cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal free space coupling to fiber Bragg grating sensors

In recent decades, optical fiber has proven useful for many sensor applications. Specifically, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have shown great utility for integrity management and environmental sensing of composite structures. One major drawback of FBG sensors, however, is the lack of a robust, non-"pigtail" technique for coupling the embedded FBG sensor to an external optical interrogation device. In this paper, a novel method of free space passive coupling of light into FBG sensors has been investigated. Angled 45-degree mirrors integrated directly into fibers were used as an input coupling technique. The approach was applied to both single mode and multimode glass fibers containing FBG’s. For multimode investigations, mirrors were integrated into graded-index multimode fiber by polishing the end face to a 45-degree angle. In single mode investigations, a novel method of coupling to the sensor via splicing and fusing a multimode fiber to a single mode FBG was explored. Associated transmission spectra are shown for each method.
Effect of Surface Roughness Orientation on Pitting Resistance of Lubricated Rollers

A two-roller rolling contact fatigue test machine was used to study the effect of orientation of the surface roughness on pitting resistance. The driving disk had either longitudinal or transverse roughness while the specimen always had longitudinal roughness. The test results indicated that the roughness orientation was not an independent parameter on pitting. Pitting was related to other parameters, such as the hardness, viscosity, roughness amplitude, and slide-to-roll ratio. In pure rolling tests, the crack orientation on the specimen followed the roughness orientation on the driving disk, but only transverse cracks were observed if sliding was present. Reducing the amplitude of the roughness had a greater effect on pitting life than did increasing the lubricant viscosity. With lower hardness and smaller film thickness parameter (Λ < 0.3) conditions, the transverse roughness on the disk caused more damage on the specimen surface than did longitudinal roughness, but the effect was reversed if the speci...
Scanning electron microscopy of the structural reconstruction of the abdominal wall after experimental paramedian incision.

The various healing stages of experimental paramedian incisions in the right rectus sheath of 36 albino rats were examined by utilizing the scanning electron and the light microscope. The successive reconstruction processes were visualized stereoscopically at a cellular level. During the inflammatory stage (7 days) various inflammatory cells accumulated around a wide network of trabeculae which traversed the gap of the wound. The fibrillogenetic stage increased in the period between the 2nd and 12th weeks postoperatively. Various stages of fiber maturation were visualized. Mechanisms of fiber formation, maturation, and junction between the newly formed fibers and the old healthy ones at the wound margin were also seen three dimensionally and described. The newly formed fibers were always arranged parallel to each other in a definite direction. This direction had a constant angular relationship to the long axis of the wound, i.e., the line of incision, regardless of the direction of the incision itself. This constant relationship might prove to be useful to the surgeon while choosing his incision in the anterior abdominal wall.
The electric cardiographic abnormalities are not hidden

The report by Matetzky et al. [(1)][1] stimulates the following thoughts. There are two ways to interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs). One is to memorize patterns and the other is to use basic principles of electrocardiography, including the use of vector concepts, as described by Grant [(2–6)][2
An Attempt to Calculate the Number of Energy Levels of a Heavy Nucleus

Experiments on slow neutrons, and theoretical considerations of Bohr have shown that heavy nuclei possess an enormous number of energy levels which are very closely spaced if the nucleus is highly excited. A crude method is suggested for calculating the spacing between these levels. The method is statistical: The individual nuclear particles are supposed to move in a simple potential hole, and the energy of the complete nucleus is supposed to be the sum of the energies of the individual particles. A critical discussion of these assumptions is given in section 5. The problem then reduces itself to the calculation of the "entropy" of a Fermi gas containing a given number of particles $A$ and having a given excitation energy $Q$ above the zero point energy of the Fermi gas (cf. section 2 and 3). This calculation gives the total number of levels of the complete nucleus in a given energy interval irrespective of the angular momentum, which will, for most of the levels, be very large. For the theory of neutron capture, it is necessary to calculate the density of nuclear levels with a given angular momentum $I$ (section 4). The spacing of nuclear levels is found to depend on the product of the mass number $A$ and the excitation energy $Q$ of the nucleus, and to be roughly given by ${\ensuremath{\Delta}=\frac{4.1\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{10}^{6}{x}^{4}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}x}}{(2I+1)} \mathrm{volts}}{x,=\frac{{(\mathrm{AQ})}^{\frac{1}{2}}}{2.20},}$ $Q$ being expressed in MV and $I$ being the nuclear spin. For the capture of slow neutrons by nuclei of medium weight ($A$ around 100), $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is of the order 50 to 500 volts. The spacing between adjacent levels decreases rapidly with increasing atomic weight. For given atomic weight, the spacing of the nuclear levels responsible for neutron capture is wider if the capture leads to the formation of a radioactive nucleus than if a stable nucleus is formed. This explains the experimental fact that only moderately large cross sections are found for the capture of thermal neutrons leading to radioactive nuclei while the very largest cross sections are all connected with the formation of stable nuclei. The dependence of the spacing on various factors is discussed (section 6); the results seem to be in qualitative agreement with experiment.
The relationship of Travase débridement and the development of bacteraemia in a rabbit burn model

