cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Flap Weight and Postoperative Complications Based on Flap Weight in Patients Undergoing Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Background Higher body mass index (BMI) has been shown to increase postoperative complications in autologous breast reconstruction. However, the correlation with flap weight is unknown. Here, we explore the relationship of flap weights and complication rates in patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction. Methods Retrospective chart review identified all patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction with abdominally based flaps at a single institution between November 2007 and April 2013. Breasts with documented flap weight and 1-year follow-up were included. Patients undergoing stacked deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps were excluded. Breasts were divided into quartiles based on flap weight and examined by demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, and revisions. Results A total of 130 patients undergoing 225 flaps were identified. Patients had a mean age of 50.4 years, mean BMI of 27.1 kg/m2, and mean flap weight of 638.4 g (range: 70-1640 g). Flap weight and BMI were directly correlated. Flaps were divided into weight-based quartiles: first (70-396 g), second (397-615 g), third (616-870 g), and fourth (871-1640 g). There were no associations between flap weight and incidences of venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, hematoma, flap loss, fat necrosis, or donor site hernia. However, increased flap weight was associated with increased rate of donor site wound healing problems in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions Increased flap weight is not associated with added flap complications among patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction, however, patients with flaps of 667.5 g or more are more likely to have donor site healing problems. The success and evidence contrary to previous studies may be attributed to surgeon intraoperative flap choice.
Consumer Responses to Spatial Distance and Social Distance in a Cause Marketing Campaign: A Structured Abstract

Individuals often think about and make decisions regarding social events that are geographically near or distant. Due to the ongoing globalization in the era of social media, effects of spatial distance (e.g., donation proximity; local vs. global) of companies’ cause marketing (CM) campaigns have been explored as a meaningful message cue that can influence consumers’ evaluations toward a CM campaign (Grau and Folse 2007; Inoue et al. 2013; Ross et al. 1992; Ross et al. 1991).
Patulin, a Mycotoxin, Has Potent Cytotoxic Activity on Actue Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Induce Apoptosis through Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways.

Background: Patulin (4-Hydroxy-4H-furo 3,2-C-pyran-2(6H)-one) is a mycotoxin produced by various species of fungi. Previous literature reports have suggested that Patulin is toxic to the immune system and is believed to kill T cells by covalently bonding to intermediates in the p38 map kinase pathway. We hypothesized that Patulin may have selective cytotoxicity against T-cell and B-cell malignancies. Method: The cytotoxicity of Patulin was tested against normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells, malignant hematopoietic cell lines and primary leukemia cells. Malignant and normal mononuclear cells were incubated with serial dilutions of Patulin for 24 hours. Growth inhibition was assessed using an MTT assay and cytotoxicity and apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry following staining with 7AAD and annexin V. The concentration producing half maximal cytotoxicity (IC50) was determined for each target cell population. To further examine on the mechanisms responsible for the cytotoxic effect of Patulin, caspase pathway activation was examined by Western blot analysis. Results: Twelve leukemia/lymphoma cell lines, 8 samples of blood containing primary leukemia and lymphoma, and mononuclear cells from 9 normal donors were tested. Patulin induced cell death of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells in a dose-dependent manner at micromolar concerntrations. The T-cell H9 cell line is > 100 times more sensitive to Patulin than normal T cells (IC50, 0.5μM vs. >50μM). The IC50 of other cell lines can be found in the Table. Annexin-V positivity, indicating apoptosis, was seen in 15%, 70% and 90% of H9 cells exposed to Patulin 0.3, 1.6 and 32μM 24hours, respectively. The fractions of viable primary tumor cell were also markedly reduced after treatment, with IC50 between 0.3 to 2.3 for acute lymphoblastic/myeloid leukemia. As shown in the Fig, western blotting of cell extracts from patulin-treated H9 cells revealed that treatment with Patulin for 24 hours results in activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3 into cleaved forms. PARP, the substrate of caspase-3, was significantly degradated after Patuin treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Patulin can kill primary leukemia and leukemia cell lines by triggering apoptosis and by activating both intrinsic and extrinsic caspase pathways. The selective cytotoxicity of Patulin on T/B-cell malignant cell lines and primary leukemia cells suggests potential therapeutic activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma.
Pilot study: use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in feline renal transplant recipients

ObjectivesThe study aims were to evaluate the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in feline renal transplant recipients in the post-transplantation period and to report findings in a c...
Rational Agents and Irrational Bubbles

We present a theoretical model demonstrating formation, growth, and crushes of bubbles. Our model does not rely on overconfidence, “animal spirits,” or any sort of naive market participants. We show how rational traders knowingly and willingly participate in bubbles markets. We also demonstrate how bubbles burst and examine endogenous as well as exogenous forces responsible for the collapse. This model has broad appeal as it offers an explanation for the important economic phenomena of business and market cycles.
Praxis and Critical Pedagogy

Praxis is the complex intermingling of theory and practice. The term “praxis” is derived from ancient Greek. Enacting praxis, early childhood and elementary educators reflect on practice through self-dialogue, among other educators and students. Then, educators and students decide and take action based on reflection and dialogue. Teachers engaged in practice soon realize that praxis requires them to reexamine cherished beliefs and consider alternative teaching and learning practices.
Embryonic lethality in mice due to carnitine transporter OCTN2 defect and placental carnitine deficiency.

