious effect of pointwise mutations. We hope that there will be long-term potential applications of RNAmutants in de novo RNA design and drug design against RNA viruses. This work also suggests potential applications for large-scale exploration of the RNA sequence-structure network. Binary distributions are available at http://RNAmutants.csail.mit.edu/.
Game time: a toolkit for timing analysis of software

Timing analysis is a key step in the design of dependable real-time embedded systems. In this paper, we present GameTime, a toolkit for execution time analysis of software. GameTime is based on a combination of game-theoretic online learning and systematic testing using satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) solvers. In contrast with many existing tools for timing analysis, GameTime can be used for a range of tasks, including estimating worst-case execution time, predicting the distribution of execution times of a task, and finding timing-related bugs in programs. We describe key implementation details of GameTime and illustrate its usage through examples.
Homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing reveal GATAD1 mutation in autosomal recessive dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background—Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heritable, genetically heterogeneous disorder that typically exhibits autosomal dominant inheritance. Genomic strategies enable discovery of novel, unsu...
Neuere Untersuchungen über zentral wirkende endogene endogene Amine

Untersuchungen wahrend der letzten funf Jahre haben unsere Kenntnisse uber den Stoffwechsel und die Bedeutung der endogenen peripher und zentral wirkenden Amine erheblich erweitert. Moderne Arzneimittel, die Stimmung und Gemutszustand beeinflussen, wirken meist direkt oder indirekt auf Biosynthese, Abbau, Speicherung oder Freisetzung der endogenen Amine im Gehirn. Diese Zusammenhange haben unsere Vorstellungen von den biochemischen Grundlagen akuter, chronischer und erblicher Geisteskrankheiten vertieft. Man kann nunmehr die Anfange einer „Chemie der Psyche” als Wissenschaft der nahen Zukunft erkennen.
Osprey: Worldwide Sentinel Species for Assessing and Monitoring Environmental Contamination in Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs, and Estuaries

In the United States, many fish and wildlife species have been used nationwide to monitor environmental contaminant exposure and effects, including carcasses of the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the only top avian predator regularly used in the past. Unfortunately, bald eagles are sensitive to investigator intrusion at the nest. Thus, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is evaluated as a potential sentinel species for aquatic ecosystems. Several characteristics support the choice of the osprey as a sentinel species, including: (1) fish-eating diet atop the aquatic food web, (2) long-lived with strong nest fidelity, (3) adapts to human landscapes (potentially the most contaminated), (4) tolerates short-term nest disturbance, (5) nests spatially distributed at regular intervals, (6) highly visible nests easily located for study, (7) ability to accumulate most, if not all, lipophilic contaminants, (8) known sensitivity to many contaminants, and (9) nearly a worldwide distribution. These osprey traits have been instrumental in successfully using the species to understand population distribution, abundance, and changes over time; the effects of various contaminants on reproductive success; how contaminants in prey (fish on biomass basis) contribute to egg concentrations (i.e., biomagnification factors); and spatial residue patterns. Data summarized include nesting population surveys, detailed nesting studies, and chemical analyses of osprey egg, organ, blood, and feather samples for contaminants that bioaccumulate and/or biomagnify in aquatic food webs; and biochemical evaluations of blood and various organs. Studies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and elsewhere have shown the osprey to be a useful sentinel species for monitoring selected environmental contaminants, including some emerging contaminants in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and estuaries.
Threshold characteristics of blue to ultraviolet light emitting semiconductor lasers based on the AlGaN material system

Two-dimensional numerical simulations of AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN semiconductor lasers are performed using material parameters obtained from the literature. Important differences between these wide band gap lasers and lasers from other systems are the slow recombination rate and large band discontinuities. The behavior of the threshold, and thus the speed of operation, with variations in the aluminum content of the cladding regions, and the width of the active region are presented. Results for lasing due to band to band recombination and band to impurity level recombination are presented separately. From these we observe that the band to impurity recombination is difficult due to the reduced number of available states for recombination. Stopper layers are investigated and found to be useful at increasing carrier confinement without any detrimental effects because particle tunneling is very strong for majority carriers through the band discontinuities.
Colburn on Covert Influences

In ‘Autonomy and Adaptive Preferences’, Ben Colburn claims that preferences formed through covert influences are defective. I show that Colburn's argument fails to establish that anything is wrong with preferences formed in this manner.
Radiation therapy for local-regional recurrent breast carcinoma.

