cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential transplants using mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells

Modest success has been achieved with the use of high-dose cytotoxic therapy and bone marrow transplantation in solid tumors. Patient outcome can potentially be improved with further intensification of the therapy. The rapid hematologic recovery achieved with mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) may reduce the toxicity of transplantation enabling the use of sequential courses of myeloablative therapy. We report on 42 patients with solid tumors enrolled in a tandem transplant protocol involving the use of PBPC mobilized with cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2), etoposide (1 g/m2), and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF: 10 μg/kg/day). This regimen significantly increased the number of circulating progenitor cells; only 1-2 aphereses were sufficient to collect 2.5 × 108/kg mononuclear cells, our goal for each transplant course. The median number of circulating colony-forming units (CFU) and CD34+ cells obtained for each transplant course were 70.3 × 104/kg and 11.7 × 106/kg, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the numbers of CD34+ cells and CFU measured in the apheresis product (r = 0.49, P = .003). The first transplant regimen given to 38 patients consisted of thiotepa, carboplatin, and cyclophosphamide. The second transplant regimen given to 29 patients consisted of busulfan and etoposide. Hematologic recovery was comparable after each of the two transplant courses. The median time to neutrophil recovery over 0.5 × 109/L and to platelet transfusion independence was 9 and 8 days, respectively. There was no difference in engraftment rates after transplant with PBPC only (n = 28 courses) compared to transplant with PBPC plus bone marrow (n = 39 courses). There was a significant correlation between hematologic recovery after transplant and the number of CD34+ cells present in the PBPC. In conclusion, 1) PBPC are significantly mobilized with this combination chemotherapy and G-CSF, 2) mobilized PBPC result in rapid engraftment after myeloablative therapy, 3) hematologic recovery rates are comparable after sequential PBPC transplants, 4) PBPC alone are sufficient for long-term engraftment, and 5) rapid engraftment after PBPC transplant enables the use of a second course of myeloablative therapy within a short interval of time.
Salty taste deficits in CALHM1 knockout mice.

Genetic ablation of calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1), which releases adenosine triphosphate from Type 2 taste cells, severely compromises the behavioral and electrophysiological responses to tastes detected by G protein–coupled receptors, such as sweet and bitter. However, the contribution of CALHM1 to salty taste perception is less clear. Here, we evaluated several salty taste–related phenotypes of CALHM1 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) controls: 1) In a conditioned aversion test, CALHM1 WT and KO mice had similar NaCl avoidance thresholds. 2) In two-bottle choice tests, CALHM1 WT mice showed the classic inverted U-shaped NaCl concentration-preference function but CALHM1 KO mice had a blunted peak response. 3) In brief-access tests, CALHM1 KO mice showed less avoidance than did WT mice of high concentrations of NaCl, KCl, NH4Cl, and sodium lactate (NaLac). Amiloride further ameliorated the NaCl avoidance of CALHM1 KO mice, so that lick rates to a mixture of 1000mM NaCl + 10 µM amiloride were statistically indistinguishable from those to water. 4) Relative to WT mice, CALHM1 KO mice had reduced chorda tympani nerve activity elicited by oral application of NaCl, NaLac, and sucrose but normal responses to HCl and NH4Cl. Chorda tympani responses to NaCl and NaLac were amiloride sensitive in WT but not KO mice. These results reinforce others demonstrating that multiple transduction pathways make complex, concentration-dependent contributions to salty taste perception. One of these pathways depends on CALHM1 to detect hypertonic NaCl in the mouth and signal the aversive taste of concentrated salt.
High accelerating-gradient accelerator based on magnetic field decay mechanism

The author proposes a novel concept for an accelerating device, where the magnetic field energy is efficiently stored in a specially prepared material by a continuous electric current. If the current drops abruptly to zero, the magnetic field stored inside the material decays, thereby generating an accelerating electric field. A high-current electron beam with relatively low energy propagates through a hole along the axis of a cylindrical field-storage device, sustaining an azimuthal magnetic field in the field-storage material. A theory of the magnetic field diffusion is developed in order to estimate the accelerating gradient whenever the sustaining electric current drops to zero. According to a theoretical calculation, a high-accelerating electric field occurs at the axis, which can be a substantial fraction of a megavolt per centimeter for optimized values of the magnetic permeability and conductivity of the field-storage material. >
Differentiated Overt Learning Activities for Effective Instruction in Engineering Classrooms

