cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pancreaticoduodenectomy: frequency and outcome of post-operative imaging-guided percutaneous drainage.

To study the frequency and outcomes of percutaneous imaging-guided drainage following pancreaticoduodenectomy and to assess if fluid collection location correlates with pancreatic duct leak. IRB approval was obtained. Three hundred and seventy-three subjects (age 21–84 years) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were included in this retrospective study. Eighty-three of these subjects underwent post-operative imaging-guided drainage (CT 77; US 6). Medical and imaging records were reviewed. Procedural details including collection location, size, catheter size, drain duration, fluid type, fluid chemistry, and fluid culture were recorded. Collection location was correlated with fluid amylase. The frequency of imaging-guided percutaneous drainage following Whipple was 22.2%. The immediate technical and overall success rates for fluid collection drainage were 97.6% and 79.6%, respectively. Rate of complication was 4.8% (4/83). 74.7% (62/83) of fluid collections were proven abscesses, and 61.4% (51/83) were complicated by pancreatic fistula. Collections near the pancreatic resection site were more likely to have elevated fluid amylase. Approximately one-fifth of subjects requires percutaneous drainage following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Percutaneous imaging-guided drainage is an effective means of managing post-pancreaticoduodenectomy fluid collections. Collections near the pancreas resection site often have a pancreatic duct leak.
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE CELL SURFACE OF CHROMAFFIN CELLS IN THE RAT ADRENAL MEDULLA.

Two types of chromaffin cells can be distinguished in the rat adrenal medulla. The plasma membrane of both cell types appears as a triple-layered structure, about 80 thick after fixation by glutaraldehyde perfusion and secondary fixation with osmium tetroxide. The membrane is usually symmetrical after double fixation and asymmetrical after fixation with glutaraldehyde or osmium tetroxide alone. At the cell boundaries the plasma membranes are either separated by a small space about 60–300 wide or they form canaliculus-like widenings. The plasma membranes exhibit expanded areas at the canaliculi and occasionally at the free cell surface. Round opaque particles 300–700 in diameter are present in the canaliculi and sometimes at the free cell surface, often along with the plasma membrane expansions. Vesicular structures and large opaque structures are also found in these areas. All the above-mentioned structures are sometimes observed inside the cells confined to large intracellular vacuoles. Similar vacuoles are constantly present in the medullary cells of heavily reserpinized animals.
History of the determination of radium in man since 1915

Abstract In 1915, volunteers were injected with, or ingested, solutions of a radium salt, and the excreta were analysed for radium, but the first direct demonstrations of the presence of radium in vivo years after exposure were reported in 1925 by Martland et al.; they were also able to demonstrate the presence of radon isotopes in the exhaled breath. In 1929, Schlundt et al. reported radium levels in six living persons based on a calibration that was derived from measurements on a seventh who subsequently died and whose partial skeleton was analysed. In 1933, Ives et al. reported results for 40 subjects who showed gamma-ray results of 1 μg radium (i.e., retained radon) or more. There was an improvement in sensitivity by an order of magnitude in 1937 when Evans described the use of a Geiger-Muller detector and the metre-arc geometry; the method was still incapable of measuring radium at the “tolerance dose” of 0.1 μg. Ten years later, Hess and McNiff published details of an ionization chamber method that did permit such levels to be determined. In the early 1950s, three groups independently described the usse of long high-pressure ionization chambers that were sensitive enough to detect the radiation from the naturally radioactive potassium content of the human body. In 1955, the introduction of sodium iodide as gamma-ray detector, with its high detection efficiency and spectrometric capabilities, and of large organic scintillators, revolutionized the assay of radium (and all other gamma-ray emitters) in vivo. The lower limit of detection of radium in man showed a steady decrease that was roughly exponential from 1929 to the mid-1950s with a half-period of a little more than 3 y.
Rights and Responsibilities: Nurse‐Patient Relationships

Nurse-patient relationships are examined in terms of rights and responsibility models of moral development and judgment, leading to a definition and description of maternalism.
Beyond Mass Production: Strategic Management Models for Competitive Manufacturing Transformation in the US Textile Industry

The US textile industry, like many other sectors, is undergoing significant change. This paper builds on our previously published analysis of the elements of modern manufacturing transformation in the US textile industry. We discuss the development and application of two original tools for strategic planning of systematic organizational change. First, we present a model for manufacturing transformation beyond mass production, tested and validated through a multiple-case study of advanced US textile producers and interviews with selected industry experts. The model provides a tool for understanding the landscape of competitive business transformation and allows for company-specific planning of manufacturing improvement. In addition, we recommend a transition path from mass production to agility that includes successive changes focused on developing internal capabilities adapted to growing market requirements. Finally, we propose a strategic profiling tool focused on the alignment between key external and i...
Adsorption of Acetylene on Si(100)-(2 × 1)

