cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Following Exploratory Laparotomy

Reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an uncommon cardiomyopathy characterized by reversible regional wall motion abnormalities in the basilar segment of the left ventricle. This happens in the absen...
Immunotherapy of human cancer: lessons from mice.

Translating mouse models into clinical therapies has never been easy. Immunotherapies for cancer also have to contend with an approval process designed for testing drugs. It may be necessary to consider different endpoints and objectives when evaluating the efficacy of these newer approaches.
Peaking of World Oil Production

Nonrenewable and renewable energy sources make up the two major energy categories of interest to our industrial civilization. Nonrenewable energy includes different fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) that were formed over millions of years, as well as nuclear . Once used, they are no longer available in any time period of interest to humans. Renewable energy , on the other hand, is so-called free energy, such as the sun (solar), wind, biomass , by-products of fermentation or decomposing organic matter (alcohol, biodiesel, methane) , geothermal, etc., that only has to be harnessed, used, or converted to another form, for example, electricity. Any evaluation of fossil-fuel energy and proposed alternatives requires knowledge of the interrelations between heat, work, and internal energy of a system, in other words, the study of thermodynamics.
Determining Headway for Personalized Autonomous Vehicles by Learning from Human Driving Demonstration

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a critical function for autonomous driving. Nowadays this technology enables the vehicle to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle in front of it by adjusting the vehicle's speed. The preset distance is usually a fixed value manually picked by human drivers by their preference during driving. But in real life different drivers may have different driving styles, resulting in different headway distance, which normally varies as speed changes. With a traditional ACC system, a human driver always needs to change headway distance parameter during driving, which may make the human driver feel inconvenient and uncomfortable. In this paper we introduce a method that enables human drivers to teach ACC system with different driving styles. With this method, ACC system can learn from human demonstration and generate parameters dedicated to a certain driver so that the comfort of the driver can be improved.
Comparing self-reported incidental catch among fishermen targeting Pacific halibut and a fishery independent survey

Abstract This paper compares observations of commercial fishermen with a fishery-independent survey, and explores putative relationships between characteristics of fishing operations and incidental catch in the Pacific halibut fishery in Southeast Alaska. Results from a multiple factor analysis demonstrate statistically significant relationships between fishing characteristics and the incidental catch of various species. Results from a proportional odds logistic regression model indicate the presence of a strong unavoidable component of incidental catch in the halibut fishery. Consequently, patterns of incidental catch in this fishery generally paralleled patterns of incidental catch in a fishery-independent stock assessment survey that uses similar gear. This suggests that increased onboard monitoring of this fleet by cameras or human observers is unlikely to reveal broad trends in incidental catch that are not already apparent in the fishery-independent stock assessment survey. Nevertheless, weaker statistically significant relationships in the model indicate that incidental catch may be influenced by observable and controllable characteristics of fishing operations (e.g., fishing grounds, season, vessel length, gear configuration). This suggests a proportional odds model like the one presented in this paper could be used to generate operation-specific estimates of incidental catch by species from incidental catches observed in fishery-independent surveys based on known characteristics of fishing operations.
Interface-derived solid-state viscoelasticity exhibited by nanostructured and microstructured materials containing carbons or ceramics

Abstract With 206 references, this paper reviews the field of interface-derived solid-state viscoelasticity that emerged in 1995 and grew with nanotechnology. Viscoelasticity is relevant to vibration and acoustic damping, as needed for cement-based composites, continuous fiber polymer-matrix composites, etc. This viscoelasticity mechanism involves interfacial friction and requires adequate interface area and feasibility of slight interfacial sliding. This mechanism is in contrast to the conventional viscoelasticity that involves bulk viscoelastic deformation, as in rubber. Compared to the conventional mechanism, this mechanism is attractive for the relative independence on temperature, the ability to withstand elevated temperatures, and the feasibility of simultaneously enhancing the loss tangent and stiffness. In monolithic materials, the interfaces are primarily the filler-matrix interface. Concerning multi-walled carbon nanotubes, the wall-wall interface also contributes. For providing interfaces, nanostructured/microstructured carbon or ceramic fillers (nanotubes/nanofibers, exfoliated graphite, ceramic particles, smectite clay, etc.) are effective, provided that their dispersion and interface design are adequate. For continuous fiber polymer-matrix composites, the filler volume fraction should be minimized. For non-monolithic materials (assemblies without a matrix, including fibers, nanotubes, exfoliated graphite and carbon black), which are potentially useful as the constrained layer in constrained-layer damping, the interfaces are primarily those between the structural units of the assembly.
Jazz Dance Training: Contributions to a Well-Rounded Dance Education for College Students

ABSTRACTJazz dance training in college and university dance programs offers a platform for students to develop a holistic understanding of dance. Three unique qualities of jazz dance are discussed: vernacular expression, improvisation and sense of play, and rhythmic dynamism. Accessing the vernacular nature of jazz dance provides historical context for movement in addition to the merging and emerging of creation in jazz culture. Improvisation and sense of “play” introduce dynamic expression as rhythmic exploration. Experimenting with a range of rhythmic possibilities in performance and studio contexts exposes key elements of jazz dance: the use of syncopation, treatment of weight, and assertive rhythmic accenting and articulation. How one experiments with these elements can vary, but if it is central to the practice, dynamism inevitably follows. These elements help create the ethos of jazz dance and enhance a dancer’s training in any idiom.
Exploring the Role of Chronic Pain Clinics: Potential for Opioid Reduction.

