cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chitinase 1 Is a Biomarker for and Therapeutic Target in Scleroderma-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease That Augments TGF-β1 Signaling

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) with pulmonary fibrosis is an important manifestation in systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) where it portends a poor prognosis. However, biomarkers that predict the development and or severity of SSc-ILD have not been validated, and the pathogenetic mechanisms that engender this pulmonary response are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate in two different patient cohorts that the levels of chitotriosidase (Chit1) bioactivity and protein are significantly increased in the circulation and lungs of SSc patients compared with demographically matched controls. We also demonstrate that, compared with patients without lung involvement, patients with ILD show high levels of circulating Chit1 activity that correlate with disease severity. Murine modeling shows that in comparison with wild-type mice, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was significantly reduced in Chit1−/− mice and significantly enhanced in lungs from Chit1 overexpressing transgenic animals. In vitro studies also demonstrated that Chit1 interacts with TGF-β1 to augment fibroblast TGF-β receptors 1 and 2 expression and TGF-β–induced Smad and MAPK/ERK activation. These studies indicate that Chit1 is potential biomarker for ILD in SSc and a therapeutic target in SSc-associated lung fibrosis and demonstrate that Chit1 augments TGF-β1 effects by increasing receptor expression and canonical and noncanonical TGF-β1 signaling.
An integrated approach for the in vitro dosimetry of engineered nanomaterials.

Background There is a great need for screening tools capable of rapidly assessing nanomaterial toxicity. One impediment to the development of reliable in vitro screening methods is the need for accurate measures of cellular dose. We present here a methodology that enables accurate determination of delivered to cell dose metrics. This methodology includes (1) standardization of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) suspension preparation; (2) measurement of ENM characteristics controlling delivery to cells in culture; and (3) calculation of delivered dose as a function of exposure time using the ISDD model. The approach is validated against experimentally measured doses, and simplified analytical expressions for the delivered dose (Relevant In Vitro Dose (RID)f function) are derived for 20 ENMs. These functions can be used by nanotoxicologists to accurately calculate the total mass (RIDM), surface area (RIDSA), or particle number (RIDN) delivered to cells as a function of exposure time.
Spatial segregation of odorant receptor expression in the mammalian olfactory epithelium

The signal elicited by the interaction of odorous ligands with receptors on olfactory sensory neurons must be decoded by the brain to determine which of the numerous receptors have been activated. We have examined the patterns of odorant receptor expression in the rat olfactory epithelium to determine whether the mammalian olfactory system employs spatial segregation of sensory input to encode the identity of an odorant stimulus. In situ hybridization experiments with probes for 11 different odorant receptors demonstrate that sensory neurons expressing distinct receptors are topologically segregated into a small number of broad, yet circumscribed, zones within the olfactory epithelium. Within a given zone, however, olfactory neurons expressing a specific receptor appear to be randomly distributed, rather than spatially localized. The complex mammalian olfactory system may therefore compartmentalize the epithelium into anatomically and functionally discrete units, such that each zone expresses only a subset of the entire receptor repertoire.
The cost of developing imaging agents for routine clinical use.

The objective of this study was to estimate the financial cost of developing new imaging agents for clinical use and to discuss the effects of these costs on the future clinical imaging agent environment. Publicly available financial data from the annual reports of major companies developing and selling imaging agents were examined and the data used to develop cost estimates. These estimates were compared with the in-depth data and analyses avail- able for the development costs of therapeutic drugs. The cost of developing a drug for diagnostic imaging to commercialization is in the $100 to $200 million range, whereas a blockbuster imaging drug has current sales of $200 to $400 million. Most of these blockbuster imaging agents have been on the market for some time. The majority provide morphologic images with general indications in a slowly changing section of the market. Future agents will most likely address smaller markets and be in the rapidly developing molecular imaging field. The costs are high and are a significant brake on the development of imaging agents for commercialization. If new im- aging agents are to realize their commercial potential, ways must be found to make the financials more attractive. The prices per dose are currently low so they must either be greatly increased for new imaging agents, with a corresponding increase in the value of the information they provide, or the use of imaging agents must be widened and/or their development made less costly in time and money. Without addressing these issues, the commercialization of new imaging agents will continue to be slow and may get slower. This will impact the progress of imaging agents toward use as validated biomarkers.
Fast simulation algorithms for RF circuits

RF integrated circuit designers make extensive use of simulation tools which perform nonlinear periodic steady-state analysis and its extensions. However, the computational costs of these simulation tools have restricted users from examining the detailed behavior of complete RF subsystems. Recent algorithmic developments, based on matrix-implicit iterative methods, is rapidly changing this situation and providing new faster tools which can easily analyze circuits with hundreds of devices. In this paper we present these new methods by describing how they can be used to accelerate finite-difference, shooting-Newton, and harmonic-balance based algorithms for periodic steady-state analysis.
Targeting Toll-like receptor signaling as a novel approach to prevent ocular infectious diseases

