cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Retroviruses and the Epigenome

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the evolutionary remnants of ­retroviral germline infections, which are no longer capable of intercellular infectivity. Despite being confined within the genomes of their hosts, ERVs are able to replicate and spread via retrotransposition. This replicative process helps to ensure the elements’ proliferation and long term evolutionary success, but it also imposes a substantial mutational burden on their host genomes. Accordingly, host organisms have evolved a variety of mechanisms to repress ERV transposition, including epigenetic mechanisms based on the modification of chromatin. In particular, DNA methylation and histone modifications are used to silence ERV transcription thereby mitigating their ability cause mutations via transposition. It has recently become apparent that epigenetic and chromatin based regulation of ERVs can also exert substantial regulatory effects on host genes. In this chapter, we provide a number of examples illustrating how chromatin modifications of ERV insertions relate to host gene regulation including both deleterious cases as well as exapted cases whereby epigenetically activated ERV elements provide functional utility to their host genomes via the provisioning of novel regulatory sequences. For example, we discuss ERV-derived promoter and enhancer sequences in the human genome that are epigenetically modified in a cell-type specific manner to help drive differential expression of host genes. The genomic abundance of ERVs, taken together with their proximity to host genes and their propensity to be epigenetically modified, suggest that this kind of phenomenon may be far more common than previously imagined. Furthermore, the environmental responsiveness of epigenetic pathways suggests the possibility that ERVs, along with other classes of epigenetically modified TEs, may serve to coordinately modify host gene regulatory programs in response to environmental challenges.
If WiFi APs Could Move: A Measurement Study

This paper explores the possibility of injecting mobility into wireless network infrastructure. We envision WiFi APs on wheels that move to optimize user performance. Movements need not be all around the floor, neither do they have to operate on batteries. As a first step, WiFi APs at home could remain tethered to power and Ethernet outlets while moving in small areas (perhaps under the couch). If such systems prove successful, perhaps future buildings could offer explicit support for network infrastructure mobility. This paper begins with a higher level discussion of robotic wireless networks—the opportunities and the hurdles—and then pivots by developing a smaller slice of the vision through a system called iMob . With iMob , a WiFi AP is mounted on a Roomba robot and made to periodically move within a $2x2$ sqft region. The core questions pertain to finding the best location to move to, such that the SNRs from its clients are strong, and the interferences from other APs are weak. Our measurements show that the richness of wireless multipath offers significant opportunities—even within a $2x2$ sqft region, locations exist that are $1.7x$ better than the average location in terms of throughput. When multiple APs in a neighborhood coordinate, the gains can be even higher. In sum, although infrastructure mobility has been discussed in the context of Google Balloons, ad hoc networks, and delay tolerant networks, we believe that the possibility of moving our personal devices in homes and offices is relatively unexplored, and could open doors to new kinds of innovation.
Id1 is an essential transcriptional regulator of the hematopoietic microenvironment

1286 We previously found that Id1 mRNA is not expressed in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), but is increased during the early stages of the myeloid development. Its expression is increased by C/EBPα, which is essential for granulocytic differentiation, suggesting Id1 might regulate myeloid development. Furthermore, over-expression of Id1 promotes increased myelopoiesis in vivo . In this study, we examined Id1-/- mice to clarify the physiological role of Id1 in hematopoiesis. Granulocyte and monocyte counts were increased in the peripheral blood of Id1-/- mice, while B lymphocytes were decreased. Id1-/- bone marrow (BM) also showed increased percentages of myeloid cells, but total BM cellularity was decreased by 25% compared to Id1+/+ mice. Immunophenotypic analysis of BM progenitors showed decreased numbers of Granulocyte Monocyte Progenitors (lin-IL7Rα-cKit+Sca-1-CD34+ Fcγ RII/III+ cells) and more differentiated progenitors, while total HSC (lin-IL7Rα-cKit+Sca1+) numbers are preserved. In addition, the percentage of HSC and, committed progenitors (lin-IL7Rα-cKit+Sca1-) in S phase was increased in Id1-/- BM cells in vivo by BrdU staining. Serial transplantation experiments showed that self-renewal of HSC is preserved in the absence of Id1. Thus, though Id1 is not required for HSC self-renewal, Id1 deletion reduces the size of the myeloid compartment in BM and increases granulocytes in peripheral blood, suggesting accelerated myeloid differentiation. To evaluate if these defects were intrinsic to hematopoietic cells or the result of microenvironmental defects, we performed bone marrow HSC transplantation. Transplantation of Id1-/- BM cells into lethally irradiated Id1+/+ recipients exhibited normal tri-lineage reconstitution and normal BM cellularity. In contrast, transplantation of Id1+/+ BM cells to Id1-/- recipient mice reproduced the hematological features of Id1-/- mice including decreased BM cellularity, increased myelopoiesis, decreased B lymphopoiesis, suggesting the defective BM microenvironment of Id1-/- was responsible for the abnormalities in Id1-/- mice hematopoiesis. Microarray data indicated that Id1-/- BM cells have decreased expression of genes that are essential for BM microenvironment including CSF1, FGF1, TGF-α, EGF, α3 integrin, and α6 integrin. Based on these data, we propose that Id1 is essential to regulate normal hematopoiesis by maintaining proper BM microenvironment, and also provides negative feedback in myeloid differentiation to prevent accelerated granulocytic differentiation. Funded by NCI contract No. N01-CO-12400
Le “ferite dell’anima”

