cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of late atrial fibrillation in bilateral lung versus heart transplants.

BACKGROUND We compared the incidence of late-onset atrial fibrillation in orthotopic heart transplant recipients and bilateral orthotopic lung transplant recipients. METHODS We reviewed the records of all heart and lung transplant operations carried out in our institution between 1995 and 2015. We performed 1:1 propensity-matching based on patient age, sex, body mass index, and hypertension. Our primary outcome, late-onset atrial fibrillation, was defined as atrial fibrillation occurring after discharge following hospitalization for transplantation. RESULTS Over the study period, 397 orthotopic heart transplants and 240 bilateral orthotopic lung transplants were performed. Propensity matching resulted in 173 pairs who were matched with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and preoperative hypertension. The median follow-up was 5.3 years for heart transplant patients and 3.1 years for lung transplant patients. Late-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 11 heart transplant patients (5 of whom had biopsy-proven evidence of rejection) and 19 lung transplant patients (2 of whom had biopsy-proven evidence of rejection). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the probability of late-onset atrial fibrillation at 5 years was 4.3% for heart transplant patients vs. 13.9% for lung transplant patients (log-rank p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We documented an increased probability of late-onset atrial fibrillation among bilateral orthotopic lung transplant patients compared to orthotopic heart transplant patients. This was a hypothesis-generating study that suggests a potential role for cardiac autonomic innervation in the genesis of atrial fibrillation.
Evaluation of yield and integrity of DNA samples extracted from cord blood segments and red cells fractions using the Maxwell® RSC instrument

Aim The number of cord blood samples received for a variety of applications has increased in our laboratory. This has led us to evaluate an automated method to improve the TAT and yield of the DNA extraction. Our current procedure for cord blood samples requires an overnight incubation that is labor intensive. Cord blood segments and frozen red cell fractions were received from the Duke Cord Blood Bank to help us evaluate the efficiency and yield of the Maxwell Rapid Sample Concentration (RSC) automation recently released by Promega. Method The initial volume of the samples received for the study were; 100 μ l cord blood segments and 600 μ l frozen red cell fractions. The average of the total nucleated cell count was 7.4 × 107cells/ml for the cord segments and 1.6 × 107cells/ml for the red cell fractions. The samples were thawed, RNAse and Proteinase K was added, followed by a 30 min incubation. Then each sample was placed into the Maxwell RSC automation in a designated slot. The Maxwell RSC uses a paramagnetic particle to optimize sample capture, washing, and purification by a cellulose-based binding of nucleic acids. The final elution volume was determined to be 100 μ l and the equipment Blood Protocol was used for all extractions. The total time for the extraction is 35 min (hands off). HLA typing were performed using; RT-PCR, Luminex, SSP and SBT. Results Nine samples were isolated by Maxwell RSC (six cord blood and three cell fractions). The DNA yield from the cord segments ranged from 130 ng/ μ l to 477 ng/ μ l with the total average yield of 34 μ g. The red cells fraction range was from 424 ng/ μ l to 715 ng/ μ l with the total average yield of 50 μ g. The 260/280 OD ratios were within 1.8–2.0 for both sample sources. Each DNA extraction had its integrity evaluated with low melting agarose gel electrophoresis. The three DNA samples were typed by all of our routine HLA typing methodologies generated successful HLA typing. Conclusion The Maxwell RSC appears to have high quality results, easy and reliable operation, flexible protocol, and it reduces the TAT for our laboratory to obtain the DNA from cord blood samples requiring HLA typing.
Radioimmunoassay studies of human phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase.

5-Phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), an intermediate in the synthesis of purine, pyrimidine and pyridine nucleotides, is synthesized from ATP and ribose-5-P in a magnesium- and inorganic phosphate-requiring reaction catalyzed by PRPP synthetase. Activity of PRPP synthetase is subject to inhibition by a variety of small molecule effectors including reaction products, purine and pyrimidine nucleo — tides, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate.1,2 Human PRPP synthetase is composed of a single polypeptide subunit3 the structural gene for which maps to the long arm of the X-chromosome,4 The PRPP synthetase sub-unit is capable of reversible self-association3,5 to forms containing 2,4,8,16 and 32 subunits, only the largest two of which contain significant enzyme activity.6 Aggregation and disaggregation of PRPP synthetase subunits are concentration-dependent and effect-mediated processes6 which may in part underlie the regulation of intracellular PRPP synthesis.
Supporting Global Health at the Pediatric Department Level: Why and How.