Background Similar to other domains, engineering education lacks a framework to classify active learning methods used in classrooms, which makes it difficult to evaluate when and why they are effective for learning. Purpose/Hypothesis This study evaluated the effectiveness and applicability of the Differentiated Overt Learning Activities (DOLA) framework, which classifies learning activities as interactive, constructive, or active, for engineering classes. We tested the ICAP hypothesis that student learning is more effective in interactive than constructive activities, which are more effective than active activities, which are more effective than passive activities. Design/Method We conducted two studies to determine how and to what degree differentiated activities affected student learning outcomes; we measured student knowledge and understanding of materials science and engineering concepts. Results Study 1 showed that students scored higher on all postclass quiz questions after participating in interactive and constructive activities than after the active activities. Student scores on more difficult, inference questions suggested that interactive activities provided significantly deeper learning than constructive or active activities. Study 2 showed that student learning, in terms of gain scores, increased systematically from passive to active to constructive to interactive, as predicted by the ICAP hypothesis. All the increases, from condition to condition, were significant. Conclusions Our analyses of classroom activities in the engineering domain showed that they fit within the taxonomy of the DOLA framework. The results of the two studies provided evidence to support the predictions of the ICAP hypothesis.
Time evolution of electrical degradation under high-voltage stress in GaN high electron mobility transistors

In this work, we investigate the time evolution of electrical degradation of GaN high electron mobility transistors under high voltage stress in the OFF state. We found that the gate current starts to degrade first, followed by degradation in current collapse and eventually permanent degradation in I D . We also found that the time evolution of gate current degradation is unaffected by temperature, while drain current degradation is thermally accelerated.
Virtual Cathode Oscillator Component Optimization

Recent research efforts at TTU include a simple aluminum cathode for E-beam generation in a virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) [1]. As a continuation of these results, we are fabricating and testing several different types of cathodes for the vircator driven by a Marx generator and a pulse forming line (400 kV, 60 ns, 30 ?). The cathodes, each with an emitting area of ~32 cm2, are made from aluminum and oxygen free copper fashioned to similar geometries with either a chemical etch or a CNC machine process. The vircator is tested with all of these cathodes and evaluated for beam voltage, current, and HPM generation. In addition to the cathode testing, several stainless steel and tungsten anode meshes with varying transparencies (50% - 80%) are evaluated.
Trajectory optimization for voltage control via receding horizon control and mixed-integer programming

Voltage instability can be mitigated or avoided by coordination of appropriate control resources. In addition, to meet the power quality requirements, it is desirable to find the whole minimal-cost trajectory using available controls without violating any constraints. This is the trajectory optimization problem and intrinsically hard to solve in power systems because of the interactions between continuous dynamics and discrete or continuous controls. The hard constraints also add to the complexities. In this paper, the trajectory optimization problem is formulated as a mixed-integer quadratic programming (MIQP) problem which can reduce the computation burden. Due to the open-loop characteristics, this formulation will be subject to uncertainty and the system may not evolve as expected. However, the proposed framework embeds the MIQP formulations into receding horizon control (RHC) to compensate for uncertainties such as model error, disturbances, and noise. As a result, reasonable computation speed and improved accuracy are obtained.
NUCLEOCYTOPLASMIC RELATIONS IN A MUTATOR-SUPPRESSOR SYSTEM OF DROSOPHILA ANANASSAE

A partially characterized mutator-suppressor system, previously identified in the ca; stw stock of Drosophila ananassae, was shown to exist in the ca ancestral stock; it consists of a clastogenic mutator of sperm chromosomes and a supressor that functions in the oocyte soon after fertilization. Transmission of these components was monitored by Minute mutation frequencies produced by the progeny of recurrently backcrossed hybrid females derived from reciprocal outcrosses of the ca stock. In this way, the mutator was shown to be an extrachromosomally transmitted element whose propagation depends upon nuclear genes. Suppressivity was found to be determined by nuclear genes, some of which are expressed only after a delay of several generations. Neither the mutator nor its suppressor appear to be infectious. Measurement of dominant lethal frequencies showed that the suppressor is completely effective in repair of premutational lesions induced by the mutator. The properties of this mutator-suppressor system were compared with those of hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.
Electrical activation of endothelium evokes vasodilation and hyperpolarization along hamster feed arteries.

Endothelial cells are considered electrically unexcitable. However, endothelium-dependent vasodilators (e.g., acetylcholine) often evoke hyperpolarization. We hypothesized that electrical stimulati...
Obturator nerve paralysis from radioactive gold; report of a case following injection for carcinoma of the cervix.

I RRADIATION of the parametrium with radioactive colloidal gold is an acceptable method of treatment of carcinoma of the cervix. The following case report is submitted because of the occurrence of injury to the obturator nerve with loss of motor function in the area of its innervation in a patient who received colloidal gold by transvaginal injection. There are no reports in the literature of such an eventuality following this method of treatment.
Spatial-Taxon Information Granules as Used in Iterative Fuzzy-Decision-Making for Image Segmentation

