cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of 3-Nitro-10 on Egg Yolk Pigmentation

White Leghorn hens, housed in cages were fed commercial-type corn-soy diets containing one of three levels of 3-Nitro-10 (0, .0025, and .005%) and either of two levels of xanthophyll (high and low) supplied by yellow corn. Egg yolks were collected and the yolks analyzed for color using reflectance colorimetry. The addition of 3-Nitro-10 at either level increased egg yolk dominant wavelength (DWL) and excitation purity (EP) values while decreasing luminosity (LUM) values (probability levels: .08, .10, and .003, respectively). It was concluded that the addition of 3-Nitro-10 to the diet of laying hens improved egg yolk color.
Evaluation of Complex Human-Machine Systems Using HFE Guidelines

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of human factors engineering (HFE) guidelines in the evaluation of complex human-machine systems, such as advanced nuclear power plants. Advanced control rooms will utilize human-system interface (HSI) technologies that can have significant implications for plant safety in that they will affect the ways in which plant personnel interact with the system. In order to protect public health and safety, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reviews the HFE aspects of plant HSIs to ensure that they are designed to HFE principles and that operator performance and reliability are appropriately supported. Evaluations using HFE guidelines are an important part of the overall review methodology. The Advanced HSI Design Review Guideline (DRG) was developed to provide these review criteria. This paper will address (1) the issues associated with guideline-based evaluations, (2) DRG development and validation, and (3) the DRG review procedures.
Effect of pretransplant diabetes on short-term outcomes after liver transplantation: a national cohort study.

Background & Aims We sought to analyse the effect of pretransplant diabetes on post-operative outcomes and resource utilization following liver transplantation. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed using a linkage between the University HealthSystem Consortium and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients databases. We identified 12 442 patients who underwent liver transplantation at 63 centres from 2007–2011 and separated cohorts of patients with diabetes (n = 2971; 24%) and without (n = 9471; 76%) at the time of transplant. We analysed transplant related outcomes and short-term survival. Results Diabetic recipients were more likely to be male (70% vs 67%), non-white (32% vs 26%), older (age ≥60; 41% vs 28%), and have a higher BMI (29 vs 27; P 1.49; 46% vs 42%; P < 0.001). Post-transplant, diabetic recipients had longer hospital length of stay (10 vs 9 days), higher peri-transplant mortality (5% vs 4%) and 30-day readmission rates (41% vs 37%), were less often discharged to home (83% vs 87%; P < 0.05), and had inferior graft and patient survival. Liver transplant was more expensive for type 1 vs type 2 diabetics ($105 078 vs $100 624, P < 0.001). Poorly controlled diabetic recipients were less likely discharged home following transplant (75% vs 82%, P < 0.01). Conclusions This national study indicates that pretransplant diabetes is associated with inferior post-operative outcomes and increased resource utilization after liver transplantation.
Occurrence and potential sources of pyrethroid insecticides in stream sediments from seven U.S. metropolitan areas.

A nationally consistent approach was used to assess the occurrence and potential sources of pyrethroid insecticides in stream bed sediments from seven metropolitan areas across the United States. One or more pyrethroids were detected in almost half of the samples, with bifenthrin detected the most frequently (41%) and in each metropolitan area. Cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, permethrin, and resmethrin were detected much less frequently. Pyrethroid concentrations and Hyalella azteca mortality in 28-d tests were lower than in most urban stream studies. Log-transformed total pyrethroid toxic units (TUs) were significantly correlated with survival and bifenthrin was likely responsible for the majority of the observed toxicity. Sampling sites spanned a wide range of urbanization and log-transformed total pyrethroid concentrations were significantly correlated with urban land use. Dallas/Fort Worth had the highest pyrethroid detection frequency (89%), the greatest number of pyrethroids (4), and some of the highest ...
Human Trigeminal Sensory Responses to Vapor-Phase Stimuli

