cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Controversial Role of Pendrin in Thyroid Cell Function and in the Thyroid Phenotype in Pendred Syndrome

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal development, growth and differentiation of numerous tissues, and metabolic regulation. Structurally, they are unique because they contain iodine. Their synthesis in thyroid follicles thus requires a sufficient nutritional iodide intake, transport into the thyroid cells, and efflux into the follicular lumen where the actual biosynthesis occurs. Historically, Pendred syndrome has been defined by the triad of sensorineural deafness/hearing impairment in combination with goiter and an abnormal organification of iodide. After the identification of the molecular basis of Pendred syndrome, which is caused by biallelic mutations in the SLC26A4/PDS gene, functional studies revealed that pendrin is a multifunctional anion exchanger with affinity, among others, for chloride, iodide, and bicarbonate. This observation, together with the demonstration of pendrin protein expression at the apical membrane of thyrocytes, led to the hypothesis that pendrin might be involved in the efflux of iodide into the follicular lumen. Several experimental observations do indeed support a potential role of pendrin in mediating iodide efflux. However, iodide efflux is also possible in the absence of pendrin, and Slc26a4 −/− knockout mice do not have a thyroidal phenotype. These findings indicate that other exchangers or channels have a redundant or perhaps predominant function. A potential candidate is anoctamin 1 (ANO1/TMEM16A), a calcium-activated anion channel. Anoctamin is also expressed at the apical membrane of thyrocytes, and it has affinity for iodide.
Modeling of US Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Seroprevalence by Age and Sexual Behavior Indicates an Increasing Trend of HPV Infection Following the Sexual Revolution.

Background The United States has experienced an increase in the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers that are not screen-detectable. It has been hypothesized, but not directly demonstrated, that this is due to increasing HPV prevalence in the unvaccinated population. Methods Female self-reported numbers of lifetime sex partners and HPV serology from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to develop mathematical models of sexual partner acquisition and antibody dynamics. Modeled trends in sexual behaviors were compared to incidence data for cervical adenocarcinoma, oropharyngeal cancer, and anal cancer. Results The age-specific HPV seroprevalence data were best explained by a partner acquisition model that explicitly accounted for cohort-dependent changes in sexual behavior. Estimates of the mean time to loss of natural antibodies varied by model, ranging from 49 to 145 years. Inferred trends in sexual behavior over the past decades paralleled the increasing incidence of HPV-related cancers in the United States. Conclusions The findings suggest that lower HPV seroprevalence in older US women primarily reflects cohort-specific differences in sexual behaviors, and is only marginally attributable to immune waning with age. Our results emphasize the importance of continuing surveillance of sexual behaviors, alongside vaccine status, to predict future disease burden.
Relative Contributions of the Midcarpal and Radiocarpal Joints to Dart-Thrower’s Motion at the Wrist

Purpose To identify the relative contributions of the radiocarpal (RC) and midcarpal (MC) joints to dart-thrower's motion (DTM) of the wrist. Methods Six cadaveric upper extremities were fixed to a custom-designed loading jig allowing for pure moment-rotation analysis in 24 different directions of wrist motion. Each specimen was tested in 3 states: intact, simulated radiocarpal fusion (sRCF) and simulated pancarpal fusion (sPCF). Moments of ± 1.5 Nm were applied at each of 24 directions for each state and the resulting wrist rotation recorded. Data from each specimen were reduced to compute the range of motion (ROM) envelopes and the orientation of the ROM for the 3 different states. Results The ROM was significantly decreased in the sRCF and sPCF groups compared with the intact group in the directions of the pure extension, radial extension, ulnar flexion, and ulnar deviation. No significant difference in ROM was detected between the sRCF and sPCF groups in any direction. The ROM envelopes for the intact, sRCF, and sPCF groups were all oriented obliquely to the axis of pure wrist flexion-extension near a path of ulnar flexion–radial extension, consistent with prior reports on DTM. Conclusions Although both simulated fusion types decreased ROM compared with the intact wrist, the principal direction of wrist motion along the path of DTM was not significantly altered by simulated RCF or PCF. Clinical relevance These findings suggest that the RC and MC joints can each contribute to a similar mechanical axis of motion located along the path of DTM when the other joint has been eliminated via fusion. Surgical options such as partial wrist fusions may maintain the native wrist's mechanical axis if either the RC or the MC joint is preserved, despite significant reduction in overall ROM.
The Battle of Lake Champlain: A “Brilliant and Extraordinary Victory”. By John H. Schroeder. (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2015. Pp. vii, 164. $26.95.) : Book Review

Though historians disagree on the legacy, both then and now, of the Battle of Plattsburgh (or Cumberland Bay, from the naval perspective) on 11 September 1814, there is no doubt that the small Amer...
New Specimens of Pliocene Bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae and Molossidae) from the Meade Basin, Kansas, U.S.A.

