cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic Considerations in the Care of the Parturient with Obesity

The goal of this review is to summarize recent findings on the physiologic alterations posed by maternal obesity and implications for the anesthetic care of mother and infant. Obesity is rising nationally and globally. Many studies show associations between excess weight during pregnancy with increased morbidity and mortality. Parturients with obesity are at a higher risk of endocrine, cardiac, pulmonary, and post-operative complications. A neuraxial catheter is recommended given the higher risk of an operative delivery. Consultation by an obstetric anesthesiologist is helpful for patient education and planning. Maternal mortality is the highest in the USA compared to other high-income countries. Understanding the association between obesity and maternal morbidity and mortality is critically important. The obstetric anesthesiologist can improve care by understanding not only the patient's medical needs, but also anticipating complications and having appropriate equipment available. Multi-disciplinary care optimizes outcomes.
Virtual Reality in Neurointervention

Objectives Virtual reality (VR) allows users to experience realistic, immersive 3D virtual environments, with the depth perception and binocular field of view of real 3D settings. Newer VR technology has now allowed for interaction with 3D objects within these virtual environments through the use of VR controllers. This technical note describes our preliminary experience with VR as an adjunct tool to traditional angiographic imaging in the pre-procedural workup of a patient with a complex pseudoaneurysm. Methods Angiographic MRI data was imported and segmented to create 3D meshes of bilateral carotid vasculature. The 3D meshes were then projected into VR space, allowing the operator to inspect the carotid vasculature using a 3D VR headset, as well as interact with the pseudoaneurysm (handling, rotation, magnification, sectioning) using two VR controllers. Results 3D segmentation of a complex pseudoaneurysm in the distal cervical segment of the right internal carotid artery was successfully performed and projected into VR. Conventional and VR visualization modes were equally effective in identifying and classifying the pathology. VR visualization allowed the operators to manipulate the dataset to achieve a greater understanding of the anatomy of the parent vessel, the angioarchitecture of the pseudoaneurysm and the surface contours of all visualized structures. Conclusion This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing VR for preprocedural evaluation in patients with anatomically complex neurovascular disorders. This novel visualization approach may serve as a valuable adjunct tool in deciding patient-specific treatment plans and selection of devices, prior to intervention.
Load-aware Elastic Data Reduction and Re-computation for Adaptive Mesh Refinement

The increasing performance gap between computation and I/O creates huge data management challenges for simulation-based scientific discovery. Data reduction, among others, is deemed to be a promising technique to bridge the gap through reducing the amount of data migrated to persistent storage. However, the reduction performance is still far from what is being demanded from production applications. To this end, we propose a new methodology that aggressively reduces data despite the substantial loss of information, and re-computes the original accuracy on-demand. As a result, our scheme creates an illusion of a fast and large storage medium with the availability of high-accuracy data. We further design a load-aware data reduction strategy that monitors the I/O overhead at runtime, and dynamically adjusts the reduction ratio. We verify the efficacy of our methodology through adaptive mesh refinement, a popular numerical technique for solving partial differential equations. We evaluate data reduction and selective data re-computation on Titan, using a real application in FLASH and mini-applications in Chombo. To clearly demonstrate the benefits of re-computation, we compare it with other state-of-the-art data reduction methods including SZ, ZFP, FPC and deduplication, and it is shown to be superior in both write and read speeds, particularly when a small amount of data (e.g., 1%) need to be retrieved, as well as reduction ratio. Our results confirm that data reduction and selective data re-computation can 1) reduce the performance gap between I/O and compute via aggressively reducing AMR levels, and more importantly 2) can recover the target accuracy efficiently for AMR through re-computation.
The Design of Compact and Multi-positioning and Automatic Switching Device for Welding Tooling of Body

Designed an automatic switching device which is compact and has many location points when located in body welding.Arranged for needed switching location block to a reasonable position,and let the automatic switching device meet the needs of different rotation angles combining with the adjustment of the cylinder stroke and the size of the connector.This automatic switching device could realize two or more vehicle positioning device automatically to switch with higher flexible production lines.
Relationship Status between Vancomycin Loading Dose and Treatment Failure in Patients with MRSA Bacteremia: It’s Complicated

