cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency of ApoB and ApoE Gene Mutations as Causes of Hypobetalipoproteinemia in the Framingham Offspring Population

Hypobetalipoproteinemia (HBLP) is characterized by plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) below the fifth percentile. Some forms of HBLP have been shown to be due to truncated forms of apoB-100. A total of 3873 subjects participating in the Framingham Offspring Study had LDL-C levels measured every 4 to 5 years throughout a 25-year period. Seventy-five subjects were identified with persistent HBLP, defined as an LDL-C /=70 mg/dL, subjects with HBLP had significantly lower mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride, and apoB; higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol; and a higher prevalence of the E2/E3 genotype: 38.7% versus 10.9% (P /=70 mg/dL. One individual had a truncated apoB as a cause of HBLP, for a prevalence of 0.03%. Medical causes of HBLP included 2 cases of Crohn's disease, 1 of hemochromatosis, and 1 of hepatitis. Three subjects with HBLP developed coronary heart disease, for an incidence of 4% compared with 5% in those with an LDL- C >/=70 mg/dL (P=NS). The incidence of cancer was 8% in those with HBLP compared with 4% in those with an LDL-C >/=70 mg/dL (P=0.21). In conclusion, a truncated apoB was a rare cause of HBLP, whereas the E2/E3 genotype was a much more common cause. A large prospective study is needed to evaluate the incidence of cancer and atherosclerosis in subjects with HBLP.
Nonlocal evolutionary adaptation in gridplants

A simulated model of plant growth and evolution was studied. Plants start out as seeds on a 2D grid. Plant genomes are modeled as instructions telling a plant where to grow and where to place seeds. Energy is gained by occupying grid space in analogy to collection of light by leaf surface area. At the end of a generation, cells currently occupied by plants are cleared and the seeds dropped by all the plants sprout to become the new plants. Each seed produced has a probability of mutation to the genome it contains. The simulated plants evolve to play a game of competitive exclusion, in which grid space is a limited resource. This work tested the hypothesis that the evolved plants would display nonlocal adaptation, i.e. that the plants would not only adapt to their local environment, but would acquire general skill that would enable them to grow competitively against plants that were never a part of their environment. Statistical tests show that populations of plants that have evolved for a larger number of generations are able to occupy more grid space when played against populations of plants evolved for a shorter time. This occurs even if the two competing populations come from entirely different lineages. This improvement in competitive ability continues over the course of the evolution performed in this study, without appearing to reach an equilibrium after which further evolution fails to improve the plants. This suggests that the plants are continually discovering generally useful strategies, rather than adapting only to their local environment.
Real-Time Querying of Historical Data in Flash-Equipped Sensor Devices

In this paper we propose a suite of index structures and algorithms which permit us to efficiently support querying of historical data in flash-equipped sensor devices. Our techniques are designed to consider the unique read, write and wear constraints of the flash memories; this combined with very limited data memory on sensor devices prohibits the direct application of most existing indexing methods. We have implemented our methods using nesC and have run extensive experiments in TOSSIM, the simulation environment of TinyOS. Our experimental evaluation using trace-driven real world data sets demonstrates the efficiency of our indexing algorithms.
FURL-A theory revision approach to learning fuzzy rules

Fuzzy rules have been shown to be very useful in modeling relationships between variables that have a high degree of uncertainty or ambiguity. A major question in regards to learning fuzzy rule bases is how to handle interactions between rules of overlapping coverage. Structures, such as Yager's (1993, 1998) HPS (hierarchical prioritized structure), have been proposed to answer this question. In this paper, we present our system of learning a hierarchical fuzzy rule base named FURL (for Fuzzy Rule Learner). FURL takes advantage of the properties of HPS to learn hierarchical levels of fuzzy rules. FURL applies machine-learning techniques from theory revision such as credit assignment and repair to fuzzy rules. We also discuss the results of testing FURL on multiple benchmark datasets and finally discuss our results.
Fine Grain Precision Scaling for Datapath Approximations in Digital Signal Processing Systems

Finding optimal word lengths in digital signal processing systems has been one of the primary mechanisms for reducing complexity. Recently, this topic has been explored in a broader approximate computing context, where architectures allowing for fine-grain control of hardware or software accuracy have been proposed. One of the obstacles for adoption of fine-grain scaling techniques is that they require determining the precision of all intermediate values at all possible operation points, making simulation-based optimization infeasible. In this chapter, we study efficient analytical heuristics to find optimal sets of word lengths for all variables and operations in a dataflow graph constrained by mean squared error type of metrics. We apply our method to several industrial-strength examples. Our results show a more than 5,000x improvement in optimization time compared to an efficient simulation-based word length optimization method with less than 10 % estimation error across a range of target quality metrics.
Incidental mastoid opacification in children on MRI.

