cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catechol-O-methyltransferase val108/158met genotype predicts working memory response to antipsychotic medications.

Background The gene encoding catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that regulates prefrontal cortex dopamine, contains a common functional polymorphism ( val 108/158 met ) that influences prefrontal cortex function in an allelic dose-dependent manner. A recent study reported that the COMT val 108/158 met polymorphism influences cognitive- and physiologic-related prefrontal cortex responses to antipsychotic treatment. The present study tested the effects of several COMT polymorphisms on the cognitive response to antipsychotic medication in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Twenty inpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (5 with the val-val genotype, 11 with val-met, and 4 with met-met) were administered cognitive tests at two time points: once after 4 weeks of treatment with antipsychotic medication and once after 4 weeks of placebo administration, according to a counterbalanced, double-blind, within-subject study design. Results Patients homozygous for the COMT met allele displayed significant improvement on the working memory task after treatment. Patients homozygous for the COMT val allele did not show working memory improvement with treatment. Other COMT polymorphisms were not associated with significant differences between treatment and placebo conditions. Conclusions These results support other data suggesting that the COMT val 108/158 met polymorphism might be an important factor in the cognitive response to antipsychotic medication.
Correlates of continued smoking versus cessation among survivors of smoking-related cancers

Objective We examined correlates of continued smoking versus cessation among a sample of survivors of smoking-related cancers who were actively smoking at the time of cancer diagnosis. Methods Participants with a history of smoking and a smoking-related cancer diagnosis (lung, oral, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, bladder, stomach, cervix, kidney, pancreas, acute myeloid leukemia) within the past 4 years were identified in the electronic medical record. We recruited 613 individuals to complete a mail-based survey and received 139 completed surveys (22.7% response rate). We focused on 105 participants who smoked at the time of diagnosis and dichotomized them to having either quit since diagnosis (48.6%; n = 51) or continued smoking (51.4%; n = 54). We assessed sociodemographics, type of cancer and treatment(s), and psychosocial factors (depressive symptoms, social support, hope, quality of life). We then conducted structured interviews with a subset of 21 survey respondents. Results Binary logistic regression indicated that, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and income, factors associated with continued smoking versus cessation included being diagnosed with other smoking-related cancers versus lung or head and neck cancer (OR = 11.21, CI 2.85, 44.02) and having significant depressive symptoms (OR = 1.25, CI 1.08, 1.45). Qualitative findings highlighted motivators for cessation (impact of being diagnosed with cancer, doctor advice to quit, social influences) and barriers to cessation (hopelessness, stress, addiction). Conclusions These findings highlight the need to address depressive symptoms among cancer survivors, particularly those continuing to smoke and the importance of exploring messages cancer survivors are given regarding the need for cessation post cancer diagnosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure for morbid obesity: Outcomes

systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA 2004;292:1724–57. [6] Flum DR, Dellinger EP. Impact of gastric bypass operation on survival: a population-based analysis. J Am Coll Surg 2004;199:543–51. [7] Nguyen NT, Goldman C, Rosenquist CJ, et al. Laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass: a randomized study of outcomes, quality of life, and costs. Ann Surg 2001;234:279–91. [8] Sugerman HJ, Londrey GL, Kellum JM, et al. Weight loss with vertical banded gastroplasty and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity with selective versus random assignment. Am J Surg 1989;157:93–102. [9] Livingston EH, Huerta S, Arthur D, et al. Male gender is a predictor of morbidity and age a predictor of mortality for patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Ann Surg 236;56:576–82. [10] Fernandez AZ Jr, DeMaria EJ, Tichansky DS, et al. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for death following gastric bypass for treatment of morbid obesity. Ann Surg 2004;239:698–703. [11] Oh CH, Kim HJ, Oh S. Weight loss following transected gastric bypass with proximal Roux-en-Y. Obesity Surg 1997;7:142–7. [12] Schauer PR, Ikramuddin S, Gourash W, et al. Outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Ann Surg 2000;232:515–29. [13] Hell E, Miller KA, Moorehead MK, et al. Evaluation of health status and quality of life after bariatric surgery: comparison of standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding. Obes Surg 2000;10:214–9. [14] Ranlov I, Hardt F. Regression of liver steatosis following gastroplasty or gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Digestion 1990;47:208–14. [15] Silverman EM, Sapala JA, Appelman HD. Regression of hepatic steatosis in morbidly obese persons after gastric bypass. Am J Clin Pathol 1995;104:23–31. [16] Brolin RE. Results of obesity surgery. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 1987;16:317–38. [17] Sugerman HJ, DeMaria EJ, Kellum JM, et al. Effects of bariatric surgery in older patients, Ann Surg 2004;240:243–7.
Eddy Collision Models for Turbulence

