cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Habitat structure directly affects aggression in convict cich- lids Archocentrus nigrofasciatus

Aggressive behavior can be an important factor in determining how animals use and divide space and resources. Pre- vious studies have shown that aggression in fishes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including water temperature and re- source levels. In this study, we tested if the amount of habitat structure in the environment affected aggression levels in female convict cichlids Archocentrus nigrofasciatus. We performed a laboratory experiment in which we placed female convict cichlids into an aquarium with low or high amounts of habitat structure and monitored the dominant female's behavior toward the subor- dinate female. Aggressive behavior in convict cichlids primarily consists of chases and bites. We found that the total time the dominant female spent chasing the subordinate female was greater when there was a low amount of habitat structure as compared to when there was a high amount of habitat structure. We also found that both the average duration of a chasing bout and the number of bites directed at the subordinate fish increased when there was a low amount of structure, but the number of chases did not. These results indicate that increased habitat structural complexity decreases aggressive behavior in convict cichlids (Current Zoology 56 (1): 52-56, 2010).
Landmine detection using the discrete spectrum of relaxation frequencies

Several landmine detection techniques using electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors have been proposed in the past decade. In this paper, we propose a class of detection techniques based on the discrete spectrum of relaxation frequencies (DSRF). Two DSRF detection methods are demonstrated: one using the support vector machine and one using the k-nearest neighbor method. A soil model is also proposed to identify EMI response from the magnetic properties of the soil. A detection framework is suggested to incorporate the soil model and the classifier. The robustness of landmine detection using the DSRF is demonstrated. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Kinship and Diversification of Bacterial Penicillin-Binding Proteins and β-Lactamases

The catalytic function of β-lactamases is the primary cause of bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). β-Lactamases show diversity in both structure and function ([4][1]). Four molecular classes (classes A, B, C, and D) of β-lactamases are recognized
Ethanol Attracts Scolytid Beetles to Phytophthora ramorum Cankers on Coast Live Oak

Ethanol in sapwood was analyzed along vertical transects, through small spot cankers and larger basal cankers, of Phytophthora ramorum-infected stems of Quercus agrifolia at three sites in California. Trees with large basal cankers, known to attract scolytid beetles, had a 4.3 times higher ethanol level than trees with spot cankers that attract fewer beetles. Ethanol concentrations inside cankers, where scolytid beetles preferentially attack, varied by about four orders of magnitude among samples, with a median level of 16.0 μg.g−1 fresh mass. This concentration was 4.3 and 15.5 times greater, respectively, than the concentrations at 1 cm or 15–30 cm outside the canker boundaries. In the laboratory, we demonstrated that ethanol escaped through the bark of a Q. garryana log just 3 days after it was added to the sapwood. At the three study sites, traps baited with ethanol captured more Xyleborinus saxesenii, Pseudopityophthorus pubipennis, and Monarthrum dentiger (all Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) than traps baited with ethanol plus (−)-α-pinene, or ethanol plus 4-allylanisole (4AA). Logs of Q. agrifolia with a 50 % ethanol solution added to the sapwood were placed at the study sites, with or without additional bark treatments above the ethanol. The number of scolytid beetle gallery holes above the ethanol-infused sapwood was 4.4 times greater than that on the opposite side of the log where no ethanol was added. Attachment of ultra-high release (−)-α-pinene pouches to the bark surface above the 50 % ethanol solution reduced scolytid attacks to a density of 19.1 % that of logs without this treatment. We conclude that ethanol in P. ramorum cankers functions as a primary host attractant for scolytid beetles and is an important link in colonization of these cankers and accelerated mortality of Q. agrifolia. The results of this research shed light on the chemical ecology behind the focused scolytid attacks on P. ramorum-infected coast live oaks, and lay the groundwork for future efforts to prolong the survival of individual trees of this keystone species.
“Is” and “ought”: Moral judgments about the world as understood

While abiding by the injunction against deriving “ought” statements from “is” statements, the author considers ways in which the “is” bears on the “ought.” Persons, it is proposed, make moral judgments and decisions about the world as they understand it to be.
A novel shift in estrogen receptor expression occurs as estradiol suppresses inflammation-associated colon tumor formation

Postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer compared with postmenopausal women not on ERT, suggesting a role for estradiol (E2) in protection against this disease. To determine whether E2 protects against inflammation-associated colon cancer when administered following the initiation of colonic DNA damage, in this study, we implanted E2-containing pellets into mice after co-treatment with azoxymethane and two rounds of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Wild-type (WT) E2-treated mice had reduced numbers and average area of adenocarcinomas compared with the control mice. These effects were lost in estrogen receptor-β (Erβ (Esr2)) knockout mice. Surprisingly, apoptosis was reduced and cell proliferation was increased in sections from tumors of the WT E2 mice compared with the WT control mice. These findings are probably due, in part, to a reduction in ERβ expression in colonic epithelial cells as the cells progressed from a non-malignant to a cancerous state as enhanced apoptosis was observed in normal colonocytes expressing higher levels of ERβ. Furthermore, epithelial cells within the tumors had dramatically increased ERα mRNA and protein expression compared with the non-diseased mice. We conclude that while E2 treatment resulted in an overall suppression of colonic adenocarcinoma formation, reduced ERβ expression accompanied by enhanced ERα expression caused an altered colonocyte response to E2 treatment compared with the earlier stages of colon cancer development. These data are the first examples of decreased ERβ expression concurrent with increased ERα expression as a disease develops and highlight the importance of understanding the timing of E2 exposure with regard to the prevention of inflammation-associated colon cancer.
Headache associated with moyamoya disease: a case story and literature review

Headache associated with moyamoya disease (HAMD) is common in moyamoya disease. However, the characteristics and classification of HAMD are largely unknown. We present a case of a 39-year-old woman with HAMD. To characterize and classify the features of this syndrome, the patient was asked to complete a 4-month diagnostic headache diary. There was a total of 15 ictal days. All episodes were without aura. The headache was more commonly pressing (10/15), mild to moderate in severity (14/15), unchanged by physical activity (11/15), and associated with photophobia (10/15). The International Headache Society Classification was utilized to determine that eight episodes met criteria for probable migraine without aura, while seven episodes met criteria for probable frequent episodic tension-type headache. We identified four other case reports of HAMD with partial descriptions of the characteristics. When combined with our patient, the median age was 34 years old (range 6–49, SD 16). Four were female, while the patient with cluster headache was male. The median time from headache onset to diagnosis with moyamoya disease was 9.5 months (range 0–192, SD 88.0). Headaches were described as migraine with aura in two of five cases, hemiplegic migraine in one of five, and cluster headache in one of five. The highest intensity was described as severe in three of three cases, in which headache intensity was reported. Meanwhile, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia were present in two of three cases, where these features were reported, while nausea without vomiting was seen in one of three cases. In all five cases, patients had other neurological symptoms, such as paresis, seizures, visual disturbances, dysarthria, allodynia, ptosis, and unilateral restless leg syndrome. In conclusion, HAMD can present as migraine without aura. It can be the first presenting symptom of moyamoya disease. The headache features are not diagnostic; hence, early neurovascular imaging should be considered in patients with new onset, refractory migraine-like headache, especially in the setting of other neurological symptoms to exclude underlying moyamoya disease. Further reports using headache diaries are needed to better characterize HAMD as well as to determine whether headache with tension-type features is also part of this condition.
Picojoule threshold, picosecond optical parametric generation in reverse proton-exchanged lithium niobate waveguides

We have demonstrated picosecond optical parametric generation in reverse proton-exchanged waveguides in periodically poled lithium niobate with thresholds as low as 200 pJ. Near-transform-limited near-infrared pulses were obtained from cascaded optical parametric generation. For a 1.8-ps (FWHM) pump pulse at 769.6 nm, a saturated internal photon-conversion efficiency of 33% was obtained with 1 nJ of pump energy. The signal-wavelength tuning range was from 1.15 μm to 2.3 μm with a pump wavelength between 770 nm and 789.5 nm. Numerical simulations well predicted the mechanism for the transform-limited pulse generation. These results enable optical parametric generation devices with low threshold and good temporal properties with a simple single-pass setup.
Experimental support for food limitation of a short-distance migratory bird wintering in the temperate zone

The Winter Food Limitation Hypothesis (WFLH) states that winter food abundance is a dominant source of population limitation of migratory birds. Evidence is accumulating that long-distance migratory birds wintering in tropical climates have high overwinter survival probabilities and that winter food limitation mainly affects their fitness nonlethally by limiting energetic reserves necessary for successful reproduction. In contrast, the relative roles of direct mortality vs. indirect effects caused by food limitation have not been investigated thoroughly on short-distance migratory birds wintering in temperate zones, where they face thermal challenges. We performed the first test of the WFLH for a temperate migratory bird in the wild on the Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), with a replicated plot-wide food supplementation experiment. In contrast to tropical, but consistent with other temperate-wintering migrants, Swamp Sparrows on unmanipulated plots showed relatively low apparent survival across the winter. Following food addition, birds (1) immigrated to experimental plots, which subsequently supported approximately 50% higher abundances, (2) experienced increases of within-season apparent survival of 8-10%, depending on age/sex class, and (3) had higher-scaled mass index values, all supporting winter food limitation. The last two findings are interrelated because birds with higher scaled mass had higher survival probabilities, further supporting direct effects of winter food limitation. Food limitation of fat reserves might also have indirect effects on reproductive success by limiting migration timing and survival during migration. Increases in scaled mass were higher in females, suggesting that they are disproportionately affected by food limitation, possibly through competition. Based on Robust Design Modeling, we found no support for emigration prior to food addition, indicating that our estimates of mortality are unbiased.
Productivity and Undesirable Outputs: A Directional Distance Function Approach

