cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rate of Change of Serial β–Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Values as a Predictor of Ectopic Pregnancy in Patients With Indeterminate Transvaginal Ultrasound Findings

Abstract Study objective: To determine the predictive value of the rate of change of serial β–human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) values in patients with symptoms suggestive of ectopic pregnancy but who have indeterminate transvaginal ultrasound findings, and to determine whether the predictive value was enhanced depending on whether the endometrial cavity was empty at ultrasound examination. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive emergency department patients from August 1, 1991, through August 1, 1998, presenting with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, a positive β-hCG test result, and indeterminate transvaginal ultrasound findings. Patients were eligible for the study if they had a second β-hCG assay performed within 7 days of the initial visit and before either a diagnostic dilation and evacuation or laparoscopy. Patients were excluded if they were lost to follow-up. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the rate of change of β-hCG values over a 48-hour interval (increase by >66%, increase by 50%). In addition, the 4 main groups were further subdivided depending on whether the endometrial cavity was empty at ultrasound examination. Intergroup differences in the frequency of ectopic pregnancy based on the rate of change of the β-hCG value were compared using logistic regression. Logistic regression also was used to determine whether addition of the ultrasound result improved predicative accuracy. A P value of less than .05 was considered significant. Odds ratios (ORs) were determined for each subgroup. Results: Three hundred thirty-one eligible patients were identified; of these, 24 were excluded. Of the 307 enrolled patients, 33 (10.7%) had a final diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Intergroup differences in the frequency of ectopic pregnancy based on the β-hCG rate of change were significant ( P P Conclusion: The rate of change of serial β-hCG values, in patients with an indeterminate pelvic ultrasound examination, is predictive of ectopic pregnancy. Addition of whether the endometrial cavity is empty at ultrasound leads to a further improvement in predictive accuracy. [Dart RG, Mitterando J, Dart LM: Rate of change of serial β–human chorionic gonadotropin values as a predictor of ectopic pregnancy in patients with indeterminate transvaginal ultrasound findings. Ann Emerg Med December 1999;34:703-710.]
Leakage-resilient zero knowledge

In this paper, we initiate a study of zero knowledge proof systems in the presence of side-channel attacks. Specifically, we consider a setting where a cheating verifier is allowed to obtain arbitrary bounded leakage on the entire state (including the witness and the random coins) of the prover during the entire protocol execution. We formalize a meaningful definition of leakage-resilient zero knowledge (LR-ZK) proof system, that intuitively guarantees that the protocol does not yield anything beyond the validity of the statement and the leakage obtained by the verifier. We give a construction of LR-ZK interactive proof system based on standard general assumptions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of a cryptographic interactive protocol where the adversary is allowed to perform leakage attacks during the protocol execution on the entire state of honest party (in contrast, prior work only considered leakage prior to the protocol execution, or very limited leakage during the protocol execution). Next, we give an LR-NIZK proof system based on standard number-theoretic assumptions. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of our notions by giving two concrete applications: - We initiate a new line of research to relax the assumption on the "tamper-proofness" of hardware tokens used in the design of various cryptographic protocols. In particular, we give a construction of a universally composable multiparty computation protocol in the leaky token model (where an adversary in possession of a token is allowed to obtain arbitrary bounded leakage on the entire state of the token) based on standard general assumptions. - Next, we give simple, generic constructions of fully leakage-resilient signatures in the bounded leakage model as well as the continual leakage model. Unlike the recent constructions of such schemes, we also obtain security in the "noisy leakage" model.
Reconstruction of the field-induced transformation strain in {001} pseudocubic oriented Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 -7BaTiO 3 -2K 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 bulk ceramics

The high strain response of {001} oriented Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-7BaTiO3-2K0.5Na0.5NbO3 is ascribed to a pseudocubic to tetragonal electric-field-induced phase transformation. Using in situ electric field dependent X-ray diffraction the macroscopic strain response can be reconstructed from the observed peak shift and peak bifurcation due to phase transformation. A volume averaging of the lattice strain of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-7BaTiO3-2K0.5Na0.5NbO3 estimates a maximum macroscopic strain response of 0.65% compared to 0.48% from macroscopic measurements.
Dilatons in string cosmology

Abstract We consider the evolution of the dilaton in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background by numerically integrating the equations of motion as determined by the low-energy expansion of the string theory action. We find that the dilaton may be fixed by either self-interaction terms providing a dilaton mass or decoupling in a radiation dominated Universe. We also comment on conditions applicable to an exponentially expanding phase.
Chromosomal locations and gonadal dependence of genes that mediate resistance to ectromelia (mousepox) virus-induced mortality.

