cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining deep learning methods and human knowledge to identify abnormalities in computed tomography (CT) reports

Many researchers in the field of machine learning have addressed the problem of detecting anomalies within Computed Tomography (CT) scans. Training these machine learning algorithms requires a dataset of CT scans with identified anomalies (labels), usually, in specific organs. This represents a problem, since it requires experts to review thousands of images in order to create labels for these data. We aim to decrease human burden at labeling CT scans by developing a model that identifies anomalies within plain-text-based reports that then could be further used as a method to create labels for models based on CT scans. This study contains more than 4800 CT reports from Duke Health System, for which we aim to identify organ specific abnormalities. We propose an iterative active learning approach that consists of building a machine learning model to classify CT reports by abnormalities in different organs and then improving it by actively adding reports sequentially. At each iteration, clinical experts review the report that provides the model with highest expected information gain. This process is done in real time by using a web interface. Then, this datum is used by the model to improve its performance. We evaluated the performance of our method for abnormalities in kidneys and lungs. When starting with a model trained on 99 reports, the results show the model achieves an Area Under the Curve (AUC) score of 0.93 on the test set after adding 130 actively labeled reports to the model from an unlabeled pool of 4,000. This suggests that a set of labeled CT scans can be obtained with significantly reduced human work by combining machine learning techniques and clinical experts' knowledge.
Stones, Space, and Dr. Abraham T. K. Cockett: A History of Urolithiasis and Aerospace Medicine.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Homo sapiens have suffered from stone disease since ancient times with the earliest evidence dating to the Stone Age (Mesolithic period). The history of urolithiasis has...
Singular Value Decomposition

In Chap. 4 we learned how to diagonalize a square matrix using the Eigen decomposition. Eigen decomposition has many uses, but it has a limitation: it can only be applied to a square matrix. In this chapter, we will learn how to extend the decomposition to a rectangular matrix using a related method known as a Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). Because of its flexibility and numerical accuracy, the SVD is arguably the most useful decomposition ever developed. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that if you were stuck on an island with only one tool for performing linear algebra, you’d want the SVD.
Overview of the Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Concept Architecture

The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) is one of four large mission studies commissioned by NASA for the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astrophysics. HabEx has identified three driving science goals: 1) to seek out nearby worlds and explore their habitability, 2) to map out nearby planetary systems and underst the diversity of the worlds they contain, and 3) to enable new explorations of astrophysical systems from our solar system to galaxies and the universe by extending our reach in the UV through near-IR To achieve these goals, the HabEx study has baselined a space telescope at Sun-Earth L2, with a 4 m aperture and four science instruments - a coronagraph, a starshade, a high resolution UV spectrograph, and a multi-purpose, wide-field camera. The second part of the observatory is an external starshade occulter of 52 m diameter. To achieve the precision and stability required for the coronagraph to image earth-sized exoplanets to better than 10−10 contrast, the telescope flight system is equipped with a vector vortex coronagraph and colloidal electrospray microthrusters. The telescope takes advantage of the mass and volume launch capability of NASA's SLS Block 1 B delivery system with a separate launch for the starshade on a smaller vehicle. In this paper, we provide an overview of the HabEx telescope flight system that would advance astrophysical science in the same spirit as the Hubble Space Telescope well into this century.
Gender Disparity in Referral for Definitive Care of Malignant Pleural Effusions.

Abstract Background Gender disparities exist in cancer care. Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) carry a poor prognosis and are managed by different physicians. This study sought to evaluate referral patterns and gender differences for definitive treatment and outcomes of MPE patients. Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed with MPE from 1999 to 2015 at a quaternary care hospital were retrospectively reviewed to obtain patient history, referral to thoracic surgery for definitive management, and outcomes. Analysis was performed using chi-squared/Fisher's exact test, logistic regression models, and multivariate analysis. Results 224/686 patients (32.7%) were referred to thoracic surgery. No survival difference existed between referral and nonreferral groups or referred patients who received or did not receive pleurodesis. 405 patients (59.0%) were women. Women were statistically significantly less likely to be referred than men (27.9% versus 39.5%, P = 0.0014). This disparity persisted when comorbidities were controlled for (P = 0.0004) and when gynecologic cancers (e.g., uterine, ovarian, but not including breast; 55 female patients) were excluded from analysis (28.9% versus 39.5%, P = 0.0049). Women had statistically significantly more thoracenteses (3.34 versus 2.19, P Conclusions Gender disparity exists in referral patterns for definitive management of MPE; women are less likely to be referred than men. Women have longer survival and a greater number of thoracenteses performed, despite a lower referral rate for definitive care. Further research is needed to understand the differences in referral rates and outcomes between men and women.
Suicide squad: Boko Haram’s use of the female suicide bomber

Boko Haram first began using the tactic of suicide bombings in 2011 and in 2014 started using female suicide bombers. This research focuses on gender differences in the use of suicide bombers. The ...
Comparison of 30-Day Complication Rate Between Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy with and Without Concomitant Urogynecologic Procedure

