cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Nanotrap Particles Preserve the Stability of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus in Blood for Laboratory Detection

Most of the modern techniques used for identification of viral-induced disease are based on identification of viral antigens and/or nucleic acids in patient's blood. Diagnosis in the field or in remote locations can be challenging and alternatively samples are shipped to diagnostic labs for testing. Shipments must occur under controlled temperature conditions to prevent loss of sample integrity. We have tested the ability of magnetic Nanotrap® (NT) particles to improve stability and detection of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), viral capsid protein, and viral genomic RNA in whole human blood at elevated temperature and prolonged storage conditions. NT particles have previously been shown to capture and enrich multiple pathogens including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, coronavirus, and Rift Valley fever virus. Our study indicates that samples incubated with NT particles had detectable levels of infectious VEEV in blood equal to or greater than samples without NT treatment across all temperatures. Viral RNA detection was increased in the presence of NT particles at later time points (72 h) and higher temperature (40°C) conditions. Likewise, detection of VEEV capsid protein was enhanced in the presence of NT particles up to 72 h at 40°C. Finally, we intranasally infected C3H mice with TC-83, the live attenuated vaccine strain of VEEV, and demonstrated that NT particles could substantially increase the detection of VEEV capsid in infected blood incubated up to 72 h at 40°C. Samples without NT particles had undetectable capsid protein levels. Taken together, our data demonstrate the ability of NT particles to preserve and enable detection of VEEV in human and mouse blood samples over time and at elevated temperatures.
Inflammation May be the Future of Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Does Colchicine have a Current Indication?

Inflammation as a cardiovascular risk factor has attracted increasing attention . The current standard of care for decreasing the occurrence of cardiovascular events includes controlling risk factors such as hypertension and maximizing the lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, a recent study demonstrated decreased cardiovascular risk with the anti-inflammatory agent canakinumab and created more interest in decreasing cardiovascular risk by decreasing inflammation. Canakinumab is not yet approved and will undoubtedly be very expensive, so interest in an established medication such as colchicine, which is inexpensive to produce, is appropriate if evidence-based benefit is adequately confirmed. Colchicine has existing indications for gout and familial Mediterranean fever and for decreasing the incidence of postpericardiotomy syndrome. If an evidence-based benefit in decreasing cardiovascular risk can be demonstrated for colchicine, it will be of significant importance. Meta-analyses and observational studies have provided evidence to suggest that colchicine decreases cardiovascular risk because of its anti-inflammatory effects. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed, and the recently published COLCOT (Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial) showed definite benefit on cardiovascular outcomes in adults who had experienced a myocardial infarction within the previous 30 days. Sufficient evidence now supports the use of colchicine for secondary prevention in patients at the highest cardiovascular risk who continue to have cardiovascular events despite good blood pressure control and maximum LDL-C reduction. Nevertheless, more RCTs will be necessary before widespread general use of colchicine in cardiovascular disease prevention can be recommended. The current acquisition cost issues with colchicine also need to be resolved.
A computational lens on economics

The COVID-19 pandemic is a dual crisis On one hand, it is a global health crisis with millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths At the same time, decisions by individuals and governments in response to the pandemic have led to a severe economic slowdown, the likes of which has not seen since the Great Depression in the 20th century But, as the author wrote in a May 2020 column, economics can be argued to be one of the roots of this dual crisis Economic efficiency means goods and factors of production are distributed or allocated to their most valuable uses and waste is eliminated or minimized Free-market advocates argue that through individual self-interest and freedom of production as well as consumption, economic efficiency is achieved and the best interest of society, as a whole, are fulfilled But efficiency and optimality should not be conflated A fundamental theorem in economics states that under certain assumptions a market will tend toward a competitive, Pareto-optimal equilibrium;that is, economic efficiency is achieved
Racial/ethnic and gender differences in receipt of brief intervention among patients with unhealthy alcohol use in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration.

Abstract Objective Brief intervention (BI) for unhealthy alcohol use is a top prevention priority for adults in the U.S, but rates of BI receipt vary across patients. We examine BI receipt across race/ethnicity and gender in a national cohort of patients from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—the largest U.S. integrated healthcare system and a leader in implementing preventive care for unhealthy alcohol use. Methods Among 779,041 VA patients with documented race/ethnicity and gender who screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C score ≥ 5) between 10/1/09 and 5/30/13, we fit Poisson regression models to estimate the predicted prevalence of BI (EHR-documented advice to reduce or abstain from drinking) across race/ethnicity and gender. Results Rates of BI were lowest among Black women (67%), Black men (68%), and Asian/Pacific Islander women (68%), and highest among white men (75%), Hispanic men (75%), and Asian/Pacific Islander men (75%). A significant race/ethnicity by gender interaction indicated that the associations between race/ethnicity and gender with BI depended on the other factor. Gender differences were largest among Asian/Pacific Islander patients and were nonsignificant among American Indian/Alaska Native patients. Adjustment for covariates not expected to be on the causal pathway (e.g., age, year of AUDIT-C screen) slightly attenuated but did not change the direction of results. Conclusions Receipt of BI for unhealthy alcohol use varied by race/ethnicity and gender, and the impact of one factor depended on the other. Black women, Black men, and Asian/Pacific Islander women had the lowest rates of receiving recommended alcohol-related care. We found these disparities in a healthcare system that has implemented universal alcohol screening and incentivized BI for all patients with unhealthy alcohol use, suggesting that reducing disparities in alcohol-related care may require targeted interventions.
Equality Rights beyond Neoliberal Constraints

