cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering manual and electric powered wheelchairs

The sophistication required to develop and properly configure a wheelchair is illustrated by the amount and complexity of the research being conducted. At this time there appears to be between 1.5 and 2.0 million full-time wheelchair users within the United States. The reliance of the user on the wheelchair and the amount of time in the wheelchair provide significant challenges for the wheelchair design engineer. Currently there are a wide variety of wheelchair designs that are commercially available. These wheelchairs accommodate a variety of people's needs, and represent significant progress. The current trend among manufacturers of manual wheelchairs seems to be cost-reduction engineering. The ergonomics of long-term wheelchair use are critical to the advancement of wheelchair design and to the clinical selection of wheelchairs. Electric powered wheelchairs appear to be progressing faster than nearly all other types of wheelchairs. This is due to the availability of computing power with low cost microcontrollers and associated peripherals. The greater range and availability of sensors are also making changes into the design of electric powered wheelchairs. The interaction between an electric powered wheelchair and the user can be extremely complex. In many cases, individual solutions are necessary. One of the more challenging questions is determining the abilities of the user required to drive an electric powered wheelchair effectively. There have been substantial improvements in the engineering of all wheelchairs. However, there remain significant issues to be addressed.
Comparison of the core flow approximation and full solution approach for MHD flow in non-symmetric and multiple adjacent ducts

Abstract The core flow approximation method has been used extensively in the past several years to model MHD flow at high Hartmann number and interaction parameter. This method assumes that inertial and viscous forces and the induced magnetic field are negligible, thus transforming the governing equations to a set of linear equations. The resulting equations are much easier to solve than the original set of equations, and as a result this method has been applied to several geometries. Benchmarking to experimental results has been done with excellent results for a limited number of geometries, but more investigation is necessary to determine the validity and applicability of the core flow approach. In this paper, results of the core flow analysis are compared with results from a two-dimensional full solution analysis (which included inertial and viscous terms) to further evaluate the core flow method. In particular, comparison is made for a rectangular duct geometry with an oblique magnetic field, a rectangular duct with a magnetic field parallel to one set of walls but without symmetry about the plane between the two side walls, and multiple adjacent rectangular ducts where the magnetic field is parallel to one set of walls. Special attention is paid to assumptions used in the core flow approximation dealing with the electric current flowing in the side layers. These comparisons are done for fully developed flow, and the results show that the core flow approximation can predict flow in these geometries with accuracy that is within design limits.
Positional behavior of the white uakari (Cacajao calvus calvus).

The positional behavior and habitat use of a group of white uakaries (Cacajao calvus calvus) was observed for 6 weeks in the dry season at Lake Teiu, Brazil. Data are presented for feeding, traveling, and resting activities. The most common feeding posture is sit, followed by stand. Cacajao frequently exhibits locomotor behaviors while in feeding trees, using pronograde clamber and quadrupedal walk. The most frequently used locomotor behaviors in travel are quadrupedal walk, leap, and pronograde clamber. Quadrupedal run and drop also figure importantly in the behavioral repertoire. The most frequent resting posture was sit, followed by ventral lie. Compared to representative members of the other pitheciin genera, Pithecia and Chiropotes, Cacajao engages in more locomotion while feeding, and uses more pedal suspension. While traveling, pronograde clamber and drop are more frequently used by Cacajao. Multiple, deformable supports are used more by Cacajao than by the other pitheciins throughout all activities. Overall, the positional behavior of Cacajao is more similar to that of Chiropotes than of Pithecia. Cacajao's behavioral solutions to the problems of balance imposed by its greatly reduced tail are discussed.
Collaborative Filtering Recommender Systems

Recommender systems are an important part of the information and e-commerce ecosystem. They represent a powerful method for enabling users to filter through large information and product spaces. Nearly two decades of research on collaborative filtering have led to a varied set of algorithms and a rich collection of tools for evaluating their performance. Research in the field is moving in the direction of a richer understanding of how recommender technology may be embedded in specific domains. The differing personalities exhibited by different recommender algorithms show that recommendation is not a one-size-fits-all problem. Specific tasks, information needs, and item domains represent unique problems for recommenders, and design and evaluation of recommenders needs to be done based on the user tasks to be supported. Effective deployments must begin with careful analysis of prospective users and their goals. Based on this analysis, system designers have a host of options for the choice of algorithm and for its embedding in the surrounding user experience. This paper discusses a~wide variety of the choices available and their implications, aiming to provide both practicioners and researchers with an introduction to the important issues underlying recommenders and current best practices for addressing these issues.
Experimental Allergic Encephalitis; Treatment with Drugs Which Alter CNS Serotonin Levels