Abstract Undesirable outputs are often produced together with desirable outputs. This joint production of good and bad outputs is typically ignored in traditional measures of productivity since “prices” are typically unavailable for bad outputs. Here we introduce a directional distance function and use it as a component in a new productivity index that readily models joint production of goods and bads, credits firms for reductions in bads and increases in goods, and does not require shadow prices of bad outputs. This index, as an empirical example shows, solves the problem caused by the joint production of good and bad outputs, and provides a practical managerial tool.
Characterization of Oklahoma reservoir wetlands for preliminary change detection mapping using IRS-1B satellite imagery

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of multidate satellite optical imagery to characterize the exoatmospheric reflectance phenology of five wetland plant communities. Prior knowledge of the size and bearing of the wetland communities were known from visits to various sites. Some very broad knowledge of the wetland plants and their cycles were extracted from a limited amount of aerial photographs.
Effects of intrarectally administered omeprazole paste on gastric fluid pH in healthy adult horses

OMEPRAZOLE is a substituted benzimidazole that functions to decrease gastric acid secretion through irreversible binding and inhibition of the H+K+ATPase enzyme located within the secretory canaliculi of the gastric parietal cells (Pilbrant and Cederberg 1985, Regardh and others 1985). Inhibition of gastric acid secretion and maintenance of a gastric fluid pH above 4.0 is critical in the treatment and prevention of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in human beings (Bell and others 1992). Ulcer disease of the non-glandular stomach in horses (equine gastric ulcer syndrome) has been compared to GERD, and like the condition in human beings, objectives of treatment centre around suppression of acid secretion and increasing gastric fluid pH. Studies in both human beings and horses have shown that orally administered omeprazole is highly effective in increasing gastric fluid pH, therefore making it one of the more common medications used for the treatment of these conditions (Bell and others 1992, MacAllister 1999, Buchanan and Andrews 2003, Bell and others 2007). In human beings, the bioavailability of omeprazole following oral administration is relatively low (approximately 40 per cent), due to the drug's instability in acidic gastric fluid and the fact that it undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism (Regardh and others 1985). Special formulations using capsules containing enteric-coated, acid-resistant granules have allowed improved systemic bioavailability in human beings by preventing acidic degradation of omeprazole in the stomach (Pilbrant and Cederberg 1985). Still, this limit in the bioavailability of the oral formulation has prompted studies investigating the alternative of rectal administration in several species, including human beings, rabbits and rats (Sastry and others 1993, Choi and others 1996). When administered rectally, omeprazole is able to avoid preabsorptive degradation in the stomach as well as partially avoid first-pass metabolism (Choi and others 1996). …
Management of Hyperglycemia and Enteral Nutrition in the Hospitalized Patient

There has been increased attention on the importance of identifying and distinguishing the differences between stress-induced hyperglycemia (SH), newly diagnosed hyperglycemia (NDH), and hyperglycemia in persons with established diabetes mellitus (DM). Inpatient blood glucose control is now being recognized as not only a cost issue for hospitals but also a concern for patient safety and care. The reasons for the increased incidence of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients include preexisting DM, undiagnosed DM or prediabetes, SH, and medication-induced hyperglycemia with resulting transient blood glucose variability. It is clear that identifying and documenting hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients with and without a previous diagnosis of DM and initiating prompt insulin treatment are important. Agreement on the optimum treatment goals for hyperglycemia remains quite controversial, and the benefits of intensive glucose management may be lost at the cost of hypoglycemia in intensive care unit patients. Nutrition support in the form of enteral nutrition (EN) increases the risk of hyperglycemia in both critical and non-critically ill hospitalized patients. Reasons for beginning a tube feeding are the same whether a person has NDH or DM. What differs is how to incorporate EN into the established insulin management protocols. The risk for hyperglycemia with the addition of EN is even higher in those without a previous diagnosis of DM. This review discusses the incidence of hyperglycemia, the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia, factors contributing to hyperglycemia in the hospitalized patient, glycemic management goals, current glycemic management recommendations, and considerations for EN formula selection, administration, and treatment.
Effect of Low Cholesterol on Steroid Hormones and Vitamin E Levels: Just a Theory or Real Concern?

