cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and biosynthesis of 3-mercaptopropionic acid in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii

In a non-targeted analysis of thiol-containing compounds in the hyperthermophilic methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannashii , we discovered three unexpected metabolites: 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), 2-hydroxy-4-mercaptobutyric acid (HMBA), and 4-mercapto-2-oxobutyric acid (MOB). HMBA and MOB have never been reported as natural products, while MPA is highly prevalent in aquatic environments as a result of biotic and abiotic processing of sulfur-containing compounds. This report provides evidence that HMBA and MOB are part of a biosynthetic pathway to generate MPA in M. jannaschii . We show that HMBA can be biosynthesized from malate semialdehyde and hydrogen sulfide, likely using a mechanism similar to that proposed for coenzyme M, coenzyme B, and homocysteine biosynthesis in methanogens, where an aldehyde is converted to a thiol. The L-sulfolactate dehydrogenase, derived from the MJ1425 gene, is shown to catalyze the NAD-dependent oxidation of HMBA to MOB. Finally, we demonstrate that HMBA can be used as a biosynthetic precursor to MPA in M. jannaschii cell extracts. This proposed pathway may contribute to the wide occurrence of MPA in marine environments and indicates that MPA must serve some important function in M. jannaschii .
Gender Differences in Vulnerability to Socioeconomic Status on Self-Rated Health in 15 Countries

Objectives: This study compared 15 countries for multiplicative effects of gender by education and by income on self-rated health of individuals with chronic medical conditions. Methods: We analyzed data from the Research on Early Life and Aging Trends and Effects (RELATE) Study. Participants were sampled from 15 countries including Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, China, India, Ghana, Russia, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States. The analytical sample was limited to individuals with at least one chronic medical condition. The main outcome of interest was self-rated health (SRH). Country-specific logistic regressions were used for data analysis. We ran separate models with gender × education and gender × income interactions. Results: In Ghana, Uruguay, and India, gender moderated the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on SRH. In Ghana and Uruguay, education and in Mexico and India, income had a stronger effect on SRH for women than men. Conclusions: Countries vary in gender differences in vulnerability to SES indicators on SRH of patients with chronic medical conditions. Women are more vulnerable than men to the effect of low SES on SRH in Ghana, Uruguay, Mexico, and India.
Critical Value Reporting in Transfusion Medicine: A Survey of Communication Practices in US Facilities.

Objectives While critical value procedures have been adopted in most areas of the clinical laboratory, their use in transfusion medicine has not been reviewed in detail. The results of this study present a comprehensive overview of critical value reporting and communication practices in transfusion medicine in the United States. Methods A web-based survey was developed to collect data on the prevalence of critical value procedures and practices of communicating results. The survey was distributed via email to US hospital-based blood banks. Results Of 123 facilities surveyed, 84 (68.3%) blood banks had a critical value procedure. From a panel of 23 common blood bank results, nine results were selected by more than 70% of facilities as either a critical value or requiring rapid communication as defined by an alternate procedure. Conclusions There was overlap among results communicated by facilities with and without a critical value procedure. The most frequently communicated results, such as incompatible crossmatch for RBC units issued uncrossmatched, delay in finding compatible blood due to a clinically significant antibody, and transfusion reaction evaluation suggestive of a serious adverse event, addressed scenarios associated with the leading reported causes of transfusion-related fatalities.
Treatment trends in gastroesophageal and gastric cancers in the United States.

136Background: Randomized clinical trials reported in the last decade have helped define gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and gastric cancer (GC) treatment. It is unclear, however, how practice patterns have evolved following these trials. This study explores the trends in treatment of GEJ and GC over the past decade in the United States. Methods: Patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and distal esophagus were identified in the National Cancer Database between 2006 and 2013. Tumor located in the distal esophagus and gastric cardia was denoted GEJ. Tumors distal to the cardia constituted GC. Tumors were categorized as early (Stage IA), locally advanced (IB-IIIC), and metastatic (IV). Detailed treatment was compared according to tumor stage and location. A time trend analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 120,729 patients (GEJ: 79,654 [66%], GC: 41,075 [34%]) were identified. Stage was similar in both groups (early: 12%, locally advanced: 55%, and metastatic: 33%). Overall, 73% of early GEJ and 74...
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Persistence Following Systemic Chemotherapy for Malignancy.

