cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitization of hepatic lipocytes by high-fat diet to stimulatory effects of Kupffer cell-derived factors: implication in alcoholic liver fibrogenesis.

A high-fat diet has previously been shown to be a key factor for induction of alcoholic liver fibrosis in a rat model of intragastric ethanol infusion. To explore a possible mechanism by which the high-fat diet facilitated such an effect, the present study examined how the high-fat diet with or without ethanol affected proliferation and collagen formation of hepatic lipocytes, perisinusoidal cells that have been suggested to be involved in liver fibrogenesis. We also evaluated effects of the high-fat diet on the sensitivity of lipocytes to stimulatory effects of Kupffer cell-derived factors. Intragastric infusion of ethanol and the high-fat diet for 9 to 10 wk resulted in induction of a varying degree of perivenular fibrosis in 75% of animals. Lipocytes isolated from these animals (A) had significantly higher basal rates of proliferation (three to four times) and collagen formation (1.5 times) than those isolated from control animals, which were isocalorically infused with the high-fat diet (H) or the low-fat diet (L), or those that were fed chow ad libitum (C). Lipocytes from the H group exhibited significantly higher relative production of collagen than those from the L group, but their net collagen production was not enhanced. The dialyzed Kupffer cell-conditioned medium from the A group markedly stimulated proliferation and collagen formation of lipocytes from the groups given the high-fat diet (A and H) but had minimal effects on those from the L and C groups, establishing the order of decreasing lipocyte sensitivity from the A, H, L to C group. Similarly, lipocytes from the H and A groups exhibited a more profound responsiveness to the stimulatory effect of transforming growth factor β 1 on collagen formation. These results demonstrate (a) that lipocytes isolated from the rats given the high-fat diet and ethanol are markedly proliferative and produce more collagen; and (b) that the Kupffer cells derived from these animals release factors that stimulate proliferation and collagen formation of lipocytes and (c) that the high-fat diet sensitizes lipocytes for stimulatory effects of the Kupffer cell-derived factors and transforming growth factor β1.
Late‐summer peak in sediment accumulation in two lakes with contrasting watersheds, alaska

The timing of clastic sedimentation in two glacial‐fed lakes with contrasting watersheds was monitored using sequencing sediment traps for two consecutive years at Allison Lake (Chugach Range, Alas...
ACUTE PHASE PROTEIN AND ELECTROPHORESIS PROTEIN FRACTION VALUES FOR CAPTIVE AMERICAN FLAMINGOS (PHOENICOPTERUS RUBER)

Abstract: Protein electrophoresis has recognized applications in determining the health status of various species. While reference intervals for electrophoresis have been determined for psittacine and raptor species, there are none reported for Phoenicopteriformes species. Reference intervals for haptoglobin and protein fractions obtained by electrophoresis were determined for the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) based on plasma samples from 39 captive birds. The reference intervals were as follows: haptoglobin, 0.17–0.8 mg/ml; total protein, 3.65–6.38 g/dl; prealbumin, 0.26–1.9 g/dl; albumin, 1.51–3.12 g/dl; α-1 globulin, 0.06–0.38 g/dl; α-2 globulin, 0.17–0.67 g/dl; β globulin, 0.38–1.33 g/dl; γ globulin, 0.26–0.68 g/dl; albumin : globulin ratio, 0.93–2.17. As captive flamingos often suffer from pododermatitis, feet of all flamingos were scored to determine if pododermatitis would be reflected in the acute phase proteins. Spearman rank correlation was performed on each of the protein fractions ...
Abstract 295: PKCε phosphorylates and modulates the cell membrane translocation of RhoA

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Accumulating evidence has clearly defined the importance of PKCe and small Rho GTPases in tumor metastasis. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that PKCe signals through RhoA to modulate tumor cell invasion and motility in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we further delineated the link between PKCe and RhoA. Recombinant PKCe directly phosphorylated recombinant RhoA using an in vitro kinase assay. Phosphopeptide mapping with LC-MSE identified T127 and S188 as confident phosphorylation sites and T19 and S26 as tentative phosphorylation sites on RhoA. Interestingly, recombinant PKCe was able to bind to recombinant RhoA in the absence of PKC activators and ATP. This observation demonstrates that the binding interaction between PKCe and RhoA does not require an active PKCe conformation and thus, the interaction between these proteins may be more complex than a typical substrate-kinase event. N-terminus fluorophore-tagged PKCe (CherryFP or CFP) and RhoA (GFP or YFP) were co-expressed in HEK293 cells to examine the interaction between these two proteins in live-cells. Live-cell fluorescence microscopy followed by FRET stoichiometric analysis confirmed the interaction between PKCe and RhoA in the cytoplasm of non-stimulated cells. Stimulation of the cells with PMA to activate PKCe resulted in the translocation of PKCe and RhoA from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane and increased the binding of PKCe to RhoA at the cell membrane by three-fold as measured by FRET. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that PKCe phosphorylates, co-localizes, and regulates the cell membrane translocation of RhoA. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 295.
Aerothermodynamics of Micro-Turbomachinery

