cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluoxetine May Influence Lordosis of Rats through Effects on Midbrain 3α,5α‐THP Concentrations

5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) mediates lordosis of rodents. If fluoxetine's effects on lordosis are mediated in part by midbrain 3alpha,5alpha-THP, then fluoxetine regimens that decrease and increase lordosis would be expected to respectively lower and elevate midbrain 3alpha,5-THP levels. Experiment 1: Ovariectomized (ovx) rats received estradiol benzoate (EB; 5 micro g, SC) at 0 and 24 h and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, IP) or vehicle 30 min before sex testing and tissue collection. Other rats received fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, IP) or vehicle for 15 days followed by EB-priming and testing. Systemic acute or chronic fluoxetine significantly decreased lordosis and midbrain 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels compared to vehicle. Experiment 2: Ovx rats with unilateral cannula to the VTA were primed with EB (5 micro g; 0, 24 h) and/or progesterone (0 or 100 micro g; 44 h, SC). At 47.5 h, fluoxetine (3.6 mM) or vehicle was infused to the VTA. At 48 h, rats were tested. Administering fluoxetine to the VTA significantly increased lordosis and midbrain 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels compared to vehicle infusions. Experiment 3: Ovx EB-primed rats were tested prior to, and 30 min after, treatmemt with acute fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, IP). Rats were then infused with 3alpha,5alpha-THP (100 ng) or vehicle to the VTA and were retested. 3alpha,5alpha-THP, but not vehicle, to the VTA reversed acute fluoxetine's inhibitory effects on lordosis. Together, these data suggest fluoxetine may alter lordosis in part through actions of 3alpha-THP in the midbrain.
A controllable sensor management algorithm capable of learning

Sensor management technology progress is challenged by the geographic space it spans, the heterogeneity of the sensors, and the real-time timeframes within which plans controlling the assets are executed. This paper presents a new sensor management paradigm and demonstrates its application in a sensor management algorithm designed for a biometric access control system. This approach consists of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm focused on uncertainty measures, which makes the high level decisions to reduce uncertainties and interfaces with the user, integrated cohesively with a bottom up evolutionary algorithm, which optimizes the sensor network’s operation as determined by the AI algorithm. The sensor management algorithm presented is composed of a Bayesian network, the AI algorithm component, and a swarm optimization algorithm, the evolutionary algorithm. Thus, the algorithm can change its own performance goals in real-time and will modify its own decisions based on observed measures within the sensor network. The definition of the measures as well as the Bayesian network determine the robustness of the algorithm and its utility in reacting dynamically to changes in the global system.
A non-perturbative relation between the mutual diffusion coefficient, suspension viscosity, and osmotic compressibility: Application to concentrated protein solutions

Abstract We test a proposed relation between mutual diffusion coefficient and viscosity in suspensions which is essentially identical to a dynamic mode-coupling theory of diffusion in binary fluid mixtures near a critical mixing point. In contrast to conventional treatments of suspension hydrodynamics, this relation is non-perturbative in the sense that it is not necessary to assume that the volume fraction of suspended particles is a small parameter. In order to apply this theory to protein solutions, we measured the mutual diffusion coefficient of several globular proteins in aqueous solutions containing 2% ampholyte and protein up to 40% by weight. The viscosity was also measured in aqueous solutions of up to 30% protein by weight. The mutual diffusion coefficient was then related to the viscosity and osmotic compressibility of the concentrated suspension relative to the infinite dilution limit. We conclude that this non-perturbative relation provides a convenient estimate of protein diffusion coefficients as a function of protein concentration.
DNA binding domains in diverse nuclear receptors function as nuclear export signals.

Abstract Background: The nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors directs gene expression through DNA sequence-specific interactions with target genes. Nuclear import of these receptors involves recognition of a nuclear localization signal (NLS) by importins, which mediate translocation into the nucleus. Nuclear receptors lack a leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES), and export is insensitive to leptomycin B, indicating that nuclear export is not mediated by Crm1. Results: We set out to define the NES in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and to characterize the export pathway. We found that the 69 amino acid DNA binding domain (DBD) of GR, which is unrelated to any known NES, is necessary and sufficient for export. Mutational analysis revealed that a 15 amino acid sequence between the two zinc binding loops in the GR-DBD confers nuclear export to a GFP reporter protein, and alanine-scanning mutagenesis was used to identify the residues within this sequence that are critical for export. The DBD is highly related (41%–88% identity) in steroid, nonsteroid, and orphan nuclear receptors, and we found that the DBDs from ten different nuclear receptors all function as export signals. DBD-dependent nuclear export is saturable, and prolonged nuclear localization of the GR increases its transcriptional activity. Conclusions: Multiple members of the nuclear receptor superfamily use a common pathway to exit the nucleus. We propose that NLS-mediated import and DBD-mediated export define a shuttling cycle that integrates the compartmentalization and activity of nuclear receptors.
The long-term effects of UV exclusion on the microbial composition and photosynthetic competence of bacteria in hot-spring microbial mats