New Pliocene bat records from the Meade Basin of southwestern Kansas increase our knowledge of chiropterans from the late Neogene of the central Great Plains. Examination of previously collected, unstudied material and new specimens recovered over the past 20 years resulted in 23 fossils of Pliocene bats from nine localities that add to the two Pliocene specimens previously known from the area. All are from the early Blancan North American Land Mammal Age. Two families and at least five species were identified: Molossidae, represented by a Tadarida, and Vespertilionidae by Lasiurus fossilis, Perimyotis cf. subflavus, Nycticeius cf. humeralis, Eptesicus cf. fuscus, and several vespertilionids of indeterminate genera. Lasiurus fossilis is the only extinct species and is shown to be a member of the subgenus Lasiurus, diagnosed by the unique combination of a small P3 and a two-rooted p4. Most of the Meade Basin Pliocene bats probably roosted in trees, although the Perimyotis during hibernation and the molossid may have roosted in rock crevices or possibly gypsum karst features. These results affirm that the modern bat fauna of the central Great Plains had largely been established at the generic level by the Pliocene.
Adults with an epilepsy history, notably those 45-64 years old or at the lowest income levels, more often report heart disease than adults without an epilepsy history.

Abstract From 95,196 sample adults in the combined 2010, 2013, and 2015 U.S. National Health Interview Survey, we estimated the association between histories of epilepsy and heart disease after accounting for sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral risk factors. Adults 18 years old or older with an epilepsy history reported heart disease (21%) about nine percentage points more often than those without such a history (12%), overall and within levels of characteristics and risk factors. These increases in heart disease history for adults with an epilepsy history compared with adults without such a history were greater in those 45–64 years old or at the lowest family income levels. These increases of heart disease in adults with an epilepsy history highlight two needs—to prevent the occurrence of heart disease and to reduce its consequences. Because comorbidity from heart disease can complicate epilepsy management, physicians caring for those with epilepsy should be aware of these increased risks, identify risk factors for heart disease, and recommend to their patients with epilepsy ways to diminish these risks.
Design issues in geriatric footwear

Abstract: Diseases and disorders of the human foot and its related anatomical structures in older patients represent a significant clinical and public health concern. The immobility that results from local foot disorders and the focal complications of systemic diseases have a significant impact on the individuals' ability to maintain their independence; retain a quality of life; and avoid becoming financial concerns for society in general. Two important factors involved in the older patient's ability to remain as a vital part of society are a keen mind and the ability to retain their mobility, primarily through ambulation. The ability to remain mobile and functional in society are keys to the activities and instrumental activities of daily living, and may well be the primary catalyst for independence in the older population. The loss of the ability to walk due to some foot problem or change not only produces physical limitations but also has a significant impact on the patient's mental, social, and economic status. As a society, footwear is an integral part of our ambulatory special needs. This segment provides information on geriatric foot problems, their etiological and epidemiologic factors, changes in the foot in relation to age, complications, psychological and physiologic considerations, shoe design considerations, and therapeutic footwear. This segment also includes a number of clinical illustrations and information resources.
Parastomal Hernia Repair: Latest Updates

The most common late complication of ostomy formation is the development of a parastomal hernia. The majority of these hernias may be managed without surgical intervention; however, when they begin causing obstruction, pain, bleeding, or poor fitting of ostomy appliances, repair is indicated. Successful repair incorporates the use of mesh reinforcement. This may be done in a conventional open fashion; however, recent trends are moving toward repairing these hernias using laparoscopic techniques to reduce the incidence of future incisional hernias and surgical site infections.
A Survey Of mobile face biometrics

Abstract Face biometrics have attracted significant attention as a technology for secure access to mobile devices. This is because almost all smartphones have RGB cameras suitable for capturing faces, and the required user interaction is acceptable given the popularity of ‘selfies’. Most of the traditional methods for face biometrics may not be amenable to native execution on mobile hardware due to their limited memory and computing power. Consequently, a number of algorithms specifically designed or adapted to the mobile environment have been proposed for face biometrics. However, the state-of-the- art related to face biometrics in a mobile environment is not well known. This paper thoroughly and critically surveys face biometrics in terms of face detection and normalization, recognition, and anti-spoofing methods proposed for mobile devices. The overall aim is to improve understanding and discuss the advantages and limitations of the existing methods. Further, challenges and future research directions are identified for further research and development.
On Low-Frequency Estimates of

A number of recent studies have attempted to test propositions concerning "long runt" economic relationships by means of frequency-domain time series techniques that concentrate attention on low frequency co-movements of variables.The present paper emphasizes that many of these propositions involve expectational relationships that are not inherently related to specific frequencies or periodicities. Thus the association of low-frequency time series test statistics with long-run economic propositions is not generally warranted. That such an association can be misleading is demonstrated by analysis of examples taken from notable papers by Geweke, Lucas, and Summers.
Riddle of the reef halos