Engineering foundation for micro-turbomachinery aerothermal design, as an enabling element of the MIT micro-gas turbine technology, is developed. Fundamental differences between conventional, large scale and micro turbomachinery operation are delineated and the implications on design are discussed. These differences are largely a consequence of low operating Reynolds number, hence a relatively higher skin friction and heat transfer rate. While the size of the micro-gas turbine engine is ∼ a few mm, several order of magnitude smaller than conventional gas turbine, the required compressor stage pressure ratio (∼3–4) and impeller tip Mach number (∼1 and greater) are comparable; however, the disparity in the size implies that the operating Reynolds number of the micro-turbomachiery components is correspondingly several order of magnitudes smaller. Thus the design and operating requirements for micro-turbomachinery are distinctly different from those of conventional turbomachinery used for propulsion and power generation. Important distinctions are summarized in the following. 1. The high surface-to-flow rate ratio has the consequence that the flow in micro-compressor flow path can no longer be taken as adiabatic; the performance penalty associated with heat addition to compressor flow path from turbine is a primary performance limiting factor. 2. Endwall torque on the flow can be significant compared to that from the impeller blade surfaces so that direct use of Euler Turbine Equation is no longer appropriate. 3. Losses in turbine nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) can be one order of magnitude higher than those in conventional sized nozzle guide vanes. 4. The high level of kinetic energy in the flow exiting the turbine rotor is a source of performance penalty, largely a consequence of geometrical constraints. It can be inferred from these distinctions that standard preliminary design procedures based on the Euler equation, the adiabatic assumption, the loss correlations for large Reynolds numbers, and the three-dimensional geometry, are inapplicable to micro-turbomachinery. The preliminary design procedure, therefore, must account for these important differences. Characterization of the effects of heat addition on compressor performance, modification of Euler turbine equation for casing torque, characterization of turbine NGV performance and turbine exhaust effects are presented.© 2004 ASME
Platinum-coated copper nanowires with high activity for hydrogen oxidation reaction in base.

Platinum (Pt)-coated copper (Cu) nanowires (Pt/CuNWs) are synthesized by the partial galvanic displacement of CuNWs and have a 100 nm diameter and are 25–40 μm length. Pt/CuNWs are studied as a hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalyst in base along with Cu templated Pt nanotubes (PtNT (Cu)), a 5% Cu monolayer on a bulk polycrystalline Pt electrode (5% ML Cu/BPPt), BPPt, and carbon supported Pt (Pt/C). Comparison of these catalysts demonstrates that the inclusion of Cu benefited the HOR activity of Pt/CuNWs likely by providing compressive strain on Pt; surface Cu further aids in hydroxyl adsorption, thereby improving the HOR activity of Pt/CuNWs. Pt/CuNWs exceed the area and mass exchange current densities of carbon supported Pt by 3.5 times and 1.9 times.
Bone marrow transplantation with interleukin-2-activated bone marrow followed by interleukin-2 therapy for acute myeloid leukemia in mice.

We have investigated approaches to induce graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect in autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) without graft- versus-host disease to improve survival and cure in leukemia. The present study shows that bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using syngeneic bone marrow activated with interleukin-2 (ABM) for 24 hours in vitro, followed by interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy, was superior to BMT with fresh, syngeneic bone marrow (FBM) in terms of survival and cure in mice with acute myeloid leukemia (P less than .001) and led to normal hematopoietic reconstitution. Addition of IL-2 therapy after BMT with FBM did not improve the results over BMT with FBM alone (P = .98). These results suggest that the GVL effect of ABMT can be enhanced by using ABM for BMT followed by IL-2 therapy without compromising engraftment.
Challenging the Sovereign: Three Types of Early Modern Federal Theory *

In this paper, I develop three ideal types of early modern federal theories: sovereignty relativizing federalism, sovereignty pooling federalism, and bottom-up federalism. Each of these types respond to a different political effect of the development of the modern state: organ sovereignty, hostile geopolitical environment, and disempowerment of the society as a corollary to organ sovereignty, respectively. Each of these types conceives of the federation as an alternative to the state. I compare and contrast these types along the lines of implementation of the federal principle of self- and shared rule, the criteria of evaluation of federal arrangements, and the normative implications.
Simulating Movement of the Ribosome Head during Translocation

Intrasubunit head movement has been identified as an essential motion required for translocation of mRNA through the ribosome. Recent single molecule FRET data has suggested that exaggerated motions of the head, beyond what are observed in structural studies, are required for the rate-limiting step of translocation. We use molecular simulations of the 70S ribosome translocation complexes to explore these exaggerated motions and identify regions of the ribosome that place constraints on the maximal displacements of the head.
Can Cost-Benefit Analysis of Environmental Policy Go Global?