Background Systemic chemotherapies for various malignancies have been shown to significantly, yet transiently, decrease numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes, a major reservoir for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, little is known about the impact of cytoreductive chemotherapy on HIV-1 reservoir dynamics, persistence, and immune responses. Methods We investigated the changes in peripheral CD4+ T-cell-associated HIV-1 DNA and RNA levels, lymphocyte activation, viral population structure, and virus-specific immune responses in a longitudinal cohort of 15 HIV-1-infected individuals receiving systemic chemotherapy or subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation for treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Results Despite a transient reduction in CD4+ T cells capable of harboring HIV-1, a 1.7- and 3.3-fold increase in mean CD4+ T-cell-associated HIV-1 RNA and DNA, respectively, were observed months following completion of chemotherapy in individuals on antiretroviral therapy. We also observed changes in CD4+ T-cell population diversity and clonal viral sequence expansion during CD4+ T-cell reconstitution following chemotherapy cessation. Finally, HIV-1 DNA was preferentially, and in some cases exclusively, detected in cytomegalovirus (CMV)- and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-responsive CD4+ T cells following chemotherapy. Conclusions Expansion of HIV-infected CMV/EBV-specific CD4 + T cells may contribute to maintenance of the HIV DNA reservoir following chemotherapy.
3D printed membrane microstrip patch antenna

A proof of concept 3D printed membrane-supported microstrip patch antenna is presented. The simulated results yield return losses of 8, 17 and 11 dB at 1.85 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz, respectively. The maximum realized gain is 9.5 dBi at 1.85 GHz for theta-pol at phi=0° and phi-pol at phi=90°, with cross-pol more than 20dB down. The fabrication challenges include printing a 350 μm-thick VeroWhite membrane substrate and masking for sputter coating.
CHAPTER 18 – Parathyroid Growth: Normal and Abnormal

The parathyroid glands appear abruptly during the fifth week of gestation. Based on the very small amount of fat present during growth and a mean parenchymal cell density of 1.065, the glands grow to a total parenchymal weight of ∼3μg at a crown-rump length of ∼30 mm, corresponding to a gestational age of ∼8 weeks. Parathyroid growth appears to follow a sigmoid curve through the end of the first year of life, or up to 92 weeks of conceptional age. Parathyroid growth continues at the rate, established toward the end of the first year, of ∼2.5-3.0 mg/year. Unlike the pituitary and thyroid glands, in which abnormal growth can lead to space occupying and pressure effects as well as hormonal effects, abnormal growth in the parathyroid gland is important only in that it contributes to abnormalities of hormone secretion. Implicit in the concept that parathyroid hyperplasia is the eventual long-term response to a sustained need for more parathyroid hormone is the existence of an empirical, not just a formal, relationship between cell number and total hormone secretion.
Journey to Refine Acute Care Hospital Process Improvement Projects for Ethically Complex Patients: Applying Complexity Tools to the Problem of Identifying Which Patients Need a Little More Attention than Most

Clinical medicine and clinical medicine ethics differs from clinical research and clinical research ethics, primarily, in that clinical medicine is much messier. That is, clinical research seeks to avoid confounders in the study by stripping the study population of as many extraneous variables as is safe for the research participants. In clinical medicine, there is no such correlate. The messiness of clinical medicine is simply a fact of patient care that contributes majorly to the medical, psychosocial, and ethical complexities of the care of clinical patients.
Collaborative Pedagogic Effor ts on Behalf of Children in Custody Disputes

In her paper Clinical Education and the "Best Interest" Representation ofChildren in Custody Disputes: Challenges and Opportunities in Lawyering andPedagogy,' Frances Hill provides a thought-provoking discussion of pedagogicefforts that can be undertaken to ensure that lawyers are trained to betterappreciate the best interests and special needs of children involved in custodydisputes. Although there may be disagreement related to the specific strategiespresented in the paper for better serving children, there should be a consensusthat there is a need for open dialogue about children and divorce and thedestructive consequences that often ensue from custody disputes. It is not easyto "ask the tough questions," but this process is essential to any effort to makeimprovements in our legal system.For the purposes of my Response I would like initially to highlight thestrengths of the collaborative and interdisciplinary educational approach toeducating law students and social-work students in a child advocacy clinic.Following my discussion of these strengths, I would like to suggest a fewchallenges that may be involved in collaborative and interdisciplinary work.Looking beyond the issues of the educational components of the clinic, I willconclude with a discussion of some of my specific concerns regarding divorceand child-custody disputes.A unique feature of the clinical training described in this paper is thecollaborative and interdisciplinary nature of a child advocacy clinic. Providingan opportunity for law students and social workers to work closely together cancertainly help to increase understanding among the two professions. It is notuncommon for misunderstandings to occur among professions around issues suchas idiosyncratic language usage. For example, lawyers and social workerstypically have very different understandings and definitions of the simple term"interviewing." For the lawyer, the interview may be viewed as a vehicle forobtaining information to support a case, whereas a social worker may view theprimary goal of an interview as the establishment of a working relationship witha client, with obtaining information a secondary goal. Social workers who do notunderstand nor respect the emphasis on the information and case-building aspectsof legal interviewing may not fare very well in the courtroom setting. In a similarmanner, it may be possible that law students will find that paying attention to therapport-building aspects of interviewing may actually improve the quantity andquality of the information they receive from a client.An additional advantage of the interdisciplinary approach to handling cases isthat it provides hands-on orientation and training to a team approach to work.* Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Social Work; Ph.D., Ohio StateUniversity, 1994; B.A., Miami University, 1979.
Using Existing Flow-Field Analysis Codes for Inverse Design of Three-Dimentional Aerodynamic Shapes

