cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomics of liver transplant injury and regeneration

While improved surgical techniques, post-operative care, and immunosuppression regimens have reduced morbidity and mortality associated with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), further improvement of outcomes requires personalized treatment and a better understanding of genomic mechanisms involved. Gene expression profiles of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, regeneration, and rejection, may suggest mechanisms for development of better predictive tools and treatments. The liver is unique in its regenerative potential, recovering lost mass and function after injury from ischemia, resection, and rejection. I/R injury, an inevitable consequence of perfusion cessation, cold storage, and reperfusion, is regulated by the interaction of the immune system, inflammatory cytokines, and reduced microcirculatory blood flow in the liver. Rejection, a common post-operative complication, is mediated by the recipient's immune system through T-cell-dependent responses activating proinflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Characterizing distinctive gene expression signatures for these events can identify therapies to reduce injury, promote regeneration, and improve outcomes. While certain markers of liver injury and regeneration have been observed in animals, many of these are unverified in human studies. Further investigation of these genomic signatures and mechanisms through new technology offers promise, but continues to pose a significant challenge. An overview of the current fund of knowledge in this area is reviewed.
Pavement Subgrade Stabilization Using Recycled Materials

The performance of subgrade stabilization with cement, lime or lime/fly ash are extensively studied. However, the use of recycled materials for subgrade stabilization is yet to be properly studied. If proper mix designs and construction specifications for subgrade stabilization with recycled materials are available, those materials can be used for pavement construction. Recycled materials not only provide cheaper alternatives for subgrade stabilization, they also alleviate landfill problems. Most of the previous studies were related to subgrade modification with recycled materials, limited to quantify immediate benefit through construction facilitation. However, there is a need to identify the long-term benefits and/or associated risks to use recycled material for subgrade stabilization. With satisfactory long-term benefits, subgrade stabilization can be potentially used for optimizing pavement designs that will result in cost effective pavement sections. If this study reveals any long-term risks associated with subgrade stabilization, those will be addressed by either remedial actions or by limiting usage of those stabilizing materials. This paper examines the preliminary results of a laboratory testing program to determine benefits and risks of using recycled materials such as Cement Kiln Dust (CKD), Lime Kiln Dust (LKD), Fly Ash (FA) and Concrete Fines (CF) for subgrade modification as well as stabilization.
Deconstruction of a neural circuit for hunger

Hunger is a complex behavioural state that elicits intense food seeking and consumption. These behaviours are rapidly recapitulated by activation of starvation-sensitive AGRP neurons, which present an entry point for reverse-engineering neural circuits for hunger. Here we mapped synaptic interactions of AGRP neurons with multiple cell populations in mice and probed the contribution of these distinct circuits to feeding behaviour using optogenetic and pharmacogenetic techniques. An inhibitory circuit with paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) neurons substantially accounted for acute AGRP neuron-evoked eating, whereas two other prominent circuits were insufficient. Within the PVH, we found that AGRP neurons target and inhibit oxytocin neurons, a small population that is selectively lost in Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition involving insatiable hunger. By developing strategies for evaluating molecularly defined circuits, we show that AGRP neuron suppression of oxytocin neurons is critical for evoked feeding. These experiments reveal a new neural circuit that regulates hunger state and pathways associated with overeating disorders.
A desktop magnetic resonance imaging system

Modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems consist of several complex, high cost subsystems. The cost and complexity of these systems often makes them impractical for use as routine laboratory instruments, limiting their use to hospitals and dedicated laboratories. However, advances in the consumer electronics industry have led to the widespread availability of inexpensive radio-frequency integrated circuits with exceptional abilities. We have developed a small, low-cost MR system derived from these new components. When combined with inexpensive desktop magnets, this type of MR scanner has the promise of becoming standard laboratory equipment for both research and education. This paper describes the development of a prototype desktop MR scanner utilizing a 0.21 T permanent magnet with an imaging region of approximately 2 cm diameter. The system uses commercially available components where possible and is programmed in LabVIEW software. Results from 3D data sets of resolution phantoms and fixed, newborn mice demonstrate the capability of this system to obtain useful images from a system constructed for approximately $13 500.
Typhoid and Old Lace, A Grandmother Carrier

An atypical instance of Salmonella typhosa infection in a seven- year-old boy was traced to a grandmother found to be a typhoid carrier. She had no knowledge of ever having had the disease, but was born and raised in a community where typhoid was endemic.
A Randomized Trial of Loading Vancomycin in the Emergency Department

