cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probiotic lactobacillus and estrogen effects on vaginal epithelial gene expression responses to Candida albicans

Background: Vaginal epithelial cells have receptors, signal transduction mechanisms, and cytokine secretion capabilities to recruit host defenses against Candida albicans infections. This research evaluates how probiotic lactobacilli affect the defensive epithelial response. Methods: This study used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, and a multiplex immunoassay to observe changes in the regulation of gene expression related to cytokine responses in the VK2 (E6/E7) vaginal epithelial cell line treated with 17β-estradiol, exposed to probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 W and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 W and challenged with C. albicans. Data were statistically evaluated by repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests where appropriate. Results: C. albicans induced mRNA expression of genes related to inflammatory cytokine responses associated with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways. 17β-estradiol suppressed expression of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) mRNA. Probiotic lactobacilli suppressed C. albicans-induced nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor kinase kinase alpha (Iκκα), Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2), TLR6, IL-8, and TNFα, also suggesting inhibition of NF-κB signaling. The lactobacilli induced expression of IL-1α, and IL-1β mRNA, which was not inhibited by curcumin, suggesting that they induce an alternate inflammatory signal transduction pathway to NF-κB, such as the mitogen activated protein kinase and activator protein-1 (MAPK/AP-1) signal transduction pathway. Curcumin inhibited IL-13 secretion, suggesting that expression of this cytokine is mainly regulated by NF-κB signaling in VK2 cells. Conclusions: The results suggest that C. albicans infection induces pro-inflammatory responses in vaginal epithelial cells, and estrogen and lactobacilli suppress expression of NF-κB-related inflammatory genes. Probiotic lactobacilli may induce IL-1α and IL-1β expression by an alternate signal transduction pathway, such as MAPK/AP-1. Activation of alternate signaling mechanisms by lactobacilli to modify epithelial cell cytokine production may be a mechanism for probiotic modulation of morbidity in vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Television signal deghosting by noncausal recursive filtering

A signal corrupted by a ghosting channel can be deghosted by the appropriate inverse system. If the channel is nonminimum-phase, the inverse system has a noncausal impulse response. It is pointed out that the inverse system can be implemented with recursive digital filters, provided there are system elements to time-flip the signal. Such noncausal recursive filtering has advantages over strictly causal recursive filtering in its ability to equalize the phase as well as the magnitude response of the channel. It also has advantages over nonrecursive nonminimum-phase deghosting in that it requires much lower filter order. >
Pretreatment radiographic evaluation of patients with malignant melanoma

During a four year period, 53 patients with malignant melanoma underwent extensive pretreatment radiographic evaluation for detection of occult extranodal metastatic disease. This included chest x-ray with tomography, upper G.I. series with small bowel follow through, barium enama, intravenous pyelogram, and radio-nuclide scans of the brain, liver and bone. All occult metastatic disease in asymptomatic patients was discovered on routine chest x-ray examination. There were three false positive examinations, which necessitated further diagnostic tests but there was no change in the final treatment decision. There was no alteration in the management of the remainder of the patients on the basis of the pretreatment radiographic evaluation.
TGF-β, T-cell tolerance and immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases and cancer

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a potent suppressive cytokine with an essential role in T-cell tolerance. TGF-β acts on T cells to inhibit T-cell activation and effector T-cell differentiation and promote peripheral regulatory T cells. Recently there has been growing interest in targeting the TGF-β pathway for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Anti-CD3 antibody therapy of autoimmune diabetes leads to T-cell production of TGF-β and the consequent inhibition of autoaggressive T cells. Inhibition of TGF-β2 expression in gliomas restores the antitumor immune response, which appears to be a promising strategy to treat these tumors. Future studies will elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β regulation of T-cell responses in autoimmune diseases and cancer, which will be crucial for the optimization of immunotherapeutic strategies and for the identification of novel drug targets.
Entre el cine boliviano de los años sesenta y la novela indigenista: un caso de transculturación estética andina

El articulo es un ejercicio de historia cultural que explora la conflictiva relacion entre la obra cinematografica del realizador boliviano Jorge Sanjines y del grupo Ukamau, desarrollada en los anos setenta, y la novela indigenista andina escrita varias decadas antes, en relacion a la problematica de la representacion del indigena y de su lugar en la comunidad nacional. En esta perspectiva, el trabajo analiza la compleja interaccion entre cultura letrada, cinematografia y construccion nacional en Bolivia. El estudio considera el contexto historico modernizador emprendido por la revolucion de 1952 y los ulteriores momentos de este proceso politico y social fundamental de ese pais andino, situando los desafios esteticos y politicos que la obra de Jorge Sanjines debio enfrentar.
Block splitting for distributed optimization

