cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) therapy may improve the position of undescended testis: a preliminary report.

Introduction. Treatment of cryptorchidism includes hormonal therapy and/or operative methods. To evaluate effectiveness of neoadjuvant hCG-therapy in cryptorchid boys regarding testicle position before and after treatment. Material and methods. 204 boys with 229 UDT, median age at presentation 6,6 years, SD ±3.4; 179 (87.7%) with unilateral and 25 (12.3%) with bilateral defect were treated between 1994 and 2008. 103 boys (119 gonads – 51.9%) underwent orchiopexy alone, while 101 boys (110 gonads – 48.1%) neoadjuvant hCG-therapy. The testicle position was evaluated before and one year after therapy. Every patient was seen in our outpatient department 2 to 16 years after the therapy. Results. Out of 110 testes of 101 boys after hCG-therapy, 49 testicles (44.5%) descended to the scrotum and these 44 patients were not qualified for orchiopexy. Remaining 61 testes (55.5%) did not reach the scrotum after hormonal therapy and these 57 boys underwent orchiopexy. Gonadotropin induced the descent of 90 out of 110 testicles at least one level down, therefore overall effectiveness of hCG therapy was 81.8% (chi = 29.778, p = 0.000). 49 out of 110 UDT descended to the scrotum (44.5%). The efficacy of hormonal treatment did not depended on initial position of UDT (p = 0.43, p = 0.04, p = 0.97). We performed only 7 orchidectomies of disgenetic testes (3.1%). Neither type of treatment nor initial position of testicle influenced the future gonad atrophy (p = 0.5, p = 0.979). Conclusions. Neoadjuvant hCG-therapy induced descent to the scrotum of 44.5% UDT and improved position of testis before orchidopexy in further 37.3% of patients.
D‐Isomeric replacements within the 6–9 core sequence of ac‐[Nle4]‐α‐MSH4–11‐NH2: A topological model for the solution conformation of α‐melanotropin

Analogs of Ac-[Nle4]-α-MSH4–11-NH2 and Ac-[Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH4–11-NH2 were prepared with D-isomeric replacements at the His6, Arg8, and Trp9 residues. The requirement for an indole moiety at position 9 also was evaluated by replacement with L-leucine in both parent fragment analogs. D-isomeric replacements at positions 6 and 8 in either series were detrimental to biological potency in frog (Rana pipiens) and lizard skin (Anolis carolinensis) in vitro melanotropic assays. However, Ac-[Nle4, D-Trp9]-α-MSH4–11-NH2 and Ac-[Nle4, D-Phe7, D-Trp9]-α-MSH4–11-NH2 were equipotent and 10 × more potent than Ac-[Nle4]-α-MSH4–11-NH2, respectively, in the lizard skin bioassay, and 30 and 1900 times more potent in the frog skin bioassay. Ac-[Nle4, D-Phe7, D-Trp9]-α-MSH4–11-NH2 was 3 × more potent than α-MSH in the frog skin bioassay. Proton nmr studies in aqueous solution revealed a marked preservation of the backbone conformation of these linear analogs. Chemical-shift variations due to the through-space anisotropic influence of the core aromatic amino acid residues permitted evaluation of side-chain topology. The observed topology was consistent with nonhydrogen-bonded β-like structure (ϕ = −139°, ψ = +135° for L-amino acids; ϕ = +139°, ψ = −135° for D-amino acids) as the predominant solution conformation. The biological and conformational data suggest that high melanotropic potency requires a close spatial arrangement of the His6, Phe7, and Arg8 side chains.
Characterization of Immune Reactivity Profiles Using Microarray Technology May Expedite Identification of Candidate Antigens for Next Generation Malaria Vaccines

Vaccines have proven to be one of the most successful and efficient means of controlling infectious diseases of public health importance, including smallpox, polio, pertussis, and measles (1). The annual global burden of 300–500 million new malaria cases and 1–3 million malaria-related deaths demonstrates the potential public health and socioeconomic benefit that would accrue with the deployment of a highly effective malaria vaccine, particularly for the most affected and impoverished populations (2). However, despite several decades of research and substantial evidence for its feasibility, such a vaccine remains elusive (3). Among the many challenges facing vaccine developers is how to mine the human immune response to natural infection to identify protective antigens and associated host responses. While there is no evidence that sterile immunity is ever naturally induced by the parasite, both symptoms and parasite density gradually decline with repeated exposure, resulting in a state of clinical and partial parasitological immunity (4). Thus young children living in endemic areas are at the greatest risk for high-density infections and for clinical disease, including severe complications, whereas older children and adults are rarely symptomatic, although they may harbor and transmit the parasite. A variety of data implicate antibody responses to multiple blood stage antigens as the primary effector mechanism underlying naturally acquired immunity; the antigenic targets, however, have not been clearly identified. Our limited understanding of the array of protective (and nonprotective) immune responses is reflected by the small number of antigens under development as candidate vaccines or shown to be protective in experimental challenge models (5)(6). Indeed, current generation subunit vaccines are based on a few “traditional” antigens (7) despite evidence that antimalarial immunity is likely multifactorial, targeting many antigens and involving antibody responses, T cell responses, cytokines, natural killer cells, and many additional effector mechanisms (8) …
Inside a Collapsing Bubble: Sonoluminescence and the Conditions During Cavitation

