cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergency thoracotomy for injury

Emergency thoracotomy is required in 10-15 per cent of all patients with thoracic injury. Nine specific indications for emergency thoracotomy have been described for injured persons. A variety of incisions is available to the surgeon, and selection of the appropriate incision is based on radiographic and clinical findings. Thoracotomy in the emergency room is occasionally indicated, but it should be performed only by surgically trained individuals. Patients requiring emergency thoracotomy who are not dead on arrival have a greater than 75 per cent chance of survival.
Small pixel development for novel CMOS image sensors

Modern trends in camera module design for both mobile and DSC applications are driving the race to shrink pixel and increase pixel array size. At the same time higher demands on the quality of color images - DSC-like quality for mobile applications - require maintaining a large pixel capacity, quantum efficiency (QE), and sensitivity to preserve color image quality. This becomes extremely difficult as the size of the pixel shrinks. This paper discusses the Common Element Pixel Architecture (CEPA) for image sensors with small pixels as well as new pixel designs and process changes, that have enabled a new generation of image sensors with high performance 2.2-μm, 1.75-μm, and smaller pixels. Advanced algorithms of capturing the image help to overcome the challenges associated with the limited pixel capacity of small pixels. The paper considers an HDR mode of operation for the small pixel and its effect on the image quality. Achieving good color crosstalk performances is one of the big challenges in CMOS Image Sensors with small pixels. The paper presents results of an experimental study of crosstalk for different pixel sizes, analyzes the effect of crosstalk on the quality of color image and signal-to-noise ratio after color processing, and discusses ways of cross talk reduction for small pixels.
Crafting a New Democracy: Civic education in Indonesian Islamic universities

Indonesia's post-1998 transition to democracy has presented Muslim educators with the opportunity to take part in shaping the future of Indonesian democracy in ways that are consistent with Muslim social, political, and educational aspirations. One of the key vehicles for doing so is civic education. For Muslim educators in the Islamic higher education sector, the challenge has been to develop a civic education curriculum which can educate the young generation about democratic citizenship while incorporating the values and perspectives of Islam on civil society, democracy, and human rights. This paper examines civic education initiatives in two Islamic university systems, suggesting that the development of the new curriculum reveals clear differences in perceptions about civil society and the state within the institutions which make up these two systems. This is reflected by the extent to which Islamic concepts of the state and citizenship are integrated with Western thought and practice on civil society ...
Learning-Oriented Assessment: The Contextual Dimension

Over five hundred years ago, Copernicus presented findings that revolutionized the world by shifting focus away from the Earth and towards the sun as the center of the universe. Education has been encountering a similar paradigm-altering shift with the center of learning moving from the teacher to the learner. Learning-oriented assessment (LOA) is an emerging framework of that reconceptualization. LOA is, at its core, learner-centric, where attention falls concentrically, beginning with the learner, followed by learner interactions with other agents in the learning process, then moving to factors outside of the learner within the learning space (J. E. Purpura, personal communication, September 12, 2014).
Shifting views on lipid lowering therapy

Harlan Krumholz and Rodney Hayward argue that preventive cardiology should be based as much as possible on strategies that are known to improve patient outcomes rather than focusing on biomarkers
Nonlinear Systems in Medicine

Many achievements in medicine have come from applying linear theory to problems. Most current methods of data analysis use linear models, which are based on proportionality between two variables and/or relationships described by linear differential equations. However, nonlinear behavior commonly occurs within human systems due to their complex dynamic nature; this cannot be described adequately by linear models. Nonlinear thinking has grown among physiologists and physicians over the past century, and non-linear system theories are beginning to be applied to assist in interpreting, explaining, and predicting biological phenomena. Chaos theory describes elements manifesting behavior that is extremely sensitive to initial conditions, does not repeat itself and yet is deterministic. Complexity theory goes one step beyond chaos and is attempting to explain complex behavior that emerges within dynamic nonlinear systems. Nonlinear modeling still has not been able to explain all of the complexity present in human systems, and further models still need to be refined and developed. However, nonlinear modeling is helping to explain some system behaviors that linear systems cannot and thus will augment our understanding of the nature of complex dynamic systems within the human body in health and in disease states.
Reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping in the brain at two field strengths from two vendors.