This paper describes a general purpose method for solving convex optimization problems in a distributed computing environment. In particular, if the problem data includes a large linear operator or matrix $$A$$ , the method allows for handling each sub-block of $$A$$ on a separate machine. The approach works as follows. First, we define a canonical problem form called graph form, in which we have two sets of variables related by a linear operator $$A$$ , such that the objective function is separable across these two sets of variables. Many types of problems are easily expressed in graph form, including cone programs and a wide variety of regularized loss minimization problems from statistics, like logistic regression, the support vector machine, and the lasso. Next, we describe graph projection splitting, a form of Douglas–Rachford splitting or the alternating direction method of multipliers, to solve graph form problems serially. Finally, we derive a distributed block splitting algorithm based on graph projection splitting. In a statistical or machine learning context, this allows for training models exactly with a huge number of both training examples and features, such that each processor handles only a subset of both. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only general purpose method with this property. We present several numerical experiments in both the serial and distributed settings.
Dose rate dependence of the current noise performance of an ultra-low noise precision bipolar operational amplifier

The dose rate dependence of the current noise of a bipolar operational amplifier is presented. Total current noise performance degrades linearly with increasing dose rate. Generation-recombination, white and 1/f spectral components contribute to the degradation. The generation-recombination component is the most significant contributor to dose rate dependent current noise degradation.
Inventory and quantity discount pricing policies under profit maximization

We extend the profit maximizing economic order quantity (EQQ) model for a monopolistic seller who simultaneously determines both the order quantity and quantity discount price schedule when buyers have different preferences on their purchase quantities. Interesting economic implications are obtained from the optimality conditions.
The effect of filtering in the EEG correlation dimension estimation: experimental results

The effect of linear filtering on the estimation of the correlation dimension of the electroencephalogram (EEG) is described. Three types of filters and several bandwidths are applied to the signal and to white noise sequences, in order to measure experimentally the effect in the correlation dimension. The results show that a reduction in bandwidth does affect the correlation exponent map of white noise sequences, so that the usual way of displaying the correlation dimension, comparing it to the theoretically straight line of the white noise, is misleading. It is suggested that the plot of the correlation exponent (of the EEG or any other bandlimited signal) should be graphed with the correlation exponent of white noise for the same measurement bandwidth. >
Tips from the trenches

Just what does usage mean? And how does it relate to value? Is there a fair way to ascertain the value of resources? In regards to library resources, “use” can simply be an arbitrary quantitative concept. Knowing that searches and sessions are considered input measures while result clicks and views are output measures helps the process. With electronic resources, we parse our usage statistics (when we can get them) to arrive at a cost per use, and define whether that use is a view, a printout, or a download. Of course, there are discrepancies as we examine different e-resources; for instance, cost-per-use can be very different with e-books—the definition of a “section” varies from vendor to vendor, and vendors' attempts to limit mass downloading mean that some e-book titles have page number limits with no correlation to chapter length. Analysis of usage data and other qualitative measures as part of a systematic review of current and potential e-resources highlights underutilized resources, access issues,...
Comprehensive lower bound estimation from behavioral descriptions

In this paper, we present a comprehensive technique for lower bound estimation (LBE) of resources from behavioral descriptions. Previous work has focused on LBE techniques that use very simple cost models which primarily focus on the functional unit resources. Our cost model accounts for storage resources in addition to functional resources. Our timing model uses a finer granularity that permits the modeling of functional unit, register and interconnect delays. We tested our LBE technique for both functional unit and storage requirements on several high-level synthesis benchmarks and observed near-optimal results.
Coefficient test for stability analysis of iterative learning control systems

A coefficient test for determining the stability of a class of iterative learning control systems is presented. The test is similar to the Routh test used to study the stability of dynamic systems. The test provides both necessary and sufficient conditions for iterative learning system stability and is useful in the design of iterative learning control systems. >
Volumetric Imaging of Blood Flow Within Cochlea in Gerbil In Vivo

Changes in blood flow to the inner ear are thought to influence a number of cochlear diseases, including noise-induced hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, and Meniere's disease. Advances have been made in the areas of vital microscopic studies of microcirculation, and the laser Doppler flowmetry. But none of these techniques can provide in vivo 3-D mapping of microvascular perfusion within the cochlea. To overcome this limitation, we have developed and used a method of optical microangiography (OMAG) that can generate 3-D angiograms within millimeter of tissue depths by analyzing the endogenous optical scattering signal obtained from an illuminated sample. We used OMAG to visualize the cochlear microcirculation of adult living gerbil through the intact cochlea, which would be difficult, if not impossible, by use of any other current techniques.
Fast startup of LC VCOs using circuit asymmetries

