cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topology optimization in cellular neural networks

This paper presents a constrained combinatorial optimization approach to the design of cellular neural networks with sparse connectivity. The method applies to cases where maintaining links between neurons incurs a cost, which could possibly vary between these links. The interconnection topology of the cellular neural network is diluted without significantly degrading its performance, the latter quantified by the average recall probability for the desired patterns engraved into its associative memory. The dilution process selectively removes the links that contribute the least to a metric related to the size of system's desired memory pattern attraction regions. The metric used here is the magnitude of the network's nodes' stability parameters, which have been proposed as a measure for the quality of memorization. We demonstrate by means of an example that this method of network dilution produces cheaper associative memories that in general trade off performance for cost, and in many cases the performance of the diluted network is on par with the original system.
Masking and bone conduction. A case report.

The possibility of pseudo-thresholds and pseudo-discrimination scores in an ear with almost a total, perceptive loss of hearing is a constant danger, particularly when the contralateral ear is conductively impaired and manifests hypersensitive bone conduction.By applying basic principles of masking and bone conduction the pseudo-characteristics of the severely, perceptively deafened ear could be demonstrated. The importance of applying masking when less than a 40 db difference exists between ears by air conduction, especially when the levels at which measurements are conducted exceed 55–60 db, is brought into focus.
Cultural diversity and anti‐poverty policy

This article examines how anti-poverty policy has considered the role of culture and how it ought to do so. While some have explained poverty as a function of the presumed cultural deficiency or distinctiveness of the poor, we suggest that these explanations have not been convincing and that policy requires a broader and more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between culture and behaviour. In fact, we suggest that cultural differences may be positively employed in comprehensive anti-poverty strategies.
Protein Kinase C-γ Activation in the Early Streptozotocin Diabetic Rat Lens

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the early activation of the protein kinase C-γ (PKC-γ) pathway in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat lens. Methods: Twelve-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 80 mg/kg (body weight) of STZ (N-[methylnitrosocarbamoyl]-D-glucosamine) intraperitoneally. Very high glucose (VHG) diabetes was defined as a nonfasting blood glucose level of at least 450 mg/dl, confirmed by daily monitoring with Accu-Check Advantage test strips, and occurred about 2 weeks after STZ administration. All assayed lenses were from VHG or age-matched control rats, harvested within 24 hr of VHG detection. PKC-γ activation was measured by enzyme activity assay and by Western blotting to show autophosphorylation on Thr514. Cellular insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), PKC-γ phosphorylation of Cx43 on Ser368, and activation of phospholipase C-γ 1 (PLC-γ 1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and caspase-3 were determined by Western blot...
Greenway planning: developing a landscape ecological network approach

Greenway planning has steadily grown in popularity in the planning and design professions as an efficient and socially desirable approach to open space planning. The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical and methodological approach to greenway planning that accounts for regional biodiversity and systematizes the selection of greenway links. The approach used in this paper is based on the premise that a network of wildlife reserves and corridors should serve as the skeletal framework of a comprehensive greenway system. The paper draws from the knowledge bases of landscape ecology, conservation biology, network theory, and landscape planning. A case study is presented to demonstrate the approach using a forested region of Central New England.
Inhibition of Hepatic Outer Ring Monodeiodination of Thyroxine and 3,3′,5′-Triiodothyronine by Sodium Salicylate

We have studied, in vitro and in vivo, the effect of sodium salicylate on outer ring monodeiodination of T4 to T3 and of rT3 to 3,3′-diiodothyronine by rat liver. For T4 to T3 conversion studies, 2.5 μm T4 were incubated with 0.22 geq rat liver in 0.15 m phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 15 min in the presence of 0–2 mm sodium salicylate, and the amount of T3 produced was quantitated by a specific RIA. Salicylate caused a dose-dependent reduction in T3 generation, with 1.1 mm salicylate causing a 50% reduction. The inhibition of T3 production persisted even in the presence of dithiothreitol (2 mm). Phenacetin (up to 1.9 mm) and acetaminophen (up to 6 mm) caused no detectable effect on T3 production. However, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid, which, like salicylate, inhibits the binding of iodothyronines to T4-binding globulin, reduced T4 to T3 conversion in a dose-dependent manner; a 50% reduction was caused by about 1.7 mm 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid. A Lineweaver-Burk plot of the data obtaine...
Spontaneous remission of common variable immunodeficiency of 20 years duration.