A study of a single acetylene adsorbed onto the Si(100)-(2×1) surface is presented. A MCSCF+MRMP2 wave function is used to study this system, which is shown to be significantly multiconfigurational over large sections of the potential energy surface. The lowest energy isomer is shown to have the acetylene adsorbed directly above a single dimer, di-σ, where the silicon−silicon dimer bond remains intact. These results are compared with those from a previous DFT study.
Synthesis of carbon nanosheets by inductively coupled radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Abstract An ultrathin sheet-like carbon nanostructure, carbon nanosheet, has been effectively synthesized with CH4 diluted in H2 by an inductively coupled radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Nanosheets were obtained without catalyst over a wide range of deposition conditions and on a variety of substrates, including metals, semiconductors and insulators. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the sheet-like structures stand on edge on the substrate and have corrugated surfaces. The sheets are 1 nm or less in thickness and have a defective graphite structure. Raman spectra show typical carbon features with D and G peaks at 1350 and 1580 cm−1, respectively. The intensity ratio of these two peaks, I(D)/I(G), increases with methane concentration or substrate temperature, indicating that the crystallinity of the nanosheets decreases. Infrared and thermal desorption spectroscopies reveal hydrogen incorporation into the carbon nanosheets.
Coordinated role of voltage-gated sodium channels and the Na+/H+ exchanger in sustaining microglial activation during inflammation.

Persistent neuroinflammation and microglial activation play an integral role in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders. We investigated the role of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) and Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE) in the activation of immortalized microglial cells (BV-2) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. LPS (10 and 100 ng/ml) caused a dose- and time-dependent accumulation of intracellular sodium [(Na+)i] in BV-2 cells. Pre-treatment of cells with the VGSC antagonist tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μM) abolished short-term Na+ influx, but was unable to prevent the accumulation of (Na+)i observed at 6 and 24 h after LPS exposure. The NHE inhibitor cariporide (1 μM) significantly reduced accumulation of (Na+)i 6 and 24 h after LPS exposure. Furthermore, LPS increased the mRNA expression and protein level of NHE-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was significantly reduced after co-treatment with TTX and/or cariporide. LPS increased production of TNF-α, ROS, and H2O2 and expression of gp91phox, an active subunit of NADPH oxidase, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was significantly reduced by TTX or TTX + cariporide. Collectively, these data demonstrate a closely-linked temporal relationship between VGSC and NHE-1 in regulating function in activated microglia, which may provide avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing neuroinflammation.
Prophylactic platelet transfusions in children with acute leukemia: a dose response study.

A study of the value of small doses of platelets given prophylactically in thrombocytopenic patients was carried out. Transfusions of two dose levels of platelets were compared: 0.03 units/1b (low dose) and 0.06 units/lb of body weight (high dose). The incidence of bleeding in nontransfused patients seen here prior to this study was also determined. The difference in incidences of bleeding among patients transfused with low or high dose was not significant. The differences between the transfused and nontransfused patients were highly significant.
Modeling of containment structures on high performance computers

With recent advances in parallel supercomputers and network-connected workstations, the solution of large scale structural engineering problems, such as containment structures, has now become tractable. High-performance computer architectures, which are usually available at large universities and national laboratories, now can solve large nonlinear problems. At the other end of the spectrum, network connected workstations can be configured to become a distributed-parallel computer. A description of the development of a parallelized finite element computer program for the solution of static nonlinear structural mechanics problems is presented here. Also, a finite element methodology is presented for use in finding the structural capacity of reinforced concrete structures. The method is applicable to both cylindrical and rectilinear geometries. Containment structures for nuclear reactors are the final barrier between released radionuclides and the public. Containment structures are constructed from steel, reinforced concrete, or prestressed concrete. US nuclear reactor containment geometries tend to be cylindrical with elliptical or hemispherical heads. The older Soviet designed reactors do not use a containment building to mitigate the effects of accidents. Instead, they employed a sealed set of rectilinear, interconnected compartments, collectively called the accident localization system (ALS), to reduce the release of radionuclides to the atmosphere during accidents. As an illustrative example, the methodology developed herein is applied to a generic VVER-440/V213 design subjected to internal overpressure.
Income Tax Deductions for Work‐related Expenses: The Rationale Examined

The Australian income tax permits taxpayers receiving wages to claim work-related expenses (WREs) as deductions against taxable income. The rationale for the provision has never been stated. This paper examines the rationale in terms of equity and efficiency considerations. The analy sis suggests that deductibility of WREs is likely, at best, to have a neutral equity impact; at worst it will have a random impact. WRE deductibi lity is also likely to lead to distortions in both production and consumption. Taken together with the high compliance costs associated with the provision, these arguments justify abolition of WRE deductibility
Diesel NOx Catalytic Converter Development: A Review