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the long-term exclusion of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR) from hot-spring microbial mats resulted in an alteration of microbial composition, such as a shift to more UV-sensitive species. Over a 1–3-month period, microbial mats in two alkaline geothermal streams in Yellowstone National Park were covered with filters that excluded or transmitted UVR. Over some, 25% transmission neutral density screens were also used. In the 40–47°C range, there were no apparent changes in community composition during the summer with or without high or low UVR, as assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles after polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S-rRNA genes with general Bacteria and Cyanobacteria primers. Major bands were purified from the DGGE gels and sequenced. Only one of the cyanobacterial sequences matched known strains in the database; the others appear to be unique. Although the bacterial composition of these communities was apparently stable, surface layers of cyanobacteria protected from UVR were not as competent photosynthetically as those that had been maintained under UVR. This decrease in competence was expressed as a loss of the ability to perform at a maximum rate under full UVR plus visible irradiance. However, even +UV-maintained cyanobacteria performed better when UVR was excluded during the photosynthesis tests. It is probable that the large differences in photosynthetic competence observed reflect changes at the level of gene expression in the dominant species rather than changes in species composition.
Risk assessment of brine contamination to aquatic resources from energy development in glacial drift deposits: Williston Basin, USA

Contamination to aquatic resources from co-produced water (brine) associated with energy development has been documented in the northeastern portion of the Williston Basin; an area mantled by glacial drift. The presence and magnitude of brine contamination can be determined using the contamination index (CI) value from water samples. Recently, the U.S. Geological Survey published a section (~2.59 km(2)) level risk assessment of brine contamination to aquatic resources for Sheridan County, Montana, using oilfield and hydrogeological parameters. Our goal was to improve the Sheridan County assessment (SCA) and evaluate the use of this new Williston Basin assessment (WBA) across 31 counties mantled by glacial drift in the Williston Basin. To determine if the WBA model improved the SCA model, results from both assessments were compared to CI values from 37 surface and groundwater samples collected to evaluate the SCA. The WBA (R(2)=0.65) outperformed the SCA (R(2)=0.52) indicating improved model performance. Applicability across the Williston Basin was evaluated by comparing WBA results to CI values from 123 surface water samples collected from 97 sections. Based on the WBA, the majority (83.5%) of sections lacked an oil well and had minimal risk. Sections with one or more oil wells comprised low (8.4%), moderate (6.5%), or high (1.7%) risk areas. The percentage of contaminated water samples, percentage of sections with at least one contaminated sample, and the average CI value of contaminated samples increased from low to high risk indicating applicability across the Williston Basin. Furthermore, the WBA performed better compared to only the contaminated samples (R(2)=0.62) versus all samples (R(2)=0.38). This demonstrates that the WBA was successful at identifying sections, but not individual aquatic resources, with an increased risk of contamination; therefore, WBA results can prioritize future sampling within areas of increased risk.
A Discontinuous Finite-Element Formulation for Radiative Transfer in Axisymmetric Finite Cylindrical Enclosures and Coupling with Other Mode Heat Transfer

ABSTRACT This article presents a discontinuous finite-element formulation for numerical solution of internal thermal radiative transfer problems in axisymmetric cylindrical enclosures. While the computation of axisymmetric radiative transfer is essentially three-dimensional, an appropriate mapping procedure entailing the use of the axisymmetric and periodic conditions associated with the enclosures may be used to make it possible to compute the problem over a 2-D mesh only. This will result in a significant reduction in both computing time and memory storage requirement. Mathematical formulation and numerical implementation using the discontinuous Galerkin method for axisymmetric internal radiation heat transfer calculations are given. The procedures for incorporating the mapping in the discontinuous formulation to convert an essentially 3-D calculation into a 2-D calculation are discussed in detail. The computed results are given and compare well with the solutions reported in the literature using other ...
Formation of peroxynitrite during thiol-mediated reduction of sodium nitroprusside.