Abstract A model was developed in which Travase and silver sulphadiazine were applied to a thermal wound in a manner different from that currently utilized. From this study, rapid debridement was obtained and Travase was not seen to cause an increased pseudomonas bacteraemia in animals seeded post burn.
Latent Variable Model for Joint Analysis of Multiple Repeated Measures and Bivariate Event Times

This article presents a novel approach to analyzing a complex dataset from a prevention trial, where outcomes comprise multiple repeated mental health items and times to initiation of alcohol and tobacco use. The dataset has a nonnegligible portion of missing values and interval or left censored events. The substantive interest of the trial suggests a psychiatric distress latent variable that is reflected in the mental health items and potentially affects initiation of alcohol and tobacco use. We describe the data with a combination of three types of component model: a marginal model for the longitudinal latent process for psychiatric distress given study interventions and covariates; logistic regression models for the repeated mental health items given the latent process; and hazard models for times to initiation of alcohol and tobacco use given the latent process, study interventions, and covariates. To aid in fitting these models simultaneously, we use automatic differentiation to find the first two de...
ROADM architectures and technologies for agile optical networks

We review the different optoelectronic component and module technologies that have been developed for use in ROADM subsystems, and describe their principles of operation, designs, features, advantages, and challenges. We also describe the various needs for reconfigurable optical add/drop switching in agile optical networks. For each network need, we present the different ROADM subsystem architecture options with their pros and cons, and describe the optoelectronic technologies supporting each architecture.
Inappropriate Medication in Home Health Care

To the Editor: We read with interest the study by Bao and colleagues examining the use of Beers-defined potentially inappropriate medications among older patients receiving home health care (HHC) services in the United States.1 Ensuring proper medication use especially in older adults remains a public health priority, and the authors argue that HHC patients may be at high risk for using ineffective or unsafe medications likely due to their often complex medication regimens and multiple physician prescribers. The study analyzes the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey (NHHCS), a nationally representative survey of U.S. home health and hospice care agencies that collected data on current HHC patients and hospice care discharges.2 Bao and colleagues restricted their analysis to HHC patients who were age 65 or older and used at least one medication (n = 3,124). The authors, however, did not differentiate between patients receiving and patients not receiving end-of-life (EOL) care. According to NHHCS, we calculated that 15% (weighted) of HHC patients in their study had a medical prognosis indicating a six-month-or-less life expectancy and received “palliative, end of life, or terminal care instead of active or curative treatment.” It is important for the Bao et al. study to distinguish between HHC patients who did and who did not receive EOL care. While the 2003 Beers list is commonly used to define medications to avoid among older patients3 (albeit not without controversy), there is no clear consensus about which medications are unsuitable for older patients receiving EOL care. The validity of the Beers list as a prescribing quality indicator to assess EOL treatment is disputable in principle and evidence.4 Research has argued that short-acting benzodiazepines, gastrointestinal antispasmodics, anticholinergics, and antihistamines that are on the Beers list may be clinically appropriate for older patients receiving EOL care whose goal of care is to manage pain and other distressing symptoms.5 Furthermore, although long half-life benzodiazepines generally should be avoided in older patients according to Beers, withdrawing a long half-life benzodiazepine may pose unnecessary, significant risk for major withdrawal symptoms in older patients receiving EOL care.6 Consequently, the examination of inappropriate medication use among HHC patients without differentiating between those receiving and those not receiving EOL care raises concerns about the Bao et al. study findings and their suggested policy and practice implications. In general, applying the Beers list to examine medication appropriateness in older adults should be performed judiciously in settings where EOL care is provided.
A new technique for culturing rat embryos between gestation days 14 and 15

Abstract A method for culturing rat embryos between days 14 and 15 has been developed. On gestation day 14 (morning of sperm and plug = day 0), laparotomies were performed on time-mated rats that had been anaesthetized with halothane. The embryos, with open attached yolk sacs and placentas, were cultured in 650-ml plastic flasks with 120 ml medium (0.7% bovine serum albumin in Earle's balanced salt solution with antibiotics, prewarmed to 37°C and continuously flushed with water-saturated 95% O2/5% CO2, pH 7.4) in a Dubnoff metabolic shaker with gentle agitation. Viability and morphology were assessed after 26 hr in culture. On day 15, embryonic growth and development were similar to that in in vivo controls, and viability was high (55%).
The spread of carcinoma of the colon and rectum: A study of invasion of blood vessels, lymph nodes and the peritoneum by tumor cells

The finding of tumor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with resectable carcinoma of the colon and rectum is rare.
Photomediated synthesis of silver triangular bipyramids and prisms: the effect of pH and BSPP.

