cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digital image processing of two dimensional echocardiograms: Identification of the endocardium

Digital computer image-processing techniques were applied to two dimensional echocardiograms to improve the accuracy of cardiac spatial measurements by enhancing endocardial recognition. Images were photographed from the two dimensional echocardiographic monitor and digitized using an optical densitometer. Image-processing algorithms were applied to the digitized images as follows: (1) Multiple images were averaged; (2) a gray level threshold was chosen to separate the image into tissue and cavity regions on the basis of amplitude (brightness) of the returning echoes; (3) endocardium was traced between the regions; (4) endocardial position was confirmed by matching this boundary with a contrast edge map of the original images; and (5) the endocardial boundaries were tested by comparison with simultaneous M mode echocardiograms. A linear correlation was found between M mode and computer-processed two dimensional echocardiographic measurements of ventricular septal thickness (r = 0.88); this was superior to the correlation between M mode and unprocessed two dimensional echocardiographic septal measurements (r = 0.55). The correlations between M mode and processed or unprocessed two dimensional echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular internal dimension were similar (r = 0.89 and 0.85, respectively), but the slope of the regression line for the processed data more closely approximated the line of identity (p less than 0.05). It is concluded that endocardial outlines derived with use of digital image-processing techniques lead to left ventricular measurements that correlate more closely with M mode measurements than do dimensions derived from unprocessed two dimensional echocardiography.
The Growth of Crimped Dacron Aortic Bypass Graft: A Case Report.

The author presents the case of a patient who was operated upon for extensive stricture of the abdominal aorta at the age of 8 years and of a height of 4′2″. In the course of surgery a 12-mm diameter woven crimped vascular prosthesis was anastomosed end-to-side to the lower thoracic as well as to the infrarenal abdominal aorta to bypass the strictured aortic segment. During the following years the patient underwent four consecutive aortograms and also several surgical interventions on the visceral arteries but not on the bypass graft. The latest arteriogram taken at the age of 31 and height of 6′6″ showed an approximately 15% enlongation responding with the appropriate growth of the adjacent vertebra during the years undoubtedly due to stretching, induced straightening of the “crimps,” and some blunting of the angle by which the graft was attached to the thoracic aorta, an additional factor which made the course of the prosthesis adapt to body growth. The case illustrates that if crimped Dacron grafts are implanted in a growing individual in an appropriate manner, one may count that he or she will probably adapt to the natural increase of body length.
Finite singularities and hypergeometric solutions of linear recurrence equations

Abstract In this paper the notion of finite singularities of difference operators is introduced, in order to adapt methods for differential equations to the case of recurrence equations.
Caveolae, Plasma Membrane Microdomains for α-Secretase-mediated Processing of the Amyloid Precursor Protein *

Caveolae are plasma membrane invaginations where key signaling elements are concentrated. In this report, both biochemical and histochemical analyses demonstrate that the amyloid precursor protein (APP), a source of Aβ amyloid peptide, is enriched within caveolae. Caveolin-1, a principal component of caveolae, is physically associated with APP, and the cytoplasmic domain of APP directly participates in this binding. The characteristic C-terminal fragment that results from APP processing by α-secretase, an as yet unidentified enzyme that cleaves APP within the Aβ amyloid sequence, was also localized within these caveolae-enriched fractions. Further analysis by cell surface biotinylation revealed that this cleavage event occurs at the cell surface. Importantly, α-secretase processing was significantly promoted by recombinant overexpression of caveolin in intact cells, resulting in increased secretion of the soluble extracellular domain of APP. Conversely, caveolin depletion using antisense oligonucletotides prevented this cleavage event. Our current results indicate that caveolae and caveolins may play a pivotal role in the α-secretase-mediated proteolysis of APP in vivo.
A qualitative examination of women involved in prostitution in Mumbai, India: The role of family and acquaintances

In this qualitative study, 48 female prostitutes from Mumbai, India were interviewed to understand their experiences related to their entry into prostitution. Respondents’ vulnerabilities and the r...
Steps toward a science of service systems

The service sector accounts for most of the world's economic activity, but it's the least-studied part of the economy. A service system comprises people and technologies that adaptively compute and adjust to a system's changing value of knowledge. A science of service systems could provide theory and practice around service innovation
Increased dynamic range multi-rate waveform for mobile satellite communications: Adaptive Coding Spreading and Modulation (ACSM)

