cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Privacy-Preserving Kth Element Score over Vertically Partitioned Data

Given a large integer data set shared vertically by two parties, we consider the problem of securely computing a score separating the kth and the (k + 1) to compute such a score while revealing little additional information. The proposed protocol is implemented using the Fairplay system and experimental results are reported. We show a real application of this protocol as a component used in the secure processing of top-k queries over vertically partitioned data.
Parasitic crustaceans as vectors of viruses, with an emphasis on three penaeid viruses

Parasitic crustaceans serve as both hosts and vectors of viruses as well as of parasites and other microbial pathogenic agents. Few of the presumably numerous associations are known, but many can be anticipated. Recently, branchiurans and gnathiid isopods have been documented to host helminths and blood parasites. Because the agents can be observed readily with a microscope, these are better recognized than are the smaller viral, bacterial, and fungal agents. Some agents are harmful to the host of the crustacean parasite and others are not. Viruses probably fit both these categories, since viruses that do not appear pathogenic are often seen in ultrastructural images from a range of invertebrate hosts, including crustaceans. Some viruses have been implicated in causing disease in the host, at least under appropriate conditions. For example, lymphocystis virus may possibly be transmitted to the dermis of its fish hosts by copepods and to the visceral organs by a cymothoid isopod. Similarly, argulid branchiurans seem to transmit the viral agent of spring viremia of carp as well as carp pox, and copepods have been implicated in transmitting infectious hematopoietic necrosis, infectious salmon anemia, and infectious pancreatic necrosis to salmon. Other viruses can be vectored to their hosts through an additional animal. We exposed three viruses, Taura syndrome virus (TSV), white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), and yellowhead virus (YHV), all of which cause mortalities in wild and cultured penaeid shrimps, to crustacean parasites on fish and crabs. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, we show that TSV in the cyclopoid copepod Ergasilus manicatus on the gill filaments of the Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, the acorn barnacle Chelonibia patula on the carapace of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, and gooseneck barnacle Octolasmis muelleri on the gills of C. sapidus, can replicate for at least 2 weeks and establish what should be an infective dose. This result was additionally supported by positive in situ hybridization reactions. All three parasites are the first known non-penaeid hosts in which replication occurs. The mean log copy number of WSSV also suggested that replication occurred in E. manicatus. The mean log copy number of YHV gradually decreased in all three parasites and both hosts over the 2-week period. The vector relationships indicate an additional potential means of transmitting and disseminating the disease-causing agents to the highly susceptible and economically valuable penaeid shrimp hosts.
Indoor air quality control for energy-efficient buildings using CO 2 predictive model

In this paper, an intelligent control system for indoor air quality in energy-efficient buildings is proposed. The goal of intelligent air quality control for energy-efficient buildings is to maintain the indoor CO 2 concentration in the comfort zone with a minimum amount of energy consumption. In this study, the CO 2 concentration is used as the indicator of indoor air quality and a CO 2 predictive model is utilized to forecast the indoor CO 2 concentration. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to derive the optimal ventilation rate. As compared with the traditional ON/OFF ventilation control system, the performance of the proposed intelligent control system has demonstrated its advantage in terms of energy savings. A case study and corresponding simulation results are detailed in the paper.
Cross-layer design for wireless networks with cognitive controllers

A new approach to wireless network design featuring a cognitive controller stack component is presented. The controller uses system status information from the protocol components to tune the behavior of the network stack to achieve a given performance objective. A controller design strategy using a machine learning algorithm and a simulator is proposed, implemented, and tested. Results with ad-hoc wireless networks show the architecture and design strategy are capable of producing a network stack that outperforms the existing protocol stack for given performance objectives. The techniques presented give network designers the flexibility to easily tune the performance of their networks to suit their application.
RISCs vs. CISCs for Prolog: a case study

This paper compares the performance of executing compiled Prolog code on two different architectures under development at U. C. Berkeley. The first is the PLM, a special-purpose CISC architecture intended as a coprocessor for a host machine. The second is SPUR, a general-purpose RISC architecture that supports tagged data. Fourteen standard benchmark programs were run on both the PLM and SPUR simulators. The compiled code for SPUR was obtained by simple macro-expansion of PLM code generated by the PLM Prolog compiler. The two implementations are compared with regard to static and dynamic program size, execution speed, and memory system performance. On average, the macrocoded SPUR implementation has a static code size 14 times larger than the PLM, executes 16 times more instructions, yet requires only 2.3 times the number of machine cycles (or has the performance of 0.43 PLMs). When memory system performance is taken into account, SPUR is equivalent to 0.29 PLMs. Optimizations of the macro-expanded code and minor architectural changes to SPUR would increase this ratio to 0.53, or 0.60 for the largest benchmarks. Thus a tagged RISC architecture can execute Prolog at least half as fast as a special-purpose CISC architecture for Prolog.
Application of the Weed system to psychiatric records.