* Abbreviations: GH — : global health LMIC — : low- and middle-income country Over the past 20 years, involvement in pediatric global health (GH), the study and practice of improving the health of children worldwide, has evolved from an extracurricular activity to a robust academic pursuit that enhances the clinical, educational, and research missions of academic health centers (Fig 1). As evidenced by the paradigm shift laid out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on the health of all people worldwide, GH is no longer a field constrained by arbitrary borders.1 Likewise, pediatric departments seeking to expand knowledge, train pediatricians, or improve care for children through research and innovation must be concerned with the health of all children and addressing health equity, which by definition, implies GH work.2 This article aims to provide pediatric department leadership with the background and action steps necessary to respond to the call that support for GH should not be a luxury limited to a few elite institutions but a core part of pediatric education and research across the country.3 FIGURE 1 Global child health and the 3-legged stool of academic health centers’ missions. ### Respond to Educational Demand Trainee interest in GH continues to grow, and recent accounts indicate that nearly one-third of medical students and one-fifth of pediatric residents participate in a GH experience during … Address correspondence to Michael B. Pitt, MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, 2450 Riverside Ave, M653, Minneapolis, MN 55446. E-mail: mbpitt{at}umn.edu
What Makes an Effective Mentor: A Cross-Cultural (BRIC) Comparison

Research shows the professional benefits of strong mentoring relationships. However, the majority of the extant mentoring research is either mentor-centric or Western-oriented. Even with the increasing trend of protege-centric research, relatively little research exists that examines mentoring in India and what proteges from that country would most desire from the mentoring relationship and their mentors. This chapter uses the countries in the emerging economies group represented by the acronym BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China), combined with Hofstede’s classification system for cross-cultural comparisons. Findings from mentoring studies from countries economically and culturally similar to India are then generalized to suggest criteria Indian proteges would find most appealing in their mentors. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of future areas for research on mentoring in India.
Chlamydia pneumoniae and asthma and atherosclerosis: role of macrolides

Chlamydia pneumoniae was first described as a respiratory tract pathogen by Grayston and colleagues in 1986 [1]. The genus Chlamydiae is a group of obligate intracellular parasites that have a unique developmental cycle with morphologically distinct infectious and reproductive forms. All members of the genus have a gram-negative envelope without peptidoglycan, share a genus-specific lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen, and utilize host ATP for the synthesis of chlamydial protein. The genus now contains four species: Chlamydia psittaci, C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. pecorum. Macrolide antibiotics have long been used for treatment of infections due to C. trachomatis, and, by extrapolation, they have been used for treatment of C. pneumoniae infections. Macrolide antibiotics, especially the newer agents, have a number of properties that make them ideal agents for the treatment of infections due to intracellular pathogens such as C. pneumoniae. They achieve high concentrations in tissue and cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. These drugs also have long half-lives in tissue, allowing once-daily dosing and shorter duration of therapy. However, data on the treatment of even respiratory infection due to C. pneumoniae is limited. Although currently available macrolides have good activity against C. pneumoniae in vitro, the majority of published treatment studies have relied on serologic diagnosis, and thus microbiological efficacy has not been assessed [2].
Physical Health, Food Security, and Economic Well-Being: The Rural Perspective

In this chapter authors discuss how health issues impact the ability to maintain employment. Poverty is associated with a wide variety of increased health risks contributing to lower economic status. Health care services are more limited in rural areas, decreasing the likelihood that families will get preventative or timely care. Rural Families Speak (RFS) findings highlight the health challenges of family members, which interfere with the ability of low-income mothers to seek, obtain, and maintain employment. The core findings of RFS research focusing on physical health and food insecurity of rural low-income families are presented.
The Relationship Between Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Airflow Obstruction in US Children: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012)

Background It has been difficult to determine the individual impact of prenatal and postnatal tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) on childhood lung function, as children are often exposed to both. Objective The goal of this study was to determine the association between current TSE and airflow obstruction while adjusting for self-reported prenatal TSE. Methods Children aged 6 to 11 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012) who had serum cotinine levels measured and spirometry performed were included. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between log-transformed serum cotinine level and airflow obstruction while adjusting for confounders; the analysis was then stratified according to asthma status. The final model included both log-transformed serum cotinine level and prenatal exposure as covariates. Results The sample consisted of 2,070 children; 9.6% had airflow obstruction. The association between cotinine levels and airflow obstruction was significant in an unadjusted analysis (OR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02-1.23]). In the multivariate analysis with both exposures included as covariates, serum cotinine level was not significantly associated with airflow obstruction (OR adj , 1.07 [95% CI, 0.94-1.21]), and no association was seen in children with asthma and nonasthmatic children. Prenatal smoking was associated with airflow obstruction in children with asthma (OR adj , 2.51 [95% CI, 1.08-5.79]) but not in nonasthmatic children (OR adj , 1.08 [95% CI, 0.53-2.18]). Conclusions Current TSE was not independently associated with airflow obstruction in school-aged children. Prenatal TSE was associated with airflow obstruction in children with asthma. Repeated studies into potential mediators and confounders of this relationship are needed.
Cardiovascular Complications of Cancer Therapeutics

