cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A personalized model for monitoring vital signs using camera of the smart phone

Smart phones with optical sensors have created new opportunities for low cost and remote monitoring of vital signs. In this paper, we present a novel approach to find heart rate, perfusion index and oxygen saturation using the video images captured by the camera of the smart phones with mathematical models. We use a technique called principal component analysis (PCA) to find the band that contain most plethysmographic information. Also, we showed a personalized regression model works best for accurately detecting perfusion index and oxygen saturation. Our model has high accuracy of the physiological parameters compared to the traditional pulse oxymeter. Also, an important relationship between frame rate for image capture, minimum peak to peak distance in the pulse wave form and accuracy has been established. We showed that there is an optimal value for minimum peak to peak distance for detecting heart rate accurately. Moreover, we present the evaluation of our personalized models.
On SUSY breaking and χSB from string duals

Abstract We find regular string duals of three-dimensional N =1 SYM with a Chern–Simons interaction at level k for SO and Sp gauge groups. Using the string dual we exactly reproduce the conjectured pattern of supersymmetry breaking proposed by Witten by showing that there is dynamical supersymmetry breaking for k N =1 SYM for SO and Sp gauge groups and exactly reproduce the expected pattern of chiral symmetry breaking Z2h→Z2 by analyzing the symmetries of the string solution.
Reduction in fibrotic tissue formation in mice genetically deficient in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

Mice with homozygous deletion of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene (PAI-1−/−) are relatively protected from bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. At least part of the protective effect appears to occur during the latter stages of the pathological process when fibrotic tissue is being deposited. To investigate the effect of PAI-1 deficiency on fibrosis, we studied the accumulation of fibrotic tissue within subcutaneously implanted polyvinyl alcohol sponges. Similar to the effect of PAI-1 deficiency on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, the accumulation of fibrotic tissue within implanted sponges occurred more slowly in PAI-1−/− compared to wild-type mice. Another striking difference observed in the PAI-1−/− mice was the rapid removal of a fibrin-rich matrix that formed within the sponges by 1 day after implantation in both wild-type and PAI-1−/− mice. The pattern of connective tissue invasion also differed: cells in wild-type mice infiltrated as individually penetrating cells whereas in PAI-1−/− mice they did so as a well-demarcated advancing front. Providing an alternative provisional matrix by impregnating sponges with a low concentration of collagen before implantation corrected the changes induced by PAI-1 deficiency. In conclusion, PAI-1 deficiency appears to affect fibrotic tissue formation in part by altering the provisional matrix that forms soon after tissue injury.
Transient compartment syndrome of the forearm resulting from venous congestion from a tourniquet.

A case of transient compartment syndrome of the forearm resulting from faulty tourniquet function is described. The patient was followed with serial compartmental pressure measurements. Signs and symptoms subsided within a few hours of limb elevation. Thus, conservative care in the early stages may be therapeutic. Early recognition of tourniquet malfunction, systematic assessment of the source of engorgement, and prompt correction can avoid this postoperative complication.
Framing Disability: Comparing Individualist and Collectivist Societies

In this paper I use international differences in disability rates as a window to address the question how national culture influences a nation’s understanding and practice of disability. I apply the well-established distinction between individualistic and collectivistic cultures to explore the relationship between culture and disability rates. I argue and find support for the hypothesis that individualistic cultures exhibit higher rates of disability. In the second part I add cultural and institutional detail to the account. While individualistic and collectivist cultures both value assistance to the disabled, only the Western individualist tradition produces a rights-based approach to disability.
Intensive Intervention for Alcohol-Dependent Smokers in Early Recovery: A Randomized Trial

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an intensive tobacco cessation intervention for alcohol-dependent smokers in early recovery.
Random (Speckle) Patterns For Displacement And Strain Measurement: Some Recent Advances

Major advances in using coherent and incoherent speckle patterns for displacement and strain measurements are reviewed. Topics include the laws of spatial movement of laser speckle, the halo functions of coherent and incoherent speckle patterns, decorrelation factors and their effect on the fringe visibility and the upper limit of measurement, new techniques of holospeckle interferometry, real-time and electron microscopic speckle photographies, and the automatic processing of Young's fringes.
Signature identification through the use of deformable structures