An image conveys multiple meanings depending on the viewing context and the level of granularity at which the viewer perceptually organizes the scene. In image processing, an image can be similarly organized by means of a standardized natural-scene-taxonomy, borrowed from the study of human visual taxometrics. Such a method yields a three-dimensional representation comprised of a hierarchy of nested spatial-taxons. Spatial-taxons are information granules composed of pixel regions that are stationed at abstraction levels within hierarchically-nested scene-architecture. They are similar to the Gestalt psychological designation of figure-ground, but are extended to include foreground, object groups, objects and salient object parts. By using user interaction to determine scene scale and taxonomy structure, image segmentation can be operationalized into a series of iterative two-class fuzzy inferences. Spatial-taxons are segmented from a natural image via a three step process. This chapter provides a gentle introduction to analogous human language and vision information-granules; and decision systems, modeled on fuzzy natural vision-based reasoning, that exploit techniques for measuring human consensus about spatial-taxon structure. A system based on natural vision-based reasoning is highly non-linear and dynamical. It arrives at an end-point spatial-taxon by adjusting to human input as it iterates. Human input determines the granularity of the query and consensus regarding spatial-taxon regions. The methods of concept algebra developed for computing with words [42] [48] are applied to spatial-taxons. Tools from the study of chaotic systems, such as tools for avoiding iteration problems, are explained in the context of fuzzy inference.
Database filters

Several hardware database-searchers for a large number of patterns or keys are presented. These searchers can be implemented by a random access memory and are suitable for VLSI implementation. Application of these searchers as database filters is described; a filter detects all the matched records in the database as well as a few others which don't match. The percentage of these unmatched records that manage to pass through can be reduced to any arbitrary minimum value; this is done, for example, by using several filters together, or passing the output records repeatedly through the same filters. Several filters can be used together by cascading them in series, parallel, and series-parallel fashion. The performance of the filters using iterative approach depends very much on the regrouping algorithms of the patterns/keys. Several such algorithms are presented and their performances compared. A single pass is required if they are pipelined. Hardware organization for different pipelined approaches are also studied. Experiments are performed for all the different hardware organizations mentioned above on an employee-name database. The results are presented in graph forms. They support the usefulness of these hardware organizations as filters.
Transport in curved nanoribbons in a magnetic field

We study the low-field and ballistic electronic transport in curved nanoribbons subject to static and uniform magnetic fields, where the curved nanoribbon is placed between two leads that inject scattering states. The method we present is based on a tight-binding form of the time-independent two-dimensional Schr\"odinger equation in curvilinear coordinates, with electric scalar and magnetic vector potentials included, and it enables a numerical description of transport in arbitrarily shaped curved nanostructures. A description of transport in terms of the scattering-state basis in the presence of magnetic field, together with curvature and possibly misaligned contacts, requires the use of a local Landau gauge. Based on the use of a stabilized transfer matrix method, we compute the conductance and normalized electronic density at the Fermi level for several curved nanoribbons in cylindrical and toroidal geometry, with and without the magnetic field. The magnetic field determines the number of injected propagating modes by affecting the Landau-level energies in the contacts, while a complex interplay between the magnetic field and the nanoribbon shape (both its curvature and helicity) determines the transmission of injected modes.
Material Flow Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Portable Computers

Engineered nanomaterials are finding application in a wide range of consumer electronics. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are candidate materials for use in enhancing the performance of lithium-ion battery anode and cathodes. However, past studies indicate that some toxicological effects exist for CNTs, although full evaluation may yet take time. Appraisals of material flows of potential products containing CNTs are useful for early recognition of environmental problems, for investment planning in production and waste management infrastructures, and for government policy formulation. This material flow analysis (MFA) study uses a stock dynamics and logistic model to forecast the technology transition from conventional Li-ion batteries in portable computers to CNT Li-ion batteries and the subsequent waste generation of CNTs in obsolete laptop batteries. State-specific recycling rates for electronic waste are projected to determine the quantities of CNTs in laptop batteries destined for recycling, in...
Nostalgia Drives Donations The Power of Charitable Appeals Based on Emotions and Intentions

ABSTRACT The authors find that appeals for charity that evoke personal nostalgia will have an effect on the charitable-donation intentions of consumers. In study 1 (with 103 respondents), nostalgic charity appeals evoke higher levels of emotions and donation intentions than non-nostalgic appeals. Study 2 (457 respondents) indicates that this effect is moderated by the consumer9s propensity towards being nostalgic. In study 3 (sample: 186 consumers), the effect of nostalgia emotions and intentions is, in turn, moderated by the importance of the memory evoked. Nostalgia-based charity appeals work better when they evoke important memories for the consumer. The results indicate that advertising/fund-raising professionals can effectively use nostalgia to stimulate donations.
INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDS OF DROSOPHILA HETERONEURA AND D. SILVESTRIS I. COURTSHIP SUCCESS

Drosophila heteroneura and D. silvestris are well-defined, sympatric species of the planitibia subgroup of Hawaiian Drosophila. D. silvestris can be subdivided into two allopatric morphotypes that differ in the number of bristle rows on the front tibia (two rows versus three rows). We measured courtship success of intraspecific and interspecific hybrids as the proportion of females inseminated during a two-week period with a single sib male. Proportions were arcsin-transformed so that the values were asymptotically normal in distribution, and tests of homogeneity and of mean differences were performed. Of key importance is the discovery of genetic variation for the proportion of inseminated females within both D. heteroneura and D. silvestris. The interspecific crosses and the D. silvestris intraspecific crosses also provide evidence for a coadapted gene complex with some dominance or heterosis. This coadapted gene complex correlates with the morphotypes of these flies, rather than with the D. heteroneura/D. silvestris contrasts per se. This observation stresses the importance of recognizing both behavioral and morphological components of the mate-recognition system. The incompatible coadaptation that separates the two-row from the three-row forms also supports recent molecular studies which indicate that the three-row form split from the two-row form prior to the split between D. heteroneura and two-row D. silvestris. The observations of intraspecific variability and coadaptation support the predictions of a genetic-transilience model which explains the origin of a new mate-recognition system in terms of sexual selection in the context of a founder-flush event.
Abstract 1816: Attributable risks for hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States

