cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Therapeutic Revolution: Medicine, Meaning, and Social Change in Nineteenth-Century America

Medical therapeutics changed in some ways remarkably little in the 2 millennia preceding 1800; by the end of the century, traditional therapeutics had altered fundamentally. This is a significant event not only in the history of medicine, but in social history as well. Yet historians have not only failed to delineate this change in detail, they have hardly begun to place it in a framework of explanation which would relate it to all those other changes which shaped the twentieth-century Western world. Medical historians have always found therapeutics an awkward piece of business. On the whole, they have responded by ignoring it.1 Most historians who have addressed traditional therapeutics have approached it as a source of anecdote, or as a murky bog of routinism from which a comforting path led upward to an ultimately enlightened and scientifically based therapeutics. Isolated incidents such as the introduction of quinine or digitalis seemed only to emphasize the darkness of traditional practice in which they appeared. Among twentieth-century students of medical history, the generally unquestioned criterion for understanding pre-nineteenth-century therapeutics has been physiological, not historical: did a particular practice act in a way that twentiethcentury understanding would regard as efficacious? Did it work? Yet therapeutics is after all a good deal more than a series of pharmacological or surgical experiments. It involves emotions and personal
State-Controlled Licensure and Interstate Mobility: Questions From Katrina

State licensure laws in speech—language pathology and audiology vary from state to state. Natural disaster displacements as well as trends in job mobility have increased the need for licensees to be able to have more fluidity in practicing from 1 state to another. Additionally, literature reviews on the history of professional licensure regulations raise questions as to the functionality of the approach taken in states. This study evaluated specific temporary and courtesy practice licensure patterns across all 50 states. Additionally, I discuss 35 years of literature that presents the 2 theories behind the use of mandatory licensure for professionals.
Autonomous Weapons and Distributed Responsibility

The possibility that autonomous weapons will be deployed on the battlefields of the future raises the challenge of determining who can be held responsible for how these weapons act. Robert Sparrow has argued that it would be impossible to attribute responsibility for autonomous robots' actions to their creators, their commanders, or the robots themselves. This essay reaches a much different conclusion. It argues that the problem of determining responsibility for autonomous robots can be solved by addressing it within the context of the military chain of command. The military hierarchy is a system of distributing responsibility between decision makers on different levels and constraining autonomy. If autonomous weapons are employed as agents operating within this system, then responsibility for their actions can be attributed to their creators and their civilian and military superiors.
CHROMOSOME SEGREGATION MECHANISMS

Most aspects of chromosome distribution to the daughter cells in meiosis and mitosis are now understood, at the cellular level. The most striking evidence that the proposed explanation is valid is that it correctly predicts the outcome of experiments on living cells in which the experimenter (1) can determine the distribution of any chosen chromosome to a chosen daughter cell, (2) can induce a mal-orientation, and (3) can stabilize a mal-orientation, causing non-disjunction of a chosen bivalent. Recent reviews of chromosome distribution mechanisms are also considered, in an attempt to clarify the remaining unsolved problems.
A Linear-Time Algorithm for Analyzing Array CGH Data Using Log Ratio Triangulation

DNA copy number is the number of replicates of a contiguous segment of DNA on the genome. Copy number alteration (CNA) is a genetic abnormality in which the number of these segments differs from the normal copy number, which is two for human chromosomal DNA. The association of CNA with cancer has led to a proliferation of research into algorithmic methods for detecting these regions of genetic abnormality. We propose a linear-time algorithm to identify chromosomal change points using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data. This method treats log-2 ratio values as points in a triangle and segments the genome into regions of equal copy number by exploiting the properties of log-2 ratio values often seen at segment boundaries. Applying our method to real and simulated aCGH datasets shows that the triangulation method is fast and is robust for data with low to moderate noise levels.
Amount and type of protein influences bone health

Many factors influence bone mass. Protein has been identified as being both detrimental and beneficial to bone health, depending on a variety of factors, including the level of protein in the diet, the protein source, calcium intake, weight loss, and the acid/base balanceofthediet.Thisreviewaimstobrieflydescribethesefactorsand theirrelationtobonehealth.Lossofbonemass(osteopenia)andloss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) that occur with age are closely related. Factors that affect muscle anabolism, including protein intake, also affect bone mass. Changes in bone mass, muscle mass, and strength track together over the life span. Bone health is a multifactorial musculoskeletal issue. Calcium and protein intake interact constructivelytoaffectbonehealth.Intakesofbothcalciumandprotein mustbeadequatetofullyrealizethebenefitofeachnutrientonbone. Optimal protein intake for bone health is likely higher than current recommended intakes, particularly in the elderly. Concerns about dietary protein increasing urinary calcium appear to be offset by increases in absorption. Likewise, concerns about the impact of protein on acid production appear to be minor compared with the alkalinizing effects of fruits and vegetables. Perhaps more concern should be focused on increasing fruit and vegetable intake rather than reducing protein sources. The issue for public health professionals is whether recommended protein intakes should be increased, given the prevalence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(suppl):1567S–70S.
Tabletop Resonant Infrared Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation of Light-Emitting Organic Thin Films