Abstract Aerobic incubations of equimolar concentrations (5–500 μM) of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and dithiothreitol (DTT) carried out at pH 7.4 in the absence of light caused a concentration-dependent increase in the rates of oxidation of dihydrorhodamine-123. The enhancement of the rates of oxidation under such conditions was only partially sensitive to the inhibition by 100 mM dimethyl sulfoxide implying the involvement of both peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals in the observed effects. The oxidation of dihydrorhodamine-123 in the presence of SNP and DTT was nearly completely abolished by superoxide dismutase (20 U/ml). It was found that such an effect of the enzyme was related primarily to the stabilization of an intermediate of SNP reduction formed upstream to the liberation of nitrosonium ligand. Increased rates of oxidation of dihydrorhodamine-123 were also observed during the reduction of SNP with either l -cysteine or glutathione. It is concluded that thiol-mediated reduction of SNP under aerobic conditions is accompanied by the formation of oxygen-derived free radicals. Nitrosonium ligand liberated from the product(s) of SNP reduction is, under such conditions, converted to peroxynitrite.
The use of argon laser punctal stenosis in patients with contact lens-induced dry eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of argon laser punctal stenosis inpatients with contact lens-induced dry eyes. METHODS: A retrospective review of 25 eyes of 13 patients who underwent argon laser punctal stenosis to improve their contact lens intolerance was performed. The mean age was 31 (range, 21-52) years and 11 patients (85%) were women. The mean Schirmer I test was 15.2 (range, 3-35). RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well. In 19 eyes, the treatment involved only the lower punctum, whereas in six eyes, it involved both the upper and lower puncta. Eight patients required more than one treatment session (range, 2-6). At follow-up after 6 months, 10 of the 13 (77%) patients reported a substantial improvement in their symptoms and contact lens wear time. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser punctual stenosis provides a useful and titratable treatment of contact lens intolerance due to dry eyes.
Bipartite piriformis muscle: an unusual cause of sciatic nerve entrapment

The sciatic nerve usually emerges below the piriformis muscle; however, variations of the relationship between the sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle are occasionally encountered. In a 28-year-old woman with sciatica, entrapment of the sciatic nerve by a bipartite piriformis muscle was found. She was treated by dissection of the lower head of the piriformis muscle and restitution of the normal anatomical relationship between the nerve and piriformis muscle. Sciatica resolved postoperatively.
Full length article: On coding for reliable communication over packet networks

We consider the use of random linear network coding in lossy packet networks. In particular, we consider the following simple strategy: nodes store the packets that they receive and, whenever they have a transmission opportunity, they send out coded packets formed from random linear combinations of stored packets. In such a strategy, intermediate nodes perform additional coding yet do not decode nor wait for a block of packets before sending out coded packets. Moreover, all coding and decoding operations have polynomial complexity. We show that, provided packet headers can be used to carry an amount of side-information that grows arbitrarily large (but independently of payload size), random linear network coding achieves packet-level capacity for both single unicast and single multicast connections and for both wireline and wireless networks. This result holds as long as packets received on links arrive according to processes that have average rates. Thus packet losses on links may exhibit correlations in time or with losses on other links. In the special case of Poisson traffic with i.i.d. losses, we give error exponents that quantify the rate of decay of the probability of error with coding delay. Our analysis of random linear network coding shows not only that it achieves packet-level capacity, but also that the propagation of packets carrying ''innovative'' information follows the propagation of jobs through a queueing network, thus implying that fluid flow models yield good approximations.
Prototype of AM3: active mapper and monitoring module for Myrinet environments

System area networks (SAN) have been developed to address the needs of computing clusters. Myricom's Myrinet architecture is one of the predominant technologies in this area. One of the key issues for SANs is fault-tolerant routing. Myrinet provides Mapper software to discover and maintain network topology. Myrinet's Mapper is centralized, susceptible to probe packet deadlock, and does not incorporate host monitoring. We propose an alternative mapper called AM3. AM3 is hierarchical, reduces the number of probe packets, and incorporates host monitoring. We have implemented a prototype version of AM3 on Chiba City, Argonne National Lab's 512 CPU Linux cluster.
Lightweight target tracking protocol using ad-hoc sensor network

In this paper, we present a protocol, lightweight target tracking protocol using ad-hoc sensor network, for one of the most likely applications of sensor networks: tracking moving targets. The protocol uses a clustering based approach for scalability and a prediction based tracking mechanism to provide a distributed and energy efficient solution. The protocol is robust against node or prediction failures that may result in temporary loss of the target and recovers from such scenarios quickly and with very little additional energy use. Analysis regarding the protocol's performance and energy consumption is presented. We use simulation to examine the protocol's necessary handover frequency and the target loss rate.
Position and current estimation for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines using search coils

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSMs) are currently widely used in mission critical applications. This paper lays the groundwork for developing a novel backup universal sensor for PMSM with position and current estimation. It has the ability to replace a failed encoder or current sensors to achieve fault tolerant operation before the sensor replacement is conducted, giving PMSM's drive system an “N+l” fault-tolerance. The target machine has been modeled using finite-element analysis (FEA). Simulation verification has been carried out using co-simulation of FEA and Simillink.
Painting the near surface using geology, geophysics, and satellites