Sei nel bel mezzo di una laparotomia esplorativa per trauma penetrante e ti imbatti in un vasto ematoma localizzato proprio li, sotto al fegato o in una vivace emorragia proveniente dal quadrante addominale superiore destro, sempre li, sotto al fegato! La situazione e questa? Sei di fronte a una delle peggiori lesioni mai riscontrabili nel trauma.
Variability in Heparin Sensitivity of APTT Reagents

Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is the most widely used coagulation test for monitoring heparin therapy. This study quantitates the differences in heparin sensitivity of seven commercially available APTT reagents, using plasma samples obtained from 20 subjects. The reagents studied were Actin, Actin FS, Automated APTT, Cephotest, Coagachek KAPTT, Platelin plus activator, and Activated Thrombofax. The relationship between plasma heparin and APTT was established for all reagents in each subject. For each reagent studied there was a marked intersubject variability in heparin sensitivity. There was also a marked difference in heparin sensitivity among the different reagents. The average plasma heparin activities required to double baseline APTT values ranged from 0.19 +/- 0.04 (mean +/- SD) unit/mL for the most sensitive reagents (Platelin and Actin FS) to 0.43 +/- 0.12 unit/mL for the least sensitive reagent (Actin). It is concluded that reagent variability may significantly contribute to overdosage and under dosage of heparin in the individual patient. These results stress that a standard APTT reagent be developed.
Perspectives on supervised injection facilities among service industry employees in New York City: A qualitative exploration.

Abstract Background Approximately 100 supervised injection facilities (SIFs) operate in 66 cities around the world to reduce overdose deaths, the spread of disease and public disorder, though none legally exist in the United States. Public bathrooms are among the most common public places for injection reported by people who inject drugs in New York City (NYC) and service industry employees (SIEs) inadvertently become first-responders when overdoses occur in business bathrooms. The goal of this study was to assess SIE acceptability of SIFs and the perceived effects that SIFs would have on them, their colleagues, their businesses and communities. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 SIEs recruited through convenience sampling throughout NYC. Participants were provided with peer-reviewed scientific evidence prior to discussing SIFs. Data were analysed using a hybrid deductive and inductive approach. Results Most SIEs had encountered drug use (93%, n = 14/15) and syringes (73%, n = 11/15) in their business bathrooms and three had encountered unresponsive individuals. Nearly all workers (93%, n = 14/15) were supportive of SIFs and believed SIFs would reduce injection drug use in their business bathrooms. Participants also believed that ‘not in my backyard’ arguments from community boards may impede SIF operation. Conclusions Service industry employees are critical stakeholders due to their exposure to occupational health hazards related to public injection. Those interviewed were amenable to SIF operation as a form of occupational harm reduction and their experiences provide an important dimension to the political debate surrounding SIFs.
American Urological Association, American College of Emergency Physicians and American College of Radiology Quality Improvement Summit 2017: Challenges and Opportunities for Stewardship of Urological Imaging

AbstractIntroduction:Since 2014 the AUA (American Urological Association) has convened several Quality Improvement Summits to provide education and promote dialogue around issues of quality improve...
circumventing RTE system memory and disc restrictions

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses two major areas where significant system restrictions have been placed upon the user that cannot be overcome without specially designed software. These areas are: (1) extending EMA usage, and (2) adding extra segment loading flexibility. In most real time executive (RTE) applications that put stringent demands on standard HP supplied software, the above two problems are very common and seem to eventually surface at some point during the application. Some real-time applications require fast response time. In general, the faster the response required usually means that time critical functions be put in memory rather than on other services, such as a disk to achieve desired speed. These functions could be in the form of programs, subroutines, data areas, or RTE system routines. The chapter discusses a technique that involves making large data areas available for sharing among several executing programs. Segmentation is the most efficient means of logically extending the size of the largest loadable program. As a general rule, segmentation is usually more overall effective than other methods, such as virtual storage and code segments.
Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Influenza Infection in Oncology Patients

Influenza infection causes increased morbidity and higher mortality in patients receiving treatment of underlying cancer, particularly in those with hematological malignancy or patients who have un...
Competition between Proton Transfer and Proton Isomerization in the N2 + HOC+ Reaction on an Ab Initio-Based Global Potential Energy Surface