For time-division multiplexed satellite communications links, a multi-rate waveform can enable substantial capacity gains over waveforms employing static coding and modulation. Using a multi-rate waveform such as DVB-S2 with adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), a user's data is transported with the most efficient modulation and forward error correction coding point that specific user can reliably receive. Many mobile satellite communication applications require a substantially smaller aperture or a lower-profile antenna as compared to typical fixed-site very small aperture terminals (VSATs) for which DVB-S2 was designed. Over a wide area of operation, these smaller mobile terminals often cannot establish a link that observes regulatory power-spectral density limits using even the most robust modulation and code point that the DVB-S2 waveform offers. By adding the concept of adaptive direct sequence spreading to the adaptive coding and modulation, a more capable multi-rate waveform emerges that addresses a comprehensive set of mobile terminal platform types and scenarios. In this paper, the Adaptive Coding Spreading and Modulation (ACSM) concept is described and the capacity gains are quantified for several case studies. Also, a blockage mitigation technique employed within the ACSM concept that enables communications on train or helicopter mounted platforms is discussed.
Activated Invariant NKT Cells Control Central Nervous System Autoimmunity in a Mechanism That Involves Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that recognize glycolipid Ags presented by the MHC class I-related protein CD1d. Activation of iNKT cells with glycolipid Ags, such as the marine sponge-derived reagent α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), results in the rapid production of a variety of cytokines and activation of many other immune cell types. These immunomodulatory properties of iNKT cells have been exploited for the development of immunotherapies against a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but mechanisms by which activated iNKT cells confer disease protection have remained incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that glycolipid-activated iNKT cells cooperate with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in protecting mice against the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, an animal model for multiple sclerosis. We show that α-GalCer induced the expansion and immunosuppressive activities of MDSCs in the spleen of mice induced for development of EAE. Disease protection in these animals also correlated with recruitment of MDSCs to the CNS. Depletion of MDSCs abrogated the protective effects of α-GalCer against EAE and, conversely, adoptive transfer of MDSCs from α-GalCer-treated mice ameliorated passive EAE induced in recipient animals. The cytokines GM-CSF, IL-4, and IFN-γ, produced by activated iNKT cells, and inducible NO synthase, arginase-1, and IL-10 produced by MDSCs, contributed to these effects. Our findings have revealed cooperative immunosuppressive interactions between iNKT cells and MDSCs that might be exploited for the development of improved immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Smoking and cancer: Retrospective studies and epidemiological evaluation

Abstract 1. 1. The chemical and biological properties of tobacco smoke condensate are sufficient to classify it among other chemical carcinogens. 2. 2. Human retrospective studies are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to this material increases the incidence of malignant tumors of the lung, larynx, mouth, bladder and esophagus in man. 3. 3. No single mechanism of carcinogenesis is postulated by these data, as is true of other etiological observations in carcinogenesis. 4. 4. From the clinical and public health viewpoint these data fully justify acceptance of an effective etiological relation between smoking and malignant tumors, particularly of the respiratory tract. This conclusion has been reached by a number of official and voluntary scientific bodies and by national and state public health agencies [16–18]. As in the interpretation of any body of evidence, it is possible to suggest alternative hypotheses, and in so doing we may gain new insight into some of the basic problems relating to the philosophy and study of disease causation in man. From the pragmatic and practical standpoint, we must agree that “the sum total of scientific evidence established beyond reasonable doubt that cigarette smoking is a causative factor in that this evidence is adequate for application in clinical preventive medicine and for the initiation of public health measure” [18]. 5. 5. Several behavioral aspects of the problem were mentioned.
Perceived stressors and coping strategies among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

The purpose of this study was to identify the stressors perceived by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to describe coping strategies used to cope with illness-related stressors and their perceived effectiveness. Data were collected from 53 patients attending a rheumatology clinic. Results revealed that pain was the predominantly perceived stressor followed by limitation in mobility, difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living, helplessness, dependency on others, threat to self-esteem, interference in social activity, interference in family relationships, difficulties performing at work, and discomfort of the treatment. Subjects used optimistic and confrontive coping strategies more frequently than other coping strategies and optimistic coping strategies were perceived to be most effective. Point biserial correlation revealed a number of significant relationships between specific stressors and use of coping strategies: interference in family relationships and use of evasive coping strategies (r = 0.27, P < 0.05), and threat to self-esteem and use of both evasive (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) and emotive (r = 0.28, P < 0.01) coping strategies. Similarly, a number of significant relationships were found between specific stressors and the effectiveness of the coping strategies: interference in family relationships and the effectiveness of both evasive (r = 0.31, P < 0.05) and emotive (r = 0.38, P < 0.01) coping strategies, and threat to self-esteem and the effectiveness of emotive coping (r = 0.29, P < 0.05).
Traumatic fifth finger amputation due to pontoon boat railing design.