Cardiovascular disease represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients and cancer survivors. This chapter covers the cardiovascular toxicities as a result of drugs used in the treatment of cancer. Complications seen with such treatment regimens can include cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, and hypertension. We specifically review the incidence of cardiotoxicities associated with each drug, as well as the patient risk factors, manifestation of disease, and where applicable insights into the mechanism of cardiovascular damage. We also discuss specific strategies for reducing the incidence and severity of cardiovascular complications associated with cancer therapeutics. In addition, we discuss the opportunity for discovery afforded by cardiovascular complications that arise in patients developing cardiotoxicities associated with novel, molecularly targeted cancer therapeutics. Studying the mechanisms of such toxicities may have the dual benefit of devising strategies to eliminate cardiovascular disease as a barrier to effective therapy and also may provide insights into molecular pathways that are critical in the regulation of the human cardiovascular system whose identities were previously unappreciated.
Changes in amygdala, cerebellum, and nucleus accumbens volumes in bipolar patients treated with lamotrigine.

Abstract The neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of lamotrigine in bipolar depression are still unexplored. This preliminary study compares the effects of a 12-week treatment with lamotrigine on brain volumes in adults with bipolar disorder (BD).12 BD type II patients (age: 49.33 ± 9.95 years, 3 males, 9 females) and 12 age and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) (HC; age: 41 ± 8.60 years, 3 males, 9 females). BD patients were initially administered 25 mg/day of lamotrigine, which was progressively escalated to 200 mg/d. BD participants underwent brain imaging prior to and following lamotrigine treatment. A 50% reduction in depressive scores indicated “remission”. Bayesian general linear models controlled for age, gender and intracranial volume were used to examine changes in relevant brain region following treatment. A posterior probability > 0.90 indicated evidence that there was an effect of diagnosis or remission on brain volumes. Probability distributions of interaction effects between remission and time indicated that BD responders displayed decreased amygdala, cerebellum and nucleus accumbens volumes following lamotrigine treatment. No serious adverse side effects were reported. The antidepressant effects of lamotrigine may be linked to volumetric changes in brain regions involved in mood and emotional regulation. These findings are preliminary and replication in a larger sample is warranted.
The Hearing Mechanism: A Guide for Laymen

Can you hear a whispered voice? Can you hear different types of sound, such as a conversation or music? Everyone with normal ears should answer, “Yes, I can hear these sounds”. Nevertheless, since 1837, science has tried to answer two important questions: how do human ears allow us to hear faint sounds, such as a whispered voice, and how do they allow us to hear sounds at various frequencies? The famous German scientist Helmholtz [1] (1821–1894) attempted to answer these two questions by examining the sensitivity of the ear and its analysis of sound. The human ear consists of the outer, middle, and inner ears (Fig.1). The middle ear plays an important role in the sensitivity of the ear, while the inner ear analyzes sound.
SECONDARY BATTERIES – LITHIUM RECHARGEABLE SYSTEMS | Lithium–Organic Sulfur

Lithium–organodisulfide cells are a relatively recent topic of interest to the community of electrochemical energy conversion. These cells have been receiving attention since 1990, and have made gradual progress. These cells are still in the laboratory stages of development, with new positive electrode materials being reported every year. They offer hope of a low-cost positive electrode that is environmentally benign. There is the possibility of achieving cell specific energy values of perhaps 200–250 Wh kg−1. The development needs include lower solubility of the discharge products in the electrolyte, higher electrochemical reaction rates for the organodisulfides, and low cost. Candidate applications include portable electronic devices, backup power, and perhaps vehicle propulsion.
Intensive Care Unit Model of Modern Hospital: Genomically Oriented and Biology-Based

Despite modern advances in technology and our understanding of biology, current critical care can be characterized as imprecise. Although evidence-based clinical outcome research can serve as a “guide” to best practices in critical care, emerging technology in bioinformatics and the genetic basis of disease must service as a platform upon which critical care treatment plans can be tailored to the individual patient. Enthusiasm and progress in genomically oriented medicine should be modeled after early success observed in other areas of medicine such as oncology, psychiatry, pulmonology, and cardiology where the genetic basis of disease has led to precise algorithms for treatment based upon individualized patient biology as opposed to disease pathophysiology.
The Hidden Structure: The Influence of Residence Hall Design on Academic Outcomes

This study investigates the impact of residence hall architecture on students’ academic achievement, also considering the influence of race and homophily opportunity—a tendency to create social bon...
Robustness of Finite-Time Distributed Control Algorithm with Time Transformation

The focus of this paper is distributed control of multiagent systems in a-priori given, user-defined finite-time interval using a recently developed time transformation approach. In particular, we utilize a time transformation function to convert a user-defined finite-time interval to a stretched infinite-time interval such that a distributed control algorithm can be designed on this stretched interval and then it can be transformed back to the original finite-time interval in order to satisfy a given multiagent system objective. In addition, the robustness of the resulting finite-time distributed control algorithm against vanishing and non-vanishing system uncertainties is also discussed. In contrast to existing finite-time approaches, the presented algorithm can preserve apriori given, user-defined finite-time convergence regardless of the initial conditions of the multiagent system and without the need for a knowledge of the upper bounds of the considered system uncertainty classes.
Heat Exposure and Occupational Injuries: Review of the Literature and Implications.

