cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of the Overestimation of Serum Albumin by Bromcresol Green

Repeated observations have shown that the bromcresol green method overestimates serum albumin. Random patient serum samples were analyzed by a bromcresol green method using the Technicon AutoAnalyzer and by serum protein electrophoresis using cellulose acetate. The mean AutoAnalyzer value was 4.29 g/dl and the mean protein electrophoresis value was 3.68 g/dl (r = 0.915, slope = 0.869, y intercept = 1.090 g/dl where bromcresol green is on the Y axis, n = 166). Studies of the interference of proteins other than albumin in the bromcresol green method using the Technicon AutoAnalyzer showed that alpha globulins produce approximately a third, beta globulins a ninth, fibrinogen a fifth and hemoglobin equal the color intensity with the bromcresol green reagent that a comparable weight of albumin produced. In the bromcresol green method using the Du Pont ACA the interferences were even greater. At present, serum protein electrophresis is the most reliable method generally available to measure serum albumin. A modified bromcresol green method or immunoassay may eventually prove to be the method of choice.
Laboratory Handling of Skin Biopsy Specimens

Category A-l continuing education credit is available to anyone who studies a C / f Update series and completes a written exam. Exams will appear with the final article of each series in LABORATORY MEDICINE. After receipt of a completed answer sheet at ASCP, a certificate of credit will be awarded to each participant.
How information about the time requirements and legacy effects of treatments influence decision-making in patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Objective When deciding about diabetes treatments, patients are typically uninformed about how much time is required before (time requirements), or for how long treatments change outcomes (legacy effects). However, patients may be motivated to adopt treatments with time-related treatment information. We explored whether this information alters a patients' likelihood of starting medications. Research design and methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 60 adults with type 2 diabetes for <10 years and hypertension on oral medications. We measured change in likelihood of starting medications after receiving time requirement (diabetes, 10 years; hypertension, 3 years) and legacy effect (diabetes, 10 additional years; hypertension, none) information. Responses were analyzed for themes about time-related treatment information. Results At baseline, 70% of participants reported being very likely to start a recommended medication. Nearly half (40%) were less likely to start a diabetes medication after being informed of time requirements; but after being informed of legacy effects, 32% reported being more likely. Fewer participants changed likelihoods of starting antihypertensives with time-related information. Many participants expressed that medications' benefits were important to them regardless of time-related information. Participants considered time requirements for diabetes medications too long and compared them to their life expectancy. Many participants were interested in legacy effects of diabetes medications because they looked forward to discontinuing medications, although some expressed doubt that benefits could persist after stopping medications. Conclusions While prolonged time requirements may dissuade patients from adopting treatments, the promise of legacy effects may motivate patients to commit to diabetes treatments.
Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin Combined with Mesalazine on Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Objective To investigate the effect of curcumin combined with mesalazine on the treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice and its mechanism.Methods Fifty mice were divided into 5 groups:normal group,model group,curcumin combined with mesalazine treatment group,curcumin treatment group and mesalazine treatment group.The mouse models with ulcerative colitis were copied by dextran sulfate so-dium traditional method.Since the model was successfully constructed,the next day,curcumin combined received mesalazine treatment group received curcumin enema treatment and mesalazine orally fed of each;curcumin treatment group received curcumin enema treatment;mesalazine treatment group received mesalazine orally fed;normal group and model group were treated with correspondingly 9 g·L-1 saline.All once every day,a total for 10 d.Ten days after administration,the pathological changes were observed,and flow cytometry was used to detect the apo-ptosis of colonic epithelial cells,ELISA was used to detect the serum IL-2 and IL-10 levels.Results The colonic damage scores,histolo-gical scores and the apoptosis rate in curcumin combined with mesalazine treatment group were significantly lower than those in model group(Pa0.01).Compared with the curcumin treatment group and mesalazine treatment group,the injury score,histological score and the apoptosis rate in curcumin combined with mesalazin treatment group decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(Pa0.05).Compared with model group,IL-10 levels decreased and IL-2 levels increased significantly in curcumin combined with mesalazine treatment group and the curcumin treatment group and mesalazine treatment group(Pa0.01).Compared with the curcurnin treatment group and mesalazine treatment group,IL-10 levels decreased and IL-2 levels increased significantly in curcumin combined with mesalazine treatment group(Pa0.05).Conclusion Curcumin combined with mesalazine therapy is better than using mesalazine alone on mice with ulcerative colitis,and also effective in decreasing IL-10 level and increasing IL-2 level compared with using mesalazine alone.
The ethics of in utero fetal surgery. A possible threat to the autonomy of pregnant women

Nurses caring for pregnant women must be aware of the developing capabilities of pediatric surgery to intervene in utero to attempt to correct fetal deformities once thought treatable only after birth. This technology may prove to be a source of ethical dilemmas for families and caretakers if some mothers refuse to consent to such beneficial surgery. Nurses caring for families in such a scenario must be aware not only of the rights and interests of both fetus and mother, but of the responsibilities of all of those interested--the family, the caregivers, and society. Full ethical analysis must include consideration of the effects of any decision on the overall health of the involved clients. While individual nurses will evaluate singular situations using different ethical guidelines, the primary ethical principle to be considered is how the autonomy of the individual pregnant woman is weighted vis a vis the interests of her fetus. Nurses are urged both in clinical practice and in the role of advocate regarding health policy to do their utmost to preserve the status of the individual as a respected, autonomous member of society.
Impaired bronchial healing after lung donation from non-heart-beating donors.