Abstract Automatic signature verification is a well-established and active research area with numerous applications. In contrast, automatic signature identification has been given little attention, although there is a vast array of potential applications that could use the signature as an identification tool. This paper presents a novel approach to the problem of signature identification. We introduce the use of the revolving active deformable model as a powerful way of capturing the unique characteristics of the overall structure of a signature. Experimental evidence as well as intuition support the idea that the overall structure of a signature uniquely determines the signature in the majority of cases. Our revolving active deformable model originates from the snakes introduced in computer vision by Kass et al., but its implementation has been tailored to the task at hand. This computer-generated model interacts with the virtual gravity field created by the image gradient. Ideally, the uniqueness of this interaction mirrors the uniqueness of the signature's overall structure. The proposed method obviates the use of a computationally expensive segmentation approach and is parallelizable. The experiments performed with a signature database show that the proposed method is promising.
External anatomy and muscle morphology of the walking legs of the scorpion Hadrurus arizonensis

Abstract 1. 1. The relationships between total leg length, leg segment length and body size for different sized scorpions ( Hadrurus arizonensis ) are described. Ipsilateral walking legs are differentially oriented (Fig. 1). Leg length increases in progressively more posterior legs (Fig. 2). 2. 2. Unlike the situation in insects and crustaceans, in the scorpion the joint between the body and the coxa is relatively immobile. The coxa-trochanter (C-T) joint is monocondylic, permitting relatively complex movements, while the remaining leg joints are dicondylic, planar joints (Fig. 5). 3. 3. The C-T joint musculature is relatively complicated reflecting the complexity of joint movement (Fig. 3). The more distal joints are controlled by simpler antagonistic muscle arrangements (Fig. 4).
Embedded real-time high-level architecture (HLA) application case study

ABSTRACT The High Level Architecture (HLA) is a general purpose architecture for simulation reuse and interoperability. In September1996, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology signed a letter establishing the HLA as the architecturefor Department of Defense (DOD) simulations.The Joint Communication Simulator (JCS) is a RF signal environment generator currently in development for the USN andUSAF for development test and evaluation (DT&E) applications. System design challenges include all implications ofinteractive, real time, embedded, coherent, distributed, and heterogeneous live/virtual simulation. A requirement for 100%repeatability indicated a point design using guaranteed delivery, time stamp-ordered HLA concepts at all levels of modeling.Performance requirements implied the use of PowerPC-based Mercury Computer Systems multiprocessor equipment. To ourknowledge, no HLA Run Time Infrastructure (RTI - the distributed backbone for HLA services) was available for directapplication or adaptation.This paper presents the JCS system design as a case study of the both the conceptual and implementation applicability ofHLA in this difficult context. Specific technical topics to be covered include an overview of JCS requirements, an overviewof the modeling concept and system architecture in terms of the HLA, a definition of the subset of RTI functionality andHLA interface specification applied, and an overview of the RTI subset implementation. In addition, it addresses thepolitical questions ofHLA compliance, the openness ofRTI designs and implementations, and the issue ofRTI certification.Keywords: distributed simulation, high level architecture (HLA), embedded systems, real time
Comparative Effectiveness of Three Anxiolytics for Acute Respiratory Infections: Antibiotics, C-Reactive Protein Point-of-Care Testing, and Improved Communication

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major burden on healthcare systems. ARIs—including non-specific upper respiratory infections (the common cold), otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, influenza, and pneumonia—are the number-one symptomatic reason for seeking medical care. In the United States, ARIs account for about 10 % of all ambulatory visits.
Erythropoietic activity in Rana pipiens—The influence of nutrition and season on spleen and peripheral blood activities

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of seasonal feeding and starvation on weight gain or loss, hematocrit and erythropoiesis both splenic and peripheral blood in Rana pipiens was investigated. 2. 2. The results indicate a liver diet leads to weight maintenance or gain dependent on season. 3. 3. At the same time hematological values are maintained under a feeding regime and increase markedly in the spring. 4. 4. While spleen uptake of 59Fe is increased, the larger relative increase in peripheral blood uptake indicates that the primary response may be the induction of hemoglobin in mature peripheral blood cells. 5. 5. This study underlines the requirement for the establishment of criteria for healthy nutritionally based specimens for experimental subjects.
The utilization of the bradykinin radioimmunoassay for the study of a kinin-like factor in jellyfish toxin

Abstract 1. A kinin-like factor (KLF) has been detected in jellyfish (sea nettle) nematocyst venom using a standard bradykinin radioimmunoassay procedure. 2. This radioimmunoassay was sensitive to salt concentration and to pH, limiting the range of treatments which could be utilized to study KLF by this method. 3. KLF was thermolabile at 37°C and was not appreciably concentrated by ammonium sulfate precipitation. 4. Specific activity of KLF was increased through chromatography on SP-Sephadex, DEAE-Sephacel and hydroxylapatite. 5. The jellyfish KLF was stable to treatment with trypsin, chymotrysin and carboxypeptidase B. 6. Although antigenically similar, the jellyfish KLF and bradykinin display widely different biochemical characteristics.
Environmentally Beneficial Intelligent Transportation Systems