BACKGROUND: Boating is a common recreational activity that may subject its participants to specific patterns of injury. OBJECTIVES: We describe two unrelated cases of fifth-finger amputation associated with a specific pontoon boat guardrail design. CASE REPORT: The individuals in these cases sustained an avulsion-type amputation injury to the fifth finger when their fingers became entrapped in a narrowed portion of the boat railing before jumping into the water. CONCLUSIONS: Given the widespread use of this type of recreational boat, this apparent design flaw may place additional individuals at risk of significant hand injury with cosmetic and functional loss. Methods to reduce the public health impact of this type of injury are also discussed. Language: en
A Novel Low-overhead Delay Testing Technique for Arbitrary Two-Pattern Test Application

With increasing process fluctuations in nano-scale technology, testing for delay faults is becoming essential in manufacturing test to complement stuck-at-fault testing. Design-for-testability techniques, such as enhanced scan are typically associated with considerable overhead in die-area, circuit performance, and power during normal mode of operation. This paper presents a novel test technique, which can be used as an alternative to the enhanced scan based delay fault testing method, with significantly less design overhead. Instead of using an extra latch as in the enhanced scan method, we propose using supply gating at the first level of logic gates to hold the state of a combinational circuit. Experimental results on a set of ISCAS89 benchmarks show an average reduction of 33% in area overhead with an average improvement of 71% in delay overhead and 90% in power overhead during normal mode of operation, compared to the enhanced scan implementation.
Memory Impairment and Executive Dysfunction are Associated with Inadequately Controlled Diabetes in Older Adults.

Objective: To assess the cross-sectional relationship of glycemic control to memory impairment and executive dysfunction in older adults with diabetes treated at an urban primary care center. Parti...
Psychopathic traits modulate brain responses to drug cues in incarcerated offenders

Recent neuroscientific evidence indicates that psychopathy is associated with abnormal function and structure in limbic and paralimbic areas. Psychopathy and substance use disorders are highly comorbid, but clinical experience suggests that psychopaths abuse drugs for different reasons than non-psychopaths, and that psychopaths do not typically experience withdrawal and craving upon becoming incarcerated. These neurobiological abnormalities may be related to psychopaths’ different motivations for – and symptoms of – drug use. This study examined the modulatory effect of psychopathic traits on the neurobiological craving response to pictorial drug stimuli. Drug-related pictures and neutral pictures were presented and rated by participants while hemodynamic activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging. These data were collected at two correctional facilities in New Mexico using the Mind Research Network mobile magnetic resonance imaging system. The sample comprised 137 incarcerated adult males and females (93 females) with histories of substance dependence. The outcome of interest was the relation between psychopathy scores (using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised) and hemodynamic activity associated with viewing drug-related pictures versus neutral pictures. There was a negative association between psychopathy scores and hemodynamic activity for viewing drug-related cues in the anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, hippocampus, amygdala, caudate, globus pallidus, and parts of the prefrontal cortex. Psychopathic traits modulate the neurobiological craving response and suggest that individual differences are important for understanding and treating substance abuse.
Input impedance of an aperture coupled dielectric resonator antenna

The input impedance of a cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna excited by an aperture slot is computed. The technique used is based upon the surface integral equation formulation for bodies of revolution coupled to arbitrary objects. The method of moments (MoM), together with an efficient matrix solution algorithm, is used to obtain the equivalent magnetic current on the slot. The antenna impedance is then obtained from this equivalent magnetic current. The results of this numerical procedure, when compared to those obtained from a competing technique, show excellent agreement. Results of a parametric study on a dielectric resonator antenna are presented. >
High Performance Software on Intel Pentium Pro Processors or Micro-Ops to TeraFLOPS

This paper gives a technical discussion of the Intel Pentium® Pro processor and optimization strategies used to achieve high performance on scientific applications. We demonstrate these optimizations by characterizing matrix multiplication (DGEMM). We give insight and a model into our efforts on obtaining the world's first TeraFLOP MP LINPACK run (on the Intel ASCI Option Red Supercomputer), based on Pentium Pro processor technology. The importance of this paper is carried by the increasing trend of commodity parts in the supercomputing arena.
Fruits and vegetables in the prevention of cellular oxidative damage

Numerous studies have demonstrated in vitro effects of flavonoid components from fruits and vegetables on various measures of oxidative cellular damage. However, the questions that have not been answered satisfactorily deal with the absorption/metabolism of antioxidant components in fruits and vegetables and whether they are absorbed in sufficient quantities and in a form in which effects on in vivo measures of oxidative cellular damage could be observed. The focus of this review is on clinical studies that provide information about possible in vivo changes in antioxidant status with fruit and vegetable consumption. Two classes of flavonoids as antioxidants are considered in detail (anthocyanins and flavonols). Absorption of anthocyanins appears to be much less than that of the flavonol quercetin, perhaps as little as one tenth. Relatively high dietary levels of anthocyanins appear to be necessary to observe antioxidant effects in vivo. Metabolism of cyanidin 3-glucoside and quercetin by methylation or conjugation with glucuronide or sulfate will decrease antioxidant activity. However, quercetin metabolites seem to maintain at least part of their antioxidant activity in vivo. A potential role for food flavonoids and polyphenolics as antioxidants is discussed.
Teachers' assessment knowledge and their perceptions of the impact of classroom assessment professional development

