cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinician influences on use of portable electronic memory devices in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

Primary objective: To explore the relationship between a group of clinicians’ own experience, training and confidence with portable electronic memory devices and their use of the same in traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation.Research design: Survey study.Methods and procedures: Eighty-one TBI clinicians from various disciplines and work settings completed a survey distributed in person or by mail.Main outcomes and results: Twenty-nine respondents (36%) reported using portable electronic memory devices with patients with TBI. Using regression analysis, respondent device training and confidence teaching patients device use were statistically associated with respondents’ use of such devices in TBI rehabilitation.Conclusions: Portable electronic memory device use with persons following TBI may be under-utilized. The importance of ongoing clinician training and of maximizing clinician confidence utilizing these devices in TBI rehabilitation is emphasized. The representativeness of the respondent sample i...
LDA measurements of steady streaming flows of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids

LDA experiments have been conducted in a two-dimensional steady streaming flow field in order to determine the secondary velocity profiles. We describe here an LDA system developed to resolve small secondary-flow velocities and to detect flow reversals due to viscoelasticity. Results compare well with theoretical predictions. A detailed analysis of the errors and uncertainties involved in the measurements confirms the reliability and reproducibility of the measurements. Although the method has been applied here to a specific flow field, the technique should be applicable to a number of secondary flows, such as those which can occur in curved pipes and in oscillating pipe flows.
Concurrent In Vitro Release of Silver Sulfadiazine and Bupivacaine From Semi-Interpenetrating Networks for Wound Management

In situ photopolymerized semi-interpenetrating networks (sIPNs) composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and gelatin are promising multifunctional matrices for a regenerative medicine approach to dermal wound treatment. In addition to previously demonstrated efficacy in critical defects, sIPNs also function as drug delivery matrices for compounds loaded as either soluble or covalently linked components. Simultaneous release of silver sulfadiazine and bupivacaine from the sIPN would provide multiple-hit management of dermal wounds that minimizes infection, and manages pain along with sIPN absorption of exudates and facilitation of epidermal regrowth. We characterized the release of soluble silver sulfadiazine and bupivacaine and compared it with an established release model. Efficacy of released silver sulfadiazine was confirmed in vitro on Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bupivacaine loaded without silver sulfadiazine showed incomplete release, whereas simultaneous loading with silver sulfadiazine facilitated 100% bupivacaine release. Silver sulfadiazine released at 98% without bupivacaine and 96% with bupivacaine. Silver sulfadiazine released onto bacterial cultures inhibited all three strains dose dependently. sIPNs effectively release bupivacaine and silver sulfadiazine while maintaining the antimicrobial activity of silver sulfadiazine. Drug loaded sIPNs have potential to improve wound management by providing multi-drug delivery along with an effective wound treatment.
Natural and artificially altered patterns of salt spray across a forested barrier island

Abstract By using impingement collectors, the distribution of salt spray across undisturbed and disturbed sections of a forested barrier island was assessed. Abnormal intensities of salt were found to be concentrated at the windward side of the disturbed sites. Snow fencing, erected as a protective device, was found to significantly reduce salt levels leeward of the fence.
Growth of high-quality single crystals of KYF4 by TSSG method

We report for the first time the growth of large size high quality single crystals of KYF4 (KYF) by TSSG method using the conventional weight-feed-back automatic diameter control Czochralski puller. We have made major revision of the KF-YF3 phase diagram and showed that KYF melts peritectically. The crystals can accommodate large size variations of the dopants. We were able to dope it with a large number of rare earth elements. The crystal has long fluorescence lifetime and weak phonon energy making it ideal as upconversion laser host.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Understanding Parole Officers’ Responses to Sanctioning Reform:

There are constant calls for reform in the criminal justice system, but observers have often reported that criminal justice reform is an exceptionally challenging task. As with any organizational change, resistance to new policies, procedures, and practices comes from a variety of sources. The relatively broad discretionary authority vested in line-level personnel often contributes to the difficulty associated with implementing change in criminal justice agencies. There is ample evidence that line staff resistance to organizational reform can undermine the implementation of organizational change. In this study, the authors examine the effects of the state of Ohio’s transition to graduated sanctioning guidelines on parole officers—in particular, how these reforms were perceived by the key actors in the sanctioning process: parole officers. Findings from a statewide survey revealed that officers were generally dissatisfied with the restrictions on their discretion resulting from the reform. Analyses reveale...
Paying for performance and the social relations of health care provision: An anthropological perspective

