cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemostatic efficacy of two advanced dressings in an aortic hemorrhage model in Swine.

Background: An effective hemostatic agent capable of stopping severe arterial bleeding and sustaining hemostasis over a prolonged time is required. The U.S. Army recently distributed fibrin sealant (under an Investigational New Drug-approved protocol) and chitosan dressings among deployed medics for treating severe external hemorrhage on the battlefield. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of these dressings, as compared with the standard gauze army field dressing, to provide initial and sustained hemostasis up to 96 hours in a lethal uncontrolled arterial hemorrhage model. Methods: Anesthetized pigs were splenectomized and chronically instrumented for fluid/drug administration and continuous monitoring of vital signs. An infrarenal aortotomy was created using a 4.4-mm aortic hole punch and free bleeding was allowed for 5 seconds. While bleeding profusely, a dressing was applied and pressed into the wound for 4 minutes (occluding the distal flow) and then released. If hemostasis was not obtained, the dressing was replaced with a new one (maximum, two dressings per experiment) with another 4-minute compression. If hemostasis was achieved, the abdomen was closed; the animal was then recovered and monitored up to 96 hours. Initial hemostasis, duration of hemostasis, survival time, blood loss, and other variables were measured. Results: Application of army field dressing (gauze) did not stop the arterial hemorrhage and led to exsanguination of all the pigs (n = 6) within 10 to 15 minutes of the injury. Chitosan dressing produced initial hemostasis in five of seven pigs. However, the dressings failed to maintain hemostasis for more than 1.6 hours (range, 28-102 minutes), resulting in secondary bleeding and death of the animals. Fibrin sealant dressing produced initial hemostasis in all the pigs (n = 6) and maintained hemostasis in five cases, with one failure at 2.2 hours. These pigs resumed normal activities and lived for the 96-hour experiment duration. Computed tomographic images and histologic sections of the aortas from surviving fibrin sealant dressing-treated animals showed formation of pseudoaneurysms and early granulation tissue at the aortotomy site. The posttreatment blood loss, duration of hemostasis, and survival time were significantly different in the fibrin sealant dressing group than the chitosan dressing and army field dressing groups. Conclusion: Both chitosan dressing and fibrin sealant dressing stopped initial arterial bleeding that could not be controlled by the standard army field dressing. However, although the fibrin sealant dressing secured hemostasis for up to 4 days, the chitosan dressing consistently failed within 2 hours after application. There may be a risk of rebleeding for high-pressure arterial wounds treated with chitosan dressings, particularly in situations where definitive care is delayed substantially.
Effect of verapamil on infranodal conduction in patients with baseline His-Purkinje conduction delay.

mented as causes of angina in patients who had normal coronary arteriograms.’ Unfortunately, coronary vasodilatory flow reserve before or during this study was not measured. One would anticipate significant abnormality of the vasodilatory response. Syndrome X, a constellation of findings of chest pain, myocardial ischemia, ECG abnormalities, and normal coronary arteries, is the most likely diagnosis in this particular patient. This case emphasizes that cardiologists who perform ergonovine tests should be aware that ECG alterations, particularly those of an atypical response, can occur in a patient with normal coronary arteries. Prolonged ischemia may be difficult to manage, and, although absent in this patient, adverse ischemic events may occur.
Cerebral glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus

The brain uses glucose as its primary fuel. Cerebral metabolism of glucose requires transport through the blood-brain barrier, glycolytic conversion to pyruvate, metabolism via the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ultimately oxidation to carbon dioxide and water for full provision of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its high-energy equivalents. When deprived of glucose, the brain becomes dysfunctional or can be even permanently damaged. Glucose is stored as glycogen within astrocytes with potential importance for tolerance of hypoglycemia. Glycogen may also be important for the metabolic response to somatosensory stimulation and coupling of blood flow and cellular metabolism. Uncontrolled diabetes has a variety of adverse effects upon brain metabolism and function. Many aspects of function that affect the brain may be indirectly linked to cerebral glucose metabolism. Neurotransmitter metabolism, cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier and microvascular function may all be affected to varying degrees by either hypoglycemia or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study of Noncontact Low-Frequency Ultrasound (NLFU) to Accelerate Healing of Split Thickness Donor Sites

Formulation Poloxamer content (%) BSA (%) Transition temperature (C) Stiffness* (Pa) P407 P188 Total 1 16.5 0 16.5 0.25 30 10,000 2 17 0 17 1 26 10,000 3 17 6 23 0 40 10,000 4 16.8 11.2 28 0 36 18,400 5 14.4 21.6 36 0 36 48,000 6 0 45 45 0 25 96,000 *Recorded at 40C, replicating the clinical scenario of external heat application; BSA 1⁄4 Bovine Serum Albumen; C 1⁄4 Degrees Centigrade; Pa 1⁄4 A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study of Noncontact Low-Frequency Ultrasound (NLFU) to Accelerate Healing of Split Thickness Donor Sites Jamie Prather, MD, Evan Tummel, MD, Jane Nichols, RN, Ami Patel, Lisa J Gould, MD, PhD, FACS University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL
Laparoscopic organ entrapment sack