The opacification the mastoid cavity is frequently reported by radiologists on cross-sectional imaging done for non-otological indications. It is well known that presence of fluid the mastoid does not amount to mastoiditis. This study seeks to provide an evidence-based confirmation of this known finding. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of mastoid opacification in children undergoing outpatient brain MRI examination. Our study included 515 outpatient children who had brain MRI for indications other than mastoiditis or otitis media from January 2014 to March 2014. Children with history of skull base trauma or radiation were excluded. The age range was 15 days to 18 years. The overall prevalence of mastoid opacification was determined using one sample proportion and exact 95% Clopper-Pearson confidence intervals. The prevalence of mastoid opacification was analyzed based on gender, age and presenting symptoms using chi-square test of association. One hundred ten children (21.4%) had mastoid opacification. Younger patients tended to have higher opacification rates with the prevalence in children younger than 1 year of age and between 1 and 2 years of age as high as 41.7% (20/48) and 47.5% (38/80), respectively. The diagnosis of mastoiditis in children should not be based upon a radiologist’s report of finding fluid or mucosal thickening in the mastoid air cells as incidental opacification the mastoid is seen frequently.
Effects of NADH and NADPH on superoxide levels and cerebral vascular tone

Reactive oxygen species are important modulators of cerebral vascular tone. Recent evidence, mainly from the aorta, suggests that NAD(P)H oxidase is a major source of vascular superoxide. The goal ...
Abstract 2990: Characterization of a mitotic interaction of ATM with AuroraB

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in DNA damage-induced cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair. Mutation of ATM leads to the autosomal recessive disorder ataxia-telangiectasia, characterized by comprehensive clinical phenotypes such as cancer predisposition and neurodegeneration. One of the cellular phenotypes of ATM-deficiency is the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) defect and aneuploidy, indicating that ATM has a functional role in mitosis. We have recently demonstrated that ATM is activated in mitosis and that ATM is required for SAC. The molecular mechanism of mitotic ATM activation has started to emerge. We show here using coimmunoprecipitation that ATM interacts with Aurora B in unsynchronized cells and that this interaction increases during mitosis. Aurora B is a protein kinase and mitotic chromosomal passenger involved in the progression of mitosis. Although regulation of the Aurora B activity in response to DNA damage is dependent on ATM, Aurora B appears to serve as an upstream element of the mitotic ATM activation pathway. Aurora B phosphorylates ATM at Ser1403 and this phosphorylation event is required for activation of the SAC. We also show that Ser1403 is dephosphorylated by Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1), thus implicating PP1 in the regulation of mitosis and the SAC. We demonstrate that the interaction between ATM and Aurora B is partially dependent on the enzymatic activity of both proteins. We also characterize the protein domains essential for the interaction of ATM with Aurora B and study the functional significance of this interaction. These data expand to our understanding of the roles of ATM outside of DNA damage repair and link ATM to cell cycle control. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2990. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2990
Rape trauma syndrome: A review of case law and psychological research.

This article analyzes recent case law on the admissibility of rape trauma syndrome evidence. Because many rulings on the admissibility of this evidence have been based on judicial assumptions about human behavior, rather than on scientific evidence, we next describe psychological research relevant to concerns raised about its scientific reliability, helpfulness, and prejudicial impact. Following this review, we evaluate both the expert testimony provided and the judicial decisions in recent cases in light of current research. Finally, we provide suggestions for future psychological research that could 1 inform discussions of the admissiblity of rape trauma syndrome evidence.
A CASE OF TRAUMATIC RUPTURE OF THE SPLEEN ACCOMPANIED WITH RENAL INFARCTION

While we sometimes encounter traumatic rupture of the spleen, renal infarction is very rarely accompanied in these cases. This time we experienced a patient emergently operated on for traumatic rupture of the spleen due to a traffic accident who was found to be associated with renal infarction in postoperative course. 17-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal blunt injury by the traffic accident. On admission his blood pressure was low and there were distention, severe tenderness and signs of peritoneal irritation in the entire abdomen. Intraperitoneal bleeding was suspected by abdominal CT scanning that revealed fluid retention. Emergency operation was carried out. Because intraoperative findings revealed deep laceration into the parenchyma of the spleen, splenectomy was performed. No injury of the left kidney and no retroperitoneal bleeding were seen, and we finished this operation. Postoperative course was uneventful, but the left kidney tended to be atrophic by postoperative abdominal CT scanning. Angiography revealed occlusion of the left renal artery. But we did not performe total nephrectomy of the left kidney, because renal hypertension in this case was not manifested. The patient is strictly followed up on an ambulant basis.
Analysis of HIV Epidemic in Qinzhou City during 1997—2006