Decades of neoliberal policies have resulted in startling economic and social inequalities, both within and between countries. Reports on these alarming inequalities have prompted human rights scholars and practitioners to turn their attention to the potential of human rights to challenge these injustices. Most human rights scholars and practitioners appear to agree that international human rights law does not guarantee any level of economic or social equality. They maintain rather that economic and social equality is instrumentally important to achieving human rights. Numerous studies have shown the negative impacts of inequality on the right to health, political participation, discrimination and many other human rights. Those links are well established. But can we accept the contention that international human rights law does not recognize any right to economic and social equality? This chapter calls for reinterpreting equality and nondiscrimination in international human rights law – beyond the neoliberal paradigm – to recognize a right to multi-dimensional equality that extends to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Applying traditional rules for treaty interpretation, it points to three avenues for construing rights to economic and social equality in the International Bill of Human Rights. The chapter concludes with a call to human rights scholars and practitioners to move beyond the constraints of neoliberalism to consider whether the holistic framework of the International Bill of Human Rights actually guarantees that everyone is equal in dignity and all rights.
Results of Biochemical Investigations of Congenital Myopia in Children

Results of biochemical investigations of blood plasma in 136 children and juveniles with congenital myopia reflect the state of connective tissue collagen of the whole body and hence of the sclera. The proteolytic activity in blood plasma of 27 patients (3.89 ± 0.51 cat/ml) was higher than that in a group of 24 patiente with stabilized myopia (2.18 ± 0.36 cat/ml) (P < 0.001). The increased proteolytic enzyme activity is accompanied by activation of their inhibitors, especially that of the trypsin inhibitor. In 20 children and juveniles with progressive myopia this index is 1.75 ± 0.04 g/l. In 21 patients of the same age with stabilized myopia, the content of trypsin inhibitors was 1.5 times lower (0.98 ± 0.09 g/1) (P < 0.001). The plasma content of free oxyproline in 24 patients with progressive myopia (59.7 ± 2.6 mmo1/1) was higher than in 20 patients with stabilized myopia (36.5 ± 3.3 mmo1/1) (P < 0.001). These results showed the increase of amino nitrogen content in 24 patients with progressive myopia (51.5 ± 4.17 mmo1/1) compared to that in 20 patients with stabilized myopia (28.5 ± 2.43 mmo1/1) (P < 0.001). Our biochemical investigations of blood plasma suggest the first objective criteria that indicate progression of myopia.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Inmate Trust in Health Care and Willingness to Seek Treatment - A Qualitative Investigation

Background and Objective: The coronavirus has disproportionately impacted vulnerable members of society. With the U.S. as the global leader in incarceration and the difficulties prison systems face implementing many of the mitigation strategies employed by the general population, the incarcerated population is in a uniquely vulnerable position particularly within an already strained prison healthcare system. Given the nature of prisons as total institutions, negative experiences with the virus coupled with a lack of autonomy could lead to a loss of trust in the healthcare system which has the potential to impact health-seeking behaviors. In this study, we aim to examine the effect of Covid-19 on Indiana inmates’ trust in healthcare. Project Methods: Data from 380 surveys distributed across Indiana’s prison system will be collected and analyzed. These results will be used to develop an interview protocol to conduct at least 25 in-depth interviews which will then be coded using NVivo to identify any emerging themes regarding their experiences with Covid-19. Prior to this, in-depth literature reviews were done on health care in prison populations and trust in healthcare. Results: The surveys and interview protocol will be developed in the ensuing months and thus no data has yet been collected. The literature review revealed that the quality and accessibility of care in prisons is lacking, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Because of the disproportionate number of preexisting issues, inmates worried about the ability of prison administrators to properly protect inmates from contracting the virus. Additionally, it was found that trust likely does have an effect on health, and that many commonalities of inmates are poor predictors for trust. Potential Impact: This study aims to identify potential loss of trust in healthcare systems to inform community reentry programs in developing strategies that prioritize inmate health needs and perceptions.
Proportion of cancer cases and deaths attributable to alcohol consumption by US state, 2013-2016.