Abstract Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have been developed over the years as a means to solve a variety of transportation problems. The primary objectives of ITS have been focused primarily on improving safety and increasing transportation efficiency. However, ITS can also have significant environmental benefits. There has been long term concern regarding vehicle pollution and associated air quality. More recently, there is an increased concern with energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Many existing ITS programs have the potential to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions; however, it is also possible to specifically design ITS programs that minimize environmental impacts of transportation. In this paper, we briefly outline different kinds of ITS programs and their potential environmental benefits. We then review several ITS research projects being carried out in Southern California that are specifically targeting reductions in energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Rapid Displacement of Cryptosporidium parvum Type 1 by Type 2 in Mixed Infections in Piglets

Genotypes 1 and 2 of Cryptosporidium parvum are the primary types associated with infections in humans, with type 1 being by far the predominant genotype. The frequency of mixed infection with both genotypes in humans is relatively rare, while type 1, which experimentally infects other mammals, has been found to naturally infect almost exclusively humans. One possible explanation for the absence of type 1 in other mammals and the low frequency of mixed infections in humans is the inability of type 1 to compete with type 2 in nature when both occur simultaneously. To investigate this, we challenged gnotobiotic piglets with equal number of oocysts of type 1 and type 2, given either simultaneously or with type 2 given 24 or 48 h after type 1. The genotype of the oocysts excreted in feces and the relative distribution of each of the genotypes throughout the gut at necropsy were determined. Regardless of the time interval between challenges with the two genotypes, type 2 invariably displaced type 1. The rate of displacement was rapid when both genotypes were given simultaneously, after which no traces of type 1 were detected in the feces or in gut sections by PCR. Infection with type 1 24 or 48 h before challenge with type 2, while permitting type 1 to become established, was still rapidly eliminated within 3 days after challenge with type 2. These observations have major implications regarding the relative perpetuation and survival of these two genotypes in mammals.
A murine model of mild traumatic brain injury exhibiting cognitive and motor deficits

Abstract Background Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health concern affecting more than 1.7 million people in the United States annually. Mild TBI is difficult to diagnose and is clinically associated with impaired motor coordination and cognition. Methods We subjected mice to a mild TBI (mTBI-1 or mTBI-2) induced by a weight drop model. We assessed brain injury histologically and biochemically, the latter by serum neuron-specific enolase and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Systemic and brain inflammation were measured by cytokine array. We determined blood–brain barrier integrity by cerebral vascular leakage of micromolecular and macromolecular fluorescent molecules. We evaluated mice using a rotarod device and novel object recognition to measure motor coordination and cognition, respectively. Results Mice undergoing mTBI-1 or mTBI-2 had significant deficits in motor coordination and cognition for several days after injury compared with controls. Furthermore, both mTBI-1 and mTBI-2 caused micromolecular leakage in the blood–brain barrier, whereas only mTBI-2 caused macromolecular leakage. Serum neuron-specific enolase and glial fibrillary acidic protein were elevated acutely and corresponded to the degree of injury, but returned to baseline within 24 h. Serum cytokines interleukin-6 and keratinocyte-derived chemokine were significantly increased within 90 min of TBI. Interleukin-6 levels correlated with the degree of injury. Conclusions The current study provides a reproducible model of mild TBI in mice that exhibits pathologic features of mild TBI in humans. Furthermore, our data suggest that serum cytokines, such as IL-6, may be effective biomarkers for severity of head injury.
Review of Cross-cultural technology design: creating culture-sensitive technology for local users by Sun, H. (2012), New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc.

In Huatong Sun's recent book, Cross-cultural technology design: Creating culture-sensitive technology for local users, the author presents a study of text messaging usage in both American and Chinese culture. Sun introduces the field to her "design philosophy and model of Culturally Localized User Experience" or "CLUE" (xiv-xv). Using the CLUE approach, Sun explores the differences in how a technology such as text messaging has developed, and has been interpreted by users, within each culture, including case studies of specific users. Sun breaks up her book into three distinctive parts: Grounding, Experiences, and Implications.
Structure-Function Relationships in the HAMP and Proximal Signaling Domains of the Aerotaxis Receptor Aer

