cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful myeloid repopulation with a second hematopoietic stem cell transplant donor for relapse – AML

A 38 year old female was treated for AML M2 (FLT-3+, 3:10 translocation) with Sorafenib, AraC and Idarubcin. She subsequently received an unrelated HLA matched hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSC TX). Post transplant monitoring (STR) indicated 100% donor in unseparated peripheral blood cells (PBL) and 100% donor in both lymphoid (CD3+) and myeloid (CD14+, 15+) compartments. At day 651 PBL unseparated was 77% donor, 100% CD3+ and 90% CD14+, 15+. Bone marrow showed unseparated 63% donor, CD3+ 98% donor and CD14+, 15+ 74% donor. Further studies indicated relapse – AML, 40% blasts in the bone marrow. The patient was given a second HSC TX from an unrelated HLA matched donor. At 60 days after the second HSC TX unsorted PBL was 100% donor, whereas the lymphoid compartment was 95% the first donor, 5% the second donor and the myeloid compartment was 100% second donor STR marker. Conclusion The second transplant was successful in repopulating the myeloid compartment after therapy for relapse – AML.
Globalization and Musical Hierarchy in the United States, France, Germany, and the Netherlands

This chapter builds on comparative research on shifting cultural hierarchies and cultural globalization by considering changes in the musical field in the United States, France, Germany, and the Netherlands from 1955 to 2005. Using newspaper coverage in the four countries as an indicator, we consider the extent to which there is an increasingly global orientation to musical actors over time. Amid globalization, newspaper coverage of classical music was resilient to change, remaining highly focused on European musical actors. By contrast, popular music is in much greater flux since 1955 with a heightened focus on American and Anglophone musical actors. Our findings highlight the complex relationship between domestic and transnational fields of music as well as the role of media attention in processes of cultural globalization.
In Over Their Heads? Measuring the Severity of Transboundary Freshwater Conflict

Freshwater is a critical natural resource, and management of transboundary freshwater resources is a particularly difficult task for riparians. As observers of water politics, however, we lack a metric to classify and compare the severity of these transboundary freshwater conflicts. Is a military confrontation more likely to happen between Israel and Jordan over the Jordan River, or between India and Pakistan over the Chenab? Is more likely that China will use force over access to the Mekong, or Namibia over the Kunene? This paper develops and tests a metric of severity using environmental, political, and economic data from over two hundred transboundary rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
Dynamic Effects of Obstacles on Two-Wheeled Inverted-Pendulum Transporters

Two-wheeled inverted pendulums can be used as personal transporters. Their maneuverability and small footprint give them some desirable properties for this application. However, given the unstable mechanical design and the complicated control system that is required, inverted pendulums make complex and unexpected motions in response to both movements of the rider and disturbances from the operating environment. These complex motions lead to dynamic hazards that may cause the rider to fall off or the device to fall over. To better understand some of the complex motions, the response of a two-wheeled inverted-pendulum transporter traveling over bumps of various sizes is studied. Three effects of riding over bumps are demonstrated through an experimental investigation. When striking a bump, the transporter may bounce in the vertical direction, depending on the approach speed and size of the bump. Bumps also cause the transporter to pitch forward. When striking a bump with one wheel, the transporter turns towards the bump. All three effects can act to destabilize the machine and rider.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Efficient implementation of BCH decoders on GPU for flash memory devices using iBMA

Recent development and popularity of Flash Memory requires efficient error correction technique on its eco system like gaming and mobile platforms. In this paper, we have addressed an efficient method to decode and correct errors using the parallel computing technique offered by Graphical Processing Unit (GPU). This decoder employs the inversion-less Berleykamp-Massey algorithm (iBMA), and Chein search algorithm to decode the BCH (Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem) codes. We have devised an engine, on a GPU, that decodes BCH (n=8192, k=4096, t=4) code, and the results have shown that the latency of the decoder is less than the typical read latency of the flash memory device. Further, a comparative analysis of the same engine for different block size and error bits.
Rethinking Collective Action: The Co-Evolution of the State & Institutional Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies

Why do groups form to influence policy outcomes? Classic notions of collective action tell us that a small number of homogeneous individuals are more likely to form a group and thus achieve preferred policy outcomes. Yet, this is not always reflected in the empirical record as external factors, such as the state, influence the costs of organizing. While the institutional entrepreneurship literature highlights the key role these actors can play in shaping institutions and, at times, organizational fields, it does not seek to explain why change agents appear in some instances and not others. Moreover, traditional perspectives in the collective action literature either assume rationality or a passive state. This article seeks to fill this theoretical gap by drawing on the literature on coevolution, which helps explain the variation in group formation by underscoring how the state and new industries shape one another. Drawing from the case of microfinance in Brazil and Mexico, this research asserts that the formation of microfinance associations is a function of actors’ ability to access the state, which results in distinct processes: co-evolution by isolation or co-optation. This process has subsequent implications for institutional change, policy outcomes and, ultimately, the distribution of power and prospects of development within emerging economies.
Effects of Developmental Photoperiod on Adult Color and Pubescence in Thyanta calceata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with Information on Ability of Adults to Change Color