Acoustic cavitation, the growth and rapid collapse of bubbles in a liquid irradiated with ultrasound, is a unique source of energy for driving chemical reactions with sound, a process known as sonochemistry. Another consequence of acoustic cavitation is the emission of light [sonoluminescence (SL)]. Spectroscopic analyses of SL from single bubbles as well as a cloud of bubbles have revealed line and band emission, as well as an underlying continuum arising from a plasma. Application of spectrometric methods of pyrometry as well as tools of plasma diagnostics to relative line intensities, profiles, and peak positions have allowed the determination of intracavity temperatures and pressures. These studies have shown that extraordinary conditions (temperatures up to 20,000 K; pressures of several thousand bar; and heating and cooling rates of >10 12 Ks −1 ) are generated within an otherwise cold liquid.
Recognition and treatment of non-infectious hyaluronic acid reactions

Objective: To differentiate a non-infectious inflammatory reaction following hyaluronic acid injection for facial rejuvenation from other reported complications, and describe appropriate treatment. Methods: Using a review of the literature and information available from the manufacturer, recommendations for management of non-infectious hyaluronic acid reactions are made. Results: Patients who are afebrile with a normal white blood cell count and negative cultures, who appear to have an infectious process following hyaluronic acid injection are in fact having an inflammatory response. The inflammation may worsen with antibiotic therapy. Treatment should be systemic and/or local steroids, which may need to be for up to 6 months. Conclusion: After reviewing the literature, non-infectious inflammatory reaction following hyaluronic acid injection is exceedingly rare with only one other reported case. Erythematous skin in the week following injection without other infectious markers, such as fever or elevated s...
Resonance cone structure in a warm inhomogeneous bounded plasma with lower-hybrid resonance layers

The paper presents a theoretical study of the problem of the wave fields excited by a gap source at the edge of an inhomogeneous magnetized plasma with a pair of lower-hybrid resonance layers present and bounded by conducting walls. The approach used is that of a solution as a sum of multiply reflected extraordinary mode and ion-thermal resonance cones as an alternative to the guided-wave mode approach. A diagrammatic scheme for writing the solution is given which can be used to determine in great detail the structure and properties of the resonance cones and the way they transform across the back-to-back hybrid layers. Evanescent resonance cones are shown to exist in the high-density region between the hybrid resonance layers and to tunnel through to the other side, maintaining this general structure if the layer is relatively thin.
Downregulation of the T-Cell Receptor Complex and Impairment of T-Cell Activation by Human Herpesvirus 6 U24 Protein

We have performed a screen aimed at identifying human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)-encoded proteins that modulate immune recognition. Here we show that the U24 protein encoded by HHV-6 variant A downregulates cell surface expression of the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex, a complex essential to T-cell activation and the generation of an immune adaptive response. In the presence of U24, the TCR/CD3 complex is endocytosed but is not recycled back to the plasma membrane. Instead, it accumulates in early and late endosomes. Interestingly, whereas CD3 downregulation from the cell surface is normally associated with T-cell activation, U24 downregulates CD3 independently of T-cell activation. Moreover, we found that U24-expressing T cells are resistant to activation by antigen-presenting cells. HHV-6 has evolved a unique mechanism of inhibition of T-cell activation that may impair the establishment of an adaptive immune response. Furthermore, lymphocyte activation creates an environment favorable to the reactivation and replication of lymphotropic herpesviruses. Thus, by inhibiting T-cell activation, HHV-6 might limit its reactivation and thus minimize immune recognition.
DAG Synchronization Constraint Language for Business Processes

Correct synchronization among activities is critical in a business process. Current workflow languages such as BPEL specify the control flow of processes explicitly. However, their procedural style may cause inflexibility and tangled code. We propose DSCL (Dag-acyclic-graph Synchronization Constraint Language) to achieve three desirable properties for a synchronization modeling language: declarative syntax, fine granularity and validation support. Instead of composing service out of structured constructs, DSCL declaratively describe the synchronization constraints in three basic relations on activity states. The state relationships collectively determine the execution order of activities in a composite process. The relationships are automatically translated into Petri Nets and simulated in the CPN/Tools, from which several correctness criteria can be validated for the composite process. We illustrate the advantages of DSCL with a Purchasing workflow example from BPEL 1.0 specification, and verify its correctness using CPN/Tools.
Selective Error Detection for Error-Resilient JPEG2000 Coding

This paper presents a selective error detection (SED) scheme that is based on a similarity check function designed for the JPEG2000 compression algorithm. The presented scheme takes advantage of the error-resilience properties of JPEG-2000 to significantly reduce the number of corrupted data packets that need to be retransmitted in a typical ARQ scheme. The degree of corruption induced by a particular codeblock is measured by a similarity check function at the receiver, without using any explicit knowledge regarding the original source data. Accordingly, if the data is found to be badly corrupted based on a specified similarity criteria, it is considered unusable and retransmitted. On the other hand, if the corrupted data does not significantly affect the quality of the decoded image, it is simply processed by the decoder without retransmission. Simulation results comparing the proposed selective retransmission scheme to full retransmission of corrupted packets are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
Bioluminescence imaging of lymphocyte trafficking in vivo