A one-time vancomycin loading dose of 25–30 mg/kg is recommended in the current iteration of the vancomycin consensus guidelines in order to more rapidly achieve target serum concentrations and hasten clinical improvement. However, there are few clinical data to support this practice, and the extents of its benefits are largely unknown. A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study was performed to assess the impact of a vancomycin loading dose (≥ 20 mg/kg) on clinical outcomes and rates of nephrotoxicity in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. The study matched patients in a 1:1 fashion based on age, Pitt bacteremia score, and bacteremia source. The primary outcome was composite treatment failure (30-day mortality, bacteremia duration ≥ 7 days after vancomycin initiation, persistent signs and symptoms of infection ≥ 7 days after vancomycin initiation, or switch to an alternative antimicrobial agent). Secondary outcomes included duration of bacteremia, length of stay post-bacteremia onset, and nephrotoxicity. A total of 316 patients with MRSA bacteremia were included. Median first doses in the loading dose and non-loading dose groups were 23.0 mg/kg and 14.3 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.001). No difference was found in composite failure rates between the non-loading dose and loading dose groups (40.5% vs. 36.7%; P = 0.488) or in the incidence of nephrotoxicity (12.7% vs. 16.5%; P = 0.347). While multivariable regression modeling showed receipt of a vancomycin loading dose on a mg/kg basis was not significantly associated with composite failure [aOR 0.612, 95% CI (0.368–1.019)]; post hoc analyses demonstrated that initial doses ≥ 1750 mg were independently protective against failure [aOR 0.506, 95% CI (0.284–0.902)] without increasing the risk for nephrotoxicity [aOR 0.909, 95% CI (0.432–1.911)]. These findings suggest that initial vancomycin doses above a certain threshold may decrease clinical failures without increasing toxicity and that weight-based dosing might not be the optimal strategy.
Definition, Communication, and Interpretation of Sexual Consent

This chapter reviews the law and psychology of sexual consent communication. We first review state and federal statutes and campus policies defining consent. We then review research literature addressing general issues regarding the manner in which sexual consent and nonconsent tend to be conveyed and interpreted in potentially sexual interactions, and discuss factors that can promote miscommunication. Next, we review research concerning the question of whether men interpret women’s behaviors to indicate greater interest than women themselves intend (i.e., the question of the “overperception” bias). Finally, we review evidence regarding how specific female behaviors are interpreted by men, women judging other women and women reporting on the meaning of their own behaviors: in the process revisiting the question of the overperception bias for these behaviors and for behavioral categories such as alcohol use, dress, preliminary sexual behaviors, and others.
The golden age of badness

ABSTRACT‘Badfilm’ as a reception genre dates from a specific mode of production, exhibition and circulation, built on a canon of genre pics issued from the margins of the American film industry at ...
Only One Restriction: Quality

Quality is a concept that greatly varies based on the predilection we develop throughout our lifetimes. In order for us to create a hypothesis on the trajectory of quality in future music, we need to establish the criterion in which we can attempt to objectively discern the value in all music. We discuss the methodology we have created to limit the innate prejudices developed throughout our lifetimes and aim to create an equitable means of categorization in which we value quality in conception through a combination of multiple facets.
Political humility: engaging others with different political perspectives

As the current political environment in the United States and around the world becomes more polarized, it is important to better understand the intrapersonal and interpersonal effects of engaging p...
[Effectiveness of an Interdisciplinary Health Education Intervention on Metabolic Syndrome in Community Residents: A Study of Four Towns in Northern Taiwan].

BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome, a widespread condition in Taiwan, increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Taiwan after cancer. Thus, this health problem is a priority issue of concern. PURPOSE To study the effects of active intervention of interdisciplinary health education on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in community residents. METHODS This longitudinal study was conducted from 2014 to 2015 on 661 participants who were all over 30 years old and living in four towns in northern Taiwan. The data were collected into two steps. In the first step, participants completed a blood study, body measurement, and pretest questionnaires and participated in the entire course of metabolic syndrome health education. The results of the blood test and body measurement were blinded to the experienced metabolic physicians before and after the education courses. In the second step, one year after administering the interdisciplinary health education course, the participants repeated the blood study, body measurement, and posttest questionnaires. RESULTS 1. The participants had a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome. However, gender and marital status had no significant correlation with metabolic syndrome. Higher education levels were associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome. 2. The average scores for literacy rose from 2.30 pretest to 5.65 posttest. There were significant correlations (p < .05) between pretest and posttest health education. 3. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in this study changed from 215 participants (32.5%) to 170 participants (25.7%) between pretest and posttest (p < .05). 4. active health education had significant and positive effects on the cessation of smoking and chewing betel nut (p <.05). CONCLUSIONS The active interdisciplinary health education intervention used in this study significantly decreased the smoking and betel-nut chewing habits and decreased the overall risk of metabolic syndrome in participants. Therefore, providing active health education on metabolic syndrome holds the potential to significantly decrease the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in at-risk populations. In addition, healthcare providers should make appropriately targeted health education more accessible to elderly patients who are prone to metabolic syndrome. Finally, the cessation of chewing betel nut should be seen as a major factor in the prevention and alleviation of metabolic syndrome.
Limitations and Pitfalls