The medical record is being called upon to play an increasingly important role in medical education and effective patient care. The Weed system of “problem-oriented” medical record-keeping can enha...
Phytase in non-ruminant animal nutrition: a critical review on phytase activities in the gastrointestinal tract and influencing factors.

This review focuses on phytase functionality in the digestive tract of farmed non-ruminant animals and the factors influencing in vivo phytase enzyme activity. In pigs, feed phytase is mainly active in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, and added phytase activity is not recovered in the ileum. In poultry, feed phytase activities are mainly found in the upper part of the digestive tract, including the crop, proventriculus and gizzard. For fish with a stomach, phytase activities are mainly in the stomach. Many factors can influence the efficiency of feed phytase in the gastrointestinal tract, and they can be divided into three main groups: (i) phytase related; (ii) dietary related and (iii) animal related. Phytase-related factors include type of phytase (e.g. 3- or 6-phytase; bacterial or fungal phytase origin), the pH optimum and the resistance of phytase to endogenous protease. Dietary-related factors are mainly associated with dietary phytate content, feed ingredient composition and feed processing, and total P, Ca and Na content. Animal-related factors include species, gender and age of animals. To eliminate the antinutritional effects of phytate (IP6), it needs to be hydrolyzed as quickly as possible by phytase in the upper part of the digestive tract. A phytase that works over a wide range of pH values and is active in the stomach and upper intestine (along with several other characteristics and in addition to being refractory to endogenous enzymes) would be ideal. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gaps, conflicts, and arguments between adolescents and their parents

Parent-adolescent conflict appears to be similar across different immigrant generations and cultural groups in frequency and implications for adjustment. However, the same level of argumentation may mask hidden conflictual feelings that are not expressed. Why an acculturation gap leads to such conflictual feelings in some adolescents and not others is still not well understood. Addressing this and other important issues of parent-adolescent difference by clearly separating acculturation gaps, conflictual feelings, and actual arguments would go a long way toward helping us to understand the role of family relationships in the adaptation and adjustment of adolescents from Asian and Latin American backgrounds.
Performance-driven technology mapping for heterogeneous FPGAs

In order to maximize performance and device utilization, the recent generation of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) take advantage of speed and density benefits resulting from heterogeneous FPGAs, which can be classified into heterogeneous FPGAs without bounded resources or heterogeneous FPGAs with bounded resources. In this paper, we study the technology mapping problem for heterogeneous FPGAs with or without bounded resources under the objective of delay optimization. We present the first polynomial-time delay optimal technology mapping algorithm, named HeteroMap, for heterogeneous FPGAs without bounded resources. Taking different delays of heterogeneous lookup tables (LUTs) into consideration, the HeteroMap algorithm computes the minimum mapping delay of a circuit based on a series of minimum-height K-feasible cut computations at each node in the circuit. We then study the technology mapping problem for delay minimization for heterogeneous FPGAs with bounded resources. We show that this problem is NP-hard for general networks, in contrast to the delay minimization mapping problem for heterogeneous FPGAs without bounded resources, but can be solved optimally in pseudopolynomial time for trees. We then present two heuristic algorithms to solve this problem for general networks. We have successfully applied these algorithms on MCNC benchmarks on commercial FPGAs. Encouraging results on delay and area reduction are reported.
Aerodynamic efficiency of flapping flight: analysis of a two-stroke model.

SUMMARY To seek the simplest efficient flapping wing motions and understand their relation to steady flight, a two-stroke model in the quasi-steady limit was analyzed. It was found that a family of two-stroke flapping motions have aerodynamic efficiency close to, but slightly lower than, the optimal steady flight. These two-stroke motions share two common features: the downstroke is a gliding motion and the upstroke has an angle of attack close to the optimal of the steady flight of the same wing. With the reduced number of parameters, the aerodynamic cost function in the parameter space can be visualized. This was examined for wings of different lift and drag characteristics at Reynolds numbers between 10 2 and 10 6 . The iso-surfaces of the cost function have a tube-like structure, implying that the solution is insensitive to a specific direction in the parameter space. Related questions in insect flight that motivated this work are discussed.
Effect of Preparation Procedures and Storage Parameters on Quality Retention of Salad-cut Lettuce

Piece-size reduction, which is required in preparing lettuce for salads, shortens storage life of cut lettuce as compared to uncut head lettuce. Cellular fluids, released during cutting, are removed by rinsing with water, followed by centrifugation to remove added surface moisture. Extended centrifugation can cause desiccation of product, which may be beneficial under certain conditions. Other methods of water removal, such as blotting or forced air did not seem practical. During storage green pigmentation decreased in salad-cut lettuce. Optimum cold storage was obtained by packaging the cut-lettuce in pouches that had been slightly evacuated and contained a small amount of carbon monoxide.
Pain in Chronic Medical Illness