Structural optimization of light-emitting polymer, or organic semiconductor, thin films deposited by tabletop 2.9 mum resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed evaporation (RIR-MAPLE) is investigated. Surface morphology of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-(1-cyanovinylene) phenylene] (MEH-CN-PPV) and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) films are analyzed using optical and atomic force microscopy. These films are deposited using different target-to-substrate distances, ambient base pressures, laser fluences, and substrate temperatures, and with different target compositions comprising tetrahydrofuran (THF), chlorobenzene, toluene, o -xylene, chloroform, phenol:THF, and phenol:water. The corresponding optical behavior and chemical structure of the deposited films is investigated with photoluminescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The use of a novel RIR-MAPLE emulsion target recipe enables the successful incorporation of MEH-CN-PPV and MEH-PPV polymers into ice matrices, and an MEH-PPV thin film with near-featureless surface morphology and an unprecedented rms surface roughness of 0.292 nm is demonstrated.
The TOPICAL study should be more topical

The TOPICAL study - a prospective randomized study of first line therapy with erlotinib versus placebo in patients with advanced NSCLC, who were unfit for (standard) chemotherapy, was recently published by Lee et al. (Lancet Oncology, October 16. 2012) (1). The study was performed in patients with PS ≥2. The best therapy for this prognostic unfavorable group of patients has for decades been discussed, and many comparative studies performed; doublet chemotherapy versus single agent chemotherapy, EGFR TKI versus chemotherapy etc. Most widely used for this group of patients is single agent chemotherapy.
Impulsivity: From Theoretical Constructs To Applied Interventions:

Studies about the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of impulsive children are reviewed and summarized from the viewpoint of their application to school settings. Research has indicated that impulsive children often display such characteristics as global search-and-scan strategies, poor selective attention, low anxiety over errors, aggressive social behavior, immaturity of moral reasoning, externalized behavior problems, and deficient reading skills. Impulsivity has typically been assessed with visual discrimination tests and behavioral ratings by teachers. Treatment of impulsivity has included cognitive training such as modeling and self-instructional training, and behavioral methods such as positive reinforcement and response cost. Specific recommendations about the assessment and treatment of impulsivity in school are emphasized.
Analysis, synthesis, formulation, and field testing of three major components of male mediterranean fruit fly pheromone

Three major components, ethyi-(E)-3-octenoate, geranyl acetate, and (E,E)-α-farnesene, emitted as volatiles by laboratory-reared and wild male medflies were collected and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Peak emission of these compounds occurred during the third to fifth hours of the photophase and differences were observed in the ratios of the three components emitted by male laboratory-reared and wild flies. These three compounds were synthesized, and a method was developed to formulate a synthetic blend that released the compounds in a ratio similar to that emitted by wild male medflies. Attractiveness of the blend to female medflies was demonstrated under field conditions by comparing trap catches. Black spherical traps, baited with the synthetic blend to release 1.6 male equivalents, caught significantly more females than blank traps and traps from which the blend released was 0.3, 3.2 or 6.4 male equivalents.
A Reinterpretation of the Banking Crisis of 1930

The banking crisis of 1930 is one of the central events of the Great Depression. The causes of this wave of bank failures are examined using individual bank balance sheet data. Both real and monetary factors are found to have forced the closure of banks, many of which were already weakened by regulatory constraints and regional economic difficulties. The bank failures in this crisis do not seem to have been different in character from failures in previous years, suggesting that the rise in the number of failures may have marked only the beginning of a recession rather than a depression.
Realistic range rendering

In many model-based object recognition systems, a synthesize-and-verify technique is used to evaluate the quality of hypotheses. This technique synthesises images of hypothesized objects in hypothesized poses, and compares them against the input imagery, producing a matching score. In this paper, we examine the image synthesis process in the context of triangulation-based range finding. We motivate the use of synthetically shadowed range data, for verification, present a simple and efficient algorithm for generation of shadowed range imagery, and demonstrate its usefulness in a set of real imagery. >
The Quality of Health Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Objective.The purpose of this study was to determine the health status of adults with developmental disabilities residing in community settings and the quality of the preventive, medical, dental, a...
Measuring and Improving Performance in Multicenter Research Consortia