[Objective]To analyze epidemic features of HIV in Qinzhou from 1997—2006, and provide scientific evidence for prevention and control strategy of AIDS. [Methods] Descriptive epidemiology method was applied to analyze the epidemic features of HIV. [Results]A total of 2319 cases of infectious HIV were identified, 158 were AIDS patients, and 16 were confirmed death. Peasants were the mainly infected group (46.36%), and the male to female ratio was 6.8∶1, people aged 20~39 years were the main group (84.22%); The major transmission route had been changed from intravenous drug use to sex in 2005 and 2006. [Conclusion] HIV epidemic of the city has entered the rapid growth period, comprehensive measures should be taken to control and prevent further transmission and spread of AIDS.
Elabborate on Quality Operating Tool——QCOS

QCOS(Quality Check Operation Sheet)is a quality operating tool from General Motors for critical process control which could help to detect the defect during critical manufacturing process and decrease the risk of the occurrence of the defect(including safety,regulation,all the key process like torque,weld,equipment,operators that directly impact the customer satisfaction).QCOS symmetri-cally evaluates the effectiveness of the resource control during a process,which achieves the quality assurance of a kind of product critical characteristics.The paper introduces the QCOS main content and points.
Influence of wind power absorption level by CCGT on power system operational index

A bi-level CCGT(Combined Cycle Gas Turbine) model is built based on its mode and component models,which may decrease the variable dimension and compute the output of each unit quickly. An analysis model is built and solved by the mixed integer programming method,which analyzes the influence of CCGT participating in the wind power absorption on the indexes of system safe and economic operation,such as system operating cost,unit capacity utilization rate,re-climbing lasting time,load shedding lasting time,wind power utilization rate,etc. Results of case analysis show that,the simple pursuance of large wind power integration will spoil the system operational indexes while the introduction of CCGT may improve them significantly.
Abdominal and right thoracotomy approach as standard procedure for esophagogastrectomy with low morbidity.

A series of recent articles advocate that blunt esophagectomy through neck and abdominal incisions has superior perioperative results to esophagogastrectomy via thoracotomy and abdominal approach. This prompted a review of a personal series of 40 consecutive esophagogastrectomies performed between July 1978 and December 1985. Diseases included squamous cell cancer in 15 patients, adenocarcinoma in 22, Barrett’s esophagus with cancer in two, and fibromyomatoses in one. The approach was en bloc resection through an abdominal incision and right thoratomy; a cervical incision and anastomosis was added for proximal lesions. All anastomoses were hand-sewn interrupted suture technique. Perioperative results were superior to those reported for blunt esophagectomy. Mortality was zero, no anastomatic leaks occurred, and no major pulmonary complications were seen. Four of the 40 patients required blood transfusions that totaled 8 units. Average preoperative hematocrit value was 38.9% ± 5.44% (standard deviation) and postoperative hematocrit value was 35.57% ± 6.06% (standard deviation). Average operating time was three hours and 26 minutes ± 41.43 minutes and hospital stay was 11.1 ± 4.62 days (standard deviation). Three patients required transient anastomotic dilations. It is concluded that esophagogastric en bloc resection which uses an abdominal and right thoracic approach can be accomplished with a low morbidity and mortality. A limited thoracic incision, double-lumen endotracheal tube, and self-retaining retraction on the lung minimized pulmonary trauma and respiratory problems were not a factor.
"My Trust Needs To Be Earned, Or I Don't Give It"

In this chapter, a companion piece to Chapter 3 on generational differences, we explore the “mental models” young people use in assessing the trustworthiness of others. We attend particularly to the models they adopt vis-a-vis politicians and other public figures. We discuss patterns found among youths with respect to two components that make up a mental model of trust: the cognitive approach (or how youths go about the trust judgment process) and the evidence type (or what youths look at in order to gauge the trustworthiness of another person). Summarizing our findings, for a range of near and distant figures, youths rely predominately on an earned-through-performance model of trust. That is, when making trust judgments, most youths take the approach that trust needs to be earned and focus on performance evidence, or the actions of the would-be trustee. Importantly, though, many youths favor models based on interactions evidence—particularly earned-through-interactions or evolves-through-interactions models—when assessing the trustworthiness of distant figures such as politicians and others in public life, where such interactions are improbable. Below, we describe more fully the definitions and prevalence of these and other models, and show how they influence the trust judgments youths ultimately make—specifically, the tendency of youths to either distrust or withhold trust from individuals in the polity. We also consider youths’ views regarding the general importance of trust in society. Finally, we discuss implications of these findings for youths’ participation in democratic life, and suggest practical recommendations for encouraging youths to consider alternative trust mental models.
Assessment of Three Nucleic Acid Hybridization Systems for Detection of Campylobacter spp. in Poultry Products.