Abstract Four genetic loci were tested for linkage with loci that control genetic resistance to lethal ectromelia virus infection in mice. Three of the loci were selected because of concordance with genotypes assigned to recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice derived from resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible DBA/2 (BXD) mice on the basis of their responses to challenge infection. Thirty-six of 167 male (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F1 x DBA/2 backcross (BC) mice died (22%), of which 27 (75%) were homozygous for DBA/2 alleles at Hc and H-2D. Twenty-eight percent of sham-castrated and 6% of sham-ovariectomized BC mice were susceptible to lethal mousepox, whereas 50% of gonadectomized mice were susceptible. There was no linkage evident between Hc or H-2D and loci that controlled resistance to lethal ectromelia virus infection in 44 castrated BC mice. Mortality among female mice of BXD RI strains with susceptible or intermediate male phenotypes was strongly correlated (r = 0.834) with male mortality. Gonadectomized C57BL/6 mice were as resistant as intact mice to lethal ectromelia virus infection. These results indicate that two gonad-dependent genes on chromosomes 2 and 17 and one gonad-independent gene control resistance to mousepox virus infection, that males and females share gonad-dependent genes, and that the gonad-independent gene is fully protective.
Grass Yield and Quality Affect Potential Stocking Rate and Milk Production

Emphasis placed on pasture yield may lead producers to disregard the potential influence of forage quality on animal performance. Our objective was to compare yield and quality, and potential stocking rate and milk production of four temperate grasses. Meadow fescue, orchardgrass, quackgrass, and reed canarygrass were each harvested at 10-inch height in the spring, summer, and fall and yield, cell wall concentration, and cell wall digestibility were used to calculate potential stocking rate and daily milk production. Quackgrass and reed canarygrass would support a 40 to 90% greater stocking rate during the spring and summer than meadow fescue or orchardgrass, while cows grazing meadow fescue would produce 5 to 12 lb more milk per day than those grazing the other grasses. Translating forage quality into potential milk production allows producers to assess the potential trade-offs between animal and forage productivity when considering the value of a pasture grass.
Target Selection for Pursuit and Saccadic Eye Movements in Humans

Eye movements were recorded from three subjects as they initiated tracking of a small circle (''target'') moving leftward or rightward, above or below the horizontal meridian, either alone or in the presence of a small square (''distractor'') moving leftward or rightward on the other side of the horizontal meridian. At the start of each trial, subjects were provided with either a ''form'' cue (always centrally positioned and having the circular shape and color of the upcoming moving target) or a ''location'' cue (a small white square positioned where the upcoming target would appear). The latency of pursuit increased in the presence of an oppositely moving distractor when subjects were provided the form cues but not when they were provided the location cues. The latency of saccades showed similar, but smaller, increases when subjects were given the form cues. On many trials with the form cues, pursuit started in the direction of the distractor and then reversed to follow the target. On these trials, the initial saccade often, but not always, also followed the distractor. These results indicate that the mechanisms of target selection for pursuit and saccades are tightly coordinated but not strictly yoked. The shared effects of the distractor on the latencies of pursuit and saccades probably reflect the common role of visual attention in filtering the inputs that guide these two types of eye movements. The differences in the details of the effects on pursuit and saccades suggest that the neural mechanisms that trigger these two movements can be independently regulated.
Effect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and women

The effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) with or without chromium picolinate (Cr-pic) supplementation on glucose tolerance was assessed in moderately overweight older men and women (age, 62 +/- 4 years; body mass index [BMI], 29.1 +/- 2.5 kg/m2). Seventeen men and 15 women were randomized to groups that consumed either 17.8 micromol chromium per day (924 microg Cr/d) as Cr-pic or a placebo (<0.1 microg Cr/d) while performing RT twice weekly. For all 32 subjects combined, fasting glucose increased but there were no changes in insulin or C-peptide concentrations after 12 weeks of RT. In response to an oral glucose challenge, the glucose and C-peptide areas under the curve (AUCs) were unchanged, whereas there was a 19% decrease in the insulin AUC (from 68 +/- 53 to 55 +/- 29 x 10(3) pmol/L/180 min, P = .045). The RT responses for the fasting concentration or AUC for glucose, insulin, or C-peptide were not influenced by Cr-pic. The decrease in the insulin AUC without any change in insulin secretion, as evidenced by a lack of change in the C-peptide AUC, suggests enhanced insulin clearance from the circulation with RT. Collectively, these data suggest that RT decreases the insulin response following an oral glucose challenge in older moderately overweight men and women without affecting glucose tolerance. The data also suggest that the decrease in circulating insulin may result from an increase in insulin clearance, not a decrease in insulin secretion. High-dose Cr-pic supplementation had no effect on any measure of glucose metabolism during RT.
Recruiting Student Athletes: A Means-End Investigation of School-Choice Decision Making

