cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The talon removable head frame system for stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy: measurement of the repositioning accuracy

Abstract Purpose: To present the TALON removable head frame system as an immobilization device for single-fraction intensity-modulated stereotactic radiosurgery (IMRS) and fractionated stereotactic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (FS-IMRT); and to evaluate the repositioning accuracy by measurement of anatomic landmark coordinates in repeated computed tomography (CT) examinations. Methods and materials: Nine patients treated by fractionated stereotactic intensity-modulated radiotherapy underwent repeated CTs during their treatment courses. We evaluated anatomic landmark coordinates in a total of 26 repeat CT data sets and respective x , y , and z shifts relative to their positions in the nine treatment-planning reference CTs. An iterative optimization algorithm was employed using a root mean square scoring function to determine the best-fit orientation of subsequent sets of anatomic landmark measurements relative to the original image set. This allowed for the calculation of the x , y , and z components of translation of the target isocenter for each repeat CT. In addition to absolute target isocenter translation, the magnitude (sum vector) of isocenter motion and the patient/target rotation about the three principal axes were calculated. Results: Anatomic landmark analysis over a treatment course of 6 weeks revealed a mean target isocenter translation of 0.95 ± 0.55, 0.58 ± 0.46, and 0.51 ± 0.38 mm in x , y , and z directions, respectively. The mean magnitude of isocenter translation was 1.38 ± 0.48 mm. The 95% confidence interval ([CI], mean translation plus two standard deviations) for repeated isocenter setup accuracy over the 6-week period was 2.34 mm. Average rotations about the x , y , and z axes were 0.41 ± 0.36, 0.29 ± 0.25, and 0.18 ± 0.15 degrees, respectively. Analysis of the accuracy of the first repeated setup control, representative of single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery situations, resulted in a mean target isocenter translation in the x , y , and z directions of 0.52 ± 0.38, 0.56 ± 0.30, and 0.46 ± 0.25 mm, respectively. The mean magnitude of isocenter translation was 0.99 ± 0.28 mm. The 95% confidence interval for these radiosurgery situations was 1.55 mm. Average rotations at first repeated setup control about the x , y , and z axes were 0.24 ± 0.19, 0.19 ± 0.17, and 0.19 ± 0.12 degrees, respectively. Conclusion: The TALON relocatable head frame was seen to be well suited for immobilization and repositioning of single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery treatments. Because of its unique removable design, the system was also seen to provide excellent repeat immobilization and alignment for fractionated stereotactic applications. The exceptional accuracy for the single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgical application of the system was seen to deteriorate only slightly over a 6-week fractionated stereotactic treatment course.
Smoking cessation after diagnosis of lung cancer is associated with a beneficial effect on performance status.

Study objective To evaluate the impact of smoking history and postdiagnosis smoking cessation on performance status (PS) and survival in patients with lung cancer. Design Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were referred to our pulmonary laboratory for evaluation for surgical resectability between January and November 2001 were reviewed. We investigated the association between smoking status after diagnosis and survival, as well as the change in PS from the initial status to status at 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis was established. Results The records were reviewed for 206 patients, of whom 93 (45%) were current smokers, 15 (7%) were never-smokers, and 98 (48%) were former smokers. Among the 93 smokers, 46 quit and 47 continued smoking after the diagnosis. Disease stage, patient demographics, treatment modalities, and comorbidities were similar between these two groups. While there was no significant association between smoking status after diagnosis and patient survival, those who quit smoking maintained a better PS at 0 to 6 months (odds ratio [OR], 7.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99 to 25.3; p = 0.002) and at 0 to 12 months (OR, 6.99; 95% CI, 1.76 to 27.7; p = 0.006) than those who continued smoking after the adjustment for disease stage, patient demographics, treatment modalities, and comorbidities. Conclusion Patients who quit smoking after the diagnosis of NSCLC maintained a better PS at 6 and 12 months regardless of disease stage, age, race, sex, therapy types, and comorbidities than those who continued to smoke.
The effect of venous obstruction in infected pedicle flap.

