cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Realistic 3D Modeling of the Liver from MRI Images

It is increasingly difficult to take care of our health with our fast paced lifestyles. If people were more aware of their health conditions, we believe change would come more easily. The Haptic Elasticity Simulator (HES) was designed so hospitals and clinics could show a patient his or her organ and poke it with a haptic device to feel its elasticity, in hopes the patient will change their lifestyle choices. This paper builds upon HES and improves the visual aspect. We discuss an end-to-end pipeline with minimal human interaction to create and render a realistic model of a patients liver. The pipeline uses a patients MRI images to create an initial mesh which is then processed to make it look realistic using ITK, VTK, and our own implementations.
Democratization and the depoliticization of the banking sector: Are all banks affected equally?

This paper shows that the influence of the dramatic change in political ties of the Indonesian banking sector following democratization varies widely by bank ownership type. Panel estimates using several unique data-sets show that the decrease in political ties over democratization positively influences the performance of government-owned banks while negatively influencing the performance for privately held banks. Results remain robust to a variety of alternative hypotheses and sensitivity tests. This study provides evidence not only of the differential impact of depoliticization, but also suggests that the relationship between political connections and performance may be different based on bank ownership.
COMPLIANCE BIOMONITORING — STANDARD DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION ENFORCEMENT USING BIOMONITORING DATA

ABSTRACT The development and enforcement of chemical water quality standards has been the primary focus of water quality planning, management, and regulation. The typical water quality standard is driven by criteria developed from experimental analysis of biological effects. Recently, this indirect method of protecting aquatic life has been bypassed. Compliance biomonitoring has been encouraged as a method for application of biological standards to effluent monitoring and water quality enforcement. The selection of the biological parameter for which a standard will be developed as well as actually setting a standard of biological condition or performance have impeded the implementation of regulatory programs based on biomonitoring results. The use of biomonitoring data in regulatory activity requires data collection and analysis procedures which must meet stringent tests of statistical reliability, interpretative strength, and regulatory efficiency. This paper reviews the requirements for implementation of compliance biomonitoring, evaluates several methods of data collection and analysis, and suggests a mechanism for selection of compliance measures from biomonitoring data. In contrast to conventional regulatory methods which evaluate standard compliance using only single species toxicity testing or simplified microcosm/community analysis, the basis of our approach to compliance biomonitoring is analysis of hierarchies of biological organization and the reliability of measures available at each level. Emphasis is placed on sampling of systems which vary through space and time, determination of thresholds of effect, and requirements which must be met to assure maintenance of evidentiary standards for legal proceedings.
Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma within a Choledochal Cyst Diagnosed Using Single-Operator Digital Cholangioscopy

Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma within a Choledochal Cyst Diagnosed Using Single-Operator Digital Cholangioscopy
The Circadian Clock Gene Bmal1 Controls Thyroid Hormone-Mediated Spectral Identity and Cone Photoreceptor Function

Circadian clocks regulate various aspects of photoreceptor physiology, but their contribution to photoreceptor development and function is unclear. Cone photoreceptors are critical for color vision. Here, we define the molecular function of circadian activity within cone photoreceptors and reveal a role for the clock genes Bmal1 and Per2 in regulating cone spectral identity. ChIP analysis revealed that BMAL1 binds to the promoter region of the thyroid hormone (TH)-activating enzyme type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio2) and thus regulates the expression of Dio2. TH treatment resulted in a partial rescue of the phenotype caused by the loss of Bmal1, thus revealing a functional relationship between Bmal1 and Dio2 in establishing cone photoreceptor identity. Furthermore, Bmal1 and Dio2 are required to maintain cone photoreceptor functional integrity. Overall, our results suggest a mechanism by which circadian proteins can locally regulate the availability of TH and influence tissue development and function.
Computational and Experimental Study of Thermodynamics of the Reaction of Titania and Water at High Temperatures

The volatility of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in water vapor-containing environments at elevated temperatures is studied with both quantum chemical composite methods and the experimental transpiration method. The geometry and harmonic vibrational frequencies of TiO(OH)2(g) and Ti(OH)4(g) were computed using the coupled-cluster singles and doubles method with a perturbative correction for connected triple substitutions [CCSD(T)]. The B3LYP density functional theory was used to compute corrections to the harmonic approximations. These results were combined to determine the enthalpy of formation. Experimentally, the transpiration method was used with water contents from 0-76 mole % in oxygen or argon carrier gases for 20-250 hour exposure times at 1473-1673 K. Results indicate that oxygen is not a key contributor to volatilization and the primary reaction for volatilization in this temperature range is: TiO2(s) + H2O(g) = TiO(OH)2(g). Data were analyzed with both the second and third law methods using the therma...
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing: A Textile-Apparel Perspective