BACKGROUND Bronchial viability after lung transplantation remains a concern. Modern preservation methods, surgical technique, and limited cold ischemic periods have decreased the frequency of bronchial complications. However, lungs procured from non-heart-beating donors are subjected to a mandatory period of warm ischemia. We investigated bronchial healing in a porcine survival model of left lung transplantation using organ procurement from non-heart-beating donors after a 60-minute period of warm ischemia. METHODS Fourteen adult domestic swine underwent left lung transplantation. All lungs were preserved with cold Euro-Collins flush and stored inflated at 4 degrees C. Control lungs (n = 5) were flushed, harvested, and stored for 2 hours before implantation. Experimental lungs (n = 9) were procured from non-heart-beating donors. These lungs were subjected to 60 minutes of warm ischemia before flush and harvest, followed by 2 hours of cold storage before implantation. After 21 days of immunosuppression with prednisone, azathioprine, and cyclosporine, pulmonary function was assessed. Bronchial viability was evaluated with bronchoscopy and, at autopsy, followed by histologic analysis. RESULTS Implantation time did not differ significantly between the control group and the experimental group (59.6 +/- 2.1 versus 64.4 +/- 2.9 minutes, p = 0.24). Control swine exhibited no evidence of ischemic injury to the donor bronchus. In contrast, six of nine lungs procured from non-heart-beating donors showed evidence of ischemic bronchial injury (p = 0.031 versus control). Findings ranged from hypovascular edematous mucosa to necrosis and sloughing of the mucosa throughout the entire donor bronchial tree. The remaining three non-heart-beating donor lungs exhibited normal lung function and bronchial healing. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that 60 minutes of warm ischemia for lungs procured from non-heart-beating donors results in impaired bronchial viability with current preservation techniques. Thirty minutes of warm ischemia may be the acceptable limit for lung procurement from non-heart-beating organ donors.
Techniques for Archaeological Sediments and Soils

Undisturbed Versus Disturbed Sampling—Profile Samples, Soil Monoliths, and Solid Cores: Undisturbed sampling of an archaeological sediment can be as straightforward as the description of an exposed profile in the field. It can also mean the recovery of a representative fraction of those sediments for studies to be performed in a laboratory rather than in a field setting. Disturbed samples are those taken from individual horizons or strata in which structure and morphology information is sacrificed. The sense of the term “sample” used in this discussion is not one commonly associated with statistical evaluations but simply the acquisition of a portion of the sediment or soil for analytical purposes. Sampling (statistical) procedures can, in many cases, be used to assure the representativeness of the field or laboratory fraction of the sediment or soil being examined. This issue will be addressed in the following section. In this section, we shall examine a variety of techniques commonly used to acquire data on archaeologically interesting sediments.
Performing in a Veil: Sia Furler, Embodied Resistance, and the Cognitive Therapeutic Bias of Pastoral Theology

ABSTRACTThe article examines the performances of the pop artist Sia as a lens to embodied resistance to stultifying social forces that create mental illness. Through a literature review of several prominent works in pastoral theology, I note the discipline’s bias toward cognitive therapies when outlining mental illnesses created by such forces. Next, I examine how such forces work on the body to point out the problem with the discipline’s overemphasis on cognitive therapies. Then, in conversation with philosophies and theologies of movement, creation, and transcendence, I contrast Sia’s embodied performances as a way to emphasize the body itself as it strives to find space for survival and resistance.
Fully Probabilistic Design for Knowledge Transfer in a Pair of Kalman Filters

The problem of Bayesian knowledge transfer from a secondary to a primary Kalman filter is addressed. The secondary filter makes available its probabilistic data predictor, but an explicit Bayesian conditioning mechanism between the filters is assumed to be unavailable. Thus, fully probabilistic design is adopted. This leads to a novel and fully tractable three-step recursive extension of the traditional Kalman filter flow, involving an extra data-like step for merging the secondary data predictor. An adapted form of the algorithm yields performance in simulation equal to that of measurement vector fusion, with the advantage that the Bayesian design allows full distributional knowledge to be transferred. There is flexibility in the way probabilistic knowledge transfer between interacting Kalman filters can be specified using this optimal Bayesian design strategy, and these options are discussed in the letter.
Compact and Fredholm Operators

