cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early tracheotomy in elderly patients results in less ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Objectives To determine if the timing of tracheotomy in elderly patients results in less ventilator associated-pneumonia, mortality, and morbidity. Study Design Historical cohort study. Subjects and Methods This study included 158 ICU patients aged >65 who underwent tracheotomy from March 2003 to June 2007. Patient demographics, outcomes, and ventilation data were collected and analyzed. Results The early tracheotomy group (continuous intubation time Conclusion Early tracheotomy in elderly patients is associated with less ventilator-associated pneumonia, more frequent intubations, less total admission time, and a trend toward lower mortality.
Fat patterning and centralized obesity in Mexican-American children in the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES 1982-1984)

The prevalence of central obesity was descnbed in 3575 Mexican-American children aged 1 to 18 y from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( 19821984). Subcutaneous fat patterning was analyzed by principal components analyses of skinfold thicknesses for the age groups 1-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 y for each sex. The first component consistently contrasted trunk with cxtremity skinfold thicknesses and corresponded to the index: in [(subscapular + iliac)/2]/[(triccps + medial caif)/2]. Obesity was defined as a sum-of-skinfolds > the 75th percentile for each age-group. The prevalence of central obesity was estimated by cross-classification of the fat pattern and fatness indices. Central obesity increased from < 1.0 to 10.8% from 1-18 y in the boys, but remained < 2% in the girls. Forty-three percent of obese boys aged 1618 y had central fat patterns, whereas 1.7% ofobese girls in this age group had this pattern. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;5 I :936S-43S.
Infectious complications of blood transfusion.

Abstract Numerous infectious diseases are transmissible by blood, with AIDS and hepatitis being the predominant concerns today. Less in the limelight, but nonetheless blood transmissible, are cytomegalovirus infection, malaria, babesiosis, and hepatitis B. A major controversy with respect to non-A non-B hepatitis relates to the use of ‘surrogate’ testing of donors for ALT and hepatitis B core antibody. Transfusion-associated AIDS has been markedly reduced as a risk, due to blood donor antibody screening implemented in March 1985. However, other retroviruses such as HTLV-1, HTLV-II and HIV-II pose additional concerns regarding the safety of the blood supply, and decisions will be forthcoming regarding testing of donated blood for antibody to these viruses.
Process Improvement and Consumer-Oriented Design of an Inter-Organizational Information System for Emergency Medical Response

This research employs Information Systems Design Theory (ISDT) to design, develop, and assess an inter-organizational information system for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This research takes both a goal-oriented process improvement and consumer-oriented approach to systems design. While IS development has a rich history of focusing on improving organizational processes, the consumer- oriented approach aims to incorporate socio- psychological considerations of users. System goals include 1) improve patient information exchange from emergency responders to emergency department practitioners, and 2) develop the system in a manner that users believe to be ethical and otherwise intrinsically motivating to use. Data collection, system requirements, and system design and kernel theories are presented, design propositions are evaluated, and implications discussed on the role of consumer-oriented approaches in the development of multi-organizational, multi-consumer information systems.
Automatic repair techniques for analog circuits

This paper analyzes evolutionary techniques in the repair and adjust analog circuits. These techniques are useful for systems that need to perform for a long time in harsh environments, such as those employed in industry. These techniques are based on single and multiobjective evolvable algorithms. Each objective has a different influence and importance in the resulting circuit, so it is necessary to distinguish their importance's weight in the evaluation of the circuits. The methods proposed are for extrinsic and intrinsic evolutionary repair and are illustrated by repairing the circuits of an amplifier and a TTL gate.
Systems Genetics of Environmental Response in the Mature Wheat Embryo

Quantitative phenotypic traits are influenced by genetic and environmental variables as well as the interaction between the two. Underlying genetic × environment interaction is the influence that the surrounding environment exerts on gene expression. Perturbation of gene expression by environmental factors manifests itself in alterations to gene co-expression networks and ultimately in phenotypic plasticity. Comparative gene co-expression networks have been used to uncover biological mechanisms that differentiate tissues or other biological factors. In this study, we have extended consensus and differential Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis to compare the influence of different growing environments on gene co-expression in the mature wheat (Triticum aestivum) embryo. This network approach was combined with mapping of individual gene expression QTL to examine the genetic control of environmentally static and variable gene expression. The approach is useful for gene expression experiments containing multiple environments and allowed for the identification of specific gene co-expression modules responsive to environmental factors. This procedure identified conserved coregulation of gene expression between environments related to basic developmental and cellular functions, including protein localization and catabolism, vesicle composition/trafficking, Golgi transport, and polysaccharide metabolism among others. Environmentally unique modules were found to contain genes with predicted functions in responding to abiotic and biotic environmental variables. These findings represent the first report using consensus and differential Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis to characterize the influence of environment on coordinated transcriptional regulation.
The value of private label brands to U.S. consumers: An objective and subjective assessment