Today’s textile-apparel industrial complex is characterized by a multitude of conflicting demands: smaller lot sizes, increased product flexibility, higher product quality and decreasing delivery times. The textile/apparel industry must deploy state-of-the-art manufacturing and information management techniques to operate successfully in such a demanding and highly competitive global market. In this context, the role and scope of mechatronics in textile-apparel production systems are discussed with specific examples. The need for techniques and tools such as information engineering, electronic data interchange and knowledge-based systems technology is established and their relevance to the textile-apparel complex is discussed. An overview of major research endeavors including the development of an enterprise architecture, knowledge-based systems and product data standards is presented. Finally, some topics for further research in areas ranging from distributed design and manufacturing to the development of product data exchange standards are proposed.
Reproduction in Reptiles

Despite considerable diversity of reptilian cycles, it is possible to classify those of both males and females into a few broad categories. Most of the available information is derived from the Squamata and Chelonia, with little information available from the Crocodilia and Rhyncocephalia. The following patterns can be observed: 1. Seasonal breeding (discontinuous) with periods of reproductive activity separated by inactivity. Males show most variation in the time of onset and duration of spermatogenesis. Females may be seasonally monestrous (single clutch) or seasonally polyestrous (multiple clutch). This pattern is found in all temperate species and some from the tropics. 2. Acyclic (continuous) with a similar intensity of reproductive activity all year. Species with this pattern of reproduction tend to be tropical in distribution. There is some question as to whether truly continuous breeding in reptiles has been convincingly demonstrated in many species for which it is claimed. However, seasonal changes are much less dramatic than in temperate species, and at least one oviparous sea snake appears to have a continuous pattern of reproduction.
Epidemiology and Control: Principles, Practice and Programs

Infectious disease epidemiology is concerned with the occurrence of both infection and disease in populations and the factors that determine their frequency, spread, expression and distribution. Viruses show characteristic infectivity, virulence and pathogenicity. The most well established host factors are age, sex and race, but other host biological and behavioral factors affect acquisition of viral infection and/or its course and manifestations. The physical, chemical and biological environment operates on the virus itself and may also alter the host biological or behavioral response. Viral infections have incubation periods lasting days or weeks, while their pathologic sequelae may not manifest for years or decades. Likewise the degree or intensity of host response and clinical expression may range from largely inapparent to highly lethal. The degree of cell, tissue and organ specificity is high. Common syndromes involve the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, the liver, and mucocutaneous surfaces. Vertical transmission may produce a variety of congenital and perinatal conditions. Viruses spread by multiple modes, using nearly every bodily surface or fluid as a route of exit or entry, either by direct contact or indirectly through an animal vector or other inanimate vehicle. Different viral Infections occur nearly ubiquitously or sporadically; they may be present continuously throughout a population (endemic) or occur in seasonal rhythm or in unexpectedly explosive form (epidemic). Many viruses are refractory to all known therapeutic agents, while for a few, the increasing number of highly effective agents holds great promise. Vaccines have produced many historical successes including the ultimate goal of eradication, but many viral infections continue to elude effective vaccine development. Major government and private sector programs for treatment and prevention have raised expectations of successful control for certain widespread and serious viral diseases; however, in every case a unique set of scientific, socioeconomic, political and behavioral barriers remains to be overcome.
Lysosomal cholesterol export reconstituted from fragments of Niemann-Pick C1

Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) is a polytopic membrane protein with 13 transmembrane helices that exports LDL-derived cholesterol from lysosomes by carrying it through the 80 A glycocalyx and the 40 A lipid bilayer. Transport begins when cholesterol binds to the N-terminal domain (NTD) of NPC1, which projects to the surface of the glycocalyx. Here, we reconstitute cholesterol transport by expressing the NTD as a fragment separate from the remaining portion of NPC1. When co-expressed, the two NPC1 fragments reconstitute cholesterol transport, indicating that the NTD has the flexibility to interact with the remaining parts of NPC1 even when not covalently linked. We also show that cholesterol can be transferred from the NTD of one full-length NPC1 to another NPC1 molecule that lacks the NTD. These data support the hypothesis that cholesterol is transported through interactions between two or more NPC1 molecules.
Designing Facilities for the Adult Dairy Cow During the Nonlactation and Early Lactation Period.