The operators in infinite dimensional spaces closest to operators in finite dimensional spaces are the compact operators, which will now be studied systematically. A large number of examples of compact operators are given in the exercises.
Some Concluding Observations

This chapter discusses some observations regarding Soviet research in multi-objective programming. Soviet research in multi-objective programming is broadly based, displaying methodological diversity comparable to that found in the West. This was clearly evident in the taxonomy of Soviet methods and was confirmed by the varied Soviet theoretical work. No major branch of multi-objective research seems to have been neglected by Soviet researchers. As in the West, the most intensive area of work appears to be in the interactive techniques. This bespeaks both the inherent practicality of the interactive methods and the underlying mathematical structure of multi-objective problems, which ultimately afford no final solution without the intervention of a human decision maker. Several Soviet methods do not rely on the optimization procedures most often employed in Western methods. This can be seen in Lotov and Bushenkov's Reachable Sets method, Mikhalevich and Volkovich's Method of Constraints, and Sobol’ and Statnikov's Parameter Space Investigation method.
MELCOR Analysis of Steam Generator Tube Creep Rupture in Station Blackout Severe Accident

AbstractA pressurized water reactor steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) is of concern because it represents a bypass of the containment for radioactive materials to the environment. In a station blackout accident, tube integrity could be threatened by creep rupture, particularly if cracks are present in the tube walls. Methods are developed herein to improve assessment capabilities for SGTR by using the severe-accident code MELCOR. Best-estimate assumptions based on recent research and computational fluid dynamics calculations are applied in the MELCOR analysis to simulate two-dimensional natural circulation and to determine the relative creep-rupture timing in the reactor coolant pressure boundary components. A new method is developed to estimate the steam generator (SG) hottest tube wall temperature and the tube critical crack size for the SG tubes to fail first. The critical crack size for SG tubes to fail first is estimated to be 20% of the wall thickness larger than by a previous analysis. Sensitivit...
Mental Maps, Psychology of

The beginning of the psychological study of mental maps can be attributed to Edward Tolman who introduced in 1948 the term ‘cognitive map’ in connection with maze learning by rats. His laboratory rats moved in a generally appropriate direction when their learned path was blocked. Since this new route may never have been experienced, they were going beyond their trained behavior. This kind of maintenance of spatial orientation has now been studied in many species, including humans. There seem to be at least two general types of knowledge acquired in learning a new space: route knowledge and configurational knowledge. In relatively simple spaces, even young children are able to go beyond the specific knowledge they have been provided as they learned their way. They exhibit configurational knowledge after learning a specific path. Nevertheless prior experience does seem to play an important role in people's ability to stay oriented. Comparisons of sighted and blind persons has been one way of exploring this question. If blindfolded sighted observers learn a specific path through a new space they show a better appreciation for the overall configuration than do blind observers who have learned their way in the same manner.
Lower Pre-Implantation Psychosocial Risk Scores Do Not Correlate with Better Survival Following Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Placement

Purpose The assessment of psychosocial risk is an important component in the selection of appropriate candidates for LVAD implementation, however the influence on disease outcome remains poorly studied. In this study, we evaluated the effects of psychosocial risk on mortality, complications, and recurrent admissions. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with refractory systolic heart failure who underwent LVAD placement between 2009 and 2018 (N=94). The psychosocial risk, ranging low to high (0-4), was determined through assessment of finances, support system, understanding, compliance, substance abuse, mental health, adjustment, and cognition. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were development of driveline infections, GI bleeds, other bleeds, stroke, thrombus, and readmissions. Results The mean age of patients was 57 years, 74% being male. At the end of 2 years, there were 30 deaths (31.9%). At 6, 12, and 24 months, the patients with the lowest psychosocial risk (score 0) had the highest mortality (P=0.043). The number of psychosocial risk factors that each patient had did not affect survival (P=0.21). For secondary outcomes, psychosocial risk did not correlate with development of strokes, thrombi, other bleeds, or readmissions. Patients with higher risk scores developed less GI bleeds than those with lower scores (P=0.018). Conclusion We found that lower psychosocial risk scores did not correlate with better survival in patients who received an LVAD. However, patients with a low psychosocial risk had significantly worse mortality than other groups. Additionally, there was no correlation between risk score and complications, except GI bleeds, which were significantly higher in patients with lower scores. Given the smaller number of patients who had higher psychosocial risk scores (scores 3 and 4), further studies are required to better understand this association.
Abstract 249: Understanding the Patient Experience of Pain and Discomfort During Cardiac Catheterization

Background: Patient centeredness is an essential component of high-quality care, yet little is published regarding the patient experience during procedures performed in the cardiac catheterization ...
Obesity Is Associated with Decreased Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients with Pouchitis