Patches of coral reef are often surrounded by circles of bare sand. Marine ecologist Elizabeth Madin was determined to find out why.
Crevice spawning behavior in Dionda dichroma , with comments on the evolution of spawning modes in North American shiners (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

The crevice spawning behavior of Diondadichroma is described for the first time, andcompared to spawning behavior in the genusCyprinella. The evolution of crevice spawningwith respect to other spawning behaviors ofNorth American shiners is examined usingexplicitly phylogenetic hypotheses for thisgroup. We present evidence that broadcastspawning is plesiomorphic and all otherspawning behaviors are independently derived. There is evidence that crevice spawning hasevolved independently at least three timeswithin the shiner clade. There is no supportfor an evolutionary transition between eggclustering and crevice spawning. Nestassociation, spawning on habitat prepared byother species, has also evolved multiple timeswithin this clade. Evolution of spawning inshiners is best described by phylogeneticstasis with several independent origins ofspecialized spawning stragegies.
A Narrow-stencil finite difference method for approximating viscosity solutions of fully nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations with applications to Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations.

This paper presents a new narrow-stencil finite difference method for approximating the viscosity solution of second order fully nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations including Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations. The proposed finite difference method naturally extends the Lax-Friedrichs method for first order problems to second order problems by introducing a key stabilization and guiding term called a "numerical moment". The numerical moment uses the difference of two (central) Hessian approximations to resolve the potential low-regularity of viscosity solutions. It is proved that the proposed scheme is well posed (i.e, it has a unique solution) and stable in both the l-2 norm and the l-infinity norm. The highlight of the paper is to prove the convergence of the proposed scheme to the viscosity solution of the underlying fully nonlinear second order problem using a novel discrete comparison argument. This paper extends the one-dimensional analogous method of Feng, Kao, and Lewis to the higher-dimensional setting. Numerical tests are presented to gauge the performance of the proposed finite difference methods and to validate the convergence result of the paper.
TRANSCAPILLARY FLUID FLUX INDUCED BY TRANSIENT HYPERTONIC DISTURBANCES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the transcapillary fluid flux induced by transient hypertonic disturbances. Change in the osmotic pressure of the plasma affects a flow of tissue fluid. The chapter describes an in vivo procedure that was used to quantify the osmotic extraction by a transient hypertonic disturbance. The filtration coefficient, so computed from the concentration, changes in venous blood samples may be three to four times the coefficient obtained by the alteration of hydrostatic pressure. In the in vivo procedure described in the chapter, the osmotic transient in an isolated lobe preparation was measured to quantify the flow of tissue fluid at the capillary level to evaluate the filtration parameters of the endothelium. A model analysis was developed to simulate the action by the hypertonic bolus on the initial fluid extraction and the role of tissue dehydration on weight recovery.
From Cold to Killer: How SARS-CoV-2 Evolved without Hemagglutinin Esterase to Agglutinate, Then Clot Blood Cells in Pulmonary and Systemic Microvasculature

The role of vascular occlusion in the morbidities, pulmonary and systemic, of COVID-19 has received increasing focus. Histological studies of lung tissue from COVID-19 patients have found extensively damaged endothelium of capillaries adjoining relatively intact alveoli, corresponding to hypoxemia accompanying normal breathing mechanics in such patients. Advanced image analysis of lung CT scans of COVID-19 patients reveals redistribution of blood flow from smaller to larger diameter blood vessels, this effect correlated with the degree of breathing dysfunction. Essential to the study of vascular occlusion in COVID-19 are viral properties dating back to studies of Jonas Salk in the 1940s that have been positively established for SARS-CoV-2. First, SARS-CoV-2 binds to red blood cells (RBCs), in vitro and also clinically in COVID-19 patients. Second, although fusion and replication of SARS-CoV-2 occur via ACE2, such hemagglutinating viruses initially attach to infective targets and clump with blood cells via much more abundantly distributed sialic acid (SA) glycoconjugate binding sites. SARS-CoV-2, in particular, attaches to these SA sites. Third, certain enveloped viruses express an enzyme, hemagglutinin esterase (HE), that counteracts viral-RBC clumping. Notably, among betacoronaviruses, the common cold strains express HE while SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and MERS, the virulent strains, do not. These hemagglutinating properties of SARS-COV-2 establish a framework for “catch and clump” induction of microvascular occlusion proposed here. Ultramicroscopic studies of tissues from COVID-19 patients indicate a key role for hemagglutination early and mid-course in COVID-19, before such clumps harden into clots via the coagulation cascade. Hemagglutination may be reversed by two anti-COVID-19 therapeutics that each competitively bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking such viral attachments. One therapeutic is antiviral antibodies generated by vaccines, the anti-hemagglutination effect of which is exhibited in Jonas Salk’s hemagglutination inhibition assay. The other therapeutic is ivermectin (IVM), a drug of Nobel Prize honored distinction, distributed in 3.7 billion doses worldwide. In ten clinical trials, three with randomized controls, IVM yielded mortality reductions for COVID-19 of 90% at highest doses. IVM may limit virulence of SARS-CoV-2 by steric interference with multivalent spike protein attachments to SA binding sites, blocking hemagglutination, an effect likely to target mutant viral strains.
Utilizing evidence-based guidelines to develop a language barriers simulation.

