cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential occurrence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, essential thrombocythemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a 42-year-old African-American woman: a case report and review of the literature

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura are two well recognized syndromes that are characterized by low platelet counts. In contrast, essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative disease characterized by abnormally high platelet numbers. The coexistence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a single patient has been reported in the literature on a few occasions. However, having essential thrombocythemia complicating the picture has never been reported before. We present a case where thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, essential thrombocythemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura were diagnosed in a 42-year-old African-American woman in the space of a few years; we are reporting this case with the aim of drawing attention to this undocumented occurrence, which remains under investigation. As the three conditions have different natural histories and require different treatment modalities, it is important to recognize that these diseases may be seen sequentially. This case emphasizes the importance of reviewing peripheral blood smears for evaluation of thrombocytopenia and bone marrow aspirations for diagnosis of thrombocythemia in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and tailor therapy accordingly. Moreover, this case demonstrates the variability and complexity of platelet disorders. This occurrence of three different types of platelet disorders in one patient remains a pure observation on our part; regardless, this does raise the possibility of a common underlying, as yet undiscovered, pathophysiology that could explain the phenomenon.
Cell morphology and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam, used as a supporting or insulating material, is sometimes formed in complex molds with significant variations in geometry and size. This work investigates the relationships between cell morphology, density, and mechanical properties in a molded polyurethane material using relatively small cylindrical molds. Understanding these relationships will help mechanical designers to analyze and predict the responses of foam components accurately. Three mold sizes are used to study changes in cell morphology (cell area, cell diameter, aspect ratio, cell angle, cell edge length, cell face thickness, and cell edge thickness), density, and mechanical properties (Young’s modulus and collapse stress) with respect to position within the mold. The density is shown to increase from the top to the bottom of the reference mold but does not change significantly in the small and tall molds. However, the mechanical and cell morphology properties show more changes in the small and tall molds when compared to t...
The Haugh Unit as a Measure of Egg Albumen Quality

Abstract THE PROBLEM of improving the egg albumen quality in the fowl has been extensively studied. Vital to a statistical study of any trait is an objective definition and a simple, accurate, normally distributed, quantitative measurement. Although a definition of albumen quality known to satisfy all of these requirements has not been provided, many methods of measuring albumen quality have been reported in the literature. Brant, Otte and Norris (1951) have reviewed the relative merits and disadvantages, in relationship to market grades, of the various albumen quality measurements, which include: the percentage of thick albumen (Holst and Almquist, 1931, 1932), the albumen height (Wilgus and Van Wagenen, 1936), the albumen index (Heiman and Carver, 1936; Heiman and Wilhelm, 1937), the albumen area index (Parsons and Mink, 1937), the Van Wagenen visual score (Van Wagenen and Wilgus, 1934), and the Haugh unit score (Haugh, 1937). The use of Haugh unit scores has …
Self-Reported Cardiac Risk Factors in Emergency Department Nurses and Paramedics

Study objective Our objective was to assess the prevalence of cardiac risk factors in a sample of urban paramedics and emergency department (ED) nurses. Methods We asked 175 paramedics and ED nurses working at a busy, urban ED to complete a cardiovascular risk assessment. The survey asked subjects to report smoking history, diet, exercise habits, weight, stress levels, medication use, history of hypertension or cardiac disease, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cholesterol level (if known). Results 129 of 175 surveys were returned (74% return rate) by 85 paramedics and 44 nurses. The percentages of paramedics and nurses at high or very high risk for cardiac disease were 48% and 41%, respectively. Forty-one percent of female respondents and 46% of male respondents were at high or very high risk. Cigarette smoking was reported in 19% of the paramedics and 14% of the nurses. The percentages of paramedics and nurses who reported hypertension were 13% and 11%, respectively. High cholesterol was reported in 31% of paramedics and 16% of nurses. Conclusions Forty-eight percent of paramedics and 41% of ED nurses at this center are at high or very high risk for cardiovascular disease, by self-report. Efforts should be made to better educate and intervene in this population of health-care providers in order to reduce their cardiac risk.
Annular Structures as Intermediates in Fibril Formation of Alzheimer Aβ17–42

We report all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of annular β-amyloid (17−42) structures, single- and double-layered, in solution. We assess the structural stability and association force of Aβ annular oligomers associated through different interfaces, with a mutated sequence (M35A), and with the oxidation state (M35O). Simulation results show that single-layered annular models display inherent structural instability: one is broken down into linear-like oligomers, and the other collapses. On the other hand, a double-layered annular structure where the two layers interact through their C-termini to form an NC−CN interface (where N and C are the N and C termini, respectively) exhibits high structural stability over the simulation time due to strong hydrophobic interactions and geometrical constraints induced by the closed circular shape. The observed dimensions and molecular weight of the oligomers from atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments are found to correspond well to our stable double-layered mode...
Population genetic structure and landscape connectivity of the Eastern Yellowbelly Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) in the contiguous tallgrass prairie of northeastern Kansas, USA