This review addresses human sensory and perceptual responses to vapor-phase stimulation of oral cavity, nasal cavities, and cornea/conjunctiva regions innervated by one or more sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. Attribution of responses to trigeminal input differs between regions. Specifying nasal cavities responses as trigeminal input is facilitated using comparisons of normosmics and anosmics to rule out cranial nerve I input. Cornea/conjunctiva sensory innervation is only from trigeminal branches. The oral cavity, receiving sensory innervation from several cranial nerves, could be more complex. Human responses to vapor-phase chemical stimulation differed depending upon which of the above locations was stimulated. Most vapor-phase chemicals were ineffective in the oral cavity. Anosmics’ nasal cavity responses occurred to many vapor-phase chemical stimuli and permitted some descriptions, while unilateral trigeminal neurectomy in normosmics substantially reduced judged nasal cavity vapor-phase odor intensity on the neurectomized side. Cornea/conjunctiva vapor-phase responses also occurred to many stimuli, with sensitivity comparable to the anosmic nasal cavity. Descriptions for cornea/conjunctiva stimulation were not always irritation, but qualitative perceptual data for low concentration are lacking. Cornea/conjunctiva thermal, mechanical, and CO2 stimulations were able to be distinguished and identified. Nasal cavity trigeminal sensory responses to vapor-phase chemical stimulation differed from oral cavity responses but resembled corneal responses. Nasal cavity and possibly cornea/conjunctiva trigeminal responses to vapor-phase stimulation may make important contributions to flavor. Available data question whether all trigeminal-based sensory/perceptual responses to vapor-phase stimuli should be considered as only components of a unitary “common chemical sense” perception.
On the principle of maximal buoyancy for addressing the uncertainty of incomplete ordering

The authors discusses the need for completing preference relationships. He introduces the measure of buoyancy on weak orderings. The principle of maximal buoyancy is described as a tool for completing quasi orderings. The relationship of this principle is shown to the principle of minimal specificity used in possibility theory. Its potential is described for application in completing orderings in default reasoning systems. >
A nulling algorithm for multi-aperture multiple beam antennas

Several multi-aperture multiple beam antenna (MA-MBA) designs have been proposed for future military communications satellites to satisfy demands for increased nulling resolution against jammers. However, overall network performance can be severely degraded because of spurious nulls that are associated with MA-MBA antennas. In this paper, we propose and analyze a nulling algorithm that improves overall network performance by reducing potential performance degradation caused by MA-MBA antenna spurious nulls while providing high jamming resolution. This algorithm also provides wide area coverage for network users near a jammer in support of tactical scenarios. We show that optimized beam weights are a function of individual user optimum beam weights along with proper phase rotation for each beam. Computer simulated results are then provided illustrating performance of this proposed technique versus another nulling algorithm developed for defense satellite communication system (DSCS) super high frequency (SHF) satellites. >
By the numbers: Assessing the nature of quantitative preparation in public policy, public administration, and public affairs doctoral education

Does doctoral preparation in quantitative methods adequately prepare students to interact with the public affairs literature? Does the curriculum meet previously expressed ideals? Are incoming students prepared to complete this curriculum successfully? We present findings from a survey of 44 leading public affairs doctoral programs. Although almost all programs offer some quantitative methods training, our analysis of the survey data and course syllabi suggest that public affairs students may leave their programs only partially prepared to interact with the emerging public affairs literature and with less grounding in quantitative methods than some model curricula have prescribed. © 2005 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Neuroinvasive Arboviral Disease in the United States: 2003 to 2012

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiologic and clinical syndromes associated with pediatric neuroinvasive arboviral infections among children in the United States from 2003 through 2012. METHODS: We reviewed data reported by state health departments to ArboNET, the national arboviral surveillance system, for 2003 through 2012. Children ( RESULTS: During the study period, 1217 cases and 22 deaths due to pediatric neuroinvasive arboviral infection were reported from the 48 contiguous states. La Crosse virus (665 cases; 55%) and West Nile virus (505 cases; 41%) were the most common etiologies identified. Although less common, Eastern equine encephalitis virus (30 cases; 2%) resulted in 10 pediatric deaths. La Crosse virus primarily affected younger children, whereas West Nile virus was more common in older children and adolescents. West Nile virus disease cases occurred throughout the country, whereas La Crosse and the other arboviruses were more focally distributed. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroinvasive arboviral infections were an important cause of pediatric disease from 2003 through 2012. Differences in the epidemiology and clinical disease result from complex interactions among virus, vector, host, and the environment. Decreasing the morbidity and mortality from these agents depends on vector control, personal protection to reduce mosquito and tick bites, and blood donor screening. Effective surveillance is critical to inform clinicians and public health officials about the epidemiologic features of these diseases and to direct prevention efforts.
Framing of Summary Risk/Safety Information and App Selection

Participants recruited on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk performed a series of tasks in which they chose two Android apps from a list of six. Summary risk/safety information for each app was displayed in the form of one to five filled circles: The number of filled circles specified increasing risk for half of the participants and increasing safety for the other half. This summary information influenced the participants’ decisions, particularly when the app had high user ratings and when the decision was framed in terms of safety rather than risk. Participants indicated that they attended more to the risk/safety information when it was conveyed as amount of safety, and they showed better comprehension of what the index was conveying for safety as opposed to risk. The results imply that development of a valid risk/safety index for apps will improve users’ app-selection decisions, particularly if that information is displayed as amount of safety.
Ethics education at the engineering/medicine interface.