Three commercially available nucleic acid hybridization systems were evaluated in combination with the United States Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) cultural protocol for the detection of Campylobacter spp. from a variety of poultry products. Samples were enriched for 24 h in Hunt broth and then plated onto modified charcoal Campylobacter differential agar. Suspensions of growth from the selective agar plates were then analyzed by the probe assays. The GENE-TRAK® Campylobacter Assay (revised format) and the GEN-PROBE® ACCUPROBE™ Campylobacter Culture Confirmation Test showed sensitivities and specificities of 100% upon testing of 30 raw chicken rinses. The original format GENE-TRAK® test had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% when these samples were tested. Ninety percent of the raw chicken rinses were found to contain Campylobacter spp. By either of the two more sensitive probes or by the USDA/FSIS cultural method. Eighty-three percent of the rinses registered Campylobacter -positive by the original format GENE-TRAK® probe. When inoculated ready-to-eat poultry samples were examined, the revised format GENE- TRAK® test and the ACCUPROBE™ assay had sensitivities of 83% and specificities of 100%. The original format GENE-TRAK® test showed a 75% sensitivity and a 100% specificity with these samples. The USDA/FSIS cultural method had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 100% with the inoculated samples. The detection limit of the revised format GENE-TRAK® and the ACCUPROBE™ assays upon testing pooled cell suspensions of four Campylobacter jejuni poultry isolates was approximately 106 CPU/ml.
Endocrine Surgical Emergencies in the Cancer Patient

There are few endocrine surgical emergencies in the cancer patient above that seen in the non-cancer population. Endocrine emergencies can be quite common in the cancer patient but are usually nonsurgical. Endocrine surgical emergencies are relatively uncommon in the general population as well. Nevertheless, there are three endocrine surgical emergencies that need to be recognized and treated appropriately in the cancer patient. These are (1) primary hyperparathyroidism as the exacerbating factor or cause of hypercalcemia in malignancy, (2) pheochromocytoma in the setting of other malignancy due to hereditary syndrome, and (3) severe Cushing syndrome in the setting of paraneoplastic ACTH secretion from an unknown or unresectable primary. These can all present as an emergency in the cancer patient, and can be lethal if unrecognized and untreated. While initial treatment is medical to stabilize the patient, surgery should then be performed usually sooner rather than later to definitively resolve the endocrine emergency in the cancer patient.
Identification of NOTCH1-Controlled Transcriptional Programs In Human T-Cell Development

Abstract 2495 T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by constitutive activation on the NOTCH signaling pathway. The NOTCH1 oncogene encodes a ligand activated transcriptional activator that regulates gene expression in association with the RBPJK DNA binding protein. NOTCH1 signaling is strictly required for thymocyte development and activating mutations resulting in aberrant NOTCH1 signaling are present in over 60% of T-ALLs. Over the last years gene expression profiling studies have identified NOTCH1 as a critical transcriptional regulator of cell growth and metabolism in T-ALL. However, the specific mechanisms that mediate the differential expression of NOTCH1 target genes in T-cell development and T-ALL remains to be elucidated. Here we used ChIP-seq technology to define the complete repertoire of NOTCH1 targets in T-ALL. Furthermore, we performed an integrative analysis of these results in the context of gene expression signatures induced NOTCH1 signaling in T-ALL and in the context of thymocyte development. NOTCH1 ChIP-seq analysis was performed by SOLiD3 ultra deep sequencing of chromatin immunoprecipitates generated with two different anti-NOTCH1 antibodies in HPB-ALL cells, a NOTCH1-mutated T-ALL leukemic cell line with high levels of NOTCH1 signaling. Analysis of the distribution of NOTCH1 binding sites relative to annotated genes (3,078 genes associated to NOTCH1 peaks; MACS ChIP-seq with P Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Lateral stability of flat rail cars - an over–the–road investigation

As part of the (Rail) Truck Design Optimization Project (TDOP), Phase 11, data acquired from over–the–road tests have been reduced and analyzed to define the dynamic characteristics of flat rail cars equipped with low–level constant–friction snubbed rail trucks. The investigation has focused on the influence of lading condition, wheel profile, speed and track excitations (jointed rail track and continuous welded rail track) on the lateral stability of flat cars. The objectives of this study are to define the statistical characteristics of the flat CM lateral stability and to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of such vehicles.
Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

