cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blastulation timing is associated with differential mitochondrial content in euploid embryos

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and assessment of mitochondrial content (MC) are current methods for selection of the best embryos for transfer. Studies suggest that time-lapse morphokinetics (TLM) may also be helpful for selecting embryos more likely to implant. In our study, we sought to examine the relationship between TLM parameters and MC to determine if they could be used adjunctively in embryo selection. We also examined the relationship between MC with ploidy and blastulation. Cryopreserved human embryos at the zygote stage were thawed and cultured in a time-lapse system. Blastomere and trophectoderm biopsies were performed on days 3 and 6. Biopsied cells and all whole embryos from day 6 were analyzed for MC (ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear DNA) and ploidy using next-generation sequencing. In embryos, MC per cell declined between day 3 and day 6. While early cleavage parameters did not predict MC, embryos with longer blastulation timing had higher MC on day 6. Day 6 MC was lower in euploid vs. aneuploid embryos and lower in blastocysts vs. arrested embryos. A lower MC at the blastocyst stage was associated with euploid status and blastocyst formation, indicating better embryo quality compared to those with a higher MC. Higher MC in aneuploid and arrested embryos may be explained by slower cell division or degradation of genomic DNA over time. Blastulation timing may be helpful for selection of higher quality embryos. Combining blastulation timing and MC along with morphologic grading and euploid status may offer a new direction in embryo selection.
Exploring dust emission responses to land cover change using an ecological land classification

Abstract Despite efforts to quantify the impacts of land cover change on wind erosion, assessment uncertainty remains large. We address this uncertainty by evaluating the application of ecological site concepts and state-and-transition models (STMs) for detecting and quantitatively describing the impacts of land cover change on wind erosion. We apply a dust emission model over a rangeland study area in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico, USA, and evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of modelled horizontal sediment mass flux and dust emission in the context of ecological sites and their vegetation states; representing a diversity of land cover types. Our results demonstrate how the impacts of land cover change on dust emission can be quantified, compared across land cover classes, and interpreted in the context of an ecological model that encapsulates land management intensity and change. Results also reveal the importance of established weaknesses in the dust model soil characterisation and drag partition scheme, which appeared generally insensitive to the impacts of land cover change. New models that address these weaknesses, coupled with ecological site concepts and field measurements across land cover types, could significantly reduce assessment uncertainties and provide opportunities for identifying land management options.
Intelligent Non-Destructive Evaluation Expert System for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Panel Using Infrared Thermography

This research developed a reliable intelligent non-destructive evaluation (NDE) expert system for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Panels (CFRP) panels based on infrared thermography testing (IRT) and post processing by means of fuzzy expert system technique. Data features and NDE expert knowledge are seamlessly combined in the intelligent system to provide the best possible diagnosis of the potential defects and problems. As a result, this research help ensure CFRP panels’ integrity and reliability. Specimens with simulated defects were evaluated to demonstrate the usefulness of the intelligent IRT NDE expert system in NDE inspection. The testing data pattern corresponding to feature and quantification of defects were found. This fuzzy expert system not only eliminates human errors in defect detection but also functions as NDE experts. In addition, fuzzy expert system improves the defect detection by incorporating fuzzy expert rules to remove noises and to measure defect size more accurately. In the future, the expert system model could be continuously updated and modified to quantify the size and distribution of defects. The system developed here can be adapted and applied to build an intelligent NDE expert system for better quality control as well as automatic defect and porosity detection in CFRP production process.
Clinical results and 12-year survivorship of the Physica ZUK unicompartmental knee replacement.

Abstract Background The Physica ZUK is a fixed bearing unicompartmental knee replacement. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to determine the mid-term clinical outcomes and survivorship of the Physica ZUK. Methods From 2005 to 2017 a total of 466 Physica ZUK prostheses were implanted in 398 patients by a single surgeon. The series consisted of 452 medial and 14 lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs). Three hundred and sixty-seven medial UKAs with a minimum follow-up of two years (median 5.4 years) and 14 lateral UKAs with a minimum follow-up of 18 months (median 5.3 years) were analysed using the Knee Society Knee Score (KS-KS) and Function Score (KS-FS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the end point. Results Mean age at the time of surgery was 67 (range 42–88) and 58 (47–69) years for patients undergoing medial and lateral UKA respectively. For medial UKAs the KS-KS and KS-FS improved significantly compared to the pre-operative values from 53.6 and 54.0 to 93.4 and 91.0 respectively (p = 0.0001). For lateral UKAs the KS-KS and KS-FS improved significantly from 46.4 and 48.7 to 91.3 and 93.1 respectively (p = 0.0001). Six cases of medial UKA were revised to total knee arthroplasty. Medial implant survivorship was 97.9% (95% confidence intervals, 95.6–99.0%) at both five and 10 years. No lateral implants were revised. Conclusion This prospective cohort study shows encouraging short to mid-term clinical results and survivorship for the Physica ZUK unicompartmental knee replacement.
Generational Differences in Grit, Self-Control, and Conscientiousness Among Orthopaedic Surgeons: From Millennials to Baby Boomers.