The effect of deliberate circuit mismatches in an LC VCO is investigated and it is shown that such mismatches can significantly reduce the oscillation start-up time. An analysis is presented that shows that the presence of mismatches results in a common-mode disturbance simultaneous with the turn-on of the tail current. The use of this technique is applied to a low-power transmitter for an ultra-wideband wireless communication system using the on-off keying modulation scheme. Simulations using a 0.18-µm CMOS technology with a 4 GHz carrier frequency give 34.5 pJ/bit assuming a repetition rate of 1 Mb/s.
Writing Across The Curriculum At The City University Of New York

The City University of New York appreciates that advanced writing ability is the distinguishing feature of an all-encompassing college education and that this ability can only be developed through extensive writing practice, fostered across an array of academic disciplines. In 1999 CUNY launched a major five year University initiative intended to both concentrate efforts and broaden the scope of the City University of New York’s endeavor to teach writing in courses across the curriculum.
Approximate invariants and Lagrangians for some autonomous, non-linear dissipative systems: III. Time dependence

In two previous papers, procedures were given for the calculation of exact or approximate time-independent invariants for autonomous, weakly non-linear systems with one degree of freedom. These procedures were based on the invariance of the system equation of motion to time translations and (where necessary) on a series expansion in the system parameter(s). Each such invariant generates an exact or approximate, time-independent Lagrangian describing the system. An extension of these methods is given herein which yields time-dependent invariants for some linear and non-linear, autonomous dissipative systems. In series form, each term is obtained by quadratures. Time-dependent Lagrangians for these systems are also given. Some examples are presented.
Does allergic conjunctivitis always require prescription eyedrops

We reserve prescription drops for patients with persistent, bothersome symptoms despite using over-the-counter drops.
Regional Anesthesiology Education

Expertise in the practice of regional anesthesia is not achieved with technical skill alone. Although the technically adept can adequately deliver local anesthetic adjacent to target nerves, it is the regional anesthesiologist who combines such applied anatomy with the practice of perioperative medicine. The nontechnical aspects of the practice of regional anesthesia cannot be ignored: clinical judgment, patient selection and communication, complication management and avoidance, a wide breadth of knowledge of physiology and pharmacology, and the formulation of an appropriate care plan with contingencies, are examples. A discussion of regional anesthesia education should first acknowledge that the discipline, at its core, is the practice of medicine. Maintaining this perspective, this chapter aims to provide a pertinent overview addressing past, present, and future challenges and directions within this exciting, rapidly evolving field.
TLR4/MD-2 activation by a synthetic agonist with no similarity to LPS.

Structurally disparate molecules reportedly engage and activate Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and other TLRs, yet the interactions that mediate binding and activation by dissimilar ligands remain unknown. We describe Neoseptins, chemically synthesized peptidomimetics that bear no structural similarity to the established TLR4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but productively engage the mouse TLR4 (mTLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) complex. Neoseptin-3 activates mTLR4/MD-2 independently of CD14 and triggers canonical myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)- and Toll-interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta (TRIF)-dependent signaling. The crystal structure mTLR4/MD-2/Neoseptin-3 at 2.57-A resolution reveals that Neoseptin-3 binds as an asymmetrical dimer within the hydrophobic pocket of MD-2, inducing an active receptor complex similar to that induced by lipid A. However, Neoseptin-3 and lipid A form dissimilar molecular contacts to achieve receptor activation; hence strong TLR4/MD-2 agonists need not mimic LPS.
A Career in Catalysis: Maurice Brookhart

On the occasion of Professor Maurice Brookhart’s retirement and recent acceptance of the Gabor A. Somorjai Award for Creative Research in Catalysis, we honor his numerous contributions to the fields of organometallic chemistry and catalysis. His truly interdisciplinary research has resulted in seminal contributions to polymer, synthetic, and mechanistic organometallic and organic chemistry. Detailed mechanistic investigations that have provided unparalleled understanding of these reactions have been supplemented by the development of new chemical methodology and polymerization processes. In this Account, we present some of his notable contributions toward understanding the chemistry of electrophilic transition-metal carbene complexes and agostic interactions, metal-catalyzed olefin polymerization and copolymerization reactions, and metal-mediated C–H bond activation and functionalization processes.
Procedural Treatments: New Surgical Options