Lymphocytes are highly mobile cells that travel throughout the body in response to a tremendous variety of stimuli. Revealing lymphocyte trafficking patterns in vivo is necessary for a complete understanding of immune function, as well as cell-cell and cell-tissue interactions in immune development and in response to insult. Although the location of cell populations in various tissues at any given point in time may be revealed by techniques such as flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, these methods are not readily amenable to the assessment of dynamic cell migration patterns in vivo. In the past 5 years, technologies for imaging molecular and cellular changes in living animals have advanced to a point where it is possible to reveal the migratory paths of these vitally important cells. Here, we review one advancement in cellular imaging, in vivo bioluminescence imaging, which addresses the problem of lymphocyte tracking. This imaging strategy has the potential to elucidate the temporal patterns of immune responses and the spatial distribution of lymphocytes within the body.
Inverse formulation and finite difference solution for flow from a circular orifice

The problem of flow from a large reservoir through a circular orifice is formulated by considering the velocity potential and Stokes's stream function as the independent variables and the radial and axial dimensions as the dependent variables, and a finite difference solution is obtained to the resulting boundary-value problem. This inverse formulation has the advantage over a finite difference solution in the physical plane that the region of flow is rectangular and consequently well adapted for minimum logic in programming a digital computer. The inverse finite difference solution is more readily obtained than a comparable solution in the physical plane, even though the inverse partial differential equation and associated boundary conditions are non-linear. The results from the inverse finite difference solution are in close agreement with other most recent results from approximate solutions to this problem.The inverse method of solution is applicable to other free streamline as well as confined axisymmetric potential flow problems. The essential difference in other problems will be in the boundary conditions.Keywords: Orifice, Finite Differences, Non-linear Partial Differential Equation, Potential Flow.
Optimal task allocation in task-agent-control state space

In many advanced man-machine systems, the complexity of the process often exceeds the capability of the human or the machine to deal with certain situations. In such systems, allocation of the process tasks between the human and the machine(s) is important for successful performance. A new method for optimal task allocation and optimal information transfer is suggested. The method utilizes a new TASK-AGENT-CONTROL state space into which tasks are mapped. This space allows the application of network optimization techniques which determines the optimal allocating of the process tasks. The method has been tested in a new traveling aid for the blind called the Navbelt. In this system, task allocation is changed according to the user's individual capabilities, and according to changes in the surroundings. >
The Social Construction of Wife Abuse Experiences of Asian Indian Women in the United States

The terms wife abuse and battered woman were coined in the 1970s. Although such naming is meaningful, these social constructions are restrictive so that only a narrow range of behaviors and people fit these labels. With the help of interviews with Hindu Asian Indian immigrants, this article highlights the importance of including the experiences of diverse groups of women in any analysis of domestic violence. Thirty people, 5 abused Asian Indian women who had sought help from support groups, 11 members of South Asian support groups, and 14 married, nonabused women living in a city on the east coast of the United States were interviewed for this study. The study challenges the popular perception of abused women, specifically South Asian battered women, as passive victims.
Ice core evidence of rapid air temperature increases since 1960 in alpine areas of the Wind River Range, Wyoming, United States

[1] Site-specific transfer functions relating delta oxygen 18 (δ18O) values in snow to the average air temperature (TA) during storms on Upper Fremont Glacier (UFG) were used in conjunction with δ18O records from UFG ice cores to reconstruct long-term trends in air temperature from alpine areas in the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Transfer functions were determined by using data collected from four seasonal snowpacks (1989–1990, 1997–1998, 1998–1999, and 1999–2000). The timing and amount of each storm was determined from an automated snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) site, 22 km northeast of UFG, and ∼1060 m in elevation below UFG. Statistically significant and positive correlations between δ18O values in the snow and TA were consistently found in three of the four seasonal snowpacks. The snowpack with the poor correlation was deposited in 1997–1998 during the 1997–1998 El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). An ultrasonic snow-depth sensor installed on UFG provided valuable insights into site-specific storms and postdepositional processes that occur on UFG. The timing of storms recorded at the UFG and Cold Springs SNOTEL sites were similar; however, selected storms did not correlate. Snow from storms occurring after mid-October and followed by high winds was most susceptible to redeposition of snow. This removal of lower temperature snowfall could potentially bias the δ18O values preserved in ice core records to environmental conditions reflecting higher air temperatures and lower wind speeds. Transfer functions derived from seasonal snow cover on UFG were used to reconstruct TA values from δ18O values determined from two ice cores collected from UFG. Reconstructed air temperatures from the ice core data indicate an increase in TA of ∼3.5°C from the mid-1960s to the early 1990s in the alpine areas of northwestern Wyoming. Reconstructed TA from the ice core records between the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA), mid-1800s, and the early 1990s indicate a TA increase of ∼5°C. The historically reconstructed TA values from the UFG were significantly higher than the global average observed during the 20th Century but were in agreement with TA increases observed at selected, high-altitude and high-latitude sites in other parts of the world. Additional research is required to determine if part of the observed trend toward heavier δ18O values in ice from the UFG since the LIA (and increased TA) is due to an increased proportion of snowfall from southerly storm tracks and moisture sources, as seems to have been the situation in 1997–1998.
Can hardware performance counters be trusted

