cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using machine learning to understand the temporal morphology of the PM2.5 annual cycle in East Asia

PM2.5 air pollution is a significant issue for human health all over the world, especially in East Asia. A large number of ground-based measurement sites have been established over the last decade to monitor real-time PM2.5 concentration. However, even this enhanced observational network leaves many gaps in characterizing the PM2.5 spatial distribution. Machine learning provides a variety of algorithms to help deal with these large spatial gaps—combining both remotely sensed and in situ observation data to estimate the global PM2.5 concentration. This study used a PM2.5 data product of six regions from the results of an unsupervised self-organizing map (SOM) with optimized ensemble learning approaches to highlight the most important meteorological and surface variables associated with PM2.5 concentration. These variables were then examined via multiple linear regression models to provide physical mechanistic insights into the morphology of the PM2.5 annual cycles.
Increased anode respiration enhances utilization of short-chain fatty acid and lipid wet-extraction from Scenedesmus acutus biomass in electro-selective fermentation

Abstract Electro-selective fermentation (ESF) can improve lipid extraction from Scenedesmus acutus biomass using green solvents like hexane and 1:1 hexane: isopropanol, but accumulation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) wastes useable electrons. To eliminate the electron loss, we designed a flat-plate microbial electrolytic cell (MEC) to have a large anode area for a biofilm of anode respiring bacteria (ARB) that oxidize the SCFAs and generate current that produces H2 gas at the cathode. In 9-day batch tests of ESF in the flat-plate MEC, 18% of the total electrons in the feeding biomass were scavenged by the ARB biofilm and converted to current, leaving minimal concentrations of SCFAs. Extraction with two solvents -- 1:1 hexane:isopropanol and 100% hexane – was evaluated at the end of the 9-day experiments. 30% of the total lipids became hexane-extractable with ESF, compared to
A Longitudinal Analysis of espnW: Almost 10 Years of Challenging Hegemonic Masculinity:

As the primary multiplatform business of ESPN, Inc., espnW is claims to engage and inspire women through sports with inside access to female athletes, sports leagues, important events, and trends i...
Violence Risk and Threat Assessment

This chapter provides an overview of important considerations in conducting evaluations of violence risk. The potential benefits and clinical applications of consulting social networking sites (SNS) and other internet-based data for these types of forensic evaluations are discussed. Practical, ethical, and legal considerations distinctive to using SNS data in appraising a defendant’s risk for engaging in future acts of violence are also provided. The chapter uses two de-identified, hybridized case examples to illustrate this discussion.
Validating the Use of Wi-Fi Signals to Estimate Hyperlocal Urban Populations

The widespread adoption and use of mobile phone and Wi-Fi enabled devices has created new sources of big data useful for understanding urban mobility and real-time population activity. Wi-Fi networks in particular are being increasingly deployed throughout dense urban areas providing new possibilities to study the dynamics of urban populations. However, there is little known about the ability of Wi-Fi networks to quantify urban populations in real-time, including the accuracy, coverage and capture rate of these networks. In this research, we compare three methods for generating population estimates using Wi-Fi probe request data and validate these approaches with manual count data for a two month period. Despite concerns related to data bias and representativeness, we find that Wi-Fi data can be a viable source of information for estimating urban populations.
Solvent Dependence of Cationic-Exciplex Emission: Limitation of Solvent Polarity Functions and the Role of Hydrogen Bonding.

Conventional exciplexes are products of excited-state charge generation reactions between neutral reactants (e.g., A* + D → A•–D•+), whereas cationic exciplexes are products of charge shift reactio...
Ignorance in a Context of Tolerance: Misperceptions about Immigrants in Canada

Misperceptions about immigrants are pervasive and have piqued the interest of social researchers given their links to greater intergroup hostility. However, this phenomenon is rarely considered in Canada, with its reputation as a particularly welcoming context. The current study simultaneously considers two such misperceptions: over-estimation of the immigrant population size and mischaracterizations of the typical immigrant’s legal status. This research examines their extent and correlates, as well as consequences for five anti-immigrant policies. Results indicate that legal status mischaracterizations, though rare, are more consequential than population over-estimates. Overall, misperceptions exist in Canada, but not all are equally consequential.
The effect of catalytic surfaces on stagnation point heat transfer in partially dissociated flows

Experimental results are presented, which show that the heat transfer rate to a silicon monoxide coated surface is less than that to a platinum surface when the flow outside the boundary layer is partially dissociated. It has been inferred, from these results, that the recombination coefficient for the platinum surface used in these tests, lies between 6 × 10 −4 and 6 × 10 −3 . It has also been concluded, from one particular set of tests, that the flow in the stagnation region was not in equilibrium and was only half dissociated. Suggestions are made for the construction of a probe to measure atom concentrations and relaxation times in short duration flows.
Evaluation of sensitivity to endocrine therapy index (SET2,3) for response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) and subsequent prognosis.

