cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localized and Disseminated Histiocytic Sarcoma of Dendritic Cell Origin in Dogs

Canine histiocytic proliferative disorders include a wide spectrum of diseases characterized by different biologic behaviors. The etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases are largely unknown. The clini- copathologic, morphologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of canine localized and disseminated histio- cytic sarcoma were examined in 39 dogs. Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and retrievers were most commonly affected (79%). Localized histiocytic sarcomas (19 dogs) arose from a single site, and metastatic lesions were observed in draining lymph nodes. Predilection sites were subcutis and underlying tissues on extremities, but tumors occurred in other locations, including spleen, lung, brain, nasal cavity, and bone marrow. Disseminated histiocytic sarcomas (20 dogs), a multisystem disease previously described as malignant histio- cytosis, primarily affected spleen, lungs, bone marrow, liver, and lymph nodes. Both localized and disseminated canine histiocytic sarcomas were composed of pleomorphic tumor cell populations. CD1 ,C D4, CD11c, CD11d, MHC II, ICAM-1, Thy-1 tumor cells were identified in all snap-frozen samples (31 dogs). This phenotype is characteristic for myeloid dendritic antigen-presenting cell lineage. Hence, canine localized and disseminated histiocytic sarcomas are likely myeloid dendritic cell sarcomas. Dendritic antigen-presenting cells are a heterogeneous cell population with regards to their ontogeny, phenotype, function, and localization. The exact sublineage of the proliferating dendritic antigen-presenting cells involved in canine histiocytic sarcomas remains to be determined. Phenotypic analysis of formalin-fixed tissues from eight dogs was limited by available markers. Morphologic features and the phenotype CD18 ,C D3, and CD79a were the most useful criteria to indicate likely histiocytic origin.
Multiple paths of sugar-sensing and a sugar/oxygen overlap for genes of sucrose and ethanol metabolism

The two-fold purpose of this work is, first, to review current hypotheses for multiple paths of sugar-sensing in an oxygen-responsive context, and second, to present evidence for the extent of sugar/oxygen overlap regulating genes for sucrose and ethanol metabolism. Current data indicate that sugar signals in plants may be initiated by (a) hexokinases, (b) membrane sensors, (c) acetate and/or respiratory metabolites, and (d) other signals and/or crosstalk. Responses may also involve concurrent input along transduction paths by effectors such as energy charge, P status, and phytohormones. Prime candidates for initiation and/or integration of such signal integration include SNF1- and SCF-like, multi-enzyme complexes. In addition, different paths of sugar signal transduction may be linked to contrasting roles of responsive genes during feast, famine or pathogen attack. Oxygen can potentially alter sugar signals at several points, so its influence on feast and famine responses was initially tested with genes for sucrose metabolism in maize root tips. The Sus1 and Sh1 sucrose synthases in maize (typically up-regulated by carbohydrate abundance and deprivation, respectively) showed parallel responses to hypoxia (3% O2 [0.03l l-1 O2]) and anoxia (0% O2 [0l l-1 O2]) that were consistent with involvement of similar signals. In contrast, the differential sugar-responses of the lvr1 and lvr2 invertases were not evident under low oxygen, and both genes were rapidly repressed. A third response was evident in the marked, sugar-regulation of an oxygen-responsive Adh1 gene for alcohol dehydrogenase, which was sensitive to sugar availability from deficit to abundance, regardless of oxygen status (anaerobic to fully aerobic [40% O2 (0.04l l-1 O2)]. A clear interface is thus evident between sugar and oxygen signals, but this varies markedly with the genes involved and probable differences in respective transduction paths.
Characterization of probabilistic signaling networks through signal propagation

A large volume of research has been done to uncover different characteristics of biological network, such as large-scale organization, node centrality and network robustness. Nevertheless, the vast majority of research done in this area assume that biological networks have deterministic topologies. Biological interactions are however probabilistic events that may or may not appear at different cells or even in the same cell at different times. In this paper, we present results for characterizing H. sapiens probabilistic signaling networks using signal reachability, with respect to (i) centrality of nodes, (ii) stability of the network, and (iii) important network functions.
INTERNATIONAL LIQUIDITY: A PROBABILISTIC APPROACHa

SUMMARY This paper attempts to develop rigorous, if somewhat less than fully operational, definitions of the twin concepts of individual nation and world international liquidity. These definitions make the international liquidity of an individual country (Zi, in the case of country i) a probability-weighted sum of its foreign assets, liabilities, lines of credit and prior commitments, and world liquidity (L) the sum of the various Li. It is argued that the state of a nation's balance of payments at any time may fruitfully be expressed in terms of the rate of change of its international liquidity so defined. Inasmuch as such a formulation removes the restriction that balance of payments surpluses and deficits of all nations net to zero, it supplies the ancient words ‘favorable’ and ‘unfavorable’ with new significance. Finally, the paper considers several classes of current schemes to increase world liquidity. The definitions prove helpful in indicating just what conditions must obtain if reformers’ hopes are not to be frustrated.
Location and etiology of flexible and semirigid ureteroscope damage