AbstractLennon and Carnegie have proposed that the clinical symptomatology of experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE), an acute autoimmune demyelinating disease, may be due, at least in part, to an immune response directed against CNS serotonin receptors. To test this hypothesis we treated strain 13 guinea pigs, which had been immunized with guinea pig basic protein (GPBP) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), with drugs known to affect central nervous system (CNS) serotonin levels. These drugs included imipramine hydrochloride, tryptophan and carhidopa which increase CNS serotonin and reserpine which decreases it. Five experiments were conducted in which all immunized animals treated with saline only died, as expected, as did all animals treated with reserpine which died even more quickly. A significant proportion of animals treated with the other three drugs, alone or in combination, survived or lived longer than controls. We conclude that survival of animals with EAE is enhanced by treatment with these...
The Social Meaning of Leisure in Uganda and America

Data from 108 college students in Uganda and 119 students in America showed general similarities in both preferences for and the importance of social contact to 21 leisure activities. Based on the mean ratings, Americans like the activities slightly more and rated the importance of social contact for participation somewhat higher. Correlations between preferences and the importance of social contact suggest that social contact was more important in the leisure preferences of Ugandans. The value of measuring the meaning of leisure as a cultural indicator is discussed. Tentative suggestions are made about the role of social contact in leisure and about differences in leisure between the two countries.
Evaluating Influence Diagrams

An influence diagram is a graphical structure for modeling uncertain variables and decisions and explicitly revealing probabilistic dependence and the flow of information. It is an intuitive framework in which to formulate problems as perceived by decision makers and to incorporate the knowledge of experts. At the same time, it is a precise description of information that can be stored and manipulated by a computer. We develop an algorithm that can evaluate any well-formed influence diagram and determine the optimal policy for its decisions. Since the diagram can be analyzed directly, there is no need to construct other representations such as a decision tree. As a result, the analysis can be performed using the decision maker's perspective on the problem. Questions of sensitivity and the value of information are natural and easily posed. Modifications to the model suggested by such analyses can be made directly to the problem formulation, and then evaluated directly.
Estrogen to treat Alzheimer’s disease: Too little, too late?: So what’s a woman to do?

Estrogen was the hormone of the 1990s, empowering postmenopausal women against the future ravages of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and perhaps AD. Three large primary prevention trials in AD will provide information in several years on the efficacy of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in preventing or delaying the onset of AD. In this issue of Neurology , Wang et al.1 present the third large double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of estrogen in women with AD published this year. All three studies1-3 found no role for conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) in the treatment of postmenopausal women with AD (table). View this table: Table 1. Characteristics of the studies Laboratory evidence suggests that estrogen may increase cholinergic transmission, has neurotrophic effects,4 and has antiamyloidogenic properties.5 This has made estrogen an attractive candidate for both prevention and treatment of AD. A meta-analysis of 10 studies, including …
Second-order selection for evolvability in a large Escherichia coli population

In theory, competition between asexual lineages can lead to second-order selection for greater evolutionary potential. To test this hypothesis, we revived a frozen population of Escherichia coli from a long-term evolution experiment and compared the fitness and ultimate fates of four genetically distinct clones. Surprisingly, two clones with beneficial mutations that would eventually take over the population had significantly lower competitive fitness than two clones with mutations that later went extinct. By replaying evolution many times from these clones, we showed that the eventual winners likely prevailed because they had greater potential for further adaptation. Genetic interactions that reduce the benefit of certain regulatory mutations in the eventual losers appear to explain, at least in part, why they were outcompeted.
Limited evidence that single-dose oral ibuprofen plus codeine is more effective for postoperative pain than either drug alone

Commentary on: Derry S, Karlin SM, Moore RA . Single dose oral ibuprofen plus codeine for acute postoperative pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 3: CD010107.[OpenUrl][1][PubMed][2] Postoperative pain control remains challenging. Historically, there has been a reliance on opioids for pain management. The American Society of Anesthesiology's (ASA's) most recent guidelines recommend maximising non-opioid agents with around-the-clock dosing and using opioids supplementally.1 Derry and colleagues performed a meticulous SR examining the analgesic efficacy of single-dose ibuprofen and codeine … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DCochrane%2BDatabase%2BSyst%2BRev%26rft.volume%253D3%26rft.spage%253DCD010107%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23543585%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23543585&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F17%2F2%2F51.atom
Relationships between perfectionism and specific disordered eating behaviors.

