cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oviposition Preferences of Plutella xylostella are Influenced by the Type of Plant Induction and Glucosinolate Hydrolysis Profiles

Effects of inducing plants by exposing them to insect herbivory, mechanical damage or damaged neighboring plants were evaluated on the oviposition preferences of Plutella xylostella. The role of plant genotypes differing in their glucosinolate hydrolysis profiles was also evaluated using a wild ecotype (Col-0) and a genetically modified line (tgg1tgg2) of Arabidopsis thaliana. While the Col-0 line has normal production of glucosinolate hydrolysis products, the double myrosinase knockout (tgg1tgg2) is defective in the production of these volatiles. Dual choice oviposition assays were performed using naive P. xylostella females, and the two A. thaliana lines, which were exposed to the three types of induction treatments. Female oviposition preferences were significantly influenced by both the type of plant induction and the plant genotypes differing in their volatile profiles. Plutella xylostella females significantly preferred to oviposit on herbivore-damaged plants (versus undamaged controls) when Col-0 plants were used, but chose control plants over the double myrosinase knockout tgg1tgg2. However, plant genotype did not influence oviposition choices between plant-plant primed or mechanically damaged plants and paired undamaged controls. Given the prevalent use of genetically modified plants and the potential differences in their responses to different types of induction, these factors may be important to consider in the management of specialist pests such as the diamondback moth P. xylostella.
The Wild Hope of an Alternative to Economics as Usual

Our current economic system, where growth is the answer to every problem, insures a bleak future not only for the natural world but for the human psyche. Using the work of philosophers, scientists, poets, and economists, this paper outlines how our biological connection to awe-inducing wild landscapes might help us reject a society defined by consumption and create a more sustainable and rewarding economic system
Acamprosate rescues neuronal defects in the Drosophila model of Fragile X Syndrome.

Abstract Aims Several off-label studies have shown that acamprosate can provide some clinical benefits in youth with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), an autism spectrum disorder caused by loss of function of the highly conserved FMR1 gene. This study investigated the ability of acamprosate to rescue cellular, molecular and behavioral defects in the Drosophila model of FXS. Main methods A high (100 μM) and low (10 μM) dose of acamprosate was fed to Drosophila FXS (dfmr1 null) or genetic control (w1118) larvae and then analyzed in multiple paradigms. A larval crawling assay was used to monitor aberrant FXS behavior, overgrowth of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) was quantified to assess neuronal development, and quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate expression of deregulated cbp53E mRNA. Key findings Acamprosate treatment partially or completely rescued all of the FXS phenotypes analyzed, according to dose. High doses rescued cellular overgrowth and dysregulated cbp53E mRNA expression, but aberrant crawling behavior was not affected. Low doses of acamprosate, however, did not affect synapse number at the NMJ, but could rescue NMJ overgrowth, locomotor defects, and cbp53E mRNA expression. This dual nature of acamprosate suggests multiple molecular mechanisms may be involved in acamprosate function depending on the dosage used. Significance Acamprosate may be a useful therapy for FXS and potentially other autism spectrum disorders. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved with different doses of this drug will likely be necessary to obtain optimal results.
Multicomponent γ’-strengthened Co-based superalloys with increased solvus temperatures and reduced mass densities

Abstract Several Co-Al-(W)-based γ-(FCC)/γ’-(L12) alloys are investigated to combine recent results indicating significant increases in the γ′-solvus temperature with additions of Ni, Ta, and Ti, and reduced mass density with the substitution of Mo and Nb for W. A maximum solvus temperature of 1167 ± 6 °C is achieved for an alloy with the composition Co-30Ni-7Al-4Ti-7W-1Ta (mole fraction × 100); while the composition Co-30Ni-7Al-4Ti-3Mo-2W-1Nb-1Ta (L19) exhibits a promising combination of high γ′ volume fraction and solvus temperature, low mass density, and excellent two-phase γ-γ′microstructural stability. Atom probe tomographic measurement of L19 aged for 4 h at 900 °C indicates that Ni, Al, Ti, W, Nb, and Ta partition preferentially to the γ′-precipitates while Co partitions strongly to the γ-matrix. Molybdenum segregates at the γ/γ′ interface, resulting in a reduction in the interfacial free energy of 1.63 ± 0.85 mJ m−2. Decreasing the mole fraction of Ni from 30% to 10% decreases the partitioning of Al and Ti to the γ′-phase and increases partitioning of Co, Mo, W, Nb, and Ta to the γ′-phase. From an analysis of coarsening kinetics (Ostwald ripening) at 900 °C in Co-xNi-7Al-4Ti-3Mo-2W-1Nb-1Ta (x = 10 and 30) interfacial free energies of 35.0 ± 18.6 mJ m−2 and 29.2 ± 15.5 mJ m−2 are calculated for mole fractions of Ni of 10% and 30%, respectively. This decrease in interfacial free energy with increasing Ni-concentration is attributed partially to both Mo-segregation at the γ-γ′ interface and a decrease in the lattice parameter misfit between the γ′-precipitate and γ-matrix, and concomitantly the misfit strain energy.
Linear Vibrations Based on Plate Equations