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an emerging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for quantifying magnetic susceptibility of compounds in the human body including iron, blood products, and calcification.1–4 There is an increasing number of clinical applications of QSM including the assessment of cerebral microbleeds and hematoma volume,5–7 calcifications, hemorrhages, cavernous malformations,3,8,9 the study of multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s and Wilson’s disease,9–11 and the visualization of subthalamic nuclei for deep brain stimulation.12,13 QSM has also been used to perform quantitative measurements of perfusion and oxygenation, opening the door for applications such as tumor characterization and treatment evaluation, stroke assessment, and functional neuroimaging.14,15 Although QSM measurements in the brain have been widely reported,16 there is limited data on QSM reproducibility when performed on the same scanner or on different scanners, particularly those made by different manufacturers. Such information is valuable for accurate clinical interpretation of longitudinal QSM changes and important in the design of multisite studies. A recent QSM reproducibility study was limited to healthy volunteers and 3T field strength, and conventional measures of reproducibility such as those obtained by linear regression analysis and Bland–Altman plots were not reported.17 Furthermore, a linear inversion algorithm with L2 regularization was used, which can be less effective than the recently developed nonlinear morphology-enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) algorithm with L1 regularization.18,19 Although linear QSM may be appropriate for healthy volunteers, it may not be ideal for diseased subjects because brain lesions can be areas of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that require nonlinear reconstruction to correctly account for phase noise and unwrapping errors, and iterative reweighting for robust fitting.18 The purpose of this study was to assess the reproducibility of nonlinear MEDI-based QSM measurements in both healthy volunteers and patients for scanners from two different manufacturers and at both 1.5T and 3T field strengths.
High proportions of foods recommended for consumption by United States Dietary Guidance contain solid fats and added sugar: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2008).

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend that individuals age two years and older reduce intakes of solid fats (SoF) and added sugars (AS; together SoFAS). MyPlate illustrates the proportions of five major food groups to promote healthy eating (Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, Fruits and Dairy). To assess if the foods currently consumed by Americans are in concordance with the DGA, food consumption data from What We Eat In America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (WWEIA-NHANES) 2007–2008 (n = 8 527) was used to estimate the proportion of foods that contained SoFAS and to report them by food group. Weighted analysis was conducted to be nationally representative. The Dairy group contained the highest proportion (93%) of either SoF or AS, followed by Grains (70% SoF; 70% AS; 50% both). Fruits contained the least SoFAS (7%). Results suggest that the high proportion of SoFAS in each recommended food group makes it challenging for Americans to reduce their intake of SoFAS.
Assessment of nalmefene glucuronide as a selective gut opioid antagonist

Opioid use often causes troublesome constipation as a side-effect. Selective antagonism of the intestinal actions of opioids might be useful in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. We tested the inactive metabolite of nalmefene, nalmefene glucuronide, which showed promise of gut selectivity in rodent models, by administering ascending doses in single-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to five methadone-maintained, opioid-dependent male volunteers. Assessment of whether systemic or gut-selective opioid antagonist effects occurred was measured by vital signs, pupillary diameter, opioid withdrawal symptom scales, and bowel function. Oral nalmefene glucuronide precipitated symptoms and signs consistent with the opioid abstinence syndrome in all five subjects a mean of 9.0 h after dosing. We conclude that nalmefene glucuronide does not appear to exert sufficient gut selectivity to be useful in antagonizing constipation due to exogenous opioid administration without antagonizing systemic opioid effects.
Computed tomography-fluoroscopy image integration-guided catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: This study examines the feasibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using registered three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images of the left atrium with fluoroscopy. Methods and Results: A total of 50 consecutive patients with symptomatic AF refractory to medical therapy (32 paroxysmal, 18 persistent, age 55 ± 10 years) were randomized to undergo a catheter-based AF ablation procedure with or without the CT-fluoroscopy guidance system. All patients underwent preprocedural contrast-enhanced CT imaging and segmentation of the left atrium. For the CT-fluoroscopy group, circumferential lesions encompassing the pulmonary vein (PV) antrum and linear lesions along the roof of the left atrium between the superior PVs and the mitral isthmus were created on the CT image, which was registered with real-time fluoroscopy. The registered images were then used to navigate the ablation catheters to the sites of planned ablation. After the ablation sites were completed, any remaining PV potentials were isolated with electrophysiological guidance. In the control patients, the same technique was performed without using the CT-fluoro guidance system. CT scans were accurately registered to fluoroscopic images with minimal manual correction. Operators could navigate catheters on the registered images to preplanned, extraostial sites for ablation. CT-fluoroscopy guidance decreased procedure duration and fluoro times (P < 0.05). At a mean follow-up of 9 ± 2 months, 21 patients (84%) in the CT-fluoro guidance group and 16 patients (64%) in the control group have had no recurrence of AF. Conclusion: CT-fluoroscopic-guided left atrial ablation is feasible and allows appropriate catheter manipulation in the left atrium.
15q11-13 GABAA receptor genes are normally biallelically expressed in brain yet are subject to epigenetic dysregulation in autism-spectrum disorders