• A new model of soft-tissue infection is used to investigate the effect of the local wound environment on the septic focus. Island pedicle flaps were raised on the buttock of 24 adult ewes and multiply inoculated withStaphylococcus aureus. Flaps with bacterial inoculation, without compromise of venous outflow, showed distal necrosis (mean ± SEM percent of surface area, 25.8% ± 8.6%) and developed septic foci with bacterial counts one log less than the amount injected. Flaps with inoculation and venous outflow obstruction underwent subtotal necrosis (mean percent of surface area, 73.3% ±11.2%) and had counts two logs higher than the nonobstructed flaps but without discrete septic foci. Flaps without inoculation, with or without venous obstruction, survived completely. Venous outflow obstruction is shown herein to potentiate tissue necrosis by raising bacterial counts in a septic focus and preventing defensive abscess formation by the host. (Arch Surg. 1990;125:1177-1180)
Upper leg conduction time distinguishes demyelinating neuropathies.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether differentiation between demyelinating and axonal neuropathies could be enhanced by comparing conduction time changes in defined segments of the total peripheral nerve pathway. Methods: Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were elicited by cathodal stimulation of the tibial nerve at the ankle and popliteal fossa, and by paravertebral neuromagnetic stimulation at proximal and distal cauda equina while recording from muscles of the foot, shin, and thigh. Segmental conduction times were calculated in normal subjects; in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy, distal symmetric diabetic neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; and in patients with anti–myelin-associated glycoprotein, myelomatous, and Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1a polyneuropathies. Results: Distal cauda equina latency and CMAP duration and segmental conduction times in upper leg and cauda equina facilitated differentiation of demyelinating from axonal neuropathies, even in the presence of a range of reduced amplitude CMAPs. Conclusions: Within the demyelinating neuropathy spectrum, it was further possible to distinguish subtypes. Muscle Nerve, 2011
NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE Constituent Boussinesq Equations for Waves and Currents

Abstract The Boussinesq long-wave equations in constituent form are generalized to encompass both the irrotational long-wave dynamics and the rotational current dynamics. For irrotational long waves, the generalized equations are shown to represent both the weakly nonlinear and fully nonlinear Boussinesq-type wave equations given previously in the literature. The generalized equations are of additional interest in that they are effectively model equations for a weakly nonhydrostatic wave/current system, in which the conventional hydrostatic ocean current/wave model is a limiting case. The derived equations are related to the surface flow variables that are accessible to synoptic surface wave/current measurements such as those available from radar remote sensing.
Methods and Maneuvers for Improving Functional Outcomes During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer remains a pressing public health concern worldwide. In 2009, more than 192,000 men were diagnosed with the disease, and more than 27,000 men died from it in the United States alone [1]. The advent of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, coupled with a rising incidence of needle biopsies in asymptomatic men, has contributed to prostate cancer becoming the most common cancer in men in the United States [1, 2] and other parts of the world [3]. With increasing evidence of improved long-term survival and progression-free outcomes [4–10], radical prostatectomy has become increasingly popular as the treatment of first choice for organ-confined disease.
Strategically Enhancing Business Capabilities And Social Development In The Hispanic Community

Hurricane Katrina displaced more than one million people while destroying or badly disrupting more than 40% of Louisiana’s economic base. Thousands of small businesses ceased to exist. The socio-economic damage in the U.S. appears without precedent. The growing Hispanic population in southeast Louisiana presents a unique and distinctive socio-economic challenge. As Hispanics move into the region in large numbers seeking economic opportunities, specific needs are emerging. A variety of work and social skills must be developed and nurtured. Business skills and guidance must be offered. These needs must be recognized and addressed to facilitate a holistic assimilation of a growing Hispanic population into southeast Louisiana and develop a strong and literate workforce. The Hispanic Business Resources & Technology Center (HBRTC) was created by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) in alliance with The Hispanic Apostolate Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, The Jefferson Parish School System, and Southeastern Louisiana University, to address the post-Katrina crisis in the New Orleans region and to address needs of Hispanic families and businesses. The HBRTC is the first of its kind in the State of Louisiana to specifically address the myriad needs of the developing Hispanic workforce and community in Louisiana.
Use HDLC Principles for Distributed Applications

A dependable computing system should not have uncontrolled data losses. This simple requirement is easy to satisfy at the systems level but seems impossible at the application level. Due to resource sharing, this problem is more pronounced for cloud applications. It is well-known that HDLC (High-level Data Link Control) protocols can deliver reliable once-only data services using unreliable lower level services. It is not well-known that reliable communication between two crashing hosts is not implementable (the impossibility theory). Putting these two theories together, as a demonstration, this paper reports that it is possible to deliver reliable once-only services for general purpose dependable distributed applications using unreliable processors and networks under an application level tuple switched network (TSN) following the proven principles of HDLC protocols. Unlike traditional distributed programming paradigms that assume a reliable communication layer with unprotected hosts, TSN is incomplete without the application-level retransmission discipline. This application level network was designed for Zero Assumption Application Architectures (ZA3) in order to eliminate arbitrary data losses and single-point failures within TSN. The absence of single-point failure at any scale eliminates the notorious distributed applications' scaling dilemma, making ZA3 applications suitable for extreme scale mission critical applications. Although ZA3 applications have natural fault resilience advantages, it is not clear how the ZA3 application can deliver competitive performance against "bare metal" explicit parallel programs. This paper reports computational results of a granularity tuned ZA3 wrapped matrix application compared against an unwrapped C/MPI program with fixed N/P granularity. A curious experiment using exhaustive processor/core configurations is also included in order to find the "sweet spot" for the best unwrapped C/MPI performance. Description on the implementation of ZA3 prototypes is also included.
Commitment by the Minerals Management Service to the Nation’s Energy Future and a Quality Environment