Aer, the Escherichia coli aerotaxis receptor, faces the cytoplasm, where the PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim)-flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) domain senses redox changes in the electron transport system or cytoplasm. PAS-FAD interacts with a HAMP (histidine kinase, adenylyl cyclase, methyl-accepting protein, and phosphatase) domain to form an input-output module for Aer signaling. In this study, the structure of the Aer HAMP and proximal signaling domains was probed to elucidate structure-function relationships important for signaling. Aer residues 210 to 290 were individually replaced with cysteine and then cross-linked in vivo. The results confirmed that the Aer HAMP domain is composed of two alpha-helices separated by a structured loop. The proximal signaling domain consisted of two alpha-helices separated by a short undetermined structure. The Af1503 HAMP domain from Archaeoglobus fulgidus was recently shown to be a four-helix bundle. To test whether the Af1503 HAMP domain is a prototype for the Aer HAMP domain, the latter was modeled using coordinates from Af1503. Several findings supported the hypothesis that Aer has a four-helix HAMP structure: (i) cross-linking independently identified the same residues at the dimer interface that were predicted by the model, (ii) the rate of cross-linking for residue pairs was inversely proportional to the beta-carbon distances measured on the model, and (iii) clockwise lesions that were not contiguous in the linear Aer sequence were clustered in one region in the folded HAMP model, defining a potential site of PAS-HAMP interaction during signaling. In silico modeling of mutant Aer proteins indicated that the four-helix HAMP structure was important for Aer stability or maturation. The significance of the HAMP and proximal signaling domain structure for signal transduction is discussed.
Combining Results of Multiple Search Engines in Proteomics

A crucial component of the analysis of shotgun proteomics datasets is the search engine, an algorithm that attempts to identify the peptide sequence from the parent molecular ion that produced each fragment ion spectrum in the dataset. There are many different search engines, both commercial and open source, each employing a somewhat different technique for spectrum identification. The set of high-scoring peptide-spectrum matches for a defined set of input spectra differs markedly among the various search engine results; individual engines each provide unique correct identifications among a core set of correlative identifications. This has led to the approach of combining the results from multiple search engines to achieve improved analysis of each dataset. Here we review the techniques and available software for combining the results of multiple search engines and briefly compare the relative performance of these techniques.
Predicting treatment response to naltrexone: the influence of craving and family history.

Naltrexone has repeatedly been shown to reduce drinking in alcohol-dependent patients. Previous clinical research suggests that naltrexone may be more effective at reducing drinking among patients with high levels of alcohol craving at the beginning of treatment. In addition, laboratory studies suggest that naltrexone may be more efficacious among patients with a high familial loading of alcohol problems. We explored both of these possibilities in the context of the first 12-week phase of a double blind, placebo-controlled naltrexone trial. A total of 121 patients were randomized to receive 100 mg/day naltrexone and 62 patients were randomized to receive placebo. Both naltrexone and placebo were given in conjunction with a psychosocial intervention designed to be integrated with the use of pharmacotherapy. This intervention was administered by nurse practitioners. Overall, patients randomized to naltrexone reported drinking five or more drinks on fewer days than did placebo controls (p =. 04). Interaction...
Beyond Mismatch: Evolving Paradigms in Imaging the Ischemic Penumbra With Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background— The ability to quickly and efficiently identify the ischemic penumbra in the acute stroke clinical setting is an important goal for stroke researchers and clinicians. Early and accurate identification of potentially salvageable versus irreversibly infarcted brain tissue may enable selection of the most appropriate candidates for early stroke therapies and identify patients who may still benefit from late recanalization or neuroprotective treatment. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging of the ischemic penumbra have been driven by serial MRI studies characterizing the natural evolution of cerebral infarction as well as the brain’s response to reperfusion. Summary of Comment— Based on these studies, various models for imaging the penumbra with MRI have been proposed, including the pioneering diffusion-perfusion mismatch model and later multivariate approaches. Each model has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions— There now are sufficient data to support paradigm shifts in a variety of central tenets regarding MRI and the ischemic penumbra. These include the insights that diffusion-perfusion mismatch does not optimally define the penumbra; that early diffusion lesions are in part reversible and often include both irreversibly infarcted tissue and penumbra; that the visible zone of perfusion abnormality overestimates the penumbra by including regions of benign oligemia; that MRI is a very practical method for acute stroke imaging; and that therapeutic salvage of the ischemic penumbra has been demonstrated in humans using diffusion-perfusion MRI.
Baseline Data on Distance Education Offerings in Deaf Education Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States

Given that little is empirically known about the use of distance education within deaf education teacher preparation (DETP) programs, the purpose of the present study was to obtain baseline data on distance education activities in these programs. Using a census of the program coordinators of the 68 DETP programs in the United States, the researcher requested and gathered data by means of an 11-item online questionnaire. A 69% response rate was achieved ( N = 47). It was found that more than half of the DETP programs offered distance education courses. Respondents indicated that asynchronous technology was used overwhelmingly more often than synchronous technology, with the Internet listed most often, followed by teleconferencing. Additional results provide information about the current status of distance education within the DETP field.
Mechanical constraints as computational constraints in tabletop tangible interfaces