A 55-year-old man presents within 2 hours of acute left-sided weakness. Head computed tomography reveals a 60 mL right thalamic hemorrhage. Blood pressure (BP) on presentation is 150/95 mm Hg. Should BP be lowered? If yes, what is the target BP and which antihypertensive agents should be used? Intensive BP Lowering in Intracerebral Hemorrhage ### Craig Anderson As the on-call stroke neurologist, I would treat this patient according to an approved management of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) protocol readily available on the hospital intranet and my decision support tool. The patient is at high risk for poor outcome—early presentation, large hematoma, deep location—and early, rapid and sustained control of elevated systolic BP (SBP, target <140 mm Hg) has reasonably strong supporting evidence of benefit on functional outcome, without significant harm.1 Moreover, BP lowering is a component of active care, with avoidance of early do-not-resuscitate (or palliative care) orders. I recognize that clinicians require level 1, or grade A, quality information from research that is scientifically robust, current, and closely matches the patients they encounter in routine practice. However, generating randomized evidence for decision-making in ICH is complex because of its low rate compared with acute ischemic stroke, heterogeneous causes, high early mortality, and variable involvement of neurosurgery. Although the clinical association of high BP and adverse outcomes in ICH is common, there has been longstanding concern that rapid BP lowering can cause cerebral ischemia, especially if cerebral autoregulation is altered from chronic hypertension or brain injury. However, focused studies have not confirmed any such harm by showing no significant relationship between BP lowering and cerebral blood flow or oxygenation in the perihematomal region or cerebral hemispheres in ICH patients.2 Failure to provide a clear effect on the primary outcome of early intensive BP lowering compared with contemporaneous BP management (SBP <180 mm Hg) in 2839 …
Dosimetry in Radionuclide Therapy: a Review of Key Concepts and Applications

1915 Learning Objectives - Review basic units of radiation dose (exposure, absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose) - Summarize the concept of internal dosimetry using MIRD (Medical Internal Radiation Dose) - Review applications of dosimetry in I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer - Review applications of dosimetry in Y-90 microsphere therapy for liver tumors An accurate understanding of the radiation dose delivered to the patient during nuclear medicine therapy will improve outcomes and decrease toxicities for patients. The MIRD schema estimates the dose to an organ or patient by taking into account all source to target geometries, the biodistribution and clearance, and the types of radiation emitted [1]. When a nonuniform distribution is encountered, dose- point kernel convolution, Monte Carlo methods, and voxel S values may be used with MIRD [2,3]. In I-131 thyroid cancer therapy, patient- specific dose calculations are particularly important in special situations such as renal, bone marrow or pulmonary impairment, and atypical metastatic disease [4]. Dosimetry may be obtained using serial blood, body, and thyroid bed activity measurements [5]. In the setting of delayed renal clearance, dose thresholds to avoid bone marrow or pulmonary toxicity may be estimated with imaging at multiple time-points. Arterial Y-90 microsphere therapy of primary and secondary liver tumors requires patient- specific dosimetry to avoid toxicity. Tc-99m MAA planar and SPECT images are most widely used for pre-operative dose calculation by defining extrahepatic uptake and lung shunt fraction. Imaging of the brehmstrahlung radiation or weak positron emissions from Y-90, in conjunction with Monte Carlo methods, can be the basis for post- therapy tumor dosimetry [6, 7, 8]. Computational methods will be outlined for these two clinical applications, with selected examples from our clinical experience and the literature.
Targeted HAS2 expression lessens airway responsiveness in chronic murine allergic airway disease

Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, is secreted by airway structural cells. Airway fibroblasts in allergic asthma secrete elevated levels of HA in association with increased HA synthase 2 (HAS2) expression. Thus, we hypothesized that HA accumulation in the airway wall may contribute to airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in allergic airways disease. To examine this hypothesis, transgenic mice in which the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) promoter drives HAS2 expression were generated. Mixed male and female α-SMA–HAS2 mice (HAS2+ mice, n = 16; HAS2− mice, n = 13) were sensitized via intraperitoneal injection and then chronically challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) for 6 weeks. To test airway responsiveness, increasing doses of methacholine were delivered intravenously and airway resistance was measured using the forced oscillation technique. HA, cytokines, and cell types were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum, and whole lung homogenates. Lung sections we...
Technical Note: Quantitative accuracy evaluation for spectral images from a detector-based spectral CT scanner using an iodine phantom.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantitative accuracy of spectral images from a detector-based spectral CT scanner using a phantom with iodine-loaded inserts. METHODS A 40-cm long-body phantom with seven iodine inserts (2-20 mg/ml of iodine) was used in the study. The inserts could be placed at 5.5 or 10.5 cm from the phantom axis. The phantom was scanned five times for each insert configuration using 120 kVp tube voltage. A set of iodine, virtual noncontrast, effective atomic number, and virtual monoenergetic spectral CT images were generated and measurements were made for all the iodine rods. Measured values were compared with reference values calculated from the chemical composition information provided by the phantom manufacturer. Radiation dose from the spectral CT was compared to a conventional CT using a CTDI (32 cm) phantom. RESULTS Good agreement between measurements and reference values was achieved for all types of spectral images. The differences ranged from -0.46 to 0.1 mg/ml for iodine concentration, -9.95 to 6.41 HU for virtual noncontrast images, 0.12 to 0.35 for effective Z images, and -17.7 to 55.7 HU for virtual monoenergetic images. For a similar CTDIvol, image noise from the conventional CT was 10% lower than the spectral CT. CONCLUSIONS The detector-based spectral CT can achieve accurate spectral measurements on iodine concentration, virtual non-contrast images, effective atomic numbers, and virtual monoenergetic images.
General Pathology of Virus Infections in Plants