The photomediated synthesis of silver right triangular bipyramids and prisms has been studied, and we have determined that pH and [BSPP]/[Ag+] ratio (bis(p-sulfonatophenyl)phenylphosphine, BSPP) finely control the reaction rate and, consequently, the crystal growth pathway and morphology of final products. A fast reaction rate, realized at a high pH such as 10 or 11 and a [BSPP]/[Ag+] ratio close to 1.0, is necessary to synthesize (100)-faceted right triangular bipyramids in high yield by preferential deposition on (111) facets of planar-twinned seeds. A slower reaction rate, which occurs at lower pH or higher [BSPP]/[Ag+] ratios, results in preferential deposition on (100) facets of planar-twinned seeds and the formation of nanoparticles possessing a larger surface area defined by (111) facets, such as truncated triangular bipyramids or prisms. BSPP further influences the reaction rate by ensuring a relatively constant concentration of aqueous Ag+. In the absence of BSPP, the aqueous [Ag+] steadily decre...
Predictors of the effects of 4 years of growth hormone replacement on bone mineral density in patients with adult-onset growth hormone deficiency - a KIMS database analysis.

SummaryObjective Growth hormone (GH) replacement may increase bone mineral density (BMD) in GH-deficient (GHD) adults. The goal of this study was to identify predictors of BMD response to GH replacement in GH naive adults. Design and measurements This was a retrospective analysis of data extracted from KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database), an international pharmacoepidemiological survey of adult GHD patients from 31 countries. Patients A total of 231 GH naive adults were identified (115 women and 116 men) who had BMD measured on the same densitometer in the lumbar spine (LS) and/or femoral neck (FN) both at baseline and after 4 years of GH replacement. Results After 4 years, there was a median (10th, 90th percentile) 4·6% (−5·2%, 12·2%) increase in LS BMD over baseline (P = 0·0001). There was a positive correlation between per cent change in LS BMD and age at the onset of pituitary disease (r = 0·25, P = 0·001). There was no change in FN BMD over baseline [0·0% (−7·3%, 8·5%)]. On multivariate analysis, older age at the onset of pituitary disease predicted a greater increase in LS BMD on GH replacement (r = 0·55, P < 0·0001). Conclusions In a population of GH naive adults, GH replacement led to a significant increase in LS BMD over baseline, but no change in FN BMD. The potential for greater BMD improvement on GH replacement therapy in adults with disease of later onset should be considered when making treatment decisions in this patient population.
The impact of direct data transmission on case report forms design

AbstractAt Stuart Pharmaceuticals the Wang VS/Integrated Information System is being used for a broad range of scientific and administrative processing services including direct transmission of clinical data via computer designed screens.Personnel training, equipment, paper requirements, reproduction options as well as standards for screen/form layout and esthetics are discussed. Some general advantages and disadvantages of this computer application are listed.
Estrogen formation in human prostatic tissue from patients with and without benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostatic tissue removed at the time of cystoprostatectomy was separated into periurethral and peripheral zones. Homogenized tissue was incubated with [1,2,6,73H] androstenedione in the presence or absence of an aromatase inhibitor, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-OHAD) and a 5α-reductase inhibitor 4-MA (N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5α-androstane 17β-carboxamide). Estrogen formation was determined by reverse isotope dilution of [3H] estrone and [3H] estradiol and crystallization to constant specific activity. Control incubations were carried out in parallel utilizing heated prostatic tissue. Total estrogens produced in the periurethral zone in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was 223 fmol/ mg protein/hr (SE ± 57) compared to 102 fmol (SE ± 17) in patients without BPH. Estrogen formation in the peripheral zone was 175 fmol (SE ± 69) and 105 fmol (SE ± 26) in patients with and without BPH, respectively. The prostatic aromatase exhibits Michaelis-Menton kinetics with an apparent Km of 90 nM. 4-OHAD inhibited aromatization in the prostatic tissue by 57-93%. Aromatization was also strongly inhibited by 4-MA, indicating that 4-MA is a potent aromatase as well as a 5α-reductase inhibitor in this tissue. These results suggest that aromatization of androgens to estrogens in the human prostate proceeds at a substantial rate and that local estrogen formation could preexist and be a factor in the etiology of BPH and prostatic cancer.
Naturalism, Realism, and Normativity

This essay describes three commitments that have become central to the author's philosophical outlook, namely, to liberal naturalism, to metaphysical realism, and to the epistemic and ontological objectivity of normative judgments. Liberal naturalism is contrasted with familiar scientistic versions of naturalism and their project of forcing explanations in every field into models derived from one or another particular science. The form of metaphysical realism that the author endorses rejects every form of verificationism, including the author's one-time ‘internal realism’, and insists that our claims about the world are true or false and not just epistemically successful or unsuccessful and that the terms they contain typically refer to real entities. ‘Representationalism is no sin’. The central part of the essay is an account of truth based on a detailed analysis of Tarski's theory of truth and of the insights we can get from it as well as of the respects in which Tarski is misleading. (This part goes beyond what the author has previously published on the subject.) The account of the objectivity of the normative in this essay draws on insights from Dewey as well as Scanlon.
Androgens in the topical treatment of lichen sclerosus.