In Chapters 3 through 5, linear dynamical modeling has been developed for homogeneous, sandwich, and laminated composite plates. Now that plate equations are available, they can be applied directly to the linear vibration analysis of a finite-sized as well as an infinite plate. In this chapter, some topics on free and forced linear vibration analysis of finite plates have been selected.
T3SD The Tricotyledon Theory of System Design

In this paper is described a comnletely rigorous mathematical theory of system design in which system function analysis, requirements analysis, implementability, modelling and simulation all find their appropriate and completely logical roles.
Ultrafast Beam Switching Using Coupled VCSELs

We propose a new approach to performing ultrafast beam switching using two coupled Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs). The strategy is demonstrated by numerical simulation, showing a beam switching of 10 deg at 42 GHz.
Aspects of ecology and conservation of sympatric, prosobranch snails in a large river

We examined factors influencing distribution of prosobranch snails with field surveys, lab substrate-choice and movement experiments, and outdoor artificial stream experiments manipulating current, substrate and temperature. Restriction of Lithasia obovata to shallow, isolated rock patches and the more continuous distribution of Pleurocera canaliculatum on diverse substrates (shallow to deep water) seem related to food availability, predator vulnerability, wave resistance and dispersal abilities. Shallow, rocky habitats favored by the relatively fragile-shelled Lithasia maximize the more nutritious, epilithic microalgal food while minimizing wave displacement (firmer substrate) and exposure to molluscivorous fish inhabiting deeper waters. The broader distribution of the heavily-armored Pleurocera is attributed mostly to greater dispersal abilities (e.g. via deep water, gravel pathways), prevalence in more substrate types, and resistance to fish predators, but their relatively small foot may account for low densities in very shallow, wave-swept habitats. Lithasia is vulnerable because of its restriction to isolated, shallow rocky habitats, inability to reach deeper gravel dispersal pathways, and greater susceptibility to cold temperatures (slowing colonization of other habitats). Impoundments increase this threat by blocking inter-reach dispersal and hindering intra-reach dispersal through siltation. Pleurocera's survival is threatened by biofouling from zebra mussels which are more prevalent in depths inhabited by this species.
Beyond the Belly: An Appraisal of Middle Eastern Dance (aka Belly Dance) as Leisure

Middle Eastern dance (aka belly dance) is an ancient and expressive form of movement, associated with feminine and community-based celebration and ritual. However, it is also thought of as erotic, ...
A New Classification System for Craniomaxillofacial Deformities

The preceeding chapters have provided an excellent review of the various classification systems used to characterize congenital craniofacial deformities, cleft lip and palate deformities, posttraumatic deformities, postinfection deformities, and deformities acquired in the management of oncologic disease. While each of the previous classification schemes possess certain advantages in describing the individual defect or directing the surgical management for their particular anatomic region, neither is universal or all-inclusive when assessing the craniomaxillofacial deformity patient. An ideal system would account for each of the particular osseous structures that are absent (or about to be removed), the quantity and quality of the overlying soft tissues (i.e., skin and/or mucosa), the vascular supply available for microvascular reanastomosis, the presence of nerve tissue that could restore sensation and function, and the suitability of the tissues to allow prosthetic restoration of specialized structures (i.e., teeth, eyes, auricles, or the nose).
The Effectiveness of Tax Credits for Charitable Giving

State-level individual income tax credits for charitable giving are a common and often generous subsidy for donors but have not been examined holistically. This paper gathers novel panel data on each US state’s income tax credits for charitable contributions, identifying 46 credits in 23 states between 2000 and 2016. Generally, the credits target specific types of charitable giving and are more generous than federal and state charitable deductions, while not requiring taxpayers to itemize. These data are linked to the PSID/COPPS panel data on charitable giving to compute estimates of policy effects. Estimated policy effects are not statistically different from zero and are estimated with sufficient precision to rule out large effects. We conclude with a discussion of potential reasons states’ credits have little effect on giving.
Design of Experiment Comparing Users of Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays and Desktop Computers

