cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Creatine Kinase-MB Elevation After Coronary Intervention Correlates With Diffuse Atherosclerosis, and Low-to-Medium Level Elevation Has a Benign Clinical Course Implications for Early Discharge After Coronary Intervention

Abstract OBJECTIVES The study evaluated the incidence and predictors of creatine kinase–MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) elevation after successful coronary intervention using current devices, and assessed the influence on in-hospital course and midterm survival. BACKGROUND The CK-MB elevation after coronary intervention predominantly using balloon angioplasty correlates with late cardiac events of myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Whether CK-MB elevation after nonballoon devices is associated with an adverse short and midterm prognosis is unknown. METHODS The incidence and predictors of CK-MB elevation after coronary intervention were prospectively studied in 1,675 consecutive patients and were followed for in-hospital events and survival. RESULTS CK-MB elevation was detected in 313 patients (18.7%), with 1–3× in 12.8%, 3–5× in 3.5% and >5× normal in 2.4% of patients. Procedural complications or electrocardiogram changes occurred in only 49% of the CK-MB-elevation cases; CK-MB elevation was more common after nonballoon devices (19.5% vs. 11.5% after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; p 5× CK-MB elevation, with no significant difference between 1–5× CK-MB elevation versus normal CK-MB group. During a mean follow-up of 13 ± 3 months, the incidence of death in the CK-MB-elevation group was 1.6% versus 1.3% in the normal CK-MB group (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS The CK-MB elevation after coronary intervention was observed even in the absence of discernible procedural complications and was more common in patients with diffuse atherosclerosis. In-hospital clinical events requiring prolonged monitoring were higher in >5× CK-MB-elevation patients only. Midterm survival of CK-MB-elevation patients was similar to those with normal CK-MB. Our prospective analysis shows a lack of adverse in-hospital cardiac events and suggests that early discharge of stable 1–5× normal CK-MB-elevation patients after successful coronary intervention is safe.
Stress-dependent molecular pathways of silica–water reaction

Stress-corrosion of silica by water is studied by exploring the stress-dependent potential energy surface computed quantum mechanically at the level of molecular orbital theory. An ordered silica nanorod with clearly defined nominal tensile stress is constructed to model a structural unit of the stressed crack tip. Three competing hydrolysis reaction pathways are determined, each involving a distinct initiation step. Water dissociation, molecular chemisorption, and direct siloxane bond rupture dominate at low, intermediate, and high stress levels, respectively. A linear stress dependence in the thermodynamic driving force, not commonly considered in the criterion of brittle fracture initiation, is shown to originate from surface relaxation associated with bond rupture. This effect is particularly important in determining the Griffith condition of crack extension for nano-sized systems when spatial accommodation of foreign molecules is involved in the process of bond breaking. The physical origin of the stress dependence of kinetic barrier is revealed by a perturbation analysis of the minimum energy path parametrized by the continuous mechanical stress.
A hash-based scalable IP lookup using Bloom and fingerprint filters

Several challenges in the IP lookup architecture must be addressed for a high-speed forwarding in a large scale routing table: power, memory, and lookup complexity. Hash-based architectures have lookup schemes that are recognized for being both power and memory efficient due to their O(1) lookup, in contrast to other contemporary architectures. In this paper, we propose a novel hash architecture to address these issues by using pipelined Bloom and fingerprint filters for a binary searching in keys. The proposed hash scheme encodes keys' indexes to an on-chip fingerprint table, approximately returns a few indexes in a key query without pointer overhead, and makes a perfect match in an off-chip key table. Due to a memory banking system in pipeline stages, we can achieve O(1) pipelined throughput complexity of insertion, deletion, and query operations. For the IP lookup, a Lulea bitmap with our hash scheme supports a prefix lookup without inflating the numbers of prefixes and next-hops, so that our scalable hash-based scheme can achieve the worst case O(1) IP lookup. The simulation with large scale routing tables shows that our IP lookup scheme offers 4.5 and 50.1 times memory and power efficiencies than other contemporary hash and TCAM schemes, respectively.
Development and validation of the Rapid Estimate of Adolescent Literacy in Medicine (REALM-Teen): a tool to screen adolescents for below-grade reading in health care settings.