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for several cancer types, but there are no contemporary published estimates of the state-level burden of cancer attributed to alcoholic beverage consumption. Such estimates are needed to inform public policy and cancer control efforts. We estimated the proportion and number of incident cancer cases and cancer deaths attributable to alcohol consumption by sex in adults aged ≥30 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2013–2016. Methods Age-, sex-, and state-specific cancer incidence and mortality data (2013–2016) were obtained from the US Cancer Statistics database. State-level, self-reported age and sex stratified alcohol consumption prevalence was estimated using the 2003–2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys and adjusted with state sales data. Results The proportion of alcohol-attributable incident cancer cases ranged from 2.9 % (95 % confidence interval: 2.7 %–3.1 %) in Utah to 6.7 % (6.4 %–7.0 %) in Delaware among men and women combined, from 2.7 % (2.5 %–3.0 %) in Utah to 6.3 % (5.9 %–6.7 %) in Hawaii among men, and from 2.7 % (2.4 %–3.0 %) in Utah to 7.7 % (7.2 %–8.3 %) in Delaware among women. The proportion of alcohol-attributable cancer deaths also varied considerably across states: from 1.9 % to 4.5 % among men and women combined, from 2.1% to 5.0% among men, and from 1.4 % to 4.4 % among women. Nationally, alcohol consumption accounted for 75,199 cancer cases and 18,947 cancer deaths annually. Conclusion Alcohol consumption accounts for a considerable proportion of cancer incidence and mortality in all states. Implementing state-level policies and cancer control efforts to reduce alcohol consumption could reduce this cancer burden.
Contamination-related behaviors, obsessions, and compulsions during the COVID-19 pandemic in a United States population sample.

BACKGROUND: Contamination-prevention behaviors such as mask wearing and physical distancing are crucial to reduce coronavirus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that engagement in these behaviors could provoke obsessions and phobias in vulnerable individuals in the community. METHODS: A total of 2117 participants, systematically selected to represent the age, gender, and race distributions of the US population, completed an online survey that assessed demographic characteristics, clinical features, COVID-19 risks, and COVID-19 contamination-prevention behaviors. Logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of the relationships between the COVID-19 behavior score and clinically significant contamination obsessions, contamination compulsions, and pre-COVID-19 to current change in obsessive-compulsive symptom scores. RESULTS: The COVID-19 behavior score was significantly associated with contamination obsessions (odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.12-1.16; p < 0.001) and contamination phobias (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.12-1.16; p < 0.001). The COVID-19 behavior score also was associated with pre-pandemic to current increase in the overall obsessive-compulsive symptom score (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09-1.23; p < 0.001), as well as increase in obsessive-compulsive symptom score excluding washing items (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.07-1.19; p < 0.001). The magnitude of these relationships did not appreciably change, after adjustment for other variables associated with the outcomes. Moreover, the relationship was significant in those with or without OCD, and in individuals with different levels of doubt and COVID-19 risk. CONCLUSIONS: Contamination safety measures are critical for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the community. However, they may be related to the development of contamination-related symptoms and OCD in vulnerable individuals, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders during this period.
60. Twists and Turns: Paratubal Cysts and Bilateral Fallopian tube Torsion in Adolescents

Background Fallopian tube torsion secondary to paratubal cysts is a rare presentation of abdominal pain within pediatrics. Abdominal pain is the primary symptom, which may mimic other common pediatric pathologies such as appendicitis. This case highlights the importance of early clinical suspicion to preserve future fertility. Case A 10-year-old post-pubertal female presented to an emergency room with intermittent, sharp, right lower quadrant abdominal and flank pain for 24 hours. Imaging suggested possible tubal cysts. She was transferred to a regional children's hospital for advanced care. Upon arrival, her pain was improving. She denied nausea, vomiting, fever, vaginal bleeding, or discharge. On exam, her vitals were stable, and her abdomen was nontender to palpation. No genital exam was performed. Her hemoglobin was 11.7 and her white blood cell (WBC) count was 11.8. Urine microscopy was unremarkable. Gonorrhea and chlamydia PCR and cultures were negative. An abdominal sonography at the children's hospital revealed normal sonographic appearance of the uterus and bilateral ovaries with internal color Doppler flow. A prominent dilated tortuous tubular structure, most compatible with hydrosalpinx. CT abdomen with contrast from an outside hospital initially read as a 5 × 3.2 cm right ovarian cyst. An over-read of the same images by a radiologist at the children's hospital suggested a right-sided hydrosalpinx measuring 8.8 × 7.9 × 6.1 cm in addition to the right ovarian cyst. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed to drain and possibly excise the suspected ovarian cysts. Upon initial inspection, the left fallopian tube had undergone one complete rotation and contained a 5 × 5 cm paratubal cyst with 30 cc of clear aspirate. The right fallopian tube appeared to have undergone three complete rotations with a similarly sized paratubal cyst. Both the left and right fallopian tubes were detorsed. Following detorsion, the right fallopian tube appeared hemorrhagic and necrotic from the mid-portion of the tube through the fimbria. The ovaries appeared normal bilaterally and no free fluid in the pelvis was noted. A right salpingectomy was performed to remove the necrotic tissue. Histopathology of the right fallopian tube revealed hemorrhage and necrosis with non-neoplastic cystic contents. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home after surgery. Comments Current imaging modalities remain non-specific in diagnosis of tubal torsions, resulting in laparoscopy as the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. High clinical suspicion and early surgical intervention are necessary to preserve future fertility of these young women.
Some Heart Care Advice to Live By