Assessing student performance is one of the most critical aspects of the job of a classroom teacher;however,manyteachersintheUnitedStatesdonotfeeladequatelypreparedtoassess their students’ performance. These feelings of inadequacy are exemplified when placed against the context of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, especially with its increased focus on accountability and assessment. This study examined the effectiveness of a two-week classroom assessment workshop for inservice teachers. The workshop was based on the Standards for Teacher Competence in the Educational Assessment of Students and focused on discussion, practice, and practical application through performance assessment tasks. The study utilized a parallel mixed-methods design. Teachers were pre -tested and post -tested using the Assessment Literacy Inventory . Additionally, teachers kept daily reflective journals in order to document their experiences. The training was shown to be highly effective for the teachers, as evidenced through the dramatic increase in post -test scores over pre -test scores, and perhaps even more so through critical examination of their reflective journals.
The strange star product

In this paper, we introduce the strange star product. This product may be used to locate non-infinitely renormalizable unimodal maps f where is topologically conjugate to an adding machine. Given any sequence , with each , the strange star product can precisely construct the kneading sequence of a unimodal map with an embedded copy of the associated α-adic adding machine.
Discrete Time Modeling and Control of DC/DC Switching Converter for Solar Energy Systems

Distributed generation networks including micro grids benefit from solar cells that are controlled by dc-dc converters. In this paper a nonlinear discrete-time model for a buck converter tied to a solar system is derived with unknown internal dynamics. Then, adaptive neural network (NN) controller is employed to enhance stability of dc-dc converter connected to grid-tie inverter (GTI) in the presence of power system disturbances. The NN weights are tuned online by using a novel update law. By using Lyapunov techniques, all signals can be shown to be uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). In addition, the interaction of the converter with the GTI is investigated to assure stability of the entire interconnected system while the GTI is controlled via a novel stabilizer similar to power system stabilizer (PSS). The proposed nonlinear discrete-time converter controller along with the GTI, equipped with PSS, is simulated in Matlab Simulink environment. The results have highlighted the effectiveness of the proposed modeling and controller design.
Abstract 239: A Characterization of Patients Experiencing Primary and Repeat Cardiac Arrest with and Without Targeted Temperature Management

Background: Incidence of re-arrest following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after an initial cardiac arrest (CA) event is poorly understood. There are few published data describing the frequency of this phenomenon or patient factors associated with re-arrest. Objective: To measure incidence of re-arrest and to assess patient characteristics associated with re-arrest in a multicenter cohort. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of CA patients from 5/2005-6/2014 in two urban academic medical centers that employ the same post-arrest care protocol. We collected basic demographic information, initial arrest rhythm, location of initial arrest and survival to discharge. Results: Of all 3363 patients who experienced in- or out-of-hospital initial CA, 1760 (52%) achieved and maintained ROSC for at least 20 minutes. Subsequent re-arrest occurred in 351/1760 (20%) of patients, with 48/351 (14%) suffering re-arrest within the first hour of ROSC, and 235/351 (67%) suffering re-arrest within the first 24 hours. Median age was indistinguishable between patients who re-arrested and those who did not (63 (IQR 51,73) vs 63 (IQR 51,74), p=ns), nor was gender statistically associated with re-arrest. Shockable initial arrest rhythms were equally represented in both groups as well (90/351 (26%) in re-arrest, 375/1409 (27%) in those who did not re-arrest). Patients who suffered initial in-hospital CA were twice as likely to experience re-arrest as compared to those who had out-of-hospital initial CA (p Conclusion: In this cohort of patients, demographics were similar in both re-arrest and no re-arrest populations. About one-fifth of patients who achieved ROSC after initial CA rearrested. Re-arrest was not associated with any specific initial arrest rhythm. In-hospital initial CA was associated with a significantly higher re-arrest incidence. Patients experiencing re-arrest were significantly less likely to survive to discharge than those without re-arrest.
Managing Terrestrial Carbon in a Changing Climate