This chapter demonstrates that it is possible to use existing proven arbitrary flow-field analysis codes without any modifications to perform inverse aerodynamic design of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. A general concept for inverse design of aerodynamic shapes based on treating the aerodynamic surface as an elastic membrane subject to a specified surface pressure distribution is explained. A new mathematical formulation based on the Fourier series analytical solution of this model is detailed. The method is formulated for two-dimensional and for three-dimensional configurations. It can be used in conjunction with any available flow-field analysis code without a need for modification of such a code. Preliminary testing of the new method is performed with a potential flow surface panel code, an Euler flow solver, and a Navier-Stokes flow solver. The convergence rate of the design process is found to be similar for both non-lifting and lifting aerodynamic shapes with the Navier-Stokes flow solver typically requiring minimum number of design iterations. Suggestions for further research and improvements are made.
Probing carbohydrate metabolism using hyperpolarized 13C-labeled molecules

Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic process in all organisms. Anomalies in glucose metabolism are linked to various pathological conditions. In particular, elevated aerobic glycolysis is a characteristic feature of rapidly growing cells. Glycolysis and the closely related pentose phosphate pathway can be monitored in real time by hyperpolarized 13 C-labeled metabolic substrates such as 13 C-enriched, deuterated D-glucose derivatives, [2-13 C]-D-fructose, [2-13 C] dihydroxyacetone, [1-13 C]-D-glycerate, [1-13 C]-D-glucono-δ-lactone and [1-13 C] pyruvate in healthy and diseased tissues. Elevated glycolysis in tumors (the Warburg effect) was also successfully imaged using hyperpolarized [U-13 C6 , U-2 H7 ]-D-glucose, while the size of the preexisting lactate pool can be measured by 13 C MRS and/or MRI with hyperpolarized [1-13 C]pyruvate. This review summarizes the application of various hyperpolarized 13 C-labeled metabolites to the real-time monitoring of glycolysis and related metabolic processes in normal and diseased tissues.
Extreme Market Value Declines: How Well Do Rating Agency Assumptions Hold?

S&P Global Ratings has been rating leveraged closed-end funds regulated in the United States under the Investment Company Act of 1940 for more than 30 years. The principal source of repayment for these market value securities is the proceeds from liquidating the underlying pledged collateral. In its rating process, S&P applies haircuts to the value of the pledged securities, discounting their value to cover the potential market value decline during the liquidation period. But how appropriate are these haircut assumptions? This article studies the extreme price changes in two major US stock indexes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index, using extreme value methods. The analysis compares extreme market value declines to the assumptions S&P uses in its market value securities ratings criteria. Moreover, the analysis estimates the likelihood of observing declines larger than those in the criteria (exceedance probabilities) and the average waiting time to observation of declines of various extreme magnitudes (return periods). From the analysis, we find that the likelihood of exceeding the assumptions in the rating methodology is generally in line with S&P’s rating definitions.
Potential for occupational exposures to pathogens during bronchoscopy procedures

AbstractBronchoscopy is classified as an aerosol-generating procedure, but it is unclear what drives the elevated infection risk observed among healthcare personnel performing the procedure. The ob...
Lithium Thiosilicophosphate Glassy Solid Electrolytes Synthesized by High-Energy Ball-Milling and Melt-Quenching: Improved Suppression of Lithium Dendrite Growth by Si Doping

Due to the volatility of P2S5, the ambient pressure synthesis of Li2S + P2S5 (LPS) has been limited to planetary ball-milling (PBM). To utilize PBM of LPS to generate a solid electrolyte (SE), the as-synthesized powder sample must be pressed into pellets, and as such the presence of as-pressed grain boundaries in the SE cannot be avoided. To eliminate the grain boundaries, LPS doped with SiS2 has been studied because SiS2 lowers the vapor pressure of the melt and promotes strong glass formation, which in combination allows for greater ease in synthesis. In this work, we have examined the structures and electrochemical properties of lithium thiosilicophosphate 0.6Li2S + 0.4[xSiS2 + 1.5(1 - x)PS5/2], 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, glassy solid electrolytes (GSEs) prepared by both PBM and melt-quenching (MQ). It is shown that the critical current density improved after incorporating SiS2, reaching 1.5 mA/cm2 for the x = 0.8 composition. However, the interfacial reaction of MQ GSE with lithium metal introduced microcracks, which shows that further research is needed to explore and develop more stable GSE compositions. These fundamental results can help to understand the interface reaction and formation and as such can provide a guide to design improved homogeneous GSEs with SiS2 as a glass former, which have no grain boundaries and thereby may help suppress lithium dendrite formation.
Artisans and Designers: Seeking Fairness within Capitalism and the Gig Economy

The artisan sector is the second largest employer in the developing world and an estimated 34-to-526 billion-dollar industry (Nest 2018). Why then are the majority of the world’s artisans living in...
Some Considerations of the Relation between Solid State Physics and Generalized Continuum Mechanics

