cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the preferred operative approach for diseases involving normal-sized spleens. Our experience with laparoscopic splenectomy in the setting of massive splenomegaly is presented. Methods: A prospective review of patients undergoing LS for massive splenomegaly was conducted. Massive splenomegaly (MS) in adults was defined as a craniocaudal length ≥17 cm or a morcellated weight ≥600 g. In children, spleens measuring fourfold larger than normal for age were considered massive. Results: Forty-nine patients with MS were treated with LS. The most common primary diagnoses were lymphoma and leukemia. Mean splenic length was 20 cm (15 to 27 cm), with weights ranging from 600 to 4,750 g. Twelve patients with supermassive splenomegaly (length >22 cm) required a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. There were no conversions to open surgery. Mean operating time was 171 minutes (90 to 369). Mean blood loss was 114 cc ( Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy in the setting of splenomegaly is safe and appears to minimize perioperative morbidity. In patients with supermassive splenomegaly, a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach may be required.
Rheological characteristics of polymeric microcrystal-gels

Abstract Novel polymeric microcrystal-gels containing discrete, colloidal particles constitute a unique class of materials. They differ from gels where the network of chain molecules are held together either by primary bonds or by thermally reversible linkages due to secondary attractive forces. The microcrystals can be obtained from fiber-forming polymers by a controlled chemical degradation of the amorphous regions, followed by mechanical shear in order to free the microcrystals from their matrix. These particles of colloidal dimensions gel in various media above a certain critical concentration. Polymers from which such microcrystal-gels have been prepared include cellulose (natural and regenerated), amylose, magnesium silicate, nylon, and collagen. The rheological properties of the microcrystal-gels are highly dependent on the particle size distribution, particularly on the fraction under 1 micron in maximum dimension. They are characterized by unusual, extremely high yield values resulting from a three-dimensional network structure. This structure breaks down instantaneously as the elastic limits of the network are surpassed, and will rebuild at velocities different for each microcrystal-gel. The flow curves indicate rarely encountered pseudoplastic-rheopeatic behavior. The apparent viscosities decrease sharply with increasing rates of shear.
The cellular device machine: Point of departure for large-scale simulations of complex biological systems

Abstract The cellular device machine (CDM) is the computer implementation of a general mathematical modeling approach, called the nested automaton, suitable for large-scale simulations of complex systems. Due to this method, a large body of experimental data representing the structure and behavior of a complex system can be compressed to allow its description in terms of objects and communication between them. In its application, this object-oriented and event-driven description can be easily extended and modified to allow the mathematical analysis of fundamental system properties and system dysfunctions prior to experimental analysis. The present paper focuses on the immune system as an example to illustrate the capabilities of the nested automaton approach to (1) substantially reduce the complexity arising from the building structure of large and heterogeneous systems and (2) show the capacity of the CDM to exhibit and explain phenomena of self-organization in such systems. The latter is explicated in brief applications concerning the regulation of growth in the immune system and the pathogenesis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Helminth parasites of the robin from South Bass Island, Ohio.

Fifty robins, Turdus migratorius, from South Bass Island, Ottawa County, Ohio were examined for helminth parasites. Twelve species of helminth parasites were found, two species of trematodes, three of cestodes, six of nematodes, and a single species of acanthocephalan. Two of these helminths, the nematodes Capillaria contorta and C. ovopunctatum, represent new host records.
Changes in condylar coefficient of friction after osteochondral graft transplantation and modulation with hyaluronan

Purpose To better understand the changes in the cartilage coefficient of friction (COF) after an osteochondral repair, an assessment of dynamic loads has been developed using a goat knee model. The application of hyaluronan (HA) was also assessed for its lubricative properties and the resulting COF of the knee after osteochondral repair. Methods A total of 18 caprine knees were dissected and mounted into an Instron load frame (Instron, Norwood, MA) for testing. The COF was measured in 10 knees relative to the normal, unaltered joint and then calibrated to account for friction of the system. These experimental knees were tested in 5 modes: normal; empty 4.5-mm defect; and osteochondral repairs that were elevated, flush, or depressed relative to the cartilage surface. Saline solution lavage kept the knees moist during testing. The effect of HA was evaluated after mechanical testing. Eight knees were used to study the effect of lavage on the joints because of the significant increase in the COF that it produced. Results Whereas all modes increased the COF from normal levels, the most significant changes occurred when there was proud placement. Increases of 4 times the normal friction levels were measured. Increases in the COF were also associated with saline solution lavage (0.006 to 0.046). There was a significant reduction in friction after HA injection, which reduced the COF to near-normal levels. Conclusions There is a significant increase in the COF associated with saline solution lavage and an osteochondral plug being left proud, which can be temporarily reduced with a lubricative material such as HA. Clinical Relevance Dramatic increases in the COF can potentially damage chondrocytes when the patient begins articulating the joint after surgery. Such injuries may affect the ability of the cartilage to heal fully. Reducing the elevated COF with lubricating materials, such as HA, is recommended based on the results of this study.
Two Contextualized Measures of Degree of Bilingualism.