The dynamics of the N2 + HOC+ multichannel reaction is investigated up to 1.0 eV of collision energy on an accurate global potential energy surface (PES) for the ground electronic state. The PES is constructed using the permutation invariant polynomial-neural network (PIP-NN) method by fitting ∼37 000 points at the CCSD(T)-F12a/cc-pVTZ-F12 level with a root-mean-square error of about 3.0 meV. It was found that the total reaction integral cross section decreases monotonically with the collision energy, consistent with the barrierless complex-forming mechanism. Throughout the energy range, the proton transfer channel, which leads to the N2H+ + CO products, dominates the proton isomerization channel, which forms the N2 + HCO+ products. The differential cross section of the proton transfer channel is backward biased, signaling a relatively direct process, while that of the proton isomerization channel shows strong forward-backward symmetry, which can be attributed to a long-lived intermediate.
Human Performance in UAS Operations in Construction and Infrastructure Environments

AbstractCurrent studies have addressed the significant potential of technology integration in construction and infrastructure environments; however, they have not sufficiently explored the human as...
Glycopeptide Hypersensitivity and Adverse Reactions

Glycopeptides, such as vancomycin and teicoplanin, are primarily used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, such as cellulitis, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, and septicemia, and are some of the most commonly prescribed parenteral antimicrobials. Parenteral glycopeptides are first-line therapy for severe MRSA infections; however, oral vancomycin is used as a first-line treatment of Clostridioides difficile infections. Also, we currently have the longer-acting lipoglycopeptides, such as dalbavancin, oritavancin, and telavancin to our armamentarium for the treatment of MRSA infections. Lastly, vancomycin is often used as an alternative treatment for patients with β-lactam hypersensitivity. Common adverse effects associated with glycopeptide use include nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and Redman Syndrome (RMS). The RMS is often mistaken for a true allergy; however, it is a histamine-related infusion reaction rather than a true immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reaction. Although hypersensitivity to glycopeptides is rare, both immune-mediated and delayed reactions have been reported in the literature. We describe the various types of glycopeptide hypersensitivity reactions associated with glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides, including IgE-mediated reactions, RMS, and linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis, as well as describe cross-reactivity with other glycopeptides.
Pancreatic Cancer Imaging: What the Surgeon Wants to Know?

Pancreatic cancer is rare but is one of the deadliest cancers. Complete surgical removal of the cancer with negative margins is the only potentially curative treatment. However, majority of the cases present with distant metastases and/or locally advanced disease, and only a limited subset (up to 20%) of patients are surgical candidates. Therefore, accurate staging of pancreatic cancer is very important for treatment planning. It is very important to distinguish between patients who are surgical candidates and those who would need palliative treatment. Imaging plays a crucial role in the detection of the primary tumor, vascular involvement and variants, metastasis, prediction of resectability, and monitoring treatment response. High-resolution multidetector computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality of choice for diagnosing and staging pancreatic cancers. Nevertheless, integration of ultrasound, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed for accurate determination of the tumor extent and optimal management. Herein, we aim to provide a radiological review for “what the surgeon wants to know about pancreatic cancer?” In this review, we highlight the main types of invasive pancreatic cancers and discuss the role of imaging in determining the resectability of pancreatic tumors and the role of neoadjuvant treatment in downstaging borderline or unresectable cases in addition to featuring significant postsurgical complications.
Tubularized double paramedian incision plate urethroplasty

Objective To present the experience of hypospadias repair using the tubularized double paramedian incision plate urethroplasty.Methods A retrospective review of the last 1 year of tubularized double paramedian incision plate urethroplasty was performed.In 31 patients who had the operations using this procedure, 28 suffered from penile and 3 penoscrotal hypospadias.The average age at surgery was 2.7 years(range: 1.6 to 5.2 years).The mean operative time was 91.6min (range: 80 to 105 min).Results All patients were followed up for more than three months after surgery.Fistulas occurred in 3 patients (9.7%).Meatal stenosis occurred in 2 patients (6.5%).Both responded well to urethral dilatatioa No patient had urethral stricture.Conclusions Tubularized double paramedian incision plate urethroplasty is an effective treatment for hypospadias.The incidence of postoperative complications is low. Key words: Urethra; Hypospadias
Adult Attachment, Social Self-Efficacy, Familismo, and Psychological Wellbeing: A Cross-Cultural Comparison:

This cross-cultural study investigated a moderated indirect effect model in which country membership and familismo were hypothesized to moderate the direct and indirect effects of attachment insecu...
Crustacean zooplankton available for larval walleyes in a Lake Michigan embayment