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the leading causes of health-care-associated infections in the USA. There are limited data available regarding CDI in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease-related ileal pouch. This study aimed to evaluate the demographics, clinical features, risk factors, and admission outcomes among hospitalized patients with CDI-related pouchitis (CDP). Retrospective chart review was performed for patients who were admitted to our institute for pouchitis between 2013 and 2016 to identify patients with CDP. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors associated with CDP. A total of 160 subjects with pouchitis had a total of 218 admissions during the study period. Primary admission diagnosis was pouchitis or inflammatory bowel disease flare-up for 202 (93%) admissions. Clostridium difficile was tested at least once for 72 patients, and the diagnosis of CDP was established for 16 (10%) patients. All patients with CDP were symptomatic, 13 (81%) had diarrhea, 8 (50%) had abdominal pain, 7 (44%) had nausea/vomiting, and 2 (13%) had gastrointestinal bleeding. On multivariable analysis, only body mass index > 25 (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06–0.94, p = 0.048) was significantly associated with decreased risk of CDP. No patients in CDP cohort were admitted to ICU, died at the hospital, or readmitted in 30 days after the discharge. In our cohort, obesity was associated with low risk of CDP among hospitalized patients with pouchitis. This finding warrants further validation in prospective studies.
Pavlov vs. Köhler

During the 1920s, I. P. Pavlov’s scholarly interests broadened to consider problem-solving. Distrusting Wolfgang Kohler’s Gestalt explanation of the problemsolving process and its interspecies aspects, Pavlov performed, from 1933 to 1936, a number of experiments, including a replication of Kohler’s building experiment, using chimpanzees as subjects. Confirming Kohler’s findings, Pavlov explained the problemsolving process in terms of unconditional reflexes and the establishment, by Pavlovian conditioning and the Thorndikian method of trial and error, of temporary neural connections identical, on the psychological level, to associations. In contrast to Kohler’s “structural” explanation, Pavlov emphasized the processes of analysis and synthesis. According to Pavlov insight is achieved progressively—as the result of the organism’s problem-solving behavior—contradicting Kohler’s thesis of a sudden subjective reorganization of the environmental situation. Pavlov explained interspecies differences among higher organisms in terms of the range of a species behavior, with the second signal system as the main distinguishing characteristic between human and nonhuman species.
The Violence Prevention Potential of Reducing Alcohol Outlet Access in Baltimore, Maryland

Objective:There are few cost-effectiveness analyses that model alcohol outlet zoning policies. This study determines the potential decreases in homicides, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), an...
Epidemiological characteristics of a case infected with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus associated with exposure to aerosol

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a case infected with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus associated with exposure to aerosol and provide evidence for the prevention and control of human infection with avian influenza virus. Methods: Epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify the history of exposure, infection route, and disease progression. Real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR was used to test the samples collected from the case, close contacts, environment and poultry market. Results: The case had no history of exposure to live poultry and poultry market. But before the onset the case had a history of exposure to the live poultry placed in a car with doors and windows closed. The samples collected from the case's lower respiratory tract and the remaining frozen chicken meat were all influenza A (H5N6) virus positive. Conclusions: The source of infection was the live poultry, and the infection route might be the exposure to aerosol in a car with doors and windows closed, where the poultry were temporarily stored. It is necessary to promote centralized poultry slaughtering, cold chain distribution and fresh poultry sale, as well as strengthen health education and establish the concept of consuming fresh poultry.
Postsurgical Cystoid Macular Edema

Postsurgical cystoid macular edema (PCME) was first described by Hruby in 1950 in a patient presenting after cataract surgery, followed shortly by a similar report by Irvine in 1953 (Hruby 1950; Irvine 1953). Gass and Norton later concluded that this condition was caused by marked macular edema with a classic appearance of perifoveal petalloid staining with late leakage from the optic nerve on intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) (Gass and Norton 1966). Due to these early descriptions by Irvine and Gass, this entity became known as Irvine-Gass syndrome, which is recognized as a common cause of impaired vision following cataract surgery.
A Comparison of Four 3-Axis-Accelerometers for Monitoring Hospital Pneumatic Tube Systems.

Background Validation of hospital pneumatic tube systems (PTS) is recommended to predict and prevent errors caused by sample hemolysis. 3-Axis accelerometer dataloggers have been successfully implemented as tools for PTS validation, but the most suitable device for such validation has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of four commercially available 3-axis accelerometers for PTS validation. Methods PCE-VD3 (PCE), CEM DT-178A (CEM), Extech VB300 (EXT), and MSR 145 (MSR) dataloggers were placed into a single PTS carrier and repeatedly transported through one of three PTS routes. The number and magnitude of accelerations within each PTS route was collected by each device. Deming regression analysis was used to compare device performance. Results The MSR datalogger captured the greatest number of g-forces >3 g, 5 g, 10 g, and 15 g, and the greatest magnitude of g-force (26.7 g) relative to the other devices (CEM: 23.0 g, EXT: 23.3 g, PCE: 23.7 g). As a result of increased sampling frequency, the MSR recorded the lowest AUC and the greatest number of g-forces exceeding 3 g relative to the other devices. Subjectively, the data were difficult to extract from 4 tested devices. Conclusions Commercially available dataloggers differ in their ability to detect the number and magnitude of g-forces within PTSs. We recommend that one device be used to perform all PTS evaluations, with baseline evaluations for tolerable AUC, number, and magnitude of g-forces established internally. Lack of harmonization, cumbersome data processing, and time-consuming data analysis are substantial barriers to universal implementation of dataloggers for PTS validation and monitoring.
Atypical presentation of an elderly male with autoimmune encephalitis: anti-LG1 limbic encephalitis

