cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrent chin swelling

A 32-year-old black woman came to the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery clinic with a 3-week history of an increasingly tender mass underneath her chin. She reported a history of chin trauma at age 4. The patient denied fever, chills, weight loss, and constitutional symptoms. The patient’s medical history was significant for hypertension, hypothyroidism, and asthma. She had been hospitalized for childbirth and pneumonia. Her medications included beclomethasone dipropionate (Beconase, Allen & Hanburys, Research Triangle Park, NC) and cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom, Fisons Pharmaceuticals, Rochester, NY) by inhaler as needed. She was allergic to sulfa drugs and cephalosporins. She quit smoking tobacco 3 years ago and denied alcohol abuse. Her family history was noncontributory. Physical examination showed a well-developed, wellnourished, black woman appearing her stated age. Vital signs showed a blood pressure of 130/82 mmHg, a regular pulse of 62 beats/min, a regular respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min, and a temperature of 37.2”C. Facial examination showed a 2-cm, mildly tender, firm, linear nodule in the submental region. A well-healed scar was present over the mass. Oral examination was within normal limits. The neck was without lymphadenopathy, and the thyroid was mildly enlarged. The remainder of her physical examination was unremarkable. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia. Microscopic examination showed florid granulomatous inflammation with focal necrosis and very focal, polarizable foreign material. Special stains for acid-fast bacilli and fungi were performed and were negative (Fig IA, B). The patient returned to the Oral and Maxillofacial clinic 6 days later. The sutures were removed, and a well-healing incision was noted. The patient returned 1 week later for another postoperative visit and after that was instructed to return if necessary. Four months later, the patient presented to the clinic with increasing swelling and tenderness in the previous surgical
Diode laser absorption spectroscopy for process control: Sensor system design methodology

A laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) system has been developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for process control. LAS has proven itself to be an accurate and reliable method to monitor both density and composition. In this paper the important features and components of an industrial LAS diagnostic are described. Application of this approach to vaporization processes requires careful selection of the species and transitions to be monitored The relative vapor pressure, hyperfine structure, isotopic frequency shifts, and electronic temperature all effect the selection of a particular transition. In this paper we describe the methodology for choosing the optimal transition or transitions. Coevaporation of a titanium-niobium alloy is used to illustrate the methodology. In a related paper, T.M. Anklam et al describe the application of this diagnostic to monitoring and controlling composition in a physical vapor deposition process of industrial interest.
Modern treatment of bronchial asthma

Various biochemical mediators and autonomic events lead to symptom-causing pathological changes in asthma attacks, that is, mucosal edema, mucous gland hypersecretion, and bronchial smooth muscle contraction. The discovery of α and β adrenergic receptors, and the observation that cyclic AMP is the intracellular effector in cells stimulated by various hormones, led to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of medications for asthma. Emergency evaluation, in addition to history, physical findings, and physiological status, should include prior asthma history. Initial emergency therapy in patients with a history suggesting responsiveness to simple measures includes subcutaneous epinephrine, 0.2 to 0.5 mg, or terbutaline sulfate, 0.25 mg. Also, the patient may benefit from inhalation of an aerosolized bronchodilator. Patients who do not respond to initial treatment in three to four hours or who deteriorate, should be hospitalized. Hospitalized asthma patients should be constantly observed and monitored. The emergency treatment should be continued vigorously.. Corticosteroid therapy should be started upon admission. The response rate to therapy in the hospitalized asthmatic is highly variable. Outpatient management involves patient education in the nature of asthma and in the fact that multiple drugs and frequent changes in therapy may be required to bring the symptoms under control.
Charge-Burping Theory Correctly Predicts Optimal Ratios of Phase Duration for Biphasic Defibrillation Waveforms

Background For biphasic waveforms, it is accepted that the ratio of the duration of phase 2 to the duration of phase 1 (phase-duration ratio) should be ≤1. The charge-burping theory postulates that the beneficial effects of phase 2 are maximal when it completely removes the charge delivered by phase 1. It predicts that the phase-duration ratio should be 1 when τs<τm. This study tested the hypothesis that the optimal phase-duration ratio depends on τs (the product of the defibrillator capacitance and pathway resistance). Methods and Results In a canine model of transvenous defibrillation (n=8), we determined stored-energy defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) for biphasic waveforms from conventional capacitors (140 μF, τs=7.1±0.8 ms) and very small capacitors (40 μF, τs=2.0±0.2 ms). Each capacitance was tested with phase-duration ratios of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3. The duration of phase 1 approximated th...
On dams with continuous semi-Markovian inputs

Abstract An infinite capacity dam subject to semi-Markovian inputs and a content dependent release rule will be discussed. The content process will be constructed, the distributions of the content at time t and time to first emptiness will be computed, and the limiting distribution of the content process will be obtained in a special case. Our methods rely heavily on Markov renewal theory with continuous state spaces.
Marital Conflict Resolution A Study of Strategies and Outcomes