It has recently been reported that chronic pain affects 43% of American, approximately 100 million adults in 2012 (Tsang and colleagues, The Journal of Pain 9(10): 883–891, 2008); accordingly, it remains essential that research continue to advance the current ability to assess and manage pain. Here, in this special issue, we highlight the impact of pain in chronic medical illness and present a body of research that addresses areas where data are currently lacking. Specifically, we present articles that characterize pain in cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, breast cancer, gastric bypass surgery, neurofibromatosis, low back pain, and postherpetic neuralgia. Importantly, these studies characterize pain in underrepresented populations including adolescents and surgical patients, and in diverse populations that include individuals from the United States, Iran, and France. Several commonalities arise involving an association between obesity and pain, a call for increased patient education, and a call for continuing education in pain for health care professionals. Included, you will find the following ten articles: (1) “Prevalence of chest pain, depression, somatization, anxiety, global distress, and substance use among cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients” by E. Serber and colleagues, (2) “Pain narratives in breast cancer survivors” by P. Peretti-Watel and colleagues, (3) “Presurgical weight is associated with pain, functional impairment, and anxiety among gastric bypass surgery patients” by S. Wedin and colleagues, (4) “Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial predictors of functional disability and health-related quality of life in adolescents with neurofibromatosis-1” by M. Garwood and colleagues, (5) “The pain crisis: what it is and what can be done” by B. Sessle, (6) “Low back pain prevalence and associated factors in Iranian population: findings from the national health survey” by A. Biglarian and colleagues, (7) “Validation of the self-assessment of treatment questionnaire among patients with postherpetic neuralgia” by K. Wyrwich and colleagues, (8) “Sarcoidosis and pain caused by small fiber neuropathy” by L. Heij and colleagues, (9) “Depressive symptoms, pain, and quality of life among patients with non-alcohol related chronic pancreatitis” by W. Balliet and colleagues, and (10) “Depression and anxiety symptoms relate to distinct components of pain experience among patients with breast cancer” by S. Galloway and colleagues. As a whole, this body of research highlights the impact, incidence, and characteristics of pain in chronic medial illness, as well as opportunities to improve care and assessment. Justin Brown Jarred Younger Alok Madan Jeffrey Borckardt
Three-dimensional crustal structure of the southern Sierra Nevada from seismic fan profiles and gravity modeling

Traveltime data from the 1993 Southern Sierra Nevada Continental Dynamics seismic refraction experiment reveal low crustal velocities in the southern Sierra Nevada and Basin and Range province of California (6.0 to 6.6 km/s), as well as low upper mantle velocities (7.6 to 7.8 km/s). The crust thickens from southeast to northwest along the axis of the Sierra Nevada from 27 km in the Mojave Desert to 43 km near Fresno, California. A crustal welt is present beneath the Sierra Nevada, but the deepest Moho is found under the western slopes, not beneath the highest topography. A density model directly derived from the crustal velocity model but with constant mantle density satisfies the pronounced negative Bouguer anomaly associated with the Sierra Nevada, but shows large discrepancies of >50 mgal in the Great Valley and in the Basin and Range province. Matching the observed gravity with anomalies in the crust alone is not possible with geologically reasonable densities; we require a contribution from the upper mantle, either by lateral density variations or by a thinning of the lithosphere under the Sierra Nevada and the Basin and Range province. Such a model is consistent with the interpretation that the uplift of the present Sierra Nevada is caused and dynamically supported by asthenospheric upwelling or lithospheric thinning under the Basin and Range province and eastern Sierra Nevada.
A Microfluidic Device to Acquire Gaseous Samples Via Surface Tension Held Gas-Liquid Interface

We present a relatively simple and effective method for acquiring gaseous samples into microfluidic channels. Hydrophobic polymers are photopatterned on hydrophilic substrates. Due to surface tension, aqueous liquid is confined by the hydrophobic polymers, but not completely blocked by a physical wall, thus allowing an interface for gas-liquid interaction. Here, the mechanism is demonstrated by using hydrophobic (poly)iso-bornyl acrylate polymer patterns on hydrophilic glass substrates, and through a Nessler's reagent-ammonia reaction that exhibits changes in color and electrical resistance.
Central Auditory Dysfunction, Cognitive Dysfunction, and Dementia in Older People

Objectives: To determine in older people the relation between auditory dysfunction and cognitive dysfunction, and if central auditory test abnormalities predict the onset of clinical dementia or cognitive decline. Design: Prospective population-based cohort study. Setting: Framingham Heart Study outpatient biennial examinations 18 and 21. Participants: Members of the Framingham Heart Study cohort with normal findings from cognitive screening tests at biennial examination 18. Measurements: Peripheral audiometric thresholds and word recognition in quiet; Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message (SSI-ICM); Mini-Mental State Examination; and detailed neuropsychological testing of subjects with abnormal findings from the Mini-Mental State Examination. Relative risk of dementia was determined using age-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: Hearing loss significantly lowered performance on the verbal parts of the Mini-Mental State Examination. The relative risk of subsequent clinical dementia or cognitive decline was 6 in subjects with very poor scores ( Conclusions: Central auditory dysfunction precedes senile dementia in a significant number of cases and may be an early marker for senile dementia. Hearing tests should be included in the evaluation of persons older than 60 years and in those suspected of having cognitive dysfunction. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;122:161-167)
Investigation of gaseous electron multiplier-based triggering of back-lighted thyratrons