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the innate immune response to invading pathogens. Thus, their discovery has opened up a wide range of therapeutic possibilities for various infectious and inflammatory diseases. In the last several years, extensive research efforts have provided a considerable wealth of information on the expression and function of TLRs in the eye, with significant implications for better understanding of pathogenesis of infectious eye diseases affecting the cornea, uvea, and the retina. In this review, by using bacterial keratitis and endophthalmitis as examples, we discuss the possibilities of targeting TLR signaling for the prevention or treatment of ocular infectious diseases.
Does recent research on adolescent brain development inform the mature minor doctrine

US Supreme Court rulings concerning sanctions for juvenile offenders have drawn on the science of brain development and concluded that adolescents are inherently less mature than adults in ways that render them less culpable. This conclusion departs from arguments made in cases involving the mature minor doctrine, in which teenagers have been portrayed as comparable to adults in their capacity to make medical decisions. I attempt to reconcile these apparently incompatible views of adolescents' decision-making competence. Adolescents are indeed less mature than adults when making decisions under conditions that are characterized by emotional arousal and peer pressure, but adolescents aged 15 and older are just as mature as adults when emotional arousal is minimized and when they are not under the influence of peers, conditions that typically characterize medical decision-making. The mature minor doctrine, as applied to individuals 15 and older, is thus consistent with recent research on adolescent development.
Buffer assignment for data driven architectures

Data driven architectures have the potential to exhibit higher performance and throughput when compared to their control driven counterparts. In order to ensure that these performance gains are realized, it is required that the underlying data flow graph (DFG) have no accumulation of data at its nodes. Hence, all operands should arrive simultaneously at a multi-input operation node. Buffers are therefore inserted to ensure these conditions. An algorithm for buffer distribution in a balanced DFG of order (V /spl times/ E) is proposed. The number of buffers in the proposed buffer distribution strategy is equal to the minimum number of buffers achieved by integer programming techniques. An extension of this algorithm, of order (V/sup 2/ /spl times/ log V) is proposed which can further reduce the number of buffers by altering the DFG while keeping the functionality and performance of the DFG intact. Performance results showing the improvement of these algorithms over the existing ones have been shown.
Novel low-cost beam-steering techniques using microstrip patch antenna arrays fed by dielectric image lines

This paper presents novel low-cost beam-steering techniques using microstrip patch antenna arrays fed by dielectric image lines (DILs). Two approaches are designed and used. The first, DILs without reflector plate, are used for feeding microstrip patch antenna arrays. Antenna array radiation beams are scanned when the operating frequency sweeps. The second, a dielectric image line with a movable reflector plate (DILWRP), is developed. The beam direction of the antenna array is controlled and steered by changing the perturbation distance between DIL and movable reflector plate at a given operating frequency. Both types of patch antenna array structures are simple, low cost, easily fabricated, stable, and reliable. Eight-element patch antenna arrays fed by DIL and DILWRP have been designed, fabricated, and tested. Experiments show good performance and results. Measurement results of scanning angles agree well with theoretical predictions.
Clinical messages from the Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS).

Objective: The purpose of this report was to summarize the key clinical messages from the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). Methods: TADS is a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the relative effectiveness of fluoxetine, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and the combination of fluoxetine plus CBT across acute treatment, maintenance treatment, and naturalistic follow-up periods among adolescents with major depressive disorder. Results: Findings revealed that 6 to 9 months of combined fluoxetine plus CBT should be the modal treatment from a public health perspective as well as to maximize benefits and minimize harms for individual patients. Conclusion: The combination of fluoxetine and CBT appears to be superior to both CBT monotherapy and fluoxetine monotherapy as a treatment for moderate to severe major depressive disorder in adolescents.
Compact Models for Memristors Based on Charge-Flux Constitutive Relationships

This paper introduces compact models for memristors. The models are developed based on the fundamental constitutive relationships between charge and flux of memristors. The modeling process, with a few simple steps, is introduced. For memristors with limited resistance ranges, a simple method to find their constitutive relationships is discussed, and examples of compact models are shown for both current-controlled and voltage-controlled memristors. Our models satisfy all of the memristor properties such as frequency dependent hysteresis behaviors and also unique boundary assurance to simulate memristors whether they behave memristively or resistively. Our models are implementable in circuit simulators, including SPICE, Verilog-A, and Spectre.
Severe oral phenytoin overdose does not cause cardiovascular morbidity.