When creating architectural tools, it is essential to know whether the generated results make sense. Comparing a toolpsilas outputs against hardware performance counters on an actual machine is a common means of executing a quick sanity check. If the results do not match, this can indicate problems with the tool, unknown interactions with the benchmarks being investigated, or even unexpected behavior of the real hardware. To make future analyses of this type easier, we explore the behavior of the SPEC benchmarks with both dynamic binary instrumentation (DBI) tools and hardware counters. We collect retired instruction performance counter data from the full SPEC CPU 2000 and 2006 benchmark suites on nine different implementations of the times86 architecture. When run with no special preparation, hardware counters have a coefficient of variation of up to 1.07%. After analyzing results in depth, we find that minor changes to the experimental setup reduce observed errors to less than 0.002% for all benchmarks. The fact that subtle changes in how experiments are conducted can largely impact observed results is unexpected, and it is important that researchers using these counters be aware of the issues involved.
Ethical issues associated with conducting genetic family studies of complex disease.

Purpose To examine subjects' recognition of the risks and ethical issues associated with enrollment in genetic family studies (GFS) and explore how this recognition affects their informed and voluntary participation. Methods A cross-sectional study design including both quantitative and qualitative data was employed. Structured interviews using the Contextual Assessment Approach Questionnaire (CAA-Q) were conducted with 246 Mexican American (MA) participants. To gain in-depth understanding of questionnaire responses, semi-structured interviews with 30 participants were conducted. All participants were interviewed before their enrollment in the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND). Results Subjects' average age was 56 years; 62% were females. Seventy-eight percent of participants were not formally educated beyond high school and 72% reported an annual household income of ≤ $20,000. Eighty-five percent agreed to provide researchers with information on relatives' ages, gender, and education. Sixty-five percent of participants were willing to provide identifiable information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers of relatives. Sixty-three percent of participants indicated that there were direct benefits (i.e., supporting research) to disclosing relatives' information. Seventy-six percent stated that there were no risks associated with participation in GFS (e.g., discrimination or confidentiality of genetic information) compared with 10% who said that there were such risks. While discussing potential risks, subjects did not consider these to influence their decision to participate. Conclusions Subjects enrolled in GFS did not recognize and tended to underestimate the social and cultural risks associated with their participation in GFS. If subjects do not fully comprehend the risks, this raises questions concerning their ability to provide informed consent and to voluntarily participate. We propose a subject-centered approach that views enrollment as an active process in which subjects and recruiters give and receive information on risks and ethical issues related to participation, which enhances protection of the rights and welfare of subjects participating in GFS.
Seismic component devices

This chapter introduces seismic component devices that are widely used to protect bridges from severe damages during earthquakes by absorbing or dissipating input seismic energy. These devices can generally be classified as seismic isolators and damping systems. Seismic isolators reduce peak seismic demand on bridge piers through dynamic isolation of the deck from piers. This is done by placing flexible seismic isolation bearings between the deck and piers, thereby elongating the first natural period of the bridge beyond the spectrum of predominant earthquake periods. Damping systems are installed in parallel with isolators to limit excessive displacement of the deck. Four common types of isolators, low-damping rubber bearing (LDRB), high-damping rubber bearing (HDRB), lead rubber bearing (LRB), and friction pendulum system (FPS), are discussed in detail. The mathematical concept behind seismic isolation using a simple bridge model is also explained. The design method of seismic isolation in bridges based on the current design codes is briefly described. Typical passive damping systems used in bridges and other structures are fluid viscous damper (FVD), friction damper (FD), and magnetorheological damper (MRD). This text describes advantages and disadvantages of these dampers. Applications of isolators and damping systems are illustrated through some examples of bridges equipped by seismic component devices around the world.
Adults With Left-Sided Pressure Loading Lesions

Adults with congenital heart disease represent a growing population. Now, more adults are living with congenital heart disease than children. Thus, adult cardiologists are likely to care for patients with either new diagnoses of congenital heart defects or complications of previously diagnosed defects or their interventions. In the present article, we review congenital conditions that lead to left-sided pressure overload states, specifically, subaortic stenosis, aortic stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta. We discuss the anatomy, epidemiology, and diagnosis of these specific lesions and review the current literature for management considerations.
Restoring the sense of touch