Cranial ultrasound and pulse Doppler imaging of the cerebral vasculature is an important noninvasive portable bedside modality for rapid and continuous assessment of patients with acute neurological injury. Optimal use of this dynamic modality depends on an in-depth knowledge of ultrasound physics, proper technique in acquisition of images, cerebrovascular anatomy, and familiarity with sonographic manifestations of cerebrovascular changes seen in brain injuries of different etiologies. Consistent reproducibility of echography and Doppler images is key to its clinical value as a diagnostic and monitoring tool, especially in today’s neuroimaging realm of easy access to vascular neuroimaging through computed tomography or digital subtraction angiography. Interrater reproducibility of ultrasound and its correlation with other diagnostic modalities can be enhanced by strict adherence to imaging protocols and familiarity with artifacts and pitfalls for high-quality image acquisition. In instances where the diagnostic physician analyzing the images is different than the sonographer performing the echography, analysis of static images post hoc creates additional need for high standards of knowledge in technical, anatomical, and clinical considerations. This chapter discusses the limitations of the cranial ultrasound, non-imaging transcranial pulse Doppler, and color duplex imaging. Pitfalls in the technical use and clinical applications of these imaging modalities are also discussed.
Exploring The Effects of Link Recommendations on Social Networks: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach

The vast majority of recommender system research has focused on improving performance accuracy, while limited work has explored their societal, network level effects. This paper demonstrates how simulation can be used to investigate macro level effects of online social network link recommendations, such as whether these technologies may be fragmenting or bridging communities of individuals. An agent-based model is presented that generates stylized online social networks with different percentages of real world contacts and link recommendations. Results show that networks with higher percentages of recommendation-based links produce more clustered, distinct, and dispersed communities, suggesting that these technologies could fragment society. Furthermore, scale-free network properties diminished with higher percentages of recommendations, suggesting that these technologies could be contributing to recent findings that social networks are at most ‘weakly’ scale-free. Building upon this research, further simulation work could inform the design of link recommendation algorithms that help connect both individuals and communities.
The Initial Evaluation and Surveillance of Meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumor and are categorized into WHO grades I, II, and III based upon histopathological features. The initial clinical evaluation of a patient with a suspected meningioma should include neuroimaging, ideally with MRI. Some slow-growing, presumed meningiomas are safely monitored with only surveillance imaging. The gold standard for diagnosis is with histopathology from tissue obtained during surgery. The recommended treatment and surveillance imaging intervals thereafter are generally based on the WHO grade. For patients with grade I meningiomas, suggested surveillance imaging is at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, with continued intervals of 6–12 months for at least 5 years. Surveillance imaging for grade II meningiomas is suggested to be at least as frequent as grade I tumors, or more frequent, as clinically indicated. Surveillance of grade III meningiomas should be tailored to the patient, but a continued imaging interval of every 3–6 months is suggested. Survival of patients with meningiomas is largely dependent on grade, with higher-grade tumors being associated with earlier and more frequent recurrences as well as shorter survivals.
Pore-resolving simulations to study the impacts of char morphology on zone II combustion and effectiveness factor models

Abstract Combustion and gasification of pulverized char often occur under zone II conditions, in which the rate of conversion depends on both heterogeneous reaction and gas transport within the particle's porous structure. The morphology of porous char has a strong influence on intra-particle diffusion, and thus, on the overall conversion rate. Because pulverized coal and biomass char particles are often irregularly shaped and contain pores and voids which can approach the size of the particles themselves, conventional models based on spherical symmetry and coarse-grained, upscaled, effective continuum conservation equations are not applicable or appropriate. A recent 3-D, pore-resolving CFD simulation approach based on real char particle geometries obtained from X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) obviates the need to upscale over large heterogeneities and to make oversimplifying geometric assumptions. The micro-CT-based pore-resolving approach is employed here to study zone II combustion for fifty pulverized, porous coal char particles produced at a high heating rate. The large pores often present in char particles enhance reactant transport throughout the particles, even within the micro- and meso-porous carbon surrounding the large pores. This is particularly the case for network-type particle structures, due to the prominence of channels that extend from the particle surface. Because reactor-scale codes often employ one-dimensional models to calculate the reaction rates of tracked particles, pore-resolving simulations are used to assess the accuracy of existing effectiveness factor models for real char. Cenospherical particles can be reasonably modeled using an effectiveness factor solution for hollow spheres, but the behavior of more complex network morphologies is not well-predicted by any of the effectiveness factor models examined.
Lost in Translation: the Gap Between Neurobiological Mechanisms and Psychosocial Treatment Research for Substance Use Disorders