There is a functioning interface between engineering and medicine. There are also widespread indications in the scientific community that there is increased concern for ethical matters in science and that the time has arrived for more instruction in this area. One reason for this in bioengineering is the rapidly growing complexity of technology in both engineering and medical biology. The ensuing difficulty in communication cannot be remedied just with more technical information. Instead bioengineers need an improved understanding of medical education and practice, and medical ethics is fundamental to this. Ethical considerations are crucial to decision making and therefore to all areas of professional endeavor in bioengineering. As a framework for ethics education, bioengineers need to gain a better understanding both of medical education in general and of medical practice, particularly the case study method in education and the nature of decision malung in medical practice. Key subject areas in medical ...
New Horizons in Biomedical Engineering

A gap has existed between the physical and the medical sciences. The theoretical treatment of problems by the engineer has been considered by the physician as being far removed from the patient, while the engineer has considered the doctor's approach to treating patients as empirical and nonscientific. A new science, biomedical engineering, is now arising which bridges the gap between the physical sciences and the life sciences and which draws upon each for support. This merging of the physical and life sciences began about the time of World War II with the occasional collaboration on a new instrument between someone with a background in physics or in an engineering science and an associate from medicine or from one of the basic biological sciences. From such exchanges of information evolved the present multidisciplinary approach to problems in medical treatment, research, and training. Today, physicists, mathematicians, and engineers routinely join with the biologist and physician in developing techniques, equipment, and materials. In its initial phases the area was represented by a small group of men with a common interest in developing physical methods of measurement in the field of medicine. Most of these individuals were M.D.'s or Ph.D.'s in the clinical or preclinical sciences who had training and an interest in mathematics, physics, electronics, or computer technology. Others were engineers who had developed a competence and an interest in the life sciences. From such collaboration came bloodflow transducers, new electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) techniques, and new methods of measuring respiration and blood pressure.
Wirkung von L-Methionin auf den Harn-pH und die Ausscheidung harnsteinrelevanter Parameter

Die Ansauerung des Harns auf pH-Werte um 6,0 ist eine zentrale rezidivprophylaktische Masnahme bei den sogenannten Infektsteinen.
Optical detection of NMR J-spectra at zero magnetic field.

Scalar couplings of the form JI1 � I2 between nuclei impart valuable information about molecular structure to nuclear magnetic-resonance spectra. Here we demonstrate direct detection of J-spectra due to both heteronuclear and homonuclear J-coupling in a zero-field environment where the Zeeman interaction is completely absent. We show that characteristic functional groups exhibit distinct spectra with straightforward interpretation for chemical identification. Detection is performed with a microfabricated optical atomic magnetometer, providing high sensitivity to samples of microliter volumes. We obtain 0.1 Hz linewidths and measure scalar-coupling parameters with 4-mHz statistical uncertainty. We antic- ipate that the technique described here will provide a new modality for high-precision ''J spectroscopy" using small samples on microchip devices for multiplexed screening, assaying, and sample identification in chemistry and biomedicine.
Toward a definition of technical literacy

Because literacy can be understood only within a social context, the demands posed by evolving technologies suggest a need for a new definition of literacy-technical literacy. This paper offers a unique definition of technical literacy, examines outside perspectives on the concept, investigates its implications, and suggests opportunities for new paradigms. First, it locates the concept of technical literacy within a context with a brief review of the literature. Then, it brings numerous perspectives to bear on the concept in an effort to enrich our view and distinguish the concept of technical literacy from literacy in more general terms using the literature and examples from industry. Citing examples from academe and industry, it examines the implications for the profession. Finally, it invites others to join the discussion, suggesting ideas for a new paradigm.
An interactive region-of-interest video streaming system for online lecture viewing

ClassX is an interactive online lecture viewing system developed at Stanford University. Unlike existing solutions that restrict the user to watch only a pre-defined view, ClassX allows interactive pan/tilt/zoom while watching the video. The interactive video streaming paradigm avoids sending the entire field-of-view in the recorded high resolution, thus reducing the required data rate. To alleviate the navigation burden on the part of the online viewer, ClassX offers automatic tracking of the lecturer. ClassX also employs slide recognition technology, which allows automatic synchronization of digital presentation slides with those appearing in the lecture video. This paper presents a design overview of the ClassX system and the evaluation results of a 3-month pilot deployment at Stanford University. The results demonstrate that our system is a low-cost, efficient and pragmatic solution to interactive online lecture viewing.
Septin filaments exhibit a dynamic, paired organization that is conserved from yeast to mammals