Illness triggers a crisis of confidence that shakes our very foundation, and perhaps for the very first time, we face disability and even death. In this chapter, the author provides some advices for the prevention and approach to better cardiovascular health.
The impact of social media influencers purchase intention in the Philippines

The study aims to determine consumers' perception of the advertising efficacy of social media influencers regarding their purchase intention. The researcher believes that specific strategies and skills should be customised to attract consumers' buying intention for an influencer to be effective across social media. The study adopted the "social media influencer questionnaire" developed by Xin Jean Lim. It is an organised questionnaire designed to assess and analyse the effectiveness of social media influencers connected to consumers' purchase intention. A total of 200 respondents from NCR, Metro Manila, participate in this study, with 129 female participants, 71 male participants and mostly from 18 to 24 years old. The respondents' assessment implies that an influencer who establishes most of their honesty and is trustworthy can change consumers' behaviour and purchase intention. Attractiveness and relationships with the product are seen to be also adequate. The respondents' assessment also implies that there is an optimistic and agreeable attitude towards the different advertising efficacy of an influencer for the purchase intention of consumers. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between the advertising effectiveness and purchase intention of consumers. Female respondents have a higher perception of social media influencers than male respondents because women use the internet more often.
Honoring the History of the Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture: The L Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture. Part 1

The occasion of the 50th Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture provides an opportunity to look back on the history of the lecture that honors the memory of one of the most outstanding ophthalmologists of modern times. A review is provided as to how the lecture was established after Dr. Jackson's death in 1942 and how the memorial lecturers are chosen. There is a brief glimpse into the life, accomplishments, and personality of Dr. Jackson, and past Jackson lectures are highlighted to demonstrate the breadth of topics and their significance to the advancement of medicine and ophthalmology. In particular, two Jackson Memorial Lectures on the subjects of genetics and glaucoma are discussed since they fit well into the 40-year anniversary of the discovery, in 1953, of the DNA double helix.
Maturation defects in NOD macrophages impacts beta cell regeneration (HUM7P.286)

In Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), CD4+ T cells drive autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells by activating M1 macrophages which hinders β cell repair. Endogenous β cell growth can occur if inflammation is tempered. A more controlled inflammatory response is necessary to induce the regenerative process, characterized by a transition of macrophage phenotypes from M1 to M2. Macrophages from NOD mice have several maturation defects. We hypothesize that upon β cell destruction in autoimmunity defective macrophages fail to transition from the M1 to M2 phenotype, rendering β cells unable to initiate the repair program. We adoptively transferred NOD.scid mice with BDC-2.5-TCR-Tg splenocytes to cause T1D. Mice receiving a CD4+ T cell-depleting antibody (GK1.5) had a restricted inflammatory response and delayed T1D onset. We observed low levels of M1 macrophage genes in pancreatic tissue after GK1.5, while M2-macrophage gene expression was maintained. Control mice demonstrated a persistent M1 phenotype overwhelming the M2 macrophage lineage. β cell maintenance is achieved though β cell expressed growth factors, facilitated through M2 macrophages. In pancreatic injury we observed that autoimmune mice have decreased growth factor expression, e.g. HGF, compared to non-autoimmune mice. These macrophage defects may render β cells unable to initiate replicative programs. We propose that addition of HGF to the islet will provide the necessary cues from macrophages for β cell growth and function.
Changes in extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in the periaqueductal gray with morphine tolerance (659.7)

Mu-opioid receptors (MOPrs) reduce GABA-mediated inhibition of periaqueductal gray (PAG) output neurons to activate the descending pain modulatory system and induce antinociception. The role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and tonic inhibition of PAG neurons in antinociception has not been explored. Rats were treated twice a day with saline or morphine (5 mg/kg, sc.) for 3 days. Superfusion of the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline (10 µM), inhibited miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents and blocked a resting current, indicating the presence of both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA-mediated currents in the PAG. Bicuculline reduced the holding current in saline rats 18 ± 4 pA (n = 10), with less effect in morphine rats (2 ± 1 pA, n = 6, p < 0.05). The bicuculline currents reversed at the expected chloride potential in chloride (-24 ± 3 mV) and gluconate (-84 ± 2 mV) intracellular solutions, suggesting the current is mediated by GABAA receptors. Tonic currents are often mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA rece...
An English Source of German Romanticism: Herder's Cudworth Inspired Revision of Spinoza from ‘Plastik’ to ‘Kraft’