The development of the surgical entrapment sack has facilitated the removal of large intra-abdominal organs laparoscopically. Herein, we describe our technique for laparoscopic introduction of the surgical entrapment sack, placement of the dissected kidney specimen within the sack, and removal of the sack and tissue from the abdomen.
Implications of lipid raft disintegration: Enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype

Abstract Background Lipid rafts are membrane microdomains characterized by an enriched cholesterol environment and appear to serve as a platform for signaling. Their role within the macrophage during endotoxin exposure is unknown. Methods THP-1 cells were subjected to lipopolysaccharide stimulation with or without methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) pretreatment, a cholesterol depleting agent. Cell surface expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr) was determined by flow cytometry. Membrane receptor components and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) was determined from lipid raft and cellular protein by immunoblot. Inflammatory mediator production was determined from harvested supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Surface expression of TLR4 and PAFr was not affected by MβCD. Lipopolysaccharide stimulation led to TLR4 mobilization to lipid rafts, MAPK activation, and inflammatory mediator production. Pretreatment with MβCD did not affect TLR4 mobilization to lipid rafts, but did result in lost lipid raft expression of the PAFr coupled G-protein, Gα 1 . MβCD treatment led to selective attenuation of MAPK activation through ERK 1/2. This dysregulated signaling was associated with attenuated production of tumor necrosis factor-α, but increased production of interleukin-10. Conclusion Lipid raft disintegration results in lost expression of Gα 1 , dysregulated MAPK signaling, and selective anti-inflammatory mediator production. Therefore, modulation of lipid raft cholesterol content may represent a potential mechanism for regulation of macrophage phenotypic differentiation.
The Vanderbilt University free-electron laser center

Abstract Vanderbilt University has established a multidisciplinary Free-Electron Laser Center to exploit the opportunities made possible by the free-electron laser for applications in medicine, biology, materials science, and other fields of research. The free-electron laser, which recently began operation, is tunable over the wavelength range from 2 to 10 μm. The device has demonstrated 400 mJ per pulse at a wavelength of 4.8 μm. in 6 μs pulses, and an average power of 11 W at a repetition rate of 30 Hz. Extensions to the X-ray and far-infrared regions are underway. The Center, which will be used by researchers from within the University and from around the world, has already given birth to a variety of interdisciplinary collaborations among scientists brought together by the unique opportunities provided by the Center.
{[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]cyclopentadienyl}titanium Complexes. Influence of the Dimethylamino Group in Ziegler−Natta Polymerization Catalysis

[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-substituted cyclopentadienyltitanium complexes (3−6) have been synthesized and characterized. Structural data indicates intramolecular coordination of the dimethylamino group to titanium. The catalytic activities and selectivities for styrene, ethylene, and propylene polymerization with 3−6 have been compared with the reference compounds CpTiCl3 (1), Cp*TiCl3 (2), and Cp2TiCl2 (7), and are consistent with Ti−N Lewis acid−base interaction.
Modified Laboratory Vacuum Evaporator for Bacterial Quantitation

Abstract A sampling port installed in a laboratory vacuum evaporator makes possible quantitative bacterial determinations while maintaining a vacuum.
Stimulation and oxidative catalytic inactivation of thermolysin by copper•Cys-Gly-His-Lys

[Cu2+•Cys-Gly-His-Lys] stimulates thermolysin (TLN) activity at low concentration (below 10 μM) and inhibits the enzyme at higher concentration, with binding affinities of 2.0 and 4.9 μM, respectively. The metal-free Cys-Gly-His-Lys peptide also stimulates TLN activity, with an apparent binding affinity of 2.2 μM. Coordination of copper through deprotonated imine nitrogens, the histidyl nitrogen, and the free N-terminal amino group is consistent with the characteristic absorption spectrum of a Cu2+–amino-terminal copper and nickel binding motif (λ max ∼ 525 nm). The lack of thiol coordination is suggested by both the absence of a thiol to Cu2+ charge transfer band and electrochemical studies, since the electrode potential (vs. Ag/AgCl) 0.84 V (ΔE = 92 mV) for the Cu3+/2+ redox couple obtained for [Cu2+•Cys-Gly-His-Lys] was found to be in close agreement with that of a related complex [Cu2+•Lys-Gly-His-Lys]+ (0.84 V, ΔE = 114 mV). The N-terminal cysteine appears to be available as a zinc-anchoring residue and plays a critical functional role since the [Cu2+•Lys-Gly-His-Lys]+ homologue exhibits neither stimulation nor inhibition of TLN. Under oxidizing conditions (ascorbate/O2) the catalyst is shown to mediate the complete irreversible inactivation of TLN at concentrations where enzyme activity would otherwise be stimulated. The observed rate constant for inactivation of TLN activity was determined as k obs = 7.7 × 10−2 min−1, yielding a second-order rate constant of (7.7 ± 0.9) × 104 M−1 min−1. Copper peptide mediated generation of reactive oxygen species that subsequently modify active-site residues is the most likely pathway for inactivation of TLN rather than cleavage of the peptide backbone.
Effect of methyl bromide on regional brain glutathione, glutathione-S-transferases, monoamines, and amino acids in F344 rats