Background The management of chronic nonmalignant pain with high-dose opioids has partially contributed to the current opioid epidemic, with some responsibility shared by chronic pain clinics. Traditionally, both primary care providers and patients used chronic pain clinics as a source for continued medical management of patients on high-dose opioids, often resulting in tolerance and escalating doses. Although opioids continue to be an important component of the management of some chronic pain conditions, improvement in function and comfort must be documented. Pain clinics are ideally suited for reducing opioid usage while improving pain and function with the use of a multimodal approach to pain management. We assessed whether the application of multimodal treatment directed by pain specialists in a pain clinic provides for improved function and reduced dosages of opioid analgesics. Objective We evaluated the role of a pain clinic staffed by fellowship-trained pain physicians in reducing pain and opioid use in chronic nonmalignant pain patients. Study design This study used a retrospective design. Setting The research took place in an outpatient pain clinic in a tertiary referral center/teaching hospital. Methods Of 1268 charts reviewed, 296 patients were on chronic opioids at the time of first evaluation. After a thorough evaluation, the patients were treated with nonopioid pharmacotherapy and interventional pain procedures as necessary. The data utilized from patients' latest follow-up visit included current pain level using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11), opioid usage, and various functional parameters. Results NRS-11 scores decreased by 33.8% from 6.8 (± 0.1)/10 to 4.5 (± 0.2)/10. The pain frequency and number of pain episodes improved by 36.8 ± 2 and 36.2 ± 2.1, respectively. Additionally, the ability to sleep, work, and perform chores significantly improved. Total opioid use decreased by about 55.4% from 53.8 ± 4 to about 24 ± 2.8 MME/patient/day. Limitation This study is not a randomized prospective controlled study. The patients analyzed are still getting therapy and their pain status may change. Some opioids are underrepresented in the analyzed cohort. Finally, this study lacks in-depth stratification by type of pain, age, gender, and duration of opioid use. Conclusion Chronic pain clinics can play a pivotal role in reducing opioid usage while improving pain and function in patients on chronic opioids. We wish to emphasize the importance of allocating resources toward nonopioid treatments that may improve the function and well-being of patients. Key words Pain clinic, pain management, multimodal pain management, chronic pain, opioid reduction, improved pain, improved functional capacity.
A Multi-modal Sensor Array for Safe Human-Robot Interaction and Mapping

In the future, human-robot interaction will include collaboration in close-quarters where the environment geometry is partially unknown. As a means for enabling such interaction, this paper presents a multi-modal sensor array capable of contact detection and localization, force sensing, proximity sensing, and mapping. The sensor array integrates Hall effect and time-of-flight (ToF) sensors in an I2C communication network. The design, fabrication, and characterization of the sensor array for a future in-situcollaborative continuum robot are presented. Possible perception benefits of the sensor array are demonstrated for accidental contact detection, mapping of the environment, selection of admissible zones for bracing, and constrained motion control of the end effector while maintaining a bracing constraint with an admissible rolling motion.
State-level estimates of excess hospitalizations and deaths associated with influenza.

BACKGROUND National estimates of influenza burden may not reflect state-level influenza activity, and local surveillance may not capture the full burden of influenza. METHODS To provide state-level information about influenza burden, we estimated excess pneumonia and influenza (P&I) and respiratory and circulatory (R&C) hospitalizations and deaths in Colorado from local hospital discharge records, death certificates, and influenza virus surveillance using negative binomial models. RESULTS From July 2007 to June 2016, influenza was associated with an excess of 17 911 P&I hospitalizations (95%CI: 15 227, 20 354), 30 811 R&C hospitalizations (95%CI: 24 344, 37 176), 1,064 P&I deaths (95%CI: 757, 1298), and 3828 R&C deaths (95%CI: 2060, 5433). There was a large burden of influenza A(H1N1) among persons aged 0-64 years, with high median seasonal rates of excess hospitalization among persons aged 0-4 years. Persons aged ≥65 years experienced the largest numbers and highest median seasonal rates of excess hospitalization and death associated with influenza A (H3N2). The burden of influenza B was generally lower, with elevated median seasonal rates of excess hospitalization among persons aged 0-4 years and ≥65 years. CONCLUSIONS These findings complement existing influenza surveillance. Periodic state-level estimates of influenza disease burden may be useful for setting state public health priorities and planning prevention and control initiatives.
Early-life Programming of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Understanding the Association between Epigenetics/Genetics and Environmental Factors