Background: Some evidence suggests that the quality of the organization and management of research consortia infl uences productivity and staff satisfaction. Collaborators in a research consortium generally focus on developing and implementing studies and thus rarely assess the process of collaboration. We present an approach to evaluating and improving a research consortium, using the HMO Cancer Research Network (CRN) as an example. Methods: Five domains are evaluated: extent of collaboration and quality of communication; performance of projects and infrastructure; data quality; scientifi c productivity; and impact on member organizations. The primary assessment tool is a survey of CRN scientists and project staff, undertaken annually. Results: Each year, the evaluation has identifi ed critical aspects of this collaboration that could be improved. Several tangible changes have been implemented to improve productivity of the consortium. The most important result of the CRN Evaluation is the ability to have open dialogue about ways to improve its overall performance. Conclusion: Optimizing the process of collaboration will contribute to achievement of the scientifi c goals. The experience of the CRN provides a useful framework and process for evaluating the structure of consortium-based research. [J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2005;35:26 – 32]
Carbon dioxide capture using biochar produced from sugarcane bagasse and hickory wood

Abstract Anthropogenic CO2 emissions continue to climb due to increases in global energy demand. Because power plants are the largest stationary source of anthropogenic CO2, developing effective and affordable post combustion CO2 capture technology has attracted substantial research attention. This study assessed the adsorption of CO2 onto biochar, a low-cost adsorbent that can be produced from waste biomass through low-temperature pyrolysis. Sugarcane bagasse (BG) and hickory wood (HW) feedstock converted into biochar at 300, 450, and 600 °C. Sorption of CO2 on each of the resulted biochar was measured by monitoring its weight changes in CO2 at 25 or 75 °C. The biochar was found to be effective for CO2 capture and the adsorption process could be described by the second-order kinetics model. In general, the biochars produced at higher temperature had better CO2 capture performance. The BG biochar produced at 600 °C showed the most adsorption of CO2 (73.55 mg g−1 at 25 °C). However, even when the feedstock was exposed to only 300 °C pyrolysis, the biochar was still able to capture more than 35 mg g−1 CO2 at 25 °C. Experimental results suggest that CO2 weakly bound to the surface of the biochar through physisorption, so surface area was a significant determinant of CO2 adsorption (Pearson’s r = 0.82); nevertheless, the presence of nitrogenous groups also played a role, when the surface area was sufficient. Biochar’s porous structure and unique surface properties enable it to be an efficient CO2 adsorbent, while being sustainable and inexpensive.
StarLite: an environment for prototyping and integrated design of distributed real-time software

A prototyping environment called StarLite is presented for integrated design and investigation of distributed real-time software. The authors discuss the assumptions and requirements of the prototyping approach. Experiments in real-time locking protocols for database systems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the environment. >
A Parameterized Pattern-Error Objective for Large-Scale Phase-Only Array Pattern Design

Modern phased-array radar systems increasingly require customized transmit patterns, implemented using only phase shifts, to illuminate or suppress interference from specific regions. Multiple custom patterns may be required at every beam position, requiring either precomputation of a large library of phase weights or real-time computation. Presented here is a weighted pattern-error formulation that offers efficient FFT-based calculation of both the objective and its gradient vector and is well suited for solving with efficient quasi-Newton methods. Although deliberately simple, the objective has several heuristic parameters for flexibility and can be used to simultaneously customize the mainbeam shape and selectively suppress the sidelobes. Examples demonstrate the feasibility of 1000+ element 2-D array designs, as well as a characterization of point nulls that commonly occur in the mainbeam of suboptimal local minima.
Didelphis marsupialis (American opossum)

Identification of the sex elements is unequivocal. The 6 pairs of subtelocentric autosomes can be roughly classified into 3 size groups.
A comparison of the Mustardé and Horton-Devine flip-flap techniques of hypospadias repair.

AbstractWe compared the results and complications of the Horton-Devine flip-flap and Mustarde techniques for 1-stage repair of distal hypospadias. Followup has been for at least 1 year so that long-term complications could be included. Urethral fistulas occurred in 6 of 20 patients treated with the Horton-Devine flip-flap and 3 of 20 who underwent the Mustarde repair. No strictures were noted with either procedure. In our opinion the meatus had a better configuration after the Mustarde repair. We conclude that the Mustarde procedure provides a more satisfying cosmetic and clinical result.
Abstract 347: Identification of Functional Limitations on Admission by Internal Medicine Resident Physicians