Background: Optimizing vancomycin dosing may help eradicate bacteria while avoiding resistance. The guidelines recommend loading doses; however, there are no data to demonstrate that this may result in a more rapid achievement of therapeutic troughs. Objective: To evaluate the percentage of troughs reaching therapeutic levels at 12, 24, and 36 hours following an initial vancomycin dose of 30 mg/kg compared with 15 mg/kg. Methods: This prospective, randomized study was performed in a community academic medical center. Patients who were to receive vancomycin in the emergency department were randomized to an initial traditional dose of 15 mg/kg or a 30-mg/kg loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg every 12 hours for 3 doses. Patients weighing >120 kg or with creatinine clearances <50 mL/min were excluded. Results: In total, 99 patients were enrolled; 12 hours after the initial dose of vancomycin, there was a significantly greater proportion of patients reaching target trough levels of 15 mg/L among the patients wh...
Temperature dependence of the elastic constants of rubidium

Abstract The adiabatic elastic constants of single crystal rubidium were measured as a function of temperature from 170–178°K by the ultrasonic pulse echo technique. In order to eliminate the transit time errors and facilitate handling of the samples a buffer technique was employed. The measured elastic constants at 78°K (in units of 1010 dyn cm -2 ) are as follows: C = 1·98, C′ = 0·256, C n = 4·97 and B s = 2·90 The notation C = C44, C′ = (C 11 −C 12 ) 2 , C n = (C 11 +C 12 +2C 44 ) 2 and B s = C n −C−C′ 3 is used. The shear stiffnesses C and C' are interpreted in terms of Fuchs' electrostatic contributions to the shear constants of the alkali metals. The constant pressure temperature dependence of the elastic constants (d ln c/dT)p, is also listed. The bulk modulus obtained from the ultrasonic measurements is also compared with the isothermal compressional data of Swenson.
The Spectrum of Chandler's Syndrome

Summary This presentation supports many of the findings described by Dr Chandler. Pathologic findings with light microscopy have led us toward some understanding of the damage produced by proliferating tissues. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy may help us to further understand the pathogenesis. At this stage, we believe the specular microscope may be useful in cases of unexplained unilateral glaucoma with subtle endothelial abnormalities undetected by slitlamp examination. It may, in the future, facilitate the differentiation of these interesting endothelial dystrophies with their accompanying glaucomas.
The Effect of Various Particle Sizes of Oyster Shell and Limestone on Performance of Laying Leghorn Pullets

Abstract Commercial strain cross Leghorn pullets were fed a basal diet and either ground limestone (GL), ground oyster shell (GOS), screened pullet size oyster shell (POS), screened hen size oyster shell (HOS) or screened coarse limestone (CL). All 1272 birds were fed 2.5% calcium from 20 to 60 weeks of age then some were placed on a 3.5% calcium diet to 68 weeks. Egg shell rigidity was greatest from birds supplied non-flour calcium sources as compared o t the flour calcium sources. Shell deformation means over the three years in 0.001 mm. were 16.6, 16.2, 15.9, 15.5, 14.9 for the cage and 16.7, 16.7, 16.3, 15.7, 15.1 for the floor treatments respectively. The various particle sizes did not consistently influence egg weight, egg production (average 74%), feed consumption, bone mineralization or egg breakage at point of lay. Increasing the calcium level near the end of the experimental period which terminated in August of three successive years did not statistically (P > 0.05) increase shell rigidity over the lower calcium levels. Following the processing of sound eggs through a washer-grader, the observed breakage was greater than the random breakage for deformation values above 18 (.001 mm.) indicating that rigid egg shells resist breakage. It was also shown that: the mean deformation is an indicator of potential shell breakage; shell quality can be affected in both the early and late stages of production; a bag of coarse calcium source contains widely varying quantities of each particle size; and the hens will not consume all the coarse calcium source presented in a diet with 3.5% calcium.
Activity based highway capacity analysis: a case study

The activity based theory of traffic flow is applied to evaluate highway capacity for four different concepts of automated vehicles in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane of the Houston Katy Highway. Three increasing patterns of traffic demand are considered. SmartCap, a meso-scale software tool developed in the California PATH program, was used to simulate the highway behavior. Simulation results are discussed.
Hardware Trojan horse detection using gate-level characterization

Hardware Trojan horses (HTHs) are the malicious altering of hardware specification or implementation in such a way that its functionality is altered under a set of conditions defined by the attacker. There are numerous HTHs sources including untrusted foundries, synthesis tools and libraries, testing and verification tools, and configuration scripts. HTH attacks can greatly comprise security and privacy of hardware users either directly or through interaction with pertinent systems and application software or with data. However, while there has been a huge research and development effort for detecting software Trojan horses, surprisingly, HTHs are rarely addressed. HTH detection is a particularly difficult task in modern and pending deep submicron technologies due to intrinsic manufacturing variability. Our goal is to provide an impetus for HTH research by creating a generic and easily applicable set of techniques and tools for HTH detection. We start by introducing a technique for recovery of characteristics of gates in terms of leakage current, switching power, and delay, which utilizes linear programming to solve a system of equations created using non-destructive measurements of power or delays. This technique is combined with constraint manipulation techniques to detect embedded HTHs. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated on a number of standard benchmarks.
Acute Complications after Balloon-assisted Maturation