Study Objective Primary objective was to evaluate risk of perioperative complications when performing concomitant urogynecologic surgery at time of minimally invasive hysterectomy for large uterus (>250gm). Design Retrospective cohort study of existing national database. Patients were followed for complications 30 days after hysterectomy. Setting Data was extracted from the NSQIP database. Patients or Participants Patients were included who underwent laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications with uterine weight of at least 250gm from 2014-2017. Patients with gynecologic malignancy and those who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were excluded. The total cohort included 7,428 patients. Interventions We assessed the effect of concomitant urogynecologic procedure on 30 day complication rates after laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy for large uterus (>250gm). Measurements and Main Results Chi-square analysis and Student's t-test were used to describe the population and compare groups. Primary outcome was composite rate of all 30 day complications. Stepwise backward multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders of the primary outcome. 301 of the 7,428 total patients (4.1%) underwent concomitant urogynecologic procedures. This population was older (49.7 vs 46.6 years, p Conclusion In this retrospective analysis of a large national cohort, the 30 day complication rate was greater than 50% higher when concomitant urogynecologic procedure was performed at the time of minimally invasive hysterectomy for a uterus >250gm.
Detection of Pepsin in Oral Secretions of Infants with and without Laryngomalacia

Objectives:Laryngomalacia is a common cause of stridor in infants and is associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Although pepsin in operative supraglottic lavage specimens is associated wit...
Intrathoracic Pheochromocytoma Report of a Case

SUMMARY 1)The occurrence of an intrathoracic pheochromocytoma is reported. This represents the fourth such case on record in the literature. 2)The diagnostic problems, the dangers to be anticipated, and the management of both are briefly outlined.
Accelerating iterative coordinate descent using a stored system matrix.

PURPOSE The computational burden associated with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) is still a practical limitation. Iterative coordinate descent (ICD) is an optimization approach for MBIR that has sometimes been thought to be incompatible with modern computing architectures, especially graphics processing units (GPUs). The purpose of this work is to accelerate the previously released open-source FreeCT_ICD to include GPU acceleration and to demonstrate computational performance with ICD that is comparable with simultaneous update approaches. METHODS FreeCT_ICD uses a stored system matrix (SSM), which precalculates the forward projector in the form of a sparse matrix and then reconstructs on a rotating coordinate grid to exploit helical symmetry. In our GPU ICD implementation, we shuffle the sinogram memory ordering such that data access in the sinogram coalesce into fewer transactions. We also update NS voxels in the xy-plane simultaneously to improve occupancy. Conventional ICD updates voxels sequentially (NS = 1). Using NS > 1 eliminates existing convergence guarantees. Convergence behavior in a clinical dataset was therefore studied empirically. RESULTS On a pediatric dataset with sinogram size of 736 × 16 × 13860 reconstructed to a matrix size of 512 × 512 × 128, our code requires about 20 s per iteration on a single GPU compared to 2300 s per iteration for a 6-core CPU using FreeCT_ICD. After 400 iterations, the proposed and reference codes converge within 2 HU RMS difference (RMSD). Using a wFBP initialization, convergence within 10 HU RMSD is achieved within 4 min. Convergence is similar with NS values between 1 and 256, and NS = 16 was sufficient to achieve maximum performance. Divergence was not observed until NS > 1024. CONCLUSIONS With appropriate modifications, ICD may be able to achieve computational performance competitive with simultaneous update algorithms currently used for MBIR.
Spectrum Sharing Strategy for Radio Frequency-Based Medical Services

Modern medical devices exploit radio frequency (RF) communication to remotely perform vital communication services for medical purposes. Real-time monitoring of health parameters, transferring of patient data to a data center or a cell phone, and controlling other medical devices are some of the important applications in medical science which exploit wireless communications. Some wireless devices also allow the mobility of patients or medical equipment on which these devices are mounted. Examples of such communication-enabled medical services are Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) [1] and Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio) [2] .
Attitudes to Clinical Pig Kidney Xenotransplantation among Medical Providers and Patients