Abstract Over the past decade, the use of financial incentive schemes has become a popular form of intervention to boost performance in the health sector. Often termed “paying for performance” or P4P, they involve “…the transfer of money or material goods conditional upon taking a measurable action or achieving a predetermined performance target” ( Eldridge & Palmer, 2009 , p.160). P4P appear to bring about rapid improvements in some measured indicators of provider performance, at least over the short term. However, evidence for the impact of these schemes on the wider health system remains limited, and even where evaluations have been positive, unintended effects have been identified. These have included: “gaming” the system; crowding out of “intrinsic motivation”; a drop in morale where schemes are viewed as unfair; and the undermining of social relations and teamwork through competition, envy or ill feeling. Less information is available concerning how these processes occur, and how they vary across social and cultural contexts. While recognizing the potential of P4P, the authors argue for greater care in adapting schemes to particular local contexts. We suggest that insights from social science theory coupled with the focused ethnographic methods of anthropology can contribute to the critical assessment of P4P schemes and to their adaptation to particular social environments and reward systems. We highlight the need for monitoring P4P schemes in relation to worker motivation and the quality of social relations, since these have implications both for health sector performance over the long term and for the success and sustainability of a P4P scheme. Suggestions are made for ethnographies, undertaken in collaboration with local stakeholders, to assess readiness for P4P; package rewards in ways that minimize perverse responses; identify process variables for monitoring and evaluation; and build sustainability into program design through linkage with complementary reforms.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Autograft Choice: Bone-Tendon-Bone Versus Hamstring Does It Really Matter? A Systematic Review

Anterior cruciate ligament graft choice is controversial, with no evidence-based consensus available to guide decision making. The study design was evidence-based medicine systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating patellar tendon versus hamstring tendon autografts. A literature review identified 9 randomized controlled trials comparing patellar tendon and hamstring tendon autografts. An evidence-based systematic review was performed. Objective and subjective outcomes of interest included surgical technique, rehabilitation, instrumented laxity, isokinetic strength, patellofemoral pain, return to preinjury activity, and Tegner, Lysholm, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee-1991 scores. Additional surgery, graft failure, and complications were reviewed. Slight increased laxity on arthrometer testing was seen in the hamstring population in 3 of 7 studies. Pain with kneeling was greater for the patellar tendon population in 4 of 4 studies. Only 1 of 9 studies showed increased anterior knee pain in the patellar tendon group. Frequency of additional surgery seemed to be related to the fixation method and not graft type. No study reported a significant difference in graft failure between patellar tendon and hamstring tendon autografts. Objective differences (range of motion, isokinetic strength, arthrometer testing) were not detected between groups in the majority of studies, suggesting that their sensitivity to detect clinical outcomes may be limited. Increased kneeling pain in the patellar tendon group was seen consistently in the studies evaluated. Subjective differences in anterior knee pain or return-to-activity level were not consistently observed in these studies. With numbers available, failure rates were not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that graft type may not be the primary determinant for successful outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
The human complement C4B/steroid 21-hydroxylase (CYP21) and complement C4A/21-hydroxylase pseudogene (CYP21P) intergenic sequences: comparison and identification of possible regulatory elements.

Summary We determined the 1.8 kb intergenic sequences between the human complement C4B gene and the active steroid 21 hydroxylase gene in two subjects, and between the C4A gene and the steroid 21-hydroxylase pseudogene in one subject. Comparison of these sequences with each other and with published homologues revealed no differences which were unique to either intergenic region. Sequence analysis revealed two copies of an AGGTCA motif in all sequences. This motif is common to steroidogenic enzyme gene promoters and to the response elements for nuclear hormone receptors. Similarities with human enhancers were also found.
Statistical proofs of some matrix inequalities

Matrix algebra is extensively used in the study of linear models and multivariate analysis (see for instance Refs. [18,21]). During recent years, there have been a number of papers where statistical results are used to prove some matrix theorems, especially matrix inequalities (Refs. [5,7,8,10,14,15]). In this paper, a number of matrix results are proved using some properties of Fisher information and covariance matrices. A unified approach is provided through the use of Schur complements. It may be noted that the statistical results used are derivable without using matrix theory.
Antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine reverses cigarette smoke-induced myocardial infarction by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model.

The contribution of chronic tobacco exposure in determining post-myocardial infarction (MI) left ventricular (LV) remodeling and possible therapeutic strategies has not been investigated systematically. In this small animal investigation, we demonstrate that chronic tobacco smoke exposure leading up to acute MI in rats is associated with greater histological extent of myocardial necrosis and consequent worse LV function. These findings are associated with increased transcriptomic expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tissue repair molecules and markers of oxidative stress in the myocardium. The results demonstrate that an N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment significantly reduced tobacco-exposed induced infarct size and percent fractional shortening. A significantly increased LV end-systolic diameter was observed in tobacco-exposed sham compared to tobacco-naive sham (4.92±0.41 vs 3.45±0.33; P<0.05), and tobacco-exposed MI compared to tobacco-naive MI (8.24±0.3 vs 6.1±0.49; P<0.01) rats. Decreased intracardiac mRNA expression of the markers of inflammation, tissue repair and oxidative stress and circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines accompanied these positive effects of NAC. The treatment of tobacco-exposed MI rats with NAC resulted in significantly increased levels of intracardiac mRNA expression of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin and nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, as well as circulating levels of glutathione (7±0.12 vs 10±0.18; P≤0.001), where the levels were almost identical to the tobacco-naive sham rats. These findings identify a novel post-infarction therapy for amelioration of the adverse effects of tobacco exposure on the infracted myocardium and advocate the use of dietary supplement antioxidants for habitual smokers to prevent and reverse cardiovascular adverse effects in the absence of successful achievement of cessation of smoking.
Tests for dimensionality and interactions of mean vectors under general and reducible covariance structures