ABSTRACT Simple fluids such as gases and liquids are the result of collisions between molecules. More complex fluids, such as granular flows and colloidal suspensions (non-Newtonian fluids), result from the more complex collision (or interaction) behaviors of their constituent particles. In this paper it is demonstrated that collision rules can be constructed for large chunks of fluid material (eddies) such that the resulting collective system behaves like the mean (RANS) flow of a turbulent fluid. The collision model approach has a number of advantages over classic Reynolds stress transport (RST) models. For example, turbulent transport does not require a model and mathematical constraints like realizability are automatically satisfied. Using some ideas from lattice-Boltzmann methods and adaptive moving mesh algorithms for CFD it is shown that this modeling approach can be made computationally efficient and comparable in cost to classic Reynolds stress transport (RST) models. Finally, it is shown that the collisional approach to turbulence modeling can lead to some insights into turbulence and turbulence modeling that would probably not have been achieved via the traditional RST approach.
A review of challenges to real-time power management of microgrids

Microgrid systems show great promise for integrating large numbers of distributed energy resource (DER) systems into future power networks. This paper provides a brief overview of current microgrid technologies and issues associated with their implementation. The case is made for a real-time power management and control system that attempts to optimize microgrid systems based on multiple objectives, such as power demands, fuel consumption, environmental emissions, costs, dispatchable loads, etc. A multi-agent based control architecture that can ensure robust, stable, and optimal microgrid operation is also addressed. In addition to the discussion of power management and control topics, a qualitative classification tool has been proposed for assisting system planners in assessing the impact of microgrid systems on broader grid operations.
Apical NHE isoforms differentially regulate butyrate-stimulated Na absorption in rat distal colon

Bicarbonate and butyrate stimulate electroneutral Na absorption via apical membrane Na-H exchange (NHE) in rat distal colon. cAMP downregulates NHE-3 isoform and inhibits HCO3-dependent, but not bu...
Facilitating endoscopic submucosal dissection: the suture-pulley method significantly improves procedure time and minimizes technical difficulty compared with conventional technique: an ex vivo study (with video)

Background The lack of countertraction in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) results in increased technical demand and procedure time. Although the suture-pulley method for countertraction has been reported, its effectiveness compared with the traditional ESD technique remains unclear. Objective To objectively analyze efficacy of countertraction using the suture-pulley method for ESD. Design Prospective ex vivo animal study. Setting Animal laboratory. Interventions Twenty simulated gastric lesions were created in porcine stomachs by using a standard circular template 30 mm in diameter. In the control arm (n = 10), ESD was performed by using the standard technique. In the suture-pulley arm (N = 10), a circumferential incision was made, and an endoscopic suturing device was used to place the suture pulley. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome of this study was total procedure time. Results The median total procedure time with the suture-pulley method was significantly shorter than the traditional ESD technique (median, 25% to 75%, interquartile range [IQR]: 531 seconds [474.3-549.3 seconds] vs 845 seconds [656.3-1547.5 seconds], P P = .01), there was no significant difference in procedure time for lesions of various locations when using the suture-pulley method. Compared with traditional ESD, the suture-pulley method was less demanding in all categories evaluated by the NASA Task Load Index. Limitations Ex vivo study. Conclusions The suture-pulley method facilitates direct visualization of the submucosal layer during ESD and significantly reduces procedure time and technical difficulty. In addition, the benefit of the suture-pulley method was seen for both simple and more complicated ESDs.
Revisiting the Protest Paradigm: The Tea Party as Filtered through Prime-Time Cable News

The emergence of a national “Tea Party” movement in the United States stimulated much media commentary regarding the movement’s origins, goals, participants, and even temperament. Unlike political ...
Parylene gas chromatographic column for rapid thermal cycling

This paper presents a parylene gas chromatographic column with an embedded heating element. The parylene coating on a silicon microchannel and parylene/parylene thermal bonding technique were employed to fabricate a parylene column. The heating element is a thin gold film evaporated on the corrugated surface of the parylene column having long and rectangular geometry. Joule heating via the thin gold film is a very effective heating system for a parylene column. ANSYS heat transfer analysis was performed to investigate the thermal cycling and temperature uniformity of the parylene column. The parylene column showed much faster heating and cooling rates as well as lower power consumption compared to a silicon/glass column. The temperature difference between the top and the bottom of a parylene column that is due to the low thermal conductivity of parylene could be reduced to less than 0.1 K by inserting a thin metal layer between two parylene layers, forming a triple layer structure (parylene/platinum/parylene).
Tumor Eradication by Wild-type p53-specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is overexpressed in close to 50% of all human malignancies. The p53 protein is therefore an attractive target for immunotherapy. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) recognizing a murine wild-type p53 peptide, presented by the major histocompatibility complex class I molecule H-2Kb, were generated by immunizing p53 gene deficient (p53 −/−) C57BL/6 mice with syngeneic p53-overexpressing tumor cells. Adoptive transfer of these CTLs into tumor-bearing p53 +/+ nude mice caused complete and permanent tumor eradication. Importantly, this occurred in the absence of any demonstrable damage to normal tissue. When transferred into p53 +/+ immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, the CTLs persisted for weeks in the absence of immunopathology and were capable of preventing tumor outgrowth. Wild-type p53-specific CTLs can apparently discriminate between p53-overexpressing tumor cells and normal tissue, indicating that widely expressed autologous molecules such as p53 can serve as a target for CTL-mediated immunotherapy of tumors.
The Effect of Clomiphene Citrate in Chickens 1. Androgenic and Estrogenic Activity

