cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of left atrial ablation with high-intensity focused ultrasound energy in a calf model

Objective Achieving transmural tissue ablation might be necessary for successful treatment of atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of transmural left atrial ablation using a high-intensity focused ultrasound energy system in a calf model. Methods Nine heparinized bovines underwent a beating-heart left atrial ablation with a single application of the high-intensity focused ultrasound device. All animals were acutely killed, and the left atrium was fixed in formalin. Protocolized histological sections (5 μm) were obtained throughout each lesion and prepared with Masson trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Measurements were performed on a total of 359 slides from the 9 lesions. In addition, fresh left atrial tissues from 18 unused human donor hearts that did not meet the criteria for cardiac transplantation were measured at the site where the high-intensity focused ultrasound device is normally applied. Results Calf left atrial thickness ranged between 2.5 and 20.1 mm, with a mean of 9.10 mm. High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation consistently produced a 100% transmural lesion in left atrial thickness up to 6 mm. In addition, a transmural lesion was observed in 91% of tissues that were up to 10 mm thick and in 85% that were up to 15 mm thick. Human left atrial thickness ranged between 1.2 to 6 mm, with a mean of 3.7 mm. Conclusions Calf left atrial thickness in this study was greater than human left atrial thickness. Human left atrial thickness is generally less than 6 mm, and in this range high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation achieved 100% transmurality. These histological results might correlate with a high success rate of atrial fibrillation ablation by using the high-intensity focused ultrasound system.
The logical approach to stack typing

We develop a logic for reasoning about adjacency and separation of memory blocks, as well as aliasing of pointers. We provide a memory model for our logic and present a sound set of natural deduction-style inference rules. We deploy the logic in a simple type system for a stack-based assembly language. The connectives for the logic provide a flexible yet concise mechanism for controlling allocation, deallocation and access to both heap-allocated and stack-allocated data.
Compressed Gas Insulation in the Million-Volt Range: A Comparison or SF6 with N2 and CO2

Maximum voltage which can be insulated between a sphere and a plane has been measured as a function of gas pressure and gap. It is found to be approximately three times higher in SF6 than in N2+C02, up to pressures of roughly 9 atm (atmosphere). For higher pressures the relative superiority of SF6 over N2+C02 diminishes. Gradients of more than 100 Mv (million volts) per m (meter) were insulated on a 19-mm (millimeter)-diameter electrode in 20 atm of SF6.
Congenital Intestinal Aganglionosis in White Foals

A congenital and probably hereditary neurological defect has been identified in the intestinal tract of six foals produced from the breeding of overo (a type of spotting pattern) horses. The foals had white hair and pink skin with the exception of occasional pigmented foci about the muzzle, ventral abdomen, and hindquarters. The foals appeared normal at birth, but within a few hours developed symptoms of colic. At necropsy, the only significant finding was a narrow, pale segment of large intestine. This abnormality either was confined to the small colon and rectum or involved the entire colon and rectum. Microscopically, myenteric and submucosal neuronal plexuses were absent throughout the large intestine and extensive portions of the small intestine. The only other significant finding was the lack of melanin in the skin.
Building on a framework: using FG for more flexibility and improved performance in parallel programs

We describe new features of FG that are designed to improve performance and extend the range of computations that fit into its framework. FG (short for framework generator) is a programming environment for parallel programs running on clusters. It was originally designed to mitigate latency in accessing data by running a program as a series of asynchronous stages that operate on buffers in a linear pipeline. To improve performance, FG now allows stages to be replicated, either statically by the programmer or dynamically by FG itself. FG also now alters thread priorities to use resources more efficiently; again, this action may be initiated by either the programmer or FG. To extend the range of computations that fit into its framework, FG now incorporates fork-join and DAG structures. Not only do fork-join and DAG structures allow for more programs to be designed for FG, but they also can enable significant performance improvements over linear pipeline structures.
An analysis of early studies released by the lung imaging database consortium (LIDC)

Lung cancer remains an ongoing problem resulting in substantial deaths in the United States and the world. Within the United states, cancer of the lung and bronchus are the leading causes of fatal malignancy and make up 32% of the cancer deaths among men and 25% of the cancer deaths among women. Five year survival is low, (14%), but recent studies are beginning to provide some hope that we can increase survivability of lung cancer provided that the cancer is caught and treated in early stages. These results motivate revisiting the concept of lung cancer screening using thin slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) protocols and automated detection algorithms to facilitate early detection. In this environment, resources to aid Computer Aided Detection (CAD) researchers to rapidly develop and harden detection and diagnostic algorithms may have a significant impact on world health. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) formed the Lung Imaging Database Consortium (LIDC) to establish a resource for detecting, sizing, and characterizing lung nodules. This resource consists of multiple CT chest exams containing lung nodules that seveal radiologists manually countoured and characterized. Consensus on the location of the nodule boundaries, or even on the existence of a nodule at a particular location in the lung was not enforced, and each contour is considered a possible nodule. The researcher is encouraged to develop measures of ground truth to reconcile the multiple radiologist marks. This paper analyzes these marks to determine radiologist agreement and to apply statistical tools to the generation of a nodule ground truth. Features of the resulting consensus and individual markings are analyzed.
Off-label use of duloxetine for pediatric neuropathic pain