Abstract Likelihood ratio tests are derived for testing the structure of mean values in a two-way classification. The most general hypothesis considered is when the mean values are subject to row and column effects and interaction has a given complexity. The observations corresponding to a row or a column classification are assumed to have an unknown dispersion (variance covariance) matrix. Two types of dispersion matrices are considered, one with a general and another with a reducible structure. Some special cases are considered. The results of the paper provide generalizations of tests on dimensionality and interactions in a two-way array of mean values considered by Fisher, Anderson, Fujikoshi, Mandel, and Rao.
Raman spectrum baseline identification and its optimization using genetic algorithm

Laser excitation is an ideal source to obtain Raman spectra by transmitting an incident light and receiving its scattered light. The charge coupled device (CCD) camera is commonly used to capture the low intensity Raman scattered light, which incorporates anti-stokes and stokes scattered light. Fluorescence with certain intensity is inevitably induced by the optic fiber, which acts as one component within the resulting spectrograph. It has a negative effect on the analysis of Raman spectra for sample recognition. The intrinsic Raman spectra extraction is necessary for any application concerning with Raman spectroscopy, especially for the medical applications of real-time human sample diagnosis, such as robotic assisted remote control surgery. Fluorescence backgrounds have very broad spectral features in comparison to Raman features. A suitable baseline needs to be identified, which is capable of actually representing fluorescence. By removing background fluorescence, intrinsic Raman spectra can be obtained for further differentiation by principal component analysis. As the baseline function has a bell shape, the linear polynomial, Lorentzian peak and Gaussian peak spectroscopy functions are used to represent the spectra of fluorescence. For this detrend process to be optimized, genetic algorithm is applied intensively for the global optimization of the baseline simulation. In this research, various approaches are conducted and analyzed for Raman spectrum baseline extraction and an optimal design solution is eventually provided by genetic algorithm computation.
The Air Afterglow and Its Use in the Study of Some Reactions of Atomic Oxygen

The air afterglow has been studied in a flow system by mixing the products of a microwave discharge in oxygen with NO or mixtures of gases and by measuring the intensity of the glow immediately past the point of mixing and farther downstream in a long glass tube at known pressure, composition, and linear velocity of flow. The intensity of the greenish yellow chemiluminescence is shown to be proportional to the concentrations of atomic oxygen and nitric oxide, and independent of the nature or amount of added inert gases. An average quantum (5500 angstrom) is emitted for every 10$^{7}$ collisions of O with NO. The concentration of atomic oxygen is determined by a 'titration' with NO$\_{2}$ in which the end-point is indicated by complete extinction of the glow all along the tube, and which is made possible by the great speed of the reaction O + NO$\_{2}\rightarrow $ O$\_{2}$ + NO. (1) Observation of the spatial decay of the glow under steady-state conditions is well suited to the study of reactions of atomic oxygen. The concentration of NO remains constant along the tube because reaction (1) quickly regenerates NO from NO$\_{2}$, and the light intensity directly measures the concentration of atomic oxygen. The method is applied to give information on the rates of the reactions O + NO + M $\rightarrow $ NO$\_{2}$ + M, O + O$\_{2}$ + M $\rightarrow $ O$\_{3}$ + M, O + SO$\_{2}$ + M $\rightarrow $ SO$\_{3}$ + M, etc. Some results are also presented for the effect on the disappearance of O of the following added gases: N$\_{2}$, A, CO$\_{2}$, H$\_{2}$, CO, N$\_{2}$O, C$\_{6}$H$\_{6}$, SO$\_{3}$, Fe(CO)$\_{5}$, H$\_{2}$O, O$\_{3}$, C$\_{2}$H$\_{4}$, Cl$\_{2}$ and Br$\_{2}$. The rapid catalytic recombination of O by added Cl$\_{2}$ is discussed in some detail.
The 2009 devaluation of radiosurgery and its impact on the neurosurgery-radiation oncology partnership.

Neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and, increasingly, other surgical specialists recognize that radiosurgery is an important tool for managing selected disorders throughout the body. The partnership between neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists has resulted in collaborative studies that have established the clinical benefits of radiosurgery. Today, however, a range of political and financial issues is straining this relationship and thereby undermining the practice of radiosurgery. Neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists recently restricted the definition of radiosurgery to include only cranial- and spine-focused radiation treatments. Meanwhile, organized radiation oncology decided unilaterally that radiosurgery administered to other parts of the body would be termed stereotactic body radiation therapy. Finally, neurosurgical and radiation oncology coding experts developed new Current Procedural Terminology codes for cranial vault and spine radiosurgery, which were approved for use by the Relative Va...
Testing commutativity of a group and the power of randomization

Let G be a group generated by k elements, G=〈g1,…,gk〉, with group operations (multiplication, inversion and comparison with identity) performed by a black box. We prove that one can test whether the group G is abelian at a cost of O(k) group operations. On the other hand, we show that a deterministic approach requires Ω(k2) group operations.
Lagrangian Spectra and Diapycnal Mixing in Stratified Flow

Abstract Taylor's single-particle dispersion model is revisited and applied to unstratified and density stratified flows using observationally based and theoretical models of the Lagrangian velocity and density spectra, which are compared with existing parameterizations of diapycnal diffusion in these flows. For unstratified homogeneous turbulence, the vertical particle dispersion coefficient Kz computed from model Lagrangian velocity spectra agrees well with contemporary estimates of the diffusivity. For internal waves with no mixing, a large apparent dispersion occurs for times somewhat larger than the inverse buoyancy frequency 1/N. No dispersion occurs at long times. For stratified homogeneous turbulence with energy dissipation rate e, Kz = ΓdeN−2, the same form as Osborn, but with Γd of about 2.5. This high value is attributed to apparent dispersion due to internal waves and an improper form of the model spectra that allows internal waves to exist at low frequencies. A diapycnal dispersion coefficien...
Sonographically guided aspiration of tubo-ovarian abscess

The Scandinavian multicentered study concerning transvaginal sonographic-guided aspiration of tubo-ovarian abscesses published in this issue provides significant proof of the efficacy of this technique. The authors describe their experience over 17 years and more than 300 patients. Although not a strictly controlled double blind study comparing affected women treated with antibiotic therapy versus combined antibiotic therapy and aspiration, their data substantiate the use of guided aspiration with antibiotic coverage. This study clearly demonstrates the low complications, feasibility, and patient acceptance of transvaginal aspiration. Combined treatment was successful in 93% of the patients studied, only 7% required surgery. The causes of poor outcome
Pioneering the personal robotics industry

The world has yet to see an affordable commercial robot that can do more than one distinguishable task. In this paper I investigate the status of the home robotics industry. The work attempts to gauge when home robotics will become a successful norm. In my research, I interviewed leaders in the robotics industry. Their responses lead me to believe that the majority of robotics companies are isolated and independent. Where home robotics has been in the past shows missed opportunities while where it is going holds uncertain outcomes. A fact this paper confronts is often left undiscussed: the American government funds military robotics more than any other commercial entity. However, assistive commercial robotics is not within the scope of government funding. While this government support is also seen with Japan, the focus is on assistive technology rather than military. Robotics companies, venture capitalists, the United States government and the consumer are all entwined in the fate of commercial assistive home robotics. If unseen opportunities aren't utilized soon, Japan will be in place to dominate the home robotics market, leaving America behind.
A Novel CT Volume Index Score Correlates with Outcomes in Polytrauma Patients with Pulmonary Contusion

Background Exact quantification of pulmonary contusion by computed tomography (CT) may help trauma surgeons identify high-risk populations. We hypothesized that the size of pulmonary contusions, measured accurately, will predict outcomes. Our specific aims were to (1) precisely quantify pulmonary contusion size using pixel analysis, (2) correlate contusion size with outcomes, and (3) determine the threshold contusion size portending complications. Methods Thoracic CTs of 106 consecutive polytrauma patients with pulmonary contusion were evaluated at a university-based urban trauma center. A novel CT volume index (CTVI) score was calculated based on the ratio of affected lung to total lung [slices of lung on CT × affected pixel region/lung pixel region × 0.45 (left side) + slices of lung on CT × affected pixel region/lung pixel region × 0.55 (right side)]. Multivariate analysis correlated CTVI and patient predictors’ impact on outcomes. Results Of 106 polytrauma patients (mean ISS = 28 ± 1.2, AIS chest = 3.5 ± 0.1), 39 developed complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], pneumonia, and/or death). Mean CTVI was significantly higher in the group with complications (0.28 ± 0.03 versus 17 ± 0.02, P = 0.01). By multivariate analysis, CTVI predicted longer ICU LOS (R 2 = 0.84, P P P Conclusions Higher CTVI scores predicted prolonged ICU LOS across all sizes of pulmonary contusion. Pulmonary contusion volumes greater than 20% of total lung volume specifically identifies patients at risk for developing complications.
Methodological Issues in the Use of Survey Data for Measuring and Characterizing Violence Against Women