The effects of 16L:8D and 8L:16D developmental photoperiods on adult color and pubescence in Thyanta calceata (Say), and the ability of adults to change color when switched to reciprocal photoperiods, were studied under laboratory conditions. Adults reared in 16L:8D developmental photoperiod were green with a clearly defined red to brown pronotal stripe and short scattered pubescence, those in 8L:16D, brown with no stripe and with long pubescence. Brown adults (8L:16D developmental photoperiod) placed in 16L:8D developed a green or brownish-green color and a faint or obscure stripe, green adults (16L:8D) placed in 8L:16D, a reddish- or yellowish-brown color dorsally, but retained the green color ventrally, and developed a faint or obscure stripe. Both groups retained the pubescence resulting from the developmental photoperiods.
The sociological study of AIDS: a critical review of the literature and suggested research agenda.

Building upon a critical evaluation of the sociologically relevant literature dealing with AIDS, we offer methodological suggestions and outlines of substantive models that promise to address two limitations in the existing literature: the limited range of variables that are considered relevant, and the absence of theoretical guides that specify the interrelationships among putative explanatory factors. The review of the literature and the substantive models focus separately on the onset and on the course of AIDS. The onset of AIDS is modeled as a function of immune deficiency status that is influenced (1) by infection with the AIDS virus and, less directly, by the interrelated social factors that influence exposure to the AIDS virus, (2) by interrelated socialfactors that influence immune deficiency status more directly, net of effects upon exposure to the virus, and (3) by interrelated common or unique antecedents of these social factors. The course of AIDS is modeled as the outcome of (1) subjective distress associated with infection with the AIDS virus, premorbid indicators, opportunistic diseases, or the perceived adverse consequences of these circumstances, (2) the interrelated adaptivelcopingldefensive responses to the subjective distress (e.g. changes in behavioral risk factors, denial, seeking medical care), and (3) the interrelated antecedents of the AIDS-related subjective distress and adaptivelcopingldefensive responses. The influence of these variables on the course of AIDS is mediated by their direct or indirect (via exposure to the AIDS virus) effects on immune deficiency status.
Enzymatic Interconversion of Ammonia and Nitrite: The Right Tool for the Job

Hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) from Nitrosomonas europaea normally catalyzes oxidation of NH(2)OH to NO(2)(-). This paper reports experiments in which HAO was thermodynamically poised to catalyze reduction of NO(2)(-) to NH(4)(+). HAO was found to catalyze the reduction of NO(2)(-) by methyl viologen monocation radical (MV(red)), displaying a hyperbolic dependence on NO(2)(-) concentration, with a k(cat1) of 6.8 ± 0.3 s(-1) and a K(m1) of 7.6 ± 0.9 mM. HAO also catalyzed the reduction of NH(2)OH by MV(red), with a hyperbolic dependence on NH(2)OH concentration, and a k(cat2) of 245 ± 3 s(-1) and a K(m2) of 6.8 ± 0.2 mM (k(cat1) and k(cat2) reflect the maximum number of electrons transferred from MV(red) per second). We had previously demonstrated that HAO catalyzes the reduction of NO by MV(red) to yield first NH(2)OH and then NH(4)(+). Thus, overall, HAO is seen to act like a cytochrome c nitrite reductase, which catalyzes the six-electron reduction of NO(2)(-) to NH(4)(+) by MV(red). In the presence of Ru(NH(3))(2+) (Ru(II)) and Ru(NH(3))(3+) (Ru(III)) at ratios exceeding 200:1, HAO exhibited no detectable Ru(II)-NO(2)(-) oxidoreductase activity, though such activity is thermodynamically favored. On the other hand, HAO could still catalyze the oxidation of NH(2)OH to NO by Ru(III) under these conditions. The oxidative process exhibited a hyperbolic dependence on NH(2)OH concentration, with a k(cat3) of 98 ± 3 s(-1) and a K(m3) of 5.2 ± 0.8 μM. Finally, HAO was found not to catalyze the disproportionation of NH(2)OH, despite the thermodynamic favorability of such a process, and the apparent opportunity presented by the HAO structure. Mechanisms are proposed to explain all the kinetic data.
Sexual dimorphism, mating system and body size in new world blackbirds (Icterinae)