A smooth interpolation of a sparse uphole survey may be the main tool available for modeling the near surface in desert areas. An uphole survey does not properly define sharp, near-surface velocity changes associated with lithologic and topographic variations such as cliffs, canyons, or outcrops, which may be delineated by satellite imagery instead. We present a patchy interpolation technique to build a consistent near-surface model. The algorithm is based on K -means clustering to integrate geological, geophysical, and remote-sensing information. A somewhat arbitrary aspect of the method is the choice of how many clusters are used in segregating the data. Linking this parameter to surface geologic formations may be inadequate because P- or S-wave velocities are unlikely to have a sufficiently unique correlation with geologic age and lithology. We suggest an empirical criterion: improvement in the seismic stack section achieved by processing with parameters derived by various clustering choices and data-t...
SHELF‐LIFE AND QUALITY OF‘NAVAHO’ AND ‘SHAWNEE’ BLACKBERRY FRUIT STORED UNDER RETAIL STORAGE CONDITIONS

The quality of soft-fruited (‘Shawnee’) and firm-fruited (‘Navaho’) blackberry cultivars held under simulated retail conditions was determined. Leakage and decay increased during storage and exceeded 20% in 'Shawnee’ fruit after 14 days at 2C or 7 days at 5C, while ‘Navaho’ held under similar conditions was still marketable (<10% decay). Transferring fruit to 20C for 2 days after low temperature storage intervals was detrimental to fruit quality, resulting in increased weight loss, leakage, decay and softening in both cultivars. After retail warming, ‘Shawnee’ fruit lost 25% of marketable fruit while‘Navaho’ had a 10% loss. Soluble solids concentration did not change significantly during storage, but titratable acidity declined 40–50%. Anthocyanin content increased from 20–100% depending on cultivar, storage temperature and storage intervals. The sugar composition of blackberries before storage was about 10, 260 and 260 mg/g dry weight, glucose, and fructose, respectively. Sucrose and glucose decreased and fructose increased slightly during storage. Warming fruit after low temperature storage did not accelerate loss of total sugars. If held constantly at 2C, ‘Navaho’ could be held 21 days.
SoC testing using LFSR reseeding, and scan-slice-based TAM optimization and test scheduling

We present an SoC testing approach that integrates test data compression, TAM/test wrapper design, and test scheduling. An improved LFSR reseeding technique is used as the compression engine. All cores on the SoC share a single on-chip LFSR. At any clock cycle, one or more cores can simultaneously receive data from the LFSR. Seeds for the LFSR are computed from the care bits from the test cubes for multiple cores. We also propose a scan-slice-based scheduling algorithm that tries to maximize the number of care bits the LFSR can produce at each clock cycle, such that the overall test application time is minimized. Experimental results for both ISCAS circuits and industrial circuits show that optimal test application time, which is determined by the largest core, can be achieved. The proposed approach has small hardware overhead and is easy to deploy. Only one LFSR, one phase shifter, and a few counters should be added to the SoC. The scheduling algorithm is also scalable for large industrial circuits. The CPU time for a large industrial design ranges from 1 to 30 minutes.
Supplemental Instruction: The Effect of Demographic and Academic Preparation Variables on Community College Student Academic Achievement in STEM-Related Fields

This study evaluated variables associated with academic preparation and student demographics as predictors of academic achievement through participation in supplemental instruction (SI) programs fo...
Brain degeneration linked to "fatal attractions" of proteins in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

A common mechanistic theme shared by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and many other seemingly unrelated neurodegenerative disorders is emerging from accelerating research progress in the last few years which is beginning to dispel the pessimistic assumption that each phenotypically and genotypically distinct sporadic as well as hereditary degenerative disorder of the aging central nervous system (CNS) will require a different, disease-specific therapeutic intervention. (For reviews, see the Center for NeurodegenerativeDisease Research website at http://www.med.upenn.edu/cndr, and [1–3] here.) Specifically, a growing body of data from different lines of investigation has made it increasingly clear that a large number of diverse neuropsychiatric degenerative disorders are characterized neuropathologically by intracellular and/or extracellular filamentous lesions and that these lesions are implicated mechanistically in the onset/progression of disease in affected patients. Accordingly, it has become compellingly plausible to postulate that these disorders may share similar targets for drug discovery, despite differences in the molecular composition of their disease specific filamentous lesions and the diverse cell types and brain regions in which the lesions accumulate (see Table 1). For example, we have proposed that the onset and/or progression of brain degeneration in AD and other neurodegenerative disorders is initiated by abnormal interactions
Flow- Structure Interaction Simulations for Ballutes in Supersonic Flow