To provide an overview of the state of translational substance use disorder (SUD) research by evaluating the extent to which psychosocial interventions target neurobiological processes known to contribute to the maintenance of SUD. A limited number of studies have investigated neurobiological mechanisms of action for commonly utilized SUD treatment approaches. Restrictive samples, post-treatment-only designs, and failure to include substance use outcomes significantly limit the interpretation of these findings. Much work is needed to bridge the translational gap between neuroscience and psychosocial treatment research for SUD. Despite existing gaps, addiction neuroscience is highly relevant to SUD assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment. Implications are discussed in addition to suggestions for future research.
Technical efficiency and its determinants in the Indian meat processing industry

The stochastic frontier approach captures the technical efficiency and its determinants of meat processing industry using unit level data from 2002–2016 of annual survey of industries in India. The study concludes substantial (73%) scope of improvement in technical efficiency. Better management of inputs by private limited firms have achieved higher technical efficiency compared to firms of other sectors. Cross learning among best performing states and worst performing states would bridge the gap of technical efficiency in meat processing industry. The matching skill set of labour force with state of art technology is the way out to arrest the deterioration of technical efficiency in the industry.
Direct Catalytic Low-Temperature Conversion of CO 2 and Methane to Oxygenates

The growing demand for the conversion of natural gas into value-added chemicals has been the focus of a significant amount of research. Specifically, the direct conversion of methane and CO2 to higher value oxygenates has serious industrial value. Due to the thermodynamic stability of CO2 and methane molecules, direct conversion to high-value products is commercially limited. This study focuses on understanding the thermodynamics of methane activation with CO2 as an oxidant in the presence of metal catalysts at moderate temperatures. Direct activation approaches suggested in the literature have been investigated to find commercially viable alternative routes that remove any intermediate steps, such as syngas, and selectively produce high-value oxygenates. The role of different oxidative agents for methane activation has been investigated while understanding the effects of metal-based catalysts for this reaction. Deactivation studies indicated potential ways of catalytic activity loss along with possible regeneration methods. Based on the literature reviews and thermodynamic analysis, prospective catalytic reaction mechanisms are discussed including the application of bimetallic and plasma catalysis to overcome the thermodynamic energy constraints for CO2 and methane activation at low temperature with selective production of target oxygenates.
Das Medizinische Problem

Der Mensch lebt mit seiner Umwelt und gegen sie. Die eine Halfte dieses Kampfes ist chemisch, und er gewinnt oder verliert, je nachdem Nahrung, Luft, Hitze und Wasser seinen physiologischen Bedurfnissen entsprechen oder nicht. Die andere Halfte ist biologisch.
NMDAR2B is hypermetylated in ESCC

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 3239 Promoter hypermethylation accompanied by gene silencing is a common feature of human cancers, but there are still few reports of tumor suppressor genes with frequent promoter methylation. By modifying the detection analysis for candidate genes from our previous microarray data, we found novel methylated genes with 90% accuracy. Among these 33 novel methylated genes that we identified in ESCC cell lines, NMDA receptor type 2B (NMDAR2B) was of particular interest. NMDAR2B was methylated in 95% of primary human ESCC tissue specimens and 12 ESCC cell lines by sequence analysis. NMDAR2B expression was silenced in all 12 ESCC cell lines and was reactivated by the demethylating agent, 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine. Moreover, re-introduction of the gene was accompanied by marked Ca2+-independent apoptosis in ESCC cell lines, suggesting that NMDAR2B can suppress tumor growth. Thus, NMDAR2B promoter methylation is common in ESCC, abrogating gene transcription and leading to cellular resistance to apoptosis.
Logarithmic-time single deleter, multiple inserter wait-free queues and stacks

Despite the ubiquitous need for shared FIFO queues in parallel applications and operating systems, there are no sublinear-time wait-free queue algorithms that can support more than a single enqueuer and a single dequeuer. Two independently designed algorithms—David's recent algorithm [1] and the algorithm in this paper—break this barrier. While David's algorithm is capable of supporting multiple dequeuers (but only one enqueuer), our algorithm can support multiple enqueuers (but only one dequeuer). David's algorithm achieves O(1) time complexity for both enqueue and dequeue operations, but its space complexity is infinite because of the use of infinite sized arrays. The author states that he can bound the space requirement, but only at the cost of increasing the time complexity to O(n), where n is the number of dequeuers. A significant feature of our algorithm is that its time and space complexities are both bounded and small: enqueue and dequeue operations run in $O(\lg n)$ time, and the space complexity is O(n+m), where n is the number of enqueuers and m is the actual number of items currently present in the queue. David's algorithm uses fetch&increment and swap instructions, which are both at level 2 of Herlihy's Consensus hierarchy, along with queue. Our algorithm uses the LL/SC instructions, which are universal. However, since these instructions have constant time wait-free implementation from CAS and restricted LL/SC that are widely supported on modern architectures, our algorithms can run efficiently on current machines. Thus, in applications where there are multiple producers and a single consumer (e.g., certain server queues and resource queues), our algorithm provides the best known solution to implementing a wait-free queue. Using similar ideas, we can also efficiently implement a stack that supports multiple pushers and a single popper.
Class testing and code-based criteria