The use of computer-generated simulations have been standard practice in a wide range of tertiary and vocational education and training applications for decades. The growing ubiquity, relative affordability, increasing computing power and functionality of Virtual Reality headsets are creating new opportunities for personalized, immersive simulation experiences that can be used anywhere and anytime. For Virtual Reality headset experiences to be sustainable and appropriate for long-term usage in education and training programs, it is critical to investigate the practicalities of implementing such a technology. Thus, the investigation of emerging Virtual Reality technologies against conventional training systems can provide a better understanding of their impact. This paper presents an experimental design used to compare user performance, user motivation and user experience of searching tasks in identical virtual environments between two system configurations: (i) Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Display and a (ii) traditional desktop computer. A pilot study (participants N = 5) was performed with a between-group experimental design, using objective and subjective measures. The outcomes of this study and the lessons learned from developing, testing and refining the experimental design contribute to the broader knowledge of investigating and validating Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays for education and training applications.
Parent Distress Following Pediatric Burn Injuries

Parents commonly report elevated distress following a child's burn injury, yet limited research has identified child or injury characteristics that may explain parent distress. The main goal of the current study is to examine prevalence and predictors of parent distress following children's burn injuries by evaluating distress symptoms in a clinic sample of parents whose children present for evaluation and treatment at a regional burn center. Participants included parents of 407 children who experienced a burn injury. Of this sample, follow-up data at a second time point was obtained for 130 children and their caregivers. Parents completed a measure of distress. Clinical and demographic variables were extracted retrospectively from the medical chart. Clinical and at risk levels of distress were reported by nearly 19% of parents at Time 1. Parent distress at Time 1 was associated with child minority race, fewer days since burn injury, and greater burn size. A propensity score was used to account for potential differences between parents with data at Time 1 only versus those with data at Time 2. Parents with Time 2 data tended to have higher levels of distress at Time 1. Of parents with Time 2 data, 17% continued to report elevated distress, and Time 1 distress was the best predictor of later distress. A proportion of parents report elevated distress following their children's burn injuries. Our results suggest that best practices should include routine screening of parent distress following pediatric burn injuries to guide appropriate interventions.
Eucerin: A Revolutionary Formulation Still Going Strong for Over a Century.

Eucerit, now more commonly known as Eucerin, was a revolutionary emulsion developed more than 100 years ago that is still popular and in common use today. The initial formulation is still the basis for a relevant global product line that holds significant market share today. The concept for Eucerin was originally developed in Germany by Dr Isaac Lifschutz, who helped develop Eucerin, meaning "beautiful wax," in 1898. The ointment was very smooth, allowing Eucerin to develop as a stable emulsion. Eucerin was revolutionary and outperformed all of its predecessors in emulsion stability, moisturizing ability, its ability to resist degradation, and its cost-effectiveness.1.
Asymmetric cointegration and the J-curve: new evidence from commodity trade between the U.S. and Canada

Previous research that investigated asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes on the bilateral trade balance of the U.S. with Canada using their aggregate bilateral trade flows did not find support for such effects. In this paper we disaggregate the trade flows of the two countries by commodity and consider experiences of 161 industry that trade between them. After estimating the linear and nonlinear ARDL models we find support for the asymmetric short-run effects in all industries, short-run adjustment asymmetry in 69 industries, significant short-run cumulative or impact asymmetry in 37 industries and significant long-run asymmetric effects in 62 industries. Small as well as large industries were in the list.
Establishment of reference intervals for complete blood count parameters in venous blood for children in the Xiamen area, China.

Objectives To observe changes in the complete blood count (CBC) venous blood parameters of healthy children and establish appropriate reference intervals (RIs). Methods Overall, 4066 healthy children were selected and divided into four groups: infants, toddlers, preschool-age children and school-age children. Venous blood was analysed for 17 parameters. Outlier data for each parameter were eliminated and RIs were established based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute C28-A3c guideline. Results The RIs for certain parameters differed among the different age groups. The white blood cell (WBC) count differed among the four age groups. The variation trends for absolute neutrophil count in all age groups were opposite to those for WBC and absolute lymphocyte count. The mean absolute eosinophil count values were significantly higher in the infant group than in the other groups. The RIs for red blood cell were identical across all age groups except in infants. The mean Hb level for infants was significantly lower than that for the other age groups. The mean and RI for platelet count were significantly higher in the infant group than in the other groups. Conclusions There are dynamic variations in the values reported for measurements of most CBC parameters in children. Hence, such results should always be interpreted according to the child's age. Thus establishing appropriate RIs for different age groups in paediatrics is essential.
Identifying the Class of Disturbance Events Using Recurrence Quantification Analysis

Classifying disturbance events in a power system is a challenging task. This paper proposes an online application of event detection and classification using the Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). Nonlinear measures based on recurrence plots are examined to assess the characteristics of location and type of disturbance events. The Principle Components Analysis is used for dimensionality reduction and an unsupervised clustering method is applied to identify two types of disturbance events, namely, short circuit faults and generator trips. Simulations are conducted on a 29-machine 179-bus reduced WECC system to validate the proposed algorithm. Results show that the RQA measures might be an effective tool to identify the location and type of disturbance events.
Making mirrors for giant telescopes

Advances in our understanding of the Universe depend on improvements in sensitivity and angular resolution that can come only with larger telescopes. Telescope diameters increased by almost an order of magnitude in the last century, but that growth has been sporadic, limited mainly by the ability to make bigger mirrors that hold their shape against the dynamic effects of gravity, wind and temperature. Three major advances in mirror technology occurred in the 1980s, including the lightweight honeycomb mirrors made at the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona. In this informal paper, I will describe these technologies and show how they enabled the current generation of 8- to 12-m telescopes and how they are now being used to build telescopes of 25 to 39 m.
Platelets get gutted by PAG.