Abstract One hundred seven women with recurrent breast carcinoma involving the chest wall and/or regional lymph node regions were treated with radiotherapy between 1970 and 1979. Local-regional tumor was the initial and only evidence of recurrent breast carcinoma in all cases. Forty-seven patients had their disease confined to the chest wall alone and sixty (56%) patients had chest wall involvement as some component of their local-regional recurrent disease. Within five years after the initial mastectomy, 80.5% of recurrences were manifested. All patients had radiotherapy to at least the site of involvement. Eighty-four patients (78.5%) had a complete response. The absolute 5-year survival of all patients following local-regional recurrence was 34.6%. Five year survival was 29% in those patients who had recurrence within 5 years of the original mastectomy. For those patients whose local-regional regurrence occurred after a 5-year disease-free interval, the subsequent 5-year survival was 57%. For patients with recurrence confined to the chest wall, subsequent 5-year survival was 48.9%. Patients who had supraclavicular involvement as part of their local-regional recurrence had only a 16.1% 5-year survival. The majority of patients developed distant metastasis. Twenty-two patients developed carcinoma of the contralateral breast following local-regional recurrence. Five year survival following local-regional recurrence was only 4396 for patients whose initial treatment for their primary breast carcinoma was surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. For those patients whose primary breast carcinoma was treated by surgery alone or surgery and post-operative radiotherapy, the 5-year survival following local-regional recurrence was over 40%.
Robot modularity for self-reconfiguration

Metamorphic robots are an emerging field in which robotics can dynamically reconfigure shape and size not only for individual roots but also for complex structures that are formed by multiple robots. Such capability is highly in tasks such as fire fighting, earthquake rescue, and battlefield scouting, where robots must go through unexpected situations and obstacles and perform tasks that are difficult for fixed-shape robots. This research direction present a number of technical research challenges. Specifically, metamorphic robots must be able to decompose and reassemble at will from a set of basic connectable modules. Such modules must be small, self-sufficient and relatively homogeneous. In this paper, we present our approach to address these issue and describe the design of the CONRO modules. These modules are equipped with a low power micro-processor, memory chips, sensors, actuators, power supplies, and miniature mechanical connectors used for communication and power sharing. We will also describe a set of control mechanisms for controlling gaits and reconfigurations. We conclude the paper with a status report of the CONRO project and a list of the future work needed to fully realize the construction of the CONRO metamorphic robots.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Polynomial Weighted Median Predictors for Image Sequences

Image sequence prediction is widely used in image compression and transmission schemes such as differential pulse code modulation (DPCM). In traditional predictive coding, linear predictors are usually adopted to exploit the inherent redundancy and correlation between neighboring pixels. However, due to the nonstationary and non-Gaussian nature of image sequences, linear predictors are not often very effective. As an alternative, Volterra predictor is able to compensate for the smoothing effects introduced by linear predictor. However, it suffers from noise that may be attributed to quantization errors or image acquisition devices. In this paper, we propose a novel nonlinear polynomial weighted median (PWM) predictor for image sequence prediction. The proposed PWM predictor is more robust to noise, while still retaining the information of higher-order statistics of pixel values. Experimental results illustrate that the PWM predictor yields better results than other predictors especially in noisy case. The proposed scheme can be incorporated in new predictive coding systems.
Exotic Seed Dispersal by White-tailed Deer in Southern Connecticut

Abstract We examined the role of suburban white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) in dispersal of exotic plants in forests bordered by medium-density housing in southern Connecticut. Estimated deer density on the research site was 23 deer/km2 with higher local densities along the suburban/woodland interface. In 2002, 90 pellet groups were gathered periodically from September through December. In 2003, eight pellet groups were collected weekly from early June through late December for a total of 236. All pellet groups were vernalized at 5°C for 60 days. Pellet groups were placed in a growing medium in trays in a temperature controlled greenhouse for six months. Seeds germinated from 47% of pellet groups, which included 656 seedlings of 57 species. Seeds (n = 326) of 32 species not native to Connecticut germinated in 23% of pellet groups. We estimated that the deer herd on site had the potential to disperse 586-1046 viable exotic seeds/day/km2 during the 2002 sampling period and 390-696 viable ...
Evolutionary psychology, ecological rationality, and the unification of the behavioral sciences

For two decades, the integrated causal model of evolutionary psychology (EP) has constituted an interdisciplinary nucleus around which a single unified theoretical and empirical behavioral science has been crystallizing – while progressively resolving problems (such as defective logical and statistical reasoning) that bedevil Gintis's beliefs, preferences, and constraints (BPC) framework. Although both frameworks are similar, EP is empirically better supported, theoretically richer, and offers deeper unification.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Gd-DOTA-D-Permeation Peptide for Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Enhancement of Intracellular Targets