The United States population is becoming increasingly diverse. Despite this trend, diversity in the nursing profession lags. In order to provide patient-centered care, students must learn the nuanc...
Mid-Level Management Style in Healthcare

The purpose of this paper is to recommend a quantitative model based on the outcomes from a comprehensive literature review of multiple studies to identify the most effective leadership style among mid-level managers in a healthcare setting. This literature review includes theories of leadership and discusses the usual leadership methods associated with mid-level managers. This study addresses the effectiveness of transactional, transformational, and passive leadership styles of middle level managers in healthcare organizations. The proposed quantitative non-experimental correlational study would examine the statistical relationships between the independent variables of three leadership styles (transformational, transactional, and passive leadership) and the dependent variable of leadership effectiveness among mid-level managers in the healthcare industry. This literature analysis proposes how to clearly define the variables transformational leadership, transactional leadership, passive leadership, and leader effectiveness which would eventually make it possible to quantify and measure them.
The Na/K-ATPase α1/Src interaction regulates metabolic reserve and Western diet intolerance

Aim Highly prevalent diseases such as insulin resistance and heart failure are characterized by reduced metabolic flexibility and reserve. We tested whether Na/K-ATPase (NKA)-mediated regulation of Src kinase, which requires two NKA sequences specific to the α1 isoform, is a regulator of metabolic capacity that can be targeted pharmacologically. Methods Metabolic capacity was challenged functionally by Seahorse metabolic flux analyses and glucose deprivation in LLC-PK1-derived cells expressing Src binding rat NKA α1, non-Src-binding rat NKA α2 (the most abundant NKA isoform in the skeletal muscle), and Src binding gain-of-function mutant rat NKA α2. Mice with skeletal muscle-specific ablation of NKA α1 (skα1-/-) were generated using a MyoD:Cre-Lox approach and subjected to treadmill testing and Western diet. C57/Bl6 mice were subjected to Western diet with or without pharmacological inhibition of NKA α1/Src modulation by treatment with pNaKtide, a cell-permeable peptide designed by mapping one of the sites of NKA α1/Src interaction. Results Metabolic studies in mutant cell lines revealed that the Src binding regions of NKA α1 are required to maintain metabolic reserve and flexibility. Skα1-/- mice had decreased exercise endurance and mitochondrial Complex I dysfunction. However, skα1-/- mice were resistant to Western diet-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, a protection phenocopied by pharmacological inhibition of NKA α1-mediated Src regulation with pNaKtide. Conclusions These results suggest that NKA α1/Src regulatory function may be targeted in metabolic diseases. Because Src regulatory capability by NKA α1 is exclusive to endotherms, it may link the aerobic scope hypothesis of endothermy evolution to metabolic dysfunction.
Theoretical Analysis of a Single-Stage Gas-fired Ejector Heat Pump Water Heater

Ejector driven systems have the ability to operate at high efficiencies, utilizing recycled thermal energy as a power source. For a typical ejector heat pump system, the increase of the condenser temperature reduces the coefficient of performance (COP). In addition, if the condenser temperature is higher than the critical temperature, the ejector may not function. In this situation, the condenser temperature must be reduced, and an additional heater will be utilized to heat the production water from the condenser temperature to the desired temperature. In this investigation, a single-stage gas-fired ejector heat pump (EHP) is investigated and thermodynamically modeled in order to optimize the system COP for the purpose of heating water by utilizing the thermal energy from the ambient air. The effects of the high-temperature evaporator (HTE) and low-temperature evaporator (LTE) temperatures on the ejector critical back pressure and the EHP system performance are examined for a HTE temperature range of 120-180 °C and LTE temperatures of 15.5, 17.5, and 19.5 °C. Results show that an optimized COP of the EHP system exists which depends on HTE and LTE temperatures, primary nozzle throat diameters. In addition, it is found that the EHP COP is independent of the ejector COP. From this investigation a maximum EHP COP of 1.31 is able to be achieved for a HTE temperature of 160 °C and a LTE temperature of 19.5 °C with a total heating capacity of 15.98 kW.
A Retrospective Analysis of COVID-19-infected Patients with Acute Hepatitis who Develop Acute Liver Failure in a Safety Net Hospital.