In the United States, known risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), excess alcohol consumption, diabetes, obesity and several rare metabolic disorders (hemochromatosis, α-1 antitrypsin deficiency, porphyrias). The proportion of risk in the U.S. attributable to each factor separately, and to all factors together, however, is not well understood. To better quantify the risk attributable to these factors, logistic regression analysis was conducted using data from the SEER-Medicare linked database. All persons diagnosed with HCC (n=5,607), with at least 3 pre-diagnostic years of Medicare coverage between 1994 and 2005, were included as cases. A 5% random sample of persons residing in SEER locations (n=190,782) were included as controls. For each risk factor, odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), and attributable risks (AR) with their 95%CI were calculated. In addition to calculating overall risks, risks were calculated after stratifying on race/ethnicity, gender and time period of HCC diagnosis. Among all individuals, the AR of all factors together was 63.3%. The AR among males, however, was higher than the AR among females (64.6% vs. 60.7%, respectively). By race/ethnicity, the AR of all factors together was highest among Asians (67.9%). This AR was followed by that among Hispanics (64.9%), then whites (63.3%) and finally, blacks (53.0%). Among specific factors, diabetes had the greatest AR at 34%, followed by alcohol-related conditions at 24.0%, HCV at 20.7%, HBV at 5.7%, metabolic disorders at 3.1% and obesity at 2.0%. These findings differed by gender and race/ethnicity, however. While diabetes had the highest AR among both males and females, the factor with the second highest AR among males was alcohol-related diseases, while among females; the factor with the second highest AR was HCV. The factors with the highest AR among each race/ethnic group were: whites - diabetes (36.4%) and alcohol-related disease (23.5%), blacks - HCV (31.9%) and alcohol-related disease (20.3%), Hispanics - alcohol-related disease (29.9%) and diabetes (28.0%), and Asians - HCV (31.7%) and diabetes (26.5%). These findings indicate that the current increase in incidence of HCC in the U.S. may be fueled by different factors in different racial/ethnic and gender groups. Overall, controlling diabetes might have a greater impact than any other single factor on reducing the incidence of HCC in the U.S. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1816.
A New Method for Optimizing Systems with Bounded-State Variables

This paper presents a new transformation technique for solving optimization problems with inequality constraints on state variables. An efficient computational procedure is developed to circumvent the complications of existing solution methods, such as augmentation of variables, unknown multi-point boundary conditions, and discontinuities in adjoint variables. The technique has been successfully applied to manpower planning with a nonconvex constraint and to the economical operation of hydro-thermal power plants with multiple inequality constraints on the water storage volume and a fixed terminal state.
An unusual cause of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency.

Testing for ova and parasites was negative, but video capsule endoscopy revealed a tapeworm in the distal duodenum.
Long-term outcomes of the Kropp and Salle urethral lengthening bladder neck reconstruction procedures.

Summary Introduction The Kropp and Salle procedures have shown good short-term outcomes for managing neuropathic urinary incontinence. However, few studies have assessed their long-term results. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of Kropp and Salle procedures, including: dryness, secondary interventions for incontinence or complications, upper urinary tract changes, and use of urethral catheterizations. Study design Consecutive patients undergoing Kropp and Salle procedures at the present institution (1983–2012) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with Results Thirty-eight patients had Kropp (K: 30 boys) and 12 had Salle procedures (S: 8 boys). Patients underwent surgery at similar median ages (K: 7.4 vs S: 8.7 years old, P = 0.51) and had similar median follow-up (6.9 vs 10.3 years, P = 0.10). Most patients had myelomeningocele, a prior/concomitant bladder augmentation (K: 73.7%, S: 58.3%) and catheterizable channel (K: 81.6%, S: 50.0%). Differences in all outcomes between Kropp and Salle procedures were statistically non-significant. The majority of patients did not have additional BN procedures for dryness (K: 84.2%, S: 66.7%). Of this group, K: 81.3% and S: 75.0% were dry for ≥4 h, K: 93.8% and S: 87.5% were dry for ≥3 h between catheterizations ( Table ). Of the minority of patients who underwent additional BN procedures for dryness (K: 15.8%, S: 33.3%), most achieved dryness for ≥4 h (K: 66.7%, S: 100%) and ≥3 h (100% for both). Among patients without an initial catheterizable channel, 57.1% had one subsequently created after a Kropp procedure, and 33.3% after a Salle. Among patients without bladder augmentation, approximately half underwent delayed augmentation (K: 50.0%, S: 40.0%). Ultimately, most patients required a secondary intervention under anesthesia for incontinence or complications (K: 79.0%, S: 66.7%). Few patients developed worsening hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux or renal function (K: 2.6%, S: 0.0%). At the end of follow-up, few patients catheterized per urethra (K: 10.5%, S: 33.3%). Discussion This was a retrospective study without urodynamic data. Originating from a tertiary center, the results may not apply to other clinical settings. Conclusions At the present institution the Kropp and Salle procedures attained similar dryness in 75–81% at 4-hourly intervals and 88–94% at 3-hourly intervals without additional BN procedures. Few patients required subsequent BN procedures to achieve dryness. However, the overall need for secondary procedures during long-term follow-up was high for both procedures. Summary table . Dryness after urethral lengthening procedures. Dryness Kropp Salle P -value Secondary bladder neck continence surgery No ( n = 32) Yes ( n = 6) No ( n = 8) Yes ( n = 4) 4 h or longer 81.3% 66.7% 75.0% 100.0% 0.65 3 h or longer 93.8% 100.0% 87.5% 100.0% 0.50 Overnight 90.6% 100.0% 87.5% 50.0% 0.99
Dislocation After Hip Arthroscopy for Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement Leading to Progressive Arthritis: A Case Report.