In general, the concern of this paper is the relation between what physicists know about condensed matter and what continuum theories say about its behavior. Both physicists and those studying continuum mechanics have some familiarity with the limiting macroscopic behavior described by conventional elasticity. By contrast, the mathematical developments of generalized continuum [1–3] theory are hardly known to the average physicist, while the recent extensive advance in measurement of microscopic and macroscopic physical properties is frequently not familiar to the theoretical mechanician.
How to supplement the safety requirements

Safety requirements based on Probability of Exceedance (POE) take into account only probabilities, but do not control magnitude of outcomes in the tail of the probabilistic distribution. The requirements do not constrain very large outcomes leading to industrial catastrophes. The paper shows how to upgrade safety requirements with the Buffered Probability of Exceedance (bPOE). The bPOE risk function equals a tail probability with known mean of the tail (i.e., it is a probability of the tail such that the mean of the tail equals to the specified value). The paper considers two application areas: 1) Credit ratings of financial synthetic instruments (e.g., AAA, AA, ... credit ratings); 2) Materials strength certification (A-basis, B-basis).
A combined medical/surgical appendicitis pathway decreases pediatric CT utilization, perforation, and negative appendectomy rates

We sought to improve the care of pediatric patients with possible appendicitis by decreasing unnecessary CT scanning. In an early QI initiative, we systematically emphasized the superiority of Ultrasonography (US) over CT, but did not find a decrease in CT utilization in practice. We therefore redoubled our initiative using a multimodal approach. We hypothesized a combined diagnostic and treatment pathway that allowed residual diagnostic uncertainty and used both surgery and antibiotic therapy for appendicitis that would decrease the need for diagnostic CT scanning. Prior to implementation of the protocol, 33% of ER patients with appendicitis typical abdominal pain were treated for appendicitis (with surgery); after implementation, the total number treated remained unchanged 32.5% (p = NS), but the appendectomy rate dropped from 33 (204/619) to 23% after implementation of the pathway (96/419, p < 0.0005) with 50 patients treated with antibiotics. There was a reduction in CT scanning (pre 39% vs. 11%, p < 0.0001) while the use of US increased (pre 30% vs. 53%, p < 0.0001). The perforation rate decreased from 12 to 5% (p < 0.002) and negative appendectomy decreased from 13 to 4% (p < 0.0001). Of the 50 patients treated with antibiotics, 10 eventually crossed over to surgery. The use of a diagnostic and therapeutic pathway that offers antibiotic therapy for early probable appendicitis decreases the need for diagnostic CT scanning without increasing morbidity in pediatric appendicitis. Adherence to a medical/surgical treatment protocol that reserves surgery for clinically advanced appendicitis results in a reduction in CT scanning, perforation rates, negative appendectomy rates, and overall surgery for appendicitis.
Emergent pancreatectomy for neoplastic disease: outcomes analysis of 534 ACS-NSQIP patients.

While emergent pancreatic resection for trauma has been previously described, no large contemporary investigations into the frequency, indications, and outcomes of emergent pancreatectomy (EP) secondary to complications of neoplastic disease exist. Modern perioperative outcomes data are currently unknown. ACS-NSQIP was reviewed for all non-traumatic pancreatic resections (DP – distal pancreatectomy, PD - pancreaticoduodenectomy, or TP- total pancreatectomy) in patients with pancreatico-biliary or duodenal-ampullary neoplasms from 2005 to 2013. Patients treated for complications of pancreatitis were specifically excluded. Emergent operation was defined as NSQIP criteria for emergent case and one of the following: ASA Class 5, preoperative ventilator dependency, preoperative SIRS, sepsis, or septic shock, or requirement of > 4 units RBCs in 72 h prior to resection. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests were performed to compare postoperative outcomes between emergent and elective cases as well as between pancreatectomy types. Of 21,452 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for neoplastic indications, we identified 534 (2.5%) patients who underwent emergent resection. Preoperative systemic sepsis (66.3%) and bleeding (17.9%) were most common indications for emergent operation. PD was performed in 409 (77%) patients, DP in 115 (21%), and TP in 10 (2%) patients. Overall major morbidity was significantly higher (46.1% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.001) for emergent vs. elective operations. Emergent operations resulted in increased transfusion rates (47.6% vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001), return to OR (14.0% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001), organ-space infection (14.6 vs. 10.5, p = 0.002), unplanned intubation (9.% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001), pneumonia (9.6% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001), length of stay (14 days vs. 8 days, p < 0.001), and discharge to skilled facility (31.1% vs. 13.9%). These differences persisted when stratified by pancreatic resection type. The 30-day operative mortality was higher in the emergent group (9.4%vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001) and highest for emergent TP (20%). Emergent pancreatic resection is markedly uncommon in the setting of neoplastic disease. Although these operations result in increased morbidity and mortality compared to elective resections, they can be life-saving in specific circumstances. The results of this large series of modern era national data may assist surgeons as well as patients and their families in making critical decisions in select cases of acutely complicated neoplastic disease.
Long‐term maintenance of liver‐specific functions in three‐dimensional culture of adult rat hepatocytes with a porous gelatin sponge support