OBJECTIVE. The magnitude and consequences of low literacy in adolescent health and health care are unknown. The purpose of this study was to validate the Rapid Estimate of Adolescent Literacy in Medicine (REALM-Teen), a word-recognition test in English that can be used as a brief literacy-screening tool in health care settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS. A total of 1533 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years attending 1 of 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 pediatric clinic, or 2 summer programs in Louisiana and North Carolina participated in face-to-face interviews. Demographic information was solicited, and participants were administered a battery of reading tests, including the REALM-Teen, Wide Range Achievement Test–Revised (WRAT-3), and Slosson Oral Reading Test–Revised (SORT-R). Internal consistency for the REALM-Teen was determined using Cronbach’s α, and criterion validity was established through correlations with both the WRAT-R and SORT-R. Using reading below grade level (according to SORT-R scores) as an outcome, instrument accuracy and corresponding cutoff scores were calculated by plotting receiver operating characteristic curves and stratum-specific likelihood ratios. RESULTS. Participants were 50% black and 53% female; 34% were enrolled in middle school and 66% in high school. The average time required to administer the REALM-Teen was 3 minutes. Internal consistency was excellent, as was test-retest reliability. The REALM-Teen is strongly correlated with both the WRAT-R and SORT-R. Five reading level categories were identified: 3rd grade and below, 4th to 5th grade, 6th to 7th grade, 8th to 9th grade, and 10th grade and above. Forty-six percent of participants were reading below grade level according to the SORT-R and 28% had repeated at least 1 grade. CONCLUSION. The REALM-Teen is a brief, reliable instrument for assessing adolescent literacy skills and reading below grade level.
Weathering the storm: The trials and tribulations of a digital test instrument

Modern automated test equipment (ATE) is often faced with the challenge of surviving harsh conditions introduced by the user, the unit under test (UUT), and the environment. The individual channels on the ATE are often exposed to over-voltage stress conditions, over-current stress conditions, as well as high temperature operation. Many external forces can generate these extreme conditions. Unfortunately, in the world of digital test, the ATE is often testing a bad UUT. A test instrument design that considers the possibility of exposure to these extreme conditions can substantially increase the mean time to failure (MTTF) of the test instrument. This paper describes design techniques that can be used to enable the digital test instrument to better endure these stresses, and thereby improve its long-term reliability. The paper focuses on design ideas for each of the three aforementioned stress conditions.
Age differences in acoustic and semantic recognition memory.

Summary.-Patterns of information encoding were examined across a wide age range of subjecn. Subjects aged 8-, lo-, 24-, 66-, and 75-yr. were administered a recognition memory task involving both acoustically and semantically related disuactor words. The errors and latencies indicated no age-difference in encoding patterns. A comparison of errors for 8-, lo-, and 24-yr.-olds alone. however, indicated a shift from acoustic to semantic encoding style between the ages of 8 and 10. Encoding is a process by which a person's contact with stimulus information is transformed into a memory trace. Previous investigations have suggested that patterns of information encoding change with age among children (Bach & Underwood, 1970; Bisanz, Pellegrino, Kail, & Siegel, 1978) but change with age among adults is unclear. Elias and Hirasuna (1976) and Rankin and Kausler (1979) provided data indicating that old and young adults are not different in their modes of encoding, but the studies of Craik (1977) and Eysenck (1974) suggested otherwise. A study by Bach and Underwood (1970) involved the false recognition procedure introduced by Underwood (1965) which makes possible inferences regarding the nature of encoding processes. Bach and Underwood employed associatively and acoustically related distractor words to determine whether developmental changes occur in patterns of information encoding. These investigators concluded that from the second to the sixth grade, there is a shift from acoustic to associative encoding. In a'similar study, Bisanz, et al. (1978) employed both semantically and acoustically related distractor words to bias recognition (Tulving & Thomson, 1973) and so determine whether encoding is based primarily on semantic or on acoustic processing of information. They concluded that from age 8 to age 11, there is a developmental shift from acoustic to semantic encoding and that this continues at least through early adulthood.
Relief of radicular pain in metastatic disease by vertebroplasty

Two patients with compression fractures from metastases who had pain with radicular symptoms mainly in upright position that resolved when not upright and were treated with vertebroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Both patients had symptom relief at treated levels until death. These cases show that patients with radicular signs and symptoms from compression fractures secondary to metastases or myeloma, worse in upright position and relieved when recumbent, may benefit from vertebroplasty.
Detection of Resistive Shorts and Opens using Voltage Contrast Inspection

The ability of voltage contrast inspection to detect resistive opens and shorts was investigated. Resistive programmed defects ranging from 8 kOmega to 4 MOmega, were created using integrated poly-silicon resistors. While all the shorts were easily detected, only the 4 MOmega, open had a signal, and it was too faint for automatic detection. A model is presented to help explain these results. A follow-up study with resistances in the MOmega range is now in progress. Based on the experimental and modeling work described in this paper, we anticipate the threshold for detection of resistive opens will be between 10 and 20 MOmega
High Temperature Silicide Thin-Film Thermocouples