Abstract Introduction: Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has been used successfully for adults for the management of neuropathic pain syndromes. Pediatric data are needed because inadequate neuropathic pain management in children and adolescents results in lower psychosocial functioning, delayed development, and decreased quality of life. We aim to describe a case series on the use of duloxetine for the management of symptoms associated with chronic neuropathic pain syndromes in a pediatric population. Methods: Data were collected in a naturalistic, consecutive, case report format, from a pediatric pain management clinic for children prescribed duloxetine for analgesia for a variety of neuropathic-type pain conditions. Follow-up data, including self-report of pain, and type and frequency of adverse reactions, were collected to describe the efficacy and safety of duloxetine. Results: Duloxetine was prescribed for the management of self-reported average pain scores of greater than 5...
Nanopositioning for storage applications

Abstract In nanotechnology applications, nanopositioning, i.e., nanometer-scale precision control at dimensions of less than 100 nm, plays a central role. One can view nanopositioners as precision mechatronics systems aiming at moving objects over a certain distance with a resolution that could be as low as a fraction of an Angstrom. Actuation, position sensing and feedback control are the key components of nanopositioners that determine how successfully the stringent requirements on resolution, accuracy, stability, and bandwidth are achieved. Historically, nanopositioning has played a critical role in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and it appears that it will play a crucial role in emerging applications such as lithography tools and semiconductor inspection systems, as well as in molecular biology, nanofabrication, and nanomanufacturing. Moreover, it is becoming an important requirement in storage systems, ranging from novel probe-based storage devices to mechatronic tape-drive systems, to support the high areal density or storage capacity needs. This paper will review control-related research in nanopositioning for two extreme cases of data-storage systems, namely, in probe and in tape storage.
Ein rationales Maß für die Unsicherheit

Wir nehmen an, wir wusten, das ein gewisser Wurfel so belastet worden ist, das die Chance, eine gewisse Zahl zu werfen, groser wurde. (Das Belasten von Wurfeln ist keine neue Idee. Man hat belastete Wurfel in den Ruinen von Pompeii gefunden.) Ohne Information uber die Art und Weise, wie der Wurfel belastet worden ist, kann man nicht entscheiden, welche Wahrscheinlichkeiten man zuordnen soll. Trotz der Kenntnis, das der Wurfel belastet ist, ist daher als Anfangsverteilung fur die Wahrscheinlichkeiten die in Bild 4.1 gezeigte uniforme Verteilung zuzuordnen. (Die Kenntnis vermindert die Wahrscheinlichkeit dieser Wahrscheinlichkeitsverteilung.)
Review of Derek Bok's 'The Trouble with Government'

This is a review of Derek Bok's book "The Trouble with Government." Bok, the former president of Harvard University, once famously quipped, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." In this book, he applies the same logic to (bad) government. The book assesses why the U.S. government has failed to achieve what most Americans want and whether there are reforms that could improve its performance.
Parking, Transit, and Employment in a CBD

In this paper we present a general equilibrium model to examine the role of parking and transit subsidy policy on CBD size, CBD land values, and the market shares of cars and transit. The three main features of the model are: 1) agglomeration economies increase continuously with labor market size; 2) congestion arises from auto use only; transit is noncongestible; 3) locational equilibrium is maintained in the sense that firms and individuals cannot reduce costs or increase utility by moving, given equilibrium prices and city size. We derive the conditions under which parking taxes can be levied and used to subsidize transit and increase equilibrium CBD size and land values. We compute an optimal parking tax that maximizes CBD size and land values and derive relationships among parking taxes, transit use, and congestion. We find nonmonotonic relationships among parking taxes, land values, and transit use. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia or of the Federal Reserve System.
Promising bifunctional chelators for copper 64-PET imaging: practical (64)Cu radiolabeling and high in vitro and in vivo complex stability.