Commentary in this section is limited to devices that represent new technologies or improvements over preexisting technologies for IOP control that reached the marketplace during or after 1998. The order of device commentary herein is roughly based on the timing of their appearance by year or by the appearance of literature support. Evidence-based support for various technologies is rated by the author according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) scheme as Level I (strong evidence to support it), Level II (substantial evidence), or Level III (weak body of evidence) and the Oxford system, which is based on avail­able peer reviewed publications [1] (see Table 39.1). Commonly used study designs in clinical vision literature are interventional (including therapy), observational (no intervention), or others (meta-analyses and systematic reviews) [2]. To date, few new technologies for glaucoma can be considered well supported by high-level evidence. For many devices, there may be only one or no randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing them with existing therapies (highest level of evidence), or the RCTs available may not have been well done. Concerns with the quality of an RCT may revolve around the presence of an adequate control group, sufficiently long follow-up and compliance with the protocol, study execution in a manner that produces reliable and accurate data, the power of the study to adequately detect differences, and whether the analyses were performed using appropriate statistical methods. To evaluate the quality of a randomized trial, readers are advised to view the CONSORT statement (http://www.consort-statement.org/?o = 1011). For observational studies, readers may refer to the recently published STROBE document http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/147/8/573. Guidelines for evaluating inter­ventional case series and other study designs most fre­quently published in clinical vision journals have been published in Ophthalmology[2].
Is there a geomorphic expression of interbasin groundwater flow in watersheds? Interactions between interbasin groundwater flow, springs, streams, and geomorphology

Interbasin groundwater flow (IGF) can play a significant role in the generation and geochemical evolution of streamflow. However, it is exceedingly difficult to identify IGF and to determine the location and quantity of water that is exchanged between watersheds. How does IGF affect landscape/watershed geomorphic evolution? Can geomorphic metrics be used to identify the presence of IGF? We examine these questions in two adjacent sedimentary watersheds in northern New Mexico using a combination of geomorphic/landscape metrics, springflow residence times, and spatial geochemical patterns. IGF is expressed geomorphically in the landscape placement of springs and flow direction and shape of stream channels. Springs emerge preferentially on one side of stream valleys where landscape incision has intercepted IGF flow paths. Stream channels grow toward the IGF source and show little bifurcation. In addition, radiocarbon residence times of springs decrease and the geochemical composition of springs changes as the connection to IGF is lost.
Frequency of exogenous hormone therapy impacts spermiation in male Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri)

Amphibians are experiencing a global extinction crisis and captive assurance colonies, along with reintroduction programs, are necessary to prevent further losses. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as hormone-stimulated gamete collection and in vitro fertlisation (IVF), are conservation methods that can be used to increase reproductive output for breeding and reintroduction programs when animals fail to breed naturally. In order to maximise the production of offspring using ART, it is important to establish the physiological limitations on the frequency that hormone therapy can be used to collect gametes for IVF or assisted breeding. The present study examined the effects of the frequency of hormone-induced spermiation on sperm quantity and quality in Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri) by comparing four levels of hormone injection frequencies: twice a week, once a week, every other week, and every 3 weeks. Sperm release was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 300 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Spermatozoa were collected at three time points after injection (5, 7 and 9 h) and sperm concentration, motility and quality of forward progressive movement were measured. A significant decrease in sperm concentration (P < 0.01) was observed with the most frequent treatment (twice a week hormone injections). However, there was no negative effect of the treatments on sperm motility (P = 0.06) or forward movement (P = 0.06). We also observed a significant decrease in the concentration (P < 0.01), motility (P = 0.02) and quality of forward progressive movement (P = 0.01) of spermatozoa at the 9 h collection compared with earlier collection times. These results have clear implications for amphibian captive breeding programs, where more frequent hormone-induced spermiation could have a negative effect on male performance. We recommend that hormone injections be spaced a minimum of 2 weeks apart to optimise the health of the animals, assisted breeding, IVF or collection of gametes for genome resource banking.
Audio Visual Materials—Let's Use Loopfilms

(1957). Audio Visual Materials—Let's Use Loopfilms. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 28, No. 6, pp. 65-66.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF OUTCROSSING IN IMPATIENS CAPENSIS (BALSAMINACEAE).

Many plant species produce both chasmogamous flowers, adapted to attracting pollinators, and tiny cleistogamous flowers, adapted to self-fertilization. Darwin (1877) interpreted these cases of floral dimorphism as adaptations to the two, frequently antagonistic, functions served by flowers: successful cross-fertilization with other plants, and the efficient setting of many seeds. He noted how sparing of pollen and nectar the cleistogamous flowers were, and realized how this economy would permit expanded seed set. He then asked why the more efficient mode of reproduction would not replace the other, and concluded that adaptations for crossfertilization implied the existence of some advantage for outcrossed progeny. This advantage is now taken to be heterosis, or the avoidance of inbreeding depression. From the time of Linnaeus, the environment has been known to influence the production of cleistogamous and chasmogamous flowers in many species (Uphof, 1938). Many researchers have searched for and found relationships between a species' life history or a population's environment and a particular breeding system (Darwin, 1877; Stebbins, 1950; Baker, 1955; Darlington, 1958; Grant, 1971; Levin, 1972; Solbrig and Rollins, 1976). This correlative approach is useful for suggesting relevant selective forces that might favor one breeding system over another. Although incapable of proving which selective forces are the most important, it may serve to discredit hypotheses whose predictions are violated. Jain (1976) and Sol-
Genetic Regulation of the Amylose Synthesis of Rice

