cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalized Linear Mixed Models in Dairy Cattle Breeding

Fitness and fertility traits of dairy cattle are of increasing importance and are often measured on a discrete scale. The development and application of generalized linear mixed models to the genetic analysis of these traits are reviewed. Because current genetic evaluation systems are predominantly based on animal models, the inferential challenges of highly parameterized generalized linear mixed models are discussed. Development and adoption of new methods for drawing appropriate inferences on dispersion parameters are essential. Recent hierarchical extensions have been proposed for generalized linear mixed models, allowing for complex dispersion patterns that accommodate heteroscedasticity and outlier robustness. Steady advances in available computing power have facilitated multiple-trait analyses involving continuous and discrete measures. Full Bayesian inference via the development of Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods will continue to allow even greater generality and dimensions in the genetic model.
The cognitive domain of a glider in the game of life

This article examines in some technical detail the application of Maturana and Varela's biology of cognition to a simple concrete model: a glider in the game of Life cellular automaton. By adopting an autopoietic perspective on a glider, the set of possible perturbations to it can be divided into destructive and nondestructive subsets. From a glider's reaction to each nondestructive perturbation, its cognitive domain is then mapped. In addition, the structure of a glider's possible knowledge of its immediate environment, and the way in which that knowledge is grounded in its constitution, are fully described. The notion of structural coupling is then explored by characterizing the paths of mutual perturbation that a glider and its environment can undergo. Finally, a simple example of a communicative interaction between two gliders is given. The article concludes with a discussion of the potential implications of this analysis for the enactive approach to cognition.
Anisotropic Laminar Piezocomposite Actuator Incorporating Machined PMN–PT Single-crystal Fibers

The design, fabrication, and testing of a flexible, laminar, anisotropic piezoelectric composite actuator utilizing machined PMN-32%PT single crystal fibers is presented. The device consists of a layer of rectangular single crystal piezoelectric fibers in an epoxy matrix, packaged between interdigitated electrode polyimide films. Quasistatic free-strain measurements of the single crystal device are compared with measurements from geometrically identical specimens incorporating polycrystalline PZT-5A and PZT-5H piezoceramic fibers. Free-strain actuation of the single crystal actuator at low bipolar electric fields (+/- 250 V/mm) is approximately 400% greater than that of the baseline PZT-5A piezoceramic device, and 200% greater than that of the PZT-5H device. Free-strain actuation under high unipolar electric fields (0-4kV/mm) is approximately 200% of the PZT-5A baseline device, and 150% of the PZT-5H alternate piezoceramic device. Performance increases at low field are qualitatively consistent with predicted increases based on scaling the low-field d33 piezoelectric constants of the respective piezoelectric materials. High-field increases are much less than scaled d33 estimates, but appear consistent with high-field freestrain measurements reported for similar bulk single-crystal and piezoceramic compositions. Measurements of single crystal actuator capacitance and coupling coefficient are also provided. These properties were poorly predicted using scaled bulk material dielectric and coupling coefficient data. Rules-of-mixtures calculations of the effective elastic properties of the single crystal device and estimated actuation work energy densities are also presented. Results indicate longitudinal stiffnesses significantly lower (50% less) than either piezoceramic device. This suggests that single-crystal piezocomposite actuators will be best suited to low induced-stress, high strain and deflection applications.
The Temporality of Emotion: Constructing Past Emotions

Symbolic interactionists have developed a rich literature on emotion that has advanced our understanding of the socially constructed nature of emotions and has provided a wealth of understanding about emotions and emotional life. Left unexplored, however, has been the temporal nature of emotion. Similarly, interactionists' renewed interest in time and temporality has not focused on emotion. In this article I describe the implicit leads in these two literatures that need to be pulled together to make the linkage clear. Drawing on the work defining emotions as social objects and on George Herbert Mead's theory of the past, I describe how emotional pasts are used as foundations for situated actions. I also explain how we use the emotional pasts in four areas: the individual level, individuals in interaction, collective behavior, and the social structural level. This linkage provides insights for understanding how we use emotional pasts when we construct and enact behavior. I argue that emotional pasts are important tools used in the interpretation and construction of present emotions, to situate selves and others, and to construct the social order.
Reliability analysis on epoxy based thermal interface subjected to moisture environment

A thermal challenge has been growing in microelectronics industry to dissipate more and more chip power. New thermal solutions have been developed in industry. High metal filled thermal compound is one of them. This kind of thermal compound often uses a polymer matrix such as epoxy as the metal carrier. This paper is to investigate the thermal reliability with the environmental exposure to temperature and humidity. A mathematical diffusion model with variables of temperature, humidity and exposure time is utilized to analyze the moisture content in the thermal compound. Experimental measurements on bonding strength have shown to decrease as the moisture level increases in the thermal interface bondline following an exponential curve. An acceleration model is also obtained for the moisture level in thermal interface. Combined with the mechanical modeling, the packaging products could be designed to achieve a reliable thermal performance in the field with the epoxy based thermal interface
Phylogeny of the temperate bamboos (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae) with an emphasis on Arundinaria and allies.