Although sexual selection is widely accepted as a primary functional cause of sexual size dimorphism in birds and mammals, results from some comparative studies have cast doubt on this conclusion. Chief among these contradictory results is the widespread association between body size and size dimorphism-large species tend to be more dimorphic than small species. This correlation is not directly predicted by the normal sexual selection scenario, and many hypotheses have been advanced to explain it. This paper reviews these hypotheses and evaluates them using data for the New World blackbirds (Icterinae). In this avian subfamily, (1) body size correlates with the intensity of sexual selection (as measured by mean harem size), and (2) size does not correlate with dimorphism if the effects of mating system are removed. Similar results are obtained when controlling for the confounding influence of phylogeny. Further, body size and mating system are associated with nesting dispersion. These results strongly argue that sexual dimorphism is a product of sexual selection in this subfamily, and suggest that either: (1) large body size itself, or the ecology of large species, promotes the development of coloniality and a polygynous mating system; or (2) polygyny and/or coloniality lead to the evolution of large size in both males and females. None of the other hypotheses examined predict an association between size and mating system, and all predict that size will correlate with dimorphism after the effects of mating system are removed. Thus, none of the other hypotheses seem applicable in this case. These results are compared to those obtained for other avian and mammalian taxa. Difficulties of analysis present in previous studies are discussed. I argue that it is inappropriate to assume that associations between a trait and body size or phylogeny are evidence of nonadaptive evolutionary "constraints."
Erosion studies on duplex and graded ceramic overlay coatings

The solid-particle erosion resistance of ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is of considerable economic and industrial significance. Of additional significance to the service performance of these coatings is the effort to minimize the differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between the metallic substrate and the overlay TBC. A new design strategy toward this effort is the introduction of functionally graded interlayers between the metallic and ceramic layers. This research examines the role of interlayer grading, microstructure, and thermal cycling on the solid-particle erosion behavior of partially stabilized zirconia and alumina coatings at ambient and elevated temperatures. The results point to beneficial effects of grading and processing on the elevated temperature erosion response of these deposits.
Supplement III: Neuroanatomy Considerations

The laminar neuropil in the phylogenetically older parts of the cerebrum is called allocortex (Mountcastle (ed), Medical physiology, C V Mosby, St Louis, 1974, [1]. Examples include the prepyriform cortex (paleocortex), the hippocampus (archicortex) and parts of the perirhinal and entorhinal cortex (mesocortex) Maclean, The triune brain. Plenum, New York, 1969, [2]; the olfactory bulb is here included as allocortex owing to its similarity to the others in topology and phylogenetic derivation, though not all anatomists accept this taxonomy. Generically allocortex has three layers with differing subdivisions specific to each area. Layer I also called marginal lies under the bounding pial membrane and has input axons and the dendritic trees on which they synapse. Layer II has the cell bodies, often with triangular shapes giving the name pyramidal cells (mitral cells in the bulb). Layer III has output axons with recurrent side branches called collateral branches that synapse on interneurons called stellate cells (internal granule cells in the bulb) but mainly on other pyramidal cells.
Reply to Myrseth and Wollbrant: Our model is consistent with altruism, and helps to explain its evolution.

Myrseth and Wollbrandt’s critique (1) of our paper “Intuition, deliberation and the evolution of cooperation” (2) is incorrect. They claim that our model “precludes the survival of altruistic individuals” and thus “precludes altruism in equilibrium” (where they define “altruism” as cooperating even in one-shot games).
Implementation and financial analysis of an operating room satellite pharmacy.

The rationale and implementation of an operating room (OR) pharmacy satellite is described, and the first-year savings are evaluated. The OR in an 874-bed university teaching hospital, consisting of 17 rooms for inpatients, 6 rooms for ambulatory patients, and a postanesthesia care unit, lacked comprehensive pharmacy services; this resulted in poor drug-use control and accountability, varied controlled-substance audit trails, and suboptimal patient services. A task force examined other institutions' OR pharmacy satellites and chose to implement a satellite that provides all pharmaceuticals and i.v. admixtures by using case trays for each surgical patient. One year after implementation of the satellite, inventory in the operating-room areas was reduced by 56.5%, annual pharmaceutical costs by 2.6% (adjusted for inflation), and average cost per patient by 8.0% (adjusted for inflation). First-year cost reductions and revenue identification exceeded operating costs for materials, supplies, and labor by $271,755. Implementation of an OR pharmacy satellite reduced the net cost of providing pharmaceutical services to the OR.
Controlling Methods of Microstructure for Multi-alloy Wear Resistance Steel

Multi-alloy wear resistance steel has widely application in engineering fields.Controlling methods of microstructure for multi-alloy wear resistance steel are presented in this paper.In addition,the relationship of microstructure for wear resistance steel and the added alloy elements are analyzed with the wear resistance properties.
Analysis of Monitoring Results of HIV and Syphilis among 1 460 Drug Users in Jieyang City