Improvements during transition, following a blueprint that allows for all cows to eat from the feedbunk simultaneously and have access to a comfortable soft bed, avoiding regrouping stress 2 to 7 days before calving. Approaches to prefresh cow housing have incorporated dedicated pens for cows and heifers, sequential fill approaches in larger herds and all-in-all-out pens to maintain social stability throughout the prefresh or dry period. This blueprint has improved postpartum health and early lactation milk performance.
Kalman filtered compressive sensing with intermittent observations

Abstract Dynamic recursive recovery of a spatially sparse signal from compressed measurements has received a lot of attention recently. For example, Kalman filtered compressed sensing (KF-CS) has been proposed as a technique to estimate a sparse signal and its support set. However, these techniques can also suffer from performance degradation due to measurement loss. In this paper, we quantify the error dynamics in both sparse signal estimation and support set estimation for a KF-CS based strategy in the presence of measurement losses. Using input-to-state stability analysis, we provide an upper bound for the expected covariance of the estimation error for a given rate of information loss. This upper bound in turn allows us to evaluate the critical value for loss in measurements that ensures convergence of error in the KF-CS based algorithm. Simulations are presented to both validate theoretical results and highlight the efficiency of the recursive estimation of a sparse system with lossy measurements.
Fate of the dominant follicle, embryonal survival, and pregnancy rates in dairy cattle treated with prostaglandin F2 alpha and progestins in the absence or presence of a functional corpus luteum

Our objective was to examine the role of progestin type on serum concentrations of progesterone (p4) and estradiol-17 beta (E2), ovarian follicular dynamics, and fertility in cattle in the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) in an estrus synchronization scheme using progestin and PGF2 alpha. In Exp. 1, 325 cows and heifers were given one injection of PGF2 alpha (d 0) and then assigned randomly within parity to five treatments: to receive a second PGF2 alpha injection 14 d later (control); to receive norgestomet (NORG) for 7 d beginning on d 8, with a second PGF2 alpha injection given either 1 d (NORG + no CL) or 6 d (NORG + CL) after insertion; or to receive a P4-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) in lieu of norgestomet at comparable times. Presence or absence of a CL was based on concentrations of serum P4 on d 14. Pregnancy rates after insemination were greater (P < .01) with luteal treatments than with nonluteal treatments. Embryonal survival between two stages of pregnancy was 87.6%. In Exp. 2, ovarian structures in 50 cows were examined daily using ultrasonography and the same five treatments. Diameter of the ovulatory follicle was greater (P < .05) with the nonluteal treatments (NORG and PRID + no CL) than with the control and luteal treatments (PRID and NORG + CL). Replacement of the dominant follicle during progestin treatment was altered by treatment (luteal status) and stage of the estrous cycle. Fertility was not enhanced by exogenous progestins when a CL was present. In the absence of a CL, progestin (P4 less than NORG at the doses used) reduced fertility by increasing E2 and the diameter of the ovulatory follicle and decreasing turnover of dominant follicles.
Contraception in Chronic Kidney Disease and Renal Transplantation

Due to the increase in the chronic kidney disease and transplant population, contraception counseling is essential in preventing unplanned pregnancies during the pre- and post-transplant period. Unintended pregnancy can have devastating effects on both mother and fetus. The physician must work with the patient to find the best method of contraception, taking into account patient preference as well as medical comorbidities. The LNG-IUS is an ideal option for the CKD and transplant patient as it is a first-line method, will help decrease monthly blood loss, and is easily reversible. In addition to the IUD, the ENG-implant is a good progestin-only method due to its high efficacy and ease of use. Individual bleeding patterns may vary but can be treated. Combined hormonal methods may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis, but have higher failure rates. If pregnancy occurs and termination is desired, the decision for an inpatient versus outpatient procedure will depend on the individual’s clinical status. Consultation with a family planning specialist is advised. Most women will not be candidates for medical termination.
The Phase Problem: A Problem in Constrained Global Optimization

It is now almost 200 years since Gauss, a teenager at the time, formulated his famous principle of least-squares and used it to determine, for the first time, the orbit of one of the asteroids, a problem which had defeated astronomers for years. When applied to the crystallographic phase problem, least-squares leads directly to the formulation of the minimal principle, which effectively replaces the phase problem by one of constrained global minimization. Shake-and-Bake, the computer software package which implements this formulation of the phase problem, provides a completely automatic solution of this problem. Shake-and-Bake requires that diffraction intensities to a resolution of 1.2A, at least, be available. Structures having as many as 600 independent non-hydrogen atoms have been routinely solved in this way; the ultimate potential of the method is still not known.
An Empirical Comparison of Statistical Methods for Missing Data in Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Clinical Trials for Chronic Pain and Lipid-Lowering Products