The three-dimensional culture of adult rat hepatocytes with a porous gelatin sponge (gelfoam) support was investigated. Hepatocytes were immobilized on the surface as well as within the pores of the support. The morphology of the hepatocytes immobilized on the support was close to that observed in vivo. In some parts of the support the spheroids of hepatocytes could be observed. To examine the liver-specific functions of the hepatocytes in the culture, the levels of serum albumin and bile acids secreted into the medium were assessed. The secretion of albumin and bile acids was stable over the course of 12 days, longer than that in collagen-gel culture. To elucidate further the function of hepatocytes immobilized on gelfoam, the metabolic activities of the hepatocytes, as measured by the competency of removal of NH4+ and the synthesis of urea nitrogen, were determined. The rates of ammonium removal and urea nitrogen synthesis were comparable with those in conventional monolayer culture. Albumin secretion was enhanced by the treatment of gelfoam with either heparin or acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), the gelfoam having a high affinity for these substances. DNA synthesis was also enhanced by aFGF. These results demonstrate that gelfoam is a suitable support for the in vitro culture of hepatocytes. Combined with its easy manipulation, it is suggested that the culture system described could be used for both basic and applied studies.
Quantitative approach to study secondary structure of proteins by FT-IR spectroscopy, using a model wheat gluten system

Abstract Amide I and Amide III vibrational modes are frequently used to study protein secondary structure with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. However, for protein mixtures, neither the sole Amide I nor Amide III region provides sufficient information for structural quantitation because of overlapping peaks, especially in the Amide I region. Here, an improved quantitative approach is proposed to estimate secondary structure of protein systems using resolution enhancement and curve-fitting data processing techniques on a gluten model system to investigate structure-function relationships. Twelve different scenarios were prepared to assign bands in the Amide I region. Frequency ranges of 1660–1640 cm−1 and 1665–1660 cm−1 were found to highly contribute to variability in secondary structure contents of samples. Utilization of the Amide III region as a conducive tool to assign bands in the Amide I region led to a better differentiation of some secondary structural motifs and a more accurate quantitation of protein secondary structure. The study presents an understanding of FT-IR data analysis for a quick technique to assess secondary structures of protein mixtures.
Opioid Dependence After Lung Cancer Resection: Institutional Analysis of State Prescription Drug Database

The national opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. Thoracic surgery has also been associated with high incidence of new persistent opioid use. Our purpose was to describe the incidence and predictors of opioid use after lung cancer resection. Retrospective review of lung cancer resections from 2015 to 2018 was performed using the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System. Opioid dosing was recorded as milligram morphine equivalents (MME). Patients were stratified by preoperative opioid use. Chronic preoperative opioid users (opioid dependent) filled > 120 days supply of opioid pain medication in the 12 months prior to surgery; intermittent opioid users filled 180 days were: chronic preoperative opioid use (OR 23.8, p < 0.01), daily inpatient opioid requirement (1.02, p < 0.01), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (28.2, p < 0.01). A quarter of patients are opioid dependent after lung cancer resection. This is due to both preexisting and new persistent opioid use. Improved strategies are needed to prevent chronic pain and opioid dependence after lung cancer resection.
Co-released Norepinephrine and Galanin Act on Different Timescales to Promote Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior

Background: Both the noradrenergic and galaninergic systems have been implicated in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, and these two neuromodulators are co-released from the stress-responsive locus coeruleus (LC); however, the individual contributions of LC-derived norepinephrine (NE) and galanin to behavioral stress responses are unclear. Here we aimed to disentangle the functional roles of co-released NE and galanin in stress-induced behavior. Methods: We used foot shock, optogenetics, and behavioral pharmacology in wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking either NE (Dbh-/-) or galanin (GalcKO-Dbh) specifically in noradrenergic neurons to isolate the roles of these co-transmitters in regulating anxiety-like behavior in the elevated zero maze (EZM) either immediately or 24 h following stress. Results: Foot shock and optogenetic LC stimulation produced immediate anxiety-like behavior in WT mice, and the effects of foot shock persisted for 24 h. NE-deficient mice were resistant to the anxiogenic effects of acute stress and optogenetic LC stimulation, while mice lacking noradrenergic-derived galanin displayed typical increases in anxiety-like behavior. However, when tested 24 h after foot shock, both Dbh-/- and GalcKO-Dbh mice lacked normal expression of anxiety-like behavior. Pharmacological rescue of NE, but not galanin, in knockout mice during EZM testing was anxiogenic. In contrast, restoring galanin, but not NE, signaling during foot shock normalized stress-induced anxiety-like behavior 24 h later. Conclusions: These results indicate that NE and noradrenergic-derived galanin play complementary, but distinguishable roles in behavioral responses to stress. NE is required for the expression of acute stress-induced anxiety, while noradrenergic-derived galanin mediates more persistent responses following a stressor.
Combined Capnocytophaga spp. and Fusobacterium Nucleatum Brain Abscess with Vibrio Cholera Infection: a Case Report (1058)