BACKGROUND The training process and practice of orthopaedic surgery is demanding and arduous. Accordingly, grit, self-control, and conscientiousness are desirable qualities in orthopaedic surgeons. Some established orthopaedists have expressed concern that the future generation of surgeons may not possess the same level of grit as their predecessors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of grit among attending orthopaedic surgeons, identify predictors of grit in orthopaedic surgeons, and compare grit scores between attending surgeons and orthopaedic residency applicants. We hypothesized that applicants would demonstrate lower grit and self-control scores but greater conscientiousness scores than attending surgeons. METHODS A total of 2,342 attending orthopaedic surgeons and 895 orthopaedic residency applicants from the 2016-2017 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) were given surveys that quantified their grit, self-control, and conscientiousness. Demographic and career information also was collected. RESULTS Assessments were completed by 655 (28%) of 2,342 practicing orthopaedic surgeons and 455 (50.8%) of 895 orthopaedic residency applicants. The residency applicants demonstrated higher mean grit scores (4.12 of 5.0) than the attending orthopaedic surgeons (4.03) (p < 0.01). These average scores placed applicants and attending surgeons at the 70th and 65th percentile, respectively, when compared with the general population. There were no differences in self-control (p = 0.68) or conscientiousness (p = 0.93) between the 2 groups. Attending surgeons with more publications had increased grit (p < 0.01), self-control (p = 0.04), and conscientiousness (p = 0.01) scores. Attending surgeons who had been inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society as medical students demonstrated greater conscientiousness scores than those who were not members (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Orthopaedic residency applicants were at least as gritty, consistent in their interest, persevering in their efforts, and ambitious as currently practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Although these results may be encouraging and diverge from some preconceived perceptions of "millennials," it is unclear if they will be predictive of career success in the next generation of orthopaedists.
The Effects of a Character Strength Focused Positive Psychology Course on Undergraduate Happiness and Well-Being

This study investigated the effects of a character strength focused positive psychology course on student well-being. The Values in Action character strengths were each presented as ways to increase both individual and community well-being. There were 112 undergraduate students in the positive psychology course and a comparison group of 176 undergraduates who took other psychology courses. They all completed the PERMA-Profiler (Butler and Kern in Int J Wellbeing 6:1–48, 2016) during the first and last week of the semester. This questionnaire assessed the five elements of positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment (PERMA) plus happiness, health, loneliness, and negative emotion. The hypotheses were that (1) the positive psychology students would have significant improvements in each of the measures during the semester and (2) these changes would be significantly greater in the desired direction than the changes for the students in other psychology courses. The first hypothesis was supported in that the positive psychology students had significant improvements in all of the measures, including the total PERMA score. The second hypothesis was also strongly supported in that these improvements were significantly greater relative to the students taking other psychology courses. The effect sizes for the difference between the groups were large for the total PERMA score (d = .846) and the element of meaning; medium-to-large for positive emotion and relationships; medium for happiness, accomplishment, and negative emotion (decrease); and small-to-medium for engagement, health, and loneliness (decrease).
STAT RAD: Prospective Dose Escalation Clinical Trial of Single Fraction Scan-Plan-QA-Treat Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Painful Osseous Metastases

Abstract Purpose Radiation therapy is a well-established treatment for symptomatic bone metastases. Despite continued advances in both planning techniques and treatment delivery, the standard workflow has remained relatively unchanged, often requiring 1 to 3 weeks and resulting in patient inconvenience and delayed palliation. We developed an expedited method wherein computed tomography simulation, treatment planning, quality assurance, and treatment delivery are performed in 1 day. This prospective pilot clinical trial evaluates the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of this rapid workflow. Methods and Materials Patients with 1 to 3 painful bone metastases were prospectively enrolled and treated with 1 fraction of stereotactic body radiation therapy, using a same-day Scan-Plan-QA-Treat workflow, termed STAT RAD, in a phase 1/2 dose escalation trial from 8 Gy to 15 Gy per fraction. Bone pain, opioid use, patient satisfaction, performance status, and quality of life were evaluated before and at 1, 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after treatment. Outcomes and treatment-related toxicity were analyzed. Results A total of 49 patients were enrolled, and 46 patients with 60 bone metastases were treated per the protocol. Partial or greater pain response occurred in 50% of patients at 1 week, 75% of patients at 8 weeks, 68.7% of patients at 6 months, and 33.3% of patients at 12 months. There were 2 grade-3 toxicities, including 1 spinal fracture associated with disease progression and hyperbilirubinemia. Reirradiation was required in 16.7% of treated lesions at a median time to retreatment of 4.9 months. Most patient responses (78.6%) indicated that patients would choose this workflow again. Conclusions The results demonstrate that treating bone metastases with palliative stereotactic body radiation therapy via a single-fraction, patient-centric workflow is feasible and safe with doses up to 15 Gy. However, pain response decreased at 12 months and was associated with a 16.7% retreatment rate, which suggests that further dose escalation is warranted.
Anterior Shoulder Instability: Outcome of Initial Non-operative Treatment in 739 patients with a mean follow up of 15 years:

Objectives:There remains a paucity of data describing the efficacy of non-operative treatment following an index anterior instability event. The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term ...
PARPi after PARPi in epithelial ovarian cancer.

