cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Navigating the “Noxious” and “Invasive” Regulatory Landscape: Suggestions for Improved Regulation

In the United States, only species listed on state or federal noxious weed lists are regulated. According to our analysis, these regulatory lists poorly represent invasive plants in unmanaged (i.e., nonagricultural) systems. To improve the representation of invasive plants on state regulatory lists, we recommend allocating listing authority to invasive species councils and provide guidance for the science-based reform of noxious weed lists. We also recommend commercial best practices to test for invasiveness prior to intentional introduction of new plant products. Finally, we introduce a negligence liability scheme to discourage the introduction of potential invaders. If adopted, our recommendations could benefit nonagricultural ecosystems and could have positive consequences for bioenergy producers and others in plant industry, who are under scrutiny for promoting potentially invasive species as energy crops. As the bioenergy industry gains momentum, a revised regulatory regime may alleviate the concerns regarding one potential negative consequence of novel plant introduction.
Range image fusion for object reconstruction and modeling

A complete pipeline of data fusion from range images for a 3D object reconstruction and modeling is presented. The proposed approach includes multi-view registration, data integration, smoothing, and resampling. Firstly, the range images taken from multiple views are registered through a set of translation and rotation matrices whose coefficients are carefully pre-calculated. Then, a definition and two criteria to overlap elimination are provided as the foundation together with kd-tree data structure and nearest neighbor searching technique for data integration. A surface-based smoothing filter and a reliable resampling method, called the ball-travelbased resampling, are also given for surface quality improvement and data size reduction. All the operations manipulate range images directly without additional preprocessing operation, such as meshing or implicit surface function calculation to each range image, and thus provide a straightforward way to fuse any 3D data. The approach is applied to various range data sets of objects with different geometry shapes. The experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed method.
The Application of New Software Tools to Quantitative Protein Profiling Via Isotope-coded Affinity Tag (ICAT) and Tandem Mass Spectrometry II. Evaluation of Tandem Mass Spectrometry Methodologies for Large-Scale Protein Analysis, and the Application of Statistical Tools for Data Analysis and Interpretation

Proteomic approaches to biological research that will prove the most useful and productive require robust, sensitive, and reproducible technologies for both the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex protein mixtures. Here we applied the isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) approach to quantitative protein profiling, in this case proteins that copurified with lipid raft plasma membrane domains isolated from control and stimulated Jurkat human T cells. With the ICAT approach, cysteine residues of the two related protein isolates were covalently labeled with isotopically normal and heavy versions of the same reagent, respectively. Following proteolytic cleavage of combined labeled proteins, peptides were fractionated by multidimensional chromatography and subsequently analyzed via automated tandem mass spectrometry. Individual tandem mass spectrometry spectra were searched against a human sequence database, and a variety of recently developed, publicly available software applications were used to sort, filter, analyze, and compare the results of two repetitions of the same experiment. In particular, robust statistical modeling algorithms were used to assign measures of confidence to both peptide sequences and the proteins from which they were likely derived, identified via the database searches. We show that by applying such statistical tools to the identification of T cell lipid raft-associated proteins, we were able to estimate the accuracy of peptide and protein identifications made. These tools also allow for determination of the false positive rate as a function of user-defined data filtering parameters, thus giving the user significant control over and information about the final output of large-scale proteomic experiments. With the ability to assign probabilities to all identifications, the need for manual verification of results is substantially reduced, thus making the rapid evaluation of large proteomic datasets possible. Finally, by repeating the experiment, information relating to the general reproducibility and validity of this approach to large-scale proteomic analyses was also obtained.
The Genome Sequence of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain O1:K1:H7 Shares Strong Similarities with Human Extraintestinal Pathogenic E. coli Genomes

Escherichia coli strains that cause disease outside the intestine are known as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and include human uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Regardless of host of origin, ExPEC strains share many traits. It has been suggested that these commonalities may enable APEC to cause disease in humans. Here, we begin to test the hypothesis that certain APEC strains possess potential to cause human urinary tract infection through virulence genotyping of 1,000 APEC and UPEC strains, generation of the first complete genomic sequence of an APEC (APEC O1:K1:H7) strain, and comparison of this genome to all available human ExPEC genomic sequences. The genomes of APEC O1 and three human UPEC strains were found to be remarkably similar, with only 4.5% of APEC O1's genome not found in other sequenced ExPEC genomes. Also, use of multilocus sequence typing showed that some of the sequenced human ExPEC strains were more like APEC O1 than other human ExPEC strains. This work provides evidence that at least some human and avian ExPEC strains are highly similar to one another, and it supports the possibility that a food-borne link between some APEC and UPEC strains exists. Future studies are necessary to assess the ability of APEC to overcome the hurdles necessary for such a food-borne transmission, and epidemiological studies are required to confirm that such a phenomenon actually occurs.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Resulting from the Migration of a Greenfield Filter