An improved methodology for flow structure interaction problems involving large structural deformations and all speeds in a cost-eective and accurate manner is developed. A particle-based meshless method for the structural deformations (called material point method or MPM) is integrated with a Cartesian-based flow solver. The development of the MPM and the integration with the all speed flow solver that embodies the hybrid immersed boundary (HIBM) method for handling complex deforming and moving geometries on any grid (Cartesian or curvilinear) is discussed in this paper. Two features of this integrated approach make it very suitable for inflatable Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems: 1) the MPM enables simulation of large of deformations of the EDL system from its packed to fully open state since it is a meshless method, and 2) it is possible, at low computational cost, to simulate interaction of the inflating EDL with the surrounding gas flow due to the use of the HIBM that allows the solution of an arbitrary moving and deformable body. Simulations have been performed for a tension cone geometries in its fully-inflated stage. Validation tests for HIBM in supersonic flows and for the MPM have been completed. The Entry, Descent, and Landing system (EDL) plays a conclusive role in the completion of the NASA Mars Exploration Program (NASA MEP). For the purposes of NASA MEP, a new EDL systems based on the concept of an inflatable ballute has advantages in comparison with traditional rigid or parachute decelerators. In order to develop the new system with greater and more controlled deceleration capabilities and behavior, it is important to have computational tools that provide realistic and high fidelity simulations of all stages of EDL. The computational method should be capable of simulating extremely nonsteady interaction of flexible ballutes with an aggressive environment of the atmosphere of Mars. For such simulations it is necessary to develop a new computational approach which is described in the present work. Major challenges in developing a model/code for the above mentioned problem are: (a) simulation of the deployment of the EDL system from its packaged to fully open condition, that should change its volume (shape) more than 10 times, (b) simulation of the interaction of the highly nonsteady flexible inflating ballute with surrounding gases when the velocity of the gas flow has to change from hypersonic to subsonic regimes, and (c) to resolve behavior of the flexible inflating system in the gas flow with needed accuracy. We estimated, on the literature publications that there are no existing methods that satisfy such requirements. In this paper we present the new FSI approach that, in general, has all the properties described above.
Comparison of Distribution- and Anchor-Based Approaches to Infer Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Survivors

Objective To determine the minimal important difference (MID) in generic and prostate-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using distribution- and anchor-based methods. Study Design and Setting Prospective cohort study of 602 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients recruited from an urban academic hospital and a Veterans Administration hospital. Participants completed generic (SF-36) and prostate-specific HRQoL surveys at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months posttreatment. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to develop MID estimates. We compared the proportion of participants returning to baseline based on MID estimates from the two methods. Results MID estimates derived from combining distribution- and anchor-based methods for the SF-36 subscales are physical function = 7, role physical = 14, role emotional = 12, vitality = 9, mental health = 6, social function = 9, bodily pain = 9, and general health = 8; and for the prostate-specific scales are urinary function = 8, bowel function = 7, sexual function = 8, urinary bother = 9, bowel bother = 8, and sexual bother = 11. Proportions of participants returning to baseline values corresponding to MID estimates from the two methods were comparable. Conclusions This is the first study to assess the MID for generic and prostate-specific HRQoL using anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Although variation exists in the MID estimates derived from these two methods, the recovery patterns corresponding to these estimates were comparable.
Fourth nerve palsy: Historical review and study of 215 inpatients

A review of inpatient trochlear nerve pareses diagnosed over 23 years revealed head trauma as the principal cause, with surgical injury, inflammation, and brain tumors seen occasionally. Ischemic (microvascular) neuropathies were rare. About one-half of the patients (52%) had no other neuro-ophthalmologic signs, but only 5% were truly isolated, without other neurologic or ophthalmologic signs or symptoms. Fourth nerve palsies are underdiagnosed on hospital services, where stuporous patients encounter unsuspecting physicians.
BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT FOR CHILD DISTRESS DURING REPEATED NEEDLE STICKS

The objective of this study was to evaluate a multi-component behavioral intervention for child distress during repeated needle sticks. An AB single-subject experimental design with replication of procedures across five subjects was used to assess intervention effects on distress and procedure duration for five children (age 3–7 years). Playing preferred activities, signaled button pressing, and following directions were positively reinforced first during simulated then actual needle procedures. The results indicate that distress decreased substantially for three children, slightly for a fourth and was unchanged for one. Heart rate (HR) data obtained from one child provided preliminary evidence of counterconditioning. For three children with follow-up data, benefits were maintained after intervention transfer to caregivers. In conclusion, distraction and counter-conditioning appear to be compatible conceptualizations for designing interventions to reduce the distress of experienced children who undergo repeated invasive procedures. The independent and synergistic effects of behavioral interventions based on these two theories should be examined in future studies.
Doctoral Research Education in a Social Context: Development and Implementation of a Model Outreach Course