Case: We present the case of a fifty-two-year-old man who underwent hip arthroscopy for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement and had an anterior hip dislocation three weeks postoperatively. The patient did not have any of the previously identified risk factors for instability after hip arthroscopy. He underwent revision involving capsular repair and removal of loose bodies but progressed to needing total hip arthroplasty within two years. Conclusion: This case illustrates that even patients without the previously reported risk factors for hip instability are at risk of dislocation after hip arthroscopy and this can lead to rapid joint degeneration necessitating arthroplasty.
Effect of Body Mass Index on Reoperation and Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: High body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased rates of complications after total knee arthroplasty. To date, to our knowledge, studies have examined risk as a dichotomous variable using specific BMI thresholds. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify implant survival and the risk of common complications after total knee arthroplasty using BMI as a continuous variable. Methods: Using prospectively collected data from our institutional total joint registry, we analyzed 22,289 consecutive knees, in 16,136 patients, treated with primary total knee arthroplasty from 1985 to 2012. The mean BMI of these patients at the time of the surgical procedure was 31.3 kg/m2 (range, 11 to 69 kg/m2). The Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to estimate survivorship, reoperations, and common complications, with associations of outcomes assessed using a Cox regression model. Results: Utilizing smoothing spline parameterization, we found that reoperation (p < 0.001) and implant revision or removal rates (p < 0.001) increased with increasing BMI after total knee arthroplasty. Increasing BMI also was associated with increased rates of wound infection (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; p < 0.001) and deep infection (HR, 1.08; p < 0.001) per unit of BMI over 35 kg/m2. A BMI of 35 to 40 kg/m2 was associated with a higher rate of implant revision for aseptic loosening (p < 0.001) and for polyethylene wear (p < 0.001) compared with a BMI of 18 to 24.99 kg/m2. There was no correlation between BMI and risk of venous thromboembolism, tibiofemoral instability, or need for knee manipulation. Conclusions: The rates of reoperation, implant revision or removal, and many common complications after total knee arthroplasty were strongly associated with BMI. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Efficacy of levetiracetam on improving abnormal EEG in seizure-free epileptic children

Objective This clinical study is aimed to investigate whether levetiracetam (LEV) can improve electrocorticogram (EEG) in epileptic children epilepsy patients with better clinical manifestation but abnormal EEG findings.Methods Totally 39 children from our neurological clinic with partial or complex partial epilepsy seizure were included in present study and assigned equally into three groups receiving different treatment:control group,sodium valproate (VPA) group,and LEV group.Their clinical symptoms had been controlled for over one year by carbamazepine ( CBZ),but EEG results showed clearly abnormal.Epileptiform discharges were observed in routine EEG exams half a month before recruiting.After recruiting,they continued to receive CBZ alone (control group) or co-treated with VPA ( VPA group) or LEV (LEVgroup),respectively.Six months later,EEG was taken again and results were analyzed.Results Improvement rate were 9.1％ ( control group),23.1％ ( VPA group),and 66.7％ (LEV group),respectively;Overall statistical difference was reached among three groups ( P＜0.01 ) and between control group and LEV group( P＜0.012 5 ),but no statistical difference between control group and VPA group was reached ( P＞0.0125).Conclusion Co-treatment of LEV in child epilepsy patients receiving CBZ can significantly decrease abnormal EEG discharge frequency during interictal period. Key words: Epilepsy; Levetiracetam; Electrocoricogram; Children
Nervous system sequelae of chemotherapy treatment: Associations and proposed mechanisms.