Both metabolic and neurotransmitter changes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of monohalomethane neurotoxicity in rodents. This study in male and female F344 rats examined the effects of methyl bromide (MeBr) on regional brain glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and concentrations of glutathione (GSH), monoamines, and amino acid. Inhalation exposure to 150 ppm MeBr (6 hr/day × 5 days) yielded no histologic evidence of brain lesions but resulted in a number of biochemical changes. GSH depletion and GST inhibition were detected in the frontal cortex, caudate nucleus, hippocampus (examined for GSH only), brain stem, and cerebellum from animals of both sexes. Differemces between sexes were detected for GSH depletion. Simultaneous treatment of rats with the inhibitor of monohalomethane toxicity, BW 755C (3-amino-1-[m-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-pyrazoline; 10 mg/kg bw ip, 1 hr pre- and 1 hr postexposure) completely protected against GST inhibition in all brain regions of both sexes. Partial protection by BW 755C against GSH depletion was observed in the cerebral cortex and in the cerebellum only. In males, MeBr exposure had no effect on the regional concentrations of the monoamines dopamine and serotonin and the amino acids glutamate, glutamine, taurine, and γ-aminobutyric acid. Regional increases of brain aspartate and glycine levels were observed after exposure of males to MeBr but BW 755C had no effect on these changes induced by MeBr. Thus, of all the parameters studied, only GST, and in some brain areas GSH, correlated with inhibition of toxicity. It is concluded that, in contrast to the monoamines and the amino acids, GST and GSH are sensitive and potentially relevant indicators of MeBr neurotoxicity which could explain sex and regional differences in response to the monohalomethanes.
On the power spectral density of FSK/PSK radar signals corrupted by oscillator phase noise

FSK/PSK radar signals are pulse compression signals that combine direct sequence spread spectrum with frequency-hopping. It has been shown that if the FSK signal is properly combined with the direct sequence (PSK) signal, then the near ideal ambiguity properties of a Welch encoded FSK signal can be preserved while simultaneously increasing the LPI characteristics of the signal. One concern with FSK/PSK signaling radars is the effect of phase noise on the ability of these radars to detect moving targets in high ground clutter environments. A rigorous analysis of radar systems having multiple phase noise sources could not be found that addressed this problem in the open literature. The authors address this problem in such a manner as to provide a comparison between the predicted performance of FSK/PSK signaling radars and other more conventional radar systems. >
Integrating component-based and reuse-driven software engineering business into software and information engineering curriculum

Component-based enterprise software engineering (CBESE) is a rapidly emerging trend in the software engineering area. In the CBESE approach, software systems are no longer built from scratch. Instead, reusable software components, built by in-house developers or commercial vendors, are used as the building blocks of new component-based enterprise software systems. The transition from traditional software engineering to component-based enterprise software engineering is often blocked or hindered by a variety of engineering, process-related, business-oriented, infrastructure, organizational and management issues. Resolving those issues requires a systematic approach to building a component-based and reuse-driven software engineering business. That is why software engineers need to acquire a new set of skills. This has introduced the need for a new course sequence that integrates component-based enterprise software engineering into the software and information engineering curriculum. A new major course in this sequence is focused on component-based and reuse-driven software engineering businesses. In this paper, we share our experience of developing such a new course. The course is intended to provide a solid foundation for integrating of research into education in the area of component-based enterprise software engineering. In this paper, we present the course's organization, its components, and our future plans for the course.
Sequence stratigraphic controls on synsedimentary cementation and preservation of dinosaur tracks: Example from the lower Cretaceous, (Upper Albian) Dakota Formation, Southeastern Nebraska, U.S.A.

A thin cemented sandstone bed in the Upper Albian Dakota Formation of southeastern Nebraska contains the first dinosaur tracks to be described from the state. Of equal importance to the tracks are stable-isotope (C, O) analyses of cements in the track bed, especially in the context of data derived from generally correlative strata (sandstones and sphaerosiderite-bearing paleosols) in the region. These data provide the framework for interpretations of paleoenvironmental conditions, as well as a novel approach to understanding mechanisms of terrestrial vertebrate track preservation. High minus-cement-porosity (N47%) and low grain-to-grain contacts (∼2.5) in the track bed indicate early (pre-compaction) lithification. Although phreatic cements dominate, the history of cementation within this stratigraphic interval is complex. Cathodoluminescence petrography reveals two distinct calcite zones in the track-bearing horizon and four cement zones in stratigraphically equivalent strata from a nearby section. The earliest calcite cements from both localities are likely coeval because they exhibit identical positive covariant trends (δ 18 Ov alues of−9.89 to −6.32‰ and δ 13 C values of −28.01 to −19.33‰ VPDB) and record mixing of brackish and meteoric groundwaters. All other calcite cements define meteoric calcite lines with δ 18 O values clustering around −9.42‰ and −8.21‰ VPDB from the track-bearing horizon, and −7.74‰, −5.81‰, and −3.95‰ VPDB from the neighboring section. Distinct meteoric sphaerosiderite lines from roughly correlative paleosols serve as a proxy for locally recharged groundwaters. Back-calculated paleogroundwater δ 18 O estimates from paleosol sphaerosiderites range from −7.4 to −4.2‰ SMOW; whereas, meteoric calcite lines from the track horizon are generally more depleted. Differences in cement δ 18 O values record changes in paleogroundwater recharge areas over time. Early calcite cements indicate mixing of fresh and brackish groundwaters during the syndepositional lithification of the track horizon. Later calcite cements,
Exploration of horizontal intrinsic spin resonances with two partial Siberian snakes