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is an increasing public health problem that poses a severe social and economic burden affecting both developed and developing countries. Defects in insulin signaling itself are among the earliest indications that an individual is predisposed to the development of insulin resistance and subsequently Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. To date, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms which result in resistance to the actions of insulin are poorly understood. Furthermore, it has been shown that maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance in the offspring. However, the genetic and/or epigenetic modifications within insulin-sensitive tissues such as the liver and skeletal muscle, which contribute to the insulin-resistant phenotype, still remain unknown. More importantly, a lack of in-depth understanding of how the early life environment can have long-lasting effects on health and increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adulthood poses a major limitation to such efforts. The focus of the current review is thus to discuss recent experimental and human evidence of an epigenetic component associated with components of nutritional programming of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, including altered feeding behavior, adipose tissue, and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, and transgenerational risk transmission.
Ganzzahlige und gemischtganzzahlige lineare Optimierung

Bisher haben wir uns mit linearen Optimierungsproblemen oder mit nichtlinearen Optimierungsproblemen beschaftigt. Implizit wurde dabei jeweils von der kontinuierlichen Variierbarkeit der Variablen Gebrauch gemacht. Diese Eigenschaft liegt aber bei praktischen Problemen oft nicht vor.
Bilateral "Rescue Strip" Technique for Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to the Clivus.

BACKGROUND The vascularized nasoseptal flap (NSF) is a pillar of contemporary endoscopic skull base reconstruction. The pedicle for the NSF is supplied by the posterior septal branch of the sphenopalatine artery, which courses along the arch of the choana and sphenoid rostrum before entering the nasal septum. Resection or mobilization of this region is necessary for surgical access to the clivus. OBJECTIVE To describe a technique for preserving bilateral NSF pedicles during endoscopic endonasal resection of the clivus, thereby safeguarding availability of the flaps for future skull base repair needs. METHODS Report of operative technique with video demonstration. RESULTS This technique for NSF preservation allows for wide access to the clivus while saving the future option for vascularized flap repairs of skull base defects. The patient in whom we demonstrate this technique underwent complete resection of her clivus without cerebrospinal fluid leak and with preservation of both NSF pedicles. CONCLUSION The "rescue strip" technique for endonasal endoscopic clival surgery preserves the bilateral NSF pedicles for future use without compromising surgical access to the clivus.
Insights into Saudi Female International Students: Transition Experiences.

This study explored the transition experiences of 10 Saudi female international students when they made the decision to study and live in the United States. The transition theory provided the theoretical foundation for understanding how Saudi female sophomore students progressed through moving to a Midwestern university. Ten in-depth individual interviews followed by a focus group interview with four of the participants elicited their reflections about their transition experiences evolving over time and the coping strategies they employed to facilitate their transition. The themes that emerged from data analysis emphasized the positive experiences of Saudi females in the United States, the importance of fathers’ support, desire to go back to Saudi Arabia upon graduation, and the several resources Saudi females sought other than campus support.
Encapsulated Silicon Nitride Nanobeam Cavity for Hybrid Nanophotonics

Most existing implementations of silicon nitride photonic crystal cavities rely on suspended membranes due to their low refractive index. Such floating membranes are not mechanically robust, making them suboptimal for developing a hybrid optoelectronic platform where new materials, such as layered 2D materials, are transferred onto prefabricated optical cavities. To address this issue, we design and fabricate a silicon nitride nanobeam resonator where the silicon nitride membrane is encapsulated by material with a refractive index of ∼1.5, such as silicon dioxide or PMMA. The theoretically calculated quality factor of the cavities can be as large as 105, with a mode-volume of ∼2.5(λ/n)3. We fabricated the cavity and measured the transmission spectrum with the highest quality factor reaching 7000. We also successfully transferred monolayer tungsten diselenide on the encapsulated silicon nitride nanobeam and demonstrated coupling of the cavity with both the monolayer exciton and the defect emissions.
Selective, Catalytic Oxidations of C–H Bonds in Polyethylenes Produce Functional Materials with Enhanced Adhesion