In this chapter an attempt will be made to describe and illustrate the most important effects of viruses on plants. Many of the examples used for illustrative purposes have been taken from studies on tobacco mosaic and aster yellows. Tobacco mosaic is the best known of all of the virus diseases of plants. Aster yellows, perhaps, is the best known of the yellows type of diseases. The symptoms of individual diseases, generally, have not been considered except for purposes of illustration. Those desiring detailed descriptions of the known virus diseases of plants are referred to the literature.
Desert rangelands, degradation and nutrients

It is well recognized that rangeland environments, especially degraded environments, are relatively infertile. Though arid lands are moisture limited, it is often stated that they are nutrient regulated. A discussion of rangeland soil nutrients relative to landscape degradation should include: (1) dynamics of nutrient distributions; (2) soil properties affecting nutrient fluxes; (3) indicators of soil quality; and 4) nutrient based strategies for remediation. Nutrient distribution is strongly influenced by vegetation structure, and spatial nutrient patterns are closely linked to aspects of primary productivity and species composition. Effects of vegetation on nutrient spatial patterns can persist for decades, even if vegetation is altered by natural or anthropogenic disturbances. Though abiotic processes strongly shape physical features of arid landscapes, biotic activities directly affect soil nutrients. Unfortunately, assessment and monitoring technologies based on soil properties which quantify integrity of nutrient related processes have not been fully developed. Approaches for remediating degraded conditions need to exploit nutrient spatial and temporal heterogeneities. Remediation should be targeted to the most fertile sites, even if these are only relatively small parts of the overall landscape. Understanding nutrient dynamics is a key to triggering autogenic remediation of degraded rangelands.
Testing archaeofaunal collections for differential fragmentation

Abstract Body dimensions of animal remains provide evidence for subsistence technologies, seasonality of hunting and fishing, and generalized resource stress. Studies that rely on reconstructed body dimensions of fishes rarely address the possibility of differential preservation or recovery, which may result in inaccurate representations of size classes. We devise a method to test for differential fragmentation of archaeofauna1 specimens based on specimen size and location within the stratigraphic column. We also compare two methods for reconstructing animal size classes: one includes only complete specimens that can be measured accurately, and the other includes both fragmented and complete specimens. We use a collection of mullet (Mugil spp.) atlases from the McQueen Shell Ring, St. Catherines Island, Georgia (USA), many of which were included in a previous study of fish body size as evidence for fishing technologies. All atlases are sorted by size class and categorized as having complete or fragmented osteometric landmarks. There is a positive correlation (ρ = 0.45, P = 0.07) between atlas size class and proportion of specimens that are fragmented: smaller atlases are more likely to be recovered, identified, and measured without fragmentation compared to larger atlases. Size-based differential fragmentation may bias against the representation of larger-bodied individuals in this context. Frequency of fragmentation is not monotonically correlated with burial depth (ρ = −0.19, P = 0.39), and is higher in the upper-most and bottom-most levels of the stratigraphic column compared to intermediate depths. Depth-based differential fragmentation may bias results when stratigraphic sequences are used to evaluate change through time in animal body sizes.
The Real Estate Academic Leadership (REAL) Rankings for 2011–2015

The intellectual contributions of real estate to the larger body of knowledge makes real estate interdisciplinary, often creating difficulty related to where real estate publications stand compared to the traditional disciplines of economics, finance, marketing, urban studies, public administration, and sociology. The purpose of the Real Estate Academic Leadership (REAL) rankings is to highlight the authors and institutions demonstrating achievement in intellectual contributions to the field of real estate. The rankings provide an opportunity to measure the authors and institutions engaged in real estate research against one another. Moreover, for those being evaluated for promotion and tenure, REAL offers a source for evaluation relative to one's peers. Ultimately, the REAL rankings index allows outside institutions and individuals to understand where the greatest occurrence of high-level research is currently being conducted. It is widely documented and accepted in the peer-reviewed literature that the ...
Integration Standardization and Diagnostics Oversight of Laboratory Testing.