Background Balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a fairly new procedure used to accelerate the process of maturation. As with any procedure, complications do arise. In this retrospective analysis of 336 office-based BAM procedures, 5 major complications were analyzed. These were categorized as formation of wall hematoma, extravasation or rupture, spasm, thrombosis, and formation of puncture-site hematoma. Methods Prospective data were collected from May 14, 2009 to March 3, 2011 on 336 office-based duplex-guided BAM procedures. Access site puncture, vessel cannulation, wire placement, and balloon advancement and insufflation were duplex guided. Balloon calibers were chosen based on duplex vein measurements and surgeon preference (approximately 1–2 mm larger than minimal vein diameter). Vascular injuries were classified based on postprocedural duplex assessment. All patients had follow-up duplex scans within a week after BAM. Results Of the 336 procedures, the most common injury was formation of wall hematoma (136, 40.5%) followed by extravasation or rupture (32, 9.5%), spasm (26, 7.7%), formation of puncture-site hematoma (13, 3.9%), and thrombosis (5, 1.5%). The injuries were further compared based on balloon size, ranging from small balloon group (3–6 mm) to large balloon group (7–12 mm); entry position, retrograde ( n = 177) versus antegrade ( n = 159); and type of fistula; radial–cephalic ( n = 232), brachial–cephalic ( n = 64), brachial–basilic ( n = 34), brachial–brachial ( n = 4), and ulnar–cephalic ( n = 2). A significant increase in complications was noted in BAM procedures performed in forearm AVF versus upper arm AVF (67% vs 54%, P = 0.02) and in the large balloon group versus small balloon group (72% vs 52%, P Conclusions The data suggest that office-based BAM procedures are safe. Fortunately, major complications are not seen at an alarming rate. While increased complications are seen in BAM procedures performed in the forearm and with larger balloons, except for wall hematoma formation (40.19%), each complication occurs in
Post‐transcriptional control of protein synthesis in Balb/C‐3T3 cells by platelet‐derived growth factor and platelet‐poor plasma

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and platelet-poor plasma, which lacks PDGF, both induce a rapid increase in the rate of total protein synthesis within quiescent, density-arrested Balb/c-3T3 cells. This stimulation of protein synthesis is associated with an increased aggregation of ribosomes into polyribosomes. Nuclear functions are not required for this response, as demonstrated by the observation that this stimulation of protein synthesis occurs in cells pretreated with actinomycin D and in enucleated cells (cytoplasts). The response to PDGF persists even after PDGF has been removed from the culture medium, but in contrast, when plasma is removed from the medium, polysomes dissaggregate and protein synthesis declines. PDGF and plasma do not function synergistically to increase protein synthesis, whereas they do to induce optimum DNA synthesis. Thus stimulation of the translational apparatus may be necessary for the mitogenic response of Balb/c-3T3 cells to growth factors, but it is not by itself sufficient.
An 800 Mbps system interconnect modeling and simulation for high speed computing

System interconnect modeling for high speed systems is a vital bottleneck for high speed data transfer. We demonstrate the modeling process on a high speed computer differential net running at 400 MHz (800 Mbit/s) with IBM I/O cells. The modeling of the traces on the boards was done using a field solver. The transmission line matrices were used in a SPICE model, and 3-simulation scenarios were tested for this model. The obtained EYE opening of the modeled interconnect simulation was 705 mV while the measured EYE opening for the same net topology in the laboratory was 710 mV. This shows a close match between the actual behavior and the model generated. Careful modeling can be very beneficial to get a design running at first time operation.
A Qualitative Study of Clinical Decision Making in Recommending Discharge Placement From the Acute Care Setting

Background and Purpose. One of the roles of rehabilitation professionals in the acute care setting is making recommendations for patients' discharge placement. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the decision-making process of physical therapists and occupational therapists when recommending discharge destination for patients following acute care hospitalization. Subjects. Participants were 7 physical therapists and 2 occupational therapists in an acute care rotation at a large academic medical center. Methods. A grounded-theory strategy was used. Three interviews were conducted and guided by questions about participants' approaches to discharge decision making. Information from the interview transcripts was used to define constructs. A model was generated to explain the relationships among the constructs. Results. Decision making regarding discharge recommendations was guided by 4 constructs: patients' functioning and disability, patients' wants and needs, patients' ability to participate in care, and patients' life context. Information was filtered through therapists' experiences and modified by the health care team's opinions and by health care regulations. Discussion and Conclusion. The decision making of the rehabilitation professionals studied in recommending discharge placements for their patients reflects consideration of patients as individuals and the environments in which they live. Information about patients is filtered through the experience of therapists and influenced by health care regulations and opinions of other health care professionals, the patients, and their associates. The findings might be used in teaching clinical decision making to clinicians and students as they learn to make discharge recommendations.
Beyond Sex: Likelihood and Predictors of Effective and Ineffective Intervention in Intimate Partner Violence in Bystanders Perceiving an Emergency:

Within the framework of the bystander model of intervention, we examined specific correlates and the likelihood of effective and ineffective intervention strategies of bystanders to an instance of intimate partner violence (IPV) identified as an emergency. We measured psychological variables associated with general prosocial behavior (including sex, instrumentality, expressiveness, empathy, personal distress, dispositional anger, and perceived barriers) as influential predictors in four IPV intervention behaviors (i.e., calling 911, talking to the victim, talking to the perpetrator, and physically interacting with the perpetrator). One hundred seventeen college community members completed preintervention measures, watched a film clip of IPV which they identified as an emergency, reported their likelihood of becoming involved and utilizing intervention behaviors, and identified perceived barriers to intervention. Participants were more likely to indicate using effective over ineffective intervention tactics. Lower perceived barriers to intervention predicted greater intervention likelihood. Hierarchical regression indicated that men and individuals higher in anger and instrumental traits were more likely to report that they would engage in riskier ineffective forms of intervention. Implications regarding bystander training and associations to intervention in related forms of violence including sexual assault are discussed.
Phosphorylation in a Partially Restored Bacterial System

SummaryA cytochrome bearing ETP and a soluble, non-heme fraction, isolated from B. stearothermophilus, both catalyzed the oxidation of NADH. Although the oxidative rate in the soluble fraction was aided considerably by addition of cytochrome c and to a lesser extent by a naphthoquinone isolated from the bacillus, the rate in the ETP was only slightly increased. Flavin analysis disclosed a ratio of 3 to 1 between the soluble and particulate fractions. The former was incapable of phosphorylation whereas the ETP exhibited a P/O of 1.75. Oxidation of NADH was inhibited in both systems by 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL) and in the soluble system by p-chloromercuribenzoate and amytal. Phosphorylation in an ETP suspension, inactivated by BAL or light (360 mμ) was partially restored by addition of soluble fraction. The P/O in such a mixture was 0.85, a figure which apparently represented ATP formation in the remaining functional segment of the cytochrome sequence. This phosphorylation was inhibited by 2,4-dinitro-ph...
Acid–Base Interaction and Its Role in Alkane Dissociative Chemisorption on Oxide Surfaces

We use density functional theory to examine methane dissociative adsorption on lanthana to produce H and CH3 bonded to the surface. Previous work suggested that the binding energy of a Lewis base and a Lewis acid to an oxide exceeds by far the value expected from adding the binding energies of the same compounds chemisorbed alone. This rule suggests that the fragments (H and CH3) formed by the dissociative adsorption of methane on an oxide will adsorb so that they could benefit from this strong acid–base interaction. To do this, one fragment must bind to oxygen and the other to a cation. Such a configuration should have lower energy than the one obtained by binding both fragments to oxygen, even though each fragment prefers to bind to oxygen when it binds alone. We suggest that this behavior is encountered in most systems.
Individual differences in Need for Cognition influence the evaluation of circular scientific explanations

Abstract Recent advances in neuroscience research have led to increased interest in psychological findings that offer neural or neuropsychological explanations for human behavior. Researchers have found that individuals rate scientific explanations that contain neuroscience information as more satisfying, even when the neuroscience information is irrelevant. Individual differences, such as level of expertise, have been shown to affect an individual's evaluation of an explanation. The current study examined whether the individual differences characteristic Need for Cognition (NFC) had an effect on an individual's ability to adequately evaluate a circular explanation with and without irrelevant neuroscience information with an expectation that NFC would have a moderating influence on the relationship between presence of neuroscience information in circular explanations and satisfaction with these explanations. Results indicated that the presence of neuroscience information influenced evaluations of circular explanations such that the explanations with neuroscience information tended to be rated more favorably. Results also indicated that NFC was negatively correlated with satisfaction ratings; however, no interaction effect between NFC and presence of neuroscience information was observed. These results may have important implications for the way in which researchers convey and disseminate their findings to the general public.
Application of Respiratory Index and Oxygenation Index Dynamic Monitoring in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective To explore the clinical value of respiratory index(RI) and oxygenation index(OI)dynamic monitoring in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS) during mchanical ventilation.Methods According to prognosis,24 newborns with NRDS who had not be treated with pulmonary surfactant in NICU of Chengdu maternal and child health hospital from Dec.2006 to Nov.2007 were divided into 2 groups.There were 16 newborns in survival group and 8 newborns in death group.The changes of RI,OI,p(A-a)(O2) and pa(O2) were stu-died at 2,24,48 h after using of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation and before ventilation weaning.Results In the early periods,there were significant differences in RI,OI and p(A-a)(O2) between the survival group and the death group(t=2.47,2.62,3.01 Pa0.05).In the survival group, RI and p(A-a)(O2),OI decreased with the time of ventilation,and there were significant differences at the different time point compared with those of death group(F=93.68,373.56,41.35 Pa0.05).In the death group,RI and p(A-a)(O2),OI were increased respectively just before dying than at 2 h after mechanic ventilation(t=6.0,2.24,3.16 Pa0.05).There was a significant correlation between RI and p(A-a)(O2)(r=0.766 P0.05).And there was a significant correlation between RI and OI(r=0.773 P0.05).Conclusion RI and OI may become criteria of observing effect of treatment and guidance of ventilation in NRDS.
Impact of salvage treatment on initial relapses in patients with Hodgkin disease, stages I-III.