linguistic ability. If the former is more significantly related to language use then diglossia may be said to obtain. If the latter is the major determinant of usage then language shift may be said to be taking place. The finding that young people, in speaking among themselves, use English more often than Spanish in all domains, including family, suggests that bilingualism in the community under study is characterized by language shift. Moreover, the finding that these youngsters use Spanish primarily in talking to older members of the community suggests that it is used by these Ss principally as a tool for communicating with people who are less proficient in English than themselves. Furthermore, the fact that the two non-school groups, who speak primarily in Spanish, used somewhat more English with younger than with older people would seem to exclude the possibility that the use of English among the young is merely a form of teenage deviation from adult standards and suggests instead that it is accepted among adults as well. Therefore, it might be expected that as proficiency in English increases among the members of the community, less Spanish will be used in all domains of life including family. Thus, with respect to the phenomenon of language maintenance, the Puerto Ricans in the community studied would seem to be headed in the same
Calculating the benefits of regulation.

Jocelyn Kaiser's article “How much are human lives and health worth?” (News Focus, 21 Mar., p. [1836][1]), on the public policy impact of cost-benefit calculations, focuses almost entirely on controversial changes to the way monetary benefits of regulation are calculated. But a critical eye
A comparison of single-suture and double-suture incision closures in seaward-migrating juvenile Chinook salmon implanted with acoustic transmitters: implications for research in river basins containing hydropower structures

Background: Reductions in the size of acoustic transmitters implanted in migrating juvenile salmonids have resulted in the ability to make smaller incisions that may warrant using only a single suture for closure. However, it is not known if one suture will sufficiently hold the incision closed, particularly when outward pressure is placed on the surgical site, such as when migrating fish experience pressure changes associated with passage at hydroelectric dams. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of single-suture incision closures on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Results: Juvenile Chinook salmon were surgically implanted with a 2012 Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System (JSATS) transmitter (0.30 g) and a passive integrated transponder tag (0.10 g), and incisions were closed with either one suture or two sutures. Mortality and tag retention were monitored, and tagged fish were examined after 7 and 14 d to evaluate tissue responses. In a separate experiment, surgically implanted fish were exposed to simulated turbine passage and then examined for expulsion of transmitters, expulsion of viscera through the incision and mortal injury. With incisions closed using a single suture, there was no mortality or tag loss and similar or reduced tissue reaction compared to incisions closed with two sutures. Furthermore, surgery time was significantly reduced when a single suture was used, which led to less handling time and time under anesthesia and consequently, stress. No tags were expelled during pressure scenarios. Expulsion of viscera occurred in two non–mortally injured fish (5%) with single sutures that were exposed to very high pressure changes, but no viscera expulsion was present in fish exposed to pressure scenarios, likely representative of hydroturbine passage at many Columbia River dams (for example, <2.7 ratio of pressure change, acclimation pressure of 146.2 absolute kPa and lowest exposure pressure of about 53.3 absolute kPa). Conclusions: We recommend the use of a single suture for surgical implantation of transmitters with incisions that are approximately 5.5 mm long after tag insertion.
Application of the High Resolution Return Beam Vidicon

The Return Beam Vidicon (RBV) is a high-performance electronic image sensor and electrical storage component. It can accept continuous or discrete exposures. Information can be read out with a single scan or with many repetitive scans for either signal processing or display. Resolution capability is 10,000 TV lines/height, and at 100 lp/mm, performance matches or exceeds that of film, particularly with low-contrast imagery. Electronic zoom can be employed effectively for image magnification and data compression. The high performance and flexibility of the RBV permit wide application in systems for reconnaissance, scan conversion, information storage and retrieval, and automatic inspection and test. This paper summarizes the characteristics and performance parameters of the RBV and cites examples of feasible applications.
A new method to impose no-slip boundary conditions in dissipative particle dynamics

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) is a potentially very effective approach in simulating mesoscale hydrodynamics. However, because of the soft potentials employed, the simple no-slip boundary conditions are difficult to impose. In this work, we first identify some of these difficulties and subsequently we propose a new method, based on an equivalent force between wall- and DPD-particles, to impose boundary conditions. We demonstrate the validity of this approach for steady problems (Poiseuille flow, lid-driven cavity) as well as for the unsteady oscillating flow over a flat plate.
Irrigation, fertilization and initial substrate quality effects on decomposing Loblolly pine litter chemistry

