cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic and Disease-related Correlates of Depressive Morbidity among Diabetic Patients in Zagreb, Croatia

The magnitude of depressive morbidity as well as its significant sociodemographic and disease-related correlates were investigated in a sample of 180 adult diabetic patients attending an outpatient clinic in Zagreb, Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) in 1989. Results using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale yielded a prevalence rate of 60.5% with 10% manifesting severe levels of depressive symptoms. Significant correlates of higher symptoms included older age, female gender, unmarried status, less education, the presence of diabetic complications, longer duration of the disease, more demanding diabetic regimens, and poorer adherence to the regimen. The lowest coefficient was for level of glycosylated hemoglobin (r = .04), indicating a weak relationship between diabetic control and depressive symptoms. Findings are discussed in relation to other epidemiological surveys of depression and to the deteriorating economic and political situation in Croatia. The implications of untreated depression for diabetic self-care are discussed.
Will stress shielding limit the longevity of cemented femoral components of total hip replacement

One must acknowledge the speculative nature of evaluating whether stress shielding will limit the longevity of cemented femoral components. One can, however, evaluate the data available from patients studied up to 20 years. Stress shielding does lead to disuse osteoporosis, particularly in the proximal medial cortex, and also more slowly and to a lesser extent elsewhere. Concern also exists that progressive endosteal enlargement will lead to failure of many or all cemented femoral stems. No evidence exists that disuse osteoporosis has limited the longevity of cemented femoral stems up to 20 years. Moreover, new data show that what has been described as the normal process of endosteal enlargement after inserting a cemented femoral component is a misinterpretation. What actually happens is that (1) neocortex develops around the cement mantle, (2) the original cortex thins, (3) the trabeculae in the zone of decreased density that develops between them maintain the structural integrity between those two bony masses, and (4) the implant remains rigidly fixed.
Blind estimation of fMRI data for improved BOLD contrast detection

Variations due to noise about the baseline MR signal make detection of BOLD contrast in fMRI data difficult for voxels with weak activation. We present a new wavelet- and Fourier-based estimation technique that improves the ability of a t-test to detect BOLD contrast in fMRI data. Our scheme approximates the optimal linear estimator for an fMRI dataset using a 3-D discrete wavelet transform to decorrelate in space and the discrete Fourier transform to decorrelate in time. In contrast to the optimal estimator, which is useful only in theory as it requires second-order signal and noise statistics, the proposed technique is able to achieve blind estimation of fMRI data. Applying this estimator to fMRI data improves the ability to correctly detect BOLD contrast, especially for voxels with contrast levels between 1% and 2%. In addition, the proposed method produces increased confidence (lower p-value) in active voxels of both synthetic and experimental fMRI data (compared to an unestimated version of the same voxels).
A Case of Gestational Thyrotoxicosis Associated with Wernicke's Encephalopathy.

ABSTRACT Objective To present a case of gestational thyrotoxicosis and hyperemesis gravidarum associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Methods We present a detailed case report with the clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings of the patient and review the pertinent literature. Results A 36-year-old woman at 14 weeks of gestation was admitted to the hospital for management of severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). While hospitalized, she developed low-grade fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mentation. Laboratory tests were diagnostic of hyperthyroidism. Physical examination revealed a confused, lethargic woman with a normal-size thyroid and pendular nystagmus in primary and lateral gaze. She was treated empirically for thyroid storm with methimazole and other measures. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study done later showed hyperintense abnormal signals in bilateral thalamic regions, consistent with Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE). She was immediately started on intravenous thiamine and her mental status improved considerably within 3 to 4 days. Within 2 weeks, the patient’s thyroid-function tests normalized and methimazole was discontinued. A repeat brain MRI 6 months later showed marked reduction of signal intensity in both thalamic regions. Conclusion This case demonstrates that gestational thyrotoxicosis in a patient with HG can precipitate acute WE, which may mimic thyroid storm and thus delay appropriate management of this neurologic disorder. We conclude that prophylactic thiamine administration may be considered before caloric replacement in patients who present with HG and acute neurologic dysfunction. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:e237-e240)
A 4-channel 24-27 GHz UWB phased array transmitter in 0.13 μm CMOS for vehicular radar

The variable-phase ring oscillator (VPRO) and phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture for integrated phased arrays enables the elimination of mixers, power splitters/combiners and phase shifters and hence allows for compact and power-efficient implementations. This paper extends the architecture to ultra-wideband (UWB) applications through architectural and circuit innovations. The implementation of a wideband VPRO enables the generation of UWB signals through the PLL which are inherently phase-shifted to accomplish beam-steering. The VPRO operates at half of the desired frequency range, and a squarer is interposed between the VPRO and the power amplifier of each channel. This doubles the bandwidth and the inter-channel phase shift and enables the architecture to cover the ±180° phase-shift range required for full beam-steering coverage. In addition, a waveform-adaptive, tunable-narrowband design paradigm is introduced that greatly simplifies the design of UWB RF blocks. A fully-integrated, 4-channel, 24-27 GHz, phased-array transmitter, useful for vehicular radar applications, is implemented in 0.13 μm CMOS to validate these claims.
IMPAIRED NATURAL KILLER CELL FUNCTION AS A CONSEQUENCE OF AGING