The burden of heat-related adverse occupational health effects, as well as traumatic injuries, is already substantial. Projected increases in mean temperatures and extreme events may increase the risk of adverse heat health effects and enhance disparities among exposed workers. This article reviews the emerging literature on the relationship between heat exposure and occupational traumatic injuries and discusses implications of this work. A recent meta-analysis of three case-crossover and five time series studies in industrialized settings reported an association of increasing occupational injuries with increasing heat exposure, with increased effect estimates for male gender and age less than 25 years, although heterogeneity in exposure metrics and sources of bias were demonstrated to varying degrees across studies. A subsequent case-crossover study in outdoor construction workers reported a 0.5% increase in the odds of traumatic injuries per 1 °C increase in maximum daily humidex (odds ratio 1.005 [95% CI 1.003–1.007]). While some studies have demonstrated reversed U-shaped associations between heat exposure and occupational injuries, different risk profiles have been reported in different industries and settings. Studies conducted primarily in industrialized settings suggest an increased risk of traumatic injury with increasing heat exposure, though the exact mechanisms of heat exposure’s effects on traumatic injuries are still under investigation. The effectiveness of heat-related injury prevention approaches has not yet been established. To enhance the effectiveness of prevention efforts, prioritization of approaches should take into account not only the hierarchy of controls, social-ecological models, community and stakeholder participation, and tailoring of approaches to specific local work settings, but also methods that reduce local and global disparities and better address the source of heat exposure, including conservation-informed land-use planning, built environment, and prevention through design approaches. Participation of occupational health experts in transdisciplinary development and integration of these approaches is needed.
Referrals for Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone to Pediatric Endocrinologists

Objective We aimed to determine the reproducibility of TSH testing in pediatric patients referred to pediatric endocrinologists and to identify the threshold TSH levels that would predict the presence of antithyroid autoantibodies and inform decisions by pediatric endocrinologists to initiate or continue treatment with levothyroxine. Study design We analyzed a retrospective case series of 325 children aged 1 to 18 years referred for hypothyroidism to the endocrinology clinic at a tertiary care children's hospital. The receiver operating characteristic area under curve (AUC) determined the ability of the initial TSH level to predict pediatric endocrinologists' treatment decisions, presence of thyroid autoantibodies, and reproducibility of elevated TSH on repeat testing. Results Of 325 patients, 191 were treated. The treated patients were more likely to have had a higher referral TSH, positive autoantibodies, and abnormal thyroid gland examination findings. An initial TSH of 5 had a specificity of only 14% for a repeat TSH of ≥5. An initial TSH level of 11 had a specificity of 90% for a repeat TSH of ≥11, with sensitivity of 90%. TSH was a relatively poor predictor (AUC, 0.711) of the presence of autoantibodies with optimal classification at TSH >8.8 mIU/L. It was better (AUC, 0.878) at predicting whether endocrinologists started or continued treatment with levothyroxine, with optimal classification at 8.2 mIU/L. TSH levels combined with antibody status and thyroid examination findings had the best ability to predict treatment (AUC, 0.930). Conclusions TSH levels slightly above the reference range should not prompt referral to pediatric endocrinologists unless another basis for clinical concern is present.
Gender and Racial/Ethnic Variation in Obesity Severity across the Pediatric Lifespan

Background: Pediatric obesity remains a significant public health issue within the U. S., affecting up to 17% of children. Given ongoing evidence of increased health risks associated with increasing severity of obesity, efforts have been made to better define and characterize this higher risk pediatric cohort. This study examines trends in the degree of obesity by sex and race/ethnicity across the pediatric lifespan to characterize a contemporary cohort of children with obesity receiving care in the community-based setting. Methods: We utilized data from a large and diverse population cohort …
A Study of Unsupervised Classification Techniques for Hyperspectral Datasets

This work extensively studies and analyses several unsupervised clustering methods for hyperspectral data. We look at unsupervised classification solutions that accomplish adaptive cluster formation in anticipation for new data discoveries. We provide qualitative and quantitative answers to significant problems like high-dimensionality of hyperspectral datasets, multiple sources and relative amounts of existing noise in data and low class separability. The effectiveness of various clustering techniques is illustrated on diverse hyperspectral datasets by intensive experimentation, comparison between techniques and analysis.
Pattern Formation of Ordinary States