1. Lane HC, Depper JL, Greene WC, Whalen G, Waldmann TA. Qualitative analysis of immune function in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. N Engl J Med 1985;313:79-84. 2. Center for Disease Control. Classification system for human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus infections. MMWR 1986;20:334-9. 3. Parkin JM, Eales L, Galazka AR, Pinching AJ. Atopic manifestations in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome: response to recombinant interferon gamma. Br Med J 1987;294:1185-6. 4. Lin RY, Smith JK. Hyper-IgE and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Ann Allergy 1988;61:269-72. 5. Wright DN, Nelson RP, Ledford DK, Femandez-Caldas E, Trudeau WL, Lackey RF. Serum IgE and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1990;8:445-52. 6. Lucey DR, Zajac RA, Melcher GP, Butzin CA, Boswell RN. Serum IgE level in 622 persons with human immunodeficiency J. ALLERGY CLIN. IMMUNOL.
ACTION SPECTRA AGAIN

Action spectroscopy has a long history and is of central importance to photobiological studies. Action spectra were among the first assays to point to chlorophyll as the molecule most responsible for plant growth and to DNA as the genetic material. It is useful to construct action spectra early in the investigation of new areas of photobiological research in an attempt to determine the wavelength limits of the radiation region causing the studied response. But due to the severe absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by biological samples, UV action spectra were first limited to small cells (bacteria and fungi). Advances in techniques (e.g. single cell culture) and analysis allowed accurate action spectra to be reported even for mammalian cells. But precise analytical action spectra are often difficult to obtain when large, pigmented, or groups of cells are investigated. Here some action spectra are limited in interpretation and merely supply a wavelength vs effect curve. When polychromatic sources are employed, the interpretation of action spectra is even more complex and formidable. But such polychromatic action spectra can be more directly related to ambient responses. Since precise action spectra usually require the completion of a relatively large number of careful experiments using somewhat sophisticated equipment over a range of at least six wavelengths, they are often not persued. But they remain central to the elucidation of the effect being studied. The worldwide community has agreed that stratospheric ozone is depleting, with the possibility of a consequent rise in the amount of UV-B (290–320nm) reaching the earth's surface. It is therefore essential that new action spectra be completed for UV-B effects on a large variety of responses of human, animal, and aquatic plant systems. Combining these action spectra with the known amounts of UV-B reaching the biosphere can give rise to solar UV effectiveness spectra that, in turn, can give rise to estimates of effect. Preliminary estimates suggest that ozone layer depletion may seriously impact such important biological end-points as skin cancer, cataracts, the immune system, crop yields, and oceanic phytoplankton. So action spectra continue to play a central role in important photobiological research.
Evidence for the Presence of “Metabolic Sterols” in Pneumocystis: Identification and Initial Characterization of Pneumocystis carinii Sterols

Mixed life cycle stages of rat-derived Pneumocystis carinii were isolated from host lungs and their sterols were compared with those present in lungs from normal and immunosuppressed uninfected rats. Gas-liquid chromatography consistently detected, resolved, and quantified 9, 10, and 20 sterol components in the total nonsaponifiable neutral lipid fraction of lungs from normal rats, lungs from immunosuppressed uninfected rats, and P. carinii preparations, respectively. In all samples, cholesterol was the most abundant sterol present, comprising 97%, 93%, and 78% of total sterols in lungs from normal rats, lungs from immunosuppressed uninfected rats, and P. carinii, respectively. Tentative identifications of several rat lung and P. carinii minor sterols were made based on gas-liquid chromatogram retention times and fragmentation patterns from mass spectral analyses. Campesterol (ergost-5-en-3-ol), cholest-5-en-3-one, and β-sitosterol (stigmast-5-en-3-ol) were among the minor components present in both types of lung controls, and were also components of P. carinii sterols. In contrast to lung controls, the sterols of P. carinii were enriched in C28 and C29 sterols with one or two double bonds, and a hydroxyl group at C-3 (ergost-5-en-3-ol, ergost-7-en-3-ol, ergosta-dien-3-ol, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, stigmast-7-en-3-ol and stigmasta-dien-3-ol). Steryl esters of P. carinii, probably stored in cytoplasmic lipid droplets, were dominated by those present in the host lung. In separate studies. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A activity, a key enzyme in the regulation of sterol biosynthesis, was detected in purified P. carinii preparations and incorporation of radiolabeled squalene and mevalonate was observed. Together, these results suggest that the parasite readily takes up and incorporates host sterols, and that the organism synthesizes some of its own “metabolic sterols”
Site-specific effects on respiratory rhythm and pattern of ibotenic acid injections in the pontine respiratory group of goats

To probe further the contributions of the rostral pons to eupneic respiratory rhythm and pattern, we tested the hypothesis that ibotenic acid (IA) injections in the pontine respiratory group (PRG) ...
Evolutionary Analyses of Morphological and Physiological Plasticity in Thermally Variable Environments