Missing data are uncollected data but meaningful for the statistical analysis due to clinical relevancy of the data for properly specified estimands in clinical trials. Meanwhile the efforts to prevent or minimize missing data are commonly applied in clinical trials, in practice, missing data still occurs. Choosing a statistical method for imputation that deals with missing data targeting specified estimands provides the more reliable estimates of treatment effects. We considered longitudinal clinical settings that have different degrees of missing data and treatment effects, and simulated different missing mechanisms using data from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 confirmatory clinical trials of approved drugs. We compared four commonly used statistical methods to deal with missing data in clinical trials. We find that, when the data are missing not at random (MNAR) with higher missing rates, mixed model for repeated measurements (MMRM) method overestimates treatment difference. Pattern-mixture model estimates were seen to be more conservative in our studies than MMRM given MNAR assumptions, which are more realistic with missing data in clinical trials. We emphasize the importance of prevention of missing data and specifying the estimand based on trial objectives beforehand. The specified proper estimand and the proper statistical method might be key features to value the clinical trial results despite missing data.
Comparison of Low Fixed Dose Versus Standard-Dose Rituximab to Treat Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in the Acute Phase and Preemptively During Remission

Abstract The standard dose of rituximab used in B-cell hematological malignancies, 375 mg/m2 weekly, may be excessive for autoimmune conditions. Successful use of a low, fixed dose of 100-200 mg of rituximab, weekly for 4 weeks, has been reported in the literature in the treatment of autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP). We retrospectively analyzed our rituximab data in aTTP over a 13-year-period for 39 patients, with the aim of comparing response and outcomes with a standard lymphoma-dose course versus a low fixed 100 mg-dose course. Compared to the standard dose (17 patients, 17 courses of 4 infusions), our patients who received a low dose (8 patients, 9 courses of 4 infusions) had a possibly lower baseline risk but did achieve a similar time to remission and number of plasma exchange procedures to remission. Preemptive low-dose courses for ADAMTS13 activity
Undergraduate Students’ Meanings for Central Angle and Inscribed Angle

Contributing to research on students’ multifaceted meanings for angles (e.g., angles as ray pairs, as regions, and as turns), we report on three undergraduate students’ meanings for central and inscribed angles in circles. Specifically, we characterize how these meanings govern their mathematical activities when engaging in a circle geometry task, including their experienced perturbations and reconciliation of those perturbations. Our conceptual analysis reveals that some meanings are productive for students to conceive of a reflex angle in a circle and the correspondence between a central and an inscribed angle, while other meanings are limited.
Delayed window of improvements in skin microvascular function following a single bout of remote ischaemic preconditioning.

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Animal infarct studies indicate a delayed window of cardiac protection after remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC); however, the presence and duration of this delayed effect have not been examined in human microvasculature in vivo. What is the main finding and its importance? Cutaneous vasodilatation induced by local heating or ACh was increased significantly 24 and 48 h after a single bout of RIPC, respectively. Neither response persisted beyond ∼48 h. Sodium nitroprusside-induced cutaneous vasodilatation was not altered. These findings reveal a delayed increase in microvascular endothelial function after a single bout of RIPC. ABSTRACT Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) induces protective effects from ischaemia-reperfusion injury. In the myocardium and conduit vasculature, a single bout of RIPC confers delayed protection that begins 24 h afterwards and lasts for 2-3 days. However, the extent and the time line in which a single bout of RIPC affects the human microvasculature are unclear. We hypothesized that a single bout of RIPC results in a delayed increase in skin microvascular function. Sixteen healthy participants (age, 23 ± 4 years; seven males, nine females; MAP, 82 ± 7 mmHg) were recruited to measure cutaneous microvascular function immediately before a single bout of RIPC and 24, 48 and 72 h and 1 week after the bout. The RIPC consisted of four repetitions of 5 min of arm blood flow occlusion interspersed by 5 min reperfusion. Skin blood flow responses to local heating (local temperature of 42°C), ACh and sodium nitroprusside were measured by laser speckle contrast imaging and expressed as the cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; in perfusion units per millimetre of mercury). Vasodilatation in response to local heating was increased 24 and 48 h after RIPC (ΔCVC, 1.05 ± 0.07 vs. 1.18 ± 0.07 and 1.24 ± 0.08 PU mmHg-1 , pre- vs. 24 and 48 h post-RIPC; P < 0.05). Acetylcholine-induced cutaneous vasodilatation increased significantly 48 h after RIPC (ΔCVC, 0.71 ± 0.07 vs. 0.93 ± 0.12 PU mmHg-1 , pre- vs. 48 h post-RIPC; P < 0.05) and returned to baseline thereafter. Sodium nitroprusside-mediated vasodilatation did not change. Thus, a single bout of RIPC elicited a delayed response in the microvasculature, resulting in an improvement in the endothelium-dependent cutaneous vasodilatory response that peaked ∼48 h post-RIPC.
Clinical and Demographic Risk Factors for COVID-19 during Delivery Hospitalizations in New York City.