The objective of this study was to describe the treatment experience of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who are retreated with an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARPi). We conducted a multi-institutional, retrospective review of ovarian cancer patients who received ≥2 lines of therapy containing a PARPi. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Twenty-two patients were identified. For initial PARPi (PARPi1), 12 patients (54.5%) received veliparib, 7 (31.8%) olaparib and 3 (13.6%) rucaparib resulting in 10 patients who had no evidence of disease at the completion of therapy (NED), 3 partial responses (PR), 4 stable disease (SD), and 3 progressive disease (PD). (All 10 CRs involved veliparib given in conjunction with cytotoxic chemotherapy). PARPi1 was used as maintenance in 2 patients. PARPi1 was discontinued because planned number of cycles was reached (n = 10), progression (n = 8), toxicity (n = 2), other (n = 2). For second PARPi (PARPi2), 10 patients (45.4%) received niraparib, 6 (27.3%) olaparib, and 6 (27.3%) rucaparib resulting in 3 PR, 13 SD, and 3 PD. PARPi2 was used as maintenance in 3 patients. The 3 patients who experienced a PR to PARPi2 had a BRCA mutation and were NED following PARPi1. PARPi2 was discontinued because of progression (n = 13), toxicity (n = 6), other (n = 2). One patient currently remains on PARPi2. Toxicity after PARPi1 was not associated with toxicity from PARPi2 (p > 0.05). With 3 approved PARPi for different indications including frontline and recurrence, the opportunity to reuse PARPi has increased. Characterizing those who should be re-challenged is an important initiative moving forward.
An Estate Planner's Guide to Specific Testamentary Gifts

Clients are excited to make specific gifts in their wills. For some, the goal is to pass treasured family heirlooms and other property with significant emotional attachment to the appropriate family members. Others seek instead to transfer assets of value to family members, friends, and charities so the recipients may keep or, more likely, sell the property to gain funds they desire for their needs. This article discusses the variety of issues that arise with specific gifts with the aim of making it easier for an estate planner to structure them to effectuate their clients’ intentions.
Outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in influenza vs. COVID-19 during the first wave of COVID-19

Purpose: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has historically been used as a refractory treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to influenza and is currently being explored as a refractory treatment for ARDS due to COVID-19. We conducted this study to compare the outcomes in our institution of influenza patients treated with veno-venous-ECMO (VV-ECMO) to COVID-19 patients treated with VV-ECMO, during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods: All adult patients who were placed on VV-ECMO between March 1, 2016 and September 15, 2020 (encompassing the first wave of COVID-19) were identified within an IRB-approved database, and any patient with ARDS due to COVID-19 or influenza was included in this study. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were extracted and analyzed. Results: 28 COVID-19 patients and 17 influenza patients placed on VV-ECMO were identified and included in this study. ECMO survival rates were 68% (19/28) in COVID-19 patients and 94% (16/17) in influenza patients (p=0.04). 30-day survival rates after ECMO decannulation were 54% (15/28) in COVID-19 patients and 76% (13/17) in influenza patients (p=0.13). The COVID-19 patients had lower rates of pre-ECMO acute renal injury (29% vs. 59%, p=0.045), lower rates of coronary artery disease (0% vs. 18%, p=0.021), and a lower average body surface area (2.0 vs. 2.2, p=0.036). They were more likely to have ECMO initiated at an outside hospital (50% vs. 12%, p=0.009) and spend a longer time on ECMO (21 days vs. 12 days, p=0.025). COVID-19 patients had statistically higher complication rates of new infections during ECMO (50% vs. 18%, p=0.03), bacterial pneumonia (36% vs 6%, p=0.024), and blood culture-positive sepsis (32% vs. 6%, p=0.04). Conclusions: COVID-19 patients who were treated in our institution with VV-ECMO had statistically lower ECMO survival rates than influenza patients with the same treatment. It is possible that COVID-19 immunomodulation therapies may increase the risk of other superimposed infections, as COVID-19 patients developed new infections, sepsis, and bacterial pneumonia more frequently than influenza patients. However, more research is needed to better understand the true efficacy rates of ECMO in treating both influenza and COVID-19.
Giant Myxoid Spindle Cell Neoplasm Presenting with Abdominal Swelling and Concurrent Weight Loss.