Introduction We present a case of an elderly male with anti-LG1 limbic encephalitis involving hypothalamus presenting with acute changes in mental status and persistent hyperthermia. Case report A 74-year-old male presented to the hospital with fever and chills. He had also been evaluated by his PCP for changes in his mental status, trouble remembering things, and following directions while driving. A lumbar puncture was performed, and empiric meningitis coverage was initiated. His LP results were not suggestive for any infectious process. An MRI showed bilateral hippocampal edema. As an infectious workup was non-revealing and other causes were ruled out, with the concern for paraneoplastic or autoimmune encephalitis, patient was started on high dose steroids and plasma exchange while results of antibodies for autoimmune and paraneoplastic encephalitis were awaited. After plasmapheresis and a course of steroids, the patient's mental status began to slowly improve. He was discharged from the hospital and on subsequent neurology office visit, his serum autoimmune encephalitis panel returned positive for anti-LGI 1 antibodies. Further management consisted of outpatient rituximab infusion. Discussion Diagnosis of limbic encephalitis can be challenging and can present with symptoms of limbic dysfunction. A modest index of suspicion of limbic encephalitis should be kept in adults with altered mental changes. Early recognition and initiation of therapy can be crucial in the management of patients with autoimmune encephalitis and can prevent permanent cognitive impairment and damage.
Calculators Estimating the Likelihood of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: Uses and Perceptions.

Introduction A calculator estimating likelihood of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) has been promoted by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, but little is known about how it is used and perceived in practice. Cutoffs for prohibiting labor after cesarean are discouraged by the calculator's developers, but such uses may be widespread. The purpose of this study was to determine how calculators predicting VBAC are used and perceived in midwifery practices. Methods Certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives currently providing care for labor after cesarean were surveyed between January 17, 2019, and February 7, 2019. Quantitative and text data were collected regarding the uses and perceptions of calculators among midwives and their colleagues. We compared these findings with midwives' perceptions of their ability to accommodate patient wishes for labor after cesarean. We used descriptive content analysis to evaluate themes occurring in text responses. Results There were 1305 valid responses. A requirement to use calculator scores for patient counseling was reported by 527 (40.4%) of responding midwives. Over 1 in 5 midwives reported that scores were used to discourage or prohibit labor after cesarean. Almost half reported some or strong disagreement with physician colleagues regarding calculator use. Interprofessional agreement and disagreement centered on how scores are used to direct clinical care or restrict patient options. Calculator scores were used in more than twice as many midwives' practices to discourage rather than encourage labor after cesarean. Descriptive analysis of text revealed 4 themes regarding calculators: inconsistent use, information counseling, informed consent, and influence patient management or options. Discussion Calculators predicting likelihood of VBAC success are widely used in midwifery settings and are more often used to discourage than to encourage labor after cesarean. Midwives reported both directive and nondirective counseling based on calculator scores.
The effect of uncertain political turnover on air quality: Evidence from China

Abstract We investigate the effect of frequency and predictability of turnover among Chinese city officials on air quality in their jurisdiction. Existing studies examining the relationship between the political cycle and pollution assume that local officials have perfect information on the turnover timing. We relax this crucial assumption by explicitly accounting for a turnover anticipation effect which we proxy via a nonparametric model. Based on city panel data, we find that there is a spike in air pollution in the year prior to the leadership turnover, but only if the turnover is anticipated by the incumbent. Beyond this cyclical anomaly, less frequent turnovers are generally conducive to lower air pollution. A key contribution of this study is the incorporation of the anticipation effect, which turns out to be critical for understanding the effect of turnover on air pollution. Our findings offer refinement to previous studies, indicating that when turnover is frequent and predictable, local leaders are more likely to focus on policies that encourage economic activity to signal their competence to upper-level authority, at the cost of damaging air quality.
Writing While Black: The Power of Words and Student’s Self-Empowerment

Using the writings of a group of eleventh-grade African-American youths in a pre-college program, we illustrate what happens when youth are afforded opportunities to declare “their truth.” Facilitating such opportunities creates safe spaces to better hear often silenced and marginalized voices and provides chances to affirm and legitimize their experiences.
C-arm calibration – is it really necessary?