Many MR contrast agents have been developed and proven effective for extracellular nontargeted applications, but exploitation of intracellular MR contrast agents has been elusive due to the permeability barrier of the plasma membrane. Peptide transduction domains can circumvent this permeability barrier and deliver cargo molecules to the cell interior. Based upon enhanced cellular uptake of permeation peptides with D-amino acid residues, an all-D Tat basic domain peptide was conjugated to DOTA and chelated to gadolinium. Gd-DOTA-D-Tat peptide in serum at room temperature showed a relaxivity of 7.94 +/- 0.11 mM(-1) sec(-1) at 4.7 T. The peptide complex displayed no significant binding to serum proteins, was efficiently internalized by human Jurkat leukemia cells resulting in intracellular T1 relaxation enhancement, and in preliminary T1-weighted MRI experiments, significantly enhanced liver, kidney, and mesenteric signals.
Deleterious Effects of Drugs Used for Hyperactivity on Patients with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Two pediatricians failed to recognize Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in a child. The symptoms were exacerbated after the child took both pemoline and methylphenidate. All medications commonly used to treat hyperactivity may cause such exacerbation. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is frequently associated with symptoms characteristic of hyperactivity and often goes unrecognized for long periods of time. The symptoms of the syndrome and the evidence that they are exacerbated by medication used to hyperactivity are briefly reviewed. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in any hyperactive patient who manifests or has a history of a tic.
Impacts of Nutria Removal on Food Habits of American Alligators in Louisiana

Abstract In southern Louisiana, high population densities of exotic Myocastor coypus (Nutria) have been implicated in causing significant coastal marsh damage through extensive herbivory. Wildlife officials instituted a Nutria removal program in 2002 to reduce this marsh loss. Because Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) frequently consume Nutria, concern arose regarding the program's impacts on alligator food habits. Therefore, we conducted our study to determine if the Nutria removal program affected the frequency of occurrence of Nutria remains in alligator stomachs collected from five parishes in southern Louisiana. Three parishes had high Nutria densities and removal programs; two parishes had low Nutria densities and no Nutria removal. We collected >550 alligator stomachs during three September trapping seasons and examined the contents of each. We used logistic regression to model effects of year (1 year prior to the removal program compared to two years during removal) and parish (three...
Intravital Imaging Reveals Limited Antigen Presentation and T Cell Effector Function in Mycobacterial Granulomas

Cell-mediated adaptive immunity is critical for host defense, but little is known about T cell behavior during delivery of effector function. Here we investigate relationships among antigen presentation, T cell motility, and local production of effector cytokines by CD4+ T cells within hepatic granulomas triggered by Bacille Calmette-Guerin or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. At steady-state, only small fractions of mycobacteria-specific T cells showed antigen-induced migration arrest within granulomas, resulting in low-level, polarized secretion of cytokines. However, exogenous antigen elicited rapid arrest and robust cytokine production by the vast majority of effector T cells. These findings suggest that limited antigen presentation and/or recognition within granulomas evoke a muted T cell response drawing on only a fraction of the host's potential effector capacity. Our results provide new insights into the regulation of host-protective functions, especially how antigen availability influences T cell dynamics and, in turn, effector T cell function during chronic infection.
Pediatric high-grade gliomas: survival at what cost?

Survival of children with tumors of the central nervous system has improved over the past three decades with more than 70% of patients now expected to survive at least five years (1). However, pediatric CNS tumors are histologically heterogeneous, affect children over a wide span of developmental stages, and have vastly different treatment approaches.
Exporting Tort Awards

State governments tend to discriminate against out-of-state residents. States that attract a lot of tourists, for example, tend to rely more heavily than other states on hotel, food, and other taxes that fall primarily on out-of-state visitors. The authors examine whether tax exporting also occurs in the state courts. In most court cases, the plaintiff sues in the state in which he or she lives, but defendants are often corporations headquartered out-of-state. If tort awards are exported, therefore, one would expect to see larger awards, all else equal, against out-of-state defendants than against in-state defendants. The authors adduce evidence that in states that select their judges through partisan elections the courts are significantly biased against out-of-state defendants. The problem is not just out-of-control judges and greedy lawyers. When tort law puts almost no limit on punitive awards or on the absurdity of claimed harms is it any surprise that lawyers and judges can use the system to pillage defendants? By limiting awards to scientifically proven compensatory damages the electoral system might become a less significant determinant of awards.
Layers of Influence: Exploring Institutional- and State-Level Effects on College Student Views toward Access to Public Education for Undocumented Immigrants.