Positron emission tomography (PET) using copper-64 is a sensitive and non-invasive imaging technique for diagnosis and staging of cancer. A bifunctional chelator that can present rapid radiolabeling kinetics and high complex stability with 64Cu is a critical component for targeted PET imaging. Bifunctional chelates 3p-C-NE3TA, 3p-C-NOTA, and 3p-C-DE4TA were evaluated for complexation kinetics and stability with 64Cu in vitro and in vivo. Hexadentate 3p-C-NOTA and heptadentate 3p-C-NE3TA possess a smaller TACN-based macrocyclic backbone, while nonadentate 3p-C-DE4TA is constructed on a larger CYCLEN-based ring. The frequently explored chelates of 64Cu, octadentate C-DOTA and hexadentate C-NOTA were also comparatively evaluated. Radiolabeling kinetics of bifunctional chelators with 64Cu was assessed under mild conditions. All bifunctional chelates instantly bound to 64Cu in excellent radiolabeling efficiency at room temperature. C-DOTA was less efficient in binding 64Cu than all other chelates. All 64Cu-radiolabeled bifunctional chelates remained stable in human serum without any loss of 64Cu for 2 days. When challenged by an excess amount of EDTA, 64Cu complexes of C-NOTA, 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA were shown to be more stable than 64Cu-C-DOTA and 64Cu-3p-C-DE4TA. 64Cu complexes of the new chelates 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA displayed comparable in vitro and in vivo complex stability to 64Cu-C-NOTA. In vivo biodistribution result indicates that the 64Cu-radiolabeled complexes of 3p-C-NOTA and 3p-C-NE3TA possess excellent in vivo complex stability, while 64Cu-3p-C-DE4TA was dissociated as evidenced by high renal and liver retention in mice. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the bifunctional chelates 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA offer excellent chelation chemistry with 64Cu for potential PET imaging applications.
Chronic mild hypoxia ameliorates chronic inflammatory activity in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

While the pathologic events associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), diffuse axonal injury, cognitive damage, andwhite matter plaques, have been known for some time, the etiology of MS is still unknown and therapeutic efforts are somewhat disappointing. This may be due to a lack of fundamental knowledge on howto buffer the brain from secondary injury following immune attack. Maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is a complex set of regulatory adjustments by the neurovascular unit that includes induction of adaptive angiogenesis. Although aspects of adaptive angiogenesis are induced in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), vascular remodeling is ineffective and the balance between metabolic need and oxygen (O2) and glucose availability is disrupted.We hypothesized that restoration of metabolic homeostasis in the CNS would ameliorate tissue damage and promote repair in myelin oligodendrocyteglycoprotein(MOG)-induced EAE in mice. Exposure of animals to chronic mild hypoxia (10% O2) increased vascular density and significantly delayed onset and severity of clinical EAE. When animals were exposed to hypoxia after the onset of clinical symptoms, the severity of chronic inflammatory disease was reduced or even inhibited. In addition, spinal cord pathologywas decreased.While the mechanism of protection is unclear, results suggest that hypoxia has therapeutic potential in EAE.
Survival Benefit with Kidney Transplants from HLA-Incompatible Live Donors

Background A report from a high-volume single center indicated a survival benefit of receiving a kidney transplant from an HLA-incompatible live donor as compared with remaining on the waiting list, whether or not a kidney from a deceased donor was received. The generalizability of that finding is unclear. Methods In a 22-center study, we estimated the survival benefit for 1025 recipients of kidney transplants from HLA-incompatible live donors who were matched with controls who remained on the waiting list or received a transplant from a deceased donor (waiting-list-or-transplant control group) and controls who remained on the waiting list but did not receive a transplant (waiting-list-only control group). We analyzed the data with and without patients from the highest-volume center in the study. Results Recipients of kidney transplants from incompatible live donors had a higher survival rate than either control group at 1 year (95.0%, vs. 94.0% for the waiting-list-or-transplant control group and 89.6% for the waiting-list-only control group), 3 years (91.7% vs. 83.6% and 72.7%, respectively), 5 years (86.0% vs. 74.4% and 59.2%), and 8 years (76.5% vs. 62.9% and 43.9%) (P Conclusions This multicenter study validated single-center evidence that patients who received kidney transplants from HLA-incompatible live donors had a substantial survival benefit as compared with patients who did not undergo transplantation and those who waited for transplants from deceased donors. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.).
Volatile profiles of members of the USDA Geneva Malus Core Collection: utility in evaluation of a hypothesized biosynthetic pathway for esters derived from 2-methylbutanoate and 2-methylbutan-1-ol.

The volatile ester and alcohol profiles of ripening apple fruit from 184 germplasm lines in the USDA Malus Germplasm Repository at the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, USA, were evaluated. Cluster analysis suggested biochemical relationships exist between several ester classes. A strong linkage was revealed between 2-methylbutanoate, propanoate, and butanoate esters, suggesting the influence of the recently proposed “citramalic acid pathway” in apple fruit. Those lines with a high content of esters formed from 2-methylbutan-1-ol and 2-methylbutanoate (2MB) relative to straight-chain (SC) esters (high 2MB/SC ratio) exhibited a marked increase in isoleucine and citramalic acid during ripening, but those lines with a low content did not. Thus, the data were consistent with the existence of the hypothesized citramalic acid pathway and suggest that the Geneva Malus Germplasm Repository, appropriately used, could be helpful in expanding our understanding of mechanisms for fruit volatile s...
The aluminum conundrum in Hawaiian shield-building lavas: An argument for a deep, garnet-bearing, mantle source