Human chromosome 15q11-13 is a complex locus containing imprinted genes as well as a cluster of three GABAA receptor subunit (GABR) genes, GABRB3, GABRA5, and GABRG3. Deletion or duplication of 15q11-13 GABR genes occurs in multiple human neurodevelopmental disorders including Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Angelman syndrome (AS), and autism. GABRB3 protein expression is also reduced in Rett syndrome (RTT), caused by mutations in MECP2 on Xq28. Although Gabrb3 is biallelically expressed in mouse brain, conflicting data exist regarding the imprinting status of the 15q11-13 GABR genes in humans. Using coding single nucleotide polymorphisms we show that all three GABR genes are biallelically expressed in 21 control brain samples, demonstrating that these genes are not imprinted in normal human cortex. Interestingly, four of eight autism and one of five RTT brain samples showed monoallelic or highly skewed allelic expression of one or more GABR gene, suggesting that epigenetic dysregulation of these genes is common to both disorders. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of PWS and AS samples with paternal and maternal 15q11-13 deletions revealed a paternal expression bias of GABRB3, while RTT brain samples showed a significant reduction in GABRB3 and UBE3A. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and bisulfite sequencing in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells demonstrated that MeCP2 binds to methylated CpG sites within GABRB3. Our previous studies demonstrated that homologous 15q11-13 pairing in neurons was dependent on MeCP2 and was disrupted in RTT and autism cortex. Combined these results suggest that MeCP2 acts as a chromatin organizer for optimal expression of both alleles of GABRB3 in neurons.
Increasing student-centered learning in a first-year engineering program

This paper analyzes the implementation of a restructured model for activity sections in a first-year engineering program led by graduate teaching assistants. The aim of the new model is to increase student-centered learning and to provide for more uniformity amongst sections led by different graduate teaching assistants. In this program, all freshmen engineering students share a common year during which they are required to take linked Introduction to Engineering and Technical Communications courses. This paper focuses on the Introduction to Engineering course. Following many discussions on possible improvements, along with the results of both student and peer evaluations, a new teaching model was designed and has been implemented. In this paper, both the old and the new model, assessment tools, and some in-class assignments are described. Also, an outcome in terms of student-centered learning and uniformity amongst the separate sections is discussed.
MMP9 deficiency does not decrease blood–brain barrier disruption, but increases astrocyte MMP3 expression during viral encephalomyelitis

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP9 correlates with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption during many neuroinflammatory diseases. During neurotropic coronavirus virus (JHMV) induced encephalomyelitis, MMP9 activity is restricted to neutrophils. Furthermore, myeloid cell depletion implicated MMP9 in facilitating leukocyte central nervous system (CNS) infiltration via loss of BBB integrity. The requirement of MMP9 in BBB disruption was thus assessed in JHMV infected MMP9 deficient (MMP9(-/-)) mice. Depletion of neutrophils reduced CNS accumulation of monocytes and T cells, albeit without affecting overall pathogenesis. By contrast, infected MMP9(-/-) mice revealed no differences in CNS leukocyte infiltration, composition or localization, consistent with BBB disruption similar to wild-type (WT) mice. Unimpaired T cell mediated virus control supported an unexpectedly redundant role of MMP9 in promoting leukocyte access to the brain parenchyma. Although MMP9 deficiency did not expand the overall limited pattern of MMP expression during JHMV infection, it coincided with MMP3 upregulation. MMP3 expression remained largely confined to astrocytes, similar to WT mice. These data demonstrate that neutrophil-derived MMP9 is not the sole mediator facilitating parenchymal leukocyte entry via BBB disruption during viral encephalomyelitis. Moreover, significantly enhanced MMP3 expression by astrocytes in infected MMP9(-/-) mice suggests an active role of resident cells in participating and potentially collaborating with infiltrating cells in regulating BBB permeability. Overall, these results highlight the complexity of targeting individual MMPs as a strategy to regulate inflammation.
Children's understanding of the Ulysses conflict

Two studies explored children’s understanding of how the presence of conflicting mental states in a single mind can lead people to act so as to subvert their own desires. Study 1 analyzed explanations by children (4‐7 years) and adults of behaviors arising from this sort of ‘Ulysses conflict’ and compared them with their understanding of conflicting desires in different minds, as well as with changes of mind within an individual across time. The data revealed that only the adults were able to adequately explain the Ulysses conflict. Study 2 asked children (4‐7 years) and adults to choose among three explicitly presented competing explanations for self-subverting behaviors. The results suggest that an understanding of the influence of conflicting mental states on behaviors does not occur until at least 7 years of age.
A KINETIC ANALYSIS OF MYOGENESIS IN VITRO

Conditions which yielded reproducible growth kinetics with extensive, relatively synchronous differentiation are described for chick muscle cultures. The effects of cell density and medium changes on the timing of cell fusion were examined. Low-density cultures which received a change of medium at 24 hr after plating show the highest rate of cell fusion, increasing from 15 to 80% fused cells in a 10 hr period. These optimal culture conditions were employed to reexamine two questions from the earlier literature on muscle culture: ( a ) can cells which normally would fuse at the end of one cell cycle be forced to go through another cell cycle before fusion; and ( b ) how soon after its final S period can a cell complete fusion? In answer to the first question, it was found that if the medium is changed, many cells which would otherwise fuse can be made to undergo another cell cycle before fusion. In the second case, radioautographs were made from cultures incubated with tritiated thymidine for various times at the beginning of the fusion period. These show labeled nuclei in myotubes as early as 3 hr after the beginning of the incubation period. This indicates that cells can fuse as early as the beginning of the G1 period, and suggests that there is not an obligatory exit from the cell cycle or a prolonged G1 period before cell fusion and differentiation during myogenesis.
Inflammatory Mediators and Home Parenteral Nutrition