Low functional status on admission is associated with readmission, and functional limitations affect the disposition and prognosis of patients after hospital discharge. However, a formal assessment of functional impairment may not routinely be performed among general medical physicians. The aim of this intervention is that resident physicians better identify and document the baseline functional limitations of their patients in order to anticipate post-discharge resource needs more effectively. A dedicated Functional History section was created in the admission history and physical (H&P) documentation template in the electronic medical record for use by house staff in one internal medicine residency program. Four questions were used to assess a patient’s baseline functional status, including the ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs), as well as ambulation status and pre-hospital residence. H&P documentation was sampled for patients admitted to resident teaching (intervention group) and hospital medicine (control group) services over 3 periods: 1) pre-intervention, 2) 1 week post-intervention, and 3) 10 weeks post-intervention. De-identified samples of 20 charts from each group were assessed by a blinded reviewer for each of the 3 time periods. H&Ps were scored for absence of (0 points), partial (1 point), or full (2 points) description of functional limitations in each of 3 categories: ADLs/iADLs, ambulation status, and pre-hospital residence, for a total score ranging from 0 to 6. The average H&P functional limitation score (FLS) for patients admitted to the resident teaching services was (mean ± SEM) 0.45±0.27 prior to the intervention. The FLS increased significantly both at 1 and 10 weeks following the intervention, with values of 3.15±0.45 and 3.05±0.49, respectively (p < 0.001 for each, by 2-tailed Student’s t-test). The average FLS for hospital medicine patients was 0.20±0.12 in the pre-intervention period. Despite hospital medicine providers not receiving the intervention, there was a trend towards increased FLS that did not reach statistical significance for each subsequent period: 0.9±0.42 (p=0.12) at 1 week and 0.9±0.35 (p=0.07) at 10 weeks following the intervention. Thoroughness of pre-admission functional limitation documentation was significantly increased by the addition of a distinct Functional History section to the H&P template used by residents at one academic medical center. Further study is needed to determine whether such documentation is associated with expedited discharge planning or improved readmission rate. A dedicated Functional History section in the H&P template may be considered by other programs that aim to increase awareness of patients’ pre-hospital functional limitations among their resident physicians.
Actions of Helodermatidae venom peptides and mammalian glucagon-like peptides on gastric chief cells

The actions of peptides (helospectin I, helodermin, exendin-3, exendin-4) that have been isolated from the venoms of Helodermatidae lizards were examined using dispersed chief cells from guinea pig stomach. These actions were compared with those of mammalian glucagon-like peptides, particularly truncated glucagon-like peptide 1 (TGLP-1), a peptide that shares 53% homology with exendin-4. The Helodermatidae venom peptides and TGLP-1 caused a two- to threefold increase in chief cell adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and pepsinogen secretion. Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were 100 times more potent than helospectin I and helodermin and 10 times more potent than TGLP-1. Helospectin I and helodermin, but not exendin-4 or TGLP-1, inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and 125I-secretin to dispersed chief cells. The actions of exendin-3, exendin-4, and TGLP-1, but not those of helospectin I, helodermin, VIP, or secretin, were progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of an exendin-receptor antagonist, exendin-(9-39)-NH2. These data indicate that in gastric chief cells, whereas the actions of helospectin I and helodermin are mediated by interaction with high-affinity secretin (low-affinity VIP) receptors, the actions of exendin-3, exendin-4, and TGLP-1 are mediated by interaction with exendin receptors.
Second generation anthropomorphic physical phantom for mammography and DBT: Incorporating voxelized 3D printing and inkjet printing of iodinated lesion inserts

Physical phantoms are needed for the evaluation and optimization of new digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems. Previously, we developed an anthropomorphic phantom based on human subject breast CT data and fabricated using commercial 3D printing. We now present three key advancements: voxelized 3D printing, photopolymer material doping, and 2D inkjet printing of lesion inserts. First, we bypassed the printer’s control software in order to print in voxelized form instead of conventional STL surfaces, thus improving resolution and allowing dithering to mix the two photopolymer materials into arbitrary proportions. We demonstrated ability to print details as small as 150μm, and dithering to combine VeroWhitePlus and TangoPlus in 10% increments. Second, to address the limited attenuation difference among commercial photopolymers, we evaluated a beta sample from Stratasys with increased TiO2 doping concentration up to 2.5%, which corresponded to 98% breast density. By spanning 36% to 98% breast density, this doubles our previous contrast. Third, using inkjet printers modified to print with iopamidol, we created 2D lesion patterns on paper that can be sandwiched into the phantom. Inkjet printing has advantages of being inexpensive and easy, and more contrast can be delivered through overprinting. Printing resolution was maintained at 210 μm horizontally and 330 μm vertically even after 10 overprints. Contrast increased linearly with overprinting at 0.7% per overprint. Together, these three new features provide the basis for creating a new anthropomorphic physical breast phantom with improved resolution and contrast, as well as the ability to insert 2D lesions for task-based assessment of performance.
What's the Use? A Cost-per-use Study of Selected Business Databases

ABSTRACTThe authors calculated the cost-per-use of a number of business-related databases to determine which resources are used most often and whether the higher-priced resources yielded an acceptable cost-per-use. This study found that some of the most expensive databases are the most cost-effective and vice versa; that some non-counting online usage of networked electronic resources-compliant business databases provided better statistics than their counting online usage of networked electronic resources-compliant counterparts to determine derived value; and that while usage data is important, it will not provide a complete account of a database's worth.
Cytodifferentiation of the accessory glands of Tenebrio molitor. IX. differentiation of the spermathecal accessory gland in vitro.