Background. Testosterone propionate has been shown repeatedly to be effective in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus, yet studies of androgens in serum of women with untreated vulvar lichen sclerosus suggested an abnormal activity of 5-alpha reductase in these patients. If impairment of 5-alpha reductase in women with untreated vulvar lichen sclerosus is a proximate cause of this disease, then dihydrotestosterone should be more effective than testosterone propionate in the treatment of the condition. Methods. To test this hypothesis, five women with vulvar lichen sclerosus received topically either dihydrotestosterone or testosterone propionate in a double-blind crossover study. Results. These androgens appear to be equally effective in inducing objective improvement of the vulvar lichen sclerosus by both gross and microscopic criteria. Conclusions. Impairment of 5-alpha reductase may not be germane to the pathogenesis of vulvar lichen sclerosus.
Decentralized processing in sensor arrays

We present a new scheme for decentralized processing in passive sensor arrays based on communicating the sample-covariance matrices of the subarrays. The new scheme offers improved accuracy over the conventional triangulation scheme with only a modest increase in the communication load.
RETINAL SPECTRAL IMAGING AND BLOOD FLOW MEASUREMENT

Measurement of both oxygen saturation and blood flow in the retinal vessels has proved to give important information about the eye health and the onset of eye pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy. In this study, we present the implementation, on a commercially available fundus camera, of a retinal imager and a retina blood flow velocimeter. The retinal imager uses division of aperture to acquire nine wavelength-dependent sub-images of the retina. Careful consideration is taken to improve image transfer by measuring the optical properties of the fundus camera and modeling the optical train in Zemax. This part of the setup is calibrated with optical phantoms of known optical properties that are also used to build a lookup table (LUT) linking phantom optical properties to measured reflectance. The retina blood flow velocimeter relies on tracking clusters of erythrocytes and uses a fast acquisition camera attached to a zoom lens, with a green illumination LED-engine. Calibration is provided using a calibrated quartz capillary tube and human blood at a known flow rate. Optical properties of liquid phantoms are retrieved from measured reflectance using the LUT, and blood flow measurements in the retina are presented.
Distinct conformations of the kinesin Unc104 neck regulate a monomer to dimer motor transition

Caenhorhabditis elegans Unc104 kinesin transports synaptic vesicles at rapid velocities. Unc104 is primarily monomeric in solution, but recent motility studies suggest that it may dimerize when concentrated on membranes. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we observe two conformations of microtubule-bound Unc104: a monomeric state in which the two neck helices form an intramolecular, parallel coiled coil; and a dimeric state in which the neck helices form an intermolecular coiled coil. The intramolecular folded conformation is abolished by deletion of a flexible hinge separating the neck helices, indicating that it acts as a spacer to accommodate the parallel coiled-coil configuration. The neck hinge deletion mutation does not alter motor velocity in vitro but produces a severe uncoordinated phenotype in transgenic C. elegans, suggesting that the folded conformation plays an important role in motor regulation. We suggest that the Unc104 neck regulates motility by switching from a self-folded, repressed state to a dimerized conformation that can support fast processive movement.
Reactive flow in solids

When guest atoms diffuse into a host solid and react, the host may flow inelastically. Often a reaction can stimulate flow in a host too brittle to flow under a mechanical load alone. We formulate a theory of reactive flow in solids by regarding both flow and reaction as nonequilibrium processes, and placing the driving forces for flow and reaction on equal footing. We construct chemomechanical rate-dependent kinetic models without yield strength. In a host under constant stress and chemical potential, flow will persist indefinitely, but reaction will arrest. We also construct chemomechanical yield surface and flow rule by extending the von Mises theory of plasticity. We show that the host under a constant deviatoric stress will flow gradually in response to ramp chemical potential, and will ratchet in response to cyclic chemical potential.
Effect of the angle of seismic incidence on the fragility curves of bridges