Abstract l -Carnitine plays a crucial role in uptake and subsequent β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids in the mitochondria. Placental trophoblast cells oxidize long-chain fatty acids for energy production. Here we present data showing that l -carnitine deficiency due to a defect in the carnitine transporter OCTN2 (SLC22A5) in a mouse model leads to embryonic lethality. Placental levels of l -carnitine are reduced to l -carnitine is associated with markedly reduced expression of several growth factors and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) genes. This report links for the first time reduced l -carnitine levels in the placenta to embryonic lethality.
Effects of delay and duration of light deprivation on recovery of function from neglect induced by unilateral medial agranular prefrontal cortex lesions in rats

Forty-eight hours of postoperation light deprivation (LD) has been found to produce complete and permanent behavioral recovery of function from neglect induced by unilateral lesions of medial agranular cortex (AGm) in rats. The two experiments in the present study parametrically examined the postoperation delay prior to LD and the duration of LD necessary to produce recovery from severe neglect. Subjects in both experiments received unilateral AGm lesions and were tested for the degree of neglect of visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli prior to and after experiencing LD. The results of the study of delay of LD indicated that LD administered 4 h postsurgery produced dramatic immediate recovery from severe neglect, and the recovery lasted for the duration of behavioral testing (3 weeks) following LD. The longer delay groups (52 and 100 h) and the no-manipulation controls did not demonstrate behavioral recovery. The 28-h delay group demonstrated an intermediate effect following LD. The results of the study of duration of LD indicated that the therapeutic effect of LD was duration dependent. Forty-eight hours of LD produced a significant reduction in the severity of neglect, but shorter durations (4 and 24 h) did not. The results of the present study indicate that a critical postoperative period exists in which LD must be initiated in order to produce recovery from severe neglect and that LD has to be administered for a period of at least 24 h to produce any evidence of recovery of function. These findings may have clinical implications for the treatment of neglect in humans.
Imaging neurological emergencies in pregnancy and puerperium

The altered physiologic state of female patients during and just after pregnancy places them at an increased risk for several potentially life-threatening neurologic disorders. Swift diagnosis of such pathology and related complications is critical in order to reduce risk of morbidity and mortality to both the mother and the fetus. Neuroimaging plays an important role in the emergent diagnosis of pathology associated with pregnancy and puerperium, and it is critical for the radiologist to be cognizant of correlative imaging findings. Furthermore, given concerns regarding risks of neuroimaging to the fetus, it is important for the radiologist to act as an informed consultant regarding balancing fetal risks and the mother's health. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology and neuroimaging findings associated with diagnoses that are unique to or highly associated with pregnancy and puerperium, as well as to understand the role that CT and MR play in diagnosis during and just after pregnancy, and their respective risks to the fetus.
Rituximab and low dose oral immune modulating treatment to maintain a sustained response in severe pemphigus patients

Objectives: This pilot retrospective study examined the role of continuous low-dose maintenance immunomodulatory treatment (IMT) as an adjunct to rituximab (RTX) rescue therapy in severe pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) after a complete response (CR) to RTX was achieved. Materials and methods: Ten severe pemphigus patients who received RTX rescue therapy were evaluated after achieving CR. The post-RTX clinical course and long-term follow up was compared between patients who adhered to a low recommended dose (LRMD) to patients who were non-compliant with LRMD. Results: Five patients relapsed due to discontinuing or tapering their LRMD therapy, whereas the five patients who adhered to their maintenance therapy did not experience a relapse after the initial post-RTX CR. A combination of increasing or adding IMTs and initiating subsequent RTX cycles was used to regain control in relapsed patients. Conclusions: We propose an alternative treatment strategy utilizing RTX as a rescue agent in combination with long-term LRMD as a means to maintain a sustained long-term CR post-RTX therapy in severe pemphigus patients. This strategy could prevent disease flares and the need for additional RTX cycles and higher dosages of immunomodulatory therapies.
Challenges of an Expanded Obligation

Though the focus of the book is to draw attention to the potential threat to administrative legitimacy, it is also critical that policymakers understand that an expanded obligation to accommodate religion in the workplace presents myriad implementation challenges. Building upon the previously explained ambiguity in defining religion, this chapter highlights the difficulty for front-line managers—many of whom have minimal, or no, supervisory training—trying to determine whether the requested accommodation is proper.
Gemcitabine and plasmacytic non-Hodgkin lymphoma response.