This paper summarizes the findings of several technical articles on diesel NO{sub x} catalytic converter technology. Simplified theoretical reactions for NO{sub x} removal are discussed. Currently, development of catalytic NO{sub x} control technology for diesel engines is focused on systems that incorporate fuel hydrocarbons as the chemical reducing agent. Copper- and zeolite-based catalysts have been the predominant systems studied to date, but now catalysts containing precious metals are being investigated. Observed NO{sub x} reduction efficiencies typically ranged from 10 to 30 percent on actual engine exhaust systems when exhaust hydrocarbon enrichment strategies were used. Effects of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and water on NO{sub x} reduction efficiencies are reviewed. Recommendations for future research include attempts to broaden the temperature range of efficient NO{sub x} reduction, improving hydrocarbon selectivity toward the NO{sub x} reduction reaction, and the development of a supplementary reductant delivery system suitable for transient diesel engine operation.
FAK induces expression of Prx1 to promote tenascin-C–dependent fibroblast migration

Fibroblast migration depends, in part, on activation of FAK and cellular interactions with tenascin-C (TN-C). Consistent with the idea that FAK regulates TN-C, migration-defective FAK-null cells expressed reduced levels of TN-C. Furthermore, expression of FAK in FAK-null fibroblasts induced TN-C, whereas inhibition of FAK activity in FAK-wild-type cells had the opposite effect. Paired-related homeobox 1 (Prx1) encodes a homeobox transcription factor that induces TN-C by interacting with a binding site within the TN-C promoter, and it also promotes fibroblast migration. Therefore, we hypothesized that FAK regulates TN-C by controlling the DNA-binding activity of Prx1 and/or by inducing Prx1 expression. Prx1-homeodomain binding site complex formation observed with FAK-wild-type fibroblasts failed to occur in FAK-null fibroblasts, yet expression of Prx1 in these cells induced TN-C promoter activity. Thus, FAK is not essential for Prx1 DNA-binding activity. However, activated FAK was essential for Prx1 expression. Functionally, Prx1 expression in FAK-null fibroblasts restored their ability to migrate toward fibronectin, in a manner that depends on TN-C. These results appear to be relevant in vivo because Prx1 and TN-C expression levels were reduced in FAK-null embryos. This paper suggests a model whereby FAK induces Prx1, and subsequently the formation of a TN-C-enriched ECM that contributes to fibroblast migration.
Discreteness effects in the forced dynamics of a string on a periodic array of non-linear supports

Abstract We analyze forced oscillations of an infinite string supported by a periodic array of non-linear elasticities. The envelope of the excitation possesses ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ scales and is periodic with respect to the ‘fast’ scale. The ‘fast’ spatial scale is defined by the distance between adjacent non-linear supports. To eliminate the singularities from the governing equations of motion that arise due to the discrete nature of the supports, we employ the non-smooth transformations of the spatial variable first introduced by Pilipchuck [Prikladneya Matematika i Mekhanika, Vol. 49 , pp. 572–578 (1985)]. Thus, we convert the problem to a set of two non-homogeneous non-linear boundary value problems which we solve by means of perturbation theory. The boundary conditions of these problems arise from ‘smoothness conditions’ that are imposed to guarantee sufficient differentiability of the results. As an application, we study forced localized vibrations of the string, and analytically compute discreteness effects in the forced dynamics. In addition, we present an application of the method to the analysis of localized motions of a string on a periodic array of clearance, or vibro-impact non-linearities.
The Service Encounter: Diagnosing Favorable and Unfavorable Incidents:

The service encounter frequently is the service from the customer's point of view. Using the critical incident method, the authors collected 700 incidents from customers of airlines, hotels, and re...
Modelling the repairability function by the first passage time distribution of Brownian motion

Abstract This paper puts forward the first passage time distribution of Brownian motion as a repairability model. The paper fits the model to observed active repair data of radar systems, obtaining as a result estimates of the mean first passage time, drift and diffusion parameters of the associated Brownian motion. Hypothesizing the first passage time distribution of Brownian motion for active repair time data of radar systems, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows that the model is accepted and can be chosen as the parent population.
Introduction to “Human Resource Responsibilities: Frequent Flyer Radiation Exposure”