Summary The synthesis of functional and processable polyethylenes from simple vinyl monomers with controlled molecular weights and architectures has been a grand challenge of polymer chemistry. Post-polymerization modification of the homopolymers of ethylene is attractive for this purpose but has been hampered by the lack of efficient methods for the selective functionalization of C–H bonds in polyolefins. We report the selective, catalytic oxidation of C–H bonds in commodity polyethylenes with varying molecular weights and architectures. Remarkably, the functionalized materials, even at low levels of functionalization, exhibit physical properties that are absent in unmodified polyolefins, such as strong adhesion and the ability to be painted with common waterborne latex paint. Such observations indicate that selectively modified polyethylenes as described here may help to transform existing commodity plastics into more valuable and potentially more sustainable materials.
In vivo assembly of the sorgoleone biosynthetic pathway and its impact on agroinfiltrated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana

Sorgoleone, a hydrophobic compound exuded from root hair cells of Sorghum spp., accounts for much of the allelopathic activity of the genus. The enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of this compound have been identified and functionally characterized. Here, we report the successful assembly of the biosynthetic pathway and the significant impact of in vivo synthesized sorgoleone on the heterologous host Nicotiana benthamiana. A multigene DNA construct was prepared for the expression of genes required for sorgoleone biosynthesis in planta and deployed in N. benthamiana leaf tissues via Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. RNA-sequencing was conducted to investigate the effects of sorgoleone, via expression of its biosynthesis pathway, on host gene expression. The production of sorgoleone in agroinfiltrated leaves as detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) resulted in the formation of necrotic lesions, indicating that the compound caused severe phytotoxicity to these tissues. RNA-sequencing profiling revealed significant changes in gene expression in the leaf tissues expressing the pathway during the formation of sorgoleone-induced necrotic lesions. Transcriptome analysis suggested that the compound produced in vivo impaired the photosynthetic system as a result of downregulated gene expression for the photosynthesis apparatus and elevated expression of proteasomal genes which may play a major role in the phytotoxicity of sorgoleone.
Replication of porcine deltacoronavirus is limited in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal piglets co-infected simultaneously or 16 hours prior with virulent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus

Abstract Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) cause acute diarrhea/vomiting in neonatal pigs and share similar tissue or cellular tropisms in the gastrointestinal tract. We investigated if or how these two swine enteric coronaviruses interact with each other in gnotobiotic (Gn) piglets. Seventeen 9−10-day-old Gn piglets were randomly assigned to 5 groups and inoculated with PEDV strain PC21A [9.3 log10 genomic equivalents (GE)/pig] and/or PDCoV strain OH-FD22 (8.6 log10 GE/pig) as follows: dually with PEDV and PDCoV [16 h later (n = 4) or simultaneously (n = 3)] or singly with PEDV (n = 4), PDCoV (n = 4), or mock (n = 3). No enhanced clinical disease or fecal PEDV shedding were observed in dually inoculated pigs compared with PEDV or PDCoV singly inoculated pigs, coinciding with no significant differences in jejunal VH:CD ratios and PEDV antigen-positive scores at post-inoculation days (PIDs) 3–4 among the groups. These observations indicate no increased severity of PEDV infectivity by PDCoV co-infection. Notably, compared with PDCoV singly inoculated pigs, low to moderate fecal PDCoV RNA titers were detected only at PID 1 in both dually inoculated pig groups. At PIDs 2–4, however, there was no detectable PDCoV RNA in the feces, coinciding with no or few PDCoV antigen-positive cells in the small and large intestine of the dually inoculated pigs at PIDs 3–4. These observations indicate a possible interference or inhibition of PDCoV replication in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs co-infected with PEDV and may influence PDCoV infection in PEDV co-infected pigs.
Abiotic and Biotic Damage of Microalgae Generate Different Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for Early Diagnosis of Algal Cultures for Biofuel Production

Open microalgal ponds used in industrial biomass production are susceptible to a number of biotic and abiotic environmental stressors (e.g., grazers, pathogens, pH, temperature, etc.) resulting in pond crashes with high economic costs. Identification of signature chemicals to aid in rapid, non-invasive, and accurate identification of the stressors would facilitate targeted and effective treatment to save the algal crop from a catastrophic crash. Specifically, we were interested in identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be used to as an early diagnostic for algal crop damage. Cultures of Microchloropsis gaditana were subjected to two forms of algal crop damage: (1) active grazing by the marine rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis, or (2) repeated freeze-thaw cycles. VOCs emitted above the headspace of these algal cultures were collected using fieldable solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers. An untargeted analysis and identification of VOCs was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Diagnostic VOCs unique to each algal crop damage mechanism were identified. Active rotifer grazing of M. gaditana was characterized by the appearance of carotenoid degradation products, including β-cyclocitral and various alkenes. Freeze-thaw algae produced a different set of VOCs, including palmitoleic acid. Both rotifer grazing and freeze-thawed algae produced β-ionone as a VOC, possibly suggesting a common stress-induced cellular mechanism. Importantly, these identified VOCs were all absent from healthy algal cultures of M. gaditana. Early detection of biotic or abiotic environmental stressors will facilitate early diagnosis and application of targeted treatments to prevent algal pond crashes. Thus, our work further supports the use of VOCs for monitoring the health of algal ponds to ultimately enhance algal crop yields for production of biofuel.
Primary Ewing's sarcoma with orbit involvement: Survival and visual outcomes after eye-sparing multidisciplinary management in eight patients.