The temperate bamboos are a morphologically diverse grass lineage with a complex and problematic taxonomy. We present the first robust multilocus chloroplast phylogeny of the temperate bamboos, assess relationships among key genera with an emphasis on Arundinaria and its allies, and highlight the potential role of hybridization and reticulate evolution in this group. Utilizing a total of twelve plastid DNA regions (1 gene, 10 intergenic spacers, and 1 intron), the temperate clade was resolved to include six major lineages: Bergbamboes, the African alpine bamboos, Chimonocalamus, the Shibataea clade, the Phyllostachys clade, and the Arundinaria clade. Internal resolution varied among these six, in part reflecting sampling density and in part due to apparent evolutionary rate heterogeneity. The recovered phylogeny is largely incongruent with morphological classifications, rendering subtribes and many genera paraphyletic or polyphyletic. Some associations are consistent with existing hypotheses of intergeneric hybridization, while others may indicate convergent evolution, lineage sorting, or previously unsuspected cases of hybridization. Several robust lineages were identified within the Arundinaria clade, including the Medake subclade (Pleioblastus s. s. and allies), Sasa s. s., and the Sinicae subclade (comprising a subset of Chinese taxa currently classified in Acidosasa, Indosasa, Pleioblastus sect. Amari, and Pseudosasa subg. Sinicae). Our analyses also recovered a monophyletic Arundinaria s. s. in North America, and revealed substantial divergence between A. gigantea and A. tecta.
Neuroimaging Research and Neurocircuitry Models of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Proceedings of the Third IOCDC

A summary of the Third International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference proceedings on neuroimaging research and neurocircuitry models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is presented. This survey of recent and ongoing research indicates that a wide range of modern techniques and experimental strategies are being employed in a complementary fashion to enhance our understanding of OCD. Imaging studies in animal models of OCD are helping to elaborate relevant normal anatomy and neuro-chemistry. Functional imaging methods are being employed in conjunction with behavioral, pharmacologic, and cognitive challenge paradigms. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as radiotracer methods are being utilized to measure neurochemical and neuropharmacologic indices in OCD. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as a tool for probing neurocircuitry that may also have therapeutic potential. Experimental designs and data-analytic methods are evolving to help elucidate the pathophysiology of OCD and related disorders, delineate neurobiologically meaningful subtypes of OCD, and identify potential predictors of treatment response. Collectively, these efforts promise important advances as we approach the new millennium.
Establishing Intracellular Infection: Escape from the Phagosome and Intracellular Colonization (Rickettsiaceae)

Much progress has been made in one's understanding of the mechanism of rickettsial actin-based motility, although the process of cell-to-cell spread remains poorly understood. This chapter examines historical and recent developments in our understanding of how rickettsiae establish intracellular infection. The focus is on the three major stages that include: (i) escape from the phagosome, (ii) intracellular growth, and (iii) actinbased motility. Several bacterial activities that may function in membrane disruption have since been discovered, including phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase D (PLD), and hemolysins (TlyA and TlyC). Each of these activities and its potential role in phagosome escape is discussed in the chapter. Interestingly, the growth kinetics for the spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) species R. rickettsii did not follow the simple kinetics observed for the typhus group rickettsiae (TGR) species R.prowazekii. The function of intracellular movement is to promote cell-to-cell spread, a process that is discussed in the chapter.
Heuristics in Numerical Cognition: Implications for Pricing

In this chapter we review two distinct streams of literature, the numerical cognition literature and the judgment and decision making literature, to understand the psychological mechanisms that underlie consumers' responses to prices. The judgment and decision making literature identifies three heuristics that manifest in many everyday judgments and decisions - anchoring, representativeness, and availability. We suggest that these heuristics also influence judgments consumers make concerning the magnitude of prices. We discuss three specific instances of these heuristics: the left-digit anchoring effect, the precision effect, and the ease of computation effect respectively. The left-digit anchoring effect refers to the observation that people tend to incorrectly judge the difference between $4.00 and $2.99 to be larger than that between $4.01 and $3.00. The precision effect reflects the influence of the representativeness of digit patterns on magnitude judgments. Larger magnitudes are usually rounded and therefore have many zeroes, whereas smaller magnitudes are usually expressed as precise numbers; so relying on the representativeness of digit patterns can make people incorrectly judge a price of $391,534 to be lower than a price of $390,000. The ease of computation effect shows that magnitude judgments are based not only on the output of a mental computation, but also on the experienced ease or difficulty of the computation. Usually it is easier to compare two dissimilar magnitudes than two similar magnitudes; overuse of this heuristic can make people incorrectly judge the difference to be larger for pairs with easier computations (e.g., $5.00 - $4.00) than for pairs with difficult computations (e.g., $4.97 - $3.96). These, and the other reviewed results, reveal that price magnitude judgments entail not only deliberative rule-based processes but also instinctive associative processes.
Residuals-based subgraph detection with cue vertices

