cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Findings of Esophagography for 25 Patients After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to better characterize the findings of esophagography after peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We evaluated 25 patients who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia. The findings noted on pre- and postprocedural esophagrams were reviewed retrospectively and were correlated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS. None of the patients had esophageal perforation noted on esophagrams obtained after myotomy, and all but two patients had a hospital stay that lasted 1 day only. Esophagrams obtained on postoperative day 1 revealed endoscopic clips in 25 patients (100%), pneumoperitoneum in 18 (72%), retroperitoneal gas in 10 (40%), gastric pneumatosis in nine (36%), intramural dissections in seven (28%), and pneumomediastinum in four (16%). Repeat esophagrams obtained 3 weeks later for 22 of the patients revealed endoscopic clips in 16 patients (73%) and intramural dissections in five patients (23%), but the remaining findings had resolved. ...
Sleep remains disturbed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure: a three-month cohort study using continuous actigraphy.

Abstract Objective Some patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain sleepy despite positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The mechanisms by which this occurs are unclear but could include persistently disturbed sleep. The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between subjective sleepiness and actigraphic measures of sleep during the first three months of PAP treatment. Methods We enrolled 80 patients with OSA and 50 comparison subjects prior to treatment and observed them through three months of PAP therapy. PAP adherence and presence of residual respiratory events were determined from PAP machine downloads. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and actigraphic data were collected before and at monthly intervals after starting PAP. Results Patients with OSA were sleepier and showed a greater degree of sleep disruption by actigraphy at the baseline. After three months of PAP, only ESS and number of awakenings (AWAKE#) normalized, while wake after sleep onset and sleep efficiency remained worse in patients with OSA. FOSQ was improved in patients with OSA but never reached the same level as that of comparison subjects. ESS and FOSQ improved slowly over the study period. Conclusions As a group, patients with OSA show actigraphic evidence of persistently disturbed sleep and sleepiness-related impairments in day-to-day function after three months of PAP therapy. Improvements in sleepiness evolve over months with more severely affected patients responding quicker. Persistent sleep disruption may partially explain residual sleepiness in some PAP-adherent OSA patients.
Variation in species-level plant functional traits over wetland indicator status categories

Wetland indicator status (WIS) describes the habitat affinity of plant species and is used in wetland delineations and resource inventories. Understanding how species-level functional traits vary across WIS categories may improve designations, elucidate mechanisms of adaptation, and explain habitat optima and niche. We investigated differences in species-level traits of riparian flora across WIS categories, extending their application to indicate hydrologic habitat. We measured or compiled data on specific leaf area (SLA), stem specific gravity (SSG), seed mass, and mature height of 110 plant species that occur along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Additionally, we measured leaf δ13C, δ15N, % carbon, % nitrogen, and C/N ratio of 56 species with C3 photosynthesis. We asked the following: (i) How do species-level traits vary over WIS categories? (ii) Does the pattern differ between herbaceous and woody species? (iii) How well do multivariate traits define WIS categories? (iv) Which traits are correlated? The largest trait differences among WIS categories for herbaceous species occurred for SSG, seed mass, % leaf carbon and height, and for woody species occurred for height, SSG, and δ13C. SSG increased and height decreased with habitat aridity for both woody and herbaceous species. The δ13C and hence water use efficiency of woody species increased with habitat aridity. Water use efficiency of herbaceous species increased with habitat aridity via greater occurrence of C4 grasses. Multivariate trait assemblages differed among WIS categories. Over all species, SLA was correlated with height, δ13C, % leaf N, and C/N; height was correlated with SSG and % leaf C; SSG was correlated with % leaf C. Adaptations of both herbaceous and woody riparian species to wet, frequently inundated habitats include low-density stem tissue. Adaptations to drier habitats in the riparian zone include short, high-density cavitation-resistant stem tissue, and high water use efficiency. The results enhance understanding about using traits to describe plant habitat in riparian systems.
A Temporal Hierarchical Approach to Operational and Design Optimization Problems in a Solar-Powered Absorption Cycle Heat Pump

Abstract A study of the operational and design optimization of a solar-powered absorption cycle heat pump with internal latent energy storage is presented. It is carried out in the framework of a temporal hierarchy. Hierarchy Level I focuses on the instantaneous operation of the system. It includes the development of a performance equation set and operating algorithms that give optimal component operating points. These are used at Hierarchy Level II to determine minimum cost sets of design parameters such as solar collector area and energy storage capacity (absorbent mass inventory) for specific weather sequences of hourly insolation and air temperature. Special note is made of those system features, such as peak flow rates and specific operating algorithms, that can only be determined by hierarchy interactions.
High-throughput optical thickness and size characterization of 2D materials