Abstract In contrast with other major elements (e.g. SiO 2 , CaO, TiO 2 ), isotopic ratios (e.g.Sr, Nd, Pb), and some trace element ratios (e.g. Zr/Nb, Zr/Y, La/Nb), the Al 2 O 3 content of Hawaiian shield lavas, at a given MgO content, is remarkably uniform within and between volcanoes. The overall range at 10% MgO is about 0.8% from Loihi (12.1%) to Koolau (12.9%). There is substantial overlap between the “Loa” and “Kea” trend volcanoes, but the regression data for “Loa” trend volcanoes are slightly higher (0.2%) in Al 2 O 3 than “Kea” trend volcanoes. Post-shield lavas, from both “Kea” and “Loa” trends are higher in Al 2 O 3 at a given MgO content than corresponding shield lavas. These observations are completely at odds with what we think we know about melt production in a heterogeneous, thermally zoned, mantle plume. Peridotite melting models and experiments, at varying pressures and temperatures, result in melts with significantly different Al 2 O 3 contents at a given MgO content. The almost constant Al 2 O 3 at a given MgO content is analogous to the almost constant normalized Yb abundances in Hawaiian tholeiites. Both require melting in the presence of a garnet residue. The aluminum conundrum can be explained if Hawaiian shield lavas result from melting garnet peridotite at depths corresponding to around 120 km. However, this explanation is at odds with the variable, but relatively high SiO 2 contents of most of these lavas, which imply melt production at relatively shallow depths corresponding to less than 90 km. This paradox can be resolved if low SiO 2 parental magmas derived from garnet peridotite react with a depleted harzburgite residue from prior melting as the magma ascends through the upper regions of the plume.
Interfacial Resistance Measurement of High Performance Thermal Interface Materials

Advancements in thermal interface materials have reached the resolution limit of typical ASTM D5470 based testers, which is around ±1×10−6 m2K/W. As the interfacial resistance is reduced, the temperature difference at the interface decreases and ultimately becomes difficult to measure. Standard ASTM testers utilize precise temperature sensors and knowledge of the thermal conductivity of the heat meter bar to resolve the temperature difference at the interface. It is difficult to resolve interface resistances on the order of 1×10−6 m2K/W, even when precision RTDs with a resolution of ±0.001°C are utilized, as the location uncertainty of the sensor can become important. Increasing the temperature difference across the interface is necessary for further improvement in the resolution.This work presents a miniature ASTM type tester that was developed to address the resolution limits of standard testers by reducing the heat meter bar thickness, using a chip resistor as the heater element, and using an IR camera to measure the temperature gradient along the meter bar. Reducing the length of the heat meter bars reduces the overall resistance, and increases the resistance of the interface relative to that of the meter bars. Because of the reduced size scale of the miniature tester, measurement of the temperature profile using the typical ASTM approach of embedding temperature probes along the length of the meter bar was not feasible but instead was achieved using a relatively inexpensive uncooled long wavelength infrared camera with a microscope attachment in order to focus down to ∼100 microns. Although the IR camera increases the uncertainty of the measured temperatures, this method is shown to measure a thermal interfacial resistance of 1.45×10−6 m2K/W with an uncertainty of ±1.1×10−7 m2K/W, where the sample interface was a 2 mil AuSn preform soldered interface.
Effects of alcohol and flunitrazepam on mood and performance in healthy young men.

Alcohol and flunitrazepam did not have any pharmacokinetic interactions when ingested 30 minutes apart at night. Flunitrazepam, 2.0 mg, but not 0.8 Gm/kg alcohol had a strong deleterious effect on performance shortly after ingestion. The combination of flunitrazepam and alcohol impaired tracking in a divided attention task the following morning. Language: en
Background in Analysis

In this chapter we present some of the necessary background material needed for the study of the heat kernel method, such as integral transforms, asymptotic expansions, Hamiltonian systems and the theory of operators in Hilbert spaces. We also introduce some notation used throughout the book. It can be safely skipped by a reader familiar with these subjects.
The effect of prophylactic vertebroplasty on the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis and proximal junctional failure following posterior spinal fusion in adult spinal deformity: a 5-year follow-up study

IntroductionProximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a well-known complication following long posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adult spinal deformity and occurs in 9–46% of surgeries. A subset of the...
Real time state estimation of multi-converter more electric ship power systems using the generalized state space averaging method

This paper presents a real time state estimation algorithm for control and security maintenance of multi-converter MES power electronic systems. Estimation of the state variables of the system includes the effects of ripples and converter switching actions. The proposed state estimator is based on the weighted least squares (WLS) approach. Generalized state space averaging technique in which we consider the DC value of the state variables and their harmonics is used to model DC/DC converters for the state estimator. In this paper, after introducing the proposed approach and the concept of security and control assessments, results of applying the proposed method to a representative system are presented.
A piezoelectrically generated bistable laminate for morphing

Abstract This letter presents the analytical and experimental results of piezoelectrically generating bistability via Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuators. Two stable configurations are exhibited when piezoelectric strain anisotropy is induced within a [0 MFC /90 MFC ] T laminate. This is achieved by bonding two MFCs in their actuated states and releasing the voltage post cure to create in-plane residual stresses. The resulting shapes are cylindrical and can be snapped through and back with only piezoelectric actuation. A [0 MFC /90 MFC ] T laminate is modeled, manufactured, and experimentally characterized. This adaptive laminate functions as both the actuator and the primary structure and its snap through capability allows full configuration control necessary in morphing, without continuous energy input or any mechanical assistance.
NLRP1 promotes tumor growth by enhancing inflammasome activation and suppressing apoptosis in metastatic melanoma.