A common problem in modern graph analysis is the detection of communities, an example of which is the detection of a single anomalously dense subgraph. Recent results have demonstrated a fundamental limit for this problem when using spectral analysis of modularity. In this paper, we demonstrate the implication of these results on subgraph detection when a cue vertex is provided, indicating one of the vertices in the community of interest. Several recent algorithms for local community detection are applied in this context, and we compare their empirical performance to that of the simple method used to derive the theoretical detection limits.
Design and Mechanism of Tetrahydrothiophene-Based γ-Aminobutyric Acid Aminotransferase Inactivators

Low levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of two major neurotransmitters that regulate brain neuronal activity, are associated with many neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and cocaine addiction. One of the main methods to raise the GABA level in human brain is to use small molecules that cross the blood–brain barrier and inhibit the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT), the enzyme that degrades GABA. We have designed a series of conformationally restricted tetrahydrothiophene-based GABA analogues with a properly positioned leaving group that could facilitate a ring-opening mechanism, leading to inactivation of GABA-AT. One compound in the series is 8 times more efficient an inactivator of GABA-AT than vigabatrin, the only FDA-approved inactivator of GABA-AT. Our mechanistic studies show that the compound inactivates GABA-AT by a new mechanism. The metabolite resulting from inactivation does not covalently bind...
Quenching Performance of Surfactant-Containing and Surfactant-Free Fluorophore-Doped Mesoporous Silica Films for Nitroaromatic Compound Detection

Various surfactant-templated, mesoporous silica thin films containing a phenyl-substituted pyrene fluorophore were prepared and tested as sensors for the nitroaromatic compound 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). The effects of materials parameters on quenching efficiency were evaluated, including the influence of mesopore architecture (wormlike, cubic, or hexagonal mesopores), the presence or absence of the templating surfactant in the mesopores, and the mode of fluorophore incorporation (doping, impregnating, or grafting). Among films with similar components, films with wormlike mesopore architecture exhibited a better quenching performance than those with 2D-hexagonal or 3D-hexagonal mesopore structure. Surfactant-free, fluorophore-bridged films with wormlike mesopores showed the best quenching performance (43% after 5 s and 88% after 60 s), which compares favorably with state-of-the-art sensors based on fluorescent conjugated polymers. Surfactant-containing, fluorophore-doped films with wormlike mesopores were ...
Abstract 4616: Age dependent increase in Prostaglandin pathway coincides with onset of ovarian cancer in laying hens

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The link between chronic inflammation and cancer has been recognized for many years. Cyclooxygenase (COX) (PTGS) is the rate limiting enzyme in catalyzing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two isoforms of cyclooxygenase has been identified, COX-1 and COX-2. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women and the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Ovarian cancer is mainly seen in older women when their ovaries are not reproductively functional. Hens spontaneously develop ovarian adenocarcinomas that are similar in histological appearance to human ovarian carcinomas and share similar symptoms of the disease thus the laying hen is the only accessible animal model that recapitulates human ovarian cancer. Many hypotheses about etiology of ovarian cancer have been proposed but the factors that contribute to correlation of age and ovarian cancer are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of inflammatory factors and compare them to age. White Leghorn hens aged 12-45 months were used. The incidence of ovarian cancer was determined by gross pathology and histology. COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA were extracted from ovarian tissue, preserved in RNAlater and their expression was determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Protein of both COX enzymes was isolated from ovarian tissue frozen in liquid nitrogen and were analyzed by Western blot. Ovarian tissue fixed in neutral buffered formalin was used for histology. Prostaglandin E2 amounts was measured in frozen ovarian tissues using ELISA. A significant increase in the incidence of ovarian cancer with age in laying hen was detected. The expression of both COX-1 and COX-2 protein and mRNA was remarkably increased in older hens compared to younger hens. In correlation with increased ovarian cancer incidence, expression of both COX enzymes and PGE2 concentration were elevated significantly with age. Our finding suggests that the up-regulation of COX mRNA and protein levels with age is the main contributing factor in the age associated increase in prostaglandin E2. The present study provides the first insight into the age-related changes in the expression of COX-1, COX-2 and prostaglandin E2. The results of current study demonstrated that PGE2 was elevated in ovaries of hens concomitant with age indicating its possible role in initiation and/or progression of ovarian malignancies. These finding may provide the basis for clinical trials utilizing COX specific inhibitors or dietary intervention targeting prostaglandin biosynthesis for the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4616. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4616
Calculations of Mode-Specific Tunneling of Double-Hydrogen Transfer in Porphycene Agree with and Illuminate Experiment.