Abstract This study investigates the value of private label brands to consumers using two approaches: First, subjective evaluations of the perceived relationships between price and quality for private label (PL) brand and national brand (NB) products based on survey responses; and second, objective measures of price and quality for PLs and NBs widely available in the U.S. Price was generally perceived to be a signal of quality for NBs, but not for PLs, an indication that consumers' knowledge may not have kept pace with quality improvement in PLs. Objective estimation of the quality gap potentially existing between PLs and NBs determined that the “quality premium” of NBs observed in the past has largely disappeared. Consumers, notwithstanding, sought a lower purchase price for PLs. In turn, the higher price they were willing to pay for NBs accorded with estimates of the actual “price premium” associated with NBs.
Cooperative and progressive design experience for embedded systems

This paper describes a cooperative experiential learning activity to develop embedded systems design skills. Student teams design, build, and troubleshoot a microcontroller-based project composed of common embedded systems peripherals, including input/output and electromechanical devices, industry standard communication networks, and complex digital integrated circuits. The design experience is progressive, requiring each successive subsystem to be incorporated without disturbing previously completed subsystems. Furthermore, the design experience is based on a problem-based learning approach that motivates student learning and develops skills required by the student in a future professional capacity. These skills include designing to specification, use of third-party intellectual property, teamwork, communication, and lifelong learning skills. The design experience was offered to a cohort in conjunction with lectures using active learning techniques. Course evaluations were obtained from students and external reviewers, and the results show that the course was well received and achieved its educational objectives.
Programmable analog VLSI neural circuits for control

Neural circuits that have qualitatively the same dynamic properties as continuous-time feedforward/feedback artificial neural nets are introduced. These neural circuits are realizable by all-MOS elements, and thus they are implementable by analog MOS VLSI technology. The circuits provide an efficient and inexpensive electronics for various tasks in identification and control. >
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY IN URANIUM MATERIALS

Metallic uranium materials occupy an interesting niche that is intermediate between transition and f-electron materials. Uranium in different environments is able to span this entire range, with narrow d-bands replaced by f-bands when the U-U distances are close enough for direct f-orbital overlap (closer than the Hill spacing), and with localized f-electrons forming magnetically ordered materials in the other extreme of large U-U spacing. As the U-U spacing and, in compounds, the ligand atoms, change, an interesting continuum of physics develops connected with the changing f-character of the materials. Corresponding to changing U-U separation are large, but non-monotonic, changes of more than two orders of magnitude in the low-temperature electronic specific heat parameter /gamma/. This parameter is a measure of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level, and in the free-electron theory of metals as well as the Landau Fermi liquid, the magnetic susceptibility chi due to the conduction electrons is also proportional to the density of states at the Fermi level. It is useful to plot for various materials the measured /gamma/ versus the T /yields/ O K limiting chi to see how much the measured chi is present, so to speak, in /gamma/. The authors domore » this for most of the known uranium superconductors. The solid line plotted there is the free-electron expression relating /gamma/ and chi. For materials with anisotropic susceptibility, the horizontal span of values corresponds to the range of chi values.« less
The palate analogue: An approach to understanding velopharyngeal function

Summary A model for velopharyngeal function, the palate analogue, has been described. The palate analogue is basically a manual analogue computer which is " programmed " to " read out " visually in terms of velopharyngeal incompetence and type of closure after being " fed " such data as levator insertion, depth of nasopharynx, and soft palate length. The palate analogue's ability to predict the relationships between the complex anatomical variables of velopharyngeal function is presented, and these predictions are compared with data obtained from cineradiographic analysis of patients with normal and cleft palate speech. Applications of the palate analogue to the fields of anatomy, speech pathology and surgery are discussed.
Effects of mixed-species association on resource use by Saimiri sciureus and Cebus apella

Short-term associations between primate species offer the opportunity to measure changes in individual behavior and ecology in response to alterations in group size and composition. During a three-month study of associations between squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) and brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) in Manu National Park, Peru, I measured resource use and feeding efficiency for both species when in mixed and solitary troops, as well as the context and outcome of competitive interactions. Saimiri traveled among Cebus home ranges and were periodically led by Cebus to large fruiting and flowering trees. Feeding rates in large fruit trees were altered by the presence of the other species-positively for Cebus, but negatively for Saimiri. Association increased the average diameter of the troop only for Cebus, which could control access to small, concentrated resoures found while the mixed troop moved through the forest. Results of this short-term study suggest that effects of association on resource use differ for the two species, and are related to the size of resources as well as to differences in body size and group size between the species.
The Long-Term Phenomena of Women’s Postabortion Experiences