Changes in carbon chemistry (i.e., carbon compound classes such as aromatics, phenolics, etc.) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) litter were examined during three years of decomposition under factorial combinations of irrigation and fertilization treatments. Cross polarization magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that total carbon and nutrient concentrations correlated strongly with carbohydrate and O-alkyl carbon concentrations but did not relate well with concentrations of lignin, aromatic and phenolic carbon, or with lignin-related decomposition indices. The best correlations to carbon and nutrient concentrations occurred with the C/N (R2=0.86, P > 0.0001) and alkyl/O-alkyl (R2=0.75, P > 0.0001) decomposition indices. In all situations, the carbon chemistry of the decomposing litter followed the general pattern of accumulation of alkyl and carbonyl carbon with a loss of O-alkyl and methoxy carbon. Only small variations in the aromatic and phenolic carbon concentrations were detected. Since lignin is composed primarily of aromatic and phenolic carbons, the observation that there were only small changes in the aromatic and phenolic carbons of the litter is consistent with the general stability of lignin in these ecosystems. Trends in carbon chemistry during decomposition suggested that fertilization accelerated the decomposition process by about 100% as compared with the control plots. Irrigation also accelerated the decomposition process but to a lower extent (about 62% greater than control plots). Initial litter quality, as defined by the litter C/N, did not have a significant effect on the carbon chemistry of the decomposing litter. This study demonstrated that the decomposition mechanisms were not altered by the treatments but there were important changes in the relative chemistry of the decomposing litter which impacted the rate of decomposition.
Moyamoya syndrome in an adult with essential thrombocythemia

Moyamoya syndrome is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive occlusion of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery and proximal portions of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries resulting in an extensive network of collateralized blood vessels and producing a characteristic angiographic appearance. Although the pathophysiology is unclear, hematologic disorders have been associated with development of the moyamoya syndrome. A case report is presented. A 29 year-old female with a history of essential thrombocythemia developed progressive ischemic strokes. Angiography revealed characteristic moyamoya changes and pathologic examination showed intimal hyperplasia with scant collagen fibers and myxoid change. This is the first reported case of moyamoya syndrome in an adult patient with essential thrombocythemia demonstrating histological findings that suggest a shared pathophysiology with moyamoya syndrome in sickle cell anemia.
Analyzing layering in textual design: a multimodal approach for examining cultural, linguistic, and social migrations in digital video

This paper explores the nature of layering noisy and moving features in video to better understand how the movement of people, their ideas, and their texts are shifting functions of design and circulation within digital contexts. Drawing from video collected as part of an ethnography of digital literacies in urban contexts, features of textual design in a music video will be examined to demonstrate how youth today produce and circulate digital products as an expression of their diverse social identities. I sketch an approach for analyzing design as embedded in the layering of image, language, gesture, color, visual, and sound effects in a participant’s music video.
Effect of intra-observer variation in prostate volume measurement on prostate-specific antigen density calculations among prostate cancer active surveillance participants

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The Epstein criteria, which utilize prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) benchmarks, are recognized to be a reasonable method of selecting men for active surveillance of prostate cancer. Transrectal ultrasonography, however, may not be a sufficiently precise method of measuring prostate volume for the determination of PSAD. This study shows that despite impressive intra-observer variability in transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate volume measurements, this variability typically does not affect the PSAD to an extent by which qualification for active surveillance would be altered. OBJECTIVE • To determine intra-observer variability in transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate volume measurements in the Johns Hopkins active surveillance group and to establish whether or not this variability could affect prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) estimates in this cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS • In all, 253 patients with a combined total of 1111 prostate biopsies underwent TRUS-guided prostate volume measurements performed by the same physician at least three times over the course of their care. • Coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated for each set of measurements performed on each patient by the same physician, and average CVs were determined for each physician and for physicians overall. The CVs were correlated with the average of each patient’s measured prostate volumes to look for any trend. • Finally, measured prostate volumes were used with each patient’s initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value to calculate PSAD to reveal whether or not the degree of variability found in these measurements would have led to PSADs that would have otherwise precluded qualification for active surveillance. RESULTS • The average CV for all sets of prostate volume data was 0.168. Average CVs for each physician ranged from 0.136 to 0.234. • However, actual CVs ranged anywhere from 0.013 to 0.549. The CVs were found to have no correlation with prostate volumes (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.04). • In 95% of cases, variability in TRUS-guided prostate volume measurement did not affect PSAD sufficiently to elicit a value greater than 0.15. CONCLUSIONS • Even among individuals who are highly experienced in TRUS-guided prostate volume measurement, significant intra-observer variation exists. However, this variability is not enough to affect one’s eligibility for prostate cancer active surveillance when PSAD criteria are used. • The TRUS-guided prostate volume measurements remain a reliable method of assessing PSAD in patients with prostate cancer.
Routing with opportunistically coded exchanges in wireless mesh networks