Background In addition to governmental regulation and scientific advancements, the World Health Organization requires extensive review of local opinions before initiating clinical trials of xenotransplantation (XTx). The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of health care providers and patients regarding XTx. Methods An anonymous Likert-scale survey regarding attitudes toward XTx was distributed to pre- and post-kidney transplant patients, nephrologists, transplant surgeons, and nurses (“providers”). Patient and provider responses were described and compared. Regression analysis using patients’ responses was performed to identify factors associated with XTx acceptance. Results Eighty percent (32/40) of providers and 69% (113/163) of patients were agreeable to clinical XTx if the risks and results were likely to be similar to kidney allotransplantation (P Conclusions (1) If outcomes were similar to allotransplantation, XTx support was strong among both providers and patients; (2) providers overestimated the influence of religious beliefs and genetic engineering on patient medical decisions, although religious beliefs are associated with XTx acceptance; (3) XTx use as a bridge to allotransplant was associated with XTx acceptance; and (4) psychosocial concerns were low for either group. Future studies among other communities are warranted to assess if similar attitudes exist.
The simple and novel sas score to predict mortality at presentation in 2541 hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Background: The clinical spectrum of the novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges from mild to severe disease and death We aim to construct a simple and novel scoring model that will predict mortality events in hospitalized COVID-19 patients Methods: We established a retrospective cohort of 2541 patients admitted with COVID-19 from February 19, 2020 to April 28, 2020 to Henry Ford Health System, MI Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and clinical data were collected Our novel SAS score was constructed using 3 easily available parameters, namely Sex, Age, and Oxygen Saturation at presentation (Table 1 and 2) Primary endpoint was mortality Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was done and the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) with area under ROC (AUROC) to determine the optimal cutoff for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values Results: The mean age of survivors was 61 compared to 75 years for non-survivors (standard deviation 16 vs 13 8, p< 0 0001), and 1298 (51 1%) were men Multivariateanalysis of the SAS score adjusted for modified SOFA [Sequential organ failure assessment] score (mSOFA) showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 2 4, 95% confidence interval {CI} 2 04-2 72, p< 0 0001) and oxygen saturation (OR 1 6, 95% CI 1 27-1 98) were the most significant predictors of mortality in the model The SAS score had an AUROC of 0 78 (95% CI 0 77-0 81) (Figure 1) A cutoff score of 3 offered the most sensitivity for predicting mortality while maintaining a negative predictive value of 95% (Table 3) Comparison of AUROC shows that SAS score adjusted to mSOFA has better diagnostic information compared to either SAS score or mSOFA alone (Figure 2) Conclusion: The easy to use SAS score at time of presentation identified hospitalized COVID-19 patients at high risk for mortality Application of the SAS score in the emergency department may help triage patients to inpatient versus outpatient care (Figure Presented)
Safety of Dapagliflozin in Children with Heart Failure

Purpose Dapagliflozin recently received FDA-approval for use in adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). This is the first report describing safety and use of dapagliflozin in children with HF. Methods This is a single-center, observational, retrospective analysis assessing safety of dapagliflozin when added to a background of guideline-directed medical therapy in 9 pediatric patients (age Results Median age was 14.2 years (IQR 11.2-17.7; range 9-18). Of the 9 patients, 6 had dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 had single ventricle physiology, and 1 had diastolic HF. NYHA functional class was as follows: 6 were class II, 2 were class III, and 1 was class IV. Median baseline hemoglobin A1c was 5.5% (IQR 5.3-5.75). Most (78%) were started on dapagliflozin during a HF-related hospitalization. Median starting dose of dapagliflozin was 5 mg once daily (IQR 5-10). Mean follow-up was 30.6 days (SD 21.6). Median dose at follow-up was 10 mg once daily (IQR 7.5-10). Urine glucose was negative at baseline and 1+ to 3+ at follow-up confirming the pharmacodynamic effect of dapagliflozin. Total daily dose of loop diuretic was decreased 50% for 3 patients at follow-up. There were no significant differences in weight, blood pressure, heart rate, ejection fraction, B-type natriuretic peptide, estimated glomerular filtration rate or blood chemistries at follow-up. No adverse events such as urinary tract infections, hypoglycemia, fractures, hypovolemia or renal injury were observed. Dapagliflozin was discontinued in 1 patient due to receipt of a heart transplant. Conclusion Dapagliflozin appears to be safe in the short term when added to guideline-directed medical therapy for children with heart failure.
The Peace Deal: The Formation of the Ingonyama Trust and the IFP Decision to Join South Africa’s 1994 Elections

The territory once administered by the KwaZulu homeland, roughly 30 per cent of the current province of KwaZulu-Natal, belongs to the Ingonyama Trust. After South Africa’s first democratic election...
Intravital imaging of Candida albicans identifies differential in vitro and in vivo filamentation phenotypes for transcription factor deletion mutants