A paraplegic patient who underwent the placement of Greenfield filters to prevent pulmonary emboli had one of the filters migrate proximally to the junction of the inferior vena cava and right atrium, then into the right atrium a few months later. This resulted in an acute myocardial infarction by apparently causing an intimal dissection of the posterior descending artery. Treatment, follow-up, and causes of filter migration are discussed.
Spray pyrolysis synthesis of lead magnesium niobate relaxor ferroelectric powders

The spray pyrolysis method was applied to the synthesis of Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN). This synthesis method offers several advantages over conventional processing for this material. These advantages include the ability to produce unagglomerated spherical particles, and to systematically control the particle size. Submicron powders were produced by the atomization of an aqueous polymeric precursor, and passing the aerosol through a multi-zone furnace. Powders in the composition range XPb(Mg/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/-(1-X)PbTiO/sub 3/ were produced. Phase development during synthesis was investigated, and the sintering behavior of these powders studied.
The prevalence of autoantibodies among right and left handed schizophrenic patients and control subjects

Abstract Sera from schizophrenic patients (n = 186) and healthy control subjects (n = 346) were tested for the presence of seven common autoantibodies by standard immunological methods. The association between handedness and autoantibodies was tested in a multiway contingency table using a log-linear model. For men, but not women, nondextrals (patients and controls) were twice as likely to test positive for autoantibodies than dextrals (p = 0.0002). Although more women (33%) than men (24%) tested positive for autoantibodies, handedness was not a distinguishing factor among women. These data suggest that sinistrality and gender are associated with autoantibodies in a subgroup of schizophrenic patients and healthy control subjects.
Simultaneous trapping of low-index and high-index microparticles observed with an optical-vortex trap

We report the first observation of the simultaneous three-dimensional confinement of both a low-index particle and a high-index particle within a single-beam optical trap by using a strongly focused laser beam containing an optical vortex. Experimental and theoretical investigations of the trap stability are described.
Crosshole Radar Tomography in a Fluvial Aquifer Near Boise, Idaho

To determine the distribution of heterogeneities in the saturated zone of an unconfined aquifer in Boise, ID, we compute tomograms for three adjacent well pairs. The fluvial deposits consist of unconsolidated cobbles and sands. We used a curved-ray, finite-difference approximation to the eikonal equation to generate the forward model. The inversion uses a linearized, iterative scheme to determine the slowness distribution from the first arrival traveltimes. The tomograms consist of a layered zone representing the saturated aquifer. The velocities in this saturated zone range between 0.06 to 0.10 m/ns. We use a variety of methods to assess the reliability of our velocity models. Finally, we compare our results to neutron-derived porosity logs in the wells used for the tomograms. The comparison shows that the trends in porosity derived from the tomograms match the trends in porosity measured with the neutron probe.
Ultraviolet Absorption Spectra of Antihistaminic Agents

Abstract In connection with the development of specifications for antihistaminic agents admitted to U. S. P. XV the ultraviolet absorption spectra of many of these com-pounds have been studied in detail. Characteristics in water and alcohol solutions have been noted, also the displacements produced by variation of pH of the aqueous solutions. The data obtained form the basis for identification tests for official anti-histamines and their tablet dosage forms, and also for assay of the tablets.
Long-term outcomes for Kienböck's disease

Background The precise etiology of Kienbock's disease is unclear. Controversy exists regarding the appropriate treatment modality. The present study sought to investigate and compare surgical and nonsurgical treatment outcomes of patients suffering from Kienbock's disease in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada.
Predictive modeling for epidural abscess: what we can, can't, and should do about it

Commentary on Ju KL, Kim SD, Melikian R, Bono CM, Harris MB. Predicting patients with concurrent noncontiguous spinal epidural abscess lesions. Spine J 2015;15:95–101 ( in this issue ).
Genes: Chairman’s Introduction

It is evident by now that there is a great deal of interest in exploiting the new technologies to genetically engineer new forms of plants. A purpose of this meeting is to assess the possibilities. The papers that follow are concerned with the analysis of single genes or small gene families. We will read about genes found within the nucleus, plastids, and bacteria which are responsible for agriculturally important traits. Given that these genes can be isolated by recombinant DNA techniques, there are two possible strategies for plant engineering. One involves isolating a gene from a cultivated plant, changing it in a specific way and then inserting it back into the same plant where it produces an altered gene product. An example might be changing the amino acid composition of a seed protein so as to make the seed a more efficient food source. A second strategy is to isolate a gene from one species and transfer it to another species where it produces a desirable feature. An example might be the transfer of a gene which encodes a more efficient photosynthetic enzyme from a wild relative into a cultivated species.
Protein transport across the lung epithelial barrier.