High-temperature silicides have been used in mechanical structures, heating elements, and electronic, CMOS applications. Their stability in high temperature oxidizing environments and excellent electrical conductivity may also make them useful as high temperature thin-film sensors in harsh environments. We have investigated sputter deposited MoSi2, ReSi2, TaSi2, TiSi2, and WSi2 thin films and characterized their performance as thermoelements and stability up to 1200 °C. A multilayer technique was developed to ensure constant silicide stoichiometry during oxidation thereby maintaining a constant Seebeck coefficient. In addition techniques were developed to suppress the formation of metal oxides from the silicides. The results indicated excellent stability of Seebeck coefficient up to 1200 °C. These results are compared with the problems of thin film instability in the Seebeck coefficient found in noble metal thermocouples. Potential applications for temperature and heat transfer measurements will be discussed.
Effects of Presence of a Blastoderm on Albumen Height and pH of Broiler Hatching Eggs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine whether the presence of a blastoderm could affect albumen liquefaction of broiler hatching eggs prior to setting and during the initial stages of incubation. Eggs were stored for 0 to 3 d at 18 C and 75% RH. Albumen height and pH were measured after 0 or 2 h of incubation. In both experiments, albumen height was significantly lower in fertilized eggs compared with unfertilized eggs. The interaction of fertility with incubation time for albumen height in Experiment 1 was not significant (P ≤ 0.10). In Experiment 1, albumen pH was significantly higher for fertilized eggs compared with unfertilized eggs (P ≤ 0.01); the difference was similar but not significant in Experiment 2. The results suggest that the embryo contributes to albumen liquefaction and that ammonia production by the embryo may account for the effect.
Focus-Tunable Microlens Arrays Fabricated on Spherical Surfaces

We present microlens arrays consisting of multiple focus-tunable microlenses omnidirectionally fabricated on spherical surfaces, to realize large field of view. Thin flexible polymer bridges connecting adjacent microlenses are designed to reduce the wrapping stress and deformation of the microlens array. Each microlens, formed via water-oil interface, is individually tuned by a thermo-responsive hydrogel actuator. The range of the focal length of each microlens in this array varied from millimeters to infinity. A prototype of optical imaging system based on such a microlens array on a spherical surface, including a charged-coupled device camera, a fiber bundle, and a 3-D rotational stage, is demonstrated as well.
Pharmacologic management of obesity

Recent discoveries of processes that govern regulation of body weight and energy expenditure have led to development of new anti-obesity pharmacological agents. This article will inform health professionals of new anti-obesity medications that target neuronal systems within the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral humoral proteins that send signals to the CNS. An emerging theme of new therapies is to use combination medications that are directed toward several targets or leverage existing gastrointestinal satiety hormonal signals. By using combination therapies, it is anticipated that greater weight loss will be achieved compared to monotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 140–143. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurobiology of Sensory Overresponsivity in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Importance More than half of youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have sensory overresponsivity (SOR), an extreme negative reaction to sensory stimuli. However, little is known about the neurobiological basis of SOR, and there are few effective treatments. Understanding whether SOR is due to an initial heightened sensory response or to deficits in regulating emotional reactions to stimuli has important implications for intervention. Objective To determine differences in brain responses, habituation, and connectivity during exposure to mildly aversive sensory stimuli in youth with ASDs and SOR compared with youth with ASDs without SOR and compared with typically developing control subjects. Design, Setting, and Participants Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine brain responses and habituation to mildly aversive auditory and tactile stimuli in 19 high-functioning youths with ASDs and 19 age- and IQ-matched, typically developing youths (age range, 9-17 years). Brain activity was related to parents’ ratings of children’s SOR symptoms. Functional connectivity between the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex was compared between ASDs subgroups with and without SOR and typically developing controls without SOR. The study dates were March 2012 through February 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures Relative increases in blood oxygen level–dependent signal response across the whole brain and within the amygdala during exposure to sensory stimuli compared with fixation, as well as correlation between blood oxygen level–dependent signal change in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Results The mean age in both groups was 14 years and the majority in both groups (16 of 19 each) were male. Compared with neurotypical control participants, participants with ASDs displayed stronger activation in primary sensory cortices and the amygdala ( P z > 1.70, P Conclusions and Relevance Results demonstrate that youth with ASDs and SOR show sensorilimbic hyperresponsivity to mildly aversive tactile and auditory stimuli, particularly to multiple modalities presented simultaneously, and show that this hyperresponsivity is due to failure to habituate. In addition, findings suggest that a subset of youth with ASDs can regulate their responses through prefrontal downregulation of amygdala activity. Implications for intervention include minimizing exposure to multiple sensory modalities and building coping strategies for regulating emotional response to stimuli.
An empirical refinement of the relationship between growth and volatility