Two partial Siberian snakes were used to avoid all the spin imperfection and vertical intrinsic resonances in the alternating gradient synchrotron (AGS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. However, the horizontal betatron motion can cause polarization loss resulting from the nonvertical stable spin direction in the presence of two partial snakes. This type of resonance, called a horizontal intrinsic spin resonance, was observed and systematically studied in the AGS. A simplified analytic model and numerical simulation have been developed to compare with experimental data. Properties of the horizontal intrinsic resonance are discussed.
Albuminuria in Association With Insulin and Sodium-Lithium Countertransport in Young African Americans With Borderline Hypertension

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether early nephropathy, evidenced by urinary albumin excretion, can be detected in young African American subjects with only borderline hypertension, and whether there is a relationship of albuminuria with insulin resistance and with sodium-lithium countertransport activity. Clinically well young African American men and women including normotensive (blood pressure <135/85 mm Hg, n=41) and borderline hypertensive (blood pressure ≥135/85 mm Hg, n=26) individuals were studied. Each subject underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp study. Albuminuria was measured on timed urine collections. Sodium-lithium countertransport activity was assayed in fresh red blood cells at 280 mmol/L Na+ for full saturation of external Na+ sites. The sum of insulin levels during glucose tolerance was significantly greater in the borderline hypertensive compared with the normotensive subjects ( P =.014), and insulin-stimulated glucose utilization during the clamp was significantly lower in borderline hypertensive compared with normotensive subjects ( P =.016). Albuminuria was greater in borderline hypertensive compared with normotensive subjects ( P =.002). Albuminuria was significantly correlated with fasting plasma insulin concentration ( r =.44, P <.002) and the sum of insulins during the glucose tolerance test ( r =.45, P <.002). Sodium-lithium countertransport correlated with albuminuria ( r =.31, P <.05) as well as significantly with insulin-stimulated glucose utilization during the clamp ( r =.44, P <.001). These data indicate that young African Americans with only borderline hypertension have greater albuminuria than normotensive subjects and suggest that albuminuria is linked with insulin resistance and alterations of sodium-lithium countertransport that may increase the risk for nephropathy.
Carcinoma of prostate presenting as retroperitoneal mass

The pattern of dissemination of prostatic carcinoma varies, but skeletal metastasis is the single most common symptomatic mode of presentation. The clinical course and treatment of the 2 cases presenting with symptomatic metastases to the retroperitoneum are described in detail and pertinent literature is reviewed.
Note-Comment on Aggregate Safety Stock Levels and Component Part Commonality

In this Note, we address the issue of safety stock considerations in an MRP environment through the use of a single identical component as a replacement for a set of multiple components. We indicate where the results reported by Collier Collier, David A. 1982. Aggregate safety stock levels and component part commonality. Management Sci.28 11, November 1296-1303. may prove to be misleading.
A Protocol to Evaluate Drug-Related Workplace Impairment

The dramatic increase in the use and abuse of prescription controlled substances, cannabis, and a rapidly evolving array of legal and illegal psychotropic drugs has led to a growing concern by employers about workplace impairment, incidents, and accidents. The Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, which serve as a template for most private sector programs, focus on a small group of illicit drugs, but disregard the wider spectrum of legal and illegal psychotropic drugs and prescription controlled substances. We propose a protocol for the evaluation of workplace impairment, based on comprehensive drug and alcohol testing at the time of suspected impairment, followed expeditiously by a comprehensive physician evaluation, including a focused medical history with an emphasis on controlled substance use, physical and mental status examinations, evaluation of employee adherence to prescription medication instructions, additional drug testing if indicated, use of collateral sources of information, and querying of state prescription monitoring databases. Finally, we propose suggestions for optimizing the evaluation of drug-related workplace impairment.
A Bayesian strategy for evaluating treatments applicable only to a subset of patients

If we wish to evaluate the efficacy of a proposed treatment applicable only to a subset of the patient population, then a comparison of the results of the proposed treatment with historical experience may be misleading if the applicability of the proposed treatment is itself of prognostic value. We present a Bayesian strategy to estimate the response rate of patients eligible for the proposed treatment but who receive standard therapy; we can compare the results with the experimentally observed response rate of patients who receive the proposed therapy. I extend the approach to apply to time to event data that may be censored, such as time to disease progression. One can use the information obtained in this fashion to evaluate experimental designs for future trials of the proposed treatment.
A WINning Technique: The Wire-in-Needle Feasibility Study