We describe a method using simple optical microscopy and image processing that simultaneously characterizes thousands of nanosheets in a sample area on the order of 1 mm2. Including data acquisition and processing, both the number of atomic layers and the lateral sizes of all sheets can be obtained within a few hours—approximately 100 times faster than with previous methods, such as atomic force microscopy. This is achieved by normalizing the optical image based on substrate brightness, which eliminates inhomogeneities usually limiting optical techniques. Ultimately, the method enables robust statistical analysis of populations of nanosheet materials. We demonstrate the utility of this method by examining fractions made from a sample of graphene oxide (GO) made using an emulsion-based method. Beyond providing the morphological composition of the samples, the reported method is sensitive enough to provide information about the oxidation level of a population of GO sheets and, correspondingly, optical constants of the material.
The evolution of differential bird migration

The evolution of bird migration and the role of migration in life history have long been matters of general interest, and the volume of recent literature on these subjects (Baker, 1978; Dingle, 1980; Gauthreaux, 1978, 1979, 1982; Fretwell, 1980; Greenberg, 1980; Greenwood, 1980; Myers, 1981a; Ketterson and Nolan, 1982) reflects their continuing importance to students of avian ecology and evolutionary biology.
Nondeterministic Kriging for Engineering Design Exploration

In this paper, the nondeterministic kriging (NDK) method is proposed, aiming for the applications of engineering design exploration, especially when only a limited number of random samples is avail...
Telephone-Based Shared Decision-making for Lung Cancer Screening in Primary Care.

The national rate of lung cancer screening, approximately 3–5%, is too low and strategies which include shared decision-making and increase screening are needed. A feasibility study in one large primary care practice of telephone-based delivery of decision support via an online tool, the Decision Counseling Program© (DCP) was administered to patients eligible for lung cancer screening according to USPSTF screening guidelines. We collected data on demographics, decisional conflict, and conducted chart audits to ascertain screening. From electronic medical record data, we identified 829 age-eligible current or former smokers. Of the 297 individuals reached, 54 were eligible and 28 were recruited to the study and 20 underwent the DCP© intervention. Participants in the intervention were more likely to complete low-dose CT scans at 90 days. Current smokers were less likely to complete the DCP. Women were less likely to complete LDCT. This non-persuasive, high-quality shared decision-making intervention significantly increased lung cancer screening and was feasible in real-world clinical care. This intervention offers a promising model whereby patients can be supported in a decision, based on their values and beliefs while also supporting gains in lung cancer screening.
A Network of SLC and ABC Transporter and DME Genes Involved in Remote Sensing and Signaling in the Gut-Liver-Kidney Axis.

Genes central to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination (ADME) also regulate numerous endogenous molecules. The Remote Sensing and Signaling Hypothesis argues that an ADME gene-centered network—including SLC and ABC “drug” transporters, “drug” metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), and regulatory genes—is essential for inter-organ communication via metabolites, signaling molecules, antioxidants, gut microbiome products, uremic solutes, and uremic toxins. By cross-tissue co-expression network analysis, the gut, liver, and kidney (GLK) formed highly connected tissue-specific clusters of SLC transporters, ABC transporters, and DMEs. SLC22, SLC25 and SLC35 families were network hubs, having more inter-organ and intra-organ connections than other families. Analysis of the GLK network revealed key physiological pathways (e.g., involving bile acids and uric acid). A search for additional genes interacting with the network identified HNF4α, HNF1α, and PXR. Knockout gene expression data confirmed ~60–70% of predictions of ADME gene regulation by these transcription factors. Using the GLK network and known ADME genes, we built a tentative gut-liver-kidney “remote sensing and signaling network” consisting of SLC and ABC transporters, as well as DMEs and regulatory proteins. Together with protein-protein interactions to prioritize likely functional connections, this network suggests how multi-specificity combines with oligo-specificity and mono-specificity to regulate homeostasis of numerous endogenous small molecules.
Factors that Influence Persistence Among Undergraduate Students: An Analysis of the Impact of Socioeconomic Status and First-Generation Students

Undergraduate persistence has been a topic of interest in the literature for years. With the variety of factors that influence persistence in a negative way, this is not all that surprising. In order to increase persistence rates, these factors must be identified, and the appropriate interventions must be taken in order to ensure that individuals are receiving an affordable, quality education. This review focuses on socioeconomic status and first-generation students and their likelihood of persisting through their college education. The purpose of this study will be to use any potential findings and implications to validate any research previously done relating to socioeconomic status and first-generation students, and their influence on student persistence.
Micromechanical Resonators for Ultrasound-Based Sensors