580Background: Patients (pts) in Cohort A of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z1031 (Alliance) trial of NET for cStage II-III breast cancer were randomized to anastrozole [ANA], letr...
The effects of slow deep breathing on microvascular and autonomic function and symptoms in adults with irritable bowel syndrome: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is linked to disruptions in sympathovagal balance, which could impair vascular homeostasis and cause IBS symptoms. Studies have shown reductions in sympathetic activity following a single slow, deep breathing (SDB) bout in healthy adults; however, no studies have investigated its chronic effects in IBS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a SDB intervention on microvascular and autonomic function and symptoms in adults with IBS. METHODS Fourteen participants (ages 18-65 years) with IBS were randomly assigned to 4-week SDB or control conditions. The SDB group completed a 20-min video 5 times weekly while the control group maintained their normal activities. Microvascular endothelial function was measured using laser Doppler in response to thermal provocation and expressed as cutaneous vascular conductance at 39°C relative to a maximum response at 43.5°C (%CVCmax ). Heart rate variability (HRV) and post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) were employed as surrogate measures of autonomic function. IBS symptoms were assessed using the IBS-Severity Scale (IBS-SS). KEY RESULTS Thirteen participants (6 controls and 7 SDB) completed the study. Age (p = 0.541) and body mass index (p = 0.157) were similar between groups. In the SDB group, %CVCmax increased from 45% to 59% (p < 0.00001) after the 4-week intervention. HRV, HRR, and IBS-SS scores were unaltered. CONCLUSIONS and Inferences. These results demonstrate the feasibility of a SDB intervention in adults with IBS and suggest improvements in microvascular function in the absence of changes in symptoms or autonomic function in this population.
Benefit of continued noninvasive cardiac monitoring in geriatric trauma: A retrospective review of geriatric pelvis, hip, and femur fractures and analysis of cardiac events during immediate post-traumatic course.

Objective The geriatric population suffers from a predisposition to cardiac events due to physiologic changes commonly associated with aging. The majority of the trauma population seen at our facility is within the geriatric population (greater than 65 years old). Therefore, this study was aimed to determine which of those preexisting factors were associated with an increased risk for developing cardiac event. By assessing those risks, we hoped to determine a timeline for the highest risk of cardiac event occurrence, in order to identify a safe period of when cardiac monitoring was indicated. Methods A retrospective study performed over 6 months reviewing geriatric trauma patients with hip, pelvis, or femur fractures, n = 125. A list of predetermined risk factors including comorbidities, pathologies, laboratory values, electrocardiogram findings, and surgery was crossed with the patient's records in order to identify factors for increased risk of cardiac event. Once patients who had documented cardiac events were identified, a temporal pattern of cardiac event occurrence was analyzed in order to determine a period when noninvasive cardiac monitoring should remain in place. Results In 125 patients, 40 cardiac events occurred in 30 patients. The analyzed variables with statistically significant associations for having a cardiac event were comorbidities (p = 0.019), elevated body mass index (p = 0.001), abnormal initial phosphorus (p = 0.002), and an electrocardiogram finding of other than normal sinus rhythm (p = 0.020). Of the identified cardiac events, we found that by hospital day 3 68% of cardiac event had occurred, with 85% by hospital day 4, 95% by day 5, and 100% within the first 7 days of admission. Conclusion Patient history of cardiac comorbidities, elevated body mass index, abnormal phosphorus, and abnormal electrocardiogram findings were found to be significant risk factors for cardiac event development in geriatric trauma. All recorded events in our study occurred within 7 days of the initial trauma.
Effects of shading, relative growth rate and population density on weed responses to nitrogen management in corn

Three experiments were conducted to identify mechanisms that might explain variations in weed responses to nitrogen (N) fertilization. The first experiment investigated the responses of two crop and six weed species to N fertilization rate and shading in a growth chamber environment. The dry weight and leaf area responses, among species, to N supply and shading were positively correlated with their maximum relative growth rates with the high N fertilization rate. Relative growth rates, among species, were negatively correlated with mean seed weights. The second experiment was conducted in field plots to investigate the effects of N fertilization timing and corn {Zea mays L.) population density on giant foxtail {Setaria faberi Herrm.), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus), and common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis Sauer) competition with com. Giant foxtail reduced com yield when no N fertilizer was applied until late June (POST N) but not when N fertilizer was applied prior to com emergence (PRE N). Velvetleaf seed yield was greater with the PRE N application than the POST N application, but giant foxtail seed yield was lower with PRE N than with POST N. The high corn population density reduced velvetleaf and giant foxtail seed yields, compared to the low com population density. Com, velvetleaf and giant foxtail seed yields were associated with their heights and light interception in mid-season. N fertilization timing and corn population density did not affect common waterhemp. A third experiment investigated the interactions between com and velvetleaf seedlings grown in a replacement series, as affected by N fertilization rate, in a glasshouse environment. N effects on seedling size of each species were positively correlated with the
Prediction Risk and Architecture Selection for Neural Networks