We report a theoretical study of mode-specific tunneling splittings in double-hydrogen transfer in trans-porphycene. We use a novel, mode-specific “Qim path method”, in which the reaction coordinate is the imaginary-frequency normal mode of the saddle point separating the equivalent minima. The model considers all 108 normal modes and uses no adjustable parameters. The method gives the ground vibrational-state tunneling splitting, as well the increase in the splitting upon excitation of certain modes, in good agreement with experiment. Interpretation of these results is also transparent with this method. In addition, predictions are made for mode excitations not investigated experimentally. Results for d1 and d2 isotopolgues are also in agreement with experiment.
Go Through the Ridiculous World of Can Xue Fictions

Can Xue(残雪) fictions world are based on the ontology denial of the real world, with the unique understanding on herself, and form an original world.This is the radical principle and meaning on reading Can Xue fictions.The reflection on whole understanding of world is that the fiction’s images, clues and topics all transcended the characteristics of realistic fictions and western modern ones.Which formed her fictions’ originality..
Long-Term Soil Changes from Forest Harvesting and Residue Management in the Northern Rocky Mountains

Soil changes associated with forest harvesting, differing utilization levels, and post-harvest prescribed burning were determined using an empirical study to investigate the long-term impacts on soil physical and chemical properties at Coram Experimental Forest in northwestern Montana. In 1974, two replications of three regeneration cuttings (shelterwood, group selection, and clearcut) were installed. In addition, four residue management regimes (high utilization with no burning, medium with no burning, medium with broadcast burning, and low with broadcast burning) were implemented (~74, 63, 65, and 54% wood removal, respectively). Thirty-eight years after harvesting, changes were evaluated in mineral soil and forest floor physical and chemical properties (organic matter [OM], C, N, Ca, K, and Mg pools, soil bulk density, and pH) and in coarse woody debris levels. There were no differences in soil pH and bulk density across all regeneration cuttings and residue treatments, probably due to the minimal soil effects associated with the forest harvesting operations that were used (hand felling and cable yarding). Comparisons between harvest and burning and the control indicate no statistical differences in OM, C, and N contents. Minor differences in extractable cation pools were noted in several comparisons among the treatments; these may be attributed to litter inputs from the differing vegetation compositions of overstory and shrub layers rather than nutrient changes within the mineral soil itself. At this moist-cool forest, intensive biomass utilization, with or without broadcast burning, had few long-term impacts on soil properties of soil C, OM, and nutrients.
Cancer of the perioral region.

Difficult perioral malignancies often benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes the skills of a Mohs surgeon and a head and neck surgeon. This article discusses the practicalities of such a team approach and also reviews the tumor biology and prognosis of aggressive malignancies, such as squamous cell carcinoma, that arise in this area. Finally, an approach to reconstruction is presented.
Bidirectional (Negative/Positive) Interference of Oleandrin and Oleander Extract on a Relatively New LOCI Digoxin Assay

Oleander interferes with serum digoxin measurements using a number of immunoassays. The potential interference of oleander and its active ingredient oleandrin with a relatively new homogenous sequential chemiluminescent digoxin assay based on luminescent oxygen channeling technology (LOCI digoxin assay, Siemens Diagnostics) has not been reported. …
Toxicity and Safety Testing

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of domestic rabbits in toxicity and safety testing of substances such as drugs, chemicals, and medical devices that can impact human safety. While nonclinical testing also benefits animals, as with development of veterinary drugs, the examples and procedures described in this chapter represent those commonly used in research and regulated nonclinical safety testing settings. Toxicity and safety studies are always conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, laws, policies, and guidelines as well as the requirements specified by the facility's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Domestic rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, are easily housed and handled. Rabbits are small relative to other species, evaluated in toxicity and safety studies, but large enough to easily conduct ocular and dermal irritation and embryo-fetal evaluations. Exposure to drugs and chemicals can result in toxicity manifest in specific organs, known as target organs of toxicity. Test materials can be administered to rabbits by a variety of routes including dermal, ocular, oral, inhalation, intranasal, intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal, intravenous (IV, including continuous IV infusion), subcutaneous (SC), sublingual, and vaginal.
TCT-459 Effect of bleeding complications as assessed by the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) bleeding risk calculator in patients undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospitalization, and cost. National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) bleeding risk calculator is one such tool which has been validated to predict bleeding risk in
Cutaneous eruption in a U.S. woman with locally acquired zika virus infection

Local, autochthonous transmission of Zika virus was identified in a pregnant woman in July 2016 in southern Florida.
Assessment system for the biomechanical performance of cane handles

This system aims to provide force and muscle activation information to assess the biomechanical performance of cane handles using data from gait trials performed by a patient. This device can be used to improve individual prescription of canes or help guide research for the design of more effective and less damaging cane handles.
Prostate cancer: Better VISTAs ahead? Potential and pitfalls of immunotherapy.