This chapter considers human pattern formation systems for which pattern formation takes place in their ordinary states. Recall that the ordinary state is given by the brain state and variables describing force production as well as position and movement of the body and limbs. Pattern formation of ordinary states implies that the formation of patterns does not affect the structure of those systems. With respect to the system classes introduced in Chap. 5 (see Fig. 5.5) this further implies that we are dealing with A1 systems and all B systems. However, in fact, while the pattern emerges in an appropriately defined ordinary state and, consequently, the pattern does not involve structure components, the structure is not necessarily fixed. In particular, external forces may affect the structure of the systems under consideration in order to induce bifurcations that lead to the formation of BA and BBA patterns. Therefore, not only A1 systems and B systems are considered but also D0 and D2 systems. D1 and D3 systems are considered when considering single events of pattern formation (which will be explained in more detail in the sections below).
The forms of abstraction: W.S. Graham and Bryan Wynter

This article explores ideas of abstraction developed in the visual art and poetry produced in the artistic centre of St Ives in Cornwall during the mid-twentieth century. The first part briefly exp...
An Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen Elicits Antibodies Endowed with Group 1 Heterosubtypic Breadth against Swine Influenza Viruses

Computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens (COBRA) designed for different influenza virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1) elicit a subtype-specific broad antibody (Ab) response in naive as well as in preimmune influenza virus animal models ([1][1][–][2][9][3]). In particular, an H1
Antitrust Around the World: An Empirical Analysis of the Scope of Competition Laws and Their Effects

This paper investigates a dataset that codes key features of the competition laws of 102 countries. It first compares the scope of the laws overall, and of various subcomponents such as the law governing dominance, collusive conduct, and mergers. The second question examined in this paper is whether competition law has any effect on the intensity of competition within a nation. We find, in ordinary least squares regressions, that the scope of a country's competition law is positively associated with the perceived intensity of competition in the country's economy. However, we find no evidence that the scope of competition law is positively associated with an objective proxy of the intensity of competition. Moreover, instrumental variables regressions, though preliminary, do not indicate that the scope of competition law affects the perceived intensity of competition.
Primary repair of severely retracted nonchronic distal biceps tendon rupture using 2-incision anterior-approach repair.

Background Primary repair of a severely retracted distal biceps tendon can pose a technical challenge. We sought to describe the method and clinical outcomes of a surgical technique used as an adjunct to the conventional anterior single-incision repair for severely retracted biceps tendons. This technique involves a second anterior incision proximally to retrieve a severely retracted tendon followed by passing the tendon through a soft-tissue tunnel. Methods We identified 30 consecutive patients who had undergone a primary distal biceps tendon repair by an anterior-approach cortical-button technique. A phone survey was conducted for patient-reported outcomes. Patients returned for bilateral forearm supination strength testing in 2 positions (45o of pronation and 45o of supination). Outcomes were compared between patients who required a second incision and high elbow flexion (>60o) because of severe tendon retraction and those who did not require such interventions. Results No significant differences in elbow range of motion, supination strength, or patient-reported outcomes were found between the 2 groups of patients (P > .05). Regarding supination strength, the operated side was significantly weaker than the uninjured side in both pronated and supinated positions (P Conclusions Severely retracted distal biceps tendons can be successfully repaired using a second incision and high elbow flexion without negative effects on the outcomes. Supination strength was decreased following an anterior-approach cortical-button technique, but patient-reported outcomes were not affected negatively.
Case Report of an Isolated Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Dislocation in a Professional Ice Hockey Player.

Introduction Dislocations of the proximal tibiofibular joint are an uncommon injury but have been reported in a variety of different athletes. Treatment and rehabilitation ofthese cases have ranged significantly across the reported cases. Case report The present case describes a 23-year-old male professional hockey player who suffered an isolated anterior dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Spontaneous reduction occurred several days following the injury; however, instability and subluxation continued and screw fixation was required. Ultimately the patient returned to competition at a professional level 3 months following the injury. Conclusion The case illustrates the possibility ofpersistent instability of an isolated proximal tibiofibular joint injury, and also the successful treatment of this by fixation with a single screw. This fixation proved to alleviate pain and allow for a return to weight-bearing activities and professional athletic competition.
Sci-athon: Promoting Interdisciplinary Science and Peer Learning with Adrenaline and Pizza

Sci-athon is a collaborative event for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars designed to harness diverse scientific backgrounds toward solving global issues in chemistry. The last 2 years have yielded surprisingly different versions of this annual competition.
Changes in infant non-nutritive sucking throughout a suck sample at 3-months of age