Spermathecal accessory glands from pupae of Tenebrio molitor were cultured in vitro in Landureau S-20 medium with or without ecdysterone at a concentration of 5 μg/ml medium. Morphological changes were examined by electron microscopy. Tissue taken from pupae that have not been exposed to a peak of ecdysterone in vivo is only able to differentiate in medium with hormone, and then only partially, while tissue taken from pupae that have experienced an endogenous peak of ecdysterone is able to develop maximally irrespective of the presence or absence of hormone. The specific ultrastructural changes that occur in vitro correspond to those occurring in the gland in situ during the normal course of differentiation, and are: the formation of the pseudocilium, cell retraction and formation of an end apparatus, and cuticulogenesis in the ductule and main lumen of the gland. Pseudocilium formation does not appear to be ecdysterone-dependent, while cuticulogenesis requires ecdysterone for initiation of the process. Deposition of cuticle is an expression of an earlier commitment of the cells to this process, and is initiated by elevated levels of ecdysterone. Ecdysterone is not required for completion of cuticulogenesis.
An Artificial Diet for Rearing the Salt Marsh Caterpillar, Estigmene acrea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), with Notes on the Biology of the Species

Between 1964 and 1965, 12 generations of salt marsh caterpillars, Estigmene acrea (Drury), were successfully reared at Riverside, California, on a semisynthetic diet. Of the criteria measured, the percentage pupation and fertility and the number of eggs laid were the most variable; little difference was noted in sex ratio, pupal weights, percentage emergence, or number of adult deformities. A cup and a tray method for rearing the insect are described. The biology of reproduction of adults was also investigated. Mating behavior appears to be complex and is variable between given pairs of moths.
Research on Pressure Control System of Dry Dual-clutch Transmission

A deep research on structure and principle of DCT hydraulic system was made.Models for accumulator pressure control system and clutch pressure control system were built by EASY5.The working characteristics and the principles of the hydraulic system.By experiment platform test,a further research of the hydraulic system of DCT was made to get the characteristic curves of the hydraulic system and to verify the correctness of EASY5 simulation model.It provides basis for the design of electro-hydraulic control system and the development of the control strategies.
Immunization practices in children.

The resurgence of measles has highlighted concerns about U.S. programs for immunization in infants and children. In order to put the problems into perspective, this review will address such issues as the safety of pertussis vaccines; oral vs inactivated poliovirus vaccine; vaccines for measles-mumps- rubella, Hemophilus influenzae type B, and hepatitis B; and varicella vaccine.
A cost effective method to test RF power on the ATE in manufacturing

Today the device that required intensive RF testing in mass production is commonly performed using the expensive high end automated test equipment (ATE) installed with RF/microwave resources for measuring and analyzing the RF signals. We can reduce test cost if one could develop the RF test on the basic ATE without RF resources. The paper proposes a test method using the on board RF power detector to measure the RF output signal beyond 1.0GHz for a device under test (DUT) with expected power level from −5dBm to +3dBm. The proposed method has been applied to test clocking and timing devices with internal voltage control oscillator (VCO) in the production and achieved significant test time improvement
Environmental variables influencing the incidence of Pierce's disease

Background and Aims Pierce's disease (PD) of cultivated grape, Vitis vinifera, caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) and transmitted by xylem-feeding insects, can lead to vine decline and death. Infection and expression of PD among or within vineyards vary, depending on known environmental variables, such as climate and Xf vegetative reservoirs, as well as some which are little studied with respect to PD, such as soil, water and nutrition. Methods and Results We collected data on over 30 environmental variables and used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) to analyse their relationship to PD infection, sharpshooter density and Xf reservoir plants. The CCA found high positive correlation between PD and vineyard proximity to citrus orchards, and moderately positive correlation between PD and grape petiole Zn concentration and soil pH. The DA retained eight variables and predicted an increased risk of PD with higher cover of annual grasses, proximity to riparian habitat, increasing soil pH and increasing petiole Zn; PD risk decreased with higher perennial grass cover, higher latitude, increasing vine water stress and increasing soil cation exchange capacity. Conclusions We identified several novel variables which contributed to expression of PD and may improve the understanding of the role of environment in the disease triangle. Significance of the Study That the models include factors relating to soil and soil/plant relations suggest that these variables and their interactions play a role in constitutive or induced plant defenses to Xf and provides a basis for further study into management options for PD.
Access to Qualified Special Educators across Elementary Neighborhood and Exclusionary Schools.