Objective: To report a rare case of combined Capnocytophaga and Fusobacterium nucleatum brain abscess with an overview of multiple previous Capnocytophaga brain abscesses and an examination of its risk factors. Background: Fusobacterium nucleatum is commonly found in human oral cavities whereas Capnocytophaga species is seen in various animal oropharyngeal tracts. This case was further complicated by an antecedent Vibrio cholera infection which emits a toxin called zonula occludens toxin (Zot) that effects the permeability of the blood brain barrier. To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first case of this combined infection as described in the English literature. Design/Methods: Not applicable Results: A 32 year old male presented for evaluation of a headache later diagnosed by biopsy confirmed combined Capnocytophaga and Fusobacterium nucleatum brain abscesses. We hypothesize that the patient received a cut a work from an animal source that allowed Capnocytophaga to enter the blood stream, transverse the heart via an atrial septal defect, cross the blood brain barrier that was impaired by Zot from the Vibrio cholera, and enter the brain alongside the Fusobacterium from the tooth cavity to cause this abscess. Conclusions: Our case reviews a rare combined abscess with several complications and reviews the risk factors of multiple other Capnocytophaga and Fusobacterium nucleatum brain abscesses. Disclosure: Dr. Senetar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chuquilin Arista has nothing to disclose.
Using machine learning for service candidate sets retrieval in service composition of cloud-based manufacturing

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is a service-oriented manufacturing paradigm that is striving to produce highly customized products via sharing resources of multiple manufacturing providers. Distributed nature of this paradigm calls for addressing the service composition problem in order to achieve an optimal status in regard to such a collaboration. However, in the majority of research studies done on service composition in CMfg, the sets of candidate services on which the optimal composition is supposed to be conducted are assumed to be predefined. This is an extreme simplification and does not satisfy the actual requirements of cloud manufacturing. This study is aiming to propose a novel approach that first uses TF-IDF (term frequency-inverse document frequency) vectors extracted from the manufacturing capability data and machine learning algorithms to retrieve candidate sets for each corresponding subtask. Then, the optimal composite service is obtained for each scenario by using metaheuristic algorithms. The results prove the efficacy of this method in resulting in a more comprehensive approach for tackling the service composition problem in cloud manufacturing paradigm.
Chapter 8 Principles and Applications of Semiconductor Strained-Layer Superlattices

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the principles and applications of semiconductor strained-layer superlattices (SLS). It reviews recent developments in the SLS field and discusses the structural features and crystal growth of SLSs; electronic properties of SLSs along with specific examples from the GaAsP, InGaAs, and InAsSb systems. It also deals with device concepts and experimental results on several SLS prototype devices. The techniques of metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) have been used to prepare strained-layer superlattices (SLSs) because of their demonstrated capability for growing very thin (
Displacement of an uncemented acetabular component after dislocation of a total hip prosthesis

Review of the literature reveals few reports of complications encountered with noncemented acetabular components; most concern problems with screw or cup placement, component wear or migration, or disassembly of modular components. No reports involving the displacement of a noncemented acetabular component were found. This is a case report of a patient in whom a noncemented acetabular component was dislodged after the closed reduction of a dislocated total hip prosthesis 4.5 weeks after surgery. In light of this case, the authors believe these reductions should be performed under general anesthesia with fluoroscopic guidance. Care must be taken at surgery to ream sufficiently and obtain proper cup fit and position. Finally, the authors recommend bicortical screw fixation to provide maximum contact and rigid fixation in the early postoperative period.
Energy saving mechanisms in sensor networks

In this paper, we provide a survey on energy-efficient scheduling mechanisms in sensor networks that have different design requirements than those in traditional wireless networks. We classify these mechanisms based on their design assumptions and design objectives. Different mechanisms may make different assumptions about their sensors including detection model, sensing area, transmission range, failure model, time synchronization, and the ability to obtain location and distance information. They may also have different assumptions about network structure and sensor deployment strategy. Furthermore, while all the mechanisms have a common design objective to maximize network lifetime, they may also have different objectives determined by their target applications.
Head Start Participation and Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem that also has economic consequences. Medical research suggests that nutritional interventions at a young age can influence nutritional behavior and reduce childhood obesity. This paper estimates the impact of one such intervention - Head Start - on childhood overweight and obesity. While Head Start is more commonly known as an educational intervention, a large part of the program includes nutrition services and nutritional education to parents and children. For black children, Head Start participation is shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of being overweight or obese.
Gene alterations associated with closure of the cerebral aqueduct in hydrocephalic H-Tx rats