Abstract Objectives To perform an analysis of currently available manufacturer data regarding the character of ureteroscope damage. The high costs associated with the repair of flexible and semirigid ureteroscopes are well documented. Increased knowledge of the etiology of ureteroscope damage should aid urologists in prolonging the lives of these delicate instruments. Methods We requested data from the four major ureteroscope manufacturers (ACMI, Olympus America, Karl Storz, and Richard Wolf) on the types, speculated causes, costs, and frequency of ureteroscope damage. The results were tabulated in a blinded fashion and analyzed for trends. We then formulated guidelines that could be applied by practicing urologists. Results For both flexible and semirigid ureteroscopes, the frequency of repair increased with decreasing ureteroscope diameter and increasing instrument length. The cost of the repair was generally greater for flexible ureteroscopes (mean $4597) than for semirigid ureteroscopes (mean $2437). The major causes of flexible ureteroscope damage were working channel damage from laser burn or instrument passage and extreme scope deflection with an indwelling instrument. The primary reasons for semirigid ureteroscope repair included overtorquing and improper handling in the operating room and during sterile processing. Conclusions Urologists can minimize the repair costs of flexible and semirigid ureteroscopes by taking precautions to eliminate laser fiber-induced damage and by avoiding overdeflection. Improved storage and handling of these instruments is also necessary. Although small-diameter ureteroscopes are favorable because of their increased mobility and ease of passage, physician and staff awareness of their increased fragility is vital in maximizing the longevity of these commonly used instruments.
Thermal analyses of confined cell design for phase change random access memory (PCRAM)

This investigation is an effort to demonstrate the feasibility of confined cell design for a phase change random access memory (Ovonic Unified Memory, OUM) cell which benefits, respectively, from the low current and the simple fabrication process of a line memory cell and T- structure. Similar to OUM devices, the confined cell design is also highly scalable. The 2-D numerical simulation results of the programming process for confined cells show very high (104 - 105) reset/set resistance ratios. However, the proper selection of the reset current is very important for achieving a complete amorphization of the active region, free of crystalline regions. Formation of such crystalline residues can create low resistance paths for the electric current rendering unacceptably low reset/set resistance ratios (of order two) during read. Simple analytical expressions for the reset current and thermal tome constants of a confined cell were obtained using 2-D and 3-D heat conduction heat transfer analyses. The results agree well with those of 2-D thermal and crystallization modeling, which indicate that the analytical models can be used as a powerful preliminary design tool for PCRAM.
A study of contact resistance of conductive adhesives based on anhydride-cured epoxy systems

Electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) are an environmentally friendly alternative to tin/lead (Sn/Pb) solders in electronics packaging applications. However, current conductive technology is still in its infancy and limitations do exist. One of the critical reliability issues is that contact resistance of silver flake-filled ECAs on nonnoble metals increases in elevated temperature and humidity environments. The main objective of this study is to investigate the contact resistance behaviors of a class of conductive adhesives, which are based on anhydride-cured epoxy systems. Curing profiles, moisture pickup, and shifts of contact resistance of the ECAs on a nonnoble metal, tin/lead (Sn/Pb), during aging are investigated. Also, two corrosion inhibitors are employed to stabilize the contact resistance. The effects of these corrosion inhibitors on contact resistance are compared. It is found that: (1) this class of ECAs shows low moisture absorption, (2) the contact resistance of the ECAs on Sn/Pb decreases first and then increases slowly during 85/spl deg/C/85% relative humidity (RH) aging, (3) one of corrosion inhibitors is very effective to stabilize contact resistance of these ECAs on Sn/Pb, and (4) the corrosion inhibitor stabilizes contact resistance through adsorption on Sn/Pb surfaces. From this study, it can be concluded that ECAs based on anhydride cured epoxy systems are promising formulations for electronics packaging applications.
Causal state amplification

A problem of state information transmission over a state-dependent discrete memoryless channel (DMC) with independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) states, known causally at the transmitter is investigated. It is shown that block-Markov encoding coupled with channel state estimation conditioned on treating the decoded message and received channel output as side information at the decoder yields the minimum state estimation error. This same channel can also be used to send additional independent information at the expense of a higher channel state estimation error. It is shown that any optimal tradeoff pair can be achieved via a simple rate-splitting technique, whereby the transmitter appropriately allocates its rate between pure information transmission and state estimation.
Multicast distribution and control for streaming multimedia