The wx locus controls amylose synthesis in the endosperm of rice . Since the amylose contents in the endosperm greatly affect the quality of rice, it is important for agricultural application to regulate the extent of amylose synthesis . In addition, the wx locus of rice is quite suitable for the molecular studies of gene regulation because the locus has some particular advantages for genetic research and it provides us various regulation mechanisms to be eluci dated at the molecular level. In this article, we review the genetic and molecular biological research, which have been carried out in our laboratory, about the regulation of gene expression at the wx locus and amylose synthesis in rice.
Intraspecific Variation in the Agile Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys agilis)

Intraspecific variation in external and cranial measurements of agile kangaroo rats ( Dipodomys agilis ) was evaluated using 3,078 adult specimens (1,694 males and 1,384 females). Males were larger than females for 17 of 19 characters examined, and significant geographic variation occurred in all characters for both sexes. Larger individuals were found in the northern and southern extremes of the species' range, and the smallest were in northern Baja California. Populations represented mostly by D. a. perplexus and D. a. fuscus tended to group separately from the others in some of the analyses, but no species-level differences were detected between populations.
Polymorph Selectivity of Superconducting CuSe2 Through Kinetic Control of Solid-State Metathesis

Rational preparation of materials by design is a major goal of inorganic, solid-state, and materials chemists alike. Oftentimes, the use of nonmetallurgical reactions (e.g., chalcogenide fluxes, hydrothermal syntheses, and in this case solid-state metathesis) alters the thermodynamic driving force of the reaction and allows new, refractory, or otherwise energetically unfavorable materials to form under softer conditions. Taking this a step further, alteration of a metathesis reaction pathway can result in either the formation of the equilibrium marcasite polymorph (by stringent exclusion of air) or the kinetically controlled formation of the high-pressure pyrite polymorph of CuSe2 (by exposure to air). From analysis of the reaction coordinate with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis as well as differential scanning calorimetry, it is clear that the air-exposed reaction proceeds via slight, endothermic rearrangements of crystalline intermediates to form pyrite, whi...
Predictors of obesity bias among exercise science students

The purpose of the present study was to investigate particular psychosocial predictors of obesity bias in prehealth professionals, which include the internalization of athletic and general body ideals, perceived media pressure and information, and achievement goal orientations. Exercise science undergraduate students (n= 242) filled out a survey containing questions of demographic characteristics, achievement goals, social-cultural attitudes toward appearance (using Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3), and obesity bias measurements (using the antifat attitudes test and fat phobia scale). The results indicated that students were explicitly biased toward overweight and obese individuals, held had high task and ego goals, and had high internalization of an athletic body type ideal, as determined by mean scores being above the median values for each scale. Internalization of the athletic body type predicted obesity bias for fat phobia, weight control blame, and physical/romantic attractiveness. In conclusion, exercise science students may enter programs socialized from society and sport, and, potentially, these psychosocial attitudes and beliefs may have implications to working with future clients, especially for those of the general population and those whose body shape and size are different than themselves.
Polymerized Ionic Liquid Sorbents for CO2 Separation

This contribution describes a method to prepare adsorbent materials for recovery of carbon dioxide from mixed gases. The sorbents comprise a base support material and a covalently attached nanolayer coating of polymerized ionic liquid (pIL), poly([2-(methylacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) (poly[(META)+Cl−]). Initial measurements were made to determine the thickness evolution of the pIL nanolayers, using a model substrate designed to mimic the structure of the support material. Thereafter, the pIL was grafted from the surface of the support material using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Subsequent ion exchange was done to replace Cl− anions with other anions to study the impact of pIL anion on CO2 adsorption; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed that the ion-exchange reactions were quantitative. Anions that were tested were BF4−, CH3SO3−, and CF3SO3−. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen adsorption isotherms were measured from 0 to 2.5 bar at temperatures from 20 t...
Diagnosis and treatment of antibody deficiency syndromes.

Antibody deficiency syndromes include congenital agammaglobulinemia, acquired agammaglobulinemia, and hereditary thymic dysplasia. Infants with the congenital type usually are well for the first nine months, but pyogenic infections then develop. The acquired type may be primary disease or secondary to lymphomas. Thymic dysplasia occurs in infants and is characterized by persistent lymphopenia, failure to thrive, and recurrent bacterial and viral infections.
Reliability optimization design of steel plate spring with arbitrary distributed parameters

Under the condition of knowing the first four ordered matrixes of basic random parameters,to carry out reliability optimization design on steel plate spring by adopting random perturbation method and Edgeworth progression method. By means of computer program the reliability optimization design of steel plate spring can be realized with its random parameters obey the non orthostate distribution,thus the information of reliability optimization design of steel plate spring was rapidly and accurately obtained.
Chronic Heart Failure: 10 Questions Physicians Often Ask

The past several years have witnessed important advances in the evaluation and management of chronic heart failure (HF). Drugs such as β-blockers and spironolactone have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality, and strategies that employ new devices, such as pacing and defibrillator therapy, are evolving. This has prompted the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) to update guidelines first published in 1995.1 The guidelines highlight the importance of early and accurate recognition of the clinical syndrome of chronic HF and offer an outline for evidence-based therapeutic decision making.
Differences in Aortic Diameter Measurements with Intravascular Ultrasound and Computed Tomography After Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury.