This examination considers the influence of the seventeenth century Cambridge Platonist Cudworth upon the thought of the late eighteenth century German thinker Herder. It focuses upon Herder's use of Cudworth's philosophy to create a revised version of Spinoza's metaphysics. Both Cudworth and Herder were concerned with the problem of determinism. Cudworth outlined a number of difficulties relating to this problem in the thought of Spinoza and proposed amendments, particularly the introduction of the middle principle of plastik, which would mediate between the Ideas of transcendent reason and mechanical materialism. We find these amendments to Spinoza's philosophy also employed in Herder's contribution to the Pantheism Controversy, in which he too offers a revised Spinozism and introduces his own middle principle of Kraft. This demonstrates an important but under-explored English contribution to a key development in German intellectual history. The Pantheism Controversy was an epoch-making event, helping to bring an end to the German Enlightenment and to inaugurate the Romantic movement. Herder's version of Spinoza's thought revived the philosopher's fortunes, and Herder's notion of Kraft became central to Romantic aesthetics. Finally, Herder's use of Cudworth demonstrates the important but overlooked source of Platonic realism in German Romantic thought.
59.1: Invited Paper: Flexible Flat-Panel Display Designs with Gate Driver Circuits Integrated within the Pixel Area

We have developed a new stylish TFT-LCD. We located gatedriver monolithic circuits in the pixel area. As there are no electronic circuits in the frame area, we can realize a narrow border and round corners or a multi-concave shape, and the frame shape can be easily revised.
The Intestinal Transport of Bovine Milk Exosomes Is Mediated by Endocytosis in Human Colon Carcinoma Caco-2 Cells and Rat Small Intestinal IEC-6 Cells

Background: MicroRNAs play essential roles in gene regulation. A substantial fraction of microRNAs in tissues and body fluids is encapsulated in exosomes, thereby conferring protection against degradation and a pathway for intestinal transport. MicroRNAs in cow milk are bioavailable in humans. Objective: This research assessed the transport mechanism of bovine milk exosomes, and therefore microRNAs, in human and rodent intestinal cells. Methods: The intestinal transport of bovine milk exosomes and microRNAs was assessed using fluorophore-labeled bovine milk exosomes in human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells and rat small intestinal IEC-6 cells. Transport kinetics and mechanisms were characterized using dose-response studies, inhibitors of vesicle transport, carbohydrate competitors, proteolysis of surface proteins on cells and exosomes, and transepithelial transport in transwell plates. Results: Exosome transport exhibited saturation kinetics at 37°C [Michaelis constant (Km) = 55.5 ± 48.6 μg exosomal protein/200 μL of media; maximal transport rate = 0.083 ± 0.057 ng of exosomal protein · 81,750 cells−1 · h−1] and decreased by 64% when transport was measured at 4°C, consistent with carrier-mediated transport in Caco-2 cells. Exosome uptake decreased by 61–85% under the following conditions compared with controls in Caco-2 cells: removal of exosome and cell surface proteins by proteinase K, inhibition of endocytosis and vesicle trafficking by synthetic inhibitors, and inhibition of glycoprotein binding by carbohydrate competitors. When milk exosomes, at a concentration of 5 times the Km, were added to the upper chamber in transwell plates, Caco-2 cells accumulated miR-29b and miR-200c in the lower chamber, and reverse transport was minor. Transport characteristics were similar in IEC-6 cells and Caco-2 cells, except that substrate affinity and transporter capacity were lower and higher, respectively. Conclusion: The uptake of bovine milk exosomes is mediated by endocytosis and depends on cell and exosome surface glycoproteins in human and rat intestinal cells.
Using multiplicative algorithms to build cascade correlation networks

Cascade correlation has been shown to learn effectively, producing small networks and low generalization error. However, there remain difficulties with this approach. Cascade correlation can produce networks with large depth and large fan-in. We propose the use of a multiplicative learning algorithm to address these problems. Experimental results indicate that these algorithms may produce sparse weight vectors. Furthermore, theoretical results indicate that these algorithms behave substantially differently from the usual additive algorithms such as gradient descent and Quickprop. It is hoped that by combining these two approaches an effective neural network algorithm will result. We attempt to validate this and motivate further research.
Introduction: an overview of mortality patterns and their policy implications.

This is an introduction to six articles on mortality patterns that provide "a few illustrations of the conceptual methodological and policy developments that have been taking place with regard to studies of mortality." The geographic scope includes developing and industrialized countries. (EXCERPT)
Video rigid laryngeal endoscopy compared to laryngeal mirror examination: an assessment of patient comfort and clinical visualization.