Amputation of damaged tissue is one of the oldest surgical techniques, reaching prevalence in the 16th century ( 1 ). Improved emergency medicine has allowed more individuals to survive traumatic injuries as amputees, but prosthetic limbs remain the only means to restore any degree of function to these patients. Inadequate tactile feedback is a leading shortcoming of prosthetic limbs, but for artificial hands, just a few sensors that relay grasp pressure back to the user can provide the functionality needed to enable delicate tasks ( 2 ). In addition to improved motor control, sensory stimulation could alleviate phantom limb pain, which affects ~80% of amputees ( 2 ). On page 314 of this issue, Tee et al. ( 3 ) report a Digital Tactile System (“DiTact”) based on a low-power flexible organic transistor circuit that transduces pressure stimuli into oscillating signals like those generated by skin mechanoreceptors. Mammalian skin is a multilayered viscoelastic material that can stretch up to ~125% from its resting dimensions without any apparent loss in sensitivity to external stimuli such as pressure or temperature. Replicating skin mechanical and functional properties remains an elusive engineering challenge. Meanwhile, the rapidly expanding field of flexible electronics has made substantial strides, and complex circuits can now be produced on soft substrates. Advances in microcontact printing, inkjet deposition, and organic electronics have delivered stretchable and flexible, wearable, and even epidermal sensors ( 4 – 6 ).
Intracranial mass in a patient with leukemia: question

A 48-year-old woman with history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and myeloid leukemia, on nilotinib chemotherapy following a recent blast crisis, presented as a presumed stroke with altered mental status, left upper extremity weakness, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was reportedly normal approximately 12 hours prior. At the time of examination, the patient was drowsy and unable to corroborate her own history. She was able to answer appropriately for date, name, and commands. Speech was dysarthric. Motor testing of extremities demonstrated 5/5 strength in the right extremities, 2/5 strength in the left extremities, with a left facial droop. Initial imaging demonstrated a hyperdense, likely hemorrhagic, ovoid mass along
Strictly personal

Developments in miniaturization in radio design have been aimed for years at personalizing the equipment. The design parameters are affected by not only technical accuracy but also somewhat offset by personal likes and dislikes of the user. This paper describes a personal receiver in terms of development to achieve personal compatibility.
Is an Empty Nest Best?: Coresidence With Adult Children and Parental Marital Quality Before and After the Great Recession

Objectives Since the Great Recession, the proportion of young adults living with their parents has risen steadily in the United States. Research on coresidence with adult children and parental marital quality is mixed, but marital quality may suffer if children coreside under certain circumstances. When coresidence signifies a deviation from normative expectations, it may be a source of stress in parents' marriages. Further, living with adult children who are suffering problems may be especially detrimental to parental marital quality. Method Middle-aged parents (N = 287; mean age = 50.65) completed measures of marital quality, child problems, and coresidence at 2 time points, at the onset of the Great Recession in 2008 and again in 2013. Results Regression analyses estimating marital quality from coresidence status revealed that coresidence with a child was associated with lower parental marital quality in 2008, but not in 2013 (when it may be considered more normative to have adult children living in the home). Additional analyses showed living with a child who was suffering problems was associated with lower marital quality in 2013. Discussion These findings suggest that coresidence may be detrimental to marital quality, but perhaps only when coresidence is nonnormative or when coresidence co-occurs with child problems.
Some Notes on Four Primary Reference Works for Lepidoptera

As studies of North American Rhopalocera become more exact it is increasingly important that the authorship and date of publication for the names in common use be fixed. Many of the names proposed by the older European authors stand insecurely in our lists at the present time. The general tendency has been to accept the citations and dates in Kirby's Catalogue[1][1]. In fact, this work is the source from which all of our catalogues have been drawn. Strecker, Skinner and Dyar based their work on Kirby and additions from the literature subsequently published. [1]: #fn-1
Hämoglobin: Interaktion mit NO während Sepsis

Nitric Oxide (Stickstoffmonoxid, NO) ist ein endogener Vasodilatator, der von mehreren NO-Synthasen gebildet wird und zur Kontrolle des Gefastonus beitragt. Wahrend Sepsis, Endotoxin- oder Zytokingabe wird NO in grosen Mengen gebildet und verursacht eine generalisierte systemische Vasodilatation. Freies Hamoglobin ist in der Lage, NO zu binden und bewirkt so eine Vasokonstriktion sowohl bei gesunden als auch bei septischen Individuen mit Anstieg des systemarteriellen Blutdrucks und Widerstands. Gleichzeitig tritt eine pulmonale Hypertonie auf, ein in der Regel nicht erwunschter Effekt. Freies Hamoglobin stellt die bei Sepsis verminderte Gefasreaktivitat wieder her und scheint der myokardialen Dysfunktion entgegenzuwirken. Die glomerulare Filtrationsrate, wahrend Sepsis vermindert, wird verbessert und die Urinausscheidung gefordert. Wahrend Hamoglobin bei gesunden Tieren mit einer verminderten Pankreas- und Nierendurchblutung verbunden ist, wird die regionale Durchblutung wahrend Sepsis kaum von Hamoglobin beeinflust. Die Wechselwirkungen von Hamoglobin und der Immunabwehr sind nicht hinreichend untersucht. Infusion groser Mengen von Hamoglobin kann zu einer Methamoglobinamie mit Beeintrachtigung der Oxygenierung fuhren. Zu den potentiellen, klinischen Indikationen zahlen die Anwendung von Hamoglobin als Sauerstofftrager anstelle von Bluttransfusionen und als NO-Bindesubstanz (Scavenger) bei Sepsis. Weitere Studien, die die kurz- und langfristige Vertraglichkeit untersuchen, sind erforderlich, bevor Hamoglobin zum klinischen Einsatz kommen kann.
An Improved Method of Compression Testing of Foam Materials