SUMMARY This study examines the effect of the angle of seismic incidence θ on the fragility curves of bridges. Although currently, fragility curves of bridges are usually expressed only as a function of intensity measure of ground motion (IM) such as peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, or Sa(ω1), in this study they are expressed as a function of IM with θ as a parameter. Lognormal distribution function is used for this purpose with fragility parameters, median cm and standard deviation ζ to be estimated for each value of θ chosen from 0 < θ < 360°. A nonlinear 3D finite element dynamic analysis is performed, and key response values are calculated as demand on the bridge under a set of acceleration time histories with different IM values representing the seismic hazard in Los Angeles area. This method is applied to typical straight reinforced concrete bridges located in California. The results are validated with existing empirical damage data from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Even though the sample bridges are regular and symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis, the results indicate that the weakest direction is neither longitudinal nor transverse. Therefore, if the angle of seismic incidence is not considered, the damageability of a bridge can be underestimated depending on the incidence angle of seismic wave. Because a regional highway transportation network is composed of hundreds or even thousands of bridges, its vulnerability can also be underestimated. Hence, it is prudent to use fragility curves taking the incident angle of seismic waves into consideration as developed here when the seismic performance of a highway network is to be analyzed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel simulation for a fish schooling model on a general-purpose graphics processing unit

We consider an individual-based model for fish schooling, which incorporates a tendency for each fish to align its position and orientation with an appropriate average of its neighbors' positions and orientations, in addition to a tendency for each fish to avoid collisions. To accurately determine the statistical properties of the collective motion of fish whose dynamics are described by such a model, many realizations are typically required. This carries a very high computational cost. The current generation of graphics processing units is well suited to this task. We describe our implementation and present computational experiments illustrating the power of this technology for this important and challenging class of problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clubs, Advertising, and Cost Sharing:

This article investigates the impact of advertising, an additional source of club revenue, on membership. This issue is placed within the context of advertising on the Internet and corporate sponsorship of local events or public institutions such as museums. Two scenarios are looked at. In the first setting, a club’s costs are shared among members and, in effect, also with a monopolist advertiser. It is then shown that the presence of advertising revenues could possibly limit the need for club financing and cost sharing via larger memberships. However, in the second setting where it is assumed that the club’s costs are completely funded by advertising and no membership fees are charged, it is shown that the club provider’s incentives are no longer contrary to those of the advertiser. The opposite holds, and there is no cost-sharing implication to cutback on membership.
A parasitics extraction and network reduction algorithm for VLSI

An algorithm for the extraction of circuit parasitics in integrated circuits using classic transmission line models are discussed. This gives a better account of the DC and AC characteristics of interconnects than models incorporating exclusively either the R or C components. A network reduction technique used to simplify the extracted RC network at user-specified accuracies to manageable complexities, especially for large VLSI circuits, is detailed. The model and circuit reduction algorithms are applied to practical sample circuits. Results of simulations illustrating the reduction in circuit complexity and the degree of modeling accuracy of these methods also given. >
Spatially distributed dominant excitation frequencies reveal hidden organization in atrial fibrillation in the Langendorff-perfused sheep heart.

Dominant Frequencies Organization in AF Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by complex wave propagation, yet periodic excitation suggesting a high degree of organization may be revealed during sustained AF. We provide a systematic quantification of the spatial distribution of dominant frequencies (DFs) of local excitation on the epicardium of the right atrial (RA) free wall and left atrial (LA) appendage of the isolated sheep heart during AF. The data reveal, for the first time, hidden organization, independent of the activation sequences or nature of electrograms. Methods and Results: In 13 Langendorff-perfused sheep hearts, AF was induced in presence of 0.1 to 0.6 μM acetylcholine. Video movies (potentiometric dye di-4-ANEPPS) of the RA and LA (>30,000 and >20,000 pixels, respectively) were obtained at 120 frames/sec and a biatrial electrogram was recorded. Spectral analyses were performed on movies with DF maps constructed. During AF, the activity formed stable discrete domains with uniform DFs within each domain. Acceleration of AF Increased the number of domains (R = 0.81, P < 0.0001) and the DF variance (R = 0.63, P < 0.001), indicating a decrease in organization. Also, the LA was faster and more homogenous, with smaller number of DF domains, compared to the RA (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: In this model, AF is characterized by multiple domains with distinct DFs on the atrial epicardium. The decrease in domain area with increased rate suggests that AF results from high-frequency impulses that undergo spectral transformations. The LA is generally faster and more organized than the RA, suggesting that the sources for the impulses are localized to the LA.
ANG II receptors, c-myc, and c-jun in myocytes after myocardial infarction and ventricular failure.

To determine the relationship between reactive cardiac hypertrophy and the expression of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors in surviving myocytes after infarction, large infarcts were produced in ra...
Reshaping of the Broad and Bulbous Nasal Tip

This article presents a contemporary overview of tip suturing and tip structural grafting techniques used to refine the wide nasal tip. Previous reductive techniques have proved to produce unnatural results over time. It is imperative to correctly evaluate the nose and assess all possible pitfalls during the preoperative period before outlining a surgical plan. Intraoperatively, an algorithmic approach helps obtain a reproducible and refined yet properly narrowed domal tip region with graceful contours that extend laterally to the alar lobule with proper shadowing.
Aging influences cardiac mitochondrial gene expression and cardiovascular function following hemorrhage injury.