Objective: Perfectionism has been reported as a specific risk factor for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but not binge eating disorder. This study examined whether these differences are due to differential associations between perfectionism and specific eating disorder behaviors. Method: Participants (N ¼ 2,482) completed the eating disorders inventory perfectionism scale and a questionnaire assessing eating disorder symptoms. Results: Perfectionism was associated with an array of disordered eating behaviors in women. However, associations were strongest for fasting and purging. Further, the association between binge eating and perfectionism was statistically mediated by fasting. In men, perfectionism was significantly associated only with fasting, and this association was greater than associations with other disordered eating behaviors.
Immunization Recommendations for Adults with Cancer

OBJECTIVE:To review the published literature on immunizing nonbone marrow transplant adult cancer patients, summarize the findings, and make recommendations for the use of vaccines in this population.DATA SOURCE:A search of MEDLINE and CancerLit was conducted (1966–June 2001) to find English-language clinical studies and review articles pertaining to immunization, vaccines, and cancer in humans. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices were used extensively. References of each identified article were subsequently reviewed for additional relevant articles.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Representative epidemiologic reports, clinical trials, and recommendations of expert panels are summarized in this report. Relevant information was selected to describe the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases, efficacy of the vaccines, and recommendations specific to adults with cancer.DATA SYNTHESIS:In general, adults with cancer are at least at the same risk of infection with vaccin...
High performance massively parallel abstract data type components

An approach for designing high-performance ADT (abstract data type) components for massively parallel systems without sacrificing information hiding is presented. This approach merges information hiding clients and servers to achieve high communication bandwidth for transmitting requests and receiving responses. It uses multi-entry data structures, massive-state-transition interface operations, and a four-level decomposition approach to achieve both structured programming and information hiding within the ADT implementation. To facilitate the systematic design of various ADTs, they have been classified into three classes: unrelated, crystalline, and amorphous collections. The authors present general design decisions for each layer of each class of ADT and illustrate the theory with a detailed example from each class. >
A compact, inexpensive, and battery-powered software-defined radio platform

We present μSDR, a compact, inexpensive, and battery-powered software-defined radio (SDR) platform built on a single-chip, flash-based FPGA fabric and ARM Cortex-M3 processor, enabling lower power and tighter hardware/software integration than prior commodity SDR platforms. Our architecture, unlike prior designs, is well-suited to hand-held or battery-operated systems and also supports cleaner partitioning since hardware can be easily mapped into the software addresses space, and vice versa. Building on this flexibility, we show how highly time-critical MAC protocols can be implemented on this platform and deployed using just AAA batteries.
Comment on "Interplay between TNF and regulatory T cells in a TNF-driven murine model of arthritis".

We read with great interest the article by Biton and colleagues ([1][1]) in the April 1, 2011 issue of The Journal of Immunology . Their study examined the interplay between TNF and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and concluded that anti-TNF treatment increased the number and function of Tregs in a
“It’s Darwinism – Survival of the Fittest:” How Markets and Reputations Shape the Ways in Which Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Obtain Clients

The survival of a plaintiffs’ lawyer’s practice depends upon the generation of an ongoing flow of clients with injuries that the civil justice system will compensate adequately. If this requirement is not met, lawyers will leave this aspect of the legal market for more promising ones. If they do, legal services for injured people will be diminished as a result. In order to find out how this personal services legal market is defined and developed, we interviewed ninety-five plaintiffs’ lawyers in Texas. These lawyers use four major strategies to get clients: client referrals, lawyer referrals, direct marketing, and other referrals. What any particular lawyer does is shaped by the geographic market from which clients are drawn, and by the lawyer’s reputation. Our findings provide fresh insights for the empirical literature on plaintiffs’ lawyers, and they provide an empirical context for assessing the potential impact of changes in the civil justice system, like tort reform, on the ability of plaintiffs’ lawyers to obtain clients.
A core-based digital audio signal processor for hi-fi audio

A second-generation core DSP suited for digital audio applications has been developed. The first DASP (digital audio signal processor) with the core-DSP implements the dedicated audio, host, and external memory interfaces. The DSP, which is the central processing role in the Hi-Fi audio systems, has been specifically developed by many LSI manufacturers. The manufacturers in the consumer market always require low cost devices. This new DASP has been enhanced with many new functions, which are discussed.
Jumping the Gun: Imperfections and Institutions Related to the Timing of Market Transactions