This paper presents a new type of human-computer interface called Pico (Physical Intervention in Computational Optimization) based on mechanical constraints that combines some of the tactile feedback and affordances of mechanical systems with the abstract computational power of modern computers. The interface is based on a tabletop interaction surface that can sense and move small objects on top of it. The positions of these physical objects represent and control parameters inside a software application, such as a system for optimizing the configuration of radio towers in a cellular telephone network. The computer autonomously attempts to optimize the network, moving the objects on the table as it changes their corresponding parameters in software. As these objects move, the user can constrain their motion with his or her hands, or many other kinds of physical objects. The interface provides ample opportunities for improvisation by allowing the user to employ a rich variety of everyday physical objects as mechanical constraints. This approach leverages the user's mechanical intuition for how objects respond to physical forces. As well, it allows the user to balance the numerical optimization performed by the computer with other goals that are difficult to quantify. Subjects in an evaluation were more effective at solving a complex spatial layout problem using this system than with either of two alternative interfaces that did not feature actuation.
UTILIZATION OF GLYCINE NITROGEN AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF GLYCINE INTAKE.

Metabolism of approximately 20 mg of N15from glycine, ingested as a single dose, was studied in each of 2 dogs, in 5 successive experiments wherein total intake of free glycine increased stepwise from 1.5 to 19.5 g/day. Output of N15 as total nitrogen, urea, and ammonia, as well as the amount in fibrinogen, were deter mined 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after ingestion. Percentage of Nls retained after 24 hours, and the percentage observed in fibrinogen, were both inversely proportional to the logarithms of total free glycine intake. The 13-fold increase in glycine intake re duced the former percentage by about one third, and the latter by about two thirds. Rate of urea formation, expressed as milligrams of urea nitrogen per kilogram of body weight per hour, was a linear function of glycine intake during the most active period of catabolism (second 6-hour period after ingestion). Percentage of urinary ammonia originating from ingested glycine during the first two 6-hour periods increased linearly with glycine intake during the first 4 levels of supplementation, but not at the highest level. Glycine evidently had a sparing effect on formation of ammonia from other sources, but this effect was limited.
Designing Learning by Teaching Agents: The Betty's Brain System

The idea that teaching others is a powerful way to learn is intuitively compelling and supported in the research literature. We have developed computer-based, domain-independent Teachable Agents that students can teach using a visual representation. The students query their agent to monitor their learning and problem solving behavior. This motivates the students to learn more so they can teach their agent to perform better. This paper presents a teachable agent called Betty's Brain that combines learning by teaching with self-regulated learning feedback to promote deep learning and understanding in science domains. A study conducted in a 5th grade science classroom compared three versions of the system: a version where the students were taught by an agent, a baseline learning by teaching version, and a learning by teaching version where students received feedback on self-regulated learning strategies and some domain content. In the other two systems, students received feedback primarily on domain content. Our results indicate that all three groups showed learning gains during a main study where students learnt about river ecosystems, but the two learning by teaching groups performed better than the group that was taught. These differences persisted in the transfer study, but the gap between the baseline learning by teaching and self-regulated learning group decreased. However, there are indications that self-regulated learning feedback better prepared students to learn in new domains, even when they no longer had access to the self-regulation environment.
Examination of Metal Threads From Some Xv/Xvi Century Italian Textiles by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) has been employed along with the light microscope to describe some metal threads taken from some late Medieval and Renaissance textiles attributed to Italy in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Comparisons are made within the group studied and to those descriptions of metal threads found in recent literature. The results are discussed in terms of geographic and historic markers of the metal thread technology employed.
A measurement study of attacks on BitTorrent leechers

Anti-P2P companies have begun to launch Internet attacks against BitTorrent swarms. In this paper, we analyze how successful these attacks are at impeding the distribution of targeted files. We present the results of both passive and active measurements. For our active measurements, we developed a crawler that contacts all the peers in any given swarm, determines whether the swarm is under attack, and identifies the attack peers in the swarm. We used the crawler to analyze 8 top box-office movies. Using passive measurements, we performed a detailed analysis of a recent album that is under attack.
User Acceptance of Mobile Technology: A Campus-Wide Implementation of Blackboard's Mobile™ Learn Application:

Mobile learning is a fast growing trend in higher education. This study examined how an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) could evaluate and predict the use of a mobile application in lear...
Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease and Cushing's syndrome