Objective This study was aimed to review 4 weeks of universal novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) screening among delivery hospitalizations, at two hospitals in March and April 2020 in New York City, to compare outcomes between patients based on COVID-19 status and to determine whether demographic risk factors and symptoms predicted screening positive for COVID-19. Study Design This retrospective cohort study evaluated all patients admitted for delivery from March 22 to April 18, 2020, at two New York City hospitals. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were collected. The relationship between COVID-19 and demographic, clinical, and maternal and neonatal outcome data was evaluated. Demographic data included the number of COVID-19 cases ascertained by ZIP code of residence. Adjusted logistic regression models were performed to determine predictability of demographic risk factors for COVID-19. Results Of 454 women delivered, 79 (17%) had COVID-19. Of those, 27.9% (n = 22) had symptoms such as cough (13.9%), fever (10.1%), chest pain (5.1%), and myalgia (5.1%). While women with COVID-19 were more likely to live in the ZIP codes quartile with the most cases (47 vs. 41%) and less likely to live in the ZIP code quartile with the fewest cases (6 vs. 14%), these comparisons were not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Women with COVID-19 were less likely to have a vaginal delivery (55.2 vs. 51.9%, p = 0.04) and had a significantly longer postpartum length of stay with cesarean (2.00 vs. 2.67days, p Conclusion COVID-19 symptoms were present in a minority of COVID-19-positive women admitted for delivery. Significant differences in obstetrical outcomes were found. While demographic risk factors demonstrated acceptable discrimination, risk prediction does not capture a significant portion of COVID-19-positive patients. Key Points
A Machine Learning Approach for Device Design from Materials and Operation Data

Abstract Machine Learning allows for the modelling and analysis of complex systems for which little mechanistic knowledge is available and is therefore envisioned as a powerful tool for the development of new designs with applications in engineering problems. In this work, we propose a framework based on dimension reduction, clustering, and self-organizing maps for the modelling and analysis of devices from materials and operation data, from which useful information can be drawn to inform future designs and developments. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach by analysing a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). It was found that out of the 12 input variables studied, temperature, oxygen stoichiometric ratio, and ionomer binder ion exchange capacity are the most influential forachieving high power HT-PEMFC. This framework could be extended as new data becomes available about the different device components.
Clinical Implementation of Lung SABR IMPT Using Two PBS Systems With Different Spot Sizes and Delivery Speeds.

Purpose/Objective(s) Stereotactic Ablative Body Therapy (SABR) is an effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Two different proton therapy delivery systems (Proteous-plus with universal nozzle called P+ and Proteus-one called P1) were employed to test the spot size difference, plan dosimetric quality, and delivery time needed for practical and effective clinical treatment. Materials/Methods Total of 9 lung patients with 10 tumors were selected for this study. Seven targets were prescribed 60 Gy in 10 fractions; three patients were 48 Gy in 4 fractions. A treatment planning system was used to generate treatment plans for each nozzle type with exact same optimization objectives. P1 plans used 4cm range-shifter placed at 45cm from isocenter to create large in-air beam spots to mimic P+ system. The spot sizes were compared to the P+ in-air spots without range shifter. P+ plans used 7cm range-shifter placed very close to patients, i.e., 4cm away, to minimize spot size degradation. Target coverage was optimized and normalized to prescription dose cover 100-percent of GTV and 90-percent covers PTV. Dose to the OARs were compared using QUANTEC metrics. Each plan was split into three subsets to perform volumetric dose-repainting to reduce interplay effect. The plan beam-on times of both systems were obtained to evaluate treatment delivery efficiency and impact of patient comfort. Results The in-air beam spots were comparable between the P+ without and P1 with range shifter. All PTVs were covered by 90-percent prescription dose. OAR doses were comparable and within the QUANTEC limits. The beam-on time of P+ plans are 3 to 6 time of those of P1 plans. When combined with patient setup and image guidance, patient discomfort could lead to higher uncertainty in P+ treatment. Conclusion P1 system with 45cm away from isocenter can effectively simulate a large spot PBS system, P+. Lung SABR IMPT plan qualities between the two systems were dosimetrically comparable. Volumetric dose-repainting were applicable to both systems to reduce interplay effect. However, the plan beam-on and delivery time of P1 system were significantly shorter than that of P+. Therefore, potential less patient movement during treatment leads to less dose uncertainties to patients.
Conflict in the Nile Basin

Satirist Mark Twain once remarked, “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting.” That prophetic statement is truer today than it was during his time (1835–1910) given the spate of shared water conflicts. The conflict in the Nile Basin in which a downstream state, Egypt, and an upstream state, Ethiopia, have been sparring over water rights gives further credence to Mark Twain’s oracular statement.
Performance prediction with benchmaps

Benchmapping is a performance prediction method for data-parallel programs that is based on modeling the performance of runtime systems. This paper describes a benchmapping system, called BENCHCVL, that predicts the running time of data-parallel programs written in the NESL language on several computer systems. BENCHCVL predicts performance using a set of more than 200 parameterized models. The models quantify the cost of moving data between processors, as well as the cost of moving data within the local memory hierarchy of each processor. The parameters for the models are automatically estimated from measurements of the execution times of runtime system calls on each computer system.
The role of high-energy synchrotron radiation in biomedical trace element research