Thirty white, middle-class, married couples were interviewed concerning the strategies each spouse used in attempting to resolve a number of actual conflicts experienced by each couple. Four types of strategies are examined: authority, control, influence, and manipulation. Findings show that husbands win most conflicts regardless of the strategies they or their wives employ. Controls for possession of strategy-relevant resources, area of responsibility, and belief in the use of various strategies demonstrate no consistent relationship to strategy choice or conflict resolution outcome. Wife's employment status, husband's education, and the general degree of familial traditionalism are related to strategy choice and outcome, but controlling for these does not produce a relationship between strategy and outcome. The evidence suggests that individual conflicts are not resolved on an individual basis; general background factors of the marriage shape outcomes but the process by which they are translated into ou...
Timing of deformation and exhumation in the western Idaho shear zone, McCall, Idaho

The western Idaho shear zone is one of several Cretaceous high-strain zones in the Cordillera that are thought to have been associated with the northward translation and/or docking of terranes presently in British Columbia. Located in west-central Idaho, this zone of intense deformation consists of a mid-crustal exposure of a lithospheric-scale, intra-arc dextral shear zone that overprints the Salmon River suture zone along the western edge of the Idaho batholith. U/Pb zircon geochronology constrains the main phase of deformation to between ca. 105 and 90 Ma. Cessation of movement on the shear zone occurred by 90 Ma, as determined by dating of the syntectonic Payette River tonalite and a crosscutting pegmatite dike in the Little Goose Creek complex. The 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology indicates that the shear zone passed through both the hornblende (~550 °C) and biotite (~325 °C) closure temperatures between 85 and 70 Ma. The 40Ar/39Ar biotite dates from an outcrop-scale, crosscutting shear zone are indistinguishable from that of the host rock, indicating that deformation occurred above the closure temperature of biotite. Apatite fission-track analysis suggests that exhumation to shallow crustal levels occurred ca. 40 Ma during mid-Tertiary regional exhumation or renewed tectonic activity along the Salmon River suture zone. Taken together, the 40Ar/39Ar results and apatite fission-track analyses indicate a two-stage uplift history for the western Idaho shear zone. Overall, the geochronology indicates that dextral transpressional movement on the western Idaho shear zone was temporally distinct from the Early Cretaceous suturing event. Additionally, the first stage of exhumation recorded by the western Idaho shear zone immediately followed transpressional deformation. Cessation of displacement on the western Idaho shear zone by ca. 90 Ma indicates that the exhumation did not solely occur as a result of ductile deformation on the shear zone itself. Moreover, dextral strike-slip movement on the western Idaho shear zone had also ceased by 90 Ma, indicating that terrane translation models for the Cordillera can only use the western Idaho shear zone to accommodate northward translation up to ca. 90 Ma. Lastly, the timing of movement on the western Idaho shear zone and contractional deformation recorded in the Insular terrane suggests a correlation between these events. This hypothesis implies that the deformation recorded in the western Idaho shear zone may have been linked to the oblique collision of the Insular superterrane with North America.
“Dude, You’re Such a Slut!” Barriers and Facilitators of Sexual Communication Among Young Gay Men and Their Best Friends:

Conversations with friends are a crucial source of information about sexuality for young gay men, and a key way that sexual health norms are shared during emerging adulthood. However, friends can only provide this support if they are able to talk openly about sexuality. We explored this issue through qualitative interviews with an ethnically diverse sample of young gay men and their best friends. Using theories of sexual scripts, stigma, and emerging adulthood, we examined how conversations about sex could be obstructed or facilitated by several key factors, including judgmentalism, comfort/discomfort, and receptivity. Gay male friends sometimes spoke about unprotected sex in judgmental ways (e.g., calling a friend “slut” or “whore” for having sex without condoms). In some cases, this language could be used playfully, while in others it had the effect of shaming a friend and obstructing further communication about sexual risk. Female friends were rarely openly judgmental, but often felt uncomfortable talk...
DNA vaccines against anthrax.

DNA vaccination is vaccination at its simplest. Due to renewed interest in vaccination against anthrax and other biothreat agents, a genetic immunisation approach offers attractive possibilities for rapid, responsive vaccine development. DNA vaccination against anthrax is an active area of research showing promising results at present, which in the short-term and in the future could form the basis for new advances in multi-agent vaccine development. The anthrax ‘model’ constitutes an important experimental system for genetic immunisation technology development.
Down-regulation of macaque γδ + T cells in lymphoid compartments after rectal infection with SIVsmmPBj14