Platelets are physiologically essential to hemostasis and maintaining vascular integrity, but also commonly take on deadly roles as causative drivers of acute thrombosis in cardiovascular disease (...
Women who stirred it up

There have been numerous calls for the full inclusion of women’s history into the traditional narratives represented in social studies curriculum and teaching (Engebretson, 2014; Hahn et al., 2007;...
An integrative understanding of comparative cognition: lessons from human brain evolution

A comprehensive understanding of animal cognition requires the integration of studies on behavior, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, development, and genomics. Although studies of comparative cognition are receiving increasing attention from organismal biologists, most current studies focus on the comparison of behaviors and anatomical structures to understand their adaptative values. However, to understand the most potentially complex cognitive program of the human brain a greater synthesis of a multitude of disciplines is needed. In this review, we start with extensive neuroanatomic comparisons between humans and other primates. One likely specialization of the human brain is the expansion of neocortex, especially in regions for high-order cognition (e.g., prefrontal cortex). We then discuss how such an expansion can be linked to heterochrony of the brain developmental program, resulting in a greater number of neurons and enhanced computational capacity. Furthermore, alteration of gene expression in the human brain has been associated with positive selection in DNA sequences of gene regulatory regions. These results not only imply that genes associated with brain development are a major factor in the evolution of cognition, but also that high-quality whole-genome sequencing and gene manipulation techniques are needed for an integrative and functional understanding of comparative cognition in non-model organisms.
Athermal Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with Heterogeneous Cladding for Bio-Sensing

We propose an all-silicon temperature-insensitive Mach-Zehnder interferometer designed for biosensing applications. The interferometer demonstrates near-zero temperature sensitivity of 1.2 pm/0C near 1550 nm wavelength with a bulk sensitivity of -465 nm/ RIU.
Telehealth as An Alternative To In-Person Visits For Pediatric Weight Management: Evaluating Anthropometric And Laboratory Results.

Background/Purpose: Telehealth has the ability to expand quality care to patients unable to access specialty health services, such as expertise on weight management. This is especially critical in rural settings where the prevalence of pediatric obesity is generally higher than in urban areas. The objective of this study was to compare quantitative results from patients visiting a weight management clinic to those participating in similar care remotely via a more recently established telehealth alternative, predominately in rural areas where access to these services would not previously have existed. …
Changes in an Amphibian Community at Powdermill Nature Reserve, Southwest Pennsylvania, Over a 37-Year Period

Historical biodiversity datasets provide invaluable opportunities to examine changes in natural populations, especially with respect to land use and climate change. In 2020, we resurveyed the amphibian community at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. using pitfall traps, replicating surveys that were conducted in 1982–1983. We compared species richness and abundance across the two time periods and examined the potential influence of temperature on capture rates. Species richness was relatively stable, but species composition varied across sampling periods. Most notably, the majority of captures (60.6%) in the 1980s were anurans, and the majority of captures (91.2%) in 2020 were salamanders. Anuran captures peaked earlier in 2020 compared to the 1980s, and salamander captures peaked later in the season, but capture rate was not significantly related to temperature for either group. Shifts in relative abundance should be examined further to determine if these represent temporary or permanent changes.
Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinomas with EGFR mutations

Abstract Background Routine mutation profiling for resected lung cancers is not widespread despite an increasing array of targeted therapies. We report the incidence of EGFR mutations (EGFRmu+) in resected lung adenocarcinomas and their outcomes at a large, North American cancer center to characterize this population now eligible for targeted adjuvant therapy. Methods Among 1036 pulmonary resections performed between 2015-2019, 647 (62%) patients had adenocarcinomas that underwent molecular profiling by next-generation sequencing. Clinical and pathologic characteristics, along with survival, were analyzed. Results EGFRmu+ were identified in 238 (37%) patients. Patients with EGFRmu+ were more likely to be Asian than those with EGFR wild-type (79/238 (33%) vs. 37/409 (9%), p Conclusions While Asian, never-smokers comprise a disproportionately large group of patients with lung adenocarcinomas with EGFRmu+, the majority of EGFR mutations within our cohort were found in patients who are white or with a smoking history, supporting a routine, rather than selective approach to mutation profiling. Patients with surgically resected stage IA and IB lung adenocarcinomas enjoy excellent survival regardless of their mutational status.
Ex vivo lung perfusion: how we do it