In the early part of the twenty-first century, human resource management (HRM) continues to occupy a strategic role within organizational settings throughout the world. While the field continues to be confronted by recurring problems such as workplace discrimination, new issues continually challenge the field as the world of work continually evolves. This “Perspectives” Section presents an article on a “new” important HRM issue— frequent flyer radiation. In this interesting, well-written and timely article, Dr. Robert Barish, a radiological and health physicist, and Dr. Stephan Dilchert, Assistant Professor of Management at Baruch College, City University of New York, discuss the issue of frequent flyer radiation which has received limited attention in the human resource management literature. The authors argue that employees who fly on a frequent basis on company business should be classified as radiation workers and that work organizations must make sure that they are complying with regulatory requirements with regards to supplying risk education and exposure assessment for this group of workers. Moreover, the authors contend that companies that fail to engage in these two practices may be potentially liable for any radiation-related health problems, especially those with respect to pregnant employees. If any of the journal’s readers would like to respond to essays published in the “Perspectives” Section or would like to write on any topics in the field of employee relations, please do not hesitate to contact me with your proposal. I welcome both practitioner-based and scholarly-based articles written from any one of a variety of theoretical perspectives. I hope that you enjoy this article and find it most illuminating.
Vulvar Paget disease of urothelial origin: A report of three cases and a proposed classification of vulvar Paget disease *

Extramammary Paget disease is generally considered a distinct entity that can involve the genital tract skin and may be associated with underlying adenocarcinoma. Evidence is presented that vulvar Paget disease represents a heterogeneous group of epithelial neoplasms that can be similar both clinically and histopathologically. Three cases of vulvar Paget-like disease that were manifestations of urothelial carcinoma are investigated. Vulvar Paget disease can be classified based on the origin of the neoplastic Paget cells as either primary (of cutaneous origin) or secondary (of noncutaneous origin). Each classification has 3 subtypes: primary, intraepithelial cutaneous Paget disease of the usual type; intraepithelial cutaneous Paget disease with invasion, and intraepithelial cutaneous Paget disease as a manifestation of underlying skin appendage adenocarcinoma; secondary, Paget disease of anorectal origin, Paget disease of urothelial origin, and Paget disease of other origin. This subclassification is based on a review of the literature and the current study of 3 patients with Paget-like disease of urothelial neoplastic origin. The 3 subtypes of vulvar Paget disease studied here can present similarly as eczematoid skin or vulvar mucosal lesions and may appear similar on routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides. Immunohistochemical studies can be used to help differentiate them. The distinction between these 3 types of Paget-like lesions is essential in that the specific diagnosis has a significant influence on current treatment. The difference in surgical approach to the subtypes of vulvar Paget disease justifies classifying them into distinct lesions to avoid potential confusion and unnecessary surgery.
Optical Design Considerations in Photobleaching with cw Lasers

A new method is described which uses the stabilized output radiation of a cw laser as an exciting light source to study reversible and irreversible nonlinear absorption effects of organic dyes in aqueous solutions at high laser power densities. Design concepts which emerged from a closer study of the laser beam properties and its interaction with liquids are discussed. It is felt that this method is applicable not only for photolytic studies, but also in spectroscopic, spectrophotometric, and other experiments with cw lasers.
Sparse detector sensor model

This paper details the development of a modularized system level model of a sensor whose detector dimensions may be small with respect to the distance between adjacent detectors. The effects of individual system components and characteristics such as target to background properties, collection optics, detectors, and classifiers will be modeled. These individual effects will then be combined to provide an overall system performance model. The model will facilitate design trade offs for Unattended Ground Sensors. The size and power restrictions of these sensors often preclude these sensors from being effective in high resolution applications such as target identification. Consequently, existing imager performance models are not directly applicable. However, these systems are well suited for applications such as broad scale classifications or differentiations between targets such as humans, animals or small vehicles. Furthermore, these sensors do not have to be spaced closely together to be effective in these applications. Therefore, the demand for these sensors is increasing for both the military and homeland security.
Traumatic intracranial aneurysm in blunt trauma.

AbstractIntroduction: Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is being used to identify traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICA) in patients with findings such as skull fracture and intracranial haemorrhage on initial Computed Tomography (CT) scans after blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the incidence of TICA in patients with blunt TBI is unknown. The aim of this study is to report the incidence of TICA in patients with blunt TBI and to assess the utility of CTA in detecting these lesions.Methods: A 10-year retrospective study (2003–2012) was performed at a Level 1 trauma centre. All patients with blunt TBI who had an initial non-contrasted head CT scan and a follow-up head CTA were included. Head CTAs were then reviewed by a single investigator and TICAs were identified. The primary outcome measure was incidence of TICA in blunt TBI.Results: A total of 10 257 patients with blunt TBI were identified, out of which 459 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 47.3 ± 22.5, the majority we...
Mismatch characterization of a high precision resistor array test structure

In this paper we describe a 2times (2timesn) pad resistor array test structure. The structure can also be used for analog CMOS, bipolar, capacitor arrays. It provides a flexible and convenient way to study devices in an array. We will focus on various matching properties of the precision thin film resistors, specifically, between any one of the resistors with the average of the whole array, between two resistors (neighbor and far away pair), and between resistor combinations in the array. Both random and systematic mismatch properties are studied. We illustrate key factors for resistor matching from both process and layout perspectives. The principles, analyses and main conclusions apply to other active and passive devices as well. The array layout can be copied directly from and into a circuit design.
Observations on Hydronectria and Kallichroma gen. nov.