Abstract Background Dynamic ultrasound guidance reduces complications associated with central venous catheter placement. However, successful central venous cannulation often remains challenging, particularly in hypotensive patients. The new wire-in-needle (WIN) technique can further increase periprocedural safety. Here, a needle is “preloaded” with a guidewire that is then advanced toward the tip of needle. The vein is then cannulated using long-axis ultrasound guidance. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety profile of the WIN technique. Methods Medical students, and resident and attending physicians participated in this study. After a brief lecture and practice session on the WIN technique, they underwent a skills assessment evaluating different aspects of both techniques. Participants then completed a survey assessing their prior experience regarding procedural ultrasound, and their assessment of the WIN technique. Results Sixty clinicians participated. The assessment of both techniques revealed no significant differences in the number of needle redirections, cannulation attempts, number of arterial punctures, or overall dexterity with the procedure. The WIN technique was faster (45.9 vs. 61.5 s, p = 0.0005) than the traditional technique. More participants confirmed the accurate position of the guidewire in the vein (75% vs. 95%, p = 0.002). More than 90% of study participants met the predefined safety aspects of the WIN technique. Almost all participants reported that they plan on using the WIN technique in their clinical practice. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the WIN technique can be learned quickly and easily by clinicians with various levels of training. In this study, using manikins, it was as successful and safe as the traditional short-axis approach.
An Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometric Method for the Determination of Six Indicator Elements for Mineralization Processes in Granites

A simultaneous multi-element method is described for the determination of six elements of importance in geochemical investigations of mineralization processes in granites. After a mixed acid sample digestion, the elements Be, Li, Nb, W, Mo and Sn are determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Possible sources of bias due to incomplete sample dissolution and from spectral interferences were investigated. Analysis of 16 geological reference standard samples and a number of enriched samples demonstrates the accuracy and precision of the method for the study of mineralized granites and for several other geochemical sample types as well.
Vascular Architecture Generates Fine Scale Variation in Systemic Induction of Proteinase Inhibitors in Tomato

Systemic induction following damage has been found in many plant species. Despite this widespread appreciation for the importance of induction, few studies have characterized the spatial variability of induction. We used tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, to examine how damage to a single leaf affected the spatial distribution of systemic induction of proteinase inhibition in leaves above the damaged leaf. We crushed each leaflet of the second true leaf with forceps and measured the spatial distribution of proteinase inhibition in leaves 3, 4, and 5 at 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, and 120 hr. Constitutive levels of proteinase inhibitor activity were quantified in undamaged plants. We hypothesized that, due to vascular control of signal movement, systemic induction would show both among and within leaf variability. Following damage to leaf 2, induction was most pronounced in leaf 5 and minimal in leaf 3. In general, proteinase inhibitor activity was greatest at 24 hr and then declined. As predicted by vascular architecture, the near side of leaves in adjacent orthostichies showed higher induction than the far side of leaves. There was no increase in proteinase inhibitor activity in the undamaged neighboring plants. Overall our results demonstrate that systemic induction of proteinase inhibitors is partially controlled by vascular architecture and that future studies on systemic induction should examine the vascular architecture of the plants being studied. We argue that this spatial variation may influence the performance of herbivores sensitive to induced chemical changes.
Towards understanding the dynamics of complex networks: An entropic and Markovian view

How do complex networks evolve? Is there a mathematically rigorous approach to naturally capture the microscopic behaviors of network dynamics and yet it can still lead to tractable analysis of the marcoscopic behaviors in large-scale complex networks? Aiming to obtain a fundamental understanding of network dynamics, we study network evolution from an entropic and Markovian perspective. Specifically, we first take a network entropy maximization (NEM) view to examine network steady state characteristics, in terms of degree distributions, and explore the underlying rationale connecting network entropy and widely observed phenomena, such as power law degree distributions, exponential degree distributions and Weibull degree distributions. Next, to capture the microscopic behaviors of network dynamics, we develop a two timescale Markov model where link generation and deletion takes place on a smaller timescale and new node arrivals (i.e., the network size grows) occur on a larger timescale. This two timescale model provides a natural platform to study both microscopic and macroscopic behaviors of network dynamics. Indeed, the corresponding graph dynamics offers a general framework towards understanding many transient network characteristics, such as network densification, which remain not well understood.
Fault detection with little knowledge of system model