The tallgrass prairie of North America has undergone widespread habitat loss and fragmentation ( 100 km), but because of sufficient gene flow between locations, we were unable to define discrete subpopulations using Bayesian clustering analyses. Resistance distance, which considers the permeability of habitats, did not explain significant variation in genetic distance beyond Euclidean distance alone, suggesting that racers are not currently influenced by landscape composition. In northeastern Kansas, racers appear to be an abundant and continuously distributed snake that perceives the landscape as well connected with no cover type currently impeding snake dispersal or gene flow.
Effects of krenite® brush control agent (fosamine ammonium) on embryonic development in mallards and bobwhite

Fosamine ammonium (Krenite®) is a highly water-soluble carbamoylphosphonate herbicide used to control woody brush. It has been reported to be teratogenic to avian embryos following spray application of the eggs. The embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of Krenite was examined in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). At 96 h of development, eggs were briefly immersed in distilled water or in Krenite formulation in distilled water at concentrations of 1.5, 6.5, or 30% fosamine ammonium. At 6.5% active ingredient (a.i.), Krenite reduced hatching success in bobwhite and mallards to 85 and 33% of that in the distilled-water controls. At 30% a.i., Krenite caused 95 to 100% mortality in both species by the time of hatching. Early embryonic growth was impaired by 30% Krenite in both species. There was no evidence of teratogenesis of the axial skeleton, as reported previously in chickens and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Most abnormal embryos had severe edema and some stunting. Mallard hatchlings from the 1.5 and 6.5% Krenite groups weighed significantly less than controls and had lower plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, with elevated plasma glucose and cholesterol concentrations. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was unaffected by Krenite in embryos and hatchlings.
The Leishmania donovani UMP Synthase Is Essential for Promastigote Viability and Has an Unusual Tetrameric Structure That Exhibits Substrate-controlled Oligomerization

The final two steps of de novo uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP) biosynthesis are catalyzed by orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and orotidine 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC). In most prokaryotes and simple eukaryotes these two enzymes are encoded by separate genes, whereas in mammals they are expressed as a bifunctional gene product called UMP synthase (UMPS), with OPRT at the N terminus and OMPDC at the C terminus. Leishmania and some closely related organisms also express a bifunctional enzyme for these two steps, but the domain order is reversed relative to mammalian UMPS. In this work we demonstrate that L. donovani UMPS (LdUMPS) is an essential enzyme in promastigotes and that it is sequestered in the parasite glycosome. We also present the crystal structure of the LdUMPS in complex with its product, UMP. This structure reveals an unusual tetramer with two head to head and two tail to tail interactions, resulting in two dimeric OMPDC and two dimeric OPRT functional domains. In addition, we provide structural and biochemical evidence that oligomerization of LdUMPS is controlled by product binding at the OPRT active site. We propose a model for the assembly of the catalytically relevant LdUMPS tetramer and discuss the implications for the structure of mammalian UMPS.
The refrigeration compressor—the steps to maturity

Resume On fait l'historique du compresseur frigorifique dont l'apparition remonte a 1865. Ce compresseur est au centre de presque tous les systemes frigorifiques, du moins est-ce largement admis.
Texting, tweeting, and talking: Effects of smartphone use on engagement in civic discourse in China:

Media use and talking with others have been found to have positive effects on citizens’ civic participation according to Wyatt, Katz, and Kim (2000). Recent research links informational uses of the mobile phone to increased involvement in civic and political life. Building on this line of research, this study explores the effect of smartphone use on civil discourse engagement in China, with its nearly 900 million mobile phone users. Results reveal the smartphone’s role as an outlet of public information, which fosters political talk with others, but also suggest use of government-controlled traditional media stifles open civic discourse. Hierarchical regression analyses show that talking politics in private, extensive use of the smartphone, and mobile tweeting were positive predictors of engagement in online civic discourse.
Antagonistic Coevolution Drives Whack-a-Mole Sensitivity in Gene Regulatory Networks