The goal of this study was to compare how infants' non-nutritive suck (NNS) changes throughout a suck sample. Fifty-four full-term infants (57% male) completed this study at, on average, 3.03 (SD .31) months of age. These infants sucked on our custom research pacifier for approximately five minutes. Infants produced, on average, 14.50 suck bursts during the sample. NNS data was pooled across subjects and breakpoint analyses were completed to determine if there were changes in their NNS patterning. Breakpoints were evident for NNS cycles per burst at burst numbers 18 and 34, and for amplitude (cmH20) at burst numbers 18 and 29. No breakpoints were present for NNS frequency. Infants exhibit changes in their suck physiology across burst number. When assessing suck, developmental specialists should observe more than one suck burst to attain a more valid and appropriate scope of the infant's suck ability.
Platelets secrete a coagulation inhibitor functionally and antigenically similar to the lipoprotein associated coagulation inhibitor

Stimulation with thrombin or the calcium ionophore, A23187 caused human platelets to release a coagulation inhibitor similar to the Lipoprotein Associated Coagulation Inhibitor (LACI). This was documented functionally, with clotting assays measuring tissue factor inhibition and factor Xa inhibition, as well as immunologically, in a competitive immunoassay. The total amount of LACI released by 3 x 10(8) platelets after two hours stimulation was 7% to 8% of the amount found in 1 mL of serum. Half of the LACI was released by five minutes. The LACI was present in the platelet supernatant and was not associated with the platelet membrane or shed vesicles. The tissue factor and factor Xa inhibitory activities that were released were neutralized by preincubating the platelet supernatants with specific rabbit polyclonal anti-LACI IgG. On Western blot, platelet LACI appeared to run as a doublet with a molecular weight (mol wt) 45,000 to 47,000. Blood samples obtained from the site of a wound (template bleeding time) demonstrated a progressive increase in LACI concentration. A cDNA probe, derived from endothelial cell LACI cDNA, hybridized selectively to 4.0 and 1.4 kb transcripts in a preparation of platelet mRNA.
REWRITING THE GESTA NORMANNORUM DUCUM IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY: SIMON DE PLUMETOT'S BREVIS CRONICA COMPENDIOSA DUCUM NORMANNIE

This article is dedicated to Liesbeth van Houts, editor of the Gesta Normannorum ducum, generous mentor, colleague, and friend. This article offers an analysis, edition, and translation of the Brevis cronica compendiosa ducum Normannie, a historiographical account of the dukes of Normandy and their deeds, written at the turn of the fifteenth century by the Norman jurist and man of letters, Simon de Plumetot (1371–1443). Having all but escaped the attention of modern scholars, this study is the first to examine and publish the Brevis cronica. It not only demonstrates that the work is of greater importance than its rather scrappy form might at first suggest, but it also looks to place the text within the broader context of Simon's literary and bibliophilic practices and to determine its raison d’etre. In doing so, it argues that the Brevis cronica was perhaps created as part of a much larger historiographical project, namely an extended chronicle of Normandy, written in the vernacular, the text of which is now lost. By exploring these important issues, the article sheds new light on a wide range of topics, from early humanist book collecting to the writing of history in France in the later Middle Ages.
Quantifying the variation in neonatal transport referral patterns using network analysis.

OBJECTIVE Regionalized care reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the association of patient characteristics with quantitative differences in neonatal transport networks. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data for infants <28 days of age acutely transported within California from 2008 to 2012. We generated graphs representing bidirectional transfers between hospitals, stratified by patient attribute, and compared standard network analysis metrics. RESULT We analyzed 34,708 acute transfers, representing 1594 unique transfer routes between 271 hospitals. Density, centralization, efficiency, and modularity differed significantly among networks drawn based on different infant attributes. Compared to term infants and to those transported for medical reasons, network metrics identify greater degrees of regionalization for preterm and surgical patients (more centralized and less dense, respectively [p < 0.001]). CONCLUSION Neonatal interhospital transport networks differ by patient attributes as reflected by differences in network metrics, suggesting that regionalization should be considered in the context of a multidimensional system.
Activation Volume in Shear-Driven Chemical Reactions

Interfacial shear-driven or shear-assisted chemical reactions play an important role in many engineering processes, including reactions between lubricant additives and the surfaces of mechanical components and fabrication of surface topographic features. Mechanistic studies of shear-driven chemical reactions often employ a mechanically assisted thermal activation model from which a so-called activation volume can be defined. Activation volume is important because it quantifies the efficiency of interfacial shear to drive the reaction. Recent advancements have enabled calculation of activation volume from both nano- and macro-scale experiments as well as simulations. However, the calculated volumes differ by orders of magnitude, even for the same reactant species, and the physical interpretations vary correspondingly. Here, we review how activation volume has been measured and interpreted for shear-driven reactions in the literature with the goal of guiding future efforts to understand and use this important parameter for engineering design through tribochemistry.
The Role of Positive Emotions in Health-Related Outcomes for Caregivers of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury

THE ROLE OF POSITIVE EMOTIONS IN HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES FOR CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY By Suzzette M. Chopin, M.A., M.S., M.B.A. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012. Major Director: Steven J. Danish, Director, Life Skills Center and F.R.E.E 4 Vets Program Professor of Psychology and Social and Behavioral Health Department of Psychology The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between both self-efficacy for caregiving and personal gain and several variables related to well-being in caregivers (N = 70) of veterans who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Specifically, the relationship between self-efficacy for caregiving and perceived physical health and the relationship between personal gain related to caregiving and depression and anxiety was examined. The relationship between caregiver personal gain and perceived care recipient behavior was also examined. Exploratory analyses considered kinship and racial/ethnic differences. This was a secondary analysis of pilot data collected at four Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRC) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It was a cross-sectional, pen and paper-based survey study mailed to caregivers of non-OEF/OIF veterans who were treated at a PRC for TBI between 2001 and 2008. Results suggest that self-efficacy for caregiving is not associated with subjective health or physical functioning in the caregiver. There was also no direct effect of personal gain associated with caregiving on depression or anxiety. However, perceived burden was found to mediate the relationship between personal gain associated with caregiving and both depression and anxiety. No significant differences were found between Caucasian and non-Caucasian caregivers in number of hours spent providing care, perceived burden, or subjective health. Non-Caucasian caregivers reported significantly higher levels of physical functioning. No differences were found between parental and non-parental caregivers on measures of depression, anxiety, or perceived burden. These findings suggest that interventions for caregivers should focus on helping them find meaning in caregiving and articulate ways in which they have benefitted from caregiving. By helping caregivers highlight the benefits of caregiving, perceived burden may be decreased, which in turn may result in lower depression and anxiety levels.
Thyroid Cancer Follow-Up: Withdrawal Protocol

Have baseline TSH and Thyroglobulin drawn if not done in the past 60 days. Stop L-thyroxine medication beginning on day 0.
A Java-Based Model of Resource Sharing among Independent Users on the Internet

A recently proposed model of resource sharing among autonomous computers on the internet extends the sharing beyond data to hard resources such as processor (both main and coprocessors) and archival storage. Storage sharing increases storage reliability by replicating the data on the disks of cooperating users across the internet. Processor sharing gives a user access to another user's main processor (as well as graphics hardware, non-standard processors, etc.) based on the latter's altruism or some kind of barter arrangement. A Java environment in which such sharing can be implemented is described. Implementation of storage sharing is relatively simple, but processor sharing is more complicated. A method for forming resource-sharing communities is presented. In this method, a bulletin board hierarchy is used to direct participants to an appropriate community of common interest, and a Java-based mechanism for sharing resources within such a community is presented. The suitability of Jini to an implementation is also discussed.
Pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase. 3. Purification and properties of the enzyme.

Abstract Pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase has been purified to 90% homogeneity from Clostridium acidi-urici. Multiple forms of the enzyme were detected after acrylamide gel electrophoresis by the use of an enzyme-specific staining method. The enzyme catalyzes a pyruvate-CO2 exchange reaction, oxidation of pyruvate with the reduction of various electron acceptors, and acetoin formation from pyruvate and acetaldehyde. The enzyme contains non-heme iron, sulfide, thiamine, and a chromophore that absorbs at 400 nm. The three enzymic activities determined are not dependent on the addition of thiamine pyrophosphate when tested with the purified enzyme, but they are dependent on the addition of the cofactor when an aged crude preparation is used. The enzyme requires a high concentration of sulfhydryl compound for maximum activity and is also activated by these compounds. Coenzyme A (2 µm) is required for the pyruvate-CO2 exchange reaction, but higher concentrations of CoA inhibit this reaction. Kinetic studies demonstrate that CoA decreases the apparent Km for bicarbonate about 5-fold without affecting the Km for pyruvate. The enzyme reduces ferredoxin, rubredoxin, FAD, and artificial electron acceptors, but not pyridine nucleotides. The stoichiometry of the reaction was demonstrated with ferredoxin or benzylviologen as an electron acceptor. Clostridial ferredoxin was found to transfer two electrons in the pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase reaction. The molar extinction coefficient of reduced ferredoxin was determined to be 19.6 x 103 m-1 cm-1 at 390 nm.
The Maximum Acyclic Subgraph Problem and Degree-3 Graphs