C-arm fluoroscopy is modelled as a perspective projection, the parameters of which are estimated through a calibration procedure. It has been universally accepted that precise intra-procedural calibration is a prerequisite for accurate quantitative C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. Calibration, however, significantly adds to system complexity, which is a major impediment to clinical practice. We challenge the status quo by questioning the assumption that precise intra-procedural calibration is really necessary. We derived theoretical bounds for the sensitivity of 3D measurements to mis-calibration. Experimental results corroborated the theory in that mis-calibration in the focal spot by as much as 50 mm still allows for tracking with an accuracy of 0.5 mm in translation and 0.65o in rotation, and such mis-calibration does not impose any additional error on the reconstruction of small objects.
High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of drugs in biological fluids : V. Analysis of acebutolol and its major metabolite

Abstract A high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis for acebutalol and its major metabolite in blood, plasma and urine is reported. The analysis, in which the above mentioned compounds are chromatographed as ion pairs with dodecyl sulfonic acid, uses a simple and rapid method of sample preparation. The technique is more sensitive and rapid than those previously reported and it has equivalent or better reproducibility. The method is applied to the measurement in blood of acebutolol and its acetyl metabolite after a single oral dose.
Mathematical models of immune responses to hepatitis B virus infection

It is believed that the quality and quantity of adaptive immune responses determine the clinical outcome of hepatitis B infection. It is unknown, however, if combined or alone humoral and cellular immune responses are needed for viral clearance. We investigate this question using mathematical models of combined antibody and CD8 T cells responses following adult hepatitis B infection. We compare the model predictions to data from adult patients discovered during acute infection and determine the contribution of different immune mechanisms to initial virus decay, prevention of virus rebound, and virus clearance or persistence.
Cyanine dyes as protectors of K562 cells from photosensitized cell damage.

Several cyanine dyes were found to protect K562 leukemia cells against toxicity mediated by cis-di(4-sulfonatophenyl)diphenylporphine (TPPS2) and light. Most cyanine dyes derived from dimethylindole were better photoprotectors than cyanine dyes with other structures. This correlated with the fact that cyanine dyes derived from dimethylindole were predominately monomeric at millimolar concentrations within K562 cells, while other cyanine dyes formed aggregates. For cyanine dyes that are derived from dimethylindole and have absorption band wavelengths greater than 700 nm, fluorescence-energy transfer from TPPS2 to the cyanine dye was the most important mechanism for photoprotection. There was no spectroscopic evidence for complex formation between the cyanine dyes and TPPS2. The dimethylindole derivative, 1,1′,3,3,3′,3′-hexamethylindodicarbocyanine, was an excellent photoprotector, but a poor quencher of TPPS2 fluorescence and a relatively poor singlet-oxygen quencher. This cyanine dye may act by quenching excited triplet TPPS2. Singlet-oxygen quenching may contribute to the photoprotection provided by cyanine dyes not derived from dimethylindole. Differences in the subcellular distribution of the various cyanine dyes studied may have contributed to the different apparent mechanisms of photoprotection.
Measuring Grain Protein Concentration with In-line Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

The advent of near infrared (NIR) on-combine sensors gives growers the opportunity to measure the grain protein concentration of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during harvest. A study consisting of three sequential experiments (laboratory bench, combine test stand, and field) was conducted to evaluate the performance of an in-line, NIR reflectance spectrometer, referred to as the ProSpectra Grain Analyzer, possessing a factory calibration model. In the laboratory bench experiment, the instrument was mounted to a circulating impeller apparatus designed to simulate a moving stream of grain. The ProSpectra performed well on a validation set of 231 grain samples of soft white winter wheat and explained a high level of protein variability (R 2 = 0.91, SEP = 3.1 g kg -1 ) with a slope near unity. In the second experiment, the sensor was installed on a combine test stand constructed from the cross and exit augers, and clean grain elevator of a combine, to create the grain flow conditions found on a combine. Predicted protein was highly correlated (R 2 = 0.93, SEP = 4.5 g kg -1 ) with reference protein of nine large (14-kg) wheat samples. During the third experiment, the instrument was placed on the exit auger of a Case IH 1470 combine for the harvest of a 17-ha winter wheat field. Prospectra protein predictions correlated well with reference protein measurements (R 2 = 0.94, SEP = 3.1 g kg -1 ). This study demonstrated the feasibility of using in-line NIR reflectance spectroscopy to rapidly (0.5 Hz measurement rate) and accurately (SEP < 5.0 g kg -1 ) measure wheat protein in a moving grain stream.
Perceived healthcare provider reactions to patient and caregiver use of online health communities.