Abstract Since its creation in 1982, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) has developed policies and procedures to help ensure that all exploration and development activities carried out on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) are done in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The MMS is committed to the nation’s energy future and a quality environment both through implementation of new initiatives and continuation of ongoing programs. Issues related to the nation’s energy future include the assessment of OCS resources, the Comprehensive Five-Year Leasing Program, leasing moratoria, and interaction with stakeholders. Issues related to a quality environment include quality science, environmental studies programs, and safe and clean operations.
Application of Cefquinome Sulphate Injection in Treatment of Animal Diseases

In this paper,the application of the cefquinome sulphate injection in treatment of animal diseases was reviewed to provide reference for its usage in clinic.Cefquinome was a fourth-generation cephalosporin,which had been developed solely for veterinary use.It showed highly stable effect on β-lactamase.Cefquinome sulphate injection can be used as intramuscular injection or intramammary administration clinically.It had the benefits of fast absorption,short peaktime and high bioavailability.In clinical,it was widely approved for use in the treatment of respiratory system infections of pigs,cattle and bovine mastitis.
History of Carotid Artery Surgery

The history of carotid artery surgery is briefly reviewed. The introduction of cerebral angiography, coupled with increasing awareness of the extracranial location of offending lesions responsible for stroke syndromes, has resulted in the use of carotid endarterectomy as an important clinical therapeutic modality.
Performance Analysis of Coded SSK Modulation on Block-Fading Channels

In this paper, we analyze the performance of convolutionally coded space-shift keying (SSK) modulation on block-fading channels. We derive the transfer function bound for the conditional error performance of coded SSK modulation. Existing works on SSK error performance focus mostly either on uncoded systems or on coded systems with independent fading between successive symbols. Code performance analysis is complicated by the fact that SSK modulation does not yield a uniform symbol, i.e., the error probability of a bit in a symbol is not independent of the position of the bit in the label. Furthermore, there are no nearest neighbors in the SSK constellation. The code and modulation must be jointly analyzed. We show techniques that can be employed to derive the error transfer function of the convolutional code. The degrees of separation in SSK modulation are accurately represented. The diversity order achieved by the system can be predicted. We also show a technique that can simplify analysis of the coded system. We present simulation results that demonstrate the asymptotic accuracy of the derived transfer function bound.
Inhibition of RYR2 Activity by Intracellular Flecainide Effectively Suppresses Arrhythmogenic Ca Waves in Intact Ventricular Myocytes from Casq2 -/- Mice

We reported previously that flecainide suppresses Ca waves in MEMBRANE-PERMEABILIZED ventricular myocytes from Casq2-/- mice and that flecainide is more potent (i.e., lower IC50) in Casq2-/-compared to WT myocytes. Other groups reported that in INTACT myocytes flecainide acts only by blocking Na+ channels and has no effect on RyR2. Here we test the effect of flecainide on INTACT ventricular myocytes from Casq2-/- and WT littermates using voltage-clamp. To eliminate any contribution of Na channels, all solutions contained 30 µM TTX. Complete block INa was confirmed for each cell tested. Spontaneous Ca waves were elicited by a pacing train followed by a holding potential of −70mV for 45 s. 6 µM flecainide or vehicle (H2O) was added to both external and pipette solutions. Under such conditions, flecainide had no significant effect on the average number of spontaneous Ca waves in WT myocytes (Vehicle: 3.1±0.6, n=24, Flecainide: 3.0±0.8, n=20, p=NS). In Casq2-/- myocytes, however, flecainide significantly reduced Ca waves (Vehicle: 6.6±1.2, n=23; Flecainide: 2.1±0.4, n=19, p 0.5 vs. Casq2-/- vehicle), suggesting that intracellular dialysis by the patch pipette removed flecainide from the cytosol. We conclude that intracellular concentrations of 6 µM flecainide effectively inhibit arrhythmogenic Ca waves in Casq2-/- but not in WT myocytes, indicating that flecainide action is dependent on the state of RyR2. Our results further demonstrate that flecainide suppression of Ca waves is independent from its Na channel block.
A Survey of the Value of Library Employment to the Undergraduate Experience

ABSTRACTWhen exploring the overall impact of the academic library on the undergraduate experience library student workers are a unique group to consider. As both direct users and providers of library services to their peers, student workers enable libraries to gain an understanding of the general undergraduate population. The objective of this article is to present the findings of a study of undergraduate students employed at a university research library. A questionnaire distributed to 350 student workers gathered information about who they are and how they engage with their communities. This article will look at the value working in an academic library brings to undergraduates' lives. It will consider whether working in the library promotes student success, builds community, and provides them with valuable opportunities to engage in peer networking.
Bipolar mood cycles and lunar tidal cycles