A phenomenological approach was used to examine the responses of women to elective abortion. Sixteen women who terminated a pregnancy for nonmedical reasons at least 15 years previously participated. These women were caught up in the moment, they made a decision, had an abortion, and life continued-for some as before, for others, forever altered. Women encountered a sense of disruption. The abortion and reflections about the experience existed as an unspoken story, confided to few. Thoughts of this past experience reached into present events and generated new awareness, producing insights. The terminated pregnancy for some became embodied. These women were compelled to make sense of their abortion experiences as they sought to integrate these experiences into their sense of self. These women's relationships affected the abortion experience and were affected by the abortion experience. This research expands our understanding of the long-term responses of women after abortion.
Erythema nodosum following a jellyfish sting

At least 100 of the approximately 9,000 species of coelenterates are dangerous to humans. The most common syndrome following an envenomation is an immediate intense dermatitis, with characteristic skin discoloration, local pain, and systemic symptoms. In this case report, we describe a case of erythema nodosum with articular manifestations following envenomation with an unknown jellyfish. Serological testing of the victim revealed marked elevation of immunoglobulins G and M directed against Physalia physalis, the Portuguese man-of-war. The patient's condition did not respond to conventional topical therapy for coelenterate envenomation, but was successfully managed with systemic corticosteroid therapy. This case demonstrates that the emergency physician should consider a delayed reaction to a marine envenomation in any victim who presents with an acute dermatological disease following immersion in marine coastal waters.
T-piece resuscitator versus self-inflating bag for preterm resuscitation: an institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Manual ventilation in the delivery room is provided with devices such as selfinflating bags (SIBs), flow-inflating bags, and T-piece resuscitators. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of type of manual ventilation device on overall response to resuscitation among preterm neonates born at < 35 weeks gestation. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected in 2 time periods. Primary outcome was overall response to resuscitation, as measured by Apgar score. Secondary outcomes were incidence of air leaks, need for chest compressions/epinephrine, need for intubation, and surfactant use. RESULTS: We identified 294 resuscitations requiring ventilation. SIB was used for 135 neonates, and T-piece was used for 159 neonates. There was no significant difference between the 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores between SIB and T-piece (P .77 and P .11, respectively), nor were there significant differences in secondary outcomes. The rate of rise of Apgar score was higher, by 0.47, with T-piece, compared to SIB (95% CI 0.08–0.87, P .02). CONCLUSIONS: Although some manikin studies favor T-piece for providing reliable and consistent pressures, our experience did not indicate significant differences in effectiveness of resuscitation between the T-piece and SIB in preterm resuscitations. Key words: manual ventilation; selfinflating bag; flow-inflating bag; T-piece; resuscitator; resuscitation; preterm; neonate; Apgar score. [Respir Care 2013;58(7):1233–1236. © 2013 Daedalus Enterprises]
Combining Genome-Wide Methods to Investigate the Genetic Complexity of Courtship Song Variation in Drosophila melanogaster

Little is currently known about the genetic complexity of quantitative behavioral variation, the types of genes involved, or their effects on intermediate phenotypes. Here, we conduct a genome-wide association study of Drosophila melanogaster courtship song variation using 168 sequenced inbred lines, and fail to find highly significant associations. However, by combining these data with results from a well-powered Evolve and Resequence (E&R) study on the same trait, we provide statistical evidence that some power to associate genotype and phenotype is available. Genes that are significant in both analyses are enriched for expression in the nervous system, and affect neural development and synaptic growth when perturbed. Quantitative complementation at one of these loci, Syntrophin-like 1, supports a hypothesis that variation at this locus affects variation in the inter-pulse interval of courtship song. These results suggest that experimental evolution may provide an approach for genome-scale replication in Drosophila.
Cooling Components with Boiling Halocarbons

One of the most effective ways to dissipate power from a surface is by direct~contact heat transfer to a boiling liquid; that is, by evaporative cooling. High flux density can be obtained at moderate temperature differentials, as much as 100 to 300 kW/m2at about 30 degrees with halocarbons. This liquid cooling method has been used successfully to increase the packaging density of components in electric equipment and to reduce operating temperature. Performance characteristics are described for several cooling systems in which heat-generating components are submerged by liquid dielectrics circulating in free convection. Empirical equations for estimating component-liquid heat flux are recommended, and thermal considerations in the design of packages are discussed.
APD3: the antimicrobial peptide database as a tool for research and education