Lung transplantation is an established treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, a shortage of donors, low lung utilization among potential donors, and waitlist mortality continue to be challenges. In the last decade, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has expanded the donor pool by allowing prolonged evaluation of marginal donor lungs and allowing reparative therapies for lungs, which are otherwise considered not transplantable. In this review, we describe in detail our experience with EVLP including our workflow, setup, operative technique, and protocols. Our multidisciplinary EVLP program functions with the collaboration of surgeons, pulmonologists, and EVLP nurses who run the pump. EVLP program has been a valuable addition to our program. Since Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2019, we experienced incremental increased lung transplant volume of 12% annually.
Use of Lean Healthcare to Improve Hospital Throughput and Reduce LOS.

Improving the discharge process is an area of focus throughout healthcare organizations. Capacity constraints, efficiency improvement, patient safety, and quality care are driving forces for many discharge process workgroups. Methods Following the Pareto principle, we focused on improving the discharge process on the medical-surgical units that received the most patients admitted from the emergency department. Increased demand for medical-surgical beds, renovations, and diminished bed capacity made it imperative to improve efficiency using quality improvement techniques. A core team of frontline staff decreased the time between computer entry of discharge orders and patient's departure from the unit to less than 60 minutes, with 80% compliance. The team developed a daily dashboard that detailed the process and outcome measures to create situational awareness and daily visual management. Additional observations of staff workflow uncovered excessive walking for printer use. Printers were placed at the point of use to reduce transport times. Next, using survey results provided by patients on discharge quality, a Treasure Map that aided with teach-back and Team Discharge were implemented to level the staff's workload. Finally, physicians discharged patients earlier in the day. They standardized their discharge criteria to remove subjectivity from the discharge process and enable better team involvement. Results After implementing 4 interventions, the average time between computer entry of discharge orders and patient's departure from the unit decreased (94.26 versus 65.98 minutes; P Conclusions In conclusion, hardwiring proven interventions and complementing them with daily visual management led to significant, sustained results.
A KBase case study on genome-wide transcriptomics and plant primary metabolism in response to drought stress in Sorghum.

Abstract A better understanding of the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that confer stress resistance and tolerance in plants is key to engineering new crops through advanced breeding technologies. This requires a systems biology approach that builds on a genome-wide understanding of the regulation of gene expression, plant metabolism, physiology and growth. In this study, we examine the response to drought stress in Sorghum, as we leverage the tools for transcriptomics and plant metabolic modeling we have implemented at the U.S. Department of Energy Systems Biology Knowledgebase (KBase). KBase enables researchers worldwide to collaborate and advance research by uploading private or public data into the KBase Narrative Interface, analyzing it using a rich, extensible array of computational and data-analytics tools, and securely sharing scientific workflows and conclusions. We demonstrate how to use the current RNA-seq tools in KBase, applicable to both plants and microbes, to assemble and quantify long transcripts and identify differentially expressed genes effectively. More specifically, we demonstrate the utility of the platform by identifying key genes differentially expressed during drought-stress in Sorghum bicolor, an important sustainable production crop plant. We then show how we can use KBase tools to predict the membership of genes in metabolic pathways and examine expression data in the context of metabolic subsystems. We demonstrate the power of the platform by making the data, analysis and interpretation available to the biologists in the reproducible, re-usable, point-and-click format of a KBase Narrative thus promoting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) guiding principles for scientific data management and stewardship.
The Conundrum of Training in Global Surgery: Are We There Yet?