This paper concerns the difficulties associated with establishing a time at which a market will operate. The authors first describe the experience of several dozen markets and submarkets, from entry-level professional labor markets in the United States, Canada, England, and Japan to the (American) market for postseason college football bowls. The difficulties these markets have experienced in coordinating the timing of transactions have been decisive in determining how they are organized today. The paper develops a framework in which to address the timing of transactions and the tendency observed in many of these markets for transactions to become earlier and earlier. Copyright 1994 by American Economic Association.
Identification and distribution of mating-type idiomorphs in populations of Podosphaera macularis and development of chasmothecia of the fungus

Podosphaera macularis, the causal agent of hop powdery mildew, is known to produce chasmothecia (formerly cleistothecia) in eastern North America and Europe. Ascocarps have not yet been reported from the Pacific Northwestern region of North America. Reasons for the apparent absence of chasmothecia in the Pacific Northwest were unknown. This study established that P. macularis is heterothallic and ascocarp ontogeny, maturation, dehiscence and ascospore infection proceed similarly to other powdery mildew fungi. Genome sequencing of a MAT1-1 isolate revealed the structure of the MAT1 locus and presence of MAT1-1-3, demonstrating further similarities to other powdery mildew fungi. PCR assays with primers designed from conserved domains of the MAT1 idiomorphs were developed to characterize the frequency of idiomorphs in populations of P. macularis. Amongst 317 samples of P. macularis collected during 2012 and 2013 from the Pacific Northwest only the MAT1-1 idiomorph was found. In contrast, among 56 samples from the eastern United States and Europe, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs were detected at equivalent frequencies. At temperatures representative of late season conditions in the Pacific Northwest, chasmothecia formed readily when a Pacific Northwest MAT1-1 isolate was paired with a MAT1-2 isolate collected from outside the region. Although these findings do not encompass all climatic, geographic or temporal barriers that could inhibit the formation of chasmothecia, the current absence of the ascigerious stage of P. macularis in the Pacific Northwest could be explained by the absence of the MAT1-2 mating type idiomorph.
Marsh: min-area retiming with setup and hold constraints

This paper describes a polynomial time algorithm for min-area retiming for edge-triggered circuits to handle both setup and hold constraints. Given a circuit G and a target clock period c, our algorithm either outputs a retimed version of G satisfying setup and hold constraints or reports that such a solution is not possible, in O(|V/sup 3/|log|V|log(|V|C)) steps, where |V| corresponds to number of gates in the circuit and C is equal to the number of registers in the circuit. This is the first polynomial time algorithm ever reported for min-area retiming with constraints on both long and short-paths. An alternative problem formulation that takes practical issues in to consideration and lowers the problem complexity is also developed. Both the problem formulations have many parallels with the original formulation of long-path only retiming by Leiserson and Saxe and all the speed improvements that have been obtained on that technique are likely to be valid for improving the performance of the technique described in this paper.
Aortic Valve Replacement in Octogenarians: Risk Factors for Early and Late Mortality

Background Excellent outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in elderly patients can be achieved, yet some practitioners are reticent to refer elderly patients for surgery. This study analyzed risk factors for mortality in patients aged 80 years and older undergoing AVR with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods A retrospective review was performed of 245 patients (129 women) with a mean age of 83.6 ± 2.9 years who had AVR with (n = 140) or without CABG (n = 105) at a single institution from 1993 to 2005. Data were analyzed with a multivariate logistic regression for predictors of operative mortality, Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival, and a Cox multivariate proportional analysis of factors influencing long-term survival. Results Mean preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification was 3.1 ± 0.9, and 78% (192/245) of patients were classified as NYHA class III or IV. Operative (30-day) mortality was 9% (22/245). Independent risk factors for operative mortality included postoperative renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 20.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.5 to 67.6; p p = 0.019), or intraoperative/postoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) placement (OR, 14.9; 95% CI 2.9 to 75.8; p = 0.002). Survival after surgery was 82% (n = 183) at 1 year and 56% (n = 88) at 5 years. Prognostic factors for decreased long-term survival were regurgitant valve pathology (hazard ratio [HR], 6.0; 95% CI, 2.5 to 14.2; p = 0.002), intraoperative/postoperative IABP (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4 to 6.0; p = 0.010), postoperative renal failure (HR, 3.5, 95% CI, 2.2 to 5.7; p p p = 0.017) and improved long-term survival (HR, 0.7, 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.96; p = 0.020). Preoperative NYHA classification did not affect operative or long-term survival. Conclusions Patients aged 80 years and older who undergo AVR have acceptable short-term and long-term survival regardless of NYHA status. Concomitant CABG improved operative and long-term survival in this population. Despite their increased age, aggressive surgical treatment is warranted for most patients.
Beyond the Arabidopsis Genome: Opportunities for Comparative Genomics