Abstract INTRODUCTION CLOMIPHENE citrate is a synthetic, non-steroidal compound (Palopoli et al., 1961) which has been found useful as an ovulation inducing agent in anovulatory and oligo-ovulatory women (Greenblatt and Mahesh, 1970). The compound consists of a mixture of cis and trans isomers (Fig. 1). Clomiphene has been reported to possess no androgenic or anti-androgenic activity but does exhibit estrogenic as well as anti-estrogenic activity in laboratory animals (Holtkamp et al., 1966). The work reported herein was undertaken to determine if clomiphene, cisclomiphene or transclomiphene are androgenic, anti-androgenic, estrogenic or anti-estrogenic in chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. Androgenic activity. The androgenic and anti-androgenic activities of clomiphene, cisclomiphene and transclomiphene were studied using chick comb growth and capon comb growth as indicators. Three chick comb assays were conducted using day-old Single Comb White Leghorn male chicks. The drugs were dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide and were applied in a volume of .01 ml. directly…
Experimental myocardial infarction. XVI. The detection of inotropic contractile reserve with postextrasystolic potentiation in acutely ischemic canine myocardium

Postextrasystolic potentiation after a single closely coupled extrasystole may identify residual ventricular contractile performance in acutely ischemic myocardium without producing sustained secondary ischemic depression of myocardial function. Postextrasystolic potentiation was systematically used in eight open chest dogs to assess the progression of regional contraction abnormalities during a 10 minute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Segment function was determined from pressure-length loop areas inscribed during right ventricular pacing at 128 +/- 3 (mean +/- standard error of the mean) beats/min, and after single closely coupled (179 +/- 3 msec) extrasystoles. Despite a 50 percent decrease in border zone segment function, postextrasystolic potentiation consistently augmented mechanical performance to control levels throughout the ischemic period. Central ischemic zone segment function deteriorated more profoundly, with the development of holosystolic aneurysmal bulging within 30 seconds after occlusion. Nonetheless, postextrasystolic potentiation produced marked inotropic augmentation, but not to control levels, for up to 10 minutes of ischemia. These results suggest that latent viability and contractile reserve may exist during brief periods of coronary occlusion.
Federal Environmental Policy: A Summary Overview

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which was signed into law on January 1, 1970, has come to be regarded as the first major piece of federal legislation to call for comprehensive attention to environmentat concerns in the United States. During the two decades following enactment of NEPA, Congress adopted and then refined major legislation on nearly every aspect of environmental quality concerns: air pollution, water pollution, drinking water quality, hazardous waste management, wildlife protection, pesticide use, and several related problem areas. Current arguments for environmental regulatory reform are a phase in the continuing evolution of this body of federal environmental policy.
Ontogenetic variability of maternal effects in an iteroparous fish

Maternal effects have been observed to interact with genotypic and environmental influences to structure offspring phenotypes across a wide variety of taxa. In fishes, maternal effects may be especially important due to their potential influence on development and survival during early ontogeny - a period with high potential for population regulation. While previous studies have confirmed that maternal effects on offspring phenotype are common in fishes, the consistency with which they positively affect offspring fitness throughout early ontogeny remains largely unknown. We examined maternal effects on offspring fitness by quantifying relationships between maternal (length, mass and age), egg (diameter, mass and density) and larval traits (length, yolk-sac volume and survival) in yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Consistent with several past studies, positive relationships among maternal and egg traits were evident. While egg mass was positively related to larval size at hatching, direct relationships between maternal and larval metrics were not apparent. Larval survival appeared to have two critical periods; in contrast with expectations, survival in the first 5 days posthatch was strongly negatively related to female size and age, while survival over the following 9 days was unrelated to maternal traits. Throughout the study, survival was positively related to yolk-sac volume. Our unexpected observation of a negative relationship between maternal size and age and initial larval survival indicates that maternal effects may not be consistent throughout larval ontogeny. In fact, maternal effects appear to be dynamic influences on offspring fitness, and may have complex effects on individual- and population-level reproductive success.
Mullite Decomposition Kinetics and Melt Stabilization in the Temperature Range 1900—2000°C