Cardiac dysfunction and mortality associated with trauma and sepsis increase with age. Mitochondria play a critical role in the energy demand of cardiac muscles, and thereby on the function of the heart. Specific molecular pathways responsible for mitochondrial functional alterations after injury in relation to aging are largely unknown. To further investigate this, 6- and 22-month-old rats were subjected to trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) or sham operation and euthanized following resuscitation. Left ventricular tissue was profiled using our custom rodent mitochondrial gene chip (RoMitochip). Our experiments demonstrated a declined left ventricular performance and decreased alteration in mitochondrial gene expression with age following T-H and we have identified c-Myc, a pleotropic transcription factor, to be the most upregulated gene in 6- and 22-month-old rats after T-H. Following T-H, while 142 probe sets were altered significantly (39 up and 103 down) in 6-month-old rats, only 66 were altered (30 up and 36 down) in 22-month-old rats; 36 probe sets (11 up and 25 down) showed the same trend in both groups. The expression of c-Myc and cardiac death promoting gene Bnip3were increased, and Pgc1-α and Ppar-a a decreased following T-H. Eleven †RNA transcripts on mtDNA were upregulated following T-H in the aged animals, compared with the sham group. Our observations suggest a c-myc-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction following T-H injury and marked decrease in age-dependent changes in the transcrip-tional profile of mitochondrial genes following T-H, possibly indicating cellular senescence. To our knowledge, this is the first report on mitochondrial gene expression profile following T-H in relation to aging.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Objective: This clinical practice guideline addresses the diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency. Participants: The Task Force included a chair, selected by The Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee of the Endocrine Society, eight additional clinicians experienced with the disease, a methodologist, and a medical writer. The co-sponsoring associations (European Society of Endocrinology and the American Association for Clinical Chemistry) had participating members. The Task Force received no corporate funding or remuneration in connection with this review. Evidence: This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to determine the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. Consensus Process: The evidence used to formulate recommendations was derived from two commissioned systematic reviews as well as other published systematic reviews and studies identified by the Task Force. The guideline was ...
Alice Seeley Harris, the Atrocity Rhetoric of the Congo Reform Movements, and the Demise of King Léopold's Congo Free State

The author of this article provides a postcolonial study of the missionary identities that were formed when Alice Harris and other Protestant missionaries joined the Congo Reform movements that led to the ouster of King Leopold II from the Congo Free State. The author contends given their material conditions missionaries were at first reluctant to join the anti-Congolese movements and viewed themselves as law-abiding citizens. The photographs that were taken by Alice Harris helped alter subject positions, and eventually different generations of humanitarians started to view these “atrocity” photos as iconic evidence of what Adam Hochschild called the Congolese “holocaust.” At the same time, it is argued that the Harris photos have been used by today's humanitarians who fight other forms of “modern” slavery.
Living Donation Mitigates Poorer Outcomes in Marginal Recipients

Increasing the number of kidney transplantations results in the trend toward the utilization of marginal but acceptable kidneys for deceased donor renal transplantations (DDRT). At the same time, the acceptance of recipients with high medical, surgical, immunological, or psychosocial risks of poor transplant outcomes as we refer to here as “marginal recipients” has been increasing. The combination of both a low quality donor kidney and marginal kidney transplant recipient leads to unfavorable outcomes during the peri- and post-transplant periods. Since some of the risk factors are non-modifiable, living donor renal transplantation (LDRT) with high-quality kidneys and a well-planned operation could potentially mitigate unfavorable outcomes in high risk marginal recipients. In this article, we review common comorbid conditions and risk factors in marginal recipients. We then discuss the different outcomes between DDRT and LDRT in marginal recipients during the perioperative period and suggest potential strategies for utilizing living kidney organs to mitigate the poor outcomes of DDRT.
EMERGING BACTERIA IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

INTRODUCTION Infection remains a common complication in patients with hematologic malignancies, and despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapy and supportive care, is still associated with substantial morbidity and some mortality. The epidemiology of bacterial infection continues to change and is impacted upon by several factors, including the nature of the underlying immunological deficit(s), the nature of antineoplastic therapy, the use of chemoprophylaxis, the use of central venous catheters and other medical devices, and some local epidemiological factors. Constant surveillance and monitoring is necessary in order to detect epidemiological changes in a timely manner, and develop prevention/treatment strategies that take these epidemiologic changes into account. This review will focus on bacteria that are emerging as significant pathogens and are likely to cause therapeutic challenges in the near future, and the need for antimicrobial stewardship.
Organ-Specific Effects of Cortisone on Protein Synthesis in Protein Depleted Rats.