This paper reports the results of an empirical study that draws on a means-end perspective to examine the factors influencing the school choice decisions of collegiate student athletes. A sample of 27 NCAA Division I collegiate football players were questioned to identify the attributes that differentiated the school they selected from the others they had considered attending. The interviewing technique known as laddering was then used to link the salient attributes of the chosen school to the consequences and personal values important to the athlete. An analysis of the resulting data provided unique insight into the means-end relationships that underlie students' selection of competing athletic programs. A discussion of the study findings outlined the implications of this investigation and the means-end approach for future recruiting and research efforts.
Who will Lead and Who will Follow? a Social Process of Leadership Identity Construction in Organizations

We propose that a leadership identity is coconstructed in organizations when individuals claim and grant leader and follower identities in their social interactions. Through this claiming-granting process, individuals internalize an identity as leader or follower, and those identities become relationally recognized through reciprocal role adoption and collectively endorsed within the organizational context. We specify the dynamic nature of this process, antecedents to claiming and granting, and an agenda for research on leadership identity and development.
Nutritional outcomes in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-factors associated with growth at one year.

Abstract Background Malnutrition is prevalent among congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors. We aimed to describe the nutritional status and factors that impact growth over the 12-months following discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in this cohort. Methods CDH survivors, who were discharged from the PICU from 2000 to 2010 with follow-up of at least 12months, were included. Nutritional intake, anthropometric, and clinical variables were recorded. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine factors associated with weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) at 12months. Results Data from 110 infants, 67% male, 50% patch repair, were analyzed. Median (IQR) WAZ for the cohort was −1.4 (−2.4 to −0.3) at PICU discharge and −0.4 (−1.3 to 0.2) at 12-months. The percentage of infants with significant malnutrition (WAZ p p =0.009), protein intake p =0.014), and birth weight (BW) p Conclusions CDH survivors had a significantly improved nutritional status in the 12-months after PICU discharge. Patch repair, lower BW, and inadequate protein intake were significant predictors of lower WAZ at 12-months. A minimum protein intake in the PICU of 2.3g/kg/day was essential to ensure optimal growth in this cohort.
Bryostatin-1 attenuates TNF-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction: role of novel PKC isozymes.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) increases epithelial permeability in many model systems. Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes regulate epithelial barrier function and alter ligand-receptor interactions. We ...
Causal Evidence that Rotational Moisture Advection is Critical to the Superparameterized Madden–Julian Oscillation

AbstractThe authors investigate the hypothesis that horizontal moisture advection is critical to the eastward propagation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Consistent diagnostic evidence has been found in recent MJO-permitting global models viewed from the moisture-mode dynamical paradigm. To test this idea in a causal sense, tropical moisture advection by vorticity anomalies is artificially modulated in a superparameterized global model known to produce a realistic MJO signal. Boosting horizontal moisture advection by tropical vorticity anomalies accelerates and amplifies the simulated MJO in tandem with reduced environmental gross moist stability. Limiting rotational horizontal moisture advection shuts the MJO down. These sensitivities are robust in that they are nearly monotonic with respect to the control parameter and emerge despite basic-state sensitivities favoring the opposite response. Speedup confirms what several diagnostic lines of evidence already suggest—that anomalous moisture advecti...
Characterization of the LAD (L/sub 1/) AR parameter estimator when applied to stationary ARMA, MA, and higher order AR processes

It is shown that least absolute deviation (LAD) autoregressive (AR) estimates converge to the parameters of an nth-order finite-impulse-response (FIR) filter which minimizes the expectation of the absolute value of the prediction error. Examples are presented in which these parameters are calculated and the efficiencies of the LAD estimates are determined from a Monte Carlo simulation. Applications to order selection and PARCOR parameter estimation are discussed. >
Topical hemostatic agents for dermatologic surgery.

Abstract. Topical hemostatic agents are very helpful in attaining capillary and small vessel hemostasis in dermatologic surgery. The commonly used topical hemostatic agents, including oxidized cellulose, absorbable gelatin, and thrombin are reviewed, along with newer agents such as microfibrillar collagen, fibrin sealants, and acrylates. Agents best suited for certain situations are recommended.
Information fusion for CB defense applications: Challenge and opportunity

Information fusion aims at a synergistic exploitation of multiple information sources, to enable decision-making or to enhance its performance. The sources include sensors of various modalities and characteristics, as well as sources which are not sensors. We discuss the challenges of information fusion, technical directions and approaches that can cope with those challenges, and the opportunities those approaches enable. Several research and development efforts conducted at MIT Lincoln Laboratory over the recent years in the area of information fusion for chemical-biological defense serve as the backdrop for that discussion.
Solving the label resolution problem in supervised video content classification

Classifying video based on its content often requires learning a classifier from labeled samples. Sometimes the semantic labels available for a video refer to the class or category of the video as a whole; whereas the discriminative features that result in that categorization may only occur over a temporal subset of the video and may occur anywhere, leading to sub-optimal performance. We therefore need to simultaneously learn discriminative features and their temporal support while remaining independent of position within the video. We propose a solution to this label-resolution problem using a wavelet decomposition of frame-level feature time-series followed by learning discrimin ative extrema values over multiple time scales. We apply this approach to automatically detecting the presence of adult content in online videos with a resulting equal-error rate around 5%.
Parallel Nonlinear Optimization: Limitations, Challenges, and Opportunities