An investigation of the mullite decomposition mechanism and kinetics in the temperature range 1900—2000°C was conducted. SEM-EDS and XRD analysis showed that the decomposition of mullite in this temperature range was primarily caused by the presence of carbon from furnace components. A reaction mechanism, in which gas-phase SiO2 reacts with carbon to form SiO and CO, is proposed; both IR analysis and kinetic studies support the proposed mechanism. The decomposition was completely suppressed by the introduction of a modified crucible assembly and the addition of excess SiO2 to the reaction system. A mullite melt of stable composition was thus obtained, setting the groundwork for inviscid melt spinning mullite fiber making process development.
Heat Shock Germination Responses of Three Eastern North American Temperate Species

Abstract The requirement for heat shock to break physical dormancy of hard seeds is a widely known strategy for recruitment in fire maintained ecosystems. Despite extensive work by fire ecologists in the southeastern United States, heat shock response has been demonstrated for only a few eastern North American temperate species. In this study germination responses to dry and wet heat were investigated for three species with physical dormancy: Galactia regularis (Fabaceae), Lupinus perennis (Fabaceae), and Rhus copallinum (Anacardiaceae). Control, wet heat (1 min boiling), and dry heat (10 min at 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110°C) treatments were independently applied in the laboratory. Maximum germination occurred at 80°C for G. regularis and L. perennis and was significantly greater than both control and boiling treatments. For R. copallinum, maximum germination occurred at 90°C for all populations investigated and was significantly greater than the control group in three of four populations. Heat shock ger...
Gated-four-probe a-Si:H thin-film transistor structure

In a-Si:H TFTs, the source/drain series resistances not only influence the TFT electrical performance but also cause difficulties in optimization of the channel material. To understand the intrinsic characteristics of a-Si:H TFTs, the source/drain series resistances have to be excluded. Source/drain series resistances in a-Si:H TFTs consist of: (1) contact resistances (between the source/drain metal and the n/sup +/ a-Si:H layer) and n/sup +/ a-Si:H film resistance; (2) bulk resistance (due to the intrinsic a-Si:H layer between the n/sup +/ a-Si:H and the conducting channel); (3) resistances associated with the overlap between the source/drain and gate electrodes. To analyze the influence and the origin of source/drain series resistances, we have developed a new gated-four-probe (GFP) a-Si:H TFT structure to accurately measure the intrinsic characteristics of a-Si:H TFTs. In the GFP a-Si:H TFT structure, two narrow probes are placed between the source and drain electrodes to sense the voltage difference along the conducting channel. By correlating this voltage difference to the source/drain current induced by applied gate bias, the a-Si:H TFT intrinsic characteristics, such as mobility, threshold voltage, and channel conductance activation energy can be accurately determined without any influence from the source/drain series resistances. Another function of the GFP a-Si:H TFT structure is to investigate the electrical instability mechanisms responsible for gate bias-stress induced apparent threshold voltage shifts.
Beef heifer development within three calving systems.

A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of calving system, weaning age, and post- weaning management on growth and reproduction in beef heifers. Heifer calves (n = 676) born in late winter (average birth date = February 7 ± 9 d) or early spring (average birth date April 3 ± 10 d) were weaned at 190 or 240 d of age, and heifers born in late spring (average birth date May 29 ± 10 d) were weaned at 140 or 190 d of age. Heifers were managed to be first exposed to breeding at approximately 14 mo of age. After weaning, the calves were randomly assigned to treatments. Heif- ers on the constant gain treatment were fed a corn silage- and hay-based diet. Heifers on delayed gain treatments were placed on pasture but were fed grass hay or a supplement, or both, depending on the forage conditions. Three months before their respective breed- ing seasons, delayed gain heifers were moved to drylot and fed a corn silage- and barley-based diet (late winter or early spring) or moved to spring rangeland (late spring). The data were analyzed using mixed model procedures with calving system, weaning age, and post- weaning management options creating 12 treatments. Average daily gain was 0.36 ± 0.05 (SED) kg/d less (P < 0.001) for delayed gain heifers during the initial phase, whereas these heifers gained 0.44 ± 0.03 kg/d more (P < 0.001) than constant gain heifers during the last 90 d before breeding. Body weights at the beginning of the breeding season did not differ (P = 0.97) between constant gain and delayed gain heifers but were af- fected by calving system and weaning age, reflecting some of the differences in initial BW. Prebreeding BW for heifers weaned at 190 d of age were 36 ± 6.4 kg heavier (P < 0.001) for those born in late winter and early spring compared with late spring and were 388, 372, and 330 kg for heifers weaned in October at 240, 190,or 140d ofage (lineareffect,P <0.001). Thepropor- tionofheifersexhibitinglutealactivityatthebeginning of the breeding season was not affected (P = 0.57) by treatment. Approximately half of the heifers were ran- domly selected for breeding. Treatment had no effect (P = 0.64) on pregnancy rates. In conclusion, heifers from varied calving systems and weaning strategies can be raised to breeding using either constant or de- layed gain strategies without affecting the percentage of heifers cycling at the beginning of the breeding sea- son.Theseresultssuggestthatproducershavemultiple optionsformanagementofheifercalveswithindiffering calving systems.
The Rise of an Inventive Profession: Learning Effects in the Midwestern Harvester Industry, 1850–1890