In this study, we investigate the distribution of qualified special educators across elementary neighborhood schools and exclusionary public and private special education schools. Using the 2011–2012 Schools and Staffing Survey, we provide a descriptive analysis of measurable teacher qualifications (e.g., years of experience, preparation type, degree, formal preparation, certification) across the three settings of interest. Findings indicate that each type of school relies heavily on special educators who lack qualifications in special education. Furthermore, special educators in neighborhood schools were statistically significantly more qualified in terms of experience, degrees, and special education certification than special educators in public and private exclusionary special education schools. These findings have important implications for policy makers, school leaders, and researchers.
ANGERONA: FATOS E FICÇÕES SOBRE A FAZENDA DE CAFÉ DE CORNELIO SOUCHAY E URSULA LAMBERT EM CUBA

Abstract: The article tells the story of Cornelio Souchay, a German immigrant who arrives in Havana in 1807, has a love affair with Ursula Lambert, a free Haitian mulatto and becomes the owner of an exemplary coffee plantation which he calls Angerona, goddess of silence. The text is based on reports, documents, letters from travelers, film and novels written by men and women who visited Angerona in di -fferent times. Contrary to the film “Roble de Olor” (2003) which celebrates the love of Cornelio and Ursula, the au-thor is interested in the reconstruction of the immigrant’s life and plantation whose ruins were declared a national monument by the Cuban Historical Patrimony. Actually, the detailed description of several aspects of the farm, the land lord house and his relation with the slaves, has no other aim than to prove how the strict humanism of Cor -nelio and his rational calculation contributed for the gre-atest efficiency of the coffee plantation’s system of domination. Keywords:
Chronic Granulomatous Lymphadenitis

Chronic granulomatous lymphadenitis is a distinctive form of inflammatory immune response in which organized collections of epithelioid macrophages form granulomas. Lymph node involvement by chronic granulomatous inflammation is identified commonly in clinical practice. Various infectious and noninfectious etiologies have been associated with chronic granulomatous inflammation in lymph nodes. In broad terms, granulomatous inflammation ensues when a foreign agent cannot be eliminated by the immune system and is instead walled off by activated macrophages.
Monitoring Neuromuscular Function

Monitoring Neuromuscular Function This video demonstrates the assessment of neuromuscular function after administration of neuromuscular blocking agents. Because these agents can be lethal, clinicians should be familiar with the use of nerve stimulators and monitors in the assessment of neuromuscular function.
Expanding the vector model for dispositionalist approaches to causation

Neuron diagrams are heavily employed in academic discussions of causation. Stephen Mumford and Rani Lill Anjum, however, offer an alternative approach employing vector diagrams, which this paper attempts to develop further. I identify three ways in which dispositionalists have taken the activities of powers to be related: stimulation, mutual manifestation, and contribution combination. While Mumford and Anjum do provide resources for representing contribution combination, which might be sufficient for their particular brand of dispositionalism, I argue that those resources are not flexible enough to further accommodate either stimulation or mutual manifestation. Representational tools are provided to address these limitations, improving the general value of the vector model for dispositionalist approaches to causation.
Structure of cytochrome P450 2B4 with an acetate ligand and an active site hydrogen bond network similar to oxyferrous P450cam.

Superposition of the active site of acetate-bound P4502B4 and oxyferrous P450cam. Bond lengths between the heme iron, the sixth ligand, and the hydroxyl of the conserved threonine are shown. Note that different threonine rotamers form the hydrogen bonds to the acetate and oxygen.
Spray formation and atomization characteristics of non-Newtonian impinging jets at high Carreau numbers