We study the problem of finding a maximum acyclic subgraph of a given directed graph in which the maximum total degree (in plus out) is 3. For these graphs, we present: (i) a simple combinatorial algorithm that achieves an 11/12-approximation (the previous best factor was 2/3 [1]), (ii) a lower bound of 125/126 on approximability, and (iii) an approximation-preserving reduction from the general case: if for any Ɛ > 0, there exists a (17/18 + Ɛ)-approximation algorithm for the maximum acyclic subgraph problem in graphs with maximum degree 3, then there is a (1/2+δ)-approximation algorithm for general graphs for some δ > 0. The problem of finding a better-than-half approximation for general graphs is open.
Efficient RLC Macromodels for Digital IC Interconnect

The paper presents a new method to synthesize macromodels for very large on-chip interconnection networks which can be simulated very efficiently with traditional SPICE-like simulators. The method is taking advantage of the fact that in CMOS VLSI circuits, the receiving ports of the clock distribution network can be accurately modeled by lumped passive impedances. Our method simplifies the task of simulating the interconnect by building a reduced order macromodel only for the subset of driving ports of the net. The signals at the passive ports can be determined, in a later stage, as linear combinations of a reduced set of primary signals, obtained during the simulation of the driving ports macromodel. The simulation time for the macromodels generated in this way is greatly reduced, the size of the macromodels is kept small and the accuracy is preserved.
Core-mantle boundary structures and processes

Seismological and geodynamical observations have established the presence of a major thermo-chemical boundary layer (TCBL) in the lowermost mantle. This boundary layer plays a critical role in regulating heat flow through the core-mantle boundary, thereby influencing the dynamo-generating core flow regime. It also plays an important role in the mantle convection system, possibly serving as a source of boundary-layer instabilities and as a reservoir for long-lived geochemical heterogeneities. Two end-member conceptual models for the TCBL have emerged, both reconcilable with current observational constraints: a global, stably-stratified, chemically distinct layer may exist in the lowermost 250 km of the mantle (the global TCBL model), or this region may be a partially mixed boundary layer involving a composite of downwelling thermo-chemical anomalies such as oceanic lithospheric slabs or eclogitic oceanic crustal components and ancient dense chemical anomalies dynamically concentrated into large agglomerations beneath upwellings (the hybrid TCBL model). For the global TCBL model, laterally varying partial melt fractions within the layer are required to account for various seismological observations, and large dynamic topography on the upper boundary of this layer is expected: there is evidence for both of these attributes of the TCBL. The hybrid TCBL model requires additional complexity such as a phase transition or structural fabric transition to account for various seismological observations: some mineralogical candidates have been proposed. The outstanding challenge, requiring multi-disciplinary advances, is to discriminate between these competing conceptual models, as they differ in implications for thermal history, chemical processing, and dynamical behavior of the TCBL.
Wound dressings for primary and revision total joint arthroplasty

Background: Preventing post-surgical complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is of great importance, and application of an appropriate wound dressing is necessary. Since no dressing encompasses all the parameters required for ideal wound healing, a comparison of the available dressing types can assist the surgeon to choose the best dressing after TJA. Methods: Studies evaluating postoperative wound dressings after TJA were reviewed in order to assess the outcomes, complications and costs associated with dressing types. Results: Traditional cotton dressings have a high ability to absorb exudate. However, they dry out sooner and there is a risk of pain and additional trauma during dressing changes. Although vapor permeable dressings allow transmission of moisture, but they have low absorptive capacity and require frequent changes even with moderately exudating wounds. On the other hand, hydrofiber and hydrocolloid dressings have high absorptive capacity and permeability, and can cope with exudate production. They are changed less often and have low blistering rates, which may reduce surgical site infection (SSI). Although the unit cost associated with advanced dressings is much higher than the traditional dressings, the decreased rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and the cost associated with treating PJI more than compensate for it. Conclusions: Choice of dressing type after TJA should depend upon permeability, absorptive capacity, documented rate of SSI and cost effectiveness with its use, apart from a surgeon’s past clinical experience and familiarity.
Primary screening of siRNA to determine genes involved in vascular leakage (711.3)

Endothelial cells lining the vessels of the vasculature and the cell-cell junctions provide the primary barrier for the passage of fluids, immune cells, and macromolecules between the bloodstream and tissues. Appropriate and dynamic regulation of this barrier is required for normal physiological processes. To identify genes implicated in vascular leakage, we combined siRNA knockdown screens with an in vitro assay that models the human endothelium by using primary human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-L) plated on a 96-transwell collagen-coated filter unit. To investigate genes related to vascular leakage, a primary screen of ~500 siRNAs against drugable target genes was performed and the cells were plated for 48 hours for monolayer formation. The monolayer permeability was evaluated using dextran‐FITC to detect leakage through small gaps present in the early stages of permeability induction. The viability of the siRNA knockdown HMVEC-Ls was also determined. We have identified genes from the primary...