This paper defines three levels of requirements for adequate code-based class testing, examining the effectiveness of traditional testing criteria in the context of object-oriented (OO) programs. Our study indicates that none of the four widely-used traditional criteria satisfies the requirements that are considered essential for adequate class testing. A set of new testing criteria is proposed to solve this problem.
Diversity and the Human Behavior Perspective

This paper is a critical comparison between the human behavior disciplines of anthropology, psychology, and sociology. This assessment is an observation of a social, political and cultural conflict that can be solved with compromise. The issue will analyze behavior using the social science perspective of anthropology, psychology, and sociology as a multimedia presentation. It emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and reflects the values of Respect and Community for people of other cultures.
SPORCH: An Algorithm for Orchestration Based on Spectral Analyses of Recorded Sounds.

SPORCH (SPectral ORCHestrater) is a Lisp based computer program that provides orchestrations for any ensemble of acoustic instruments based on any arbitrary sound file input. The result, when played, approximates the sound source in timbre and sound quality. The amount of approximation depends on the nature of the source material, the instruments specified, and other controlling parameters. SPORCH is a compositional tool for composers who wish to work directly with complex timbres or sonorities when composing for acoustic instruments. Since it is able to detect the presence of specific instruments and pitches within a complex chordal structure, it also has potential as an analytical tool.
Cost-effectiveness of tuberculosis evaluation and treatment of newly-arrived immigrants

Immigrants to the U.S. are required to undergo overseas screening for tuberculosis (TB), but the value of evaluation and treatment following entry to the U.S. is not well understood. We determined the cost-effectiveness of domestic follow-up of immigrants identified as tuberculosis suspects through overseas screening. Using a stochastic simulation for tuberculosis reactivation, transmission, and follow-up for a hypothetical cohort of 1000 individuals, we calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness of follow-up and evaluation interventions. We utilized published literature, California Reports of Verified Cases of Tuberculosis (RVCTs), demographic estimates from the California Department of Finance, Medicare reimbursement, and Medi-Cal reimbursement rates. Our target population was legal immigrants to the United States, our time horizon is twenty years, and our perspective was that of all domestic health-care payers. We examined the intervention to offer latent tuberculosis therapy to infected individuals, to increase the yield of domestic evaluation, and to increase the starting and completion rates of LTBI therapy with INH (isoniazid). Our outcome measures were the number of cases averted, the number of deaths averted, the incremental dollar cost (year 2004), and the number of quality-adjusted life-years saved. Domestic follow-up of B-notification patients, including LTBI treatment for latently infected individuals, is highly cost-effective, and at times, cost-saving. B-notification follow-up in California would reduce the number of new tuberculosis cases by about 6–26 per year (out of a total of approximately 3000). Sensitivity analysis revealed that domestic follow-up remains cost-effective when the hepatitis rates due to INH therapy are over fifteen times our best estimates, when at least 0.4 percent of patients have active disease and when hospitalization of cases detected through domestic follow-up is no less likely than hospitalization of passively detected cases. While the current immigration screening program is unlikely to result in a large change in case rates, domestic follow-up of B-notification patients, including LTBI treatment, is highly cost-effective. If as many as three percent of screened individuals have active TB, and early detection reduces the rate of hospitalization, net savings may be expected.
Analgesia during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using the Medstone STS lithotriptor: a randomized prospective study.

Abstract Objectives. To investigate and compare the effectiveness of three analgesic protocols for pain management during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Methods. Seventy-four patients were randomized into three groups before ESWL; group A (n = 23) received 10 mg morphine sulfate (MS), group B (n = 25) 60 mg ketorolac tromethamine (KT), and group C (n = 26) topical 2.5% lidocaine/prilocaine gel (Emla). Each method of pain management during ESWL was assessed using a standard 10-point linear pain scale and by the requirement for supplemental analgesia during treatment. Supplemental analgesia was administered intravenously using a patient-controlled analgesic pump. The results were compared between the three groups, as were such parameters as body habitus, stone burden, stone location, number of shock waves, and the presence of ureteral stents. Results. Pain severity averaged 4.6 points on the pain scale for the three groups combined. Pain tended to be more severe in group C (5.4) than in group A (4.3) or group B (4.1); however, the differences were not statistically significant ( P >0.05). The amount of supplemental analgesia was similar in all three groups. Stone burden, stone location, and number of shock waves did not influence the severity of pain or analgesic requirement during ESWL. The analgesic requirement was significantly less in patients with ureteral stents (n = 32) than in patients without (n = 42), averaging 10 mg versus 24 mg MS, respectively ( P = 0.01). KT was not associated with adverse events such as bleeding. MS was more likely to cause oversedation and nausea or vomiting, necessitating naloxone and antiemetic therapy, respectively. Conclusions. The use of KT was safe and effective for premedication before ESWL; patients receiving KT before ESWL reported lower pain scores and required less supplemental analgesia requirement than those who received MS or Emla; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Patients receiving Emla recorded the highest pain scores. Patients with ureteral stents had lower pain scores and required less supplemental analgesia.
Leaf cultivar influences composition and ripening of apples