ABSTRACT The need to improve the integration of research and practice has long challenged social work educators. Few doctoral research courses adequately address the social context of research, as most focus on introductory methodology, and clinical as opposed to policy applications. This paper describes how an innovative doctoral program evaluation outreach course was developed to address a problem originating in the community. The course was successful in teaching the political and ethical aspects of research, fostering a community-university team, teaching both qualitative and quantitative research skills, and providing students with a hands-on opportunity to traverse the practice-research tightrope.
Lignin Impact on Fibre Degradation: 2—A Model Study Using Cellulosic Hydrogels

The impact of lignin on cellulose degradation was studied in vitro using lignocellulosic hydrogels. Hardwood lignin (methoxyl content, 191 mg g -1 ) was blended with cellulose in homogeneous phase solution (dimethylacetamide/LiCl solvent) in two concentrations (100 and 300 mg g -1 ) and formed into lignocellulosic beads by dropwise addition of the lignocellulose solutions to an appropriate nonsolvent. The lignin was used before and after hydroxypropylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group. Cellulose degradation from these beads after 24 and 72 h incubation in buffered ruminal fluid was compared to that of control (cellulose) beads and to that of cellulose beads incubated in the presence of lignin. The rate of cellulose degradation from the hydrogels was low (12-16% degradation after 24 h). At 72 h, 21-50% of the cellulose was degraded. Cellulose degradation was enhanced (P < 0.01) by lignin blended into the beads, but depressed (P < 0.01) by lignin added to the incubation medium. The effect of lignin increased (P<0.001) with lignin concentration. Hydroxypropylation of lignin, which blocks the formation of quinone methide intermediates, enhanced (P < 0.001) the increase in cellulose degradation with lignin blending, and reduced (P < 0.001) the inhibitory effect of lignin included in the incubation medium.
Stem Cell Imaging: Tools to Improve Cell Delivery and Viability

Stem cell therapy (SCT) has shown very promising preclinical results in a variety of regenerative medicine applications. Nevertheless, the complete utility of this technology remains unrealized. Imaging is a potent tool used in multiple stages of SCT and this review describes the role that imaging plays in cell harvest, cell purification, and cell implantation, as well as a discussion of how imaging can be used to assess outcome in SCT. We close with some perspective on potential growth in the field.
A Review of “American Sheikhs: Two Families, Four Generations, and the Story of America's Influence in the Middle East”

Brian VanDeMark's book American Sheikhs fills a longstanding need for a detailed history of the American University of Beirut (AUB), an institution that has played a pivotal role in US-Middle East ...
Maintaining Plasma Fibrinogen Levels and Fibrinogen Replacement Therapies for Treatment of Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background Intracranial hemorrhage is characterized by the blood vessel rupture and subsequent hematoma expansion. It is the least treatable stroke subtype, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality per incidence than ischemic stroke. Recent studies have observed lower than normal levels of plasma fibrinogen in patients of intracerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, in other cases of severe hemorrhage, plasma fibrinogen levels have been identified as an indicator of prognosis. Current clinical management of cerebral hemorrhage includes adjunctive therapies and possible surgical evacuation. However, a possible therapeutic target for intracranial hemorrhage is fibrinogen. During intracranial hemorrhage with hematoma expansion, fibrinogen levels are rapidly depleted and thus are in need of replacement. Maintaining high levels of fibrinogen can promote rapid clotting and reduction of hematoma expansion. Objectives Within this review, we examine the role of fibrinogen in intracranial hemorrhage and evaluate the use of fibrinogen replacement therapies for maintaining normal levels of this key hemostatic protein. The pros and cons are discussed and an opinion of the most appropriate fibrinogen replacement therapy for intracranial hemorrhage is made. Conclusion It is concluded that fibrinogen concentrate seems to be the most suitable therapy for elevating plasma fibrinogen for the treatment of intracranial hemorrhage with hematoma expansion.
Evolutionary Fervor

The business community, especially that part involved with high technology, has long embraced the notion that progress is an evolutionary process that comes with markets, competition, and the survival of the fittest. In the world of the computer, the idea of evolutionary change has been applied to almost every aspect of the field. The software evolution metaphor offers a certain amount of insight into the nature of program development. It has provided computer scientists with a basic set of principles that suggest how large systems grow and change. These principles claim that all programs are in a state of constant change, a change influenced by the forces of market feedback mechanisms. The feedback generally pushes programs to increase in size and complexity, even though each new generation tends to preserve the familiar traits of prior versions.
Unsteady Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Aircraft in Harmonic Pitch Oscillations

The unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of an F18 aircraft performing harmonic oscillatory maneuvers in pitch are presented and analyzed in this paper. The wind-tunnel tests using the Dynamic Plunge-Pitch-Roll model mount at Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel are first described, and the data reduction techniques are discussed. The typical experimental results are then illustrated, and the resulting hysteresis loops analyzed. Based on the observation that all the hysteresis loops with same nondimensional maximum pitch rate (qmax) are tangential to one another at both top and bottom of these loops at current flow conditions, qmax is used as a nondimensional quantity in characterizing these harmonic oscillatory motions. Finally, a state-space model is identified to describe the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics on the basis of the data obtained. The performance and prediction capability of this model are demonstrated through several examples. The dynamic properties of this model are also discussed.
Origins of Fourth Dimension Concepts