Abstract Objective Many Internet users seek health information through online health communities (OHCs) and other social media. Yet few studies assess how individuals use peer-generated health information, and many healthcare providers (HCPs) believe OHCs interfere with patient–provider relationships. This study explored how individuals use OHC content in clinical discussions and how HCPs react to it. Methods We conducted in-person and virtual focus groups with patients/caregivers who visited OHCs ( n = 89). A trained moderator asked about reasons for membership, sharing OHC content with providers, HCP reactions, and preferred roles for HCPs. Two researchers independently coded verbatim transcripts (NVivo 9.2) and conducted thematic response analysis. Results Participants described OHCs as supplementing information from HCPs, whom they perceived as too busy for detailed discussions. Almost all participants shared OHC content with HCPs, although only half cited OHCs as the source. Most HCPs reacted negatively to OHC content, making participants feel disempowered. Despite these reactions, participants continued to use OHCs, and most desired HCP feedback on the accuracy of OHC content. Conclusions Individuals do not use OHCs to circumvent HCPs but instead to gather more in-depth information. Practice implications HCPs should discuss OHC content with patients to help them avoid misinformation and make more informed decisions.
Organization and work of the United States Waterways Experiment Station at Vicksburg, Mississippi

The United States Waterways Experiment Station is a War Department activity, constructed and operated by the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, in connection with the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of flood-control works and river- and harbor-improvements, particularly for studies in connection with the comprehensive project for the control of the floods of the Mississippi River. The Waterways Experiment Station is on the outskirts of Vicksburg about four miles from the offices of the Mississippi River Commission. Its operations are controlled by Brigadier General T. H. Jackson, President of the Commission, under the general oversight of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army. The Director of the Station is First-Lieutenant Herbert D. Vogel, Corps of Engineers, who is especially prepared for this duty by education and training.
Network Reconstruction and Systems Analysis of Cardiac Myocyte Hypertrophy Signaling

Cardiac hypertrophy is managed by a dense web of signaling pathways with many pathways influencing myocyte growth. A quantitative understanding of the contributions of individual pathways and their interactions is needed to better understand hypertrophy signaling and to develop more effective therapies for heart failure. We developed a computational model of the cardiac myocyte hypertrophy signaling network to determine how the components and network topology lead to differential regulation of transcription factors, gene expression, and myocyte size. Our computational model of the hypertrophy signaling network contains 106 species and 193 reactions, integrating 14 established pathways regulating cardiac myocyte growth. 109 of 114 model predictions were validated using published experimental data testing the effects of receptor activation on transcription factors and myocyte phenotypic outputs. Network motif analysis revealed an enrichment of bifan and biparallel cross-talk motifs. Sensitivity analysis was used to inform clustering of the network into modules and to identify species with the greatest effects on cell growth. Many species influenced hypertrophy, but only a few nodes had large positive or negative influences. Ras, a network hub, had the greatest effect on cell area and influenced more species than any other protein in the network. We validated this model prediction in cultured cardiac myocytes. With this integrative computational model, we identified the most influential species in the cardiac hypertrophy signaling network and demonstrate how different levels of network organization affect myocyte size, transcription factors, and gene expression.
Exploring gut microbes in human health and disease: Pushing the envelope.

Humans have coevolved with their microbes over thousands of years, but this relationship, is now being dramatically affected by shifts in the collective human microbiome resulting from changes in the environment and societal norms. Resulting perturbations of intestinal host-microbe interactions can lead to miscues and altered host responses that increase the risk of pathogenic processes and promote “western” disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases, cancers, obesity, diabetes, autism, and asthma. Given the current challenges and limitations in gene therapy, approaches that can reshape the gut microbiome represent a reasonable strategy for restoring the balance between host and microbes. In this review and commentary, we highlight recent progress in our understanding of the intestinal microbiome in the context of health and diseases, focusing on mechanistic concepts that underlie the complex relationships between host and microbes. Despite these gains, many challenges lie ahead that make it difficult to close the gap between the basic sciences and clinical application. We will discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that can be used to manipulate the gut microbiota, recognizing that the promise of pharmabiotics (“bugs to drugs”) is unlikely to be completely fulfilled without a greater understanding of enteric microbiota and its impact on mammalian physiology. By leveraging the knowledge gained through these studies, we will be prepared to enter the era of personalized medicine where clinical inventions can be custom-tailored to individual patients to achieve better outcomes.
Structure and mechanical properties of internally oxidized Ta-8 Pct W-2 Pct Hf (T-111) alloy