This editorial highlights the article by Schreier et al that emphasizes on reforming the process for regulating laboratory developed testing.
Examining the link between thoracic rotation and scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain amongst college swimmers

Abstract Objectives In National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers, we examined the differences in thoracic spine rotation in swimmers with and without scapular dyskinesis and the relationship between thoracic spine rotation and shoulder pain/dysfunction according to the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Laboratory-based. Participants 34 NCAA Division I swimmers (13 males, 21 females). Main outcome measures Self-reported upper extremity function and pain assessed with the KJOC questionnaire, thoracic spine range of motion, presence of scapular dyskinesis. Results Dyskinesis was present in 15 of 34 (44%) subjects. Thoracic rotation averaged 136.7° and KJOC averaged 87.7 with no differences between swimmers with or without dyskinesis. We observed no correlation between KJOC-identified shoulder pain/dysfunction and thoracic rotation. Conclusions In our cohort of NCAA Division 1 swimmers, no differences were found between swimmers with or without scapular dyskinesis and extent of thoracic rotation. We found no correlation between thoracic rotation and the amount of self-reported pain and dysfunction experienced in the upper extremity. The presence of scapular dyskinesis in nearly half of our subjects indicates that swimmers need to be assessed for this abnormality. If observed, rehabilitation should address the dyskinesis and improve thoracic rotation in an attempt to alleviate further upper extremity pain and dysfunction.
Comparing sedation vs. general anaesthesia in transoesophageal echocardiography-guided percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve repair: a meta-analysis.

Aims Transoesophageal echocardiography-guided percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve repair (TOE-guided PMVR) using edge-to-edge leaflet plication is typically performed under general anaesthesia (GA). Increasing evidence supports the efficacy and safety of PMVR performed under conscious sedation (CS) or deep sedation (DS). We performed a meta-analysis comparing safety and efficacy of CS/DS vs. GA in PMVR. Methods and results A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Study characteristics, participant demographics, and procedural outcomes with both types of anaesthesia were analysed. Out of 73 articles, five met inclusion criteria. Overall, there was no significant difference in the primary outcome of procedural success rate [odds ratio (OR) 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-1.88, I2= 0.0%, P = 0.538] or post-procedure in-hospital mortality (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.38-2.71, I2= 0.0%, P = 0.970) in the patients undergoing PMVR under CS/DS vs. GA. The secondary endpoint of intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) was significantly shorter in patients under CS/DS vs. GA (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.97; 95% CI -1.75 to -0.20; P = 0.014), but the hospital LOS (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI -0.77 to 0.04, P = 0.078) did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups, although it was shorter in the CS/DS group. No difference was observed between CS/DS and GA in fluoroscopy time, procedure time, or complications, including pneumonia, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and major bleeding. Conclusion CS or DS has lower ICU LOS, but comparable procedural success rate and in-hospital mortality, making it a potential alternative to GA for TOE-guided PMVR.
Arrest and emergency medical services events among participants from one of the first mental health courts.

Abstract Objective This study looked at, in addition to subsequent arrest, emergency medical services (EMS) events as an outcome of participation in mental health court (MHC). Methods We linked information from participants of a MHC in Marion County, Indiana with jail booking and EMS services data. To understand programmatic impact, we looked at differences in jail bookings and EMS events within one year prior to and one year after MHC participation. We ran paired t-tests to understand whether correlations were significant. We also considered differences in outcomes between those who successfully completed MHC versus those who did not. Results MHC participation was significantly associated with a reduction in jail bookings and EMS events in the 12 months after program participation compared to the 12 months before. When comparing MHC participant groups, a significant reduction in jail bookings is found consistently whereas a significant reduction in EMS events was found in only some participant groups: the entire MHC group and the misdemeanor-level court (PAIR) participants when they successfully completed the program. Conclusions EMS utilization should be an outcome of consideration in evaluating the success and cost savings of MHCs. Where MHCs do not result in significantly reduced EMS events, communities should consider what individual-level and community-level factors contribute to this and adjust accordingly.
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Policy, Systems, and Environmental Strategies: A Content Analysis of Community Health Improvement Plans

Background: Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches can sustainably improve healthy eating (HE) and physical activity (PA) but are challenging to implement. Community health improvement plans (CHIPs) represent a strategic opportunity to advance PSEs but have not been adequately researched. The objective of this study was to describe types of HE and PA strategies included in CHIPs and assess strategies designed to facilitate successful PSE-change using an established framework that identifies six key activities to catalyze change. Methods: A content analysis was conducted of 75 CHIP documents containing HE and/or PA PSE strategies, which represented communities that were identified from responses to a national probability sample of US local health departments (<500,000 residents). Each HE/PA PSE strategy was assessed for alignment with six key activities that facilitate PSE-change (identifying and framing the problem, engaging and educating key people, identifying PSE solutions, utilizing available evidence, assessing social and political environment, and building support and political will). Multilevel latent class analyses were conducted to identify classes of CHIPs based on HE/PA PSE strategy alignment with key activities. Analyses were conducted separately for CHIPs containing HE and PA PSE strategies. Results: Two classes of CHIPs with PSE strategies emerged from the HE (n = 40 CHIPs) and PA (n = 43 CHIPs) multilevel latent class analyses. More CHIPs were grouped in Class A (HE: 75%; PA: 79%), which were characterized by PSE strategies that simply identified a PSE solution. Fewer CHIPs were grouped in Class B (HE: 25%; PA: 21%), and these mostly included PSE strategies that comprehensively addressed multiple key activities for PSE-change. Conclusions: Few CHIPs containing PSE strategies addressed multiple key activities for PSE-change. Efforts to enhance collaborations with important decision-makers and community capacity to engage in a range of key activities are warranted.
Status of the James Webb Space Telescope integrated science instrument module