POMOLOGICAL literature contains two reports of the influence of grafted scions on the size, colour and ripening season of apples borne on the stock portions of topworked trees1,2. The experiment reported here, initiated as part of of a larger study of apple ripening control mechanisms, confirms those reports.
Hypoadrenal crisis caused by disseminated histoplasmosis

Summary We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis presenting with acute renal impairment due to adrenal insufficiency. The finding of bilateral adrenal gland enlargement on abdominal ultrasound examination led to a diagnostic CT-guided adrenal biopsy. Prolonged therapy with amphotericin and itraconazole resulted in a clinical cure, although the patient still requires adrenal replacement therapy.
Glutamatergic Inhibition in Sensory Neocortex

In the mammalian brain, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid are considered major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively. However, we have found evidence that glutamate can also act as a postsynaptic inhibitory neurotransmitter in layer 4 of the neocortex. Using whole-cell recordings from layer 4 neurons in slice preparations from the mouse visual, auditory, and somatosensory cortices, we found that metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists (ACPD, APDC, and DCG IV) elicit a robust, long-lasting hyperpolarization that is abolished by the group II mGluR antagonist, MCCG. This response largely involves a K(+) conductance mediated by G-protein activity and GIRK channels. Furthermore, electrical and photostimulation of the intracortical inputs to layer 4 elicits a similar hyperpolarization that is blocked by group II mGluR antagonists. This novel inhibition mediated by group II mGluRs may be an unappreciated mechanism for refining cortical receptive fields in layer 4 and may enable synaptic gain control during periods of high activity.
Mechanisms of ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding

Chromatin remodelers are multifunctional protein machines that use a conserved ATPase motor to slide nucleosomes along DNA. Nucleosome sliding has been proposed to occur through two mechanisms: twist diffusion and loop/bulge propagation. A central idea for both of these models is that a DNA distortion propagates over the surface of the nucleosome. Recent data from biochemical and single-molecule experiments have expanded our understanding of histone-DNA and remodeler-nucleosome interactions, and called into question some of the basic assumptions on which these models were originally based. Advantages and challenges of several nucleosome sliding models are discussed.
The piezoelectric ceramic resonator IF filter--A possible replacement for the IF transformer

A solid-state IF filter consisting of two piezoelectric ceramic ring-dot resonators incorporated in a low-impedance circuit as back-to-back resonant transformers, meeting the demands of auto radios, will be described.
Atomizing Characteristics of Swirl Can Combustor Modules With Swirl Blast Fuel Injectors

Cold flow atomization tests of several different designs of swirl can combustor modules were conducted in a 7.6 cm diameter duct at airflow rates (per unit area) of 7.3 to 25.7 g/sq cm sec and water flow rates of 6.3 to 18.9 g/sec. The effect of air and water flow rates on the mean drop size of water sprays produced with the swirl blast fuel injectors were determined. Also, from these data it was possible to determine the effect of design modifications on the atomizing performance of various fuel injector and air swirler configurations. The trend in atomizing performance, as based on the mean drop size, was then compared with the trends in the production of nitrogen oxides obtained in combustion studues with the same swirl can combustors. It was found that the fuel injector design that gave the best combustor performance in terms of a low NOx emission index also gave the best atomizing performance as characterized by a spray of relatively small mean drop diameter. It was also demonstrated that at constant inlet air stream momentum the nitrogen oxides emission index was found to vary inversely with the square of the mean drop diameter of the spray produced by the different swirl blast fuel injectors. Test conditions were inlet air static pressures of 100,000 to 200,000 N/sq m at an inlet air temperature of 293 K.
Emotional, Intellectual and Physiological Predictors of Vocational Outcome of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Patients:

Previous researchers have independently shown that pulmonary function measures, intelligence test scores, and a recently developed MMPI-derived scale can predict post-hospital employment among rehabilitation patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study compared the effectiveness of the three variables in predicting employment among a group of vocational rehabilitation candidates with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only the MMPI-derived scale (COPD-VR) identified the non-working patients significantly above base rate. While this finding does not necessarily mean that personality, or attitudinal, factors are more important than physiological or intellectual variables in vocational rehabilitation success among such patients, it gives further support to the validity of the COPD-VR scale.
1088 CLINICAL CORRELATIONS OF CSF ENDOTOXIN-LIKE ACTIVITY IN GRAM-NEGATIVE MENINGITIS