We describe two important sets of tools for neural network modeling: prediction risk estimation and network architecture selection. Prediction risk is defined as the expected performance of an estimator in predicting new observations. Estimated prediction risk can be used both for estimating the quality of model predictions and for model selection. Prediction risk estimation and model selection are especially important for problems with limited data. Techniques for estimating prediction risk include data resampling algorithms such as nonlinear cross-validation (NCV) and algebraic formulae such as the predicted squared error (PSE) and generalized prediction error (GPE). We show that exhaustive search over the space of network architectures is computationally infeasible even for networks of modest size. This motivates the use of heuristic strategies that dramatically reduce the search complexity. These strategies employ directed search algorithms, such as selecting the number of nodes via sequential network construction (SNC) and pruning inputs and weights via sensitivity based pruning (SBP) and optimal brain damage (OBD) respectively.
Characteristics of the Population with Consumer-Driven and High-Deductible Health Plans, 2005-2011

This paper examines the population with a consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) and how it differs from the population with traditional health coverage. Data from the 2005-2007 EBRI/Commonwealth Fund Consumerism in Health Care Survey and the 2008-2011 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey are used for the analysis. Differences between the population with traditional coverage and high-deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollees are also examined. In most years of the survey, both the CDHP and HDHP populations were less likely to be young (ages 21-34) than the population with traditional coverage. There were no differences in the portion ages 45-54 and no recent differences in the portion ages 55-64. In 2006, 2010, and 2011, the CDHP population was more likely than the population with traditional coverage to be ages 35-44. CDHP enrollees had higher income than traditional-plan enrollees, although the differences had been declining until 2011, when income appears to have jumped for both the CDHP and HDHP populations. Generally, the population of adults within HDHPs and traditional health plans is split 50-50 by gender. In contrast, CDHP enrollees were more likely to be female in 2010 and 2011. CDHP enrollees were roughly twice as likely as individuals with traditional coverage to have a college or post-graduate education. HDHP enrollees were also more likely than traditional-plan enrollees to have a college or graduate degree. CDHP enrollees have consistently reported better health status than traditional-plan enrollees. During the survey period, HDHP enrollees have been consistently less likely than those with traditional coverage to report that they smoke, but no recent differences were found in exercise rates, and differences were not found in obesity rates. The PDF for the above title, published in the April 2012 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the full text of another April 2012 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “Time Trends in Poverty for Older Americans Between 2001-2009.”
Observation of the First T z = − 5 2 Nuclide, Ca 35 , via Its β -Delayed Two-Proton Emission

The decay of the $T=\frac{5}{2}$ isobaric analog state in $^{35}\mathrm{K}$ at 9053 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 45 keV, fed by the superallowed $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of 50 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 30-ms $^{35}\mathrm{Ca}$, results in two-proton emission to both the ground and the first excited states of $^{33}\mathrm{Cl}$. The measured energy correlations between the two decay protons indicate a sequential-decay mechanism. From the isobaric-multiplet mass equation, a mass excess of 4453 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 60 keV can be predicted for the ground state of $^{35}\mathrm{Ca}$.
Identification of the protein responsible for hepatic system N amino acid transport activity.

In the liver, glutamine utilization may be limited by the rate of transport across the plasma membrane by the System N carrier. System N-mediated transport activity has been solubilized from rat liver plasma membrane, partially purified, and then reconstituted into proteoliposomes. To identify the System N carrier protein, monoclonal antibodies were generated against the protein fraction enriched for System N activity. Two antibodies , 3E1-2 and 1E7-3, inhibited System N activity in hepatocytes. These antibodies also immunoprecipitated System N activity from a mixture of solubilized proteins and were specific for antigen recognition in that neither immunoprecipitated System A activity. The antibody recognized a single protein of molecular size 100 kDa by immunoblot analysis. Recognition of this protein by the antibody increased in parallel with the enrichment of System N activity in solubilized membrane fractions. These data suggest that a 100-kDa plasma membrane protein mediates System N transport activity in rat hepatocytes.
It's a Dog's Life

The African Wild Dog Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. Scott Creel and Nancy Marusha Creel. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2002. 355 pp. $90, £62.00. ISBN 0-691-01655-0. Paper, $45, £29.95. ISBN 0-691-01654-2. The authors incorporate findings from their own six-year study of one of the world's most interesting and endangered large carnivores.
A gene expression classifier of node-positive colorectal cancer.