BACKGROUND To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and overall prognosis in eight patients with primary Ewing's sarcoma (ES) involving the orbit. METHODS A retrospective interventional study of all biopsy-proven cases of primary ES involving the orbit was done. RESULTS There were seven males and one female with a median age of 14 years. Imaging showed osseous involvement in all eight cases with extraorbital extension in four. Complete tumor resection was done in four, partial resection in three, and biopsy followed by sinus surgery in one. EWSR1 gene rearrangement analysis was done to confirm diagnosis. All patients received multidrug systemic chemotherapy and seven patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Eye salvage was achieved in all patients. At a mean follow-up duration of 52.63 months, seven patients were doing well with no evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS ES involving the orbit is sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. Aggressive multimodality treatment can help salvage the globe and improve overall survival.
Effects of a Novel TRH Analog, JTP-2942, on Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Neurons in the Brain

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a hypothalamic hormone that releases thyrotropin and prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland. TRH and its receptor are widely distributed throughout the brain, including the amygdala, medulla, cerebral cortex, septal region, and hippocampus,1–4 suggesting that TRH may play an important role as a neurotransmitter as well as a neuromodulator regulating the functions of cholinergic5–7 and monoaminergic neurons.8,9 At present, several TRH analogues designed to reduce the hormonal actions and to increase the potency and duration of the central actions of TRH are under clinical investigation for the treatment of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease.10,11 A novel TRH analogue, Nα-[(1S, 2R)-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopentanecarbonyl]-L-histidyl-L-prolineamide (JTP-2942), with a cyclopentanone structure substituted for the pyroglutamyl moiety of TRH, has recently been demonstrated to have an increased therapeutic potency compared with the parent compound.12 JTP-2942 has been shown to cause reversal of experimental amnesia13 and to enhance both learning and memory in rodents in a Morris water maze study. The present study was performed to clarify the effects of JTP-2942 on cholinergic and monoaminergic neurons.
Office Systems Research at IBM, ARC

Rapid advances in technology are making computing systems more powerful and more affordable every year. Workstations and associated peripheral equipment such as storage and I/O equipment, are changing very quickly providing new functions and capabilities in the office workplace. Work roles are changing as we become an information processing society, seeking better ways to communicate with each other and better ways to do our work and manage our businesses.
Studies on the turnover of plasma membranes in cultured mammalian cells. II. Rates of synthesis and degradation of plasma membrane proteins and carbohydrates

Abstract The rate of turnover of membrane proteins and membrane-bound carbohydrates in exponentially growing and in confluent contact-inhibited cultures of strain MK-2 cells was investigated. Cells were labelled with [ 14 C]leucine and [ 3 H]glucosamine, incubated in isotope-free medium and, at various times thereafter, the cells were harvested and membranes isolated from them. The rate of decay of the protein and carbohydrate components was determined from specific activity dilution of the labeled components in the isolated membranes. Although the rate of membrane synthesis is different in exponential and contact-inhibited cells, the rate of degradation (turnover) of membrane proteins and carbohydrates was found to be the same (25%, per generation (42 h) or 0.6%/h).
Comparing Suffering Across Species

Moral life often presents us with trade-offs between the sufferings of some individuals and the sufferings of others. Researchers may need to consider, for example, whether the suffering imposed on animals by a certain line of medical experimentation justifies the relief that the resulting discoveries may bring to (human or non-human) others. Often in such cases, the suffering of some individuals is incomparable with—that is neither greater than nor less than nor equal to— the suffering of others. While this complicates moral decision-making across species, it does not undermine it.
Enzyme Production, Growth, and Adaptation of T. reesei Strains QM9414, L-27, RL-P37, and Rut C-30 to Conditioned Yellow Poplar Sawdust Hydrolysate

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a conditioning process that decreases acetic acid levels in pretreated yellow poplar hydrolysate. Trichoderma reesei is sensitive to acetic acid and this conditioning method has enabled applied cellulase production with hardwoods. T. reesei strains QM9414, L-27, RL-P37, and Rut C-30 were screened for growth on conditioned hydrolysate liquor. Tolerance to hydrolysate was found to be strain-dependent. Strain QM9414 was adapted to grow in 80% (v/v) conditioned hydrolysate (40 g/L of soluble sugars and 1.6 g/L acetic acid from pretreated poplar). However, enzyme production was highest at 20% (v/v) hydrolysate using strain L-27. Cellulase titers of 2-3 International Filter Paper Units (IFPU)/mL were achieved using pretreated yellow poplar liquors and solids as the sole carbon sources.
Doebner quinoline synthesis