Robustness, defined as tolerance to perturbations such as mutations and environmental fluctuations, is pervasive in biological systems. However, robustness often coexists with its counterpart, evolvability--the ability of perturbations to generate new phenotypes. Previous models of gene regulatory network evolution have shown that robustness evolves under stabilizing selection, but it is unclear how robustness and evolvability will emerge in common coevolutionary scenarios. We consider a two-species model of coevolution involving one host and one parasite population. By using two interacting species, key model parameters that determine the fitness landscapes become emergent properties of the model, avoiding the need to impose these parameters externally. In our study, parasites are modeled on species such as cuckoos where mimicry of the host phenotype confers high fitness to the parasite but lower fitness to the host. Here, frequent phenotype changes are favored as each population continually adapts to the other population. Sensitivity evolves at the network level such that point mutations can induce large phenotype changes. Crucially, the sensitive points of the network are broadly distributed throughout the network and continually relocate. Each time sensitive points in the network are mutated, new ones appear to take their place. We have therefore named this phenomenon "whack-a-mole" sensitivity, after a popular fun park game. We predict that this type of sensitivity will evolve under conditions of strong directional selection, an observation that helps interpret existing experimental evidence, for example, during the emergence of bacterial antibiotic resistance.
Environmental temperature sensing using Raman spectra DTS fiber-optic methods

[1] Raman spectra distributed temperature sensing (DTS) by fiber-optic cables has recently shown considerable promise for the measuring and monitoring of surface and near-surface hydrologic processes such as groundwater–surface water interaction, borehole circulation, snow hydrology, soil moisture studies, and land surface energy exchanges. DTS systems uniquely provide the opportunity to monitor water, air, and media temperatures in a variety of systems at much higher spatial and temporal frequencies than any previous measurement method. As these instruments were originally designed for fire and pipeline monitoring, their extension to the typical conditions encountered by hydrologists requires a working knowledge of the theory of operation, limitations, and system accuracies, as well as the practical aspects of designing either short- or long-term experiments in remote or challenging terrain. This work focuses on providing the hydrologic user with sufficient knowledge and specifications to allow sound decisions on the application and deployment of DTS systems.
The Range of Impaired Functioning Tool (LIFE-RIFT): a brief measure of functional impairment.

Background. The literature documents that functional impairment is associated with affective disorders. Nevertheless, the choice among thorough, yet brief, well-validated assessments of functional impairment is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief scale of functional impairment, the Range of Impaired Functioning Tool (LIFE–RIFT).Method. The study sample included subjects who presented with major depressive disorder at intake into the NIMH Collaborative Depression Study (CDS). The LIFE–RIFT is composed of items that are included in the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE). The reliability and validity were examined using data from LIFE–RIFT assessments conducted at four points in time: 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after intake into the CDS.Results. Cross-sectional one factor models accounted for the covariance structure among the four scale items. A longitudinal factor model, with an invariant factor structure over time, also fitted the data well and indicated that the scale items are measures of one construct, namely functional impairment. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was supported with alpha coefficients ranging from 0·81 to 0·83. The inter-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0·94. Mixed-effect linear regression models showed that those in episode were significantly more impaired than those in recovery. Furthermore, in analyses of predictive validity, impairment was positively associated with subsequent recurrence and negatively associated with subsequent recovery.Conclusions. This psychometric evaluation provides empirical support for the reliability and validity of the LIFE–RIFT, a brief measure of functional impairment.
Social choice theory, social decision scheme theory, and group decision-making

Social choice theory and social decision scheme theory address the fundamental issue: How does a society or small group combine or aggregate a distribution of member preferences in a collective decision by known or possible voting rules and parliamentary procedures? However, research in each area has proceeded in relative independence of the other. This article (a) summarizes the major concepts of social choice theory, (b) summarizes the major concepts of social decision scheme theory, (c) presents illustrative research, (d) considers corresponding and complementary emphases of the two theories, and (e) suggests three interrelated areas of future research on group decision-making: preference for different social choice rules; successive decisions in a hierarchical system with random assignment of members at the initial level; successive decisions in a hierarchical system with nonrandom assignment of members at the initial level (gerrymandering).
Large-Scale High-Resolution Modeling of Microwave Radiance of a Deep Maritime Alpine Snowpack

Applying passive microwave (PM) remote sensing to estimate mountain snow water equivalent (SWE) is challenging due in part to the large PM footprints and the high subgrid spatial variability of snow properties. In this paper, we linked the land surface model Simplified Simple Biosphere version 3.0 (SSiB3) with the radiative transfer model Microwave Emission Model of Layered Snowpacks, and we forced the coupled model with the disaggregated North American Data Assimilation System phase 2 (NLDAS-2) meteorological data to simulate the snow properties and the 36.5-GHz microwave brightness temperature $(T_{b})$ at a spatial resolution of 90 m. The modeled SWE and $T_{b}$ were used to interpret the radiance observed by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and to explore the impact of snow spatial variability on the microwave radiance in a mountain environment. The modeling was carried out over the Upper Kern Basin, Sierra Nevada. We developed new methods for modeling the effect of large snowfall events on the snow grain size. We aggregated the modeled radiance to the satellite scale using the AMSR-E 36.5-GHz antenna sampling pattern. The methods were calibrated for water years (WYs) 2004–2006 and validated for WYs 2003, 2007, and 2008. The coefficient governing the grain growth rate was also calibrated. The modeling results showed that the new snow grain estimation scheme reduced the error in the modeled radiance by 55.2% during the calibration period. The $T_{b}$ root-mean-square error was 3.1 K during the snow accumulation season for the validation period. The modeling results showed that, in the study area, the microwave signal saturated for SWE values between 0.3 and 0.5 m. It was found that the subfootprint-scale SWE variability has a significant impact on the saturation of spaceborne PM observations. The experiments demonstrate that this modeling system improves the accuracy of the radiance modeling, which is critical for estimating the mountain SWE via PM remote sensing either for informing direct retrieval algorithms or for data assimilation. We plan to use the modeling framework in future radiance assimilation studies.
Impact of Role Stress on Physical Therapists' Emotional and Physical Well-being