Like most higher eukaryotes, flowering plants are believed to contain surprisingly similar numbers of genes. Nevertheless, angiosperm genome sizes vary over a wide range—from 50 Mb to over 120,000 Mb. Comparative mapping has shown that numerous alterations contribute to genomic diversity among
Thermoreversible Ion Gels with Tunable Melting Temperatures from Triblock and Pentablock Copolymers

We demonstrate a way to tune the critical gelation temperature (Tgel) for thermoreversible ion gels. Thermoreversible ion gels were prepared previously through the self-assembly of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-b-ethylene oxide-b-N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm-PEO-PNIPAm) triblock copolymers in a room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][TFSI]). The resulting Tgel was 17 °C, as judged by the intersection of the dynamic moduli (G‘ and G‘ ‘) at a fixed low frequency on increasing the temperature. These gels are of interest in various applications, including gate dielectric materials in organic field effect transistors. However, it is desirable to bring the Tgel significantly above room temperature in order to realize device applications. By incorporating solvatophobic blocks of polystyrene (PS) into the PNIPAm-PEO-PNIPAm triblock copolymers to produce well-defined PNIPAm-PS-PEO-PS-PNIPAm pentablock copolymers, we are able to adjust the Tgel of the re...
The Sex and Race Specific Relationship between Anthropometry and Body Fat Composition Determined from Computed Tomography: Evidence from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background Few studies have investigated the relationship of anthropometric measurements with computed tomography (CT) body fat composition, and even fewer determined if these relationships differ by sex and race.
Psychiatry is a clinical neuroscience, but how do we move the field?

‘‘Men ought to know that from nothing else but the brain come joys, delights, laughter and sports, and sorrows, grief, despondency, and lamentations. And by this, in a special manner, we acquire wisdom and knowledge, and see and hear, and know what are foul and what are fair, what are bad and what are good, what are sweet and what are unsavory. And by the same organ we become mad and delirious, and fears and terrors assail us. All these things we endure from the brain when it is not healthy.’’
Comment sifting: pragmatic qualitative analysis of LibQUAL + Comments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a practical, low-tech and adaptable methodology for converting large amounts of comment data into actionable, qualitative analysis. Design/methodology/approach – In 2013, the Horace W. Sturgis Library of Kennesaw State University conducted the LibQUAL+ survey, receiving 1,653 open-ended comments. In a home-grown approach to comment analysis, the Sturgis Library targeted specific areas of operational significance (chat, ILL, etc.) to analyze in depth. Keywords and synonyms were identified, comments containing these terms were evaluated and a document known as a mini-report summarized the analysis for each area. Findings – Over the summer of 2013, two librarians created 12 mini-reports. The mini-report format allowed investigators to build up their understanding of the organization incrementally and proved a valuable means of summarizing qualitative analysis and sharing it with various stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – Not all comments are coded, and therefore, potentially valuable information is lost. By limiting focus to specific operational areas, the methodology does not capture themes that are diffused throughout the organization. Some areas of operational significance are difficult to isolate by keywords. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature on pragmatic qualitative analysis. Many existing models of qualitative analysis are resource intensive, in terms of time, technology and staff training. This paper presents a variation on a methodology that is more adaptable, allowing the researchers to explore within large pools of comment data without having to code and analyze every comment.
Tensor Decompositions for Learning Latent Variable Models A Survey for ALT

This note is a short version of that in [1]. It is intended as a survey for the 2015 Algorithmic Learning Theory ALT conference. This work considers a computationally and statistically efficient parameter estimation method for a wide class of latent variable models--including Gaussian mixture models, hidden Markov models, and latent Dirichlet allocation--which exploits a certain tensor structure in their low-order observable moments typically, of second- and third-order. Specifically, parameter estimation is reduced to the problem of extracting a certain orthogonal decomposition of a symmetric tensor derived from the moments; this decomposition can be viewed as a natural generalization of the singular value decomposition for matrices. Although tensor decompositions are generally intractable to compute, the decomposition of these specially structured tensors can be efficiently obtained by a variety of approaches, including power iterations and maximization approaches similar to the case of matrices. A detailed analysis of a robust tensor power method is provided, establishing an analogue of Wedin's perturbation theorem for the singular vectors of matrices. This implies a robust and computationally tractable estimation approach for several popular latent variable models.
Exploratory Study of Oscillatory Flow over a Movable Sediment Bed with Particle-Image-Velocimetry (PIV)