Study objective: To evaluate the potential for cardiovascular toxicity from severe oral phenytoin overdose. Study population: Fifty-seven patients admitted during a two-year period to an inner-city hospital for severe oral phenytoin overdose, which is defined as a peak level of 40 μ g/mL or more. Methods: Case records were reviewed retrospectively for symptoms and signs of phenytoin toxicity, especially circulatory effects. Baseline and toxic 12-lead ECGs, when available, were reviewed in detail. Continuous variables were compared using either paired or unpaired t tests, as appropriate. Significance was taken as P ⩽ .05. Results: Mean peak phenytoin level was 49.4 ± 7.7 μ g/mL. Continuous single-lead ECG monitoring in 36 patients (63%) for a mean of 26.5 ± 21.6 hours revealed no incidents of dysrhythmia requiring treatment. ECGs recorded during toxicity in 52 cases (91%) revealed no clinically significant abnormalities attributable to phenytoin. ECGs during toxic and baseline states were available for detailed analysis in 15 cases. Ten patients exhibited an increase in PR interval (mean, 19 ± 10 ms) when toxic, whereas five had a decrease (mean, 18 ± 11 ms) compared with nontoxic records. No change in heart rate, QRS duration, or corrected QT interval was observed. There were no circulatory complications and no deaths. Conclusion: Cardiovascular toxicity is rarely a manifestation of oral phenytoin overdose. Routine management of stable patients with severe phenytoin overdose in a monitored setting is not mandatory.
Book Review: What Makes Health Public? A Critical Evaluation of Moral, Legal, and Political Claims in Public Health

This is a review of John Coggon’s What Makes Health Public? A Critical Evaluation of Moral, Legal, and Political Claims in Public Health (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2012). In this rich and rigorously argued monograph, Coggon argues that questions of public health ethics, including the fundamental question of when health is a matter of public rather than private concern, depend for their resolution on the development of a “complete” political theory. This review explores Coggon’s argument, including his discussion of the terms “health,” “public health,” “public health ethics,” and “public health law,” and his attempt in the final third of the book to develop his own liberal theory. While applauding Coggon’s demonstration that normative debates surrounding public health depend upon broader conceptions of the good, this review argues that Coggon fails to appreciate the impact that public health, in its varied means, may have in informing one’s understanding of the good, and ultimately one’s political theory. The review concludes by offering some examples of ways in which public health problems and practice have influenced political norms.
Trembling Hand Perfection for Mixed Quantal Response/Nash Equilibria

The Quantal Response Equilibrium (QRE) is a powerful alternative to full rationality equilibrium concepts. Under the QRE all joint strategies have non-zero probability, so non-credible threats cannot arise. However in mixed scenarios, where some players use quantal response and some use best response, non-credible threats are possible. To address this I first show how to reformulate the QRE as a best response equilibrium where expected utilities are replaced by more general objective functions. I then show that under this reformulation one definition of trembling hand perfection cannot be used to remove non-credible threats in mixed scenarios, while another definition can.
Client Satisfaction with Telehealth in Assisted Living and Homecare

Abstract Background: The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society launched LivingWell@Home (LW@H) to provide telehealth services to clients in assisted living and home healthcare. LW@H assures client safety through remote monitoring of physiological parameters and assessment of nonbiometric parameters. Public policies increasingly support aging in place by allowing older adults with greater levels of impairment avoid or delay nursing home placement through alternative services offered in assisted living facilities and home healthcare agencies. Provider organizations face challenges caring for frail seniors with complex medical needs. Telehealth services may be helpful in supporting frail seniors living at home. Materials and Methods: Seniors were recruited into a randomized trial. Telehealth services were provided to 820 experimental subjects. Control subjects (n=762) received usual care. Clients rated their satisfaction at three points in time postimplementation: baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Fis...
The Psychological Barriers to Performance Management: Or Why Isn’t Everyone Jumping on the Performance-Management Bandwagon?

Why has performance management failed to sweep the world? Why does it live more in rhetoric than reality? Possible explanations include those that are practical, political, managerial, and psychological. Seven psychological explanations, which reflect how people think about performance and results, create some significant barriers to their ability to focus on outcomes and value. Citizen thinking concentrates on personal results rather than societal results. Legislative thinking stresses where the inputs are immediately deployed rather than what outcomes might be eventually achieved. Public-employee thinking focuses on avoiding mistakes that will produce certain punishment rather than producing successes that might generate a little praise. Policy thinking emphasizes creating better policy rather than managing better within the existing policy framework. Assistant-secretary thinking specializes in crafting new policy innovation rather than on improving the organization’s capacity to perform. Distrustful th...
Martin Luther King Jr. As a Black Power Sympathizer