Objective To understand the prevalence and related risk behaviors of HIV and syphilis infection among drug users in Jieyang city.Method Face to face interview the drug users from detoxification center of Jieyang in 2006 were performed.Blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies.Results 1 460 drug users were interviewed.The positive rate of HIV and syphilis were 0.48% and 10.55%;respectively.43.84% were intravenous drug users(IDUs)and 38.60% of the IDUs had the experience of sharing contaminated needles,28.22% had commercial sexual behavior,and of which 16.26% used condom each time.Conclusion The infection rate among drug users was low in Jieyang city,but the drug users had various risk behavior,therefore intervention measures should be carried out to interrupt AIDS spreading from high risk groups to the general population in this region.
Polysome interaction in vitro with smooth microsomal membranes from rat liver

Abstract The formation of stable complex between polysomes and microsomal membranes isolated from smooth endoplasmic reticulum can be formed in vitro at 25–37°C. Interaction required no substances other than those in the reactant's preparations. Membrane binding sites showed a distinct preference for native bound polysomes.
Electron paramagnetic resonance studies on the ferredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum.

We have recently demonstrated an EPR signal in spinach ferredoxin on reduction either enzymically or with dithionite (Palmer and Sands, 1966). It is the purpose of this communication to report on the EPR spectrum found in the ferredoxin obtained from the bacterium C. pasteurianum. The ferredoxin was purified by the method of Mortenson (1964) and had an absorbancy ratio 285 rnp; 3QO rnF of 0.82. 2 , it was pure by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide at pH 9.0. The oxidised enzyme exhibits a small and variable resonance at g = 2.0. This signal is typical of high spin ferric ion in a weak crystal field. On reduction with dithionite the EPR signal shown in Fig. 1 is obtained. The apparent g-values are gx = 1.89,, g Y = 1.96 0' g:? = 2 . OG 5 ( see Fig. 1.) although the spectrum is not understood; in addition two shoulders are clearly visible one at each end of the spectrum. Inasmuch as the resonance exhibits two g-values below 2.0, it can be considered as
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: Theoretical Background, Empirical Research, and Dissemination

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), developed by Drs. Andrew Christensen and Neil Jacobson, builds off the tradition of behavioral couple therapy by including acceptance strategies as key components of treatment. Results from a large randomized clinical trial of IBCT indicate that it yields large and significant gains in relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, these benefits have been shown to persist for at least 5 years after treatment for the average couple. Not only does IBCT positively impact relationship constructs such as satisfaction and communication, but the benefits of therapy extend to individual, co-parenting, and child functioning. Moreover, IBCT has been shown to operate through the putative mechanisms of improvements in emotional acceptance, behavior change, and communication. IBCT was chosen for nationwide training and dissemination through the Veteran Affairs Medical Centers. Furthermore, the principles of IBCT have been translated into a web-based intervention for distressed couples, OurRelationship.com. IBCT is continuing to evolve and grow as research and technologies allow for continued evaluation and dissemination of this well-supported theoretical model.
Technical Note: Computer-Manufactured Inserts for Prosthetic Sockets

The objective of this research was to use computer-aided design software and a tabletop 3-D additive manufacturing system to design and fabricate custom plastic inserts for trans-tibial prosthesis users. Shape quality of inserts was tested right after they were inserted into participant's test sockets and again after four weeks of wear. Inserts remained properly positioned and intact throughout testing. Right after insertion the inserts caused the socket to be slightly under-sized, by a mean of 0.11mm, approximately 55% of the thickness of a nylon sheath. After four weeks of wear the under-sizing was less, averaging 0.03mm, approximately 15% of the thickness of a nylon sheath. Thus the inserts settled into the sockets over time. If existing prosthetic design software packages were enhanced to conduct insert design and to automatically generate fabrication files for manufacturing, then computer manufactured inserts may offer advantages over traditional methods in terms of speed of fabrication, ease of design, modification, and record keeping.
E-034 pipeline embolization for endoluminal reconstruction of blister-type carotid aneurysms after failed clip-wrapping

Background Ruptured blister aneurysms of the carotid artery are difficult to safely treat. We present a novel strategy of microsurgical clip-wrapping of internal carotid artery blister aneurysms in the setting of acute rupture, followed by delayed placement of a Pipeline Embolization Device for definitive treatment. Clinical Presentation We present cases of ruptured blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery treated by wrapping of the diseased segment of the vessel, followed by delayed deployment of a flow-diverting stent once the patient was out of the vasospasm window but during the same hospitalization. Results Clip-wrapping followed by flow diversion in a delayed fashion results in anatomic remodeling of the diseased artery without a high morbidity. Conclusion A combined approach of acute surgical stabilization followed by definitive endovascular reconstruction may reduce hemorrhagic complications while improving long-term treatment durability. Disclosures Y. Kalani: None. F. Albuquerque: None. M. Levitt: None. P. Nakaji: None. R. Spetzler: None. C. McDougall: None.
Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry with Almost Perfect Charge Accuracy.