e19537 Background: Lymphomas are highly sensitive to chemotherapy. Gemcitabine is an active agent in non-Hodgkin lymphomas NHL. It is a diflourinated analogue of deoxycytadine which acts as antimet...
Investigation on the synthesis and photocatalytic activity of activated carbon–cerium oxide (AC–CeO2) nanocomposite

Nano-sized photocatalyst cerium oxide (CeO2) particles and activated carbon–cerium oxide (AC–CeO2) composite are prepared by facile hydrothermal technique. Their properties are analyzed by subjecting them to characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples is monitored by UV–visible spectrophotometer. The PXRD, FTIR, Raman and EDX analyses confirm the formation of CeO2 nanoparticles. The PXRD studies revealed that the CeO2 nanoparticles and AC–CeO2 nanocomposite have face centered cubic structure. The average crystallite size of CeO2 nanoparticles and AC–CeO2 nanocomposite, estimated using Scherrer formula, is found to be 21 nm and 7 nm. The HRSEM images show that the CeO2 nanoparticles and AC–CeO2 nanocomposite have spherical morphology and some agglomeration. The HRTEM images strongly confirm spherical morphology of both CeO2 nanoparticles and AC–CeO2 nanocomposite. The particle size of the CeO2 nanoparticles and AC–CeO2 nanocomposite are in the size range 20–30 nm and 7–15 nm, respectively. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns reveal that both samples are polycrystalline in nature. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles and AC–CeO2 nanocomposite is measured by degrading methylene blue dye under solar radiation. The photocatalytic activity study shows that the AC–CeO2 nanocomposite has a degradation efficiency of 94% in 1 h for methylene blue, which is remarkably high when compared to that of CeO2 nanoparticles.
Building a Foreign Law Collection at the University of Michigan Law Library, 1910-1960

Ms. Leary describes the vision, energy, imagination, and techniques of the dedicated people who built an eminent foreign law collection at the University of Michigan Law Library. She also uses Michigan as an example to illustrate the development of libraries and librarianship nationally.
Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry With Lumped Elements on Asymmetric Transmission Lines

Spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) has been traditionally used to detect hard faults (open and short circuit faults) in transmission lines. Prior work has focused on loads at the end of the line with little research on impedances from circuit elements located in the middle of the line (i.e., not at the load) or on only one wire of the line. In this work we consider cases of transmission lines with different impedances on each wire. We refer to lines with the same impedance on both wires (positive and negative) as symmetric. Lines with different impedances on each wire are asymmetric. For highly localized impedances (approximately infinitesimal in length, i.e. with a length significantly smaller than the wavelength of the incident signal), the reflections and their effects on the propagating wave become difficult to describe with traditional transmission line theory. We provide analytical expressions for reflection coefficients for symmetric and asymmetric transmission lines and show that these formulae describe experimental measurements of capacitors and resistors to about 99% accuracy for the magnitudes and 75% for the phases.
Effects of cytoplasmic and nuclear inheritance on preweaning growth traits in three size lines of beef cattle

Birth weight (BW), 205-d weaning weight (WW) and total preweaning gain (GAIN) data were evaluated for evidence of cytoplasmic genetic effects in calves from three synthetic lines of beef cattle differing in mature size. Bulls of Jersey, Angus and Sinunental breed combinations were used to generate small (S), medium (M) and large (L) size lines represented in each of two research herds (Rhodes and McNay). Analyses involved records collected on 2543 calves at Rhodes and 1281 calves at McNay from 1978 to 1987. Pedigree information tracing back to the initiation of the project was used to assign calves to cytoplasmic lineages. Numbers of cytoplasmic lineages represented by size group were 69 (S), 67 (M) and 56 (L) at Rhodes and 61 (S), 47 (M) and 19 (L) at McNay. Data were analyzed separately by herd and size line using two mathematical models. Model I included fixed effects of calf birth year, sex of calf and age of dam along with the random effects of sires, cytoplasmic lineages and residual error. Model II differed only by the inclusion of random cows within cytoplasmic lineage effects. For Model I, effects of cytoplasmic lineage were significant (P<.01) for all traits and size lines at Rhodes. At McNay cytoplasmic
Neuroprotective effects of Riluzole and Curcumin in human astrocytes and spinal cord white matter hypoxia