Observers-based analytical redundancy is a widely used technique for fault detection. There have been many studies on observer-based fault detection, such as using unknown input observer, disturbance observer and generalized observer. Most of them require a nominal mathematical model of the system. This paper presents a new fault detection technique using improved extended state observer (ESO). Based on the input and output data, the ESO specifically identifies the un-modeled dynamics, a feat no other disturbance observer has ever attempted, and it provides vital information for fault diagnosis with only partial information of the plant, which cannot be easily accomplished with any existing methods. Another advantage of ESO is its simplicity in tuning only a single parameter. This parameter is essentially the observer bandwidth, which is a trade-off between the observer's tracking speed and the observer's sensitivity to measurement noise. It is shown in this paper that faults can be detected with little knowledge about the system model. A strongly coupled three-tank nonlinear dynamic system is chosen as a case study. The simulation results indicate that the presented ESO-based techniques effectively detected multiple faults.
A Review of Longitudinal Electroconvulsive Therapy: Neuroimaging Investigations

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for a depressive episode but the mechanism of action and neural correlates of response are poorly understood. Different theories have suggested that anticonvulsant properties or neurotrophic effects are related to the unique mechanism of action of ECT. This review assessed longitudinal imaging investigations (both structural and functional) associated with ECT response published from 2002 to August 2013. We identified 26 investigations that used a variety of different imaging modalities and data analysis methods. Despite these methodological differences, we summarized the major findings of each investigation and identified common patterns that exist across multiple investigations. The ECT response is associated with decreased frontal perfusion, metabolism, and functional connectivity and increased volume and neuronal chemical metabolites. The general collective of longitudinal neuroimaging investigations support both the anticonvulsant and th...
Controlled request DQDB: achieving fairness and maximum throughput in the DQDB network

The author presents a new technique, called controlled request, to combat the unfairness problem in the distributed queue dual bus (DQDB) protocol that achieves 100% throughput. Transmission of requests in the controlled request DQDB method is controlled by a mechanism that is similar to the one used in DQDB to transmit segments. Fairness is achieved by using the bandwidth balancing technique to prevent an overloaded node form continuously transmitting requests. Simulation studies showed that the controlled request DQDB scheme achieves better performance than the DQDB protocol with bandwidth balancing. >
Carrier synchronization for homodyne and heterodyne detection of optical quadriphase-shift keying

Through analysis and simulation, the authors investigated the performance of four carrier-synchronization techniques suitable for both homodyne and heterodyne detection of optical quadriphase-shift keying: the discrete-time decision-directed loop, the analog decision-directed loop, the Costas quadriphase loop, and the fourth-power phase-locked loop. Accounting for shot noise, laser phase noise, and feedback delay, they optimize the loop natural frequency and specify laser-linewidth requirements. The performance discrepancy between the best and worst of these loops is found to be small; accounting for inherent loop delays only, the linewidth requirements range from Delta vT >
Tolvaptan in the Treatment of Acute Hyponatremia Associated with Acute Kidney Injury

Hyponatremia defined as a plasma sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L is a very common disorder, occurring in hospitalized patients. Hyponatremia often results from an increase in circulating arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels and/or increased renal sensitivity to AVP, combined with an increased intake of free water. Hyponatremia is subdivided into three groups, depending on clinical history and volume status: hypovolemic, euvolemic, and hypervolemic. Acute symptomatic hyponatremia is usually treated with hypertonic (3%) saline. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone hypersecretion (SIADH) and hypervolemic hyponatremia caused by heart failure or cirrhosis are treated with vasopressin antagonists (vaptans) since they increase plasma sodium (Na2+) concentration via their aquaretic effects (augmentation of free-water clearance). The role of tolvaptan in the treatment of acute hyponatremia and conversion of oliguric to nonoliguric phase of acute tubular necrosis has not been previously described.
Parasitism of Bark Scorpion Centruroides exilicauda (Scorpiones: Buthidae) by Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae; Heterorhabditidae)

In laboratory bioassays, Steinernema glaseri Steiner, Steinernema riobrave Cabanillas, Poinar & Raulston, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, and Heterorhabditis marelatus Liu & Berry were capable of infecting and killing the bark scorpion, Centruroides exilicauda (Wood). Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) failed to infect C. exilicauda at 22°C. S. glaseri, H. marelatus, and H. bacteriophora caused significant mortality at 22°C, indicating the potential role of these parasites as a biocontrol option. Efficacy of S. glaseri and H. bacteriophora was reduced in an assay conducted at 25°C. Only S. glaseri was able to reproduce in the target host. Dissection of scorpions at the end of the experimental periods revealed inactive juvenile S. riobrave, H. marelatus, and H. bacteriophora nematodes. Both mermithid and oxyurid nematodes have been documented as nematode parasites of scorpions, but rhabditids have not been reported until now. Field studies are warranted to assess the usefulness of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents of bark scorpions.
Morphogenesis and the Control of Microtubule Dynamics in Cells