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a form of bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia that is often associated with corticotrophin (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome (CS) and is characterized by small to normal-sized adrenal glands containing multiple small cortical pigmented nodules (1,2). PPNAD may occur in an isolated form or associated with a multiple neoplasia syndrome, the complex of spotty skin pigmentation, myxomas, and endocrine overactivity, or Carney complex, in which Cushing's syndrome is the most common endocrine manifestation (3). Molecular studies have led to the identification of several genes, defects in which may predispose PPNAD formation; all of these molecules play important role for the cAMP signaling pathway. This review intends to present the most recent knowledge of the pathology and molecular genetics of the benign bilateral adrenocortical lesions, as well as to discuss the modern tools for diagnostics and treatment of this condition.
Rebuild or Reconcile: American and Canadian Approaches to Redress for World War II Confinement

In 1988, the US and Canadian governments extended an official apology and issued financial compensation to persons of Japanese ancestry (Nikkei) for their removal from the West Coast and confinement without trial during World War II. Whereas many US public institutions have since participated in educational projects that emphasize the historical significance of Japanese American confinement, efforts to inform the public about the Japanese Canadian WWII experience have frequently encountered resistance. These developments stem from critical distinctions in the wartime and post-WWII Nikkei experience in Canada and the US, but also to point to important differences in American and Canadian approaches to addressing past wrongs.
Exome screening to identify loss-of-function mutations in the rhesus macaque for development of preclinical models of human disease.

Exome sequencing has been utilized to identify genetic variants associated with disease in humans. Identification of loss-of-function mutations with exome sequencing in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) could lead to valuable animal models of genetic disease. Attempts have been made to identify variants in rhesus macaques by aligning exome data against the rheMac2 draft genome. However, such efforts have been impaired due to the incompleteness and annotation errors associated with rheMac2. We wished to determine whether aligning exome reads against our new, improved rhesus genome, MacaM, could be used to identify high impact, loss-of-function mutations in rhesus macaques that would be relevant to human disease. We compared alignments of exome reads from four rhesus macaques, the reference animal and three unrelated animals, against rheMac2 and MacaM. Substantially more reads aligned against MacaM than rheMac2. We followed the Broad Institute’s Best Practice guidelines for variant discovery which utilizes the Genome Analysis Toolkit to identify high impact mutations. When rheMac2 was used as the reference genome, a large number of apparent false positives were identified. When MacaM was used as the reference genome, the number of false positives was greatly reduced. After examining the variant analyses conducted with MacaM as reference genome, we identified two putative loss-of-function mutations, in the heterozygous state, in genes related to human health. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of these mutations. We followed the transmission of one of these mutations (in the butyrylthiocholine gene) through three generations of rhesus macaques. Further, we demonstrated a functional decrease in butyrylthiocholinesterase activity similar to that observed in human heterozygotes with loss-of-function mutations in the same gene. The new MacaM genome can be effectively utilized to identify loss-of-function mutations in rhesus macaques without generating a high level of false positives. In some cases, heterozygotes may be immediately useful as models of human disease. For diseases where homozygous mutants are needed, directed breeding of loss-of-function heterozygous animals could be used to create rhesus macaque models of human genetic disease. The approach we describe here could be applied to other mammals, but only if their genomes have been improved beyond draft status.
Quadratus lumborum catheters for breast reconstruction requiring transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer may opt to undergo surgical reconstructive flaps at the time of or after mastectomies. These surgeries leave patients with significant postoperative pain and sometimes involve large surgical beds including graft sites from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast. Consequently, multimodal methods of pain management have become highly favored. Quadratus lumborum catheters offer an opioid-sparing technique that can be performed easily and safely. We present a case of a patient who underwent a breast flap reconstruction and had bilateral quadratus lumborum catheters placed for perioperative pain control.
Estimating FVC from FEV2 and FEV3: assessment of a surrogate spirometric parameter.

Background In the context that accurate measurement of FVC is important in diagnosing airflow obstruction and in assessing restriction, strategies to achieve reliable and accurate FVC measurement have drawn much attention. Objectives Because the rate of achieving end-of-test criteria during spirometry has been shown to be low, with resultant underrecording of the FVC, the current study proposes a regression equation for estimating FVC from measured values of the forced expiratory volume in 2 s (FEV 2 ) and forced expiratory volume in 3 s (FEV 3 ). Methods The predictive equation for the estimated FVC from volume measurements within the first 3 s of exhalation (estimated FVC 3 ) was generated based on 330 consecutive acceptable spirograms performed in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Pulmonary Function Laboratory. The equation was applied to an independent validation set comprised of spirometry measurements on 370 different consecutive patients. Results In the validation spirometry sample, in which the prevalence of obstruction was 34% (based on values of the measured FEV 1 /FVC compared to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III values), the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of FEV 1 /estimated FVC 3 for obstruction were 93.8%, 89.1%, 81.2%, and 96.9%, respectively. The misclassification rate was 9.2%. In the same cohort, the mean difference (± SD) between estimated FVC 3 and measured FVC was 24.7 ± 237 mL. Conclusions Given that FVC is frequently underrecorded, with resultant overestimation of FEV 1 /FVC and underdiagnosis of airflow obstruction, we believe that estimating FVC from FEV 2 and FEV 3 can offer practical diagnostic advantages.
Transnationalization of Turkish dramas: Exploring the convergence of local and global market imperatives