Abstract Alex Comfort wrote (1979): “… nobody needs long-lived mice.” His point was, of course, that as much as possible, research should be done with humans “… who are the beneficiaries in mind …” In this paper we hope to show that long-lived mice have been useful, if not essential, for conducting studies on the aging of innate immunity, specifically the NK cell component of the system. NK cells are activated early in the course of Trypanosoma musculi infections, which we employ as a model. We have generated evidence that the relatively severe infections of aged mice with T. musculi, are attributable, in part, to (a) functionally defective NK cells, the defect(s) being retained by LAK cells that arise from them, and (b) deficient amounts of IL-2 required to convert NK to LAK cells. Defective macrophages, which are the effector cells responsible for eliminating T. musculi, may also accumulate in aged animals. We postulate that the functionally deficient NK cells fail to generate adequate amounts of IFNγ (and perhaps, TNFα) to optimally activate macrophages. This inadequacy can explain the weak ability of aged mice to control the early stage of T. musculi infection preceding the appearance of the more slowly-developing acquired immune response.
Interpreting the Early Language Trajectories of Children From Low-SES and Language Minority Homes: Implications for Closing Achievement Gaps

On average, children from low socioeconomic status (SES) homes and children from homes in which a language other than English is spoken have language development trajectories that are different from those of children from middle-class, monolingual English-speaking homes. Children from low-SES and language minority homes have unique linguistic strengths, but many reach school age with lower levels of English language skill than do middle-class, monolingual children. Because early differences in English oral languageskill have consequences for academic achievement, low levels of English language skill constitute a deficit for children about to enter school in the United States. Declaring all developmental trajectories to be equally valid would not change the robust relation between English oral language skills and academic achievement and would not help children with poor English skills to be successful in school. Remedies aimed at supporting the development of the English skills required for academic success need not and should not entail devaluing or diminishing children’s other language skills.
High Lung Allocation Score Is Associated With Increased Morbidity and Mortality Following Transplantation

Background The lung allocation score (LAS) was initiated in May 2005 to allocate lungs based on medical urgency and posttransplant survival. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between an elevated LAS at the time of transplantation and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data. Analysis included lung transplant recipients aged ≥ 12 years who received transplants between April 5, 2006, and December 31, 2007 (n = 3,836). Recipients were stratified into three groups: LAS Results HLAS recipients had significantly worse actuarial survival at 90 days and 1 year compared with LLAS recipients. When transplant recipients were stratified by disease etiology, a trend of decreased survival with elevated LAS was observed across all major causes of lung transplant. HLAS recipients were more likely to require dialysis or to have infections compared with LLAS recipients ( P P Conclusions HLAS is associated with decreased survival and increased complications during the transplant hospitalization. Whereas the LAS has improved organ allocation through decreased waiting list deaths and waiting list times, lower survival and higher morbidity among HLAS recipients suggests that continued review of LAS scoring is needed to ensure optimal long-term transplant survival.
Distributed Kriged Kalman Filter for Spatial Estimation

This paper considers robotic sensor networks performing spatially-distributed estimation tasks. A robotic sensor network is deployed in an environment of interest, and takes successive point measurements of a dynamic physical process modeled as a spatio-temporal random field. Taking a Bayesian perspective on the Kriging interpolation technique from geostatistics, we design the distributed Kriged Kalman filter for predictive inference of the random field and of its gradient. The proposed algorithm makes use of a novel distributed strategy to compute weighted least squares estimates when measurements are spatially correlated. This strategy results from the combination of the Jacobi overrelaxation method with dynamic average consensus algorithms. As an application of the proposed algorithm, we design a gradient ascent cooperative strategy and analyze its convergence properties in the absence of measurement errors via stochastic Lyapunov functions. We illustrate our results in simulation.
Kinematics of prey processing in Chamaeleo jacksonii: conservation of function with morphological specialization