Trace elements are intimately involved in biological function and dysfunction at all levels of biological organization. At the molecular level, trace elements perform innumerable catalytic and structural roles in macromolecules and other cell constituents. At the cellular level, trace elements are necessary for maintenance and regulation of compartmentation of cell function, stimulus-response coupling, gene regulation, etc. Perturbations in trace element homeostasis and utilization at the molecular and cellular level is manifested in many disease states. Biological systems have evolved elaborate and diverse control mechanisms to provide for trace element homeostasis at the sub-cellular, cellular, and organismal levels. These critical functions of trace elements have profound influence on human health and disease states. Trace elements are well recognized as contribution factors in modifying development, aging, oncogenesis, and many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disorders.
Health and Economic Stress

Sociological literature has noted the impact of economic disparities and their connection to both physical and mental health. Sociologists employ a number of measures of socioeconomic status including income, education, occupational prestige, wealth, and debt. Chronic economic stress – including living in poverty or with very low socioeconomic status – may lead to decreased health and quality of life among members of society. Acute problems like residential precariousness, debt, and job loss are also associated with poor mental and physical health. As a discipline, sociology offers a number of theoretical explanations for the connection between economic stress and health. Keywords: health; mental health; stress
Corrosion of Materials by Liquid NaK Coolant in a Nuclear Power System

Corrosion of the primary coolant structural materials in a nuclear power system is a potential concern when liquid metal is used as the coolant. For the current space reactor design, liquid sodium-...
Heregulin Regulation of Autocrine Motility Factor Expression in Human Tumor Cells

The exposure of cells to growth factors has been shown to induce cytoskeleton reorganization, leading to stimulation of cell motility and invasion. Heregulin beta1 (HRG), a combinatorial ligand for human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 4 receptors, is a regulatory secretory polypeptide with a distinctive function in promoting motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. In addition to HRG, motility and invasiveness of tumor cells may also involve up-regulation of expression and function of the autocrine motility factor (AMF). Here we explored the possible involvement of AMF in the motility-promoting action of HRG in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell model system. We report that HRG increases the expression of AMF mRNA by 3-8-fold in an actinomycin D-sensitive manner and does not require de novo protein synthesis. The HRG-induced stimulation of AMF expression was inhibited by specific inhibitors of p42/44MAPK and p38MAPK kinases, but not by an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathway. Other HRG-responsive human cell lines demonstrated that HRG does indeed significantly up-regulate AMF expression. Furthermore, HRG-stimulated increased motility was partially suppressed by inclusion of an anti-AMF antibody to breast cancer cells, suggesting that a HRG-mediated increase in cell motility may be mediated, at least in part, via induction of AMF. The present study is the first demonstration of AMF regulation by a growth factor and suggests a potential role for AMF in HRG regulation of breast cancer cell motility and a novel function of HRG as a regulator of motility factor expression.
The SH2/SH3 domain-containing protein GRB2 interacts with tyrosine-phosphorylated IRS1 and Shc : implications for insulin control of ras signalling

GRB2, a small protein comprising one SH2 domain and two SH3 domains, represents the human homologue of the Caenorhabditis elegans protein, sem-5. Both GRB2 and sem-5 have been implicated in a highly conserved mechanism that regulates p21ras signalling by receptor tyrosine kinases. In this report we show that in response to insulin, GRB2 forms a stable complex with two tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. One protein is the major insulin receptor substrate IRS-1 and the second is the SH2 domain-containing oncogenic protein, Shc. The interactions between GRB2 and these two proteins require ligand activation of the insulin receptor and are mediated by the binding of the SH2 domain of GRB2 to phosphotyrosines on both IRS-1 and Shc. Although GRB2 associates with IRS-1 and Shc, it is not tyrosine-phosphorylated after insulin stimulation, implying that GRB2 is not a substrate for the insulin receptor. Furthermore, we have identified a short sequence motif (YV/IN) present in IRS-1, EGFR and Shc, which specifically binds the SH2 domain of GRB2 with high affinity. Interestingly, both GRB2 and phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase can simultaneously bind distinct tyrosine phosphorylated regions on the same IRS-1 molecule, suggesting a mechanism whereby IRS-1 could provide the core for a large signalling complex. We propose a model whereby insulin stimulation leads to formation of multiple protein--protein interactions between GRB2 and the two targets IRS-1 and Shc. These interactions may play a crucial role in activation of p21ras and the control of downstream effector molecules.
Combustion Toxicology and Implications for Adverse Human Health Effects