Since the mid-2000s, an ever-increasing number of Turkish dramas have been exported to several markets and commanded high prices and ratings. To explain the transnationalization of Turkish dramas, ...
Commercial Synthesis of (S,S)-Reboxetine Succinate: A Journey To Find the Cheapest Commercial Chemistry for Manufacture

The development of a synthetic process for (S,S)-reboxetine succinate, a candidate for the treatment of fibromylagia, is disclosed from initial scale-up to deliver material for registrational stability testing through to commercial route evaluation and subsequent nomination. This entailed evaluation of several alternative routes to result in what would have been a commercially attractive process for launch of the compound.
Measurement and Correlation of the Thermal Conductivity of 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E))

New experimental data on the thermal conductivity of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E)) are reported that allow the development of wide-range correlations. These new experimental data, covering a temperature range of (242 to 344) K for R1234yf and (203 to 344) K for R1234ze(E) at a pressure range of (0.1 to 23) MPa, are used to develop correlations for the thermal conductivity. The experimental data reported here have an uncertainty of less than 1 % for liquid measurements and for gas at pressures above 1 MPa, increasing to 3 % for gas at low pressures (less than 1 MPa). On the basis of the uncertainty of and comparisons with the present data, the thermal-conductivity correlations for R1234yf and R1234ze(E) are estimated to have relative expanded uncertainties of 3 % at a 95 % confidence level.
Adapative secondary harmonic restraint method for inrush current

This paper analyzes the differential protection principles for secondary harmonic transformer and discusses their reliability and sensitivity.The results show that different restraint inrush methods have different restraint effects.In the EHV transformer protection system,the restraint method should be improved.This paper puts forward a new restraint method based on the characteristic of secondary harmonic method.Meanwhile,based on the difference of DC decaying when excitation and fault,an adaptive secondary harmonic restraint method is proposed.The transformer differential protection applying the proposed method is evidently superior to traditional transformer differential protection based on secondary harmonic restraint criteria,so the proposed method is available for engineering application.
CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF EFFECTS OF AZITHROMYCIN ON CHILDREN WITH MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIA

Objective\ To observe the clinical effects of azithromycin on children with mycoplasma pneumonia.Methods\ 62 cases of mycoplasma pneumonia were randomly divided into two groups:30 cases in treatment group treated with intravenous azithromycin 5～10 mg/(kg·d),and 32 cases in the control group with intravenous erythromycin 15～20 mg/(kg·d).Results\ 22 cases had completely recovered, 6 had excellent responsiveness,2 significant improvement in the treatment group and the rate of efficacy was 93.3% (28/30). In the control, 16 cases completely cured, 13 excellent responsiveness, 3 significant improvement and the rate of efficacy was 90.6%(29/32) .There was no significant difference between the two groups(P0.05); Side effects happened in 2 cases (6.7%) in the treatment group, and 24 case(75%) in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P0.05);Conclusion\ Azithromycin is shown to be of choice to manage children with mycoplasma pneumonia with good therapeutic profiles.
Incoming human papillomavirus type 16 genome resides in a vesicular compartment throughout mitosis

During the entry process, the human papillomavirus (HPV) capsid is trafficked to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), whereupon it enters the nucleus during mitosis. We previously demonstrated that the minor capsid protein L2 assumes a transmembranous conformation in the TGN. Here we provide evidence that the incoming viral genome dissociates from the TGN and associates with microtubules after the onset of mitosis. Deposition onto mitotic chromosomes is L2-mediated. Using differential staining of an incoming viral genome by small molecular dyes in selectively permeabilized cells, nuclease protection, and flotation assays, we found that HPV resides in a membrane-bound vesicle until mitosis is completed and the nuclear envelope has reformed. As a result, expression of the incoming viral genome is delayed. Taken together, these data provide evidence that HPV has evolved a unique strategy for delivering the viral genome to the nucleus of dividing cells. Furthermore, it is unlikely that nuclear vesicles are unique to HPV, and thus we may have uncovered a hitherto unrecognized cellular pathway that may be of interest for future cell biological studies.
High Proportion of Nuclear Phenotype Identifies Aggressive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To develop a quantitative histopathology algorithm to predict which patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) were likely to experience recurrence or metastases. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective study of cSCC lesions compared patients with aggressive disease (n = 40) and those with nonaggressive disease (n = 35). Based on a previous study using nuclear karyometry, we determined that aggressive lesions had a high proportion of a specific nuclear phenotype. The proportion of those nuclei was used to derive an aggressiveness score for each lesion. The mean age of patients was similar in both groups, as were the locations of index lesions. RESULTS The mean aggressiveness scorefor cases with aggressive lesions was 0.60 ± 0.21 and was 0.28 ± 0.35 for those with nonaggressive lesions. The overall accuracy in properly characterizing lesions was 72%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.80 ± 0.05. In general, the aggressive nuclear phenotype is represented by elevated levels of chromatin clumps and short linear segments of dark chromatin/intense pixels. CONCLUSION These data suggest that discriminant functions may be utilized to distinguish between aggressive and nonaggressive lesions at the time of diagnosis.
Integrative Medicine Preferences Among Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) Patients.