Providing undocumented immigrants access to public education remains a pertinent issue facing both institutions of higher education and state governments. While instate resident tuition (ISRT) has remained a contentious policy, little is known about how such policies, as well as other state contexts, influence college students’ attitudes toward unauthorized immigrant students’ educational access. Using three-level multilevel models, we sought to understand how political, economic, and demographic contexts at the institutional and state level affect the development of US citizen students’ views toward undocumented immigrants’ access to public education during their undergraduate years. After controlling for student-level effects, findings show that institutional variables such as selectivity, control, and percentage of low-income students enrolled contribute to students’ attitude development. At the state level, findings show that students who attend institutions within states that have ISRT policies have more positive views towards undocumented immigrants’ access to public education at the end of college. This research highlights the critical need for higher education researchers, institutional leaders, and policy makers to better understand how institutional and state contexts shape students’ understanding of larger sociopolitical issues.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections reported with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

HISTORIQUE: Des rapports recents de fascute necrosante chez des enfants atteints de varicelle et qui avaient recu un anti-inflammatoire non atteints (AINS) rappellent les inquietudes soulevees anterieurement concernant la possibilite d'un lien entre l'utilisation des AINS et les infections. Les auteurs ont consulte le systeme de pharmacovigilance de la Administration des Aliments et Drogues afin d'identifier des caracteristiques communes parmi les cas rapportes d['infections neciosantes des tissus mous survenus lors de l'utilisation d'un AINS. METHODES: Une recherche informatisee portant sur les effets indesirables associes a la prise d'un AINS a ete effectuee a l'aide de codes specifiques aux categories diagnostiques infection et necrose. Tous les rapports de cas regroupes sous ces codes ont ete revus et retenus si les termes fasciite necrosante, necrotique, ou gangreneux apparaissaient dans la description de l'effet indesirable. Les donnees demographiques, la prise de medicaments ainsi que les informations relatives a l'evolution de la maladie ont ete colligees. RESULTATS: Trente-trois cas ont ete repertories dont 10 cas fatals. Plus des deux tiers des patients etaient âges de moins de 40 ans. Trente patients (91%) avaient une voie d'entree possible pour l'infection. La plupart des patients avaient recu un AINS lors de situations algues telles que la varicelle, un traumatisme, de la douleur post-operatoire, ou post-accouchement. Sept patients ont recu un AINS par voie intramusculaire. Les AINS les plus frequemment incrimines faisaient partie des AINS les plus susceptibles d'etre prescrits chez ces patients (par exemple, l'ibuprofene en suspension orale chez les enfants atteints de varicelle). CONCLUSIONS: Les caracteristiques communes des rares cas rapportes d'infections necrosantes des tissus mous associes a l'utilisation des AINS sont l'âge, la voie d'entree de l'infection, l'indication de l'AINS, la voie d'administration et l'AINS utilise. Le nombre de cas rapportes a la Administration des Aliments et Drogues suggere que l'infection necrosante associee aux AINS ne constitue pas un effet indesirable frequent en l'absence d'autres facteurs de risque. Des etudes d'observation controlees aideraient a determiner le role de ces differents facteurs dans l'evolution de l'infection.
Experimental research on minimum approach distances and complex gaps for live working in substation

Live working in substation is of importance to ensure the reliability of power system. Minimum approach distance and complex gaps are key parameters for safety of workers and electric equipment in substation. The discharge characteristic curves corresponding to four live working gap configuration in substation, such as "equalpotential personnel-grounding structures", "equipotential personnel-adjacent phase bus", "live phase bus-working personnel-grounding structures", "live phase bus-working personnel-adjacent phase bus" were obtained by the switching impulse discharge test in this article. Combined with overvoltage level of 220 kV typical substation design scheme, the minimum live working electrical minimum approach distances were calculated : phase to ground safe distance 1.2 m, phase to phase safe distance 2.1 m, and a safe distance, phase to ground complex gaps 1.3 m, phase to phase complex gaps 2.2 m. The minimum approach distances comply with relevant regulations for 220 kV substation live working by comparative analysis.
Conspiracy as Contract