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) is a single-particle technique where the masses of individual ions are determined from simultaneous measurement of each ion’s mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and charge. CDMS has many desirable features: it has no upper mass limit, no mass discrimination, and it can analyze complex mixtures. However, the charge is measured directly, and the poor accuracy of the charge measurement has severely limited the mass resolution achievable with CDMS. Since the charge is quantized, it needs to be measured with sufficient accuracy to assign each ion to its correct charge state. This goal has now been largely achieved. By reducing the pressure to extend the trapping time and by implementing a novel analysis method that improves the signal-to-noise ratio and compensates for imperfections in the charge measurement, the uncertainty has been reduced to less than 0.20 e rmsd (root-mean-square deviation). With this unprecedented precision peaks due to different charge states are resolve...
Removing Self Intersections of a Triangular Mesh by Edge Swapping, Edge Hammering, and Face Lifting

This paper describes a computational method for removing self intersections of a triangular mesh. A self intersection is a situation where a part of a surface mesh collides with another part of itself, i.e., two mesh elements intersect each other. It destroys the integrity of the mesh and makes the mesh unusable for certain applications. A mesh generator often creates a self intersection when a relatively large element size is specified over a region with a narrow clearance. There has been no automated method that automatically removes self intersections, and such self intersections needed to be corrected by manually editing the mesh. The proposed method automatically resolves a self intersection by re-connecting edges and adjusting node locations. This technique removes a typical self intersection and recovers the integrity of the triangular mesh. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Animal Models of Fibrosis in Human Disease

Although fibrosis can occur as part of normal wound healing, dysregulated fibrosis can affect almost any organ and results in severe dysfunction. Despite the variety of human disease of which this is a feature these diseases remain poorly understood due in part to the slow largely asymptomatic onset. Animal models are our only means to examine the early stages of these diseases. With them we can isolate perturbations in signaling pathways, chemokines and cytokines and study their effects. Here we summarize animal models that have been developed for the study of the most common human fibrotic conditions. We separate models of scleroderma and cirrhosis as the model development for each of these conditions face unique challenges. Although still imperfect, elegant solutions have been developed for modeling fibrosis in each. Indeed, progress in this area is currently rapid, and animal models will likely remain critical in moving forward our scientific understanding of these disease states.
Improving Inquiry Teaching through Reflection on Practice

In this paper, we explore middle school science teachers’ learning of inquiry-based instructional strategies through reflection on practice teaching sessions during a summer enrichment program with middle level students. The reflection sessions were part of a larger year-long inquiry professional development program in which teachers learned science content and inquiry pedagogy. The program included a 2-week summer institute in which teachers participated in science content sessions, practice teaching to middle level students, and small group-facilitated reflection sessions on their teaching. For this study, data collection focused on teachers’ recorded dialogue during the facilitator - run reflection sessions, the teachers’ daily written reflections, a final written reflection, and a written reflection on a videotaped teaching session. We investigated the teachers’ reflection levels and the themes teachers focused on during their reflection sessions. Teachers were found to reflect at various reflection levels, from simple description to a more sophisticated focus on how to improve student learning. Recurrent themes point to the importance of providing situated learning environments, such as the practice teaching with immediate reflection for teachers to have time to practice new instructional strategies and gain insight from peers and science educators on how to handle student learning issues.
Walkers and their Staffs: O’odham Walking Sticks by Way of Calendar Sticks and Scraping Sticks

AbstractAs archaeologist J. Andrew Darling and Akimel O’odham traditional singer and cultural preservation officer Barnaby V. Lewis have previously shown, scraping sticks encode geographical knowledge, while calendar sticks encode historical knowledge. Like these other sticks, the staffs of O’odham “walkers,” or pilgrims, to Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico, similarly contain both geographical and historical knowledge, evoking memories of past journeys in the present and the presence of Magdalena. Moreover, these staffs are spoken of and treated as people, or at least as an extension of O’odham walkers. For O’odham walkers with their staffs, or walking sticks, Magdalena, Saint Francis, and all of the blessings associated with them are never too far away. And the memories of these journeys that they have taken with their sticks and the stories that they together tell, inextricably link walkers and their sticks, sticks and stories, people and places, as well as the past and the present. Thus, Magdalena is palpably...
H/sub /spl infin// and L/sub 2/-to-L/sub /spl infin// gain control of linear parameter-varying systems with parameter-varying delays