Developing reliable and compact optical triggering systems for back-lighted thyratrons (BLTs), light-activated pseudospark switches, is of interest for compact pulsed power [1]. Investigation of the electron multiplication methods is crucial for utilization of low-intensity light sources, including ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) [2], for triggering BLTs. Gaseous electron multipliers (GEMs) whose operation is based on gas multiplication within small, sub-millimeter to millimeter diameter holes as a result of high intensity fields have shown multiplication gains of 103 in both atmospheric and low pressure gas mixtures and noble gases [3, 4] In this work, we investigate a novel optical triggering scheme utilizing magnesium as the photocathode and an internal GEM for electron multiplication for compact BLT switches. Quantum efficiency (QE) of magnesium under BLT relevant pressure conditions (up to 100 mTorr) were measured to be 10−5 [5]. Higher quantum yield was demonstrated for utilization (with the use) of Mg photocathode compared to Cu and Mo photocathodes. In addition, the electron multiplication gain of a customized GEM in argon was measured to be up to 103. The effect of Mg as a photocathode material on switch performance (delay, jitter) with and without GEMs is also discussed.
Disappearance of immunoglobulins from persistent renal amyloid deposits following stem cell transplantation for heavy-and light-chain amyloidosis

ABSTRACTBackground. Immunoglobulin (Ig)-related amyloidosis is themost common type of systemic amyloidosis in the developedcountries and involves the kidney in most cases. Clinical re-mission can be achieved with chemotherapy and/or autolo-gous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Previous case reportshave showed persistence of renal amyloid mass in light-chainamyloidosis (AL) even in the setting of hematologic and renalresponse.Methods. We report a novel ﬁnding in two cases of heavy-and light-chain amyloidosis (AHL) in which monoclonal Igbut not serum amyloid P (SAP), apolipoprotein E (ApoE) oramyloid bulk in the kidney regressed after successful therapy.Results. In the pre-treatment renal biopsies, the amyloid de-posits stained for one heavy and one light chains (IgG+λ inone case and IgA+κ in one case). Laser microdissection fol-lowed by mass spectrometry (LMD/MS) in both cases showedabundant spectra for Ig heavy and light chains, SAP andApoE. Both patients achieved a hematologic responsewith dis-appearance of the monoclonal protein from serum and urineand normalization of serum-free light chain ratio, but renal re-sponse occurred in only one patient. Repeat kidney biopsiesshowed persistence of ﬁbrillaramyloid deposits, but regressionof Ig from the amyloid deposits based on immunoﬂuores-cence. LMD/MS on the repeat biopsy performed in one casealso showed disappearance of Ig but not SAPor ApoE.Conclusions. Our ﬁnding suggests that effective chemotherapyand/or ASCT in some patients with AHL not only eliminatesthe circulating pathogenic monoclonal Ig but also the Ig com-ponent of amyloid deposits, which may translate into renal re-sponse. This, however, may not lead to regression of amyloiddeposits themselves. The latter may require more time or add-ition of therapeutic agents that target amyloid-associated pro-teinssuchasSAP,whicharenotcommerciallyavailable.Keywords: amyloid, laser microdissection, renal biopsy, stemcell transplantINTRODUCTIONAmyloidosis is a rare disease in which misfolded proteinsdeposit in the extracellular space, leading to tissue destructionand organ dysfunction. Amyloid deposits have a ﬁbrillary sub-structure with a beta-sheet conﬁguration, which are identiﬁedhistologically by their apple-green birefringence when stainedwith Congo red and viewed under polarized light. Thirty dif-ferent proteins are currently known to be precursors ofamyloid ﬁbrils. The most common type of systemic amyloid-osis in the developed countries is by far immunoglobulin (Ig)-related amyloidosis with an incidence of 6.1 to 10.5 cases permillion person-years [1]. The major organs affected are thekidneys, heart and liver. Renal involvement typically manifestsas proteinuria with or without renal insufﬁciency. Ig-relatedamyloidosis in most cases is derived from fragments of mono-clonal light chains (AL) but rarely is derived from fragmentsof the Ig-heavy chain and light chain (AHL) or Ig heavy chainonly (AH) [2].
Propeller EPI in the other direction