The link between business cycle volatility and the long-run growth rate has received increasing attention in the literature over the last ten years. Yet neither is there a theoretical consensus nor consistent empirical evidence that would lead us to believe the relationship is positive, negative or nonexistent either within broadly defined regions or over time. This study investigates a possible cause for this phenomenon. What we find is that out of 14 popularly defined sub regions, only 7 can be constrained over time within the respective sub region, while only two broadly-defined regional classifications are justified. We did find that the grouping of OECD countries is statistically valid, but only if the relationship is allowed to vary over time. We suggest a refinement of the current empirical work that takes into account both more narrowly defined regional and time parametric heterogeneity.
Characterization of K+ and Cl- conductances in apical membrane vesicles from stimulated rabbit oxyntic cells

K+ and Cl- conductance pathways in apical membrane vesicles (SA vesicles) of stimulated oxyntic cells have been characterized. SA vesicles were prepared from rabbit fundic mucosa after stimulation of acid secretion with histamine. Conductive K+ and Cl- fluxes were assayed by several methods: by their effects on pH gradient formation by endogenous H(+)-K(+)-ATPase, by the protonophore-induced dissipation of preformed pH gradients, and by the effects of channel blockers. pH gradient formation by H(+)-K(+)-ATPase required K+ and was greatly reduced when the permeant anion chloride was replaced by gluconate or sulfate. In the presence of 75 mM K+, 1 mM Cl- was sufficient for generation of near maximal pH gradients, as was 5 mM K+ in the presence of 75 mM Cl-. At all K+ and Cl- concentrations tested, the ATP-generated formation of pH gradients was inhibited and the dissipation of these pH gradients stimulated by the protonophore tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS). Similar effects of TCS were also seen when Cl- was replaced by impermeant anions. Both processes were blocked by the K+ channel inhibitor Ba2+. The Ki for Ba2+ inhibition of pH gradient formation was 1.5 microM at 5 mM K+ and was proportional to the 3rd power of the K+ concentration. At 75 mM K+ the Cl- channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxylate inhibited ATP-dependent pH gradient formation when the Cl- concentration was 1 mM; however, when the Cl- concentration was greater than 5 mM no inhibition was observed. The membrane potential-sensitive dye DISC (5) was used to measure membrane potential generated by K+ gradients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hlf is a genetic modifier of epilepsy caused by voltage-gated sodium channel mutations

Mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel genes cause several types of human epilepsies. Often, individuals with the same sodium channel mutation exhibit diverse phenotypes. This suggests that factors beyond the primary mutation influence disease severity, including genetic modifiers. Mouse epilepsy models with voltage-gated sodium channel mutations exhibit strain-dependent phenotype variability, supporting a contribution of genetic modifiers in epilepsy. The Scn2a(Q54) (Q54) mouse model has a strain-dependent epilepsy phenotype. Q54 mice on the C57BL/6J (B6) strain exhibit delayed seizure onset and improved survival compared to [B6xSJL/J]F1.Q54 mice. We previously mapped two dominant modifier loci that influence Q54 seizure susceptibility and identified Hlf (hepatic leukemia factor) as a candidate modifier gene at one locus. Hlf and other PAR bZIP transcription factors had previously been associated with spontaneous seizures in mice thought to be caused by down-regulation of the pyridoxine pathway. An Hlf targeted knockout mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of Hlf deletion on Q54 phenotype severity. Hlf(KO/KO);Q54 double mutant mice exhibited elevated frequency and reduced survival compared to Q54 controls. To determine if direct modulation of the pyridoxine pathway could alter the Q54 phenotype, mice were maintained on a pyridoxine-deficient diet for 6 weeks. Dietary pyridoxine deficiency resulted in elevated seizure frequency and decreased survival in Q54 mice compared to control diet. To determine if Hlf could modify other epilepsies, Hlf(KO/+) mice were crossed with the Scn1a(KO/+) Dravet syndrome mouse model to examine the effect on premature lethality. Hlf(KO/+);Scn1a(KO/+) offspring exhibited decreased survival compared to Scn1a(KO/+) controls. Together these results demonstrate that Hlf is a genetic modifier of epilepsy caused by voltage-gated sodium channel mutations and that modulation of the pyridoxine pathway can also influence phenotype severity.
Eliminating the Destitution of America's Homeless

This article proffers statutory guidelines designed to improve the quality of life for homeless persons. Part I analyzes laws directed at homeless populations as well as the differing common law opinions about their effectiveness and validity. Part II evaluates social contract theory and the right of citizens to a sustainable quality of life and then argues that it is in the general interest of society to provide homeless citizens with the opportunity to rise out of their destitute circumstances. Finally, Part III outlines the Homeless Vocational Training Program, which is a detailed statutory scheme for a nationwide residential training program.
Reduced gravity combustion of thermoplastic spheres