The dynamics of T cells expressing the gammadelta T-cell receptor in mucosae and other compartments during the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection are poorly understood. To examine the impact of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome virus on the gammadelta + T-cell population, rectal inoculation of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-PBj14 was used as a model. After rectal inoculation, five macaques were sacrificed on days 4, 5, or 7 and then assessed for changes in the gammadelta T-cell receptor repertoire in different lymphoid compartments. There was decreased representation of gammadelta + T cells in the intestinal mucosae, blood, and spleens. Overall, the reduced number of total gammadelta + T cells was consistent with decreases in the Vgamma or Vdelta T-cell sub-populations. Nevertheless, there was no consistent deletion or expansion of a selected Vdelta + or Vdelta + cell sub-population. These results demonstrate that SIV-PBj14 replication and dissemination after mucosal inoculation resulted in a decline of detectable gammadelta + T cells, suggesting that macaque gammadelta + T cells are susceptible to down-regulation or destruction during acute SIV-PBj14 infection.
A new correlation of the initial collection efficiency of granular aerosol filtration

Modifications are introduced and an empirical correlation of the adhesive probability is developed to account for the effect due to particle bounceoff at high gas velocities. The performance of granular filters is described by the unit collector efficiency, and the authors present an equation from which the particle concentration profile through a granular bed can be obtained.
Biotic homogenization: a few winners replacing many losers in the next mass extinction

Human activities are not random in their negative and positive impacts on biotas. Emerging evidence shows that most species are declining as a result of human activities ('losers') and are being replaced by a much smaller number of expanding species that thrive in human-altered environments ('winners'). The result will be a more homogenized biosphere with lower diversity at regional and global scales. Recent data also indicate that the many losers and few winners tend to be non-randomly distributed among higher taxa and ecological groups, enhancing homogenization.
Psychotic dream-related aggression: A critical review and proposal

The relationship among parasomnias, sleep-related violence (SRV), and psychosis has neither been reported nor studied. The authors introduce the phenomenon of psychotic dream-related aggression (PDRA) and, through a review of the research on manifest dreams, the continuity of thinking across the sleep-wake cycle, and SRV, argue for its inclusion alongside the parasomnias of DSM-IV. Five cases are presented that illustrate this phenomenon, usually a male diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia whose violent act toward another was closely associated with the manifest content of his nocturnal dreams and his inability to test reality. Differential diagnostic criteria are proposed to separate PDRA from other parasomnias that may be related to violence. Treatment and forensic implications are discussed.
Acute coronary syndrome emergency treatment strategies: Improved treatment and reduced mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome using guideline-based critical care pathways.

Background An acute coronary syndrome (ACS) emergency treatment strategies (ACSETS) critical care pathway (CCP), embedding guideline-based treatment, was evaluated in a 4-hospital system in Buffalo, NY, for its impact on ACS drug utilization, length of stay, and mortality. Methods The study used an observational design comparing pre- (n = 1,240) and post- (n = 1,709) ACSETS implementation cohorts followed over 1 year. Both myocardial infarction (MI) (59%) and unstable angina (UA) (41%) patients were studied. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze possible differences in major end points. Results Appropriate ACS medication use was significantly higher in the ACSETS group in the first 24 hours and at discharge. In a subgroup of managed care health insurance patients (n = 884 ), prescription refills for statins, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and clopidogrel were significantly greater in the ACSETS group up to and including 7 months after discharge, although at 7 months, actual refill rate was poor (30%-50%) for both groups. Length of stay was significantly reduced (HR 0.82 [0.72-0.90]). Inpatient mortality was not significantly reduced. One-year adjusted mortality was reduced significantly compared to non-ACSETS in the MI group (by 19%) (HR 0.81 [0.66-0.99]) but not in the UA group (HR 1.13 [0.71-1.79]). Conclusions ACSETS contributes to the proof of concept of critical care pathway (CCP) improvement of ACS care, as revealed by increased acute and chronic evidence-based use of medication, decreased length of stay, and, in the case of MI patients, decreased adjusted 1-year mortality. One-year mortality benefit was observed in MI but not UA patients.
Adolescent Personality as Risk and Resiliency in the Testosterone–Externalizing Association

Previous investigations of testosterone and externalizing behavior have provided mixed findings. We tested the hypothesis that self-regulatory personality moderates the testosterone-externalizing behavior association in adolescence. Parents reported on their 13- to 18-year-old (N = 106, Mage = 16.01, SD = 1.29) children's personalities and psychopathology. Testosterone was measured via drool samples. As hypothesized, personality moderated the testosterone-externalizing behavior association. High testosterone predicted higher levels of externalizing behaviors, but only for adolescents low in Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Also, personality acted as a resiliency factor: high levels of Conscientiousness, in the presence of high testosterone, predicted lower levels of rule breaking. Results highlight how endogenous factors, such as personality, may interact with testosterone, and emphasize the relevance of including personality moderators in future research.
Food Restriction as a Form of Child Abuse in Ten Cases of Psychosocial Deprivation Dwarfism