A new propeller EPI pulse sequence with reduced sensitivity to field inhomogeneities is proposed. Image artifacts such as blurring due to Nyquist ghosting and susceptibility gradients are investigated and compared with those obtained in previous propeller EPI studies. The proposed propeller EPI sequence uses a readout that is played out along the short axis of the propeller blade, orthogonal to the readout used in previous propeller methods. In contrast to long-axis readout propeller EPI, this causes the echo spacing between two consecutive phase-encoding (PE) lines to decrease, which in turn increases the k-space velocity in this direction and hence the pseudo-bandwidth. Long- and short-axis propeller EPI, and standard single-shot EPI sequences were compared on phantoms and a healthy volunteer. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was also performed on the volunteer. Short-axis propeller EPI produced considerably fewer image artifacts compared to the other two sequences. Further, the oblique blades for the long-axis propeller EPI were also prone to one order of magnitude higher residual ghosting than the proposed short-axis propeller EPI.
Transient diffusional interactions between solid bodies and isolated fluids

Abstract A generalized Sturm-Liouville approach is used to provide an efficient solution procedure for the problem of one-dimensional diffusion accompanied by an irreversible first-order reaction in a body suddenly immersed in an isolated volume of moderately stirred fluid. Specific results are presented for the slab, solid and hollow cylinders, and the sphere. The non-reactive, non-adiabatic calorimeter problem is solved by reduction to a closely related adiabatic problem with first-order heat generation in the body, the solution to which is contained in the earlier developments of the paper.
Behavioral stability predicts morbidity and mortality in infants from a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract Infants confined to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) have higher rates of early death and severe disabilities than their peers in newborn nurseries. A major diagnostic problem is to discriminate between infants who successfully recover from their early problems and those who experience chronic difficulties. In the two studies described here, the sleeping and waking behaviors of a total of 37 infants were each observed three times between feedings in the NICU. Follow-up data were obtained for 25 subjects. Infants whose state patterns were consistent across all three observations did well, while those with erratic sleep and wake patterns already had or developed severe medical problems. Analysis of behavior-pattern consistency was performed with a descriptive sum-of-squares procedure for each subject. Results of this measure were significantly correlated with summary Brazelton data for these subjects. The utility of systematic state observations as a nonintrusive diagnostic procedure is suggested.
Tuberculin skin testing and the health care worker: Lessons of the prophit survey

Abstract Setting: Concern about occupationally-acquired tuberculosis continues to grow, even as control of tuberculosis in the USA has improved. Many health care workers have developed occupationally-acquired tuberculosis in recently described outbreaks and several have died. Regulatory agencies are struggling to develop a rational policy that promises both worker safety as well as cost-effectiveness. Future infection control efforts will be evaluated by results of tuberculin skin tests of employees. However, unlike many modern diagnostic tests, the tuberculin skin test is poorly understood, may be unreliable, and requires individual physician interpretation. Design: Review of the British Prophit Survey, conducted from 1933–1944, which involved tuberculin testing of 10 000 young adults, with the goal of defining ‘the relationship between tuberculin sensitivity and tuberculous immunity'. Results: Four findings are particularly pertinent to the current debate: 1. job-specific rates of tuberculin conversion and subsequent development of disease; 2. risk of exogenous re-infection among already-tuberculin positive health care workers; 3. rates of tuberculin skin test reversion; and 4. implications of induration size. Conclusion: The British Prophit Survey produced a great deal of meaningful information regarding the meaning of a positive tuberculin skin test, a negative test, and a change in tuberculin status. Proper interpretation of this test requires full appreciation of its many idiosyncrasies.
Thoreau, Leopold, & Carson: Challenging Capitalist Conceptions of the Natural Environment

This paper examines criticisms on anthropocentricism expressed in Walden by Henry David Thoreau (1854), A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold (1949), and Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962). The belief that humankind is the most superior in all existence, anthropocentricism promotes the exploitation and commercialization of the natural environment. Anthropocentric thought disregards the intrinsic value of nature and has raised debates concerning the relationship between humanity and the natural world throughout history. Despite the different time periods, historical contexts, and environmental consciousness of Thoreau, Leopold, and Carson, their assertions against anthropocentricism indirectly challenge America’s industrializing and environmentally insensitive market economy activities. While their works highlight criticism toward capitalism’s narrow and anthropocentric conceptions of the natural world, their efforts for reform and awareness still hold resonance today.
Discovering Inexpensive, Effective Catalysts for Solar Energy Conversion: An Authentic Research Laboratory Experience

Electrochemical water oxidation is a major focus of solar energy conversion efforts. A new laboratory experiment has been developed that utilizes real-time, hands-on research to discover catalysts for solar energy conversion. The HARPOON, or Heterogeneous Anodes Rapidly Perused for Oxygen Overpotential Neutralization, experiment allows an array of mixed-metal oxide compositions to be analyzed in parallel to test their activity as water oxidation catalysts. Students create unique combinations of mixed-metal oxide materials, which are then analyzed utilizing a simple, inexpensive system that detects the amount of oxygen evolved during electrolysis. This experiment has the flexibility to be implemented at a variety of educational levels with the depth and breadth of the material covered accordingly. Concepts such as stoichiometry, materials, solutions, and fluorescence can be emphasized, while the research-like experience strengthens students’ independence, critical-thinking skills, and excitement for scienc...
Management of a recalcitrant candidal chorioretinal abscess.