The septins are conserved, GTP-binding proteins important for cytokinesis, membrane compartmentalization, and exocytosis. However, it is unknown how septins are arranged within higher-order structures in cells. To determine the organization of septins in live cells, we developed a polarized fluorescence microscopy system to monitor the orientation of GFP dipole moments with high spatial and temporal resolution. When GFP was fused to septins, the arrangement of GFP dipoles reflected the underlying septin organization. We demonstrated in a filamentous fungus, a budding yeast, and a mammalian epithelial cell line that septin proteins were organized in an identical highly ordered fashion. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements indicated that septin filaments organized into pairs within live cells, just as has been observed in vitro. Additional support for the formation of pairs came from the observation of paired filaments at the cortex of cells using electron microscopy. Furthermore, we found that highly ordered septin structures exchanged subunits and rapidly rearranged. We conclude that septins assemble into dynamic, paired filaments in vivo and that this organization is conserved from yeast to mammals.
Minority populations and advance directives: insights from a focus group methodology.

Numerous studies have shown almost uniformly positive opinions among patients and physicians regarding the concept of advance directives (either a healthcare proxy or living will). Several of these studies have also shown that the actual use of advance directives is significantly lower than this enthusiasm would suggest, but they have not explained the apparent discordance. Nor have researchers explained why members of minority groups are much less likely to complete advance directives than are white patients. In this study, we used a focus group methodology to examine the ways in which diverse populations of patients view the medical, philosophical, and practical issues surrounding advance directives. We were motivated by the significantly lower prevalence of advance directives among African-American and Hispanic patients at one urban teaching hospital (18% for Caucasians, 4% for African-Americans, and 2% for Hispanics). Our premise was that African-American and Hispanic populations, who have had higher rates of morbidity and mortality across numerous disease categories, and historically have had limited access to care and opportunities to discuss health concerns, may be more suspicious about the right of autonomy that an advance directive is designed to ensure.
MIGRATORY SUCCESS OF JUVENILES: A POTENTIAL CONSTRAINT ON CONNECTIVITY FOR POND-BREEDING AMPHIBIANS

The persistence of pond-breeding amphibians in highly fragmented landscapes may be constrained by the need for connectivity between aquatic breeding sites and suitable terrestrial habitat, an example of landscape complementation. Although migratory ability determines the spatial scale at which landscape complementation operates, the factors influencing migratory success of amphibians, especially of juveniles, are poorly understood. This study is the first to investigate whether juvenile amphibians possess any innate, long-distance orientation mechanisms that might improve their chances of locating suitable terrestrial habitat. I conducted experimental releases of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and American toads (Bufo americanus) from 18 artificial pools in replicate pastures at distances of 5–50 m from the nearest forest edges. Using circular drift fences with pitfall traps, I captured, individually marked, and released metamorphosed salamanders (n = 323) and toads (n = 203) leaving each pool....
Multi-robot deployment and coordination with Embedded Graph Grammars

This paper presents a framework for going from specifications to implementations of decentralized control strategies for multi-robot systems. In particular, we show how the use of Embedded Graph Grammars (EGGs) provides a tool for characterizing local interaction and control laws. This paper highlights some key implementation aspects of the EGG formalism, and develops and discusses experimental results for a hexapod-based multi-robot system, as well as a multi-robot system of wheeled robots.
Self-reported interoceptive awareness in primary care patients with past or current low back pain

Background: Mind-body interactions play a major role in the prognosis of chronic pain, and mind-body therapies such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais presumably provide benefits for pain patients. The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) scales, designed to measure key aspects of mind-body interaction, were developed and validated with individuals practicing mind-body therapies, but have never been used in pain patients. Methods: We administered the MAIA to primary care patients with past or current low back pain and explored differences in the performance of the MAIA scales between this and the original validation sample. We compared scale means, exploratory item cluster and confirmatory factor analyses, scale-scale correlations, and internal-consistency reliability between the two samples and explored correlations with validity measures. Results: Responses were analyzed from 435 patients, of whom 40% reported current pain. Cross-sectional comparison between the two groups showed marked differences in eight aspects of interoceptive awareness. Factor and cluster analyses generally confirmed the conceptual model with its eight dimensions in a pain population. Correlations with validity measures were in the expected direction. Internalconsistency reliability was good for six of eight MAIA scales. We provided specific suggestions for their further development. Conclusion: Self-reported aspects of interoceptive awareness differ between primary care patients with past or current low back pain and mind-body trained individuals, suggesting further research is warranted on the question whether mind-body therapies can alter interoceptive attentional styles with pain. The MAIA may be useful in assessing changes in aspects of interoceptive awareness and in exploring the mechanism of action in trials of mind
Communicating Difficult and Taboo Information: A How-To Guide for Commanders