Abstract A series of low-gravity experiments were conducted to investigate the combustion of supported thermoplastic polymer spheres under varying ambient conditions. The three types of thermoplastic investigated were polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). The low-gravity environment was achieved by performing the experiments aboard the NASA DC-9 and the KC-135 Reduced Gravity Aircraft. Spheres with diameters ranging from 2 mm to 6.35 mm were tested yielding Grashof numbers calculated to be less than 0.1. The polymer sphere was supported using a 75-μm-diameter Al/Cr/Fe alloy wire. The total initial pressure varied from 0.05 MPa to 0.15 MPa whereas the ambient oxygen concentration varied from 19% to 30% (by volume). The ignition system consisted of a pair of retractable energized coils. Two CCD cameras recorded the burning histories of the spheres. The video sequences revealed a number of dynamic events including bubbling, and sputtering as well as soot shell formation and break-up during combustion of the spheres at reduced gravity. The ejection of combusting material from the burning spheres represents a fire hazard that must be considered at reduced gravity. The ejection was found to be sensitive to polymer type, but independent of oxygen concentration and pressure. The average value of the ejection frequency was found to be 3 Hz, 5 Hz, and 5 Hz for PMMA, PS, and PP, respectively. The velocities of the ejected material were estimated by tracking the material in two consecutive video frames. For the PP spheres, Va = 2.3 (± 1.2) cm/s (with 60 events observed). The ejected material appeared to decelerate at an average rate of ≈ 40 cm/s2, and traverse an average distance of only 8 mm before burning to completion. The Va for PS and PMMA was not determined because the ejected material was never observed to exist beyond the visible flame of the parent sphere. The average mass burning rates were measured to increase with initial sphere diameter and oxygen concentration, whereas the initial pressure had little effect. The three thermoplastic types exhibited different burning characteristics. For the same initial conditions, the mass burning rate of PP was slower than PMMA, whereas the mass burning rate of PS was comparable to PMMA. The transient diameter of the burning thermoplastic exhibited two distinct periods: an initial period (enduring approximately half of the total burn duration) when the diameter remained approximately constant, and a final period when the square of the diameter linearly decreased with time. A simple homogeneous two-phase model was developed to understand the changing diameter of the burning sphere. Its value is based on a competition between diameter reduction due to mass loss from burning and sputtering, and diameter expansion due to the processes of swelling (density decrease with heating) and bubble growth. The model relies on empirical parameters for input, such as the burning rate and the duration of the initial and final burning periods.
Effect of Oxycombustion Diluents on the Extinction of Nonpremixed Methane Opposed-Jet Flames

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the differences between oxycombustion and conventional air combustion through methane flame extinction measurements and calculations. We report global extinction strain rates for methane with O2/N2, O2/CO2, and O2/CO2/H2O flames for a range of calculated stoichiometric adiabatic flame temperatures. Tests were performed in a subatmospheric opposed-jet burner, with pre-vaporized water. For a given oxidant diluent, global extinction strain rates increase strongly with increasing flame temperature and with pressure. At a given temperature, the effect of oxidant composition depends on whether dissociation is included in computing the stoichiometric adiabatic flame temperature. When dissociation is included, O2/CO2 and O2/CO2/H2O flames are roughly 30% harder to extinguish than O2/N2 flames. When dissociation is not included, the oxidant composition has a minimal effect. Calculations with the CHEMKIN suite of programs yield the same ranking of extinction strain rate for the diffe...
Study of the change of surface magnetic field associated with flares

How magnetic field structure changes with eruptive events (e.g., flares and CMEs) has been a long-standing problem in solar physics. Here we present the analysis of eruptionassociated changes in the magnetic inclination angle, the transverse component of magnetic field and the Lorentz force. The analysis is based on an observation of the X3.4 flare on Dec.13 2006 and a numerical simulation of a solar eruption made by Yuhong Fan. Both observation and simulation show that (1) the magnetic inclination angle in the decayed peripheral penumbra increases, while that in the central area close to flaring polarity inversion line (PIL) deceases after the flare; (2) the transverse component of magnetic field increases at the lower altitude near flaring PIL after the flare. The result suggests that the field lines at flaring neutral line turn to more horizontal near the surface, that is in agreement with the prediction of Hudson, Fisher & Welsch (2008).
Dimensional Effect on Poling in Lithium Niobate

We investigated the dimensional effect on poling in lithium niobate. By poling samples of varying thickness (25-500 µm), we found that thickness affected both domain broadening and coercive field significantly.
Mycobacterium avium complex-associated cholecystitis in AIDS patient: a case description and review of literature