This study examined the relationship between role stress and the physical and emotional well-being of 187 physical therapists practicing in the state of Missouri. Data collected via survey research established a significant relationship between role conflict (conflict between organizational demands and personal and professional values) and emotional exhaustion (r = .50) and between role conflict and somatic and job-induced tension (r = .43 and r = .44, respectively). Role ambiguity created by an uncertain organizational climate was related significantly to emotional exhaustion (r = .26) and to somatic and job-induced tension (r = .21 and r = .29, respectively). Perceived improper allocation of time, inadequate staff or resources, and receipt of incompatible demands were identified as significant role stressors and predictors of diminished emotional and physical well-being. Physical therapy directors and individual therapists should work within their organizations to reduce role stress and its detrimental effects, to align professional and organizational values, and to maintain personal and professional standards.
Hybrid interferometric/dispersive atomic spectroscopy of laser-induced uranium plasma

Abstract An established optical emission spectroscopy technique, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), holds promise for detection and rapid analysis of elements relevant for nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and nuclear power, including the measurement of isotope ratios. One such important application of LIBS is the measurement of uranium enrichment (235U/238U), which requires high spectral resolution (e.g., 25 pm for the 424.4 nm U II line). High-resolution dispersive spectrometers necessary for such measurements are typically bulky and expensive. We demonstrate the use of an alternative measurement approach, which is based on an inexpensive and compact Fabry–Perot etalon integrated with a low to moderate resolution Czerny–Turner spectrometer, to achieve the resolution needed for isotope selectivity of LIBS of uranium in ambient air. Spectral line widths of ~ 10 pm have been measured at a center wavelength 424.437 nm, clearly discriminating the natural from the highly enriched uranium.
The Impact of Employee Performance on Service Quality

The major aim of the research paper is to measure the impact of employee performance on service quality in commercial banks. Primary data has been collected from the bank employees in Manmunai North and Kattankudy divisional secretariat areas in Batticaloa District. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain 225 responses from employees. The collected data were used to test the model using regression methodology. The results suggest that employee performance have strong positive relationship with service quality. Further results imply that employee performance has high impact on service quality of commercial banks in Batticaloa district (Manmunai North and Kattankudy DS divisions). Implications of this research are discussed.
Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes among Primary and Secondary Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implantations in Men with Stress Urinary Incontinence

Purpose: There remains a paucity of data regarding subjective and functional outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Therefore, we evaluated long-term differences in quality of life after primary and secondary artificial urinary sphincter surgery.Materials and Methods: Men were invited to participate in a mail-in survey assessing artificial urinary sphincter status, patient satisfaction and urinary control. Patients with primary (467) and secondary (122) artificial urinary sphincter devices without an event were included in the study. Differences between the cohorts including quality of life (10-point scale, maximum 100) and functional outcomes were evaluated.Results: Overall 229 (49%) patients with primary and 49 (40%) with secondary artificial urinary sphincters completed the survey at a median of 8.3 years. Patients with primary and secondary artificial urinary sphincter devices reported similar artificial urinary sphincter quality of life (score 74 vs 74). There were no significant d...
Constraints on anomalous color dipole operators from Higgs boson production at the LHC

Physics beyond the standard model (SM) can be parametrized with an effective Lagrangian that respects the symmetries of the standard model and contains many operators of dimension six. We consider the subset of these operators that is responsible for flavor diagonal anomalous color magnetic and electric dipole couplings between quarks and gluons. Invariance of these operators under the SM implies that they contribute to Higgs boson production at the LHC, and we study the corresponding constraints that can be placed on them. For the case of the top quark we first review constraints from top-quark pair production and decay, and then compare them to what can be achieved by studying $t\overline{t}h$ production. We also constrain the corresponding couplings for $b$ quarks and light quarks by studying $pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}b\overline{b}h$ and $pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}hX$, respectively.
Treatment of Iatrogenic Chyloretroperitoneum with Octreotide Following Spinal Deformity Correction: A Case Report