The threat of abrupt climate change by increase in atmospheric concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases has enhanced the interest and urgency of identifying strategies for reducing and sequestering anthropogenic emissions. The latter are caused by land use conversion that began with the dawn of settled agriculture several millennia ago, and by fossil fuel combustion that began with the onset of the industrial revolution in about 1750. Emissions from land use conversion during the pre-industrial era until about 1850 are estimated at ~320 Pg. Since 1850, emissions from fossil fuel combustion are estimated at ~350 Pg and those from land use conversion at ~150 Pg. These and other anthropogenic activities have caused drastic perturbation of the global carbon cycle with increase in the atmospheric C pool and an attendant decrease in the pedologic, biotic, and geologic (fossil fuel) pools. Together, the pedologic pool (4,000 Pg to 3 m depth) and the biotic pool (620 Pg), called the terrestrial pool, is the third largest pool, after the oceanic (38,000 Pg) and the geologic (~5,000 Pg). The depletion of the terrestrial C pool has created a C sink capacity which can be filled by conversion to a restorative land use and adoption of recommended soil, plant, and animal management practices. The process of transfer of atmospheric CO2 into the pedologic and biotic pools is called carbon sequestration. This natural process contrasts with that of the geoengineering techniques of carbon capture and storage (CCS) involving geologic and oceanic storage and mineral carbonation of CO2 into calcite etc. The strategy of biosequestration, in addition to being cost-effective, has numerous ancillary benefits. It is a truly win–win option. Specifically, it improves soil quality, enhances agronomic productivity, and advances food security. Improvement in soil quality by C sequestration is related to generation and stabilization of micro-aggregates created through formation of organo-mineral complexes. The strategies of biosequestration involve development of a positive ecosystems C budget in soil by mulch farming, conservation agriculture, no-till systems, integrated nutrient management including biological N fixation and mycorrhizae use of amendments including biochar, and adoption of complex farming systems such as agroforestry. There is no silver bullet or panacea, and the choice of a practice/strategy depends on site-specific conditions.
Application of comparative effectiveness research in evaluation of treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is a relatively new strategy in drug development and healthcare designed to aid consumers, clinicians, purchasers, and policy makers in determining the best treatment options for individual patients. While defined in scope of clinical research, CER has the potential to be applied to other outcomes including economic evaluation of treatments and their potential impact on overall healthcare utilization by using all available data from clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies. Whereas clinical trials have mainly compared new agents with placebo (either alone or added to background therapy), CER compares new treatments head-to-head with active comparators to determine a patient's best available options. Because of the emphasis on the patient, and its potential to identify the best treatment options and produce substantial cost savings, CER is likely to be an integral part of American healthcare reform. The Affordable Care Act's emphasis on CER should benefit patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a major chronic disease that affects 26 million Americans. The most recent innovations in marketed T2DM therapies include 2 classes of drugs focused on the incretin system: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This article reviews available CER among the incretin-based agents and for older T2DM therapies. CER is expected to open new avenues for research to clarify best practices in the treatment of T2DM, as well as possibly reduce treatment costs and improve the overall quality of public health.
Symposium: Arthur Danto, The Abuse of Beauty

In the title essay of The Philosophical Disenfranchisement of Art Arthur Danto describes two dominant strains of the philosophy of art in its Platonic beginnings: one that art is dangerous, and thu...
Transient Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Experiments

Two-dimensional (2-D) experiments have been conducted to study the phenomenon of liquid entrainment associated with interfacial hydrodynamic instabilities, in particular, the Rayleigh-Taylor instab...
Psychological Trauma and LGBT Caregivers: A Conceptual Framework to Guide Practice

LGBT adults face unique risk factors such as social isolation, discrimination, and victimization, and occasionally th ey engage in detrimental behaviors like high alcohol and drug use and risky sexual activity that negatively impacts psychological/physical health. These risks can affect their overall health and stress the relationship with an older caregiver/recipient-partner following exposure to acute medical event. The experience of an acute medical event among a LGBT caregiving partner can result in psychological trauma. In this article the authors present a conceptual framework involving stress process theory, life course theory, and family systems perspective to understand the effect of stressors on LGBT caregiving partners. Implications for social work practice include assessing, coordinating care, counseling and negotiating services at micro level, engaging family-centered approaches to support positive transition to caregiving role at mezzo level, and advocating for policy and cultural shifts to supports and diminish stigma of this group.
A Simulation-based Evaluation of Connected Vehicle Technology for Emissions and Fuel Consumption