Individuals who have sustained intestinal failure due to trauma or disease are able to survive through the use of parenteral nutrition (PN). Although home PN (HPN) is a lifesaving therapy, patients may, over the long term, be at risk for liver, bone, and immune dysfunction. A limited number of human studies and a large number of animal studies suggest that there may be a chronic inflammatory condition and additionally a potentially lower T-lymphocyte immune function associated with PN administration. This article will primarily focus on a review of the limited clinical literature that examines the effect of long-term PN on the occurrence of inflammatory mediators in HPN patients, and will discuss the factors that are currently hypothesized to contribute to the potential inflammatory sequelae.
Mapping Global Histone Acetylation Patterns to Gene Expression

Histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases with specificities for different sites of acetylation affect common chromatin regions. This could generate unique patterns of acetylation that may specify downstream biological processes. To search for existence of these patterns and their relationship to gene activity, we analyzed the genome-wide acetylation profiles for eleven lysines in the four core histones of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that both hyper- and hypoacetylation of individual lysines are associated with transcription, generating distinct patterns of acetylation that define groups of biologically related genes. The genes within these groups are significantly coexpressed, mediate similar physiological processes, share unique cis-regulatory DNA motifs, and are enriched for binding of specific transcription factors. Our data also indicate that the in vivo binding of the transcription factor Bdf1 is associated with acetylation on most lysines but relative deacetylation on H4 lysine 16. Thus, certain acetylation patterns may be used as surfaces for specific protein-histone interactions, providing one mechanism for coordinate regulation of chromatin processes that are biologically related.
The Extent of Histone Acetylation Correlates with the Differential Rearrangement Frequency of Individual VH Genes in Pro-B Cells

During B lymphocyte development, Ig heavy and L chain genes are assembled by V(D)J recombination. Individual V, D, and J genes rearrange at very different frequencies in vivo, and the natural variation in recombination signal sequence does not account for all of these differences. Because a permissive chromatin structure is necessary for the accessibility of VH genes for VH to DJH recombination, we hypothesized that gene rearrangement frequency might be influenced by the extent of histone modifications. Indeed, we found in freshly isolated pro-B cells from μMT mice a positive correlation between the level of enrichment of VHS107 genes in the acetylated histone fractions as assayed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and their relative rearrangement frequency in vivo. In the VH7183 family, the very frequently rearranging VH81X gene showed the highest association with acetylated histones, especially in the newborn. Together, our data show that the extent of histone modifications in pro-B cells should be considered as a mechanism by which accessibility and the rearrangement level of individual VH genes is regulated.
Ovarian Cancer in Pregnancy

Ovarian cancer presenting in pregnancy is, fortunately, a rare event with an overall incidence of 1 in 5000 to 1 in 18,000 live births. Of adnexal masses persisting into the third trimester, however, approximately 2% to 5% will be malignant. Proper intragestation management of adnexal masses, including imaging, surgical management, and potential adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy, is crucial for optimal outcome.
Interrater Reliability of Pupillary Assessments

Subjective scoring of pupil reactivity is a fundamental element of the neurological examination for which the pupillometer provides an objective measure. This single-blinded observational study examined interrater reliability of pupil exam findings between two practitioners and between practitioners and a pupillometer. From 2329 paired assessments, the interrater reliability between practitioners was only moderate for pupil size (k = 0.54), shape (k = 0.62), and reactivity (k = 0.40). Only 33.3 % of pupils scored as non-reactive by practitioners were scored as non-reactive by pupillometry. Despite the strong emphasis placed on the traditional pupil examination, especially for patients with a neurological illness, there is limited interrater reliability for subjective scoring of pupillary assessments. Thus, the use of automated pupillometers should be examined as a potential method to increase the reliability of measuring of pupil reactivity.
Selective Photonic Disinfection of Cell Culture Using a Visible Ultrashort Pulsed Laser

Microbial contamination of cell culture is a major problem encountered both in academic labs and in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries. A broad spectrum of microbes, including mycoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and viruses are the causative agents of cell-culture contamination. Unfortunately, the existing disinfection techniques lack selectivity and/or lead to the development of drug-resistance, and more importantly there is no universal method to address all the microbes. Here, we report a novel, chemical-free visible ultrashort pulsed laser method for cell-culture disinfection. The ultrashort pulsed laser technology inactivates pathogens with mechanical means, a paradigm shift from the traditional pharmaceutical and chemical approaches. We demonstrate that ultrashort pulsed laser treatment can efficiently inactivate mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and viruses with good preservation of mammalian cell viability. Our results indicate that this ultrashort pulsed laser technology has the potential to serve as a universal method for the disinfection of cell culture.
Modeling Human Communication Dynamics