This article considers the central concept of criminal conspiracy — the agreement. It shows how both courts and scholars have almost entirely failed to define it. Even more surprisingly, neither discusses how “agreement” in criminal conspiracy compares with the agreement in contract law. Instead, courts have diluted the agreement requirement by substituting “mutual understanding” or “slight connection,” leading to uncertainty, unfairness, and a profusion of conspiracy convictions for mere presence or association.This article argues courts should define agreement, and do so as an exchange of promises between the conspirators to commit a crime. An exchange of promises meets the very justifications courts recite for conspiracy: it shows the parties are serious, and shows that they are likely to carry out the crime. This definition also supplies juries and courts with a more certain yardstick by which to measure the often circumstantial evidence arising in conspiracy cases. This proposal thus restores conspiracy law to its fundamental premises while helping to limit convictions to those who have genuinely conspired to commit a crime.
Bionomics of Euarestoides acutangulus (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Information on the life cycle of Euarestoides acutangulus (Thomson), including observations on feeding and reproductive behavior, is presented. The fly is bivoltine in central coastal California, with overwintering occurring as diapausing pupae. Eggs were laid in the staminate florets of the host plant, Ambrosia chamissonis (Lessing) Greene (Compositae), and hatched in 4 days. Larvae fed upon the anthers of unopened florets. The amount of damage caused to a staminate head depended upon the number of larvae reaching maturity and the number of florets within the head. Larvae generally completed development in 23 days. Pupation occurred among the destroyed florets. The pupal period of non-diapausing pupae required 12 days.
methyLiftover: cross-platform DNA methylation data integration

UNLABELLED : The public availability of high throughput molecular data provides new opportunities for researchers to advance discovery, replication and validation efforts. One common challenge in leveraging such data is the diversity of measurement approaches and platforms and a lack of utilities enabling cross-platform comparisons among data sources for analysis. We present a method to map DNA methylation data from bisulfite sequencing approaches to CpG sites measured with the widely used Illumina methylation bead-array platforms. Correlations and median absolute deviations support the validity of using bisulfite sequencing data in combination with Illumina bead-array methylation data. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/Christensen-Lab-Dartmouth/methyLiftover includes source, documentation and data references. CONTACT brock.c.christensen@dartmouth.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
47 COLOR DOPPLER DIFFERENTIATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL FROM PATHOLOGICAL MITRAL REGURGITATION: AVOIDING THE FABRICATION OF MITRAL REGURGITATION

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common. Because it is easy and quick, the regurgitant-jet area determined by color Doppler (CD) is still the most widely used approach for diagnosing the presence and severity of MR. Although CD is very sensitive and specific for MR, the method has limitations. The timing of MR, facilitated by the electrocardiogram and the color M-mode, is crucial, and using the CD criteria during the wrong part of the cardiac cycle, i.e, seeing this MR jet during the pre-ejection period (PEP), when the aortic valve is still closed, and not during the actual ejection time (ET), when the aortic valve is open, can create the impression of pathological mitral regurgitation when it does not exist. MR that occurs only during the brief PEP of 131 ± 13 ms, that does not extend into the actual ET, that does not last throughout systole, and that does not reach velocities that are associated with a true regurgitant jet is physiological and not pathological. Also, the CD morphology of this physiological MR appears as a halo around the mitral valve, without the vena contracta of pathological MR, and does not meet the other echo/Doppler criteria for significant mitral regurgitation. This physiological MR occurring only during the PEP is a normal phenomenon, not an abnormal one. Failure to make this distinction can result in misdiagnosis of the patient as having pathological MR and lead to serious mismanagement.
A Kind of Information Application System in PDM

It is of help for enterprises to manage and control product data when they work with this architecture of PDM (Product Data Management). This paper introduces the concept, architecture as well as the function of PDM. Additionally, the project and goal of the information application system in PDM are proposed.
Fixed amount of facial freckles curative effect judge by laser

Objective We measured and analysed the lesions before and after treatment with computer image analysis system, in order to get more objective and more scientific analysis of therapeutic effect. Methods Thirty patients with freckles on cheeks were selected enrolled among out patients. We used digital camera and image collection system successively to take pictures of freckles under designed conditions before treatment. After that, the patients were treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser(wavelength: 1064nm?532nm). In proper order, we took pictures of the same freckles 2,4,6,8 and 15 weeks.Then we analysed these images and pictures with computer, to get the therapeutis effect of laser treatment. Results We used image analysis system to evaluate images and pictures of the freckles,and we could conclude that the cure rate of laser treatment to freckles was 53.3%, the total effect of laser treatment was 90%. Conclusion Image analysis system measured the color of facial freckles before and after laser treatment.It could turn subjective analysis to objective digital index and made the evaluation of therapeutic effect much more objective.
Advances in Lipid Testing: A Practical Step Forward