The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is discussed from a systems perspective with emphasis on development status and advanced technology aspects. The ISIM is one of three elements that comprise the JWST space vehicle and is the science instrument payload of the JWST. The major subsystems of this flight element and their build status are described.
Stigma Surrounding the Use of Medically Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.

This study sought to determine whether certain factors influenced public stigma toward the use of medication to treat opioid use disorders (MOUD). Method: In a series of 3 studies using between-sub...
United States port interceptions and predicted climate suitability of the red dwarf honeybee, Apis florea (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with notes on its identification

We analyzed the port interceptions of the red dwarf honeybee, Apis (Micrapis) florea and undetermined species of Apis from regions where the A. florea is present. We also provide information on the potential distribution of this species globally and for the USA by using two climatic suitability models: Plant Hardiness Zones and Maxent. The results show several significant interceptions at US ports of entry in the last 10 years, including complete colonies associated with sea containers. In addition, the climatic models showed suitable areas in warmer regions of the world, and Southern and Western USA. Finally, we provide some additional notes for the diagnosis of the females and males of A. florea, including some novel characters from the gonangulum and the sting blades, both parts of the complex sting apparatus of the workers.
Sensitive detection of microsatellite instability in tissues and liquid biopsies: Recent developments and updates.

Abstract Microsatellite instability (MSI), a phenotype displayed as deletions/insertions of repetitive genomic sequences, has drawn great attention due to its application in cancer including diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction. Several methods have been developed for the detection of MSI, facilitating the MSI classification of cancer patients. In view of recent interest in minimally-invasive detection of MSI via liquid biopsy samples, which requires methods with high sensitivity to identify small fractions of altered DNA in the presence of large amount of wild type copies, sensitive MSI detection approaches are emerging. Here we review the available MSI detection methods and their detection limits and focus on recently developed next-generation-sequencing based approaches and bioinformatics algorithms available for MSI analysis in various cancer types.
Evaluation of a novel endotracheal tube suctioning system incorporating an inflatable sweeper

Introduction Accumulation of secretions in an endotracheal tube can increase the resistance to flow resulting in an increased patient work of breathing when the patient is interacting with the ventilator. Retained secretions can also serve as an infection risk. Standard suction catheters are limited in their ability to keep the lumen of the endotracheal tube clear. A novel closed-suction catheter has been introduced that incorporates a balloon at its distal end that, when inflated, physically scrapes secretions out of the endotracheal tube (CleanSweep catheter (CSC), Teleflex, Morrisville NC). We hypothesized that the CSC would be more efficient at removing secretions from inside the endotracheal tube than a standard suction catheter (SSC). Methods We performed a bench study examining resistive pressures across different sizes of endotracheal tubes when cleaned by the CSC as compared with an SSC. This study was followed by a prospective crossover study again comparing the CSC with an SSC in intubated intensive care unit patients receiving mechanical ventilation and requiring frequent suctioning. Results For the bench study the CSC was significantly better in reducing airway resistive pressures (P < 0.001). In the prospective crossover study the CSC over 2 h also removed significantly more secretions than the SSC (P < 0.05). Conclusion Both our bench and crossover clinical study demonstrated improved clearance of secretions with the CSC vs an SSC. Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical outcome benefits of enhanced secretion removal.
Energy Engineering Education for the 21st Century

The production and utilization of energy are currently undergoing changes that will have far-reaching consequences for the future of engineering education. The purpose of this paper is to identify those changes that will significantly challenge the education system of the 21st century and to predict the system response. First, the subject matter of energy engineering will undoubtedly be at a more advanced level in the next century. As the easily recoverable fossil fuel resources are depleted, the energy mix will shift toward resources requiring more advanced technology. Secondly, the importance of the political and social dimensions of energy in a technical society will increase. To meet these challenges, energy engineering education will certainly evolve new methods and structures. The increased social responsibility of energy engineers will probably result in a more professional educational system with a broader education interest.