In 17 patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder, time-series analyses detected synchronies between mood cycles and three lunar cycles that modulate the amplitude of the moon’s semi-diurnal gravimetric tides: the 14.8-day spring–neap cycle, the 13.7-day declination cycle and the 206-day cycle of perigee-syzygies (‘supermoons’). The analyses also revealed shifts among 1:2, 1:3, 2:3 and other modes of coupling of mood cycles to the two bi-weekly lunar cycles. These shifts appear to be responses to the conflicting demands of the mood cycles’ being entrained simultaneously to two different bi-weekly lunar cycles with slightly different periods. Measurements of circadian rhythms in body temperature suggest a biological mechanism through which transits of one of the moon’s semi-diurnal gravimetric tides might have driven the patients’ bipolar cycles, by periodically entraining the circadian pacemaker to its 24.84-h rhythm and altering the pacemaker’s phase-relationship to sleep in a manner that is known to cause switches from depression to mania.
Applying standard perikymata profiles to Pongo pygmaeus canines to estimate perikymata counts between linear enamel hypoplasias.

OBJECTIVES Recently, studies have interpreted regular spacing and average number of perikymata between dental enamel defects in orangutans to reflect seasonal episodes of physiological stress. To estimate the amount of time between developmental defects (enamel hypoplasia), studies have relied on perikymata counts. Unfortunately, perikymata are frequently not continuously visible between defects, significantly reducing data sets. A method is presented here for estimating the number of perikymata between defects using standard perikymata profiles (SPP) that allow the number of perikymata between all pairs of defects across a tooth to be analyzed. The SPP method should allow the entire complement of defects to be analyzed within the context of an individual's crown formation time. MATERIALS AND METHODS The average number of perikymata were established per decile and charted to create male and female Pongo pygmaeus SPPs. The position of the beginning of each defect was recorded for lower canines from males (n = 6) and females (n = 17). The number of perikymata between defects estimated by the SPP was compared to the actual count (where perikymata were continuously visible). RESULTS The number of perikymata between defects estimated by the SPPs was accurate within three perikymata and highly correlated with the actual counts, significantly increasing the number of analyzable defect pairs. CONCLUSION SPPs allow all defect pairs to be included in studies of defect timing, not just those with continuously visible perikymata. Establishing an individual's entire complement of dental defects makes it possible to calculate the regularity (and potential seasonality) of defects.
Pharmacologic treatment of eating disorders: Review of selected literature and recommendations

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are difficult to treat. Various pharmacologic treatments have been investigated. The authors conclude that there is no definitive pharmacologic approach to either condition. Use of tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors should be in conjunction with supportive therapy and educational measures. It may at times be necessary to resort to other nonpharmacologic means of treatment. Evaluation of suicide potential, monitoring of drug plasma levels and vital signs, and verification of compliance are important in the treatment of patients with these two syndromes.
Context-Sensitive Recognition for Emerging and Rare Entities

This paper is a shared task system description for the 2017 W-NUT shared task on Rare and Emerging Named Entities. Our paper describes the development and application of a novel algorithm for named entity recognition that relies only on the contexts of word forms. A comparison against the other submitted systems is provided.
Isolation enhancement between two closely spaced circular patches using dgs

This paper presents a new Defected Ground Structure (DGS) to enhance the isolation between two closely spaced circular patches for wireless applications. The antennas are placed on a Roger substrate with a relative permittivity of 3 and thickness of 1.52 mm. Four arcs are slotted on the ground underneath the substrate to eliminated the mutual current interacting between the elements. An enhancement of 26 dB has been achieved with a separation of 0.05 λo at 4.8 GHz. The total realized gain at the resonance frequency after the isolation is 5.2 dB. The array is suitable for applications where compact circular patches array is suitable.
The Effects of Grammatical Complexity on Children's Comprehension, Recall, and Conception of Certain Semantic Relations (Reprint)

This study was designed 1) to provide an assessment of linguistic variables which affect the way in which children process verbal data when they read, and 2) to evaluate certain explicit and implicit claims emerging from research and opinion in the areas of readability analysis and psycholinguistics. A repeated measurement design for high and average achieving third and fourth graders yielded data which indicate that grammatical complexity is often an aid to comprehension and recall rather than a hindrance. The results are discussed in light of the implications they provide for writing children's reading material, further readability analysis, and developing models of performance for language users.
Application of the Immunoperoxidase Technic to Bone Marrow Trephine Biopsies in the Classification of Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathies

This study evaluated the utility of the immunoperoxidase method as applied to bone marrow sections in the diagnosis of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Intracellular immunoglobulin light chains were identified in fixed, decalcified bone marrow biopsy sections from 66 patients with monoclonal proteins, using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunoperoxidase method. In all cases the predominant light chain identified in the bone marrow biopsy correlated with the monoclonal light chain identified in the serum. In addition, a light chain ratio was defined that correlated with the clinical diagnoses. The light chain ratios were highest in patients with multiple myeloma and were significantly different from those with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. There was no correlation between level of serum monoclonal protein and light chain ratios. The ratios were also high in patients with macroglobulinemia, primary amyloidosis, and renal disease secondary to monoclonal proteins but without overt myeloma. Determination of light chain ratios differentiated patients with multiple myeloma from those with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and helped identify patients with end organ damage secondary to monoclonal proteins but without overt myeloma.
Alpha-synuclein mRNA isoform formation and translation affected by polymorphism in the human SNCA 3'UTR.