(1926). Origins of Fourth Dimension Concepts. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 33, No. 8, pp. 397-406.
Bordetella Pertussis Infection and Its Clinical Symptoms and Moleculer Epidemiology in Children in Xinjiang Uygur Automonous Region

Objective To understand the serological specific antibody levels of immunization against bordetella pertussis in healthy children,survey the prevalence of bordetella pertussis infection of children,and analyze its clinical characteristics.Methods Four hundred and forty-five healthy children were randomly selected from Xinjiang area who were divided into 8 groups according to their ages,specific IgG antibody was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).One hundren and sixty-three patients in our hospital with definitive pertussis were chosen.Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from all patients with PCR detecting two-goal bordetella.pertussis gene( the insertion element IS481 and pertussis toxin S1 promoter) and bacterial culture.The same amount of sera was detected for pertussis toxin IgG and filamentous hemaglutinin IgG by ELISA.Pulsed field gel elevtrophoresis(PFGE) typing were detected by XbaI and SpeI digestion.Results In healthy children,pertussis IgG antibody levels of 2-3 years old children was the highest,the lowest was 0-5 months old children,a lo-wer level in 12-14 years old group. In the finally diagnoed patients(n=26),the pertussis IgG antibody levels were (127.63±12.75) g/L,while of the levels other patients (n=137) were (7.71±16.32) g/L,the final diagnosis patients′ level were significantly higher than those of the other patients(F=5.837 P0.05); the levels of other patients without pertussis had no significant difference compared with those of healthy children[(6.07±17.79) g/L].The number of the suspected cases by serological detection was maximum in the 7-15 years old group (43/163 cases,26.19%),1-11 months group was 21/163 cases(12.82%),1-3 years old group was 11 / 163 cases( 6.67%),4-6 years old was 8/163 cases(5.0%);there was 21.92% in≥ 7 years old group and only 9.68% in 7 years old,there was a significant difference among age groups(χ2=7.697 5 P0.05).In the children without immunization children (14/35 cases),the pertussis-specific antibodies were significantly higher than those who to be vaccinated too Pertussis vaccine for children (22/128 cases)(χ2=16.335 8 P0.001).In doubtful patients(n=163),26 were with cases positive pertussis-specific antibodies,in line with the diagnostic criteria,of which 24 cases (92.31%) for the detection of PCR-positive results,and Bordetella pertussis-specific training without positive results; the PCR-positive specimens were obtained by XbaI restriction enzyme digestion after 48-630 kb between 9-14 DNA fragments,a total of 14 nuclear-PFGE.Conclusions The use of the booster immunization against pertussis to older children suould be enhanced so as to eradicate the major source of infection in infants;PCR is a rapid,useful,sensitive technique,together with serological assays,which may enhance surveillance systems for pertussis in all age groups.Pertussis is a common respiratory infections disease,especially in patients with long cough time.
The Magnetic Order of Cr in Fe/Cr/Fe(001) Trilayers

The temperature dependence of the short period oscillatory coupling in Fe/Cr/Fe(001) whisker trilayers, when analyzed in light of recent theory, provides strong evidence that incommensurate spin-density-wave antiferromagnetic order is induced in the Cr over a wide range of thickness and up to temperatures at least 1.8 times the Neel temperature of bulk Cr. Because the portion of the Cr Fermi surface connected with the shortperiod interlayer coupling in paramagnetic Cr does not exist in antiferromagnetic Cr, the conventional quantum well model of interlayer coupling is not applicable. Rather, it is necessary to use a model for the coupling that includes the electron-electron interactions that lead to the antiferromagnetic order.
Automatic latent value determination

Latent fingerprints are the most frequently encountered and reliable crime scene evidence used in forensics investigations. Automatic methods for quantitative assessment of a latent in terms of (i) value for individualization (VID), (ii) value for exclusion only (VEO), and (iii) no value (NV), are needed to minimize the workload of latent examiners so that they can pay more attention to challenging prints (VID and NV latents). Current value determination is either made by examiners or predicted given manually annotated features. Because both of these approaches depend on human markup, they are subjective and time consuming. We propose a fully automatic method for latent value determination based on the number, reliability, and compactness of the minutiae, ridge quality, ridge flow, and the number of core and delta points. Given the small number of latents with VEO and NV labels in two latent databases available to us (NIST SD27 and WVU), only a two-class value determination is considered, namely VID and VID, where the VID class contains VEO and NV latents. Experimental results show that the value determination by the proposed method (i) obviates the need for examiner markup while maintaining the accuracy of value determination and (ii) can predict the AFIS performance better than examiners.
Response to a Patient’s Failed Swallowing Study: Decisions Regarding Feeding Tubes and Dysphagia