Background Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been recommended as an adjunct to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as computed tomography (CT) in injured patients may inaccurately determine the true aortic diameter. We hypothesize that CT and IVUS offer discordant measurements of aortic diameter in trauma patients and that each modality may result in different graft size estimates for TEVAR. Methods Patients treated by TEVAR for blunt aortic injury from June 2011 to 2016 were reviewed. Cases where IVUS was not used and those without complete CT and IVUS images were excluded. Three-dimensional reconstructions were used to derive centerline diameters of the aorta, proximal and distal to the injury. IVUS diameters were taken from the flow lumen, not including the aortic wall itself. Measurements were made by an investigator blinded to the graft implanted. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patients with concordant diameter (group 1) with patients with discordant diameters (group 2). Results A total of 24 blunt thoracic aortic injuries were repaired with TEVAR during the study period; complete data were available for 16. The mean age of the patients was 43 (±18), and 12 of the patients were men. The median time from injury to CT was 2.5 hr (0.9–8.5) and to TEVAR was 18 (3–48) hr. Stent graft diameter for implantation based on CT and IVUS imaging was the same in 5 cases (group 1). In 11 cases, the graft diameter for implantation based on IVUS was differently sized compared with that determined by CT (group 2). Ten diameters were 1 size larger, and 1 diameter was 1 size smaller by IVUS. There were no significant differences in the mean lowest systolic blood pressure (98 vs. 92, P = 0.53), median fluid resuscitation in the first 24 hr (4.9 vs. 5.0 L, P = 0.97), or median 24-hr transfusion requirements (130 vs. 1311 mL, P = 0.11) between the groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group 2, the graft size chosen for surgery correlated more with measurements obtained from the CT than from IVUS (9 vs. 2). Conclusions The TEVAR has become the standard therapy for blunt aortic injury, despite a dearth of long-term outcome data. The preoperative CT frequently underestimates aortic diameter compared with intraoperative IVUS. The implications of placing thoracic endografts and whether excessive oversizing results in long-term aortic dilation need to be the focus of long-term studies in these relatively young patients.
Acute Peripheral Neuropathy with Severe Hepatic Dysfunction: Diagnostic Challenges in Variegate Porphyria (P3.153)

Objective: To report a case of variegate porphyria (VP) who presented with severe hepatic dysfunction followed by acute sensorimotor axonal neuropathy. Background: Porphyrias are group of metabolic diseases caused by enzymes deficiency in heme biosynthetic pathway. VP is a rare type caused by protoporphyrinogen oxidase deficiency. The common manifestations are acute neurovisceral attacks and skin photosensitivity, but presentation with severe hepatic dysfunction is rare. Methods: Case analysis and literature review. Results: We report a 26-year-old woman who initially presented with abdominal pain, severe hyperbilirubinemia, elevated liver enzymes, and generalized edema for one month. Extensive workup for liver failure including blood test, imaging, liver biopsy, genetic testing failed to identify a cause. The patient was placed on transplant list. Later, she developed progressively generalized muscle weakness of hands and legs with tingling sensation within one week. Physical exam revealed moderate distal muscle weakness with impaired sensation, but no skin lesion. Nerve conduction study confirmed sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy with predominant sensory involvement. Tests for common etiologic diagnosis of neuropathy were negative. Acute porphyria was one of differential diagnosis. Typical pattern of porphyric neuropathy is predominant motor neuropathy. Sensory predominant is uncommon presentation. The blood and urine tests suggested VP: negative urine delta-aminolevulinic acid, normal urine porphobilinogen (at two weeks), elevated total and subtotal plasma porphyrins, elevated urine coproporphyrin, and normal uroporphyrin. She received intravenous glucose for four days without improvement. After hemin administration and removal of hormonal intrauterine device, her liver function and motor power gradually improved, but paresthesia persisted for the following several months. Conclusions: Severe hepatic dysfunction without skin lesion is a rare manifestation of VP which makes the diagnosis challenging. Acute neuropathy, even with uncommon pattern, is a presentation that helps in diagnosis of this uncommon disease. Early administration of hemin and removal of precipitating triggers are essential treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Ruthirago has nothing to disclose. Dr. Julayanont has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tantikittichaikul has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose.
Stabilizing the strengthening precipitates in aluminum-manganese alloys by the addition of tungsten