Materials and methods Midbrain regions which contain the cerebral aqueduct were micro-dissected from hydrocephalic and control animals at 5 days of age (n = 5). After RNA extraction and purification, total RNA was subjected to PCR techniques to generate cDNA that was subsequently labeled and hybridized (one brain per array) to the Rat 230 A oligonucleotide array from Affymetrix. Hybridization intensity for each array was measured using a confocal scanner, and results were normalized and reported as fold change differences. Raw expression data were subjected to a Student's t-test as well as the Bayesian t-test, which is a method that helps control for variations resulting from small sample size. Only those transcripts passing both the fold change of 1.5 fold and t-test cut-offs (p < 0.05) were examined further.
Copyright and Piracy: Refining notions of idea and expression through linguistic analysis

This chapter comments on a paper by the linguist Alan Durant, who demonstrates that our understanding of the distinction between idea and expression in the context of literary works is far from perfect and could be enriched by drawing on a number of insights from other fields, and in particular from linguistic theory. In this brief response, I consider whether and how a fuller understanding of those features might be accommodated in the adjudication of legal disputes about copyright infringement.
Analysis of reconfiguration in IP over WDM access networks

The benefit/cost tradeoff of reconfiguration in IP/WDM networks is evaluated as the resulting reduction in average packet delay. We compare, analytically and through simulations, the performance of several reconfiguration policies to fixed topology systems. We develop a queuing model for a reconfigurable network that allows us to directly quantify the benefits and costs of reconfiguration as the resulting average packet delay. This simple model allows us to compare, both analytically and via simulations, appropriate reconfiguration policies and to determine the network reconfiguration downtime that can be tolerated.
Flight test results of the Rockwell MIGITS

A new standard of lightweight, low cost, integrated GPS/INS products has been created with the introduction of Rockwell's family of MIGITS (Miniature integrated GPS/INS Tactical System) products. This family takes full advantage of the precision pseudorange and pseudorange rate information available only from an embedded GPS receiver. This information is integrated with inertial data in a single Kalman filter in a synergistic manner which results in superior operation in high dynamic, antenna shading, and jamming environments. The Rockwell MIGITS has successfully demonstrated ability to tightly couple a tactical grade IMU with GPS to provide precise navigation operation in a dynamic environment. The integrated systems described in this paper build upon the lessons learned and the continued evolution of GPS. Continual refinements in research and development programs at Rockwell have led to this family of small integrated systems, resulting in what is believed to be the world's smallest, integrated GPS/INS systems available today, the MIGITS. The MIGITS products are intended to satisfy the navigation requirements of a variety of applications including missiles, both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, UAV's, munitions, targets and drones. This paper provides an introduction to the various MIGITS systems, followed by a description of the system testing performed thus far. >
Alternative pathway of androgen biosynthesis in the human adrenal gland.

THE major pathway of androgen biosynthesis in the human adult adrenal gland is well established: pregnenolone→17α-hydroxypregnenolone→dehydroepiandrosterone→androstenedione1. Previous results indicate that the adult adrenal gland converts a higher percentage of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone than of progesterone to the product, androstenedione1. The data suggest that a pathway is possible which by-passes progesterone to form androgens: pregnenolone→17α-hydroxypregnenolone → 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone→androstenedione. This report describes the results of an incubation to determine the significance of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in the biosynthesis of androstenedione. Cortisol synthesis was determined also, for comparison. An adenoma removed at operation from a 35-year-old female with Cushing's syndrome was used for these studies.
Effects of Shear Processing and Thermal Exposure on the Viscosity-Stability of Polymer Solutions

The effects of high-shear processing and thermal exposure on the molecular weight and solution viscosity stability of selected polymers were studied. Aqueous solutions of two molecular weight grades of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) were subjected to high-shear rates using a high-shear mixer and two colloid mills. Extremely rigorous shearing conditions were required to alter the viscosity. The viscosity stability of the two grades of HEC was studied under prolonged thermal treatment at 70°. Viscosity degradation was found to follow a first-order reaction rate, the viscosity half-life for the higher grade being considerably less than that for the lower molecular weight grade. Number-average molecular weights for the HEC's were determined by the osmotic pressure technique and related to viscosity-average molecular weights through intrinsic viscosity data. The correlation between the two types of molecular weights was high, implying that bond-scissions and hydrolysis were the cause of viscosity degradation.
Anatomy of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous and superficial radial nerves in the forearm: a cadaveric and clinical study.