Military commanders frequently mention that communicating difficult or taboo information is especially challenging. In the context of gender-integrated ground combat service there may be additional communication challenges for military commanders who may be unaccustomed to leading both men and women. Often, military commanders must communicate and deliver difficult information, or information that causes a negative emotional response from the communicator or the intended audience. This article is intended to identify some of these challenges and present practical examples and tips for military commanders to effectively communicate difficult or taboo topics and information. In addition, this article is a call for communication experts to reach out to military leaders and offer appropriate assistance in facilitating and delivering difficult communication.
Broadcasting the 'Nigerian Dyke': Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene's Poetic Multimedia Sexual Revolution

In her most recent multimedia piece, "i deserve somebody," Nigerian artist Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene continues her tradition of coalescing music, poetry, and video to address sexuality, racism, and imperialism within modern Africa. In "i deserve somebody," Etaghene, the self-proclaimed "Nigerian dyke," frequently positions her self-designed body as the site of visually sexualized importance as her fervent poetry, layered over the images, demands for a positive, fulfilling love. Gradually making her face, Etaghene revolts against socially conforming normalities concerning female appearance by concluding her piece with the removal of her make-up. "i deserve somebody" confronts prominent African issues regarding sexualities and social and cultural normalities, and defies conforming to preconceived notions of heteropatriarchy. In a period of governmental control over sexuality throughout the African continent, Etaghene reclaims her body, her identity, and her ability to express her self by using the Internet. i deserve somebody speaks for those who cannot speak due to potential violence; it speaks for those who are no longer able to speak; and it speaks for the bodies, feelings, and emotions within the African LGBTI community to the greater world.
Mandibular Replacement Utilizing TMJ TJR Devices

Throughout this book, authors have comprehensively presented the basic principles and rationale for the use of alloplastic temporomandibular joint total joint replacements (TMJ TJR). Pearls and pitfalls of the basic surgical techniques as well as more sophisticated procedures such as combined TMJ TJR/orthognathic surgery have also been described. This chapter offers the unique perspective of using alloplastic TMJ TJR for the reconstruction of acquired mandibular defects that involved the TMJ. It is not the authors’ intention to provide management protocols of the primary process that created the defect but instead to illustrate potential solutions for these challenging cases.
Learner–learner Interaction during collaborative pragmatic tasks: the role of cognitive and pragmatic task demands

Previous task complexity studies have suggested that learners produce more negotiation of meaning opportunities during complex tasks than simple tasks (Robinson, 2011). The present study builds on the existing task complexity literature by examining the impact of task complexity and pragmatic situational demands on the number of learning opportunities for request-making expressions. Forty-nine Korean junior high school learners of English as a foreign language were randomly assigned to participate in either simple- or complex- collaborative pair writing tasks, which included different levels of pragmatic situational demands. The interactions were transcribed and analyzed for the frequency of pragmatic related episodes (PREs; Kim & Taguchi, 2015) as well as the number of turns within each PRE. The results showed that task complexity played an important role in facilitating PREs by targeting sociopragmatic factors and not pragmalinguistic forms, regardless of the level of pragmatic task demands. Results are discussed in light of promoting interaction-driven learning opportunities for pragmatics using collaborative tasks.
The Pompeiu Problem

(1993). The Pompeiu Problem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 100, No. 5, pp. 461-467.
Northern and Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Oviposition in Corn as Influenced by Foxtail Populations and Tillage Systems

The influence of foxtail, Setaria spp., populations in corn on oviposition by northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence, and western corn rootworm, D. virgifera virgifera LeConte, beetles was studied from 1980 to 1983. Four foxtail populations (400, 40, 4, and 0 seedlings per m of row) were established in conventional tillage to determine their influence on egg density and horizontal distribution in the soil. In another study, the influence of foxtail density on egg numbers was investigated under moldboard-plow, chisel-plow, and no-till tillage systems. Foxtail populations did not exert a conclusive influence on oviposition in either experiment. Trends varied among years, possibly indicating the importance of interacting environmental factors on soil moisture and crop microclimate. Oviposition did not differ significantly among tillage systems, but root damage ratings the following year did ( P <0.05). Root ratings in no-till plots were significantly ( P <0.05) lower in 1981 and 1983 than in chisel-plow plots. Root damage in moldboard- plow plots were significantly ( P <0.05) lower than in no-till or chisel-plow plots in 1983. These results indicate tillage systems may significantly influence the survival of corn rootworm eggs or larvae.
SUPPRESSION OF COMBUSTION INSTABILITY BY CONTROLLING THE ATOMIZING PROPERTIES IN LIQUID-FUELED COMBUSTORS