Damage to the spinal cord (SC) can result in irreversible impairments or complete loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Riluzole, a sodium channel-blocker and glutamate inhibitor, is in preclinical use for SC injury (SCI), and curcumin is an intracellular calcium inhibitor that attenuates glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. As riluzole and curcumin have different mechanisms to protect against SCI, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a combination of riluzole and curcumin in human astrocytes and white matter injury (WMI) model of SCI. Our data show that a combination of riluzole (1 μM) and curcumin (1 μM) was effective in inhibiting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative dress in astrocytes derived from human SC, however, curcumin alone showed a significant inhibition. In addition, our results demonstrated that curcumin alone downregulates the hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1, GFAP, and NF-H proteins in WMI, whereas riluzole alone and in combination with curcumin remained ineffective in changing the expression of these proteins. Contrarily, after inhibiting Ca2+ influx with EGTA, riluzole alone and in combination with curcumin significantly downregulated hypoxia-induced expression of GFAP and NF-H. After analysis of caspase 9 and cleaved caspase 9, we observed that curcumin and riluzole both inhibit apoptosis significantly, whereas their combination remains ineffective. Furthermore, we observed that neuroprotective effects of curcumin and riluzole are mediated through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that curcumin and riluzole protect astrocytes from oxidative stress and white matter from hypoxia. However, their combination is not beneficial to reduce hypoxia-induced astrocytosis, axonal damage, and apoptosis. From our results, it is evident that curcumin is more effective in reducing WMI than riluzole.
Covid-19 induced transition from classroom to online mid semester: Case study on faculty and students’ preferences and opinions

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate faculty and students’ reactions to the COVID-19 emergency move to online classes The goal was to better inform instructional strategies to be used in similar circumstances and to inform best practices in online pedagogy Method: Online surveys were administered to students and faculty near the end of the semester to evaluate different aspects of the transition Classes included in the study were scheduled as full-semester, on-campus classes but made an emergency switch to online post-spring break, after eight weeks Results: Students’ and faculty’s comfort levels at the time of the switch depended on the amount of prior experience they had in online teaching and learning Individual students and faculty experienced varying degrees of ease of adjustment to the switch in format from in-class to online Faculty had to adapt quickly to determine the best way to replicate the in-class experience Many faculty would depend on familiarity with technology and creativity with its usage To varying degrees, comfort level improved as the semester progressed for both faculty and students Still, a majority of students expressed less interest than before in taking online classes Conclusions: The level of preparedness of faculty and students determined the outcome of this natural experiment The adjustment was easier for those with prior experience with the online format and/or for those who felt comfortable with the format Implication for Practice: As faculty and students prepare to return to the classroom, consideration can be given to best practices in online pedagogy to support students and faculty Our findings point to the need for institutional preparedness for unforeseen circumstances © 2020, Laureate Education All rights reserved
Direct measurements of the 3D plasma velocity in single-helical-axis RFP plasmas

The first local velocity measurements of helical equilibrium plasmas in the Reversed Field Pinch (RFP) Single Helical Axis (SHAx) state using a Charge Exchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CHERS) diagnostic are presented. Measurements show strong axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric flow, with n = 5 components of flow related to the ( m , n ) = ( 1 , 5 ) dominant magnetic mode on the order of the axisymmetric flow in certain regions of the plasma, as well as significant n > 5 flow. Flow measurements are compared with NIMROD simulations of visco-resistive, single-fluid MHD in toroidal and cylindrical geometries with limited axial periodicity. Both measurements and the simulation with toroidal geometry show stronger inboard flows relative to the outboard flows, which is attributed to the toroidal geometry of the device. In the experiment, the n = 5 component of flow is phase shifted from the reconnection-like flow pattern observed in the single-fluid simulations, possibly due to decoupling of the ion and electron fluids over much of the plasma. Finally, the strength of the helical angular flow shear relative to the critical shear necessary to disrupt nonlinear coupling between tearing modes is calculated around the helical magnetic axis. The shear in the measured flow is on the order of the theoretical critical threshold needed to nonlinearly decouple modes, but the measurement uncertainty in the gradient of the flow is large.
A 44-Year-Old Man Presenting With Massive Hemoptysis and Dyspnea

Case Presentation A 44-year-old man presented to the ED with acute massive hemoptysis and hypoxia. His history was notable for 1 year of progressively worsening shortness of breath at both rest and with exertion. He denied chest discomfort and endorsed near syncope while driving in recent months. He recently had been treated with antibiotics for two episodes of presumed pneumonia, based on right lower lobe opacification on chest radiography.
Juvenile Diversion and the Family: How Youth and Parents Experience Diversion Programming:

Despite extensive research into juvenile justice interventions, there is a limited focus on family engagement, including parent–child experiences in these various programs. Even less research explo...
Beyond religion in India and Pakistan: gender and caste, borders and boundaries: by Virinder S. Kalra and Navtej K. Purewal, London, Bloomsbury, 2020, 222pp., $108 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-350-04175-2