Network coding is known to improve network throughput by mixing information from different flows and conveying more information in each transmission. Recently there have been some proposals for applying network coding to wireless mesh networks leveraging the broadcast nature of wireless transmissions. These approaches exploit coding opportunities passively while forwarding packets but they do not proactively change routing of flows to create more coding opportunities. In this paper, we attempt to investigate the extent of performance gain possible when routing decisions are made with the awareness of coding. We first define the expected number of coded transmissions for a successful exchange of packets between two nodes through an intermediate node. We then formulate optimal routing with coding, given the topology and traffic, as a linear programming problem. We conduct a preliminary evaluation of coding-aware routing and show that it offers significant gain particularly when there are many long distance flows.
ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED FLAME SYNTHESIS OF NANOPHASE TIO2, SIO2, AND SNO2 POWDERS

Nanophase particles with precisely controlled characteristics are made by oxidation of their halide vapors in electrically assisted hydrocarbon flames using needle-shaped or plate electrodes. The particle size and crystallinity decrease with increasing field strength across the flame. The field generated by the electrodes across the flame decreases the particle residence time in the high temperature region of the flame. Furthermore, it charges the newly formed particles, resulting in electrostatic repulsion and dispersion that decreases particle growth by coagulation. Electric fields reduced the primary particle size of TiO2, the agglomerate size of SnO2, and both the agglomerate and primary size of SiO2.
Targeted Multifunctional Multimodal Protein-Shell Microspheres as Cancer Imaging Contrast Agents

Purpose In this study, protein-shell microspheres filled with a suspension of iron oxide nanoparticles in oil are demonstrated as multimodal contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MM-OCT), and ultrasound imaging. The development, characterization, and use of multifunctional multimodal microspheres are described for targeted contrast and therapeutic applications.
Effects of Viscosity on Tethered Particle Motion (TPM) Experiments

Tethered Particle Motion (TPM) experiments are used to estimate the extension of a DNA molecule, attached at one end to a glass surface, and at the other (free) end to a microscopic bead. The DNA tether restricts the Brownian motion of the bead and the average amplitude of excursions of the bead from the anchor point indicates the DNA tether length. Excursions of the beads depend on the physical properties of the DNA-bead system, and the physical and chemical properties of the surrounding solution. Previously published TPM calibrations, for a range of DNA lengths and 200 to 970 nm diameter beads showed that larger beads increase excursions and comparatively more time is necessary for a bead to fully explore the available volume and report the maximum excursion for a longer as opposed to a shorter DNA molecule. Others have shown that magnesium ions reduce the excursions and increased viscosity slows the diffusion of an 80 nm gold bead tethered by a single length of DNA. New experiments with 320 and 480 nm diameter beads and DNA of several lengths show increasing viscosity increases the time required to report the maximum average excursion. Interpreting these results based on the dynamics of the viscous solvent-DNA-bead system highlights important experimental details for TPM measurements of DNA protein interactions and indicates how the kinetics of topological rearrangements might be impacted by increased viscosity environments such as cytoplasm.
Personality Patterns of Alcoholics Revisited: Delineation Against the MMPI and Clinical Implications

Eight personality patterns were derived on the Personality Research Form (PRF) data of 206 male alcohol abuser inpatient veterans, accounting for 55% of the total sample. Seven of these types were partial to moderately strong replications of the types from Nerviano: Compulsive, Aggressive, Impulsive/Hystrionic, Narcissistic, Submissive, Asocial Schizoid, and Avoidant Schizoid. One additional Hostile/ Withdrawn type was also derived. These PRF patterns were found to be quite distinctive on the regular clinical scales of the MMPI via discriminant analysis. These prototype clinical patterns were seen as a basis for differential psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological strategies of treatment of chronic alcohol abusers.
Microstrip antennas with suppressed radiation in horizontal directions and reduced coupling

Microstrip (patch) antennas usually strongly radiate in directions along the ground plane. This effect causes unwanted radiation patterns and increased coupling among array elements. Dielectric polarization currents are identified as physical sources of this radiation. A general technique is proposed to compensate these currents and suppress radiation in horizontal directions.
Organizational Performance and Conceptual Capability: The Relationship Between Organizational Performance and Successors’ Capability in a Family-Owned Firm:

A small percentage of family businesses survive succession. Jaques (1996) suggests that conceptual capability is a significant determiner of business performance and thus, by inference, successful transition. This research tested the hypothesis that business performance following succession is in part attributable to differences between predecessors and successors on this measure.
Karma and personal identity: a response to professor white

I am grateful to Professor White for his stimulating response to my remarks on Buddhist karmic theory. While I cannot follow him in all his criticisms, his response has forced me to clarify my thinking and to make explicit some presuppositions that were not sufficiently developed in the original paper. I hope, too, that this brief response to White's discussion will help in critically assessing the contributions made by Buddhist philosophers to our understanding of the problem of personal identity.
Reinforcement Learning of Multi-Issue Negotiation Dialogue Policies

