cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytoplasmic inclusions in leukocytes. An unusual manifestation of cryoglobulinemia.

Cryoglobulins are circulating immunoglobulins characterized by reversible, cold-induced precipitation. A variety of laboratory abnormalities, including hypocomplementemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor activity, pseudoleukocytosis, and pseudothrombocytosis, are associated with cryoglobulinemia. Extracellular, faintly basophilic, amorphous deposits of cryoglobulins occasionally have been described in blood smears. In the present study, smears prepared from blood collected at room temperature from 6 patients with cryoglobulinemia exhibited neutrophil and, occasionally, monocyte inclusions containing clear, light pink, or faintly basophilic amorphous material. The inclusions were absent in smears from blood collected and maintained at 37°C. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the material within the leukocyte inclusions was consistent with phagocytosed immunoglobulins. The identification of characteristic cytoplasmic inclusions in leukocytes may be an important clue in the early recognition of cryoglobulinemia. Cryoglobulins are circulating immunoglobulins characterized by reversible cold-induced precipitation. They were first recognized in 1933 as a manifestation of disease in a patient with multiple myeloma 1 and were designated cryoglobulins in 1947 by Lerner and Watson. 2 Since that time, cryoglobulins have come to be associated with a number of disease states. Cryoglobulinemia most commonly manifests with arthralgias, cutaneous lesions, Raynaud phenomenon, hepatosplenomegaly, and renal dysfunction. 3 Laboratory findings associated with cryoglobulinemia include hypocomplementemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, rheumatoid factor activity, pseudoleukocytosis, and pseudothrombocytosis. 4 In blood smears, cryoglobulins may be visualized as aggregates of extracellular pale blue amorphous material. In addition, a peculiar phenomenon of cytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils has been observed rarely in blood smears in cryoglobulinemia; however, only 1 case report describing this phenomenon exists in the indexed medical literature. 5 We describe the pathologic and clinical
Static timing analysis considering power supply variations

Power supply integrity verification has become a key concern in high performance designs. In deep submicron technologies, power supply noise can significantly increase the circuit delay and lead to performance failures. Traditional static timing analysis which applies worst-case voltage margins to compute circuit delay leads to a very conservative analysis because the worst-case drop is localized to a small area of the die. In this paper, we propose a new approach for analyzing the impact of power supply variations on circuit delay. The circuit delay maximization problem is formulated as a constrained non-linear optimization problem which takes both IR and Ldi/dt drops into account The proposed approach does not require apriori knowledge of critical paths in the circuit and can be effectively incorporated in an existing static timing analysis framework. The proposed method has been implemented and tested on ISCAS85 benchmark circuits and compared with the traditional methods for computing worst-case circuit delay under supply variations.
State theory and fire control: Selection mechanisms in local government

This paper examines the role of the American fire department as an institutional a selection mechanism that is infused with class bias. I begin by examining the structures and procedural elements o...
Group meetings in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Work relationships among staff in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) are probably of critical importance to patient care, as well as to staff well-being. Group discussions were introduced in one ICU to encourage the staff to raise issues about work relationships and about the effectiveness of the care they were providing. Three kinds of issues recurred: work roles and functions, leadership and decision making, and conflict arising from stereotypic assumptions about opposed groups. The frequency of conflicts rooted in these issues demonstrated their origin in factors over and above individual "personality problems." While there were clear limitations to what such group meetings could accomplish, they did provide a forum for the expression of tensions and anxieties, the identification and resolution of some conflict, and the initiation of needed policy change. The authors encourage further experimentation with this practice, and studies of its effectiveness.
An animal model for open femur fracture and osteomyelitis: Part I

Infection is an everyday problem in orthopaedics and is quite common in open fracture management. To study this process and provide a basis to prevent infection, we developed a model that includes trauma (blunt fracture in the fashion of Bonnarens and Einhorn), surgical stabilization (standardized intramedullary K-wire fixation), and infection (Staphylococcus aureus inoculum). In this two-part study, we found that 10(2) colony-forming units of inoculum produced an optimal infection rate of 90-100%, which substantially challenged the immune system without overwhelming sepsis. We hypothesized that, in traumatic fractures, there is a specific immunological response that may lead to an increased rate of infection. In Part 2, we demonstrated immunosuppression (decreased Interleukin-12 levels) at days 6, 10, and 12 after fracture fixation versus nonfractured control groups (p < 0.05). This study describes a rat model of femur factures with osteomyelitis that allows investigation of posttraumatic immunosuppression.
Rates and controls of nitrification in a large oligotrophic lake