Alveolar lining fluid normally contains proteins of important physiological, antioxidant, and mucosal defense functions [such as albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), secretory IgA, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin]. Because concentrations of plasma proteins in alveolar fluid can increase in injured lungs (such as with permeability edema and inflammation), understanding how alveolar epithelium handles protein transport is needed to develop therapeutic measures to restore alveolar homeostasis. This review provides an update on recent findings on protein transport across the alveolar epithelial barrier. The use of primary cultured rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers (that exhibit phenotypic and morphological traits of in vivo alveolar epithelial type I cells) has shown that albumin and IgG are absorbed via saturable processes at rates greater than those predicted by passive diffusional mechanisms. In contrast, secretory component, the extracellular portion of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, is secreted into alveolar fluid. Transcytosis involving caveolae and clathrin-coated pits is likely the main route of alveolar epithelial protein transport, although relative contributions of these internalization steps to overall protein handling of alveolar epithelium remain to be determined. The specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms responsible for translocation of proteins across lung alveolar epithelium and regulation of the cognate receptors (e.g., 60-kDa albumin binding protein and IgG binding FcRn) expressed in alveolar epithelium need to be elucidated.
Estimating abundance while accounting for rarity, correlated behavior, and other sources of variation in counts

The class of N-mixture models allows abundance to be estimated from repeated, point count surveys while adjusting for imperfect detection of individuals. We developed an extension of N-mixture models to account for two commonly observed phenomena in point count surveys: rarity and lack of independence induced by unmeasurable sources of variation in the detectability of individuals. Rarity increases the number of locations with zero detections in excess of those expected under simple models of abundance (e.g., Poisson or negative binomial). Correlated behavior of individuals and other phenomena, though difficult to measure, increases the variation in detection probabilities among surveys. Our extension of N-mixture models includes a hurdle model of abundance and a beta-binomial model of detectability that accounts for additional (extra-binomial) sources of variation in detections among surveys. As an illustration, we fit this model to repeated point counts of the West Indian manatee, which was observed in a pilot study using aerial surveys. Our extension of N-mixture models provides increased flexibility. The effects of different sets of covariates may be estimated for the probability of occurrence of a species, for its mean abundance at occupied locations, and for its detectability.
Articulatory Feature Classification using Surface Electromyography

In this paper, we present an approach for articulatory feature classification based on surface electromyographic signals generated by the facial muscles. With parallel recorded audible speech and electromyographic signals, experiments are conducted to show the anticipatory behavior of electromyographic signals with respect to speech signals. On average, we found that the signals to be time delayed by 0.02 to 0.12 second. Furthermore, it is shown that different articulators have different anticipatory behavior. With offset-aligned signals, we improved the average F-score of the articulatory feature classifiers in our baseline system from 0.467 to 0.502.
Today's misery and yesterday's happiness: Differential effects of current life-events on perceptions of past wellbeing

article i nfo Article history: Negative events-such as romantic disappointment, social rejection or academic failure-influence how we feel and what we think. Either component can influence evaluations of our past life, but in opposite ways: when sad feelings serve as a source of information, they give rise to negative evaluations; when current events serve as a standard of comparison, they give rise to positive evaluations. Because comparison requires applicability of the standard, its benefits should be limited to the domain of the event. Consistent with this rationale, three experiments showed a robust paradoxical effect: people who experienced romantic disap- pointment (Experiment 1), social exclusion (Experiment 2) or academic failure (Experiment 3) weremore satisfied with their past romantic, social, or academic life, butlesssatisfied with all other domains of their past. The negative influence in unrelated domains was mediated by mood, whereas the positive influence in the event domain was not. Thus, last year's social life looks good compared to today's social rejection, but all other aspects of last year's life suffer.
Mechanisms of immature myocardial tolerance to ischemia: Phenotypic differences in antioxidants, stress proteins, and oxidases