Chylous fluid leakage is a rare but well-described complication of anterior spinal surgery1-6. Conservative treatment, including a drainage tube and a low-fat diet or total parenteral nutrition supplemented with oral medium-chain triglycerides, has had varying success. Treatment is often prolonged, requiring continuous drainage for up to six months in some reported series7. The use of octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, was first described in the general surgery literature for the treatment of chylothorax resulting from a ruptured thoracic duct2,4,5. Numerous reports have confirmed the success of octreotide in the treatment of chylous accumulations in the chest, peritoneal cavity, and retroperitoneum, although, to the best of our knowledge, there is no mention of its use in the orthopaedic literature. We report a case of chyloretroperitoneum following lumbar hemivertebrectomy that was successfully treated with octreotide. The patient and his parents were informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they provided consent. No patient identifiers were used in the course of this investigation in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations. A five-year-old boy with a midlumbar hemivertebra had undergone convex hemiepiphysiodesis from a combined anterior and posterior approach when he was three years old. The curve continued to progress, and he subsequently underwent a hemivertebrectomy with anterior spinal fusion and posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion two years later (Figs. 1 through 4⇓⇓⇓). During the left-sided anterior approach, we noted substantial scarring from the initial surgical procedure. The ureter was identified and protected. A steady accumulation of clear fluid was noted after the approach was completed. The fluid formed fat droplets when irrigated and appeared to be chyle. The source could not be identified, …
Characterization of pyrogenic black carbon by desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

We present a new method for molecular characterization of intact biochar directly, without sample preparation or pretreatment, on the basis of desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization (DAPPI) coupled to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry. Conventional ionization methods (e.g., electrospray or atmospheric pressure photoionization) for characterization of natural organic matter have limited utility for the characterization of chars due to incomplete solubility in common solvents. Therefore, direct ionization techniques that do not require sample dissolution prior to analysis are ideal. Here, we apply DAPPI FTICR mass spectrometry to enable the first molecular characterization of uncharred parent oak biomass and after combustion (250 °C) or pyrolysis (400 °C). Parent oak is primarily composed of cellulose-, lignin-, and resin-like compounds. Oak combusted at 250 °C contains condensed aromatic compounds with low H/C and O/C ratios while retaining compounds with high H/C...
The Balkans: From Discovery to Invention

Beyond and below what was once Czechoslovakia lie the deep Balkans. They are, it has been said, a sort of hell paved with the bad intentions of the powers By the beginning of the twentieth century Europe had added to its repertoire of Schimpfworter , or disparagements, a new one which turned out to be more persistent than others with centuries old traditions. "Balkanization" not only had come to denote the parcelization of large and viable political units but also had become a synonym for a reversion to the tribal, the backward, the primitive, the barbarian. In its latest hypostasis, particularly in American academe, it has been completely decontextualized and paradigmatically related to a variety of problems.
Granule enzymes from human leukocytes: their effect on HeLa cells.

SummaryGranule enzymes were obtained from human peripheral blood leukocytes and added to HeLa cells growing as monolayers. The enzymes disrupted the monolayer, releasing the HeLa cells, but the released cells remained vital as determined by five separate, independent criteria.
Prominence of a Conidial Stage in Patella Abundans

In the family Pezizaceae conidial stages have been observed only rarely and within the many known genera have been re? ported only in Aleuria (7), Pustularia (1), Plicaria (1), Peziza (1), and Pyronema (6). Those produced in these genera alike bore hyaline ovoid conidia, on short sterigmata in heads charac? teristic of the Oedocephalum type of the imperfect fungi. In the genus Patella, however, in contrast to the preceding a Botrytis type of conidial fructification occurring on a variety of substrata in the vicinity of New York City has been reported for Lachnea (Patella) abundans by B. O. Dodge (2). Moreover, GwynneVaughan and Williamson in London reported Lachnea (Patella) cretea (3), which has a similar conidial stage and indeed is con? sidered as a synonym under Lachnea (Patella) abundans by Seaver. The writer, furthermore, has secured from a culture of horse dung from China a fungus identified by B. O. Dodge as Lachnea (Patella) abundans (Karst.) Sacc, and also a similar fungus in Rhode Island from a culture of a burnt stump. Both of these regularly produced a Botrytis-like conidial phase in abundance. The fact that wherever this fungus has been reported, whether from New York, London, China, or Rhode Island, the typical Botrytis conidial stage has been found invariably to occur, would seem to indicate that this is a permanent phase and not a transient one induced by special nutrient and climatic conditions. It is the purpose of this paper, therefore, to present evidence supporting this view.
The High-yielding Seed Production Technology of Wan Dao 88