This study develops a model of prey processing behaviours in lizards of the family Chamaeleonidae based on a kinematic analysis of videotaped feeding sequences in a representative species, Jackson's chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksoni~]. High-speed video (200 fields per second) and a computerized image analysis system were used, respectively, to film and quantify sequences of three individuals feeding on crickets. Two behaviours, chewing and prey transport, were identified a priori and compared in detail. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences between the two behaviours in seven of I I kinematic variables. Patterns ofcorrelation of variables within the entire data set were similar to correlations within each behaviour. A principal component analysis on the kinematic variables provided complete separation of the two behaviours in multivariate space. Chewing is distinct from prey transport behaviour in several ways: (I) chewing lacks extensive posterior movement in the hyoid skeleton while the jaws repeatedly open and close against the prey; (2) there is greater mouth opening in chewing; and (3) the entire gape cycle and its components occur more quickly in chewing. Prey transport involves extensive anterior-posterior movements of the hyoid skeleton, which reflect the function of the tongue in transporting the prey from the oral cavity into the oesophagus. In both behaviours mouth opening is primarily associated with lower jaw depression rather than head elevation. Maximum hyoid retraction always occurs after peak gape is achieved. The body and head remain stationary with reference to the background, hence no inertial transport occurs. The kinematic profile of prey transport is compared to published feeding cycles of other iguanian lizards and a generalized model of prey processing in amniotes. Prey transport in chameleons follows the same kinematic patterns as reported for other iguanian lizards. We conclude that chameleons possess a generalized food processing system characteristic of other iguanian lizards, largely unmodified despite the presence of an extraordinary prey capture behaviour and its associated morphology.
Topical Tetracycline Hydrochloride vs. Topical Clindamycin Phosphate in the Treatment of Acne: A Comparative Study

: In a comparative study of topical antibiotic solutions, clindamycin phosphate vs. tetracycline hydrochloride for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne, clindamycin phosphate solution proved to be a superior agent in the reduction of papules and pustule. Both preparations had minimal side effects.
Resource Allocation in the Grid Using Reinforcement Learning

In this paper we study a minimalist decentralized algorithm for resource allocation in a simplified Grid-like environment. We consider a system consisting of large number of heterogenous reinforcement learning agents that share common resources for their computational needs. There is no communication between the agents: the only information that agents receive is the (expected) completion time of a job it submitted to a particular resource and which serves as a reinforcement signal for the agent. The results of our experiments suggest that reinforcement learning can be used to improve the quality of resource allocation in large scale heterogenous system.
Transvagina1 Hysterosonogram A Means of Evaluating the Endometrium in Postmenopausal Women

Transvaginal hysterosonography is used to evaluate the endometrial lining in postmenopausal women by outlining the endometrium with fluid. Indicators for this examination include: enlarged uterus o...
DYNAMICS OF A LARGE ARRAY OF GLOBALLY COUPLED LASERS WITH DISTRIBUTED FREQUENCIES

We analyze a mean-field model for a large array of coupled solid-state lasers with randomly distributed natural frequencies. Using techniques developed previously for coupled nonlinear oscillators, we derive exact formulas for the stability boundaries of the phase locked, incoherent, and off states, as functions of the coupling and pump strength and the spread of natural frequencies. For parameters in the intermediate regime between total incoherence and perfect phase locking, numerical simulations reveal a variety of unsteady collective states in which all the lasers' intensities vary periodically, quasiperiodically, or chaotically.
The E6 oncoproteins of high-risk papillomaviruses bind to a novel putative GAP protein, E6TP1, and target it for degradation

The high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with carcinomas of the cervix and other genital tumors. Previous studies have identified two viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, which are expressed in the majority of HPV-associated carcinomas. The ability of high-risk HPV E6 protein to immortalize human mammary epithelial cells (MECs) has provided a single-gene model to study the mechanisms of E6-induced oncogenic transformation. In this system, the E6 protein targets the p53 tumor suppressor protein for degradation, and mutational analyses have shown that E6-induced degradation of p53 protein is required for MEC immortalization. However, the inability of most dominant-negative p53 mutants to induce efficient immortalization of MECs suggests the existence of additional targets of the HPV E6 oncoprotein. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have isolated a novel E6-binding protein. This polypeptide, designated E6TP1 (E6-targeted protein 1), exhibits high homology to GTPase-activating proteins for Rap, including SPA-1, tuberin, and Rap1GAP. The mRNA for E6TP1 is widely expressed in tissues and in vitro-cultured cell lines. The gene for E6TP1 localizes to chromosome 14q23.2-14q24.3 within a locus that has been shown to undergo loss of heterozygosity in malignant meningiomas. Importantly, E6TP1 is targeted for degradation by the high-risk but not the low-risk HPV E6 proteins both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the immortalization-competent but not the immortalization-incompetent HPV16 E6 mutants target the E6TP1 protein for degradation. Our results identify a novel target for the E6 oncoprotein and provide a potential link between HPV E6 oncogenesis and alteration of a small G protein signaling pathway.
Study of various models for estimation of penetration rate of hard rock TBMs