This paper describes an improved method for compression testing of materials like carbon foams. In this method, the end surfaces of cylindrical specimens were coated (endpotted) with Epoxy DP460 adhesive to avoid end failure, and the test results of end-potted and not-potted specimens were compared. The proposed method prevented local crushing of cells at the loading faces and the specimens failed in a typical shear mode. The high speed photography showed a clear failure initiation, propagation along shear planes, and ultimate failure. SEM analysis showed shear-like deformation of cells along the shear plane and no deformation of cells away from the shear plane, which is typical of a brittle material. The data generated had minimal scatter.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Recent studies have demonstrated that screening and treatment for toxoplasmosis during gestation result in a decrease of vertical transmission and clinical sequelae. Early treatment was associated with improved outcomes. Thus, laboratory methods should aim for early identification of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). Diagnostic approaches should include, at least, detection of Toxoplasma IgG, IgM, and IgA and a comprehensive review of maternal history, including the gestational age at which the mother was infected and treatment. Here, we review laboratory methods for the diagnosis of CT, with emphasis on serological tools. A diagnostic algorithm that takes into account maternal history is presented.
Marijuana use and its effects in pregnancy.

Background It is generally assumed that marijuana is one of the more widely used controlled substances during pregnancy. However, there remains a general paucity of population-based data regarding its use and subsequent perinatal morbidity. We hypothesized that direct patient query during pregnancy regarding marijuana, tobacco, and nicotine use would provide crucial initial population-based data on perinatal risk. Objective Our study sought to examine maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with reported marijuana exposure, in isolation or in combination with maternal cigarette smoking. Study Design We applied a retrospective cohort study design to subjects (n = 12,069) with available information on marijuana use and pregnancy outcomes. Since 2011, we have routinely and directly questioned all gravidae regarding use of marijuana, tobacco, and nicotine-containing products. We examined perinatal outcomes in marijuana smokers vs nonsmokers, as well as patients reporting both marijuana and cigarette smoking. Multivariate analysis enabled determination of adjusted odds ratios for maternal and fetal outcomes, adjusting for confounders. Significance was determined with Mann-Whitney U, χ 2 , and Fischer exact tests (as appropriate). Results In all, 106/12,069 reported marijuana use (0.88%), with 48/12,069 (0.4%; or 48/106, 45%) concurrently using cigarettes and marijuana. After controlling for potential confounding variables, while marijuana use alone was not associated with significant adverse outcomes, use in combination with cigarette smoking was significantly associated with increased risk of multiple adverse perinatal outcomes (increased occurrence of maternal asthma [adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–5.9]; preterm birth [adjusted odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–4.9]; decreased [ Conclusion In our initial cohort analysis, after controlling for potential confounders, while marijuana exposure alone was not associated with significant perinatal adverse outcomes, co-use with cigarette smoking rendered increased risk over either alone. Due to observed prevalence of concurrent cigarette and marijuana use, it is of likely importance to counsel patients regarding use in pregnancy.
Utilization of pyrolytic substrate by microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii : cell membrane property change as a response of the substrate toxicity

Acetic acid derived from fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is a promising substrate for microalgae fermentation for producing lipid-rich biomass. However, crude pyrolytic acetic acid solution contains various toxic compounds inhibiting algal growth. It was hypothesized that such an inhibition was mainly due to the cell membrane damage. In this work, the cell membrane property of algal cells was evaluated at various conditions to elucidate the mechanisms of inhibition caused by the pyrolytic substrate solution. It was found that acetic acid itself served a carbon source for boosting algal cell growth but also caused cell membrane leakage. The acetic acid concentration for highest cell density was 4 g/L. Over-liming treatment of crude pyrolytic acetic acid increased the algal growth with a concurrent reduction of cell membrane leakage. Directed evolution of algal strain enhanced cell membrane integrity and thus increased its tolerance to the toxicity of the crude substrate. Statistical analysis shows that there was a significant correlation between the cell growth performance and the cell membrane integrity (leakage) but not membrane fluidity. The addition of cyto-protectants such as Pluronic F68 and Pluronic F127 enhanced the cell membrane integrity and thus, resulted in enhanced cell growth. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of algal cells visually confirmed the cell membrane damage as the mechanism of the pyrolytic substrate inhibition. Collectively, this work indicates that the cell membrane is one major reason for the toxicity of pyrolytic acetic acid when being used for algal culture. To better use this pyrolytic substrate, cell membrane of the microorganism needs to be strengthened through either strain improvement or addition of membrane protectant reagents.
The level of IgG antibodies reactive to TF, Tn and alpha-Gal polyacrylamide-glycoconjugates in breast cancer patients: relation to survival.