Sand ripples develop spontaneously in an oscillatory flow over a movable sediment bed. The mechanics of sediment suspension in the presence of ripples is complex and its direct observation is complicated unless a technique can be used to capture the flow field and particle motion above and around the ripples. This work presents the results of an exploratory study conducted in a U-tube. The goal of the study was to use Particle-Image-Velocimetry (PIV) to capture the interaction between turbulent flow structures, suspended particles, and ripples and other bed instabilities. The PIV technique was chosen because of its potential to simultaneously determine the fluid velocity and the solid-particle velocity fields. Exploratory measurements indicate that the mechanisms responsible for the resuspension of bed particles in the presence of ripples are more complicated than anticipated. As water flows past each ripple, separation takes place at the crest of the ripple. Vortical structures generated downstream of the crest entrain sediment particles into the flow. When the flow reverses direction, each structure, along with the sediment it has suspended, is carried away from the ripples and into the outer flow field. As the structure dissipates, the sediment suspended in it is released. The PIV techniques implemented in this study provide information about velocity, vorticity, and turbulence distributions, helping to explain this complex flow field.
Protection effect of tetramethylpyrazine on hyperoxia induced lung injury in neonatal rats

Objective To investigate the effect of Tetramethylpyrazine on hyperoxia induced lung injury in neonatal rats. Methods Eighty Sprague-Dawley( SD) clean grade neonatal rats,all younger than 12 hours old,were randomly divided into 4 groups: A: room air control group; B: room air+ Tetramethylpyrazine treatment group; C: hyperoxia control group; D: hyperoxia +Tetramethylpyrazine treatment group. Rats in the hyperoxia groups were continuously exposed to oxygen with FiO2of 60%. Neonatal rats in groups B and D were injected with Tetramethylpyrazine[30 mg/( kg·d) ]through intraperitoneal route; whereas,rats in groups A and C were injected with equal volume of normal saline( NS). On the 14th day of experiment,eight rats from each group were randomly chosen and sacrificed. The weight of body and lung were measured. HE stain was used to observe pathological changes of lung tissue and radical alveolar count( RAC) under light microscope.Immunostaining and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of eNOS changes. Results In comparison to rats in group A B,rats in group C that were exposed to hyperoxia environment have marked inhibition in lung development,with body weight,lung weight and RAC decreased dramatically.Treating hyperoxia-exposed rats with Tetramethylpyrazine not only significantly increased body and lung weights,but also the numbers of RAC( P 0. 05) in these rats to the levels similar to the without hyperoxia damage( P 0. 05). Expression of eNOS was dramatically decreased in rats that were exposed to hyeroxia environment( P 0. 05),but has demonstrated marked improvement after treatment with Tetramethylpyrazine close to the level of the control group( P 0. 05). Conclusions Hyperoxia exposure leads to lung injuries in neonatal rats with pathological changes similar to bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Tetramethylpyrazine partially prevents the development of BPD induced by hyperoxia probably by increasing the expression of eNOS.
Yolk Sac Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical and Clinicopathologic Review

AbstractThe records of 14 children with yolk sac carcinoma were reviewed to determine if the production of specific proteins by the tumor could be used to predict the biologic potential of the neoplasm. Several marker proteins were identified by immunohistochemical staining of tissue specimens. The presence or absence of these proteins (periodic acid, Schiff-positive and diastase-resistant globules, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-fetoprotein, beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin and albumin) was of no prognostic significance when survivals free of disease were compared.Six patients underwent retroperitoneal node dissection as part of initial staging (group A), 1 (17per cent) of whom had retroperitoneal lymphatic metastasis. Eight patients were not subjected to lymphadenectomy initially (group B). Retroperitoneal node dissection did not produce an increase in survival free of disease. Our findings suggest that retroperitoneal node dissection should not be used routinely in all children with yolk sac tu...
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections in individuals with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The relative efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and multiple daily injections in individuals with type 1 diabetes is unclear. We sought to synthesize the existing evidence about the effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on glycosylated hemoglobin, hypoglycemic events, and time spent in hypoglycemia compared to multiple daily injections. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus from January 2008 through November 2015 for randomized controlled trials that enrolled children or adults with type 1 diabetes. Trials identified in a previous systematic review and published prior to 2008 were also included. We included 25 randomized controlled trials at moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin in patients treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared to multiple daily injections (mean difference 0.37; 95 % confidence interval, 0.24–0.51). This effect was demonstrated in both children and adults. There was no significant difference in minor or severe hypoglycemic events. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion was associated with lower incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia. There was no significant difference in the time spent in hypoglycemia. In children and adults with type 1 diabetes and compared to multiple daily injections, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is associated with a modest reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin. There was no difference in severe or minor hypoglycemia, but likely a lower incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
Shapes of Planar Curves