This article makes use of nearly one thousand patents to trace the origins and evolution of professional invention in the midwestern harvester industry. These data indicate that professional inventors had become integrated into the industry by the 1870s. This unity of business and invention made firms loci of learning and fostered the rise of a market in technology through which patents and patentees became available. B usiness and economic historians have written extensively about the institutionalization of corporate research and its application to product development. This literature conceives of the rise of R&D as part of the vertical integration of firms that commenced in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.' Firm records and patent data suggest, however, that individuals who may be considered as true professional inventors appeared by the midto late-nineteenth century. This article traces the rise of an inventive profession in the midwestern harvester industry from 1850 through 1890, focusing on the evolution of invention in the case of harvesters and grain binders-the first farm machines to reflect the systematic use of professional inventors. It proceeds from a study of the nearly one thousand harvester and grain binder patents that were issued to inventors in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin between 1850 and 1890.2 The patent data demonstrate that professional invention was well established during the postbellum era and suggest that professionalization marked the transition from early, informal methods of technological learning to the coordination of product development within firms. The conception of professionalization presented here differs from that offered by David Mowery and Nathan Rosenberg. According to these scholars, before the integration of industrial research within firms at the
A systematic review of as needed versus treat and extend ranibizumab or bevacizumab treatment regimens for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Purpose To evaluate the relative efficacy of as needed versus treat and extend regimen for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods We conducted a systematic review of studies that evaluated the efficacy of as needed or treat and extend regimen for neovascular AMD by searching multiple databases up to December 2013. Included studies were selected based on study duration of no less than 12 months, availability of outcome data, treatment protocol for as needed groups or pro re nata (PRN) receiving bevacizumab or ranibizumab, and all studies with treat extend protocols following the ‘inject and extend’ regimen. The outcome data were pooled and analysed. Results 1046 peer reviewed articles meeting our initial search criteria were returned. After further review by two independent reviewers, 8 studies meeting treat and extend protocol and 62 studies meeting PRN protocol were included. The mean improvement in visual acuity in the PRN group was 5.4 ETDRS letters compared with 10.4 ETDRS letters in the treat and extend group. The PRN group received an average of 5.60 injections at 1 year compared with 8.09 in the treat and extend group. Central retinal thickness improved on average by 100.32 µ in the PRN group compared with 87.7 µ in the treat and extend group. Conclusions Though our study suggests superiority of the treat and extend regimen to PRN treatment in a 12-month period, this review demonstrates the need for randomised clinical trials to confirm our findings and to evaluate long-term efficacy outcomes with these regimens compared with monthly therapy.
CYTOKINE EXPRESSION AND SPECIFIC LYMPHOCYTE PROLIFERATION IN TWO STRAINS OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM-INFECTED γ-INTERFERON KNOCKOUT MICE

Differences in the immune response between 2 strains of interferon-γ knockout mice (BALB/c-GKO and C57BL/6-GKO) infected with Cryptosporidium parvum were examined because the course of infection among these 2 strains is markedly different. Infection of the BALB/c-GKO with C. parvum (2 × 106 oocysts/mouse) resulted in slight weight loss, oocyst shedding, and recovery from infection by 2 wk postinfection (PI). Infection with 100 oocysts in the C57BL/6-GKO mice resulted in significant weight loss, oocyst shedding, and death by day 10 PI. Splenocytes from infected mice were able to proliferate in a dose-dependent manner to soluble C. parvum-sporozoite antigen (SAg). In vitro stimulation with SAg resulted in an increase in interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA cytokine expression from splenocytes of infected BALB/c-GKO mice. In contrast, only IL-5 mRNA expression was increased in the splenocytes from C. parvum-infected C57BL/6-GKO mice. Phenotypic analysis indicated no significant di...
Exploiting Social Media with Tensor Decomposition for Pharmacovigilance

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a serious health problem all over the world, and how to detect ADRs in an early stage has drawn many researchers' attention and efforts. There are an increasing number of studies focused on this area and many techniques have been proposed to detect ADRs based on various data sources such as spontaneous reporting data, electronic health record, pharmaceutical databases, and biomedical literature. However, these data sources are limited by high cost, under-reporting ratio, privacy issues, or long cycle that publishing a paper in journals could usually take months or even a year. In this work, we propose to detect early ADR signals from social media data. We collected threads of 20 drugs from MedHelp, extracted 14 adverse reactions, either alerted by FDA or added on drug labels, with their alert releasing or labeling revision time being gold standard, and utilize confidence, leverage and lift to identify ADR signals. We also propose to use tensor decomposition to handle the sparseness and missing data in social media. The experiment results showed that both matrix-based and tensor-based approaches are able to detect ADR signals much earlier than FDA's official alert or labeling revision time. Especially, tensor-based method outperformed matrix-based techniques and can better capture temporal patterns.
Characterization of small-scale motion in incompressible homogeneous turbulence