The use of cost-benefit analysis of environmental policy is spreading from the United States, where it has the longest tradition, to other parts of the globe. Already firmly rooted in Europe and other advanced economies, cost-benefit analysis is becoming more prevalent in developing countries as a way to evaluate environmental regulation. The spread of cost-benefit analysis raises questions about whether it is an appropriate tool for evaluating policy in these contexts, and what, if any, reforms are needed.This Essay discusses the challenges posed for cost-benefit analysis as it spreads, and how it can evolve to meet those challenges. Cost-benefit analysis can be valuable, and its use is likely to continue to grow. Before it is likely to become widespread in many developing countries, however, several important reforms will have to be made. There are many practical challenges to its adoption, including political issues and problems of institutional capacity. In addition, certain features of cost-benefit analysis as currently practiced will need to be reformed in light of the particular issues confronted by developing countries.
Compact piezoelectric resonance mass balance for sample verification and mass quantification and mixing

There is a need for sample verification and mass quantification of rock, soil and/or ice obtained by sample acquisition mechanisms on extraterrestrial bodies. For many scientific instruments information about the mass of the sample would aid in the interpretation of the data and help prevent the portioning system from overloading instrument ports. Additionally, on a potential sample return mission it is likely that a sample confirmation or mass determination requirement would be implemented before the spacecraft would be commanded to return to Earth or Lunar orbit. In an effort to meet these potential requirements, a piezoelectric resonance balance is being developed to measure a frequency change proportional to the sample mass change. In previous work 1 we developed a resonance balance which produced large non-linear frequency changes due to the addition of a large mass. In this study we have looked at a variety of resonator geometries in an effort to linearize the frequency shift with mass. In addition, we have investigated the use of oscillator/counter circuitry to track the frequency shift of the piezoelectric mass balance. In this new design the frequency shifts automatically when a mass is placed on the balance and the counter circuit calculates the frequency shift. This frequency is then converted to a mass using calibration tables determined previously. An additional feature we have implemented is the use of a high frequency thickness mode piezoelectric resonator to mix the sample and a reactant or solvent. This allows for measuring both sample and reagent prior to ingestion by the instrument. This paper will focus on the design requirements and how they are affected by the local gravity and acoustic properties of the sample. Designs which allow for easy loading and unloading of the balance will also be discussed.
Elastic properties of rock salt: Laboratory measurements and Gulf of Mexico well-log analysis

ABSTRACTRock salt (essentially halite) is a special type of sedimentary rock that has played a large role throughout tectonic and economic history. The unique physical properties of halite (ductility, low density, flowability, and impermeability) can be critical factors in hydrocarbon traps and underground storage. However, seismic imaging and interpretation can be challenging when salt structures are present due to their complex geometry and large impedance contrasts relative to surrounding rocks. To investigate the properties of rock salt in terms of elastic parameters, we use ultrasonic laboratory measurements and well logs. In the laboratory, we have analyzed the effects of composition, crystalline structure, pressure, and temperature on the elastic behavior of a variety of rock salt samples. The samples include pure halite (>95 wt%) from the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) area, argillaceous rock salt from the Zipaquira Mine, Colombia, and crystalline salt from the Goderich Mine, Canada. Current measurements su...
Closed loop control of blood glucose level with neural network predictor for diabetic patients

Despite the recent advancements in glycemic control for diabetic patients, the realization of an automated closed-loop artificial pancreas is still a challenge. The purpose of this research is to develop an integrated control system for in silico closed loop administration of insulin for Type 1 diabetic patients based on patients' medical record and real-time control-relevant data. The proposed system consists of a virtual patient model from the online AIDA diabetes simulator, a neural network predictor trained on patients' data for feedback purposes, and a Proportional-Integral Controller and data logging nodes. The virtual patient takes into account the delayed and time-varying insulin and carbohydrate absorption rate associated with the existing subcutaneous insulin delivery and complex glucose metabolism, respectively. The neural network predictor was trained using 23 features including semi-static and dynamic data, with built-in knowledge of all available past blood glucose levels. Then the controller calculates the infusion bolus to be delivered by the insulin pump. Extensive simulations are performed and it is shown that the neural network predictor has less Root-Mean-Square error than the currently used continuous glucose monitors, which takes measurement from the interstitial fluid. Simulation results also demonstrate that our proposed data-driven closed loop system for glycemic control can effectively regulate the blood glucose level of Type 1 diabetic patients without hypoglycemic excursions, and with no preset instruction on meal ingestion.
Organic osmolytes of amphipods from littoral to hadal zones: Increases with depth in trimethylamine N-oxide, scyllo-inositol and other potential pressure counteractants