AIDS-related cholangiopathy was common in patients with AIDS prior to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common opportunistic bacterial infection seen in AIDS patients and one of many opportunistic pathogens implicated in AIDS cholangiopathy. We describe a case of acute cholecystitis secondary to MAC in a patient with likely AIDS cholangiopathy. The patient, a 37-year-old Hispanic woman with CD4+ cell count of 10 cells/mm3 who was previously diagnosed with disseminated MAC, presented with a eight days of diffuse abdominal pain and anorexia. Radiologic imaging suggested acute cholecystitis, so the patient underwent open cholecystectomy. Pathology staining of the gall bladder wall revealed acid-fast bacilli consistent with MAC. The patient had been receiving appropriate therapy as an outpatient for MAC with presumed reliable adherence, but we suggest her burden of disease was high due to her severe immunosuppressive state. A thorough review of the literature showed that there are many infectious and non-infectious aetiologies for AIDS-associated cholangiopathy. Acute cholecystitis can develop in the setting of AIDS cholangiopathy, potentially secondary to the opportunistic infection that initially caused the cholangiopathy. MAC-related gallbladder disease needs to be considered in patients with advanced AIDS who present with evidence of acute cholecystitis.
W2,p Estimates for the Parabolic¶Monge-Ampère Equation

When u is a solution to the equation −ut det Dx2u=f with f positive, continuous, and ft satisfying certain growth conditions, we establish estimates in L∞ for ut and show that Dx2u satisfies uniform interior estimates in Lp for 0<p<∞.
Dexamethasone-Facilitated Postponement of Delivery of an Extremely Preterm Pregnancy Complicated by the Syndrome of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets

Objective Patients with severe preeclampsia and the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP syndrome) are at increased risk for perinatal and maternal morbidity, especially in very preterm gestations. When this condition affects a pregnancy on the cusp of viability, a therapeutic intervention to prolong gestation without undue risk to the mother or fetus could be beneficial. Method A single case report and review of the literature. Result We report a patient with HELLP syndrome in whom antenatal administration of high-dose dexamethasone helped achieve disease stabilization and delivery postponement for 9 days of a very preterm fetus estimated to weight less than 600 g. Both mother and infant did well postpartum. Conclusion Administration of antenatal high-dose dexamethasone can be used in carefully selected preterm patients with HELLP syndrome to delay delivery while in utero fetal maturation is accelerated and the maternal condition is optimized. This can be beneficial in carefully selected pregnancies without apparent adverse maternal or perinatal impact.
Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Nocardia asteroides : report and review of the literature

A 65-year-old man with 9 months of radicular lower back pain was admitted for treatment of presumed malignancy of the lumbar spine. Lumbar radiographs showed destruction of the L4-L5 endplates and obliteration of the disc space, which was more compatible with an infectious process. After 2 different closed biopsy specimens failed to reveal an etiologic organism, N. asteroides was cultured from an open biopsy sample of the affected vertebrae. This and 8 other cases in the English literature of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by N. asteroides are reviewed.
Fluorescence Localization of Luteinizing Hormone/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Uptake in the Primate Ovary: Characterization of the Preovulatory Ovary *

A fluorescent derivative of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for binding studies was prepared by conjugation of highly purified hCG with fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC-hCG) in a molar ratio of 3:1. The resulting FITC-hCG conjugate retained full cross-reactivity with antibodies directed against intact hCG, the hCG β -subunit, the carboxyl-terminal peptide sequence of β -hCG. The fluorescent hormone retained binding activity similar to that of native hCG, and the capacity to induce progesterone production from primate corpora luteal cells in vitro. After intravenous administration to female rhesus monkeys, FITC-hCG was localized within the theca cell layer of certain antral follicles, including the dominant follicle, but no fluorescence was noted around preantral follicles. Areas of fluorescence were also localized to discrete groups of interstitial gland cells in the stroma. The degree of fluorescence associated with these cells was indistinguishable from that observed in the thecal cells. The development of a fluorescent derivative that is biologically and immunologically similar to native hCG has permitted differential microscopic localization of luteinizing hormone/hCG uptake in the preovulatory ovary.
On theories dealing with the interaction of surface waves and ocean circulation

The classic theory for the interaction of surface gravity waves and the general ocean circulation entails the so-called wave radiation stress terms in the phase-averaged momentum equation. The equations of motion are for the combined Eulerian current and Stokes drift. On the other hand, a more recent approach includes the so-called vortex force term in the momentum equation wherein the only wave property is Stokes drift. The equations of motion are for the Eulerian current. The idea has gained traction in the ocean science community, a fact that motivates this paper. A question is: can both theories be correct? This paper answers the question in the negative and presents arguments in favor of the wave radiation theory. The vortex force approach stems from an interesting mathematical construct, but it does stand up to physical or mathematical scrutiny as described in this paper. Although not the primary focus of the paper, some discussion of Langmuir circulation is included since the vortex force was first introduced as the basis of this oceanic cellular phenomenon. Finaly the paper explains the difference in the derivation of the radiation stress theory and the vortex force theory: the later theory entails errors related to its use of curl and reverse-curl [or uncurl] processes.
Implementing Unified Why- and Why-Not Provenance Through Games