The availability and power of parallel computers is having a significant impact on how large-scale problems are solved in all areas of numerical computation, and is likely to have an even larger impact in the future. This paper attempts to give some indication of how the consideration of parallel computation is affecting, and is likely to affect, the field of nonlinear optimization. It does not attempt to survey the research that has been done in parallel nonlinear optimization. Rather it presents a set of examples, mainly from our own research, that is intended to illustrate many of the limitations, opportunities, and challenges inherent in incorporating parallelism into the field of nonlinear optimization. These examples include parallel methods for small to medium size unconstrained optimization problems, parallel methods for large block bordered systems of nonlinear equations, and parallel methods for both small and large-scale global optimization problems. Our overall conclusions are mixed. For generic, small to medium size problems, the consideration of parallelism does not appear to be leading to major algorithmic innovations. For many classes of large-scale problems, however, the consideration of parallelism appears to be creating opportunities for the development of interesting new methods that may be advantageous for parallel and possibly even sequential computation. In addition, a number of large-scale parallel optimization algorithms exhibit irregular, coarse-grain structure, which leads to interesting computer science challenges in their implementation.
Polar Reactions under Acidic Conditions

Most textbooks do not strongly differentiate polar mechanisms that occur under basic conditions from those that occur under acidic conditions, but the considerations that are brought to bear when drawing polar basic and polar acidic mechanisms are quite different. The typical reagents, the reactive intermediates, and the order of proton transfer steps all differ under acidic conditions from those seen under basic conditions. In this chapter the mechanisms that occur under acidic conditions will be discussed. A lot of time will also be spent discussing carbocations, which are central in these mechanisms.
Modeling a Successful E-Business Using Essential Principles from Netscape

The purpose of this study is to explore how a company can incorporate important principles learned by other successful E-businesses. This study examines four essential principles used by Netscape Corporation for building a successful E-business as they relate to Anthill.com, a relative newcomer to the E-business world. Data were gathered via in-depth interviews with Anthill.com executives. It is hoped that other E-businesses will recognize the importance of closely following these principles to improve the opportunity to develop into a large-scale E­business.
Site Selective Spectroscopy and Dual-Wavelength Lasing of Nd3+-Doped KYF4

The presence of more than one inequivalent Nd3+ site in KYF4 (multi-site nature) and energy transfer processes between Nd3+ ions in different sites are demonstrated at low temperature using site selective spectroscopy. Dual-wavelength lasing at 1041 and 1054 nm was observed in this crystal.
Comment on: Deliberate self-harm in adolescents.

Dear Sir, I am writing to add to the pertinent points raised by the article ‘Deliberate self-harm in adolescents’.(1) Beyond the role of primary care physicians and specialist care, parents and school counsellors can access a community-based mental health programme called REACH (Response, Early intervention and Assessment in Community mental Health)(2,3) to help children and adolescents cope with self-harm behaviours. This programme is available to all students from mainstream and special schools in Singapore. The REACH team comprises different allied health professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, registered nurses and medical social workers in each of the four teams (in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s school zoning). After obtaining important information on the students from the school counsellor and a detailed triaging process, REACH’s multidisciplinary team responds in a timely manner based on the severity of the mental health condition. With its strategic location in the community and away from hospitals, REACH epitomises the term ‘right-siting’ of healthcare. In cases where the self-harm behaviour is due to a serious mental illness, REACH is able to quickly refer the student to a child psychiatrist clinic for further evaluation and management. With this approach, patients do not face the stigma of having to visit psychiatric clinics and there is less strain on the tertiary psychiatric clinics. REACH was first developed in 2007 under the National Mental Health Blueprint and is now operated by three hospitals – the North and South teams are under the Institute of Mental Health, while the West and East teams are under the National University Health System and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, respectively. With the parents’ consent, staff from the REACH team visit the students’ school or home to conduct an assessment or intervention. As the first assessment is free of charge (subsequent interventions are chargeable) and interventions are conducted in school or at home, REACH’s service is attractive to both parents and students. A case conference with the school and the student’s parents is also conducted at the end of the assessment and before any interventions are started. REACH’s service is meant to be time-limited with clear continuity-of-care guidelines and discharge policies. REACH aims to administer secondary intervention while bringing mental health care closer to students.(4) With general practitioners and voluntary welfare organisation staff trained in basic child mental health joining REACH as community partners, we hope that a growing mental health network will eventually be set up in Singapore to provide more seamless and effective mental health care for our child and adolescent populations. Yours sincerely,
Carl J. Carl J. Levinson, MD, 1927-2011.