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the most important causal risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. Primary and secondary prevention studies have shown that lowering LDL-C significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Intensive statin therapy compared with moderate statin therapy incrementally reduces LDL-C, progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and rates of cardiovascular events.1,2 Because cholesterol is needed for adrenal and gonadal steroid hormone biosynthesis, vitamin transport, and cell membrane function, there is a theoretical concern that very low levels of LDL-C achieved with intensive lipid-lowering therapy may lead to adverse effects because of reduced delivery of free intracellular cholesterol. Some reassurance is provided by people with genetic variants that lead to lifelong reduction in LDL-C levels; such individuals appear healthy and have a low incidence of cardiac events.3 Article, see p 731 In this issue of Circulation Research , Blom et al4 explored the safety of very low levels of LDL-C induced by evolocumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). The authors thoroughly investigated its effects on steroid hormone and vitamin E levels. In a phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 901 patients with LDL-C ≥75 mg/dL and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, participants were randomized to monthly subcutaneous evolocumab or placebo for 52 weeks.5 Steroid hormone and vitamin E levels were measured at baseline and 52 weeks. Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations were assayed to monitor adrenal steroidogenesis. Estradiol in women and testosterone in men were measured to determine the effect on gonadal steroid synthesis. The investigators measured plasma vitamin E concentrations in all patients, and they measured serum, lipoprotein, and red cell membrane vitamin E concentrations in a subset of 100 study participants. The investigators found an ≈60% reduction in LDL-C in patients …
Modeling and measurement of root canal using stereo digital radiography

ABSTRACT Determining root canal length is a crucial step in success of root canal treatment. Root canal length is commonly estimatedbased on pre-operation intraoral radiography. 2-D depiction of a 3-D object is the primary source of error in this approach.Techniques based on impedance measurement are more accurate than radiographic approaches, but do not offer a method fordepicting the shape of canal. In this study, we investigated a stereotactic approach for modeling and measurement of rootcanal of human dentition. A weakly perspective model approximated the projectional geometry. A series of computer-simulated objects was used to test accuracy of this model as the first step. Then, to assess the clinical viability of such anapproach, endodontic files inserted in the root canal phantoms were fixed on an adjustable platform between a radiographiccone and an image receptor. Parameters of projection matrix were computed based on the relative positions of imagereceptors, focal spot, and test objects. Rotating the specimen platform from 0 to 90 degrees at 5-degree intervals set relative
Second Person Rules: An Alternative Approach to Second-Personal Normativity

Stephen Darwall’s moral theory explains moral obligation by appealing to a “second-person” standpoint where persons use second-person reasons to hold one another accountable for their moral behavior. However, Darwall claims obligations obtain if and only if hypothetical persons endorse them, despite tying the second-person standpoint to our real-world moral practices. Focus on hypothetical persons renders critical elements of his account obscure. I solve this problem by distinguishing two ideas quietly working in tandem, (i) the hypothetical endorsement of moral norms and (ii) the hypothetical recognition of these norms. Hypothetical endorsement is a plausible source of normativity; hypothetical recognition is not. A more plausible account of second-person normativity must combine hypothetical endorsement with actual recognition. I term these alternative conceptions justification and easy publication. To combine justification and easy publication in an account of moral obligation, second-person normativity should be applied first to rules. Following other moral philosophers, I introduce the concept of a “social-moral” rule into an account of moral obligation. Social-moral rules acquire normative force when they are justified for and easily published by the relevant moral community. I conclude that a rule-centric account of second-personality is superior to Darwall’s reason-centric account.
A Pilot Placebo Controlled Study to Estimate the Effect Size of Glutamine to Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy in Multiple Myeloma

e318 Introduction: ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM) includes natural products, mind/body practices and ‘whole system’ interventions. CAM use is high among cancer patients (1,2) but little is known about use among blood cancer patients. This paper examines CAM use, attitudes and disclosure among multiple myeloma (MM) patients and their health professionals (HP). It is part of a broader study examining CAM in the haematological setting. Methods: Participants were Australian English-speaking cancer patients (18 years plus) recruited from a hospital and two national patient associations. HPs were recruited from the same hospital and the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand. Participants completed an online or paper survey. Results: Recruitment included 157 MM patients and 176 HP. Of the MM participants 66% currently use CAM. Reported reasons to use: cope with the cancer experience (53%), reduce symptoms (52%), decrease emotional stress (44%), prevent future health problems (37%) and/or treat their cancer (19%). Only 38% had discussed CAM with their haematologist and 28% did not discuss CAM with any HP, most commonly because the HP never asked (30%). Eleven percent were warned about CAM risks. Reasons for not using CAM: interference with conventional treatments (43%), unable to find good practitioners (40%) and concerns about side effects (33%). Of the HP, 91% supported mind/body therapies and 41% supported natural products. Forty eight percent always asked about CAM use but only 19% felt they could advise patients. Of the CAM listed, 41% were strongly against use of Chinese herbs. Only 30% were confident discussing CAM therapies and 77% wanted to learn more. Conclusion: CAM use is common among MM patients and aids coping with experience and symptoms of disease. Patient disclosure however is low. HP findings reveal a lack of confidence about how to advise patients but strong desire to improve knowledge. Given many patients use CAM alongside conventional treatments, improved understanding of benefits, risks and interactions could aid communication and decision making and improve outcomes for all.
Stereomicroscopic 3D-pattern profiling of murine and human intestinal inflammation reveals unique structural phenotypes