The analysis and state-feedback synthesis problems for linear parameter-varying systems with parameter-varying time delays are addressed. It is assumed that the state-space data and the time delays are dependent on parameters that are measurable in real-time and vary in a compact set with bounded variation rates. We explore the stability, L2 gain performance and L2 - to- L∞ gain performance for these systems using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functionals. In addition, the design of parameter-dependent state-feedback controllers that guarantee stability and desired induced norm performance are examined. Both analysis and synthesis conditions are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities that can be solved via efficient interior-point algorithms.
Social Capital and Adolescent Substance Use: The Role of Family, School, and Neighborhood Contexts

This study assesses the link between social capital factors of norm-setting social arenas including family, school, and neighborhood and adolescent substance use measured by cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use among a sample of adolescents in California. The key messages of this study are that socialization processes at different life domains, in varying degrees, are associated with adolescent substance use behavior. Compared with school and neighborhood contexts, family is the most influential setting that should be primarily targeted for youth substance use prevention. Among different aspects of within-family social resources, parental monitoring seems to be the most protective of adolescent substance use. Study implications on family-based interventions are discussed.
Automatic estimation of heart boundaries and cardiothoracic ratio from chest x-ray images

Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is a widely used radiographic index to assess heart size on chest X-rays (CXRs). Recent studies have suggested that also two-dimensional CTR might contain clinical information about the heart function. However, manual measurement of such indices is both subjective and time consuming. This study proposes a fast algorithm to automatically estimate CTR indices based on CXRs. The algorithm has three main steps: 1) model based lung segmentation, 2) estimation of heart boundaries from lung contours, and 3) computation of cardiothoracic indices from the estimated boundaries. We extended a previously employed lung detection algorithm to automatically estimate heart boundaries without using ground truth heart markings. We used two datasets: a publicly available dataset with 247 images as well as clinical dataset with 167 studies from Geisinger Health System. The models of lung fields are learned from both datasets. The lung regions in a given test image are estimated by registering the learned models to patient CXRs. Then, heart region is estimated by applying Harris operator on segmented lung fields to detect the corner points corresponding to the heart boundaries. The algorithm calculates three indices, CTR1D, CTR2D, and cardiothoracic area ratio (CTAR). The method was tested on 103 clinical CXRs and average error rates of 7.9%, 25.5%, and 26.4% (for CTR1D, CTR2D, and CTAR respectively) were achieved. The proposed method outperforms previous CTR estimation methods without using any heart templates. This method can have important clinical implications as it can provide fast and accurate estimate of cardiothoracic indices.
Molecular Pathways: Metabolic control of histone methylation and gene expression in cancer

Epigenetic alterations contribute to tumor development, progression, and therapeutic response. Many epigenetic enzymes use metabolic intermediates as cofactors to modify chromatin structure. Emerging evidence suggests that fluctuation in metabolite levels may regulate activities of these chromatin-modifying enzymes. Here we summarize recent progress in understanding the crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetic control of gene expression in cancer. We focus on how metabolic changes, due to diet, genetic mutations, or tumor microenvironment, regulate histone methylation status and consequently affect gene expression profiles to promote tumorigenesis. Importantly, we also suggest some potential therapeutic approaches to target the oncogenic role of metabolic alterations and epigenetic modifications in cancer.
Second-harmonic generation from an array of subwavelength metal apertures

We demonstrate the generation of second-harmonic radiation in transmission through periodic and disordered arrays of sub-wavelength metallic apertures. For circular apertures in a square lattice, the second-harmonic signal peaks at incidence angles corresponding to enhanced transmission of the fundamental beam of 800~nm wavelength except at small incidence angles where the local symmetry minimizes the effective second-order nonlinear susceptibility of the apertures. Even though the linear transmission of the fundamental beam can be more than five times greater through the periodic array as compared to a disordered array, the strength of the second harmonic from the disordered array is greater at large incidence angles. By breaking the local symmetry through the use of apertures of non-centrosymmetric shape, the second-harmonic output occurs at fundamental transmission resonances at small incidence angles.
Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides with Large Cell Transformation in a Child.

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF) is the most common variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) in children. Large-cell transformation in HMF has never been reported. Herein we report a case of HMF in an 8-year-old boy who presented with a 6-year history of hypopigmented patches on the bilateral arms, lower back, buttocks, posterior thighs, and lower legs. Biopsy revealed an abnormal CD8+ epidermotropic T-cell infiltrate consistent with the diagnosis of MF. The T-cell clonality study was positive. The patient was started on narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy and topical steroids. He had a 50% reduction in his patches after 10 months of treatment, after which he developed a single annular plaque on his left thigh. The biopsy specimen demonstrated large cells that were diffusely CD8+ and CD30−. Clobetasol propionate ointment was prescribed, which led to complete resolution of the plaque within 2 weeks. NBUVB phototherapy was continued and the patient had a complete response within the following 5 months. The case is an example of exceptionally rare large-cell transformation in pediatric MF and stresses the importance of regular follow-up of these patients.
In Thoughts, Words, and Deeds: Are Social Class Differences in Parental Support Similar across Immigrant and Native Families?