Ten children with a psychosocial deprivation syndrome had linear growth failure, retarded bone age, a voracious and bizarre appetite, and behavior abnormalities which were a consequence of maternal rejection. Direct and indirect evidence suggests that their food had been persistently restricted by mothers who abused the children physically and had personality traits characteristic of such mothers. Most of the children had a low IQ. Weight recovery occurred regularly in the hospital and in three cases in the home, providing food was not restricted. Diagnosis was difficult because ravenous appetites and abnormal stools suggested malabsorption in seven cases; however, histories, absorption tests, and weight recovery which occurred despite temporary persistence of abnormal stools indicated that malabsorption was not the primary cause of malnutrition. Deviant be havior and abnormal stools were used to rationalize frustration and food restriction. Intensive psychotherapy of the mother is necessary.
Systems analysis applied to modeling dopant activation and TED in rapid thermal annealing

Insufficient dopant activation and excessive transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron in silicon has been major inhibitors to forming low-resistivity ultrashallow junctions for CMOS device applications. However, the predictive capability of most simulation-based models is subject to serious doubt. Here we apply several mathematical methods drawn from systems analysis to greatly reduce the magnitudes of these uncertainties and to determine optimal temperature trajectories. We begin by outlining firmly grounded procedures for estimating simulation rate parameters using maximum likelihood estimation together with multivariate statistics to quantify accuracy. We also describe a rigorous parameter sensitivity analysis by the finite difference method to investigate model behavior. These combined approaches not only lead to vast improvements in the ability of simulations to match experiment, but also show that, out of roughly 30 total parameters in the model, only 4 need further serious attention as targets for determination by independent experiments or quantum calculations.
A MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF NORTH AMERICAN PLEUROCERIDAE (GASTROPODA: CERITHIOIDEA) BASED ON MITOCHONDRIAL 16S rDNA SEQUENCES

The Pleuroceridae Fischer, 1885, is one of three freshwater gastropod families currently recognized in the superfamily Cerithioidea Ferussac, 1819 (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda Cox, 1960). Despite considerable literature justifying various proposed generic names of North American pleurocerids, no study has been conducted examining phylogenetic relationships of the recognized genera. In an effort to expand our understanding of evolutionary relationships of North American pleurocerid genrea, we examined a large portion of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene among 32 extant North American taxa. Multiple sequence alignment of the amplified region for our taxa resulted in a matrix consisting of 900 nucleotides including insertions and deletions. Based on analysis of nucleotide substitution patterns, we employed two approaches in our phylogenetic analysis: (1) all substitutions received equal weighting and (2) transversions were weighted 2X and 4X transitions to compensate for transition saturation among distantly related taxa. The molecular phylogeny based on the mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences supports the monophyly of Pleurocera Rafinesque, 1819, Elimia H.&A. Adams, 1854, and Juga H.&A. Adams, 1854, but depicts the genera Lithasia Haldeman, 1840, and Leptoxis Rafinesque, 1819, as polyphyletic. The genus Pleurocera is sister to Elimia, which in turn is sister to a paraphyletic assemblage including representatives of Leptoxis, Lithasia, and the monotypic genus Io Lea, 1831. Juga, a genus restricted to west of the North American continental divide is the basal-most clade and is sister to all the aforementioned genera found east of the continental divide.
Insulin, cognition, and dementia

Cognitive disorders of aging represent a serious threat to the social and economic welfare of current society. It is now widely recognized that pathology related to such conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease, likely begins years or decades prior to the onset of clinical dementia symptoms. This revelation has led researchers to consider candidate mechanisms precipitating the cascade of neuropathological events that eventually lead to clinical Alzheimer's disease. Insulin, a hormone with potent effects in the brain, has recently received a great deal of attention for its potential beneficial and protective role in cognitive function. Insulin resistance, which refers to the reduced sensitivity of target tissues to the favorable effects of insulin, is related to multiple chronic conditions known to impact cognition and increase dementia risk. With insulin resistance-associated conditions reaching epidemic proportions, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders will continue to rise exponentially. Fortunately, these chronic insulin-related conditions are amenable to pharmacological intervention. As a result, novel therapeutic strategies that focus on increasing insulin sensitivity in the brain may be an important target for protecting or treating cognitive decline. The following review will highlight our current understanding of the role of insulin in brain, potential mechanisms underlying the link between insulin resistance and dementia, and current experimental therapeutic strategies aimed at improving cognitive function via modifying the brain's insulin sensitivity.
A case against sublingual gland removal as primary treatment of ranulas.