Abstract Various approaches for predicting penetration rate of hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have been studied by researchers since the early stages of TBM application in the 1950s. These studies resulted in the development of several penetration prediction models. For evaluation and validation of a model, it is important to test its predictive capability on new projects. A model should include parameters for machine specifications and ground conditions. The model validation process can reveal problems that an existing model may have in providing an accurate estimate for a given combination of specifications and conditions. This paper offers a brief review and discusses the capabilities of some of the more commonly used TBM performance prediction models. To evaluate the accuracy of these models, the predicted rates are compared with recorded TBM penetration rates in a database of recently completed tunnels. Comparison between predicted and recorded rates indicates that most of the existing models tend to overestimate TBM performance. This comparison highlights the on-going difficulties the industry continues to experience in estimating penetration rate. Even the use of normalized penetration rate indices has not been able to provide higher accuracy expected in related predictions. This paper discusses the development of new models to support an improved level of predictive accuracy in penetration rate estimating. These models are based on the analysis of a comprehensive database of more than 300 TBM projects records. Analyses of performance information within this database provided for the development of simpler models that are focused on quantifying the influence of primary factors, such as tunnel diameter, UCS, RPM, and rock type. These new models are introduced to provide alternative ways of penetration prediction. These models are especially useful at the planning stage of a tunneling project where TBMs can be used. These models also serve to provide secondary checks for other more in-depth analyses of TBM performance for an initial assessment of required boring time (inverse of penetration rate), and an estimate of utilization rate in an activity-based TBM model.
Photosensitivity of Sunscreens

The changes in absorption of ultraviolet light were determined for fifteen sunscreens following two-hour exposures to a sunlamp. Some showed increases (ethyl-p-aminobenzoate, amyl and phenyl salicylate, menthyl anthranilate, 2-naphthol-6-sulfonic acid, tannic acid, and phenol), some showed decreases (benzyl-salicylate, homomenthyl cinnamate, benzylacetophenone), some showed little change (ethyl-p-dimethyl-aminobenzoate, menthyl, homomenthyl, and isoamyl salicylates). The data indicate that under the test conditions employed many sunscreens show relatively high stability withstanding many minimal erthemal doses without much change.
Neurite Outgrowth Is Directed by Schwann Cell Alignment in the Absence of Other Guidance Cues

Schwann cells enhance axonal regeneration following nerve injury in vivo and provide a favorable substrate for neurite outgrowth in vitro. However, much remains unknown about the nature of interactions that occur between Schwann cells and growing neurites. In this paper, we describe direct evidence of the ability of Schwann cell alignment alone to direct neurite outgrowth. Previously, we reported that laminin micropatterns can be used to align Schwann cells and thus create oriented Schwann cell monolayers. In the current study, dissociated rat spinal neurons were seeded onto oriented Schwann cell monolayers, whose alignment provided the only directional cue for growing neurites, and neurite alignment with the underlying Schwann cells was analyzed. The orientation of neurite outgrowth mimicked that of the Schwann cells. Associations observed between neurites and Schwann cells suggest that Schwann cells may guide neurite outgrowth through both topographical and molecular mechanisms. This work demonstrates that Schwann cell alignment can direct neurite outgrowth in the absence of other directional cues, and provides a new method for examining neuronal–Schwann cell interactions in vitro.
Sources and contents of air pollution affecting term low birth weight in Los Angeles County, California, 2001-2008.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW, o2500 g) has been associated with exposure to air pollution, but it is still unclear which sources or components of air pollution might be in play. The association between ultrafine particles and LBW has never been studied. Objectives: To study the relationships between LBW in term born infants and exposure to particles by size fraction, source and chemical composition, and complementary components of air pollution in Los Angeles County (California, USA) over the period 2001–2008. Methods: Birth certificates (n¼960,945) were geocoded to maternal residence. Primary particulate matter (PM) concentrations by source and composition were modeled. Measured fine PM, nitrogen dioxide and ozone concentrations were interpolated using empirical Bayesian kriging. Traffic indices were estimated. Associations between LBW and air pollution metrics were examined using generalized additive models, adjusting for maternal age, parity, race/ethnicity, education, neighborhood income, gestational age and infant sex. Results: Increased LBW risks were associated with the mass of primary fine and ultrafine PM, with several major sources (especially gasoline, wood burning and commercial meat cooking) of primary PM, and chemical species in primary PM (elemental and organic carbon, potassium, iron, chromium, nickel, and titanium but not lead or arsenic). Increased LBW risks were also associated with total fine PM mass, nitrogen dioxide and local traffic indices (especially within 50 m from home), but not with ozone. Stronger associations were observed in infants born to women with low socioeconomic status, chronic hypertension, diabetes and a high body mass index. Conclusions: This study supports previously reported associations between traffic-related pollutants and LBW and suggests other pollution sources and components, including ultrafine particles, as possible risk factors.
Examining the Relationship between Teacher Quality as an Organizational Property of Schools and Students' Achievement and Growth Rates.