In an ambitious and variegated book based on more than ten years of ethnographic research in field sites spanning Punjab province in Pakistan to the state of Punjab in India, Virinder S. Kalra and ...
WATER-SOLUBLE EMBEDDING MEDIA FOR ULTRASTRUCTURAL CYTOCHEMISTRY: DIGESTION WITH NUCLEASES AND PROTEINASES11This research was supported by research grants C-510 (C13) and C4602 from the National Cancer Institute, United States Public Health Service, and by the Mutuelle Générale de l'Education Nationale, Paris.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the comparison of three water-soluble embedding media, one a new methacrylate called glycol methacrylate and two epoxy resins, Aquon and Durcupan, with respect to the preservation of cell ultra-tructure and the digestibility of sections of formol-fixed tissues in enzyme solutions. In glycol methacrylate sections, there is rapid and specific digestion of nucleic acids of cells and viruses with ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease; however, in Durcupan section, the nucleases are unable to react. The cell components that are susceptible to attack by pepsin and trypsin vary with the embedding medium employed. It is suggested that the media can exert this differential effect by differences in the way in which they combine with reactive groups of proteins and nucleic acids and, possibly, by differences in the penetrability of the insoluble polymers by the enzymes.
An algorithmic framework for synthesis of concurrent programs

We present a framework that takes unsynchronized sequential processes along with a temporal specification of their global concurrent behaviour, and automatically generates a concurrent program with synchronization code ensuring correct global behaviour. The synthesized synchronization code is based on monitors with wait and notify operations on condition variables, and mutual-exclusion locks. Novel aspects of our framework include realistic low-level synchronization implementations, synthesis of both simple coarse-grained synchronization and more complex fine-grained synchronization, and accommodation of both safety and liveness in global correctness properties. The method is fully automatic as well as sound and complete.
Complexes formed by complementary RNA stem-loops: Their formations, structures and interaction with ColE1 Rom protein

Regulation of replication of plasmid ColE1 involves interaction of two plasmid-specified RNA transcripts. One of these RNAs (RNA II) serves as a primer for DNA synthesis, and the other (RNA I) is complementary to part of RNA II. The complementary regions of RNA I and RNA II form several stem-loop structures. Binding of these RNAs that regulates DNA replication begins by interaction at the loop regions. Plasmid-coded Rom protein stabilizes the product of the interaction. In this paper, the mechanism of the loop-to-loop interaction between pairs of RNA stem-loops having various nucleotide sequences is studied. Binding of two stem-loops containing six to eight nucleotides in their loops requires that the loop sequences be complementary, whereas the stem sequences need not be. The association rate constants for binding of complementary pairs with various sequences are relatively similar, around 1 x 10(6) M-1 S-1. On the other hand, the rates of dissociation of the complexes vary greatly depending on the loop sequence, even for complexes having the same base composition, suggesting a strong effect of base-stacking. All the complementary bases in the seven-nucleotide loops participate in complex formation, and the resulting complex is bent a little at the interacting region. Rom binds and stabilizes any complex formed by pairs containing fully complementary loop sequences. Structures are proposed for the RNA complexes with and without Rom.
A nonaxisymmetric endwall design approach and its computational assessment in the NGV of an HP turbine stage

Abstract Nonaxisymmetric endwall contouring has recently become one of the ways to minimize the secondary flow related losses in a turbine nozzle guide vane (NGV) passage. In this study, a specific nonaxisymmetric endwall contouring design methodology is introduced. Fourier series based splines at different axial locations are generated and combined with the help of streamwise B-Splines within solid modeling program. Eight different contoured endwalls are presented in this paper. Computational study of these designs is performed by the finite-volume flow solver. The SST k – ω turbulence model is selected and a bodyfitted structured grid is used. Total pressure distribution at the NGV exit shows that contouring the endwall effectively changes the results. From among these various designs, the most promising one is with the contouring extended in the upstream of the vane leading edge. Mass-averaged value of 3.2% total pressure loss reduction is achieved at the NGV exit plane. The current study was performed in a rotating turbine rig simulating a state of the art HP turbine stage. An NGV only simulation is performed. This approach is helpful in isolating rotor–stator influence and the possible upstream flow modifications of the rim seal cavity flow existing in the rotating turbine research rig. The investigation including the rotor–stator interaction and rim seal cavity flow is the topic of a subsequent paper currently under progress.
Characterization of Solid Breast Masses Use of the Sonographic Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Lexicon

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of sonographic American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting And Data System (BI-RADS) classification in differentiating benign from malignant breast masses. Methods One hundred seventy-eight breast masses studied by sonography with a known diagnosis were reviewed. All lesions were classified according to the sonographic BI-RADS lexicon. Pathologic results were compared with sonographic features. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the sonographic BI-RADS lexicon were calculated. Results Twenty-six cases were assigned to class 3, 73 to class 4, and 79 to class 5. Pathologic results revealed 105 malignant and 73 benign lesions. The sonographic BI-RADS lexicon showed 71.3% accuracy, 98.1% sensitivity, 32.9% specificity, 67.8% PPV, and 92.3% NPV. The NPV for class 3 was 92.3%. The PPVs for classes 4 and 5 were 46.6% and 87.3%. Typical signs of malignancy were irregular shape, antiparallel orientation, noncircumscribed margin, echogenic halo, and decreased sound transmission. Typical signs of benignity were oval shape and circumscribed margin. Conclusions The sonographic BI-RADS lexicon is an important system for describing and classifying breast lesions.
Volume visualization: advances in transfer and opacity function generation for interactive direct volume rendering