This study examines Martin Luther King Jr.’s encounter with the beginnings of the Black Power Movement from both a conceptual and pragmatic vantage point. While it is common for scholars to locate Civil Rights and Black Power groups in separate spheres, King had a front row seat to this new phase in the African American struggle for justice in the US. He was at the march in Greenwood, Mississippi, in 1966 when the phrase was first employed as a rally slogan, and Dr. King’s close relationships with many of the younger members with SNCC (particularly Kwame Ture/Stokley Carmichael) who initiated the symbolic begins of the Black Power movement. Despite his reservations with Black Power, it may be argued that Dr. King was a supporter, or sympathizer, of Black Power in substance. The first section of this paper explores the beginnings of the Black Power Movement. It explores both the ecological and conceptual antecedents to the movement. Section two of this study reviews Dr. King's interpretation of the burgeoning ideology. His interaction with a cadre of younger activist, as well as his existential location within the civil rights movement, provided King with important window to dissect the movement. This section is divided into three parts. The first part examines King’s assessment of the movement, while the second part explores his critique. The last part interrogates some of the areas where King’s discursive response is analytically inconsistent.
A NUMERICAL MODEL OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

A one-dimensional numerical model of a 340 mile section of the St. Lawrence River has been formulated to study tidal propagation. For a more detailed study of the flow distribution in a localised section of the river a two-dimensional model was used. A half mile square grid was used to schematise an area of approximately 20 miles long by 15 miles wide. This two-dimensional model was embodied within the one-dimensional model to permit a free interaction of flow across the boundaries. For the one-dimensional case, a comparison of model and prototype results is included for both elevation and velocity. For the two-dimensional model a comparison of flow distribution was made by using field results obtained from photographing ice movement and from drogue movement. To interpret the results of the two-dimensional model into a simple method of flow visualisation, use was made of animation techniques. A movie film was made that demonstrates both tidal rise and fall and the associated horizontal velocities. Elevation was reproduced by use of varying shades of coloured paper to simulate contours, velocities were represented by simulating drogue movement to produce smoke streaks.
The Role of Trichosporon cutaneum in Eliciting Aggregation Behavior in Cotinis nitida (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Aggregation behavior was elicited in both sexes of the green June beetle, Cotinis nitida (L.), when green June beetle males fed on peach slices inoculated with one yeast species, Trichosporon cutaneum (de Beurm. Gougerot et Voucher) Ota. Peach puree monocultures were made by inoculating sterile peach puree with one of three yeasts ( Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud, Candida krusei (Castellani) Berkhout, C. tropicalis (Castellani) Berkhout), which were all endemic flora isolated from the feces and gut of green June beetles collected from feeding aggregations on unsterile peaches in the field (natural bait). In a field bioassay, peach puree monocultures of C. tropicalis (in experiment A) and C. krusei (in experiment B), both without beetle feeding, were significantly more attractive ( P < 0.05) to both sexes of green June beetles than sterile peach puree with or without beetle feeding, but all peach purees were significantly less attractive than the most attractive natural bait. In experiment C, peach slices were inoculated with either of two yeasts (biovars A or B of T. cutaneum ), which were the predominant isolates from the gut of laboratory-reared green June beetles fed on unsterile peaches. These monocultures of T. cutaneum on peach slices without beetle feeding were relatively as attractive as monoculture-inoculated peach puree alone containing one of the three other yeasts noted above. But when laboratory-reared green June beetle males previously fed on the T. cutaneum -inoculated peach slices were included with these peach slices, the bait containing biovar A was as attractive as the natural bait. Although the bait of laboratory-reared green June beetle males feeding on peach slices inoculated with biovar B was significantly less attractive ( P < 0.05) than the natural bait, it was Similarly attractive to the laboratory-reared green June beetle males feeding on the biovar A-inoculated peach slices. The laboratory-reared green June beetles required a period of 1 d or more of feeding on yeast-inoculated fruit to achieve peak production of aggregation semiochemical.
Medical cost analysis of a school district worksite wellness program.