Purpose: No Child Left Behind (NCLB) brought attention to the need for states to upgrade the criteria used to certify teachers for entry into the profession. This study focuses on collective teacher qualifications mandated by NCLB and the role they play in explaining differences in school achievement and growth rates.Research Methods:The study examines whether school-level differences in teacher quality are related to student learning in reading and math in a longitudinal cohort consisting of more than 14,000 students nested in a random sample of 197 elementary schools.Findings: First, as a school-level resource, collective teacher quality was positively related to school achievement levels in reading and math. Second, the strength of the relationship was conditional on school demographic composition; for example, the positive relationship in reading was enhanced in school contexts where targeted student subgroups (e.g., low socioeconomic students, students receiving English services) were more highly clu...
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of university students' definitions of binge drinking.

This study was designed to assess undergraduates' (N = 424) definitions of binge drinking and to evaluate whether the number of drinks they said comprise a binge varied as a function of beverage type, respondent gender, and respondent binge drinking status. When asked to designate the specific number of drinks that comprise a binge for each of four beverage types, students reported that the number of beers constituting a binge was significantly larger than the number of glasses of wine, shots of hard liquor, and servings of any combination of alcoholic beverage types; men reported that a larger number of drinks constitute a binge than did women; and those who had engaged in 3 or more binges in the past 2 weeks reported that more drinks comprise a binge than those who had binged less often. Responses to an open-ended question asking their definition of a binge revealed that students sometimes characterize a binge in terms of motivations for and unhealthy consequences of drinking, in addition to defining a binge as comprising consumption of a large amount of alcohol in a limited (though often unspecified) time period. Furthermore, students attributed their open-ended definitions of binge drinking to informal sources of information and observation of others' drinking almost as often as they did to school-based or media-based sources. This suggests that educators might look for innovative ways to use both formal and informal social networking, and video illustrations of restrained drinking, as ways to influence young people's views of binge drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Mast cell granules inhibit macrophage-mediated lysis of mastocytoma cells (P815) and nitric oxide production

The effects of mast cell granules (MCGs) on macrophage-mediated lysis of P8i5 mastocytoma cells and nitric oxide (NO) production were studied. Murine peritoneal macrophages exhibited tumor cell killing and NO production only when activated with lipopolysaccha- ride (LPS) or interferon-rny (IFN-y). Coincubation of mac- rophages with MCGs during LPS activation dose-depen- dently inhibited macrophage-mediated tumor cell lysis. The MCG effect was not due to inactivation or removal of LPS by MCG. The inhibitory effect was also not due to histamine or serotonin present in the MCGs. The gran- ules were not toxic to macrophages or P815 mastocytoma cells. The effect of MCGs on macrophage-mediated tumor cell killing was evident whether MCGs were added before or after a 4-h exposure of macrophages to LPS. However, the inhibitory effect was not seen if MCGs were added after macrophages had been exposed to LPS for 24 h. To assess whether MCGs could inhibit a non-LPS trigger, MCGs were tested on macrophages activated with IFN-y. In these experiments, MCGs dose-dependently inhibited macrophage-mediated tumor cell killing induced by IFN- .y, LPS, or IFN-y plus LPS. Furthermore, in parallel cx- periments, MCGs signfficantly inhibited macrophage NO production induced by LPS, IFN-y, or IFN-y plus LPS. Pretreatment of MCGs with diisopropylfluorophosphate, a serine protease inhibitor, only partially abrogated the effects of MCGs. The results demonstrate that MCGs in- hibit both LPS- and IFN--y-induced macrophage killing of P8i5 cells and the inhibition is associated with the decrease of NO production.J. Leukoc. Biol. 53: 446-453; 1993.
Health reform and the ACA triple gap: Failing low-income young adults with mental health needs

ABSTRACTWhen states do not expand Medicaid, there is a gap that leaves adults earning less than 100% of the federal poverty level uninsured. However, low-income young adults with mental health needs living in these states fall into a triple gap that prohibits access to affordable health and mental health care. Many of these low-income young adults do not have parents with employer-sponsored health insurance available, and they are not eligible for premium subsidies or Medicaid. This article analyzes the impact of Affordable Care Act provisions on young adults, deliberates the effect of these provisions in relation to health disparities surrounding access to mental health care, and offers strategies for social workers to engage in mental health advocacy, outreach, and prevention efforts.
Allogeneic Marrow Transplantation in Acute Leukemia and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia — Johns Hopkins Experience