Modern industrial networks are increasingly using multimedia to support online broadcast of training videos, educational material, and recorded company announcements. When the material is to be viewed by groups of people, unicast distribution increases network load proportionally to the number of viewers, while multicast distribution creates constant network load but eliminates an individual's ability to control the stream. We introduce a hybrid platform for multimedia distribution whose network and server load is independent of the number of viewers, yet retains individual stream control. We have built a proof-of-concept system based upon commercial PC technology that supports the simultaneous distribution of multiple copies of multiple multimedia rules. We show how web programming using JavaScript, ActiveX controls, ASP, and HTML can be incorporated with commercial, off-the-shelf media servers and media players to create an Internet multimedia server with constant network and server load characteristics.
Study of rotational dynamics of receptor-targeted contrast agents in cancerous and normal prostate tissues using time-resolved picosecond emission spectroscopy

We studied the time-resolved polarization-dependent fluorescence spectroscopy of receptor-targeted contrast agents (Cybesin and Cytate) bound with prostate cancer cells in prostate tissue. An analytical model dealing with highly viscous tissue media was developed and used to investigate the rotation times and fluorescence anisotropies of the receptor-targeted contrast agents in prostate tissue. The differences of rotation times and fluorescence anisotropies were observed for Cybesin (Cytate) in cancerous and normal prostate tissues, which reflect changes of the microstructures of cancerous and normal tissues and their different bound affinity with contrast agents. The preferential uptake of Cytate (Cybesin) in cancerous tissue was used to image and distinguish cancerous tissue areas from normal tissue areas. The fluorescence polarization difference imaging technique was used to enhance the image contrast between the cancerous and normal tissue areas. This research may help to introduce a new optical approach and criteria for prostate cancer detection.
A comparative analysis of the development of the auditing profession in the United Kingdom and France

The purpose of this article is to present a comparative analysis of the development of the auditing profession in the United Kingdom and France. Although legal requirements for external audits of company financial statements provided an opportunity for the development of an auditing profession as early as the mid-nineteenth century, differences in the role and status of professions led to differences in the development of the auditing profession in these two countries. It is only in recent years that there have been significant efforts to harmonize the regulatory structures for the auditing profession on a more international basis. The primary argument of this article is that historical differences in the ways that auditing has developed in different countries are significant and that international harmonization of the regulation of the auditing profession may be difficult to achieve without understanding these differences.
Self-Similar Barkhausen Noise in Magnetic Domain Wall Motion

A model for domain wall motion in ferromagnets is analyzed. Long-range magnetic dipolar interactions are shown to give rise to self-similar dynamics when the external magnetic field is increased adiabatically. The power spectrum of the resultant Barkhausen noise is of the form $1/{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\approx}1.5$ can be estimated from the critical exponents for interface depinning in random media.
Sensory awareness versus sensory impression: Affect and attention interact to produce somatic meaning.

Abstract Contrary to the assumptions of common sense—and of some research—focusing on one's physical sensations does not necessarily make them more unpleasant. Rather, attention and affect interact to produce somatic meaning. Fifty-six male subjects exercised at 60% of their aerobic capacity with either no instructions, or instructions to closely monitor their somatic sensations. Half of each group thought they might receive an electric shock while they exercised. Subjects then listed the sensations they perceived, and indicated their degree of noticeability, their subjective unpleasantness, and their presumed cause. Monitoring subjects reported the same number of physical sensations as did the no-instruction subjects, and rated them as noticeable to the same degree. Nonetheless, monitoring produced a more negative interpretation of one's sensations under threat, but a more positive one under no threat. The findings support and extend the view of somatic experience as inherently plastic. The results also ...
Micrometeorite Impacts in Beringian Mammoth Tusks and a Bison Skull

We have discovered what appear to be micrometeorites imbedded in seven late Pleistocene Alaskan mammoth tusks and a Siberian bison skull. The micrometeorites apparently shattered on impact leaving 2 to 5 mm hemispherical debris patterns surrounded by carbonized rings. Multiple impacts are observed on only one side of the tusks and skull consistent with the micrometeorites having come from a single direction. The impact sites are strongly magnetic indicating significant iron content. We analyzed several imbedded micrometeorite fragments from both tusks and skull with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). These analyses confirm the high iron content and indicate compositions highly enriched in nickel and depleted in titanium, unlike any natural terrestrial sources. In addition, electron microprobe (EMP) analyses of a Fe-Ni sulfide grain (tusk 2) show it contains between 3 and 20 weight percent Ni. Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) of a particle extracted from the bison skull indicates ~;;0.4 mg of iron, in agreement with a micrometeorite ~;;1 mm in diameter. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and XRF analyses of the skull show possible entry channels containing Fe-rich material. The majority of tusks (5/7) have a calibrated weighted mean 14C age of 32.9 +- 1.8 ka BP, which coincides with the onset of significant declines <36 ka ago in Beringian bison, horse, brown bear, and mammoth populations, as well as in mammoth genetic diversity. It appears likely that the impacts and population declines are related events, although their precise nature remains to be determined.
Structure and assembly of the bacterial endospore coat.