BACKGROUND Multiple variants in SNCA, encoding alpha-synuclein, a main component of Lewy bodies, are implicated in Parkinson's disease. METHODS We searched for cis-acting SNCA variants using allelic mRNA ratios in human brain tissues. In a SNCA 3'UTR (2,520 bp) luciferase reporter gene assay, translation in SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of the rs17016074 G/A alleles was measured. To assess clinical impact, we queried neurocognitive genome-wide association studies. RESULTS Allelic ratios deviated up to twofold, measured at a marker SNP in the middle of a long 3' untranslated region (3'UTR), but not at a marker at its start, suggesting regulation of 3'UTR processing. 3'UTR SNP rs17016074 G/A, minor allele frequency (MAF) <1% in Caucasians, 13% in Africans, strongly associates with large allelic mRNA expression imbalance (AEI), resulting in reduced expression of long 3'UTR isoforms. A second 3'UTR SNP (rs356165) associates with moderate AEI and enhances SNCA mRNA expression. The rs17016074 A allele reduces overall 3'UTR expression in luciferase reporter gene assays but supports more efficient translation, resolving previous contradictory results. We failed to detect significant genome-wide associations for rs17016074, possibly a result of low MAF in Caucasians or its absence from most genotyping panels. In the "Genome Wide Association Study of Yoruba in Nigeria," rs356165 was associated with reduced memory performance. CONCLUSIONS Here, we identify two cis-acting regulatory variants affecting SNCA mRNA expression, measured by allelic ratios in the 3'UTR. The rs17016074 minor A allele is associated with higher expression of luciferase protein activity. Resolving the genetic influence of SNCA polymorphisms requires study of the interactions between multiple regulatory variants with distinct frequencies among populations.
Admission serum phosphate levels predict hospital mortality

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between admission serum phosphate levels and in-hospital mortality in all hospitalized patients.Methods: All adult hospitalized pati...
Nursing home resident relationship types: What supports close relationships with peers & staff?

Aims and objectives To describe from the nursing home resident perspective (a) the types and dimensions of relationships residents develop with others in the nursing home and (b) the conditions that influence the development of close relationships. Background Close relationships are considered the fundamental building block of person-centred care. Prior studies have examined the various types of relationships residents develop with peers and staff, but few have focused specifically on articulating the characteristics and dimensions of a close relationship or the factors that can support or detract from their development. Design Grounded theory. Methods Fifteen cognitively intact residents from two nursing homes were recruited for one-on-one, unstructured interviews. Interview questions started broadly and became more focused as the study progressed. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. Results Residents described developing a range of relationships with peers and staff (adversarial, utilitarian, and friendly). Residents used "friendly" to describe many different types of relationships including acquaintanceships, casual friendships and close friendships. Few residents had close relationships with peers or staff. Several conditions promoted development of positive and friendly relationships. Physical proximity and access to peers with similar interests, who could communicate clearly, fostered friendly peer relationships. Spending noncare time, providing little extras, treating residents as special and responding positively to care requests fostered friendly staff relationships. Conclusions Findings add new evidence regarding nuances in resident relationships and demonstrate how development of close relationships may be limited in practice. Careful assessment of resident relationship needs and goals may be critical to setting appropriate social goals. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses can be intentional about resident placements in the facility to promote social interactions and keep social goals in mind when making medical or staffing decisions to prevent interruption of important relationships.
What is Sacred in a Secular University

Alpha Omega University is located on a beautiful campus of rolling green hills and small pine groves in the Midwest. For the past one hundred and fifty years, it has been a successful private university, with a college of arts and sciences, a school of law, and a school of business. Decades ago, a large state university was established near by; in recent years, it has been attracting students away from Alpha Omega. While Commonwealth State University (CSU) has been growing rapidly, building curriculum diversity, an accomplished faculty, and new science and technology laboratories, Alpha Omega has been struggling. The administrative costs at Alpha Omega are high, too high to be competitive with CSU.
THE EOSINOPHIL AS A SOURCE FOR PROFIBRINOLYSIN IN ACUTE INFLAMMATION.