Abstract Connected vehicle technology (CVT) is being tested at various research laboratories across the United States for its real-world applications. The aim is to properly know its benefits in order to make travel safe, reliable and environment-friendly. Although, with time, vehicles are becoming eco-friendlier and resourceful in energy consumption and utilization, majority of vehicles today still operate on fossil fuels and the resulting emissions are a by-product. Thus, most affordable cars and even trucks in future will continue to run on fossil fuels and might simultaneously be equipped with CVT features. Fossil-fuel dependent vehicles when fully equipped with CVT would need to accelerate or decelerate appropriately around critical junctions and locations of a network to avoid collisions. CVT in vehicles will be most appreciated for safety reasons at least at the roadway merge locations of the network. However, frequent accelerations and decelerations of the vehicles at merge points such as from ramp to freeway will also lead to increase in emissions and fuel consumption. This is precisely what this paper explores and investigates. A computer-based simulation exercise is carried out using an example of a ramp to Interstate 405 freeway merge location in Long Beach, California. Based on some basic but realistic assumptions for vehicular motion made in his paper, it is found that benefit from CVT in emission reduction is marginal for the three traffic conditions of free-flow, transitional period and rush-hour congestion. These findings will help engineers to prepare vehicles with a more sophisticated CVT that can provide better emission reductions and fuel savings at several ramp-to-freeway merge locations that exist across the city of Long Beach.
Ultrasonography, Computerized Transaxial Tomography and Pathology of Angiomyolipoma of the Kidney: Solution to a Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract The review of 9 anatomically proved cases of angiomyolipomas of the kidney has revealed characteristic findings of marked echoes on ultrasonography and areas of fat attenuation on computerized transaxial tomography. These 2 findings should resolve the diagnostic dilemma in this benign lesion and prevent the need for operative intervention in most cases.
Heart Failure in Thyrotoxic Cardiomopathy: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment for Graves’ Disease

Thyrotoxicosis-induced cardiomyopathy and consequent heart failure is one of the most grave complications of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. In such patients, early recognition of thyrotoxicosis, and directed antithyroid therapy can lead to rapid normalization of left ventricular function. Herein, we present a case of a 29-year-old male with Graves' disease who developed heart failure with severe deterioration of left ventricular function and eventually, circulatory collapse. Height and weight of the patient were 1.8 m and 84 kg, respectively. The patient was placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for immediate circulatory support, with restoration of cardiac function after 6 days.
Laser-assisted intracytoplasmic sperm injection in human oocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore potential applications of a non-contact, 1,480-nm diode laser to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of human oocytes. STUDY DESIGN: Human oocytes obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients and failed to fertilize 24-48 hours after conventional IVF were used for ICSI along with discarded sperm. A noncontact, 1,480-nm diode laser was employed to immobilize sperm, to open a hole in the zona pellucida (ZP) and to perform ICSI through the hole. After ICSI and its simulation, oocytes were examined for formation of pronuclei, cleavage and normality of the cytoskeleton. RESULTS: The 1,480-nm diode laser permitted fast and easy sperm immobilization and microdrilling of ZP to facilitate microinjection. Of the 78 injected oocytes, 53 (68%) survived the procedure, and 13 (25%) of them formed two pronuclei by 18 hours. Further culture of two fertilized eggs resulted in cleavage up to the eight-cell stage before cease of culture. Four oocytes were fixed after simulation of the procedure without injecting sperm. None of them showed gross abnormalities in cytoskeletal organization. CONCLUSION: A noncontact, 1,480-nm diode laser can be used for the immobilization of sperm and for opening a hole in the ZP to facilitate ICSI, biopsy manipulation toward preimplantation genetic diagnosis and assisted hatching.
Autophagy is not uniformly cytoprotective: a personalized medicine approach for autophagy inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In addition to surgical resection, which is considered first-line treatment at early stages of the disease, chemotherapy and radiation are widely used when the disease is advanced. Of multiple responses that may occur in the tumor cells in response to cancer therapy, the functional importance of autophagy remains equivocal; this is likely to restrict current efforts to sensitize this malignancy to chemotherapy and/or radiation by pharmacological interference with the autophagic response. Scope of review In this review, we attempt to summarize the current state of knowledge based on studies that evaluated the function of autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in response to radiation and the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Major conclusions In addition to the expected prosurvival function of autophagy, where autophagy inhibition enhances the response to therapy, autophagy appears also to have a “non-cytoprotective” function, where autophagy blockade does not affect cell viability, clonogenicity or tumor volume in response to therapy. In other cases, autophagy may actually mediate drug action via expression of its cytotoxic function. General significance These observations emphasize the complexity of autophagy function when examined in different tumor cell lines and in response to different chemotherapeutic agents. A more in-depth understanding of the conditions that promote the unique functions of autophagy is required in order to translate preclinical findings of autophagy inhibition to the clinic for the purpose of improving patient response to chemotherapy and radiation.
A learning algorithm to select consistent reactions to human movements

A balance between adaptiveness and consistency is desired for a robot to select control laws to generate reactions to human movements. Two existing algorithms, the weighted majority algorithm and the online Winnow algorithm, are biased for either strong adaptiveness or strong consistency. The dual expert algorithm (DEA), proposed in this paper, is able to achieve a tradeoff between consistency and adaptiveness. We give theoretical analysis to rigorously characterize the performance of DEA. Both simulation results and experimental data are demonstrated to confirm that DEA enables a robot to learn the preferred control law to pass a human subject in a hallway setting.
CMR characterization of atrioventricular inflow in constrictive pericarditis - findings of blood impact physiology