Objectives: To determine whether there are differences in patient preference and extent of laryngeal visualization between video rigid (30 degree endoscope) laryngoscopy (VRL) and laryngeal mirror examination (LME). Study Design: A prospective comparison by patients undergoing laryngeal examination by both VRL and LME conducted by two examiners experienced in both mirror and rigid video endoscopy. Methods: Forty-three patients had laryngeal examination by both VRL and LME in alternating order. Patients were instructed to observe their exam on a monitor screen during the rigid exam. At the conclusioon of both laryngeal examinations, patients were asked to rank comfort and level of gagging on a 1 to 10 scale for both VRL and LME, as well as preference between the two methods and whether seeing their laryngeal examination on the video screen was helpful. The extent of laryngeal visualization by the clinician was recorded for each examination. Results: Patient comfort level was greater with VRL (P < .001) and gagging was significantly less with VRL (P < .001) compared to LME. VRL provided a more complete examination of the larynx by the clinician (P < .001) compared to LME. Patient preference significantly favored VRL (79.1%) compared to LME (18.4%) and 2.3% had no preference (P < .001) A total of 83.7% found visualization of laryngeal exam on the monitor during the VRL helpful. Conclusions: VRL is superior to LME for most patients based on comfort, extent of laryngeal examination by the clinician, and patient preference. The majority of patients found visualization of their laryngeal examination during VRL to be helpful. Laryngoscope, 2009
Stem and progenitor cell subsets are affected by JAK2 signaling and can be monitored by flow cytometry

Although extremely rare, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are divisible into subsets that differ with respect to differentiation potential and cell surface marker expression. For example, we recently found that CD86(-) CD150(+) CD48(-) HSCs have limited potential for lymphocyte production. This could be an important new tool for studying hematological abnormalities. Here, we analyzed HSC subsets with a series of stem cell markers in JAK2V617F transgenic (Tg) mice, where the mutation is sufficient to cause myeloproliferative neoplasia with lymphocyte deficiency. Total numbers of HSC were elevated 3 to 20 fold in bone marrow of JAK2V617F mice. Careful analysis suggested the accumulation involved multiple HSC subsets, but particularly those characterized as CD150(HI) CD86(-) CD18(L)°CD41(+) and excluding Hoechst dye. Real-Time PCR analysis of their HSC revealed that the erythropoiesis associated gene transcripts Gata1, Klf1 and Epor were particularly high. Flow cytometry analyses based on two differentiation schemes for multipotent progenitors (MPP) also suggested alteration by JAK2 signals. The low CD86 on HSC and multipotent progenitors paralleled the large reductions we found in lymphoid progenitors, but the few that were produced functioned normally when sorted and placed in culture. Either of two HSC subsets conferred disease when transplanted. Thus, flow cytometry can be used to observe the influence of abnormal JAK2 signaling on stem and progenitor subsets. Markers that similarly distinguish categories of human HSCs might be very valuable for monitoring such conditions. They could also serve as indicators of HSC fitness and suitability for transplantation.
Achilles tendon diagnostic ultrasound examination: A locally designed protocol and audit

AbstractBackgroundDiagnostic ultrasound is regarded as the gold standard for imaging tendinopathies for diagnosis, focusing rehabilitation, and guided intervention. However, there are no published diagnostic ultrasound protocols for the Achilles tendon which represent best practice. In the Felixstowe Community Hospital Physiotherapy Department a protocol for diagnostic ultrasound examination of the Achilles tendon was implemented in January 2013 and acts as a local guideline.ObjectivesTo determine whether a local Achilles tendon image protocol is being adhered to in diagnostic ultrasound examinations of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. A pre-determined 75% adherence to the protocol was set as the standard representing best practice in diagnostic ultrasound examination of the Achilles tendon. A target of 100% of diagnostic ultrasound examinations should meet this standard.MethodsData collection of acquired and archived diagnostic ultrasound examinations with a subsequent diagnosis of mid-portion Achilles...
Data link communications in the National Airspace System

In the near future, conventional radio communications, currently the primary medium for the transfer of information between aircraft and ground stations, will be replaced by digital data link. This paper briefly describes this technology and summarizes what are believed to be the principal human factor issues associated with data link implementation in the airspace system. Integration of data link communications with existing systems on the flight deck and in the Air Traffic Control system is discussed with regard for both near term implementation and longer term operational issues.
Matrix of regularity for improving the quality of ECGs

The 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is the gold standard for diagnosis of abnormalities of the heart. However, the ECG is susceptible to artifacts, which may lead to wrong diagnosis and thus mistreatment. It is a clinical challenge of great significance differentiating ECG artifacts from patterns of diseases. We propose a computational framework, called the matrix of regularity, to evaluate the quality of ECGs. The matrix of regularity is a novel mechanism to fuse results from multiple tests of signal quality. Moreover, this method can produce a continuous grade, which can more accurately represent the quality of an ECG. When tested on a dataset from the Computing in Cardiology/PhysioNet Challenge 2011, the algorithm achieves up to 95% accuracy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.97. The developed framework and computer program have the potential to improve the quality of ECGs collected using conventional and portable devices.
The surges of Variegated Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A., and their connection to climate and mass balance