Abstract Adequate densities of zooplankton prey are critical for growth and survival of larvae of many fish species. Little information exists on the density of zooplankton in Great Lakes inshore areas during early spring, when larvae of important fishes rely on zooplankton. Reduced age-0 walleye recruitment and the absence of data on zooplankton availability for larval walleyes in northern Green Bay, Lake Michigan, led us to assess zooplankton densities during this critical spring period. We conducted biweekly vertical plankton tows in 2014–2016 near reefs and river plumes used by spawning walleyes for periods when larval walleyes were expected to be relying on zooplankton prey. Densities of zooplankton were well below literature values identified for good growth and survival of larval walleyes, averaging 1.5 individuals L−1 for all taxa and 0.12 individuals L−1 for large-bodied taxa across all sites and sampling dates. Various factors could contribute to the low density of zooplankton observed. We found low but significantly higher densities of cyclopoid copepods, nauplii, Bosmina, and total zooplankton at river mouth sites compared to open water sites. These results suggest that food availability for larval walleye in our study area was severely limiting which is consistent with the paucity of strong year classes observed since 2000. We suspect northern Green Bay has limited potential for producing strong year classes of walleyes under such conditions. Fishery managers working in unproductive waters should consider assessing the zooplankton community during critical periods to identify potential bottlenecks to reproductive success and larval fish survival.
Coldplate Design for Optimal Thermal Performance of High-Speed Electronics

Thermal management of high-speed electronics has become more challenging due to dramatic increase of power density in high-speed CPUs and GPUs and server size limitations in data center for next generation exascale high-performance computing. Water cooling has been shown to provide better cooling performance compared to air cooling; thus, systematic investigation of water cooling in coldplate designs have been increasingly demanding. Integration of such thermal cooling designs into system level thermal management also creates some issues in general due to the limitations of both hydrodynamics and system level component's arrangements in the servers. For instance, electrical routing and interconnect architecture in electronic packaging create challenges for thermal design of high-end servers. In this paper, we investigate the optimal thermal performance of coldplate design by analyzing the internal thermal resistance and the pressure drop within the coldplate that can optimally be designed for high-end server design. We also show the importance of modeling the barb and riser assembly used in coldplate design to fully understand the flow characterization in the coldplate in which turbulent and vortex flow affects the pressure drop significantly in overall hydrodynamic characterization of the coldplate.
A 1.2-V 6-GHz Dual-Path Charge-Pump PLL Frequency Synthesizer for Quantum Control and Readout in CMOS 65-nm Process

This paper presents a low jitter dual-path charge-pump phase locked loop (PLL) synthesizer in a CMOS 65-nm process for quantum readout applications. The PLL incorporates a programmable dual charge-pump and a loop filter with both proportional and integral paths that can be driven independently providing flexible control of the loop bandwidth to achieve low jitter performance. The design is implemented at 300 K and critical blocks like voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and charge-pump (CP) are analyzed at 77 K based on the characterized results. The LC-VCO is realized with the class-C NMOS only architecture with 5-bit coarse control and quadrature signals are generated with poly phase filter. The VCO is designed with the tuning range of 1 GHz around the center frequency of 6 GHz with Phase Noise of -123 dBc/Hz and -132 dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset at 300 K and 77 K temperature. The simulated PLL rms jitter is 125 fs at 6 GHz with a power consumption of 8 mW at the 1.2 V power supply.
Orthostatic tremor responds to bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation.

Background: Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a disabling movement disorder manifested by postural and gait disturbance. Primarily a condition of elderly people, it can be progressive in up to 15% of patients. The primary treatments are medications that are often ineffective. Case Report: A 75-year-old male presented with a 10-year history of progressive and disabling OT. He had tried various medications without significant benefits. He underwent bilateral thalamic Vim deep brain stimulation (DBS). At 30-month follow-up, he has had continued significant improvement of his OT. Discussion: Bilateral thalamic DBS may be a viable option for medically refractory OT.
Mitochondrial superoxide generation in the rat pup kidney during sepsis (1063.7)

Sepsis is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in children. In order to develop new therapies, it is critical to understand the development of pediatric sepsis and its effects...
Measurement of the Antithrombin III Binding Sites in Low Molecular Weight Heparins by 13C NMR and Capillary Electrophoresis

Low molecular weight heparins, prepared from the controlled chemical or enzymatic depolymerization of the heparin polysaccharide, are currently replacing heparin as the clinical anticoagulant/antithrombotic agent of choice. A principal mechanism of action of these agents is through the binding of antithrombin III, a plasma serine protease inhibitor, to specific pentasaccharide sequences in these polysaccharides. The content of antithrombin III-binding pentasaccharide sequences within low molecular weight heparins vary, making these drugs bio-inequivalent. Currently, the only way to examine the content of these pentasaccharide sequences within a low molecular weight heparin preparation relies on bioassay. This study examined both 13C NMR spectroscopy and oligosaccharide analysis by capillary electrophoresis as alternative measures of the content of antithrombin III binding sites within a variety of low molecular weight heparins. The number of antithrombin III binding sites per chain, measured by 13C NMR spectroscopy, correlated with the antithrombin III mediated anti-factor Xa activity of various low molecular weight heparins.
Kako tolmačiti histološke izvide sluznice pri diagnosticiranju gastro-intestinalnih bolezni pri otrocih