Direct volume rendering is an advanced technique for visualizing the structure of volume data sets. It maps directly from the data set to the rendered image without any intermediate geometric calculations. This paper presents a method to generate high-quality renderings by designing opacity functions that (1) are correctly correlated to particular data values of interest, (2) discriminate regions of interest from remaining data values, and (3) dynamically control the transfer function by relating values located in the raw volume data set to color and specified opacity values. Gradient constructs are formulated to capture more effectively subtle features within the volume. Gradient calculations are performed on directional derivatives along gradient directions. The method described herein is applied to data generated at the GE Aircraft Engines in Evansdale, OH which are available through the Stanford's Volpack library.
The effect of anoxia on membrane-bound ATPase and K+-p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activities in the rabbit heart

The effect of anoxia on the activities of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and K+-activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase was determined in the adult rabbit myocardium. All studies were performed using the arterially perfused septum at a perfusion rate of 2.5 ml/g/min. All septa were studied first with a perfusate equilibrated with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 at 27°C at 60 beats/min (control). Thirty or 60 min of anoxia were then induced using perfusate equilibrated with 95% N2 and 5% CO2. For each anoxic muscle a control muscle was perfused with oxygenated perfustate for a period equal to the anoxic period. The membranes were isolated by two methods: Dietze et al., and Matsui and Schwartz. In the myocardium, the maximal specific activities of membrane (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, after 30 and 60 min of anoxia were not statistically different from control. The p-nitrophenyl phosphatase and the K+-activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase remained unchanged after 30 and 60 min of anoxia. The results suggest that 60 min of anoxia does not affect the maximal activities of membrane ATPase or K+-activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase.
Aerothermodynamic study of slender conical vehicles

A numerical study was performed to assess the applicability of some current techniques which can be used for aerothermal predictions over slender spherically blunted cones. Predictions using a viscous-shock-layer method and several engineering approaches were compared with experimental results from flight and ground-based tests, with each other, and with other detailed results. Good agreement was obtained in comparisons with laminar and turbulent heating data from the Reentry F flight vehicle and with the wind-tunnel data. In particular, the viscous-shock-layer method was shown to yield excellent comparisons and should be useful in providing detailed flowfield and surface values for slender blunted cones. Additional predictions were obtained with these methods for two 5-deg half-angle cones with different nose radii to illustrate the effects of nose bluntness and angle of attack on drag and heat transfer. These results demonstrate the benefit of nose blunting with respect to heating and drag for laminar and transitional flow at zero-lift conditions and the benefit of heating reduction at angle of attack. Detailed comparison of the engineering code predictions with the viscous-shock-layer results for these additional cases generally showed good agreement except for the laminar prodictions at angle of attack on the forward cone surface. Nonequilibrium calculations at 0-deg angle of attack showed that substantial benefits of low surface catalysis existed only in the nose-dominated region.
Identification, conservation, and relative expression of V-ATPase cDNAs in tomato plants

Vacuolar H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) are multi-subunit enzymes that pump protons into intracellular compartments, thereby regulating pH levels. Because V-ATPase genes are highly conserved, using known sequences inArabidopsis to identify orthologous genes in other plants is possible. Using expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in the TIGR Tomato Gene Index, we have identified 23 distinct cDNAs representing all 13 known V-ATPase subunits. The subunits composing the 2-hexamer ring structures are the most highly conserved, whereas those forming peripheral stalks are the least conserved. Relative expression analyses using the same data set suggested several broad patterns of gene expression in tomato plants. V-ATPase ESTs were found in 26 of 27 libraries, normally within a 3-fold level of relative expression. EST frequencies were highest in roots, then in fruits, and essentially identical in all other tissues. In the libraries sampled, relative expression values for individual subunits varied widely and suggest that mRNAs encoding subunits a, e, and F are in low abundance in most tomato plant tissues. Finally, V-ATPase relative expression levels increased over the course of fruit ripening. The identification of cDNAs, description of conservation patterns, and preliminary expression analyses in this work should open the door for future V-ATPase studies in tomato plants.
The evolutionary history of placodes: a molecular genetic investigation of the larvacean urochordate Oikopleura dioica