Candida albicans is an important cause of human fungal infections. A widely studied virulence trait of C. albicans is its ability to undergo filamentation to hyphae and pseudohyphae. Although yeast, pseudohyphae and hyphae are present in pathological samples of infected mammalian tissue, it has been challenging to characterize the role of regulatory networks and specific genes during in vivo filamentation. In addition, the phenotypic heterogeneity of C. albicans clinical isolates is becoming increasingly recognized and correlating this heterogeneity with pathogenesis remains an important goal. Here, we describe the use of an intravital imaging approach to characterize C. albicans filamentation in a mammalian model of infection by taking advantage of the translucence of mouse pinna (ears). Using this model, we have found that the in vitro and in vivo filamentation phenotypes of different C. albicans isolates can vary significantly, particularly when in vivo filamentation is compared to solid agar-based assays. We also show that the well-characterized transcriptional regulators Efg1 and Brg1 appear to play important roles both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, Ume6 is much more important in vitro than in vivo. Finally, strains that are dependent on Bcr1 for in vitro filamentation are able to form filaments in vivo. This intravital imaging approach provides a new approach to the systematic characterization of this important virulence trait during mammalian infection. Our initial studies provide support for the notion that the regulation and initiation of C. albicans filamentation in vivo is distinct from in vitro induction.
Effectiveness of Contraceptive Decision Aids in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Background Contraceptive decision aids may support adolescents and young adults (AYA) in choosing contraceptive methods that fit their unique reproductive health needs. Objective To provide a systematic review of studies examining the effectiveness of contraceptive decision aids in AYA. Materials and Methods A systematic search was conducted of studies published between January 1, 2011, and March 31, 2021 using PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies were included if a contraceptive decision aid (ie, paper handout, mobile application, website, or video) was evaluated in AYA populations (age ≤30 years) in the United States. The primary outcome was decision aid effectiveness (ie, change in contraceptive knowledge, interest in contraception, contraceptive use, unintended pregnancies, and satisfaction with the decision aid). Results Seven randomized controlled trials and 3 pre−post studies, reporting on 3725 AYA (range, 11-30 years), met inclusion criteria. No studies were excluded due to risk of bias. The methodologies and results were heterogeneous, but most consistently demonstrated increased contraceptive knowledge. Conclusion Ten studies evaluated a range of contraceptive decision aid formats for AYA. Decision aids appear to be effective at increasing contraceptive knowledge temporarily, but their effect on other contraceptive outcomes is unclear. Future research should evaluate decision aids specifically in adolescents.
Validation of the U.S. NRC coupled code system TRITON/TRACE/PARCS using the Special Power Excursion Reactor Test III

The Special Power Excursion Reactor Test III (SPERT III) was a series of reactivity insertion experiments conducted in the 1950s. This paper describes the validation of the U.S. NRC coupled code sy...
Why Do I Need to Have Surgery for My Crohn’s Disease? Surgical Management of Crohn’s Disease

About 75 % of the patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at one time or another during the course of their disease. Surgery does not cure Crohn’s disease but rather treats the complications of the disease. Medical management is required to treat the actual disease process and is necessary for most patients to remain healthy after their surgery. The complications of Crohn’s disease that can be addressed by surgery include: bleeding, obstruction (blockage of the bowel), perforation (hole in the bowel wall), abscess (pus pocket), fistualization (abnormal connection between bowels), incontinence (loss of stool), inability to manage the disease medically, and malignancy (cancer).
Physicochemical, functional and microstructural characteristics of vegetable soybean (Glycine max) as affected by variety and cooking process

Physicochemical, functional and microstructural characteristics of the seeds from three vegetable soybean varieties (‘Asmara’, ‘Randolph’, and ‘Owens’) grown in Virginia and their responses to cooking process were investigated. In the three varieties, carbohydrate is the predominant component ranging from 42.4 to 48.1 %, followed by protein (34.2–35.4 %), oil (13.1–17.5 %) and ash (4.21–4.88 %). The major sugars in the beans are sucrose (5.94–12.2 %) and fructose (1.61–2.31 %). Cooking process significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of carbohydrate and sucrose, but increased protein and fiber contents. Among the three varieties, raw ‘Asmara’ was the heaviest (40.7 g/100 seeds), while ‘Owens’ beans had the greatest hardness (3615 g f ). ‘Owens’ had the highest water holding capacity (246.7 mL/100 g sample), the lowest oil holding capacity (148.1 mL/100 g sample), protein solubility (11.9 %), emulsifying activity (40.8 %) and foaming capacity (8.97 %). Cooking significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the lightness, hardness, protein solubility, emulsifying activity and foaming capacity of the beans but increased their water absorption and holding capacities. ‘Owens’ showed the least total solid loss (3.09 %) during the cooking. Bean morphology was also affected by cooking with larger granules and rough surface. Of the three varieties investigated, ‘Owens’ exhibited significant differences in the physicochemical and functional properties as well as the response to cooking process.
Carbohydrate and Energy Metabolism in Helminths

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the carbohydrate and energy metabolism in helminths. Carbohydrate is an essential energy source in all adult parasitic helminths and its metabolism is often predominantly anaerobic, even in the presence of oxygen. Blood and tissue-dwelling helminths, such as schistosomes and filaria that are continuously bathed in glucose, excrete primarily lactate as an end-product of carbohydrate metabolism, although aerobic pathways also have the capacity to contribute to energy generation. In contrast, lumen-dwelling helminths, such as the cestode, Hymenolepis diminuta , and the nematode, Ascaris suum that reside where glucose availability is episodic and oxygen tensions are low, rely on stored glycogen for energy and possess unique mitochondrial pathways designed to increase energy generation in the absence of oxygen. These pathways use unsaturated organic acids as terminal electron acceptors, instead of oxygen, and enzymes whose properties often differ significantly from those of their aerobic counterparts.
Aberrant orbitofrontal connectivity in marijuana smoking adolescents.