SYNOPSIS. Morphological and physiological plasticity is often thought to represent an adaptive response to variable environments. However, determining whether a given pattern of plasticity is in fact adaptive is analytically challenging, as is evaluating the degree of and limits to adaptive plasticity. Here we describe a general methodological framework for studying the evolution of plastic responses. This framework synthesizes recent analytical advances from both evolutionary ecology and functional biology, and it does so by integrating field experiments, functional and physiological analyses, environmental data, and genetic studies of plasticity. We argue that studies of plasticity in response to the thermal environment may be particularly valuable in understanding the role of environmental variation in the evolution of plasticity: not only can thermally-relevant traits often be mechanistically and physiologically linked to the thermal environment, but also the variability and predictability of the thermal environment itself can be quantified on ecologically relevant time scales. We illustrate this approach by reviewing a case study of seasonal plasticity in the extent of wing melanization in Western White Butterflies ( Pontia occidentalis ). This review demonstrates that 1) wing melanin plasticity is heritable, 2) plasticity does increase fitness in nature, but the effect varies between seasons and between years, 3) selection on existing variation in the magnitude of plasticity favors increased plasticity in one melanin trait that affects thermoregulation, but 4) the marked unpredictability of short-term (within-season) weather patterns substantially limits the capacity of plasticity to match optimal wing phenotypes to the weather conditions actually experienced. We complement the above case study with a casual review of selected aspects of thermal acclimation responses. The magnitude of thermal acclimation (“flexibility”) is demonstrably modest rather than fully compensatory. The magnitude of genetic variation (crucial to evolutionary responses to selection) in thermal acclimation responses has been investigated in only a few species to date. In conclusion, we suggest that an understanding of selection and evolution of thermal acclimation will be enhanced by experimental examinations of mechanistic links between traits and environments, of the physiological bases and functional consequences of acclimation, of patterns of environmental variability and predictability, of the fitness consequences of acclimation in nature, and of potential genetic constraints.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Investigation on the Confidentiality of 2-D Incoherent Optical CDMA System

Confidentiality performance is analyzed in detail for a 2-D incoherent optical code-division multiple access (OCDMA) system, especially a multi-user two-code-keying wavelength- hopping time-spreading (WHTS) code system. The WHTS system's robustness against brute-force attacks is discussed. Other than brute-force attacks, several practical approaches are proposed to compromise the WHTS system. The effectiveness of these practical approaches is theoretically analyzed and an experimental demonstration is provided. Possible approaches to improve WHTS system's confidentiality are proposed and discussed.
Loss of endothelial-ARNT in adult mice contributes to dampened circulating proangiogenic cells and delayed wound healing

The recruitment and homing of circulating bone marrow-derived cells include endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) that are critical to neovascularization and tissue regeneration of various vascular pathologies. We report here that conditional inactivation of hypoxia-inducible factor’s (HIF) transcriptional activity in the endothelium of adult mice (ArntΔiEC mice) results in a disturbance of infiltrating cells, a hallmark of neoangiogenesis, during the early phases of wound healing. Cutaneous biopsy punches show distinct migration of CD31+ cells into wounds of control mice by 36 hours. However, a significant decline in numbers of infiltrating cells with immature vascular markers, as well as decreased transcript levels of genes associated with their expression and recruitment, were identified in wounds of ArntΔiEC mice. Matrigel plug assays further confirmed neoangiogenic deficiencies alongside a reduction in numbers of proangiogenic progenitor cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood samples of recombinan...
Data Diodes in Support of Trustworthy Cyber Infrastructure and Net-Centric Cyber Decision Support

Data diodes provide protection of critical cyber assets by the means of physically enforcing traffic direction on the network. In order to deploy data diodes effectively, it is imperative to understand the protection they provide, the protection they do not provide, their limitations, and their place in the larger security infrastructure. In this work, we study data diodes, their functionalities and limitations. We then propose two critical infrastructure systems that can benefit from the additional protection offered by data diodes: process control networks and net-centric cyber decision support systems. We review the security requirements of these systems, describe the architectures, and study the trade-offs. Finally, the architectures are evaluated against different attack patterns.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF VARYING LEVELS AND PATTERNS OF GREEN-TREE RETENTION : EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN OF THE DEMO STUDY

Dlugosch and delMoral "Vegetational heterogeneity along elevational gradients." Northwest Science. 1999; 73(1): 12-18
An Illness of Power: Gender and the Social Causes of Depression

There is considerable discourse surrounding the disproportionate diagnosis of women with depression as compared to men, often times cited at a rate around 2:1. While this disparity clearly draws attention to gender, a focus on gender tends to fall away in the study and treatment of depression in neuroscience and psychiatry, which largely understand its workings in mechanistic terms of brain chemistry and neurological processes. I first consider how this brain-centered biological model for depression came about. I then argue that the authoritative scientific models for disorder have serious consequences for those diagnosed. Finally, I argue that mechanistic biological models of depression have the effect of silencing women and marginalizing or preventing the examination of social-structural causes of depression, like gender oppression, and therein contribute to the ideological reproduction of oppressive social relations. I argue that depression is best understood in terms of systems of power, including gender, and where a given individual is situated within such social relations. The result is a model of depression that accounts for the influence of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Redox-induced enhancement in interfacial capacitance of the titania nanotube/bismuth oxide composite electrode.

Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) decorated titania nanotube array (T-NT) composite materials were synthesized by a simple, yet versatile electrodeposition method. The effects of deposition current density and time on morphology evolution of the bismuth oxide phase were analyzed. It was found that an optimum deposition condition in terms of current density and time could be reached to achieve uniform and equiaxed crystal morphology of the deposited oxide phase. The morphology, shape, size distribution, and crystal structure of the bismuth oxide phase were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical capacitance of the T-NT/Bi2O3 composites was studied by conducting cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge experiments. These studies indicated that the capacitance behavior of the composite material was dependent on the morphology and distribution of the bismuth oxide phase. The ca...
The Interfacial Transition Zone: “Direct” Evidence on Compressive Response

There is little question that the strength of the interfacial transition zone (MTZ) between cement paste and aggregate affects the compressive strength of concrete. The key question, rather, is to what degree? It is difficult to directly measure the response of the overall composite to changes in interfacial properties, since it is difficult to isolate interfacial strength as the only variable. Research on the effects of interfacial strength on the compressive response of concrete that comes the closest to providing direct evidence is summarized. The studies, dating to the 1950's, include both experimental and analytical efforts aimed at isolating the effects of the ITZ, as well as experimental efforts that are considered to provide strong indirect evidence. The research shows that the ITZ plays a measurable role in the response of concrete to compressive stress, but that its role is overshadowed by the properties of the cement paste and aggregate constituents of concrete and the heterogeneous nature of the composite.
Automatic Echographic Detection of Halloysite Clay Nanotubes in a Low Concentration Range.

Aim of this work was to investigate the automatic echographic detection of an experimental drug delivery agent, halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs), by employing an innovative method based on advanced spectral analysis of the corresponding “raw” radiofrequency backscatter signals. Different HNT concentrations in a low range (5.5–66 × 1010 part/mL, equivalent to 0.25–3.00 mg/mL) were dispersed in custom-designed tissue-mimicking phantoms and imaged through a clinically-available echographic device at a conventional ultrasound diagnostic frequency (10 MHz). The most effective response (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 95%), was found at a concentration of 33 × 1010 part/mL (1.5 mg/mL), representing a kind of best compromise between the need of enough particles to introduce detectable spectral modifications in the backscattered signal and the necessity to avoid the losses of spectral peculiarity associated to higher HNT concentrations. Based on theoretical considerations and quantitative comparisons with literature-available results, this concentration could also represent an optimal concentration level for the automatic echographic detection of different solid nanoparticles when employing a similar ultrasound frequency. Future dedicated studies will assess the actual clinical usefulness of the proposed approach and the potential of HNTs for effective theranostic applications.
CORRELATIONS AMONG DIFFERENT FORMS OF THE QUICK TEST

57 college students took all 6 individual and 3 group forms of the Quick Test. High significant Pearson correlations among raw scores and IQs suggest that these alternate forms are measuring similarly.
Emergency Contraception: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.

Emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy, when used after unprotected sex around the time of ovulation. In the past 15 years, access to emergency contraception (EC) in the United States has increased and more women use it. Emerging data may tailor EC prescribing based on patient weight and starting other contraception. There are several EC options—oral levonorgestrel and oral ulipristal acetate and the copper intrauterine device. Ideally, women should have EC access at low or no cost. Yet, several barriers—limited patient and provider knowledge about EC, cost, EC stocking practices, and state and federal laws exempting providers from supplying EC—make it difficult to integrate this time-sensitive treatment into women's reproductive health care.
Parallel processing on NVIDIA graphics processing units using CUDA

This paper is an introduction to general-purpose computing on graphics processing units. This involves taking advantage of the parallel processing power of modern graphics cards to do general purpose computation. The CUDA architecture used for general purpose computations on NVIDIA graphics cards is described, and important features affecting the run times of CUDA programs are discussed. Experimental results showing the potential for obtaining speedups by two or three orders of magnitude will be presented, showing that CUDA is a cost-effective way to make high-performance computing widely available to programmers and consumers. In colleges, graphics cards can be used to make hands-on experience in massively parallel processing an easily obtained component of courses or research programs.
Drug use, AIDS, and ethnography: advanced ethnographic research methods exploring the HIV epidemic.

This chapter identifies and explores a small number of recently developed advanced ethnographic research methods. There are other techniques that provide an excellent adjunct to standard prevention research efforts, as well. These include the cultural models approach (Price 1987; Quinn and Holland 1987), anthropological decision modeling (Gladwin 1980, 1989; Plattner 1984; Young 1980), the advances in focus group techniques (Morgan 1989), the processes for using ethnographic interviews to create culturally competent survey questionnaires (Converse and Presser 1986), and the uses of systematic direct observations of public behavior. Some of these issues are explored in the references cited above, as well as in other recent articles (e.g., Trotter 1991; Trotter et al. 1995). The number of tools available to ethnographers is growing rapidly, and they promise to greatly increase the capacity to make important contributions to reducing the spread of HIV in human populations.
On the dimensionality of wall and target return subspaces in through-the-wall radar imaging

Our objective is to detect and localize potential targets using stepped-frequency measurements consisting of both wall and target return from multiple antenna elements. We investigate the wall and target return subspaces both (i) for each antenna element separately and (ii) jointly for all antenna elements. Both the individual wall return subspace and the joint wall return subspace can capture most of the energy of the wall return, but the latter has much smaller dimensionality and thus captures less energy from the target return. Then, in each step of an iterative algorithm for detecting the target positions, we cancel the return from previously selected targets using a joint target return subspace model. The joint target return subspace offers improved target detection since this is better able to capture the return from a given target without capturing the energy of other targets.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Ground Beef or Liver During Storage at 4 and 25°C.