Despite a rapid increase in the use of anticancer immunotherapy, our understanding of the mechanisms of action and the patients' responses remains limited. The discovery of immune inhibitory markers in the tumour microenvironment following immunotherapy should improve our understanding and might enable us to better apply combination therapies.
Migration of Multipactor Trajectories via Higher-Order Mode Perturbation

The present paper examines how multipactor impact points change when a perturbative harmonic mode is present, in addition to the fundamental mode which is primarily driving the multipactor. We propose a steerability-to-zero criterion to determine under what conditions a multipactor trajectory can be controlled through the perturbative mode. Simulated results are shown for a parallel-plate geometry, and the results are expected to be generalizable to coaxial and more complicated geometries. The results show that for the second, third, and fourth harmonics examined as perturbative modes, steerability-to-zero is possible under some circumstances, typically when the harmonic mode magnetic field is much stronger than the fundamental mode magnetic field. The results also show that to a good approximation, it is only the ratio of the magnetic fields between the perturbative and fundamental modes which determines whether or not multipactor trajectories can be controlled; this is because if two magnetic fields are present and are both scaled by the same factor, then the direction of the charged particle’s deflection due to the magnetic fields will remain the same.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Building HVAC Control

Buildings account for nearly 40% of the total energy consumption in the United States, about half of which is used by the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Intelligent scheduling of building HVAC systems has the potential to significantly reduce the energy cost. However, the traditional rule-based and model-based strategies are often inefficient in practice, due to the complexity in building thermal dynamics and heterogeneous environment disturbances. In this work, we develop a data-driven approach that leverages the deep reinforcement learning (DRL) technique, to intelligently learn the effective strategy for operating the building HVAC systems. We evaluate the performance of our DRL algorithm through simulations using the widely-adopted EnergyPlus tool. Experiments demonstrate that our DRL-based algorithm is more effective in energy cost reduction compared with the traditional rule-based approach, while maintaining the room temperature within desired range.
Symptoms of Depression and ADHD in Relation to Stimulant Medication Misuse Among College Students.

ABSTRACTBackground: The misuse of stimulant medications, commonly used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a concern on college campuses. Objective: This study sought to examine the relations between the misuse of stimulant medications and symptoms of depression and ADHD. Method: Eight hundred and ninety students ages 18–26 from one public university took a web-based survey including rating scales measuring symptoms of depression and ADHD. Results: The prevalence rate of misuse in the past year was 23%. Symptoms of depression were significantly related to misuse; however, once symptoms of ADHD were included in the analysis, depression was no longer a significant predictor. Further, there was not a significant interaction between ADHD and depression, but symptoms of ADHD were significantly related to misuse. Conclusions/Importance: Results suggest that attention difficulties may be one of the most important factors in predicting stimulant medication misuse. Therefore, p...
Continuous positive airway pressure reduced the need for mechanical ventilation for cardiogenic pulmonary edema

Source Citation Bersten AD, Holt AW, Vedig AE, Skowronski GA, Baggoley CJ. Treatment of severe cardiogenic pulmonary edema with continuous positive airway pressure delivered by face mask. N Engl J ...
Examining Service Provider Response to Guilty Customers: An Abstract

Previous research in service contexts finds customers feel guilty after they violate a social norm. Such contexts may include the customer not leaving a tip, being late, or trying a different service provider (i.e., cheating). Interestingly, despite being a negative emotion, prior research shows customer-induced guilt leads to increased repatronage intention (Dahl et al. 2003, 2005). Guilt is associated with the action tendency of feeling like undoing what one has done (Swartz 1994). Accordingly, guilt can motivate positive change (Tangney and Dearing 2002), such as apologizing or engaging in other reparative actions (Tangney and Dearing 2002).
Preoperative Nutritional Status as a Risk Factor for Major Postoperative Complications Following Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Study Design:Retrospective study.Objectives:To determine rates of medical and surgical postoperative complications in adults with hypoalbuminemia undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)....
A historical review of blastocyst implantation research