The current field of biomedical sensor platforms is substantial, and ever more creative approaches are envisioned and realized. Herein, we showcase a new platform technology for continuous biomedical analyte sensing that relies on the resonance absorption of ultrasound waves in microfabricated smart hydrogel structures (see Figure 1). Smart hydrogels can be tailored to be biocompatible and respond to many different analytes to undergo a volume-phase transition in response to changing levels of these biomarkers. [1,2] In addition, smart hydrogels can be designed to be biodegradable by basing them on compositions that include poly(ethylene glycol), poly(methyl methacrylate), or hyaluronic acid.Employing smart hydrogel structures as mechanical resonators and probing them using ultrasound [3,4] can provide an implantable sensor platform that is minimally invasive and free of transcutaneous wires. This approach makes use of the fact that hydrogel structures exhibit a resonant oscillation at certain ultrasound frequencies by strongly absorbing mechanical energy. As they swell or contract in response to the presence or absence of the target analyte, their resonance frequencies change, leading to a modification of their ultrasound absorption spectrum. Measuring this allows for the reconstruction of analyte concentration changes. In addition to that, tailoring the resonance frequency of the hydrogel resonator structures to different frequency ranges allows for multiplexing. We successfully demonstrate the use of this platform technology using glucose as a target metabolic marker in vitro and in a rat model (see Figure 2).Florian Solzbacher declares financial interest in Blackrock Microsystems LLC and Sentiomed, Inc. Jules Magda declares financial interest in Applied Biosensors LLC.[1] Buenger, F. Topuz, and J. Groll, "Hydrogels in sensing applications," Prog. Polym. Sci., vol. 37, no. 12, pp. 1678–1719, 2012.[2] A. Peppas, J. Z. Hilt, A. Khademhosseini, and R. Langer, "Hydrogels in biology and medicine: From molecular principles to bionanotechnology," Adv. Mater., vol. 18, no. 11, pp. 1345–1360, Jun. 2006.[3] Carovac, F. Smajlovic, and D. Junuzovic, "Application of Ultrasound in Medicine," Acta Inform. Medica, vol. 19, no. 3, p. 168, 2011.[4] Troiani, J. R. Dion, and D. H. Burns, "Ultrasonic quantification using smart hydrogel sensors," Talanta, vol. 83, no. 5, pp. 1371–1375, 2011.Figure 1
Three-dimensional cross-shelf zooplankton distributions off the Central Oregon Coast during anomalous oceanographic conditions

Abstract The Northern California Current (NCC) is a complex, dynamic system experiencing distinctly different levels of upwelling and downwelling, ranging from intermittent upwelling in summer to downwelling in winter. In recent years, warm water anomalies along the Oregon coast have had significant effects on coastal plankton assemblages. To resolve some of the fine-scale responses to these conditions, we used a towed, undulating underwater imaging system to investigate fine-scale (1 m vertical) zoo- and ichthyoplankton distributions along a 57-km section parallel to the Newport Hydrographic Line encompassing the shelf, shelf break, and slope off the central coast of Oregon. A sparse Convolutional Neural Network was used to automate the identification of 52 million plankton images of 64 plankton taxa, ranging from protists to copepods, larval fishes, and gelatinous organisms. Taxa distributions were interpolated over the whole transect, providing unprecedented insight into their horizontal and vertical distributions and revealing seven broad patterns of distribution. Additional fine-scale distribution data enable examination of some of the physical and biological processes underlying these fine-scale distribution patterns, building upon the historical time series data that exists for this region and advancing our knowledge of planktonic processes in this productive region of the NCC.
CCAT-prime: A status report on the ultra-widefield submillimeter observatory on Cerro Chajnantor

We present the science case, and telescope and instrument designs for our ultra-wide field submillimeter observatory, CCAT-Prime to be sited at a 5600 m elevation site on Cerro Chajnantor in northern Chile. Our science focusses on the study of star and galaxy formation from the epoch of reionization to the present, SZ observations of galaxy clusters, and polarization studies of the CMB and Galactic foregrounds. Our instruments include direct detection polarization-sensitive cameras and spectroscopic imagers, and high spectral resolution heterodyne array receivers. The CCAT-prime telescope is being built by Vertex Antennentechnik GmbH with first light in late 2021.
Adolescent perceptions of E-cigarette use and vaping behavior before and after the EVALI outbreak

Abstract This study sought to determine whether adolescents' e-cigarette risk perceptions, perceived benefits, and positive expectations, and vaping behavior changed after the electronic-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak. This longitudinal survey studied 1539 high school students in suburban Philadelphia, PA in 11th and 12th grade, before and after the outbreak of EVALI cases in 2019. Adolescents who reported current nicotine vaping at baseline (versus those who did not) had a greater increase in risk perceptions (B = −0.31, p = 0.04) and a greater decrease in positive expectations (B = −1.30, p = 0.003) at follow-up. Adolescents who reported current marijuana vaping at baseline (versus those who did not) had greater perceived benefits (B = 2.19, p
Effects of niobium and tantalum on the microstructure and strength of ferritic-martensitic steels

Abstract Detailed investigations of two ferritic-martensitic steels, i.e., Nb- and Ta-steel, indicate that the higher Nb diffusivity and the lower nucleation driving force of Nb-carbide promote preferential nucleation of Nb-carbides at grain boundaries and thus a higher boundary occupancy than Ta-carbides, which favored greater creep resistance of Nb-steel than that of Ta-steel despite their similar yield strength.
High-altitude pulmonary edema.