Many biological processes are mediated through the action of multiprotein complexes, often assembled at specific cellular locations. Bacterial endospores for example, are encased in a proteinaceous coat, which confers resistance to lysozyme and harsh chemicals and influences the spore response to germinants. In Bacillus subtilis, the coat is composed of more than 20 polypeptides, organized into three main layers: an amorphous undercoat; a lamellar, lightly staining inner structure; and closely apposed to it, a striated electron-dense outer coat. Synthesis of the coat proteins is temporally and spatially governed by a cascade of four mother cell-specific transcription factors. However, the order of assembly and final destination of the coat structural components may rely mainly on specific protein-protein interactions, as well as on the action of accessory morphogenetic proteins. Proteolytic events, protein-protein crosslinking, and protein glycosylation also play a role in the assembly process. These modifications are carried out by enzymes that may themselves be targeted to the coat layers. Coat genes have been identified by reverse genetics or, more recently, by screens for mother cell-specific promoters or for peptide sequences able to interact with certain bait proteins. A role for a given locus in coat assembly is established by a combination of regulatory, functional, morphological, and topological criteria. Because of the amenability of B. subtilis to genetic analysis (now facilitated by the knowledge of its genome sequence), coat formation has become an attractive model for the assembly of complex macromolecular structures during development.
Randomized Trial of Preoperative Chemoradiation Versus Surgery Alone in Patients With Locoregional Esophageal Carcinoma

PURPOSE: A pilot study of 43 patients with potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma treated with an intensive regimen of preoperative chemoradiation with cisplatin, fluorouracil, and vinblastine before surgery showed a median survival of 29 months in comparison with the 12-month median survival of 100 historical controls treated with surgery alone at the same institution. We designed a randomized trial to compare survival for patients treated with this preoperative chemoradiation regimen versus surgery alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with esophageal carcinoma were randomized to receive either surgery alone (arm I) or preoperative chemoradiation (arm II) with cisplatin 20 mg/m2/d on days 1 through 5 and 17 through 21, fluorouracil 300 mg/m2/d on days 1 through 21, and vinblastine 1 mg/m2/d on days 1 through 4 and 17 through 20. Radiotherapy consisted of 1.5-Gy fractions twice daily, Monday through Friday over 21 days, to a total dose of 45 Gy. Transhiatal esophagectomy with a cervical...
The Proximate Basis of the Oak Dispersal Syndrome: Detection of Seed Dormancy by Rodents

Abstract Previously we have shown how a range of physical and chemical characteristics of acorns influences the behavioral decisions of food-hoarding rodents which in turn affects the dispersal, establishment and spatial arrangement of oaks. One such behavior involves the selective caching of acorns of red oaks (subgenus: Erythrobalanus) over those of white oaks (Quercus) because of reduced perishability that results from delayed germination of acorns in the red oak group. In this study, we sought to identify the specific proximate cues (visual and olfactory) that eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) use when making these decisions. In two series of field experiments, we presented individual, free-ranging animals with pairs of experimentally altered acorns (that differed with respect to a single chemical or visual characteristic) and recorded their feeding and caching responses. Squirrels cached artificial acorns with pericarps (shells) of red oak acorns and ate those with shells of white oak reg...
Immunity and Immunosuppression Induced by Attenuated Salmonella: The Role of Nitric Oxide

Our laboratory has been investigating mechanisms of immunity to Salmonella infection for many years. Previous work showed that nonviable vaccines, in particular acetone-killed and dried cells (AKC) of Salmonella typhimurium, were capable of giving high levels of protection in mice which were genetically inherently resistant to Salmonella infection, but protected very poorly in mice which were innately hypersusceptible to Salmonella infection (Eisenstein et al., 1984b). Extension of this observation showed that passive high-titered serum raised to AKC could protect inherently resistant but not inherently hypersusceptible mice (Eisenstein et al., 1984b). Studies initiated nearly 10 years ago tested the protective capacity of an aroA- mutant of S. typhimurium derived by Hoiseth and Stocker as a prototype for oral, attenuated vaccines against typhoid (Hoiseth and Stocker, 1981). We confirmed Stocker’s findings that SL3235, a Salmonella mutant with an aroA- lesion, was highly protective in mice against virulent Salmonella challenge and showed that it was very effective in both genetically hypersusceptible and resistant mouse strains in the C3H lineage. in the course of our investigations, however, we made a paradoxical observation; namely, that the attenuated Salmonella induced strong parameters of immunosuppression while it was conferring protection (Eisenstein et al., 1984a). Our investigations over the last several years have probed the suppressive phenomenon to discover the mechanisms involved. Our findings lead to the conclusion that the attenuated Salmonella are powerful macrophage-activating agents and that activated macrophages may be responsible for both protection and immunosuppression.
Marijuana normalizes sleep efficiency in marijuana-dependent volunteers

high school age persons, 31.0% [p<0.0001] and 31.2% [p≤0.0002], respectively. Population and URDD rates for amphetamines were higher for college age persons, 35.5% [p<0.0001] and 35.6% [p<0.0001], respectively. Conclusions: Results show seasonal trends for stimulant use: for both high school and college age groups, Intentional Misuse and Abuse rates were 25% higher in school months compared to summer months. Also, rates for two classes of stimulants were different; college age showed higher rates of amphetamine use, while high school age showed higher rates of methylphenidate use. Financial support: The RADARS® System is part of Denver Health and Hospital Authority, a division of the state of Colorado. It is supported by subscriptions from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Direct myocardial depressant effects of several beta-adrenergic blocking agents in the unanesthetized atherosclerotic rabbit.