Survival and growth of three Listeria monocytogenes strains (Scott A, Brie-1, and ATCC 35152) were studied in ground beef or liver during storage from freshness to spoilage at 4 and 25°C. Cells were enumerated on Plate Count Agar, Trypticase Soy Agar, and selective media, including McBride Listeria Agar (MLA), Cyclohexanedione Nalidixic Acid Phenylethanol Agar (CNPA), LiCl Phenylethanol Moxalactam Agar (LPM), and LPM with potassium tellurite (LPMT). Aerobic natural microflora in the fresh uninoculated samples ranged from 102 to 104 CFU/g, and L. monocytogenes inocula were ca. 103 or 105 CFU/g. Total aerobes after 2 weeks at 4°C were >108 or >107/g in meat or liver respectively, while recovered numbers of L. monocytogenes remained unchanged during a storage of over 30 d in either ground meat or liver. Samples stored at 25°C confirmed recovery but absence of multiplication of the organism. LPM or LPMT provided the best selective environment for direct plating of meat. Despite differences in composition and spoilage pattern of meat and liver, no difference was observed in the fate of L. monocytogenes in these foods.
Does Cas9-Catalyzed DNA Cleavage Generate Blunt Ends or Staggered Ends? Insight from Molecular Dynamic Simulations

The CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes (spCas9) along with a single guide RNA (sgRNA) has merged as a versatile toolbox for genome editing. Despite recent advances in the mechanistic studies on spCas9-sgRNA-mediated target double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) recognition and cleavage, it is still unclear how the catalytic Mg2+ ions induce the conformation changes toward the catalytic active state. It also remains controversial whether Cas9 generates blunt-ended or staggered-ended breaks with overhangs in the target DNA. To investigate these issues, here we performed the first all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the spCas9-sgRNA-dsDNA system with and without Mg2+ bound. The simulation results show that binding of two Mg2+ ions at the RuvC domain active site could lead to structurally and energetically favorable coordination ready for the non-target DNA strand cleavage. Importantly, we argue that Cas9-catalyzed target DNA cleavage produces 1-bp staggered ends rather than generally assumed blunt ends.
Neurobiology of NREM Sleep and Thermoregulation in Sleep

Sleep is accompanied by a reorganization of thermoregulatory control that includes reduced metabolism and activation of heat loss responses to achieve a lower core body temperature (CBT). Compared to waking, regulatory responses to thermal challenge are reduced during sleep, particularly REM sleep. Vulnerability to thermal stress during sleep may explain why many species prefer a thermally neutral and thermally stable environment in which to sleep. Brain mechanisms that regulate sleep and thermoregulation are anatomically functionally related. Within the preoptic and anterior hypothalamus, populations of sleep-regulatory neurons are warm-sensitive, exhibiting increases in activity in responses to increases in CBT and skin temperature (Tsk). Activation of warm-sensing neurons in the POAH promotes sleep. In humans, activation of heat loss mechanisms at the time of sleep onset impacts sleep amount and sleep quality. An elevated distal-to-proximal Tsk gradient at sleep onset reflects increased peripheral blood flow and heat loss and is associated with short sleep latencies and increased sleep efficiency and sleep depth. Increases in peripheral blood flow and Tsk can exert feed-forward excitatory effects on brain mechanisms that promote sleep, and function to reinforce circadian and homeostatic aspects of sleep regulation.
A Clean Sweep: The Tools and Processes of a Successful Metadata Migration

In 2016, the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library migrated digital asset management systems from CONTENTdm, a vendor-provided solution from OCLC, to Solphal, a homegrown system utilizin...
Safety and efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty at 4 or more levels in a single anesthetic session