Introduction Orbitofrontal (OFC) circuits have been implicated in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders. The current study examined OFC functional connectivity differences in marijuana-using adolescents (MJ) and non-using healthy controls (HC).
Research and Expert Testimony on Interrogations and Confessions

One important factor that contributes to the judgment that a confession is likely true is the level of detail provided by the confessor. Surprisingly, false confessors often provide highly detailed accounts of the crimes they did not commit. A second factor that lends credence to a confession is motive. There are several types of suspect vulnerabilities that raise the risk of false confessions. Risk factors internal to the suspect include youth, mental retardation or cognitive impairment, mental illness, vulnerable personality, as well as various forms of temporary impairment. Expert testimony in disputed cases may be necessary because the traditional procedures of the adversarial system are not sufficient to safeguard innocent individuals against the likelihood of wrongful conviction based on unreliable confession evidence. Finally, the use of expert testimony in pretrial suppression hearings and at jury trials should exert an educative and corrective effect on the future behavior of police and prosecutors.
Simultaneous fat saturation and magnetization transfer contrast imaging with steady-state incoherent sequences.

Purpose This work combines an n-dimensional fat sat(uration) radiofrequency (RF) pulse with steady-state incoherent (SSI) pulse sequences, e.g., spoiled gradient-echo sequence, to simultaneously produce B0 insensitive fat suppression and magnetization transfer (MT) contrast. This pulse is then referred to as “fat sat and MT contrast pulse.” Theory We discuss the features of the fat sat and MT contrast pulse and the MT sensitivities of the SSI sequences when combining with fat sat. Moreover, we also introduce an adapted RF spoiling scheme for SSI sequences with fat sat. Methods: Simulations and phantom experiments were conducted to demonstrate the adapted RF spoiling. Fat suppression and MT effects are shown in 3T phantom experiments and in vivo experiments, including brain imaging, cartilage imaging, and angiography. Results To ensure that the sequence reaches steady state, the adapted RF spoiling is required for fat sat SSI sequences. Fat sat and MT contrast pulse works robustly with field inhomogeneity and also produces MT contrasts. Conclusion SSI sequences with fat sat and MT contrast pulse and adapted RF spoiling can robustly produce fat suppressed and MT contrast images in the presence of field inhomogeneity. Magn Reson Med, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Close Encounters: Supporting Mobile Collaboration through Interchange of User Profiles

This paper introduces the notion of profile-based cooperation as a way to support awareness and informal communication between mobile users during chance encounters. We describe the design of Proem, a wearable system for profile-based cooperation that enables users to publish and exchange personal profile information during physical encounters. The Proem system is used to initiate contact between individuals by identifying mutual interests or common friends. In contrast to most previous research that concentrates on collaboration in well-defined and closed user groups, Proem supports informal communication between individuals who have never met before and who don't know each other. We illustrate the benefits of profile-based cooperation by describing several usage scenarios for the Proem system.
One-dimensional photonic crystal: The Kronig-Penney model

We formulate the photonic band-structure problem for a one-dimensional photonic crystal in terms of the reflection and transmission coefficients, obtaining a transcendental photonic band equation. The reflection and the transmission coefficients may be evaluated by using the standard transfer-matrix method. The structure of the equation reveals the existence of gaps, analogous to the Kronig-Penney model in the electronic band-structure problem. As an example, the photonic band equation is solved for the simple case of the ``Kronig-Penney'' dielectric structure, consisting of alternating slabs of refractive indices ${n}_{1}$ and ${n}_{2}.$
Genipin Protects Engineered Cartilage Against IL-1alpha Induced Degradation

Tissue-engineering has great potential for treating cartilage pathologies such as osteoarthritis by replacing degraded tissue with newly developed engineered tissue. However proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1α (IL-1α) are a confounding issue as they are often present in high concentrations as part of the chronic pathology or as a result of the surgical intervention itself(1). The catabolic effects of these mediators may be especially pronounced in engineered tissues whose cells are not yet fully embedded in the potentially chondroprotective enclosure of a cartilaginous extracellular matrix(2). One method to protecting initially fragile constructs from degradation may be through the use of non-toxic cross-linking agents. Genipin is a naturally occurring crosslinking agent that reacts with amino acids or amine groups and leads to the formation of stable crosslinked products that are identifiable by a dark blue pigment (Figure 1). Cartilage cross-linked with genipin has been shown to be more resistant to collagenase digestion(3) and to injection of chondroitinase-ABC(4). In this study, we examined whether engineered constructs pre-treated with genipin would better resist IL-1α induced catabolic degradation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Numerical and Experimental Study on Liquid Film Flows on Packing Elements in Absorbers for Post-combustion CO2 Capture