SummaryThe beta-adrenergic blocking potency and myocardial depressant properties of seven β-adrenergic blocking agents were compared in unanesthetized atherosclerotic rabbits. The order of potency with regard to blockade of heart-rate responses to isoproterenol (0.4 μg/kg) was pindolol > nadolol > timolol > atenolol > oxprenolol > alprenolol > propranolol. Pindolol, oxprenolol and alprenolol caused the greatest depression of left ventricular dP/dt followed by propranolol, atenolol, timolol and nadolol. The “myocardial safety index” (MD50/ID50) was greatest for nadolol followed by timolol, atenolol, pindolol, propranolol, oxprenolol and alprenolol.
Constrained Probabilistic Search for a One-Dimensional Random Walker

This paper addresses a fundamental search problem in which a searcher subject to time and energy constraints tries to find a mobile target. The target's motion is modeled as a random walk on a discrete set of points on a line segment. At each time step, the target chooses one of the adjacent nodes at random and moves there. We study two detection models. In the no-crossing model, the searcher detects the target if it is on the same node or if it takes the same edge at the same time. In the crossing model, detection happens only if the target lands on the same node at the same time. For the no-crossing model, where move and stay actions may have different costs, we present an optimal search strategy under energy and time constraints. For the crossing model, we formulate the problem of designing an optimal strategy as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) and solve it using methods that reduce the state–space representation of the belief. The POMDP solution reveals structural properties of the optimal solution. We use this structure to design an efficient strategy and analytically study its performance. Finally, we present preliminary experimental results to demonstrate the applicability of our model to our tracking system, which is used for finding radio-tagged invasive fish.
Longitudinal Monitoring of Therapy Response in a Preclinical Model using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging

We present here a proof-of-concept longitudinal study of cytotoxic and antiangiogenic therapy response in a preclinical model using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging. Significant changes in optical scattering and hemoglobin were observed in tumors.
Radiographic assessment of rheumatoid arthritis

In this article, the rationale for the use of radiographs in the assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is presented, along with a discussion of the choice of radiographs to be used. The author's choices for the scoring methods best used for minimal, intermediate, and more comprehensive databases for use in clinical research, other available scoring methods, factors influencing the type of database to be employed, and prior applications of scoring methods are also discussed.
The Seasonal Cycle of the Radiation Budget and Cloud Radiative Effect in the Amazon Rain Forest of Brazil

AbstractChanges in the climate system of the Amazon rain forest of Brazil can impact factors that influence the radiation budget such as clouds, atmospheric moisture, and the surface albedo. This study examines the relationships between clouds and radiation in this region using surface observations from the first year of the deployment of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program’s Mobile Facility 1 (AMF1) in Manacapuru, Brazil, and satellite measurements from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). The seasonal cycles of the radiation budget and cloud radiative effects (CREs) are evaluated at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), at the surface, and within the atmospheric column using these observations and are placed into a regional context using the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2). Water vapor and clouds are abundant throughout the year, even though slight decreases are observed in the dry season. The column water vapor load is...
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): What Do Palpitations Tell? (P03.033)

OBJECTIVE: To measure somatovisceral sensitivity using somatosensory amplification scale (SSAS) and assess visceral self-perception with heartbeat perception test (HBPT). To study palpitations using physiologic and pharmacologic changes in heart rate. BACKGROUND: In POTS patients, disability and symptom severity exceed demonstrable organic pathology. Hypothesis: Patients amplify somatovisceral sensations and their palpitations are heart-rate dependent. DESIGN/METHODS: Participants 21, 10 normals compared to 11 patients. Participants rated the 10 items of the SSAS scale from 0 to 4. Subjects performed time-dependent heartbeat counts compared against EKG data (HBPT). All were asked to select 1/8 types of palpitations when supine and in response to maximal tachycardia produced by two sympathetic stimuli: Valsalva maneuver (VM) and 10-min head-up tilt (HUT); and one vagolytic stimulus (atropine administration, 0.03 mg/kg body weight I.V.). Data were compared using an unpaired two-sided t test and one-way and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: SSAS scores (mean±SEM): normals 14.4±2.3, patients 17.41±1.5, p=0.27. HBPT errors (%): normals 14.4 ± 3.5, patients 25.2 ± 9.8, p=0.31. Maximal tachycardia (bpm) with VM: normals 28.9±3.9, patients 39.3±6.7, p=0.11; with HUT: normals 34.7±2.6, patients 42.4±6.2, p=0.14; and with atropine: normals 52.0±2.1, patients 47.8 ±.7, p=0.22. Palpitation frequency after atropine did not differ between groups. Palpitations were more frequent in patients with VM (81.8% versus 10%, p=0.001) and with HUT (63.6% versus 0%, p=0.002). Only patients discriminated palpitations by type despite identical stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: Insignificant difference in SSAS scores and HBPT % errors between groups militated against somatosensory amplification or superior ability of patients to detect peripheral visceral sensation. Palpitations were independent of tachycardia and were sympathetically mediated. The ability of patients to discriminate palpitations qualitatively in response to individual stimuli suggests central visceral sensitization. Explanation of the nature of symptoms, avoidance of sympathetic stimuli, and pharmacologic management may be of therapeutic benefit. Disclosure: Dr. Khurana has nothing to disclose.
Experimental study of the hydrodynamic and heat transfer of air-assistant circular water jet impinging a flat circular disk