The characters of the parents of Japonica hybrid rice combination-Wan Dao 88 were summarized,the high-yielding seed production technology of Wan Dao 88 was produced.
Impact for Plasma Levels of Ferritin and Transferrin in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Objective: To explore the impact for plasma levels of ferritin(FT) and transferrin(TRF) to the risk levels of coronary artery disease(CAD).Methods: Our research included 2 groups, CAD group, n=321 patients and Control group, n=290 healthy subjects. The fasting venous blood was taken from everybody, plasma FT level was detected by electro-chemiluminescence assay and TRF was examined by immune turbidimetric method. The results were compared between 2 groups. Results: Compared with Control group, CAD group had significantly increased plasma FT(236.7 ±174.8) ng/ml vs(207.8 ± 136.9) ng/ml, P=0.032 and decreased TRF(230.5 ±38.1) mg/dl vs(261.6 ± 42.3) mg/dl, P0.001. Multivariate logistic regression analysis presented that plasma FT was not related to CAD, P=0.646 and FRT was related to the risk of CHD(OR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), P0.001. The area under ROC curve for CAD diagnosis showed that FT had no diagnostic value(P=0.145, 95%CI 0.417-0.756), while TRF had medium diagnostic value(P0.001, 95%CI 0.673-0.756), the best cut-off point was TRF≤ 243.5 mg/dl, with the sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 47.6%. Conclusion: Our work implies that for CAD related FT and TRF study, plasma level of TRF is more valuable.
Myocardial Bridging: Contemporary Understanding of Pathophysiology With Implications for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies

Patients with myocardial bridging are often asymptomatic, but this anomaly may be associated with exertional angina, acute coronary syndromes, cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, or even sudden cardiac death. This review presents our understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial bridging and describes prevailing diagnostic modalities and therapeutic options for this challenging clinical entity.
A novel, rapid method to compare the therapeutic windows of oral anticoagulants using the Hill coefficient

A central challenge in designing and administering effective anticoagulants is achieving the proper therapeutic window and dosage for each patient. The Hill coefficient, nH, which measures the steepness of a dose-response relationship, may be a useful gauge of this therapeutic window. We sought to measure the Hill coefficient of available anticoagulants to gain insight into their therapeutic windows. We used a simple fluorometric in vitro assay to determine clotting activity in platelet poor plasma after exposure to various concentrations of anticoagulants. The Hill coefficient for argatroban was the lowest, at 1.7 ± 0.2 (95% confidence interval, CI), and the Hill coefficient for fondaparinux was the highest, at 4.5 ± 1.3 (95% CI). Thus, doubling the dose of fondaparinux from its IC50 would decrease coagulation activity by nearly a half, whereas doubling the dose of argatroban from its IC50 would decrease coagulation activity by merely one quarter. These results show a significant variation among the Hill coefficients, suggesting a similar variation in therapeutic windows among anticoagulants in our assay.
Advancement in Diesel Combustion System Design to Improve the Smoke-BSFC Tradeoff

Modern diesel engines must simultaneously provide ultra-low emissions and world-class fuel economy. To meet these requirements, many new combustion strategies require that combustion occur in an oxygen-limited and/or very high EGR environment, both of which increase the tendency for particulate emissions and reduced burn-rate. The current study utilized an iterative combination of simulations and engine experiments to identify improved combustion system designs for future diesel engines. Additionally, success in reducing soot and improving burn rate in an oxygen-limited environment opens the door to new strategies for diesel combustion in the future.
EMI filter design for switching voltage regulator with improved thermal stability

An EMI filter for the switching voltage regulator is presented not only to mitigate EMI noise, but also to improve thermal stability. This filter is composed of a resistor, ferrite bead, and also Zener diodes in parallel. Simulations, circuit probing, and far-field measurements are carefully carried out to demonstrate that voltage ringing is suppressed by 13 dB and EMI noise is reduced up to 10 dB. Infrared-red (IR) images are captured to show that this solution lowers the component temperature from 94 to 82 oC, bringing the circuit from critical temperature back to safe operation temperature.
American Indian Legal Scholarship and the Courts: The Appendices

"American Indian Legal Scholarship and the Courts" is a forthcoming article that includes charts representing data on the citation patters of federal, state, and tribal courts to American Indian legal scholarship (defined as law review and similar publications focused on American Indian law). This paper includes three appendices in the form of simple charts that organize that data. Appendix 1 is a chart of Supreme Court opinions dating back to 1959 that include citations to Indian law review articles. Appendix 2 is a chart of law review articles cited in lower federal, state, and tribal courts since 1959, organized by article. Appendix 3 is the same chart reversed, with the chart organized by case first.
Polarized Protons at the AGS