Objective: To evaluate whether participation in a worksite wellness program differs by age and sex and is associated with frequency and average cost of medical claims. Methods: Healthcare cost data were available for school district employees during the academic years ending in 2009 through 2014. The wellness program was available in the later 3 years. The frequency and the average cost of medical claims were compared between the 3 years prior to and the 3 years during the wellness program. Results: Wellness program participation increased from 65.6% 2011–2012 to 79.7% 2012–2013. The increase occurred within age-groups and for males and females. The average age of program participants was significantly lower in 2011–2012 (48.2 vs. 49.4, p = 0.0099), but similar in the next 2 academic years. Participation in at least one behavior change campaign in each year was 52.1%, 53.7%, and 73.7% of all wellness program participants, respectively. Female employees were significantly more likely to complete one or more behavior change campaigns in each year of the wellness program (p < 0.0001). The percentage of employees filing at least one claim per time period was higher for those in the wellness program (p < 0.0001), but average medical claims payments were lower for those in the wellness program. After subtracting program costs, the cost savings from the wellness program was $3,612,402. The benefit-to-cost ratio was 3.6. Conclusion: Participation in the wellness program resulted in lower average medical claim costs than non-participation but number of claims were higher in program participants.
Measure Manganese Content in Urine by Single-scanning Polarography

Objective To probe into the method to measure the content of the manganese in urine by single-scanning polarography.Method Manganese appears a sensitive and clear wave crest at the-1 790 mV in the aqua system with potassium sodium tartrate of 0.15 mol/L and sodium sulfite of 0.75 mol/L and ethylene diamine of 7.0 mol/L.Results The kurtosis became the direct proportion with the content of the manganese.Determination of samples showed that the relative standard deviation was2%.Increase recoveries up to 93.3%98.0% Conclusion Compared with phosphoric acid-supernal iodic acid method,the standard deviation is3.5%.System of this method is stable,selectivity is good,and the sensitivity is high.
Analysis and Improvement Measures of Transient Saturation Time-delay of Current Transformer

When primary current contains long non-periodic components in power grid,it may make the current transformer core saturate.But the saturation has time-delay,the size of which is in connection with the system once time constant,transformer secondary circuit time constant,the non-periodic components amplitude,CT work cycle,CT transient area coefficient and so on.Through the example,this paper calculates and analyzes the process of CT transient saturation time-delay,and discusses the improvement measures to reduce the influence of transformer saturation on protection devices.
Cardiac Valvular Disease and Stroke

Cerebrovascular accidents secondary to thromboembolic complications of native valve disease as well as prosthetic valves continue to be a major medical problem. The role of anticoagulation in various abnormalities is discussed in this article.
Information Management in Clinical Prevention

Good preventive care requires the management of large quantities of patient-specific information in a logical and timely manner with careful monitoring for uncommon but significant clinical events. With an increase of informational pressures on the busy practicing physicians, they are turning to computers for help. This article discusses the evolution of computers in medicine, their current status, the rationale for their use in preventive care and their future roles in clinicians' offices.
Laparoscopic Triple Neurectomy

Triple neurectomy is the most definitive and effective remedial operation for refractory chronic postherniorrhaphy neuropathic pain. Successful outcomes are dependent on patient selection and understanding of the potential causes of pain. Laparoscopic triple neurectomy allows for reliable identification of the nerves within the retroperitoneal lumbar plexus outside the prior scarred operative field. It reliably addresses the neuropathic component of inguinodynia with minimal operative morbidity. It is effective as primary treatment for neuropathy of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves and as an adjunct in those with mixed nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
Metabolic Cost of Protein Synthesis in Larvae of the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Is Fixed Across Genotype, Phenotype, and Environmental Temperature

The energy made available through catabolism of specific biochemical reserves is constant using standard thermodynamic conversion equivalents (e.g., 24.0 J mg protein−1). In contrast, measurements reported for the energy cost of synthesis of specific biochemical constituents are highly variable. In this study, we measured the metabolic cost of protein synthesis and determined whether this cost was influenced by genotype, phenotype, or environment. We focused on larval stages of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, a species that offers several experimental advantages: availability of genetically pedigreed lines, manipulation of ploidy, and tractability of larval forms for in vivo studies of physiological processes. The cost of protein synthesis was measured in larvae of C. gigas for 1) multiple genotypes, 2) phenotypes with different growth rates, and 3) different environmental temperatures. For all treatments, the cost of protein synthesis was within a narrow range––near the theoretical minimum––with a ...
Sour Clinical Trials: Autonomy and Adaptive Preferences in Experimental Medicine

Whenever possible, life and death decisions should be made autonomously. A decision is made autonomously when an agent calmly reflects over her preferences, which she had some role in developing, and determines that her decision is best for her, given her circumstances. When a medical patient makes a life and death decision autonomously, it is the best decision for her circumstances, as determined by her. If a medical professional pushes a patient to make a life and death decision non-autonomously, it would be severely morally problematic since the patient would not have the chance to make the decision she felt was best, which should be her right since her life is on the line.
‘Jones hybrid’ hickory: a case study in Carya curation