Recent updates regarding the unmet surgical need indicate that 5 billion of theworld’s 7 billion people lack access to safe and timely surgical care.1 One of the critically missing pieces is trained surgical staff, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and biomedical engineers. The ecosystemof people and processes, as well as supplies and infrastructure, is necessary tobegin to remove thegaps in care.Yet, how to fill the human resource gap has remained a conundrum. The consortium approach to surgical education has many merits and has worked well in other, nonsurgical settingswhereconsortiaofuniversities support themedical training programs in a low-resource country. The limitation to this approach for surgery has been the small numbers of US surgeons available to teach, combined with the constraints of time andobligations to their homedepartments. This shortcoming has necessarily created a situation inwhich discontinuity is the normand training brigades, camps,workshops, ormissions attempt to fill at least someof the training needs.2 As described by Cook et al2 in this issue of JAMA Surgery, the Alliance for Global Clinical Training program with the Muhimbili University ofHealth andAllied Sciences,Dar es Salaam,Tanzania, servesasavaluable templateand learningsystemonwhich tobuild a full surgical platform.Lessons learned can be applied to similar academic consortia to support other training centers. This model will require financial support to becomesustainableonbothends.With thepassing inMay2015 of the new resolution at the World Health Assembly on Strengthening Emergency and Essential Surgical Care and Anaesthesia as a Component of Universal Health Coverage,3 coupled with the recent report from the DCP3 Essential Surgery Author Group4 and theWorld Bank and the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery 2030 report,1 critical momentum is developing to address the financial needs both of the visiting trainers and the surgical training centers they are entrusted to help support. An evidence-based approach to developing surgical capacity is emerging, and the political will to do so has been strengthenedby the realizationof thebenefits to theeconomy of societies. Without scale-up of surgical care, low-income and middle-income countries between 2015 and 2030 will lose an estimated $12.3 trillion (2010 US dollars purchasing parity).1 Yet, scaling up of surgical care cannot be done strictly through the efforts of volunteers, even in academic consortia. A new model must emerge that values training and includes clinical decision making and technical skill and systems integration in a tangible and sustainableway. This is the time for academic surgical programs to learnmore aboutwhat it takes to create and sustain a surgical ecosystem rather than to just train technical operations, both domestically and internationally.
Learning to solve problems by searching for macro-operators

This thesis explores the idea of learning efficient strategies for solving problems by searching for macro-operators. A macro-operator, or macro for short, is simply a sequence of operators chosen from the primitive operators provided by a problem. The technique is particularly useful for problems with non-serializable subgoals, such as Rubik's Cube, for which other weak methods fail. Both a problem solving program and a learning program are described in detail. The performance of these programs is analyzed in terms of the number of macros required to solve all problem instances, the length of the resulting solutions expressed as the number of primitive moves, and the amount of time necessary to learn the macros. In addition, a theory of why the method works, and a characterization of the range of problems for which it is useful are presented. The theory introduces a new type of problem structure called operator decomposability. Finally, it is concluded that the macro technique is a valuable addition to the class of weak methods, that macro-operators constitute an interesting and important type of knowledge, and that searching for macros may be a useful general learning paradigm.
Assessing hepatomegaly: automated volumetric analysis of the liver.

Rationale and Objectives The aims of this study were to define volumetric nomograms for identifying hepatomegaly and to retrospectively evaluate the performance of radiologists in assessing hepatomegaly. Materials and Methods Livers were automatically segmented from 148 abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scans: 77 normal livers and 71 cases of hepatomegaly (diagnosed by visual inspection and/or linear liver height by radiologists). Quantified liver volumes were compared to manual measurements using volume overlap and error. Liver volumes were normalized to body surface area, from which hepatomegaly nomograms were defined (H scores) by analyzing the distribution of liver sizes in the healthy population. H scores were validated against consensus reports. The performance of radiologists in diagnosing hepatomegaly was retrospectively evaluated. Results The automated segmentation of livers was robust, with volume overlap and error of 96.2% and 2.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences (P > .10) between manual and automated segmentation for either the normal or the hepatomegaly subgroup. The average volumes of normal and enlarged livers were 1.51 ± 0.25 and 2.32 ± 0.75 L, respectively. One-way analysis of variance found that body surface area (P = .004) and gender (P = .02), but not age, significantly affected normal liver volume. No significant effects were observed for two-way and three-way interactions among the three variables (P > .18). H-score cutoffs of 0.92 and 1.08 L/m2 were used to define mild and massive hepatomegaly (95% confidence interval, ±0.02 L/m2). Using the H score as the reference standard, the sensitivity of radiologists in detecting all, mild, and massive hepatomegaly was 84.4%, 56.7%, and 100.0% at 90.1% specificity, respectively. Radiologists disagreed on 20.9% of the diagnosed cases (n = 31). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the H-score criterion for hepatomegaly detection was 0.98. Conclusions Nomograms for the identification and grading of hepatomegaly from automatic volumetric liver assessment normalized to body surface area (H scores) are introduced. H scores match well with clinical interpretations for hepatomegaly and may improve hepatomegaly detection compared with height measurements or visual inspection, commonly used in current clinical practice.
A template-to-slice block matching approach for automatic localization of brain in fetal MRI

To enhance post-acquisition processing of fetal brain MRI we have developed a template-to-slice block matching technique that matches a spatiotemporal (4D) atlas of the fetal brain to the corresponding section of the brain in each 2D fetal MRI scan. As compared to the recent studies which used feature based approaches for fetal brain localization, we propose a template matching approach that registers the template to each slice of the brain in 3D. In addition to brain localization, this novel technique registers the template to each fetal MRI scan thus is useful for slice-level motion correction, brain segmentation, and reconstruction. In this paper we describe the details of our algorithm and report statistical analysis of the accuracy of localization and registration. We examined the algorithm on 366 scans obtained from fetal MRI of 30 subjects and used a 4D MRI atlas of the fetal brain as template. Our results show 94% success rate in brain localization, and 73% successful matching, with a median localization error of 6.45 mm for all scans, and median target registration error of 4.2 mm for successfully localized scans. This algorithm can be used for automatic localization of fetal brain as the first step of fetal MRI analysis pipeline.
A Rush to (Summary) Judgment in Franchisor Liability Cases