Human face-to-face communication is a little like a dance, in that participants continuously adjust their behaviors based on verbal and nonverbal cues from the social context. Today’s computers and interactive devices are still lacking many of these human-like abilities to hold fluid and natural interactions. Leveraging recent advances in machine learning, audio-visual signal processing and computational linguistics, my research focuses on creating human-computer interaction (HCI) technologies able to analyze, recognize and predict human subtle communicative behaviors in a social context. I formalize this new research endeavor with a Human Communication Dynamics framework, addressing four key computational challenges: behavioral dynamic, multimodal dynamic, interpersonal dynamic and societal dynamic. Central to this research effort is the introduction of new probabilistic models able to learn the temporal and fine-grained latent dependencies across behaviors, modalities and interlocutors. In this talk, I will present some of our recent achievements modeling multiple aspects of human communication dynamics, motivated by applications in healthcare (depression, PTSD, suicide, autism), education (learning analytics), business (negotiation, interpersonal skills) and social multimedia (opinion mining, social influence). Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, USA, e-mail: morency@ict.usc.edu Proceedings of 5th International Workshop on Spoken Dialog Systems Napa, January 17-20, 2014 3
The insertion and extrusion of heterosulfur bridges. IX: Sulfur bridging in 2-phenylnaphthalene

Sulfur bridging of 2-phenylnaphlhalene (3) to form benzo[b ]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene (5) (main product) and the isomeric benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene (4) is effected by means of hydrogen sulfide, benzene (solvent), and a sulfided cobaltous oxide-molybdic oxide-alumina (CMA-1) catalyst at 450–630° in a flow system (maximum yield 33% at 500°). The low yield is ascribed to decompositions of both 4 and 5 under reaction conditions.
Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment for Mycotic Intracranial Aneurysms (P05.252)

Objective: To determine the outcomes associated with endovascular embolization in patients with mycotic intracranial aneurysms using a large nationally representative sample. Background Mycotic intracranial aneurysms are rare with primary treatment focusing on underlying infection to reduce the high mortality rates. Treating these aneurysms remains challenging and obliteration procedures without sacrificing the parent artery often fail due to the fusiform and fragile aneurysm wall. Design/Methods: We determined the frequency of endovascular and surgical procedures performed in patients with mycotic intracranial aneurysms and associated in-hospital outcomes using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Survey (NIS) data files from 2002 to 2009. All the in-hospital outcomes were analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 1,915 patients admitted with the diagnosis of infected “mycotic” aneurysms, 83 (4.3%) underwent endovascular embolization, and 59 (3.1%) underwent surgical treatment. In mycotic aneurysms treated with endovascular treatment compared to surgical treatment, discharge outcomes were better with higher rates of minimal disability self-care (40% vs. 23.7% p=0.2436), and lower rates of moderate-severe disability (36% vs. 40% p=0.7874), and in-hospital deaths death (22.9 vs. 35.2 p= 0.3608). After adjusting for age, gender, and hospital teaching status, discharge mortality after endovascular treatment was not inferior to surgical treatment (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14 - 17.9) or those treated medically (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.132 - 2.36). Conclusions: Endovascular embolization for mycotic intracranial aneurysms provides comparable outcomes to surgical treatment and should be considered whenever feasible when aneurysm obliteration is indicated. Disclosure: Dr. Afzal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hassan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chaudhry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Majidi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Qureshi has nothing to disclose.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CRYSTALLIZATION PATHWAYS DURING CHOLESTEROL PRECIPITATION FROM HUMAN GALLBLADDER BILES : IDENTICAL PATHWAYS TO CORRESPONDING MODEL BILES WITH THREE PREDOMINATING SEQUENCES