Three-component coupling of an aniline, pyruvic acid, and an aldehyde to provide a quinoline-4-carboxylic acid.
Identification of regions of normal grey matter and white matter from pathologic glioblastoma and necrosis in frozen sections using Raman imaging

In neurosurgical applications, a tool capable of distinguishing grey matter, white matter, and areas of tumor and/or necrosis in near-real time could greatly aid in tumor resection decision making. Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive spectroscopic technique which provides molecular information about the tissue under examination based on the vibrational properties of the constituent molecules. With careful measurement and data processing, a spatial step and repeat acquisition of Raman spectra can be used to create Raman images. Forty frozen brain tissue sections were imaged in their entirety using a 300-µm-square measurement grid, and two or more regions of interest within each tissue were also imaged using a 25 µm-square step size. Molecular correlates for histologic features of interest were identified within the Raman spectra, and novel imaging algorithms were developed to compare molecular features across multiple tissues. In previous work, the relative concentration of individual biomolecules was imaged. Here, the relative concentrations of 1004, 1300:1344, and 1660 cm(-1), which correspond primarily to protein and lipid content, were simultaneously imaged across all tissues. This provided simple interpretation of boundaries between grey matter, white matter, and diseased tissue, and corresponded with findings from adjacent hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. This novel, yet simple, multi-channel imaging technique allows clinically-relevant resolution with straightforward molecular interpretation of Raman images not possible by imaging any single peak. This method can be applied to either surgical or laboratory tools for rapid, non-destructive imaging of grey and white matter.
Complications of abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy among women of reproductive age in the United States: The collaborative review of sterilization

Although hysterectomy was the most frequently performed major surgical procedure among women of reproductive age during the past decade, few recent studies have been conducted to determine the risk of complications. We examined data from the Collaborative Review of Sterilization, a prospective, multicenter, observational study coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control, to assess the comparative risks of complications among women undergoing hysterectomy by the abdominal and vaginal approaches. Between September, 1978, and August, 1981, 1,851 women from nine institutions were included in the study. Women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy experienced significantly fewer complications than women who had undergone abdominal hysterectomy. The difference was probably attributable to the prevalence and efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic use among the former group. Vaginal hysterectomy was associated with more unintended major surgical procedures but less febrile morbidity, bleeding requiring transfusion, hospitalization, and convalescence than abdominal hysterectomy. Vaginal hysterectomy with prophylactic antibiotics should be strongly considered for those women of reproductive age for whom either surgical approach is clinically appropriate.
Evidence-Based Management of Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This report explores the efficacy of existing therapies for acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), primarily in terms of clinically important outcomes such as the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital mortality. Of the 15 therapies reviewed, the strongest evidence suggests that ALI/ARDS should be managed with a low-tidal-volume, pressure-limited approach, with either low or moderately high positive end-expiratory pressure. To date there have been few large, sufficiently powered, randomized controlled clinical trials of ALI/ARDS therapies that addressed patient outcomes. However, there is relatively strong evidence to support conservative fluid management and high-fat, anti-oxidant nutritional formulations. Although most pharmacologic ALI/ARDS therapies have been ineffective, high-dose methylprednisolone is indicated in the subgroups of ALI/ARDS patients who have pneumonia or are at risk of ARDS due to fat embolization.
Selective aldosterone deficiency.

ABSTRACT Selective aldosterone deficiency is a rarely described entity, characterized by relative or absolute deficiency of aldosterone secretion and an otherwise normal adrenal function. An elderly Negro male with such a deficiency is described; the findings are compared with those of previously reported cases. The evidence is in favor of an acquired defect of the C-18 hydroxylating enzyme, the pathogenesis of which is unknown. In this entity the characteristic biochemical abnormality is hyperkalemia, at times of severe degree. Hyperkalemia is responsible for the observed clinical picture (cardiac arrhythmias and muscular paralysis). It arises and/or becomes more severe with depletion of body sodium, through a renal retention mechanism. It is corrected by small doses of salt-active steroid. In this patient occurrence of congestive heart failure, normal serum sodium and balance studies suggest adequate Na conservation, even when the intake is markedly restricted. In the other 6 cases thus far reported, th...
Human monocytes produce IL-1 and an inhibitor of IL-1 in response to two different signals.