Abstract Deep-sea organisms must cope with hydrostatic pressure, up to ~ 110 MPa (~ 1100 atm) at 11 km in the Mariana Trench. Pressure perturbs protein conformations, ligand binding, and can promote damaging protein aggregates. Salinity is another stressor: seawater, averaging ~ 1000 mOsm/kg, is dehydrating towards the ~ 250–400 mOsm/kg of universal cellular solutes. Most marine organisms prevent dehydration by becoming isosmotic with cellular organic osmolytes, which, unlike NaCl, do not perturb proteins and can have chemical chaperone properties, stabilizing proteins against various physicochemical stressors. In shallow-dwelling invertebrates, these osmolytes are typically taurine, glycine, and betaine. Previous work on crustaceans down to 3 km found that “shallow” osmolytes decreased with depth, replaced with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and other apparent chemical chaperones. In bony fishes, TMAO increases with depth down to 8 km, and is probably a piezolyte (pressure counteractant) as it reverses pressure's inhibitory effects. Here we analyzed amphipods over the full ocean depth range of 0–11 km, from coastal habitats and numerous depths in the Kermadec and Mariana Trenches. We found that “shallow” osmolytes decreased while potential piezolytes, in different combinations in different species, increased with depth. These are TMAO, glycerophosphorylcholine and proline betaine (all methylamine chaperones), glycerophosphorylethanolamine, and scyllo -inositol, a polyol chaperone (being tested for Alzheimer's Disease) that works differently than methylamines by preventing damaging protein aggregations. Though only TMAO has been tested for piezolyte properties, these other solutes may explain how some hadal amphipods live deeper than fish, which appear to be limited to a maximum of 8.4 km.
Solar Irradiance Variability, Influenced by r Modes

A spectrum of the four-decade solar irradiance record has a prominent cluster of power for periodicities near 1 yr. Correlating irradiance with a bandpass filter showed that periodicity values were not constant, but varied sinusoidally with each cycle lasting 14 ± 1 yr. The large modulation amplitude makes solar frequencies ≥1 yr(exp −1) hard to detect at the solar surface. After removing the modulation, a Lomb–Scargle spectrum exposed two true periodicities: 1.006 and 0.920 yr. They are interpreted as the synodic rotation periods of r modes of lowest angular degree (l = 1). The first propagates in the stable interior and the second in the convective envelope perturbed by its several flow fields. The rotational beat period of the two modes is about 10.9 yr. This is close to the average length of a solar cycle and possibly controls this average. The 1.006 yr periodicity dominates most of the filtered irradiance record but an abrupt change to about 0.8 yr occurs in mid-2010. Also found was evidence for higher-degree r modes (l = 2 to 8) and a curious sawtooth modulation with a recurrence period of 2.6 yr.
The treatment of biodegradation in models of sub-surface oil spills: A review and sensitivity study.

Biodegradation is important for the fate of oil spilled in marine environments, yet parameterization of biodegradation varies across oil spill models, which usually apply constant first-order decay rates to multiple pseudo-components describing an oil. To understand the influence of model parameterization on the fate of subsurface oil droplets, we reviewed existing algorithms and rates and conducted a model sensitivity study. Droplets were simulated from a blowout at 2000 m depth and were either treated with sub-surface dispersant injection (2% dispersant to oil ratio) or untreated. The most important factor affecting oil fate was the size of the droplets, with biodegradation contributing substantially to the fate of droplets ≤0.5 mm. Oil types, which were similar, had limited influence on simulated oil fate. Model results suggest that knowledge of droplet sizes and improved estimation of pseudo-component biodegradation rates and lag times would enhance prediction of the fate and transport of subsurface oil.
Essentials of laboratory quality management

Abstract An assay validity for its intended use, as handled in the previous chapter, is critical, but it is just a piece of integral lab quality system without its completion and cohesiveness, lab results do not only lose its value but can be false and misleading. Laboratory quality management system encompasses many aspects and tools that can be bundled into two broad categories: (1) proactive measures to mitigate risk of a system failure and assure the quality of results, which will be produced and (2) retrospective indicators to adjudicate a diagnostic system performance and confirm reliability of the produced results. The first category includes many aspects starting with a lab physical and organizational structures and ending by the tools that assure the integrity of a lab report or a data set, but reagent and equipment verification and instrument calibration are the main analytical tools. The second category includes what is traditionally known as internal (intralab) and external (between-labs) quality control. This chapter will handle the most effective quality tools, challenge current practices, and propose alternatives.
Salinomycin and Lasalocid Effects on Growth Rate, Mineral Metabolism and Ruminal Fermentation in Steers