Much of the literature examining social class differences in parental involvement has drawn on Bourdieu’s theory of cultural reproduction, but the applicability of this model to immigrant families ...
C-Reactive Protein and the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events Among Those at Intermediate Risk: Moving an Inflammatory Hypothesis Toward Consensus

Over 20 large-scale prospective studies show that the inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events that additionally predicts risk of incident hypertension and diabetes. In many studies, the relative impact of hsCRP is at least as large as that individually of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, or smoking, and knowledge of hsCRP correctly reclassifies a substantial proportion of "intermediate-risk" individuals into clinically relevant higher- or lower-risk categories. Other studies show the relative benefit of statins to be greater among those with increased hsCRP and that achieved hsCRP levels after statin therapy predict recurrent event rates as much as achieved levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Nonetheless, it remains controversial whether the time has come to modify traditional algorithms used for global risk detection. As described here, 6 areas of controversy regarding hsCRP are resolvable with a consensus position that focuses in primary prevention on selective use among individuals with 5% to 20% 10-year risk as estimated by Adult Treatment Panel III, and focuses in secondary prevention on high-risk patients being treated with statin therapy. Forthcoming trial data could expand or contract this "screen selectively" policy, and investigators should be open to the possibility that second-generation inflammatory biomarkers may be developed that supplant hsCRP altogether. In the meantime, however, this consensus position on hsCRP should be one to which both advocates and critics of the inflammatory hypothesis of atherosclerosis can adhere because it is one that can immediately improve patient care.
The Structure of Context and Context Awareness

The role of context in cognition or intentionality has been studied in disciplines ranging from phenomenology to philosophy of mind and language to cognitive science. Here I propose to appropriate and adapt parts of Aron Gurwitsch’s analysis of “marginal” and “thematic” consciousness. Gurwitsch factored the “field of consciousness” into Theme, Thematic Field, and Margin, and he distinguished three “orders of existence” in Stream of Consciousness, Embodied Existence, and Perceptual World. I propose to rebuild these distinctions as linked structures of intentionality: formal meaning (noematic) structures defining focus of attention, and formal objective structures defining context of experience. The analysis will clarify results in cognitive science concerning “inattention blindness.” My larger aim is how to analyze intentionality as a “formal” ontological structure within a framework of formal ontology.
Progress in Ferrous-Alloy Design

Attempts to develop alloys with thermally stable intermetallic compounds, rather than alloy carbides, as the strengthening dispersoid in ferritic steels have failed, largely because of the embrittlement resulting from precipitation of the intermetallic compound in grain boundaries during heat treatment. Recent work has shown that this problem can be overcome by the appropriate use of the α-to-γ phase transformation in iron-base alloys strengthened by the Laves phase, TaFe2. The new alloys have creep strengths at 650 C that are superior to most of the commercially available ferritic steels and are comparable in creep strength to the 300-grade austenitic steels.
H2(tf) optimality conditions for a finite-time horizon

Abstract In this paper we establish the interpolatory model reduction framework for optimal approximation of MIMO dynamical systems with respect to the H 2 norm over a finite-time horizon, denoted as the H 2 ( t f ) norm. Using the underlying inner product space, we derive the interpolatory first-order necessary optimality conditions for approximation in the H 2 ( t f ) norm. Then, we develop an algorithm, which yields a locally optimal reduced model that satisfies the established interpolation-based optimality conditions. We test the algorithm on various numerical examples to illustrate its performance.
The Impact of Job Expectations, Workload, and Autonomy on Work-Related Stress Among Prison Wardens in the United States:

Prison wardens manage both external pressures and internal challenges that affect work-related stress. Using data from a national survey of prison wardens, we examined the impact of conflicting job...
Design of Noise Transfer Functions for Delta–Sigma Modulators Using the Least-pth Norm

The design of an efficient noise transfer function (NTF) is necessary for the synthesis of a delta–sigma modulator (DSM). In one of the popular methods of designing an NTF, its zeros are optimally placed in order to minimize the noise in the band of interest. The poles, however, are those of a maximally flat all-pole filter. Such a method does not yield the optimal design since the numerator and denominator are considered separately. In this brief, we describe a design method wherein the energy in the band of interest is minimized using a least-pth norm while satisfying all the realizability constraints of a DSM. Our formulation provides the flexibility in assigning both the on- and off-the-unit-circle zeros of the NTF. By way of examples we show that the signal-to-quantization-noise ratio of the NTF designed by our method is substantially higher than that designed by one of the well-known methods. In terms of the signal-to-noise ratio, the NTF designed with our method is better for a wide amplitude range of the DSM. We have also shown the flexibility of our design by incorporating a weighting function that is popular in the audio industry.
Best organizational practices that foster scholarly nursing practice in Magnet® hospitals