We used digital long serial analysis of gene expression to discover gene expression differences between node-negative and node-positive colorectal tumors and developed a multigene classifier able to discriminate between these two tumor types. We prepared and sequenced long serial analysis of gene expression libraries from one node-negative and one node-positive colorectal tumor, sequenced to a depth of 26,060 unique tags, and identified 262 tags significantly differentially expressed between these two tumors (P < 2 x 10-6). We confirmed the tag-to-gene assignments and differential expression of 31 genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, 12 of which were elevated in the node-positive tumor. We analyzed the expression levels of these 12 upregulated genes in a validation panel of 23 additional tumors and developed an optimized seven-gene logistic regression classifier. The classifier discriminated between node-negative and node-positive tumors with 86% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the classifier revealed an area under the curve of 0.86. Experimental manipulation of the function of one classification gene, Fibronectin, caused profound effects on invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells in vitro. These results suggest that the development of node-positive colorectal cancer occurs in part through elevated epithelial FN1 expression and suggest novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of advanced disease.
Resveratrol neuroprotection in stroke and traumatic CNS injury

Resveratrol, a stilbene formed in many plants in response to various stressors, elicits multiple beneficial effects in vertebrates. Particularly, resveratrol was shown to have therapeutic properties in cancer, atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration. Resveratrol-induced benefits are modulated by multiple synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. Despite the lack of a definitive mechanism, both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that resveratrol can induce a neuroprotective state when administered acutely or prior to experimental injury to the CNS. In this review, we discuss the neuroprotective potential of resveratrol in stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, with a focus on the molecular pathways responsible for this protection.
First Impressions of the Face: Predicting Success

The human tendency to form impressions of others is ubiquitous and consequential. Consensus, or agreement among individuals, regarding their first impressions based on the facial appearance of others can lead to the treatment of other individuals in particular ways that shape their outcomes and behaviors. For an impression to be considered accurate it must not only be consensual but must also show correspondence to an external criterion, such as whether impressions of individuals’ leadership ability are related to the performance of their group or organization. Many of our first impressions may not have valid external criteria to enable an assessment of the accuracy of the impression. Yet, whether our impressions are accurate or merely consensual, they can still often predict important outcomes. A limited but growing literature has shown that our impressions can be both consensual and predictive despite important social and perceptual distinctions, such as differences in culture.
Sellar Floor Reconstruction with the Medpor Implant Versus Autologous Bone After Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: Outcome in 200 Consecutive Patients.

Objective The Medpor porous polyethylene implant provides benefits to perform sellar floor reconstruction when indicated. This material has been used for cranioplasty and reconstruction of skull base defects and facial fractures. We present the most extensive use of this implant for sellar floor reconstruction and document the safety and benefits provided by this unique implant. Methods The medical charts for 200 consecutive patients undergoing endonasal transsphenoidal surgery from April 2008 through December 2011 were reviewed. Material used for sellar floor reconstruction, pathologic diagnosis, immediate inpatient complications, and long-term complications were documented and analyzed. Outpatient follow-up was documented for a minimum of 1-year duration, extending in some patients up to 5 years. Results Of the 200 consecutive patients, 136 received sellar floor cranioplasty using the Medpor implant. Postoperative complications included 6 complaints of sinus irritation or drainage, 1 postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring operative re-exploration, 1 event of tension pneumocephalus requiring operative decompression, 1 case of aseptic meningitis, 1 subdural hematoma, and 1 case of epistaxis. The incidence of these complications did not differ from the autologous nasal bone group in a statistically significant manner. Conclusions Sellar floor reconstruction remains an important part of transsphenoidal surgery to prevent postoperative complications. Various autologous and synthetic options are available to reconstruct the sellar floor, and the Medpor implant is a safe and effective option. The complication rate after surgery is equivalent to or less frequent than other methods of reconstruction and the implant is readily incorporated into host tissue after implantation, minimizing infectious risk.
Evidence for Non-Velocity Redshifts — New Evidence and Review

Evidence for non-velocity redshifts in quasars and galaxies is reviewed. It is shown that all current statistical tests favour the association of at least some quasars with relatively nearby galaxies. It is shown that a statistically significant number of quasars falling close to faint galaxies have intermediate redshift (between z = 0.4 and 1.8). This confirms the previous result that those are the intrinsically most luminous quasars and keeps open the possibility that less luminous quasars can appear projected at large distances around very nearby galaxies.
Field Verification of Laboratory Resilient Modulus Measurements on Subgrade Soils

The resilient modulus of roadbed soils is a required input parameter in pavement analysis and design. Most recent research has concentrated on the laboratory resilient modulus test and its correlations with other engineering properties determined from laboratory tests. However, little effort has been focused on calibrating the laboratory resilient modulus measurements using field performance data. The results are presented of an experimental program to evaluate the field bearing characteristics of in-service pavement subgrade layers and to conduct the laboratory resilient modulus measurements on the reconstituted soil samples simulating the field moisture and density conditions. A simplified procedure was adopted for comparing the laboratory equivalent resilient modulus values with the modulus of elasticity of the subgrade layer obtained from the field plate load test. The laboratory resilient modulus test results compared reasonably well with the field plate layer moduli.
Characterizing Intracellular Structural Dynamics with Optical Gabor Filtering