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is increasingly becoming an accepted and rational therapeutic procedure in the acute leukemias and in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Most of the problems of leukemic relapses, graft-versus- host disease (GVHD), viral infections, and graft rejection have been identified and solutions to these problems are being actively pursued in many centers around the world.
Technology Adoption and Optimal R&D under Moral Hazard

Optimal R&D and technology adoption is modeled when an agency is present. Shareholders collectively acting as a board take decision about R&D investment. The outcome of R&D efforts is a new cost of production and it is a private information to the manager. Managers will have to expend some non-verifiable (and hence, non-contractible) costly effort to adopt a new technology. Whether or not agency problem is present, technologies having cost below a certain threshold are not adopted. Presence of the Moral Hazard problem reduces the range of technologies that is adopted. This in turn reduces the investment made in R&D.
Association of periarterial neovascularization with progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy and long-term clinical outcomes in heart transplant recipients.

Background This study investigated the relationship between periarterial neovascularization, development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and long-term clinical outcomes after heart transplantation. Proliferation of the vasa vasorum is associated with arterial inflammation. The contribution of angiogenesis to the development of CAV has been suggested. Methods Serial (baseline and 1-year post-transplant) intravascular ultrasound was performed in 102 heart transplant recipients. Periarterial small vessels (PSV) were defined as echolucent luminal structures Results During the first year post-transplant, the proliferative group showed a greater increase in maximum intimal thickness (0.33 ± 0.36 mm vs 0.10 ± 0.28 mm, p p = 0.025) than the non-proliferative group. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, cardiac death-free survival rate over a median of 4.7 years was significantly lower in the proliferative group than in the non-proliferative group (hazard ratio, 3.10; p = 0.036). Conclusions The increase in PSV, potentially representing an angioproliferative response around the coronary arteries, was associated with early CAV progression and reduced survival after heart transplantation.
Candidate HTSC Film Substrates of Complex Oxide Perovsk1te Compositions

The research focused upon generating new substrate materials for the deposition of superconducting yttrium barium cuprate (YBCO) has yielded several new hosts in complex perovskites, modified perovskites, and other structure families. New substrate candidates such as Sr(Al1/2Ta1/2)O3 and Sr(Al1/2Nb1/2)O3, Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 in complex oxide perovskite structure family and their solid solutions with ternary perovskite LaAlO3 and NdGaO3 are reported. Conventional ceramic processing techniques were used to fabricate dense ceramic samples. A laser heated molten zone growth system was utilized for the test-growth of these candidate materials in single crystal fiber form to determine crystallographic structure, melting point, thermal, and dielectric properties as well as to make positive identification of twin free systems. Some of those candidate materials present an excellent combination of properties suitable for microwave HTSC substrate applications.
GPU Acceleration of Mean Free Path Based Kernel Density Estimators for Monte Carlo Neutronics Simulations

Kernel Density Estimators (KDEs) are a non-parametric density estimation technique that has recently been applied to Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations. Kernel density estimators are an alternative to histogram tallies for obtaining global solutions in Monte Carlo tallies. With KDEs, a single event, either a collision or particle track, can contribute to the score at multiple tally points with the uncertainty at those points being independent of the desired resolution of the solution. Thus, KDEs show potential for obtaining estimates of a global solution with reduced variance when compared to a histogram. Previously, KDEs have been applied to neutronics for one-group reactor physics problems and fixed source shielding applications. However, little work was done to obtain reaction rates using KDEs. This paper introduces a new form of the MFP KDE that is capable of handling general geometries. Furthermore, extending the MFP KDE to 2-D problems in continuous energy introduces inaccuracies to the solution. An ad-hoc solution to these inaccuracies is introduced that produces errors smaller than 4% at material interfaces.
Connect, build, develop: Forming effective liaison strategies through peer mentoring and partnership

After years of engaging in academic and library careers that centered on instruction, I became the business and economics liaison at Auburn University during the summer of 2015. It was an unexpecte...
Protective Effect of Creatine Phosphate for Coxsachievirus Myocarditis in Children

Objective To observe the protective effect of creatine phosphate(CP)for coxsachievirus myocarditis(CVM)in children,and explore its mechanisms.Methods Forty children with coxsachievirus B myocarditis were selected(CVM group)and were randomly divided into CP group(n=20)and fructose group(n=20).Meanwhile,20 healthy children were selected as control group.Serum coxsachievirus RNA and antibody IgM,myocardial enzymes,high-sensitivity C reactive protein(hs-CRP),malonaldehye(MDA)/superoxide dismutise(SOD),apoptosis factor sFas/sFasL were detected.MDA level was determined by thibabituric acid method and SOD was determined by chemistry colorimetric method.ABC-ELISA method was used to measure sFas and sFasL.Aspartate aminotransferase(AST),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),α-hydrooxybutyrate dehydrogenase(HBDH),creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB)were detected with a completed automatic biochemistry analyzer in a clinical laboratory of Harbin Children's Hospital.All data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software.Results Coxsachievirus RNA and antibody IgM were positive in CVM group.Compared with control group,the level of serum myocardial enzymes,hs-CRP,MDA and sFas/sFasL were higher(Pa0.05,0.01),and SOD was lower in CVM group(P0.01).The level of serum myocardial enzymes(except CK in fructose group),hs-CRP,MDA and sFas/sFasL in CP group and fructose group after treatment were decreased significantly than those before treatment(Pa0.05,0.01),and SOD was increased significantly(P0.01).There was no significant difference of every index after treatmeant between CP group and fructose group(Pa0.05).Conclusions CP has protective effect on children with CVM,its mechanism may be related to scavenging oxygen free radical and inhibiting apoptosis.
Risk stratification and preoperative evaluation of the patient with known or suspected liver disease.