The spectrum of acute mountain sickness ranges from mild, nonspecific symptoms to high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema. Most deaths from high-altitude illness occur with high-altitude pulmonary edema, the risk of which is related to the rate of ascent, individual susceptibility, and the level of exertion. Cold ambient temperature constitutes an additional risk factor. High-altitude pulmonary edema occurs worldwide, with the incidence peaking in the winter months because of ski tourism. Mountain climbers and skiers who have had an episode of high-altitude pulmonary edema are susceptible to unpredictable recurrence when they are again exposed to high altitudes. The condition . . .
Exchange-Traded Funds and Municipal Bond Market Transparency

This paper studies the effect of exchange-traded funds' (ETFs) daily holding disclosure on the pre-trade transparency of municipal bond markets. Bonds held by ETFs have significantly smaller price dispersion than similar, non-ETF-held bonds. The relation holds when I exploit a plausibly exogenous variation in ETF disclosure quality, and is stronger for retail trades, on bonds associated with high uncertainty and in stressed markets, suggesting investors benefit more when information is scarce. I further document lower dealers' markup and inventory imbalance in markets of ETF-held bonds - an indication of higher customers' bargaining power resulting from improved transparency. ETF effects also spillover to the primary market, as when a municipality has outstanding bonds held by ETFs, its newly issued bonds have higher valuation and lower price dispersion. Overall, my findings indicate that ETF information disclosure is an important channel through which investors can gain additional insight into the pricing of municipal bonds.
Online Optimization with Predictions and Non-convex Losses

Smoothed online optimization considers an online learning setting where the learner, besides a per-round hitting cost, also incurs a switching cost when changing its decision between rounds. It has received significant attention recently due to its close connections with applications in control and resource allocation. A line of work in this area seeks to design online algorithms that achieve near-optimal costs by leveraging predictions of future cost functions. However, optimistic results are only known under some specific combination of assumptions about the hitting and switching costs, and no general results are known. In this work, we provide two general sufficient conditions that specify a relationship between the hitting and movement costs, which guarantees that a new algorithm, Synchronized Fixed Horizon Control (SFHC), achieves a near-optimal competitive ratio with the help of predictions. The two conditions we give are general because they do not require the cost function to be convex, and natural counterexamples might arise when they are not satisfied.
Validating a two-qubit nonstoquastic Hamiltonian in quantum annealing

We propose a two-qubit experiment for validating tunable antiferromagnetic XX interactions in quantum annealing. Such interactions allow the time-dependent Hamiltonian to be nonstoquastic, and the instantaneous ground state can have negative amplitudes in the computational basis. Our construction relies on how the degeneracy of the Ising Hamiltonian's ground states is broken away from the end point of the anneal: above a certain value of the antiferromagnetic XX interaction strength, the perturbative ground state at the end of the anneal changes from a symmetric to an antisymmetric state. This change is associated with a suppression of one of the Ising ground states, which can then be detected using solely computational basis measurements. We show that a semiclassical approximation of the annealing protocol fails to reproduce this feature, making it a candidate ``quantum signature'' of the evolution.
Epigenetic interplay between methylation and miRNA in bladder cancer: focus on isoform expression.

Various epigenetic factors are responsible for the non-genetic regulation on gene expression. The epigenetically dysregulated oncogenes or tumor suppressors by miRNA and/or DNA methylation are often observed in cancer cells. Each of these epigenetic regulators has been studied well in cancer progressions; however, their mutual regulatory relationship in cancer still remains unclear. In this study, we propose an integrative framework to systematically investigate epigenetic interactions between miRNA and methylation at the alternatively spliced mRNA level in bladder cancer. Each of these epigenetic regulators has been studied well in cancer progressions; however, their mutual regulatory relationship in cancer still remains unclear. The integrative analyses yielded 136 significant combinations (methylation, miRNA and isoform). Further, overall survival analysis on the 136 combinations based on methylation and miRNA, high and low expression groups resulted in 13 combinations associated with survival. Additionally, different interaction patterns were examined. Our study provides a higher resolution of molecular insight into the crosstalk between two epigenetic factors, DNA methylation and miRNA. Given the importance of epigenetic interactions and alternative splicing in cancer, it is timely to identify and understand the underlying mechanisms based on epigenetic markers and their interactions in cancer, leading to alternative splicing with primary functional impact.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for peripheral neuropathy associated with trisulfated heparan disaccharide IgM antibodies: A case series of 17 patients.