F m imple marsupialization or unroofing, the oldest and ost widely reported method of surgical manageent of oral ranula, has fallen into disfavor primarily ecause of the excessive number of recurrences (aproximately 60% to 90%). As a consequence, Catone l al and Bridger et al recommended that the primary reatment of all ranulas, regardless of size, should be ublingual gland excision. At times, this recommendaion is more severe than appropriate (Fig 1). There are several reasons why this recommended ethod of treatment requires reconsideration. The erm “ranula” is often loosely applied to any cyst-like welling in the oral floor. Some of these lesions are nrelated to the body of the sublingual gland and herefore its removal would be a mistake. There are ucoceles arising from the mucus-secreting incisal land in the anterior floor of the mouth (Fig 2), retenion cysts at Wharton’s duct orifice (Fig 3), and single r multiple retention cysts involving the openings of he ducts of Rivinus (Fig 4). These superficial cystike masses are readily differentiated from those rising from the depths of the sublingual gland ecause their size ( 0.5 to 1.5 cm) is significantly maller compared with those arising from the gland 1.5 to 3 cm) (Fig 5). Because of their shallow haracter, an unroofing procedure will result in uccess with minimal if any incidence of recurence. Crysdale et al appear to have had a sounder ut still exaggerated recommendation when they uggested that lesions larger than 1 cm should be reated with gland removal. No one could argue that when dealing with mucocees arising from the deeper areas of the sublingual gland Fig 6), the standard marsupialization technique is not he answer. It has no foundation for success from an
Microbial community response to a release of neat ethanol onto residual hydrocarbons in a pilot-scale aquifer tank.

Summary The microbial community response to a neat ethanol release (E100, 76 l) onto residual hydrocarbons in sandy soil was evaluated in a continuous-flow 8 m 3 pilot-scale aquifer tank, simulating a release at a bulk fuel terminal. Microbial genotypic shifts were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. High ethanol concentrations in the capillary fringe at potentially toxic levels, exceeding 100 000 mg l -1 , were tolerated by the microbial community. The high biochemical oxygen demand exerted by ethanol rapidly induced anaerobic conditions, and both methane production (up to 1.2 mg l -1 ) and growth of putative methanogenic Archaea (up to 10 6 gene copies per g of soil) were observed in shallow groundwater and soil samples 75 cm down gradient from the source. Aerobic conditions returned after ethanol was flushed out of the system, approximately 45 days after the spill (less than 7.5 pore volumes flushed). Total Bacteria growth coincided with ethanol migration and availability, which was restricted to a relatively thin layer at the capillary fringe and water table interface. The concentrations of bacteria har- bouring the aerobic catabolic genes dmpN (coding for phenol hydroxylase) and todC1 (coding for toluene dioxygenase) increased (up to 100¥) down gradient from the source, likely as a result of both fortuitous growth on ethanol and on aromatic hydrocarbons mobilized by ethanol. Growth of hydrocarbon degrad- ers was corroborated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showing proliferation of Azospirillum and Brevundimonas spp., which are bacteria commonly associated with microaerophilic hydrocarbon degradation. Nevertheless, the relative abundance of hydrocarbon-specific degraders (as a fraction of total Bacteria) decreased as other bacteria grew to a higher extent. Overall, the observed growth of hydrocarbon degraders suggests a potential en- hancement in aerobic natural attenuation in shallow aquifers after ethanol and its degradation by-products are degraded or flushed from sites impacted by ethanol-blended fuels.
The repABC plasmids with quorum-regulated transfer systems in members of the Rhizobiales divide into two structurally and separately evolving groups

The large repABC plasmids of the order Rhizobiales with Class I quorum-regulated conjugative transfer systems often define the nature of the bacterium that harbors them. These otherwise diverse plasmids contain a core of highly conserved genes for replication and conjugation raising the question of their evolutionary relationships. In an analysis of 18 such plasmids these elements fall into two organizational classes, Group I and Group II, based on the sites at which cargo DNA is located. Cladograms constructed from proteins of the transfer and quorum-sensing components indicated that those of the Group I plasmids, while coevolving, have diverged from those coevolving proteins of the Group II plasmids. Moreover, within these groups the phylogenies of the proteins usually occupy similar, if not identical, tree topologies. Remarkably, such relationships were not seen among proteins of the replication system; although RepA and RepB coevolve, RepC does not. Nor do the replication proteins coevolve with the proteins of the transfer and quorum-sensing systems. Functional analysis was mostly consistent with phylogenies. TraR activated promoters from plasmids within its group, but not between groups and dimerized with TraR proteins from within but not between groups. However, oriT sequences, which are highly conserved, were processed by the transfer system of plasmids regardless of group. We conclude that these plasmids diverged into two classes based on the locations at which cargo DNA is inserted, that the quorum-sensing and transfer functions are coevolving within but not between the two groups, and that this divergent evolution extends to function.
Dual congenital transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona in a late-term aborted pup from a chronically infected southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis)

Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona are protozoan parasites with terrestrial definitive hosts, and both pathogens can cause fatal disease in a wide range of marine animals. Close monitoring of threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) in California allowed for the diagnosis of dual transplacental transmission of T. gondii and S. neurona in a wild female otter that was chronically infected with both parasites. Congenital infection resulted in late-term abortion due to disseminated toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma gondii and S. neurona DNA was amplified from placental tissue culture, as well as from fetal lung tissue. Molecular characterization of T. gondii revealed a Type X genotype in isolates derived from placenta and fetal brain, as well as in all tested fetal organs (brain, lung, spleen, liver and thymus). This report provides the first evidence for transplacental transmission of T. gondii in a chronically infected wild sea otter, and the first molecular and immunohistochemical confirmation of concurrent transplacental transmission of T. gondii and S. neurona in any species. Repeated fetal and/or neonatal losses in the sea otter dam also suggested that T. gondii has the potential to reduce fecundity in chronically infected marine mammals through parasite recrudescence and repeated fetal infection.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor enhances spontaneous sleep in rats and rabbits.