There are numerous methodological pitfalls in the use of survey data to study violence against women. This article reviews some of the major problems, including definitional problems, operationalization of concepts, recall bias, underreporting, question order, external validity, and the sex and ethnicity of interviewers. Recommendations for improving methodology are made, and some of the latest developments in the field are reviewed. It is argued that research ethics are particularly difficult and important in this field of study, not only for the potential emotional trauma to the respondents, but also for the potential for actual revictimization.
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Pediatrics

Key Points Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) are gaining popularity in pediatrics with the advanced use of ultrasonography as well as accepted techniques of nerve stimulation [1]. As more appropriate equipment has become available, a growing number of reports of their use for continuous postoperative pain management or therapeutic care in children have been published [2]. Most indications for continuous nerve blocks are for children undergoing procedures that are associated with significant or prolonged postoperative pain [3]. CPNBs have also been reported as effective in both controlling pain and facilitating physical therapy in children with chronic regional pain syndromes [4]. Despite such reports, limited data exist regarding the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of CPNB in children [5].
Camponeses Brazil's Peasant Movement in Historical Perspective (1946-2004)

Comparison of the histories of three leading peasant organizations in the Pontal do Paranapanema region of Brazil—the Partido Comunista do Brasil (PCB) from 1945 to 1964, the Confederacao Nacional de Trabalhadores na Agricultura (CONTAG) from 1964 to 1984, and the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem-Terra (MST) from 1984 to 2004—suggests that continuity is as important as change in understanding Brazilian peasant movements. The MST has been considered a “new social movement” in that it has eschewed partisan politics, incorporated families as members rather than just male heads of household, had a national scope and a participatory decision-making structure, and been attuned to the international struggle over globalization. Placing it in historical perspective makes it clear, however, that this is not the first time that militants have organized around the concept of peasants as a political identity; that while the representation of peasants in the leadership of contemporary rural labor organizations ma...
Using Visual Theories to Analyze Advertising

South Dakota was the first state to vote on a total abortion ban, so the advertisements that were aired during the 2006 election were examined for visual messages. The Vote No side was consistent with the “no exceptions” theme and attack ads with emotional appeals. The ads used dark colors and pictures of depressed young women. The Vote Yes ads were promotional and comparative, using primarily logical appeals. The themes were more scattered: baby's rights/life, exceptions, and voting. The ads were less consistent as there were pictures of doctors, women, and a heart monitor. Overall, the strong cognitive visual statement consistently used by the Vote No side may have influenced the defeat of the bill. This study shows that visual images are an important part of presenting clear messages, specifically in political issue advertising, because the visuals provide the emotional connection to the viewer/voter.
Teaching And Assessing Ethics As A Learning Objective: One School's Journey

This paper reports the results of a ten-year effort to establish ethics as a learning objective for all business students, to assess the effectiveness in achieving that learning objective and to incorporate ethical conduct as a part of the school's organizational culture. First, it addresses the importance of ethics instruction for all business students. Then curricular concerns are addressed, specifically the establishment of ethics as an overarching learning objective and ensuring adequate coverage of ethics throughout the curriculum. Next, assessment mechanisms are described to demonstrate improvement in student's moral judgment and moral courage, in achieving the ethics learning objective using pre-tests and post-tests. These tests validated the use of ethical vignettes/cases to improve ethical awareness and exposure and writing about moral exemplars to increase student resolve to have moral courage. Finally, the paper addresses ways to measure and improve the ethical climate of the organization (faculty and students)
The effects of group selection harvest size on logging productivity.

Because increasing demands are being placed on industry to harvest timber by aesthetically, economically, and ecologically acceptable means, we investigated the effects of a ground-based group selection harvest on logging productivity. Results show that size of opening had little or no effect on skidding productivity. However, sign$cant skidder operator differences existed. Some skidder operators consistently, in shorterperiods of time, loaded their machine with largerpayloads resulting in larger turn volumes. Group selection unit size, skidder operator, and utilization level had no statistically significant impact on delay times. Results also suggest that additional time spent training skidder operators to hook larger payloads faster could pay dividends in increased daily production and improvements in logging profitability. North. J. Appl. For.
My Circus: Please Note That I Have No Formal Training in Juggling

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon and I had just finished tabulating the responses to the bonus from the Organic Chemistry exam I was grading. I was very much interested in the students’ answers to the following question:
Ocular emergencies in childhood.