Recent discoveries have altered prevailing paradigms concerning the conditions under which nitrification takes place and the organisms responsible for nitrification in aquatic ecosystems. In Lake Superior, nitrate (NO { ) concentrations have increased fivefold in the past century. Although previous evidence indicated that most NO { is generated by nitrification within the lake, important questions remain concerning the magnitude and controls of nitrification, and which microbial groups are primarily responsible for this process. We measured water-column nitrification rates in the western basin of Lake Superior during five research cruises from November 2009 to March 2011. Using in situ bottle incubations at 10 depths, we quantified nitrification rates using both the oxidation of 15N-labeled ammonium (NH z ) and the uptake of 14C associated with nitrification. Average rates of NH z oxidation ranged from 18–34 nmol N L21 d21 across the five cruises, similar to values reported for the coastal ocean, and two orders of magnitude lower than values reported from other lakes. Low nitrification rates observed in the epilimnion corresponded to the absence of ammonium-oxidizing archaea and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. The measured rates of nitrification are . 50-fold greater than the long-term NO { rise in the lake, indicating that N is actively cycling and that long-term change in this ecosystem is mediated by internal dynamics. Nitrification is a key transformation in the nitrogen (N) cycle, important in determining the distribution of N among pools of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (Ward 2011), which in turn can affect rates of primary production (Howarth and Marino 2006) and greenhouse gas emissions
Subclinical depression modulates the impact of emotion on force control

The primary goals of this project were to examine whether (1) the impact of emotional state on force control varies as a function of target force level, (2) self reports of emotional state covary with force control, and (3) emotional state and trait levels of depression interact to alter force control. Subjects varying in self-reported depression performed a sustained pinch grip for 20 s at low, moderately low, and moderate target force levels. Each trial began with 8 s of visual feedback, which was replaced with an emotional or neutral image for 12 s. Subjects reported valence and arousal ratings for each image. Across the entire sample, self-reported arousal predicted constant error (CE) during low and moderately low target force trials. Depression significantly predicted the relationship between self-reported valence and CE during moderate target force trials. Theoretical explanations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Controlling activities in a virtual manufacturing cell

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology are developing a virtual manufacturing cell. This cell will contain simulation models of a wide range of manufacturing equipment, processes, and systems. It will have commercial and prototype applications software which implement production functions from order release to final inspection. There will be an information base and a collection of interfaces which will provide the integrating infrastructure for these applications. These interfaces will be based on information models and exchange protocols, and will specify what information is shared across those applications and how it is exchanged. This paper describes the current virtual manufacturing cell, with special emphasis on the hierarchy we are developing to control activities within the cell.
Ontological Inference Framework with Joint Ontology Construction and Learning for Image Understanding

Lack of human prior knowledge is one of the main reasons that semantic gap still remains when it comes to automatic multimedia understanding. In this work, we exploit the ontological structure of target concepts and propose an universal ontological inference framework for image understanding. The framework explicitly utilizes subclass and co-occurrence relation to effectively refine the coarse concept detections. Moreover, we show how to automatically construct and learn the underlying ontology required by the framework. As can be shown by experiments, the result is an effective and robust algorithm that characterizes well the structure of the target concepts and outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Purely Passive Long Reach 10 GE-PON Architecture Based on Duobinary Signals and Ultra-Low Loss Optical Fiber

We experimentally explore long reach PON architectures of 100 km with no in-field amplification using 10.3125 Gb/s duobinary downstream signals and ultra-low loss optical fiber. We demonstrate error-free transmission with split ratios up to 1×128.
Effects of dietary vitamin E on the immune system in broilers: altered proportions of CD4 T cells in the thymus and spleen

To gain insight into the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin E (VE), immune cell population analyses were conducted using thymus and spleen from male broilers fed diets with various levels of VE supplementation (0, 17, 46, and 87 mg dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate/kg of feed). At 2 and 7 wk of age, the percentages of B cells, macrophages, and T cell subsets, delineated by the expression of CD4, CD8, and T cell receptor (TCR) isotype, in thymus and spleen were determined by flow cytometry. The percentages of thymic and splenic B cells and macrophages from 2- and 7-wk-old chickens, as well as the percentage of thymic T cells in 2-wk-old chickens, were unaffected by VE treatment. However, 7-wk-old broilers maintained on 87 mg VE/kg feed had a higher percentage of CD4+CD8- thymocytes, a higher CD4+CD8- to CD4-CD8+ thymocyte ratio, and a lower percentage of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes than chickens receiving no dietary VE supplementation. The VE-induced increase in the percentage of CD4+CD8- thymocytes was due to an increase in the TCR2+CD4+CD8- thymocyte subset, whereas the decrease in the percentage of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes involved all TCR defined T cell subsets. In the spleen, the percentage of CD4+CD8- T cells was lower in 2-wk-old chickens and higher in 7-wk-old chickens maintained on 87 mg/kg feed than in chickens receiving no dietary VE supplementation. The decrease in CD4+CD8- splenocytes at 2 wk of age was due to a decline in the percentage of TCR2+CD4+CD8- splenocytes, whereas the increase in CD4+CD8- splenocytes in 7-wk-old chicks was due to an increase in the percentages of all TCR defined CD4+CD8- T cell subsets. These data support an immunomodulatory effect of VE on CD4+CD8- T cells.
First-Order Phase Transition to the Metallic State in Doped Polyacetylene: Solitons at High Density