Legal and factual issues regarding franchisor liability pose challenges for the legal community. This is an article about courts striving to fashion the law of franchisor liability for franchisee torts, an area of the law with serious and unsettled issues. It discusses how courts seek guidance from respondeat superior and apparent agency doctrines in determining the principles of franchisor vicarious liability. Much of the discussion is based on case law and Restatement (Third) of Agency. Estoppel and direct liability principles are also considered. This article examines a number of cases that illustrate questionable factual determinations in granting summary judgments favorable to franchisors, thereby denying trials to injured parties. It also reviews some cases illustrating better approaches to factual determinations. Since summary judgments should be granted only in the absence of material facts at issue, erroneous fact-finding seriously undermines the judicial process.The formulation of the law of franchisor liability is especially important because of its potential to encourage franchisors to promote better health and safety practices to benefit franchisee patrons and the general public.
Abstract T P314: Hemorrhagic Stroke Model to Predict In-House Mortality: A Single Center Cross-Validation Study

Background: Although hemorrhagic strokes have high mortality rates, few models attempt to predict outcomes post ictus. A 2013 study by Smith and colleagues in JAHA used a national database to develop a risk score for predicting in-hospital mortality rates for stroke patients, assigning weighted point values to demographic and clinical variables based on a logistic regression model. We assessed the hypothesis that this risk score could be applied to a hemorrhagic population at a single tertiary center. Methods: The full cohort of 1872 patients consisted of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients admitted to a single tertiary center and enrolled into two separate prospective databases. There were 1560 consecutive patients enrolled in the SAH database between 1996 and 2013, and 312 consecutive patients enrolled in the ICH database between 2009 and 2013. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed on the entire cohort and subsets of SAH and ICH patients, and area...
Human immunodeficiency virus infection of megakaryocytic cells

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is capable of infecting certain cells of hematopoietic lineage, particularly monocyte-macrophages and T lymphocytes. Recently, the possibility that cells of megakaryocytic lineage are susceptible to HIV infection has been raised. We have characterized infection of the permanent megakaryocytic cell line CMK by HIV in vitro. CMK cells were easily infected by HIV type 2 (HIV-2), producing significant amounts of virus in culture. Infection appeared to be mediated by the CD4 surface antigen on CMK cells. Three different strains of HIV-1 were able to minimally infect CMK cells, suggesting there may be isolates of HIV tropic for megakaryocytes. Infection of CMK cells led to downregulation of the CD4 surface antigen but no discernable change in expression of megakaryocyte-associated proteins glycoprotein Ib and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. These observations support the likelihood that megakaryocytes are susceptible to HIV infection, and cell lines of megakaryocytic origin may provide a useful model to study effects of the retrovirus on megakaryocyte function.
Challenges and Benefits of Early Bilingualism in the United States' Context.

The population of young dual language learners (DLL) in the United States has tripled in the last several decades and now accounts for 25% of all children in the United States (Migration Policy Institute, June 2014). Many of these children are exposed to multiple languages in the home and the early childhood setting (ECE) setting, and the vast majority are U.S. citizens. Despite the robust research documenting the extensive capacity of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to learn multiple languages and the cognitive, social, and linguistic benefits of early bilingualism, most young DLLs in the United States do not receive enriched ECE that supports their emergent bilingualism. This article reviews the latest research, describes the developmental characteristics of young dual language learners, the similarities and differences between DLLs and young monolingual children, the current ECE policies and practices toward DLLs in the United States, and concludes with policy recommendations at the federal, state, and local levels.
Double blind controlled trials of cholecystokinin octapeptide in neuroleptic-refractory schizophrenia.

A group of 14 schizophrenics who remained symptomatic after neuroleptic treatment received either 0.02 mcg/kg CCK-8 or saline placebo intravenously. Thereafter, 13 received the alternative infusion as a crossover treatment. A second group of 16 such patients received 0.04 mcg/kg CCK-8 or saline intravenously and, thereafter, 14 of these received the alternative infusion as a crossover treatment. Psychopathology was rated prior to, 2–3 h post, and on days 3, 5 and 7 after each infusion. Ratings consisted of the BPRS, the Abrams and Taylor Scale for Emotional Blunting, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and a Schneiderian “Positive” symptom scale abstracted from the Present State Examination. Parallel groups and cross over design analyses failed to show efficacy for CCK-8.
“We’re Real Here” Hooters Girls, Big Tips, & Provocative Research Methods