Using provenance to explain why a query returns a result or why a result is missing has been studied extensively. However, the two types of questions have been approached independently of each other. We present an efficient technique for answering both types of questions for Datalog queries based on a game-theoretic model of provenance called provenance games. Our approach compiles provenance requests into Datalog and translates the resulting query into SQL to execute it on a relational database backend. We apply several novel optimizations to limit the computation to provenance relevant to a given user question.
Please Parse the Sentence: Animal Cognition in the Procrustean Bed of Linguistics

We recently discussed the performance of sea lions and dolphins on a complex learning task which superficially resembled human language comprehension (Schusterman & Gisiner, 1988a). The task required the animals to form associations between gestural signs and objects in the tank environment, and between gestural signs and actions to be performed on those objects. The task also required the animals to integrate the information of several combined signs into a performance of a specified action on one or two specified objects. We proposed what we considered to be the most parsimonious explanation of the observed performance of the sea lions and dolphins. This explanation required that the animals (a) form connections between signs and their referents, (b) place individual signs into classes, and (c) make conditional discriminations about the relationships between sequentially presented signs. In response to criticism of our position by Herman (1988) we expand our discussion of the role of conditional discriminations in training the sea lions’ and dolphins’ performance. We continue to question the utility of linguisitc terminology in any definition of animal cognitive performance because of the open-ended, “fuzzy” definitions of human linguistic structures like words and grammars. We conclude that, at this time, analyses based on experimentally demonstrated cognitive skills are preferable to analyses based on language metaphors.
A Hybrid Simulation Tool for the Study of PV Integration Impacts on Distribution Networks

This paper introduces a hybrid simulation tool that is used to study the impacts of integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems on distribution networks. The tool is composed of an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation tool interfaced with an open-source phasor analysis tool, OpenDSS. The purpose of this tool is to provide detailed modeling along with fast and accurate simulation of electric systems with interconnected PV systems. The developed tool models the PV energy system using detailed EMTP-type algorithms, while the rest of the distribution system is modeled in phasor domain using OpenDSS. This paper demonstrates some of the functions, applications, and advantages of the hybrid tool. The tool has been tested with a real Florida-based distribution feeder with multiple PV energy systems. A full EMT model of the feeder has been developed in SimPowerSystems to compare and validate the results. The results suggest that the hybrid tool offers significant benefits and functionality over OpenDSS.
Predicting which NF1 optic pathway gliomas will require treatment

Since Riccardi's1 landmark article in 1981 delineating the clinical manifestations of what we now call neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2, we have made great strides in our understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of these distinct conditions. This knowledge has led to the emergence of plausible biologic agents that target specific points in ras -activated downstream pathways for the treatment of various complications of NF1, such as plexiform neurofibromas and optic pathway gliomas (OPGs).2 Yet, despite this progress, clinicians caring for these children continue to struggle with more basic questions, such as how best to follow these individuals and when to intervene. This is most evident in the care of children with NF1 OPGs.
MVPA significance testing when just above chance, and related properties of permutation tests

Parametric statistical tests (e.g., t-tests) can sometimes return highly significant results in cases that would be considered uninformative, such as when the individuals’ accuracies are just above chance. This paper demonstrates that permutation tests can produce the expected non-significant results in these datasets. The properties of null distributions underlying this difference in significance are illustrated: their relative insensitivity to dataset information content, but sensitivity to dataset characteristics such as number of participants, examples, and runs.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease

This chapter summarizes the large volume of relatively recent work devoted to finding genetic polymorphisms that are linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). These markers might become part of a panel of laboratory tests and clinical indicators that will be used for predicting future CVD risk. The medical literature is exploding in the last 10 yr with genotype –disease association studies. As such, the criteria for establishing high-quality genetic association studies are now needed and have been opined by some. One such list is shown in Table 1 (1). With specific regard to polymorphic studies with CVD, Jones and Montgomery described necessary additional steps (2) (Table 2). Candidate polymorphisms should be directed against genes that produce products known to be involved in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases. In the case of ACS, this would include (but not be limited to) genes that regulate inflammation, thrombosis, platelet function, lipoproteins, and other markers of atherosclerosis. In the case of congestive heart failure (CHF), this would include genes that regulate the renin –angiotensin –aldosterone axis, natriuretic peptides, and adrenoreceptors. Having identified polymorphisms in candidate genes, it would be desirable to show that the variants produce different concentrations and/or functional capabilities of the expressed protein. This can demonstrated by an in vitro cell culture model or in human studies in which the concentration of the protein in the variant is compared against that found in the wild type. Having fulfilled one or both of these criteria, a clinical study can be conducted that compares the incidence the the polymorphisms in diseased and carefully selected control populations. The pheno-type of the diseased population should be tightly controlled. It is not appropriate to combine ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with CHF patients who have a valvular etiology. It is also important to identify and exclude confounding variables such as the use of cardiac medications that modify the expression and concentration of the target protein. As most studies to date have only shown a modest relative risk ratio, the number of subjects enrolled should be sufficiently powered to detect a small but significant difference. Meta-analyses are important to increase the enrollments necessary to achieve the discriminatory power.
Phenomenological Elucidation: Karl Barth and Emmanuel Levinas