Hydronectria kriegeriana , a lichenized ascomycete on rocks in fresh water, is re-examined and illustrated, and a revised diagnosis is given. The new genus Kallichroma , based on the marine wood-inhabiting ascomycete Hydronectria tethys is described and the new combinations K. tethys and K. glabrum are proposed. Differences between Kallichroma and Hydronectria are pointed out. Both Kallichroma species occur exclusively in tropical and subtropical waters. Their geographical distribution and hosts are listed.
Practical estimation of veering effects on high-rise structures: a database-assisted design approach

Atmospheric boundary layer winds experience two types of effects due to friction at the ground surface. One effect is the increase of the wind speeds with height above the surface. The second effect, called the Ekman layer effect, entails veering - the change of the wind speed direction as a function of height above the surface. In this study a practical procedure is developed within a database- assisted design (DAD) framework that accounts approximately for veering effects on tall building design. The procedure was applied in a case study of a 60-story reinforced concrete building, which also considered the dependence of veering effects on the orientation of the building. Comparisons are presented between response estimates that do not account for veering, and account for veering conservatively. For the case studied in this paper veering effects were found to be small.
A randomized pilot study of donor stem cell infusion in living-related kidney transplant recipients receiving alemtuzumab

BACKGROUND Transplant tolerance would remove the need for maintenance immunosuppression while improving survival and quality of life. METHODS A prospective, randomized pilot study was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of donor stem cell infusion (DSCI) in living-related kidney transplant recipients treated with alemtuzumab (C1H) induction and tacrolimus and mycophenolate maintenance with switch to sirolimus and weaning over 2 years. RESULTS Four patients received DSCI; five patients were controls. Graft failure occurred in two patients in the DSCI arm. Recurrence of glomerular disease occurred in two DSCI recipients, leading to graft loss in one. Biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes occurred in three patients (two in the DSCI vs. one in the control). One DSCI patient, with recurrence, subsequently developed antibody-mediated rejection leading to graft failure. In the remaining two DSCI patients, weaning was attempted but was not successful. All (4 of 4) DSCI patients had biopsy-proven chronic allograft injury and/or recurrence. CONCLUSION DSCI with C1H induction and a steroid-free maintenance regimen in a small group of patients failed to induce tolerance, with suboptimal patient and graft survival. The results do not justify extension of this particular trial and underscore the importance of patient selection, specifically avoidance of patients with glomerulopathies whose recurrence may obscure potential benefit.
ORIGIN OF HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRONS BEYOND THE MAGNETOSPHERE

Acceleration of high energy electrons by means of Parker-Wentzel version of Fermi mechanism due to geometry and distorted structure of interplanetary magnetic field near magnetopause in transition region
Biosynthesis of alkyl-ether containing lipid from dihydroxyacetone phosphate

Abstract A lipid, stable to alkaline methanolysis, is formed when liver mitochondria or brain microsomes are incubated with dihydroxyacetone phosphate, long chain alcohol, ATP, CoA, NaF and Mg ++ . The lipid has been identified as alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate. This lipid is reduced by NADPH to 1-alkyl glycerol-3-phosphate and is further acylated to form 1-alkyl 2-acyl glycerol-3-phosphate.
Applications of pulse radiolysis to protein chemistry.

Since its introduction, pulse radiolysis has been an important technique for examining the properties of organic and inorganic radicals, and for enumerating those reactions responsible for cellular damage by ionizing radiation. Biochemists, and biophysicists outside the area of radiation biology appear, perhaps for historical reasons, to have an incomplete appreciation of the technique's potential. Protein chemists in particular, have been only dimly aware of the numerous reports of, and the significant results obtained from pulse radiolysis studies of proteins. Our purpose here is to bring some of these results together in order to emphasize the power and usefulness of pulse radiolysis experiments both for elucidating enzyme reaction mechanisms, and for gaining information on the structure of proteins in aqueous solutions. Reviews containing related, or in part the same material to be covered here have appeared previously; for example, Land (1970), Adams et al. (1972a), Shafferman & Stein (1975), Adams & Wardman (1977). This review updates these earlier works, but more importantly approaches the topic of protein pulse radiolysis with a different emphasis.
Secure virtual machine migration (SV2M) in cloud federation