In model biles, five crystallization sequences are present as functions of bile salt/lecithin (egg yolk) ratio and their positions on phase diagrams are influenced by bile salt hydrophobicity, temperature, and total lipid concentration (D. Q-H. Wang and M.C. Carey. J. Lipid Res. 1996.37: 606-630). To determine whether the same pathways occur ex vivo during cholesterol precipitation from human gallbladder biles, we examined 22 cholesterol gallstone (CSI = 1.56 +/- 0.26), 4 pigment gallstone (0.69 +/- 0.06), and 4 control biles (0.85 +/- 0.22) by microscopy and lipid analytic techniques for 30 days. Temperature was varied (4-45 degrees C) to move relative compositions into adjacent pathways or supersaturated zones to test whether the same bile could be forced to crystallize in different sequences. Sequences in native bile were identical to those in model systems composed of mixed bile salts-lecithin-cholesterol mixtures, and three corresponding pathways (B, C, D; op. cit.) were observed at 37 degrees C. With increasing lecithin content, we found i) B: plate-like cholesterol monohydrate crystals appeared before arc-shaped (putatively anhydrous cholesterol) crystals which transformed via helices and tubules into plate-like crystals and no liquid crystals formed; ii) C: lamellar liquid crystals, typified by birefringent multilamellar vesicles, were detected before cholesterol monohydrate crystals, and subsequently arc, helical and tubular crystals appeared; and iii) D: precipitation of lamellar liquid crystals was followed by cholesterol monohydrate crystals and no arc crystals were detected. Added EDTA prevented calcium bilirubinate formation, but crystallization sequences in these biles were identical to those without EDTA. We conclude that i) cholesterol crystallization pathways and sequences in human gallbladder biles are identical to model biles matched for appropriate physical-chemical conditions; ii) three of the five sequences observed in model biles were found in native bile; and iii) calcium bilirubinates neither promote biliary cholesterol crystallization nor influence crystal growth.
Using Reverse Osmosis Membranes to Couple Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells with Ongoing Fermentations

Separations in biological systems remain a challenging problem and can be particularly so in the case of biofuels, where purification can use a significant fraction of the energy content of the fuel. For small-molecule biofuels like ethanol, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes show promise as passive purifiers, in that they allow uncharged small molecules to pass through while blocking most other components of the growth medium. Here, we examine the use of RO membranes in developing biohybrid fuel cells, closely examining the case where a direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is coupled with an ongoing yeast fermentation across an RO membrane. We show that, contrary to initial good performance, the acetic acid produced by the DEFC readily diffuses back across the RO membrane and kills the fermentation after a few days. We introduce an amelioration chamber where the acetic acid is converted to acetate ions. The RO membrane rejects the acetate ions due to their charge, preventing acetic acid buildup in the fermentatio...
Effect of Synthesis on Quality, Electronic Properties and Environmental Stability of Individual Monolayer Ti3C2 MXene Flakes

2D transition metal carbide Ti3C2Tx (T stands for surface termination), the most widely studied MXene, has shown outstanding electrochemical properties and promise for a number of bulk applications. However, electronic properties of individual MXene flakes, which are important for understanding the potential of these materials, remain largely unexplored. Herein, a modified synthetic method is reported for producing high-quality monolayer Ti3C2Tx flakes. Field-effect transistors (FETs) based on monolayer Ti3C2Tx flakes are fabricated and their electronic properties are measured. Individual Ti3C2Tx flakes exhibit a high conductivity of 4600 ± 1100 S cm−1 and field-effect electron mobility of 2.6 ± 0.7 cm2 V−1 s−1. The resistivity of multilayer Ti3C2Tx films is only one order of magnitude higher than the resistivity of individual flakes, which indicates a surprisingly good electron transport through the surface terminations of different flakes, unlike in many other 2D materials. Finally, the fabricated FETs are used to investigate the environmental stability and kinetics of oxidation of Ti3C2Tx flakes in humid air. The high-quality Ti3C2Tx flakes are reasonably stable and remain highly conductive even after their exposure to air for more than 24 h. It is demonstrated that after the initial exponential decay the conductivity of Ti3C2Tx flakes linearly decreases with time, which is consistent with their edge oxidation.
Elafin as a biomarker and growth factor for ovarian cancer.

B140 Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related death of women in the United States and Europe. Three-quarters of patients have locally advanced or disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis. Cures are rare at advanced clinical stages, placing emphasis on early detection to reduce mortality. A sensitive and specific screening test that could detect OvCa at a curative stage has yet to be developed. We previously identified a locus on chromosome 20q13 that encompasses 14 genes with homology to whey acidic protein (WAP). This locus resides within one of the most frequently amplified chromosomal regions in OvCas. In fact, we previously reported that a member of this gene WAP cluster, HE4, is overexpressed and secreted by OvCa cells. This led us to investigate whether other members of the WAP cluster might also be involved in this disease. A collection of OvCa cell lines was analyzed by RT-PCR for WAP gene expression. In addition to HE4, two other WAP genes are overexpressed compared to normal ovarian surface epithelium: SLPI and Elafin. Western blot analysis of conditioned media from cultured and primary tumor lines showed that these proteins, like HE4, are also secreted. High-density OvCa tissue microarrays and whole tissue sections demonstrated that Elafin expression varies from diffuse to very focal staining, with most tumor cases exhibiting a focal pattern with scattered single positive glands and cells. In non-cancerous tissues, expression of Elafin and SLPI is induced under the conditions of inflammation and wound healing. These processes are also implicated in the pathophysiology of OvCa. Putative transcription factors binding sites for AP1 and NF-kB, two factors involved in mediating inflammatory signals, were identified in the Elafin promoter. To address whether Elafin expression in OvCa cells is linked to inflammation, we treated various lines that do not express Elafin with TNFalpha and IL-1beta. As early as 6 hours after treatment with IL-1beta, Elafin expression was dramatically elevated. To determine whether NF-KB activation is required for the IL-1beta-mediated Elafin expression, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with anti-NF-KB antibodies was done in the absence or presence of cytokine. Our results strongly suggest that NF-KB plays a major role in directing expression of Elafin in ovarian cancer cells in response to inflammatory mediators. To determine whether Elafin contributes to OvCa cell growth, Hey-A8 cells were incubated with rElafin for 72 hours and cell viability was monitored by MTS assay. Compared to controls, rElafin induced a 150% increase in proliferation in these cells, suggesting that Elafin can promote the growth or survival of these cells in culture. Therefore, Elafin is a member of a trio of WAP genes that is overexpressed and secreted by ovarian carcinomas. Induced by Inflammatory mediators, Elafin expression may confer a proliferative advantage to OvCa cells.
Zn vacancy ferromagnetism in ZnS nanocrystals