Although I visited Mrs P every day for 1 week, she could never remember my name. She did recognize the young resident rounding with me each day though—we thought perhaps it was because of his beard. She was a frail elderly woman with moderate debility and mild Parkinson disease. Prior to her hospitalization, she could ambulate in her apartment with a walker, ate a modified, soft diet, and needed assistance to carry out most of her activities of daily living. She had fallen at her assisted living facility, resulting in a hip fracture at the site of her prior hip surgery from a few years ago. She was seen by the orthopedics team in the emergency department, who recommended surgical repair of the hip once again. Prior to the surgery, she was seen by a hospitalist and cardiologist, and she underwent the repair the next day. It was during the postoperative period that my team was called to see Mrs P. She had tolerated surgery reasonably well, but the day after surgery had substantial coughing following any oral intake. She was evaluated by a speech therapist, who observed aspiration of thin and thickened liquids and deemed any oral intake unsafe. The hospitalist placed a temporary nasogastric feeding tube and then consulted my team to help assist the family in deciding the next course of action. He was concerned that her swallowing function would not improve and that she and her family would then have to decide whether they wanted a permanent feeding tube placed. There are 2 key pieces of the discussion regarding a failed swallowing evaluation: anticipatory guidance and goals of care. Our patients and families need to understand why the dysphagia is happening and how likely it is that it might resolve or improve. We also need to speak about the goals of care for the patient and family. Understanding goals—aggressive, conservative, or comfort focused—allows us to shape medical decisions to fit within their framework. Placement of a feeding tube might be consistent with an aggressive care plan, whereas a comfort-focused plan might allow spoonfed liquids to be provided by a caregiver. There are position statements regarding the management of
Is forgoing chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for women undergoing breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer safe?

Abstract Background Cancer patients have a 4 to 7 fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) vs the normal population. Chest guidelines recommend no chemical VTE prophylaxis for women with a Methods From a prospective breast cancer database, 1,000 consecutive patients who underwent BCS without chemical VTE prophylaxis and with mechanical prophylaxis (support hose and intermittent pneumatic compression devices) were analyzed for VTE occurrence within 30 days postoperatively. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Results The mean age was 65.4 ± 11.7 years, and mean body mass index was 27.3 ± 5.7. About 81.9% of the patients were postmenopausal. Median tumor size was 1.1 cm, and 24.7% of patients had lymph node metastases. The 30-day rate of clinically significant VTE was 0% (95% CI 0% to .37%). Hematomas requiring surgical intervention occurred among .6% of patients. Conclusions This cohort demonstrates that breast cancer patients undergoing BCS may be safely managed without chemical VTE prophylaxis because the risk with only mechanical prophylaxis is acceptable.
Unconventional protests: Partisans and independents outside the Republican and Democratic national conventions:

Protests at national party conventions are an important setting in which political parties and social movements challenge one another. This article examines the motivations of participants in these events. Drawing upon data from surveys of protesters outside the 2008 national party conventions, it focuses on how partisan and independent political identifications correspond with the reasons that individuals give for protesting. The results demonstrate that there are some conditions under which independents place a greater focus on issues than do partisans and under which partisans place a greater focus on presidential candidates than do independents. However, there are also conditions under which independents are inclined to work alongside partisans, such as trying to stop the election of a threatening candidate and in championing an issue outside their opposing party’s convention. The article argues that micro-level partisan identifications are thus likely to affect the broader structure of party coalitions. These considerations promise to become increasingly relevant as social movements – such as the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, and Black Lives Matter – launch new campaigns against or within established parties.
Historical Perspectives on Hemodialysis Access

Hemodialysis access history is a story of pioneers in medicine who took a condition that was a once fatal and made it a chronic condition, the story of countless patients who were willing to undergo unproven therapy, and the story of early organ replacement in medicine. While the hemodialysis technology was being developed, the major obstacle to sustainable hemodialysis was the limited accessibility and durability of blood vessels. This chapter offers a historical perspective of the development of dialysis access into the 1980s.
Cervical Myelomalacia in Laron Syndrome

Laron Syndrome (LS) is characterized by inability to respond normally to growth hormone of endogenous or exogenous origin (Laron et al.). Most growth hormone effects are mediated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is the anabolic effector hormone of the pituitary growth hormone. In LS a deficit occurs in the growth hormone receptor gene or the post-receptor pathways, resulting in defects in growth hormone signal transmission and thereby in a failure to generate IGF-1 (Laron et al.). Patients have therefore high serum growth hormone but undetectable IFG-1.