In this chapter we introduce a framework for analyzing shapes of curves that lie in a two-dimensional plane. Using the mathematical tools introduced in the previous Chaps. 3 and 4 and Appendices A and A.2, we will develop approaches for comparing, deforming, and statistical modeling of shapes of curves.
A Multifaceted Role for Myd88-Dependent Signaling in Progression of Murine Mammary Carcinoma

Previous data obtained in our laboratory suggested that there may be constitutive signaling through the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88)-dependent signaling cascade in murine mammary carcinoma. Here, we extended these findings by showing that, in the absence of an added Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, the myddosome complex was preformed in 4T1 tumor cells, and that Myd88 influenced cytoplasmic extracellular signal–regulated kinase (Erk)1/Erk2 levels, nuclear levels of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), tumor-derived chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) expression, and in vitro and in vivo tumor growth. In addition, RNA-sequencing revealed that Myd88-dependent signaling enhanced the expression of genes that could contribute to breast cancer progression and genes previously associated with poor outcome for patients with breast cancer, in addition to suppressing the expression of genes capable of inhibiting breast cancer progression. Yet, Myd88-dependent signaling in tumor cells also suppressed expression of genes that could contribute to tumor progression. Collectively, these data revealed a multifaceted role for Myd88-dependent signaling in murine mammary carcinoma.
A regional approach to prehistoric landscape use in West-Central Argentina

Abstract A regional approach to the archaeological record—one that includes not only large, stratified sites, but also small, ephemeral ones, surface finds, and isolates—provides a more representative sample of prehistoric landscape use than do stratified sites alone. In southern Mendoza Province, Argentina the stratified site record suggests both demographic decline during the middle Holocene (8000–4000 BP) and infrequent use of a vast plain east of the Andes until approximately 2000 years BP. However, results of a large-scale surface survey and obsidian geochemical and hydration analyses indicate further assessment of both trends is warranted. Specifically, our data suggest both continuous occupation of the region and use of the plains throughout the Holocene. These results have important implications for both local-scale human ecology, and broader adaptive responses to environmental changes in semi-arid southern South America.
Designing and Evaluating Health Promotion Programs

Health improvement planning models exist to support strategic management of health improvement efforts and to guide program administrators in taking a comprehensive approach to health promotion planning from problem identification to program evaluation and diffusion. This article outlines a model which follows four simple steps to program design and four simple steps to program evaluation.
Multiplicative richness of additively large sets in Zd

Abstract In their proof of the IP Szemeredi theorem, a far reaching extension of the classic theorem of Szemeredi on arithmetic progressions, Furstenberg and Katznelson [14] introduced an important class of additively large sets called IP r ⁎ sets which underlies recurrence aspects in dynamics and is instrumental to enhanced formulations of combinatorial results. The authors recently showed that additive IP r ⁎ subsets of Z d are multiplicatively rich with respect to every multiplication on Z d without zero divisors (e.g. multiplications induced by degree d number fields). In this paper, we explain the relationships between classes of multiplicative largeness with respect to different multiplications on Z d . We show, for example, that in contrast to the case for Z , there are infinitely many different notions of multiplicative piecewise syndeticity for subsets of Z d when d ≥ 2 . This is accomplished by using the associated algebra representations to prove the existence of sets which are large with respect to some multiplications while small with respect to others. In the process, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a linear transformation to preserve a class of multiplicatively large sets. One consequence of our results is that additive IP r ⁎ sets are multiplicatively rich in infinitely many genuinely different ways. We conclude by cataloging a number of sources of additive IP r ⁎ sets from combinatorics and dynamics.
Reconstructing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to More Effectively Alleviate Food Insecurity in the United States

Although the central objective of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to reduce food insecurity in the United States, the majority of SNAP households are food insecure. Higher benefits may lead these households to food security. To evaluate this possibility, we use a question from the Current Population Survey that asks respondents how much additional money they would need to be food secure. Food insecure SNAP households report needing an average of about $42 per week to become food secure. Under a set of assumptions about the measurement of benefits and behavioral responses, we find that an increase in weekly benefits of $42 for SNAP households would lead to a 62 percent decline in food insecurity at a cost of about $27 billion.
A Phenomenological Approach: Understanding the Experiences of Female Athletic Trainers Providing Medical Care to Male Sports Teams

Women in athletic training face barriers when working with male sports teams; the reasons are multifactorial, including traditional sex stereotyping and the social networking of male leaders (i.e.,...
Enron, Pension Policy, and Social Security Privatization