Virtual Machine (VM) migration is mainly used for providing high availability, hardware maintenance, workload balancing and fault takeover in Cloud environment. However, it is susceptible to active and passive security attacks during migration process, which makes IT industry hesitant to accept this feature in Cloud. Compromising the VM migration process may result in DOS attacks, loss of data integrity and confidentiality. To cater different attacks such as unauthorized access to images and injecting malicious code on VM disk images, Cloud Providers store images in encrypted form. Therefore, security of VM migration along encrypted disk images keys becomes necessary. Previously, research focus was on the performance of VM migration, leaving security aspects of migration process completely explored. This paper proposes a comprehensive solution for Secure VM Migration (SV2M) in Cloud environment, which ensures authorization, mutual authentication, confidentiality, replay protection, integrity and nonrepudiation with minimal changes in existing infrastructure. We have extended the key manager of Cloud provider and introduced new features for management and storage of keys involved in our proposed SV2M solution. In addition to this, we have integrated the proposed solution with OpenStack, which is an open source Cloud platform used by large community for research in Cloud computing. We also evaluated the security of SV2M system using well known automatic protocol verification tool AVISPA.
Some thoughts on the acquired immunodeficiency sydrome (AIDS)

It has been recently proposed by Jain and Chandra (i) that AIDS may be the result of an opportunistic infection by a retrovirus occurring in the context of nutritional deficits that compromise immunological competence. They cite evidence to show that protein-energy malnutrition is associated with alterations of the T, B and natural killer lymphocyte populations that very closely mimic the changes seen in AIDS. Victims of AIDS are generally wasted and malnourished at the time they present themselves to a hospital. Another association they point out is the effect of zinc deficiency on T cell and natural killer cell populations, both of which are adversely affected. They cite preliminary evidence for the presence of zinc deficiency in AIDS.
Nosocomial pneumonia: pathogenesis, diagnosis, current therapy and prophylactic approach

Pneumonia is the second most common hospital-acquired infection, occurring more frequently in mechanically-ventilated patients, and is the leading cause of death from nosocomial infections. Pathogenesis is linked with oropharyngeal flora aspiration when colonized with Gram-negative organisms either directly from the environment or retrogradely from the stomach whenever the pH is > 4. The main pathogens implicated are Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Routine sputum cultures are unreliable because of contamination with oropharyngeal flora; however, a bronchoscopic protected specimen brush and bronchoalveolar lavage techniques may overcome this problem. A combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics and monotherapy with newer antimicrobial agents appear to be equally effective in treatment of nosocomial infections. The efficacy of prophylaxis after selective gut decontamination in intensive care unit patients, however, has not yet been established.
The effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisone on the serum hexosamine level in acute disseminated lupus erythematosus.

ACUTE disseminated lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease characterized by profound alterations of the connective tissue of the body (1). One of the striking changes is the presence of excess amounts of metachromatically-staining amorphous ground substance, which swells the tissues and separates the connective tissue fibers (2). Klemperer has identified this material histochemically as being composed largely of hyaluronic acid and probably chondroitin sulfuric acid (3). Since hexosamine constitutes approximately 40 per cent of each of these mucopolysaccharides and since serum contains appreciable amounts of bound hexosamine (glucosamine and galactosamine),1 it was deemed of interest to study the levels of circulating hexosamine in acute disseminated lupus erythematosus. The Medical Services of the Mount Sinai Hospital have had the unusual opportunity of studying 20 patients, with acute disseminated lupus erythematosus during the past year, 14 of whom were treated with either cortisone or adrenocorticot...
Perceptual organization of behavior: a hierarchical control model of coordinated action.

The behavior of individual subjects is compared with a hierarchical control system model of behavioral organization. Subjects varied the position of two control handles simultaneously to keep the distance constant between two pairs of lines. Three variations on this basic experiment that illustrate some fundamental properties of coordinated action are shown: first, how independent actions, compensating for unpredictable and undetectable disturbances, can produce a single behavioral result; second, how the ability to produce a particular result is maintained when the connection between action and result is changed; and third, how two independent outputs can appear to be related as coordinative structures when one output disturbs a result being controlled by the other. The correlation between the behavior of subjects and model in all experiments is typically on the order of .99. A detailed examination of the operation of the model shows that actions are structured by perception, not by central commands or equations of constraint. Language: en
Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Structures in Fire: Modeling and Validation

This article presents a thermomechanical model for predicting the behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures subject to simultaneous fire and compressive loading. The model includes a thermal sub-model to calculate the temperature history of the structure and a structural sub-model to predict the mechanical performance of the structure. Both thermal and mechanical properties in the two sub-models are temperature dependent. The effect of heating rate on decomposition is considered through a shift temperature factor in the thermal sub-model. Cohesive elements are incorporated in the structural sub-model to consider the effect of delamination for sandwich panels. The model is implemented by the finite element method and is validated by comparing the numerical results with a one-sided heating test on FRP laminate strips and furnace structural fire tests on FRP laminate and sandwich panels.
Long-term effects of neonatal stress on adult conditioned place preference (CPP) and hippocampal neurogenesis.