The antimicrobial peptide database (APD, http://aps.unmc.edu/AP/) is an original database initially online in 2003. The APD2 (2009 version) has been regularly updated and further expanded into the APD3. This database currently focuses on natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with defined sequence and activity. It includes a total of 2619 AMPs with 261 bacteriocins from bacteria, 4 AMPs from archaea, 7 from protists, 13 from fungi, 321 from plants and 1972 animal host defense peptides. The APD3 contains 2169 antibacterial, 172 antiviral, 105 anti-HIV, 959 antifungal, 80 antiparasitic and 185 anticancer peptides. Newly annotated are AMPs with antibiofilm, antimalarial, anti-protist, insecticidal, spermicidal, chemotactic, wound healing, antioxidant and protease inhibiting properties. We also describe other searchable annotations, including target pathogens, molecule-binding partners, post-translational modifications and animal models. Amino acid profiles or signatures of natural AMPs are important for peptide classification, prediction and design. Finally, we summarize various database applications in research and education.
Determination of polyphosphate ions using a lead ion-selective electrode

A lead ion-selective electrode responding to polyphosphate ions, such as pyro-, hexameta- and tripolyphosphate ions, has been developed and successfully used for the determination of these ions in the concentration range of 10−6–10−2 Min neutral solution. Almost identical potential-activity curves were obtained and the largest potential change was observed in the concentration range of 10−6–10−5 M (about -35 mV per decade of the concentration of each ion at pH 7.0). The response time was 1–3 min.
Chemical Engineering Analysis of Immobilized-Cell Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the chemical engineering analysis of immobilized cells. With the advent of immobilized-cell reactors mediating more complex biocatalytic processes, a thorough understanding of reactor dynamics and stability becomes even more important. The choice of reactor type for a particular process would depend on the process requirements and conditions. Much of the literature on the design and performance analysis of immobilized-cell reactors focuses on single-enzyme kinetics. Detailed chemical engineering analyses for such systems are at present well documented for a variety of reactor configurations. The analysis of an immobilized-whole-cell reactor would depend primarily on the type of immobilized-cell process to be used. When the cells are nonviable and only a single intracellular enzyme is of interest, it can be treated essentially as a bound-single-enzyme system. The analysis of such a system involves the application of enzyme kinetics to the appropriate reactor performance equations and the development of appropriate quantitative indices to account for external and internal mass-transfer resistances. Several reactor configurations are available for use for the immobilized-whole-cell processes.
Longshore Currents with Wave Current Interaction

This note is intended to examine analytically the effects of larger angles of wave incidence and the refraction of the waves by the longshore current on planar beaches for the case of no lateral mixing.
User-independent robust statistics for computer vision

The goal of robust methods in computer vision is to extract all the information necessary to solve a given task while discarding everything that is not needed. The tasks can be very simple or very complex, but in real-life applications, a robust procedure is always required. In the end, the performance of a machine for solving a vision problem will be judged against that of human observers performing the equivalent task. Since we know that the human visual system works in a much more sophisticated manner than the present day computer vision systems, this ultimate goal is still far away. Nonetheless, the aim of robust computer vision systems has always been to emulate human vision-like behavior in the presence of noise. Furthermore, the robust algorithms should be independent of user inputs up to quite a large extent. However, contrary to this, almost all state-of-the-art robust estimation algorithms are dependent on the user for providing some information about the underlying characteristics of the data on which the algorithm operates. Often times, it is hard for the user to supply such information to the algorithm. The work presented here focuses on developing robust algorithms for computer vision, that can estimate the underlying model in the data without any sort of user intervention. We present several interesting applications both in geometric computer vision and medical imaging. In the first part, we present a completely user-free robust regression algorithm called the generalized projection based M-estimator (gpbM) which can estimate multiple inlier structures present in the data also containing a lot of gross outliers without any user input. We also show how the model estimate can be further refined by using optimization on Grassmann manifolds. In the second part, we present three important applications in medical imaging involving 3D computed tomography (CT) data – automatic detection of coronary lesions, automatic correction of coronary centerlines and automatic segmentation of coronary vessels. Finally, in the third part, we present the application of automatic and robust document image alignment and comparison.
Role of Collagen Conduit With Duloxetine and/or Pregabalin in the Management of Partial Peripheral Nerve Injury

Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of a collagen conduit (Neuragen, Integra LifeSciences Corp, Plainsboro, NJ) using duloxetine (Cymbalta, Lilly, Indianapolis, IN) with or without pregabalin (Lyrica, Pfizer, NY) on pain induced by partial sciatic nerve transection in a rat model. Material and Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10 per group): group 1, nerve damage with no treatment; group 2, nerve damage treated with the application of a collagen conduit and saline; group 3, nerve damage treated with the application of a collagen conduit and duloxetine; group 4, nerve damage treated with the application of a collagen conduit and pregabalin; and group 5, nerve damage treated with the application of a collagen conduit and pregabalin plus duloxetine. Pain levels were evaluated by responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli at baseline before and 3 and 7 days after surgery. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels were evaluated in blood, sciatic nerve, and dorsal root ganglion samples collected 7 days after surgery. Results The group treated with the collagen conduit and pregabalin exhibited markedly less pain 7 days postoperatively in response to mechanical and thermal stimuli compared with the other groups. IL-10 levels were considerably increased in the group treated with pregabalin. The groups treated with a collagen conduit and duloxetine and a combination of pregabalin and duloxetine also exhibited markedly less pain in response to mechanical and thermal stimuli 7 days after surgery compared with the group that had only nerve injury. The decrease in pain using duloxetine was not as robust but was associated with a decrease of TNF-α. The combination of pregabalin and duloxetine resulted in a substantial decrease in IL-6. Conclusion Using a collagen conduit and duloxetine, pregabalin, and their combination helped alleviate neuropathic pain. The mechanism of action might be associated, at least in part, to cytokines.
Insulated Foamy Viral Vectors

Retroviral vector-mediated gene therapy is promising, but genotoxicity has limited its use in the clinic. Genotoxicity is highly dependent on the retroviral vector used, and foamy viral (FV) vectors appear relatively safe. However, internal promoters may still potentially activate nearby genes. We developed insulated FV vectors, using four previously described insulators: a version of the well-studied chicken hypersensitivity site 4 insulator (650cHS4), two synthetic CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF)-based insulators, and an insulator based on the CCAAT box-binding transcription factor/nuclear factor I (7xCTF/NF1). We directly compared these insulators for enhancer-blocking activity, effect on FV vector titer, and fidelity of transfer to both proviral long terminal repeats. The synthetic CTCF-based insulators had the strongest insulating activity, but reduced titers significantly. The 7xCTF/NF1 insulator did not reduce titers but had weak insulating activity. The 650cHS4-insulated FV vector was identified as th...
How instrument manufactures help with accreditation and ISO certification

To help users of laboratory instrumentation to obtain laboratory accreditation and International Organization of Standardization certification, instrument manufactures should develop a comprehensive compliance programme for their products that includes product features, documentation and services for equipment validation and qualification.
Measurement of the Adiabatic Index in Be Compressed by Counterpropagating Shocks

We report on the first direct measurement of the adiabatic index $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ through x-ray Thomson scattering from shock-compressed beryllium. 9 keV x-ray photons probe the bulk properties of matter during the collision of two counterpropagating shocks. This novel experimental technique determines $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ by using only the measured mass densities and vanishing particle velocity at the point of shock collision to close the Rankine-Hugoniot equations. We find $\ensuremath{\gamma}g5/3$ at $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}$ compression, clearly different from ideal gas behavior. At $6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}$ compression, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ shows the convergence to the ideal gas limit, in agreement with linear scaling laws.
Bankruptcy, Managerial Behaviour and Audit Failure: Evidence from the UK, 1987-94

If a company's auditor believes that the company is likely to enter bankruptcy, the auditor is required to warn investors by giving a 'equalified' audit report. This paper investigates whether managers use auditor switching to prevent auditors from giving qualified reports ('opinion-shopping'). The results suggest that companies do engage in opinion-shopping and this tends to reduce the conservatism of audit reports. However, this does not necessarily imply that opinion-shopping is contrary to investors' interests. Moreover, a recent EC policy proposal - the compulsory periodic switching of auditors - may reduce the accuracy of audit reports as indicators of financial distress.
Metamodeling of Model Evidence

The Bayesian model evidence can be used for model selection in model updating problems. The evidence is calculated by computing the integral of the prior multiplied by the likelihood probability density functions (PDF). This integral is usually solved numerically using Monte Carlo integration techniques. A large number of samples of the likelihood and prior should be computed to implement such algorithms. This process might not be achievable when the model is computationally expensive. Researchers have proposed the use of metamodels to replace the computationally expensive model to solve this problem. In this paper we propose a different strategy. The evidence integrand is replaced by a metamodel, simplifying the model selection process because the scale parameter of the metamodel approximates the value of the integral and no Monte Carlo integration is needed. The proposed technique is explored using a set of numerical problems.
Abstract 1767: Racial/ethnic disparities of obesity in a breast clinic population: Consideration for weight loss program in improving clinical outcomes