One of the questions still unanswered concerning the surge behavior of glaciers concerns their quasi-periodic occurrence. Some results on the phenomenological connection between local cumulative balance and surge initiation of Variegated Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A., are discussed here. Based on climate data from neighboring weather stations, an empirical relation between precipitation, temperature and local mass balance is established and used to reconstruct the annual balance at a location in the accumulation area back to 1905. Between the last four surges in 1946/47, 1964/65, 1982/83 and 1994/95, the ice-equivalent cumulative balance was 43.5 m on average, with a 1σ error of 1.2 m. Although the existence of a surge level cannot be directly interpreted in physical terms, it explains the variable length of the quiescent periods of Variegated Glacier by variations in the accumulation rate prior to the surge. We use the surge level to hindcast former unobserved surges, to compare the results with other surge datings obtained from photographs and to establish a complete surge history for Variegated Glacier for the 20th century.
Interest Rates and Government Debt: Are the Linkages Global Rather than National?

Given the increasing integration of financial markets, a better understanding of the effects of fiscal deficits and debt on real interest rates might be obtained by taking a global, rather than a national, perspective. The paper constructs aggregate flow and stock data (including GDP, fiscal deficits, government debt, and saving rates) and examines the empirical evidence of the global effect of fiscal policies on interest rates. The sensitivity of the results to the choice of deficit (central or general government), public debt (gross or net), and saving (gross or net), as well as the level and method of aggregation, is also examined.
112 EXPRESSION OF DNA METHYLTRANSFERASES (DNMT) IN PLACENTAL TISSUES DURING EARLY PREGNANCY IN SHEEP

Normal placental development is critical for placental function and thus for normal embryonic and fetal growth and development. Many factors, including those from the environment or from the application of assisted reproductive techniques, are known to affect embryonic development. Additionally, altered DNA methylation was reported for fetal and/or maternal placenta from compromised pregnancies, and this may contribute to high embryonic/fetal loss. DNA methylation regulated by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) plays an important role during embryonic development. However, little is known about the expression of DNMT in placental tissues during early pregnancy in any species. To determine the mRNA expression of DNMT 3a and 3b (developmentally-regulated DNMT) in normal placenta, caruncular (CAR, maternal placenta) tissue and fetal membranes (FM, chorioallantois or fetal placenta) were collected on Days 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 after natural mating (n = 5–8 ewes day–1) and on Day 9–11 after oestrus (n = 7; non-pregnant [NP] controls, CAR only), snap-frozen, and then used for quantitative real time RT-PCR. For each tissue, data were analysed statistically by ANOVA with the day of pregnancy as the main effect. In CAR and FM, mRNA expression of DNMT3A and 3b was affected (P < 0.01–0.02) by day of pregnancy. In CAR, expression of DNMT3A was similar in NP controls and on days 14, 16, 18, and 30, was decreased (P < 0.01) ∼2-fold on day 20, and then gradually increased to day 30 of pregnancy. In CAR, expression of DNMT3b was similar in NP controls and on days 14, 16, 18, 24, 26, and 28, but was greater (P < 0.02) by ∼2-fold on days 22 and 30 than in NP controls or on days 24 and 26 of pregnancy. For CAR, regression analysis of DNMT3a mRNA expression demonstrated a cubic pattern (R2 = 0.253; P = 0.01) of expression during early pregnancy. In FM, DNMT3a increased (P < 0.01) ∼2-fold from day 16 to 24–30, but DNMT3b gradually decreased (∼0.5–5-fold; P < 0.01) from day 16 to day 30 of pregnancy. For FM, regression analysis of mRNA expression for DNMT3a demonstrated a linear increase (R2 = 0.301; P < 0.01), but for DNMT3b a cubic pattern (R2 = 0.624; P < 0.01) of expression during early pregnancy. These data indicate that DNMT3a and 3b mRNA are differentially expressed in CAR and FM, and the temporal pattern of expression of DNMT3a and 3b differs between maternal and fetal placental tissues during early pregnancy in sheep. Thus, significant changes in mRNA expression of DNMT3a and 3b in CAR and FM indicate that de novo methylation is present in the placenta during early pregnancy in sheep and may be regulated in part by the level of DNMT expression. These data provide a foundation for determining the basis for altered DNA methylation of placental and embryonic tissues in compromised pregnancies. Supported by USDA grant 2007-01215 to LPR and ATGB, and NIH grant HL64141 to LPR and DAR.
Where You Stand Depends on Who Sits: Platform Promises and Judicial Gatekeeping in the Federal District Courts