OBJECTIVE In this case series, the authors evaluated the safety of balloon kyphoplasty at 4 or more vertebral levels in a single anesthetic session. The current standard is that no more than 3 levels should be cemented at one time because of a perceived risk of increased complications. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed for 19 consecutive patients who underwent ≥ 4-level balloon kyphoplasty between July 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. Outcomes documented included kyphoplasty-associated complications and incidences of subsequent vertebral fracture. RESULTS Nineteen patients aged 22 to 95 years (mean 66.1 years, median 66 years; 53% male, 47% female) had 4 or more vertebrae cemented during the same procedure (mean 4.6 levels [62 thoracic, 29 lumbar]). No postoperative anesthetic complication, infection, extensive blood loss, symptomatic cement leakage, pneumothorax, or new-onset anemia was observed. Five patients experienced new compression fracture within a mean of 278 days postoperatively. One patient with metastatic cancer suffered bilateral pulmonary embolism 19 days after surgery, but no evidence of cement in the pulmonary vasculature was found. CONCLUSIONS In this case series, kyphoplasty performed on 4 or more vertebral levels was not found to increase risk to patient safety, and it might decrease unnecessary risks associated with multiple operations. Also, morbidity associated with leaving some fractures untreated because of an unfounded fear of increased risk of complications might be decreased by treating 4 or more levels in the same anesthetic session.
The Acute Cold Leg

Acute limb ischemia is one of the most common challenging problems faced by the vascular surgeon. Despite the advanced surgical and critical care, the morbidity and mortality have remained unchanged for the last two decades. The mortality rate is greater than 25% secondary to comorbid medical problems and the amputation rate is about 20% in survivors. Acute arterial occlusion tends to propagate and occlude collaterals. The ischemic tissue starts to swell in a tight fascial compartment and eventually leads to compression of the neurovascular bundles, hence the “compartment syndrome.” The “no reflow” phenomenon is the terminal event when the arterioles, capillaries, and venules are occluded and there is no distal perfusion despite a successful revascularization. Skin and subcutaneous tissue tolerate ischemia better than peripheral nerves and muscles. Peripheral nerves and muscles start to develop irreversible damage within 6 h. Therefore, once the diagnosis is made, the patient should receive therapeutic intervention immediately. In addition to possible limb loss, “reperfusion injury” from revascularization of the extremity may lead to multisystem organ failure. Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, acid and potassium from injured cells, cardiosuppressants, and harmful cytokines are incriminating factors in reperfusion injury. Moreover, myoglobin from dead muscle cells precipitates in the renal tubules, which leads to acute tubular necrosis and renal failure.
Revisiting Interdependence in Multinational Firms: Collaborative Technology and Changes in Team Work

Teams within large multinational firms have long depended on a variety of collaborative technology in order to accomplish day-to-day work. In recent years, however, the use and complexity of collab...
Intranasal Flaps Open image in new window

The concepts and principles of providing lining for full-thickness nasal defects were discussed in. The vascular anatomy of each flap was also discussed. The purpose of this chapter is to present the technical aspects of developing and transferring lining flaps.
Obituary: Francis Crick (1916-2004).

Alexander Rich and Charles F. Stevens, respectively an early collaborator of Crick's and a long-standing colleague at the Salk Institute, describe the life and work of one of the great thinkers of twentieth-century biology.
Advanced Lipoprotein Analysis Shows Atherogenic Lipid Profile That Improves After Metreleptin in Patients with Lipodystrophy.

Context Patients with lipodystrophy have dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Leptin treatment with metreleptin in lipodystrophy decreases insulin resistance and lowers triglycerides without changing high-density lipoprotein. Detailed measurement of lipoprotein particles with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can offer insights into cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and lipid metabolism beyond a standard lipid panel. We hypothesized that patients with lipodystrophy would have a more atherogenic lipid profile than controls at baseline, which would be ameliorated with metreleptin treatment. Objective To characterize the lipoprotein profile in patients with lipodystrophy compared with controls and to evaluate effects of metreleptin treatment. Design Setting Patients and Intervention Patients with lipodystrophy (N = 17) were studied before and after metreleptin for 2 weeks and 6 months and compared with 51 insulin-sensitive sex-matched controls. Main Outcome Measures Lipoprotein profiles were measured by NMR with the LP4 deconvolution algorithm, which reports triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles (TRLPs), high-density lipoprotein particles (HDLPs), and low-density lipoprotein particles (LDLPs). Results Patients with lipodystrophy had elevated large TRLPs and smaller HDLPs and LDLPs compared with controls. Five patients with lipodystrophy had chylomicrons, compared with zero controls. Metreleptin decreased the size and concentration of TRLPs, eliminated chylomicrons in all but one patient, decreased LDLPs, and increased LDLP size. Metreleptin treatment did not have major effects on HDLPs. Conclusions Patients with lipodystrophy had an atherogenic lipoprotein profile at baseline consistent with elevated CVD risk, which improved after metreleptin treatment. The presence of fasting chylomicrons in a subset of patients with lipodystrophy suggests saturation of chylomicron clearance by lipoprotein lipase.
Retinoblastoma in a 23-year-old adult treated with primary intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy

Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) continues to provide a globe-sparing alternative as primary treatment for retinoblastoma with few adverse events. While there is growing evidence to highlight the utility of IAC in children with retinoblastoma, adult cases treated with primary IAC have not previously been characterized. We describe a rare case of Group D retinoblastoma in a 23-year-old adult treated successfully with IAC and intravitreal chemotherapy. This is a retrospective case report of a single patient. Subsequent to IAC and intravitreal chemotherapeutic treatments, at last follow-up 14 months following initial presentation and 8 months since last treatment, the retinoblastoma demonstrated complete regression into a partially calcified scar, with complete resolution of intravitreal and subretinal seeds and no evidence of tumor recurrence. Visual acuity improved to 20/30 in the left eye. There were no adverse events from therapy. Despite its rarity, it is important to consider retinoblastoma in the differential diagnosis of a white mass, even in an adult. Furthermore, this case highlights the utility of IAC for retinoblastoma, despite older patient age.
Feraheme (Ferumoxytol) Is Recognized by Proinflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Macrophages via Scavenger Receptor Type AI/II

Feraheme (ferumoxytol), a negatively charged, carboxymethyl dextran-coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (USPIO, 30 nm, -16 mV), is clinically approved as an iron supplement and is used off-label for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of macrophage-rich lesions, but the mechanism of recognition is not known. We investigated mechanisms of uptake of Feraheme by various types of macrophages in vitro and in vivo. The uptake by mouse peritoneal macrophages was not inhibited in complement-deficient serum. In contrast, the uptake of larger and less charged SPIO nanoworms (60 nm, -5 mV; 120 nm, -5 mV, respectively) was completely inhibited in complement deficient serum, which could be attributed to more C3 molecules bound per nanoparticle than Feraheme. The uptake of Feraheme in vitro was blocked by scavenger receptor (SR) inhibitor polyinosinic acid (PIA) and by antibody against scavenger receptor type A I/II (SR-AI/II). Antibodies against other SRs including MARCO, CD14, SR-BI, and CD11b had no effect on Feraheme uptake. Intraperitoneally administered PIA inhibited the peritoneal macrophage uptake of Feraheme in vivo. Nonmacrophage cells transfected with SR-AI plasmid efficiently internalized Feraheme but not noncharged ultrasmall SPIO of the same size (26 nm, -6 mV), suggesting that the anionic carboxymethyl groups of Feraheme are responsible for the SR-AI recognition. The uptake by nondifferentiated bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) and by BMDM differentiated into M1 (proinflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) types was efficiently inhibited by PIA and anti-SR-AI/II antibody. Interestingly, all BMDM types expressed similar levels of SR-AI/II. In conclusion, Feraheme is efficiently recognized via SR-AI/II but not via complement by different macrophage types. The recognition by the common phagocytic receptor has implications for specificity of imaging of macrophage subtypes.
Histology, Glial Cells

Many glial cells provide support for an essential nervous system function. In addition to providing support for neurons, glial cells aid in the maintenance of homeostasis, and form myelin. As a whole, glial cells are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system. The most notable glial cells include oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, astrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Most glial cells are capable of mitotic division.
Principles of evacuation robots

Abstract This chapter considers the use of emergency evacuation robots, how these systems can be effectively evaluated and ethically deployed. A set of ethical principles governing the development and use of emergency evacuation robots is presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how evacuation robots might be deployed in practice.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV Patients in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in India, the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. We identified peer reviewed literature published between 2007 and 2017 to extract data on ART adherence. We estimated pooled prevalence of adherence to ART using a random-effects model. Thirty-two eligible studies (n = 11,543) were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were mostly clustered in the southern and western Indian states. Overall, 77% (95% Confidence Interval 73–82; I2 = 96.80%) of patients had optimum adherence to ART. Women had higher prevalence of optimum adherence compared to men. Depression or anxiety were significant risk factors in seven of the fifteen studies reporting determinants of nonadherence. Studies should be performed to explore the reasons for gender gap in ART adherence and HIV program in India should prioritize mental health issues among HIV patients to improve ART adherence.
The oral antiarrhythmic drugs.

Over the past few years, many new antiarrhythmic drugs have been developed, expanding the choices available for treating arrhythmia. However, at the same time, there has been confusion about how to choose an appropriate drug for the individual patient. Unfortunately, there are no reliable guidelines available for drug selection and there are no drugs which are specific for certain arrhythmias or groups of patients. Drug therapy is empiric and the beneficial or harmful effects of one drug do not provide any information about the response to any other agent. It is therefore necessary to know about the actions and side effects of each drug.
Coevolution of Law and Science: A Clean Water Act Case Study