Introduction: Accumulating evidence suggest that obesity is associated with breast cancer diagnosis, recurrence, and mortality. Obese subjects with genetic predisposition may need more aggressive weight loss management, such as bariatric surgery. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the racial/ethnic disparities in obesity and the prevalence of breast cancer study participants who may be eligible for bariatric surgery. Methods: In three clinic-based studies conducted at University of Miami during 2008 to 2015, we evaluated 462 healthy controls and 975 breast cancer patients. Genotyping data of two obesity-related genes (FTO and MC4R) were also evaluated. Race/ethnicity and obesity-related comorbidities were self- reported. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as kg/m 2 . The classification of BMI was: (1) Results: The study consists of 70.0% Hispanic whites (HW), 21.7% black or African American (AA), and 6.4% non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Mean and SD of age was 54.1± 9.9 years and mean BMI was 29.0±6.1 kg/m 2 . Overall, about 11.1% of study participants met criteria for bariatric surgery and there were significant racial/ethnic disparities (19.7% AA, 8.5% HW, 8.8% NHW, and 17.2% others; p 2 , p = 0.00229). Women with the AA risk genotype of rs1121980 (FTO gene) had 3.6-fold higher risk of obesity class II or III compared to those with the GG genotype (p = 0.00393). Conclusion: In addition to cancer risk, obesity is a major risk factor for cancer treatment-related side effects and worse survival. Our results suggest that at least 11% of breast cancer patients may be eligible for bariatric surgery. Considering some other beneficial effects of bariatric surgery on physical quality of life, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and microbiome, future studies will consider weight loss and bariatric surgery programs in breast cancer patients, particularly in underserved minorities with higher obesity rate and worse survival. Citation Format: Carolina Puyana Barcha, Eunkyung Lee, Cristiane Takita, Jean L. Wright, Wei Zhao, Isildinha M. Reis, Jennifer J. Hu. Racial/ethnic disparities of obesity in a breast clinic population: Consideration for weight loss program in improving clinical outcomes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1767.
Competition, salinity, and clonal growth in native and introduced irises.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Iris pseudacorus spread rapidly into North America after introduction from Europe in the 1800s and now co-occurs with native I. hexagona in freshwater Louisiana wetlands. Native irises support and interact with multiple trophic levels, whereas I. pseudacorus is classified an invasive pest because it grows aggressively, reduces biodiversity, and displaces native vegetation. Salinity levels are increasing in coastal wetlands worldwide. We examined how salt-stress affects competitive interactions between these conspecifics. METHODS We established a three-way full-factorial common-garden experiment that included species (I. pseudacorus, I. hexagona), competition (no competition, intraspecific competition, and interspecific competition), and salinity (0, 4, 8 parts per thousand NaCl), with six replicates per treatment. KEY RESULTS After 18 mo, Iris pseudacorus produced much more biomass than the native species did (F1, 92 = 71.5, P < 0.0001). Interspecific competition did not affect the introduced iris, but biomass of the native was strongly reduced (competition × species interaction: F2, 95 = 76.7, P = 0.002). Salinity significantly reduced biomass of both species (F2, 92 = 21.8, P < 0.0001), with no species × salinity interaction (F2, 84 = 1.85, P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that salt stress strongly reduced clonal reproduction in native and introduced irises; however, the introduced iris had a competitive advantage over the native, regardless of environmental salinity levels. Based on patterns in clonal reproduction, the introduced iris could potentially threaten native iris populations. We are currently investigating seed production and mortality during competition and stress because both clonal and sexual reproduction must be considered when predicting long-term population dynamics.
The New Kids in the Block: Fe2+ Transport P-ATPases

P-type ATPases are transmembrane proteins that use the energy of ATP to move their substrates across membranes with singular specificity. This characteristic is perhaps most remarkable in the case of P1B-ATPases given the distinct subgroups transporting Cu+-, Zn2+-, Cu2+-, Ni2+- and Co2+- that share a common structure and transport mechanism. Each subgroup presents distinct invariant side chains coordinating each metal at the occlusion sites. Recently we have observed that bacterial Co2+-ATPases also transport Fe2+ using overlapping binding sites. Both specificities are relevant under physiological conditions as their expression is controlled by both ions and redox stress, and they confer resistant to Fe overload. Studies of isolated, pure enzymes in micellar form, show that the enzymes are activated by both ions although with distinct kinetics. They transport one metal per catalytic cycle and coordinate the ions with the same side chains and slightly different geometry. Interestingly, Mycobacterium tuberculosis has two Fe2+/Co2+ ATPase isoforms, CtpD and CtpJ. In this case, CtpD shows much higher metal binding affinities compared to CtpJ. In addition, CtpD displays a preference for Fe2+, while the characteristics of CtpJ appears to favor Co2+ transport. These features explain the requirement of CtpD, but not CtpJ, for M. tuberculosis virulence.
DNA sequence matching processor using FPGA and JAVA interface

This study uses an FPGA to perform high-speed DNA sequence matching as an alternative to using general purpose computer CPUs. The FPGA is programmed using the Verilog HDL and interfaced using a graphical user interface programmed in JAVA. Design overviews and details for a small scale design are given as well as plans for larger scale expansion. Encouraging results of the small scale model currently in production are also provided. Results of a successful match and no match are shown.
A comparison of rule-based, k-nearest neighbor, and neural net classifiers for automated industrial inspection

As classifiers for use in automated industrial inspection, the rule-based, k-nearest-neighbor, and neural-network approaches are discussed. These approaches were implemented and tested for label verification in a machine vision system for hardwood lumber inspection. The test results, together with other considerations, have led to the selection of neural networks as the preferred method for doing the label verification in this machine vision system. >
Siah2 Protein Mediates Early Events in Commitment to an Adipogenic Pathway.