Background. Previous work has suggested tolerance to ischemic injury in newborn myocardium. Although various mechanisms for this protection have been proposed, a link between oxidant-antioxidant factors, stress protein expression, and protection from cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has not been made in newborn myocardium. We hypothesized that newborn myocardial resistance to I/R is related to decreased oxygen radical producing potential, increased free radical scavenging capacity and augmented stress protein expression. The purposes of the study were to examine in newborn and adult rat hearts (1) functional recovery from I/R, (2) catalase and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities, and (3) heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72) expression. Methods. Isolated rat hearts (7 to 10 days versus 60 days) were perfused on a noworking Langendorff apparatus at 60 mm Hg (Krebs-Henseleit buffer, pH 7.4, 37°C) and subjected to 20 minutes of global ischemia and 40 minutes of reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure was recorded by using a left ventricular catheter. Catalase and XO were measured by means of standard assays, and HSP 72 was assessed with in situ immunohistochemistry. Results. Newborn rat hearts had greater percentage functional recovery of left ventricular developed pressure after I/R (66.0%±4.2% versus 44.3%±3.5%; p Conclusions. Relative to adult hearts, newborn rat hearts are more tolerant to a global ischemic insult followed by reperfusion. This improved functional recovery is associated with decreased oxidant production potential (XO), increased scavenging capacity (catalase), and augmented stress protein expression (HSP 72).
The role of coping strategies in predicting change in parenting efficacy and depressive symptoms among mothers of adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Background Parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) face greater caregiving demands than parents of children without DD. There is considerable variability in parents’ adjustment to raising a child with DD, however. In line with a strengths-based approach, this study explores coping strategies as potential mechanisms of resilience among mothers of adolescents with DD. This study examines the frequency with which mothers use various coping strategies and the extent to which those strategies moderate the relationship between adolescent behaviour problems and aspects of maternal well-being. Both positive and negative dimensions of well-being are explored, with maternal depressive symptoms and perceived parenting efficacy examined as outcomes cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Methods The present study focuses on 92 mothers and their adolescents with DD. The adolescents had a wide range of diagnoses, all with continuing special needs. Data were collected from mothers through interviews and self-administered questionnaires when their adolescents were aged 15 and aged 18. A structured assessment of the adolescent was completed during home visits at age 15. Results Mothers reported frequently using strategies of denial and planning but rarely using strategies of mental and behavioural disengagement to cope with recent stressful situations. Adolescent behaviour problems were found to contribute to greater symptoms of depression and lower feelings of parenting efficacy as well as increases in depressive symptoms over time. Mothers of sons, but not daughters, reported increases in parenting efficacy across their child’s adolescent period. Above and beyond adolescent factors, several coping strategies emerged as significant predictors of mothers’ symptoms of depression and perceived parenting efficacy. Moreover, use of Active Coping/Planning, Positive Reinterpretation/Growth, and Behavioural/Mental Disengagement as coping strategies moderated the impact of adolescent behaviour problems on maternal depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study extends previous findings by focusing on both positive and negative dimensions of parent well-being during their child’s adolescent period. Adolescence can be a stressful time
Refining Virtual Co-Creation from a Consumer Perspective:

This article refines virtual co-creation from a social exchange theory perspective. It looks into who participates in virtual new product development activities, why they do so, and what they expect from their participation. A study of consumers from 10 different virtual co-creation projects provides insights into what, how, and with whom consumers want to interact when engaging in virtual co-creation projects. It shows that consumers' co-creation expectations differ along various dimensions such as the preferred interaction partner, the intensity and extent of participation, and the consumers' motivations. This analysis identifies several types of participation motives—monetary reward, recognition, challenge, intrinsic interest, and curiosity—that help explain different consumer expectations. Participants also vary in their personal characteristics and expectations towards virtual co-creation. The article also offers practical recommendations for designing a rewarding virtual co-creation platform.
Primary structure and functional expression of a cortical collecting duct Kir channel

Maintenance of a negative membrane potential in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) principal cell depends on a small-conductance, inward-rectifying basolateral membrane K+(Kir) channel. In the pres...
Angiotensin-(1–7) can interact with the rat proximal tubule AT4 receptor system

This study was undertaken to identify the non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin receptor that mediates the ANG-(1–7) inhibitory action on rat proximal tubule transport processes. ANG-(1–7) inhibited nystati...
Measurement of Thermal Expansion and Volume Changes in Partially Stabilized Zirconia

One of the most promising applications of partially stabilized zirconia is in the metal extrusion industry in which CaO or MgO stabilized ZrO2 dies have outperformed the conventional metal dies. The secret of this success lies in the polyphase nature of PSZ and its high toughness, low expansion and excellent thermal shock resistance which are linked to volume changes associated with phase transformation during heating and cooling.
Mobile computing

The problems, limitations, and potential advantages of mobile computing systems are discussed. It is suggested that the constraints violate many of the assumptions upon which today's distributed systems are based. A key requirement of mobile computing systems will be the ability to access critical data regardless of location, which implies interdependence between the elements of a mobile computing system. The Coda file system, which is an effort to provide transparency of environment to mobile computing systems, is reviewed. >
Synchrotron White Radiation X-Ray Topographic Investigation of Dislocation Configurations Developed in Indium Antimonide Single Crystals by Plastic Bending