Research development on blastocyst implantation was reviewed in three sections: primate implantation, ungulate farm animal implantation, and the general process of blastocyst implantation in small rodents. Future research directions of this area are suggested.
Orbital Floor and Medial Wall Fractures

Fractures to the orbit and midface are a significant source of ocular morbidity. The safe and effective repair of these fractures hinges on the approach that provides optimal exposure and implant selection with low complication rates. The lateral and medial canthal approach to the orbit is discussed, along with the use of nonadherent orbital implants.
From Program to Logic: An Introduction

We review, compare and discuss several approaches for representing programs by logic formulas, such as symbolic model checking, bounded model checking, verification-condition generation, and symbolic-execution-based test generation.
Globalization of Science Education

Globalization has occurred rapidly in recent years because of the ease of sharing ideas and collaborating with others due to modern communications technology. Ideas and concerns about science teaching and learning have become highly internationalized increasingly making science education a global pursuit.
Tumors Derived from Presumed Ectopic Tissues

The occurrence of these types of neoplasms as primary intrapulmonary tumors is rather rare. It is assumed that these tumors occur in the lung under the assumption that they may originate from ectopically occurring tissues that may have remained in the lung during embryogenesis. Although an interesting and provocative theory, this is still only a theory as from the practical aspects it is much more difficult to prove. On other hand, from the practical diagnostic point of view, it remains a viable theory to account for these tumors, which otherwise could be misconstrued as metastatic tumors to the lung. It is exactly this particular issue that must be considered not only in making the diagnosis of primary lung neoplasm but also by ensuring that patients do not undergo unnecessary work-ups or treatments. Therefore, this particular chapter highlights the occurrence and the familiarity we must have when confronted with these tumors.
Determining the Impact of Metabolic Nutrients on Autophagy

Tumorigenesis relies on the ability of cancer cells to obtain necessary nutrients and fulfill increased energy demands associated with rapid proliferation. However, as a result of increased metabolite consumption and poor vascularization, most cancer cells must survive in a nutrient poor and high cellular stress microenvironment. Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to evade cell death and ensure proliferation; in particular, cancer cells utilize the catabolic process of autophagy. Autophagy creates an intracellular pool of metabolites by sequestering cytosolic macromolecules in double-membrane vesicles targeted for lysosomal degradation. During times of environmental stress and nutrient starvation, autophagy is upregulated through the dynamic interactions between two nutrient sensing proteins, AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), in cooperation with Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1). In this way, a lack of metabolic nutrients plays a critical role in inducing autophagy, while the products of autophagy also serve as readily available fuel for the cell. In this chapter, we describe methods to visualize and quantify autophagy using a fluorescent sensor of autophagic membranes. Thus, the impact of specific nutrients on autophagy can be measured using live-cell fluorescent microscopy.
Tumor Voxel Dose-Response Matrix and Dose Prescription Function Derived Using 18F-FDG PET/CT Images for Adaptive Dose Painting by Number.

Purpose To construct a tumor voxel dose response matrix ( DRM ) and dose prescription function (DPF) for adaptive dose painting by number (DPbN) based on treatment feedback of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FGD) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. Methods and Materials FDG-PET/CT images obtained before and after chemoradiation therapy and at weekly chemoradiation therapy sessions for each of 18 patients with head and neck cancer, as well as the treatment outcomes, were used in the modeling. All weekly and posttreatment PET/CT images were registered voxel-to-voxel to the corresponding pretreatment baseline PET/CT image. Tumor voxel DRM was created using serial FDG-PET imaging of each patient with respect to the baseline standardized uptake value ( SUV 0 ). A tumor voxel control probability (TVCP) lookup table was created using the maximum likelihood estimation on the tumor voxel ( SUV 0 , DRM ) domain of all tumors. Tumor voxel DPF was created from the TVCP lookup table and used as the objective function for DPbN-based inverse planning optimization. Results Large intertumoral and intratumoral variations on both tumor voxels ( SUV 0 , DRM ) were identified. Tumor voxel dose resistance did not show correlation with its baseline SUV 0 value and was the major cause of the tumor local failures. Tumor voxel DPF as the function of tumor voxel ( SUV 0 , DRM ) values also showed a very large intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity. Most human papillomavirus–negative tumors require a treatment dose >100 Gy to certain local tumor regions. These treatment doses, which are most unlikely to be implementable in conventional radiation therapy, can be achieved using adaptive DPbN treatment. Clinical feasibility was evaluated by comparing the adaptive DPbN treatment plan with the conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy plan. Conclusions Tumor voxel ( SUV 0 , DRM ) provides an intratumoral prognostic map to target tumor locoregional-resistant regions. The corresponding TVCP or DPF provides a quantitative objective to optimize the intratumoral dose distribution for the individuals. The adaptive DPbN with FDG-PET/CT imaging feedback is feasible to implement in clinics.
PIVOTAL trial: iron loading improves clinical outcomes.