9652 Background: Breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy often results in neurotoxic sequelae including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and cognitive dysfunction. Although CIPN ...
Scar Management After Surgical Repair of Lateral Facial Clefts

The prevention of scar contracture after surgery is an important aspect of lateral facial cleft repair. Maintaining adequate mouth opening is essential for speech, expression, chewing, oral hygiene and psychosocial well-being. Although there have been extensive reviews of non-surgical microstomia management in patients with oral electrical burns, there have been no reports on the use of oral commissure splints to manage the surgical scar in patients with lateral facial clefts. The case study presented here will demonstrate the clinical use of cheek retractors to provide physical resistance to scar contracture. We recommend early rehabilitation with cheek retractors to minimize scar contracture and the negative sequelae of scarred tissues on the dentition after lateral facial cleft repair.
Reconfigurable SoC FPGA based: Overview and trends

Embedded System Reconfigurability has begun since few years thanks to the FPGA capabilities. Many approaches and methodologies have been adopted in literature. Several tools were proposed to designers, but a big luck of efficiency has been noticed. So several works studied this concept and still looking for the best tools and flow. This paper presents an overview of Reconfigurability concepts and methodologies, presenting a survey about different case applications.
Animal-Assisted Therapies and Dementia: A Systematic Mapping Review Using the Lived Environment Life Quality (LELQ) Model.

Objective The authors mapped the literature on animal-assisted therapies (AATs) and institutionalized adults with dementia onto the Lived Environment Life Quality (LELQ) Model as a guide for future services and research. Method Refereed literature addressing AATs and institutionalized people with dementia was comprehensively gathered, described, categorized, and synthesized in this systematic mapping review. Results From 1,342 screened records, the authors included 10 research articles that incorporated dogs in therapy for institutionalized adults with dementia. These canine-assisted therapies offered occupational opportunities and environmental supports conducive to experiences of relative well-being, occupational engagement, and optimal functioning. Conclusion The findings offer proof of the concept that canine-assisted therapies are feasible and can elicit positive quality-of-life experiences in institutionalized people with dementia. Researchers and practitioners need to elucidate the theoretical foundations of AATs. The LELQ Model may serve as a guide for client-centered, occupation-focused, and ecologically valid approaches to animal-assisted occupational therapy.
The Asymmetrical Influence of Status Change on Helping

The current research examines how status change influences helping behaviors within hierarchical groups. Building upon recent advances on the psychology of status change, the current research propo...
The Proteases of Plasmodium: A Cathepsin D-like Enzyme from Plasmodium Lophurae

A cathepsin D-like enzyme was isolated from erythrocyte-free Plasmodium lophurae by freezing and thawing or extraction with 0.1% Triton X-100. The enzyme, partially purified by chromatography on Sephadex G-100, had a pH optimum of 3.8 with acid denatured hemoglobin as a substrate, and an estimated molecular weight of ~44,000. The crude enzyme was stable to freezing (-70°C) and storage in the cold (4°C) for up to 10 days, but was rapidly inactivated by incubation at 60°C. Proteolytic enzyme activity was inhibited by pepstatin, p-chloromercuribenzoate, phenylmethane sulfonylfluoride, ferric chloride and lead nitrate, but proteolysis was unaffected by iodoacetamide, sodium tetrathionate, EDTA, leupeptin, TLCK and TPCK. The enzyme was capable of digesting hemoglobin only at low pH, but could degrade protein components of erythrocyte membrane vesicles at neutral or slightly alkaline pH values. No evidence was found for the presence of plasmodial alkaline or neutral proteases.
Challenges in Estimating Vaccine Coverage in Refugee and Displaced Populations: Results From Household Surveys in Jordan and Lebanon.

Ensuring the sustained immunization of displaced persons is a key objective in humanitarian emergencies. Typically, humanitarian actors measure coverage of single vaccines following an immunization campaign; few measure routine coverage of all vaccines. We undertook household surveys of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, outside of camps, using a mix of random and respondent-driven sampling, to measure coverage of all vaccinations included in the host country’s vaccine schedule. We analyzed the results with a critical eye to data limitations and implications for similar studies. Among households with a child aged 12–23 months, 55.1% of respondents in Jordan and 46.6% in Lebanon were able to produce the child’s EPI card. Only 24.5% of Syrian refugee children in Jordan and 12.5% in Lebanon were fully immunized through routine vaccination services (having received from non-campaign sources: measles, polio 1–3, and DPT 1–3 in Jordan and Lebanon, and BCG in Jordan). Respondents in Jordan (33.5%) and Lebanon (40.1%) reported difficulties obtaining child vaccinations. Our estimated immunization rates were lower than expected and raise serious concerns about gaps in vaccine coverage among Syrian refugees. Although our estimates likely under-represent true coverage, given the additional benefit of campaigns (not captured in our surveys), there is a clear need to increase awareness, accessibility, and uptake of immunization services. Current methods to measure vaccine coverage in refugee and displaced populations have limitations. To better understand health needs in such groups, we need research on: validity of recall methods, links between campaigns and routine immunization programs, and improved sampling of hard-to-reach populations.
Visual Computational Thinking Using Patch