Abstract Objectives: To understand the extent and modalities of integrative medicine strategies that patients with coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) have incorporated into their treatment regimens. Design: A direct patient survey was distributed, with 100 unique responses, at a single infectious diseases clinic at an academic medical center in Arizona. Eligible patients, defined as those with confirmed coccidioidomycosis or currently under evaluation, were polled on their personal use of 36 integrative medicine modalities. Patients were also asked to indicate their level of fatigue on a 10-point scale in an attempt to correlate levels of fatigue to use of specific integrative medicine modalities. Results: Of the patients surveyed, 64% had used at least one integrative medicine modality, and 53% used two or more, along with conventional medical therapy. The top three modalities were nutrition (39%), massage (27%), and breathing exercises (26%). The mean reported fatigue level was 4.7 on a 10-point scale, w...
ENCELADUS’ GEYSERS: RELATION TO GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

We apply histogram analysis, photogeological methods, and tidal stress modeling to Porco et al.'s survey of 101 Enceladus South Polar Basin geysers and their three-dimensional orientations to test if the jet azimuths are influenced by their placement relative to surface morphology and tectonic structures. Geysers emplaced along the three most active tiger stripe fractures (Damascus Sulcus, Baghdad Sulcus, and Cairo Sulcus) occur in local groupings with relatively uniform nearest-neighbor separation distances (~5 km). Their placement may be controlled by uniformly spaced en echelon Riedel-type shear cracks originating from left-lateral strike-slip fault motion inferred to occur along tiger stripes. The spacing would imply a lithosphere thickness of ~5 km in the vicinity of the tiger stripes. The orientations of tilted geyser jets are not randomly distributed; rather their azimuths correlate with the directions either of tiger stripes, cross-cutting fractures, or else fine-scale local tectonic fabrics. Diurnal tidal stress modeling suggests that periodic changes of plume activity are significantly affected by cross-cutting fractures that open and close at different times than the tiger stripes that they intersect. We find evidence of sub-kilometer scale morphological modification of surface geological features surrounding geysers from sublimation-aided erosion, and ablation, and scouring. We propose that the simultaneous crushing and shearing action of periodic transpressional tidal stress on ice condensing on the inside walls of geyser conduits is the mechanism that extrudes the peculiar, paired narrow ridges known as "shark fins" that flank the medial tiger stripe fissures. We present a gallery of high-resolution image mosaics showing the placement of all the jets in their source region and consequently their geological context.
The Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium: The End of an Era and Beginning of a New Mission

The Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC) was developed to provide individual institutions feedback about outcomes of common surgical and catheter based procedures and allow comparison of these outcomes on an international scale. The PCCC successfully accomplished this mission for over 30 years. The data was accurate, and provided to the individual centers on an annual basis. Recently, the database has elected to stop collecting information from the member institutions. As before, leaders within this organization have had to evolve the mission and find applications for the rich data that currently exists within the database. This chapter describes the history, current status, and future of the PCCC.
History of Cancer

Rudolf Virchow envisioned embryonal cells as having the capacity to generate different types of cancer, including those of an epithelial nature, even though they resided in the connective tissue of various organs.
Comprehensive view of security practices in vehicular networks

With expectation of widespread adoption of Connected Vehicles Technology (CVT), security within the vehicular networks has come under scrutiny. Owing to the nature of CVT applications, security flaws can result not only in loss of data or network function but also in fatal accidents. Security mechanisms that can account for privacy, authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation while having an acceptable communication overhead are imperative to the functioning of CVT applications. While this field of study is rapidly evolving with a wide range of studies and security solutions being proposed for different areas of CVT security, literature documenting the comprehensive picture of current security protocols and practices is missing. This paper attempts to remedy this by documenting recent advances in CVT security with the goal of providing an efficient jumping off point for future research in CVT security development.