Retroperitoneal sarcomas may grow extremely large before becoming clinically symptomatic, and curative resection often has high associated morbidity. An 83-year-old man presented with insidious-onset abdominal pain and weight loss owing to a 16.3 × 13.1 × 25.8–cm retroperitoneal high-grade myxoid spindle cell sarcoma. The patient was ultimately deemed to be unfit for surgery before rapidly succumbing to his disease. This case illustrates both the indolent growth seen in these lesions and the importance of proper patient selection. Older patients with large, high-grade lesions and multiple associated comorbidities are often poor surgical candidates, as the associated surgical morbidity outweighs the potential survival benefit. While the ultimate treatment plan relies on shared decision making by the patient and the healthcare provider, the decision to pursue surgical intervention should take into consideration the patient's broader clinical condition.
Satisfaction of the Use of Telehealth and Access to Care for Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: While many health care providers have shifted toward telehealth services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about the perception and acceptance of such services, particularly among vulnerable populations. Veterans, who are at increased risk of physical and mental health needs, may benefit from the use and availability of telehealth services. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional survey data related to telehealth use, satisfaction, and access were collected through an online survey. Participants from previous research studies and veterans receiving care at a national veteran behavioral health organization were invited to participate. Results: A total of 404 veterans participated. Before the pandemic, many veterans had never used telehealth for physical (72%) or mental (76%) health care. Since the start of the pandemic, 62% of participants reported they received some care through telehealth services. Most participants found telehealth valuable and helpful (82%), indicated the technology was well explained (77%), and felt that issues were resolved quickly and easily (67%). Access to care was limited among participants who utilize massage therapy (64%), dental care (53%), routine checkups (50%), acupuncture (50%), and physical therapy (48%). Discussion: These findings showed an increase in the use of telehealth services and overwhelming satisfaction among veterans. Despite this, some veterans indicated barriers to receiving physical and mental health care. Conclusions: This provides an opportunity to expand the use of telehealth services to meet the health care needs of veterans. Barriers to care should be addressed to minimize the impact on the well-being of veterans.
CHD Patients for Non-cardiac Surgery

Patients with congenital heart disease are experiencing improved survival rates and are increasingly presenting for non-cardiac procedures and surgery. This group remains at higher risk for anesthetic complications during non-cardiac surgery. Common types of surgery include simple diagnostic imaging under sedation, PICC line placement, orthopedic procedures, dental rehabilitation, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and other general surgical and gastro-endoscopic procedures for feeding difficulties. With careful planning and consideration of the patient’s unique anatomy and physiology, sedation and or general anesthesia can be provided safely.
Coronary Microvascular ß-Adrenoceptor Subtypes and Crystalloid Cardioplegia

To examine the effect of crystalloid cardioplegia on the different β-adrenoceptor subtypes in the coronary microcirculation, we compared microvascular responses before and after cardioplegic arrest. Pigs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and hearts were arrested with cold hyperkalemic crystalloid solution. After 1 hour, hearts were reperfused for 1 hour. In vitro coronary arteriolar responses to isoproterenol and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin were studied in a pressurized, no-flow state with a video-microscopy. After contraction of vessels by 25% to 50% of the baseline diameter, drugs were applied extraluminally. Isoproterenol-induced relaxation of vessels in the presence of ICI-118,551 (s2-blocker) was significantly less than that of vessels in the presence of atenolol (s1-blocker). Thus, coronary microvascular relaxation to isoproterenol is primarily due to s2-adrenoceptor stimulation. Crystalloid cardioplegia reduced relaxations to s1- or s2-stimulation and to forskolin. Following reperfusion, the relaxation responses to forskolin and s1- or s2-adrenergic stimulation were completely restored. Cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion blunted endothelium-dependent relaxation to adenosine 5′-diphosphate, whereas endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was not affected. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that crystalloid cardioplegia reduces the s1- and s2-adrenoceptor-mediated and cyclic AMP-dependent relaxation in the coronary microcirculation. The cardioplegia-induced alteration in the coronary microvascular s-adrenergic mechanism may be responsible for episodic coronary spasm and altered myocardial perfusion following cardiac surgery.
Identifying and overcoming barriers to the diffusion of knowledge about family planning

Dr. Green's major experience in the field of fertility control and family planning H'OJ a two-year assignment with the Ford Foundation on a pilot research project in family-planning education in Dacca, East Pakistan. This project, referred to in his paper, is advised by the School of Public Health in Berkeley and is now known as the East Pakistan Research and Evaluation Centre. Since his return to Berkeley in 1965, Dr. Green has worked intermittently on the analysis of research data from the project in Pakistan and has participated in the graduate teaching of health professionals specialising in health education and family planning at the School of Public Health. He is associated with many community and research projects related to family planning on behalf of voluntary and Government agencies.As from July 1st, 1970, he assumed a new position as Assistant Professor of Public Health Administration and Population Dynamics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, Maryla...
Expression of cell-surface antigens on rat colonic cancer cells