The insulator-metal transition in conventional three dimensional semi-conductors is conceptually understood in the context of. the Mott transition. The localized donor or acceptor states of the dilute limit evolve into “metallic” impurity bands when the wave-function overlap is sufficient to give effective screening of the localizing electronelectron interaction.
Randall v. Sorrell: The Limits of Campaign Finance Laws

This brief article discusses the Court’s first campaign finance decision since the landmark decision in McConnell v. Federal Election Commission. In Randall v. Sorrell, the Court overturned the stringent spending and contribution limits in Vermont’s campaign finance statute.
Effects of Moth Population Density and Pheromone Concentration on Mating Disruption of the Corn Earworm in Large Screened Cages

The full-complement pheromone of Heliothis zea (Boddie) females, pheromone components, and component combination were evaluated as mating disruptants at selected application rates and moth population densities. Pheromone components were evaporated from point sources at the rate of 100 point sources per screen field cage (9 by 30 m) (3,700/ha) planted with cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Treatment efficacy was determined by observing and comparing the numbers of mating pairs (laboratory-reared moths) within the cages. The full-complement pheromone was most effective at the lowest moth population density. The highest application rate tested (370g/ha) was more effective than lower rates.
Generation and distribution of quantum entanglement in the telecom band with standard optical fiber

Polarization entangled photon pairs are produced by pumping the nonlinear-fiber Sagnac interferometer with orthogonally-polarized pulses. Parametrically scattered signal-idler photons yield biphoton interference with visibility greater than 95% in coincidence. When signal-idler photon pairs are physically propagated over 25 km of standard optical fiber, the quantum correlation is preserved.
Herbal Supplements and Cerebral Vasculopathy

A case of stroke attributed to a herbal energy drink containing sympathomimetic phenylpropanoid compounds is reported in a 21-year-old man treated at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
Comorbidity and androgen deprivation therapy use in men undergoing high-dose radiation for unfavorable-risk prostate cancer

Purpose Because survival may be shortened in prostate cancer (PC) patients with moderate/severe comorbidity receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), we explored if comorbidity predicts ADT use in those with unfavorable-risk PC.
Effect Analysis of Pressure Sores Risk Assessment Table in Clinical Nursing of Children After Urological Surgery

Objective To investigate the effect of pressure sores risk assessment table in clinical nursing of children after urological surgery. Methods 136 urological children treated with surgical therapy in our hospital from March 2012 to February 2014 were selected and randomly divided into observation group(68 cases) and control group(68 cases), all the children were implemented urological surgery. The control group was given conventional nursing, the observation group was given targeted nursing according to the survey of pressure sores risk assessment table. The nursing effect and satisfaction of two groups were observed and compared. Results The pressure sores rate of observation group was 4.41%(3/68), significantly lower than 16.18%(11/68) of control group, with statistical difference(P 0.05). The satisfaction rate of patients in observation group was 95.59%(65/68), significantly higher than 69.12%(47/68) of patients in control group,with statistical difference(P 0.05). Conclusions The application of pressure sores risk assessment in patients after urological surgery can reduce the incidence of pressure sores, improve the nursing quality and patients' satisfaction, which is worthy of further promotion.
Practical steps for applying a new dynamic model to near-infrared spectroscopy measurements of hemodynamic oscillations and transient changes: implications for cerebrovascular and functional brain studies.

Rationale and Objectives Perturbations in cerebral blood volume (CBV), blood flow (CBF), and metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO 2 ) lead to associated changes in tissue concentrations of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin (Δ O and Δ D ), which can be measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). A novel hemodynamic model has been introduced to relate physiological perturbations and measured quantities. We seek to use this model to determine functional traces of cbv( t ) and cbf( t ) − cmro 2 ( t ) from time-varying NIRS data, and cerebrovascular physiological parameters from oscillatory NIRS data (lowercase letters denote the relative changes in CBV, CBF, and CMRO 2 with respect to baseline). Such a practical implementation of a quantitative hemodynamic model is an important step toward the clinical translation of NIRS. Materials and Methods In the time domain, we have simulated O ( t ) and D ( t ) traces induced by cerebral activation. In the frequency domain, we have performed a new analysis of frequency-resolved measurements of cerebral hemodynamic oscillations during a paced breathing paradigm. Results We have demonstrated that cbv( t ) and cbf( t ) − cmro 2 ( t ) can be reliably obtained from O ( t ) and D ( t ) using the model, and that the functional NIRS signals are delayed with respect to cbf( t ) − cmro 2 ( t ) as a result of the blood transit time in the microvasculature. In the frequency domain, we have identified physiological parameters (e.g., blood transit time, cutoff frequency of autoregulation) that can be measured by frequency-resolved measurements of hemodynamic oscillations. Conclusions The ability to perform noninvasive measurements of cerebrovascular parameters has far-reaching clinical implications. Functional brain studies rely on measurements of CBV, CBF, and CMRO 2 , whereas the diagnosis and assessment of neurovascular disorders, traumatic brain injury, and stroke would benefit from measurements of local cerebral hemodynamics and autoregulation.
So You're Looking for a Chairperson?