Despite recent political attacks, science is integral to environmental law and other regulatory regimes that are informed by new scientific research. It is inaccurate, however, to view the relationship between law and science as static. Traditionally, science is either seen as a servant of the legal system, responding to and supporting the applicable statutes and regulations; or we expect the legal system to respond or “catch up” to scientific advances. A more useful model, borrowed from evolutionary biology, is coevolution, an ongoing process in which law and science interact over time in an iterative process. A case study from the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) biocriteria program illustrates this dynamic process and suggests ways in which law and science can interact more effectively in the CWA and other regulatory regimes. It also highlights the conceptual difference between “scientific knowledge” and “regulatory knowledge,” and the importance of that distinction for separation of powers and democratic governance in the administration and enforcement of complex regulatory statutes.
Serum Metabolomic Response to Low- and High-Dose Vitamin E Supplementation in Two Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Vitamin E is an essential micronutrient and critical human antioxidant previously tested for cancer preventative effects with conflicting clinical trial results that have yet to be explained biologically. Methods: We examined baseline and on-trial serum samples for 154 men randomly assigned to receive 400 IU vitamin E (as alpha-tocopheryl acetate; ATA) or placebo daily in the Vitamin E Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (VEAPS), and for 100 men administered 50 IU ATA or placebo daily in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC). Over 970 metabolites were identified using ultrahigh-performance LC/MS-MS. Linear regression models estimated the change in serum metabolites of men supplemented with vitamin E versus those receiving placebo in VEAPS as compared with ATBC. Results: Serum alpha-carboxyethyl hydrochroman (CEHC) sulfate, alpha-tocopherol, and beta/gamma-tocopherol were significantly altered by ATA supplementation in both trials (all P values ≤5.1 × 10−5, the Bonferroni multiple comparisons corrected statistical threshold). Serum C22 lactone sulfate was significantly decreased in response to the high-dose vitamin E in VEAPS (β = −0.70, P = 8.1 × 10−6), but not altered by the low dose in ATBC (β = −0.17, P = 0.4). In addition, changes in androgenic steroid metabolites were strongly correlated with the vitamin E supplement–associated change in C22 lactone sulfate only in the VEAPS trial. Conclusions: We found evidence of a dose-dependent vitamin E supplementation effect on a novel C22 lactone sulfate compound that was correlated with several androgenic steroids. Impact: Our data add information on a differential hormonal response based on vitamin E dose that could have direct relevance to opposing prostate cancer incidence results from previous large controlled trials.
16 – Microcanonical Ensemble

An ensemble is a collection of microstates that are compatible with a specified macrostate of a thermodynamic system. The microcanonical ensemble represents an isolated system having fixed energy. For that ensemble, the fundamental assumption of statistical mechanics is that every compatible stationary quantum microstate is equally probable. Properties of a system in a macrostate are calculated by averaging its values over the ensemble microstates. The entropy is assumed to be proportional to the logarithm of the number of compatible microstates as proposed by Boltzmann and in agreement with the disorder function of information theory. The proportionality constant is known as Boltzmann’s constant. Temperature, pressure, and chemical potential are calculated from partial derivatives of the entropy. The ensemble is illustrated for two-state subsystems, harmonic oscillators, an ideal gas with the Gibbs correction factor, and a multicomponent ideal gas. The entropy of mixing of ideal gases is calculated.
Revision of the Genus Henicorhynchus, with a Revised Diagnosis of Gymnostomus (Cyprinidae: Labeoninae)

The Southeast Asian cyprinid genus Henicorhynchus has a complicated taxonomic history due to morphological similarities with other genera and among species within the genus itself. Henicorhynchus and its constituent species are herein revised based on morphological examinations of over 1,000 specimens with a particular emphasis on oromandibular structures. Five species are now recognized in the genus. Henicorhynchus entmema and H. caudimaculatus are senior synonyms of H. lobatus and H. lineatus, respectively. Henicorhynchus caudiguttatus is removed from synonymy with H. caudimaculatus. A revised diagnosis of the South Asian cyprinid genus Gymnostomus, previously considered a senior synonym of Henicorhynchus, is also provided.
Isoelectronic perturbations to f-d-electron hybridization and the enhancement of hidden order in URu2Si2.

Electrical resistivity measurements were performed on single crystals of URu2-x Os x Si2 up to x = 0.28 under hydrostatic pressure up to P = 2 GPa. As the Os concentration, x, is increased, 1) the lattice expands, creating an effective negative chemical pressure P ch(x); 2) the hidden-order (HO) phase is enhanced and the system is driven toward a large-moment antiferromagnetic (LMAFM) phase; and 3) less external pressure P c is required to induce the HO→LMAFM phase transition. We compare the behavior of the T(x, P) phase boundary reported here for the URu2-x Os x Si2 system with previous reports of enhanced HO in URu2Si2 upon tuning with P or similarly in URu2-x Fe x Si2 upon tuning with positive P ch(x). It is noteworthy that pressure, Fe substitution, and Os substitution are the only known perturbations that enhance the HO phase and induce the first-order transition to the LMAFM phase in URu2Si2 We present a scenario in which the application of pressure or the isoelectronic substitution of Fe and Os ions for Ru results in an increase in the hybridization of the U-5f-electron and transition metal d-electron states which leads to electronic instability in the paramagnetic phase and the concurrent formation of HO (and LMAFM) in URu2Si2 Calculations in the tight-binding approximation are included to determine the strength of hybridization between the U-5f-electron states and the d-electron states of Ru and its isoelectronic Fe and Os substituents in URu2Si2.