Many ocular emergencies seen in children can be managed easily by the pediatrician. However, it is necessary to be comfortable with the definitions, etiologies of disease, important points in history taking, physical examination and laboratory evaluation and to know when referral is necessary. This paper outlines a number of the more common ocular emergencies seen in children. Language: en
FNLP injures endotoxin-primed rat lung by neutrophil-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and an N-formyl peptide, N-formyl-neoleucyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FNLP), synergistically promote lung injury in rats as measured by 125I-labeled albumin flux. Concomitantly, neutrophils are sequestered in the lung. We hypothesized that LPS-FNLP-induced lung injury is mediated both by neutrophil-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Rats were depleted of circulating and marginating neutrophils with vinblastine. LPS-FNLP-induced lung protein leak was partially decreased in these neutrophil-depleted animals, although a component of lung injury remained. We hypothesized that LPS-FNLP-induced lung injury was also mediated by xanthine oxidase (XO). Rats were fed a tungsten-enriched diet that inactivates molybdenum-dependent oxidase systems. LPS-FNLP-induced lung leak was partially decreased in these animals as well. When tungsten-fed rats were also neutrophil depleted with vinblastine, no increase in 125I-albumin flux was observed in response to LPS-FNLP. In parallel experiments, lungs from vinblastine-pretreated rats were isolated and perfused. FNLP infusion into the LPS-primed, crystalloid-perfused lungs caused increased 125I-albumin flux, which was prevented by oxidase inhibition. We conclude that LPS-FNLP-induced lung injury is both neutrophil mediated and neutrophil independent. The nonneutrophil component of the LPS-FNLP-induced lung injury appears to be pulmonary XO derived and dependent.
Approaches to asynchronous ultrafast optical networks

It is widely believed that all-optical networking will reduce the cost, and increase the flexibility and reliability of future telecommunications networks.
A Time-Resolved Photon-Counting Imager for Photon Migration Tomography

We describe a time-resolved photon counting imager and demonstrate the utility of this system for photon migration tomography. The remote ultra-low light imager (RULLI) allows visualization of objects within a scattering and absorbing medium.
Declining trends in invasive orthopedic interventions for people with hemophilia enrolled in the Universal Data Collection program (2000–2010)

Introduction Recurrent joint hemarthroses due to hemophilia (Factor VIII and Factor IX deficiency) often lead to invasive orthopedic interventions to decrease frequency of bleeding and/or to alleviate pain associated with end-stage hemophilic arthropathy. Aim Identify trends in invasive orthopedic interventions among people with hemophilia who were enrolled in the Universal Data Collection (UDC) program during the period 2000–2010. Methods Data were collected from 130 hemophilia treatment centers in the United States annually during the period 2000–2010, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of visits in which an invasive orthopedic intervention was reported was expressed as a proportion of the total visits in each year of the program. Invasive orthopedic interventions consisted of arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and synovectomy. Joints included in this study were the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. Results A 5.6% decrease in all invasive orthopedic interventions in all joints of people with hemophilia enrolled in the UDC program over the 11-year study period was observed. Conclusions These data reflect a declining trend in invasive orthopedic interventions in people with hemophilia. Further research is needed to understand the characteristics that may influence invasive orthopedic interventions.
Abstract 4638: Plasma levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products and risk of colorectal polyps in men

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Background: Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) plays an important role in promoting chronic inflammation. Soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) represents a naturally occurring competitive inhibitor of RAGE-mediated events. We previously found that sRAGE was inversely associated with risk of colorectal cancer in a prospective study among male smokers. However, the relationship between sRAGE and colorectal polyps has not been examined. Methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, we examined the association of plasma levels of sRAGE, along with four soluble receptors of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α receptor I and II (TNF-αRI and TNF-αRII) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), with risk of colorectal polyps in general and colon adenoma specifically. During 2008- 2010, we identified men with pathologically confirmed colorectal polyp as cases and those with no polyps as controls among prospectively enrolled men who underwent screening colonoscopy. We excluded men with clinical confirmed type 2 diabetes and serum creatinine > 1.2 mg/dl. A total of 73 cases (50 with adenoma) and 62 controls were included in the present analysis. Cases and controls were frequency-matched according to age and race. Plasma samples were obtained at time of colonoscopy and exposure information was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. We used multiplex-ELISA to determine plasma level of serological biomarkers. Multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for age, race, smoking status and body mass index was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The median age was 61.0 years for both groups. sRAGE had no correlation with TNF-RI, TNF-RII, and sIL-6R levels among controls. Cases had significantly lower levels of sRAGE than controls (P value for rank sum test = 0.01). When highest compared with lowest tertile of sRAGE, the OR (95% CI) was 0.28 (0.11-0.73) (P trend = 0.004) for colorectal polyps and 0.22 (0.06-0.85) (P trend =0.001) for adenoma. sIL-6R had statistically non-significant positive association with risk of colorectal polyps (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.63-4.32, P trend = 0.30) and adenoma (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 0.81 -7.60, P trend = 0.09) respectively. Plasma levels of TNF-RI and TNF-RII had no association with risk of colorectal polyps. Conclusion: This study suggests a protective role of sRAGE, an anti-inflammatory factor, for precursor lesions of colorectal cancer in men. Our finding is in line with the previous study that showed an inverse association between sRAGE and colorectal cancer. As a modifiable target, the role of sRAGE in colorectal carcinogenesis deserves further investigation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4638. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4638
NON-THERMAL IGNITION OF PREMIXED HYDROCARBON-AIR AND CO-AIR FLOWS BY NONEQUILIBRIUM RF PLASMA'