The deformation and fracture behavior of the Ta-8 wt pct W-2 wt pct Hf (T-111) alloy internally oxidized at 1273 K was studied at test temperatures up to 1589 K (2400°F). The results are discussed in terms of oxygen content, and the morphology of the oxide. Thermodynamic calculations based on lattice parameter measurements indicate that the oxygen solubility in T-111 is low, about 72 ppm at 1973 K. Beyond the solubility limit, oxygen reacts with hafnium to form hafnium oxide, which causes a continuous decrease in lattice parameter until all the hafnium has been removed from the solid solution. A homogeneous dispersion of fine, coherent hafnium-oxygen zones was observed in as-oxidized specimens. These zones coarsened upon annealing at or above 1673 K and eventually precipitated as rectangular HfO2 particles. Alteration of the oxygen distribution and oxide morphology by heat treatment resulted in large changes in the mechanical properties. For example, specimens aged 15 min at 1973 K showed little change up to 3500 ppm O, but above this level the yield strength increased and ductility decreased abruptly. Ductility was completely lost at 4200 ppm O, independent of test temperature. Specimens with no aging treatment other than oxygen addition lost all ductility at 800 ppm O. The structure and mechanical properties are correlated.
Dance Learning and the Mirror: Comparison Study of Dance Phrase Learning with and without Mirrors

Abstract In the dance studio, the mirror can play a large role in the dancer's learning process. Research on learning and memory shows that reducing the amount of feedback during training enhances long-term motor skill retention and that more externally focused attention may aid performance. Research testing the effectiveness of training with a mirror as a source of external feedback is scarce. This study involved 22 college dance students between the ages of 17 to 22 who had studied dance for an average of 13 years. The purpose of the research was to examine how learning and performing dance combinations in mirrored and non-mirrored situations affected student's ability to remember and replicate movement sequences one week later. The testing occurred over two weeks during which time subjects learned and performed the given movement phrases and completed a questionnaire. Collected data included electronic scoring of footwork accuracy and video analysis and scoring by five dance teachers. Results showed th...
Arthroscopic labral repair to the glenoid rim

Summary The purpose of this study was to develop a new arthroscopic approach for traumatic instability that effectively reattaches avulsed capsulolabral tissue to the glenoid articular rim with sutures. This technique does not depend on fixation devices, trans-scapular drilling, or implantation of suture anchors. We attached a three-dimensional position sensor and force and torque transducer to the humerus and scapula of eight normal cadaveric shoulders to measure the normal, surgically unstable (arthroscopic Bankart lesion), and repaired preparations. We assessed eight motion ranges and six laxity tests. Capsulolabral release increased all passive ranges and allowed significant translational increases on posterior drawer and crank testing. After repair, motion was never decreased and there were no differences in laxity relative to normal. Neurovascular structures were never at risk. Our arthroscopic repair provides anatomic reattachment and effective deepening of the glenoid concavity similar to that achieved by open repair. This new method restores joint stability, preserves motion, and can withstand forceful loads. Ongoing clinical trials will substantiate whether the technique is as safe and reliable as shown cadaverically.
Seasonal dynamics of threshold friction velocity and dust emission in Central Asia

An improved model representation of mineral dust cycle is critical to reducing the uncertainty of dust-induced environmental and climatic impact. Here we present a mesoscale model study of the seasonal dust activity in the semiarid drylands of Central Asia, focusing on the effects of wind speed, soil moisture, surface roughness heterogeneity, and vegetation phenology on the threshold friction velocity (u*t) and dust emission during the dust season of 1 March to 31 October 2001. The dust model WRF-Chem-DuMo allows us to examine the uncertainties in seasonal dust emissions due to the selection of dust emission scheme and soil grain size distribution data. To account for the vegetation effects on the u*t, we use the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer monthly normalized difference vegetation index to derive the dynamic surface roughness parameters required by the physically based dust schemes of Marticorena and Bergametti (1995, hereinafter MB) and Shao et al. (1996, hereinafter Shao). We find the springtime u*t is strongly enhanced by the roughness effects of temperate steppe and desert ephemeral plants and, to less extent, the binding effects of increased soil moisture. The u*t decreases as the aboveground biomass dies back and soil moisture depletes during summer. The u*t dynamics determines the dust seasonality by causing more summer dust emission, despite a higher frequency of strong winds during spring. Due to the presence of more erodible materials in the saltation diameter range of 60–200 µm, the dry-sieved soil size distribution data lead to eight times more season-total dust emission than the soil texture data, but with minor differences in the temporal distribution. On the other hand, the Shao scheme produces almost the same amount of season-total dust emission as the MB scheme, but with a strong shift toward summer due to the strong sensitivity of the u*t to vegetation. By simply averaging the MB and Shao model experiments, we obtain a mean estimate (Exp_mean) of season-total dust emission of 255.6 Mt (megaton), of which 26.8%, 50.4%, and 22.8% are produced in spring (March-April-May), summer (June-July-August), and autumn (September-October), respectively. The Exp_mean estimate identifies the Ustyurt Plateau, dried seabed of Aral Sea (called Aralkum), Caspian Sea coast, and loess deserts as the strongest dust source areas in Central Asia. The spatial distribution and seasonality of the Exp_mean estimate are in general agreement with ground station dusty weather observations and satellite aerosol optical depth and absorbing aerosol index products. Compared to Cakmur et al. (2006), the Exp_mean estimate suggests Central Asia contributes 10–17% to the global dust emission in 2001.