This paper describes an experimental investigation of “slow” active control of combustion instabilities by changing the liquid fuel spray properties. Such control approach whose characteristic time is generally much longer than that of the period of the unstable oscillations needs ‘Lone time” variation of control inputs in response to changes in engine operating conditions. Using two types of fuel injectors that can produce large controllable variation of fuel spray properties, this study examined the dependence of acoustics-combustion process coupling, Le., the driving of combustion instabilities upon liquid fuel spray droplet size, which affects the characteristic combustion time and, thus, the coupling between the acoustics and the combustion process. It was demonstrated that changing the spray characteristics significantly damps the instabilities. The results of this study strongly suggest that “slow” active control of the fuel spray droplet sizes with advanced injectors in real engines could be used to prevent the onset of detrimental combustion instabilities.
Relationship of Locus of Control and Modernity to Certainty of Religious Beliefs

The present study investigated the relationship of certainty of religious beliefs to measures of psychological modernity and I-E for 21 college students. It was found that two of four certainty of ...
Interaction of transferrin with iron-binding sites on rat intestinal epithelial cell plasma membranes.

SummaryFollowing oral administration of 59Fe to rats, over 50% of the isotope in the intestinal mucosa was bound to the plasma membrane of the epithelial cells. Labeled plasma membranes incubated in a medium that contained either plasma or transferrin released a significantly greater quantity of 59Fe than labeled membranes incubated in a control medium. These results suggest that transferrin interacts with iron-receptor sites on the epithelial cell plasma membrane.
Personalized Oncology Meets Immunology: The Path toward Precision Immunotherapy

Personalized oncology aims to tailor therapy by targeting the unique genetic characteristics of a patient's tumor, whereas cancer immunotherapy focuses on activating the patient's immune system to control the tumor. The fusion of these ostensibly separate strategies has created a new dimension for personalized cancer immunotherapy. This entails the development of next-generation cancer vaccines that target neoantigens as well as the use of mutational signatures as predictive biomarkers for clinical response. The optimal use of immunotherapeutic agents will hinge on a robust understanding of the mutational profile of a cancer's genome that significantly dictates antitumor immunity and immunotherapeutic response. Significance: Cancer immunotherapy has provided substantial clinical benefit in a significant number of patients with advanced disease. However, the need for more precise immunotherapies and predictive biomarkers remains pressing. Recent progress in these areas has been promising and has created a framework for precision immune-oncology. Cancer Discov; 6(7); 703–13. ©2016 AACR.
Occupational therapy and preliteracy skills: An integrated approach to treatment

ABSTRACTPreliteracy skills are skills that must be mastered prior to a child learning to read, write, and consequently excel within an academic environment. A literature review was conducted to extract the preliteracy skills found to most closely correlate with later literacy outcomes. Once identified, these writers described ways in which essential preliteracy skills could be incorporated into occupational therapy sessions. The goal of this article is to inform occupational therapists on the topic of preliteracy and to encourage integration of preliteracy activities into occupational therapies, thus enriching therapeutic environments for childrens’ growth and development.
Replying to RoHS and developing recycling economy──discussion of two pop topics on electroplating cleaner production

"Replying to RoHS" and "developing recycling economy" are two pop topics on electroplating cleaner production nowadays and were respectively discussed in the paper. Some relatively advanced technologies were introduced, including chromium(III) electroplating, lead, cadmium, and mercury-free electroless nickel plating, zinc-aluminum coating system, biological degradation oil-removal technology, electrodialysis electroless nickel plating system, and etc. The successful applications of these technologies in production are good samples for pushing cleaner production of China’s plating industry.
Discussion on Organization and Significance of College Physics Experiment Competition

In this paper,the organization design,features and significance of the first Liaoning province college physics experiment competition are summarized and discussed.The college physics experiment competition will improve the quality of physics experiment teaching,stimulate student’s interest in physics experiment.
Ventilation-perfusion(VQ) single photon emission tomography (SPECT) combined with low-dose CT fusion(VQ SPECT/CT) for the detection of acute pulmonary emboli.

1946 Learning Objectives 1. Briefly review of (VQ) scintigraphy for the detection of pulmonary emboli. 2. Describe a protocol for VQ SPECT/CT fusion. 3. Describe recently established interpretive criteria for VQ SPECT/CT 3. Use case examples to demonstrate the added utility of VQ SPECT/CT over conventional planar imaging. 4. Discuss pitfalls and limitations of the technique. The advent of SPECT/CT fusion has brought about advances in nuclear medicine imaging yielding improved anatomical definition and localization of pathology. Ventiliation-perfusion scintigraphy has long been a useful diagnostic tool for evaluation of acute pulmonary emboli. SPECT imaging has enhanced the accuracy of scintigraphy in localizing perfusion defects. When the SPECT perfusion study is fused with a low-dose CT the added anatomic definition and localization of other causes of abnormal perfusion in the chest now increases the accuracy to diagnose pulmonary emboli. This presentation describes how SPECT/low dose CT fusion can enhance the sensitivity and specificity of ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy in the detection of acute pulmonary emboli. A protocol for SPECT/CT fusion used at our institution will be discussed as well as appropriate scenarios for its use, potential pitfalls and limitations in the interpretation of these studies. The presentation will show several examples of cases where VQ SPECT/CT fusion improves the diagnosis of pulmonary emboli compared to planar and SPECT images alone.
The study on significance of detecting the hepatitis B virus large proteins in public health physical examination