Purpose To define the anatomy of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) and the superficial radial nerve (SRN) in relation to easily identifiable landmarks in the dorsoradial forearm to minimize the risk to both nerves during surgical approaches to the dorsal radius. Methods In this study 37 cadaveric forearms and 20 patients having distal radius external fixation were dissected to identify these nerves in relation to various anatomic landmarks. Results Based on these dissections the anatomy was divided into 2 zones that can be identified by easily visible and palpable landmarks. Zone 1 extends from the elbow to the cross-over of the abductor pollicis longus with the extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus. Zone 2 is distal to the cross-over. In zone 1 the 2 nerves can be differentiated through limited incisions based on their depth and anatomic location. Within this zone the SRN is deep to the brachioradialis until 1.8 cm proximal to zone 2 (9 cm proximal to the radial styloid), where it becomes superficial and pierces the fascia of the mobile wad and then remains deep to the subcutaneous fat. In contrast the LACN pierces the fascia between the brachialis and biceps muscles at the level of the elbow. In all specimens the LACN ran parallel to the cephalic vein within the subcutaneous fat. In 31 specimens it ran volar to the vein and in 5 specimens the nerve crossed under the cephalic vein at the elbow and ran dorsal to the vein in the forearm. One specimen had 2 branches with 1 on either side of the vein. Differentiation of these nerves was found to be possible through limited incisions in zone 1 during placement of external fixation pins for distal radius fractures. The LACN always was located in the superficial fat running with the cephalic vein, whereas the SRN was deeper to this nerve either covered by the brachioradialis or closely adherent to it within the investing fascia of the mobile wad. In zone 2 the nerves arborized and ran in the same tissue plane, making differentiation through limited incisions difficult. Conclusions Dividing forearm anatomy into zones aids in understanding the complex 3-dimensional anatomy. Recognition of the consistent location of both the LACN and SRN facilitates surgical exposure. This allows localization through limited incisions during nerve repair and hardware placement, thereby enhancing uncomplicated and favorable outcomes.
An exact procedure for the analysis of heterogeneous kinetics in polyclonal antibody populations

Antibody populations with heterogeneous binding properties exhibit complex first-order dissociation kinetics. An analytical method has been developed to determine the average dissociation rate constant and the heterogeneity index of a specific antibody population. This procedure was based on Laplace transformation of the gamma distribution function, which yielded an exact, macroscopic rate law for the entire antibody population. Linearization of the macroscopic rate law is achieved by plotting data points versus their numerical derivatives using log-log axes. Linear regression of such plots yields the average dissociation rate constant from the Y-intercept, and heterogeneity index from the slope. This analytic method is transparent to the antibody system and kinetic assay employed, requiring only a programmable calculator to perform the necessary calculations. The usefulness of this analytic method was demonstrated by the evaluation of dissociation kinetics in murine monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal anti-fluorescyl-IgG antibody populations.
Presumption of death by air medical transport teams

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate nationwide trends and factors influencing the determination of death practice by rotor-wing air medical transport programs. Methods: A survey was mailed to all Association of Air Medical Service members concerning demographics, crew configuration, team leader, patient population, field death determination protocols, and other possible associated factors. All rotor-wing air medical transport programs that carry out scene transports were included. Results: The most common field presumption criteria were no response to advanced cardiac life support (77%), no signs of life on scene (65%), and asystole in 2 EKG monitor leads (61%). The most frequent reasons cited not to presume a patient dead in the field were political issues (71%) and signs of life on scene (56%). Criteria other than medical condition that were considered in the decision to presume death were ground personnel input (55%) and program policy/medical control (39%). The following factors did not significantly affect the presumption rate: crew configuration, team leader, transport time, billing, and type of medical control. Conclusion: Medical criteria appear to determine presumption of death in the field. Nonmedical factors, such as billing, response, and transport times, do not affect this process.
Modified luque instrumentation after myelomeningocele kyphectomy.

STUDY DESIGN Treatment of congenital kyphosis in myelomeningocele is a difficult problem. Current thinking supports kyphectomy and postoperative internal fixation. OBJECTIVES Since 1989, vertebral resection with modified Luque fixation has been the procedure of choice for correction of myelomeningocele kyphotic deformity at the author's institution. The study objective was to evaluate long-term results with this technique. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Most investigators agree that kyphotic deformity in myelomeningocele should be treated with vertebral resection. There is less uniform consensus about postoperative fixation. Reports in the literature support fixation with modified segmental instrumentation. METHODS Sixteen patients, observed for an average of 57.2 months (range, 36-94 months), underwent vertebral resection from the proximal aspect of the apical vertebra cephalad into the compensatory lordotic curve. Fixation was segmental instrumentation wired to the thoracic spine and anterior to the sacrum. RESULTS The average blood loss was 1121 mL (range, 450-2580 mL). Kyphotic deformity averaged 111 degrees before surgery (range, 75-157 degrees), 15 degrees after surgery (range, -18-36 degrees) and 20 degrees at latest follow-up (range, -17-83 degrees). Loss of correction was 6 degrees (range, 0-27 degrees). Postoperative immobilization was with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis for 18 months. Complications occurring in 8 of the 16 patients were transient headache, superficial wound breakdown, supracondylar femur fractures, and one late infection secondary to skin breakdown that necessitated early rod removal, resulting in some loss of correction. CONCLUSIONS Kyphectomy is an excellent method of correcting rigid kyphotic deformity in the patient with myelodysplasia. Segmental spinal instrumentation provided three distinct advantages: rigidity of the construct, greater correction of the deformity and low-profile instrumentation.