Surgical risk for patients with liver disease increases in those with advanced portal hypertension and acute liver injury. Although a general approach is shown in Figure ​Figure1,1, risk stratification should be individualized. Improved prognostication with tools such as the MELD score and preoperative optimization can help guide a discussion of the risks and benefits to help patients make educated decisions about invasive procedures. Open in a separate window Figure 1 Recommended approach for preoperative risk assessment. Abbreviation: OR, operating room.
Research and scholarship of clinical laboratory science faculty members.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the research and scholarly productivity of faculty in four-year college and university clinical laboratory science (CLS) programs. To identify hours spent in research, numbers of presentations and publications, and external funding. DESIGN: In 2008, a national study involving 106 college and university CLS programs was conducted to determine whether faculty were participating in research. A questionnaire, in electronic format, was distributed to 448 faculty members. Data from 2001 to 2008, and from 275 respondents (61% response) representing 93 of 106 (88%) CLS programs were analyzed. SETTING: The study took place at The Ohio State University with collaboration from the University of Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: All CLS faculty within a four-year university or college sponsoring a NAACLS-accredited CLS program were invited to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To determine whether CLS faculty scholarly activities have been strengthened in the past decade. To quantitate scholarship productivity. To assess faculty perceptions of their employment environments. RESULTS: Data indicate that faculty who possess earned doctorates have higher levels of research productivity. While 52% of CLS faculty hold doctorates and 45% are tenured, 36% of all CLS faculty members have not published a research paper or abstract since 2001. On the other hand, 19% have published 11 or more times. CLS faculty were also awarded a total of $62 million in external funding, 83% from government sources. Teaching remains a primary responsibility of many faculty members. CONCLUSIONS: In the past decade, and generally speaking, CLS faculty have made some progress in scholarship including highest degree obtained, publications, presentations, and grantsmanship.
Transsplenic portal vein reconstruction-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a patient with portal and splenic vein thrombosis.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a potential complication of cirrhosis and can worsen outcomes after liver transplant (LT). Portal vein reconstruction–transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) can restore flow through the portal vein (PV) and facilitate LT by avoiding complex vascular conduits. We present a case of transsplenic PVR-TIPS in the setting of complete PVT and splenic vein (SV) thrombosis. The patient had a 3-year history of PVT complicated by abdominal pain, ascites, and paraesophageal varices. A SV tributary provided access to the main SV and was punctured percutaneously under ultrasound scan guidance. PV access, PV and SV venoplasty, and TIPS placement were successfully performed without complex techniques. The patient underwent LT with successful end-to-end anastomosis of the PVs. Our case suggests transsplenic PVR-TIPS to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional PVR-TIPS in patients with PVT and SV thrombosis.
Left Generalized High Order Fractional Monotone Approximation

Here are used the left general fractional derivatives Caputo style with respect to a base absolutely continuous strictly increasing function.
Investigation of Lithium Niobate (LN) and Lithium Tantalate (LT) for ultra-high frequency (UHF) monolithic BAW filter applications

A theoretical study has been carried out for a 1.0–3.0 GHz rectangular monolithic BAW filter configuration for different Y-cut angles of LN and LT using 3-D finite element (FEM) models. The frequency-temperature characteristics for cut angles varying from 0 deg to 180 deg for Y-cut LN and Y-cut LT is evaluated using 3-D FE analysis. The performance of the monolithic filters as a function of resonator geometry, and acoustic gap is studied. FEM results for different Y-cut angles of LT and LN are obtained with respect to the optimal resonator geometry. FEM results show that Y-cut LN has a higher band-width as compared to that of the Y-cut LT, however LT shows a better TCF and a lower loss as compared to that of LN. Based on the 3D-FEM analysis cut angle in the range of 170 to 178 deg for Y-cut LN and 158 to 165 deg for Y-cut LT are identified as the promising cut angles for possible UHF applications.
Public Opinion and the Media