Although few want ads for “Chairperson of Theology Department” appear in the Chronicle of Higher Education, nonetheless, it is more than rumor that a number of colleges and universities are searching for that “ideal” leader for the theology/religious studies department. The basic difficulty faced by search committees is that they find it difficult to draw up a job description of the position. Usually a letter announcing the opening simply declares that the university desires an “administrator-theologian,” dodging any details. A more lengthy ad—which did appear in The Chronicle—added: “who is willing to work in harmony with ecclesiastical authorities,” which makes the post even more mysterious, if not ominous. However, in defense of search committees, it can safely be said that it is almost impossible to define the task of departmental chairpersons. Faculty consider them part of administration, administration declare that they are essentially one of the faculty; they should be leaders in their discipline, but are given little time for research; they should be better-than-average performers in the classroom, but their teaching abilities are allowed to rust as they become more and more a cog in bureaucratic machinery. Moreover, in some institutions they are expected to be no more than the “secretary” of the faculty, while in others (at least according to the ‘manual’) they are endowed with dictatorial powers. In any case, they are surely “responsible for the department,” although realistically, their powers are so sorely limited by established procedures, bone-marrow budgeting, a freeze on hiring, that they are fortunate if they can even maintain the status quo.
Water activity of the bee fungal pathogen Ascosphaera apis in relation to colony conditions

We report factors that are limiting for Ascosphaera apis growth: water activity (aw) and temperature. Features of A. apis were a high water activity, 0.85–0.90 aw at 25/30 °C and 0.90–0.95 aw at 35 °C. A minimum water activity of 0.95 aw was required to produce spores. None of these characteristics changed from cycling or descending/ascending between low and high water activity media. Growth rates varied between isolates. This new study provides the biological data for monitoring and early prediction of disease outbreaks. Beekeepers should note that A. apis has a high water activity for spore production. Healthy bees that keep the internal brood area hot and dry can critically limit incidence of infection and transmission via spores.
STRUCTURE AND INHIBITION OF COMPONENTS ON THE OXIDIZING SIDE OF PHOTOSYSTEM II

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure and inhibition of components on the oxidizing side of photosystem II. In an experiment discussed in the chapter, the cation radicals were prepared by treating the parent quinone with sodium dithionite in concentrated H2SO4. Concentrations were in the range 10–2 to 10–3 M. Spinach chloroplasts were prepared and assayed for O2 evolution activity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra were recorded at X-band by using a Bruker ER200D operating at specific temperatures. From this experiment it is clear that the appearance of Signal Il-type partially resolved structure is associated with stabilization of the antisymmetric orbital. The stabilization of the antisymmetric orbital for the plastoquinone cation radical in the membrane environment will lead to a partially resolved structure similar to Signal II. The separation between the partially resolved peaks of Signal II suggests that a substantial lowering in the energy level of this orbital occurs in vivo. Therefore, it is proposed that the molecular origin of Signal II is a plastoquinone cation radical.
Abstract 3261: Gene methylation biomarkers in sputum as a classifier for lung cancer risk

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death primarily because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed that CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%, but the high number of false positives and need for additional testing suggest that better risk classification of smokers prior to screening could save more lives with less cost and improved efficiency. Furthermore, eligibility criteria for NLST were restricted to smokers ages of 55-74 with >30 pack-years of smoking and Citation Format: Maria A. Picchi, Shuguang Leng, Guodong Wu, Donna M. Klinge, Cynthia L. Thomas, Elia Casas, Christine A. Stidley, Sandra J. Lee, Seena Aisner, Jill M. Siegfried, Suresh Ramalingam, Fadlo R. Khuri, Daniel D. Karp, Steven A. Belinsky. Gene methylation biomarkers in sputum as a classifier for lung cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3261. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3261
Religion and Family Life

This chapter discusses the distinct interrelationship between reproductive and childbirth practices and religious beliefs and rituals. It explains how the religious atmosphere prevalent at court, such as almsgiving and devotional practices, influenced beliefs about conception and rituals surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. Traditional folklore in addition to current medical knowledge also helped form the queens’ understanding and attitude toward reproduction, but religion especially influenced their lyings-in, their deliveries, the christenings of their children, and their own purification. This chapter finally evaluates the queens as mothers and stepmothers and examines their grief over the loss of their royal heirs.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Cues as Specific Comparison Images to Alcohol Image Cues

Background: Visual alcohol cues are often used to elicit craving (e.g., cue-reactivity), and selection of appropriate comparison cues is important to isolate the specific effect of craving for alco...
Dutton, Shakespeare, Court Dramatist (Oxford University Press, 2016).