Abstract Hydrodynamic and heat transfer characteristics of the circular hydraulic jump by air-assistant water jet impingement was experimentally investigated using water and air as the test fluid. The effects of volumetric quality ( β = 0–0.9) on the hydraulic jump radius, local Nusselt number and, pressure at the stagnation point were considered under fixed water-flow-rate condition. The results showed that the dimensionless hydraulic jump radius increased with volumetric quality, attained a maximum value at around 0.8 of the volumetric quality, and then decreased. The hydraulic jump of two phase impinging jet is governed by the stagnation pressure and the lateral variation of Nusselt number is governed by hydraulic jump radius. Based on the experimental results, a new correlation for the normalized hydraulic jump radius of the impinging jet are developed as a function of the normalized stagnation pressure alone.
Toll-Like Receptor and Autoimmunity.

Abstract Abstract SCI-24 While the paradigm that adaptive immunity to pathogens requires innate immune activation via pattern recognition receptors is well accepted, until recently how autoimmune responses are initiated and propagated has been less clear. In principle, it is less obvious how the requisite innate immune activation might occur. In 2002 landmark results demonstrated that autoreactive B cells could be activated in vitro by a self-Ags that contained both a BCR and a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand; the ability of endogenous chromatin antigens to engage TLR9, a DNA sensor, could explain how anti-DNA type antibodies were generated. We have extended these results in two ways. First, we have evaluated the roles of TLR9 and TLR7 (a ssRNA receptor) in vivo. We backcrossed TLR9 (DNA) and TLR7 (ssRNA) knockout alleles onto the MRL/lpr lupus-prone background. We found that TLR9 was required to generate the anti-chromatin response and TLR7 was required for anti-RNA associated responses. With respect to disease, TLR9 had an unexpected regulatory role: KO mice get more severe lupus, hypergammaglobulinemia, and die prematurely. Whereas, TLR7-deficient mice demonstrate ameliorated disease. This is surprising as TLR7 and TLR9 are highly homologous, are expressed in similar cells, and signal through the same pathway. To investigate the mechanism behind these differences, we have made TLR7 KO and TLR7/9 double KO MRL/lpr mice and I will discuss their phenotypes. In addition, we have used these animals to investigate B cell intrinsic roles for TLR9, and these data will be presented. These results suggest that innate immunity contributes to initiation and specificity of autoimmunity. In the second line of investigation, we have used a mouse that expresses an autoreactive BCR, specific for self-IgG (rheumatoid factor, RF) to investigate the roles of TLRs and T cells in the initial activation of these cells. Taken together, our results indicate that autoreactive B cells are activated in a TLR-dependent, T cell-independent fashion, but only by self molecules that provide a simultaneous BCR and TLR ligand. These cells then differentiate into autoantibody secreting plasmablasts and also are a vector for activating autoreactive T cells. Once this occurs, we propose that full-blown autoimmune disease is initiated and maintained by positive feedback between autoreactive B and T cells. The implications of this model for therapeutic approaches that target both B cells and TLRs will be discussed. Disclosures Shlomchik: Coley Pharmaceuticals: Patents & Royalties.
A high-resolution (0.1° × 0.1°) inventory of methane emissions from Canadian and Mexican oil and gas systems

Abstract Canada and Mexico have large but uncertain methane emissions from the oil/gas industry. Inverse analyses of atmospheric methane observations can improve emission estimates but require accurate source patterns as prior information. In order to serve this need, we develop a 0.1° × 0.1° gridded inventory of oil/gas emissions in Canada for 2013 and Mexico for 2010 by disaggregating national emission inventories using best available data for production, processing, transmission, and distribution. Results show large differences with the EDGAR v4.2 gridded global inventory used in past inverse analyses. Canadian emissions are concentrated in Alberta (gas production and processing) and Mexican emissions are concentrated along the east coast (oil production).
An Empathetic Model of Group Counseling for Parents of Children with Cancer

This article presents an empathetic model of group intervention in order to assist group leaders in working with parents of children with cancer. In addition, this article offers recommendations fo...
Spondylocostal Dysostosis: A Literature Review and Case Report with Long-Term Follow-Up of a Conservatively Managed Patient.