Objective In early 2019, a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 emerged and changed the course of civilization. Our study aims to analyze the association between acute liver failure (ALF) and mortality in patients infected with COVID-19. A retrospective analysis of 864 COVID-19-infected patients admitted to Nassau University Medical Center in New York was performed. Design ALF is identified by acute liver injury (elevations in liver enzymes), hepatic encephalopathy and an international normalised ratio greater than or equal to 1.5. These parameters were analysed via daily blood work and clinical assessment. Multivariate logistic regression model predicting mortality and controlling for confounders such as age, coronary artery disease, intubation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and acute kidney injury were used to determine the association of ALF with mortality. Results A total of 624 patients, out of the initial 864, met the inclusion criteria—having acute hepatitis and COVID-19 infection. Of those 624, 43 (6.9%) patients developed ALF during the course of their hospitalisation and their mortality rate was 74.4%. The majority of patients with ALF were male (60.6%). The logistic model predicting death and controlling for confounders shows COVID-19 patients with ALF had a nearly four-fold higher odds of death in comparison to those without ALF (p=0.0063). Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that there is a significant association between mortality and the presence of ALF in patients infected with COVID-19. Further investigation into patients with COVID-19 and ALF can lead to enhanced treatment regimens and risk stratification tools, which can ultimately improve mortality rates during these arduous times.
The effect of a teat sealer on coliform mastitis.

The practice of disinfecting teat ends after milking has become an important tool in the control of intramammary infection due to Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. but has shown little benefit in controlling mastitis due to coliforms. It has been theorized that since at least part of the coliform infection occurs in the period between milkings, a mechanical teat sealer may assist in preventing this type of infection. The effect of a teat sealer which contained no germicide was studied. The ability of the film to prevent environmental bacterial contamination between milkings was studied by comparing bacterial numbers present after the film was removed with unsealed teats. The effect on growth of bacteria sealed under such a film was studied by dipping over staphylococcus-contaminated teats, removing the dip and comparing the numbers with controls.
GABRA2 markers moderate the subjective effects of alcohol

Background Individual differences in subjective responses to alcohol (SR) are moderated by genetic variants and may be risk factors for the development of alcohol use disorders. Variation in the GABAA α2 receptor subunit gene (GABRA2) has been associated with alcohol dependence (AD). Therefore, we examined whether individual differences in SR, which reflect sensitivity to the effects of alcohol, are associated with variation in GABRA2.
Finite Element Analysis of Crack-Path Selection in a Brick and Mortar Structure

Many natural composite materials rely on organized architectures that span several length scales. The structures of natural shells such as nacre (mother-of-pearl) and conch are prominent examples of such organizations where the calcium carbonate platelets, the main constituent of natural shells, are held together in an organized fashion within an organic matrix. At one or multiple length scales, these organized arrangements often resemble a brick-and-mortar structure, with calcium carbonate platelets acting as bricks connected through the organic mortar phase.
Arachidonic acid-derived signaling lipids and functions in impaired healing

Very little is known about lipid function during wound healing, and much less during impaired healing. Such understanding will help identify what roles lipid signaling plays in the development of impaired/chronic wounds. We took a lipidomics approach to study the alterations in lipid profile in the LIGHT−/− mouse model of impaired healing which has characteristics that resemble those of impaired/chronic wounds in humans, including high levels of oxidative stress, excess inflammation, increased extracellular matrix degradation and blood vessels with fibrin cuffs. The latter suggests excess coagulation and potentially increased platelet aggregation. We show here that in these impaired wounds there is an imbalance in the arachidonic acid (AA) derived eicosonoids that mediate or modulate inflammatory reactions and platelet aggregation. In the LIGHT−/− impaired wounds there is a significant increase in enzymatically derived breakdown products of AA. We found that early after injury there was a significant increase in the eicosanoids 11-, 12-, and 15-hydroxyeicosa-tetranoic acid, and the proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTD4 and LTE) and prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2α). Some of these eicosanoids also promote platelet aggregation. This led us to examine the levels of other eicosanoids known to be involved in the latter process. We found that thromboxane (TXA2/B2), and prostacyclins 6kPGF1α are elevated shortly after wounding and in some cases during healing. To determine whether they have an impact in platelet aggregation and hemostasis, we tested LIGHT−/− mouse wounds for these two parameters and found that, indeed, platelet aggregation and hemostasis are enhanced in these mice when compared with the control C57BL/6 mice. Understanding lipid signaling in impaired wounds can potentially lead to development of new therapeutics or in using existing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents to help correct the course of healing.
Neurovascular island skin flaps in the hand: Functional and sensibility evaluations

The value of neurovascular island skin flap transfers for digit tip surfacing has been evaluated in 13 patients. A computer assisted sensory evaluation was carried out on six of the patients. All patients were satisfied with the procedure. Sensory acuity did not appear to diminish with time and sensory misreference was not a major functional problem. We suggest that the neurovascular island flap, when available, is still an excellent procedure for restoration of useful digit tip sensibility.
Microdetermination of perchlorate as chloride by oxygen flask combustion