Optical Gabor filtering provides a linear measure of local object structure. We demonstrate the ability of this method to quantify directly object structure in a diatom, and present structural dynamic data in individual living cells.
Using Product Archaeology to Integrate Global, Economic, Environmental, and Societal Factors in Introductory Design Education

Design education has traditionally been incorporated into the engineering curriculum in the junior or senior year through upper level mechanical design courses and capstone design projects. However, there is a general trend in engineering education to incorporate design activities at the freshman and sophomore level. The design aspects of these courses provide a unique opportunity to integrate global, economic, environmental, and societal factors with traditional design considerations. Incorporating these early in an engineering curriculum supports a broad engineering education in accordance with ABET required Outcome h. In this paper we introduce global, economic, environmental, and societal factors into a sophomore level engineering design course using strategies adapted from a Product Archaeology paradigm. Specifically, functional modeling is synthesized with a product dissection platform to create a foundation to demonstrate the broader impacts of engineering design decisions. The effectiveness of using Product Archaeology-based educational strategies to facilitate the learning objectives of Outcome h is evaluated using student surveys taken over a two year period.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Aggression in low and high brainweight mice following septal lesions

Abstract Septal lesions or control operations were performed on adult male mice genetically selected for either high or low brainweight. Following recovery from surgery, pairs of animals with a similar genetic and surgical history were matched in tests of agonistic behavior. Irrespective of strain, pairs of mice with septal lesions fought less than pairs of control animals. However, submissive postures and social exploration showed a clear interaction between genotype and surgical history. The importance of interactions between variables such as genotype, experience, and brain damage is discussed.
The role of sucrose in guard cell osmoregulation

Stomatal apertures are regulated by changes in the solute content of guard cells. The identity of the solutes involved in guard cell osmoregulation has been the subject of much study. Early consensus in the field held that carbohydrates derived from starch constitute the principal osmoticum. This starch-sugar hypothesis has been replaced by the present paradigm of guard cell osmoregulation by K + and its counterions. Recent studies, however, show that both K + and sucrose are primary guard cell osmotica, and that the use of these two solutes is separated into two distinct phases in which one or the other constitutes the dominant osmoticum. In the intact leaf, opening at the beginning of a daily cycle is supported by K + and its counterions, malate 2- and Cl - . Malate 2- is the dominant counterion in growth chamber-grown leaves, whereas Cl - predominates in a greenhouse environment. In the second half of the daily cycle, K + content in guard cells decreases drastically and sucrose becomes the dominant solute. Manipulation of stomatal apertures by altering ambient CO 2 concentration shows that either K + or sucrose accumulation can sustain rapid opening. The functional implications of two distinct osmoregulatory phases of stomatal movements remains to be elucidated. The guard cell content of K + , its counterions, and sucrose can be modulated by at least three osmoregulatory pathways in guard cells. Experimental conditions favouring three distinct pathways have been established, but major uncertainties remain about the control of guard cell solute content in the intact leaf.
Experimental Test Rig With Results on Liquid Atomization by Slinger Injectors

Liquid atomization is of great practical importance which flnds implementations in many branches of industry. One speciflc area is the gas turbine, and there exist several ways of liquid atomization. In this work, an experimental study of a rotating fuel injector is conducted to provide a better understanding of the atomization process. To this end, an experimental setup including an accurate Global Sizing Velocimetry (GSV) system has been designed to analyze the liquid atomization provided by the rotating fuel injector. The primary breakup visualizations and droplet size measurements are performed for difierent ∞ow rates and difierent rotational speeds. The breakup length is observed to decrease with decreasing the ∞ow rate. The results show a decrease of the mean drop sizes with the increasing of the rotational speed.
Enhancement of infectivity of poliovirus RNA with diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-D).

Diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-D) greatly increases the detection of infectious RNA in MK cells. The DEAE-D is the basis of a simple method of plaque assay for poliovirus RNA under isotonic conditions that is 100 times more sensitive than conventional methods. The same polycationic substance yields a 3 to 4-fold increase in plaque counts when used in the assay of intact poliovirus. Temperature and duration of adsorption have little influence on the DEAE-D method of assay of RNA. A somewhat lesser, but definite, enhancing effect is obtained when the assay cells are exposed to DEAE-D and washed repeatedly before inoculation with RNA. The presence of DEAE-D in extractions of poliovirus RNA with cold phenol and sodium dodecyl sulfate may improve the yield of infectious RNA. A total of 105.6 PFU of Mahoney RNA were detected in the extract made directly from 4 ml. of infected MK cells with a titer of 108.3 PFU/ml. The absolute titer in the ethanol precipitate was 107 PFU of RNA per ml. determined with the DEAE-D method.
Substantial Recovery of Renal Function Is Uncommon Early Post Cardiac Transplant Irrespective of Pre-Transplant LVAD Support