Abstract Background For nurses to become leaders in the transformation of the future health care delivery system, they need organizational support to develop a scholarly nursing practice across a full career trajectory. Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe best organizational practices that support the development and growth of a scholarly nursing practice throughout a nurse's full career progression. Method Thirty-two senior nurse leaders from American Nurses Credentialing Corporation Magnet® hospitals were interviewed. Questions focused on strategies used in the workplace to support nurses' growth and development of a scholarly nursing practice. Content analysis was used to analyze data. Results The following themes emerged: The Organization Creates and Sustains a Core Culture Supportive of Scholarly Nursing Practice; Expectations for Professional Development; Resources that Support Scholarly Nursing Practice; and Power of the Senior Nurse Leader. Nursing culture in the institutions led by our participants had a significant and influential impact on the overall organizational culture. Conclusions A nursing culture that embraces a scholarly nursing practice environment is one that is tightly integrated with an overall institutional culture that supports nursing. Senior nurse leaders were the driving force behind the development of a culture that supports scholarly nursing practice.
Health-related quality of life and medical comorbidities in older patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: An analysis using the 1998-2011 surveillance, epidemiology, and end results-medicare health outcomes survey data.

Abstract Objectives This study compares health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to controls without cancer, and examines the impact of medical comorbidities on HRQoL. Materials and methods We conducted a case-control study using the 1998–2011 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (SEER-MHOS) linked dataset. Cases were Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older diagnosed with PDAC (N = 128) and matched controls were without a history of cancer (N = 512). We used the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Veterans-RAND-12 (VR-12) to examine HRQoL and calculated mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component scores. Linear regression and mixed effects models were used to examine the impact of medical comorbidities on MCS and PCS for cases and controls, respectively. Results Cases reported significantly poorer PCS (29.3 vs. 36.3) and MCS (44.8 vs. 49.9) compared to controls. Comorbidities were significantly associated with lower PCS and MCS in controls. However, neither total number of comorbidities or comorbidities grouped by organ systems (cardiopulmonary disease, musculoskeletal disease, diabetes) were significantly related to PCS or MCS for cases. Comparison of regression coefficients estimates did not indicate that lack of significance was due to differences in sample size. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the poor HRQoL reported by older patients with PDAC. HRQoL scores were very low in this population, particularly in physical health status, which were not explained by comorbidities.
Alternative Spirituality among Global Scientists

Scholars, especially those in the West, often attribute the construction of alternative spirituality to a culture of individualism. Here, we explore how non-religious scientists construct spiritual...
PRP in wound healing applications

Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, tissue regeneration and host defense. Based on these settings, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives are therapeutically used to promote wound healing in several scenarios. This review summarizes the biological mechanisms underlying the most traditional as well as innovative applications of PRP in wound healing. These mechanisms involve the combined action of platelet-derived growth factors and cytokines, together with the role of plasma-derived fibrillar, antioxidant and homeostatic factors. In addition, regenerative treatments with PRP consist of personalized and non-standardized methods. Thus, the quality of PRP varies depending on endogenous factors (e.g., age; gender; concomitant medication; disease-associated systemic factors; nutrition) and exogenous factors (anticoagulants and cellular composition). This review also analyses whether these factors affect the biological mechanisms of PRP in wound healing applications.
Transcriptomic and volatile signatures associated with maize defense against corn leaf aphid

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major cereal crop, with the United States accounting for over 40% of the worldwide production. Corn leaf aphid [CLA; Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch)] is an economically important pest of maize and several other monocot crops. In addition to feeding damage, CLA acts as a vector for viruses that cause devastating diseases in maize. We have shown previously that the maize inbred line Mp708, which was developed by classical plant breeding, provides heightened resistance to CLA. However, the transcriptomic variation conferring CLA resistance to Mp708 has not been investigated. In this study, we contrasted the defense responses of the resistant Mp708 genotype to those of the susceptible Tx601 genotype at the transcriptomic (mRNA-seq) and volatile blend levels. Our results suggest that there was a greater transcriptomic remodeling in Mp708 plants in response to CLA infestation compared to the Tx601 plants. These transcriptomic signatures indicated an activation of hormonal pathways, and regulation of sesquiterpenes and terpenoid synthases in a constitutive and inducible manner. Transcriptomic analysis also revealed that the resistant Mp708 genotype possessed distinct regulation of ethylene and jasmonic acid pathways before and after aphid infestation. Finally, our results also highlight the significance of constitutive production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Mp708 and Tx601 plants that may contribute to maize direct and/or indirect defense responses. This study provided further insights to understand the role of defense signaling networks in Mp708’s resistance to CLA.