Adipose tissue expansion occurs by increasing the size of existing adipocytes or by increasing the number of adipocytes via adipogenesis. Adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity is associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and impaired adipogenesis. We recently demonstrated that deletion of the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 is associated with enlarged adipocytes in lean or obese mice. In this study, we find that adipogenesis is impaired in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes stably transfected with Siah2 shRNA and that overexpression of Siah2 in non-precursor fibroblasts promotes adipogenesis. In the 3T3-L1 model, loss of Siah2 is associated with sustained β-catenin expression post-induction, but depletion of β-catenin only partially restores PPARγ expression and adipocyte formation. Using wild-type and Siah2−/− adipose tissue and adipose stromal vascular cells, we observe that Siah2 influences the expression of several factors that control adipogenesis, including Wnt pathway genes, β-catenin, Zfp432, and Bmp-4. Consistent with increased β-catenin levels in shSiah2 preadipocytes, Wnt10b is elevated in Siah2−/− adipose tissue and remains elevated in Siah2−/− primary stromal cells after addition of the induction mixture. However, addition of BMP-4 to Siah2−/− stromal cells reduces Wnt10b expression, reduces Zfp521 protein levels, and increases expression of Zfp423, a transcriptional regulator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ expression that controls commitment to adipogenesis and is repressed by Zfp521. These results indicate that Siah2 acts upstream of BMP-4 to regulate factors that control the commitment of adipocyte progenitors to an adipogenic pathway. Our findings reveal an essential role for Siah2 in the early events that signal undifferentiated progenitor cells to become mature adipocytes.
Organizational Membership and Business Success: The Importance of Networking and Moving Beyond Homophily

The homophily principle is that similarity breeds connection and affects the structure of personal networks in all kinds of social structures. The result is that networks become very homogeneous. The “birds of a feather flock together” limit social worlds because they restrict the movement of information received by people, the attitudes they form, and the interactions in which they engage. Research has shown that homophily is strongest in race and ethnic interactions, followed by divides in age, religion and gender. This paper examines organizational membership, business networking and homophily among entrepreneurs engaged in classic enterprises such as retail and service industries. The search for information and resources to improve entrepreneurial enterprises is a major task of the self-employed. Using a sample of black entrepreneurs, this work examines the impact of networking outside of the structure of homophily. We ask if this networking is perceived as improving the overall operation of the business. We examine the characteristics of entrepreneurs and how these characteristics affect the decisions to move outside of familiar homophily networks. Granovetter’s network theory of strong/ weak ties is used to describe the process of networking in both types of voluntary organizations.
Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) maintain hearing sensitivity after exposure to intense band-limited noise.

Thresholds to short-duration narrowband frequency-modulated (FM) sweeps were measured in six big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in a two-alternative forced choice passive listening task before and after exposure to band-limited noise (lower and upper frequencies between 10 and 50 kHz, 1 h, 116–119 dB sound pressure level root mean square; sound exposure level 152 dB). At recovery time points of 2 and 5 min post-exposure, thresholds varied from −4 to +4 dB from pre-exposure threshold estimates. Thresholds after sham (control) exposures varied from −6 to +2 dB from pre-exposure estimates. The small differences in thresholds after noise and sham exposures support the hypothesis that big brown bats do not experience significant temporary threshold shifts under these experimental conditions. These results confirm earlier findings showing stability of thresholds to broadband FM sweeps at longer recovery times after exposure to broadband noise. Big brown bats may have evolved a lessened susceptibility to noise-in...
Total Proctocolectomy with Ileoanal Reservoir and Ileoanal Anastomosis

This procedure is offered as operative management of medically refractory ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis syndromes. This chapter describes indications, essential steps, variations, and complications of this procedure. It provides a detailed template operative note for the procedure.
Phenylephrine infusion impact on surgical site infections after lower extremity bypass surgery.