Synchrotron white beam x-ray topography has been used to study dislocation configurations induced in InSb single crystals by three point bending at temperatures above the brittle to ductile transition point. Semi-hexagonal dislocation loops with one long screw segment and two outcropping 60° segments, single 60° B(g) dislocation kinks on screw dislocations, and screw dislocation dipoles were observed. The relationship between these observed defect structures and the mobilities of A(g), B(g), and screw dislocations in InSb, which appear to control the plastic behavior of crystals with the sphalerite structure, is discussed. Dislocation interactions and their role in the plastic deformation process are also addressed.
Behavioral effects of pentobarbital, lorazepam, ethanol and chlorpromazine substitution in pentobarbital-dependent baboons.

Baboons were given continuous intragastric infusions of 100 mg/kg/day of pentobarbital before and during these experiments. The baboons responded under a fixed-ratio (FR) 30-response schedule of food presentation from 10:00 A.M. of one day to 8:00 A.M. of the next day. Terminating pentobarbital administration (i.e., substituting water for pentobarbital) from 8:00 A.M. of one day to 8:00 A.M. of the next day produced large decreases in the number of pellets earned. Repeated 24-h terminations of pentobarbital administration at 1-week intervals produced similar decreases in the pellets earned. In another experiment, the effects of terminating pentobarbital administration for several days were examined. The number of pellets earned decreased within 2 h of terminating pentobarbital administration was maximally suppressed during the first day, and recovered over 3 to 5 days. When different doses of pentobarbital were substituted for 24 h, the disruption of responding seen after pentobarbital termination was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. In another experiment, the effects of substituting lorazepam, ethanol or chlorpromazine for pentobarbital for 24 h were examined. Lorazepam produced a dose-dependent attenuation of the effects of pentobarbital termination, whereas ethanol did not. Chlorpromazine did not attenuate the effects of pentobarbital termination in two of the three baboons tested, and produced erratic results in the third.
State of Jiangxi Distribution Network

110 kV and lower voltage distribution network is an important part of power system and infrastructure in the city.After the construction and reconstruction according to the eleventh five-year plan,Jiangxi distribution network has made rapid progress on network structure,power supply capacity and reliability.However,it has not met the requirements of strong and smart grid construction in Jiangxi.Because there are problems still exist such as weak construction,deficient power supply and poor equipments.In this paper,differential analysis of Jiangxi distribution network state is conducted and priority of Jiangxi distribution network constraction is put forward.
The Ji Writings in the Archaic Script on the Rites and the Teachings of Zisi

Ji writings in the Archaic Script of the Warring States period on the Rites,is an early intellectual writing style that has long been neglected.Recently excavated Warring States period Chu bamboo manuscripts present many examples of such writings,some of which are associated with Zisi's tradition of Confucian teaching.Examinations of such style early writings in the excavated manuscripts enable us to have both a close look at the original early writings that have been attributed to the Zisi School but also a better understanding of the forms and styles of early Chinese intellectual texts.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Element Airfoil at Low Mach Number

It was difficult to observe the flows over main element and flap of multi-element airfoil at different angles of attack in wind tunnel experiment.This paper has undertaken a computational study with the solution of the N-S equation and used O-H hybrid structure grid to simulate the flow around the two-element airfoil in a two-dimensional wind tunnel.The k-e turbulence model is adopted for the numerical simulation.The results of computation agree well with experiment and it illuminates that this numerical method can availability simulate the flow around the two-element airfoils and the change of the flow.And it shows the function that flows over main element and flap gap of multi-element airfoils influences intensively the separated flow on the flap element of multi-element airfoils.
Prevalence of AIDS in men who have sex with men among college students in Sanya

Objective To understand the relevant knowledge and behavior of AIDS infection in men who have sex with men(MSM) among college students in Sanya in order to provide basis of effective health education and preventive intervention measures.Methods Snowball sampling was used to launch a questionnaire survey in MSM among college students in Sanya,and blood samples were taken to test HIV,syphilis and HCV antibody.Results The awareness rate of basic knowledge of AIDS was 87.5%;the rate of having anal sex behavior in last 6 months was 64.8%,the rate of condom usage was 61.7%;commercial sex behavior,drug taking and heterosexual sex behavior were reported;the infection of HIV was 1.6%,and the positive rate of syphilis was 5.5%.Conclusion The awareness rate of AIDS knowledge is relatively high,the rate of condom usage is low,unprotected sex exists generally.The infection of syphilis is high.The epidemic situation of HIV is severe.We should strengthen HIV test and adopt effective health education and behavior intervention measures to control AIDS propagation in the crowd.
Sprained ankles as they relate to the basketball player