Summary and ConclusionsIn these experiments cortisone had no antisynthetic effect; its effect on protein synthetic reactions was to increase synthesis in the diaphragm. Since liver is spared and diaphragm is not spared against the wasting effects of cortisone, the chief effect of cortisone according to our observations must be its influence on catabolic reactions. Thus the organ-specific effects of cortisone can be explained on the basic of increased catabolism in diaphragm but not in liver.
Size Dependent Particle Toxicity in Drosophila

Nanotechnology, or the use of materials with one dimension less than 100nm, offers the ability to change particle reactivity by simply changing their size. This novel property of nanomaterials is used to create more effective medical treatments for cancer, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but the influence of nanoparticle size on environmental toxicity has not been thoroughly addressed to date. This study examines the influence of the size of silver particles on drosophila egg development by exposing their eggs to particle concentrations ranging from 10ppm-100 ppm of silver. Size, chemistry and agglomeration of the silver particles are evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). This analysis confirmes individual silver particle size in the ranges of 20-30nm, 100nm and 500-1,200 nm with similar chemistry. DLS and TEM data also indicates agglomeration in water; with the TEM images showing individual particles in the correct size range, but the DLS z-average sizes of the silver nanoparticle are 782 ± 379 nm for the 20-30nm silver nanoparticles, 693 ± 114 nm for the 100nm silver nanoparticles and 508 ± 32 nm for the 500-1,200nm silver particles. Most importantly, here we show significantly more drosophila egg toxicity when exposed to larger, non-nanometer, silver particles. Upon exposure to silver nanoparticles sized 20-30nm, drosophila eggs do not exhibit a statistically significant (p 100nm) sized silver particles.
Sign Language: Transcription, Notation, and Writing

The ways in which various types of linguistic data shape transcription and notation are presented: discourse, syntax, morphology, and phonology (articulators, form in time and in space). The section on notation describes the various systems of notational conventions that have been proposed, tracing their development, similarities, and differences, and the section on writing discusses attempts at creating a written form of sign language, from Bebian's Mimographie to the currently popular Sutton SignWriting system.
WE-FG-202-07: An MRI-Based Approach to Quantify Radiation-Induced Normal Tissue Injury Applied to Trismus After Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate if quantitative MRI-derived metrics from four masticatory muscles could explain mouth-opening limitation/trismus following intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: Fifteen intensity-based MRI metrics were derived from the masseter, lateral and medial pterygoid, and temporalis in T1-weighted scans acquired pre- and post gadolinium injection (T1Pre, T1Post) of 16, of in total 20, patients (8 symptomatic; 8 asymptomatic age/sex/tumor location-matched) treated with IMRT to 70 Gy (median) for HNC in 2005–2009. Trismus was defined as “≥decreased range of motion without impaired eating” (CTCAE.v.3: ≥Grade 1). Trismus status was monitored and MRI scans acquired within 1y post-RT. All MRI-derived metrics were assessed as ΔS=S(T1Pre)-S(T1Post)/S(T1Pre), and were normalized to the corresponding metric of a non-irradiated volume defined in each scan. The T1Pre structures were propagated onto the RT dose distribution, and the max and mean dose (Dmax, Dmean) were extracted. The MRI-derived metrics, Dmax, and Dmean were compared between trismus and non-trismus patients. A two-sided Wilcoxon Signed rank test-based p-value≤0.05 denoted significance. Results: For all four muscles the population mean of Dmax and Dmean was higher for patients with trismus compared to patients without trismus (ΔDmax=2.3–4.9 Gy; ΔDmean=and 2.0–3.8 Gy). The standard deviation (SD), the variance, and the minimum value (min) of ΔS were significantly (p=0.04–0.05) different between patients with and without trismus with trismus patients having significantly lower SD (population median: −0.53 vs. −0.31) and variance (−2.09 vs. −0.73) of the masseter, and significantly lower min of the medial pterygoid (−0.36 vs. −0.19). Conclusion: Quantitative MRI-derived metrics of two masticatory muscles were significantly different between patients with and without trismus following RT for HNC. These metrics could serve as image-based biomarkers to better understand the RT-induced etiology behind trismus, but should be further investigated in the complete cohort.
Recognition of tRNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the recognition of tRNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The highly specific selection of tRNA substrates by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is an intriguing problem in RNA-protein recognition. Synthetases specific for each of the 20 amino acids encounter a pool of tRNAs in the cell having similar overall structures. The selection of the appropriate tRNAs for the attachment of each amino acid occurs by the formation of RNA-protein contacts unique to each cognate tRNA-synthetase pair. The sites in tRNAs that govern these interactions have been investigated by a variety of techniques discussed in the chapter, such as the assays of the amino-acid-acceptor specificity of tRNA. The role of the anticodon in recognition, role of the acceptor Stem and discriminator base, and role of modified bases is discussed in the chapter. The anticodon is not required for the recognition of tRNA AIa , and possibly tRNA Ser ; these and all other E. coli tRNAs probably contain identity elements in the anticodon that are crucial for the discrimination of cognate and noncognate tRNAs by synthetases in vivo. In addition, a number of E. coli tRNAs contain important recognition elements for their cognate synthetases in the acceptor stem and/or at the discriminator site.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Stent Placement