Histology is fundamental to assess two-dimensional intestinal inflammation; however, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are often indistinguishable microscopically on the basis of mucosal biopsies. Here, we use stereomicroscopy (SM) to rapidly profile the entire intestinal topography and assess inflammation. We examine the mucosal surface of >700 mice (encompassing >16 strains and various IBD-models), create a profiling catalogue of 3D-stereomicroscopic abnormalities and demonstrate that mice with comparable histological scores display unique sub-clusters of 3D-structure-patterns of IBD pathology, which we call 3D-stereoenterotypes, and which are otherwise indiscernible histologically. We show that two ileal IBD-stereoenterotypes (‘cobblestones' versus ‘villous mini-aggregation') cluster separately within two distinct mouse lines of spontaneous ileitis, suggesting that host genetics drive unique and divergent inflammatory 3D-structural patterns in the gut. In humans, stereomicroscopy reveals ‘liquefaction' lesions and hierarchical fistulous complexes, enriched with clostridia/segmented filamentous bacteria, running under healthy mucosa in Crohn's disease. We suggest that stereomicroscopic (3D-SMAPgut) profiling can be easily implemented and enable the comprehensive study of inflammatory 3D structures, genetics and flora in IBD.
Characterization of Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase (Trk-A) in Response to Neurotrophins Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Neurotrophin −3 (NT-3) in Live Cells

Tropomyosin receptor kinases (Trks) are activated by neurotrophins and play diverse roles in the development of the mammalian nervous system by controlling synaptic strength, plasticity, neuronal survival, proliferation, migration, axonal growth/guidance and patterning, injury protection, and neuronal apoptosis. Trks also play a crucial role in the development of many cancers. Trk-A is involved in tumor progressions, as a result of chromosomal rearrangements, gene mutations, deletions, splice variants and overexpression. Trk-A responds to two different ligands, nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and initiates intracellular signaling cascades. Trk-A has been believed to be monomeric in the absence of ligand, and to dimerize and get activated only upon ligand binding. More recent studies, however, have suggested that Trk-A instead forms constitutive oligomers both in the absence and presence of its ligands, with the exact oligomer size unknown. To resolve this controversy, we characterized the oligomeric state of Trk-A over a broad range of Trk-A concentrations in live cells, using quantitative Forster Resonance Energy Transfer. Our results show that Trk-A forms constitutive dimers in the absence of ligand, and that these dimers undergo structural changes upon binding to NGF and NT-3.
The Destruction by Neuraminidase of the Biological Activity of Erythropoietin When Complexed with Antierythropoietin

SummaryThe enzyme neuraminidase destroys the biological activity of erythropoietin even when the hormone is combined with antierythropoietin antibody. It is concluded that the sialic acid moiety is not an important antigenic determinant in the combination of the hormone and its antibodies.
Amino Acids and Reducing Sugars in Silks of Corn Resistant or Susceptible to Corn Earworm

This study was begun at State College, Miss., in 1963 to compare both quantity and quality of amino acids present in corn silks as well as the percentages of reducing sugars as they might relate to resistance in the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie)
Transforming growth factor beta 1 binding and receptor kinetics in fetal mouse lung fibroblasts

TGFbeta1 inhibits fetal lung maturation in vitro. As TGFbeta1 is present in fetal lung, mechanisms must exist to overcome this inhibition and allow late gestation maturation to progress. We studied the ontogeny of TGFbeta1 binding, and TGFbeta receptor kinetics and subtypes in primary cultures of fetal mouse lung fibroblasts from Day 16 to Day 18 of gestation. TGFbeta1 specific binding in fetal lung fibroblasts declined with advancing gestation. The decrease occurred earlier, and was more pronounced in female fibroblasts (50% decrease) than in the male fibroblasts (29% decrease). Dihydrotestosterone treatment of Day 18 female fibroblasts resulted in a dose-dependent increase in TGFbeta1 binding. Scatchard analysis revealed a decline in receptor number with advancing gestation (Day 16 female Bmax: 7.3 x 10(-16); Day 18 female Bmax: 5.5 x 10[-16]) whereas binding affinities remained constant. Affinity labeling followed by chemical cross-linking and autoradiography showed the three known TGFbeta receptor subtypes at both Days 16 and 18 of gestation. The relative abundance of nonsignaling Type III receptors in comparison to signaling Type II and Type I receptors was increased at Day 18 versus Day 16. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA after treatment with TGFbeta1 changed from Day 16 to Day 18, consistent with changes previously reported between fetal and adult lung fibroblasts. We conclude that as fetal mouse lung maturation progresses, TGFbeta receptor number decreases in fibroblasts, the relative proportion of nonsignaling versus signaling receptor types increases, and the response to TGFbeta1 stimulation changes. These changes may contribute to overcoming TGFbeta1 inhibition of lung maturation.
Application of Java Card in Development of Smart Cart