Abstract To reduce global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to develop Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, especially for coal fired power plants. Post-Combustion CO2 Capture (PCC) is one of the greatest potential technologies for reducing CO2 emissions, because of its economy and efficiency. Gas-liquid interfacial flows, such as the flue gas and the liquid solvent, are applied to the absorption process. Efficient control of liquid solvent flows by using packings in absorbers can increase the gas-liquid interfacial area and the mass transfer rate. The present study focuses on detailed descriptions of interfacial flows, as well as how such phenomena are affected by wall surface texture treatments. This study develops a numerical simulation technique using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as well as a lab-scale experimental testing technique. Through the comparison of two geometry cases (smooth wall and wavy wall), the numerical and experimental results show that surface texture treatments can help to prevent the liquid channeling and can increase the wetted area. Furthermore, our advanced design of surface texture treatments and packing systems is developed. The absorption column tests using the CO2-NaOH system show that our advanced packings have lower gas pressure loss and higher absorption performance by comparing to several conventional structured packings.
Impact of oral immunization against duck viral hepatitis in passively immune ducklings

Abstract Duck hepatitis was endemic in passively immune ducklings at the Maple Leaf Duck Farms, Indiana. Oral vaccination against duck hepatitis virus was started in 1974. Over 11 million ducks were vaccinated through drinking water from 1974 to 1983. Death and production losses associated with duck hepatitis virus were eliminated. Prior to 1974, 10–20% mortality had been associated with duck hepatitis in passively immune ducklings.
Nonreciprocal optical rotation in antiferromagnets.

We consider nonreciprocal optical effects in classical N\'eel antiferromagnets, where the purely macroscopic electrodynamics does not provide any rotation. The nonzero result appears as a correction linear in the scattering theory parameter $a/\ensuremath{\lambda}$, atomic distance over wavelength. The recent experiment on C${\mathrm{r}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, where optical nonreciprocity already exists with the macroscopic approach, is also discussed.
Synaptic control of pyramidal cell activation in the hippocampal slice preparation in the rat

Recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal neurons in a rat hippocampal slice preparation to compare the effectiveness of orthodromic stimuli when delivered at different distances from the cells under study. A stimulating electrode placed in stratum radiatum was less effective in driving nearby pyramidal cells (within 200 micron) than those farther away (greater than 800 micron). Thus for a given field excitatory postsynaptic potential both the intracellular excitatory postsynaptic potential and the evoked population spike were smaller when evoked from a local stimulating electrode than from one more distant. Laminar mapping experiments indicated that the spatial distribution of activated excitatory synapses over the pyramidal cell dendrites was similar for local and distant stimuli. The firing threshold, and the amplitude of hyperpolarizing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, were also similar for the two stimuli. Responses evoked by the local stimulating electrode were more sensitive to morphine, penicillin and pentobarbital than responses elicited by the distant stimulus, suggesting that some form of GABAergic inhibition limited the efficacy of the local stimulus. The data suggest that in the CA1 region a vertically oriented synaptic inhibitory system exists that powerfully regulates the ability of an orthodromic stimulus to activate pyramidal cells. These results also illustrate the practical importance of controlling the distance between stimulating and recording electrodes, when performing quantitative pharmacological studies of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus.
Chronicle of a Cadaver Transplant

gency cases receiving their initial medical care at another hospital. ... The patient (possible donor) is brought to the emergency room of that hospital critically ill. The family is informed within a limited amount of time that there is no hope for the patient's survival-or family members may take this presumption independently.... Serious thought about donorship usually begins slightly following the impact of pending death. Although family members
Oxidation Kinetics of Some Ni-Cr Alloys

Oxidation kinetics of four Ni-Cr alloys and a high-purity nickel standard was determined under isothermal conditions in an air atmosphere. In addition, weight gains of the alloys were measured during a simulated pre-oxidation treatment. The alloys' behavior suggests that mechanisms of oxidation vary with temperature and alloy composition.
Military expenditures and bureaucratic competition for rents

This paper has provided empirical evidence on the relationship between transfers to the military and the degree of political competition in a country. It has been argued that in both democratic and autocratic rent-seeking societies, the military may have a significant advantage in capturing government transfers. In democratic societies, the role of the military as guardian of national security puts it in a unique position to seek transfers. As a result, military elites in these countries have been quite successful in influencing the political system to increase rents to them and members of their group. In dictatorships, violence is an important rent-seeking behavior. Since the military has a comparative advantage in violence, it has emerged as the dominant rent-seeking interest group in these countries. As a result, military groups dominate resource allocations in most politically unstable countries.
Understanding and capturing people's privacy policies in a mobile social networking application