‘Jones Hybrid’ hickory is an accession in the National Collection of Genetic Resources for Pecans and Hickories for which information about origin, identity and characteristics is very incomplete. Phenotypic and genetic profiles, when examined in the context of historic literature, provide evidence that the accession in question is ‘Siers’ a cultivar of Carya × laneyi (an interspecific hybrid between C. ovata and C. cordiformis). The accession has traits that make it interesting in the pecan breeding program, with potential for both rootstock and scion development. The tall, slender tree form of ‘Jones Hybrid’ is a trait that could be valuable in commercial pecan cultivars, allowing increased tree densities and reducing the need for expensive hedging operations. Tree size reduction is a goal to be pursued in scion selection and rootstock development, with each goal requiring assessment of reproductive potential of the accession.
Improving breast cancer diagnosis by reducing chest wall effect in diffuse optical tomography

We have developed the ultrasound (US)-guided diffuse optical tomography technique to assist US diagnosis of breast cancer and to predict neoadjuvant chemotherapy response of patients with breast cancer. The technique was implemented using a hand-held hybrid probe consisting of a coregistered US transducer and optical source and detector fibers which couple the light illumination from laser diodes and photon detection to the photomultiplier tube detectors. With the US guidance, diffused light measurements were made at the breast lesion site and the normal contralateral reference site which was used to estimate the background tissue optical properties for imaging reconstruction. However, background optical properties were affected by the chest wall underneath the breast tissue. We have analyzed data from 297 female patients, and results have shown statistically significant correlation between the fitted optical properties (μa and μs′) and the chest wall depth. After subtracting the background μa at each wavelength, the difference of computed total hemoglobin (tHb) between malignant and benign lesion groups has improved. For early stage malignant lesions, the area-under-the-receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) has improved from 88.5% to 91.5%. For all malignant lesions, the AUC has improved from 85.3% to 88.1%. Statistical test has revealed the significant difference of the AUC improvements after subtracting background tHb values.
Overdose of Dabigatran

With the limited availability of reversal agents, it may be difficult to treat a patient who has overdosed on a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Treatment of these patients may be guided by time elapsed since ingestion, laboratory values, and overall clinical stability.
Second-harmonic susceptibility enhancement in Gallium nitride nanopillars

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) from single GaN nanpoillar is reported. A model for the SHG processes in the GaN nanopillar as a function of diameter is presented; the analysis showed quantitatively that the SHG is dominated by its surface area. The effective second order nonlinear optical susceptibility increases as the diameter of the GaN nanopillar decreases, reaching a value of 136 pm/V at 150nm diameter, making them attractive for modulator applications.
Adaptive Track Following Servos for Disk Files

Abstract This paper discusses the design and verification of a new direct adaptive control scheme for disk file track-following servo systems. The adaptive controller acts as an add-on compensator to an existing fixed compensator which stabilizes the feedback system. The control objective is to minimize the frequency weighted variance of the tracking position error signal in the presence of non-repetitive and repetitive track runouts and external random vibrations.
The patient’s perioperative perspective during the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study

This study aims to determine patients’ pre-operative and post-operative experiences relating to surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while understanding how patients’ perceptions influence their outcome and satisfaction. This is a phenomenological qualitative study using a semi-structured interview to evaluate patients who failed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and underwent airway surgery. Meaningful codes from the interviews were organized into overarching themes of patient experiences. The same surgeon in a tertiary care otolaryngology practice treated all patients. All patients underwent a modified or traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) between 2009 and 2013. Patients were diagnosed with OSA by polysomnogram and had failed CPAP use. Patients were interviewed regarding their experience with OSA, CPAP, and surgery. Thematic saturation was reached after 17 patients. Six themes exemplify patient’s experience of OSA and treatment: (1) OSA impacted patients personally and professionally, (2) CPAP discomfort limited its therapeutic use, (3) patients had personal motivations for undergoing surgery, (4) patient knowledge influenced their perceptions, (5) post-operative challenges exceeded patient expectations, and (6) post-operative outcomes reflected positive effect on patients. Patients’ experiences prior to surgery can largely influence their perceived outcome and satisfaction. Post-operative sleep studies may not capture the full outcome of the patients’ response to surgery. This study suggests that the patient’s subjective reported outcomes should be used in conjunction with objective post-operative sleep studies.
Dust-associated microbiomes from dryland wheat fields differ with tillage practice and biosolids application