Abstract Recently, IL-1 inhibitors from urine, monocytes, or monocyte lines have been described. The relationship of these inhibitors to the production, release, and immunological effects of IL-1 is unclear. The present studies were initiated to describe and quantitate the production of IL-1 and a 23 to 45-kDa IL-1 inhibitor from human monocytes in response to certain stimuli using a mouse thymocyte system responsive to IL-1. Zymosan stimulated monocytes to produce IL-1 but not IL-1 inhibitor. Adherent immune complexes, human IgG1-4, and Fc fragments, but not F(ab′)2, stimulated monocyte production of IL-1 inhibitor and little if any IL-1. Fibronectin and three of its fragments had neither effect. These observations suggest that monocytes produce IL-1 or IL-1 inhibitor in response to two different signals, through “endotoxin or β-glucan” and Fc receptors, respectively. The inhibitor decreases IL-1-induced CD-1, C3H HeJ , and D10 G4.1 cells but not IL-2-induced CD-1, C3H HeJ , or CTLL-2 proliferation. The inhibitor competively blocked binding of radiolabeled rIL-1 to the IL-1 receptor on murine thymoma cells. Preicubation of thymocytes with the inhibitor prevented IL-1-induced proliferation; however, this effect was reversed by washing thymocytes and inhibitor activity was markedly reduced when added hr hr after stimulation with IL-1. These observations suggest that the inhibitor acts on IL-1 receptors to prevent thymocyte proliferation. Monocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus produced less IL-1 inhibitor than cells from normal volunteers. The decrease in IL-1 inhibitor production may play a role in disease states.
Biometric technology in retailing: Will consumers accept fingerprint authentication?

Abstract Biometric technologies are currently being tested by retailers to determine their applicability to business operations. Generally, the benefits of biometric systems relate to improved speed, more secure transactions, and better information management; however, such technologies also present retailers with the problem of protecting consumer privacy. This paper concentrates on one form of biometrics that is most often being tested by retailers––fingerprint authentication at point-of-sale. The purpose of this paper is to determine how readily this specific biometric technology will be accepted by consumers. Findings presented in the paper indicate that there has not been strong support by consumers.
Response of predatory snails to a novel prey following the geographic range expansion of an intertidal barnacle

Abstract During a geographic range expansion, the success of a species colonizing a new region may be influenced by how resident predators respond to this novel prey. The volcano barnacle Tetraclita rubescens has recently expanded its range > 300 km northward along the coast of California, USA. In the historic portion of its range, Tetraclita is preyed upon by a southern dogwhelk, Nucella emarginata . In newly colonized northern habitats, Tetraclita has joined an assemblage of mid-intertidal barnacles preyed upon by two species of northern dogwhelks ( N. ostrina and N. canaliculata ). Using a combination of field enclosures and laboratory experiments, we tested the impacts of northern whelks on volcano barnacles relative to other barnacle species. In the field, juvenile Tetraclita were rarely consumed. In laboratory trials with larger barnacles, Tetraclita were nearly immune to drilling by northern whelks, perhaps due to superior morphological defenses. In all experiments, prior encounters with Tetraclita did not appear to increase the frequency of predation on this barnacle; northern whelk species rarely preyed on Tetraclita even when collected from a site where this barnacle was abundant. In contrast, the southern whelk N. emarginata readily preyed on Tetraclita in laboratory trials, perhaps reflecting a longer shared evolutionary history between these species. Overall, our results suggest that the success of a population established beyond a species' historical range boundary may be influenced by the functional traits of that species in relation to the composition and evolutionary history of the surrounding community.
Independent effect of black recipient race on short-term outcomes after liver transplantation

Background Previous studies have demonstrated worse graft and patient survival for black patients after liver transplantation (LT), but these studies have not accounted properly for recipient, donor, center, or geographic effects. In this study, we evaluated the effect of candidate race on patient and graft survival after LT. Methods Using a novel linkage of the databases of the University HealthSystem Consortium and the US Census and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 12,445 patients (43.1% of total) who underwent LT in the United States from 2007 to 2011. Using a mixed-effects, proportional hazards model, we assessed the effect of race on patient and graft survival after controlling for recipient, donor, and center characteristics; region; donor service area; and individual transplant centers. Results At the time of transplantation, white patients were healthier, had a shorter duration of hospital stay, and a lesser in-hospital mortality compared with black and Hispanic patients. White recipients had a graft and patient survival advantage when compared with blacks, but there was no survival difference observed when compared with Hispanics. After controlling for recipient and donor characteristics, geographic region, donor service area, and the effect of the individual hospital, black recipients were still at an increased risk of both death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.15–1.50) and graft failure (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14–1.44) after LT. Conclusion After controlling for many of the important variables in the transplant process, including the individual hospital, black recipients were at increased risk of both death and graft failure after LT when compared with whites.
Enhancing Creative Performance: Effects of Expected Developmental Assessment Strategies and Creative Personality

This study examined the independent and joint effects of expected developmental assessment strategies (self-administered, other-administered, and no assessment) and creative personality on individuals' creative performance. Data were collected from 68 participants who performed a role-playing task in a laboratory setting. Results showed that individuals exhibited the highest creative performance when they expected a self-administered assessment (i.e., an opportunity to assess their own work in order to develop their creativity-relevant skills) and had creative personalities.
Optimal reactor dimensions for homogeneous combustion in small channels