SUMMARY Microtubules show unusual dynamic properties at steady state in vitro . While overall the polymer mass remains stable, individual polymers in the population are either growing or shrinking. This phenomenon called dynamic instability is best explained by the known coupling of polymerization to GTP hydrolysis, and the hypothesis that the stability or instability of the whole polymer is determined by whether GTP or GDP is bound to the terminal subunit. Similar unusual dynamics have now also been found in vivo . By visualizing new subunit assembly after injection of tubulin modified with biotin into living fibroblast cells, we can visualize new growth on individual microtubules with antibody to biotin. Microtubules grow in vivo at about 4 μm min −1 and after rapid and precessive depolymerization old microtubules are replaced by new growth from the centrosome. Some microtubules turn over much more slowly and these stable microtubules have a different spatial distribution from the majority of dynamic ones. The existence of both stable and dynamic microtubules in the same cell suggests a model for morphogenesis of the microtubule cytoskeleton. The rapid turnover of microtubules in the cell provides a complex population upon which selective factors can act. Stability can be generated at the end of the polymer and affects the entire microtubule. This model of selective stabilization at the microtubule ends is discussed in terms of recent experiments on the establishment of kinetochore-pole microtubules during mitosis.
Water Rich and Water Poor Recycling Systems

Crews on space missions require oxygen, water and food, but water has the largest mass and the most complex interfaces. Water is currently used for drinking, food preparation, personal washing, space suit cooling, and oxygen production. It may also be used for showers, clothes washing, and radiation shielding. Water can be converted to oxygen and hydrogen and used for propulsion or to feed fuel cells. Water is originally supplied from Earth, but long duration missions must recycle water to reduce mass and cost. Water can be obtained from cabin humidity, wash water, urine, and waste. Hydrated food, fuel cells, excess propellant, and planetary soil or atmosphere are possible additional sources of water. The effect of water balance on water recycling system design is investigated for planetary surface and deep space crew habitats using a previously developed water balance model. Water rich systems have a total water supply in excess of needs, so water consumption can increase, reserves can accumulate, or difficult recycling can be avoided. Water poor systems require large initial supplies of water or continuing resupply from Earth. Since water poor missions are especially vulnerable to water losses or supply and recycling interruptions, they should be able to reduce consumption and recycle additional water resources if needed.
On a general definition of the set of native conformations for globular polypeptides

Here we question the generality of the conventional definition of a native conformation –as the 3-dimensional conformation of an entire globular polypeptide molecule. Although considered common knowledge, and thus not explicitly stated in modern writings, this definition of native conformations has a history as old as the protein folding problem. We attempt a more applicable definition that better correlates with functional activity and thus may be a more suitable substitute for the current convention. 1 Contact and communications via email: ivjeffeke@gmail.com PeerJ PrePrints | https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.1735v1 | CC-BY 4.0 Open Access | rec: 9 Feb 2016, publ: 9 Feb 2016
Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia

Objective: To describe the evaluation and management of hypoglycemia in patients without diabetes mellitus. Methods: Review of the literature for the evaluation and management of non-diabetic hypoglycemia using Medline and PubMed. Results: Hypoglycemia (glucose WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG .
Multistage, Gas-Bearing, Helium Compressor Development

The development of a highly reliable, long-life cryogenic refrigerator for space vehicle application is currently in progress. The program objective is to demonstrate feasibility of the refrigeration system for 1–2 W capacity at refrigeration temperatures of 3.6° and 4.2°K. This paper describes one of the major components of the refrigerator, a four-stage compressor of the regenerative type driven by an integral electric motor. For reasons of system simplicity, performance and reliability, only self-acting (hydrodynamic) gas bearings are used in the compressor.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Burden of Heat-Related Illness and Death within the Florida Population

The failure of the human body to thermoregulate can lead to severe outcomes (e.g., death) and lasting physiological damage. However, heat-related illness (HRI) is highly preventable via individual- and community-level modification. A thorough understanding of the burden is necessary for effective intervention. This paper describes the burden of severe HRI morbidity and mortality among residents of a humid subtropical climate. Work-related and non-work-related HRI emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among Florida residents during May to October (2005-2012) were examined. Sub-groups susceptible to HRI were identified. The age-adjusted rates/100,000 person-years for non-work-related HRI were 33.1 ED visits, 5.9 hospitalizations, and 0.2 deaths, while for work-related HRI/100,000 worker-years there were 8.5 ED visits, 1.1 hospitalizations, and 0.1 deaths. The rates of HRI varied by county, data source, and work-related status, with the highest rates observed in the panhandle and south central Florida. The sub-groups with the highest relative rates regardless of data source or work-relatedness were males, minorities, and rural residents. Those aged 15-35 years had the highest ED visit rates, while for non-work-related hospitalizations and deaths the rates increased with age. The results of this study can be used for targeted interventions and evaluating changes in the HRI burden over time.
Comparison of 2 transabdominal ultrasound image guidance techniques for prostate and prostatic fossa radiation therapy.