The paper presents results of nonequilibrium RF plasma assisted ignition and combustion experiments in premixed methane-air, ethylene-air, and CO-air flows. The results show that large volume ignition of these mixtures by the uniform and diffise RF plasma can be achieved at significantly higher flow velocities (up to u=25 rnls) and lower pressures (P=60-130 tom) compared to both a spark discharge and a DC arc discharge. The experiments also demonstrated flame stabilization by the RF plasma, without the use of any physical obstacle flameholders. Temperature measurements in the stable diffise RF discharge using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy show that the flow temperature in the plasma prior to ignition (~=250-550' C at P=60-120 tom) is considerably lower than the autoignition temperatures for both ethylene-air and CO-air mixtures at these pressures (~=600-700' C). Spatially resolved temperature measurements show the transverse temperature nonuniformity in the RF discharge to be insignificant. Visible emission spectroscopy measurements in C~H4-air flows in the RF discharge detected presence of radical species such as CN, CH, C2, and OH, as well as 0 atoms. In CO-air flows, 0 and H atoms have been detected in the RF plasma region and COz emission (carbon monoxide flame bands) in the flame downstream of the RF plasma.
Forces generated during stretch in the heart of the lobster Homarus americanus are anisotropic and are altered by neuromodulators

Mechanical and neurophysiological anisotropies mediate three-dimensional responses of the heart of ITALIC! Homarus americanus Although hearts ITALIC! in vivoare loaded multi-axially by pressure, studies of invertebrate cardiac function typically use uniaxial tests. To generate whole-heart length-tension curves, stretch pyramids at constant lengthening and shortening rates were imposed uniaxially and biaxially along longitudinal and transverse axes of the beating whole heart. To determine whether neuropeptides that are known to modulate cardiac activity in ITALIC! H. americanusaffect the active or passive components of these length-tension curves, we also performed these tests in the presence of SGRNFLRFamide (SGRN) and GYSNRNYLRFamide (GYS). In uniaxial and biaxial tests, both passive and active forces increased with stretch along both measurement axes. The increase in passive forces was anisotropic, with greater increases along the longitudinal axis. Passive forces showed hysteresis and active forces were higher during lengthening than shortening phases of the stretch pyramid. Active forces at a given length were increased by both neuropeptides. To exert these effects, neuropeptides might have acted indirectly on the muscle via their effects on the cardiac ganglion, directly on the neuromuscular junction, or directly on the muscles. Because increases in response to stretch were also seen in stimulated motor nerve-muscle preparations, at least some of the effects of the peptides are likely peripheral. Taken together, these findings suggest that flexibility in rhythmic cardiac contractions results from the amplified effects of neuropeptides interacting with the length-tension characteristics of the heart.
Recent Advances in Fibro-blast Growth Factor-23 Functions

During the past decade a lot of work has been done to better understand the roles of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23); a relatively newly discovered endocrine hormone, in multiple organ systems in the body. This review focuses on expressions of FGF-23, co- expressions of α-Klotho and FGF receptors, and FGF-23 mediated end-organ effects in the physiological and pathological conditions. We also discuss the controversial reports regarding α-Klotho-dependent and α-Klotho-independent functions of FGF-23. EXPRESSION OF FGF-23, α-KLOTHO, AND FGF RECEPTORS FGF-23
Discussion on the significance of different specimens in measles diagnosis

Objective To discuss the application and significance of collecting etiological specimens(throat swab or urine) in measles surveillance by comparison of advantages and disadvantages of different types of specimens in early diagnosis and epidemic control. Methods From Jan. to Dec. in 2013, epidemiological investigations were conducted to 88 measles cases whose blood serums and etiological specimens in Fengtai were collected by comparison of the convenience of collecting, patient compliance,laboratory detection sensitivity, contributions to identify vaccine-associated measles cases or wild-strain cases, and epidemic strains. Results Among patients under 1 year old, 15.79% patients' parents refused hospitals to collect their children's blood while5.26% patients refused etiological specimens. Only 20% patients agreed to collect second blood when first detection showed negative results while 80% with regard to etiological specimens. Among 79 cases who had both blood serums and etiological specimens collected, the positive detection rate was 65.8%(52/79) in blood and 96.2%(76/79) in etiological specimens.Conclusion Collecting etiological specimens is more easily operated, has better compliance with its detection has higher sensitivity and is helpful for identifying adverse effects and epidemic strains. Therefore, it is more suitable as the primary sampling method in early stage than collecting blood serum during measles elimination period.
Electricity-price arbitrage with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle: Gain or loss?