BACKGROUND The serum levels of IgG antibodies reactive to glycoconjugates (TF, Tn and αGal) were found to be associated with prognosis of gastrointestinal cancer patients. AIM To study the relation between the levels of serum antibodies to TF-pAA, Tn-PAA and αGal-PAA polyacrylamide-based glycoconjugates and survival in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The preoperative level of IgG antibodies was analysed in the serum of patients (n = 59) using ELISA with polyacrylamide-glycoconjugates namely, TF-pAA (amide-type), and ethanolamide-conjugates Tn-PAA and αGal-PAA. Survival rate and hazard ratio (HR) were assessed by the Kaplan - Meier method and Cox univariate analysis in different pathomorphological groups. RESULTS Significantly better survival was observed in patients with an increased level of anti-TF-pAA antibodies both for all patients in total and groups in stages II-III; N1-2 and G3 (p = 0.008-0.021, HR = 0.18-0.23, mean survival time in months 164-186 vs 69-121). A trend to worse survival was observed in increased level of anti-Tn IgG (stages II-III) and anti-αGal IgG (G3): p = 0.075, HR = 2.49 and p = 0.066, HR = 3.27, respectively. CONCLUSION The method for the determination of circulating anti-TF-pAA IgG may be a useful supplement in long-term prognostic assessment of patients with breast cancer.
Mesoporous carbon nanoshells for high hydrophobic drug loading, multimodal optical imaging, controlled drug release, and synergistic therapy

Loading and controlled release of sufficient hydrophobic drugs to tumor cells has been the bottleneck in chemotherapy for decades. Herein we report the development of a fluorescent and mesoporous carbon nanoshell (FMP-CNS) that exhibits a loading capacity for the hydrophobic drug paclitaxel (PTX) as high as ∼80 wt% and releases the drug in a controllable fashion under NIR irradiation (825 nm) at an intensity of 1.5 W cm-2. The high drug loading is primarily attributed to its mesoporous structure and to the supramolecular π-stacking between FMP-CNSs and PTX molecules. The FMP-CNS also exhibits wavelength-tunable and upconverted fluorescence properties and thus can serve as an optical marker for confocal, two-photon, and near infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, our in vitro results indicate that FMP-CNSs demonstrate high therapeutic efficacy through the synergistic effect of combined chemo-photothermal treatment. In vivo studies demonstrate marked suppression of tumor growth in mice bearing rat C6 glioblastoma after administration with a single intratumoral injection of PTX-loaded FMP-CNS.
Endotracheal tube placement confirmation: 100% sensitivity and specificity with sustained four-phase capnographic waveforms in a cadaveric experimental model.

Abstract Background Waveform capnography is considered the gold standard for verification of proper endotracheal tube placement, but current guidelines caution that it is unreliable in low-perfusion states such as cardiac arrest. Recent case reports found that long-deceased cadavers can produce capnographic waveforms. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of waveform capnography for endotracheal tube placement verification and detection of misplacement using a cadaveric experimental model. Methods We conducted a controlled experiment with two intubated cadavers. Tubes were placed within the trachea, esophagus, and hypopharynx utilizing video laryngoscopy. We recorded observations of capnographic waveforms and quantitative end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) values during tracheal versus extratracheal (i.e., esophageal and hypopharyngeal) ventilations. Results 106 and 89 tracheal ventilations delivered to cadavers one and two, respectively (n=195) all produced characteristic alveolar waveforms (positive) with ETCO 2 values ranging 2–113mmHg. 42 esophageal ventilations (36 to cadaver one and 6 to cadaver two), and 6 hypopharyngeal ventilations (4 to cadaver one and 2 to cadaver two) all resulted in non-alveolar waveforms (negative) with ETCO 2 values of 0mmHg. Esophageal and hypopharyngeal measurements were categorized as extratracheal (n=48). A binary classification test showed no false negatives or false positives, indicating 100% sensitivity (NPV 1.0, 95%CI 0.98–1.00) and 100% specificity (PPV 1.0, 95%CI 0.93–1.00). Conclusion Though current guidelines question the reliability of waveform capnography for verifying endotracheal tube location during low-perfusion states such as cardiac arrest, our findings suggest that it is highly sensitive and specific.
A Method of Fracture Toughness Measurement and Effect of Partial Annealing on Monolithic Thick Cold Sprayed Aluminum 6061 Deposits