Abstract Perchlorate in some organic and inorganic compounds was quantitatively reduced to chloride by the oxygen flask combustion method and determined coulometrically. Platinum and organic matter in addition to the sample wrapper were not necessary for the conversion to chloride. A method is described for determining respective amounts of chloride-, chlorate-, and perchlorate ion present together in a solution.
Bound and unbound particles in Griffin model state densities

Errors in earlier derivations of the density of unbound particle-hole states in the Griffin model are corrected. New expressions for the densities of states accessible in the two-body interactions are also derived. State densities calculated with the modified equations are compared with results of exact counting. Particle emission spectra calculated within the Griffin model are essentially unchanged, but the equal a priori probability assumption, found to be violated in the earlier work, is verified to a high degree of accuracy when the revised state densities are used.
A flammability-limit model for upward propagation through lean methane/air mixtures in a standard flammability tube☆

Abstract We propose a model for flammability limits based on flame stretch that is applicable to upward propagation through lean CH4/air mixtures in a round tube. Predictions of the model are in good agreement with experiment.
EMS triage and transport of intoxicated individuals to a detoxification facility instead of an emergency department.

Study objective We evaluate the effectiveness and safety of emergency medical services (EMS) provider use of a checklist to triage alcohol-inebriated patients directly to a detoxification facility, rather than an emergency department (ED). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients evaluated during a 2-year period, from 2003 to 2005, by EMS providers who used a detoxification evaluation checklist to aid in triage decisionmaking. Patients who did not meet detoxification evaluation checklist criteria were transported to an ED. Twelve-hour follow-up was solicited for patients taken to the detoxification center. Hospital records of inebriated patients transported to an ED were reviewed to assess ultimate need for ED care. Results Seven hundred eighteen patient encounters were reviewed. One hundred thirty-eight of these patients (19.2%) were transported to the detoxification facility, whereas 580 (80.8%) were transported to an ED; 339 patients transported to an ED were ultimately deemed to have required ED care. The criteria that most commonly excluded transport to the detoxification center were an inability to ambulate with minimal assistance (N=334) and an unwillingness to cooperate with the physical examination (N=195). Low-acuity adverse events were observed in 4 subjects (0.6%) initially transported to the detoxification center who then required subsequent transport to an ED. No high-acuity clinical complications were identified at any time. The use of the detoxification evaluation checklist resulted in high sensitivity (99%; 95% confidence interval 97% to 100%) and low specificity (42%; 95% confidence interval 37% to 48%) in predicting need for ED care. Conclusion Our analysis suggests that field triage criteria can be used effectively to safely divert inebriated patients to a detoxification facility rather than an ED, with minimal adverse events. Use of the detoxification evaluation checklist resulted in substantial ED overtriage, and further refinement of the detoxification evaluation checklist criteria is needed to reduce it.
Predicting failure of secondary batteries

The ability to predict the failure of secondary batteries is important. However, when determinism is not used to make the predictions because the complexity of the problem, difficult questions arise. Data analysts must always determine how much information is available in a given database and how much information can be squeezed from the database. A philosophical question is frequently posed: How long into the future can we predict based on past information? For the prediction of battery cycling life this question can be formulated as: How long must a battery (or cell) be tested to predict when it will fail? The answer to this type of question depends on how many variables define the problem, how much we know of the problem, how effective we are at squeezing information from the database, and how much knowledge and reliable data we have available to build a predictive model. The quality of the model will be measured by its ability to predict the future behavior of the system. The prediction of cycling life of batteries has been until now an impossible task. We are convinced that this is in part because the problem is very difficult, and in part, because the information available in databases has not been manipulated enough to produce a reliable predictive model. Models based on similar techniques are expected to have similar predictive capabilities. The methodology used in this project is now being used on an extensive database (thousand of hours) for NiCd batteries (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center data), and on a complete database (many variables are being controlled and measured) for Li/polymer batteries generated at the Battery Laboratory at Penn State.
The Mental Changes Due to Frontal Lobe Damage

(1944). The Mental Changes Due to Frontal Lobe Damage. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 187-208.
Plasma proteins as early biomarkers of exposure to carcinogenic aromatic amines