During the waning years of the 1950s, the Soviet Union repeatedly charged that American spyplanes were overflying their country. American spokesmen, including President Eisenhower, publicly denied the charges. On May 6, 1960, President Krushchev angrily announced that an American U2 spyplane had been shot down near Sverdlosk, 1,200 miles within Soviet borders. The U.S. State Department denied ever having ordered overflights; a NASA official reported that a U2 being used for high altitude atmospheric research may have encountered an oxygen failure and drifted across the Soviet border accidentally. On the following day the Kremlin published photographs of the wrecked plane with its surveillance equipment, and the State Department admitted that the U2 “probably” had been spying. NASA found that none of their planes were missing after all. The U2 affair became a major international incident and figured prominently in the early collapse of a four-power summit conference that summer.
The Effects of Reciprocity and Self-Awareness on Honesty in Managerial Reporting: Social Value Orientation Matters

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of reciprocity, self-awareness, and social value orientation on honesty in managerial reporting. I measure each manager's social value orientation personali...
Abstract P6-08-06: Association of body mass index (BMI) with chemotherapy administration and emergency room (ER) visits among breast cancer patients

Background: Obese patients may be more likely to have treatment-related complications. Little is known about the association between BMI and chemotherapy-related ER visits and hospitalizations among breast cancer patients. In this study we evaluated the association between BMI and ER visits/hospitalizations in a large sample of breast cancer patients.Methods: We identified beneficiaries from the commercial MarketScan Health Risk Assessment database with breast cancer-specific claims between 2009-2014. All patients underwent mastectomy or lumpectomy and had BMI data available. BMI was categorized as normal ( Citation Format: Giordano SH, Niu J, Zhao H, Zorzi D, Chavez-Mac Gregor M. Association of body mass index (BMI) with chemotherapy administration and emergency room (ER) visits among breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-06.
Field tests and multiphysics analysis of a flooded shaft for geothermal applications with mine water

Abstract This paper introduces the scientific part of a large-scale study in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan, a historical mining area, for exploring the water in deep abandoned copper mines as a geothermal energy resource. The main focus of the paper is placed on the scientific understanding of the natural mine water-geologic formation system, especially the transport of heat and mass in this large-scale natural system, which is critical to the efficiency and sustainability of the energy renovation. For this purpose, a field study involving measurements of temperatures and chemicals in a local mine shaft in the U.P. is conducted to reveal the major issue in recovering geothermal energy in the water from the shaft, i.e., the temperature distribution. Water samples are also collected in situ to investigate the distribution and concentrations of major chemicals. Afterward, a theoretical framework for the thermo-hydrodynamic process in the mine water coupled with heat transfer in the surrounding geologic formations is developed to outline a mathematical description for studying the scientific issue. Simulations are finally conducted, based on the real geologic information, to preliminarily investigate the quasi-equilibrium water movement in this local mine shaft due to geothermal gradients to provide insights into the phenomena observed in the field study.
Feasibility Study of In Situ Sediment Analysis by X-Ray Fluorescence

It has been established that energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence can provide in situ sediment analysis detectabilities that approach those attainable in the laboratory and that can be used to map ...
Occurrence and Sources of Sulfur

It is generally believed that the sulfur content of the planets is determined by their iron content and the condensation temperature. The sulfur is mainly retained as FeS. In the pressure range between 10 -7 and 10 atm., this reaction occurs at about 400°C. On the surface of the Sun, sulfur constitutes only 0.002% of the weight, iron 0.005%, and oxygen 0.05%. The bulk of the sun consists of 92% hydrogen and 7.5% helium. The sulfur content of Mercury is nil because the planet has only 0.1% FeO and thus can retain neither sulfur nor water. The Venus is earthlike in composition, but its FeO content is 10 times lower. Accordingly, sulfur and water are almost absent there. It has been suggested that the Venus clouds contain sulfur, together with mercury, bromine, silver, and antimony. On Mars, iron oxidation to FeO is higher than on the earth. It is believed that Mars has a core of pure FeS. The chemistry of Jupiter is not well known.
Macrovascular Disease: Pathobiology of Endothelial Function, Renal Artery Remodeling, and Plaque

Atherosclerotic renal vascular disease (ARVD) is the most common cause of renal artery stenosis. Endothelial dysfunction is a systemic disorder and a critical element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions. Endothelial dysfunction leads to ARVD, and in turn, ARVD exacerbates systemic endothelial function, establishing a vicious circle. Intravascular ultrasound demonstrates that renal artery plaques have a wide variety of atherosclerotic phenotypes including vulnerable plaque features. The plaque characteristics of the renal artery are associated with the mode of arterial remodeling. With a more detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of the renal atherosclerotic plaque, the treatment strategies for atherosclerotic renal artery disease will continue to develop.