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of salinomycin and lasalocid on metabolism and growth of growing steers. In Exp. 1, 80 Angus steers (228 kg) were assigned to the following treatments: 1) control, 2) 50 mg salinomycin.hd-1.d-1, 3) 100 mg salinomycin.hd-1.d-1 and 4) 250 mg lasalocid.hd-1.d-1. Steers were fed corn silage once daily with allotments based on the amount of silage that each pen of five steers would consume in a 24-h period. In addition, .81 kg/hd of a corn-soybean meal supplement was fed daily during the 112-d study. Daily gains were similar across treatments, but feed intake was lower (P less than .05) for steers fed ionophores. Molar proportions of ruminal acetate were lower (P less than .05) in steers fed ionophores at 28 and 90 d. Ruminal propionate was lower (P less than .05) in control steers at 28 d, but values were similar across treatments on d 90. Plasma copper (Cu) was lower (P less than .05) in control steers on both sampling days. In Exp. 2, 16 Hereford steers were allotted to two blocks of eight animals each and assigned to one of three treatments: 1) control (n = 6), 2) 11 mg salinomycin/kg diet (n = 6) and 3) 33 mg lasalocid/kg diet (n = 4). Following a 28-d adjustment period, apparent absorption and retention of macrominerals and nitrogen (N) were determined during a 5-d collection period. Apparent absorption and retention of N did not differ among treatments when data were analyzed using N intake as a covariate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Managing Gastroparesis in the Setting of Obesity

Patients with symptomatic gastroparesis often suffer from overweight or obesity due to maladaptive dietary habits employed to help cope with symptoms of delayed gastric emptying. Increasingly, patients who are obese and also suffer from refractory gastroparesis symptoms are encountered. Roux-en Y gastric bypass (with and without removal of the remnant bypassed stomach) has been used as a dual treatment for concurrent obesity and gastroparesis symptoms with good results.
On the possible origin of protein homochirality, structure, and biochemical function.

Living systems have chiral molecules, e.g., native proteins that almost entirely contain L-amino acids. How protein homochirality emerged from a background of equal numbers of L and D amino acids is among many questions about life's origin. The origin of homochirality and its implications are explored in computer simulations examining the stability and structural and functional properties of an artificial library of compact proteins containing 1:1 (termed demi-chiral), 3:1, and 1:3 ratios of D:L and purely L or D amino acids generated without functional selection. Demi-chiral proteins have shorter secondary structures and fewer internal hydrogen bonds and are less stable than homochiral proteins. Selection for hydrogen bonding yields a preponderance of L or D amino acids. Demi-chiral proteins have native global folds, including similarity to early ribosomal proteins, similar small molecule ligand binding pocket geometries, and many constellations of L-chiral amino acids with a 1.0-A RMSD to native enzyme active sites. For a representative subset containing 550 active site geometries matching 457 (2) 4-digit (3-digit) enzyme classification (E.C.) numbers, native active site amino acids were generated at random for 472 of 550 cases. This increases to 548 of 550 cases when similar residues are allowed. The most frequently generated sequences correspond to ancient enzymatic functions, e.g., glycolysis, replication, and nucleotide biosynthesis. Surprisingly, even without selection, demi-chiral proteins possess the requisite marginal biochemical function and structure of modern proteins, but were thermodynamically less stable. If demi-chiral proteins were present, they could engage in early metabolism, which created the feedback loop for transcription and cell formation.
Primary Palliative Care for Emergency Medicine (PRIM-ER): Applying form and function to a theory-based complex intervention.

Abstract Background Emergency departments are seeing an increase in acute exacerbations of chronic disease in the older-adult population. The delivery of palliative care in the emergency department can increase goal-concordant care at the end-of-life for this population. New interventions in palliative care for emergency medicine require large, pragmatic, complex health interventions due to the heterogeneous and dynamic environment of emergency departments. These complex interventions must balance fidelity with adaptability, while being rooted in theory, to produce an intervention that can be applied in a variety of contexts. Methods Primary Palliative Care for Emergency Medicine (PRIM-ER) is a large, pragmatic, complex health intervention. This paper outlines the conceptual theory-based design as well as the study form and functions of PRIM-ER to exemplify how this complex intervention has balanced fidelity with adaptability. Results A form and function matrix was created to highlight the key objectives and tailored intervention components of PRIM-ER. Each intervention component was also linked to one or more elements of the Theory of Planned Behavior to support provider behavior change and the delivery of palliative care services and referrals. Conclusion The application of theory and delineation of forms and functions, as well prospective adaptation monitoring of large complex interventions can support the balance of fidelity with adaptability to encourage successful interventions among a variety of clinical environments.
Entropy Scaling of Viscosity - I: A Case Study of Propane.

In this work, a broadly applicable and simple approach for building high accuracy viscosity correlations is demonstrated for propane. The approach is based on the combination of a number of recent ...
Successful bridge to lung transplantation with transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

End-stage lung disease and advanced cardiac conditions are frequently seen together and represent a clinical dilemma. Even though both issues may be amenable to surgical management, combining lung transplant with surgical valve repair is rarely done and theoretically associated with increased morbidity and mortality risks, especially in elderly patients. Here, we describe 2 patients presenting with end-stage lung disease and significant aortic stenosis who were successfully bridged to lung transplant via transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Patient 1 was a 66-year-old man who underwent a double lung transplant 56 days after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Patient 2 was a 70-year-old man who underwent a single right lung transplant 103 days after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Both patients had uneventful postoperative courses and are alive at the 1-year time point with excellent performance status. This report suggests that transcatheter aortic valve replacement may favorably impact lung transplant candidacy for patients with end-stage lung disease in the setting of severe aortic stenosis, likely representing a better alternative to concomitant aortic valve replacement and lung transplant in elderly patients.
Differential assessment of skeletal, alveolar, and dental components induced by microimplant-supported midfacial skeletal expander (MSE), utilizing novel angular measurements from the fulcrum