Methods We compared SSFP four chamber view images (20 phases per cycle protocol) between 11 surgically-confirmed CP patients and 11 controls. We deconvoluted the mechanics of the septal bounce and correlated it with periods of the cardiac cycle. To demonstrate that the septal bounce is caused by the interaction between the tricuspid inflow and septum we constructed a parameter called the septal flow ratio equal with the ratio between the tricuspid inflow directed towards the interventricular septum and the total tricuspid inflow at peak rapid ventricular filling, as seen in the Figure. Assuming that the tricuspid inflow is perpendicular on the tricuspid valve annulus plane, the dark rectangles represent the inflow impacting the septum while the white rectangles represent the inflow impacting the right ventricular free wall, with their sum representing the total inflow. Left panels are 3 examples of CP while on the right are 3 normal patients.
The Anthropology of Marketing

The term “culture” is defined. The work of a French psychoanalyst and marketing expert, Clotaire Rapaille, is discussed. He asserts that young children, during the first seven years of their lives, are “imprinted” with their national culture and this imprinting lasts for the rest of their lives, generally speaking. This explains why countries are so different: they imprint their children with their specific codes of behavior, foods, and related matters. The ideas of anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski about the “imponderabilia” of everyday life are discussed, which leads to an examination of the role of national culture codes on our behavior as consumers—information of great use to marketers.
Association Between Early Lactate Levels and 30-Day Mortality in Clinically Suspected Sepsis in Children.

Importance Improving emergency care of pediatric sepsis is a public health priority, but optimal early diagnostic approaches are unclear. Measurement of lactate levels is associated with improved outcomes in adult septic shock, but pediatric guidelines do not endorse its use, in part because the association between early lactate levels and mortality is unknown in pediatric sepsis. Objective To determine whether the initial serum lactate level is associated with 30-day mortality in children with suspected sepsis. Design, Setting, and Participants This observational cohort study of a clinical registry of pediatric patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department of a tertiary children’s hospital from April 1, 2012, to December 31, 2015, tested the hypothesis that a serum lactate level of greater than 36 mg/dL is associated with increased mortality compared with a serum lactate level of 36 mg/dL or less. Consecutive patients with sepsis were identified and included in the registry following consensus guidelines for clinical recognition (infection and decreased mental status or perfusion). Among 2520 registry visits, 1221 were excluded for transfer from another medical center, no measurement of lactate levels, and patients younger than 61 days or 18 years or older, leaving 1299 visits available for analysis. Lactate testing is prepopulated in the institutional sepsis order set but may be canceled at clinical discretion. Exposures Venous lactate level of greater than 36 mg/dL on the first measurement within the first 8 hours after arrival. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day in-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression to account for potential confounders. Results Of the 1299 patients included in the analysis (753 boys [58.0%] and 546 girls [42.0%]; mean [SD] age, 7.3 [5.3] years), 899 (69.2%) had chronic medical conditions and 367 (28.3%) had acute organ dysfunction. Thirty-day mortality occurred in 5 of 103 patients (4.8%) with lactate levels greater than 36 mg/dL and 20 of 1196 patients (1.7%) with lactate levels of 36 mg/dL or less. Initial lactate levels of greater than 36 mg/dL were significantly associated with 30-day mortality in unadjusted (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.10-8.17) and adjusted (odds ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.16- 9.16) analyses. The sensitivity of lactate levels greater than 36 mg/dL for 30-day mortality was 20.0% (95% CI, 8.9%-39.1%), and specificity was 92.3% (90.7%-93.7%). Conclusions and Relevance In children treated for sepsis in the emergency department, lactate levels greater than 36 mg/dL were associated with mortality but had a low sensitivity. Measurement of lactate levels may have utility in early risk stratification of pediatric sepsis.
Designing core-shell 3D photonic crystal lattices for negative refraction