How fortunate that distinguished leaders are amongst us who exemplify excellence and push the boundaries for the rest of us. Carl J. Levinson was an innovator, leader, clinician, philosopher, scientist, teacher, dear friend, and travel companion. I have two nicknames for Carl. One he was aware of “The Thorn in My Side,” the other he was not “The Ever-Ready Bunny.” The reference to Carl as the battery powered toy that keeps going and going was obvious, nothing slowed him down, even in the most difficult of times. When faced with an illness that would have put most of us in an easy chair, Carl repeatedly got up, dusted off, and picked up the pace, without comment or fanfare. Carl joined SLS in its early stages and was always there, serving in almost every capacity to help foster multispecialty cross-pollination of ideas and learning that he so believed in. He was the fourth President of SLS and served for many years as a Board Member, Editor, and Program Director. He was especially devoted to making Video an integral part of MIS education. Carl, the “Thorn in My Side,” always pushed me, SLS and others for the best in everything we do. He questioned, probed, pushed, suggested, and persisted. When I look back over the first 20 years of SLS, I see that we have become very much related to Carl's ideas and persistence. With such a mentor, we are pushed to become much more than we could have been, to strive to achieve beyond ourselves. Carl exemplified this in his character not only for SLS and me but also in other organizations and places, such as AAGL, in Milwaukee, at Baylor, in San Francisco, and ultimately at Stanford. He influenced many leaders in the field today. To name just a few: Camran Nezhat, Robert Zurawin, Moty Pansky, Arnaud Wattiez, and these are just a few of the many. My wife Janis and I had the great fortune to travel to medical meetings and occasional side trips with Carl and his wife Naomi. At various cafes, we had many long and insightful conversations about improving medical education, surgery, art, music, gardens, politics, and especially family. Carl loved Naomi, his work and friends, and his two high-achieving sons Mark and Neil, and especially his grandchildren. Carl and Naomi, always equals in intellect and understanding, could debate any topic and within five minutes were both happy thinking that they had each won the argument. Visiting museums with Naomi, the consummate Art Historian and Jewelry Designer, has been an incredible experience; she usually knows more about everything there, its history, how it was made, and what it means, than the resident experts. Carl was a gifted toastmaster; his view about things, his personality, his keen intellect, philosophy, and wit can best be exemplified in his own words. Several years ago after Carl was stricken with a serious illness, he sent the following letter, which says so much about him.
Fuzzying of probabilistic methods

This study, initiated last summer was based on the question: To what extent can one obtain reasonable results by Probabilistic Simulation (PS) that are obtained from other applications?. In this report, we address some of the inherent storage problems of Fuzzy Applications. We introduce the concept of the degree of doubt in a fuzzy application and show that one can theoretically eliminate this error. We conclude our report with a head-to-head comparison of Probabilitic Simulation and Fuzzy applications in the following areas: assumptions required, reasonableness of assumptions and steps required for a solution.
Decentralized Reactive Power Compensation Using Nash Bargaining Solution

We consider a distributed reactive power compensation problem in a distribution network in which users locally generate reactive power using distributed generation units to contribute to the local voltage control. We model and analyze the interaction between one electric utility company and multiple users by using the Nash bargaining theory. On one hand, users determine the amount of active and reactive power generation for their distributed generation units. On the other hand, the electric utility company offers reimbursement for each user based on the amount of reactive power dispatched by that user. We first quantify the benefit for the electric utility company and users in the reactive power compensation problem. Then we derive the optimal solution for the active and reactive power generation, as well as reimbursement for each user under two different bargaining protocols, namely sequential bargaining and concurrent bargaining. Numerical results show that both the electric utility company and users benefit from the proposed decentralized reactive power compensation mechanism, and the overall system efficiency is improved.
The Quality Evaluation of Equipment Support Based on DEA Method and AHM Model

Aimed at the problem that the evaluation of equipment support ability is hard to operate and analyse,we adopt the DEA method,import the AHM Model,build a separate Evaluating system,boost up the maneuverability of the evaluation of equipment support in a certain extent.
Development of a fiber optical occlusion based non-contact automatic tool setter for a micro-milling machine

Abstract The objective of this research is to create a low cost non-contact automated tool setter to reduce the overall tool setup time for a micro-milling machine. The accuracy of tool setting has a direct impact on the outcome of machining. The research focused on addressing the tool setting in the Z -axis (spindle axis), which is needed for each tool change and accounts for the majority of the total tool setting time. A fiber optic FS-V30M sensor from Keyence that is equipped with a light emitting element and receiving sensor was used. The sensor detects the position of the micro-tool by measuring the light intensity change as the tool crosses the emitted light beam. A bracket was designed and manufactured to mount on the workpiece pallet to hold the fiber optic cable. A novel search/detection algorithm was developed and implemented in the CNC machine controller. Controlled experiments were conducted to test the performance of the tool setter. The system achieved 0.6 µm repeatability and 2 µm accuracy across different sizes of micro-tools. The execution of each tool setting takes about 10 seconds, which is 80–90% reduction from the manual tool setting.
History of Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy of Human Tissue