Abstract Wind erosion is a significant threat to the productivity and sustainability of agricultural soils. In the dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow region of Inland Pacific Northwest of the USA (PNW), farmers increasingly use conservation tillage practices to control wind erosion. In addition, some farmers in this dry region apply municipal biosolids to soils as fertilizer and a source of stable organic matter. The impacts of soil management practices on emissions of dust microbiota to the atmosphere are understudied. We used high-throughput DNA sequencing to examine the impacts of conservation tillage and biosolids amendments on the transport of dust-associated fungal and bacterial communities during simulated high-wind events over two years at Lind, WA. The fungal and bacterial communities contained in windblown dust differed significantly with tillage (conservation vs. conventional) and fertilizer (synthetic vs. biosolids) treatments. However, the richness and diversity of fungal and bacterial communities of dust did not vary significantly with tillage or fertilizer treatments. Taxa enriched in dust from fields under conservation tillage represented many plant-associated taxa that likely grow on residue left on the soil surface, whereas taxa that were more abundant with conventional tillage were those that likely grow on buried plant residue. Dust from biosolids-amended fields harbored greater abundances of taxa that likely feed on introduced carbon. Most human-associated taxa that may pose a health risk were not present in dust after biosolids amendment, although members of Clostridiaceae were enriched with this treatment. Results show that tillage and fertilizer management practices impact the composition of bioaerosols emitted during high-wind events and have potential implications for plant and human health.
A convergent approach to batzelladine alkaloids. Total syntheses of (+)-batzelladine E, (−)-dehydrobatzelladine C, and (+)-batzelladine K

Abstract We recently reported a convergent strategy to access the polycyclic guanidinium alkaloid (+)-batzelladine B via an aldol addition–retro-aldol–aza-Michael addition cascade. Here we describe the application of this approach toward the total syntheses of (+)-batzelladine E, (−)-dehydrobatzelladine C, and (+)-batzelladine K. The identification of suitable methods to functionalize a common tropane core by electrophilic alkynylation and nucleophilic 1,2-addition were essential to generalizing this approach. We provide evidence for the intermediacy of an acylallene species in the cascade reaction.
Clinical trials with multiple endpoints can establish a correlation, but not (yet) causality, between dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Aim We review clinical evidence of therapeutic efficacy and effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) in keratoconjunctivitis sicca, colloquially known as dry eye disease. In doing so, we identify relevant literature to address the following questions: (1) What definitive guidance can clinical evidence offer eye physicians and their patients? (2) What aspects of omega-3 supplementation lack definitive evidence, and how might economic assessments help? Methods A targeted and systematic search strategy based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was designed in this study for refereed clinical trials of omega-3s in dry eye treatment. Four key databases were accessed. Records were filtered through a three-step process using predetermined inclusion criteria. Data was extracted for experimental design, sample population characteristics, content of test and control groups, symptoms and associated opthalmologic conditions, diagnostic measures, patient health outcomes, adverse events, and model time horizon. Results A total of 219 records were initially identified, of which 21 prospective clinical trials, with a total of 2,973 participants, were admitted for review. Clinical evidence indicates that daily oral supplementation with omega-3s statistically correlates with dry eye treatment in the general symptomatic population as well as induced sub-populations. Reported adverse events are minimal. These trials nonetheless exhibit considerable heterogeneity in clinical endpoints, particularly as a result of the multi-factorial character of dry eye as well as continuous advances in scientific knowledge and technology. Their findings and recommendations appear to be of limited external validity. And causal inferences are needed, but difficult to establish. These have encouraged and sustained wide variations in ophthalmologic practice and normative decision-making. Conclusions Comparability of omega-3 therapeutic efficacy and effectiveness remains a major challenge in dry eye disease management. Notwithstanding its multi-factorial character, addressing prevailing methodological and empirical issues in clinical trials will help reduce knowledge gaps and normative choices among eye physicians and patients alike. In this regard, pharmacoeconomics offers a useful and robust toolset through which analysis of cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility as well as meta-analysis can be comparatively pursued. Blending measures of costs and outcomes puts in perspective the heterogeneity of clinical endpoints in keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Synthesis of [3a,7a]-Dihydroindoles by a Tandem Arene Cyclopropanation/3,5-Sigmatropic Rearrangement Reaction

Donor/acceptor carbenes provide a powerful platform for building molecular complexity, but the majority of their reactions have been limited to aryl and vinyl donor groups. We found that a N-containing donor/acceptor carbene precursor, 4-phthalimido- N-methanesulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole, reacts with unactivated arenes resulting in a mixture of [3+2]-cycloadducts, [3a,7a]-dihydroindoles, and formal C-H functionalization products in up to 82% yield upon heating. We also demonstrate that the formal C-H functionalization products arise from ring-opening of the [3+2]-cycloadducts. Computational studies suggest that the formal cycloaddition process takes places through a tandem arene cyclopropanation/6π electrocyclization/6π electrocyclic ring-opening/3,5-sigmatropic rearrangement reaction, which also accounts for the distinctive regioselectivity of the formal cycloaddition reaction.
Modeling Learners' Interest with a Domain-Independent Ontology-Based Framework