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DG) has been used to study the changes induced in dog plasma polypeptides by the known urinary bladder carcinogens, 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) and 2-naphthylamine (2-NA). Treatment with 3-aminobiphenyl (3-ABP) and 1-naphthylamine (1-NA), both considered to be non-carcinogenic, were used as controls. The purpose of this study was: (1) to determine whether or not changes that occurred in the plasma protein patterns were specific to 4-ABP and/or other related carcinogenic arylamines; (2) to measure the time course in the changes of the major polypeptides during dosing and their resynthesis during a recovery period; and (3) to determine, by microsequencing, the biochemical identity of the affected proteins. The results indicate that only the most potent carcinogen, 4-ABP, had the effect of suppressing the expression of some proteins, while the other aromatic amines caused no discernible change in the 2DG patterns during a 12-week dosing period. The 4-ABP caused dramatic suppression of two sets of proteins. One set of three spots had an apparent molecular weight of 32.5 kDa, and a pI of 5.8-6.0. The major component in this group was identified as the beta-chain of haptoglobin. Expression of this protein decreased markedly during the first 2 weeks of treatment and recovered slowly after dosing stopped. Since haptoglobin functions to bind with free hemoglobin and facilitates its elimination from the blood stream, these results can be rationalized as a consequence of 4-ABP binding to hemoglobin in the erythrocyte, resulting in cell death and hemolysis. The 4-ABP modified hemoglobin then binds to haptoglobin and this tertiary complex is purged from the blood stream, resulting in the disappearance of free haptoglobin. A second set of spots (mol. wt., 65 kDa; pI, 6.5-6.6) disappeared much faster than the haptoglobin, and recovered more quickly. The major protein is about one-fifth the intensity of haptoglobin and appeared to be N-terminally blocked. Internal microsequencing of four fragments obtained from tryptic cleavage of the major spot of this group showed significant similarity to the serum albumin sequence of several species. This spot group is not the major serum albumin spot, however, since the latter is readily identified as the most abundant spot on the plasma map. During the course of this study, several other polypeptides in the 2DG map of dog plasma were identified and are presented here.
E-011 Merci retrievers as access adjuncts for reperfusion catheters: the grappling hook technique

Objective and Importance Expeditious and stable access in the setting of acute ischemic stroke is foundational to mechanical revascularization of large vessel occlusions of the cerebral vasculature, particular when using an aspiration based system. Proximal vascular tortuousity and unfavorable anatomic variability may impede vascular access necessary for revascularization. In particular, the ophthalmic segment often proves difficult for large caliber aspiration catheters to navigate. We describe an approach using the Merci Retriever system as an adjunct to gain stable catheter access for aspiration. Clinical Presentations Three patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke were treated via mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra 054 system. However, due to anatomical configurations, access to the M1 segment was challenging, with difficulty traversing the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery ipsilateral to the respective M1 segment occlusion. Intervention Aspiration catheter access into the distal middle cerebral artery was achieved via advancement of an 18L microcatheter followed by deployment of an appropriately sized Merci Retriever into the M1 segment. Gentle tension on the Retriever was applied, altering the angle at which the Aspiration catheter navigated the ophthalmic segment, affording accelerated access past the ophthalmic artery origin and into the ipsilateral M1 segment and clot. Retraction of the retriever into the 18L was followed by removal of the 18L in each case, which was in turn followed by aspiration using the Penumbra Aspiration catheter. Conclusion Time is of the essence in treating acute ischemic stroke, and, upon occasion, tortuous proximal anatomy may impede access to the occluded vessel. By making use of the apposition of a Merci retriever against the wall of a vessel, increased tension and straightening along the core wire changes the angle at which the large profile catheter makes with the vessel. As such, in unfavorable ophthalmic segment anatomy, this technique may be employed to advance an aspiration catheter to treat the offending embolus in the setting of an acute ischemic stroke.
On the security of a unique batch authentication protocol for vehicle-to-grid communications

The concept of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is that electric vehicles (EVs) communicate with the smart grid to sell demand response services by delivering electricity into the grid. By letting EVs discharge during peak hours and charge during off-peak hours, V2G networks could bring numerous social and technical benefits to the smart grid. Due to the scale of the network, the speed of the vehicles, their geographic positions, and the very sporadic connectivity between them, V2G communications have the crucial requirements of fast authentication. In 2011, Guo et al. proposed a unique batch authentication protocol for V2G communications. They claimed their protocol is strong enough to defend against security attacks. In this paper, we investigate the security of Guo et al.'s protocol. More precisely, we show that either the vehicle or aggregator can easily generate a collection of bogus signatures that satisfies the batch verification criterion, i.e., forgery attacks. Any attackers can easily forge signatures satisfying the batch verification criterion without the knowledge of the signer's private key. Consequently, Guo et al.'s protocol is not secure at all.
Increased strain rate sensitivity due to stress-coupled grain growth in nanocrystalline Al

A combined experimental/simulation approach has been used to characterize the underlying deformation mechanisms associated with stress-assisted grain growth in nanocrystalline Al. Strain rate sensitivity experiments on freestanding submicron thin films undergoing stress-assisted grain boundary migration have uncovered rate sensitivities up to two orders of magnitude larger than previously reported for microcrystalline Al. Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to illustrate that these high strain rate sensitivities coincide with those associated with grain boundary processes such as migration, sliding, and dislocation nucleation. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Pharmacology of Human Milk