Measuring lipids and lipoproteins has been an important focus for both clinical chemistry and clinical medicine for over 75 years. Measurements from analytical ultracentrifugation (1) to preparative ultracentrifugation (2) provided invaluable insights, but were not suited for day-to-day clinical practice. Fredrickson, Levy, and Lees (3) used paper electrophoresis to stimulate clinical recognition in five major patterns of plasma lipoprotein excess. Known as type I, II (IIa and IIb), III, IV, and V, they represented distinctive phenotypes, not genotypes. The shorthand notations, however, provided insight into an individual patient's lipoprotein disorder, whether due to acquired and/or genetic causes. Yet a non–ultracentrifuge-based methodology was needed to quantify LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in clinical practice (1). The Friedewald formula allowed LDL-C determination by using a fasting total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides/5 (when triglyceride concentration was expressed in mg/dL) with the caveats that it could not be used if triglycerides were ≥400 mg/dL (4.5 mmol/L) or the rare type III abnormality was present (4). This formula continues in widespread use today, but up until the recent guidance from this consensus panel has required a fasting lipid sample. In this issue of Clinical Chemistry , a prominent international panel argues persuasively that fasting is not routinely required for lipid determinations (5). The panel notes that nonfasting lipid …
Solving the Problem of Thallium-201-Chloride Myocardial SPECT Imaging Procedure Cancellations

Objective: Thallium-201-chloride myocardial SPECT imaging accounts for about one-third of our daily nuclear medicine imaging workload. However, cancellation of imaging appointments has been an ongoing problem in our nuclear medicine practice. Because of an overall cancellation rate of 35%, we decided to incorporate this problem into our ongoing quality assurance review. Methods: Three categories of cancellation were identified: avoidable, unavoidable and no show. To resolve the avoidable category, the following actions were taken: (1) discussed the problem with the outpatient clerk supervisor; (2) developed patient preparation protocols to be given to each patient scheduled for a test; (3) sent a memorandum to all housestaff explaining the protocol; and (4) called the patient’s home the evening prior to the test to remind him of the necessary preparations. Results: During fiscal year 1993, we performed more than 400 tests. At the beginning of the fiscal year, we were experiencing 10% avoidable and 13% no-show cancellations. At the end of our monitor, the percentage had been reduced to less than 2%. Conclusion: The cancellation rate of 201Tl myocardial SPECT can be improved if attention is paid to patient preparation and communication.
Smartphone Medicine

In just a short time, smartphones have had a profound impact on people's everyday lives. However, they have yet to display any substantial impact in the field of healthcare and medicine. This article aims to explore the ways in which smartphones and the Internet of medical things can improve medicine, both today and in the future.
DD76: Durch Mega-Rechenfehler zur Kreditkrise? (Oktober 2008)

„Wir haben uns verrechnet.“ So sagen sie doch alle, wenn sie sich verzockt haben? Ich aber werde die Vermutung nicht los, dass sie sich wirklich und wahrhaftig verrechnet haben. Ich habe auch eine Vorstellung, worin der Fehler bestehen konnte. Wenn ich Recht habe, bleibt mir aber ein bisschen der Atem stehen. Dann sind wir von Milchmadchen umgeben.
A TOTAL ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR LIQUID NATURAL GAS (LNG) AND ELECTRIC POWER

On etudie aux points de vue technique et economique un systeme original consistant en transfert simultane par canalisations de gaz naturels liquefies (GNL) et de courant electrique; on examine divers facteurs tels que l'isolation thermique et electrique, ainsi que les methodes frigorifiques. On presente des conclusions preliminaires sur l'economie possible d'un tel transfert d'energie integre et l'on fait des previsions pour l'avenir le plus probable de ce systeme.
The role of panendoscopy in the staging of high risk head & neck squamous cell carcinoma prior to therapy: Is it of value?

5569 Background: Panendoscopy (triple endoscopy) has historically been advocated to adequately stage patients w/ head & neck squamous cancer, especially in the setting of neoadjuvant therapy. This ...
Association between inflammatory markers, symptom burden, hypogonadism, and survival in cancer patients with cachexia

9594 Background: Cancer cachexia is characterized by muscle wasting, anorexia, and elevated inflammatory markers. Similarly, in patients without cancer, hypogonadism is associated with lower lean body mass, increased symptom burden and decreased survival. Hypogonadism in cancer cachexia could exacerbate symptom distress, facilitate a pro-inflammatory state and decrease survival. Currently, there are no guidelines for testosterone replacement therapy in cancer patients. We evaluated the relationship between hypogonadism, symptom severity, inflammation and survival in patients with cachexia. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 159 consecutive patients (61 females, 98 males) referred to a specialized cachexia clinic at a comprehensive cancer center. 98 patients (62%) had C-reactive protein (CRP) levels measured, and 68(69%) males had serum total testosterone evaluated. Testosterone levels were not evaluated in female patients. Symptoms were assessed by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Resul...
Occupational exposures and determinants of ultrafine particle concentrations during laser hair removal procedures