Abstract Objective Lower extremity bypass (LEB) operations have high rates of surgical site infections (SSI). Phenylephrine is a commonly used vasoconstrictor which may reduce skin blood flow and increase the likelihood of SSI in these patients. We studied the potential effect of phenylephrine infusion during LEB surgery on SSI. Methods LEB cases and their demographic data were identified through the Vascular Quality Initiative registry. SSI in this population was identified using the hospital epidemiology surveillance database. Phenylephrine use in this population was identified through chart review. Results We identified 699 patients who underwent LEB; 82 (11.7%) developed an SSI, and 244 of 698 (35.0%) were treated with phenylephrine infusion. In bivariate analysis, higher body mass index (28.8 kg/m 2 vs 27.3 kg/m 2 ; P = .034), diabetes (14.6% vs 9.4%; P = .035), hypertension (12.6% vs 4.7%; P = .038), groin incision (13.2 vs 5.4%; P = .013) and longer procedure times (17.1% for >220 minutes and 8.9% for ≤220 minutes; P = .003) were associated with higher rates of SSI. Whereas phenylephrine infusion exhibited a trend toward a higher rate (14.8% vs 9.9%; P = .057). In the logistic regression model, diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-3.2; P = .032), total procedure time (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1; P = .026) and vertical groin incision (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.5; P = .035) were independent predictors of increased SSI rates, whereas body mass index (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99-1.08; P = .09), hypertension (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 0.6-10.9; P = .22), and phenylephrine infusion (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.63-1.85; P = .78) were not independent predictors of increased SSI rates. Conclusions Phenylephrine infusion did not increase the risk of SSI in patients who underwent LEB.
Unending Narrative, One-sided Empathy, and Problematic Contexts of Interaction in David Foster Wallace's "The Depressed Person".

In 1997, David Foster Wallace published “The Depressed Person,” a short story about a privileged, deeply unhappy woman dedicated to exploring and recounting the texture and etiology of her chronic depression. This essay argues that “The Depressed Person” challenges the long-standing assumption that narrativizing the pain of depression is crucial to overcoming it, and the contemporary view that empathic responses from others promote recovery of the depressed. Taken together, these two critiques inform Wallace’s portrayal of chronic depression as an interactive phenomenon that is articulated, sustained, and regenerated through problematic contexts of interaction. Written at a time when public knowledge of and talk about depression was surging, “The Depressed Person” holds an important, if presently under-recognized place, in the expansive corpus of depression texts that emerged in the 1990s.
Does Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus Increase the Risk of Postoperative Infections After Elective Spine Surgery: Do Most Infections Occur in Carriers?

Background Wound infections after adult spinal deformity surgery place a high toll on patients, providers, and the healthcare system. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of postoperative wound infections, and nasal colonization by this organism may be an important factor in the development of surgical site infections (SSIs). The aim is to investigate whether post-operative surgical site infections after elective spine surgery occur at a higher rate in patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery between 2011–2013 were enrolled. Enrolled patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months after surgery and received similar peri-operative infection prophylaxis. Baseline characteristics, operative details, rates of wound infection, and microbiologic data for each case of post-operative infection were gathered by direct medical record review. Local vancomycin powder was used in all patients and sub-fascial drains were used in the majority (88%) of patients. Results 1200 operative spine cases were performed for deformity between 2011 and 2013. The mean ± standard deviation age and body mass index were 62.08 ± 14.76 years and 30.86 ± 7.15 kg/m2, respectively. 29.41% had a history of diabetes. All SSIs occurred within 30 days of surgery, with deep wound infections accounting for 50% of all SSIs. Of the 34 (2.83%) cases of SSIs that were identified, only 1 case occurred in a patient colonized with MRSA. Conclusion Our study suggests that the preponderance of SSIs occurred in patients without nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Future prospective multi-institutional studies are needed to corroborate our findings.
Acetabulum augmentation for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. 12 Children (14 hips) followed for 4 years.

Between 1986 and 1992, we performed 14 lateral shelf augmentation of the acetabulum in 12 children suffering from severe Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. All children were over 9 years of age and none of the patients had previously undergone any other treatment. All children presented with a limitation of hip movement and episodes of pain during long walks and athletic activities. The clinical outcome was good in all children who were free of pain and walked without limping. Hip movement was painless and improved satisfactorily.
Reduction of Order

This chapter discusses the procedure for reduction of order applicable to linear ordinary differential equations. This reduction yields a lower order differential equation, if any nontrivial solution of the homogeneous equation is known. For an n th order linear ordinary differential equation, any nontrivial solution of the homogeneous equation can be used to reduce the order of the equation by one. For the special case of second-order linear differential equations, knowing any solution of the homogeneous equation allows the general solution to be found. The chapter illustrates the method for second-order equations. It discusses the method for general second-order linear ordinary differential equation y “ + p ( x ) y ' + q ( x ) y = r ( x ).