Abstract Salvage treatment of initial relapse was analyzed in 244 patients with previously untreated Hodgkin disease, stages l-lll, who had been prospectively randomized to receive radiation therapy (RT) alone or RT plus adjuvant MOPP (RT+CT). There were 64 evaluable patients who relapsed, 46 after RT and 18 after RT+CT. To date, 29 patients appeared to be salvaged by second treatment, 23 from RT alone (50%) who were then treated with MOPP and/or additional RT, and 6 from RT+CT (33%) who then received either chemotherapy or RT. The actuarial probability of remaining free of progressive disease was similar for both groups (p = 0.24), with a median of 25 mo for all relapsing patients. On the other hand, the median survival of those relapsing after RT+CT was 33 mo, as compared to 58% at 5 yr for RT relapse (p = 0.06). An initial disease-free interval of less than 12 mo prior to relapse did not adversely affect the progression-free interval (p = 0.23) or survival (p = 0.27) of RT relapsers, whereas this was a highly significant parameter for RT+CT relapsers, indicating both a shortened progression-free interval (p = 0.002) as well as survival (p = 0.01). Sites of relapse correlated with initial stage at presentation: for stages I and II, 16/24 relapsed in lymph nodes and 1/24 in bone marrow; for stage III, 13/40 relapsed in nodes and 14/40 in marrow. Freedom from further disease progression was 73% at 2 yr for nodal relapse and only 27% for bone marrow relapse (p
Number Processing and Arithmetic

Decades of research investigating the origins and nature of mathematical cognition suggest that humans possess a sophisticated network of neural systems for representing and manipulating symbolic and nonsymbolic numerical information, some of which we appear to share with other animal species. This article reviews behavioral and neurocognitive research describing these systems and their development in humans, highlighting the ways in which we are similar to, and different from, other species with regards to mathematical cognition.
Toxic effects of nitrite on freshwater organisms: a review

High nitrite concentrations may occur mainly in recirculating aquaculture systems, but can also be found under certain conditions in natural waters. Among studied freshwater organisms, molluscs and worms followed by fish are the most resistant to nitrite. On the other hand, crustaceans and aquatic insects followed by amphibians are the most sensitive. Wide interspecific differences in nitrite susceptibility can be found within freshwater insects, crustaceans and amphibians. Chloride concentration in water is supposed to be the most important factor influencing nitrite toxicity. Generally, a positive chloride effect on nitrite toxicity reduction can be expected in all aquatic animals (or their early stages) employing gills for breathing and ion exchange. This phenomenon has already been observed in an amphipod (Eulimnogammarus toletanus, Pinkster & Stock), a planarian (Polycelis felina, Dalyell), two species of crayfish, several fish species and in amphibians in early development stages. A relatively huge amount of data on nitrite effects is available for fish, but other freshwater organisms were less frequently studied. Information on chronic effect of nitrite is nearly completely missing.
What does individual strength say about resistance training status

The point at which an individual becomes resistance "trained" is not well defined in the literature. Some studies have defined training status as having engaged in consistent resistance training activities for a given period of time, whereas others base inclusion criteria on strength levels alone, or levels of strength in combination with training age/time. If the primary focus of a study is to examine adaptations in individuals with high levels of strength, then it may be appropriate to exclude the individuals who do not meet strength requirements. However, given the heterogeneity of the strength response to resistance training, strength cannot separate those who are "trained" from those who are "untrained." We suggest that, when determining resistance training status, training age (time) and the modality of training (specificity) should be the primary criteria considered. Muscle Nerve 55: 455-457, 2017.
Beyond facilitator? State roles in global value chains and global production networks