Abstract Customers, utilities, and society can gain many benefits from distributed energy resources (DERs), including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Using battery on PHEV to arbitrage electricity price is one of the potential benefits to PHEV owners. There is, however, disagreement on the magnitude of such profit. This study uses a stochastic optimization model to estimate the potential profit from electricity price arbitrage of two types of PHEVs (PHEV-10, and PHEV-40) under three scenarios with variant electricity tariff and PHEV owners over a five-year period. The simulation results indicate that under current market structure, even with significant improvement in battery technologies (e.g., higher efficiency, lower cost), the PHEV owners can't achieve a positive arbitrage profit. This finding implies that expected arbitrage profit solely is not a viable option to engage PHEVs larger adoption. Subsidy and combining PHEV arbitraging with alternative PHEV services are required.
Empire of Difference: Maintaining Empire: An Expression of Tolerance

[L]et us suppose two churches – the one of Arminians, the other of Calvinists – residing in the city of Constantinople. Will anyone say that either of these churches has right to deprive the members of the other of their estates and liberty (as we see practiced elsewhere), because of their differing from it in some doctrines and ceremonies, whilst the Turks in the meanwhile silently stand by and laugh to see what inhuman cruelty Christians thus rage against Christians? Let us get out of our grooves and study the rest of the globe. The Sultan governs in peace twenty million people of different religions; two hundred thousand Greeks live in security in Constantinople; the muphti himself nominates and presents to the emperor the Greek patriarch, and they also admit a Latin patriarch. The Sultan nominates Latin bishops for some of the Greek islands, using the following formula: “I command him to go and reside as bishop in the island of Chios, according to their ancient usage and their vain ceremonies.” The empire is full of Jacobites, Nestorians, and Monothelites; it contains Copts, Christians of St. John, Jews and Hindoos. The annals of Turkey do not record any revolt instigated by any of these religions. John Locke wrote the “A Letter Concerning Toleration” in the seventeenth century; Voltaire wrote Toleration a century later. Both remain key texts that transcend the times and places of their composition.
Fluorescence-based measurement of cystine uptake through xCT shows requirement for ROS detoxification in activated lymphocytes

T and B lymphocytes undergo metabolic re-programming upon activation that is essential to allow bioenergetics, cell survival, and intermediates for cell proliferation and function. To support changes in the activity of signaling pathways and to provide sufficient and necessary intracellular metabolites, uptake of extracellular nutrients increases sharply with metabolic re-programming. One result of increased metabolic activity can be reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be toxic when accumulated in excess. Uptake of cystine allows accumulation of cysteine that is necessary for glutathione synthesis and ROS detoxification. Cystine uptake is required for T cell activation and function but measurements based on radioactive labeling do not allow analysis on single cell level. Here we show the critical role for cystine uptake in T cells using a method for measurement of cystine uptake using a novel CystineFITC probe. T cell receptor stimulation lead to upregulation of the cystine transporter xCT (SLC7a11) and increased cystine uptake in CD4+ and CD8+ human T cells. Similarly, lipopolysaccharide stimulation increased cystine uptake in human B cells. The CystineFITC probe was not toxic and could be metabolized to prevent cystine starvation induced cell death. Furthermore, blockade of xCT or competition with natural cystine decreased uptake of CystineFITC. CystineFITC is thus a versatile tool that allows measurement of cystine uptake on single cell level and shows the critical role for cystine uptake for T cell ROS regulation and activation.
Should I choose to never die? Williams, boredom, and the significance of mortality

Bernard Williams’ discussion of immortality in “The Makropulos Case: Reflections on the Tedium of Immortality” has spawned an entire philosophical literature. This literature tends to focus on one of Williams’ central claims: if we were to relinquish our mortality, we would necessarily become alienated from our existence and environment—“bored,” in his terms. Many theorists have defended this claim; many others have challenged it. Even if this claim is false, though, it still isn’t obvious that we should choose to relinquish our mortality, given the option. And this is puzzling. Death is generally regarded as an evil, meriting anxiety, dread, and avoidance. What is it about our mortality that makes us hesitant to relinquish it? In this paper, I aim to explain this hesitancy and to argue in its favor: we should be hesitant to relinquish our mortality. Further, I take my discussion to suggest that most of us probably shouldn’t take this option if we were given it. To make these points, I draw on Williams’ discussion of immortality, developing and extending his thought in order to better understand how mortality shapes the way we relate to our lives, particularly the commitments and values that make them meaningful. Our mortality, it seems, plays a crucial role in our lives standing for something. Relinquishing it thus means risking the loss of this value.