With the future likely to see even more pervasive computation, “computational thinking” is now being recognized as a fundamental skill needed by all students. Computational thinking is conceptualizing as opposed to programming, promotes natural human thinking style than algorithmic reasoning, complements and combines mathematical and engineering thinking, and it emphasizes ideas, not artifacts. In this paper, we outline a new visual language, called Patch, using which students are able to express their solutions to eScience computational problems in abstract visual tools. Patch is closer to high level procedural languages such as C++ or Java than Scratch or Snap! but similar to them in ease of use and combines simplicity and expressive power in one single platform.
Applying citizen-science data and mark–recapture models to estimate numbers of migrant Golden Eagles in an Important Bird Area in eastern North America

ABSTRACT Estimates of population abundance are important to wildlife management and conservation. However, it can be difficult to characterize the numbers of broadly distributed, low-density, and elusive bird species. Although Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are rare, difficult to detect, and broadly distributed, they are concentrated during their autumn migration at monitoring sites in eastern North America. We used hawk-count data collected by citizen scientists in a virtual mark–recapture modeling analysis to estimate the numbers of Golden Eagles that migrate in autumn along Kittatinny Ridge, an Important Bird Area in Pennsylvania, USA. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of our abundance estimates to variation in eagle capture histories, we applied candidate models to 8 different sets of capture histories, constructed with or without age-class information and using known mean flight speeds ± 1, 2, 4, or 6 SE for eagles to travel between hawk-count sites. Although some abundance estimates were produ...
Shaping long-term primate development: Telomere length trajectory as an indicator of early maternal maltreatment and predictor of future physiologic regulation

The molecular, neurobiological, and physical health impacts of child maltreatment are well established, yet mechanistic pathways remain inadequately defined. Telomere length (TL) decline is an emerging molecular indicator of stress exposure with definitive links to negative health outcomes in maltreated individuals. The multiple confounders endemic to human maltreatment research impede the identification of causal pathways. This study leverages a unique randomized, cross-foster, study design in a naturalistic translational nonhuman primate model of infant maltreatment. At birth, newborn macaques were randomly assigned to either a maltreating or a competent control mother, balancing for sex, biological mother parenting history, and social rank. Offspring TL was measured longitudinally across the first 6 months of life (infancy) from peripheral blood. Hair cortisol accumulation was also determined at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. TL decline was greater in animals randomized to maltreatment, but also interacted with biological mother group. Shorter TL at 6 months was associated with higher mean cortisol levels through 18 months (juvenile period) when controlling for relevant covariates. These results suggest that even under the equivalent social, nutritional, and environmental conditions feasible in naturalistic translational nonhuman primate models, early adverse caregiving results in lasting molecular scars that foreshadow elevated health risk and physiologic dysregulation.
Solar system expansion and strong equivalence principle as seen by the NASA MESSENGER mission.

The NASA MESSENGER mission explored the innermost planet of the solar system and obtained a rich data set of range measurements for the determination of Mercury’s ephemeris. Here we use these precise data collected over 7 years to estimate parameters related to general relativity and the evolution of the Sun. These results confirm the validity of the strong equivalence principle with a significantly refined uncertainty of the Nordtvedt parameter η = (−6.6 ± 7.2) × 10−5. By assuming a metric theory of gravitation, we retrieved the post-Newtonian parameter β = 1 + (−1.6 ± 1.8) × 10−5 and the Sun’s gravitational oblateness, $${{J}}_{2 \odot }$$ J 2 ⊙ = (2.246 ± 0.022) × 10−7. Finally, we obtain an estimate of the time variation of the Sun gravitational parameter, $$\dot{{G} {{M}}_ \odot} {\mathrm{/}}{{G}}{{M}}_ \odot$$ G M ⊙ ° ∕ G M ⊙ = (−6.13 ± 1.47) × 10−14, which is consistent with the expected solar mass loss due to the solar wind and interior processes. This measurement allows us to constrain $$\left| {{\dot{ G}}} \right|{\mathrm{/}}{{G}}$$ G ° ∕ G to be <4 × 10−14 per year.
Now you see them: Self-representation and the refugee selfie

Images of Syrian refugees taking selfies have circulated throughout the news media, yielding a range of responses, from dismay to disgust. An exploration of postcolonial digital humanities methods,...
Relationship between "LDL-C", estimated true LDL-C, apolipoprotein B-100, and PCSK9 levels following lipoprotein(a) lowering with an antisense oligonucleotide.