Diffuse optical spectroscopy is a noninvasive method that uses low levels of near-infrared light to measure blood oxygenation in the brain. Over the last 35 years, the number of diffuse optical studies and the range of clinical and research applications have grown steadily. Compared to other neuroimaging methods to measure cerebral blood oxygenation, such as magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography, diffuse optical imaging (DOI) is more cost effective and often uses small portable instrumentation. Wireless and bedside optical systems are currently produced commercially. The portability of these instruments has extended the use of optical methods into several unique applications including brain imaging in infants and children, studies of the brain during ambulatory tasks such as walking or balance, and interoperative brain assessments. This chapter will introduce the history and basic principles of DOI including discussion of the factors contributing to the optical properties of tissue, instrumentation, and an overview of applications of the technology.
Prophylactic Therapy with Fibrogammin Is Associated with a Decreased Incidence of Bleeding Episodes: A Retrospective Case Control Study.

In an ongoing Phase III study we are evaluating the prophylactic efficacy and long-term safety of Fibrogammin® P, a purified, pasteurized concentrate of Factor XIII, in patients (pts) with congenital Factor XIII deficiency (an extremely rare, hereditary, life-threatening bleeding disorder). The study is being conducted at 37 sites and has enrolled 61 pts; these 61 represent approximately 2/3 of US patients with FXIII deficiency. For this analysis, a retrospective chart review was undertaken to compare spontaneous bleed-event rates 24 months prior to (when possible) and after the initiation of therapy in a subset of 7 study subjects who did not receive any prophylactic therapy prior to entering the study. The table below presents data for each of these pts on dosing, bleeding episodes and treatment (Rx) during both observation periods (Obs Pd). An additional 4 pts had been treated prophylactically with regular infusions of FFP or cryoprecipitate and transitioned successfully to FXIII therapy; there were no seroconversions to HIV, Hepatitis B/C in any study pts. | | | Pre-Fibrogammin P Therapy | On Fibrogammin P Therapy | |:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----- | ----------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Pt # | Age ♦ | Obs Pd (mos) / # Bleeds; Bleed Type | Rx | Obs Pd mos; (# inf) / # bleeds | Bleed Type | Dose/Kg† | | ♦ Age at onset of Fibrogammin Prophylactic therapy; † Pts were dosed on a unit basis (1250 unit vials), at 5-wk intervals, variability in weight and vial size lead to a range of per Kg doses; ⋄ p = .01 vs pre-therapy | | 504 | 5 yr | 24 / 2 | Hematomas | none | 12 (12) / 0 | | 27 | | 2703 | 10 mo | 9 / 2 | Umbilical cord; extensive bruising | FFP | 25 (26) / 1 | Head trauma and bruising | 29.7 – 44.9 | | 2704 | 20 mo | 6 / 4 | Forehead × 2; frenulum × 2; other | FFP × 5 | 26 (26) / 2 | Traumatic foot; traumatic head (extracranial) | 18.3 – 43.1 | | 2705 | 9 yr | 24 / 3 | Lip; ankle; forehead | FFP | 13 (12) / 0 | none | 19.9 – 29.7 | | 3301 | 19 yr | 24 / 5 | Large hematomas | none | 9.5 (11) / 0 | none | 18.9 | | 3302 | 17 yr | 24 / 0 | none | none | 9.5 (12) / 0 | none | 24.3 | | 3303 | 14 yr | 24 / 8 | Intracranial; others × 7 | FFP, Cryoppt | 10 (11) / 0 | none | 15.6 | | Mean | | 2.5 bleeds/yr | | | 0.2 bleeds/yr⋄ | | | As shown in the table, these children had 2.5 bleeds per year in the period before Fibrogammin prophylaxis, and only 0.2 per year while on Fibrogammin. These results demonstrate a consistent and clinically significant reduction in spontaneous bleeding with prophylactic use of Fibrogammin® P in pts with symptomatic congenital Factor XIII deficiency.
Connecting With Celebrities: How Consumers Appropriate Celebrity Meanings for a Sense of Belonging

We propose that consumers appropriate brand symbolism that comes from celebrity endorsements to construct and communicate their self-concepts. We also argue that consumers with high need to belong (NTB) look to celebrities to a greater extent than those who have lower needs to belong, because high-NTB consumers are more likely to look to celebrities for cues about which brands may aid these consumers' attempts to meet their affiliation needs. High-NTB consumers are also prone to develop one-sided (parasocial) relationships with celebrities, and these parasocial relationships mediate the celebrity endorsement effect on self–brand connections. Three studies support these proposed relationships. Furthermore, the third study also manipulates the degree to which the celebrity's image matches that of the brand being advertised, revealing that a symbolic match between the celebrity image and brand image is important for consumers who do not form parasocial relationships with celebrities (i.e., low-NTB consumers).
Iliac Stent Migration during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Resulting in Functional Coarctation