This paper describes the implementation process of Java Card which SUN presented in the development application of smart card. Architecture of Java card are put forward. Communication protocols of Java card and some Java card API to the lower level design and security of Java card are presented. Some implementations of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm with constrained computational power consumption and memory resources,compared to RSA algorithm, are given.
My Name Is Not “Interpreter”

In this essay, the author relays his personal experience with ethnicity-based discrimination and discusses the “microaggressions” that medical trainees from underrepresented groups based on race/ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation experience.
Activation of Platinum(IV) Prodrugs By Motexafin Gadolinium as a Redox Mediator

Water-soluble platinum(IV) prodrugs, which proved kinetically stable to reduction in the presence of physiological concentration of ascorbate, were quickly reduced to their active form, oxaliplatin, when co-incubated with a macrocycle metallotexaphyrin (i.e., Motexafin Gadolinium (MGd)). The reduction of Pt(IV) to Pt(II) promoted by MGd occurs in cell culture as well, leading to an increase in the antiproliferative activity of the Pt(IV) species in question. The mediated effect is proportional to the concentration of MGd and gives rise to an enhancement when the prodrug is relatively hydrophilic. MGd is known to localize/accumulate preferentially in tumor tissues. Thus, the present "activation by reduction" approach may allow for the cancer-selective enhancement in the cytotoxicity of Pt(IV) prodrugs.
Schizophrenia from Hippocrates to Kraepelin

From one perspective, the literature of the 1990s abounds with controversies for the schizophrenia researcher. From another, the consensus that has emerged is astonishing, viewed relative to the history of conflicting thoughts about the disorder. Despite some dissension among the ranks, the subcommittees that formulated DSM-III, DSM-III-R, and the nascent DSM-IV have endorsed largely consistent diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia for the past 10 years. This is no small accomplishment, considering that many characteristics of schizophrenia were only clearly delineated within the past 200 years. Further, although debate continues about the relative importance of psychosocial versus somatic factors in the etiology of the illness, most would now agree that a genetic component is part of the diathesis for schizophrenia. That such consensus should exist is remarkable in light of two points of history. One is that in this country less than a half-century ago, prevailing beliefs about the primary causes of mental illness were solidly psychogenic, and indeed psychoanalytic. Moreover, only a little more than 200 years ago, viable candidate causes for the etiology of psychopathology included mystical forces: the last European execution of a witch occurred in Switzerland in 1782 (Zilboorg & Henry, 1941).
Disease-Free Survival in Adult Patients with Acute Leukemia and Advanced CML Supports Use of Double-Unit Cord Blood Grafts As an Immediate Alternative to 8/8 HLA-Matched Unrelated Donors (URD)

Abstract Background: Double-unit cord blood transplantation (DCB-T) is a rapidly available alternative to unrelated donor transplantation (URD-T) for patients with high-risk acute leukemia or advanced CML. Retrospective analyses in adult DCB-T suggest that double-unit CB grafts may be associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS). However, the prioritization of URD-T vs DCB-T is controversial. Methods: We evaluated 175 consecutive adult allograft recipients (120 URD-T and 55 DCB-T) aged 16-60 years transplanted 10/2005-11/2012 for acute leukemia in morphologic remission or aplasia (113 AML/ biphenotypic, 50 ALL), or advanced CML (n = 12). URD grafts were 7-8/8 HLA-matched (74 8/8, 46 7/8). CB grafts were 4-6/6 donor-recipient HLA-matched (4 6/6, 51 5/6, 55 4/6). All patients received either high dose or reduced intensity myeloablative conditioning. The majority of URD-T recipients (n = 111, 93%) received T-cell depleted (TCD) grafts with rabbit ATG, whereas GVHD prophylaxis for DCB-T was calcineurin-inhibitor/mycophenolate mofetil. Results: The median ages of URD-T (43 years) and DCB-T (42 years) recipients were similar (p = 0.713). Distributions of gender, recipient CMV positivity, HCT-CI scores, time from diagnosis or relapse to transplant, diagnoses, disease risk, and percentage of patients with minimal residual disease pre-transplant were also similar. Neutrophil engraftment was slower in DCB-T (95%, median 24 days) than URD-T (100%, median 11 days) (p Conclusions: DCB-T can achieve favorable DFS in adults with acute leukemia and CML with low relapse rates. In this series, multivariate analysis demonstrated that mismatched URD-T was independently associated with lower DFS. Our findings support use of DCB-T as an immediate alternative for high-risk acute leukemia and advanced CML in adult patients without a readily available 8/8 allele HLA-matched unrelated volunteer donor. This could have the additional benefit of speeding time to transplant in high-risk patients. Table . Variable Multivariate HR (95% CI) P-value Male Female Reference 1.65 (1.05-2.59) 0.029 Recipient CMV Negative Recipient CMV Positive Reference 1.34 (0.85-2.12) 0.201 HCT-CI score 0-2 HCT-CI score > 3 Reference 1.56 (0.98-2.47) 0.059 AML/CML ALL Reference 2.11 (1.30-3.41) 0.002 DCB-T 8/8 URD-T 7/8 URD-T Reference 1.32 (0.72-2.41) 1.97 (1.08-3.60) - 0.365 0.027 Download : Download high-res image (82KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Increased Lumbar Lordosis and Smaller Vertebral Cross-Sectional Area Are Associated With Spondylolysis.