The PIVOTAL trial shows that proactive intravenous (i.v.) iron administration reduces cardiovascular events and deaths, transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent doses and does not increase infections in patients on haemodialysis. These findings upend the warnings of guidelines and experts about the dangers of i.v. iron and prove that maintaining low iron stores is harmful.
Real time identification of large space structures

Identification of frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes of large space structures (LSSs) are examined in real time. Real time processing allows for quick updates of model processing after a reconfiguration of structural failure. Recursive lattice least squares (RLLS) was selected as the baseline algorithm for the identification. Simulation results on a one dimensional LSS demonstrated that it provides good estimates, was not ill-conditioned in the presence of under-excited modes, allowed activity by a supervisory control system which prevented damage to the LSS or excessive drift, and was capable of real-time processing for typical LSS models. A suboptimal version of RLLS, which is equivalent to simulated parallel processing, was derived. A NASTRAN model of the dual keel U.S. space station was used to demonstrate the input/identification algorithm package in a more realistic simulation. Because the first eight flexible modes were very close together, the identification was much more difficult than in the simple examples. Even so, the model was accurately identified in real time.
Topical timolol as adjunct therapy to shorten oral propranolol therapy for infantile hemangiomas

Background/objectives First-line therapy for infantile hemangiomas (IH) is oral propranolol, a systemic beta-blocker with the risk of rare but serious adverse effects. Topical timolol presents an attractive off-label alternative with good tolerability, but sequential therapy with propranolol followed by timolol is not well studied. Here, we report effects of topical timolol preceding or following oral propranolol as adjunct therapy for IH. Methods A retrospective chart review of 559 patients with IH seen at the pediatric dermatology clinic of a tertiary care center between December 2008 and January 2018. Children were grouped by treatment received: propranolol only, timolol only, propranolol to timolol, timolol to propranolol to timolol, and timolol to propranolol. Patient demographics, clinical/treatment characteristics, and pairwise differences were explored between groups. Results Among all patients treated with propranolol, those who received propranolol followed by timolol received the shortest duration of oral propranolol and were the youngest at the time of propranolol completion. These patients received propranolol for a median of 2.2 months duration (P = 0.006) and were a median of 1.7 months younger (P = 0.007) compared with patients who received oral propranolol only. None had treatment failure defined as requiring propranolol reinitiation, compared with 13% of patients in the propranolol only group (P = 0.036). Conclusions Sequential therapy with oral propranolol followed by topical timolol for IH may help minimize potential adverse effects of systemic beta-blockers by reducing the duration of propranolol therapy and facilitating successful taper at a younger age without an increase in treatment failures.
Culture a la contra: A Cultural Paradigm Toward Alternatives to the Civilizatory and Ecological Crisis

The goal of this writing is to map out a position a la contra (an awareness-position on the contrary) within the Spanish cultural field, a position that is being developed as a test of alternatives to the dystopian landscape provoked by the current neoliberal conditions of the civilizatory and ecological crisis. Echoing the spirit fostered by the Spanish 15M Movement, this position symbolizes an existential exit from dominant structures (binary frames of conceptualization and fixed categories) toward a horizon of non-discriminatory, equal and eco-friendly visions and possibilities. This chapter describes some of the communalities shared by grassroots collectives and those creators whose works embody the practice of this position.
Building a House with a Limited Tool Set: Overcoming the Challenge of Incorporating Usability in the Acquisition Process

Building software can be compared to building a house. The software product must start with defining requirements prior to writing the first line of code. Likewise, with building a home, a home buyer must approve a design with the architect, and work to establish the requirements before laying the first brick. Unfortunately, in the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition process, the Government procurement organization is often limited in its ability to be an architect to promote a more usable product. The ability to influence design is often diminished to DoD standard compliance requirements, limiting the tools available to promote usability. To overcome this, we developed a process to better understand derived system requirements for a space asset command and control contract. We implemented a collaborative process between the Government and Developer teams, including the operational user to promote system usability. Positive design outcomes suggest utility in the process.
Effect of Hemorrhagic Shock on Gluconeogenesis, Oxygen Consumption and Redox State of Perfused Rat Liver