BACKGROUND Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) can be associated with autoantibodies, including those of IgM class with specificity for the trisulfated heparan disaccharide (TS-HDS) antigen. We hypothesized that, as an IgM autoantibody-mediated disorder, TS-HDS-associated SFN symptoms may be reduced with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). STUDY METHODS This was an observational analysis of all patients referred for TPE from 2018 to 2020 following laboratory confirmation of SFN with TS-HDS autoantibodies; a loading course of 3 to 5 procedures over 2 weeks was completed, with some patients returning for monthly procedures. The following data were collected: demographics, symptoms and duration, TS-HDS levels, skin biopsy results, reported responses to TPE, and TPE-associated adverse events. RESULTS Of the 17 subjects, 12 (71%) were female and the mean age was 57.5 years (range 27-94). The most common reported symptom was lower extremity paresthesia (88% of subjects). The mean number of TPE procedures completed per subject was 9 (range 3-18), with 71% (12/17) reporting symptomatic improvement or slowed disease progression. About 15% of procedures were associated with an adverse event, with vasovagal reactions being the most common; 53% of patients had at least one adverse event. CONCLUSIONS Given a reported symptomatic response rate of more than 70%, TPE may be a treatment option for individuals with autoimmune-mediated SFN associated with increased titers of TS-HDS IgM autoantibodies. Since TPE-associated adverse events appear common in this population, close monitoring during procedures is warranted.
Deafness mutation in the MYO3A motor domain impairs actin protrusion elongation mechanism.

Class III myosins are actin-based motors proposed to transport cargo to the distal tips of stereocilia in the inner ear hairs cells and/or to participate in stereocilia length regulation, which is especially important during development. Mutations in the MYO3A gene are associated with delayed onset deafness. A previous study demonstrated that L697W, a dominant deafness mutation, disrupts MYO3A ATPase and motor properties but does not impair its ability to localize to the tips of actin protrusions. In the current study, we characterized the transient kinetic mechanism of the L697W motor ATPase cycle. Our kinetic analysis demonstrates that the mutation slows the ADP release and ATP hydrolysis steps, which results in a slight reduction in the duty ratio and slows detachment kinetics. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of filopodia tip localized L697W and WT MYO3A in COS-7 cells revealed that the mutant does not alter turnover or average intensity at the actin protrusion tips. We demonstrate that the mutation slows filopodia extension velocity in COS-7 cells which correlates with its 2-fold slower in vitro actin gliding velocity. Overall, this work allowed us to propose a model for how the motor properties of MYO3A are crucial for facilitating actin protrusion length regulation.
Failed Surgical Weight Loss Does Not Necessarily Mean Failed Metabolic Effects.

Abstract The metabolic profile of patients after a failed surgical weight loss procedure is unknown. Long-term clinical outcomes of 31 obese diabetes patients with post–bariatric surgery excess weight loss of ≤25% were assessed. At a median follow-up of 6 years (range, 5–9 years) after surgery, remission and clinical improvement of diabetes occurred in seven (23%) and 13 (42%) patients, respectively. A long-term mean total weight loss of 7.0±4.7% and excess weight loss of 13.7±8.5% were associated with a mean reduction in fasting blood glucose level, from 158.9±66.7 to 128.4±35.3 mg/dL (P=0.03), and a significant decrease in diabetes medication requirements (P<0.001). A significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (11.1±23.4 mm Hg, P=0.01) and level of circulating triglycerides (35.7±73.4 mg/dL, P=0.04) was also observed after surgery. A modest surgical weight loss in the range of 5–10% of initial weight was associated with significant improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors of morbidly obese diabe...
Laser-activated shape memory polymer microactuators for treating stroke

Summary form only given. We present interventional devices for treating ischemic stroke. The development and testing of two complementary devices is proposed: a mechanical clot extraction system and a neurovascular stent. These devices are laser-activated shape memory polymer microactuators.
Applications of fMRI to Psychiatry

The application of functional neuroimaging to characterize cortical dysfunction in patients with psychiatric disorders provides one of the most exciting in vivo techniques for the identification of both pathophysiologic factors and treatment effects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) refers to a noninvasive method to assess cortical activation by measuring changes in oxidation and regional blood flow. The most frequently used fMRI paradigms involve primary sensory stimulation, including visual stimulation and motor sequencing, and affective and cognitive paradigms. Functional brain imaging studies have historically been limited both by the need to use radioactive tracers and by poor temporal resolution. Developments in the area of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may largely surmount these limitations. First, the development of high-speed, echo-planar imaging devices has greatly enhanced the temporal resolution of MRI. With echo-planar imaging, single image planes can be acquired in 50–100 ms or multiple image planes can be acquired each second. Studies, which may be performed with or without a high-speed MR scanner, selectively detect image parameters that are proportional to cerebral blood flow (CBF) or blood volume (CBV). This strategy capitalizes on the fact that in general, focal changes in neuronal activity are coupled closely to changes in CBF and CBV.
Heat Recirculation Induced by Thermal Diffusers