In order to assess skeletal expansion, alveolar bone bending, and dental tipping after maxillary expansion, linear and angular measurements have been performed utilizing different craniofacial references. Since the expansion with midfacial skeletal expander (MSE) is archial in nature, the aim of this paper is to quantify the differential components of MSE expansion by calculating the fulcrum locations and applying a novel angular measurement system. Thirty-nine subjects with a mean age of 18.2 ± 4.2 years were treated with MSE. Pre- and post-expansion CBCT records were superimposed and compared. The rotational fulcrum of the zygomaticomaxillary complex was identified by localizing the interfrontal distance and modified interfrontal distance. Based on the fulcrum, a novel angular measurement method is presented and compared with a conventional linear method to assess changes of the zygomaticomaxillary complex, dentoalveolar bone, and maxillary first molars. From 39 patients, 20 subjects have the rotational fulcrum of the zygomaticomaxillary complex at the most distant points of the interfrontal distance (101.6 ± 4.7 mm) and 19 subjects at the most distant points of the modified interfrontal distance (98.9 ± 5.7 mm). Linear measurements accounted for 60.16% and 56.83% of skeletal expansion, 16.15% and 16.55% of alveolar bone bending, and 23.69% and 26.62% of dental tipping for right and left side. Angular measurements showed 96.58% and 95.44% of skeletal expansion, 0.34% and 0.33% alveolar bone bending, and 3.08% and 4.23% of dental tipping for the right and left sides. The frontozygomatic, frontoalveolar, and frontodental angles were not significant different (P > 0.05). In the coronal plane, the center of rotation for the zygomaticomaxillary complex was located at the most external and inferior point of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone or slightly above and parallel to the interfrontal distance. Due to the rotational displacement of the zygomaticomaxillary complex, angular measurements should be a preferred method for assessing the expansion effects, instead of the traditional linear measurement method.
Do Novice and Expert Users of Clinical Decision Support Tools Need Different Explanations

A key requirement for the successful adoption of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) is their ability to provide users with reliable explanations for any given recommendation which can be challenging for some tasks such as wound management decisions. Despite the abundance of decision guidelines, wound non-expert (novice hereafter) clinicians who usually provide most of the treatments still have decision uncertainties. Our goal is to evaluate the use of a Wound CDSS smartphone App that provides explanations for recommendations it produces. The App utilizes wound images taken by the novice clinician using smartphone camera. This study experiments with two proposed variations of rule-tracing explanations called verbose-based and gist-based. Deriving upon theories of decision making, and unlike prior literature that says rule-tracing explanations are only preferred by novices, we hypothesize that, rule-tracing explanations are preferred by both clinicians but in different forms: novices prefer verbose-based rule-tracing and experts prefer gist-based rule-tracing.
A short history of methods used to measure bathing beach water quality.

Abstract The enumeration of fecal indicators of bathing beach water to determine quality have been used since the mid-20th century. In the 1930s and as late the 1970s, the Most Probable Number procedure for estimating microbial densities in water was in general use. The most probable number procedure was replaced as a method of choice by the membrane filter procedure. The membrane filter had been developed in the early 1950s but did not find widespread use until the 1970s. Another development during the 1970s was the quanti -tray method, a proprietary multi-well tray, which was introduced as an innovative form of the Most Probable Number procedure. In 2005 molecular methods were introduced as a rapid 3-hourh procedure for measuring bathing beach water quality. Several variations of this approach are currently in use or in development.
Morphological Analysis of the Right Ventricular Endocardial Wall in Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic progressive disease diagnosed when the pressure in the main pulmonary artery, assessed by right heart catheterization (RHC), is greater than 25 mmHg. Changes in the pulmonary vasculature due to the high pressure yield an increase in the right ventricle (RV) afterload. This starts a remodeling process during which the ventricle exhibits changes in shape and eventually fails. RV models were obtained from the segmentation of cardiac magnetic resonance images at baseline and 1-year follow-up for a pilot study that involved 12 PH and 7 control subjects. The models were used to create surface meshes of the geometry and to compute the principal, mean, and Gaussian curvatures. Ten global curvature indices were calculated for each of the RV endocardial wall reconstructions at the end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) phases of the cardiac cycle. Statistical analysis of the data was performed to discern if there are significant differences in the curvature indices between controls and the PH group, as well as between the baseline and follow-up phases for the PH subjects. Six curvature indices, namely, the Gaussian curvature at ESV, the mean curvature at EDV and ESV, the L2-norm of the mean curvature at ESV, and the L2-norm of the major principal curvature at EDV and ESV, were found to be significantly different between controls and PH subjects (p < 0.05). We infer that these geometry measures could be used as indicators of RV endocardial wall morphology changes. Two global parameters, the Gaussian and mean curvatures at ESV, showed significant changes at the one-year follow-up for the PH subjects (p < 0.05). The aforementioned geometry measures to assess changes in RV shape could be used as part of a noninvasive computational tool to aid clinicians in PH diagnostic and progression assessment, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Assessment Practices in K-12 Physical Education in the United States: A Scoping Review of Research, 2000-2020.