Abstract This paper addresses the question of choosing the appropriate reactor length, wall thickness, and reactor opening size for self-sustained homogeneous combustion in parallel plate channels. First, the flame characteristics and stability of homogeneous combustion in micro-scale ( 1 mm) channels are studied, and the roles of heat recirculation and heat loss on the mechanisms of flame extinction and blowout are investigated. Based on these insights, the effects of reactor dimensions on flame stability are studied. Increasing the reactor length results in shrinking of the region of self-sustained combustion due to increased heat losses through the reactor solid structure. An optimum gap width in the range of ∼600–1200 μm (transition from micro- to meso-scales) provides the largest region of self-sustained combustion. Size effects are stronger for methane than for propane combustion.
Fluid dynamics of rotating detonation engines with hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract Rotating detonation engines (RDE’s) represent a logical step from pulsed detonation engine concepts to a continuous detonation engine concept for obtaining propulsion from the high efficiency detonation cycle. The hydrogen/air and hydrogen/oxygen RDE concepts have been most extensively studied, however, being able to use hydrocarbon fuels is essential for practical RDE’s. The current paper extends our hydrogen/air model to hydrocarbon fuels with both air and pure oxygen as the oxidizer. Before beginning the RDE calculations, several detonation tube results are summarized showing the ability of the code to reproduce the correct detonation velocity and CJ properties. In addition, a calculation capturing the expected irregular detonation cell patterns of ethylene/air is also shown. To do the full range of fuels and oxidizers, we found the use of temperature-dependent thermodynamic properties to be essential, especially for hydrocarbon/oxygen mixtures. The overall results for air-breathing RDE’s with hydrocarbons ranged from 1990 to 2540 s, while in pure oxygen mode the specific impulse varied from 700 to 1070 s. These results were between 85% and 89% of the expected ideal detonation cycle results, and are in line with previous hydrogen/air estimates from our previous work. We conclude from this that hydrocarbon RDE’s are viable and that the basic flow-field patterns and behaviors are very similar to the hydrogen/air cases detailed previously.
An improved, reliable and practical kinetic assay for the detection of prekallikrein activator in blood products.

An improved kinetic assay for prekallikrein activator (PKA), a potential vasodilator, has been developed to be used as an indicator for quality control during production of human albumin preparations. It consists of two reaction stages. In the first stage, PKA and prekallikrein are incubated at 37°C for 45 min to allow the transformation into kallikrein. Kallikrein, a serine protease, catalyzes the splitting of p-nitroaniline (pNA) from its substrate H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-pNA (S-2302). The rate at which pNA is released was measured spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. Prekallikrein, a substrate of PKA was purified by DEAE ion-exchange chromatography and the major potential variations in the assay were optimized; pH 8.0 and 150 mM sodium chloride were chosen to give a proper ionic strength. Reaction times in the range of 10 to 360 min provided linear dose-response curves. The concentration of prekallikrein was adjusted to fall between 1:1 and 1:3 dilutions to generate a linear standard calibration curve. Under the optimized conditions, reproducibility was checked. In a precision test, the coefficient of variation (CV) stayed within ±4% and the dose-response curve showed a good correlation (r2=0.999). An accuracy test with an international standard of PKA afforded a mean recovery of 97.5%.
Facilitation of acquisition and retention in preweanling but not postweanling rats by the presence of familiar home-nest material

A series of four experiments examined the effect of the presence of stimuli from the home nest on the acquisition and retention of aversively motivated behaviors in preweanling and adult rats. In Experiment 1, training in the presence of home-nest shavings facilitated acquisition of a T-maze discrimination to escape footshock for 16-day-old rats but not for adults. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the extent to which preweanlings were familiar with the home shavings determines the degree to which these stimuli facilitate spatial discrimination learning. When clean shavings were made more familiar than soiled home-nest stimuli (by changing the shavings every day) clean shavings enhanced discrimination performance, whereas no enhancement of learning by home shavings was observed. Experiment 3 extended the generality of the enhancement effect to a conditioned location aversion and examined the extent to which this facilitative effect was due to the tendency for home-nest shavings to elicit approach responses. Expression of the conditioned aversion was enhanced in subjects conditioned in the presence of home shavings, regardless of whether the home shavings were presented with the CS+, the CS-, or both. Experiment 4 determined that the enhanced expression of learning in the context of home-nest stimuli observed for preweanlings did not occur among subjects trained shortly after weaning. Collectively, these data suggest that whereas the enhancement of learning and retention by familiar home-nest stimuli enjoys generality across a number of conditioning situations, the effect may be limited to a relatively brief period during ontogeny.