PURPOSE To describe a case of endogenously acquired Candida albicans chorioretinitis that was unresponsive to aggressive local and systemic therapy. METHOD Single retrospective case report and review of pertinent literature. A 42-year-old woman with metastatic colon cancer acquired endogenous C. albicans chorioretinitis secondary to total parenteral nutrition after a small-bowel resection. RESULTS A lesion involving the left fovea progressed despite systemic antifungal therapy with intravenous anidulafungin followed by oral fluconazole, intravenous Ambisome, and 11 total intravitreal injections of either Amphotericin B (5 mg each) or voriconazole (50-100 mg each). The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with subfoveal aspiration and removal of infectious material using submacular surgery, resulting in resolution of the infection. Postoperatively the patient's visual acuity was the same as before surgery (20/200 in the left eye). CONCLUSION When treating endogenous fungal chorioretinitis, attention should be paid to both systemic treatment that has good intraocular penetration and early local therapy with intravitreal antifungals for sight-threatening lesions. Surgical intervention may also be warranted.
Jamming of particles in a two-dimensional fluid-driven flow

The jamming of particles under flow is of critical importance in a broad range of natural and industrial settings, such as the jamming of ice in rivers, or the plugging of suspended solids in pipeline transport. Relatively few studies have been carried out on jamming of suspended particles under flow, in comparison to the many studies on jamming in gravity-driven flows that have revealed various features of the jamming process. Fluid-driven particle flows differ in several aspects from gravity-driven flows, particularly in being compatible with a range of particle concentrations and velocities. Additionally, there are fluid-particle interactions and hydrodynamic effects. To investigate particle jamming in fluid-driven flows, we have performed both experiments and computer simulations on the flow of circular particles floating over water in an open channel with a restriction. We determined the flow-rate boundary for a dilute-to-dense flow transition, similar to that seen in gravity-driven flows. The maximum particle throughput increased for larger restriction sizes consistent with a Beverloo equation form over the entire range of particle mixtures and restriction sizes. The exponent of \ensuremath{\sim}3/2 in the Beverloo equation is consistent with approximately constant acceleration of grains due to fluid drag in the immediate region of the opening. We verified that the jamming probability from the dense flow gave a geometric distribution in the number of particles escaping before a jam. The probability of jamming in both experiments and simulations was found to be dependent on the ratio of channel opening to particle size, but only weakly dependent on the fluid flow velocity. Flow entrance effects were measured and observed to affect the jamming probability, and dependence on particle friction coefficient was determined from simulation. A comprehensive model for the jamming probability integrating these observations from the different flow regimes was shown to be in good agreement for experimental data on average times before jamming.
Small membrane permeable molecules protect against osmotically induced sealing of t-tubules in mouse ventricular myocytes

Cardiac t-tubules are critical for efficient excitation-contraction coupling but become significantly remodeled during various stress conditions. However, the mechanisms by which t-tubule remodeling occur are poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that recovery of mouse ventricular myocytes after hyposmotic shock is associated with t-tubule sealing. In this study, we found that the application of Small Membrane Permeable Molecules (SMPM) such as DMSO, formamide and acetamide upon washout of hyposmotic solution significantly reduced the amount of extracellular dextran trapped within sealed t-tubules. The SMPM protection displayed sharp biphasic concentration dependence that peaks at ∼140 mM leading to >3- to 4-fold reduction in dextran trapping. Consistent with these data, detailed analysis of the effects of DMSO showed that the magnitude of normalized inward rectifier tail current (IK1,tail), an electrophysiological marker of t-tubular integrity, was increased ∼2-fold when hyposmotic stress was removed in the presence of 1% DMSO (∼140 mM). Analysis of dynamics of cardiomyocytes shrinking during resolution of hyposmotic stress revealed only minor increase in shrinking rate in the presence of 1% DMSO, and cell dimensions returned fully to prestress values in both control and DMSO groups. Application and withdrawal of 10% DMSO in the absence of preceding hyposmotic shock induced classical t-tubule sealing. This suggests that the biphasic concentration dependence originated from an increase in secondary t-tubule sealing when high SMPM concentrations are removed. Overall, the data suggest that SMPM protect against sealing of t-tubules following hyposmotic stress, likely through membrane modification and essentially independent of their osmotic effects.
Iterative Design of a Robot-Centered Curriculum for Introduction to Computer Science.