Introduction. Patients with spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD) have congenital spine and rib deformities associated with frequently severe thoracic insufficiency and respiratory compromise. The literature is largely composed of case reports and small cohorts, and there is little information regarding adults with this condition. In this report, we describe the natural history of a conservatively treated patient and include quality-of-life issues such as childbearing, athletic participation, and occupational selection. Case Presentation. We present a patient with SCD who was conservatively treated by a single physician from birth for 31 years. Our patient was capable of a reasonably good quality of life through adulthood, including participation in gymnastics and employment. At age 18, she became pregnant and subsequently terminated the pregnancy due to obstetrical concerns for compromised respiration. She has had intermittent respiratory complaints and occasionally experiences dyspnea with exertion, but this only has limited her during certain activities in the past three years. Currently, she takes naproxen for chronic back pain with periodic exacerbations. Discussion. Other cases in the literature have described adult SCD patients who have received nonoperative treatment and achieved a wide range of functional outcomes. This provides some limited evidence to suggest that select patients with SCD may be treated conservatively and achieve a reasonable quality of life. However, close clinical follow-up with these patients is recommended, particularly early on, considering the high rates of infant morbidity and mortality. Chest physiotherapy and early pulmonary care have been associated with favorable outcomes in infancy. Surgery to increase thoracic volume and correct scoliosis has been shown in some cases to improve respiratory function. Treatment depends on the degree of thoracic insufficiency and quality of life. The natural history of SCD remains largely unknown, but some patients are capable of relatively favorable life spans, employment, and participation in athletics.
How Much Pain Is Significant? Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for the Visual Analog Scale for Pain After Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The ability to detect changes in patient-perceived pain after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is critical to manage postoperative pain. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for visual analog scale for pain (VAS-P) has not been investigated in this population. This study investigated the MCID for VAS-P in the TJA population. Methods Postoperative pain scores were collected on 139 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 165 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. VAS-P was measured and Likert scores for changes in pain recorded together throughout the hospitalization per patient. Using a linear mixed model, the mean difference between preceding and current VAS-P was calculated and correlated with Likert score, when the patient reported at least slight improvement or worsening in pain, defining the MCID. Minimal detectable change was calculated using the VAS-P standard error of the means for patients reporting “no change.” Results For THA, the overall mean and average highest VAS-P were 35.0 mm and 50.4 mm, respectively. For TKA, the overall mean and average highest VAS-P were 42.6 mm and 61.1 mm, respectively. The minimal detectable change in VAS-P was 14.9 mm for THA and 16.1 mm for TKA. The MCID for THA and TKA pain improvement was −18.6 mm and −22.6 mm, respectively, and for worsening was 23.6 mm and 29.1 mm, respectively. Conclusion In the postoperative TJA population, VAS-P MCID changes depend on the type of surgical intervention, and whether pain is improving or worsening. Statistically significant VAS-P, improving −18.6 mm and −22.6 mm for THA and TKA patients, respectively, sets a reasonable threshold to identify clinically meaningful pain intervention with high specificity.
Electrophysiologic Characterization of Calcium Handling in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Atrial Cardiomyocytes.

Summary Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (CMs) hold great promise for elucidating underlying cellular mechanisms that cause atrial fibrillation (AF). In order to use atrial-like hiPSC-CMs for arrhythmia modeling, it is essential to better understand the molecular and electrophysiological phenotype of these cells. We performed comprehensive molecular, transcriptomic, and electrophysiologic analyses of retinoic acid (RA)-guided hiPSC atrial-like CMs and demonstrate that RA results in differential expression of genes involved in calcium ion homeostasis that directly interact with an RA receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor 2 (COUP-TFII). We report a mechanism by which RA generates an atrial-like electrophysiologic signature through the downstream regulation of calcium channel gene expression by COUP-TFII and modulation of calcium handling. Collectively, our results provide important insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate atrial-like hiPSC-CM electrophysiology and support the use of atrial-like CMs derived from hiPSCs to model AF.
Language policy in interpreting and translating

While the area of I/T has had an ambivalent place in Australian language policy, the area of I/T is of interest because Australia serves as a model a kind if I?T which is becoming increasingly common throughout the world. The present summary article explores the particular place of I/T within language policy, identifies some of the significant issues confronted by I/T, and connects them to other areas of language policy.
Cystine Calculi: Two Types