NLRP1 promotes tumor growth by enhancing inflammasome activation and suppressing apoptosis in metastatic melanoma
A set-theoretic model reference adaptive control architecture for disturbance rejection and uncertainty suppression with strict performance guarantees

ABSTRACTResearch in adaptive control algorithms for safety-critical applications is primarily motivated by the fact that these algorithms have the capability to suppress the effects of adverse conditions resulting from exogenous disturbances, imperfect dynamical system modelling, degraded modes of operation, and changes in system dynamics. Although government and industry agree on the potential of these algorithms in providing safety and reducing vehicle development costs, a major issue is the inability to achieve a-priori, user-defined performance guarantees with adaptive control algorithms. In this paper, a new model reference adaptive control architecture for uncertain dynamical systems is presented to address disturbance rejection and uncertainty suppression. The proposed framework is predicated on a set-theoretic adaptive controller construction using generalised restricted potential functions.The key feature of this framework allows the system error bound between the state of an uncertain dynamical ...
The Project: Theoretical Framework and Global Institutional Experience

Goals of this book are to: improve the theoretical framework about university social responsibility (USR); disseminate the USR experience of a geographically diverse group of twelve universities; demonstrate the value of global exchange on this topic; further develop the sponsoring organization, the University Social Responsibility Network; and encourage and guide further research. The introductory chapter highlights key themes with respect to conceptualization of USR and discusses six common themes that are explored in the institutional case accounts: opportunities and challenges about university-community partnerships, processes and strategies of institutional change, national policies that are influencing USR, student programming and the impacts of these initiatives on students’ development, application of research to addressing societal problems, and the corporate social responsibility of universities—social responsibility impacts of university institutional policies and practices.
Lymphocytes that Kill: Natural Killer (NK) and Natural Killer T (NKT) Lymphocytes

The adaptive immune response and innate host defenses use lysis of infected or malignant cells as a mechanism to protect the body. CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes are activated during the adaptive immune response and specifically lyse target cells. Ingegerd Hellstrom studied the phenomenon of T lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in the late 1960s and discovered an additional population of lymphocytes that killed targets. These lymphocytes express Fc receptors that bind antibody attached to cellular targets and release cytotoxic mediators to kill the targets. The lymphocytes that participate in this phenomenon, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), were originally called killer (K) cells but now are included in a population termed natural killer (NK) lymphocytes. NK lymphocytes, in addition to expressing Fc receptors and participating in ADCC, lyse infected or malignant cells nonspecifically. NK cells are large, granular lymphocytes that derive from T lymphocyte precursors; however, NK cells can differentiate in animals lacking a thymus. NK cells fail to express T cell receptors (TCR) yet recognize targets using both stimulatory and inhibitory receptors. In a major conceptual advance, Klas Karre in 1985 proposed that NK lymphocytes recognize the absence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-coded molecules on the surface of their targets (the missing-self hypothesis).
Role of EUS in Mediastinal Nodes, Masses, Cysts, and Lung Cancer

Full minimally invasive evaluation of all lymph node stations (with the exception of station 6) is now possible with the advent of endobronchial and trans-esophageal endoscopic ultrasound. Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) allows sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes relevant to lung cancer staging, particularly in the subcarinal area (station 7), lower para-esophageal lymph nodes (station 8), inferior pulmonary ligament lymph nodes (station 9), and celiac lymph nodes. EUS-FNA is an extremely powerful nonsurgical option for sampling metastatic nodes, sarcoidosis, and lymphoma. Both adrenal glands can be sampled by EUS-FNA through the trans-gastric approach or the trans-duodenal approach. EUS-FNA is also able to sample central primary lung masses abutting the esophagus, particularly when other techniques fail. EBUS-FNA has the distinct advantage to reach areas that have proven inaccessible to EUS. These stations include the right and left upper and lower para-tracheal areas (4R and 4L; 2R and 2L), right and left hilar areas (station 10) and the right and left interlobar stations (station 11). It is best to work in a multidisciplinary fashion with colleagues in thoracic surgery, pulmonary, radiology, and oncology to individualize the best staging approach for the patient.
Defining Myocardial Infarction