Iliac arterial disease, unfavorable anatomy, and prior stenting all pose challenges to access in endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) and thoracic aortic repair (TEVAR). Iliac access injury during T/EVAR may lead to rupture, dissection, thrombosis, or distal ischemia. Some have advocated iliac stent prior to T/EVAR in patients with suboptimal iliac access. The rate of complication and iliac stent migration during subsequent T/EVAR is undocumented. This case report describes a unique instance of self-expanding iliac stent migration during TEVAR which pinched the thoracic aortic endograft causing functional aortic coarctation.
A quantitative and qualitative RNA expression profiling assay for cell culture with single cell resolution

Cells are often characterized by their gene expression profile. However, commonly used methods to detect mRNA require cell pooling and could therefore mask differences in gene expression within heterogeneous cell populations. q2PISH allows for the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative (q2) gene expression on cultured cells for quality control measures with single cell resolution. q2PISH was optimized for the subsequent use of two alkaline phosphatase substrates in combination with a cell nucleus count to allow for accurate quantification of gene expression per cell and simultaneously qualitative assessment of potential culture population drift or heterogeneity. As proof of principle the assay was applied to cell lines derived from different areas of the bovine intervertebral disc, showing significant difference in the expression of Col1a1, Col2a1, Acan and Sox9. Furthermore, the assay served to explore a potential impact on cultured cells when substituting a critical media component, fetal bovine serum (FBS), suggesting no significant difference in gene expression for the biomarkers analyzed. As a tool, q2PISH serves as an accurate quality control with single cell resolution for cultured cells.
Complementary feeding practices: Current global and regional estimates

Insufficient quantities and inadequate quality of complementary foods, together with poor feeding practices, pose a threat to children's health and nutrition. Interventions to improve complementary feeding are critical to reduce all forms of malnutrition, and access to data to ascertain the status of complementary feeding practices is essential for efforts to improve feeding behaviours. However, sufficient data to generate estimates for the core indicators covering the complementary feeding period only became available recently. The current situation of complementary feeding at the global and regional level is reported here using data contained within the UNICEF global database. Global rates of continued breastfeeding drop from 74.0% at 1 year of age to 46.3% at 2 years of age. Nearly a third of infants 4–5 months old are already fed solid foods, whereas nearly 20% of 10–11 months old had not consumed solid foods during the day prior to their survey. Of particular concern is the low rate (28.2%) of children 6–23 months receiving at least a minimally diverse diet. Although rates for all indicators vary by background characteristics, feeding behaviours are suboptimal even in richest households, suggesting that cultural factors and poor knowledge regarding an adequate diet for young children are important to address. In summary, far too few children are benefitting from minimum complementary feeding practices. Efforts are needed not only to improve children's diets for their survival, growth, and development but also for governments to report on progress against global infant and young child feeding indicators on a regular basis.
Time of maximal spirometric change after bronchodilator inhalation

Background: The ATS/ERS Task Force (Pellegrino, R. et al. Eur Respir J 2005; 26:948-968) recommends an increase of both 12% and 200 mL in FEV1 or FVC to define a positive bronchodilator (BD) response. The use of FEV1 for defining a positive BD response is based on expert opinion. We aimed to explore the time of maximal spirometric change after BD inhalation (post-pre BD). Methods: We evaluated 1715 adult patients with acceptable and repeatable pre- and post BD (4 inhalations of albuterol) spirograms in our PFT laboratory. We compared the percent (%) and magnitude (mL) changes every 10 msec (t), using back extrpolation to determine t=0. We determined the times (FEVt) of maximal % and mL changes between pre- and post BD spirograms to 3 seconds. Results: For the differences between pre- and post BD spirograms at each time t, the maximal changes (FIGURE) were at 0.38 sec (% change, LEFT PANEL) and 1.21 sec (mL change, RIGHT PANEL). The maximal (post-pre) BD % change occurred before 1.0 sec in 82% and the maximal (post-pre) BD mL change occurred before 1.0 sec in 36% of patients. For the 31% of patients who met ATS/ERS Task Force criteria for positive BD response, maximal (post-pre) BD % change occurred at 0.36 sec and mL change at 1.68 sec. Conclusion: Maximal spirometric changes after BD inhalation occur at times other than 1.0 sec. Alternative time points, where signals maximize, may increase sensitivity for determining BD responsiveness.
Predonation Volume of Future Remnant Cortical Kidney Helps Predict Postdonation Renal Function in Live Kidney Donors.