Abstract To explain three order of magnitude discrepancy between the experimental and calculated magnetic moments due to Zn vacancies in ZnS nanocrystals we study the effect of Zn vacancy distribution in a nanocrystal (NC). We consider small, intermediate, and large quantum dots. For the latter we employ the surface-bulk model. To study Zn vacancy distributions we choose aggregates and uniformly distributed gas in an NC core, on a surface, and both core + surface. From the investigation we find that the uniform distribution of vacancies on a surface is the most favorable configuration for quantum dots of all sizes. Then we investigate the detailed vacancy arrangement on an NC surface. We find that the most likely arrangement if the vacancies are placed along the diagonal of the unit cell square rather than along the square side. The former has the zero magnetic moment what explains the huge reduction in the total magnetization. The small nonvanishing magnetization is probably due to the presence of a small amount of Zn vacancies in the side configuration in a metastable state.
Regenerative engineering and advanced materials science

The holy grail of regenerative technologies is to regrow a limb. This grand challenge requires us to develop truly innovative strategies and toolboxes across advanced materials science, stem cell science, physics, and developmental biology, and converge these advancements to address the limitations of wound healing and harness the regenerative capacity in humans. We discuss the convergence approach put forward by the field of regenerative engineering to develop translational strategies involving electrically conductive and novel polymers, stem cells, high-throughput technologies, and nanotechnology to regenerate the limb.
138-P: HLA TYPING AMBIGUITY OF SEQUENCE-SPECIFIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE TYPING PROTOCOLS

Aim Using Shannon’s entropy, we objectively measured the HLA typing ambiguity of various commercial Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide (SSO) protocols (groups of SSO kits used in tandem). We previously compared the HLA typing ambiguity obtained by serology, allele family level DNA-based typing, SSO, and single-pass sequence based typing (SBT). However, commercial companies have made significant advances in SSO technology in recent years, and those results only evaluated early generic versions of SSO kits. Methods For several US populations, and for 5 HLA loci relevant to transplantation (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1), we identify a set of commonly used SSO protocols. We use population-level haplotype frequency data to generate a cohort of simulated subjects, followed by 5-locus genotype imputation to generate a list of genotypes that would result from SSO typing each simulated subject. The imputation step computes the relative likelihood of each genotype, which is then used for entropy calculation. Results Distribution of entropies across populations and for each locus is generally similar, while the magnitudes differ. For example, entropy for locus HLA-A in African American population reaches 0.19, while the maximum entropy in Caucasians is 0.055. We generally observed that protocols comprised of newer kits had lower ambiguity across all populations. In certain populations, some newer kits had higher entropy than older ones. This may indicate those kits were designed to detect alleles uncommonly found in those populations, but resolving ambiguity in other populations. Conclusions Ambiguity in SSO typing kits has reduced substantially since their introduction in the mid-1990s. Results also indicate a European focus toward selection of additional probes, which is suboptimal for typing diverse populations. We hope to use Shannon’s entropy next to evaluate group-specific sequence primer strategies with SBT. These results will guide selection of HLA typing methods by researchers and laboratories.
Pulling the genome in opposite directions to dissect gene networks

Orthogonal CRISPR-Cas systems have been integrated into combinatorial screens to decipher complex genetic relationships in two recent studies.
Arrest and compensation of hydrocephalus.