Objective It was to explore the application of the hepatitis B virus large proteins( HBVLP) in public health physical examination through clinical testing of HBV-LP in Catering practitioners, students and soldiers of New requisition etc. Methods 709 samples of HBV infection people were collected in public health physical examination and all collected samples were detected. ELISA was used to detect HBV serum markers (HBV-M ) and HBV-LP. Real-time PCR was applied to detect quantity of HBV DNA. Results ( 1 ) The detectable results of HBV-LP and HBV DNA were no statistical significance in 709 samples. ( 2 ) The detectable results of HBV-LP and HBV DNA were also no statistical significance in different models of HBV infection patients. The values of x2 and P were respectively 2. 67,0. 60,0. 00 and 0. 10,0.44,1. 00. S/A of HBV-LP and the copies of HBV-DNA had a positive relationship (r = 0. 959 ,P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion HBV-LP could reflect the level of hepatitis B virus replication and be used to judge the level of hepatitis B virus replication in people of public health physical examination. HBV-LP may be worth using widely in physical examination. Key words: Hepatitis B; Viral envilope protein; Liver function tests
Promoting Nation’s Soft Power: How U.S. and Korea Use Public Diplomacy in Nation Branding in Social Media

Public diplomacy becomes concerned more about maintaining relationship with domestic and foreign audiences than delivering messages (Fitzpatrick 2007; Hayden 2009), and its increasing appearance in public relations and branding literature reflects its importance (Manheim 1994). In public diplomacy, soft power (e.g., tourism, culture) appears to function more critically in relational perspectives, compared to hard power (e.g., politics, economics) (Grunig et al. 2002).
Radioguided Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy in Breast Cancer

The histologic status of the axillary lymph nodes remains one of the most important prognostic indicators in breast cancer and impacts recommendations for adjuvant therapy. Axillary lymph node dissection, once considered standard care for axillary staging in all patients with breast cancer, has been largely replaced by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with a clinically negative axilla and in a select group of patients with node-positive breast cancer. The SLN can be mapped using radioisotope, blue dye, or a combination of both, utilizing a variety of injection techniques with comparable results and similar false-negative rates. In this chapter, we will review the lymphatic drainage patterns of the breast, the technique of SLN biopsy (with particular attention to the radiosurgical aspects), and the clinical implications of the results.
Comparing Password Ranking Algorithms on Real-World Password Datasets

Password-based authentication is the most widely used authentication mechanism. One major weakness of password-based authentication is that users generally choose predictable and weak passwords. In this paper, we address the question: How to best check weak passwords? We model different password strength checking methods as Password Ranking Algorithms (PRAs), and introduce two methods for comparing different PRAs: the \(\beta \)-Residual Strength Graph (\(\beta \)-RSG) and the Normalized \(\beta \)-Residual Strength Graph (\(\beta \)-NRSG). In our experiments, we find some password datasets that have been widely used in password research contain many problematic passwords that are not naturally created. We develop techniques to cleanse password datasets by removing these problematic accounts. We then apply the two metrics on cleansed datasets and show that several PRAs, including the dictionary-based PRA, the Markov Models with and without backoff, have similar performances. If the size of PRAs are limited in order to be able to be transmitted over the internet, a hybrid method combining a small dictionary of weak passwords and a Markov model with backoff with a limited size can provide the most accurate strength measurement.
Developmental Delay After Heart Surgery

The developmental and neurologic status of 155 children were evaluated one year after heart surgery for D-transposition of the great arteries, comparing those randomly assigned to circulatory arrest or low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass, at Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA.
The Establishment of Infection