A lower ratio of remnant renal cortical volume to body surface area is associated with lower renal function in live kidney donors.
Examining the role of parental factors on depression among Urban African American youth living in public housing

ABSTRACTThis study examined the potential risk and protective parental factors associated with depression among African American youth living in public housing. Utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, 239 African-American youth surveys were collected during 2013–2014 in two urban public housing developments with low socioeconomic profiles. Over half (52.3%) of the sample was in high school and female (58%). 65.3% reported living with their mother while 38% reported being employed. Bivariate analysis revealed significant correlations between depression and maternal substance abuse, paternal monitoring, parent-child relationship, and family time. Results from the regression analyses indicated that higher depression scores were significantly associated with youth who reported poor parent-child relationships, low levels of paternal supervision and high levels of maternal drug abuse. These findings provide support for claims about the importance of parent-child relationship and paternal mo...
Observations of particle-melt pool impact events in directed energy deposition

Abstract In the rapidly growing field of Additive Manufacturing (AM), the Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) process is the focus of intense technical attention due to its potential to generate high quality components with location specific composition and microstructural control. Despite the variety of experimental and modelling efforts devoted to the subject, no studies directly observe the interactions between individual powder particles and the liquid pool of metal at a high enough temporal frequency to characterize these discrete contact events. The frequency and nature of these powder-pool impingements govern overall process behavior, and are a poorly quantified fundamental building block of L-DED. In this work, we report novel results in which the melt pool is imaged at up to 200,000 frames per second, with pixel resolution of up to 3.6 μm. Video images reveal that particles often impact and float on the surface of the melt pool for several hundreds of microseconds before melting into it. Further incoming particles were observed to rebound from the melt pool by these floating particles. Through modelling this process analytically, particle self-shielding is shown to impose unavoidable upper limits on overall powder capture efficiency for the L-DED process.
Kinetics and phase evolution during carbothermal synthesis of titanium carbide from ultrafine titania/carbon mixture

The kinetics and phase evolution of the TiC formation process by carbothermal reduction of ultrafine titania/carbon mixture were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and oxygen analysis. Titania (TiO2) first lowered its oxidation state to Ti3O5 via an unidentified phase (possibly one of the Magneli phases). Then Ti3O5 was further reduced to Ti2O3, followed by the formation of titanium oxycarbide (TiCxOy) phase and its purification toward high purity TiC thereafter. Ti2O3 was the oxide phase with the lowest oxidation state before forming TiCxOy phase. In the isothermal TGA trace, the formation of Ti3O5 showed a diffusion-controlled process; possibly carbon diffusion limited the solid state reaction. The formation of Ti2O3 and TiCxOy was interpreted to be associated with CO gas-assisted reduction reaction, based on constant reaction rate for each process. The activation energy for the formation of Ti2O3 (from Ti3O5) and TiCxOy (from Ti2O3) phase were calculated to be 415.6 and 264.3 kJ mol-1, respectively. The TiC powder synthesized at 1550 °C for 4 h in flowing argon atmosphere showed fine particle size (0.3–0.6 μm) with oxygen content of 0.7 wt % and lattice parameter of 0.4328 nm while interparticle agglomeration was moderate. © 1998 Chapman & Hall.
Effect of magnetic fields on the methyl rotation in a paramagnetic cobalt(II) complex. Quasielastic neutron scattering studies

Molecular dynamics is a fundamental property of metal complexes. These dynamic processes, especially for paramagnetic complexes under external magnetic fields, are in general not well understood. Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) in 0-4 T magnetic fields has been used to study the dynamics of Co(acac)2(D2O)2 (1-d4, acac = acetylacetonate). At 80-100 K, rotation of the methyl groups on the acac ligands is the dominant dynamical process. This rotation is slowed down by the magnetic field increase. Rotation times at 80 K are 5.6(3) × 10-10 s at 0 T and 2.04(10) × 10-9 s at 4 T. The QENS studies suggest that methyl groups in these paramagnetic Co(ii) molecules do not behave as isolated units, which is consistent with results from earlier magnetic susceptibility studies indicating the presence of intermolecular interactions. DFT calculations show that unpaired electron spin density in 1 is dispersed to the atoms of both acac and H2O ligands. Methyl torsions in 1-d4 have also been observed at 5-100 K in inelastic neutron spectroscopy (INS). The QENS and INS results here help understand the dynamics of the compound in the solid state.
A diagnosis of discernment: Identifying a novel ATRX mutation in myelodysplastic syndrome with acquired α-thalassemia.

Abstract Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous category of myeloid neoplasms that represent the most common class of acquired bone marrow failure syndromes in adults. MDS is typically associated with a hypoproliferative macrocytic anemia, but atypical findings on initial diagnostic evaluations can raise concern for a distinct pathophysiological process and lead to the investigation of alternative etiologies. Here, we report a case of MDS with a concomitant hypoproliferative microcytic and hypochromic anemia that led to the identification of acquired hemoglobin H due to a novel somatic ATRX mutation.