Various growth factors are involved in sleep regulation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the neurotrophin family; it and its receptors are found in normal brain. Furthermore, ce...
DUCES: A Framework for Characterizing and Simplifying Mobile Deployments in Low-Resource Settings

Mobile devices are increasingly being used in data-focused workflows in low-resource settings. These deployments are frequently orchestrated by organizations with limited technical capacity, making fundamental architectural decisions difficult. We present DUCES, a framework for characterizing mobile deployments along five axes of design. DUCES allows organizations to better understand deployment requirements and simplify decisions regarding deployment architectures. It focuses on the workflow's Data flow, User interface, Connectivity model, Edit mode, and Server requirements. We discuss five case studies of data-focused mobile deployments and evaluate them using the DUCES framework. We conclude by discussing how the DUCES framework can be used as a lens by organizations and researchers to understand and simplify mobile deployments.
Chorioepithelioma: A clinical and pathological study☆

Abstract Five examples of chorioepithelioma, including one ectopic tumor, are presented. These show variations in their mode of development and extension. The diagnostic and prognostic value of the biologic reaction in connection with these tumors is discussed.
Analysis on effectiveness of voluntary counseling and testing for AIDS in Langfang City

[Objective]To carry out the HIV / AIDS prevention education and care for the high-risk group,achieve early detection and early treatment,improve their health awareness,reduce high-risk behaviors,improve and enhance the voluntary counseling and testing( VCT) services. [Methods]The detection results and related information of VCT services in Lang Fang Center for Disease Control and Prevention were collected and analyzed. [Results]A total of 1 728 clients received VCT service from 2011 to 2013,the ratio of male-to-female was 2. 50 ∶ 1,and 55. 21% of them were young adults aged 20-39 years old. A majority of the clients had extramarital sexual history and MSM history,and the constituent ratio increased gradually. There were 67 positive cases for HIV,with the positive rate of 3. 88%. The highest HIV antibody positive rate was found among three groups,including intravenous drug abusers,people whose spouses were HIV positive,and MSM,which the positive rate was 38. 46%,12. 16% and 7. 89%,respectively,meanwhile,there were significant differences between these three groups and other groups. VCT clients and HIV positive rate increased year by year. There was a significant difference in HIV positive rate between previous detection and the first detection. [Conclusion]VCT services in STD clinic are helpful for center for disease control and prevention to understand the distribution,composition and characteristics of high-risk groups,and early detection of HIV / AIDS infections. It is feasible to take the publicity,education,communication and care to alter and reduce the high-risk behavior,control the spread of viruses,and safeguard the people's health.
Boundary analysis in sedimentation velocity experiments.

Publisher Summary Measurement of the sedimentation velocity of macromolecular particles was the first type of analysis to which the analytical centrifuge was applied. This chapter describes the earlier methods of analysis of sedimentation velocity data that were used before the advent of digital computers. The chapter focuses on the approaches that have become practical because of the availability of computers and describes newer techniques that have become possible through the introduction of modern on-line digital data acquisition systems. The chapter emphasizes on techniques employing the time derivative of the concentration distribution. The use of the time derivative results in an automatic baseline elimination with a consequent increase in accuracy. Combination of the time derivative with an averaging procedure has resulted in an increase of two–three orders of magnitude in precision. The time derivative technique produces an apparent sedimentation coefficient distribution function.
Identification of polymorphic markers flanking the human APRT gene

Because of its small size and selectable nature, the human adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) gene has been widely used as a model system for studying mutational events in somatic cells in vitro (1). We are currently using this gene as a model to study mutational events in somatic cells in vivo. Because of the autosomal nature of APRT, these events are best studied in obligate heterozygotes (eg, parents of APRT-deficient patients). This can be done by culturing T lymphocytes from the heterozygotes in the presence of diaminopurine (DAP) and then analyzing drug-resistant clones for mutations.
Colon cancer. Molecular biology of the APC protein