Detection of endotoxin-like activity (ELA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) gelation has been suggested to be a useful technique for diagnosis of gram-negative meningitis. We prospectively screened 1503 CSF specimens with a microassay utilizing 20 μl of CSF added to 20 μl of limulus reagent on an endotoxin-free slide. Specimens and controls were observed for gel formation after 60 minutes incubation at 37°C in a moisture chamber. Serial dilutions of CSF were used to quantitate ELA. The limit of sensitivity of the assay was 0.01 ng/ml. All ELA positive (+) specimens were subjected to confirmatory retesting, after which 49 (3.3%) were ELA (+). Comparison with the 38 available culture results revealed that 33 specimens (87%) were culture (+), that 3 of the 5 culture negative (-) specimens were from patients on therapy for gram-negative meningitis and a fourth was from a neonate. Overall specificity of the test was 99.6% with a (+) predictive value of 86.8%. There was one false (-) specimen giving an overall sensitivity of 97.4% but a (-) predictive value of 99.9%. ELA values > 150 ng/ml correlated with the occurrence of seizures (p 3000 ng/ml with peripheral leukopenia and hypoglycorrhachia (p 5×104 ng/ml with death (p<0.005). We conclude that LAL micromethod gelation test is a sensitive, specific, simple screening test for gram-negative meningitis that exhibits prognostic value.
Materials chemistry and transport modeling for severe accident analyses in light-water reactors I: External cladding oxidation

High temperature Zircaloy oxidation in the flowing steam—H2 environment of a severe fuel damage accident is analysed by integral diffusion theory. This approach provides details on the state of the cladding as a function of the time and elevation, with accuracy not attainable using conventional parabolic oxidation rate laws. The method is compatible with the nodal techniques used in large accident codes, in which the system is governed by coupled ordinary differential equations. It provides the state of the cladding (i.e. all metal, all oxide, or oxide plus metal) at any combination of time and elevation. Steam depletion of the bulk gas and the concentration difference across the mass transfer boundary layer results in incomplete oxidation of the cladding in the upper part of the fuel element. The first consequence of steam starvation is dissolution of the oxide scale into the remaining metal. Steam starvation occurs readily when the steam supply rate is low and the temperature excursion is fast. When these conditions exist, the cladding reaches its melting point without an external ZrO2 scale. With high steaming rates and slow heat-up rates, steam starvation does not occur and the cladding can be entirely converted to the oxide.
The mixed alkali effect in the Na2OCs2OSiO2 glasses

Abstract As an approach to the mixed alkali effect in glass, the self-diffusion coefficients of sodium and cesium ions in Na 2 OCs 2 OSiO 2 glasses were measured at temperatures 350–550°C. Electrical conductivity of the glasses and the transport number for sodium ions were also measured. The substitution of the alkali ions in the glass by different alkali ions caused the mobility of each alkali ion to decrease pronouncedly and the activation energy for migration to increase rapidly. The increase of activation energy was attributed to an increase in alkali-oxygen bond strength resulting from the presence of two kinds of alkali ions. This is related to the expectation that the activity of the alkali ions decreases when two alkali ions are mixed.
A review on urban air quality, global climate change and CDM issues in the transportation sector

Although their potential for reducing both Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and local air pollutants is considered significant, transportation projects remain an almost negligible part of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Inspired by the CURB-AIR project, this paper reviews several case studies focused on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and biofuels in the context of CDM. The key difficulties associated with BRT and biofuel CDM projects are, among others, the complex development of the CDM baseline and monitoring of the CDM methodologies; the difficulty to obtain the significant requested investments (especially for BRT); the need to ensure a good quality and reliable supply chain of biofuels; and the relatively small expected 'carbon revenues' compared to the total cost. It appears that a better quantification and accountability of all the sustainability aspects and co-benefits beyond air pollution reduction would be required in order to promote CDM and, more generally, sustainable transport projects in developing and emerging countries.
Abstract CN03-03: Use of the zebrafish for studying cancer genetics.