Ontologies are recognized as a promising approach to support the reusability and interoperability of learners' preferences; which is useful for the optimization and flexibility of data and resources. However, little to no research on adaptive learning systems or semantic technologies explore personalized experiences based on the various out-of-school experiences and activities of the users. This research investigates the design, development, and evaluation of an ontology-based framework for students' interests in a math word problem generator that may be applied to various other learning systems and possibly other domains. The cohesiveness of the problems in addition to the usability, usefulness, and the short-term effectiveness of the derived technology will be investigated by comparing the generated questions to numerical and traditional Algebra I problems. We aim to better understand students' interests to identify the role that their interests can play in semantic technologies, further supporting the recent advances in ontology-based educational technologies and personalized math word problem generators.
Perceived discrimination is associated with the inflammatory response to acute laboratory stress in women at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and exacts a disproportionate toll on minorities. Growing evidence demonstrates that perceived discrimination is a significant contributing factor to psychological distress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and cardiovascular health. However, little is known regarding the extent to which perceived discrimination contributes to the inflammatory response to acute stress. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of perceived discrimination on the inflammatory response to a laboratory acute stress paradigm in women at risk for CVD. A cross-sectional sample of 99 postmenopausal women (50 African American and 49 non-Hispanic White) (mean age 60.2 years) with at least two risk factors for CVD underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Subjects completed the Detroit Area Study Discrimination Scale (DAS-DS) Everyday Discrimination subscale and provided blood and saliva samples prior to the TSST and every 15 min up to 90 min post-TSST to measure a pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6). Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with the salivary IL-6 response to the TSST (b = 0.49, SE = 0.13, p =
Temporal changes in δ18O and δ15N of nitrate nitrogen and H2O in shallow groundwater: transit time and nitrate-source implications for an irrigated tract in southern Idaho.

Abstract Intensive irrigated agriculture in semiarid southern Idaho contributes to nitrate loads in shallow groundwater. To determine the temporal character and source of leached nitrate in the Twin Falls Irrigation Tract, and investigate the soil N cycling process involved, we measured stable isotope ratios of nitrate (δ15N-NO3, δ18O-NO3) and water (δ2H-H2O, δ18O-H2O) in 1) tunnel drain and irrigation waters during 2003-07, and 2) leachate from incubated urea- and manure-amended soil endmembers. The tunnel water δ2H-H2O vs. δ18O-H2O plots showed clear overlap with waters of Milner reservoir, which stores the tract’s irrigation water prior to distribution. The δ18O-H2O time series and a correlation analysis with climate/hydrologic parameters indicated a 20 to 23 month, transit time between the surface and shallow groundwater. The tunnel waters had a mean δ15N-NO3 of +6.1 ± 0.7‰ (±Std. Dev.) and mean δ18O-NO3 of −6.1 ± 0.7‰. Decreasing tunnel-water δ15N-NO3, δ18O-NO3, and nitrate concentrations in tunnel drains located closer to the Snake R indicate increasing contributions of regional groundwater to shallow groundwater and dilution of the latter’s NO3–N content as proximity to the river increases. Relative to all-other tunnels, water from the two tunnels closest to Snake River were depleted in δ15N-NO3 (+5.4‰ vs. + 6.3‰) and included a greater contribution of regional groundwater (71% vs. 47%). Nitrate δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 ratios for tunnel waters plotted between those of urea (fixed-N) amended soil (4.6 ± 0.5‰ and −4.9 ± 1.4‰), manure-amended soil (13.4 ± 1.3‰ and −4.4 ± 1.2‰), and regional groundwater endmembers. A dual-isotopic element, three-source, simple linear mixing model indicated that, on average, 1.5X more N is sourced from fertilizer and fixed N than animal waste. The dominant N-cycling process in the system at the scale observed here is the nitrification of NH4-N derived from applied fertilizer and manure, whereas denitrification has a minor influence.
The Profile of Riparian Tree Grown in the Area of Water Springs in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province Indonesia

This study aimsat determining the profile of riparian trees in springs located in Belo and Labat somewhere around Kupang city Indonesia. This is a descriptive study applyinga systematic random sampling method. The results show that both, naturlaness and hemeroby of spring in Belo show the same index that is 4, while in Labat were respectively 3 and 5. This is clearly seen that the index of species richness in Belo was higher (3.1) than that in Labat (1.6).However, the diversity index of riparian tree in Belo (1.83) and Labat (1.45) are categorized as low compared with the diversity index according to Krebs (1985). The composition of riparian tree species insprings located in Belo and Labat were not same or the similarity index (SI)is 42.05%. The riparian tree vegetation has been experiencing degradation due to the influence of high anthropogenic activities.