I am going to discuss the project of modifying the Brookhaven AGS to allow the acceleration of polarized protons. I will first cover in some detail the accelerator physics and hardware involved in the project, and then briefly discuss some of the high energy physics results which make this project so exciting. This accelerator modification project is considerably smaller than any of the other projects being discussed today; the total budget is about $5,000,000. This is not surprising because only minor hardware modifications are needed to give the AGS polarized proton capability. In fact our hardy band of proton polarizers may be considered as environmentalists who travel around the world recycling old accelerators and giving them a new frontier capability.
A braided cancer river connects tumor heterogeneity and precision medicine

With the ever-increasing complexity of tumor heterogeneity (TH) discovered through cancer genome sequencing, it is apparent that TH has become the biggest hurdle for precision cancer therapeutics. Through studying the genomics of exceptional responders to targeted therapeutic agents in kidney cancer, we demonstrated parallel convergent gene/pathway/capability/function evolution of kidney cancer in the context of TH, which prompted us to propose a new cancer evolution model “the braided cancer river model”. Based on this model, we might be able to outsmart a given cancer type within an individual patient through simultaneously inhibiting preferred parallel pathways or sequential nodes. Thus, the goals of this perspective are to define tumor heterogeneity, discuss tumor evolution, introduce braided cancer river model, and improve precision medicine.
Human Health Risk Assessment

This article is an updated version of the previous edition article by D.M. Hassenzahl, A.M. Finkel, volume 5, pp. 590–600, © 2008, Elsevier Inc.
Creating a Nation Without a Past

Standing before the assembled students of Nabumali High School on June 16, 1970, President Milton Obote called for national consciousness: “We must have this One Uganda; we must have this One People; we must have this One Parliament, so that the youth of Uganda of today and tomorrow will see Uganda as a whole…. We must begin to have our own history” (Obote, 1970a, pp. 1–2). Forging such a unified self-perception would not be easy.
Efeito do Lactobacillus reuteri na cólica infantil: revisão baseada na evidência

Objective: To review the evidence for the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri in reducing symptoms of infantile colic. Data sources: National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guideline Finder, Canadian Medical Association, The Cochrane Database, DARE, Bandolier and MEDLINE/PubMed. Methods: A review of clinical guidelines, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled clinical trials, published between August 2005 and August 2015, in both the Portuguese and English languages was conducted. The following MeSH terms were used: ‘Lactobacillus reuteri’ and ‘Colic’. For the attribution of levels of evidence and the strength of recommendations, the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy scale was used. Results: Fifty-nine papers were found and eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included two systematic reviews and six randomized controlled clinical trials. Five of the included studies and both systematic reviews found statistically significant improvements in symptoms of colic with probiotic supplementation. One study did not demonstrate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri in infantile colic. Conclusion: There is evidence for improvement of symptoms of infantile colic with Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation, compared to placebo (Strength of Recommendation A). More good quality studies are necessary to validate these findings and to aid in the formulation of clinical guidelines.
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Patterns Among Patients Diagnosed With Cluster Headache in U.S. Healthcare Claims Data.

Objective To characterize demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns of patients with cluster headache (CH). Background CH is an uncommon trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia with limited evidence-based treatment options. Patients suffer from extremely painful unilateral headache attacks and autonomic symptoms with episodic and chronic cycles. Design/Methods This retrospective analysis used insurance claims from Truven Health Analytics MarketScan® research databases from 2009 to 2014. Two cohorts were compared: CH patients (with ≥2 CH claims) were propensity score matched with 4 non-headache controls, all with continuous enrollment for 12 months before and after the date of first CH claim or matched period among controls. Results CH patients (N = 7589) were mainly male (57.4%) and 35-64 years old (73.2%), with significantly more claims for comorbid conditions vs controls (N = 30,341), including depressive disorders (19.8% vs 10.0%), sleep disturbances (19.7% vs 9.1%), anxiety disorders (19.2% vs 8.7%), and tobacco use disorders (12.8% vs 5.3%), with 2.5 times greater odds of suicidal ideation (all P 12 unique prescription drug claims. Most commonly prescribed drug classes for CH patients included: opiate agonists (41%), corticosteroids (34%), 5HT-1 agonists (32%), antidepressants (31%), NSAIDs (29%), anticonvulsants (28%), calcium antagonists (27%), and benzodiazepines (22%). Only 30.4% of CH patients received recognized CH treatments without opioids during the 12-month post-index period. These patients were less likely to visit emergency departments or need hospitalizations (26.8%) as compared to CH patients with no pharmacy claims for recognized CH treatments or opioids (33.6%; P < .0001). Conclusions The burden of CH is associated with significant co-morbidity, including substance use disorders and suicidal ideation, and treatment patterns indicating low use of recognized CH treatments.
Rare diagnosis of intestinal lipomatosis complicated by intussusception in an adult: A case report.