Designed to break with state-centric approaches to understanding economic development, global commodity chain, global value chain (GVC), and global production network (GPN) analyses have deepened our understanding of the corporate governance of global lead firms and associated development outcomes in an era of globalisation. Although this research field is recognised to have provided considerable insight into private governance, a rapidly emerging body of research has given greater attention to the role of the state in GVCs and GPN. Although the state playing a role as facilitator towards firms participating in GPNs has often been an emphasis, this article argues that a variety of other roles are of increasing prominence, including as regulator, producer (state-owned enterprises), and buyer (public procurement). A major challenge for both policymakers and researchers is to understand how a range of state initiatives not just shape but also are shaped by their positioning in GVCs and GPNs.
Informal Workers’ Gender Wage Gap Across Thailand’s Regions and Economic Sectors

This study aims to integrate two issues surrounding Thailand’s labor market: (1) gender wage gap and (2) informal workers. The purpose of this study is to examine the gender wage gap of formal and informal workers in Thailand by geographic region and across economic sectors. The methods used in this study are Heckman selection method and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition. The results of this study confirm that there is a gender wage gap in Thailand. Even when females have better characteristics than males, they still earn lower wages. And informal female workers earn the lowest wage in every region and economic sector.
Dietary Protein Intake above the Current RDA and Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACTDietary intake of protein is fundamental for optimal acquisition and maintenance of bone across all life stages; however, it has been hypothesized that intakes above the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) might be beneficial for bone health. We utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines when preparing and reporting this systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search strategy through April 11, 2017, was developed for the following 3 databases: PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Agricola. Included studies were those randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies among healthy adults ages 18 and older that examined the relationships between varying doses of protein intake at or above the current U.S. RDA (0.8 g/kg/d or 10%–15% of total caloric intake) from any source on fracture, bone mineral density (BMD)/bone mineral content (BMC), and/or markers of bone turnover. Twenty-nine articles were included for data extraction (...
A time-optimal trajectory generation algorithm for quadrotor landing onto a moving platform

In this paper, we propose a time-optimal trajectory generation algorithm for landing a 3-DOF (x−z and tilt) quadrotor model onto a moving platform. The algorithm exploits the differential flatness of the quadrotor dynamics model and formulates a nonlinear programming problem, which is then solved to obtain the time-optimal landing trajectory. The advantages of the proposed algorithm over state-of-the-art solution techniques for time-optimal trajectory design include computational efficiency and the ability to incorporate dynamics and state constraints (such as collision avoidance from an obstacle) into the optimization problem. Simulation results and comparisons with a benchmark algorithm show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma: a primer for magnetic resonance imaging interpretation

Hepatocellular carcinoma is among the most prevalent solid organ cancers, and, unlike many cancers, may be diagnosed non-invasively by imaging criteria [1] with the preferred modality recently shifting from multiphasic computed tomography (MDCT) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this article is to help facilitate radiologists and radiology trainees in the transition to MRI by providing a step-wise approach to exam interpretation to improve the MRI detection of HCC. A methodical, consistent approach to navigating a HCC screening MRI exam, in conjunction with the LI-RADS framework for characterization, should lead to improved HCC detection and diagnosis.
NOTE ON THE FAST NEUTRON CROSS SECTIONS OF PALLADIUM.

The neutron total and scattering cross sections of elemental palladium were measured to incident energies of ∼ 1.5 MeV. An optical potential was deduced consistent with the present experimental res...
Dreaming, Psychoanalysis, and Neurobiology

AbstractPsychoanalysis and neurobiology are complementary approaches to the study of dreaming that have demonstrated significant convergences of findings. Hobson's tendentious effort to utilize neurobiology to disprove psychoanalysis is largely unsupported. The perspective of Barbara Jones, like Hobson a central contributor to neurobiology, illustrates an open and judicious approach. Solms has made a major contribution in demonstrating and elucidating the crucial role of the forebrain in dreaming. However, his model detaches dreaming from REM sleep and the brain stem to a degree that is unwarranted and limiting. A number of lines of evidence for a close relationship between dreaming and REM sleep, and for the relevance of the brain stem in dreaming, are delineated. Finally, many of the more specific and subtle aspects of the psychoanalytic theory of dreaming are seen as beyond the present reach of neurobiology. This is not a basis for discarding these elements, some of which have already found experimenta...
Latissimus Denervation: A Review of Evidence.