The evolutionary origin of vertebrate placodes remains controversial because divergent morphologies in urochordates, cephalochordates and vertebrates make it difficult to recognize organs that are clearly homologous to placode-derived features, including the olfactory organ, adenohypophysis, lens, inner ear, lateral line and cranial ganglia. The larvacean urochordate Oikopleura dioica possesses organs that morphologically resemble the vertebrate olfactory organ and adenohypophysis. We tested the hypothesis that orthologs of these vertebrate placodes exist in a larvacean urochordate by analyzing the developmental expression of larvacean homologs of the placode-marking gene families Eya, Pitx and Six. We conclude that extant chordates inherited olfactory and adenohypophyseal placodes from their last common ancestor, but additional independent proliferation and perhaps loss of placode types probably occurred among the three subphyla of Chordata.
Widespread tissue distribution and diverse functions of corticotropin-releasing factor and related peptides

Peptides of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family are expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues where they play diverse roles in physiology, behavior, and development. Current data supports the existence of four paralogous genes in vertebrates that encode CRF, urocortin/urotensin 1, urocortin 2 or urocortin 3. Corticotropin-releasing factor is the major hypophysiotropin for adrenocorticotropin, and also functions as a thyrotropin-releasing factor in non-mammalian species. In the CNS, CRF peptides function as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. Recent work shows that CRF peptides are also expressed at diverse sites outside of the CNS in mammals, and we found widespread expression of CRF and urocortins, CRF receptors and CRF binding protein (CRF-BP) genes in the frog Xenopus laevis. The functions of CRF peptides expressed in the periphery in non-mammalian species are largely unexplored. We recently found that CRF acts as a cytoprotective agent in the X. laevis tadpole tail, and that the CRF-BP can block CRF action and hasten tail muscle cell death. The expression of the CRF-BP is strongly upregulated in the tadpole tail at metamorphic climax where it may neutralize CRF bioactivity, thus promoting tail resorption. Corticotropin-releasing factor and urocortins are also known to be cytoprotective in mammalian cells. Thus, CRF peptides may play diverse roles in physiology and development, and these functions likely arose early in vertebrate evolution.
Evaluation of a Bio-Organic Catalyst in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Ponds

A bio-organic catalyst was tested in ponds used to grow channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, at Auburn, Alabama, for its effect on water quality, soil organic carbon, and channel catfish production. Although there were no significant differences (P > 0.1), ponds treated with the bio-organic catalyst tended to have higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen than control ponds during summer months even though all ponds were aerated mechanically. Data on water quality and soil organic carbon suagested that the bio-organic catalyst caused a slight but statistically significant inhibition of phytoplankton productivity, which in turn lessened the nighttime oxygen demand. Although fish production did not increase as the result of greater dissolved oxygen availability, fish survival was higher in the treated ponds (P = 0.1). At the maximum daily feeding rate of 75 kg/ha, water quality was not severely impaired in any of the ponds. The bio-organic catalyst product might have grcater benefits in ponds with higher s...
An assessment of the inhibitory activity of rat serum on staphylococci

A study has been made on the effect of rat serum on staphylococci. By following the respiration and growth of 5 strains ofStaphylococcus aureus and an equal number ofS. epidermidis in fresh, normal rat serum, we found thatS. aureus grew in, and oxidized rat serum better thanS. epidermidis. Difference in growth was not correlated with nutritional requirements. The antibacterial agent of fresh, normal, undiluted rat serum was stable to heating at 56 C for 1 hr, but its activity was completely destroyed after heating at 60 C for 2 hr. A 50 per cent dilution of rat serum with nutrient broth significantly reduced the antibacterial activity and treatment of rat serum with 0.4m solutions of sodium citrate reduced it drastically. Once the serum had been treated with sodium citrate, or oxalate, addition of equimolar solutions of calcium chloride or magnesium chloride failed to restore the antibacterial activity. Addition of ferric ions in high concentrations allowed the coagulase-negative strains of staphylococci to grow well in this serum. The antibacterial agent of rat serum was absorbed by heat-killed cells ofStaphylococcus aureus andS. epidermidis but not byStreptococcus pyogenes andEscherichia coli. Treatment of rat serum with bentonite at a concentration of 100 mg per ml decreased its antibacterial activity.
Can states buy peace? Social welfare spending and civil conflicts:

This study examines whether the state’s ability to provide social welfare services has any major effect on the probability of civil conflict onset. We argue that welfare spending contributes to sus...
Performance of an elliptical centric view order for signal enhancement and motion artifact suppression in breath-hold three-dimensional gradient echo imaging

An elliptical centric phase-encoding (PE) order is applied to steady-state 3DFT imaging as performed during a single breath-hold or following contrast agent administration. In a set of simulation, phantom, and in vivo experiments, this truly centric PE order is shown to be both more resistant to breathing artifact and more capable of suppressing undesirable venous signals that can arise following peak arterial enhancement than a number of other centric PE techniques that are presently in use. Unlike other PE orders, the elliptical centric ordering changes with the relative dimensions of the two PE fields of view and is optimal based on increasing k-space radius. It thus creates a temporally diminishing importance to the PE order. The specific advantages of such an acquisition are demonstrated.
Impairment in pulmonary bioenergetics following chlorphentermine administration to rats