Purpose Marked early recovery of renal function (RRF) is common after LVAD placement, with nearly half of patients experiencing ≥ 50% improvement in GFR in the first several weeks. However, this substantial RRF has not been observed early post-transplant (Tx). It is possible that the negative effects of acute calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity negate the improvement in GFR that would otherwise be seen with RRF post-Tx. If this hypothesis is correct, and given the fact that bridge-to-Tx LVAD patients should have already experienced RRF, acute CNI nephrotoxicity should act unopposed in these patients resulting in a large reduction in GFR. Methods and Materials A random sample of cardiac transplants at our center, oversampled for LVADs, with serial creatinine levels available were reviewed (n=138). Significant RRF was defined as a ≥50% improvement in GFR. Results The incidence of significant RRF was only 10.4% at 30 days and the mean GFR of the cohort was worse at all post-Tx time points compared to baseline (Figure). The magnitude of GFR deterioration was not different between patients with (n=65) or without (n=73) a pre-tx LVAD (p-interaction=0.51, Figure). At 30 days, decreases in GFR were similar between patients with CNI levels above or below the median (-1.2%, ± 35.1% vs. -2.6% ± 49.6%, p=0.86), both in patients with (p=0.69) and without (p=0.79) a pre-Tx LVAD. [ figure 1 ] Conclusions Meaningful RRF appears to be uncommon, even early post-Tx before chronic CNI nephrotoxicity is apparent. This finding is not significantly influenced by pre-Tx LVAD support or early CNI levels. Further research is needed to better understand changes in renal function following advanced therapies.
Does circumcision at the time of antireflux surgery reduce the risk of postoperative urinary tract infection

Does circumcision at the time of antireflux surgery reduce the risk of postoperative urinary tract infection?
Temperature Modulates Plant Defense Responses through NB-LRR Proteins

An elevated growth temperature often inhibits plant defense responses and renders plants more susceptible to pathogens. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this modulation are unknown. To genetically dissect this regulation, we isolated mutants that retain disease resistance at a higher growth temperature in Arabidopsis. One such heat-stable mutant results from a point mutation in SNC1, a NB-LRR encoding gene similar to disease resistance (R) genes. Similar mutations introduced into a tobacco R gene, N, confer defense responses at elevated temperature. Thus R genes or R-like genes involved in recognition of pathogen effectors are likely the causal temperature-sensitive component in defense responses. This is further supported by snc1 intragenic suppressors that regained temperature sensitivity in defense responses. In addition, the SNC1 and N proteins had a reduction of nuclear accumulation at elevated temperature, which likely contributes to the inhibition of defense responses. These findings identify a plant temperature sensitive component in disease resistance and provide a potential means to generate plants adapting to a broader temperature range.
Genetic analysis of rapid tolerance to ethanol's incoordinating effects in mice: inbred strains and artificial selection.

Ethanol tolerance, a decrease in drug responsiveness with repeated administrations, is an important diagnostic criterion for alcoholism. Rapid tolerance develops within 8–24 hours of an initial ethanol exposure and shares many similarities with chronic tolerance. The genetic contribution to rapid tolerance to ethanol-induced ataxia was estimated using a panel of inbred strains of mice. Strains differed significantly in the degree of rapid tolerance development, which had a broad-sense heritability estimate of 0.11. Artificial selection was carried out to develop lines of mice that would show High (HRT) and Low (LRT) levels of Rapid Tolerance. Starting with HS/Npt mice, derived from a systematic cross of eight inbred strains, a significant response to selection was seen in replicate 1 by the third selection generation. No difference was found in replicate 2. Heritability estimates after the fourth generation were 0.25 for HRT-1 mice and 0.06 for LRT-1 mice. HRT-1 and LRT-1 mice also differed significantly in chronic tolerance development to four doses of ethanol. These studies provide evidence for a genetic contribution to rapid tolerance and support a genetic link between rapid and chronic tolerance to ethanol's ataxic effects.
Russian Gamblers: Who Are They?