We use reinforcement learning (RL) to learn a multi-issue negotiation dialogue policy. For training and evaluation, we build a hand-crafted agenda-based policy, which serves as the negotiation partner of the RL policy. Both the agendabased and the RL policies are designed to work for a large variety of negotiation settings, and perform well against negotiation partners whose behavior has not been observed before. We evaluate the two models by having them negotiate against each other under various settings. The learned model consistently outperforms the agenda-based model. We also ask human raters to rate negotiation transcripts between the RL policy and the agenda-based policy, regarding the rationality of the two negotiators. The RL policy is perceived as more rational than the agenda-based policy.
Pedestrian collision avoidance systems: a survey of computer vision based recent studies

This paper gives a survey of recent research on pedestrian collision avoidance systems. Collision avoidance not only requires detection of pedestrians, but also collision prediction using pedestrian dynamics and behavior analysis. The paper reviews various approaches based on cues such as shape, motion, and stereo used for detecting pedestrians from visible as well as non-visible light sensors. This is followed by the study of research dealing with probabilistic modeling of pedestrian behavior for predicting collisions between pedestrian and vehicle. The literature review is also condensed in tabular form for quick reference
Song sharing in two populations of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia)

Sharing song types with immediate neighbors is widespread in birds with song repertoires, and sharing songs may confer a selective advantage in some cases. Levels of song sharing vary between different geographical populations of several bird species, and ecological differences often correlate with differences in singing behavior; in particular, males in migratory subspecies often share fewer songs than males in resident subspecies. The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) appears to fit this pattern: resident song sparrows in western North America generally share 20–40% of their repertoire (of about eight songs) with each neighbor, while migratory subspecies from eastern North America often share 10% or less. We compared song sharing in two populations within a single subspecies of song sparrow (M. m. morphna) in Washington State. These populations, separated by only 120 km, nonetheless differ in migratory tendencies and several other ecological and life history variables. We recorded complete song repertoires from 11 male song sparrows in a high-elevation, migrating population at Gold Creek in west-central Washington, and compared them to two samples (n = 15 and n = 36) from a coastal, resident population at Discovery Park, Seattle, Washington. Despite major differences in habitat, population density, and migratory tendencies, song sharing among Gold Creek males was as high as that among Discovery Park males. In both populations, sharing was highest between immediate neighbors, and declined with distance. We conclude that at the within-subspecies level, neither migration nor population density affect song sharing in song sparrows, a song repertoire species.
Lysophosphatidic acid regulates murine blastocyst development by transactivation of receptors for heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor.

Transient elevation of intracellular calcium (Cai ) by various means accelerates murine preimplantation development and trophoblast differentiation. Several G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor (LPAR), induce Cai transients and transactivate the EGF receptor (ErbB1) through mobilization of EGF family members, including heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Because HB-EGF accelerates blastocyst differentiation in vitro, we examined whether crosstalk between LPA and HB-EGF regulates peri-implantation development. During mouse blastocyst differentiation, embryos expressed LPAR1 mRNA constitutively, LPAR2 only in late stage blastocysts and no LPAR3. Consistent with a mechanism based on Cai signaling, LPA rapidly accelerated the rate of trophoblast outgrowth, an index of blastocyst differentiation, and chelation of Cai with BAPTA-AM blocked LPA stimulation. Interfering with HB-EGF signaling through ErbB1 or ErbB4 also attenuated LPA stimulation. We established that mouse blastocysts indeed express HB-EGF and that LPA induces the transient accumulation of HB-EGF on the embryo surface, which was blocked by treatment with either BAPTA-AM or the protein trafficking inhibitor, brefeldin A. We conclude that LPA accelerates blastocyst differentiation through its ability to induce Cai transients and HB-EGF autocrine signaling. Transactivation of ErbB1 or ErbB4 by HB-EGF could represent a convergent signaling pathway accessed in the trophoblast by stimuli that mobilize Cai .
Vascular smooth muscle cell migration mediated by thrombin and urokinase receptor.

To determine whether thrombin directly modifies mobility of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), in Transwell systems (modified Boyden chambers), we exposed SMC to alpha-thrombin. In concentrations ...
Corrigendum to “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Behavioral Interventions for Pediatric Insomnia”

In the published article, the authors have noted two errors. First, the Cortesi, Giannotti, Sebastiani, Panunzi, & Valente (2012) article was coded under the “children/adolescents” category when the population studied was exclusively children with autism spectrum disorders and thus should have been in the category of “special populations.” Second, the Blunden 2011 study was labeled as “graduated extinction” when it is more appropriately described as a “responsive behavioral sleep intervention.” This article presents the revised Tables I, III, and IV and two text paragraphs. These corrections do not affect any other results or the conclusions reached in this review.
Effect of unilateral isometric and isotonic contractions on the strength of the contralateral limb.