A number of mobile applications have emerged that allow users to locate one another. However, people have expressed concerns about the privacy implications associated with this class of software, suggesting that broad adoption may only happen to the extent that these concerns are adequately addressed. In this article, we report on our work on PeopleFinder, an application that enables cell phone and laptop users to selectively share their locations with others (e.g. friends, family, and colleagues). The objective of our work has been to better understand people's attitudes and behaviors towards privacy as they interact with such an application, and to explore technologies that empower users to more effectively and efficiently specify their privacy preferences (or "policies"). These technologies include user interfaces for specifying rules and auditing disclosures, as well as machine learning techniques to refine user policies based on their feedback. We present evaluations of these technologies in the context of one laboratory study and three field studies.
On nutritional pollution

The problem associated with pollution, and more specifically, nutritional pollution are approached from the concept of energy residuals expended by increasing elevation of life style. More specifically, residuals are characterized as biodegradable, bacterial, conserved, thermal, sediments and aggregated entrophication—or nutritional pollution. The streams or river response to nutrients (primarily nitrogen and phosphorous) is formulated in terms of stream character, population equivalents, removal efficiencies, combining cations, and finally required water quality standards, for N, for P and for AGP. Explicit data is given for the major basin in the United States. As population, life style, and resulting residuals increase, and having successfully dealt with biodegradable loads, real interest in nutritional ollution is evidenced. The author has presented a prediction model enabling one to forecast seriousness and suggest alternatives.
Constructions for the Solution of the m Queens Problem

(1969). Constructions for the Solution of the m Queens Problem. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 66-72.
Birth of two infants who were seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) after intracytoplasmic injection of sperm from HIV-1-seropositive men.

Abstract Objective: To report two cases of live births after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in two women who were seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) after the use of processed semen from their seropositive husbands. Design: Case reports. Setting: University hospital IVF center. Patient(s): Two HIV-1 seropositive men and their HIV-1 seronegative female partners; all gave their informed consent in writing before undergoing the ICSI procedures. Intervention(s): The men provided semen samples that were processed with the use of Percoll and swim-up techniques. Ovarian stimulation in the women was performed with the long protocol using GnRH analogs and recombinant FSH. ICSI was performed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Oocytes were fertilized by ICSI, and the resulting embryos were transferred to the patients. The mothers and babies were tested for HIV-1 antibodies. Result(s): In the first case, seven mature oocytes were collected and fertilized with ICSI, and three embryos were transferred; the woman became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy boy. Six months after the birth, testing for HIV-1 antibodies in the woman and the baby gave negative results. In the second case, 10 mature oocytes were collected and fertilized with ICSI, and four embryos were transferred; the second woman became pregnant and also gave birth to a healthy boy. Testing for HIV-1 antibodies at the baby's delivery also gave negative results. Conclusion(s): In women who are infertile because of fallopian tube obstruction or in men who have poor quality semen for artificial insemination, ICSI can be performed using processed semen. This method, which involves the use of only one spermatozoon per oocyte, provides HIV-1 seropositive men with the opportunity to have children with a minimal risk—if any—of infecting their female partners.
Radiotracer techniques courses at Eastern Michigan University: Evolution with changing clientele

The radiochemistry program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) was initiated twenty years ago. A three-semester-hour lecture/laboratory course was offered specifically for chemistry and biology seniors and first year graduate students. As demand increased from medical technologists, a special course was introduced in radiation and radioimmunoassay. The Nuclear Medicine Technology program required a different approach. A special mini course was also taught for biologists. At present the 3-hour course is being reevaluated to address the needs of biochemists and toxicologists. The evolution of nuclear science courses at EMU and their current status is discussed.
High temperature strain gages based on reactively sputtered AlNx thin films

Abstract Thin film strain sensors based on reactively sputtered aluminum nitride are being developed for a variety of advanced aerospace applications, where the measurement of both static and dynamic strain is required at elevated temperatures. The non-stoichiometric AlNx thin films are particularly attractive for strain sensor applications at elevated temperatures since they exhibit a relatively large gage factor G, and a relatively low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), and they are electrically stable at high temperature, “c” axis oriented (0002) AlNx thin films were prepared by reactive r.f. sputtering from high purity aluminum targets. By varying the nitrogen content in the plasma, AINx films useful for strain gage applications were produced. The resulting films exhibited room temperature resistivities in the range 1 × 10−3 Ω cm to 5 × 102 Ω cm, were semi-transparent in the visible spectrum (optical band gaps in the range 4.6–5.8 eV) and tested “p” type by hot probe. TCRs ranged from +825 to −1200 ppn °C−1 after repeated thermal cycling to 1100 °C, depending on the nitrogen content in the film and the room temperature resistivity. Sputtering parameters were adjusted to yield a minimum value of +109 ppm°C−1. Large positive gage factors were measured at room temperature for all semiconducting AlNx films and the films exhibited a nearly linear piezoresistive response with little or no hysteresis when cycled from tension to compression. Gage factors on the order of 15 were realized for the AlNx films (gage factors of 2 are normally observed for refractory metal alloys). Annealing the AlNx films in argon at temperatures up to 1100 °C had minimal effect on the gage factor. This suggests that the piezoresistive response was more dependent on the defect structure of the as-deposited films than on the resistivity or subsequent thermal processing. Both the TCR and gage factor were correlated with the as-deposited resistivity and the nitrogen content in the films. The relationship between processing parameters and properties of these A1Nx films is reviewed here, and prospects of using such films as high temperature strain sensors are discussed.
Biclustering via Sparse Singular Value Decomposition