The emigration sequence and cytology of acute inflammation produced by a variety of stimulants was studied in dogs using a modified skin window procedure. Control lesions revealed the typical acute inflammatory cycle with an early influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and a later increase in lymphocytes, hypertrophied lymphocytes and macrophages. Either fibrinogen, fibrin or proteolytic enzymes that promote fibrin formation selectively attracted eosinophils into the inflammatory site. Neither histamine nor albumin produced significant eosinophil migration in the 10 hours under study. The fluorescent antibody technic was employed to assess the level of cellular profibrinolysin. Only inflammatory eosinophils and bone marrow eosinophils were marked with rhodamine antiprofibrinolysin. Staining was confined to intra- and extracellular eosinophil granules and coalesced masses. The intensity of fluorescence varied somewhat and perhaps reflected profibrinolysin release into the inflammatory exudate. Exudative eosinophils like all members of the bone marrow eosinophilic series contain profibrinolysin localized in the specific granules. Eosinophils which migrate and collect at an inflammatory site clearly transport profibrinolysin to an area of fibrin deposition. Granule release of profibrinolysin provides one mechanism for fibrinolysis that likely facilitates wound repair.
The Legal, Ethical, and Managerial Implications of the Neutral Employment Reference Policy

The litigious environment surrounding employers today has caused them to be overly fearful of providing candid yet adverse employment references. Their attempts to minimize litigation risk created by the dismissal of a vindictive employee have clouded their judgment when asked to assist in the dissemination of employee information. This is alarmingly illustrated by the growing number of employers who have blindly adopted a neutral reference policy. Unfortunately, indiscriminate application of this policy will not necessarily preclude litigation, but, rather, foster it. It is imperative that employers carefully weigh the tangible and intangible costs of a reference defamation suit against their duty legally, ethically, and managerially to disclose vital information about a former employee.
Human Brain Lipid Composition Changes with Age and Alterations in Some Pathological States: A New Method of Graphic Analysis

A method is presented with which abnormalities of brain lipid composition can be disclosed and defined precisely. The total amount of lipid is first compared to that of normal brain by plotting values as percentage of the fresh weight against age and noting whether or not values are within the normal range. Abnormal proportions of lipid classes are disclosed by plotting values for each lipid class against the value for total phospholipid. This method of comparison to normal can be used with biopsy samples weighing only a few milligrams, although precise comparison to normal individuals on age plots is possible only with representative samples of whole brain and is thus limited to postmortem examinations. Results obtained with data from 17 cases of metabolic disorders are presented. In Tay-Sachs disease, GM1 gangliosidosis, Niemann-Pick disease, and metachromatic leukodystrophy, total lipid is lower than normal, the percentages of all sphingolipids are generally increased, the percentage of phosphatidyl choline is decreased and the percentages of phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl serine, and phosphatidyl inositol are normal. A similar pattern of change was found in the brain of one phenylketonuria patient which in addition was found to have an elevated triglyceride level. In Farber’s disease, cerebroside and sulfatide percentages were above normal and accumulation of a ceramide polyhexoside was noted. In Alzheimer’s disease, a small reduction in the percentages of phosphatidyl ethanolamine was found. In one unclassfied case, only one abnormality, an elevation of minor acidic phospholipids, was apparent in brain and spleen. No distinct abnormalities were detected in acute infantile or chronic Gaucher’s diseases, paranoid schizophrenia, mental depression, or an unclassified case with neurological problems. The findings are discussed and the probability of Farber’s disease being a disorder of ceramide polyhexoside degradation is emphasized.
Heterogeneous burden of lung disease in smokers with borderline airflow obstruction

The identification of smoking-related lung disease in current and former smokers with normal FEV1 is complex, leading to debate regarding using a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) of less than 0.70 versus the predicted lower limit of normal (LLN) for diagnosis of airflow obstruction. We hypothesized that the discordant group of ever-smokers with FEV1/FVC between the LLN and 0.70 is heterogeneous, and aimed to characterize the burden of smoking-related lung disease in this group. We compared spirometry, chest CT characteristics, and symptoms between 161 ever-smokers in the discordant group and 940 ever-smokers and 190 never-smokers with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC > 0.70 in the SPIROMICS cohort. We also estimated sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing objective radiographic evidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using different FEV1/FVC criteria thresholds. The discordant group had more CT defined emphysema and non-emphysematous gas trapping, lower post-bronchodilator FEV1 and FEF25–75, and higher respiratory medication use compared with the other two groups. Within the discordant group, 44% had radiographic CT evidence of either emphysema or non-emphysematous gas trapping; an FEV1/FVC threshold of 0.70 has greater sensitivity but lower specificity compared with LLN for identifying individuals with CT abnormality. Ever-smokers with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC LLN are a heterogeneous group that includes significant numbers of individuals with and without radiographic evidence of smoking-related lung disease. These findings emphasize the limitations of diagnosing COPD based on spirometric criteria alone.
Cracking a Continuous Flow Reactor: A Vulnerability Assessment for Chemical Additive Manufacturing Devices