Concepts based on newer medical information concerning ankle injuries have changed in recent years. With these changing concepts, the method of treatment has also changed. It is the purpose of this article to review some of the commonly known information concerning ankle sprains, to emphasize the association of subtalar injury with the ankle sprain complex, to outline new information concerning the static stabilizers on the lateral aspect of the ankle, and finally, to utilize this information in producing a rationale for a new type of surgical treatment for chronic instability of the ankle.
Transforming Character: The Manager and the Aesthete

MacIntyre describes the manager as one of three central contemporary characters; the others are the therapist and the aesthete. The aesthete is a character we meet in reading the works of S0ren Kierkegaard. MacIntyre’s interpretation of Kierkegaard emphasizes a criterionless choice. Widely criticized by Kierkegaardians, MacIntyre acknowledged the flaw in his earlier interpretation and called for more conversation. The encounter between Maclntyreans and Kierkegaardians has been fruitful. As Anthony Rudd has shown, Kierkegaard’s writing provides helpful resources for advancing the project of MacIntyre’s virtue ethics. Kierkegaard writes of the aesthete to bring about a transformation in the reader’s character and understanding of the aesthetic life. From the art of Kierkegaard’s writing we can gain insights about the art of character.
Increased Procalcitonin Levels in End Stage Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease as An Indicator of Inflammatory Activation

Increased levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and other calcitonin precursors are associated with systemic inflammatory responses in patients with burns, trauma or sepsis. Since end stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) represent syndromes involving inflammatory responses, we hypothesized that PCT may also be elevated in patients with these pathologic conditions. Apparently sepsis-free blood plasma samples collected from normal donors (n=100) and patients with ESRD(n=67) and CKD (n=67) were retrospectively analyzed for circulating PCT levels using an immunocolorimetric assay (ILMA PCT,BRAHMS, Berlin Germany). This test utilizes two monoclonal antibodies that are directed to the calcitonin and katacalcin portions of PCT. The capturing antibody is immobilized on the surface of the coated tube and a labeled anti-calcitonin is used as a tracer. Diluted plasma samples incubated and both antibodies react with the PCT to form a sandwich complex. The excess tracer antibody is discarded after incubation. The amount of residual tracer is measured in a luminometer. The intensity of luminescence is proportional to the amount of PCT in the sample. PCT levels in normal individuals were 0.24±0.11 ng/ml, whereas higher levels were measured in CKD(0.81±0.35 ng/ml) and ESRD (0.93±0.36 ng/ml). Although wide ranges in the PCT values were observed, the levels were much higher than normal. These studies suggest that patients with ESRD and CKD may exhibit elevated levels of PCT which may not be due to sepsis. Measurement of PCT in these patients may be useful in the risk stratification and clinical management.
Advances in boronization on NSTX-Upgrade

Abstract Boronization has been effective in reducing plasma impurities and enabling access to higher density, higher confinement plasmas in many magnetic fusion devices. The National Spherical Torus eXperiment, NSTX, has recently undergone a major upgrade to NSTX-U in order to develop the physics basis for a ST-based Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) with capability for double the toroidal field, plasma current, and NBI heating power and increased pulse duration from 1–1.5 s to 5–8 s. A new deuterated tri-methyl boron conditioning system was implemented together with a novel surface analysis diagnostic. We report on the spatial distribution of the boron deposition versus discharge pressure, gas injection and electrode location. The oxygen concentration of the plasma facing surface was measured by in-vacuo XPS and increased both with plasma exposure and with exposure to trace residual gases. This increase correlated with the rise of oxygen emission from the plasma.
The impact of cannabis and cannabinoids for medical conditions on health-related quality of life: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction The use of cannabis or cannabinoids to treat medical conditions and/or alleviate symptoms is increasingly common. However, the impact of this use on patient reported outcomes, such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), remains unclear. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, employing guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We categorized studies based on design, targeted disease condition, and type of cannabis or cannabinoid used. We scored studies based on quality and risk of bias. After eliminating some studies because of poor quality or insufficient data, we conducted meta-analyses of remaining studies based on design. Results Twenty studies met our pre-defined selection criteria. Eleven studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 2322 participants); the remaining studies were of cohort and cross-sectional design. Studies of cannabinoids were mostly RCTs of higher design quality than studies of cannabis, which utilized smaller self-selected samples in observational studies. Although we did not uncover a significant association between cannabis and cannabinoids for medical conditions and HRQoL, some patients who used them to treat pain, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bower disorders have reported small improvements in HRQoL, whereas some HIV patients have reported reduced HRQoL. Conclusion The relationship between HRQoL and the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for medical conditions is inconclusive. Some patient populations report improvements whereas others report reductions in HRQoL. In order to inform users, practitioners, and policymakers more clearly, future studies should adhere to stricter research quality guidelines and more clearly report patient outcomes.
Character and Situationism: New Directions