The gastrointestinal system includes multiple organs through which food passes, nutrients are absorbed and waste is eliminated. It also has endocrinologic and immunologic functions. Many diseases can affect the digestive system. In differential diagnosis workup, laboratory tests, imaging but most of all endoscopic and histologic examination are helpful. For proper specimen interpretation, an effective dialogue between the pathologist and the clinician, is necessary.
rGβ1: A Psychostimulant-Regulated Gene Essential for Establishing Cocaine Sensitization

Repeated doses of cocaine or amphetamine lead to long-lasting behavioral manifestations that include enhanced responses termed sensitization. Although biochemical mechanisms that underlie these manifestations currently remain largely unknown, new protein synthesis has been implicated in several of these neuroadaptive processes. To seek candidate biochemical mechanisms for these drug-induced neuroplastic behavioral responses, we have used an approach termed subtracted differential display (SDD) to identify genes whose expression is regulated by these psychostimulants. rGβ1is one of the SDD products that encodes a rat G-protein β subunit. rGβ1 expression is upregulated by cocaine or amphetamine treatments in neurons of the nucleus accumbens shell region, a major center for psychostimulant effects in locomotor control and behavioral reward. Antisense oligonucleotide treatments that attenuate rGβ1 expression in regions including the nucleus accumbens abolish the development of behavioral sensitization when they are administrated during the repeated cocaine exposures that establish sensitization. These treatments fail to alter acute behavioral responses to cocaine, and they do not block the expression of cocaine sensitization when it is established before oligonucleotide administrations. Full, regulated rGβ1 expression is a biochemical component essential to the establishment of a key consequence of repeated cocaine administrations, sensitization.
Dichamanetin inhibits cancer cell growth by affecting ROS-related signaling components through mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

Plants used as foods that are rich in certain bioactive secondary metabolites have received increased attention over the past several decades as potential agents for the treatment and prevention of different disease states (1). Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (Piperaceae), locally known as wild betel, is a glabrous, creeping tropical terrestrial herb popularly consumed as a spice in the cuisine of several Southeast Asian countries (2). There are several literature reports of the antiamoebic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antineoplastic, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, hypoglycemic, and insecticidal effects of this species (3–8). In a recent report, our group reported the structures and mitochondria membrane potential activity of four new C-benzylated flavanones, sarmentosumins A–D, five known C-benzylflavanones, and several other piperamides (9). Among these compounds, dichamanetin (C29H24O6), a rarely reported C-benzylflavanone, was isolated as a major metabolite (0.9 g; 0.29% yield) from the dried aerial plant parts (311 g) of P. sarmentosum. A study of mitochondrial function and induction of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B Cells (NF-κB) are good starting points to investigate the potential anticancer effects of this biologically active compound (10). Mitochondria are the major source of energy in all eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria produce ATP through the process of oxidative phosphorylation and the citric acid cycle. They also regulate calcium homeostasis and modulate apoptosis through release of several cell death-inducing molecules (11, 12). Detection of the mitochondrial permeability transition event provides an early indication of the initiation of cellular apoptosis (13). Hence, mitochondria have been associated with various biological processes involving cell signaling originated by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cellular differentiation, cell death caused by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as the control of cell cycle and cell growth related to G1 phase arrest (14, 15). Induction of NF-κB is another major approach in studying cellular response because it is very sensitive to internal stimuli such as cytokines and free radicals, and external stimuli such as ultraviolet irradiation, bacterial or viral antigens (16). In the present study, the effects of dichamanetin on antiproliferative potential using several human cancer cells in vitro through the loss of MMP, the production of ROS, the regulation of NF-κB and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit alpha (Iκκ-α), the change of cell distribution in cell cycle and cell cytotoxicity were investigated.
Conversion of Cellulose to Methane and Carbon Dioxide by Triculture of Acetivibrio cellulolyticus, Desulfovibrio sp., and Methanosarcina barkeri.