The proliferation of additive manufacturing devices such as 3D-printers and chemical Continuous Flow Reactors (CFR) have commoditized the creation of complex physical and liquid products. CFR machines are computer controlled pumps and mixers designed to synthesize industrial and medical chemical compounds. Similar to many new digital products, CFRs often lack standard forms of access control and are vulnerable to physical and network-based attacks. This paper reviews the common attack vectors and vulnerabilities associated with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and uses these lessons to inform an initial analysis and security test of the Cole-Parmer Masterflex CFR. Using standard penetration testing techniques, we show that the Masterflex CFR is susceptible to multiple types of remote and local attack including query flooding, malformed ping attacks, and firmware retrieval via an “Evil Maid Attack”. These attacks are trivial to perform and can potentially harm the device, nearby operators, or the users of manufactured products via cyber- physical attack. We believe that these findings in the Cole-Parmer Masterflex are indicative of similar vulnerabilities in other CFR models.
Dawla and Leviathan: Ibn Khaldun and Hobbes in defense of state authority

Ibn Haldun ve Thomas Hobbes siyaset kurumu oncesi durumu tolere edilemez cebir ile tasvir etmekte ve saglam bir siyasi otoritenin kurulmasini istikrar icin en onemli umut olarak gormektedir. Ne var ki, bu otoritenin kaynagini tespit noktasinda ikisi ayrilmaktadir. Hobbes acisindan egemenlik, toplu bir baris arzusundan ilham alan umumi bir riza ve muvafakat ile ortaya cikarken; Ibn Haldun, bunun ancak “asabiyya” olarak bilinen, kapsamli bir kavmiyet duygusundan gucunu alarak pekistigini soylemektedir. Modern siyaset, yaygin riza ve hukuka vurgu yapan Hobbes’un yaklasimini, kavmiyet duygusu, himaye ve ozel cikarlara vurgu yapan Ibn Haldun’un yaklasimi ile kacinilmaz olarak birlestirmektedir.
Implementation of Snubber Service-Life Monitoring Programs

A well-planned and -implemented service-life program which is properly used can reduce the need for extended testing and examination activities and can result in a cost-effective overall program. Service-life monitoring is an essential part of an effective snubber program, yet it is often the least detailed and most overlooked aspect. Because of the historical emphasis on examination and testing requirements, there has been little industry-wide consistency or emphasis on the specifics of service-life monitoring activities. This paper will identify the purpose and basis for snubber service-life requirements, as well as outline key elements of an effective program to both identify service-life values and monitor them over periods of extended plant operation.Included in the discussion will be topics such as: Identifying regulatory and code requirements, determining the scope of the program, establishing original service-life values, monitoring and evaluation, adjusting values, program documentation, and reporting. Identifying pertinent parameters for monitoring, appropriate methods for monitoring and trending, and incorporating condition monitoring and preventive-maintenance activities as alternatives to traditional programs will be discussed. Common challenges to implementing an effective program will be addressed, as well as some pitfalls to be avoided.Paper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2019 ASME
Surgically Enucleated Gastrointestinal Tumor of the Rectovaginal Septum

The rectovaginal septum is a rare location for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) to occur. When such is the case, the question arises as to whether the lesion, which is morphologically and immunophenotypically identical to its gastrointestinal counterpart, should be referred to as an extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST). A 77-year-old, gravida 4, para 4004 post-menopausal female with an unremarkable gynecologic history presented with brown vaginal discharge. On examination, a 4 to 5-cm nodule was palpated along the rectovaginal septum. Ultrasound revealed a 4.8-cm circumscribed, solid mass with internal blood flow located posterior and inferior to the cervix. At laparoscopy, the uterus and adnexae were deemed to be normal for age, without gross pathologic abnormalities. The nodule was resected in an enucleation procedure; subsequent histopathologic examination revealed a low-grade, spindled cell neoplasm with diffuse immunoreactivity for CD117 (cKit) and DOG1, diagnostic of GIST. Further molecular testing elucidated a mutation in exon 9 of the Kit gene. A decision was made by the patient for close observation; there is no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence one year after initial diagnosis.
Assessment of Hypersonic Flow Physics on Aero-Optics

In a hypersonic environment, the high kinetic energy of the oncoming flow causes the molecules in the flow to be thermally excited, leading to dissociation. In such a flow field, an aero-optical an...
Serine and glycine are essential for human muscle progenitor cell population expansion

Summary Skeletal muscle regeneration is reliant on a population of muscle specific adult stem cells (muscle progenitor cells; MPCs). During regeneration, the MPC population undergoes a transient and rapid period of population expansion, which is necessary to repair damaged myofibers and restore muscle homeostasis. Much research has focused on the age-related accumulation of negative regulators of regeneration, while the age-related decline of nutrient and metabolic determinants of the regenerative process needs examination. We hypothesized that older individuals, a population that is at risk for protein malnutrition, have diminished availability of amino acids that are necessary for MPC function. Here, we identified that levels of the non-essential amino acid serine are reduced in the skeletal muscle of healthy, older individuals. Furthermore, using stable-isotope tracing studies, we demonstrate that primary, human MPCs (hMPCs) exhibit a limited capacity for de novo biosynthesis of serine and the closely related amino acid glycine. We identified that serine and glycine are essential for hMPC proliferation and, therefore, population expansion. Serine and glycine were necessary to support synthesis of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione, and restriction of serine and glycine was sensed in an EIF2α-dependent manner resulting in cell cycle arrest in G0/G1. In conclusion, we elucidate that, despite an absolute requirement of serine/glycine for hMPC proliferation, availability of serine in the skeletal muscle microenvironment is limited to the hMPCs of healthy older adults and is a likely underlying mechanism for impaired skeletal muscle regeneration with advancing age.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress: New Insights into the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases

Physiological equilibrium in the retina depends on coordinated work between rod and cone photoreceptors and can be compromised by the expression of mutant proteins leading to inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). IRD is a diverse group of retinal dystrophies with multifaceted molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the contribution of chronically activated unfolded protein response (UPR) to inherited retinal pathogenesis, placing special emphasis on studies employing genetically modified animal models. As constitutively active UPR in degenerating retinas may activate pro-apoptotic programs associated with oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory signaling, dysfunctional autophagy, free cytosolic Ca2+ overload, and altered protein synthesis rate in the retina, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of translational attenuation and approaches to overcoming translational attenuation in degenerating retinas. We also discuss current research on the role of the UPR mediator PERK and its downstream targets in degenerating retinas and highlight the therapeutic benefits of reprogramming PERK signaling in preclinical animal models of IRD. Finally, we describe pharmacological approaches targeting UPR in ocular diseases and consider their potential applications to IRD.
Strengthening mechanisms influenced by silicon content in high temperature tempered martensite and bainite

Abstract Strengthening mechanisms influenced by silicon (Si) content during tempering of martensite and bainite between 500 and 650 °C were investigated. Microstructural features such as dislocation density, subgrain size, cementite size, and microalloy precipitate volume fraction and size were evaluated in low and high Si alloys heat treated to form bainite or martensite and tempered at 500 or 650 °C for 1 h. Higher Si contents increase the hardness of both bainite and martensite more after tempering at 500 °C, as compared to 650 °C. The increase in Si content leads to a greater increase in hardness in bainite compared to martensite after tempering at 500 °C. A strength model was used to calculate the increase in hardness from the quantitatively measured microstructural features affected by Si content. The strength model suggests that after tempering at 650 °C, increased Si content primarily increases the hardness by solid solution strengthening. However, after tempering at 500 °C, increased Si contents result in higher dislocation densities in martensite and bainite. A recovery model based on solute drag was evaluated and the results indicate that increases in Si content can delay recovery and result in higher dislocation densities after tempering at 500 °C. Increases in Si content also lead to finer cementite sizes in bainite after tempering at 500 °C. A cementite coarsening model was evaluated, and the results indicate that cementite refinement in bainite tempered at 500 °C cannot be accounted for by Si diffusion controlled coarsening alone. The lower transformation temperature employed to form high Si bainite, indirectly influenced by Si decreasing the martensite start temperature, is suggested to result in refinement of both cementite and subgrain size after tempering at 500 °C. Microalloy precipitation is not significantly affected by Si content in the present study.
Neighborhood disadvantage, parent-adolescent relationship quality, and type 1 diabetes in late adolescents transitioning to early emerging adulthood

Abstract Objective We examined whether neighborhood disadvantage predicted subsequent levels, and longitudinal trajectories, of type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes among late adolescents transitioning into early emerging adulthood. We also examined whether such associations occur indirectly through parent-adolescent relationship quality. Research design & methods Seniors in high school with T1D (N = 236; mean age 17.76 ± 0.39 years; 61% female; 73.7% non-Latino White) completed selfreport measures of relationship quality with mothers and fathers, and adherence to their diabetes regimen; glycemic control was measured using HbA1c assay kits. Both T1D outcomes (i.e. adherence, HbA1c) were assessed annually across three time points (two years). Census tract indicators of neighborhood disadvantage (e.g., % unemployed) were culled from participant addresses at baseline linked to American Community Survey data. Structural Equation Modeling was used to estimate direct and indirect links between neighborhood disadvantage, relationship quality, and both subsequent levels (i.e., intercepts centered at Time 2), and trajectories of T1D outcomes (i.e., slopes across three time points). Results All models showed excellent fit to the data. Greater neighborhood disadvantage associated with lower relationship quality with both parents. Lower relationship quality with fathers (but not with mothers) measured at Time 1 predicted poorer levels of adherence and HbA1c at Time 2, and formed an indirect path linking neighborhood disadvantage to each Time 2 outcome. Neighborhood disadvantage and parent-adolescent relationship quality during high school did not predict longitudinal trajectories of T1D outcomes across all three time points. Conclusions Parent-adolescent relationship quality (especially with fathers) remains important for T1D outcomes among late adolescents on the cusp of emerging adulthood, but may be at risk among those living within a socioeconomically-disadvantaged neighborhood.