The early work by Gilbert Harman and John Doris on character and situationism has fostered a vast literature over the past 15 years. Yet despite all this work, there are many important issues which remain largely unexplored. The goal of this paper is to briefly outline eight promising research directions: neglected moral virtues, neglected non-moral virtues, virtue assessment and measurement, replication, non-Aristotelian virtue ethics, positive accounts of character trait possession, prescriptive situationism, and virtue cultivation.
The Contingent Effects of Risk Perception on Risk-Taking Behavior: Adolescent Participative Orientation and Marijuana Use

Viewing marijuana use as a risk-taking behavior, we find that the perception of high risk related to regular use of marijuana has no simple direct effect on that risk-taking behavior. Rather, the effect of risk perception is contingent upon the extent of youth participation in activities such as going to parties, going to bars, attending concerts and visiting friends. The perception of risk suppresses marijuana use most effectively in the context of activities where such a risk-taking behavior is most prevalent. These findings are congruent with recent literature on actions of risk-taking that takes into account the subjective meaning orientation as a moderator between perception and action. These lead us to conclude that a behavioral-specific approach can augment the conventional approach to common factors underlying the youths' proneness to problem behaviors.
Macro Questions for Microfinance: Accion New York and Accion USA

The new president and CEO of ACCION New York, a community development loan fund, was considering leading her organization in a combination with an affiliate organization, ACCION USA, and that morning, she would be conducting a meeting to discuss how to present the combination question to the directors at Friday's board meeting. Excerpt UVA-ENT-0181 Jan. 4, 2012 MACRO QUESTIONS FOR MICROFINANCE: ACCION NEW YORK AND ACCION USA The Combination Question Opening her umbrella, Gina Harman joined the flow of pedestrians on Twenty-Third Street in Manhattan. As the new president and CEO of ACCION New York, a community development loan fund, Harman's perspective on the financial needs of New York was as intricate as the pattern of raindrops on the sleeve of her coat. Harman was considering leading her organization in a combination with an affiliate organization, ACCION USA (AUSA), and that morning, she would be conducting a meeting to discuss how to present the combination question to the directors at Friday's board meeting. . . .
Medialization Laryngoplasty in the Elderly: Outcomes and Expectations.

Objective To describe the profile and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing medialization laryngoplasty for vocal cord paralysis. Study Design Case series with retrospective review. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods Patients were included in the study if they were >65 years old at the time of medialization laryngoplasty between 2008 and 2015. Patient comorbidities, anticoagulation status, disease etiology, and physical examination findings were recorded with postoperative length of stay, complications, pre- and posttreatment voice outcomes with the Voice Handicap Index (at 6 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, and 1 year), and postprocedural interventions (revision injections, surgery, therapy). Results A total of 112 patients met the eligibility criteria. Iatrogenic injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (50%) was the most common etiology, followed by idiopathic (31%) causes. Sixty percent of patients were receiving long-term antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy. All but 14 patients on aspirin therapy stopped their antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy prior to surgery. Most patients were discharged on the day of surgery. Postprocedure Voice Handicap Index scores significantly improved ( P .05). Conclusion The clinical profile and outcomes of our patients undergoing medialization laryngoplasty are comparable to those seen in younger cohorts. Medialization laryngoplasty is a safe and successful option for elderly patients with vocal cord paralysis and vocal handicap.
Automated vessel exclusion technique for quantitative assessment of hepatic iron overload by R2*-MRI.