Cold spray is a solid-state material deposition method that can create thick (>10mm) metal layers that adhere metallurgically to a base part or a substrate. Numerous potential applications exist, such as returning worn mechanical parts to their original dimension, extending their service life.For fatigue applications the fracture properties of cold spray deposited material must be known but little to no literature has been found on the fracture behavior of cold spray deposited material alone, which prompted the study presented here.Fracture toughness specimens were manufactured by depositing thick cold-sprayed layers of powdered aluminum 6061 onto an aluminum 6061 substrate using N2 as the carrier gas. The substrate was then machined away, and monolithic miniature compact tension fracture toughness specimens were machined from the cold spray deposit itself, following ASTM E-1820.The fracture behavior of the cold sprayed material was then experimentally determined using the elastic-plastic J-resistance method for compact test specimens described in ASTM E-1820. Two specimen conditions were successfully tested, “as-sprayed” and “partially annealed”.The results are that the Mode-I elastic-plastic stress intensity factor JI has been successfully measured for cold-spray deposited material alone, and that partially annealing a cold-spray deposit can dramatically increase its fracture toughness.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Das Netzwerk Gesundheitsökonomie Winterthur : Vernetzungsgrade sowie Erfolge in der Schnittstellenkoordination

Ausgehend von konzeptionellen Uberlegungen auf Basis des Ansatzes der Health-Value-Chain und dem 4 K-Modell wird in diesem Beitrag der Vernetzungsgrad der Mitglieder des Netzwerks Gesundheitsokonomie Winterthur (NGW) analysiert. Im Rahmen einer Netzwerkanalyse wurden samtliche Mitglieder des NGW nach bestehenden Kooperationen innerhalb des Netzwerks befragt und die Ergebnisse mittels eines Beziehungsdiagramms visualisiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die meisten Projekte zwischen Leistungserbringern innerhalb des Netzwerks stattfinden. Die am NGW beteiligten Krankenhauser nehmen dabei eine Schlusselrolle fur den Vernetzungsgrad des Netzwerks ein. Daher sollte der Fokus mehr auf Krankenhauser als Treiber kunftiger koordinierter Versorgungslosungen in Gesundheitsregionen gelegt werden.
Neuromodulation of Pupil Diameter and Temporal Perception.

A wide range of behavior depends on the ability to perceive the passage of time and to remember and compare short durations (0.5–5 s). For example, noticing that an internet connection is slower than normal relies on observing present lag and comparing it with the normal lag stored in memory. The
Effects of Supplementation of a Pre-workout on Power Maintenance in Lower Body and Upper Body Tasks in Women.

Currently there is a lack of research into how women respond to pre-workout supplementation. The effects of supplements on exercise performance in women, specifically to power, must be performed. This study investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and maintenance during a high-intensity cycle ergometry sprint performance, vertical jump performance, and bench press performance in women. It also investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and the maintenance of upper and lower body tasks in women. A total of 23 females (22.9 ± 3.6 years, 175.6 ± 6.5 cm, 86.9 ± 15.1 kg, 19.1 ± 8.4 body fat percentage (BF%) (mean ± std. dev.)) were familiarized with the testing protocol and maximal bench press performances were attained (49.5 ± 15.4 kg). Utilizing a double-blind crossover design, subjects completed three trials of: Five countermovement vertical jumps, a high-intensity cycle sprint protocol, which consisted of 10 maximal, five second cycle ergometer sprints. Subjects performed a velocity bench press test, utilizing 80% of their predetermined one repetition maximum (1RM) for 10 sets of three repetitions for maximal speed. For 20 min prior to each trial, the subjects ingested, in a randomized order, a pre-workout supplement (Supp), placebo+150 mg caffeine (Caff), or a placebo (PL). Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and minimum power (MNP) were recorded for each sprint. Maximal velocity from each set was also recorded. Bike sprint and bench press data were normalized to the placebo trial for analysis. Blood lactate (bLa−) was measured immediately prior to each testing session, within 2 min of the completion of the last cycle sprint and following the bench press test. Bike sprint and bench press testing showed no significant differences through the testing sessions, but did significantly decline over test battery (p < 0.05). Vertical jump performance and lactate levels were not significantly different. Supplementation with a pre-workout supplement or placebo with caffeine 20 min prior to participation showed no positive benefits to performance in female participants.
Multiple DSM-5 substance use disorders: A national study of US adults

Objective Our aim is to determine the lifetime and past-year prevalence estimates of multiple Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) substance use disorders (SUDs) among U.S. adults. Methods The 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions featured in-person interviews with a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and older. Results The majority of past-year nonalcohol DSM-5 SUDs had at least 1 other co-occurring past-year SUD, ranging from 56.8% (SE = 3.4) for past-year prescription opioid use disorder to 97.5% (SE = 2.7) for past-year hallucinogen use disorder. In contrast, only 15.0% (SE = 0.6) of past-year alcohol use disorders had a co-occurring past-year SUD. The odds of past-year multiple SUDs were greater among males, younger adults, African-Americans, and those with mood, personality, posttraumatic stress, or multiple psychiatric disorders. Conclusions Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment often focus on individual substance-specific SUDs rather than multiple SUDs, despite evidence for substantial rates of polysubstance use in clinical and epidemiological studies. There are notable differences in the prevalence of multiple SUDs between alcohol use disorders and other nonalcohol SUDs that have important clinical implications; for example, multiple SUDs are more persistent than individual SUDs. These findings suggest that clinical assessment and diagnosis should screen for multiple SUDs, especially among adults with nonalcohol DSM-5 SUDs.