Abstract Over the last two decades there has been a renewed interest in employing shear-thinning non-Newtonian liquids for use with liquid rocket engines due to a desire for greater safety and performance. Since the difficulty with producing quality atomization is the main disadvantage for using non-Newtonian liquid propellants, further understanding of the breakup physics and accurate measurement of the spray characteristics is needed. The atomization produced by the like-on-like jet impingement of three different non-Newtonian liquids was experimentally investigated in this work using shadowgraphy and Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) at high strain rates (105–106), which correspond closely to the strain rates used in practical rocket engines. The three water-based solutions tested were of two different grades of Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): 0.5 wt.-% CMC-7HF, 0.8 wt.-% CMC-7MF, and 1.4 wt.-% CMC-7MF. The Bird–Carreau rheological model was used to characterize the non-Newtonian behavior and a generalized Carreau number was used as the primary parameter to characterize the liquid viscosity inside the orifice at injection. A generalized Bird–Carreau jet Reynolds number Rej,gen-BC and the jet Weber number Wej were used as primary parameters to characterize the spray formation, sheet breakup length, drop size, and drop velocity. The unique spray formation a behavior of the three non-Newtonian liquids was ascribed to the relative influence of the inertial vs. viscous forces, primarily expressed through Rej,gen-BC. At many relatively high inertial force test conditions, drops in the spray were near spherical and could be reliably measured using PDA. Spray characteristics of intact sheet length, drop diameter, and drop velocity were observed to be strong functions of Rej,gen-BC. In addition to providing fundamental understanding to aid with injector design for liquid rocket engine applications using non-Newtonian liquids, the measurements presented in this work could be used to validate a future closed-form analytical non-Newtonian atomization model, which remains an open problem in non-Newtonian impinging jets literature.
A treatment algorithm for healthy young men with erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVES To assess baseline characteristics of a cohort of young men with erectile dysfunction (ED) but no identifiable organic cause and to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment algorithm. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of men aged <40 years referred to our tertiary care centre for evaluation and treatment of their ED between March 2010 and August 2016. Of 185 men reviewed, we included 73 men who were identified as having no identifiable organic cause for their ED and had successfully completed a detailed questionnaire regarding their medical and sexual history at the initial consultation. The questionnaire was used to obtain baseline patient characteristics and identify comorbid conditions which may predispose to ED. For these men, our standard treatment comprised a daily low-dose phosphodiesterase type 5-inhibitor along with a referral for psychosexual therapy, with the option of more invasive treatment if this initial approach failed. After a minimum of 6 months of treatment, patients were asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire via phone or e-mail. Thirty-three men successfully completed the follow-up questionnaire. Pre- and post-treatment questionnaires were compared to determine treatment adherence and efficacy. RESULTS The mean (range) age of the study cohort was 31.9 (22-39) years. At the initial consultation, 85% of men (n = 62) reported problems obtaining an erection. After a minimum of 6 months of treatment, only 42% reported the same problem (n = 14), with 58% (n = 19) satisfied with their erectile function. Post-treatment International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores showed a significant improvement in erectile function (18.8 vs 13.3; P < 0.01), orgasmic function (7.7 vs 6.2; P = 0.01) and overall satisfaction (6.1 vs 4.5; P < 0.01). No statistically significant improvement was noted in sexual desire or intercourse satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Our proposed treatment approach for men with ED aged < 40 years without an identifiable organic aetiology appears to be a reasonable and effective first-line approach, as demonstrated by significantly improved post-treatment IIEF scores and patient-reported outcomes. This algorithm can provide urologists with a useful framework for managing these potentially challenging patients.
Doped Sol-Gel Films for Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors

In this chapter, a brief review is given of the research activities for the immobilization of organic macromolecules in glass networks by sol-gel methods. The emphasis is given to introduce recent progress by the authors and other researchers in the development of 2nd generation dye based fiber optic chemical sensors. In these sensors, sol-gel is utilized as a viable technique for the immobilization of organic dyes in highly stable silica substrates. The optically active silica substrate, doped with organic dyes, is then incorporated into optical fibers and used as chemical transducers. Different materials and processing aspects of the sol-gel technique and their applications in fiber optic chemical sensors will be addressed in this chapter.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Parathyroid Glands and Preoperative Evaluation

Calcium homeostasis is of critical importance to living organisms. In man, a complex hormonal system exists to finely regulate the extracellular calcium concentration. A common aberration of this system is primary hyperparathyroidism, the leading cause of chronic hypercalcemia. While usually presenting with few symptoms, this disease is a frequent explanation for osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis. If undiagnosed, it may progress with severe sequelae. It is therefore useful for the surgeon to have a general understanding of the regulation of calcium metabolism as well as the clinical features, diagnostic strategies, and the accepted surgical indications for this common endocrine condition.
Designing a Platform for Participatory Urbanism: Transforming Dialogue into Action in Underserved Communities

Participatory urbanism platforms must balance stakeholder needs to both empower citizens and exact change from the local authority. While many platforms can trigger discussion, changes will only be achieved through successful collaborative efforts. This paper outlines the challenges and opportunities of designing for participatory urbanism, drawing on a case study completed with UNICEF and underserved communities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our design approach helped to generate physical changes in the community infrastructure, and the beginnings of behavioral changes for community residents.
Emergency surgery for prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction: risk factors and technical consideration

Objective Prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction remains a devastating complication in heart surgery. This study aims to assess the risk factors and the technical approaches to reach the best way to deal with and improve the outcome in these patients. Patients and methods Between January 2002 and March 2005, 60 patients underwent emergency reoperation for prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction, where 36 (60%) patients were in New York Heart Association class III, and 24 (40%) patients were in New York Heart Association class IV. There were 33 (55%) male and 27 (45%) female patients. The mean age at operation was 32.4 ± 6.3 years. Nine (15%) patients presented with fever. Hemodynamic status was unstable in 18 (30%) patients. Surgery has been carried out through repeat sternotomy or right anterolateral thoracotomy. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 12 (20%) patients. Analysis of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors revealed that significant predictors of early mortality were the surgical approach, time until surgical intervention, and depression of left ventricular function. The cause of prosthetic mitral valve malfunction was valve thrombosis in 39 (65%) patients, pannus formation in nine (15%) patients, paravalvular leakage in three (5%) patients, and prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) in nine (15%) patients. Right anterolateral thoracotomy (24.3 ± 8.5 min) proved to be faster than median sternotomy (63.1 ± 63 min) from skin incision to on bypass with a significant reduction of intraoperative complications and postoperative wound infections. Conclusion Hospital mortality can be reduced in patients with prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction if the surgery is carried out before cardiac dysfunction develops, with excellent results. Right anterolateral thoracotomy is feasible and safe for selected patients and should be considered whenever repeat median sternotomy could prove to be hazardous especially in the prominent right ventricle and pulmonary hypertension.
Lab-Grown Meat and Veganism: A Virtue-Oriented Perspective