In the context of steeply declining enrollments in Computer Science [6], our group is focusing on developing curricular modules for introduction to Computer Science (CS1) classes in which robots are used as educational tools to motivate students about applications of Computing. We strongly believe that robots can be an ingredient in the solution to the retention and diversity problems plaguing Computer Science education. Robots have been used in a number of contexts to excite students towards further study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. At Carnegie Mellon, a student taught course in which programming robot behaviors and creating robotic art are the main activities attracts nearly half its students from the humanities, business, and art schools [5]. High school robotics competitions such as FIRST and Botball have grown explosively over the last decade. Robot kits, such as Lego’s Mindstorms, have also become a popular tool in traditional CS1 [1] and CS2 [3] courses. Robots, as physically manifested computing devices, inherently show students how computing algorithms can impact the real world; they provide a degree of relevance to assignments that is often missing. Even so, there are well-known weaknesses to using robots in computing courses [1]: Robots are typically too expensive for student ownership, and so students must work on robot programming assignments in labs with limited hours. Feedback is delayed due to the real-time nature of robotics, and so students must devote more time to tedious debugging, and less to developing solutions. The ingredients needed to overcome these limitations are achievable: New hardware technologies [4] that enable high functioning robotics at a low cost; a software architecture that is student-friendly and can be peeled away to reveal layers of deepening complexity as students learn
Biochemical Characterization of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phospholipase D

Phospholipase D is a ubiquitous protein in eukaryotes that hydrolyzes phospholipids to generate the signaling lipid phosphatidic acid (PtdOH). PldA, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa PLD, is a secreted protein that targets bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Here we have characterized the in vitro factors that modulate enzymatic activity of PldA, including divalent cations and phosphoinositides. We have identified several similarities between the eukaryotic-like PldA and the human PLD isoforms, as well as several properties in which the enzymes diverge. Notable differences include the substrate preference and transphosphatidylation efficiency for PldA. These findings offer new insights into potential regulatory mechanisms of PldA and its role in pathogenesis.
Cyclic AMP- and phorbol ester-regulated Cl- permeabilities in primary cultures of human and rabbit colonocytes.

Chloride transport in 24-h primary cultures of human and rabbit distal colonic crypt cells (90 +/- 5% viable) were characterized using the Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent probe 6-methoxyquinolyl acetoethyl ester. To calculate the Cl- influx in millimolar per second, the Stern-Volmer quenching constant was determined to be 24.3 M-1 for human and 24.6 M-1 for rabbit colonocytes. Cl- influx was dependent on extracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]0), with maximal influx at [Cl-]0 > or = 20 mM. The adenosine 39,59-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent secretagogues forskolin (1 microM), prostaglandin E1 (1 microM), and 8-bromoadenosine 39,59-cyclic monophosphate (100 microM) increased Cl- influx in human colonocytes from 0.35 +/- 0.08 to 2.14 +/- 0.65, 1.85 +/- 0.51, and 0.84 +/- 0.04 mM/s (n = 4), respectively, and in rabbit colonocytes from 0.22 +/- 0.03 to 1.04 +/- 0.11, 1.24 +/- 0.12, and 1.08 +/- 0.07 mM/s (n = 5), respectively. Depending on the secretagogue, this influx was inhibited 50-90% by the Cl- channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC; 50 microM) and > or = 65% by the Na-K-2Cl cotransport inhibitor furosemide (10 microM). Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, an activator of protein kinase C, increased Cl- permeability 3.8-fold in human and 2.4-fold in rabbit colonocytes. The phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-stimulated Cl- permeabilities were sensitive to DPC and furosemide but not to indomethacin. These studies demonstrate DPC and furosemide-sensitive Cl- permeabilities in isolated cultured human and rabbit colonocytes, which can be activated by cAMP and protein kinase C stimulators.
Paediatric Small Bowel Transplantation

Intestinal transplantation (ITx) is now a well-established treatment for infants and children with intestinal failure (IF), who develop complications related to longterm parenteral nutrition (PN). Transplantation of other organs such as kidney, liver and heart developed during the 1960s but did not reach widespread clinical application until the cyclosporine era of immune suppression in the early 1980s. ITx lagged behind as the intestine was found to be an organ with special problems of its own immunogenicity, its interface with the enteric lumen colonized with bacteria and transfer of a heavy load of immune competent cells of the donor at the time of engraftment. In addition, organ preservation was more fragile and consequences of ischaemic reperfusion injury more severe. At the same time, treatment of intestinal failure with parenteral nutrition (PN) had developed to give children with IF a reasonable quality of life. Long-term PN, however, has its own complications including central venous catheter related sepsis, venous thrombosis and PN associated liver disease. PN therefore is not a lifetime treatment. Sporadic cases of ITx were reported in the 1970s but all recipients died of technical complications, sepsis or rejection. Optimism for success in the cyclosporine era was short-lived as most grafts were lost to rejection. A total of 15 cases were reported between 1985 and 1990 with one long term survivor. This child received a neonatal donor intestine and has survived 19 years post transplant. Introduction of more effective tacrolimus immune suppression by Starzl in 1990 allowed for reports of 60% 1 year graft survival by 1993. Currently 90% 1 year survival is reported from some centres. Parenteral nutrition remains the current standard of care for infants and children with intestinal failure with a 54
Homogeneous Antibodies and Myeloma Proteins with Antibody Activity