The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) was based for many years on the presence of two of three possible criteria: clinical symptoms compatible with AMI, typical electrocardiogram changes, and increases in markers of cardiac injury. However, because of the very good sensitivity and specificity of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), it eventually became rare to diagnose AMI in the absence of elevations of this biomarker. Thus, although never formally embraced by WHO, the clinical diagnosis of AMI became dependent on elevation of a biomarker of myocardial injury in the appropriate clinical setting. This approach evolved further with the development of cardiac troponin and its integration into the definition of MI by the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology. The present diagnostic standard for MI is thus based on the following biomarker criteria: Maximal concentration of troponin T or I exceeding the decision limit (99th percentile of the values for a reference control group) manifesting a dynamic pattern on at least one occasion during the first 24 h after the index clinical event; if the value is between the 99th percentile and the 10% coefficient of variation level, caution is warranted because analytic false-positive results can occur. In the unusual situation in which troponin assays are not available, the value of CK-MB (preferably CK-MB mass) exceeding the 99th percentile of the value for a reference control group and manifesting a dynamic pattern can be used for diagnosis.
Small feeders for adding solids into fermenters

One feeder designed for light powders and another that dispenses chips or flakes have been used for hundreds of hours for adding cellulose to a continuous anaerobic microbial process.
Synthesis of Esters

Esters are commonly synthesized from carboxylic acids by reaction of the acid with an excess of alcohol containing a catalytic amount of a mineral acid. In cases where practical considerations dictate it, the acid can be converted to an acyl halide (usually the chloride) and then condensed with the appropriate alcohol. A less commonly used procedure involves direct alkylation of the carboxylate ion with an alkyl halide. Even when this latter procedure (Eq. 6.1) involves a silver carboxylate and alkyl chloride, the reaction is of marginal practical value.
Dietary Patterns in Chinese Americans are Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, the Chinese American Cardiovascular Health Assessment (CHA CHA)

Little is known about the dietary patterns of Chinese Americans. Understanding their dietary patterns can provide insights for addressing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Chinese American immigrants. The objective of this study was to identify dietary patterns among Chinese American immigrants living in New York City (NYC) and to describe associations with demographic and CVD risk factors. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire assessed usual dietary intake in Chinese American immigrants living in NYC as part of the Chinese American Cardiovascular Health Assessment (CHA CHA) in 2010–2011 (n = 1973, age range 21–89 years). Principal components analysis with varimax rotation retaining three factors with eigenvalues > 1.5 identified dietary patterns. Multivariable linear regression models tested associations between CVD risk factors and dietary pattern scores. In multivariable analyses, each unit of increase in the Sweets factor was associated with 0.76 ± 0.33 (mean ± SD) mg/dL higher HDL cholesterol and a 6.2 ± 2.7% increase in HOMA-IR. In contrast, each unit increase in the Fried Noodles factor was associated with a 0.27 ± 0.11 inch greater waist circumference, − 0.89 ± 0.40 mg/dL lower HDL cholesterol, and also a 6.9 ± 2.6% increase in HOMA-IR. Each unit increase in the Vegetables factor was associated with a − 1.40 ± 0.43 mmHg and − 0.95 ± 0.27 mm Hg decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Dietary patterns are significantly associated with CVD risk factors among Chinese American immigrants in NYC. Future work will inform how dietary patterns relate to level of acculturation in order to guide the development of dietary interventions to reduce CVD risk.
Increased Early Revision Rate With the INFINITY Total Ankle Prosthesis

Background:A number of new 2-component total ankle arthroplasty systems that emphasize minimal bone resection have been introduced for which few clinical outcomes reports are available. Our aim was...
Effect of Stem Cell Boost and Donor Lymphocyte Infusion on the Incidence of Graft-Versus-Host Disease at Emory University Hospital

Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a widely used to treat refractory and relapsed hematological malignancies. Additional CD34+ selected cells, or stem cell boosts (SCB), and CD3+ T cells, or donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) are often administered to treat poor hematopoietic graft function or relapse of the underlying malignancy, respectively, following SCT. Although the T cell dose in SCB and DLI vary by more than 3 logs, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who receive additional post-transplant donor T cells. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the incidence of GVHD after infusions of additional donor T cells is associated with the cumulative incidence of GVHD in patients who received DLI vs SCB. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients at Emory University Hospital who received a DLI or CD34+ cell-selected SCB from January 2000 to September 2016. Excluding patients with incomplete records, 46 DLI and 15 SCB patients were analyzed for post-infusion GVHD and 2-year post-infusion survival. SPSS Statistics was used to conduct a binary logistic regression on DLI and SCB patients in order to determine significant variation in GVHD incidence per relevant covariates. Results The median doses of CD3+ T cells were 18 × 10E6 cells/kg and 0.054 × 10E6 cells/kg for DLI and SCB recipients, respectively. 73% of SCB patients received prophylactic immunosuppressive drug therapy versus 20% of DLI patients (Table 1). In spite of receiving less than 0.3% of the T cell dose of DLI recipients, SCB recipients had a 60% cumulative incidence of GVHD by 2-years of follow-up versus 37% in DLI patients (Figure 1; p=0.142). Binary regression models showed that GVHD incidence did not vary significantly with the dose of T cells and other covariates, except age in the DLI group (Tables 2 and 3). Overall survival at 2 years was 48% for DLI recipients and 87% for SCB recipients, with relapse of the underlying malignancy being the major cause of death among both DLI patients and SCB patients. Conclusions DLI patients had a lower incidence of GVHD compared to SCB patients, despite the former receiving higher median doses of T cells. Neither delivered T cell dose nor post-infusion immune-prophylaxis were significantly associated with the development of GVHD after post-transplant infusions of donor hematopoietic cells. These data suggest the hypothesis that failure of thymic selection of donor-stem cell derived T cells may contribute to GVHD following infusions of CD34-cell selected SCB.
The Invention of Porno Torture