The Russian gaming industry has quickly grown to a $6 billion industry and the opportunity to gamble has spread significantly beyond the borders of its two largest Russian cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg. In July 2009, a new gaming law is to go into effect that will basically eradicate all current gaming operations in all parts of the country and allow gambling in only four designated “gaming zones.” The purpose of the study was to describe the gaming industry in Russia and investigate the attitudes, perceptions, travel habits, and lifestyles of Russian gamblers.
The Role of GDNF/Ret Signaling in Ureteric Bud Cell Fate and Branching Morphogenesis

While GDNF signaling through the Ret receptor is critical for kidney development, its specific role in branching morphogenesis of the epithelial ureteric bud (UB) is unclear. Ret expression defines a population of UB "tip cells" distinct from cells of the tubular "trunks," but how these cells contribute to UB growth is unknown. We have used time-lapse mosaic analysis to investigate normal cell fates within the growing UB and the developmental potential of cells lacking Ret. We found that normal tip cells are bipotential, contributing to both tips and trunks. Cells lacking Ret are specifically excluded from the tips, although they contribute to the trunks, revealing that the tips form and expand by GDNF-driven cell proliferation. Surprisingly, the mutant cells assumed an asymmetric distribution in the UB trunks, suggesting a model of branching in which the epithelium of the tip and the adjacent trunk is remodeled to form new branches.
Comparison ofLimulusα-Macroglobulin with Human α2-Macroglobulin: Thiol Ester Characterization, Subunit Organization, and Conformational Change

Abstract The properties of the thiol ester-containing α-macroglobulin (αM) from the horseshoe crab ( Limulus polyphemus ) have been compared with those of the human analogue (α 2 M). Thiol ester accessibility was more restricted in Limulus αM than in human α 2 M. Fluorescent probes attached to the thiol ester cysteine indicated very similar local environments in the cleaved state of the two αMs. The separation between the two thiol ester cysteines in the cleaved state, determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer, was also very similar for the two αMs. Differences were found in the oligomerization state and conformational changes of the two proteins. Whereas human α 2 M appears to be exclusively a dimer of dimers, Limulus αM can exist in both tetrameric and dimeric forms, although with marked preference for the dimer. Conformational change within a dimeric trapping unit, monitored by 6-( p -toluidino)-2-napthalenesulfonic acid fluorescence change, showed that each monomer of the Limulus αM dimer appears to change conformation independently, whereas human α 2 M requires both thiol esters within a functional unit to be cleaved before the conformational change occurs. Taken together, these findings indicate that, whereas individual thiol esters in both types of αM are similar in properties, differences in subunit–subunit interaction result both in differences in state of oligomerization and in cooperativity of conformational change, which may reflect a fundamentally different organization of the subunits within a dimer in the two αMs.
EEG measures of cerebral asymmetry: conceptual and methodological issues

An overview of the use of EEG to assess hemispheric differences in cognitive and affective processes is presented. Some of the advantages of using EEG to assess asymmetric hemispheric differences in the study of complex mental activity are described. Following this brief introduction, two conceptual issues which are central to studies of EEG asymmetries are introduced: (1) the distinction between hemispheric specialization and activation, and (2) the importance of rostral-caudal differences for the understanding of both specialization and activation. Three methodological issues in the use of EEG to assess hemispheric differences are then presented: (1) the use of asymmetry metrics, (2) muscle artifact, and (3) appropriate reference electrode location. Finally, some empirical examples of using EEG to assess affective and cognitive processes which illustrate these conceptual and methodological issues are described.
Advanced Multiple Beam Equalization Radiography: Receiver Operating Characteristic Comparison With Screen-Film Chest Radiography

Objective To test the hypothesis that the advanced multiple beam equalization radiography (AMBER) imaging system is superior to conventional chest radiography in the demonstration of diffuse infiltrative lung disease, emphysema, pulmonary nodules, calcification within nodules, and mediastinal or hilar masses and lymphadenopathy. Material and Methods The study involved 115 patients, each of whom underwent chest computed tomography (CT), AMBER, posteroanterior chest radiography, and conventional posteroanterior stereoscopic chest radiography (two films). All radiographs were obtained with the InSight Thoracic Imaging System. Four chest radiologists independently analyzed the 115 AMBER studies, 115 unpaired single conventional radiographs (a single film from a stereoscopic pair), and 115 stereoscopic conventional radiographs (2 films) for the presence of diffuse infiltrative lung disease, emphysema, pulmonary nodules, calcification within nodules, and mediastinal or hilar masses and lymphadenopathy. For each abnormality detected, the radiologists described their level of confidence based on a scale of 1 to 5. The 115 CT examinations were interpreted by consensus among 3 of the chest radiologists. The CT results were considered the standard. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) techniques were used for statistical analysis. Results No statistically significant differences were found with ROC techniques between the AMBER system and single or stereoscopic conventional screen-film radiography for the abnormalities studied. Conclusion We noted no clinically significant difference between AMBER and either single or stereoscopic conventional screen-film radiography in this prospective study of 115 patients in which CT (performed within 1 week of both radiographic examinations) was the standard.
Biological impact of low dose-rate simulated solar particle event radiation in vivo