The structure and dynamics of vorticity ui, rate-ofstrain S, and the full velocity gradient tensor A are studied using direct numerical simulations (DNS) of incompressible homogeneous decaying isotropic and sheared turbulence. The evolution of high amplitude events is examined using conditional Lagrangian statistics. The events are defined according to the invariants of local A allowing characterization of distinct structure and dynamical behavior. In order to explicate the coupled interaction of u> and S, the dynamics are examined in the basis of the principal strain eigenvectors. In this reference frame, the dynamic significance of the nonlocal effects through the pressure Hessian II are evident. Properties of the Burgers vortex, which illustrate implications of spatial structure, are considered and compared with those observed in homogeneous turbulence. DNS data show a strong alignment between u and the eigenvector of II corresponding to its smallest eigenvalue in high amplitude rotation dominated regions which is indicative of tube-like geometry. Results provide a physical description of the nonlinear processes associated with small-scale motion and interaction with the mean flow.
Manipulation of Subunit Stoichiometry in Heteromeric Membrane Proteins

The ability of oligomeric membrane proteins to assemble in different functional ratios of subunits is a common feature across many systems. Recombinant expression of hetero-oligomeric proteins with defined stoichiometries facilitates detailed structural and functional analyses, but remains a major challenge. Here we present two methods for overcoming this challenge: one for rapid virus titration and another for stoichiometry determination. When these methods are coupled, they allow for efficient dissection of the heteromer stoichiometry problem and optimization of homogeneous protein expression. We demonstrate the utility of the methods in a system that to date has proved resistant to atomic-scale structural study, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Leveraging these two methods, we have successfully expressed, purified, and grown diffraction-quality crystals of this challenging target.
Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the Same Patient: Coincidence or Link? (P2.189)

OBJECTIVE: To report a patient with HNPP and central nervous system (CNS) demyelination involving the brain and spinal cord satisfying 2010 McDonald criteria for diagnosis of MS BACKGROUND: HNPP is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a deletion in chromosome 17p11.2, which contains the PMP22 gene. CNS involvement is well documented for patients with hereditary demyelinating neuropathies, including few case reports of association with HNPP. To our knowledge none of the CNS lesions described to date were compatible with a diagnosis of definite MS. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report: 36 year-old Caucasian male with genetically confirmed HNPP presented to the MS clinic for follow up of abnormal MRI findings concerning for demyelination. At age 33 he had an episode of subacute onset lower extremities weakness. Brain MRI was unremarkable. C spine MRI showed increased signal at the C3/C4 level. CSF was a-cellular with mildly elevated protein 47, high IgG synthesis, and 3 unpaired oligoclonal bands. He was treated for a presumed partial transverse myelitis with steroids and had total recovery of function. Repeat imaging 3 years later showed multiple non-enhancing juxtacortical and periventricular lesions, with involvement of the corpus callosum, and peripheral lesions in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. The findings in repeat MRI demonstrated dissemination in space and time which confirmed the diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS based on McDonald Criteria for diagnosis of MS (2010), using the Swanton/Magnetic Imaging in MS criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The co-existence of HNPP and MS in our patient may not be coincidental and reinforce the prior proposed theory of increase susceptibility to CNS autoimmune disorders in the setting of hereditary demyelinating neuropathies. Further studies are needed to establish the role of PMP22 in the central nervous system myelin structure and possible implication in MS pathophysiology. Disclosure: Dr. Baba-Ahmed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zabeti has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen, Genzyme, and Acorda Therapeutics as a speaker. Dr. Kushlaf has nothing to disclose.
Study on pretreatment of pyrethroid pesticide residue determination in vegetables

Objective:To study the real effect of solid phase extraction that used in determination of pyrethoid pesticide residue in vegetables.Methods:We campared with the recovery rates of fenpropathrin,cyhalothrin,cypermethrin,fen-valerate between florisil and ENVI carb column,the recovery effect of different elution solvent,the accuracy and precision of determination in vegetables.Results:Both columns can be used,acetone-hexane(10+90,v/v)was used to wash froisil column,acetic ether was used to wash ENVI carb column,5 kinds of pyrethoid pesticide average recovery rates 80%,we choose green pepper,cabbage,broccoli as the typical vegetables,added standard,then determined,the recovery 76.1%～118.9%,RSD 4.1%～18.0%.Conclusion:Two types of SPE column can be used to the pretreatment of 5 kinds of pyrethoid,it shows quickly,high recovery,and low solvent used.
Texture mediated grain boundary network design in two dimensions