Pediatric neurosurgeons must decide frequently whether or not to shunt a child with enlarged ventricles who does not have clinical evidence of hydrocephalus. In this article, the authors attempt to identify pitfalls and methods that possibly may help the clinician minimize or avoid these pitfalls. The authors conclude that children older than age 5 with stable ventriculomegaly can be monitored if their intellectual performance is within the normal range and stable; the child 3 years old or younger with moderate or greater ventriculomegaly should be shunted. Close followup with objective data is essential for all other children with compensated hydrocephalus as well as for all children with a shunt.
Growth and saturation of instability of spherical implosions driven by laser or charged particle beams

The inertial confinement approach to controlled fusion requires that small thin walled spherical shells of fuel and other materials by imploded, compressed and heated by laser or charged particle beams. In most cases of interest the implosion of such thin shells is unstable to the growth of spherical asymmetries. Two numerical simulation techniques were developed to study these instabilities. The first technique is used to study the small amplitude growth of the instabilities by employing a perturbation method. The derivation of the Hamiltonian model on which the technique is based is developed here. The second technique is a fully nonlinear two dimensional hydrodynamics and heat flow technique (PAL) which we have used to follow the large amplitude development and saturation of the instabilities. The examples of calculations shown demonstrate the utility of the method and the range of different saturation phenomena which may be expected.
Racism and children's health: issues in development

It has been posited by some social scientists that racism has a negative impact on the health of certain minority groups in the United States. How racism affects the development of children and thus their health, has not been addressed by research in developmental psychology, despite a plethora of studies of racial/ethnic identity development. Existing developmental theories may be amenable to describing and possibly predicting the role that racism plays on child and adolescent development. A model is presented that attempts to explain how racism might affect a child's development and consequently his health by incorporating and synthesizing various developmental principles and social cognition theory. The need for empirical inquiry on this topic is indicated; design suggestions are offered.
$\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ Consensus Control of Multi-Agent Systems Subject to Diverse Time-Varying Input Delays via Dynamic Output Feedback

In this paper, we address the problem of leader-following dynamic output-feedback consensus control of general linear multi-agent systems with diverse time-varying input delays under the integral quadratic constraint (IQC) framework. A novel exact-memory distributed delay controller structure is proposed, which utilizes not only the relative estimation state information from neighboring agents, but also the local real-time information of time delays and the associated dynamic IQC-induced states from the agent itself for feedback control. Based on this, the distributed consensus problem can be decomposed into the $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ stabilization subproblems for a set of independent linear fractional transformation systems, whose dimensions are equal to that of a single agent plant plus the associated local IQC dynamics. Furthermore, new delay control synthesis conditions for each subproblem are fully characterized as linear matrix inequalities, such that the optimal $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ distributed consensus control solution can be synthesized effectively via convex optimization. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the proposed approach.
Differentiated ratings of perceived exertion between overweight and non-overweight children during submaximal cycling.

Objective: Few studies have examined differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) between overweight (OW) and non-OW (NW) youth. With lower voluntary participation in physical activity in OW children, it seems plausible that these youth may experience elevated RPE. Therefore, this study compared RPE during two separate steady-state cycling bouts OW (>95th body mass index [BMI] percentile) and NW (<90th BMI percentile) children. Methods: Participants completed one of two 20-min cycling trials; one performed at 70% age-predicted peak heart rate (HR) (70%) (OW n = 12 and NW n = 21) and a self-selected intensity (SS) (OW n = 6 and NW n = 13) with RPE overall, RPE legs (RPE-L), and RPE chest estimated at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Results: A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that OW individuals had significantly lower RPE-L values at 5, 15, and 20 min during the SS trial. No significant differences were identified during the 70% trial. Conclusions: OW youth do not perceive cycling at 70% age-predicted peak HR or at SS intensities more difficult than NW children. It may be that cycling could serve as an attractive mode to encourage physical activity in this population and perhaps increase self-efficacy of exercise in this population. Conclusions: OW youth do not perceive cycling at 70% age-predicted peak HR or at SS intensities more difficult than NW children. It may be that cycling could serve as an attractive mode to encourage physical activity in this population and perhaps increase self-efficacy of exercise in this population. Keywords: Body mass index, children, perception of effort, physical activity
C2-C3 spinal fracture subluxation with ligamentous and vascular injury: a case report and review of management.

Spinal cord injury is one of the leading causes of paralysis and permanent morbidity. High cervical spine injuries, in particular, have the potential to be fatal and debilitating due to injury to multiple components, including but not limited to, discoligamentous disruption, vascular insult and spinal cord injury. To date, no unifying algorithm exists making it challenging to guide treatment decisions. We present the case of a 29-year-old polytrauma patient with an unstable C2–C3 fracture subluxation secondary to hyperextension and rotation injury with complete ligamentous dissociation and vertebral artery dissection after a high-velocity injury. We review the literature on injury patterns, associated complications and neurological outcomes in subaxial cervical spine injuries. Our patient’s injuries had several components including fracture subluxation, ligamentous disruption, central cord syndrome, and vascular insult. The lack of a unifying algorithm to guide treatment decisions highlights the variations in pathology and subsequent limitations in generalizability of current literature. Our patient underwent an open anterior C2–C3 reduction and discectomy with fusion and plating and a subsequent C2–C4 posterior instrumented fusion. The patient regained some motor function postoperatively and through rehabilitation. Careful consideration of multiple components is crucial when treating subaxial spine injuries.