C57Bl6-lacZ animals were exposed to a range of low dose-rate simulated solar particle event (sSPE) radiation at the NASA-sponsored Research Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Peripheral blood was harvested from animals from 1 to 12 days after total body irradiation (TBI) to quantify the level of circulating reticulocytes (RET) and micronucleated reticulocytes (MN-RET) as an early indicator of radiation-induced genotoxicity. Bone marrow lymphocytes and hippocampal tissues from each animal were collected at 12 days and up to two months, to evaluate dose-dependent late effects after sSPE exposure. Early hematopoietic changes show that the % RET was reduced up to 3 days in response to radiation exposure but recovered at 12 days postirradiation. The % MN-RET in peripheral blood was temporally regulated and dependant on the total accumulated dose. Total chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes increased linearly with dose within a week after radiation and remained significantly higher than the control values at 4 weeks after exposure. The level of aberrations in the irradiated animals returned to control levels by 8 weeks postirradiation. Measurements of chromosome 2 and 8 specific aberrations indicate that, consistent with conventional giemsa-staining methods, the level of aberrations is also not significantly higher than in control animals at 8 weeks postirradiation. The hippocampus was surveyed for differential transcriptional regulation of genes known to be associated with neurogenesis. Our results showed differential expression of neurotrophin and their associated receptor genes within 1 week after sSPE exposure. Progressive changes in the profile of expressed genes known to be involved in neurogenic signaling pathways were dependent on the sSPE dose. Our results to date suggest that radiation-induced changes in the hematopoietic system, i.e., chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes, are transient and do not persist past 4 weeks after radiation. On the other hand, alteration in the profile of genes known to be involved in neurotrophic functions in the hippocampal tissue appears to persist for up to 8 weeks after radiation exposure. Such temporal changes confirm that, although cytogenetic changes after a single dose of low-dose and low-dose-rate protons appear to be transient, the impact of this exposure is sufficient to lead to persistent dynamic changes in neuronal tissues long after the initial radiation exposure.
A Method for the Quantitative Evaluation of Emulsion Stability in Coffee Whiteners

A method is described for quantitatively measuring the extent of emulsion destabilization (feathering) when liquid coffee whiteners are added to hot coffee. Coffee whitener is added to standard hot coffee solution (pH 4.9, 90°C) in a 0.5% fat Babcock bottle. Feathering is observed on the surface of the whitened coffee in the wide portion of the bottle. Dense corn syrup solution is layered beneath to raise the level of the surface so that the coagulated material is concentrated into the graduated capillary tube. After standing to allow compaction, the length of the column of coagulated material is measured.
Sarcoidosis after treatment with interferon-α: A case series and review of the literature

Summary Recombinant interferon-α (rINF-α) is an immunomodulator used in the treatment of various conditions, including viral infections and malignancies. The use of rINF-α has been associated with the development of sarcoidosis in recent case reports. In this series, we report the incidence of sarcoidosis in recipients of rINF-α for hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection at our institution. We also review the 57 additional cases of sarcoidosis associated with rINF-α described in the literature, including clinical presentation, radiographic findings, management, and outcomes, and discuss the potential mechanisms by which rINF-α may lead to the development of sarcoidosis.
Common agents used to unblock blood clots within tympanostomy tubes: An ex vivo study and review of literature

Abstract Objectives To determine the efficacy of common solutions used to dissolve blood clots blocking tympanostomy tubes (TTs) of differing lengths and diameters. Study Design An ex vivo experimental study. Methods Ear models were built by the study investigator. Tympanostomy tubes were inserted into the models and blocked with blood clots. Test solutions were applied to the blood clots, and time for clearance was recorded via microscopic visual confirmation. Results Richards T-tube had higher odds of unclogging than collar button tubes (odds ratio: 2.37, 95% confidence intervals 1.02–5.54, p = 0.042). Vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide were most effective for Richards T-tubes and collar button tubes, respectively. Conclusion Common solutions (vinegar and hydrogen peroxide) were more effective than antibiotic drops in clearing blood clot blocking TTs.
Pituitary growth hormone suppression withlow-dosage, long-acting corticoid administration

Statural growth was inhibited in 16 patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who received 6α-methylprednisolone acelate in a biweekly, intramuscular, physiologic dosage regimen. The response of plasma growth hormone to induced hypoglycemia was found to be obliterated in 7 of these patients selected for study. Administration of cortisone acetate for periods of 6 weeks to 42 months following termination of 6α-methylprednisolone acetate therapy was accompanied by a restoration of linear growth and a return of plasma growth hormone responsiveness to induced hypoglycemia.
Alumina trihydrate as a flame retardant filler for flexible vinyl compounds

In those flexible vinyl compounds which can accept fillers, alumina trihydrate can significantly improve flame resistance as measured by oxygen index11 . Over a range of plasticizer concentrations, the lower the concentration of burnable plasticizer, the greater the contribution of hydrate to flame retardancy. Combinations of alumina trihydrate with antimony oxide are especially effective for improving the flame resistance of flexible vinyl compounds.