Review of Shakespeare, Court Dramatist by Richard Dutton. Oxford University Press, 2016.
Review of the Treatment Options for Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal motility disorder that is often chronic, negatively affects patients' daily lives, and is associated with high healthcare costs. There is a considerable range of treatment modalities available for patients with constipation; however, the clinical evidence supporting their use varies widely. Nonpharmacologic modalities, such as increased exercise or fluid intake and bowel habit training, are generally recommended as first-line approaches, but data on the effectiveness of these measures are limited. The clinical benefits of various traditional pharmacologic agents (many of which are available over the counter, such as laxatives and fiber supplements) remain unclear. Although these modalities may benefit some patients with temporary constipation, their efficacy in patients for whom constipation is chronic is less well defined. Some studies suggest benefit with psyllium, polyethylene glycol, and lactulose; however, the use of other agents, such as calcium polycarbophil, methylcellulose, bran, magnesium hydroxide, and stimulant laxatives, is not supported by strong clinical evidence. More recently, newer agents have been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic constipation on the basis of comprehensive clinical investigation programs. Tegaserod, with its well-established clinical profile, and lubiprostone, the latest addition to the treatment armamentarium, represent the new generation of therapies for chronic constipation. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of traditional therapies used in the management of the multiple symptoms associated with chronic constipation and discusses recently approved and emerging therapies for this disorder.
Use of Targeted Therapeutics in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Review of Current Literature and Future Directions.

Abstract Purpose Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in the United States. Most patients will ultimately fail platinum-based chemotherapy and have the disease recur. Interest is increasing in the use of targeted therapies in the treatment of EOC. This review focuses on the current use of targeted therapeutics in EOC as well as future directions. Methods A literature search of Medline and PubMed was conducted (January 2000–October 2017) to identify recent reports of targeted drugs in EOC. Findings A wide range of targeted therapeutics is currently being used as both monotherapy and in combination in the treatment of EOC. Clinically, the most commonly used classes of drugs currently are antiangiogenics and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. However, a number of drugs in varying stages in development target a wide range of biochemical pathways. Activity and response rates of these drugs vary greatly. Questions continue about combination drug therapy and appropriate patient selection. Implications The use of targeted therapeutics in the treatment of EOC, both as monotherapy and in combination, will continue to expand as more mechanisms of tumorigenesis are identified. Multiple clinical trials of a wide range of targeted therapeutics are currently ongoing. Evidence-based selection of drug targets and appropriate patient populations will allow strategic application of targeted therapeutics.
novoCaller: a Bayesian network approach for de novo variant calling from pedigree and population sequence data.

Motivation De novo mutations (i.e. newly occurring mutations) are a pre-dominant cause of sporadic dominant monogenic diseases and play a significant role in the genetics of complex disorders. De novo mutation studies also inform population genetics models and shed light on the biology of DNA replication and repair. Despite the broad interest, there is room for improvement with regard to the accuracy of de novo mutation calling. Results We designed novoCaller, a Bayesian variant calling algorithm that uses information from read-level data both in the pedigree and in unrelated samples. The method was extensively tested using large trio-sequencing studies, and it consistently achieved over 97% sensitivity. We applied the algorithm to 48 trio cases of suspected rare Mendelian disorders as part of the Brigham Genomic Medicine gene discovery initiative. Its application resulted in a significant reduction in the resources required for manual inspection and experimental validation of the calls. Three de novo variants were found in known genes associated with rare disorders, leading to rapid genetic diagnosis of the probands. Another 14 variants were found in genes that are likely to explain the phenotype, and could lead to novel disease-gene discovery. Availability and implementation Source code implemented in C++ and Python can be downloaded from https://github.com/bgm-cwg/novoCaller. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Magazine Advertising: High on Drugs: An Abstract

While magazine circulation has declined (Davis 2016), the persisting audience remains a critical target for pharmaceutical manufacturers. DTC advertising expenditures benefit pharmaceutical companies (Millman 2017) in addition to being a major advertising revenue source for the selected magazines. To remain a sustainable promotional tool, DTC advertisers should examine what messages are effective to readers. Two advertising techniques—financial inducements and comparative appeals—are examined in a content analysis of 82 magazines and 432 ads to determine existing practices and provide insights for academicians and practitioners into possible message improvements in these two key advertising areas.
The Potential for Using Sonography to Measure Abdominal Adiposity in Children

The accumulation of abdominal adiposity has been associated with many risk factors in adults and children. Currently, body mass index (BMI) percentiles, computed tomography (CT), and dual X-ray abs...
In-Office Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube under Local Anesthesia

Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET) is an effective treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. This article outlines the evolution of BDET under local anesthesia, describes the techniques of in-office BDET and provides an algorithm to identify suitable patients for this procedure.
The individual car transportation and its aspects.