Abstract Two groups of college men (N = 41) participated for 12 weeks in two different exercise programs to determine the relative effects of unilateral isometric and isotonic contractions of equal load, duration, and range of movement on the muscular strength of the contralateral limb. Data examined by the t test for correlated means indicated that both methods of exercise produced significant increases in the strength of the unexercised limb. Application of the multiple linear regression technique for covariance analysis revealed that no significant difference existed between the effectiveness of the exercise methods.
Iatrogenic Dural Arteriovenous Fistula after Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Anastomosis: A Case Report

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are uncommon, representing only 10% to 15% of all intracranial AVFs. Here we present the case of a patient with cerebral infarction who experienced a dural AVF after craniotomy for superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery. A 48-year-old man presented with dysarthria and right side hemiparesis. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed multiple acute infarctions and severe stenosis of the left MCA. Therefore, STA-MCA bypass surgery was performed. A follow-up angiography performed 2 weeks after the surgery showed an abnormal vascular channel from the left middle meningeal artery (MMA) to the middle meningeal vein (MMV) just anterior to the border of the craniotomy margin. This fistula originated from a screw used for cranial fixation. The screw injured the MMA and MMV, and this resulted in the formation of a fistula. The fistula was successfully treated with transarterial embolization. Surgeons should be careful when fixing bones with screws and plates as fistulas can develop if vessels are injured.
Thermoelectric Transients

It is possible in a thermoelectric cooling device to obtain significantly reduced cold-junction temperatures, compared to the steady-state values, by utilizing transient conditions. This effect is only temporary, and it might find applications where the aim is to reach the coldest possible temperature with minimum equipment in the shortest time, without need to maintain that temperature once it is reached. A thermoelectric cooling device was built to demonstrate the practicality of the transient effect.
The Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Dieldrin on the Predatory Efficiency of Toxorhynchites brevipalpis

Dieldrin exposed 4th-instar Aedes aegypti ISLA VERDE larvae were fed to 4th-instar Toxorhynchites brevipalpis larvae. The daily consumption rate of the predator was adversely affected, accompanied by an increase in the time to pupation. This time differential, however, allowed for an overall increase in consumption.
Are Roaming and Conventional Saddle Points for H2CO and CH3CHO Dissociation to Molecular Products Isolated from Each Other

High-level ab initio calculations are performed to examine previously unexplored regions of full-dimensional potential energy surfaces that connect the conventional and recently reported “roaming” saddle points for the H2CO and CH3CHO unimolecular dissociations to form molecular products, H2 + CO and CH4 + CO, respectively. The aim of this investigation is to determine whether or not there are large barriers separating these saddle points and their associated intrinsic reaction pathways. The results are of fundamental significance in formulating statistical and reduced dimensionality dynamical approaches to model these reactions, including both pathways.
NC-15RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND IDH1 GENETIC MUTATION STATUS IN MALIGNANT ASTROCYTOMA

BACKGROUND: Patients with malignant astrocytoma in similar brain regions present with variation in neurocognitive function (NCF). One potential contributor to this variation is the rate at which the tumor progresses or "lesion momentum". IDH1-wild type (IDH1-WT) tumors are more rapidly progressive than IDH1-mutant (IDH1-M) tumors. We hypothesized that patients with IDH1-WT tumors would exhibit worse NCF than patients with IDH1-M tumors. METHODS: The IDH1 status of 119 patients with malignant astrocytoma was determined with immunohistochemistry and genetic sequencing. Patients completed NCF testing prior to surgical resection [WAIS-III: Block Design, Similarities, Digit Span (DS), Digit Symbol; Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised; Confrontation Naming; Controlled Oral Word Association (COWA); Token Test; Trail Making Test (TMT); Grooved Pegboard]. Raw NCF test scores were converted to age-adjusted z-scores. Lesion volume was calculated from preoperative T2/FLAIR MRI. RESULTS: Patients with IDH1-WT tumors (n = 66; mean age = 54.40) were significantly older than those with IDH1-M tumors (n = 53; mean age = 37.74; p < .001). No between group differences were found in years of education, gender, race, lesion location, or lesion volume. IDH1-WT patients performed worse than IDH1-M patients on all NCF tests with statistically significantly lower (p= .025 to .001) performances on HVLT-R Total Recall, HVLT-R Delayed Recall, TMTA, TMTB, COWA, Digit Symbol, Token, and Grooved Pegboard. For IDH1-WT patients, FLAIR volume was significantly associated with 12 of 14 NCF tests (r = -0.33 to -0.51, p < .009 for all). For IDH1-M patients, FLAIR volume was only significantly associated with Naming [r = -0.48, p = .001]. CONCLUSION: Patients with IDH1-WT malignant astrocytoma exhibit worse NCF than those with IDH1-M tumors. FLAIR lesion volume is inversely associated with NCF for patients with IDH1-WT but not IDH1-M tumors. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that patients with IDH1-WT tumors present with greater NCF dysfunction secondary to greater lesion momentum that may preclude compensatory neuroplasticity and brain reorganization.
Dietary intake, Behaviors anD Psychosocial Factors among Women From FooD-secure anD FooD-insecure householDs in the uniteD states