Porno torture is not defined in law. However, laws do define pornography and torture separately. Pornography is visual depictions, including photograph, film, and video, of actual or simulated sexually explicit conduct, such as lascivious exhibition of the genitals, sexual acts, sadistic or masochistic abuse. Torture is the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain on a person for the purposes of obtaining information or a confession, punishment, or intimidation. From these definitions, porno torture may be deduced as the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain for interrogative, punitive, or abusive purposes by forcing a person to engage in sexually explicit behavior which is recorded, or staged before a live audience.
Odorant binding protein homologues of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae; possible orthologues of the OS-E and OS-F OBPs OF Drosophila melanogaster.

Twenty-nine Anopheles gambiae candidate Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) were characterized for similarity to OBPs of Drosophila melanogaster and other insects. Twenty-five of these sequences were identified by BLAST searching the A. gambiae genome database. Several A. gambiae sequences were significantly similar to the D. melanogaster OBPs OS-E/OS-F, LUSH and PBPRP2/PBPRP5. Exon boundary comparisons suggests that two A. gambiae genes are orthologues of OS-E and OS-F, justifying the names AgamOS-E (EAA01090, AF437886) and AgamOS-F (EAA14641, AF437884). If these are orthologues, then the gene duplication establishing the OS-E and OS-F lineages predated the divergence of mosquitoes and flies. The identification of orthologous OBPs and other chemosensory genes between D. melanogaster and A. gambiae should accelerate the transfer of physiological and behavioral information between these two species.
The Pericardial Cells of Drosophila melanogaster

The ultrastructure of the pericardial cells of adult female Drosophila melanogaster is illustrated. The data presented suggest that the pericardial cell internalizes by pinocytosis complex and possibly toxic compounds present in suspension in the haemolymph. These compounds are broken down to soluble molecules within lysosome-like vacuoles. The pericardial cells thus behave like the reticulo-endothelial cells of mammals.
Crowd-Assisted Disaster Scene Assessment with Human-AI Interactive Attention

The recent advances of mobile sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) have brought new revolutions in disaster response applications. One example is disaster scene assessment (DSA) which leverages computer vision techniques to assess the level of damage severity of the disaster events from images provided by eyewitnesses on social media. The assessment results are critical in prioritizing the rescue operations of the response teams. While AI algorithms can significantly reduce the detection time and manual labeling cost in such applications, their performance often falls short of the desired accuracy. Our work is motivated by the emergence of crowdsourcing platforms (e.g., Amazon Mechanic Turk, Waze) that provide unprecedented opportunities for acquiring human intelligence for AI applications. In this paper, we develop an interactive Disaster Scene Assessment (iDSA) scheme that allows AI algorithms to directly interact with humans to identify the salient regions of the disaster images in DSA applications. We also develop new incentive designs and active learning techniques to ensure reliable, timely, and cost-efficient responses from the crowdsourcing platforms. Our evaluation results on real-world case studies during Nepal and Ecuador earthquake events demonstrate that iDSA can significantly outperform state-of-the-art baselines in accurately assessing the damage of disaster scenes.
Pharmacogenomics of poor drug metabolism in Greyhounds: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B11 genetic variation, breed distribution, and functional characterization

Greyhounds recover more slowly from certain injectable anesthetics than other dog breeds. Previous studies implicate cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B11 as an important clearance mechanism for these drugs and suggest Greyhounds are deficient in CYP2B11. However, no CYP2B11 gene mutations have been identified that explain this deficiency in Greyhounds. The objectives of this study were to provide additional evidence for CYP2B11 deficiency in Greyhounds, determine the mechanisms underlying this deficiency, and identify CYP2B11 mutations that contribute to this phenotype in Greyhounds. Greyhound livers metabolized CYP2B11 substrates slower, possessed lower CYP2B11 protein abundance, but had similar or higher mRNA expression than other breeds. Gene resequencing identified three CYP2B11 haplotypes, H1 (reference), H2, and H3 that were differentiated by mutations in the gene 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR). Compared with 63 other dog breeds, Greyhounds had the highest CYP2B11-H3 allele frequency, while CYP2B11-H2 was widely distributed across most breeds. Using 3′-UTR luciferase reporter constructs, CYP2B11-H3 showed markedly lower gene expression (over 70%) compared to CYP2B11-H1 while CYP2B11-H2 expression was intermediate. Truncated mRNA transcripts were observed in CYP2B11-H2 and CYP2B11-H3 but not CYP2B11-H1 transfected cells. Our results implicate CYP2B11 3′-UTR mutations as a cause of decreased CYP2B11 enzyme expression in Greyhounds through reduced translational efficiency.
Computer Modeling of Drug Delivery with Thermosensitive Liposomes in a Realistic Three-Dimensional Geometry

Thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) are nanoparticles that can encapsulate therapeutic drugs, and release those drugs when exposed to hyperthermic temperatures (>40 °C). Combined with localized hyperthermia, TSL enable focused drug delivery. In this study, we created a three-dimensional (3D) computer model for simulating delivery with TSL-encapsulated doxorubicin (TSL-Dox) to mouse tumors. A mouse hind limb was scanned by a 3D scanner and the resulting geometry was imported into finite element modeling software, with a virtual tumor added. Then, heating by a surface probe was simulated. Further, a drug delivery model was coupled to the heat transfer model to simulate drug delivery kinetics. For comparison, experimental studies in gel phantoms and in vivo fluorescence imaging studies in mice carrying lung tumor xenografts were performed. We report the tissue temperature profile, drug concentration profile and compare the experimental studies with the computer model. The thermistor produced very localized heating that resulted in highest drug delivery to regions near the probe. The average tumor temperature was 38.2˚C (range 34.4-43.4˚C), and produced an average tumor drug concentration of 11.8 µg/g (0.3-28.1 µg/g) after 15 min heating, and 25.6 µg/g (0.3-52 µg/g), after 60 min heating. The computer model reproduced the temperature profile compared to phantom experiments (mean error 0.71 °C, range 0.59-1.25 °C), as well as drug delivery profile as compared to in vivo studies. Our results suggest feasibility of using this approach to model drug delivery in preclinical studies with accurate model geometry.
Genome-wide resolution peripheral blood methylome profiling reveals signatures for cholestatic liver disease

Aim: To profile DNA methylation changes of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Materials & methods: Patients with: PBC, PSC with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), PSC without IBD, and age-, sex-matched controls were profiled for methylomes of peripheral blood by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Differentially methylated CpG (DMC) and differentially methylated region (DMR) were detected and compared. Results: We identified consistently altered DMCs and DMRs across diseases with involvement in key pathways. Many similarities noted between two subtypes of PSC, interestingly few existed between PBC and PSC. DMRs were highly enriched with transcription factor binding. Top DMC changes were validated in liver tissue of an independent cohort. Conclusion: Methylome profiling provides insights to PBC and PSC.
The Economics Behind Food Supply Blockchains

The use of blockchain in food and beverage supply chains may offer benefits by improving food safety, supplier reputation, the visibility of small farmers, efficiency in tracing food contamination sources, transparency, and accountability.
Panic disorder: A review of treatment options.

Background Panic disorder (PD) is a devastating illness, with numerous patients experiencing significant functional disability and many not achieving full remission with first-line pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatments. Methods A search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO databases was used to identify publications focused on evidence-based treatment of PD. Results Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines are standard first-line pharmacologic treatments for PD. Many other antidepressants can be considered as alternatives to SSRIs, including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin multimodal agents, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and mirtazapine. Certain anticonvulsants and antipsychotics may be helpful; however, the evidence base is limited. Buspirone, beta blockers, and hydroxyzine can be considered third-line agents. Currently, there is minimal data supporting the use of electroconvulsive therapy or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). There is very little evidence justifying the use of medical cannabis or over-the-counter supplements for PD, and these treatments have risk for adverse effects. Research strongly supports the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PD. Conclusions Many options exist for the management of PD. Treatments with the strongest evidence include SSRIs, other antidepressants, and CBT. Newer interventions approved for the treatment of depression, such as serotonin multimodal agents, esketamine, and rTMS, merit further investigation for use in PD.
The prognostic significance of race in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by histological subtype.

Background Race has been shown to have variable prognostic importance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, previous studies are limited by a lack of comprehensive treatment, epidemiologic, and comorbidity data. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2016. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for overall survival. Results A cohort of 9995 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Race, insurance, comorbidity, treatment, stage, age, and histology were independent prognosticators. Among patients with keratinizing NPC, Asians and Hispanics had superior survival (aHR 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48-0.69], aHR 0.76 [95% CI 0.61-0.96]) compared to white patients. Among patients with non-keratinizing differentiated NPC, Asians and black patients had improved survival (aHR 0.71 [95% CI 0.56-0.91], aHR 0.72 [95% CI 0.54-0.95]) compared to white patients. Race was not prognostic in non-keratinizing undifferentiated NPC. Conclusion The prognostic significance of race varies across histological subtypes of NPC.