Combustion toxicology is basically concerned with a study of the nature of and potential for adverse health effects with products resulting from the heating and burning of materials. Combustion products are multiple, of a wide range of chemical structures, and are variable in absolute and relative amounts from fire to fire and at different phases in the same fire situation. Depending on the nature of the materials involved in a conflagration, the composition of the smoke produced may result in various acute, short-term repeated and long-term adverse consequences. Effects produced include local irritation and tissue injury, incapacitation and systemic toxicity, including lethality. This chapter reviews the incidence and causation of fires, the nature and toxicity of fire atmospheres, factors influencing the generation and effects of combustion products, incapacitating effects, investigation of the toxicological aspects of fires and hazard evaluations. A separate section is devoted to the potential for adverse health effects to fire-fighters from acute and repeated exposures to fire atmospheres; notably respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive and carcinogenic hazards. Keywords: combustion; incapacitation; hypoxia; fire-fighters; trauma; inflammation; irritation; systemic toxicity; carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; toxic interactions; hydrogen cyanide; laboratory studies; epidemiology studies; respiratory system; cardiovascular system; reproductive toxicology; carcinogenicity
Short Term Electricity Load Forecasting on Varying Levels of Aggregation

We propose a simple empirical scaling law that describes load forecasting accuracy at different levels of aggregation. The model is justified based on a simple decomposition of individual consumption patterns. We show that for different forecasting methods and horizons, aggregating more customers improves the relative forecasting performance up to specific point. Beyond this point, no more improvement in relative performance can be obtained.
Generalization of Ackermann's formula for linear MIMO time invariant and time varying systems

This paper deals with the transformation of linear, multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) systems into Frobenius canonical form with the objective of introducing a new, computationally efficient methodology towards a desired pole-placement. Both time invariant and time-varying systems are considered with the classical formula of Ackermann (1972) generalized for both cases. This is the first such application of the formula in time-varying systems. This problem was disowned by many investigators due to its complexity in formulations. The advantage of the proposed technique is that it requires neither the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial or eigenvalues of the original system, nor the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of the transformed system. The contribution of this effect to the numerical efficiency of pole placement is verified. >
Can anatomic level of injury on MRI predict neurological level in acute cervical spinal cord injury

Background. Determining neurological level of injury (NLI) is of paramount importance after spinal cord injury (SCI), although its accuracy depends upon the reliability of the neurologic examination. Here, we determine if anatomic location of cervical cord injury by MRI (MRI level of injury) can predict NLI in the acute traumatic setting. Methods. A retrospective review was undertaken of SCI patients with macroscopic evidence of cervical cord injury from non-penetrating trauma, all of whom had undergone cervical spine MRI and complete neurologic testing. The recorded MRI information included cord lesion type (intra-axial edema, hemorrhage) and MRI locations of upper and lower lesion boundary, as well as lesion epicenter. Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess the relationship between MRI levels of injury and NLI. Results. All five MRI parameters, namely (1) upper and (2) lower boundaries of cord edema, (3) lesion epicenter, and (4) upper and (5) lower boundaries of cord hemorrha...
Evaluation of Sink Effects on VOCs from a Latex Paint.

The sink strength of two common indoor materials, a carpet and a gypsum board, was evaluated by environmental chamber tests with four volatile organic compounds (VOCs): propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol (BEE), and Texanol. These oxygenated compounds represent the major VOCs emitted from a latex paint. Each chamber test included two phases. Phase 1 was the dosing/sorption period during which sink materials (pieces of carpet and gypsum board samples) were exposed to the four VOCs. The sink strength of each material tested was characterized by the amount of the VOCs adsorbed or absorbed. Phase 2 was the purging/de-sorption period during which the chambers with the dosed sink materials were flushed with purified air. The reemission rates of the adsorbed VOCs from the sinks were reflected by the amount of the VOCs being flushed. Phase 1 results indicated that the sink strength for the four target compounds is more than 1 order of magnitude higher than that for other VOCs previously tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The high sink strength reflected the unusually high sorption capacity of common indoor materials for the four VOCs. Phase 2 results showed that reemission was an extremely slow process. If all the VOCs adsorbed were reemittable, it would take more than a year to completely flush out the VOCs from the sink materials tested. The long reemission process can result in chronic and low-level exposure to the VOCs after painting interior walls and surfaces.
Biologic models of neurodegenerative disorders

Publisher Summary In human neurodegenerative disorders, genetic mutations that are identified in familiar forms of disease have served as a starting point for recapitulating the underlying pathological processes in biologic models. The central rationale supporting the development of biologic models is that they enable researchers to apply powerful experimental tools to understand the fundamental biology of neurodegenerative disease. The chapter describes how the mutant forms of genes that are associated with pathological phenotypes have been cloned into transgenic mouse, fly, and worm models. The chapter elucidates that utilizing a mutant gene that has only been shown to be associated with a small fraction of disease cases may yield an incomplete or misleading model. Despite these potential pitfalls, most models of neurodegenerative disease recapitulate some aspects of the disease and enhance our understanding of the disorder. The chapter further explains that the bulk of the evidence supporting the use of these models currently favors disturbances in basic cellular processes that are tightly conserved between vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Detection of bacteriuria by a filter paper inoculating strip.