A unidirectional multiport thermal diffuser discharges large quantities of condenser cooling water in the form of a line of turbulent heated jets near the bottom of the receiving waterbody. The large momentum input induces a large mixed flow compared with the discharge flow, causing rapid temperature reduction within a relatively small area. This paper presents the results of an experimental study which demonstrates that under certain conditions the large back entrainment demand coupled with momentum dissipation (due to bottom friction) of the diffuser plume may generate recirculation of the mixed flow back into the near field, leading to temperatures significantly higher than previously predicted. Length and time scales of recirculation are estimated: the transient maximum temperature rise is correlated with the length scale of recirculation and the sink strength.
SincAPP: um aplicativo móvel para apoiar a notificação de Óbito e Captação de Córneas

Este artigo descreve uma proposta de aplicacao movel que permitira agilizar o processo de doacao de corneas no estado do Espirito Santo, atraves da melhoria da comunicacao entre as partes envolvidas no processo. O aplicativo se chama SincAPP e esta presente no contexto do projeto SinCap.
An authentication and Ballot layout attack against an optical scan voting terminal

Recently, two e-voting technologies have been introduced and used extensively in election procedures: direct recording electronic (DRE) systems and optical scanners. The latter are typically deemed safer as many recent security reports have discovered substantial vulnerabilities in a variety of DRE systems. In this paper we present an attack against the Diebold Accuvote optical scan voting terminal (AV-OS). Previously known attacks direct to the AV-OS required physical access to the memory card and use of difficult to find hardware (card reader/writer). Our attack bypasses these issues by using the serial port of the AV-OS terminal and reverse engineering the communication protocol, in essence, using the terminal itself as a reader/writer. Our analysis is based solely on reverse-engineering. We demonstrate how an attacker can exploit the serious security vulnerability of weak (non-cryptographic) authentication properties of the terminal. The attack payload delivers a tampered ballot layout that, depending on the scenario, allows swapping of candidate votes, neutralizing votes, or even shifting votes from one candidate to another.
The United States National Contractor Accreditation System

The National Contractors Accreditation System (NCAS) provides a cost-effective means for supplier quality system accreditation and product qualification. NCAS requires a third party to perform assessments and surveys of quality systems and to qualify supplier products. The author describes how NCAS works and how nongovernment consensus standards are used in developing actual operating criteria and procedures. National accreditation criteria are utilized in developing working criteria for semiconductors, sealants, and fastener product areas and process areas such as inspection/test services. This system is intended to be implemented commodity by commodity across the industry using voluntary standards for effective surveillance of suppliers. >
Folding of tagged single assignment values for memory-efficient parallelism

The dynamic-single-assignment property for shared data accesses can establish data race freedom and determinism in parallel programs. However, memory management is a well known challenge in making dynamic-single-assignment practical, especially when objects can be accessed through tags that can be computed by any step. In this paper, we propose a new memory management approach based on user-specified folding functions that map logical dynamic-single -assignment (DSA) tags into dynamic-multiple-assignment (DMA) tags. We also compare folding with get-counts, an approach in which the user specifies a reference count for each single-assignment value. The context for our work is parallel programming models in which shared data accesses are coordinated by put/get operations on tagged DSA data structures. These models include dataflow programs with I-structures, functional subsets of parallel programs based on tuple spaces (notably, Linda), and programs written in the Concurrent Collections (CnC) coordination language. Our conclusion, based on experimental evaluation of five CnC programs, is that folding and get-counts can offer significant memory efficiency improvements, and that folding can handle cases that the get-counts cannot.
Rapid in situ measures of phytoplankton communities using the bbe FluoroProbe: evaluation of spectral calibration, instrument intercompatibility, and performance range

The FluoroProbe (FP; bbe Moldaenke, GmbH) is increasingly deployed as a means to measure in situ abundance and composition of phytoplankton communities, yet few rigorous evaluations have been made ...
Defining CD4 T Cell Memory by the Epigenetic Landscape of CpG DNA Methylation

Memory T cells are primed for rapid responses to Ag; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for priming remain incompletely defined. CpG methylation in promoters is an epigenetic modification, which regulates gene transcription. Using targeted bisulfite sequencing, we examined methylation of 2100 genes (56,000 CpGs) mapped by deep sequencing of T cell activation in human naive and memory CD4 T cells. Four hundred sixty-six CpGs (132 genes) displayed differential methylation between naive and memory cells. Twenty-one genes exhibited both differential methylation and gene expression before activation, linking promoter DNA methylation states to gene regulation; 6 of 21 genes encode proteins closely studied in T cells, whereas 15 genes represent novel targets for further study. Eighty-four genes demonstrated differential methylation between memory and naive cells that correlated to differential gene expression following activation, of which 39 exhibited reduced methylation in memory cells coupled with increased gene expression upon activation compared with naive cells. These reveal a class of primed genes more rapidly expressed in memory compared with naive cells and putatively regulated by DNA methylation. These findings define a DNA methylation signature unique to memory CD4 T cells that correlates with activation-induced gene expression.
Age-related changes in circadian responses to dark pulses