The project of growing meat artificially represents for some the next best thing to humanity. If successful, it could be the solution to several problems, such as feeding a growing global population while reducing the environmental impact of raising animals for food and, of course, reducing the amount and degree of animal cruelty and suffering that is involved in animal farming. In this paper, I argue that the issue of the morality of such a project has been framed only in terms of the best consequences for the environment, animals, and humans, or in terms of deontic principles. I argue that to appreciate how deep and difficult this issue is, it is necessary to consider it in terms of a virtue-oriented approach. Such an approach will reveal aspects that are not apparent, not contemplated by typical approaches, but are essential to our understanding of the morality of lab-grown meat. As I argue, evaluating the issue from a virtue-oriented perspective suggests that the project of in vitro meat should not be supported because it stems from unvirtuous motivations.
Integrated real-time task and motion planning for multiple robots under path and communication uncertainties

We consider a problem where robots are given a set of task locations to visit with coarsely known distances. The robots must find the task ordering that reduces the overall distance to visit the tasks. We propose an abstraction that models the uncertainty in the paths, and a Markov Decision Process-based algorithm that selects paths that reduces the expected distance to visit the tasks. We also describe a distributed coordination algorithm to resolve path conflicts. We have shown that our task selection is optimal, our coordination is deadlock-free, and have experimentally verified our approach in hardware and simulation.
Cutaneous neoplasms composed of melanoma and carcinoma: A rare but important diagnostic pitfall and review of the literature.

We report two cases of combined cutaneous tumors composed of melanoma and carcinoma. The first tumor presented as a 5-mm pink-blue macule over the right zygomatic arch in an 85-year-old man. Shave biopsy and immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor was composed of melanoma (highlighted by SOX10 and MART-1, with high Ki-67 proliferative index) intermixed with nodular basal cell carcinoma (highlighted by pan-cytokeratin and Ber-EP4). The neoplastic melanocytes were confined to the basal cell carcinoma nodules, and a diagnosis of combined melanoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma was rendered. After therapeutic excision, the patient was disease-free at 9 months after the initial diagnosis. The second tumor presented as a 6-mm pink-brown crusted papule on the right forehead in an 89-year-old man. Shave biopsy and immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor was composed of malignant melanoma (MM) (highlighted by S100 and MART-1) intermixed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (highlighted by cytokeratin and p63), and a diagnosis of combined MM-SCC was rendered. These two cases highlight the importance of recognizing these rare types of melanocytic-epithelial cutaneous neoplasms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis that may inform appropriate disease stage and therapy.
Does faecal matter reflect location? An initial assessment of isotopic variability between consumed prey remains and faecal matter for wild jaguars.

ABSTRACTFaecal isotopic analysis may complement other non-invasive wildlife survey tools for monitoring landscape use by carnivores, such as motion-detecting cameras and non-invasive genetic sampli...
Capsaicinoids, Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activities of Capsicum annuum: Comparative Study of the Effect of Ripening Stage and Cooking Methods

Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are an important crop usually consumed as food or spices. Peppers contain a wide range of phytochemicals, such as capsaicinoids, phenolics, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. Capsaicinoids impart the characteristic pungent taste. The study analyzed capsaicinoids and other bioactive compounds in different pepper cultivars at both the mature green and red stages. The effect of roasting on their nutritional content was also investigated. In the cultivars tested, the levels of capsaicin ranged from 0 to 3636 µg/g in the mature green stage and from 0 to 4820 µg/g in the red/yellow stage. The concentration of dihydrocapsaicin ranged from 0 to 2148 µg/g in the mature green stage and from 0 to 2162 µg/g in the red/yellow stage. The levels of capsaicinoid compounds in mature green and red /yellow stages were either reduced or increased after roasting depending on the cultivar. The ranges of total phenolic and total flavonoids compounds were 2096 to 7689, and 204 to 962 µg/g, respectively, in the green and red/yellow mature stage pods. Ascorbic acid levels in the peppers ranged from 223 to 1025 mg/ 100 g Dry Weight (DW). Both raw and roasted peppers possessed strong antioxidant activity as determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) reagent (DPPH, 61–87%) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS, 73–159 µg/g) assays. Ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity decreased after roasting in the mature green and red stages, whereas total phenolics and flavonoids increased except in the mature green stage of Sweet Delilah and yellow stage of Canrio.