Background Breast reconstruction is becoming an increasingly important and accessible component of breast cancer care. Among the many reconstructive options available, the latissimus dorsi flap has experienced a renewal in popularity because of its favorable properties and outcomes when used for breast reconstruction. However, a limitation unique to latissimus-based reconstruction is inappropriate breast animation postoperatively, due to persistent thoracodorsal innervation of the latissimus dorsi muscle after transfer to the mastectomy site. Methods A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted for studies investigating the role of thoracodorsal denervation in latissimus-based breast reconstruction. Data on surgical techniques, type of intervention, objective outcome measurements, and patient satisfaction-based outcomes were reported. Additional data included patient sample size, follow-up length, and treatment of thoracodorsal nerve (e.g., resection versus transection and length of transection) when applicable. Results Sixty-six search results were reviewed for inclusion and nine qualified after exclusion criteria for a total of 361 patients undergoing either unilateral or bilateral latissimus flap reconstruction. Successful thoracodorsal denervation rates were included in most studies and outcomes measurements were heterogeneous. Eight out of nine studies included patient-reported symptoms of breast animation postoperatively. Based on these findings, a systematic approach is presented. Conclusion We present this review to elucidate successful practices, identify current gaps in knowledge, and offer a systematic approach to this clinical challenge.
Incarceration, HIV Risk-Related Behaviors, and Partner Characteristics Among Heterosexual Men at Increased Risk of HIV Infection, 20 US Cities.

Objectives:The effect of incarceration on HIV risk–related behaviors among at-risk heterosexual men is understudied. The objective of our study was to examine the association between incarceration ...
Translation of ceragenin affinity for bacteria to an imaging reagent for infection

Responses to bacterial infections may be manifest systemically without evidence of the location of the infection site. A rapid means of pinpointing infection sites would be useful in providing effective and possibly localized treatment. Successful means of identifying infection sites would require two components: (1) a molecule capable of recognizing bacteria and (2) a means of communicating recognition. For the recognition element, we used a ceragenin, a small molecule with affinity for bacterial membranes that was designed as a mimic of endogenous antimicrobial peptides. For the communication element, we used 64Cu, which is a positron emitter. By conjugating a copper chelating group to the ceragenin, the two elements were combined. Chelation of 64Cu by the conjugate was effective and provided a stable complex that allowed in vivo imaging. When administered to mice in a thigh infection model, the 64Cu-labeled conjugate accumulated at the site of infection (right thigh) without accumulation at the complementary site (left thigh). This conjugate may provide a means of identifying infection sites in patients presenting general signs of infection without localized symptoms.
Investigations of corrosion feature development on protected silver mirrors during accelerated environmental exposure

Protected silver mirrors were subjected to accelerated environmental exposure testing to investigate the effects of layer composition on the development and growth of corrosion features along particular layer interfaces.
Cerebral blood flow in 5- to 8-month-olds: Regional tissue maturity is associated with infant affect.

Infancy is marked by rapid neural and emotional development. The relation between brain function and emotion in infancy, however, is not well understood. Methods for measuring brain function predominantly rely on the BOLD signal; however, interpretation of the BOLD signal in infancy is challenging because the neuronal-hemodynamic relation is immature. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) provides a context for the infant BOLD signal and can yield insight into the developmental maturity of brain regions that may support affective behaviors. This study aims to elucidate the relations among rCBF, age, and emotion in infancy. One hundred and seven mothers reported their infants' (infant age M ± SD = 6.14 ± 0.51 months) temperament. A subsample of infants completed MRI scans, 38 of whom produced usable perfusion MRI during natural sleep to quantify rCBF. Mother-infant dyads completed the repeated Still-Face Paradigm, from which infant affect reactivity and recovery to stress were quantified. We tested associations of infant age at scan, temperament factor scores, and observed affect reactivity and recovery with voxel-wise rCBF. Infant age was positively associated with CBF in nearly all voxels, with peaks located in sensory cortices and the ventral prefrontal cortex, supporting the formulation that rCBF is an indicator of tissue maturity. Temperamental Negative Affect and recovery of positive affect following a stressor were positively associated with rCBF in several cortical and subcortical limbic regions, including the orbitofrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus. This finding yields insight into the nature of affective neurodevelopment during infancy. Specifically, infants with relatively increased prefrontal cortex maturity may evidence a disposition toward greater negative affect and negative reactivity in their daily lives yet show better recovery of positive affect following a social stressor.
A Pilot Mind-Body Resiliency Intervention Targeting Fear of Recurrence among Cancer Survivors.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Interventions for fear of recurrence (FOR) of cancer have nominal effects, perhaps due to limited integration of empirically supported skills. This pilot trial tested the acceptability and feasibility of a multimodal, mind-body resiliency intervention targeting FOR among survivors of various cancers. METHODS: Early stage cancer survivors 3–30 months post-treatment were recruited to participate in an eight-session in-person mind-body resiliency group intervention that taught relaxation skills, cognitive-behavioral techniques, healthy lifestyle behaviors, mindfulness meditation, and positive psychology skills all targeted for FOR. Primary outcomes were feasibility (enrollment rate, session attendance, survey completion, skills practice) and acceptability (enjoyableness, convenience, helpfulness, relevance). Patient-reported outcomes (FOR, uncertainty intolerance, cancer-related uncertainty, perceived stress, resiliency, positive affect, and coping skills) were collected at baseline, post-intervention, +1 month, and +3 months. Exit interviews assessed survivors' reported benefits. RESULTS: Participants (N = 4 groups, 23 survivors, enrollment response rate = 58%) included survivors of seven common cancer types who were on average 12 months post-treatment. Attendance was high (M = 6.1 sessions), and 96% of survivors completed all surveys. Sustained increases in relaxation skills practice 3+ days/week were reported (baseline = 16%, post-intervention = 76%, +3 months = 71%). Most sessions (87%) were rated as highly or very highly acceptable. Moderate-to-large (d = 0.87) improvements in FOR severity were observed post-intervention (p CONCLUSIONS: The targeted mind-body resiliency intervention shows promising acceptability, feasibility, and favorable changes in FOR and coping skills practice. Further adaptation and testing in a randomized trial are warranted. Clinical Trials.gov Registration Number: NCT03695406
Asian American women in STEM in the lab with “White Men Named John”