This chapter is a study of grounding phenomenological method and inquiry for undergirding critical comparative theology in sociological and hermeneutical frame of reference. Our elucidation focuses upon the commonality-in-difference between two great thinkers, Barth and Levinas, especially regarding their respective critique of Heidegger. This elucidation facilitates grounding our model of critical comparative theology in regard to Clooney and Troetlsch.
Animal Models in the Study of the Unfolded Protein Response

The endoplasmic reticulum, a highly dynamic and complex organelle, is the site for synthesis, folding, and modification of transmembrane and secretory proteins. Any disruptions to the endoplasmic reticulum such as an accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins results in activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is comprised of three distinct signal transduction pathways that work to restore homeostasis to the endoplasmic reticulum. This review summarizes select mouse models available to study the UPR and the information learned from the analyses of these models.
Training classifiers with limited data using the Radon cumulative distribution transform

Our purpose in this study is to investigate whether a recently introduced image transform, denoted as the Radon cumulative distribution transform (R-CDT), can be used as a viable preprocessing step for augmenting the robustness of training end-to-end systems with fewer training samples. In order to assess the ability of the R-CDT to perform this aim, we identified a standard machine learning dataset, MNIST, and a preliminary dataset comprised of liver cell nuclei images derived from one of two tissue types: benign or malignant tumor lesions. We separated the data into training and testing sets with 20% of the total data used for testing across all training set size conditions. To simulate a range of limited size of training examples, we randomly generated data subsets ranging in size from 80% to 0.8% of the total dataset size to be used for training. Linear classification algorithms were implemented via logistic regression and a support vector machine model with a linear kernel on both the raw images and images transformed via the R-CDT. Additionaly, non-linear classification accuracies were assessed via comparing the R-CDT paired with a shallow CNN and using a deep CNN to classify images. Results indicate that classification in Radon cumulative distribution transform space outperforms classification in image space in conditions of limited data, as one is likely to see in medical imaging.
Association of Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery With Higher Opioid Consumption: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Objective The optimal regional technique for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) with paravertebral block (PVB) and no block for controlling acute thoracotomy pain after robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Design This is a retrospective study. Multiple variable regression analyses were performed. Setting The study was performed as a single institution. Participants All patients underwent robotic-assisted CABG. Intervention Data were analyzed from 197 patients during a 27-month period. Charts were abstracted manually to ascertain type of nerve block, age, gender, use of home opioids, use of adjuncts for opioid reduction, Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted long length of stay (LOS), total opioid consumption during the 72 hours after surgery, and postoperative LOS. The authors’ primary outcome was total morphine equivalents consumed during the first 72 hours after surgery. The secondary outcome was hospital LOS. Measurements and Main Results Patients who received SAPB did not have significantly different opioid consumption than patients who had no block (p = 0.15), but it was increased significantly compared to patients administered PVB (PVB v SAPB catheter, p = 0.049; PVB v SAPB single shot, p = 0.049). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of postoperative LOS. Conclusion These findings suggest SAPB might not cover adequately the incisional and tube pain associated with MIDCAB. If validated by prospective studies, these findings suggest that SAPB should be considered only for patients who are not candidates for PVB.
A new statistical attack resilient steganography scheme for hiding messages in audio files

We present a novel approach for audio steganography that preserves first-order statistical properties of cover audio after embedding a secret message. This approach can avoid detection by histogram-based or similar statistical attacks. This approach partitions the audio samples in the cover audio, which is followed by reordering of the samples in each partition through an encoding process for embedding the secret message. Partitioning of samples is governed by a specified error limit on individual samples, and the error limit is determined from signal-to-noise ratio that needs to be maintained in the stego audio to avoid detection by an automated system or human auditory system. Experimental results on effectiveness as well as on capacity are presented using 8-bit and 16-bit audio as covers. It is shown that the proposed approach can achieve high capacity while maintaining its effectiveness against attacks.