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent placement procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
The structural stability of lunar lava tubes

Abstract Mounting evidence from the SELENE, LRO, and GRAIL spacecraft suggests the presence of vacant lava tubes under the surface of the Moon. GRAIL evidence, in particular, suggests that some may be more than a kilometer in width. Such large sublunarean structures would be of great benefit to future human exploration of the Moon, providing shelter from the harsh environment at the surface—but could empty lava tubes of this size be stable under lunar conditions? And what is the largest size at which they could remain structurally sound? We address these questions by creating elasto-plastic finite element models of lava tubes using the Abaqus modeling software and examining where there is local material failure in the tube's roof. We assess the strength of the rock body using the Geological Strength Index method with values appropriate to the Moon, assign it a basaltic density derived from a modern re-analysis of lunar samples, and assume a 3:1 width-to-height ratio for the lava tube. Our results show that the stability of a lava tube depends on its width, its roof thickness, and whether the rock comprising the structure begins in a lithostatic or Poisson stress state. With a roof 2 m thick, lava tubes a kilometer or more in width can remain stable, supporting inferences from GRAIL observations. The theoretical maximum size of a lunar lava tube depends on a variety of factors, but given sufficient burial depth (500 m) and an initial lithostatic stress state, our results show that lava tubes up to 5 km wide may be able to remain structurally stable.
Conformational preferences of amphetamine analogues for inhibition of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase. Conformationally defined adrenergic agents. 5.

A series of conformationally defined amphetamine analogues was examined for their ability to inhibit competitively the enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). Among these were compounds based on the benzobicyclo-[2.2.1]heptene and the benzobicyclo-[2.2.2]octene structures which, depending upon the point of the attachment of the amino group, closely approximate a trans antiperiplanar or a gauche conformation of amphetamine. Some more flexible conformationally restricted amphetamine analogues which had been previously evaluated as inhibitors of PNMT were included in the study for comparison. In all cases, those compounds which mimicked the gauche conformation of amphetamine failed to inhibit competitively PNMT, whereas compounds which approximated a fully extended (trans antiperiplanar) conformation showed significant inhibition. Therefore, the indication from the data is that phenylethylamines must be able to achieve a fully extended conformation of the side chain in order to bind to the PNMT active site.
Variation in Veteran Identity as a Factor in Veteran-Targeted Interventions

The sociocultural identities that people self-assign or accept influence their interpersonal interactions and decision making. Identity-based interventions attempt to influence individuals by associating healthy behaviors with in-group membership. Outreach and educational efforts aimed at veterans may rely on “typical” veteran identity stereotypes. However, as discussed in this Open Forum, there is evidence that veteran identity is not monolithic but rather fluctuates on the basis of personal characteristics and individual military service experiences. Overall, the impact of veteran identity on veterans’ health behaviors and use of health care is not known and has been understudied. A major limiting factor is the lack of a standardized measure of veteran identity that can assess variations in salience, prominence, and emotional valence.
Accuracy of Current Diagnostic Criteria for Acute Bacterial Infection in Older Adults in the Emergency Department

Objectives To compare the accuracy of the Loeb criteria, emergency department (ED) physicians’ diagnoses, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for acute bacterial infection in older adults with a criterion standard expert review. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Urban, tertiary-care ED. Participants Individuals aged 65 and older in the ED, excluding those who were incarcerated, underwent a trauma, did not speak English, or were unable to consent. Measurements Two physician experts identified bacterial infections using clinical judgement, participant surveys, and medical records; a third adjudicated in cases of disagreement. Agreement and test characteristics were measured for ED physician diagnosis, Loeb criteria, and CDC surveillance guidelines. Results Criterion-standard review identified bacterial infection in 77 of 424 participants (18%) (18 (4.2%) lower respiratory, 19 (4.5%) urinary tract (UTI), 22 (5.2%) gastrointestinal, 15 (3.5%) skin and soft tissue). ED physicians diagnosed infection in 71 (17%), but there were 33 with under- and 27 with overdiagnosis. Physician agreement with the criterion standard was moderate for infection overall and each infection type (κ = 0.48–0.59), but sensitivity was low (<67%), and the negative likelihood ratio (LR(-)) was greater than 0.30 for all infections. The Loeb criteria had poor sensitivity, agreement, and LR(–) for lower respiratory (50%, κ = 0.55; 0.51) and urinary tract infection (26%, κ = 0.34; 0.74), but 87% sensitivity (κ = 0.78; LR(–) 0.14) for skin and soft tissue infections. CDC guidelines had moderate agreement but poor sensitivity and LR(–). Conclusion Emergency physicians often under- and overdiagnose infections in older adults. The Loeb criteria are useful only for diagnosing skin and soft tissue infections. CDC guidelines are inadequate in the ED. New criteria are needed to aid ED physicians in accurately diagnosing infection in older adults.