This article analyzes current U.S. pension law and policy in light of the Enron implosion and considers the implications of this analysis for privatizing Social Security. The article begins by addressing the major shift in retirement funding risk from professionally managed plans to ordinary workers, beginning with the substitution of defined contributions plans for defined benefit plans, and continuing with the growing predominance of 401(k) plans. The article then examines the central problem of the Enron catastrophe: the heavy concentration of 401(k) plans in employer stock. From this context, the article then considers the essential premise of Social Security privatization - namely, that individuals should control their own retirement assets. The article concludes with policy recommendations based on this analysis to prevent the sort of financial devastation that Enron (and others) has brought.
Physician’s Oaths and Lessons from Masters

The noble Quran is the first and foremost book on ethics. Nahjal Balagha is the second document on principles of ethics. Prophet Sa and his most important pupil Ali AS are the models of applied ethics and teachers. They are a constant source of referral in all matters of morality and ethics. Imam Syed Sajjad Zainal Abedin is the foremost guide in all matters of prayers and servitude. His Sahifa Kamilla is a document that most of us read from time to time.
Use of spent irrigation water for microbiological analysis of alfalfa sprouts.

Numerous outbreaks of foodborne illness have been linked to the consumption of raw sprouts. Sprout producers have been advised by the Food and Drug Administration to include microbiological testing of spent irrigation water during production as part of an overall strategy to enhance the safety of sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts and irrigation water were analyzed to show the feasibility of using irrigation water for monitoring the microbiological safety of sprouts. Sprouts and water were produced and harvested from both commercial-scale (rotary drum) and consumer-scale (glass jars) equipment. Rapid increases of aerobic mesophiles occurred during the first 24 h of sprouting, with maximum levels achieved after 48 to 72 h. The counts in irrigation water were on average within approximately 1 log of their respective counts in the sprouts. Similar results were obtained for analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in irrigation water and sprouts grown from artificially inoculated seeds. Testing of spent irrigation water in...
Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Ducts

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is one of the best modalities for imaging the gallbladder and bile ducts. Substantial portions of the liver can also be examined by EUS as the instrument is advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, as the following image shows.
The Knowledge Lens: Equipping Information Professionals to Spark Innovation within Organizations and Society.

This article outlines the Knowledge Lens—a way of seeing more clearly the opportunities for knowledge creation within organizations and society. It is proposed as a model for schools of Library and...
Biomimetic Nanosponges Suppress In Vivo Lethality Induced by the Whole Secreted Proteins of Pathogenic Bacteria

Polymeric nanoparticles coated with membrane of intact red blood cells have emerged as biomimetic toxin nanosponges (RBC-NS) that absorb and neutralize bacterial virulence factors associated with numerous bacterial infections. Despite its promise, a clear correlation between in vitro neutralization of complex bacterial toxins and in vivo therapeutic efficacy remains elusive. In this study, the whole secreted proteins (wSP) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are collected to induce lethality in mice. The wSP preserve the complexity of bacterial virulence profile while avoiding the intricacy and dynamics of infections by live bacteria. RBC-NS are first quantified for their neutralization capacity against the hemolytic activity of MRSA wSP in vitro. Using a mouse model, in vivo studies further demonstrate that, by neutralizing the hemolytic activity, RBC-NS confer significant survival benefits against wSP-induced lethality. Furthermore, when mice are challenged with a sublethal dosage of MRSA supernatant, RBC-NS reduce lung damages and inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B in the spleen. These results provide a systematic evaluation of RBC-NS toward the treatment of severe MRSA infections such as MRSA bacteremia and MRSA-induced sepsis.
Racial and sex differences in biological and chronological heart age in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.

Abstract Purpose Calculation of a biological heart age offers an alternative to absolute risk for characterizing cardiovascular risk by describing risk relative to an individual with normal health. We examined risk factors contributing to differences between biological and chronological heart age in young adults. Methods The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study included 2264 Black and White men and women who attended examination years 10 through 25. We estimated biological heart age using the nonlaboratory-based Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease risk calculator. Trends in risk factors were examined cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results Biological heart ages for Black participants were 5.6 years older than their chronological ages over 15 years (P Conclusions Most risk factors driving biological heart age, including race, education, physical activity, and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio, contributed to heart age differences cross-sectionally and longitudinally suggesting that risk factors related to adverse biological aging are important at younger and older ages.
The school principal as democratic leader: a critique of the Wallace Foundation’s vision of the principalship

What is the role of the public school principal in the contemporary era? As conceived by many in educational policy-making and research today, the duty of the US school leader is to ensure ...