: The factors involved in the passage of drugs into breast milk will be discussed. Breast milk composition, maternal pharmacokinetic characteristics, infant pharmacokinetic characteristics, and feeding patterns all play an important role in determining whether or not a drug passes into breast milk along with the degree of infant ingestion. Drugs that are contraindicated, potentially contraindicated, and potentially not a problem are discussed.
A phosphopantetheinylating polyketide synthase producing a linear polyene to initiate enediyne antitumor antibiotic biosynthesis

The enediynes, unified by their unique molecular architecture and mode of action, represent some of the most potent anticancer drugs ever discovered. The biosynthesis of the enediyne core has been predicted to be initiated by a polyketide synthase (PKS) that is distinct from all known PKSs. Characterization of the enediyne PKS involved in C-1027 (SgcE) and neocarzinostatin (NcsE) biosynthesis has now revealed that (i) the PKSs contain a central acyl carrier protein domain and C-terminal phosphopantetheinyl transferase domain; (ii) the PKSs are functional in heterologous hosts, and coexpression with an enediyne thioesterase gene produces the first isolable compound, 1,3,5,7,9,11,13-pentadecaheptaene, in enediyne core biosynthesis; and (iii) the findings for SgcE and NcsE are likely shared among all nine-membered enediynes, thereby supporting a common mechanism to initiate enediyne biosynthesis.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT STRAINS OF MICE TO EXPERIMENTAL MY ASTHENIA GRAVIS

Mice immunized with purified AChR (T. californica) invariably form anti-AChR antibodies and often develop a condition of extreme muscular weakness and flaccid paralysis. Pharmacological, physiological, and ultrastructural studies indicate that the pathophysiology of EMG in the mouse closely resembles that of human MG. The single episode of muscular weakness typically found in mouse EMG differs from the acute phase of rat EMG in that macrophages and other phagocytes do not appear to play an active role in the destruction of the neuromuscular junction. The frequency of paralysis in mice immunized with AChR is highly strain dependent and is not attributable to polymorphisms with respect to susceptibility to cholinergic blockade. The incidence of paralysis does not correlate with the magnitude of the humoral response to either T. californica or mouse AChR. Because both paralyzed and nonparalyzed mice form antibodies which are able to increase the rate of both junctional and extrajunctional AChR degradation, the mere presence of antibodies reactive with cell surface antigenic determinants of AChR is not sufficient for the induction of paralysis. While it is still possible that antibody-induced degradation of AChR may be necessary for the induction of paralysis, these studies rule out the possibility that antigenic modulation of AChR is sufficient to account for the induction of paralysis in mouse EMG. In the present studies alleles of the two loci were identified which significantly effect the probability with which mice immunized with AChR can be expected to become paralyzed, the MHC and the IgCH region. Because one genotype, H-2b, Ig-1b segregated with high susceptibility to EMG in four strains derived from three dissimilar backgrounds, these studies strongly suggest that susceptibility to the development of paralysis is a heritable trait determined by regions of the mouse genome which regulate immune responsiveness.
Raman fiberoptic probe for monitoring human tissue engineered oral mucosa constructs

In oral and maxillofacial surgery, there is a need for tissue engineered constructs for dental implants, reconstructions due to trauma, oral cancer or congenital defects. A non-invasive quality monitoring of the fabrication of tissue engineered constructs during their production and implantation is a required component of any successful tissue engineering technique. We demonstrate the design and application of a Raman spectroscopic probe for rapid and noninvasive monitoring of Ex Vivo Produced Oral Mucosa Equivalent constructs (EVPOMEs). We conducted in vivo studies to identify Raman spectroscopic failure indicators for EVPOMEs (already developed in vitro), and found that Raman spectra of EVPOMEs exposed to thermal stress showed correlation of the band height ratio of CH2 deformation to phenylalanine ring breathing modes, providing a Raman metric to distinguish between viable and nonviable constructs. This is the first step towards the ultimate goal to design a stand-alone system, which will be usable in a clinical setting, as the data processing and analysis will be performed with minimal user intervention, based on already established and tested Raman spectroscopic indicators for EVPOMEs.
Stressors, Coping Resources, Functioning, and Role Limitations Among Older Korean Immigrants: Gender Differences

This study explored the differential impacts of stressors and coping resources on the functioning and roles of 246 older Korean immigrant men and women. Older Korean immigrant women were significantly more likely than men to have acculturation and socioeconomic stressors, physical/social functioning problems, and role limitations. English-language barriers and lack of transportation were significantly related to lower functioning and higher role limitations of older Korean women compared to those of older men. Providing social and health care services with bilingual and transportation services to older Korean immigrant women is recommended to increase their physical/social functioning and role performance.