Previously, we reported that two glycoproteins, carcinoembryonic antigen and secretory component, are preferentially expressed on the apical or laterobasal surfaces, respectively, of normal human colonic epithelial cells, whereas these antigens may be expressed over the entire cell surface of colonic cancer cells. These observations have prompted us to develop an animal model of aberrantly distributed normal surface antigens in colonic carcinoma. We prepared four monoclonal antibodies, three of which react specifically with antigens located on the microvillus surface and one that reacts specifically with the laterobasal surface of normal rat colonocytes. Three of the four cell-surface antigens were expressed by cells at all levels of the colonic crypt, but one of the microvillar antigens (p66) was expressed only on the mature colonocytes at the luminal surface. We then documented that a microvillus antigen (p66) detected by one of the antibodies and a laterobasal membrane antigen detected by another antibody were expressed over the entire surface of poorly differentiated colonic carcinoma cells induced by dimethylhydrazine. p66 was more often expressed on poorly differentiated colonic cancers than were the other three antigens. These observations indicate that (a) polarity of surface membrane antigens is a characteristic of normal rat colonic epithelial cells, (b) this polarity is not present in some experimental colonic carcinomas, and (c) the malignant phenotype of colonic carcinoma cells does not result merely from a block in normal differentiation of colonocytes.
Split decision: a thaumarchaeon encoding both FtsZ and Cdv cell division proteins chooses Cdv for cytokinesis

Cytoskeletal proteins play a pivotal role in cytokinesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Most bacteria and a major branch of the archaea called the Euryarchaeota harbour a tubulin homologue, FtsZ, which assembles into a dynamic polymeric ring structure required for cytokinesis. However, Crenarchaeota, another branch of the archaea, lack FtsZ and instead use Cdv proteins, which are homologues of the ESCRT-III-like system involved in vesicular sorting and cytokinesis in eukaryotes, for cell division. Recently, a group of Crenarchaeota that grow in non-extreme environments was found to be sufficiently divergent to warrant its own branch of the archaea called the Thaumarchaeota. Notably, Thaumarchaeota have both Cdv and FtsZ homologues, which begs the question of which system is used for cell division. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology,Pelve et al. (2011) Pelve and colleagues tackle this question. They found that cells of the thaumarchaeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus likely divide using the Cdv system and not FtsZ, based on localization of Cdv proteins but not FtsZ to division sites. The authors also provide evidence that the cell cycle during growth of N. maritimus differs significantly from those of other archaea.
Characterization of a multipolar electron cyclotron resonance microwave plasma source

A microwave-cavity plasma applicator with multicusp electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) used as an ion beam source and for oxidation and etching of semiconductor materials has been characterized over its range of operating conditions. Single and double Langmuir probe measurements of electron density, ion density, and electron energy distribution functions have been made in the downstream region and as a function of power (120-250 W) and pressure (0.5-15.5 mtorr) in argon and oxygen. In addition, Faraday cup measurements of ion energies and optical emission data have been made. The plasma applicator is a 17.8 cm-diameter, 2.45 GHz cylindrical resonator with one end terminated by a sliding short and the other end by an overdense disk-shaped plasma. Processing of materials or ion extraction occurs at the field-free lower face of the plasma disk. Ion densities are typically 10/sup 11/-10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/ at this point and decrease exponentially with distance downstream from the discharge. The electron energy distribution functions are Maxwellian and below 3 mtorr more closely follow a Druyvesteyn distribution with average energies of 5-8.5 eV. Ion energies to a grounded substrate are typically 10-25 eV with few, if any high-energy (>25 eV) ions. >
Orofacial Cutaneous Function in Speech Motor Control and Learning

Somatosensory signals from facial skin can provide a rich source of sensory input. However, it is unknown yet how cutaneous input works on speech motor control and learning. This chapter introduces a kinesthetic role of orofacial cutaneous afferents in speech processing. We argue for specificity of the orofacial somatosensory system from anatomical and physiological perspectives. The contribution of cutaneous afferents to speech production is evident in neurophysiological and psychophysical findings. Somatosensory modulation associated with facial skin deformation induces a reflex for articulatory motion adjustment in speech production and also an adaptive motion change in speech motor learning. In addition, cutaneous mechanoreceptors are narrowly tuned at the skin lateral to the oral angle. An intriguing function of somatosensory inputs associated with facial skin deformation is to interact with the processing of speech perception. Taken together, orofacial cutaneous afferents play an important role in both speech production and perception.
INTEGRALLY CAST TURBINE ROTOR FOR HIGH VOLUME PRODUCTION