The fermentation of cellulose by monocultures of Acetivibrio cellulolyticus and cocultures of A. cellulolyticus-Methanosarcina barkeri, A. cellulolyticus-Desulfovibrio sp., and A. cellulolyticus-M. barkeri-Desulfovibrio sp. was studied. The monoculture produced ethanol, acetate, H(2), and CO(2). More acetate and less ethanol was formed by the cocultures than by the monoculture. Acetate was utilized by M. barkeri in coculture with A. cellulolyticus after a lag period, whereas ethanol was metabolized by the sulfate reducer only under conditions of low H(2) partial pressure, i.e., when cocultured with A. celluloyticus-M. barkeri or when grown together with the methanogen. Only the three-component culture carried out the rapid conversion of cellulose to CO(2) and methane. Furthermore, this culture hydrolyzed the most cellulose-85% of that initially present. This amount was increased to 90% by increasing the population of M. barkeri in the triculture. Methane production was also increased, and a quicker fermentation rate was achieved.
Multi-tracer Imaging of a Compton Camera

Since a Compton camera has high detection sensitivity due to electronic collimation and a good energy resolution, it is a potential imaging system for nuclear medicine. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a Compton camera for multi-tracer imaging and proposed a rotating Compton camera to satisfy Orlov’s condition for 3D imaging. Two software phantoms of 140 and 511 keV radiation sources were used for Monte-Carlo simulation and then the simulation data were reconstructed by listmode ordered subset expectation maximization to evaluate the capability of multi-tracer imaging in a Compton camera. And the Compton camera rotating around the object was proposed and tested with different rotation angle steps for improving the limited coverage of the fixed conventional Compton camera over the field-of-view in terms of histogram of angles in spherical coordinates. The simulation data showed the separate 140 and 511 keV images from simultaneous multi-tracer detection in both 2D and 3D imaging and the number of valid projection li nes on the conical surfaces was inversely proportional to the decrease of rotation angle. Considering computation load and proper number of projection lines on the conical surface, the rotation angle of 30 degree was sufficient for 3D imaging of the Compton camera in terms of 26 min of computation time and 5 million of detected event number and the increased detection time can be solved with multiple Compton camera system. The Compton camera proposed in this study can be effective system for multi-tracer imaging and is a potential system for development of various disease diagnosis and therapy approaches.
The Geography of US Union Elections 1: The Crisis of US Unions and a Critical Review of the Literature

Conventional literature on union growth and decline has failed to deal adequately with the local context of union elections, and has tended to rationalize the complexity of decentralized labor relations. This paper begins with a statement on the relevance of the topic for location theory, and the theory of regional growth and decline. Recent patterns in US unionization are considered before a review of early literature on unionization in relation to local labor markets structure. The institutional context of unionization is noted, with concentration on the role of the National Labor Relations Board, and state-level right-to-work legislation. The process of union representation elections is described with reference to the related literature. Suggestions are made for an empirical strategy which would deal more adequately with the local representation process.
Usefulness of hyponatremia as a predictor for adverse events in patients with heart failure receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Hyponatremia portends a poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic implication of hyponatremia on adverse events in patients with HF receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Additionally, the impact of improvement of hyponatremia after CRT device implantation was also evaluated. In this retrospective analysis, we included patients in whom a CRT device was implanted between April 2004 and April 2010 at our institution and had a baseline sodium level obtained within 72 hours of implantation. The patients were followed up for 3 years after implantation for subsequent primary composite end points, that is, hospitalization for HF, left ventricular assist device or heart transplant, and all-cause death. Sodium levels were followed up at 3 to 6 months after device implantation. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium level of
Acute Porphyrias in the USA: Features of 108 Subjects from Porphyrias Consortium

Abstract Background Recent descriptions of the clinical and laboratory features of subjects with acute porphyrias in the US are lacking. Our aim was to describe clinical, biochemical, and genetic features of 108 subjects. Methods Between September 2010 and December 2012, 108 subjects with acute porphyrias (90 acute intermittent porphyrias, 9 hereditary coproporphyrias, 9 variegate porphyrias) were enrolled into an observational study. Genetic testing was performed at a central genetic testing laboratory and clinical information entered into a central database. Selected features were compared with data for adults in the US. Results Most subjects (88/108, 81%) were female, with self-reported onset of symptoms in the second through fourth decades of life. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. Appendectomies and cholecystectomies were common before a diagnosis of porphyria. The diagnosis was delayed by a mean of 15 years. Anxiety and depression were common, and 18% complained of chronic symptoms, especially neuropathic and other pains. The incidences of systemic arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease, seizure disorders, and psychiatric conditions were markedly increased. Mutations of the known causative genes were found in 102/105 of those tested, with novel mutations being found in 37, including in 7/8 subjects with hereditary coproporphyria. Therapy with intravenous hematin was the most effective therapy both for treatment of acute attacks and for prevention of recurrent attacks. Conclusions Acute porphyrias often remain undiagnosed for more than a decade after first symptoms develop. Intravenous hematin is the treatment of choice, both for treatment of acute attacks and for prevention of recurrent attacks.
A game theory model for analysing market competition in sustainable manufacturing industry