Background The laboratory measurement of "low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)" includes the cholesterol content of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)-C). Objective To estimate the "true" LDL-C in relation to changes in apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) and assess changes in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) levels in patients with elevated Lp(a) treated with IONIS-APO(a) Rx. Methods A pooled placebo group (n = 29), and cohort A (n = 24, baseline Lp(a) 50–175 mg/dL) and cohort B (n = 8, baseline Lp(a) > 175 mg/dL) treated with IONIS-APO(a) Rx were studied. Lp(a) particle number, ultracentrifugation-measured "LDL-C", apoB-100, total PCSK9, and lipoprotein-associated PCSK9 (PCSK9-Lp(a), PCSK9-apoB, PCSK9-apoAI) were measured. Lp(a)-cholesterol (Lp(a)-C) and LDL-C corrected for Lp(a)-C (LDL-C corr ) were calculated. Results Baseline mean (standard deviation) "LDL-C" was 120 (42), 128 (45), and 112 (39) mg/dL in placebo, cohorts A and B, respectively, whereas LDL-C corr was 86 (48), 96 (43), and 57 (37) mg/dL ( P Rx treatment at day 85/99, Lp(a) particle number and Lp(a)-C decreased –66.8% and –71.6%, apoB-100 –10.3% and –17.5%, "LDL-C" –11.8% and –22.7%, ( P corr increased +10.4% ( P = .66) and +49.9% ( P Rx vs placebo (–39.0% vs +8.4%, P Conclusion LDL-C corr is lower than laboratory "LDL-C" in patients with elevated Lp(a). Following apolipoprotein(a) inhibition and decline in Lp(a) and Lp(a)-C, the decline in apoB-100 is consistent with the notion that LDL devoid of apo(a) is cleared faster than Lp(a). These types of analyses may provide insights into the mechanisms of drugs affecting Lp(a) levels in clinical trials.
Dust-enhanced water escape

New spacecraft measurements show that the dust cycle plays a key role in driving upward transport of water vapour in the atmosphere of Mars and, consequently, Martian water loss to space.
“Adding fuel to the fire”? Does exposure to non-consenting adult or to child pornography increase risk of sexual aggression?

Abstract This article is the first to integrate the vast research literatures on non-consenting adult and on child pornography (also a form of non-consenting pornography) by using the framework of the Confluence Model of sexual aggression. In contrast to the contradictory conclusions reached by various reviewers and commentators who have typically emphasized a particular methodology or parts of the literature, this review finds a great deal of consistency and convergence among the differing methodologies and literatures that have examined the impact of pornography on individuals. It is concluded that pornography use may add to the risk of sexual aggression only for those men already predisposed to aggress sexually due to more primary causes than pornography use.
Effective Managers in Culturally Diverse Environments

Manager Competence in the 21st century must include leading employees from all cultures and backgrounds. This study determined that there was a correlation between cultural intelligence (CI) and transformational leadership (TL) attributes of managers at American Fortune 500 companies. The results also indicated that there was a statistically significant positive relationship between the CI and the TL abilities of managers. The conclusion drawn from the findings provide a new paradigm for the theory of cultures when CI and TL constructs are compared. It was recommended that American Fortune 500 managers continue to extinguish culture-specific biases through educational and workplace integrations.
A One-Class Primer on Logic for Courses in Jurisprudence and Introduction to Law

Teachers of courses in INTRODUCTION TO LAW and JURISPRUDENCE may be looking for a one-class introduction/exercise in formal logic. This short essay covers the basic logic symbols, truth tables, and the question of justifying logic. It is offered free of copyright to my law-school colleagues.
Patient Participation in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Contributions of Alliance and Therapist Technique

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship among patient participation, technique, and the working alliance during early sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Participants in th...
Patients’ Perceptions of Health Information Given by Nurses and Clinicians at Discharge at Chiradzulu District Hospital in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Hospital discharge information is a critical component of preparation to facilitate patient transition from hospital to home. Numerous studies elsewhere provide evidence that patients and families encounter a variety of problems after discharge from hospital such as difficulties with functional abilities and carrying out personal care. These problems are often attributed to having unmet informational needs at discharge. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess patients’ perceptions of the health information provided by nurses and clinicians at discharge. Methods: The study was conducted at Chiradzulu District Hospital in Malawi. A qualitative method of data collection (in-depth interviews) was used. Convenience sampling method was used to select patients into the study. Data was analyzed using Nvivo 9 software. Findings: The study found that most patients were given information by nurses and clinicians on how to perform self-care at home on discharge from hospital. The study revealed that most patients perceived the discharge information as relevant in assisting them with home care. In addition, the study found that most patients perceived it as inadequate. The study also found that the factors that facilitated patients understanding of information were clear explanation of information and use of understandable language by information providers. Barriers included lack of encouragement from information providers to make patients speak, incomprehensive information provided to the patients and patients fear of asking information providers’ questions. Conclusion: Nurses and clinicians should make sure that all patients are given some discharge information to help them to manage their self care at home. Those patients who are at high risk for readmission should be given detailed information.
Some Canned Facts, Figures and Arguments

Whenever farming is discussed, someone will mention that one American farmer now feeds 25 or more other people. “About 30 years ago,” he might say, “one farm worker could produce only enough food and fiber for himself and nine others.” Many fanners certainly have done much to increase their production efficiency. But these figures don’t tell us how much: they are downright propaganda. Sure, they’re often used by people who don’t intend to deceive. And this fact alone should underline the need to set our thinking straight.