An automated procedure is described for determining the optimum radial orientation, or "stacking," of turbine rotor blade sections to give a design which satisfies both high production manufacturing and rotor structural requirements. High production manufacturing requires that the spaces between blades be pulled away from the wheel in a generally radial direction to release the wax replica of the wheel from the tooling. Structural requirements are expressed in terms of bending stress constraints. A pullability index is defined to indicate the amount of interference to be encountered in removing the tooling. This index is optimized with respect to the direction of removal of the tooling. Bending stress requirements are simultaneously satisfied. This method has been applied successfully to four rotor designs which are currently being manufactured in experimental quantities.
EFFECT OF MYCOSUPPRESSIN ON THE COURSE OF EXPERIMENTAL TUBERCULOSIS IN MICE

Youmans, Guy P. (Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.) and Anne S. Youmans. Effect of mycosuppressin on the course of experimental tuberculosis in mice. J. Bacteriol. 84: 701–707. 1962.—When mycosuppressin was administered to normal mice prior to infection with virulent tubercle bacilli, no indication of a favorable effect on the course of the infection could be obtained. However, when suspensions of virulent tubercle bacilli were exposed to mycosuppressin for from 1.25 to 3.25 hr prior to infection, survival of the mice was greatly prolonged in comparison with mice receiving untreated tubercle bacilli. Microbial enumeration studies with bovine serum agar medium revealed that the number of viable particles of tubercle bacilli in the mycosuppressin-treated suspensions did not differ significantly from the number in untreated suspensions. When the microbial enumeration studies were conducted using the same medium without serum, the number of viable particles in the mycosuppressin-treated suspensions appeared to be ⅕ to 1/20 of the number in the untreated suspensions. It was concluded that, under the conditions of these experiments, the action of mycosuppressin was primarily bacteriostatic and that this bacteriostasis persisted for a time in vivo following infection of the mice. The possible relation of these findings to the phenomenon of acquired immunity to tuberculosis also is discussed.
GHOST: Guided Healing and Optimization Search Technique for Healing Large-Scale Embedded Systems

Reflex and healing architectures have been shown to provide adequate user-defined initial failure mitigation behaviors in the presence of system faults. What is lacking, however, is a user-guided means of healing the system after the initial reflexes have been enacted. This process should be autonomic in the sense that new system configurations can be achieved by defining a priori only a small set of criteria to which the healed system should conform. What follows is an explanation of this technique for guided healing which allows system designers to direct the healing process from a higher level in such a way that the resulting system configurations satisfy their particular needs. A brief example outlining the application of this approach is given
Effects of confinement on the permanent electric-dipole moment of Xe atoms in liquid Xe

Searches for permanent electric-dipole moments (EDM) of atoms provide important constraints on competing extensions to the standard model of elementary particles. Recently proposed experiment with liquid {sup 129}Xe [M.V. Romalis and M.P. Ledbetter, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 067601 (2001)] may significantly improve present limits on the EDMs. To interpret experimental data in terms of CP-violating sources, one must relate measured atomic EDM to various model interactions via electronic-structure calculations. Here we study density dependence of atomic EDMs. The analysis is carried out in the framework of the cell model of the liquid coupled with relativistic atomic-structure calculations. We find that compared to an isolated atom, the EDM of an atom of liquid Xe is suppressed by about 40%.
Extended time accommodations and the mathematics performance of students with and without ADHD

Test accommodations such as extended time are presumed to reduce the impact of a disability, while not affecting test scores of the general population. This study examined the effects of an extende...
Applications of the rapidly renewable lap

The rapidly renewable lap is based on the simple concept of generating the figure needed in a lap substrate and then replicating it into a thin film slumped over the substrate. Based on this concept, we describe how efficient laps can be constructed for the lapping and polishing of crystalline, amorphous, and metallic surfaces.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
HDR test series E33.1/2 for investigation of contact condensation processes in horizontal pipes during emergency core cooling injection

Abstract Within the framework of phase III of the Germany HDR Safety program, an experimental facility was planned and built to investigate and simulate contact condensation processes during emergency core cooling injection during loss-of-coolant accidents. In the pressurized water reactors of the Siemens/UB KWU, the emergency core cooling system is based on a simultaneous cold water injection into the cold leg (nozzle inlet) and into the hot leg (so called ‘Hutze’). The HDR-E33.1/2 test facility is a single-effect test facility with a pipe 8 m long and 187 mm in diameter, as well as a horizontal cold water inlet via nozzle (diameter, 65 mm). The test series E33.0/1 and E33.2 were carried out in May and September 1990, with large variation of the test parameters, water and steam mass flow rates and the system pressure. Two basically different flow patterns predominated during the tests: stratified flow and plug flow. The immediate area surrounding the nozzle region functioned as the zone of the greatest interaction between the steam and cold water, irrespective of the actual flow pattern. This paper is based on a systematization and first physical evaluation, and reviews the significant results from about 170 HDR tests.
Consuming Power: A Social History of American Energies