Occupational exposures to ultrafine particles in the plume generated during laser hair removal procedures, the most commonly performed light based cosmetic procedure, have not been thoroughly characterized. Acute and chronic exposures to ambient ultrafine particles have been associated with a number of negative respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure airborne concentrations of particles in a diameter size range of 10 nm to 1 μm in procedure rooms during laser hair removal procedures. TSI Model 3007 Condensation Particle Counters were used to quantify the particle count concentrations in the waiting and procedure rooms of a dermatology office. Particle concentrations were sampled before, during, and after laser hair removal procedures, and characteristics of each procedure were noted by the performing dermatologist. Twelve procedures were sampled over 4 days. Mean ultrafine particle concentrations in the waiting and procedure rooms were 14,957.4 particles/cm3 and 22,916.8 particles/cm3 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Compared to background ultrafine particle concentrations before the procedure, the mean concentration in the procedure room was 2.89 times greater during the procedure (p = 0.009) and 2.09 times greater after the procedure (p = 0.007). Duration of procedure (p = 0.006), body part (p = 0.013), and the use of pre-laser lotion/type of laser (p = 0.039), were the most important predictors of ultrafine particle concentrations. Use of a smoke evacuator (a recommended form of local exhaust ventilation) positioned at 30.5 cm from the source, as opposed to the recommended 1–2 in., lowered particle concentrations, but was not a statistically significant predictor (p = 0.49). Laser hair removal procedures can generate high exposures to ultrafine particles for dermatologists and other individuals performing laser hair removal, with exposure varying based on multiple determinants.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cells for refractory Crohn's disease.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Autologous hematopoietic stem cells are gaining ground as an effective and safe treatment for treating severe refractory Crohn’s disease (CD). Autologous hematopoietic stem cell therapy (AHSCT) induces resetting of the immune system by de novo regeneration of T-cell repertoire and repopulation of epithelial cells by bone-marrow derived cells to help patients achieve clinical and endoscopic remission.Areas covered: Herein, the authors discuss the use of AHSCT in treating patients with CD. Improvements in disease activity have been seen in patients with severe autoimmune disease and patients with severe CD who underwent AHSCT for a concomitant malignant hematological disease. Clinical and endoscopic remission has been achieved in patients treated with AHSCT for CD. The only randomized trial published to date, the ASTIC Trial, did not support further use of AHSCT to treat CD. Yet, critics of this trial have deemed AHSCT as a promising treatment for severe refractory CD.Expert opinion: E...
Transthyretin amyloidosis: a little history of hereditary amyloidosis.

Tremendous scientific progress has been made in the history of hereditary amyloidosis since Corino Andrade brought attention to the transthyretin type of peripheral neuropathy in 1952. For transthy...
Hemodynamic Instability as a Complication of Maxillofacial Surgery

A multitude of surgical, anesthetic, and patient-specific factors negatively impacting the cardiovascular system, specifically causing alterations in preload, afterload, and/or myocardial functionality, can precipitate hemodynamic instability leading to cardiovascular collapse. Transient mild-moderate perioperative hypertension and hypotension are rather common occurrences for oral surgical patients, especially while receiving sedation or general anesthesia. Profound intervention, such as the use of vasoactive drugs, remains a relatively rare complication. However, due to the potential for significant patient harm, hemodynamic instability continues to demand attention from the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, especially with respect to patient management and emergency preparedness. In addition to several preventive management strategies, there are various pharmacologic options available for initial management of perioperative hypotension and hypertension. Clinicians must be capable of rapidly assessing the likely causes leading to the development of the perioperative hemodynamic instability, while simultaneously quickly ascertaining the severity of the situation. Successful management and satisfactory patient outcomes require a prompt, efficient, and proper response.
Pathways to Youth Behavior: The Role of Genetic, Neural, and Behavioral Markers

Neural and temperamental mechanisms through which a genetic risk marker in the γ-amino butyric acid α2 receptor subunit (GABRA2) impacts adolescent functioning were investigated. Participants (N = 80; 29 female) completed an emotional word task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral control, negative emotionality, and resiliency temperament constructs were assessed. Externalizing and internalizing problems were the outcomes. Those with the GABRA2 minor allele had reduced activation to positive words in the angular gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum, and to negative words in frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices. Reduced activation in the angular gyrus predicted greater negative emotionality and, in turn, elevated externalizing problems. Reduced activation in the inferior parietal cortex predicted greater resiliency and, in turn, low externalizing problems.
Anomalous Hall effect in the van der Waals bonded ferromagnet Fe 3 − x GeTe 2