La decouverte d'un gene ayant des activites suppressives sur les tumeurs ouvre de nouvelles voies de recherche sur les mecanismes fondamentaux responsables de l'initiation et de la promotion des tumeurs. Lorsque le gene est transmis de facon hereditaire il presente l'avantage de definir une etape de la tumorigenese qui peut limiter la vitesse de developpement des tumeurs du type concerne. Les auteurs ont pu identifier un tel gene pour le cancer du colon. Ce gene, appele APC, joue un role etiologique de premier plan non seulement dans la polypose adenomateuse familiale mais aussi dans les polypes coliques sporadiques. La caracterisation de la biologie moleculaire de ce gene et des mecanismes qui aboutissent au developpement des tumeurs coliques pourrait enrichir les possibilites de diagnostic, de traitement et de chimioprevention des cancers coliques. Les auteurs ont donc entrepris une serie d'etudes exploratoires destinees a elucider les roles fonctionnels de la proteine APC. Ainsi, des etudes immunocytochimiques ont revele que la proteine APC est presente dans l'ensemble de la cellule, dans le cytoplasme comme dans le noyau, et qu'au sein du noyau elle est en grande partie liee aux nucleoles. L'immunomarquage cytoplasmique est ponctiforme, avec une accumulation au bord mobile des cellules en migration a l'extremite des microtubules. Apres extraction des cellules laissant un residu compose principalement du cytosquelette et de l'echafaudage nucleaire, ces structures sont fortement marquees par l'anti-APC. Des etudes realisees avec le systeme de double-hybride de levure ont permis d'identifier plusieurs proteines qui semblent presenter des interactions avec l'APC, notamment un nouveau site de liaison pour l'alpha-tubuline. Ces resultats, et d'autres donnees recentes concernant l'APC, font penser que cette proteine joue un role global, modulant l'activite cellulaire et les voies de transduction de signaux conduisant de la peripherie cellulaire au noyau.
Energy Transfer in Photosynthesis: The Heterogeneous Bipartite Model

Time-resolved fluorescence measurements let us measure energy transfer from the absorbing pigments called the antenna to the reaction center in chloroplasts, the structures responsible for photosynthesis in green plants. It is accepted that reaction centers capture excitation energy from antennae and quench fluorescence efficiently only when they are in a resting or “open” state. This results in a minimal fluorescence yield which is termed Fo. Once they have captured an exciton, reaction centers cannot readily capture another and are said to be “closed.” Fluorescence is a maximum under this Fm condition. Steady state fluorescence measurements at Fo, Fm, and intermediate conditions, with and without a variety of perturbing agents present, have led to specific models for the photosynthetic apparatus. These have implicit predictions for time-resolved fluorescence decays as well.
Patellar Tracking by Ultrasound

The patella is known to demonstrate a shift both medial and lateral in the course of its excursion past the femoral condyles as the knee flexes and extends. In addition, a tilting is also noted and rotation is suspected. It is difficult to accomplish the study of these motions in the living knee without invasive techniques. Since bony outlines are needed in this study, the possibility of accomplishing this by ultrasound was explored outlining the patella and femoral condyles in various positions of flexion and extension actively. The technique employed was to have the patient sit with the leg extended beyond the table and to do longitudinal and cross sectional, full circumferential studies of the knee at various levels. The medial epicondyle of the knee was set as the zero baseline and 1 cm. cuts above and below were recorded as plus above and minus below. Studios were obtained using a 5 MHz. transducer. Recordings on the print out were then analyzed by drawing the baseline tangential to the posterior margins of the condyles and then erecting a perpendicular line at the extremes of the medial and lateral femoral condyles.
User Perceptions of a Virtual Human Over Mobile Video Chat Interactions

We believe that virtual humans, presented over video chat services, such as Skype, and delivered using smartphones, can be an effective way to deliver innovative applications where social interactions are important, such as counseling and coaching. To explore this subject, we have built a hardware and software apparatus that allows virtual humans to initiate, receive, and interact over video calls using Skype or any similar service. With this platform, we conducted two experiments to investigate the applications and characteristics of virtual humans that interact over mobile video. In Experiment 1, we investigated user reactions to the physical realism of the background scene in which a virtual human was displayed. In Experiment 2, we examined how virtual characters can establish and maintain longer term relationships with users, using ideas from Social Exchange Theory to strengthen bonds between interactants. Experiment 2 involved repeated interactions with a virtual human over a period of time. Both studies used counseling-style interactions with users. The results demonstrated that males were more attracted socially to a virtual human that was presented over a realistic background than a featureless background while females were more socially attracted to a virtual human with a less realistic featureless background. The results further revealed that users felt the virtual human was a compassionate partner when they interacted with the virtual human over multiple calls, rather than just a single call.
Rainbow trapping of ultrasonic guided waves in chirped phononic crystal plates

The rainbow trapping effect has been demonstrated in electromagnetic and acoustic waves. In this study, rainbow trapping of ultrasonic guided waves is achieved in chirped phononic crystal plates that spatially modulate the dispersion, group velocity, and stopband. The rainbow trapping is related to the progressively slowing group velocity, and the extremely low group velocity near the lower boundary of a stopband that gradually varies in chirped phononic crystal plates. As guided waves propagate along the phononic crystal plate, waves gradually slow down and finally stop forward propagating. The energy of guided waves is concentrated at the low velocity region near the stopband. Moreover, the guided wave energy of different frequencies is concentrated at different locations, which manifests as rainbow guided waves. We believe implementing the rainbow trapping will open new paradigms for guiding and focusing of guided waves. Moreover, the rainbow guided waves with energy concentration and spatial separation of frequencies may have potential applications in nondestructive evaluation, spatial wave filtering, energy harvesting, and acoustofluidics.
Failure of a Trunnion Axle on a Hard Suspension Multi-axle Trailer

The failure analysis of a trunnion axle on a hard suspension multi-axle trailer is presented. All reported failures have occurred in an unloaded state very shortly after being put into service at or near the top of the trunnion axle in close proximity to a welded round plate. Analyses indicated a pre-existing flaw in the heat-affected zone near the weld. The unloaded state of the trailer, which may have exacerbated the dynamic loading, coupled with the limited damping provided by the hard suspension was likely the driving force for this failure.
The role of maternal age in twin pregnancy outcomes.