Abstract Purpose Our clinic is a long-term user of a first-generation transabdominal (TA) biplanar (2.5-dimensional [2.5D]) ultrasound image guidance (USIG) system for prostate cancer treatments. We are also an early adopter and development partner for a new, second-generation, fully 3D USIG system that allows for volumetric TA localization of the prostate. This new system has been evaluated at our institution by direct comparison with the previously established first-generation TA method for prostate alignment. Methods and materials We compared the 2 TA-USIG methods on the same subjects and same treatment sessions. A total of 1428 fractions delivered to 41 treated patients (16 intact prostate, 25 fossa) were analyzed regarding the agreement of alignments between the 2 US positioning systems. Patients were first aligned to tattoos using treatment room lasers. TA-USIG using the 3D system was then performed to align contours derived during the computed tomography simulation process to their corresponding daily US-visualized structures. The US-3D system image guidance shifts were performed and recorded as the "initial" shifts. A 2.5D system alignment was then immediately performed using the same computed tomography derived reference contours and the indicated shifts, relative to the 3D system, were recorded as the difference between the 2 alignment methods. Results The average difference between the 2 TA-USIG alignments for all patients was 0.4 ± 0.7 mm, 0.7 ± 0.9 mm, and 0.5 ± 0.9 mm in the left-right, anteroposterior, and superoinferior directions, respectively. No significant difference in system agreement between intact prostate versus fossa patients was observed. Conclusion Our comparison of an established 2.5D USIG method with a newer, fully 3D approach for prostate alignment of 41 different patients (1428 fractions) shows excellent agreement with each other, despite the nontrivial difference in imaging approaches. This shows that the 2 specific USIG approaches yield results that are consistent with each other, and that the USIG modality yields consistent results within the modality.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing: The Future Is Now

Prenatal detection of chromosome abnormalities has been offered for more than 40 years, first by amniocentesis in the early 1970s and additionally by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in the early 1980s. Given the well-recognized association between increasing maternal age and trisomy,1-3 the primary utilization of prenatal testing has been by older mothers. This has drastically reduced the incidence of aneuploid children born to older mothers.4 Although younger women have relatively low risks of conceiving a child with aneuploidy, the majority of pregnant women are in their late teens, 20s, and early 30s. As such, most viable aneuploid babies are born to these younger mothers.5 Invasive prenatal diagnosis (CVS and amniocentesis) is not a feasible option for all low-risk mothers, as these procedures carry a small but finite risk and would ultimately cause more miscarriages than they would detect aneuploidy. For this reason, a number of noninvasive tests have been developed-including first-trimester risk assessment at 11 to 14 weeks, maternal serum analyte (quad) screening at 15 to 20 weeks, and sonographic fetal structural survey at 18 to 22 weeks-all of which are designed to give a woman an adjusted (more accurate) estimate of having an aneuploid fetus using as baseline her a priori age-related risk. Ultrasound and maternal serum analysis are considered screening procedures and both require follow up by CVS or amniocentesis in screen-positive cases for a definitive diagnosis of a chromosome abnormality in the fetus. The ability to isolate fetal cells and fetal DNA from maternal blood during pregnancy has opened up exciting opportunities for improved noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Direct analysis of fetal cells from maternal circulation has been challenging given the scarcity of fetal cells in maternal blood (1:10,000-1:1,000,000) and the focus has shifted to the analysis of cell-free fetal DNA, which is found at a concentration almost 25 times higher than that available from nucleated blood cells extracted from a similar volume of whole maternal blood. There have now been numerous reports on the use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for NIPT for chromosomal aneuploidies-especially trisomy (an extra copy of a chromosome) or monosomy (a missing chromosome)-and a number of commercial products are already being marketed for this indication. This article reviews the various techniques being used to analyze cell-free DNA in the maternal circulation for the prenatal detection of chromosome abnormalities and the evidence in support of each. A number of areas of ongoing controversy are addressed, including the timing of maternal blood sampling, the need for genetic counseling, and the use of confirmatory invasive testing. Future applications for this technology are also reviewed.
Biology of Avian Retroviruses

Avian retroviruses have, in the past, been placed taxonomically in a subgenus termed vernacularly “avian type C oncoviruses” of the genus type C oncovirus group, within the subfamily Oncovirinae, family Retroviridae (Matthews, 1982). The recent new classification of retroviruses place them into a separate genus (see Coffin, Chapter 2). Four distinct “species” of avian retrovirus have been described (Matthews, 1982; Porterfield, 1989): 1. Leukosis-sarcoma group viruses (also termed avian sarcoma and leukemia viruses). These are exogenous and endogenous viruses recognized mainly in the domestic fowl and which cause a variety of leukotic disorders, sarcomas, and other tumors. 2. Reticuloendotheliosis viruses. These are exogenous viruses in several species of domesticated poultry and appear to be related to mammalian retroviruses. They cause lymphomas and acute reticulum cell and other tumors. 3. Lymphoproliferative disease virus of turkeys. This is an exogenous virus of turkeys which causes a lymphoproliferative disease. 4. Pheasant type C oncoviruses. These are endogenous viruses of golden and Lady Amhurst pheasants and are apparently non-pathogenic. They are unrelated to the endogenous leukosissarcoma group viruses which also occur in certain species of pheasants.
Risk attitudes and risk perceptions in individuals with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundLittle is known about risk attitudes and risk perceptions in multiple sclerosis (MS).ObjectivesThe objectives of this paper are to investigate the range of risk attitudes and risk percept...