Study Design.A cross-sectional comparison of vertebral morphology and lumbar lordosis (LL) in adolescents with and without spondylolysis.Objective.To test the hypothesis that in addition to LL, vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) is also associated with spondylolysis.Summary of Background Data.Rece
Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer or other conditions can cause permanent infertility. This condition not only affects the ability to bear children after cure, but may also have a lasting impact on psychosocial well-being, relationships and overall health. Adolescent and adult patients may have the options to preserve eggs, sperm, or embryos prior to treatment to preserve their future fertility. These options are not available to prepubertal patients who are not producing mature eggs or sperm. This is a critical human health concern because most children will survive their cancer and still have their entire reproductive life in front of them. This review focuses on stem cell-based methods that may provide new fertility-sparing options for boys receiving gonadotoxic therapies for cancer or other conditions.
Detection of the Engine Valves Chocking Using the Pressure Curves Analysis of the Cold Test Stands

The cold test stand is a testing station that is built to analyze the engine functionality during the production phase. The engine testing is based on passively driving it through an electrical drive while recording the feedback signal from various transducers installed for testing various physical properties. The purpose of these sensors is to testify the engine static and dynamic properties such as the intake and exhaust pressures of each cylinder, the crankshaft position, the rotation speed and the output torque produced. The expected signals are mapped using a master engine that is identified as a fully operational unit, and these signals are employed to identify any signal abnormalities in the production line queue. This paper investigates the difference between defected exhaust valves signal compared to the healthy ones and the suspected causes behind it.
The Elderly Patient and the Intensive Care Unit

At least 20–50 % of all ICU admissions occur in patients older than 65 years of age, and geriatric patients account for almost 60 % of all ICU days. Unfortunately, many older patients’ final days are spent in the ICU; 40 % of Medicare patients who die are admitted to an ICU during their terminal illness, accounting for 25 % of all Medicare expenditures. Additionally, of those who survive, many are discharged to a subacute facility with persistent organ failure where they will eventually die. Furthermore, those discharged to a subacute care facility have a higher mortality rate compared to those discharged home (31 vs. 17 %). The decision to admit an elderly patient to an ICU should be based not only on their comorbidities, acuity of illness, and prehospital functional status, including quality of life, but also on their preference for the use of life-sustaining treatments if it is known. The underlying disease process is not altered despite the use of invasive procedures in terminally ill patients, and potential harm or discomfort can occur if invasive procedures are used inappropriately. To avoid such unintended consequences and enhance optimal end-of-life decision making, healthcare providers need to identify, explain, and negotiate consensus therapeutic goals.
Pediatric Ambulatory Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks.

Despite the widespread use of ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve blocks in adults, its use in children has been sporadic. Indications for the use of ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve block in children involve orthopedic procedure, where significant pain is anticipated beyond 24 hours. Techniques to place the perineural catheters in children are similar to that used in adults. The incidence of serious side effects in pediatric ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve block is extremely rare. When this is combined with the potential to increase patient and family satisfaction and decrease opioid-related side effects, ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve block become a compelling choice.
From Experience to Evidence: Sensory and Testimonial

Most evidentialists think that experiences, in some way or other, yield evidence for a person. Critics of evidentialist theories often make objections that depend on substantive assumptions about how experiences yield evidence for a person. A common set of objections turns on the assumption that a sensory experience all by itself is evidence for a person. For instance, it has been assumed that a visual experience of blood beside an unmoving naked body in a park is itself evidence that a crime has been committed. But, this assumption is false, as I will argue. Until I have additional experiences that give me reason to link the look of blood beside an unmoving body to a crime having been committed, my visual experience does not indicate to me that a crime has been committed. This point has implications across many discussions in epistemology, from theoretical discussions about whether and the extent to which there is any immediate prima facie justification given in experience, to debates about how testimony yields epistemically rational belief. Careful reflection on my argument both gives us reason to reject a number of epistemic theories and principles in the literature and motivates a powerful evidentialist case for an intimate relation between epistemic rationality and epistemic justification.
Aortic endograft explantation in the setting of prior heterotopic renal allograft.