Abstract Critically ill preterm infants are often exposed to stressors that may affect neurodevelopment and behavior. We reported that exposure of neonatal mice to stressors or morphine produced impairment of adult morphine-rewarded conditioned place preference (CPP) and altered hippocampal gene expression. We now further this line of inquiry by examining both short- and long-term effects of neonatal stress and morphine treatment. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were treated twice daily from postnatal day (P) 5 to P9 using different combinations of factors. Subsets received saline or morphine injections (2 mg/kg s.c.) or were exposed to our neonatal stress protocol (maternal separation 8 h/d × 5 d + gavage feedings ± hypoxia/hyperoxia). Short-term measures examined on P9 were neuronal fluorojade B and bromodeoxyuridine staining, along with urine corticosterone concentrations. Long-term measures examined in adult mice (>P60) included CPP learning to cocaine reward (±the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist U50,488 injection), and adult hippocampal neurogenesis (PCNA immunolabeling). Neonatal stress (but not morphine) decreased the cocaine–CPP response and this effect was reversed by KOR stimulation. Both neonatal stress or morphine treatment increased hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice. We conclude that reduced learning and increased hippocampal neurogenesis are both indicators that neonatal stress desensitized mice and reduced their arousal and stress responsiveness during adult CPP testing. Reconciled with other findings, these data collectively support the stress inoculation hypothesis whereby early life stressors prepare animals to tolerate future stress.
Biorthogonal Multiresolution Time Domain (MRTD) Analysis for In-Vehicle Communications

Abstract In this paper, we apply a biorthogonal multiresolution time domain (MRTD) scheme based on the Cohen-Daubechies-Feauveau (CDF) scaling functions for vehicle communication applications. We create a car model using a model based on a 1995 Ford Contour Sedan and simulate the field distribution inside of the car model under the frequency of blue tooth.
Fate of upper urinary tracts in patients with indwelling catheters after spinal cord injury

Several modes of urinary tract drainage exist for the spinal cord-injured (SCI) patient, but the use of an indwelling catheter is discouraged. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of our traumatic SCI patients followed twenty years or more since initial injury to compare urinary tract preservation and the incidence of urologic complications in patients with neurogenic bladders voiding spontaneously with those using long-term indwelling catheters. Eighty-one patients with long-term injuries were identified; 73 of them fit the study criteria. Forty-one patients voided spontaneously having a balanced bladder or performing intermittent catheterization or have undergone sphincterotomy or vesicostomy, and 32 had indwelling suprapubic or Foley catheters. Renal function measured by creatinine clearance was similar in both groups: 81.3 +/- 20.2 mL/min for spontaneous voiders and 83.7 +/- 24.9 mL/min for catheterized patients. Review of urinary tract imaging and incidence of complications in both groups was very comparable, with the exception that the catheterized group had a higher prevalence of scarring and calicectasis on radiologic imaging of the upper urinary tracts which was statistically significant. Of the remaining population, in 6 of 81 patients, bladder cancer developed, and they underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion and 2 had proximal diversion alone. Of the 6 patients with bladder cancer, 2 were spontaneous voiders with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) developing. Three of the 6 patients had indwelling catheters: in 1 patient TCC developed, in 1 adenocarcinoma, and in 1 squamous cell carcinoma. In 1 patient TCC developed in a defunctionalized bladder after ileal conduit formation. Based on this study, we can conclude that in select groups of SCI patients, the choice of an indwelling catheter may be made if other methods fail, provided patients undergo regular upper urinary tract imaging and cystoscopy.
The performance of the Global Fund.

In todays Lancet Steven Radelet and Bilal Siddiqi examine the associations between evaluation scores assigned by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria to recipient countries and characteristics of grants and countries. This analysis complements a previous look at the capacity of recipient countries to disburse Global Fund money. The selection of the outcome variable-grant scores and disbursement rates-differed but both analyses included several common programmatic and country-specific variables. Both studies found that poor countries are not disadvantaged compared with middle-income recipients in terms of performance. The fundamental question for both studies however is what does the selected outcome variable measure. Grant performance scores from the Global Fund have several limitations. First the recipients define the numerical targets for each quarter for the progress indicators. The scores do not allow for comparisons of progress across recipients compared with baseline. An A recipient has not necessarily increased coverage of key interventions more than a B1 recipient. Category A represents grants reaching or exceeding expectations whereas B1 covers grants that have adequate performance. Second validation of reported progress against programmatic benchmarks is inherently difficult in countries with weak health-information systems. Progress on delivery of interventions has not been assessed with population-based measurements of the delivery of the interventions funded by the grants but rather on more upstream processes or provider-based data-collection mechanisms. Third the evaluation process is not entirely independent and includes progress monitoring by local agents selected by the Fund. (excerpt)
Verifying and Validating Multirobot Missions