Objective : Determine whether macro- and micro-nutrient intake, energy intake, diet quality, adherence to recommended dietary intake, and psychosocial and behavioral factors are associated with household food security. Design: Baseline data from in-person interviews and telephone-based, 24-hour dietary recall from women recruited to a diet and physical activity controlled trial. Setting: Neighborhoods encompassing 18 urban census tracts in South Carolina. Participants: Participants (n=202) were predominantly African American (87%), overweight or obese women aged 25 to 51 years with mean body mass index of 40.6±8.7. Main Outcomes Measures: Macro- and micro-nutrient intake, energy intake, diet quality, adherence to recommended dietary intake (via multi-pass, 24-h recall); diet-related self-efficacy and social support, healthy/lowfat and emotional eating behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Results: Women in food-secure (FS) and food insecure (FI) households were not different on health and sociodemographic characteristics. Women in FI households had lower self-efficacy and healthy/low-fat eating behaviors, and higher emotional eating and depressive symptoms compared with women in FS households. The groups did not differ on social support. Significant dietary differences were few (FS>FI on protein and lean meat; FS<FI on carbohydrate intake). For 29 of 35 (74%) dietary intake recommendations, less than 75% of women in both groups met each recommendation. Conclusions: While food security status was associated with diet-related psychosocial and behavioral factors, it was associated with few aspects of dietary intake. Dietary intake overall was poor. Participants were not meeting guidelines for a diet supportive of general health or weight loss and management, regardless of food security status Ethn Dis. 2016;26(2):139-146; doi:10.18865/ed.26.2.139
遠距多使用者體感心臟復健運動管理系統 Motion-Sensing Based Exercise Management Tele-System for Multi-User Cardiac Rehabilitation

本論文藉由多元化生理感測與回饋指引的整合，建構一套包含多種有氧運動模式的遠距多使用者體感心臟復健運動管理系統。居家端可透過此系統達成即時動作相似性分析以及提供運動改善指引，並同時能即時地將使用者的影像和運動骨架串流以及生理資訊傳遞到遠距端的照護中心。透過與遠距照護中心的結合，以及個管師一對多即時個人運動的監控管理，打造一安心、安全及有效的復健運動環境，提供使用者個人化的豐富多元運動處方與心臟復健運動指引，讓心臟病患在進入心臟復健階段後，一方面能夠監控復健運動處方的執行情形，也可長期監控與評估使用者在執行復健運動的強度是否達成預定的目標，提升使用者的遵從性。
Analysis of the results of sputum culture and clinical characteristic of the mechanical ventilation for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of sequent inflammation associated with mechanical ventilation and the results of sputum culture, so as to guide the proper administration of antibiotics in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Methods: 102 newborn infants with NRDS who received treatment of mechanical ventilation from our NICU were analyzed. Results: The risk of infection occurred in gestational age below 32 weeks was higher than those gestational age above 32 weeks. The risk of infection occurred in duration of mechanical ventilation above 3 days was higher than those in duration of mechanical ventilation below 3 days. The main pathogen was Gram-negative bacterium. Sensitivity of many antibiotics was smaller than 50% and of totienam was 84% at most. Conclusions: Ventilator-associated infection occurs at significant rates among those of gestational age below 32 weeks and with mechanical ventilation above 3 days. The main pathogen was resistant to many antibiotics, but it was sensitive to totienam as well as ciprofloxacin.
Using Pure Protein to Build a Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry Assay for Targeted Detection and Quantitation

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is an increasingly popular mass spectrometry-based method to simultaneously detect and quantify multiple proteins. MRM is particularly useful for validating biomarkers discovered with a mass spectrometer and any analite discovered by MS can be monitored by MR because an MRM assay can be developed without the need to generate specific antibodies. In this chapter, we present a robust and systematic procedure to rapidly build a high-sensitivity MRM assay using purified protein as the starting material. Theoretical digestion of the protein with trypsin is used to identify mass spectrometry--compatible peptides and to generate preliminary MRM transitions to detect these peptides. Peptides generated by trypsin cleavage of the actual protein are then run on a liquid chromatography column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, which is programmed with the preliminary transitions. Whenever a transition is detected, it triggers dissociation of the corresponding peptide and collection of a full mass range scan of the resulting fragment ions. From this scan, fragment ions yielding the strongest and most reproducible signals are utilized to design empirical MRM transitions. The assay is further refined by optimizing the collision energy and creating a standard curve to measure sensitivity. Once MRM transitions have been established for a particular protein, they can be combined with transitions for other target proteins to create multiplex assays and used to quantify proteins in samples arising from serum, urine, subcellular fractions, or any other specemen of interest.
Emerging concepts of epigenetic dysregulation in hematological malignancies