Abstract Introduction Intestinal Lipomatosis consists of diffuse lipomas in various regions from the small to large bowel. They can remain asymptomatic or present with complications such as Intussusception. Discussion Intestinal lipomatosis complicated by Intussusception is a rare occurrence that has not been well documented. Rare condition management is difficult to approach because of the customizability each scenario requires. We hope through sharing our approach this can serve as a rough template to physicians who find themselves in a similar scenario. Overtime, as more case reports and surgical approaches are recorded we can establish future advancements in surgery. Presentation of case We present the case of a 47 year-old male who arrived at the Emergency Department with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed ileocolic intussusception. An intramural lipoma of the terminal ileum served as the lead point. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the Intussusception and a right hemicolectomy was performed to repair the affected area. Examination of the resected large bowel showed diffuse thickening of the mucosa in the area of the cecum confirmed to be submucosal lipomatosis on histological examination. Patient was discharged on the fifth post-operative day. Conclusion This case confirmed previous treatment modalities in the management of intussusception. It also corroborates the complication of intussusception with Intestinal lipomatosis. It teaches us the importance of keeping a wide differential when considering a diagnosis of bowel obstruction. Through imaging, surgical exploration, and pathological interpretation, this case, which began as a complaint of abdominal pain, concluded as a rare clinical entity.
Who are Phishers luring?: A Demographic Analysis of Those Susceptible to Fake Emails:

Previous research has identified several populations that are susceptible to inauthentic emails (e.g., spam). However, these studies utilize retrospective, self-report measures to assess email user...
Interactions of Alumina-Based and Magnesia-Based Refractories with Iron Melts and Slags: A Review

A novel flash ironmaking technology (FIT) based on the direct reduction of iron ore concentrate with a reductant gas (such as hydrogen, natural gas, coal gas, or a combination thereof) in a flash furnace is being developed at the University of Utah. This technology which is undergoing large-scale laboratory testing aims at overcoming the limitations of blast furnace ironmaking by bypassing the problematic pelletization/sintering and cokemaking steps.[1–5] Refractory selection is expected to play an important step in the development of FIT and its proposed scale-up. For nominating an appropriate refractory for the FIT, understanding the interactions of candidate refractories with iron/iron oxide and slags under H2/CO/CO2/H2O environments is necessary. This work is undertaken to review the existing literature on the interactions of important refractories with iron melts and relevant slags with an emphasis on two of the most commonly used refractories in ironmaking and steelmaking applications: the alumina-based refractories (used widely in blast furnace operations) and the magnesia-based refractories (used extensively in primary as well as secondary steelmaking). First, a comprehensive review on the interactions of alumina-based refractories with iron melts and slags has been done. Next the existing literature on the interactions of magnesia-based refractories with iron melts and relevant slags has been reviewed. Summaries have been included after each section and sub-section along with comments and critical insights from the authors. Finally, in the concluding remarks the differences in operating conditions between existing iron and steelmaking practices and the novel FIT have been highlighted. On the basis of these differences, it has been argued that the results and conclusions available from previous studies on refractory–metal–slag interactions are of little significance to flash ironmaking. Thus, there exists a need to carry out laboratory experiments for evaluating refractory performance in flash ironmaking under conditions relevant to the current process (FIT).
Eumetopias jubata (Steller’s sealion)

The karyotype of the male was kindly made available by Mrs. V.R. Rausch and Dr. F.H. Fay, College, Alaska, USA. They were made from cells of skin cultures of an animal at St. Lawrence Island. The karyotype of the female was kindly donated by Dr. W.A. Nelson-Rees, Oakland, California, USA. The arrangement is that suggested by Fay et al. (1967). These authors also suggest that autosome %5 has a secondary constriction.
Mesh Smoothing Algorithms for Complex Geometric Domains

Whenever a new mesh smoothing algorithm is introduced in the literature, initial experimental analysis is often performed on relatively simple geometric domains where the meshes need little or no element size grading. Here, we present a comparative study of a large number of well-known smoothing algorithms on triangulations of complex geometric domains. Our study reveals the limitations of some well-known smoothing methods. Specifically, the optimal Delaunay triangulation smoothing and weighted centroid of circumcenter smoothing methods are shown to have difficulty achieving smooth grading and adapting to complex domain boundary. We propose modifications and report significant improvements and behavior change in the performance of these algorithms. More importantly, we propose three new smoothing strategies and show their effectiveness in computing premium quality triangulations for complex geometric domains. While the proposed algorithms give the practitioners additional tools to chose from, our comparative study of over a dozen algorithms should guide them selecting the best smoothing method for their particular application.