We use a plane wave expansion method to define parameters for the fabrication of 3-dimensional (3D) core-shell photonic crystals (PhCs) with lattice geometries that are capable of all-angle negative refraction (AANR) in the midinfrared centered around 8.0 μm. We discuss the dependence of the AANR frequency range on the volume fraction of solid within the lattice and on the ratio of the low index core material to the high index shell material. Following the constraints set by simulations, we fabricate two types of nanolattice PhCs: (1) polymer core-germanium shell and (2) amorphous carbon core-germanium shell to enable experimental observation of 3D negative refraction and related dispersion phenomena at infrared and eventually optical frequencies.
Estimating HIV Medication Adherence and Persistence: Two Instruments for Clinical and Research Use.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires lifelong daily oral therapy. While patient characteristics associated with suboptimal ART adherence and persistence have been described in cohorts of HIV-infected persons, these factors are poor predictors of individual medication taking behaviors. We aimed to create and test instruments for the estimation of future ART adherence and persistence for clinical and research applications. Following formative work, a battery of 148 items broadly related to HIV infection and treatment was developed and administered to 181 HIV-infected patients. ART adherence and persistence were assessed using electronic monitoring for 3 months. Perceived confidence in medication taking and self-reported barriers to adherence were strongest in predicting non-adherence over time. Barriers to adherence (e.g., affordability, scheduling) were the strongest predictors of non-adherence, as well as 3- and 7-day non-persistence. A ten-item battery for prediction of these outcomes ( www.med.unc.edu/ncaidstraining/adherence/for-providers ) and a 30-item battery reflective of underlying psychological constructs can help identify and study individuals at risk for suboptimal ART adherence and persistence.
How much Takfir is too much Takfir? The Evolution of Boko Haram’s Factionalization

This article explores the ways in which the doctrine of takfir has been a central component in causing the Boko Haram movement to factionalize. The paper considers the historical origins of the concept of takfir and then turns to looking at how this concept has been (re)interpreted in the contemporary period among jihadist groups such as Boko Haram. Contemporary usage of takfirism as an ideology has often led to lethal consequences for civilians on the ground who are labeled “Kafir”, and devastating consequences for the internal cohesion of groups who use takfir as disagreements arise over who is or is not “Kafir”. The concept is highly controversial, and has torn jihadist movements apart. The priority given to this concept in Boko Haram factions provides an illustrative case study of takfirism in contemporary jihadist movements. In the conclusion, the article provides recommendations on how this concept can be incorporated into CVE programs and especially de-radicalization of both leaders and foot soldiers of Boko Haram.
Adiposity and Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the evidence of a causal link between adiposity and human cancer as “sufficient” for cancers of the colon, female breast (post-menopausal), endometrium, kidney (renal cell), and esophagus (adenocarcinoma). In addition to these cancers, more recent epidemiological evidence suggests that cancers of the liver and pancreas are obesity related, and that adiposity may also increase the risk for hematopoietic cancers and aggressive prostate cancer. The mechanisms by which obesity is postulated to induce or promote tumorigenesis vary by site. These include insulin resistance and resultant chronic hyperinsulinemia, increased bioavailability of steroid hormones, and localized inflammation. The role that leptin, adiponectin, and other proteins secreted by adipocytes may have in the development and progression of tumors is an active area of research.
Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood-Based Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Spectrum Disorders

Abstract Diabetes is a potent risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We review current evidence regarding fluid biomarkers that are associated with both AD and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as with closely related conditions such as prediabetes and insulin resistance. We also discuss current gaps in knowledge and methodological considerations for future studies. The identification of valid and reliable biomarkers for diabetes-related dementia that can be measured in blood products or cerebrospinal fluid can enhance our understanding of shared disease mechanisms or serve as predictors of risk, clinical progression, or treatment response. Such knowledge would provide critical insight into the basis for their association in epidemiological and population-based studies, as well as suggest strategies for treatment and prevention.
The Importance of ‘Likes’: The Interplay of Message Framing, Source, and Social Endorsement on Credibility Perceptions of Health Information on Facebook

Online sources not only permeate the information-seeking environment of the younger generation, but also have profound influence in shaping their beliefs and behaviors. In this landscape, examining the factors responsible for credibility perceptions of online information is fundamental, particularly for health-related information. Using a 2 (frames: gain vs. loss) × 2 (source: expert vs. non-expert) × 2 (social endorsement: high vs. low) randomized between-subjects experimental design, this study examines the effect of health message framing and the moderating effects of social endorsement and source type on credibility perceptions of Facebook posts. Testing across two issues––physical activity and alcohol consumption––findings indicate that the gain-framed message was perceived as most credible. Additionally, significant three-way interactions suggest that social endorsement and source type affect the relationship between message framing and credibility perceptions. Specifically, the findings demonstrate...
Role of transport in wood damage mechanisms – WSE 2017 keynote lecture

ABSTRACTThis paper is a written summary of the keynote lecture presented at the 13th Annual Meeting of the Northern European Network on Wood Science and Engineering (WSE2017). The lecture summarized work performed at the Forest Products Laboratory (Madison, WI, USA) over the past 10 years related to understanding diffusion through cell walls. The highlighted work includes advances in electrical measurements and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy. The paper also discusses how diffusion is related to many wood damage mechanisms. The ultimate goal of the presented research is to develop new methods of wood protection through an enhanced understanding of diffusion and its role in wood damage mechanisms.