BACKGROUND Extraction of liver parenchyma is an important step in the evaluation of R2*-based hepatic iron content (HIC). Traditionally, this is performed by radiologists via whole-liver contouring and T2*-thresholding to exclude hepatic vessels. However, the vessel exclusion process is iterative, time-consuming, and susceptible to interreviewer variability. PURPOSE To implement and evaluate an automatic hepatic vessel exclusion and parenchyma extraction technique for accurate assessment of R2*-based HIC. STUDY TYPE Retrospective analysis of clinical data. SUBJECTS Data from 511 MRI exams performed on 257 patients were analyzed. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE All patients were scanned on a 1.5T scanner using a multiecho gradient echo sequence for clinical monitoring of HIC. ASSESSMENT An automated method based on a multiscale vessel enhancement filter was investigated for three input data types-contrast-optimized composite image, T2* map, and R2* map-to segment blood vessels and extract liver tissue for R2*-based HIC assessment. Segmentation and R2* results obtained using this automated technique were compared with those from a reference T2*-thresholding technique performed by a radiologist. STATISTICAL TESTS The Dice similarity coefficient was used to compare the segmentation results between the extracted parenchymas, and linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to compare the R2* results, obtained with the automated and reference techniques. RESULTS Mean liver R2* values estimated from all three filter-based methods showed excellent agreement with the reference method (slopes 1.04-1.05, R2 > 0.99, P < 0.001). Parenchyma areas extracted using the reference and automated methods had an average overlap area of 87-88%. The T2*-thresholding technique included small vessels and pixels at the vessel/tissue boundaries as parenchymal area, potentially causing a small bias (<5%) in R2* values compared to the automated method. DATA CONCLUSION The excellent agreement between reference and automated hepatic vessel segmentation methods confirms the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method. This automated approach might improve the radiologist's workflow by reducing the interpretation time and operator dependence for assessing HIC, an important clinical parameter that guides iron overload management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1542-1551.
Sucrose Phosphate Glutamate for Combined Transport of Chlamydial and Viral Specimens

Sucrose phosphate glutamate (SPG) was evaluated as a transport medium for specimens submitted to the virology laboratory. The recovery rate in SPG and minimum essential medium (MEM) was compared at different temperatures and incubation times using herpes viruses. The results showed a successful recovery of viruses from clinical specimens and that SPG is equal to or better than MEM for maintaining herpes virus stability during transport.
Automotive applications of chemical reaction engineering and future research needs

The stricter future emission standards require further improvement in emission control performance through the optimization of catalytic converter properties and its operating conditions. The single-channel 1-D monolith model has been used extensively at GM to guide the development and implementation of emission control systems with improved cold-start emission performance while reducing the noble metal usage and hardware development time/iterations. This paper discusses some examples of model applications to three-way catalyst systems as well as future research needs and directions in emission control system modeling, including the development of elementary reaction step-based kinetic models.
Effect of concrete mixture components, proportioning, and compressive strength on fracture parameters

Abstract Splitting cracks in pre-tensioned concrete members often occur at the early stages after detensioning. To prevent these splitting failures, concrete members need to be resistant to crack growth at the strengths in which the beam is detensioned. In this paper, the effect of different concrete parameters including aggregate shape and content, water-to-cementitious (w/c) ratio, fly ash, paste and air void content on the crack resistance of concrete used in concrete railroad ties were investigated using Two-Parameter Model (TPM). For each mixture evaluated, twelve three-point prisms were tested at 27.5, 41.3 and 55.1 MPa concrete compressive strengths (4000, 6000 and 8000 psi) to determine the effect of concrete compressive strength on crack growth potential. In addition, splitting tensile tests were conducted on three samples at each compressive strength for all mixtures. Finally, the results were analyzed and the function of utilized method was discussed. The results show that increasing angularity, aggregate size and volume, and decreasing w/c ratio improve fracture toughness by 30% whereas changing paste, fly ash and air void content negligibly influence fracture toughness. However, all improving factors were seen to be most effective at low strengths. The obtained fracture toughness values from this study could lead to a significant improvement of splitting crack resistance in pre-stressed concrete members where high amount of transverse stress is often introduced at low compressive strengths.
Modeling the mechanical properties of cementitious materials containing CNTs

Abstract This paper proposes analytical equations to predict the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity) of cementitious materials reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). Twenty-six mix proportions and literature data are used to develop rational models to consider the influence of important parameters and their interactions on the mechanical properties. The controlled experimental parameters include CNT aspect ratio, concentration, ultrasonication procedure (e.g., energy, amplitude, and superplasticizer-to-CNTs (SP/CNTs) ratio), water-to-cement (w/c) ratio, sand-to-cement (s/c) ratio, and testing age. The proposed model is based on three steps of considering CNT dispersion, matrix contents, and hydration age of cement. The proposed model can capture the interactions between the experimental parameters for predicting the mechanical properties with reasonable accuracy. Also, there are several options to achieve comparable improvements in the mechanical properties with various combinations of the experimental parameters using the proposed equations.
Precision Auto Clone: an integrated quantitative operations management case

The case study presented in this article is designed for operations management courses. It integrates seven quantitative applications of forecasting, service staffing, production planning, material requirements planning, inventory lot sizing, single period inventory with uncertain demand and project management all into one comprehensive case. The case has been used in small and large class settings and refined over several semesters. Student feedback has been extremely positive as they found the case realistic and comprehensive but not overwhelming since it is completed piece-meal throughout the semester. The case is accompanied by an Excel application file containing apps for solving the queuing problem as well as the production planning, inventory lot sizing and single period inventory problems.