Aging involves many alterations in circadian rhythms, including a loss of sensitivity to both photic and nonphotic time signals. This study investigated the sensitivity of young and old hamsters to...
Demonstration of a novel assessment methodology for hydrogen infrastructure deployment

To reduce criteria pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases from mobile sources, the use of hydrogen as a transportation fuel is proposed as a new paradigm in combination with fuel cells for vehicle power. The extent to which reductions can and will occur depends on the mix of technologies that constitute the hydrogen supply chain. This paper introduces an analysis and planning methodology for estimating emissions, greenhouse gases, and the energy efficiency of the hydrogen supply chain as a function of the technology mix on a life cycle, well to wheels (WTW) basis. The methodology, referred to as the preferred combination assessment (PCA) model, is demonstrated by assessing an illustrative set of hydrogen infrastructure (generation and distribution) deployment scenarios in California's South Coast Air Basin. Each scenario reflects a select mix of technologies for the years 2015, 2030, and 2060 including (1) the proportion of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources of the hydrogen and (2) the rate of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle adoption. The hydrogen deployment scenarios are compared to the existing paradigm of conventional vehicles and fuels with a goal to reveal and evaluate the efficacy and utility of the PCA methodology. In addition to a demonstration of the methodology, the salient conclusions reached from this first application include the following.•Emissions of criteria pollutants increase or decrease, depending on the hydrogen deployment scenario, when compared to an evolution of the existing paradigm of conventional vehicles and fuels.•For all scenarios, pipeline distribution from a centrally located generation source reduces criteria pollutant emissions when compared to distribution by truck.•With one qualification, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced for the scenarios considered with the extent of reduction increasing in proportion to the renewable sources of hydrogen. When natural gas is utilized as a source for hydrogen, leakage of methane from the U.S. natural gas infrastructure is a significant contributor to the greenhouse gases associated with a hydrogen economy.•For all scenarios considered, the WTW energy efficiency improves whereas the consumption of water (and the associated energy) increases. © 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy.
Risedronate prevents early radiation-induced osteoporosis in mice at multiple skeletal locations.

Abstract Introduction Irradiation of normal, non-malignant bone during cancer therapy can lead to atrophy and increased risk of fracture at several skeletal sites, particularly the hip. This bone loss has been largely attributed to damaged osteoblasts. Little attention has been given to increased bone resorption as a contributor to radiation-induced osteoporosis. Our aims were to identify if radiation increases bone resorption resulting in acute bone loss and if bone loss could be prevented by administering risedronate. Methods Twenty-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were either: not irradiated and treated with placebo (NR + PL); whole-body irradiated with 2 Gy x-rays and treated with placebo (IR + PL); or irradiated and treated with risedronate (IR + RIS; 30 μg/kg every other day). Calcein injections were administered 7 and 2 days before sacrifice. Bones were collected 1, 2, and 3 weeks after exposure. MicroCT analysis was performed at 3 sites: proximal tibial metaphysis, distal femoral metaphysis, and the body of the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5). Osteoclasts were identified from TRAP-stained histological sections. Dynamic histomorphometry of cortical and trabecular bone was performed. Circulating TRAP5b and osteocalcin concentrations were quantified. Results In animals receiving IR + PL, significant (P Conclusions This study demonstrated a rapid loss of trabecular bone at several skeletal sites after whole-body irradiation. Changes were accompanied by an increase in osteoclast number and serum markers of bone loss. Risedronate entirely prevented bone loss, providing further evidence that an increase in bone resorption likely caused this radiation-induced bone loss.
THE RELATIVISTIC DIRAC-COULOMB-FOCK EFFECT ON ATOMIZATION ENERGIES

We have used a second-order perturbation treatment of the Dirac–Coulomb–Hartree–Fock method to estimate relativistic contributions to energies in the G2/97 test set. The one-electron relativistic effect on atomization energies of molecules containing first- and second-row atoms nearly always reduces binding. When the relativistic corrections are included in G3 theory and assessed on the G2/97 test set, there is little change in overall performance.
Is exercise necessary with repetitive nerve stimulation in evaluating patients with suspected myasthenia gravis

We retrospectively evaluated the effect of exercise on the degree of decrement in ulnar, spinal accessory, and facial repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in 179 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) to assess whether exercise increases the diagnostic yield of identifying significant decrements. The mean worsening of decrement following exercise was 1.9% (ulnar nerve), 1.9% (spinal accessory nerve), and 1.3% (facial nerve). Abnormal (≥10%) decrement solely following exercise occurred in the ulnar nerve in 7% of patients, accessory nerve in 5%, and facial nerve in 7%. When analyzed according to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class of disease, the likelihood of producing ≥10% decrement only after exercise was greatest in class I MG with facial RNS and in class II and III generalized MG with ulnar and spinal accessory RNS. In all other disease stages, the likelihood of producing ≥10% decrement only after exercise was ≤7%. This study suggests that exercise increases the yield of diagnosis of MG by RNS in only a small percent of patients. Therefore, in most patients with suspected MG, RNS at rest is sufficient and the additional time required for prolonged postexercise RNS may be better spent in examining other muscle–nerve combinations. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Single-system ectopic ureter: a 15-year review.