Abstract Biochemical alteration in pulmonary oxidative metabolism and morphological integrity of lung mitochondria were examined in rats following administration of chlorphentermine (30 mg/kg, ip, 5 days per week) for 1 or 2 weeks. During the first week of treatment, body weight gain and food intake were decreased markedly but returned to control levels during the second week. Phospholipid content of the lung was increased 31% and 110% after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment, respectively. This was accompanied by a striking intraalveolar accumulation of hypertrophic alveolar macrophages. The metabolism of both (1- 14 C)- and (6- 14 C)-glucose was decreased 27% and 26%, respectively, after 2 weeks of drug treatment. In rat lung mitochondria, chlorphentermine significantly lowered the RCR and ADP/O ratio and stimulated state 4 respiration. State 3 respiration and uncoupled state respiration were unaffected. These data indicate that chlorphentermine functions as a true uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation when administered in vivo . Furthermore, disruption of mitochondrial membranes was observed frequently in lung mitochondria from treated animals. These combined data indicate that the induction of pulmonary phospholipidosis by chlorphentermine is accompanied by marked alterations in subcellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial structure.
Reversible Atrioventricular Block in Myxedema

Disturbances in atrioventricular conduction with myxedema have been described. The present study describes three such cases with varying degrees of atrioventricular block, which reverted to normal sinus rhythm following thyroid hormone replacement There is a strong likelihood that myxedema and reversible atrioventricular block following therapy represent a significant association. In view of the rarity of pharmacologic reversibility in atrioventricular block, the need to screen patients for myxedema is stressed. Microscopic examination of the cardiac muscle in one case revealed the presence of PAS positive material in a perinuclear distribution in the cytoplasm of a myocardial fiber.
Simulation study on 3D trajectory of dielectrophoretic force assembled nanowires

Nanoscale manipulation, which assembles nanostructures towards desired positions, plays a substantial role in the fabrication of nanowire based devices. Dielectrophoresis (DEP), the motion of dielectric particles inside a non-uniform electric field, is demonstrated to be an efficient method to manipulate nanowires. However, assembly of nanowires by DEP are investigated mainly through experimental observations, very little theoretical studies have been reported so far. In this work, the 3D trajectory of single nanowire assembled by DEP in nanofluid is analyzed and simulated. Polarized in the electric field, the motion of nanowire is determined by DEP force, DEP torque, and the torque generated by DEP forces. The nanofluid, on the other hand, applies hydrodynamic drag force and drag torque to hamper the nanowire's motion. A model involving all the forces and torques is constructed to guide the simulation of the nanowire's trajectory. Depending on its initial condition, the nanowire is predicted to either bridge the electrodes or attach on the surface of one electrode.
New tables of the Voigt function

Abstract New tables are presented for fitting experimental data to the Voigt function. We used a 16,000-point line profile to generate new tables and have found up to 28% difference with existing tables.
Sex-Bias in Prenatal Parental Investment in the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)

We based our research on the premise that if variation in reproductive success for one sex is greater than that of the other sex, and if differential parental investment can enhance the probability of that sex reproducing at a higher rate, selection should favor investment in that sex. We tested for sex-bias in prenatal investment by weighing 75 fetuses of eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) and their placentae in 17 gravida gestated ≥18 days. Significantly more male than female fetuses were heavier than the mean mass of fetuses in their respective gravida; placentae of these fetuses did not exhibit the same relationship between sexes. However, total resources devoted to males (fetal and placental masses combined) by maternal females was significantly greater than to females. Also, the slope of the regression line of log 10 of placental mass on log 10 of fetal mass for male fetuses was significantly greater than for female fetuses, suggesting a direct means by which resources are allocated differentially. Fetal mass was not affected significantly by intrauterine position in relation to fetuses of the same or opposite sex. The greatest opportunity for the maternal female to impart a potential advantage to male offspring is during the prenatal period and any advantage obtained by male neonates during postnatal development probably is a direct result of additional resources obtained before birth.
Link aware HTTP Adaptive Streaming for enhanced quality of experience

We propose a physical link-aware video rate adaptation approach for HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) systems. This approach is especially suited for wireless links, whose characteristics fluctuate with time depending on the physical environment as well as load on the system. Our novel strategy relies on estimating the available link bandwidth from physical layer goodput information and using it as a complement to higher layer estimates. We develop simple novel video rate-adaptation enhancements that use physical layer goodput information to - i) improve startup video quality under tolerable startup delay and ii) reduce re-buffering during video playback. Simulation results on an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system level simulator indicate improved video quality and lower re-buffering percentage using our approach.