Part 1 Expansion: the energies of conquest water and the industry. Part 2 Concentration: cities of steam power incorporated industrial systems. Part 3 Dispersion: consumption and dispersion the high-energy economy energy crisis and transition choices.
Prediabetes is associated with abnormal circadian blood pressure variability

Blood pressure (BP) exhibits a circadian variation characterized by a morning increase, followed by a small postprandial valley and a deeper descent during nocturnal rest. Although abnormal 24-h variability (abnormal circadian variability (ACV)) predicts adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, a 7-day automatic ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and subsequent chronobiologic analysis of the gathered data, permits identification of consistency of any abnormal circadian variation. To test whether normal overweight healthy men and women with prediabetes differed from subjects with normoglycemia in having ACV with a 7-day ABPM. Consent for a 7-day ABPM was obtained from subjects with family history of diabetes mellitus, who were participating in the screening phase for a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled weight loss trial in prediabetics to prevent progression to diabetes mellitus. The automatic 7-day ABPM device recorded BP and heart rate every 30 min during the day and every 60 min during the night. Normoglycemic and prediabetic subjects matched for age, sex, race, BP, BMI, waist circumference and glycemic control, differed statistically significantly only in their fasting and/or 2-h postprandial serum glucose concentrations. Chronobiologically-interpreted 7-day ABPM uncovered no abnormalities in normoglycemics, whereas prediabetics had a statistically significantly higher incidence of high mean BP (MESOR-hypertension), excessive pulse pressure and/or circadian hyper-amplitude-tension (CHAT) (P<0.001). ACV detected with 7-day ABPM may account for the enhanced CVD risk in prediabetes. These findings provide a basis for larger-scale studies to assess the predictive value of 7-day ABPM over the long term.
Potent antihypertrophic effect of the bradykinin B2 receptor system on the renal vasculature

Potent antihypertrophic effect of the bradykinin B2 receptor system on the renal vasculature. Background Angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor-deficient mice ( Agtr1 -/-), which selectively lack both AT1A and AT1B receptor genes, are characterized by marked intrarenal vascular thickening. In the present study, we explored the possible involvement of the kinin-kallikrein system in the development of this renal vascular hypertrophy. Methods Wild-type and Agtr1 -/- mice were examined for the developmental regulation pattern of the kinin-kallikrein system and treated with aprotinin (a kallikrein inhibitor), AcLys [D-b Nal 7 , Ile 8 ] des-Arg 9 -bradykinin (a bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist), or Hoe-140 (a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist) from 3 to 14 days of age. Results The normal postnatal up-regulation of kininase II was organ-specifically suppressed in Agtr1 -/- kidneys at 2 and 3 weeks of age. Immunohistochemical staining in Agtr1 -/- mice revealed tissue kallikrein staining along the nephron from connecting tubules to cortical collecting tubules in proximity to the hypertrophic vasculature, whereas tissue kallikrein staining was confined to connecting tubules in wild-type mice. Aprotinin and Hoe-140 accelerated the vascular hypertrophy significantly as determined by wall thickness ratio, whereas B1 receptor antagonism had no effect. Conclusion The kinin-kallikrein system in the Agtr1 -/- mouse kidney is functionally activated by local suppression of kininase II and extensive redistribution of kallikrein to perivascular areas. This activation, specific to the kidney, serves to dampen a development of the marked vascular hypertrophy. These results demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, the antihypertrophic effect of the bradykinin B2 receptor system on the renal vasculature in vivo.
Analysis of quiet spontaneous breathing as measured by spirometer and electrical impedance plethysmograph

Abstract A spirometer and a guard-ring type three-electrode impedance plethysmograph (ZPG) were used simultaneously to monitor quiet spontaneous breathing. Measurements were made at 4 thoracic electrode locations on each of 14 male subjects: 7 normal and 7 with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). Simple features, developed by computer analysis for each inspiratory and each expiratory phase, include least-squares binomial fits to the data. The results indicate that the waveforms are easily parametrized. The features appear to be of potential diagnostic value. A cardiac-related signal superimposed in the ZPG waveform on the much larger breathing signal, was extracted by subtracting out the least-squares binomial fit. Optimally the cardiac-related signals so obtained resemble very closely the cardiac-pump stroke volume waveforms.
Conformal theories and punctured surfaces

We define conformal theories as realizations of certain operations involving punctured Riemann surfaces (with coordinates chosen at the punctures) in a Hilbert space. We describe the connections of our formalism with other formulations of conformal theories.
The physician-patient relationship and the Internet.