Melanoma is a devastating disease and there are few therapies that lead to substantial long-term remission for metastatic disease. We have created a zebrafish model of melanoma by overexpressing BRAF-V600E in the combination of P53 mutation. This fish develops melanoma at a characteristic rate and the tumors greatly resemble those of human melanomas. Examination of gene expression in the melanomas demonstrated neural crest transcription factor expression in the zebrafish melanomas. A neural crest marker called Crestin was substantially upregulated in the tumors compared to adjacent skin. A chemical screen was undertaken to find small molecules that prevent neural crest development during embryogenesis in the zebrafish, hoping to find a small molecule that would inhibit the gene expression signature in the tumor. A drug called leflunomide was found to inhibit transcription elongation in the crest and also in human melanomas. Combination of a BRAF inhibitor plus leflunomide led to a substantial decrease in human tumors when placed into nude mice. A Phase II clinical trial has been undertaken using the combination of BRAF inhibitor and leflunomide. Leflunomide has an important effect on transcription elongation that is dependent on a new tumor suppressor complex called the HEXIM complex. Inactivation of the HEXIM complex interferes with the effect of the drug. HEXIM has also been shown to be a tumor suppressor in our zebrafish model system. In an effort to understand the effects of leflunomide, we undertook a screen for a chemical suppressor of leflunomide. This demonstrated pathways that affected drug metabolism as well as transcription elongation. Our studies demonstrate a novel pathway for interrupting cancer development by blocking transcription elongation in combination with BRAF inhibitors. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):CN03-03. Citation Format: Leonard I. Zon. Use of the zebrafish for studying cancer genetics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr CN03-03.
On Dimensionality Reduction for Indexing and Retrieval of Large-Scale Solar Image Data

This work investigates the applicability of several dimensionality reduction techniques for large-scale solar data analysis. Using a solar benchmark dataset that contains images of multiple types of phenomena, we investigate linear and nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods in order to reduce our storage and processing costs and maintain a good representation of our data in a new vector space. We present a comparative analysis of several dimensionality reduction methods and different numbers of target dimensions by utilizing different classifiers in order to determine the degree of data dimensionality reduction that can be achieved with these methods, and to discover the method that is the most effective for solar images. After determining the optimal number of dimensions, we then present preliminary results on indexing and retrieval of the dimensionally reduced data.
A Review of “Housing Policy at a Crossroads: The Why, How, and Who of Assistance Programs” By John C. Weicher

In past decades, US housing policy was primarily concerned with two main housing problems: physical adequacy and overcrowding. Physical adequacy was a great concern in the late nineteenth and twent...
An improved equivalent wind method for the aggregation of DFIG wind turbines

Recently wind energy has developed at a fast pace, and it is necessary to develop equivalent models to represent dynamic behaviors of wind farms on power system. The equivalent wind method has been investigated for the aggregation of DFIG wind turbines. The detailed procedure for the calculation of equivalent wind has been analyzed. The necessity of classifying incoming winds has been shown. In order to improve the performance of the equivalent wind method, this paper proposes to classify incoming winds according to the characteristics of wind power curves, and a group of turbines with similar wind are aggregated together. When wind turbines experience large wind fluctuations, the members of a group may vary. This paper proposes suitable strategy to handle this transition. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy has been verified through simulations in MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Clostridium difficile : the increasingly difficult pathogen

The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection is changing as a result of the epidemic spread of the hypervirulent North American Pulsefield type 1 strain. Clinicians are likely to encounter this disease more frequently than ever in their practice, and should be familiar with the updates in its diagnosis and treatment.
Modelling temporal data

Abstract The paper discusses modelling temporal variation of data in the context of the relational data model. This is done by employing time-stamps, which leads to two possible approaches: adding time-stamps to tuples and using first normal-form (1NF) relations, and adding time-stamps to attributes and using non-first normal form (NINF) relations. Modelling temporal data according to each approach with their respective data-manipulation operations are covered. This is followed by a discussion that includes the advantages and expressive power of each approach, the classification of temporal databases, and the handling of retroactive and postactive changes.
Daily isocenter correction with electromagnetic-based localization improves target coverage and rectal sparing during prostate radiotherapy.

Purpose To evaluate dosimetric consequences of daily isocenter correction during prostate cancer radiation therapy using the Calypso 4D localization system. Methods and Materials Data were analyzed from 28 patients with electromagnetic transponders implanted in their prostates for daily target localization and tracking. Treatment planning isocenters were recorded based on the values of the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral axes. Isocenter location obtained via alignment with skin tattoos was compared with that obtained via the electromagnetic localization system. Daily isocenter shifts, based on the isocenter location differences between the two alignment methods in each spatial axis, were calculated for each patient over their entire course. The mean isocenter shifts were used to determine dosimetric consequences of treatment based on skin tattoo alignments alone. Results The mean ⩲ SD of the percentages of treatment days with shifts beyond ⩲ 0.5 cm for vertical, longitudinal and lateral shifts were 62% ⩲ 28%, 35% ⩲ 26%, and 38% ⩲21%, respectively. If daily electromagnetic localization was not used, the excess in prescribed dose delivered to 70% of the rectum was 10 Gy and the deficit in prescribed dose delivered to 95% of the planning target volume was 10 Gy. The mean isocenter shift was not associated with the volumes of the prostate, rectum, or bladder, or with patient body mass index. Conclusions Daily isocenter localization can reduce the treatment dose to the rectum. Correcting for this variability could lead to improved dose delivery, reduced side effects, and potentially improved treatment outcomes.