Automobile transport is integral part of everyday modern live. On the other hand all the time bigger quantity of cars on roads and motorways slows down the transport speed, road are overloaded, congested, thereby human mobility holds down. Last but not least heavy traffic bears much bad influence above all for environment and landscape. On that ground it's needed to analyze individual car transport, its aspects, usage and problems. Consequences, which have been found from research, are in many cases alarming.
Beliefs Nurture Chaplaincy: Chaplaincy Nurtures the Spirit

The author reflects on over 25 years of working as a chaplain in a paediatric setting. How has his beliefs nurtured his clinical care of children and families? How have his experiences shaped his interpretation of clinical encounters? Bedside questions, he finds, are less about finding the right answer than about exploring possibilities, and wondering about new aspects of God that he, or the other person, have not glimpsed before.
Delivery of ionic molecules to anterior chamber by iontophoretic contact lenses.

Abstract Ophthalmic delivery via iontophoresis is currently achieved by placing an electrode on the cornea with a counter electrode on the ear or forehead. Here we test the feasibility of placing both electrodes diametrically opposite on a contact lens to create field gradients to transport ionic drugs into the cornea. Commercial lenses loaded with nile blue and fluorescein as hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug analogs, respectively were placed on cadaver rabbit eyes. Electric field gradients were created by placing cathode and anode on the lens diametrically opposite to each other. The incorporation of an electric field (0.125 m–0.250 mA), showed an increased uptake of nile blue and the quantity was a function of the duration of the electric field and the amount of applied current. Similar increases in flux were observed for fluorescein. Confocal fluorescence imaging also shows increased penetration of the dyes in presence of the field. An equivalent circuit model suggests that the field gradients are much stronger in the direction perpendicular to the cornea, which results is minimal short circuiting of current through the tear film. The incorporation of an electric field into a lens could be a less invasive and more effective approach to achieve ophthalmic drug delivery via iontophoresis.
Locality of conical intersections in semiconductor nanomaterials

A predictive theory connecting atomic structure to the rate of recombination would enable the rational design of semiconductor nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications. Recently our group has demonstrated that the theoretical study of conical intersections can serve this purpose. Here we review recent work in this area, focusing on the thesis that low-energy conical intersections in nanomaterials share a common feature: locality. We define a conical intersection as local if (a) the intersecting states differ by the excitation of an electron between spatially local orbitals, and (b) the intersection is accessed when the energies of these orbitals are tuned by local distortions of the geometry. After illustrating the locality of the conical intersection responsible for recombination at dangling bond defects in silicon, we demonstrate the locality of low-energy conical intersections in cases where locality may be a surprise. First, we demonstrate the locality of low-energy self-trapped conical intersections in a pristine silicon nanocrystal, which has no defects that one would expect to serve as the center of a local intersection. Second, we demonstrate that the lowest energy intersection in a silicon system with two neighboring dangling bond defects localizes to a single defect site. We discuss the profound implications of locality for predicting the rate of recombination and suggest that the locality of intersections could be exploited in the experimental study of recombination, where spectroscopic studies of molecular models of defects could provide new insights.
MODULATION OF STAT 5A SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN BREAST CANCER CELL LINES RESTORE MESENCHYMAL-EPITHELIAL TRANSITION

of breast cancer, although only approximately 25% of patients respond to glucocorticoid treatment alone. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic responses of breast cancer to glucocorticoid treatment may lead to new selection criteria and improve response rates. Experimental evidence in rodents has indicated that glucocorticoid treatment protects against the mammary tumor promoting effect of prolactin, and a molecular interaction between glucocorticoids and prolactin downstream of prolactin receptor activation has been suggested. Recently, we have discovered a new role of Stat5a as tumor suppression gene for breast cancer invasion that inhibited breast cancer stem cell characteristics in primary tumor and human cell lines. We now report that dexamethasone can up-regulate prolactin signaling via Stat5a in certain human breast cancer cell lines. Pretreatment of the human breast cancer cell line T47D for 2-4 days led to marked enhancement of prolactin activation of the transcription factor Stat5a. Thus, dexamethasone induced a qualitative change in prolactin signals from exclusive Stat5b activation to combined recruitment of Stat5a and Stat5b, with extensive heterodimerization of the two transcription factors. This dexamethasone-dependent change in prolactin signals was associated with stimulation of terminal differentiation markers in T47D cells. Interestingly, prolactin activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and growth-related genes c-fos, c-jun and c-myc was not affected by dexamethasone. A similar, but less marked, stimulation by dexamethasone pretreatment of prolactin-activated Stat5a was seen in MCF-7 cells. In contrast, Stat5a expression was lost in the undifferentiated, estrogen receptor (ER)-negative BT-20 and SKBr3 cell lines, and could not be rescued by dexamethasone. In the nearnormal mammary cell lines, HC11 and MCF-10A, equal levels of Stat5a and Stat5b were expressed in a dexamethasone-independent manner. These studies identify Stat5a as a target for dexamethasone regulation with potential importance for inhibition of tumor metastasis and restore mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) of certain mammary cancers, and may help explain the variable response rate of breast cancer patients to glucocorticoid treatment.
Clustering in vehicular ad hoc network: Algorithms and challenges