The vast quantity of health care information on the Internet and the consumer expectations for Internet interaction have implications for patients and physicians and alter the traditional physician-patient relationship. Recognizing these changes and using the tools of the Internet can allow physicians to avoid pitfalls and provide better service to their patients.
Initial two experience in interventional palliative oncology

Purpose This study is a retrospective analysis of the change in symptomology and complication rates following cryoablation of painful boney or soft tissue lesions. Materials and Methods Thirty-one image-guided percutaneous cryoablation procedures were performed on 26 patients’ with painful boney or soft-tissue lesions. All patients were seen in interventional oncology palliative clinics from 10/2010 to 9/2012. Referrals were generated from surgical oncology, medical oncology, or radiation therapy, to obviate known post radiation sequela, lesions with high reoccurrence rates or patient preference. All procedures were performed under moderate sedation with the exception of 5 procedures (1 patient preference, 3 children and1 real-time neurology monitoring). All patients were assessed in clinic one month following procedure, using four criteria for there painful symptomology: no improvement of symptoms, improvement of symptoms, worsening of symptoms and complications. Concomitant cementoplasty was also performed. Complications were classified by the SIR clinical practice guidelines. Results There were 11 males and 15 females, a mean age of 48 yo (7-79 yo). Etiology for painful boney lesions: 8 RCC, 4 desmoid, 3 osteoid osteoma, 2 sarcoma, 2 HCC, 1 each fibromatosis, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, rectal cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, chondrosarcoma and giant cell tumor. Single session treatments were predominantly performed with the exception of 3 patients who underwent schedule-staged follow-up procedure (2 procedures and 1 patient three procedures). An absence or no improvement of symptoms was noted in 2 (8%) patients, worsening of symptoms 2 (8%) and improvement of painful symptoms was noted in 22 (86%). Major complication rate were 8% (2/26) and minor complications were 13% (3/26). Conclusion Interventional radiologists are playing an increasing role in interventional palliative oncology. Our study demonstrates a high rate of improved bone pain palliation accompanying low morbidly rate among a broad spectrum of pathologies.
Alterations in a yeast protein resembling HIV Tat-binding protein relieve requirement for an acidic activation domain in GAL4.

THE acidic transcriptional activation motif functions in all eukary-otes1–4, which suggests that it makes contact with some universal component of the transcriptional apparatus. Transcriptional activation by the yeast regulatory protein GAL4 requires an acidic region at its carboxyl terminus. Here we implement a selection scheme to determine whether GAL4 can still function when this C-terminal domain has been deleted. It can, when accompanied by a mutation in the SUG1gene which is an essential gene in yeast. Analysis of mutant SUG1in combination with various alleles of GAL4 indicates that SUG1 acts through a transcriptional pathway that depends on GAL4, but requires a region of GAL4 other than the C-terminal acidic activation domain. The predicted amino-acid sequence of SUG1 closely resembles that of two human proteins, TBP1 and MSS1, which modulate expression mediated by the human immunodeficiency virus tatgene.
Well-defined pigments: I. Monodispersed silica-acid dyes systems

Abstract Well-defined pigment particles were produced by binding different acid dyes to monodispersed spherical silica particles. The surface of the cores was modified by coupling various aminosilanes and the dyes were converted into the acid chloride form in order to promote mutual interactions. Several methods were used to control the composition of the outermost layers of the pigments so produced. The optical properties could be altered widely, depending on the kind and amount of dye. The inter facial potential of these pigments varied with the dispersion pH and with the surface chemistry of the particles, which could be affected by the sequence of the preparation steps.
Cell-Adaptable Protein Scaffolds for Spinal Cord Nerve Regeneration

A key attribute missing from current state-of-the-art biomaterials is the ability to be remodeled by the host after implantation. In contrast, the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) is constantly being remodeled by proteases secreted from cells in response to local environmental changes. Mimicking this strategy, we have designed a new protein-based scaffold that can be degraded and remodeled on demand by the growth cones of regenerating neurites. Using recombinant protein techniques, we synthesized a family of biodegradable and biologically active scaffold materials. The scaffolds include peptide sequences derived from natural ECM proteins. Interspersed with these ECM domains are proteolytic sequences readily degraded by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), two proteases secreted by the growth cones of extending neurites. By altering the primary amino acid sequences of the protease cleavage domains, we can tune the degradation rates of otherwise identical engineered proteins in a controlled and predictable manner over approximately two orders of magnitude. These recombinant proteins are crosslinked to form bulk, protein-based scaffolds with mechanical properties that can be tuned to match that of the spinal cord. Initial cell experiments have shown that the proteins support growth and differentiation of the model PC-12 neuronal-like cell line. By tailoring the scaffold degradation rate to the tPA and uPA secretion levels of specific neuronal populations, we aim to fabricate a scaffold that will promote neurite extension through the matrix by allowing local degradation to occur specifically around the neuronal growth cone while maintaining the bulk integrity of the overall scaffold.