Abstract A population of female patients with a 10.6 per cent prevalence of urine cultures with more than 100,000 pathogens per milliliter was tested by a filter paper strip inoculation method. The method is technically simple; however, there was a variable relationship between quantitative urine culture and the number of colonies resulting from filter paper strip inoculation. Pathogens were more likely to be detected than nonpathogens. Zero to 10 colonies were considered negative, 11 to 30 colonies doubtful, and more than 30 colonies positive. Confirmation, if desired, should be attempted by a more quantitative urine culture. The predictive value of more than 30 colonies is similar to a positive Gram stain or to a positive modified nitrite test, but filter paper strip inoculation has the advantage of yielding a urine culture in situations remote in time or place from a functioning bacteriologic laboratory.
Topical and oral bexarotene

Bexarotene is a retinoid that specifically binds retinoid X receptors and has numerous effects on cellular growth and differentiation. It is approved for the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma both topically and systemically. Adverse effects include hyperlipidemia, central hypothyroidism, and neutropenia with bexarotene capsules, and an irritant dermatitis with bexarotene gel. With aggressive management of these potential side effects, bexarotene is an additional option in the armamentarium for management of cutaneous T cell lymphoma.
On Teaching about the Coefficient of Variation in Introductory Statistics Courses.

Summary The standard deviation is related to the mean by virtue of the coefficient of variation. Teachers of statistics courses can make use of that fact to make the standard deviation more comprehensible for statistics students.
Quality and safety by design

Rather than continuing to try to measure the width and depths of the quality chasm, a legitimate question is how does one actually begin to close the quality chasm? One way to think about the problem is as a design challenge rather than as a quality improvement challenge. It is time to move from reactive measurement to a more proactive use of proven design methods, and to involve a number of professions outside health care so that we can design out system failure and design in quality of care. Is it possible to actually design in quality and design out failure? A three level conceptual framework design would use the six quality aims laid out in Crossing the quality chasm. The first or core level of the framework would be designing for patient centered care, with safety as the second level. The third design attributes would be efficiency, effectiveness, timeliness, and equity. Design methods and approaches are available that can be used for the design of healthcare organizations and facilities, learning systems to train and maintain competency of health professionals, clinical systems, clinical work, and information technology systems. In order to bring about major improvements in quality and safety, these design methods can and should be used to redesign healthcare delivery systems.
A Staphylococcus aureus Regulatory System that Responds to Host Heme and Modulates Virulence

Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for tremendous morbidity and mortality, exists as a harmless commensal in approximately 25% of humans. Identifying the molecular machinery activated upon infection is central to understanding staphylococcal pathogenesis. We describe the heme sensor system (HssRS) that responds to heme exposure and activates expression of the heme-regulated transporter (HrtAB). Inactivation of the Hss or Hrt systems leads to increased virulence in a vertebrate infection model, a phenotype that is associated with an inhibited innate immune response. We suggest that the coordinated activity of Hss and Hrt allows S. aureus to sense internal host tissues, resulting in tempered virulence to avoid excessive host tissue damage. Further, genomic analyses have identified orthologous Hss and Hrt systems in Bacillus anthracis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis, suggesting a conserved regulatory system by which Gram-positive pathogens sense heme as a molecular marker of internal host tissue and modulate virulence.
Phorbol ester induces the transcriptional stimulatory activity of the SV40 enhancer.

Phorbol ester tumour promoters can induce the transcription of a number of genes1, including c-myc and c-fos2. These genes are part of a group referred to as ‘competence’ genes3,4 because they are expressed very early after quiescent cells are stimulated to enter the cell cycle5–7. The ‘competence’ genes are coordinately induced by serum and by factors such as platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor1,2,8–12. These factors, as well as the tumour promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), are thought to exert their action by a mechanism involving the activation of protein kinase C13–16. It is likely that these factors induce the transcription of the ‘competence’ genes either by activating specific transcription factors or by increasing their intracellular concentration; either mechanism may be mediated by protein kinase C. One approach to identifying such a putative transcription factor is to characterize the cis-acting transcriptional control elements that serve as a target site for the factor. Here we report that, in a human hepatoma cell line, TPA can specifically induce the activity of the simian virus 40 (SV40) transcriptional enhancer element. Since the SV40 enhancer is a thoroughly characterized cis-actitng element17–19, this system may facilitate the eventual identification of the trans-acting factor(s) whose activity is modified by TPA treatment.