Abstract The Al-Mn-W system has considerable potential as a basis for lightweight aluminum alloys that are intended for use at temperatures approaching 350 °C (623 K). In this ternary system, aluminum, manganese, and tungsten co-precipitate to form the meta-stable Al12(Mn(1-x)Wx) phase, which is thermally stable and will not coarsen when held at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time. This enhanced thermal stability of the Al12(Mn(1-x)Wx) phase in comparison to the Al12Mn phase which forms in binary Al-Mn alloys is explained in terms of the Gibbs free energy of the two phases. It is shown that co-precipitating tungsten with aluminum and manganese lowers the Gibbs free energy of the precipitated phase and by so doing, it slows down its coarsening rate and enhances its thermal stability.
Fashioning Tourists and Outsiders: Northwest Coast Design Trade

This paper examines Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations' traditions of producing bodily adornments and clothing for trade with outsiders, from the 1700s through today, by looking at early examples in museum and archival collections and concluding with an ethnography of contemporary artists and designers. The earliest Nuu-chah-nulth dress and adornment artifacts currently held in museums were collected during Captain Cook's third expedition in 1778. These collections show that the Nuu-chah-nulth maintained extensive trade networks as Aleutian textiles and dress and Tlingit masks, armor, and hats are part of Cook's collection. Nuu-chah-nulth people began changing their designs to target European and American markets by the mid 19th century when women began producing pika-uu (decorative basketry). Merchant and cruise ships alike stopped along the coast and passengers purchased curio basketry in all shapes and forms: mats, covered bottles and abalone shells, baskets, hats, earrings, and pendants. Art history scholars refer to the 1920s - 1950s as the â€œdark periodâ€ of Northwest Coast art, as First Nations people struggled with residential schooling, Indian hospitals and the spread of disease, and aggressive assimilationist policies adopted in Canada (Cole 1985). As legislation changed and Canada accepted multiculturalism, Northwest Coast art exploded in the 1970s and continues to play a critical role in fashioning the bodies of both tourists and Nuu-chah-nulth people alike. In recent years, Nuu-chah-nulth designers have embraced new technologies, like silk screen printing, while retaining traditional production techniques in order to produce fashions that are exceedingly popular among tourists.
Analytic theory of subcoulomb stripping: (II). Comparisons with experimental data

Abstract The analytic formulae developed in earlier publications for the analysis of stripping reactions are applied to the reactions 12 C(d, p) 13 C ∗ (3.09) at 11 deuteron energies, 10 B(d, p) 11 B ∗ (9.19) at five lab energies and 12 B(d, p) 11 B ∗ (9.28) at six bombarding energies. It is found that a reaction amplitude expressed as a sum of a pure stripping Coulomb wave part plus s-wave and p-wave corrections is indeed capable of describing the angular distributions satisfactorily, not only in the region of the main peak, but at all angles, and at bombarding energies for which conventional plane-wave and distorted-wave theories fail. The spectroscopic factors determined at various bombarding energies have a variance which can be entirely explained as the expected variance due to experimental errors and estimated uncertainties in the absolute values of the cross sections; hence the spectroscopic factor determined is a constant over the energy range of the measurements. The adjustable parameters of this theory, which in an equivalent DWBA treatment would represent the real and imaginary parts of certain radial integrals, are found to have an acceptable magnitude and to be rather slowly varying with energy.
Monte Carlo Simulation–Based Assessment of Risks Associated with Public–Private Partnership Investments in Toll Highway Infrastructure

The demands for delivering highway services keep growing worldwide. However, funding from government and public agencies alone cannot cover the capital needed to operate and maintain existing highway systems, much less to construct new ones. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are an innovative funding mechanism for highway agencies to use private capital and expertise in transportation infrastructure projects so as to increase funding options to bridge the budget gap. Even though parties involved in PPPs take different roles and responsibilities, there are still risks taken or shared by the public and private sectors. In particular, assessing risks associated with the potential returns of investments is of great importance to the private and public sectors. This paper presents a methodological framework for assessing the investment risks of PPP toll highway projects, which may help decision makers. The financial viability associated with the components of a project is considered and analyzed, and the Mont...
Evacuating People and Their Pets: Older Floridians’ Need for and Proximity to Pet-Friendly Shelters