The past decade brought a revolution in understanding of the structure, topology and disease-inducing lesions of RNA and DNA, fueled by unprecedented progress in next-generation sequencing. This technological revolution has also affected understanding of the epigenome and has provided unique opportunities for the analysis of DNA and histone modifications, as well as the first map of the non-protein-coding genome and three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal interactions. Overall, these advances have facilitated studies that combine genetic, transcriptomics and epigenomics data to address a wide range of issues ranging from understanding the role of the epigenome in development to targeting the transcription of noncoding genes in human cancer. Here we describe recent insights into epigenetic dysregulation characteristic of the malignant differentiation of blood stem cells based on studies of alterations that affect epigenetic complexes, enhancers, chromatin, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), RNA splicing, nuclear topology and the 3D conformation of chromatin.
Advance care planning in South Korea: Social work perspective

As ethical issues arise concerning the continuation of futile medical treatment for dying patients in Korean society, advance directive planning initiatives have been put into place to guide practice. This article describes the awareness and attitudes of social workers in Korea regarding advance care planning and related factors. A total of 246 gerontological/geriatric social workers completed a mailed or in-person survey regarding awareness and attitudes toward advance care planning. Seventy-three percent (n = 180) of the participants reported no knowledge of advance directives. Social workers who emphasized self-determination as a professional value, professed a preference for hospice care, and who were comfortable discussing death were more likely to have a positive attitudes toward advance care planning. This study reinforces the need for the infusion of advance care planning and end-of-life training in social work education in Korea.
A theoretical analysis of the beneficial effects of the brain-drain phenomenon.

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the impact of migration and ultimately remittances on economic development in an LDC [less-developed country] within the context of a two-sector development model. For this purpose we construct a two-period development model wherein the country loses professional workers in the first period but receives foreign-exchange remittances in the second period. Then we derive the conditions under which the brain drain phenomenon may promote social welfare gains over the two periods horizon. The results indicate that "emigration of skilled labor causes the real rate of return to capital to fall and the real wage to labor in the home country to rise. Emigration of skilled labor unambiguously causes a real income loss in less developed labor-exporting countries in the first period but may cause a real income gain to the LDC in the long run. We also find that the per capita income in an LDC may rise as a consequence of emigration in the short-run but in the long run capita income unambiguously rises." (SUMMARY IN FRE) (EXCERPT)
Differential effects of Amphetamine exposure on neuroglia in vivo

D addiction is a major public health problem with wide range of negative health, economic, and social consequences. One of the most commonly abused types of drugs is amphetamine, a psycho-stimulant sometimes used as a performance enhancer to increase alertness and focus and induce anxiety and psychosis. Patients with history of heart disease or hypertension, and users of monoamine oxidase inhibitors may experience life-threatening complications if exposed to amphetamine. The effects of amphetamine use or abuse on brain development may last for many years, and chronic amphetamine exposure in animals and humans is known to cause hyperthermia and apoptosis, as well as random leakage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the effect of amphetamine on neuroglia is not well understood, and somewhat controversial. We chose to investigate the effect of amphetamine exposure on the neuroglia, as these cells play critical roles in modulating injury repair, neuronal migration, and axonal growth during nervous system development, and in facilitating neurotransmitter transport, BBB integrity, blood flow regulation, metabolic balance, iron homeostasis, and immune response. We investigated neuroglia in response to amphetamine exposure using antisense (AS) or sense (S) phosphorothioate-modified oligodeoxynucleotides (sODN) sequences that correspond to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA (AS-gfap or S-gfap, respectively) expression. The control is a random sequence sODN (Ran). Using cyanine 5.5-superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Cy5.5-SPION) label, we observed a reduction in neuroglia population in the striatum, but the evidence of gliogenesis in the subventricular zone and the somatosensory cortex in vivo. The results confirmed autopsy report on methamphetamine users. The sensitivity of our unique gene transcript targeted MRI was illustrated by a positive linear correlation (r2=1.0) between in vivo MRI signal changes and GFAP mRNA copy numbers determined by ex vivo TaqMan assay. The study provides direct evidence for targeting neuroglia by antisense DNA-based SPIONgfap that enables in vivo MRI of inaccessible tissue with PCR sensitivity. The results enable us to conclude that amphetamine induces toxicity to neuroglia in vivo, which may cause remodeling or re-connectivity of neuroglia.