While materials design in the context of texture dependent properties is well developed, theoretical tools for microstructure design in the context of grain boundary sensitive properties have not yet been established. In the present work, we present an invertible relationship between texture and grain boundary network structure for the case of spatially uncorrelated two-dimensional textures. By exploiting this connection, we develop mathematical tools that permit the rigorous optimization of grain boundary network structure. Using a specific multi-objective materials design case study involving elastic, plastic and kinetic properties, we illustrate the utility of this texture mediated approach to grain boundary network design. We obtain a microstructure that minimizes grain boundary network diffusivity while simultaneously improving yield strength by an amount equal to half of the theoretically possible range. The theoretical tools developed here could complement experimental grain boundary engineering efforts to help accelerate the discovery of materials with improved performance.
Studies of idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction. I. Hereditary hollow visceral myopathy: clinical and pathological studies.

A 15-year-old girl with idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction is reported. She presented with a long term history of low grade obstructive symptoms, diarrhea, and poor nutrition culminating in an acute obstructive attack leading to exploratory laparotomy. At surgery, the small bowel and colon were dilated, with no mechanical obstruction found. Further evaluation revealed her to have a diffuse disorder of gastrointestinal smooth muscle function involving esophagus, small bowel, and colon. Because medical management failed to control symptoms, a gastrojejunostomy was done to bypass a megaduodenum. A third laparotomy was necessary 2 months later because of intractable obstructive symptoms. At this last laparotomy, the afferent loop was taken down and a duodenoplasty and duodenojejunostomy were performed, resulting in clinical improvement. Light and electron microscopic study of the excised small intestine showed marked thinning and degeneration of the smooth muscle, with replacement by fibrous tissue. The myenteric plexus was normal. This case demonstrates that a degenerative disease of smooth muscle may be one cause of idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction.
Point d'étoiles par une méthode non-graphique

Cet article presente une methode de calcul numerique du point par observation des hauteurs de deux etoiles. Ce calcul ne necessite pas le graphique habituel des droites de hauteur et s’adapte ainsi a l’utilisation des machines a calculer, ou encore peut servir de verification a la methode graphique.
Hydro‐geomorphic perturbations on the soil‐atmosphere CO2 exchange: How (un)certain are our balances?

Attempts to estimate the influence of erosion on the carbon (C) cycle are limited by difficulties in accounting for the fate of mobilized organic material and for the uncertainty associated with land management practices. This study proposes a method to quantify the uncertainty introduced by the influence of land management on soil organic C (SOC) generation and decomposition at eroding soils. The framework is implemented in tRIBS-ECO (Triangulated Irregular Network-based Real-time Integrated Basin Simulator-Erosion and Carbon Oxidation). tRIBS-ECO is a spatially and depth-explicit model of C dynamics coupled with a process-based hydro-geomorphic model. We assess the impact of soil erosion on the net soil-atmosphere CO2 exchange at the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory, one of the most severely agriculturally eroded regions in the U.S. Measurements of SOC storage are used from different catena positions. We demonstrate that the spatiotemporal variations of land management practices introduce significant uncertainty in estimates of the erosion-induced CO2 exchange with the atmosphere. Observations and simulations suggest that a substantial portion of eroded organic material is buried in alluvial sediments at the study site. According to results, recent reforestation led to a partial decline in soil and SOC erosion rates. It is suggested that the representation of the fine spatiotemporal variability of the dynamics of eroded C is important in the computation of C budgets in regional and global scales.
Fracture mechanisms of glass particles under dynamic compression

Abstract In this study, dynamic fracture mechanisms of single and contacting spherical glass particles were observed using high speed synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging. A modified Kolsky bar setup was used to apply controlled dynamic compressive loading on the soda-lime glass particles. Four different configurations of particle arrangements with one, two, three, and five particles were studied. In single particle experiments, cracking initiated near the contact area between the particle and the platen, subsequently fragmenting the particle in many small sub-particles. In multi-particle experiments, a crack was observed to initiate from the point just outside the contact area between two particles. The initiated crack propagated at an angle to the horizontal loading direction, resulting in separation of a fragment. However, this fragment separation did not affect the ability of the particle to withstand further contact loading. On further compression, large number of cracks initiated in the particle with the highest number of particle-particle contacts near one of the particle-particle contacts. The initiated cracks roughly followed the lines joining the contact points. Subsequently, the initiated cracks along with the newly developed sub-cracks bifurcated rapidly as they propagated through the particle and fractured the particle explosively into many small fragments, leaving the other particles nearly intact.
Gender and Gene Regulation in Human Immunity