Ectopic ureters present in childhood with symptoms related to an abnormal site or structure (refluxing, obstructed) of the ureteric orifice. The majority drain duplex kidneys. The diagnosis is relatively easy if the poles are functioning or hydronephrotic. Associated malformations are rarely seen and the results of surgery are gratifying. If an ectopic ureter drains a single kidney, it is called a single-system ectopic ureter (SSEU). We reviewed a 15-year experience (1980–1995) with 127 ectopic ureters from our hospital:11 SSEUs in ten consecutive children were managed during this period. Our data lead us to believe that SSEUs are a special subset of ectopic ureters. Diagnosis is often delayed because the ectopic ureter may be associated with a single small, dysplastic, poorly-functioning, non-visualised kidney and the child may be thought to have a contralateral normal ‘solitary kidney’. Associated systemic malformations are common. Residual symptoms of wetting may persist in the early postoperative period. A high degree of suspicion must be maintained for this entity when a child presents with urinary symptoms of wetting or recurrent infection and a “solitary kidney”. Early endoscopic examination of the genitourinary tract will clinch the diagnosis in the majority of cases. Residual symptoms of wetting in the postoperative period generally resolve with passage of time.
Evidence against color confinement in two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics

Abstract An exact analysis of two-dimensional massles quantum chromodynamics using functional methods is carried out to determine the strong-coupling, infrared behaviour of the massive case. The theory is reduced to an exact equation whose infrared limit reveals the existence of colored, massive bosons and the absence of a rising potential, with quarks still confined.
Engineering the LISA project: systems engineering challenges

The laser interferometer space antenna (LISA) is a joint NASA/ESA mission to detect and measure gravitational waves with periods from 1 s to 10000 s. The systems engineering challenges of developing a giant interferometer, 5 million kilometers on a side, are numerous. Some of the key challenges are presented in this paper. The organizational challenges imposed by sharing the engineering function between three centers (ESA ESTEC, NASA GSFC, and JPL) across nine time zones are addressed. The issues and approaches to allocation of the acceleration noise and measurement sensitivity budget terms across a traditionally decomposed system are discussed. Additionally, using LISA to detect gravitational waves for the first time presents significant data analysis challenges, many of which drive the project system design. The approach to understanding the implications of science data analysis on the system is also addressed.
The lack of an effect of cholinergic agonists on anterior pituitary prolactin production in vitro

The addition of dopamine to anterior pituitary incubations resulted in a marked decrease (88% for3H prolactin and 69% for RIA prolactin) in prolactin release. Incubation with the cholinergic agonists carbacol, arecoline and nicotine resulted in no significant change in prolactin secretion.
U.S. Higher Education Institutions Offering Meeting and Event Courses

Industry and student demand are driving many academic programs towards adding meeting and event courses to their curriculum. To date, curriculum decisions are made with little research on the number and scope of academic programs offering meeting or event planning or management courses and programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the scope of meeting or event planning or management programs or courses offered by institutions of higher education in the United States and to create the most comprehensive database for use by key stakeholders. With the current database as a baseline, industry stakeholders may monitor the future growth of meeting or event planning or management courses and forecast future trends in this academic discipline.
A New Anatomic Score for Prognosis After Cardiac Catheterization in Patients with Previous Bypass Surgery

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the value of a new anatomic score for prognosis after diagnostic catheterization in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Background Previous CABG patients comprise a growing proportion of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Whereas prognostic scores are available to adjust for native CAD, there are no comparable scores for patients with previous CABG. Methods We studied 3,178 previous CABG patients (2,729 in a training set) who underwent cardiac catheterization. With a Cox model to develop relative weights in the training set, we created a graft index that adjusted native anatomy for territories with grafts free of significant (≥75%) stenoses. Scaling the regression coefficients by the maximum coefficient created an index ranging from 0 to 100, where 100 was three-vessel CAD with no patent grafts. Results The graft index was significantly associated with all-cause death (chi-square = 121.9, p Conclusions For previous CABG patients, the Duke graft index was significantly more associated with prognosis than native anatomy alone and quantifies the effect of patent grafts on survival. This tool has the potential to help determine prognosis and inform the referral of post-CABG patients to repeat revascularization procedures.
Primary esophageal lymphoma in AIDS

In a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and primary esophageal lymphoma, esophagography and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a large ulcerated mass involving the distal esophagus. Although rare, the diagnosis of esophageal lymphoma should be considered in patients at risk for AIDS when the radiologic findings are not typical for infectious esophagitis or Kaposi's sarcoma.