Background There are limited data on how maternal age is related to twin pregnancy outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal age and risk for preterm birth, fetal death, and neonatal death in the setting of twin pregnancy. Study Design This population-based study of US birth, fetal death, and period-linked birth-infant death files from 2007–2013 evaluated neonatal outcomes for twin pregnancies. Maternal age was categorized as 15–17, 18–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, and ≥40 years of age. Twin live births and fetal death delivered at 20–42 weeks were included. Primary outcomes included preterm birth ( Results A total of 955,882 twin live births from 2007–2013 were included in the analysis. Preterm birth rates at Conclusion Although twin pregnancy is associated with increased risk for most adverse perinatal outcomes, this analysis did not find advanced maternal age to be an additional risk factor for fetal death and infant death. Preterm birth risk was relatively low for women in their late 30s. Risks for adverse outcomes were higher among younger women; further research is indicated to improve outcomes for this demographic group. It may be reasonable to counsel women in their 30s that their age is not a major additional risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes in the setting of twin pregnancy.
Predictors of no-show among international patients with cancer: A 4-year analysis.

23Background: Patient no-show (NSh) for scheduled medical appointments negatively impacts quality of care, impedes optimal use of resources, has significant negative economic consequences secondary to missed appointments, and uncovered referral processing costs. International patients (IntlPts) present challenging financial/travel arrangements and cultural and linguistic needs. There are currently very limited data regarding numbers of IntlPts visiting the United States for medical care and no data regarding NSh rates. The purpose of this study was to quantify costs and identify IntlPts-related variables correlating with NSh to develop interventions aimed at minimizing the associated negative financial consequences. Methods: A retrospective study of IntlPts accepted and scheduled for an appointment at the International Assessment Center at MD Anderson in fiscal years 2010 – 2013 was conducted. Overall 52 variables were evaluated that included socio-demographic and clinical patient characteristics, financi...
Inhibition of Renal Sodium-Glucose Cotransport With Empagliflozin Lowers Fasting Plasma Glucose and Improves β-Cell Function in Subjects With Impaired Fasting Glucose

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of renal sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibition with empagliflozin on the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentration and β-cell function in subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Eight subjects with normal fasting glucose (NFG) and eight subjects with IFG received empagliflozin (25 mg/day) for 2 weeks. FPG concentration and β-cell function was measured with a nine-step hyperglycemic clamp before and 48 h and 14 days after the start of empagliflozin. Empagliflozin caused 50 ± 4 and 45 ± 4 g glucosuria on day 2 in subjects with IFG and NFG, respectively, and the glucosuria was maintained for 2 weeks in both groups. The FPG concentration decreased only in subjects with IFG from 110 ± 2 to 103 ± 3 mg/dL (P < 0.01) after 14 days. The FPG concentration remained unchanged (95 ± 2 to 94 ± 2 mg/dL) in subjects with NFG. Empagliflozin enhanced β-cell function only in subjects with IFG. The incremental area under the plasma C-peptide concentration curve during the hyperglycemic clamp increased by 22 ± 4 and 23 ± 4% after 48 h and 14 days, respectively (P < 0.01); the plasma C-peptide response remained unchanged in subjects with NFG. Insulin sensitivity during the hyperglycemic clamp was not affected by empagliflozin in either IFG or NFG. Thus, β-cell function measured with the insulin secretion/insulin sensitivity (disposition) index increased significantly in IFG, but not in subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Inhibition of renal sodium-glucose cotransport with empagliflozin in subjects with IFG and NFG produces comparable glucosuria but lowers the plasma glucose concentration and improves β-cell function only in subjects with IFG.
A 16-bit 16MS/s SAR ADC with on-chip calibration in 55nm CMOS

This paper presents a SAR ADC that is much smaller and faster than the recently reported precision (16-bit and beyond) SAR ADCs [1, 2, 3]. In addition, it features low input capacitance and an efficient on-chip foreground calibration algorithm to fix bit weight errors. Several other enabling techniques are also used, including signal independent reference switching using reservoir capacitors to improve speed and reduce area, LSB repeats and ADC residue measurement to improve efficiency. The prototype achieves 97.5dB SFDR while operating at 16MS/s and consumes 16.3mW. It was fabricated in 55nm CMOS and occupies 0.55mm2.