Sparse singular value decomposition (SSVD) is proposed as a new exploratory analysis tool for biclustering or identifying interpretable row-column associations within high-dimensional data matrices. SSVD seeks a low-rank, checkerboard structured matrix approximation to data matrices. The desired checkerboard structure is achieved by forcing both the left- and right-singular vectors to be sparse, that is, having many zero entries. By interpreting singular vectors as regression coefficient vectors for certain linear regressions, sparsity-inducing regularization penalties are imposed to the least squares regression to produce sparse singular vectors. An efficient iterative algorithm is proposed for computing the sparse singular vectors, along with some discussion of penalty parameter selection. A lung cancer microarray dataset and a food nutrition dataset are used to illustrate SSVD as a biclustering method. SSVD is also compared with some existing biclustering methods using simulated datasets.
Management of Severe Hypotony with Intravitreal Injection of Viscoelastic

Purpose To investigate the effect of an intravitreal injection of sodium hyaluronate 1.4% and 2.3% in the treatment of hypotony. Design Interventional case series. Methods Intravitreal injection of sodium hyaluronate 1.4% was performed to treat persistent hypotony in three eyes after the successful repair of retinal detachment and in one eye with uveitis. Injection of sodium hyaluronate 2.3% was performed in one eye after the successful repair of retinal detachment with removal of silicone oil. Results At the last follow-up examination (2-16 months), intraocular pressure increased to at least 5 mm Hg (5-14 mm Hg) in all eyes that had been injected with sodium hyaluronate. Intraocular pressure increased to 38 mm Hg in the eye that had been injected with sodium hyaluronate 2.3% on postoperative day 1 and was 10 mm Hg at three months. Vision improved in all patients. Conclusion Intraocular injection of sodium hyaluronate 1.4 and 2.3% appears to be efficacious in reversing hypotony in some eyes. Functional and structural findings can also improve.
Information Transfers across Same–Sector Funds When Closed–End Funds Issue Equity

This study examines the reaction of non–issuing, same–sector funds when a closed–end fund announces a seasoned equity offering. The non–issuing, same–sector funds have a significant, negative announcement–day abnormal return. The abnormal returns for U.S. debt funds are less negative than U.S. equity and international debt funds. The abnormal returns for international debt funds are more negative than international equity funds. Announcement–day abnormal returns are directly related to the announcement–day abnormal return of the issuing fund and the premium/discount of the issuing fund. Announcement–day abnormal returns are inversely related to the premium/discount of the non–issuing, same–sector funds.
Functional effects of novel anti-ClC-3 antibodies on native volume-sensitive osmolyte and anion channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells.

Whether ClC-3 encodes volume-sensitive organic osmolyte and anion channels (VSOACs) remains controversial. We have shown previously that native VSOACs in some cardiac and vascular myocytes were blo...
A mating stimulant pheromone of the horn fly, Haematobia Irritans (L.): Demonstration of biological activity in separated cuticular components

Preliminary bioassays with the horn fly,Haematobia irritans (L.), suggested that a mating stimulant pheromone was involved in horn fly courtship behavior. Virgin males readily courted live or dead females but rarely courted live males, dead males, or females thoroughly washed with hexane. The bioassay used was the response of virgin males to treated male horn flies. Results indicated that female cuticular hydrocarbons induced male courtship behavior. Specifically, the female paraffin and monoolefin fractions were biologically active when bioassayed alone or in combination. Three synthetic monoolefins previously shown to be the major components in the female monoolefin fraction were active in bioassays. The compoundsZ-5-tricosene,Z-9-pentacosene, andZ-9-heptacosene were each active, but greater male courtship behavior was observed when these three compounds were bioassayed in combination.
A Comparative Investigation of the Laryngeal Premotor, Adjustment, and Reaction Times of Stutterers and Nonstutterers

The laryngeal premotor, adjustment, and reaction times of 24 stutterers and 24 nonstutterers were assessed by means of a group (2) by stimulus modality (3) by stimulus order (6) factorial investigation. The laryngeal measures were determined from print outs made from electroglottographic recordings taken during the production of [] that was cued by a visual, auditory, or somato-sensory stimulus. The results revealed that the laryngeal reaction times of stutterers were significantly longer than those of the nonstutterers. Moreover, the reaction times were significantly longer both during the laryngeal premotor and adjustment time periods. The observed between-group difference for each of these laryngeal measures was independent of the stimulus that was employed.