Asian American women occupy a paradoxical space within the context of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, simultaneously overrepresented as Asian Americans and underrepresented as women. For Asian American female doctoral students, the complex layering and weaving of these intersections involves the constant negotiation of science, racial, and gendered identities. This study explored how the intersections of science, race, and gender shaped their student experiences. We positioned these frameworks not only as mutually constitutive systems but also emphasize science as an epistemology, which informs conceptions of knowledge, the practice of inquiry, and who has epistemic authority. As a qualitative study, we utilized intersectionality theory to explore identity development in the context of STEM environments and grounded theory methods in our analysis. We interviewed 23 women who self‐identified as Asian Americans and were either currently in a doctoral program or were within 5 years of earning their degrees in STEM fields. Examining the intersections of science, race, and gender for Asian American female doctoral students in STEM allows a richer, more nuanced exploration of science as it is currently defined and understood and permits the conceptual critique of science to remake STEM environments into more inclusive spaces
Drug-Drug Interaction Surveillance Study: Comparing Self-Controlled Designs in Five Empirical Examples in Real-World Data.

Self-controlled designs, specifically the case-crossover (CCO) and the self-controlled case series (SCCS), are increasingly utilized to generate real-world evidence (RWE) on drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Although these designs share the advantages and limitations of within-individual comparison, they also have design-specific assumptions. It is not known to what extent the differences in assumptions lead to different results in RWE DDI analyses. Using a nationwide US commercial healthcare insurance database (2006-2016), we compared the CCO and SCCS designs, as they are implemented in DDI studies, within five DDI-outcome examples: (1) simvastatin + clarithromycin and muscle-related toxicity; (2) atorvastatin + valsartan, and muscle-related toxicity; and (3-5) dabigatran + P-glycoprotein inhibitor (clarithromycin, amiodarone, and verapamil) and bleeding. Analyses were conducted within person-time exposed to the object drug (statins and dabigatran) and adjusted for bias associated with the inhibiting drugs via control groups of individuals unexposed to the object drug. The designs yielded similar estimates in most examples, with SCCS displaying better statistical efficiency. With both designs, results varied across sensitivity analyses, particularly in CCO analyses with small number of exposed individuals. Analyses in controls revealed substantial bias that may be differential across DDI-exposed and control individuals. Thus, both designs showed no association between amiodarone or verapamil and bleeding in dabigatran-exposed but revealed strong positive associations in controls. Overall, bias adjustment via a control group had a larger impact on results than the choice of a design, highlighting the importance and challenges of appropriate control group selection for adequate bias control in self-controlled analyses of DDIs.
A mobile thermal-RGB imaging tool for mapping crop water stress of grapevines

This study evaluates a tablet computer-enabled miniature thermal-RGB imager to map the crop water stress index (CWSI) in grapevines. Imagery data were acquired in a commercial grapevine block irrigated at four different rates (100, 80, 60, and 40% of replacement evapotranspiration [ET]). The latter three were the subsurface irrigation treatments. A custom image analysis algorithm was developed and CWSI was estimated using empirical baseline equations. RGB imaging refined the segmentation of the target canopy from background objects. Canopy-air temperature difference had significant and strong relationships with the vapor pressure deficits as per local conditions (R2: 0.72–0.85, p < 0.05). CWSI estimates for grapevines irrigated at 40% of ET were consistently the highest and were followed by for those irrigated at 60, 80, and 100% of ET rates. Study findings highlight the potential to develop a smartphone-enabled imaging and integrated application for real-time crop water stress assessment under field conditions. Our future efforts will refine these computing algorithms and develop a smartphone application for growers to assess tree-level crop water demands for site-specific irrigation management.