A burgeoning body of research has identified a persistent link between the politics of federal judicial appointments and patterns of judicial judgment. Moreover, appointment effects on district judges' substantive judgments have increased dramatically in tandem with equally dramatic increases in the politicization of judicial appointments during the Reagan administration. In this note, we shift the research focus from substantive judgments to procedural disputes over who has standing to sue in the federal trial courts. We find that, despite their platform-based commitment to "judicial restraint," Reagan appointees are much less likely than Nixon or Carter appointees to deny disputed standing to "upperdog" claimants. However, when the claimant is an "underdog" claiming standing to sue corporate or governmental defendants, Reagan appointees are twice as likely as Nixon appointees and four times as likely as Carter appointees to deny access. The Carter appointees, on the other hand, are twice as likely as th...
Metrics for situational awareness using sensor networks

In this paper we describe metrics related to the quantification of situational awareness of surveillance systems based on sensor networks. Our work emphasizes the necessity for the sensor system to be able to track processes that evolve in general stochastically and may even be driven by intelligence. The result is a hierarchical model for surveillance systems in which different levels of description of the system's state and its kinematics correspond to different levels of situational awareness and require the activation of different sensor modalities.
Hydrodynamic Considerations in an External Loop Airlift Reactor with a Modified Downcomer

Gas holdup and superficial liquid velocity in the downcomer and riser are studied for an external loop airlift reactor with a downcomer-to-riser area ratio of 1:16. Two downcomer configurations are...
Ruptured ovarian cyst in the newborn

Abstract The newborn child presents few disease entities that require emergency surgical intervention during the first hours of life. When such a situation does occur, however, the child is rarely in a center devoted to surgery of the newborn, nor is there time to move him to one. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment usually rests with pediatricians and surgeons who may deal only occasionally with such problems. One may be justified therefore in recording a single case in which peritoneal aspiration helped expedite a decision for surgery. The child, operated upon at the age of 3 hours, is as far as we know, the youngest successfully treated for intraperitoneal hemorrhage and for excision of an ovarian cyst. The necessity for reoperation on this child at the age of 4 1 2 months also offered a unique opportunity to observe the changes the remaining ovary had undergone.
Metabolic evidence that serosal sodium does not recycle through the active transepithelial transport pathway of toad bladder

The possibility that sodium from the serosal bathing medium “back-diffuses” into the active sodium transport pool within the mucosal epithelial cell of the isolated toad bladder was examined by determining the effect on the metabolism of the tissue of removing sodium from the serosal medium. It was expected that if recycling of serosal sodium did occur through the active transepithelial transport pathway of the isolated toad bladder, removal of sodium from the serosal medium would reduce the rate of CO2 production by the tissue and enhance the stoichiometric ratio of sodium ions transported across the bladder per molecule of sodium transport dependent CO2 produced simultaneously by the bladder (J Na/J CO 2). The data revealed no significant change in this ratio (17.19 with serosal sodium and 16.13 after replacing serosal sodium with choline). Further, when transepithelial sodium transport was inhibited (a) by adding amiloride to the mucosal medium, or (b) by removing sodium from the mucosal medium, subsequent removal of sodium from the serosal medium, or (c) addition of ouabain failed to depress the basal rate of CO2 production by the bladder [(a) rate of basal, nontransport related, CO2 production (J CO2 ) equals 1.54±0.52 with serosal sodium and 1.54±0.37 without serosal sodium; (b)J CO2 equals 2.18±0.21 with serosal sodium and 2.09±0.21 without serosal sodium; (c) 1.14±0.26 without ouabain and 1.13±0.25 with ouabain; unite ofJ CO2 are nmoles mg d.w.−1 min−1]. The results support the hypothesis that little, if any, recycling of serosal sodium occurs in the toad bladder.
Time-domain imaging with quench-based fluorescent contrast agents

Quench-based probes utilize unique characteristics of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to enhance contrast upon de-quenching. This mechanism has been used in a variety of molecular probes for imaging of cancer related enzyme activity such as matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsins and caspases. While non-fluorescent upon administration, fluorescence can be restored by separation of donor and acceptor, resulting in higher intensity in the presence of activator. Along with decreased quantum yield, FRET also results in altered fluorescence lifetime. Time-domain imaging can further enhance contrast and information yield from quench-based probes. We present in vivo time-domain imaging for detecting activation of quench-based probes. Quench-based probes utilize unique characteristics of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to enhance contrast upon de-quenching. This mechanism has been used in a variety of molecular probes for imaging of cancer related enzyme activity such as matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsins and caspases. While non-fluorescent upon administration, fluorescence can be restored by separation of donor and acceptor, resulting in higher intensity in the presence of activator. Along with decreased quantum yield, FRET also results in altered fluorescence lifetime. Time-domain imaging can further enhance contrast and information yield from quench-based probes. We present in vivo time-domain imaging for detecting activation of quench-based probes. Time-domain diffuse optical imaging was performed to assess the FRET and quenching in living mice with orthotopic breast cancer. Tumor contrast enhancement was accompanied by increased fluorescence lifetime after administration of quenched probes selective for matrix metalloproteinases while no significant change was observed for non-quenched probes for integrin receptors. These results demonstrate the utility of timedomain imaging for detection of cancer-related enzyme activity in vivo.