We have developed an approach that can be used by mission designers to determine whether or not a performance guarantee for their mission software, when carried out under the uncertain conditions of a real-world environment, will hold within a threshold probability. In this paper we demonstrate its utility for verifying multirobot missions, in particular a bounding overwatch mission.
Managing practitioners in the entrepreneurship class

One of the strengths of the traditional entrepreneurship class that can benefit teachers in other disciplines is the widespread and highly integrated use of practitioners (e.g., entrepreneurs, business experts) to complement academic instruction. The author draws on published reports codifying an extensive oral history of how practitioners can be best used in the class. Four important aspects of practitioner management in the entrepreneurship class are discussed: (a) identifying the roles that practitioners can serve in a class, (b) enhancing and expanding the search process to find the right practitioner, (c) preparing the practitioner's classroom experience to make it optimally rewarding for the presenter, and (d) managing the actual process of the practitioner's presentation to make it as mishap free and as substantively integrated as is possible.
The Effects of Fatigue Cracks on Free Torsional Vibration of Shafts

The effect of a single-edge fatigue crack on the torsional vibration of shafts is investigated. A generalized variational principle is used to formulate the equation of motion and associated boundary conditions for the free vibration of a nonrotating shaft with a fatigue crack of arbitrary size and location. The fatigue crack is introduced in the form of a single-edge crack. The stress and strain of the cracked shaft are determined by introducing a crack function and a displacement function into the shaft’s compatibility relations. The crack function is designed to have the maximum value at the cracked section and decay exponentially away from the crack along the shaft’s longitudinal direction. A displacement function is constructed to modify the in-plane displacement and its slope near the single-edge crack. The natural response of the free-free shaft is calculated through a Galerkin procedure. The results indicated a clear change in the natural frequencies of the cracked nonrotating shaft.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Amino acid sequence of the constant region of immunoglobulin light chains from Rana catesbeiana.

Abstract Little is known about the detailed structure of immunoglobulins in non-mammalian vertebrates. We have determined the amino acid sequence of the constant region of immunoglobulin light chains from the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. There appears to be one major type of light chain in this species. However, at position 153, about half of the chains have lysine, the remainder having arginine. Variation at this same or at an adjacent position is responsible for allotypic or isotypic variation in human κ and λ chains. At three positions (118, 119, and 181), residues that occur in all known κ and λ chains in other species are replaced in the Rana catesbeiana sequence. One of these unusual substitutions—the replacement of proline by cysteine at position 119—allows the formation of an extra intrachain disulfide bond within the constant domain, between positions 119 and 214. This bond appears to replace the usual disulfide bridge between heavy and light chains so that, in the immunoglobulins of this species, the light chains are not covalently bonded to heavy chains. The sequence of the Rana catesbeiana constant region is compared to sequences of a variety of mammalian light chain constant regions. We consider the implications of these comparisons for the timing of the divergence of λ and κ chains relative to the divergence of the lineages leading to amphibians and to mammals and birds.
On the discrepancy of GFSR pseudorandom numbers

A new summation formula based on the orthogonal property of Walsh functions is devised. Using this formula, the k-dimensional discrepancy of the generalized feedback shift register (GFSR) pseudorandom numbers is derived. The relation between the discrepancy and k-distribution of GFSR sequences is also obtained. Finally the definition of optimal GPSR pseudorandom number generators is introduced.
Gender- and sex-specific sports-related injury research in emergency medicine: a consensus on future research direction and focused application

Title IX, the commercialization of sports, the social change in sports participation, and the response to the obesity epidemic have contributed to the rapid proliferation of participation in both competitive organized sports and nontraditional athletic events. As a consequence, emergency physicians are regularly involved in the acute diagnosis, management, disposition, and counseling of a broad range of sports-related pathology. Three important and highly publicized mechanisms of injury in sports relevant to emergency medicine (EM) include concussion, heat illness, and sudden cardiac death. In conjunction with the 2014 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference "Gender-specific Research in Emergency Care: Investigate, Understand, and Translate How Gender Affects Patient Outcomes," a consensus group consisting of experts in EM, emergency neurology, sports medicine, and public health convened to deliberate and develop research questions that could ultimately advance the field of sports medicine and allow for meaningful application in the emergency department (ED) clinical setting. Sex differences in injury risk, diagnosis, ED treatment, and counseling are identified in each of these themes. This article presents the consensus-based priority research agenda.