Abstract Clustering is an important concept in vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) where several vehicles join to form a group based on common features. Mobility-based clustering strategies are the most common in VANET clustering; however, machine learning and fuzzy logic algorithms are also the basis of many VANET clustering algorithms. Some VANET clustering algorithms integrate machine learning and fuzzy logic algorithms to make the cluster more stable and efficient. Network mobility (NEMO) and multi-hop-based strategies are also used for VANET clustering. Mobility and some other clustering strategies are presented in the existing literature reviews; however, extensive study of intelligence-based, mobility-based, and multi-hop-based strategies still missing in the VANET clustering reviews. In this paper, we presented a classification of intelligence-based clustering algorithms, mobility-based algorithms, and multi-hop-based algorithms with an analysis on the mobility metrics, evaluation criteria, challenges, and future directions of machine learning, fuzzy logic, mobility, NEMO, and multi-hop clustering algorithms.
Machine learning for managing damage on NIF optics

The National Ignition Facility in northern California routinely operates at twice the intensity (fluence) known to damage fused silica optics. With this in mind, the facility was designed and built with removable optic modules that allow for optic exchanges which in turn enable an optics "recycle loop" to extend the life of highly specialized optics. The recycle loop includes automated optics inspection whereby every damage site is identified, measured, tracked through time, protected (once it approaches an optic-specific size limit), and then repaired in a laboratory so the optic can be reused. Here we describe an overview of custom image analysis, machine learning, and deep learning methods used throughout the recycle loop for optics inspection on the NIF beamlines and off. Since 2007 we’ve used machine learning to improve accuracy and automate tedious processes to enable and inform an efficient optics recycle loop. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL-CONF-749953
Racial Identity, Masculinities, and Violence Exposure: Perspectives From Male Adolescents in Marginalized Neighborhoods.

Abstract Purpose Male youths living in neighborhoods with concentrated disadvantage are exposed to high levels of violence, which increases the risk for violence victimization and perpetration and shapes identify formation. We explored male youths' conceptions of manhood, influences on manhood, and intersections with interpersonal violence in the context of a community-partnered sexual violence prevention study. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with predominantly Black males, aged 14–19 years, participating in a gender-transformative sexual violence prevention study. We used an iterative coding process to identify developing themes around youths' definitions of manhood, influences on manhood, and intersections with racial identity and racism. Results Participants outlined visions of manhood that included many traditionally masculine attributes and also offered nuance and subversion of traditional masculinity. Participants' definitions of manhood centered on themes of responsibility while also acknowledging the importance of emotional expression. Many participants described growing into manhood as a journey toward becoming a moral agent. Participants identified three predominant influences on their conceptions and experiences of manhood: (1) family and community connections; (2) interpersonal and structural racism; and (3) racial pride. Family, particularly fathers and other father figures, emerged as invaluable in understanding manhood and navigating racial identities. Conclusions These stories suggest that the process of entering manhood comes with unique challenges for adolescents who do so in the context of community violence and racism. Being mindful of intersections between masculinity and racial injustice can inform violence prevention programs that address the lived experiences of minority male youths in neighborhoods with concentrated disadvantage.
Biosciences Proposal Bootcamp: Structured peer and faculty feedback improves trainees’ proposals and grantsmanship self-efficacy

Grant writing is an essential skill to develop for academic and other career success but providing individual feedback to large numbers of trainees is challenging. In 2014, we launched the Stanford Biosciences Grant Writing Academy to support graduate students and postdocs in writing research proposals. Its core program is a multi-week Proposal Bootcamp designed to increase the feedback writers receive as they develop and refine their proposals. The Proposal Bootcamp consisted of two-hour weekly meetings that included mini lectures and peer review. Bootcamp participants also attended faculty review workshops to obtain faculty feedback. Postdoctoral trainees were trained and hired as course teaching assistants and facilitated weekly meetings and review workshops. Over the last six years, the annual Bootcamp has provided 525 doctoral students and postdocs with multi-level feedback (peer and faculty). Proposals from Bootcamp participants were almost twice as likely to be funded than proposals from non-Bootcamp trainees. Overall, this structured program provided opportunities for feedback from multiple peer and faculty reviewers, increased the participants' confidence in developing and submitting research proposals, while accommodating a large number of participants.
Effect of Combined Ventricular-Arterial Stiffening on Exercise Hemodynamics in Adults With Repaired Coarctation of Aorta