Objectives Pets influence evacuation decisions, but little is known about pet-friendly emergency shelters' availability or older adults' need for them. Our study addresses this issue, focusing on the most densely populated area of Florida (Miami-Dade)-the state with the oldest population and greatest hurricane susceptibility. Method We use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based methodology to identify the shortest paths to pet-friendly shelters, based on distance and congested and uncongested travel times-taking into account the older population's spatial distribution. Logistic regression models using the 2013 American Housing Survey's Disaster Planning Module examine anticipated shelter use as a function of pet ownership and requiring pet evacuation assistance. Results Thirty-four percent of older adults in the Miami-Dade area have pets-35% of whom report needing pet evacuation assistance. However, GIS accessibility measures show that travel time factors are likely to impede older adults' use of the area's few pet-friendly shelters. Logistic regression results reveal that pet owners are less likely to report anticipating shelter use; however, the opposite holds for pet owners reporting they would need help evacuating their pets-they anticipate using shelters. Discussion High pet shelter need coupled with low availability exacerbates older adults' heightened vulnerability during Florida's hurricane season.
Hardware setup of a solar microgrid laboratory

This paper outlines the hardware development of a solar microgrid laboratory at Drexel University. The renewable source for the microgrid is a 1.6 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system. Various battery storage options and converter technologies can be connected to the PV source in order to supply the microgrid with DC or single-phase AC power. This paper details the laboratory environment, hardware testing, load profile development, and ongoing steps towards laboratory experiment development. The solar microgrid laboratory at Drexel University provides an environment for research and for undergraduate- and graduate-level experiential learning opportunities.
Copepods associated with South Indian invertebrates

Ostrincola portonoviensis Reddiah,Conchyliurus fragilis Reddiah andC. bombasticus Reddiah are redescribed. Certain defects in the original description are rectified. A single specimen ofHemicyclops, apparently belonging to a new species, is described without a specific name.
Innovation, Theory of

An innovation is an idea, practice, or object that is perceived as new by an individual or other unit of adoption. While the cumulative number of adopters of an innovation over time typically forms an S-shaped curve, certain innovations have a faster rate of adoption because they are perceived by individuals as having greater relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and observability, and less complexity. These new ideas are adopted more rapidly, and their S-shaped curves are thus steeper. Further, the rate of adoption of many innovations has a lengthy tail to the left, as considerable time passes after the first adopters until a critical mass occurs, and the further rate of adoption becomes self-sustaining. An example is the diffusion of the Internet; the first adopters of computer networking began using computer networking in 1969, but a critical mass for this innovation did not occur in the USA until 1989. Thereafter, the Internet diffused very rapidly in North America, and then, after the mid-1990s, in Asia. The S-shaped diffusion curve and the critical mass suggest that diffusion is a social process of individuals talking about a new idea with their peers, as they give meaning to the new idea in their own lives, and thus decrease the uncertainty and avoid the perceived risk of the innovation.
Perceptions of Braille Usage by Legally Blind Adults.

In this qualitative research, case study interviews were conducted to provide an in-depth examination of the meaning of braille in the lives of eight legally blind adults. Issues of self-esteem, se...
Justice for all? Beliefs about justice for self and others and telomere length in African Americans.

OBJECTIVE Believing in justice can protect health. Among marginalized racial minorities however, both endorsing and rejecting beliefs about justice might be critical. The current research examined links between African Americans' beliefs about justice for self and for others and telomere length (TL)-an indicator of biological aging that is increasingly implicated in racial health disparities, with shorter telomeres indicating poorer health. METHOD Healthy African Americans (N = 118; 30% male; M age = 31.63 years) completed individual differences measures of justice beliefs for self and others and then provided dried blood spot samples that were assayed for TL. RESULTS We expected that a belief in justice for self would be positively associated with TL, whereas a belief in justice for others would be negatively associated. A significant 3-way interaction with chronological age confirmed this hypothesis-among older African Americans, TL was positively associated with believing in justice for self, but only when this belief was accompanied by a weak endorsement of the belief in justice for others. CONCLUSION Findings underscore that for racial minorities, health might be best protected when justice beliefs are both endorsed and rebuffed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
AlbedoOpen image in new window

Albedo is the reflectivity of the planet. The Earth’s present albedo is about 0.30. During the Last Glacial Maximum it may have been closer to 0.32. The effect is dominated by clouds, one of the least well understood parts of the climate system.
Using bifactor model of personality to predict academic performance and dishonesty

Abstract A bifactor Confirmatory Factor Analytic (CFA) model was shown to fit Big Five personality data significantly better than a simple CFA model in predicting academic performance and dishonesty using a sample of 299 undergraduate students from two U.S. universities. Specifically, after removing the variance associated with the general factor, factor scores of extraversion were more strongly related to academic dishonesty than were its scale scores. After controlling for sex and cognitive ability, the factor scores of conscientiousness remained a significant predictor of both academic performance and dishonesty while the factor scores of extraversion was a significant predictor of academic dishonesty. The use of bifactor models in improving the predictive validity of personality is discussed.