Appropriate assessment practices are recognized as a critical part of the learning process and represent a key component of quality physical education. Recent shifts in school reform efforts toward...
Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: No Longer a Death Sentence.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignancy of the liver and a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. HCC commonly results from longstanding liver cirrhosis, which presents a host of complications and a severely diminished quality of life. Despite advancements in diagnosis, molecular pathogenesis, and management of the complications associated with irreversible liver diseases, HCC remains an aggressive malignancy with high mortality. HCC is often invasive to adjacent vasculature, including the inferior vena cava (IVC) and portal veins, which present with rapid morbidity and patient decline. This article describes a patient with cirrhosis and HCC previously treated with cryoablation now presenting with multiple new foci and invasion of the left medial portal vein. These lesions were synchronously cryoablated. Cryoablation is typically reserved for solid tumor masses within the soft tissue or specific organs. This report illustrates a technique of directly cryoablating tumors within vessels. We achieved adequate cryoablation of the intravascular HCC portal vein tumor thrombus in the left medial portal vein. A one-month follow-up CT scan demonstrated significant portal vein macrovascular invasion (MVI) regression from 22.8 mm to 7.7 mm. Portal vein invasion by HCC presents unique challenges and traditionally precludes percutaneous or surgical therapy. Our technique shows successful cryoablation of MVI as a viable adjunct to treatment in select patients.
Study of the Preliminary Elastic Deformation State of Workpieces Made of Non-ferrous Alloys During Drilling

Drilling is one of the most common operations of fabrication processes. That's why increasing the efficiency of drilling is always an urgent task. To increase the efficiency of the drilling process, a method of drilling in a pre-stress-strained material was developed using the technological facilities of Southwest State University. The workpiece is subjected to elastic deformation by applying the load not exceeding the proportional limit of the workpiece material. After loading is finished, the workpiece dimensions remain the same. It has been shown that this drilling method decreases the axial component of cutting force in the range from 20 to 30%. This happens because the workpiece material enters the cutting area (namely, the primary deformation area) in a pre-deformed state, which contributes to the saturation of the crystal lattice of the processed metal with energy. This paper describes the modeling of the drilling process using workpieces made of non-ferrous alloys in a preliminary elastic deformation state. Speaking of the mechanism of this phenomenon, the study and description of changes in the preliminary elastic deformation region of the processed material at different drilling depths are the most relevant. This study was performed using the DEFORM-3D FEM environment, which showed that the elastic deformation state of the processed material is ensured in the cutting area throughout the whole drilling process.
Symptom management in Chinese adults with end stage renal disease (ESRD)

Abstract Background With over $50 billion spent annually in the United Sates (U.S.) on patients with chronic kidney diseases, and an incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Asian Americans that is 1.5 times higher than in Caucasians, there is a compelling need to improve symptom management strategies for this population. Aims 1) To identify common, bothersome symptoms and both Eastern and Western symptom-management strategies in older Chinese-American ESRD patients. 2) To validate the effectiveness of these symptom-management strategies through literature review and an expert panel. Methods 1) Older Chinese-Americans were surveyed to assess common ESRD symptoms and management strategies. 2) An umbrella review of patients' symptom-management strategies was conducted, and findings were confirmed by experts. Results 1) Thirty Chinese-American ESRD patients with an average age of 80 (SD = 13.08) reported strategies to manage fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, dyspnea, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and pruritus. 2) A total of 55 studies were included in the umbrella review. Evidence of varying quality and confirmation by experts supported the effectiveness of 33 symptom-management strategies used by Chinese-American ESRD patients. Conclusion Further study is needed to understand why Chinese-American patients, on average, reported fewer symptoms compared with the general population but scored lower on quality of life measures; to validate reported amelioration strategies; to explore strategy effectiveness; and to uncover additional symptoms and strategies among older Chinese-Americans living with ESRD.
Successful near-term pregnancy outcome after repair of a dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm at 14 weeks gestation