Background Patients with coarctation of aorta (COA) have arterial stiffening, and this is associated with impaired cardiac reserve and hypertensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) response during exercise. However, whether patients with COA have concomitant left ventricular (LV) stiffening and the potential impact of combined ventricular-arterial stiffening on exercise hemodynamics are unknown. Methods We studied 174 patients with repaired COA (aged 39 ± 11 years and male 103 [59%]) and 174 matched controls. Our study hypotheses are: (1) patients with COA have higher ventricular-arterial stiffness (end-systolic elastance [Ees] and arterial elastance [Ea]) as compared with controls; (2) ventricular-arterial stiffness was associated with LV stroke volume augmentation (ΔLVSV) and SBP augmentation (ΔSBP) during exercise among patients with COA. Results Despite similar systolic SBP, patients with COA had higher Ea (1.8 ± 0.4 vs 1.4 ± 0.4 mm Hg/mL, P < 0.001), higher Ees (2.41 ± 0.65 vs 2.17 ± 0.40 mm Hg/mL, P < 0.001), but similar Ea/Ees (0.87 ± 0.29 vs 0.83 ± 0.33, P = 0.2). ΔLVSV was 6.1 ± 1.4 mL/beat. Combined ventricular-arterial stiffness had a stronger correlation with ΔLVSV as compared with Ea alone (r = -0.53 vs r = -0.41, P = 0.006) and as compared with Ees alone (r = -0.53 vs r = -0.46, P = 0.02). ΔSBP was 48 ± 21 mm Hg. Combined ventricular-arterial stiffness had a stronger correlation with ΔSBP as compared with Ea alone (r = 0.57 vs r = 0.43, P < 0.001) and as compared with Ees alone (r = 0.57 vs r = -0.39, P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with COA had combined ventricular-arterial stiffening, and this was associated with impaired cardiac reserve and hypertensive SBP response during exercise. These findings provide foundation for further studies to determine whether drugs that reduce both ventricular and arterial stiffness will improve exercise capacity and hemodynamics in this unique population.
Brain metastases: An update on the multi-disciplinary approach of clinical management.

Abstract Importance Brain metastasis (BM) is the most common malignant intracranial neoplasm in adults with over 100,000 new cases annually in the United States and outnumbering primary brain tumors 10:1. Observations The incidence of BM in adult cancer patients ranges from 10-40%, and is increasing with improved surveillance, effective systemic therapy, and an aging population. The overall prognosis of cancer patients is largely dependent on the presence or absence of brain metastasis, and therefore, a timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving long-term outcomes, especially in the current era of significantly improved systemic therapy for many common cancers. BM should be suspected in any cancer patient who develops new neurological deficits or behavioral abnormalities. Gadolinium enhanced MRI is the preferred imaging technique and BM must be distinguished from other pathologies. Large, symptomatic lesion(s) in patients with good functional status are best treated with surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Due to neurocognitive side effects and improved overall survival of cancer patients, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is reserved as salvage therapy for patients with multiple lesions or as palliation. Newer approaches including multi-lesion stereotactic surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are also being investigated to improve outcomes while preserving quality of life. Conclusion With the significant advancements in the systemic treatment for cancer patients, addressing BM effectively is critical for overall survival. In addition to patient's performance status, therapeutic approach should be based on the type of primary tumor and associated molecular profile as well as the size, number, and location of metastatic lesion(s).
Whole genome sequencing identifies a cryptic SOX9 regulatory element duplication underlying a case of 46,XX ovotesticular difference of sexual development

Ovotesticular differences of sexual development (OT-DSD) are rare genetic variances defined by the coexistence of both testicular and ovarian tissues. Various molecular etiologies including SRY translocation or SOX9 pathogenic variants with different modes of inheritance have been associated with 46,XX OT-DSD. Here we describe a child diagnosed with SRY-negative 46,XX OT-DSD after completing a series of complex clinical genetic analyses, including chromosomal microarray, DSD gene panel (sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis), whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing. Of these, only whole genome sequencing reported a pathogenic duplication in a non-coding region that contains the RevSex regulatory element, which modifies SOX9 expression and is associated with 46,XX OT-DSD and complete sex reversal. This is the first clinical RevSex duplication detected by clinical whole genome sequencing. We highlight the utility of whole genome sequencing in shortening the diagnostic odyssey and the importance of optimal counseling through a team-based multi-specialty approach for patients with DSDs.