Trauma or shock is known to produce metabolic changes, anae-robiosis, increased lactate production, a reduction in ATP stores and increase in inorganic phosphate (Kovach et al. 1952). Studies on depression of mitochondrial function in shock are inconclusive. Aldridge and Stoner (1960) found no change in the behaviour of liver mitochondria isolated from rats after limb ischemia. Levenson et al. (1961) reviewing this question concluded that no significant changes in the mitochondrial metabolism in shock could be demonstrated. Fonnesu (1960) demonstrated a partial inhibition of phosphorylation in liver of rats given S. typhi murium toxin. Hift and Strawitz (196l) found normal P/0 ratios in liver mitochondria of dogs in severe hemorrhagic shock. The same observations were made by De Palma et al. (1970) in states where profound ultrastructural changes in mitochondria have been demonstrated (Holden et al. 1965; Strawitz and Hift, 1965).
Improving Predictions of the Urban Wind Environment Using Data

Analysis of the urban wind environment can play an important role in the design of sustainable urban areas. The wind patterns in the urban canopy can affect citizen comfort, safety, and health, as ...
Mesenchymal Tumors of the Lung

Primary mesenchymal neoplasms of the lung are rare tumors. These include both benign and malignant lesions. With the exception of pulmonary chondroid hamartoma which represents the most common benign lung tumor, sarcomas generally predominate, although overall primary pulmonary sarcomas still only account for less than 0.5% of all primary lung cancers (Guccion and Rosen, Cancer 30:836–847, 1972). Since the lung is often the site of metastatic disease from extrathoracic sarcomas, a diagnosis of primary pulmonary sarcoma always requires exclusion of a primary tumor elsewhere. Furthermore, primary mesenchymal tumors of lung origin must be differentiated from sarcomatoid lung tumors of non-mesenchymal origin, such as carcinomas or mesotheliomas with spindle cell features. The morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics and molecular profiles of primary mesenchymal lung tumors closely resemble those of their soft tissue analogues, and the spectrum of entities recognized to occur in the lung is continually increasing. Pathological examination is the gold standard in the diagnosis of primary mesenchymal neoplasms of the lung, as the clinical and radiological manifestations are non-specific and often bear a resemblance to those of bronchogenic carcinoma.
Cost-effectiveness of ethanol lock prophylaxis to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections in children with intestinal failure in the United States.

Introduction Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) lead to significant morbidity and mortality in children with intestinal failure (IF). Ethanol lock prophylaxis (ELP) greatly reduces CLABSI frequency with minimal side effects. However, in the United States, a recently approved orphan drug designation for dehydrated alcohol has greatly increased 70% ethanol cost from about $10/day to $1000/day. We examined the cost-effectiveness of ELP in relation to these changes. Methods We simulated a previously developed IF Markov model over 1 year. Costs were measured in 2020 US dollars and effectiveness in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). CLABSI rate with and without ELP was estimated from the largest available comparative observational study. The primary outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between treatments. Secondary outcomes included CLABSI frequency. Sensitivity analyses on all model parameters were performed. Results In the base model, children with IF not using ELP accumulated $131,815 in costs and 0.32 QALYs per patient compared with $437,884 and 0.33 QALYs per patient in those using ELP. The ICER was nearly $17 million/QALY gained. ELP resulted in a 40% reduction in CLABSI frequency. ELP became cost-effective at $68/day and cost-saving at $63/day. Sensitivity analysis identified no other plausible parameter variation to reach the benchmark of $100,000/QALY gained. Conclusions At the current price, ELP is not cost-effective for CLABSI prevention in children with IF in the United States. This study highlights the critical need for the approval of an affordable lock therapy option to prevent CLABSIs in these children.
Do we need neuroimaging in every case of near-hanging?: experience from a level 1 trauma center and analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank

Our study analyzes imaging results in near-hanging to determine what neuroimaging workup is necessary. We evaluate GCS as a clinical predictor to help guide imaging choice. This is a retrospective study of patients from a level one trauma center and from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). We classified injuries into categories based on the likelihood that CT played an important role in their diagnosis and management. We assessed whether a normal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) could exclude clinically important injuries. Chi square was used to test for significance for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. CT showed structural brain findings in 0% of patients from our facility (local patients) and 11.7% of NTDB patients. Of local patients and NTDB patients, 1.4% and 6.6% had blunt cerebral vascular injury (BCVI) respectively. Of local patients and NTDB patients, 1.4% and 3.3% had a cervical spine fracture or dislocation, respectively. Mortality for patients with GCS 15 versus GCS < 15 was 0 versus 26.9% for local patients (p = 0.004) and 0 versus 43.8% for NTDB (p < 0.001). Structural brain injury for patients with GCS 15 versus GCS < 15 for isolated hanging was 0 versus 14.9% for NTDB (p < 0.001). GCS 15 was an independent predictor of survival and freedom from brain injury (p < 0.001), but not neck injury. GCS 15 is a significant independent predictor of survival and freedom from brain injury in near-hanging. GCS 15 rules out intracranial injury likely to require intervention with negative predictive value of 100%. GCS of 15 does not rule out critical neck injury.