This article considers why we cringe at Hooters. Based on yearlong conversations with “Hooters girls” at one local restaurant, it illuminates productive tensions between young women, cultural representation, and research methodology. What can an embodied, generational postethnographic approach to one ideal—the Hooters Girl—reveal about the many conflicting ways young women are conceived or contested? I argue the work of Hooters girls—their representational labor as icons but also their critique of their service employment—challenges the political, ethical, and historical stakes of critical qualitative inquiry (QI). At Hooters, young women share an interpretive community (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). As a result, this research is less about who Hooters girls really are, what they say, or even the controversy over how they look, than it is about new ways to really look with them.
Human interferon-α- and -γ-mediated inhibition of retrovirus production in the absence of an inhibitory effect on vesicular stomatitis virus and encephalomyocarditis virus replication in RD-114 cells☆

Abstract RD-114 line is a human sarcoma cell line chronically infected with RD-114 retrovirus. Treatment of these cells with increasing doses of human interferon-α or -γ resulted in increasing inhibition of RD-114 virus production. Surprisingly, the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus and encephalomyocarditis virus, in these cells and in the parental RD cells which are not infected with the retrovirus, was insensitive to interferon treatment. Unlike reported differences in other properties of interferon-α and interferon-γ, there were no differences in their antiretroviral properties such as dose response, kinetics of establishment of the antiretroviral state, and kinetics of its dissipation upon removal of interferon.
Lumped kinetics of many irreversible bimolecular reactions

Abstract We generalize previous results that the lumped kinetics of many symmetric irreversible bimolecular reactions at large times is usually of second order. However, this behavior can be violated in special situations, for which we given conditions. We show how the asymptotic second-order rate constant depends on the feed composition in a way that allows only a finite number of possibilities, which can be expressed in terms of the underlying rate constants. Each of these possibilities usually corresponds to a unique asymptotic mixture composition, but a continuum of asymptotic compositions can also exist. The system exhibits a long-term memory when the asymptotic behavior depends on the feed composition. Stability theory is used to develop an algorithm for determining observable asymptotic compositions and rate constants. Numerical examples are provided for binary and ternary mixtures to illustrate some structural features of general bimolecular systems. Implications of the present results for experimental kineticists and process modelers are discussed.
Statistical Scene Study Of Skylab Infrared Data

The S-192 conical multispectral scanner, which acquired data during the 1973-1974 Skylab mission, represents one of the best sources of high resolution medium and long wave infrared data obtained by a space based sensor. The 2.1-2.35 pm and 10.2-12.5 pm spectral bands are of considerable interest since they represent spectral bands or resolutions not available from LANDSAT, DMSP, or HCMM. In this study, four S-192 data sets were investigated from the viewpoint of the statistical properties of the scenes themselves. These S-192 data sets contained scene data not normally acquired by aircraft-based remote sensors, but of interest to many applications. Represented in the data sets were: several cloud types, coastal mountains, snow covered mountains and valleys, and ocean backgrounds. The data sets were studied by choosing areas of homogeneous background and obtaining the power spectral density (PSD). The statistics of like areas were compared. Particularly of interest was the effect of clouds, both optically thin and thick, on the statistics of terrain backgrounds. In this paper, PSDs based on Skylab S-192 will be presented and infrared and statistical measures for specific background classes will be discussed.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thermoplastic elastomer gels : An advanced substrate for microfluidic chemical analysis systems

We demonstrate the use of thermoplastic elastomer gels as advanced substrates for construction of complex microfluidic networks suitable for use in miniaturized chemical analysis systems. These gels are synthesized by combining inexpensive polystyrene−(polyethylene/polybutylene)−polystyrene triblock copolymers with a hydrocarbon extender oil for which the ethylene/butylene midblocks are selectively miscible. The insoluble styrene end blocks phase separate into localized nanodomains, resulting in the formation of an optically transparent, viscoelastic, and biocompatible gel network that is melt-processable at temperatures in the vicinity of 100 °C. This unique combination of properties allows microfluidic channels to be fabricated in a matter of minutes by simply making impressions of the negative relief structures on heated master molds. Melt processability allows multiple impressions to be made against different masters to construct complex geometries incorporating multi-height features within the same m...
Effect of dinitrophenol on the pattern of methionine transport along the small intestine of the rat.

Der Transport desL-Methionins durch die Rattendarmwand wurde in vitro untersucht. Die Transportgeschwindigkeit im Verlaufe von 1 h ist am hochsten im unteren Jejunum und im oberen Ileum (Abschnitte 4, 5 und 6). DNP-verursachte Hemmung ist in diesen Darmabschnitten am starksten, was das Verschwinden des Maximums bewirkt.