As the global awareness and concerns about the environment issues increase, many governments, regulatory organisations and business leaders have begun to call on the manufacturing and business communities to play leading roles in the process of moving the global economy towards sustainability. Fierce market competition and price sensitivity have been big obstacles in the development and growth of sustainable/green production industry. In this study, analyses are conducted between two groups of ordinary and green production sectors which produce a similar type of product with different materials and techniques. We categorise them as green and ordinary companies. A game theoretical model is formulated to analyse the market competition, and obtain the dynamic equilibrium under the free entry assumption. Sensitivity analyses and numerical examples can provide suggestions to assist policy makers, governments, company executives and consumers to make better and rational decisions.
Equal Access for Medicaid Beneficiaries — The Supreme Court and the Douglas Cases

The Supreme Court heard arguments about lawsuits against California for cutting Medicaid reimbursement rates, threatening access to care. Does the Constitution give individuals the right to sue to halt state actions that violate federal law and threaten injury?
The dose-response relationship between lateral foot wedging and the reduction of knee adduction moment.

article i nfo Article history: Received 8 July 2014 Accepted 29 August 2014 Background: Lateral foot wedges represent a biomechanical intervention aimed at reducing medial knee loads. However, the effects of varying wedge amounts on biomechanical variables and orthotic comfort have not been systematically studied. Further, arch height may influence the comfort of laterally wedged devices. There- fore, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of incrementally increasing lateral wedge amounts on knee adduction moment parameters and subjective comfort. The secondary purpose was to relate
Prevalence and Impact of Unhealthy Weight in a National Sample of US Adolescents With Autism and Other Learning and Behavioral Disabilities

We estimated the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight among US adolescents with and without autism and other learning and behavioral developmental disabilities (DDs) and assessed the health consequences of obesity among adolescents with DDs. From the 2008 to 2010 National Health Interview Survey, we selected 9,619 adolescents ages 12-17 years. Parent respondents reported weight, height, presence of DDs and health conditions. We calculated body mass index (BMI) and defined obesity, overweight, and underweight as ≥95th, ≥85th to <95th, and <5th percentiles, respectively, using established criteria. We created mutually-exclusive DD subgroups using the following order of precedence: autism; intellectual disability; attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder; learning disorder/other developmental delay. We compared BMI outcomes among adolescents in each DD group versus adolescents without DDs using multivariable logistic regression. Socio-demographic factors and birthweight were included as confounders. Estimates were weighted to reflect the US population. Both obesity and underweight prevalences were higher among adolescents with than without DDs [adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) 1.5 (1.25-1.75) and 1.5 (1.01-2.20), respectively]. Obesity was elevated among adolescents with all DD types, and was highest among the autism subgroup [aPR 2.1 (1.44-3.16)]. Adolescents with either a DD or obesity had higher prevalences of common respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological conditions/symptoms than nonobese adolescents without DDs. Adolescents with both DDs and obesity had the highest estimates for most conditions. Obesity is high among adolescents with autism and other DDs and poses added chronic health risks. Obesity prevention and management approaches for this vulnerable population subgroup need further consideration.
The role of arteriography in assessing popliteal artery injury in knee dislocations.

Background This study aimed to review the need for angiography among patients with traumatic knee dislocations, and to evaluate any adverse consequences associated with the clinical decision to pursue or defer angiography. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 55 patients (57 knees) with traumatic knee dislocation during a 7-year period. The presence or absence of arterial injury was assessed via physical examination (to determine presence of foot pulses and ankle-brachial index > or = 0.80) and, in selected cases, via angiography. Results At the vascular examination, 32 knees (56%) were found to be normal and 25 (44%) to be abnormal. None of the 32 knees with normal examination results had substantial vascular injuries, as determined by angiography in 13 cases (41%) or by clinical follow-up assessment in 19 cases (59%). All 25 patients with abnormal vascular examination results underwent angiography, with 12 patients (48%) demonstrating vascular injury (7 major and 5 minor injury). Seven patients (6 with major and 1 with minor injury) underwent surgical repair with reverse saphenous vein grafting. Conclusions No limb with initial normal vascular examination results was found to have a vascular injury that required treatment. Routine screening angiography may not be necessary for all patients with traumatic knee dislocations.
Flying plasmonic lens at near field for high speed nanolithography

Optical lithography has been the key for continuous size reduction of semiconductor devices and circuits manufacturing. Although the industry is continually improving the resolution, optical lithography becomes more difficult and less cost effective in satisfying the ever increasing demands in nano-manufacturing. Besides manufacturing, the dramatic advancements in nanoscale science and engineering also call an urgent need for high-throughput nano-fabrication technologies that are versatile to frequent design changes. Here we experimentally demonstrated the capability of patterning with 50 nm linewidth with a high flying speed at 10 meter/second. This low-cost nano-fabrication scheme has the potential of a few orders of magnitude higher throughput than current maskless techniques, and promises a new route towards the next generation nano-manufacturing. Besides its application in nanolithography, this technique can also be used for nanoscale metrology, imaging and data storage.
Coexistence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. A case report.

CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC leukemia and Hodgkin's disease are usually regarded as distinct neoplastic entities and only rarely have occurred simultaneously in the same patient. It is the purpose in this report to document their coincidence in a middle-aged woman. Report of a Case A 55-year-old white married woman was first admitted to the University Hospital of the New York University Medical Center on Jan 25, 1959, for evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy. Six years before admission, small, firm, tender neck swellings had developed which waxed and waned in size. In the past year, the patient was treated for both a pneumonitis and a right-ear infection. The most striking feature on physical examination was generalized lymphadenopathy. There were 1 to 2 cm, rubbery and movable cervical nodes, a right axillary node 1.5 cm in size, several left axillary nodes measuring 1 to 3 cm, and inguinal nodes measuring 4 to 5 cm. Examination
PIAS3 expression in squamous cell lung cancer is low and predicts overall survival

Unlike lung adenocarcinoma, little progress has been made in the treatment of squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCC). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has recently reported that receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways are altered in 26% of SCC tumors, validating the importance of downstream Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 (STAT3) activity as a prime therapeutic target in this cancer. In the present report we examine the status of an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3, called Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT3 (PIAS3), in SCC and its potential role in this disease. We examine PIAS3 expression in SCC tumors and cell lines by immunohistochemistry of a tissue microarray and western blotting. PIAS3 mRNA expression and survival data are analyzed in the TCGA data set. SCC cell lines are treated with curcumin to regulate PIAS3 expression and cell growth. PIAS3 protein expression is decreased in a majority of lung SCC tumors and cell lines. Analysis of PIAS3 mRNA transcript levels demonstrated that low PIAS3 levels predicted poor survival; Cox regression analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.37–0.87), indicating a decrease in the risk of death by 43% for every unit elevation in PIAS3 gene expression. Curcumin treatment increased endogenous PIAS3 expression and decreased cell growth and viability in Calu-1 cells, a model of SCC. Our results implicate PIAS3 loss in the pathology of lung SCC and raise the therapeutic possibility of upregulating PIAS3 expression as a single target that can suppress signaling from the multiple receptor tyrosine kinase receptors found to be amplified in SCC.
Modeling of Bare and Aspirated Thermocouples in Compartment Fires

As part of an effort to characterize the uncertainties associated with temperature measurements in fire environments, models of bare bead, single-shielded aspirated, and double-shielded aspirated thermocouples were developed and used to study the effects of varying the gas and average effective surroundings temperatures on the thermocouple error of each configuration. The models were developed for steady-state conditions and hence provide information about error trends rather than about absolute error values. The models indicate that thermocouples respond differently to changes in effective surroundings temperature in a hot upper-layer than in a relatively cooler lower layer of a room fire. In an upper-layer, for a given gas temperature, the thermocouple error is relatively insensitive to surroundings temperature. In a lower layer, errors which increase rapidly with surroundings temperature are possible. The most extreme errors occur in a lower layer when the gas temperature is low and the surroundings temperature is high. Aspirated thermocouples reduce the errors in both the upper and lower layers of a room fire, but do not eliminate them entirely. The present study is intended to provide fire researchers with a methodology for developing working models of thermocouples which are tailored to their own configurations.
Relation of left ventricular shape, function and wall stress in man

Abstract The relations among left ventricular hypertrophy, equatorial and meridional wall stresses, ventricular chamber shape and performance are described for the first time on the basis of data from 122 patients with valvular, coronary or primary myocardial heart disease. Patients were studied by biplane anglocardiograms; pressure-volume data were processed by computer. The results Indicate that if the left ventricle dilates because of myocardial injury, the following changes occur: Ventricular shape becomes more spherical, circumferential shortening and wall thickening diminish, myocardial fiber orientation changes, meridional stress increases and equatorial stress remains within normal limits. However, If the ventricle dilates because of volume overload with intact myocardial function, then ventricular shape, circumferential shortening, wall thickening and fiber orientation remain relatively intact compared with findings in impaired hearts of equivalent size; both meridional and equatorial wall stresses increase, and to the same degree, but the alterations may not reflect increased force per myocardial fiber If shape and fiber orientation are taken into consideration.
Mitigating Milliken? School District Boundary Lines and Desegregation Policy in Four Southern Metropolitan Areas, 1990–2010

Over the past half century, law and policy have helped cement tremendous inequities into the structure of our cities. District boundary lines separating multiple, unequal school systems within a single metropolitan (metro) area play a central role in structuring racial and economic isolation. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics, this study explores how patterns of school segregation are linked to desegregation policy and district boundary arrangements in four southern metro areas. Findings indicate that while city-suburban mergers create far more potential for meaningful school desegregation within a school system, simply eliminating district boundaries is not enough. Corresponding and well-designed school desegregation policy is necessary to achieve widespread integration of students. In a society growing more diverse even as its schools remain very separate, lessons from this study provide new insight into strategies that will help return our society to fulfilling the goals of B...