We report the anesthetic management for a scheduled Cesarean section of a 29-yr-old female who previously had a repair of her dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm during the 14th week of her pregnancy. A 29-yr-old female with a history of hypertension and previously diagnosed aortic dissection secondary to suspected Marfan’s syndrome, presented to our institution for the first time after she became pregnant. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a dissecting aortic aneurysm greater than 8 cm in diameter beginning distal to the left subclavian artery and extending into the descending thoracic aorta. The patient was counseled in great detail about the risk of rupture with continuing pregnancy. She refused termination and chose elective repair of the aneurysm, with continuation of the pregnancy. Partial repair of the thoracic aneurysm was undertaken when the pregnancy was 135/7 weeks by ultrasound dates. She was subsequently maintained on labetolol and hydralazine for blood pressure control. A decision was made to proceed with a Cesarean section at 32 weeks. After placement of a radial artery catheter and two large peripheraliv catheters, she received a combined spinal-epidural anesthetic. A male infant with Apgars of 7 and 7 at one and five minutes was delivered. Aortic dissection in pregnancy may have catastrophic results. Undoubtedly, it presents unique challenges for anesthetic and obstetrical management. With appropriate care and surgical correction of the dissecting aneurysm early in pregnancy, a successful outcome for the pregnancy was possible.
Comparing estimates of fuel economy improvement via fuel-cell powertrains.

Several studies, conducted from 1997 to 2001, have employed vehicle and powertrain simulation models to estimate fuel economy gains for a variety of fuel-cell powertrains. Many of those studies have attempted to control for the comparability of performance between conventional and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs), but different sets of performance goals and simulation models have been used. This paper reviews the estimates of fuel economy gain (in mpg) vs. varying measures of performance change for a set of those studies. We examine some of the potential causes for the variability of these estimates — fuel used, powertrain hybridization, vehicle raw energy requirements (load), and variations in analysts’ assumptions/estimates — when substituting several types of fuel-cell powertrains. Our study includes development of a database and detailed examination of the relationships among powertrain and vehicle characteristics and fuel economy gain estimates for the selected studies. We developed simple equations by powertrain type to systematically examine the causes of variation in mpg gain among those conventional/FCV pairs controlled to have the same peak kW per kg of vehicle test weight (a surrogate for acceleration capability).
Sputtered Ti-Cu as a superior barrier and seed layer for panel-based high-density RDL wiring structures

This paper demonstrates that sputtered Ti-Cu is a superior barrier and seed layer on glass and organic panel substrates, over traditional electroless seeding, for the fabrication of ultra-fine copper traces (2–5µm) on dry film polymer dielectrics for high-density 2.5D interposers. The current semi-additive processes using electroless Cu seed face several challenges in scaling the copper trace widths below 5µm due to two main reasons: high-roughness of dielectric and high-thickness of copper seed. In this paper, both the above limitations are addressed by an advanced Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process that can be scaled to large panels with high throughputs. The PVD process developed in this study is capable of depositing Ti-Cu barrier and seed layer on 500 mm size panels at a low enough temperature for dry film polymer dielectrics of glass transition temperatures (T g ) of 150–160°C. The superiority of sputtered Ti-Cu over the conventional electroless Cu seeding for achieving good and reliable adhesion between Cu and dry film polymer dielectrics was investigated by peel strength measurements after highly-accelerated stress tests (HAST). The results indicate that sputtered process results in higher peel strengths and without adhesive failures at the Ti-Cu-polymer interfaces. Adhesive failures, however, were observed with the traditional electroless seed processes. In addition, the PVD processes resulted in small 2–5µm Cu traces on smooth dielectric films like ZS-100, requiring no desmear treatment. Such a process promises to be scalable to large panels leading to low-cost fabrication of high-density 2.5D interposers.
Flow and deformation: understanding the assumptions and thermodynamics

Coupling flow and deformation is of interest when modeling settling due to pumping water or oil, compaction due to construction, or, in other fields, modeling soft tissue, bones, or man-made porous materials. The modeling usually combines the Conservation of Mass equations for all phases, Darcy's law for flow, the Terzaghi's principal of effective stress, and a stress-strain relation. Here we discuss the assumptions and thermodynamic framework underlying this formulation for single-phase flow and discuss the need to generalize the traditional model.
Expression of ERK signaling inhibitors Dusp6, Dusp7, and Dusp9 during mouse ear development.

The levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling play important roles in coordinating development of the mouse inner, middle, and outer ears. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are among the effectors that transduce the FGF signal to the nucleus and other cellular compartments. Attenuation of ERK activity by dephosphorylation is necessary to modulate the magnitude and duration of the FGF signal. Recently, we showed that inactivation of the ERK phosphatase, dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), causes partially penetrant postnatal lethality, hearing loss and skeletal malformations. To determine whether other Dusps may function redundantly with Dusp6 during otic development, we surveyed the expression domains of the three ERK-specific DUSP transcripts, Dusp6, Dusp7, and Dusp9, in the embryonic mouse ear. We show that each is expressed in partially overlapping patterns that correspond to regions of active FGF signaling, suggesting combinatorial roles in negative regulation of this pathway during ear development. Developmental Dynamics 237:163–169, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.