Abstract From response to vaccinations to autoimmune disease, gender differences in immunity have been long recognized in clinical medicine. The primary genetic difference between males and females is the complement of sex chromosomes. The X chromosome contains a far higher number of genes than the Y chromosome, and it has long been thought that the second X in females was effectively silenced to provide genetic equity or dosage compensation. Emerging technologies are telling an increasingly fascinating story and calling to question long held assumptions about the silenced X chromosome, suggesting that the X may be a regulator of immune system function in health and disease. It has been long postulated that epigenetic or regulatory differences between male and female immune cells may underlie immune difference and autoimmune susceptibility and emerging science suggests that sex-chromosome and autosomal gene regulation may contribute to immune variation and provide insight into gender differences in health and disease. Herein we review recent findings on gender differences in immunity, with a focus on gene regulation and T cells.
Statistical Significance Versus Effect Size

This article discusses the use of statistical significance testing in education research, and some major criticisms about its use in research practice. The concept and use of effect size are discussed and elaborated, from its origin in early meta-analysis work to its current wide-spread use in education research in general. Operational definitions of effect size as related to different analytical approaches are presented and discussed. It is suggested that statistical significance and effect size are two related aspects in quantitative inquiry, and they complement each other, but they do not substitute one another. Good research practice requires that both should be taken into account for making sound research decisions. Finally, practical guidelines are suggested for combining the two sources of information (i.e., statistical significance and effect size) in educational research practice.
Imaging of Pediatric Paranasal Sinus and Orbital Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most frequent outpatient disease processes treated by the pediatricians. Although upper respiratory tract infections are typically self-limited viral illnesses, a subset of children will develop acute bacterial sinusitis, which is differentiated from the former viral nasopharyngitis by prolonged illness, worsening course, or severe onset of symptoms. Although diagnostic imaging is not indicated in the differentiation of a viral upper respiratory tract infection from acute bacterial sinusitis, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical in the detection and classification of potentially serious complications of acute bacterial sinusitis resulting from intraorbital or intracranial spread of infection. Orbital infections are the most frequently associated complications of paranasal sinus inflammatory disease given the proximity of the paranasal sinuses and orbits. Imaging is essential in differentiating preseptal cellulitis from orbital cellulitis and guiding appropriate therapy. Cross-sectional imaging is also important in the characterization of noninvasive fungal sinusitis, forms of chronic sinusitis in the setting of an intact immune system, and invasive fungal sinusitis, an acute fulminant sinusitis induced by angioinvasive fungi in immunocompromised children requiring emergent surgical management.
Short-Time Dynamics Reveals Tg Suppression in Simulated Polystyrene Thin Films

Suppression of the glass transition temperature, Tg, in polymer thin films is of great practical importance and theoretical significance. It is widely believed that such Tg suppression results from enhanced segmental mobility at the free surface. To investigate these effects, we carry out united-atom molecular dynamics simulations on free-standing polystyrene thin films. Care has been taken to ensure consistent behavior between thin films and the bulk. The dilatometric Tg inferred from the density versus temperature shows substantial reduction in thin films compared to the bulk even at high cooling rates. Furthermore, we find that dynamical Tg shifts, obtained by collapsing temperature-dependent short-time dynamical properties onto a master curve, vary with film thickness just like the dilatometric Tg. We apply the same data collapse procedure to dynamics of segments within a given distance from the free surface to obtain the local Tg(z), which reveals a mobile surface layer of about 4 nm.
Outcomes of rescue cardiopulmonary support for periprocedural acute hemodynamic decompensation in patients undergoing catheter ablation of electrical storm

Background In patients with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) electrical storm (ES) undergoing catheter ablation (CA), hypotension due to refractory VT/VF, use of anesthesia, and cardiac stunning due to repeated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks might precipitate acute hemodynamic decompensation (AHD). Objective We evaluated the outcomes of emergent cardiopulmonary support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to rescue AHD in patients undergoing CA of ES. Methods Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016, 21 patients with ES (VT in 11 and premature ventricular complex–triggered VF in 10) were referred for CA and had periprocedural AHD requiring emergent ECMO support. Results In 14 patients, AHD occurred a mean of 1.5 ± 1.7 days before the procedure. In the remaining 7 patients, AHD occurred during or shortly after the procedure. ECMO was started successfully in all patients. Ablation was performed in 18 patients (9 with VF and 9 with VT). In patients with VF, premature ventricular complex suppression was achieved in 8 of 9 (89%). In those with VT, noninducibility was achieved in 7 of 9 (78%). After a median follow-up of 10 days, 16 patients died (13 during the index admission). Death was due to refractory VT/VF in 4 patients, heart failure in 11, and noncardiac cause in 1 patient. Seven patients survived beyond 6 months postablation; 5 remained free of VT/VF and 3 ultimately received a destination therapy (heart transplantation in 2 and left ventricular [LV] assist device in 1). Conclusion In patients with ES undergoing CA, the outcomes of ECMO support as rescue intervention for AHD are poor. The majority of these patients die of refractory heart failure in the short-term. Strategies to prevent AHD including preemptive use of hemodynamic support may improve survival.