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews homogeneous antibodies and myeloma proteins with antibody activity. Homogeneous proteins with antibody activity have a major practical use in the study of the relationship of amino acid sequence and 3-dimensional structure of an antibody to its specificity. It is generally accepted that homogeneous antibody populations and myeloma proteins are synthesized by individual clones of cells that have undergone extensive proliferation, frequently at the expense of the biosynthesis of other immunoglobulins. In the case of antibodies to bacterial vaccines induced in experimental animals, the antibody concentration in serum often exceeds the total concentration of immunoglobulin in normal, non-immunized animals. This concentration relationship also applies to myeloma proteins. Continuous immunization is necessary to maintain a high concentration of homogeneous antibody; and, in the face of repeated challenge by antigen, clones producing homogeneous antibody may on occasion diminish and be replaced by other clones of cells manufacturing antibody differing in structure but having specificity for the same antigen.
Language Sample Analysis Framework Utilizing the Natural Language Toolkit and Social Media

In this paper we present the Analysis of Social Discourse Framework (ASDF), which utilizes the Natural Language Toolkit [1] (NLTK 3.0 documentation. http://www.nltk.org) to analyze language samples from children on the Autism Spectrum. For those whose anxiety prohibits them from providing speech samples in response to guided elicitation we utilize free form social media posts to obtain the language samples. To demonstrate the value of ASDF, we present a formative case study illustrating the collection of samples via social media posts and the resulting analysis. In addition to providing metrics traditionally used in speech sample analysis, ASDF provides new metrics made possible through natural language processing. ASDF is open source so it can be extended by researchers to include additional metrics and additional means of acquiring the data associated with these metrics.
Concise Review: Lessons from Naïve Human Pluripotent Cells.

The naive state of pluripotency is actively being explored by a number of labs. There is some controversy in the field as to the true identity of naive human pluripotent cells as they are not exact mirrors of the mouse. The various reports published, although in basic agreement, present discrepancies in the characterization of the various lines, which likely reflect the etiology of these lines. The primary lesson learned from these contributions is that a human naive state reflecting the preimplantation human is likely to exist. The essential factors that will universally maintain the naive state in human cells in vitro are not yet fully understood. These first need to be identified in order to describe the definitive characteristics of this state. Comparisons of naive and primed human pluripotent cells have also highlighted consistencies between states and broadened our understanding of embryonic metabolism, epigenetic change required for development, embryonic DNA repair strategies and embryonic expression dynamics. Stem Cells 2017;35:35-41.
Triage and the Lost Art of Decoding Vital Signs: Restoring Physiologically Based Triage Skills in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies

Triage management remains a major challenge, especially in resource-poor settings such as war, complex humanitarian emergencies, and public health emergencies in developing countries. In triage it is often the disruption of physiology, not anatomy, that is critical, supporting triage methodology based on clinician-assessed physiological parameters as well as anatomy and mechanism of injury. In recent times, too many clinicians from developed countries have deployed to humanitarian emergencies without the physical exam skills needed to assess patients without the benefit of remotely fed electronic monitoring, laboratory, and imaging studies. In triage, inclusion of the once-widely accepted and collectively taught "art of decoding vital signs" with attention to their character and meaning may provide clues to a patient's physiological state, improving triage sensitivity. Attention to decoding vital signs is not a triage methodology of its own or a scoring system, but rather a skill set that supports existing triage methodologies. With unique triage management challenges being raised by an ever-changing variety of humanitarian crises, these once useful skill sets need to be revisited, understood, taught, and utilized by triage planners, triage officers, and teams as a necessary adjunct to physiologically based triage decision-making. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:76-85).
Being a man in the horse capital: Mexican farmworkers’ masculinities in Kentucky

AbstractRecent immigration to the U.S. south has been of much interest to scholars with economic, social, and regional interests. This article contributes to these interests by analyzing the ways that Mexican men who migrated to Kentucky think about, represent, and perform their masculinities on two foaling farms in the area surrounding Lexington. These perspectives point to how migration impacts the participants’ ideas about gender relations. By considering their masculinities as they intersect with other aspects of their identities, this analysis questions widespread notions of the Mexican ‘macho’ or ‘machista’, demonstrates how masculinities are created in tandem with other aspects of identity such as class, and discusses the complexity of interactions with hegemonic masculinities (e.g. a ‘machista’ identity). The research was performed through participant observation and semi-structured interviews on two horse farms with 15 farmworkers.