Many different kinds of parasites passively gain entry into a host. They may be ingested by the host or injected into the host by a feeding vector, such as a bloodsucking insect, or they may be transmitted transovarially or during sexual union of the hosts. In this last situation there is probably no requirement for any special differentiated form of the parasite adapted for transmission. For example, the flagellate Trichomonas vaginalis, which may cause severe disease in women, can infect the male genital tract during coitus, and in the same way can be transmitted back from an infected man to a woman (Diagram II). With all the other situations, however, forms exist specially adapted for transmission from one host to another.
Evaluation and Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a common potency-threatening condition of male sexual dysfunction, occurring in 3–8% of men. While typically thought to be a result of injury during sexual activity, the underlying cause of Peyronie’s disease can vary and is not known in every situation. Clinical presentation may include a curved or bent penis, a palpable penile scar or plaque, complaints of decreased penile length, diminished penile stretch, less rigidity, penile numbness, and erectile dysfunction. Numerous advances have been made in understanding the mechanisms involving Peyronie’s disease, while improved diagnostic techniques, including penile duplex Doppler ultrasonography, and advanced therapeutic interventions, including intralesional therapy, surgical grafting techniques, and advanced prosthetics have allowed for the successful treatment of this significant medical problem. This chapter reviews the contemporary state of knowledge of Peyronie’s disease, focusing on the role of diagnostics, therapeutic alternatives and offers an algorithmic approach for the management of this disorder.
Prospective Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy Between Point-of-Care and Conventional Ultrasound in a General Diagnostic Department: Implications for Resource-Limited Settings

Objectives To compare the diagnostic accuracy of hand-held point of care (POC) versus conventional sonography in a general diagnostic setting with the intention to inform medical providers or clinicians on the rational use of POC ultrasound in resource limited settings. Methods Over 3 months in 2010, 47 patients were prospectively enrolled at a single academic center to obtain 54 clinical conventional ultrasound examinations and 54 study-only POC ultrasound examinations. Indications were 48% abdominal, 26% retroperitoneal, and 24% obstetrical. Nine blinded readers (sonographers, residents, and attending radiologists) sequentially assigned diagnoses to POC and then conventional studies, yielding 476 interpreted study pairs. Diagnostic accuracy was obtained by comparing POC and conventional diagnoses to a reference diagnosis established by the unblinded, senior author. Analysis was stratified by study type, body mass index (BMI), diagnostic confidence, and image quality. Results The mean diagnostic accuracy of conventional sonography was 84% compared with 74% for POC (P < .001). This difference was constant regardless of reader, exam type, or BMI. The sensitivity and specificity to detect abnormalities with conventional was 85 and 83%, compared with 75 and 68% for POC. The POC sonography demonstrated greater variability in image quality and diagnostic confidence, and this accounted for lower diagnostic accuracy. When image quality and diagnostic confidence were similar between POC and conventional examinations, there was no difference in accuracy. Conclusions Point of care was nearly as accurate as conventional sonography for basic, focused examinations. Observed differences in accuracy were attributed to greater variation in POC image quality.
How masked high-titer HLA antibodies change in highly sensitized patients after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)

Aim A high incidence of pre-transplant HLA antibodies (pre-tx HLA Abs) has been reported in HSCT candidates. While the association of that incidence and tx outcome has been studied, the detailed evaluation of pre- and post-tx changes that is critical for monitoring those Abs has been lacking. So we characterized pre- and post-tx HLA Abs in two highly sensitized HSCT patients who received reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC). Methods Serum samples were screened by Single Antigen and C1q assay. IgG was considered positive with mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) > 3000, weak with MFI 600–3000, C1q considered positive with MFI > 1000. Dilution effect was compared between neat and 1:10. Results After serum dilution, only 23% of neat positive IgG stayed positive in patient 1 (pt1), 21% in pt2; but 85% and 65% of neat weak IgG became positive – the masked Abs – in the pre-tx sera of, respectively, pt1 and 2 (Fig). Correlation between IgG and C1q MFI was high in 1:10 IgG (R 2 = 0.79 for pt1, R 2 = 0.82 for pt2) but not in neat IgG. Comparing C1q-fixing of pre- and post-tx sera, 13% of pt1’s pre-tx Abs stayed positive 186 days post-tx while 77% of pt2’s stayed positive 30 days post-tx. Moreover, all of pt2’s neat weak IgG that were C1q-positive stayed strong C1q-positive (MFI > 20,000) while a majority of neat positive IgG that were C1q-positive could not fix C1q after HSCT. Conclusions This report is first to show that highly sensitized pre-HSCT pts had two distinct IgG populations: detectable low-titer Abs with low C1q-fixing ability and masked high-titer, high C1q-fixing Abs – which were the majority of Abs that kept high C1q-fixing ability post-tx. Given today’s trend of increased haploidentical and mismatched-unrelated donors and RIC, identifying those masked pre-tx Abs with appropriate serum dilution is critical if we are to avoid missing potential DSA. Persistence of pre-tx Abs, post-tx, with C1q-fixing intact, is likely due to pts’ residual immune system surviving RIC. The clinical impact of persistent C1q-positive post-tx Abs awaits further studies. Download full-size image