We report the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in single crystals of a quasi-two-dimensional ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{GeTe}}_{2}$ ($x\ensuremath{\approx}0.36$) ferromagnet grown by the flux method which induces defects on the Fe site and bad metallic resistivity. Fe $K$-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy was measured to provide information on the local atomic environment in such crystals. The dc and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a second-stage transition below 119 K in addition to the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at 153 K. A linear scaling behavior between the modified anomalous Hall resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{xy}/{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}{H}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ and longitudinal resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{xx}^{2}M/{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}{H}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ implies that the AHE in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{GeTe}}_{2}$ should be dominated by the intrinsic Karplus-Luttinger mechanism rather than the extrinsic skew-scattering and side-jump mechanisms. The observed deviation in the linear-$M$ Hall conductivity ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{xy}^{A}$ below 30 K is in line with its transport characteristic at low temperatures, implying the scattering of conduction electrons due to magnetic disorder and the evolution of the Fermi surface induced by a possible spin-reorientation transition.
Firm lobbying and influence in developing countries: a multilevel approach

A large literature examines corporate political activity in the United States, but much less is known about firms’ lobbying activities and policy influence in developing countries. I argue that firm-level heterogeneity helps explain firms’ political behavior, while political institutions shape policymakers’ incentives to respond to business interests. The empirical analysis relies on the World Bank's Enterprise Survey, which covers over 20,000 firms operating in 42 developing and transition countries, to examine the determinants of lobbying and perceived policy influence. Multilevel estimates support the hypotheses that lobbying and influence increase with the firm's size and market power. Additionally, I find that firms report greater policy influence in democracies than in non-democracies.
Sindrome compartimentale addominale

Durante il Ringraziamento, una testa nazionale qui negli Stati Uniti, moiti milioni di tacchini– chiamati anche “uccelli del ringraziamento”–vengono imbottiti con vari ingredienti (io ci metto anche ceci, aglio, pane inzuppato nel vino e timo) e serviti alle famiglie americane riunite. Considerate che questi grossi volatili vengono imbottiti dopo morti, ma potete mai immaginare cosa succederebbe se i poveretti fossero riempiti da vivi? Per prima cosa, smetterebbero di volare, poi gradualmente ipoventilerebbero, collasserebbero e alla fine morirebbero. Certamente potreste attribuire il decesso del volatile imbottito alle cattive condizioni dei polmoni, ad un cuore vecchio, alle tossine rilasciate dagli ingredienti usati per il ripieno e, come ultima alternativa, potreste incolpare l’anestesista. Ma per essere sinceri esiste tutta una enorme quantita di lavori scientifici in cui si evidenzia, senza ombra di dubbio, che il tragico epilogo del vostro volatile e stato causato da un aumento della pressione intraaddominale (IAP) che ha determinato una ipertensione intra-addominale (IAHT) che, a sua volta, ha determinato una sindrome compartimentale addominale (ACS).
Crystal chemistry of inorganic nitrides

The crystal chemistry of solid inorganic nitrides, azides, amides and imides is reviewed systematically. Many of the structures unique to nitrides are illustrated and analyzed. We give full crystallographic data for all compounds with well determined structures and list derived bond valences and Madelung potentials. Similarities to and differences from oxide chemistry are pointed out and general principles relating to structure and bonding in nitrides are elucidated.
Design of a GaN-Based Wireless Power Transfer System at 13.56 MHz to Replace Conventional Wired Connection in a Vehicle

Wired connections running through the doors, hatchbacks, and trunks of a vehicle are subjected to extensive mechanical wear from repeated bending caused by the open-and-close motion. By employing wireless power transfer, this failure mode can be completely eliminated. In this paper, a 300 W 48-to-48 V WPT system with above 90% efficiency designed for such application is demonstrated. To achieve a system that is small, light-weight, and highly efficient as desired by the automotive industry, a novel inductor elimination technique is developed. The following paper shows the system design methodology, the inductor elimination technique, and the control scheme used in this work.
Using formative assessments to form Christian readers

As our practices often shape our attitudes, pedagogical methods may help students begin to cultivate religious ways of reading. Formative assessments play a large role in how our students encounter...
Abstract WMP69: Differential Risk Factor Profile in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients May Help Identify High Yield Candidates for Long-term Cardiac Monitoring in Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Paroxysmal afib is the most common cause of cryptogenic strokes. Long-term insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) has been increasingly used for ongoing evaluation of afib in these patients...