Abstract It is rare to require explantation of an aortic endograft placed for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Sustained aneurysm growth in the setting of prior endovascular repair, despite secondary interventions and use of adjuncts, is the most common cause of EVAR explantation. An infected endograft and aneurysm rupture after EVAR represent more urgent or emergent indications for explantation and have a significantly greater associated morbidity and mortality. This case of endograft explantation is of even greater complexity, given the patient's specific history of aneurysm repair in the concomitant setting of a functioning renal allograft.
Medical Procedures: Challenges and Strategies

A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) does not prevent individuals from having other comorbid medical problems or diseases, and medical tests and procedures may be necessary as part of the evaluation and treatment of these conditions. Medical procedures may also be ordered to determine potential medical causes of behavioral concerns in individuals with ASD. Regardless of the presentation and underlying cause, the medical work-up and procedures may elicit anxiety and agitation in patients of all ages. There are, however, several strategies that clinicians can employ to reduce distress and discomfort among patients with ASD during procedures, which will be reviewed in this chapter. In performing procedures on individuals with ASD, clinicians should take into consideration the individual’s preferred mode of communication, acknowledge latency or lack of response to directions, and attempt to minimize extraneous stimuli that could exacerbate the behavioral response to a new environment. The specific approach to general and specialized medical care may require modifications depending on the age and cognitive abilities of the patient.
Functional Coma: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature.

Background Psychiatric illness can mimic a comatose state. The most common is a conversion reaction resulting in a functional coma, which poses a unique diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Little is known about this condition, and the literature is limited by inconsistent terminology and by a lack of high-quality evidence. Objective To provide a conceptual definition of functional coma, describe case examples, summarize management, and increase recognition of this often underacknowledged entity. Methods We present two cases and provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, workup, and management. Results Functional coma is defined as an involuntary coma-like state that occurs in the absence of structural or metabolic damage to the brain and that is distinct from catatonia. This term should supplant the previous phrase of “psychogenic coma.” Psychiatric disorders are frequently present premorbidly, but are not required for the diagnosis. About half of the cases occur in the perioperative setting. Physical exam can provide helpful clues, including passive resistance to eye opening or avoidance of the face with arm drop. Additional work-up, including laboratory studies, brain imaging, and electroencephalography, should be obtained but are unremarkable in functional coma. Case studies suggest that the episodes last for several hours, with a range of 45 minutes to 4 days. Treatment includes supportive management and careful psychoeducation. Conclusions Functional coma should be conceptualized as a distinct condition from catatonia and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Additional clinical and translation research is needed to further explore the etiology of this condition.
SOVAS: a scalable online visual analytic system for big climate data analysis

Big climate data offers great opportunities for scientific discovery but demands efficient and effective analytics to investigate unknown and complex patterns. Most existing online processing and a...
Using Quality Improvement Methods to Understand Incidence, Timing, and Factors Associated With Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Transfers of Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease.

Introduction:Patients with end-stage liver disease are at risk for clinical deterioration, often requiring hospital admissions while awaiting transplantation. Nurses observed that many patients wer...
Citizens’ perceptions of closing the gender pay gap: an experimental study

The issue of pay equity has been a topic of interest in our society. One area that has been understudied is the perceptions of the citizenry toward pay disparities between women and men. The purpos...
How Weakly Institutionalized Parties Monitor Brokers in Developing Democracies: Evidence from Postconflict Liberia

Political parties in sub‐Saharan Africa's developing democracies are often considered to lack sufficiently sophisticated machines to monitor and incentivize their political brokers. We challenge this view by arguing that the decentralized pyramidal structure of their machines allows them to engage in broker monitoring and incentivizing to mobilize voters, which ultimately improves their electoral performance. This capacity is concentrated (a) among incumbent parties with greater access to resources and (b) where the scope for turnout buying is higher due to the higher costs of voting. Using postwar Liberia to test our argument, we combine rich administrative data with exogenous variation in parties' ability to monitor their brokers. We show that brokers mobilize voters en masse to signal effort, that increased monitoring ability improves the incumbent party's electoral performance, and that this is particularly so in precincts in which voters must travel farther to vote and thus turnout buying opportunities are greater.
A unique case of Lemierre's syndrome status post blunt cervical trauma.

BackgroundLemierre’s syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition. The course is characterized by acute tonsillopharyngitis, bacteremia, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and septic embolizat...
Choosing homes without choosing schools? How urban parents navigate decisions about neighborhoods and school choice

While many assume that families engaged in a housing search decide where to live at least in part based on the schools, there is surprisingly little research on how schools actually matter in the r...