Four stones each from two populations of cystine calculi, one with rough external surface (cystine-R) and the other with smooth external surface (cystine-S), were studied for their crystalline structure with scanning electron microscopy and stereoscopy. Two stones each of cystine-R and cystine-S, calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD), struvite/apatite, and brushite were fragmented with shock wave lithotripsy and the fragmentability compared. Fragments resulting from cystine-R and cystine-S shock wave lithotripsy were examined under a stereoscope to assess plane of cleavage or fracture. Results showed that cystine-R is comprised of well-formed blocks of hexagonal crystals; whereas, cystine-S has small, irregular crystals that are poorly formed and interlacing. The center of a cystine-R stone was similar to that of the periphery, but the center of a cystine-S stone was formed of blocks of hexagons similar to but smaller than the cystine-R. Fragmentation with shock wave lithotripsy revealed that cystine-S is the least fragile, COD and struvite/apatite are most fragile, and cystine-R, brushite, and COM are in the intermediate fragility range. The possibility of the patient having cystine-R calculus should be considered during therapeutic procedures.
Ovarian Failure Treatment Strategies: Egg Donation

Egg donation is a practical treatment strategy for women with ovarian failure desirous of childbearing. Pregnancy in older women is associated with increased risk of medical complications; however, live birth rates are excellent with modern obstetrical care.
global climate change: processes and products – an overview

Our knowledge of global climate change has many uncertainties.Whether global air temperature will increase, by how much, and when,are subject to debate, but there is little doubt that troposphericconcentrations of several trace gases are increasing. While possibleincreases in the average air temperature is a product of these changes,the increases in the trace gases alone will have an effect on agriculture.Increases in the ambient concentrations of carbon dioxide are expectedto have a positive net effect on crop production. In contrast, anyincreases in the penetration of surface-level ultraviolet-B (280–320 nm)radiation, and known increases in surface ozone concentrations, areconsidered to have adverse effects on certain crops. Our presentknowledge of the joint effects on crops of elevated levels of carbondioxide, ultraviolet-B radiation and ozone, and possible alterations in airtemperature and precipitation patterns, is virtually zero. Therefore, anypredictions of the effects of global climate change on agriculture aresubject to significant uncertainties. In contrast, coupling of climatechange (only temperature and precipitation) models to crop productionhas led to a number of future scenarios. In spite of theirpresent limitations, results from these efforts can be useful in planningfor future agriculture.
Quantitative Discovery from Qualitative Information: A General-Purpose Document Clustering Methodology

Many people attempt to discover useful information by reading large quantities of unstructured text, but because of known human limitations even experts are ill-suited to succeed at this task. This difficulty has inspired the creation of numerous automated cluster analysis methods to aid discovery. We address two problems that plague this literature. First, the optimal use of any one of these methods requires that it be applied only to a specific substantive area, but the best area for each method is rarely discussed and usually unknowable ex ante. We tackle this problem with mathematical, statistical, and visualization tools that define a search space built from the solutions to all previously proposed cluster analysis methods (and any qualitative approaches one has time to include) and enable a user to explore it and quickly identify useful information. Second, in part because of the nature of unsupervised learning problems, cluster analysis methods are not routinely evaluated in ways that make them vulnerable to being proven suboptimal or less than useful in specific data types. We therefore propose new experimental designs for evaluating these methods. With such evaluation designs, we demonstrate that our computer-assisted approach facilitates more efficient and insightful discovery of useful information than either expert human coders using qualitative or quantitative approaches or existing automated methods. We (will) make available an easy-to-use software package that implements all our suggestions.
Shock Tube Measurement of the C2H4 + H ⇔ C2H3 + H2 Rate Constant.

The rate constant for the reaction C2H4 + H ⇔ C2H3 + H2 was studied behind reflected shock waves at temperatures between 1619 and 1948 K and pressures near 10 atm in a mixture of C2H4, CH4, H2, and...
Computational and experimental investigation of RF‐induced heating for multiple orthopedic implants

Purpose This paper investigates the RF-induced heating for multiple adjacent orthopedic implants under MRI at 1.5T and 3T exposure. When multiple implants are closely spaced to each other, the interactions between the implants may affect the RF-induced heating. Traditional RF-induced heating labeling is often only applicable to configurations of an individual implant, and is not applicable for multi-implant configurations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of multiple orthopedic implants on RF-induced heating and to propose potential appropriate instructions for safe scanning of multi-implantable orthopedic implants. Methods Typical plate and nail implants were used as examples. The effects of implant configuration, relative positions, and number of implants were investigated. Numerical simulations were conducted using full-wave electromagnetic simulation software. Experimental measurements at 1.5 T were performed to validate the numerical results. Results Numerical results indicate that, due to device interaction, the RF-induced heating of multiple medical implants can be significantly different from that of a single implant. The measured temperature rise for multiple devices could be 2.7 times larger than that of a single implant. Conclusion Our results confirm that RF-induced heating of multiple implants can be quite different, and do not follow simple superposition of the results from single devices. Instructions for safe scanning of individual orthopedic devices would not be applicable to multi-implant configurations.