cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave ablation using a spiral antenna design in a porcine thigh muscle preparation: in vivo assessment of temperature profile and lesion geometry.

Microwave Ablation with Spiral Antenna Design. Introduction: Theoretical studies have suggested that microwave energy can increase the depth of heating compared with radiofrequency energy. A spiral microwave antenna design may have advantages over previous designs using smaller designs because the resulting power deposition pattern is considerably larger than the catheter diameter. We tested the efficacy of a spiral antenna using microwave energy in a porcine thigh muscle preparation. Methods and Results: In five anesthetized pigs, the thigh muscle was exposed and bathed in heparinized bovine blood (36° to 37°C). A helical microwave catheter with a fiberoptic thermometer attached to the distal end was positioned perpendicular to the thigh muscle. The antenna-tissue interface and tissue temperatures at depths of 3.0 and 6.0 mm were measured. A 915-MHz microwave generator delivered energy at one of three power outputs (50, 100, or 150 W) for 60 seconds. Seventy lesions were created: 50 W (n = 23), 100 W (n = 24), and 150 W (n = 23). The mean depths at 50, 100, and 150 W were 4.3 ± 1.8 mm, 7.2 ± 1.7 mm, and 9.4 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. Lesion depth (R = 0.96, P = 0.05), maximum surface dimension (R = 0.99, P = 0.06), and volume (R = 0.99, P = 0.04) were closely correlated to the power applied. Conclusion: Power is an important determinant of lesion size using a spiral microwave antenna. A novel, spiral microwave antenna design can create lesions of significant depth that may be applicable for the ablative therapy of ventricular tachycardia.
Quantum key distribution the science of secret communications

Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses single photon communications to securely transfer cryptographic keys that are required for secure communications. I will describe the theory of QKD and its implementation in both optical fiber and free-space.
Comparison between end-tidal CO2 and respiration volume per time for detecting BOLD signal fluctuations during paced hyperventilation

Respiratory motion and capnometry monitoring were performed during blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain while a series of paced hyperventilation tasks were performed that caused significant hypocapnia. Respiration volume per time (RVT) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) were determined and compared for their ability to explain BOLD contrast changes in the data. A 35% decrease in ETCO2 was observed along with corresponding changes in RVT. A best-fit ETCO2 response function, with an average initial peak delay time of 12 s, was empirically determined. ETCO2 data convolved with this response function was more strongly and prevalently correlated to BOLD signal changes than RVT data convolved with the corresponding respiration response function. The results suggest that ETCO2 better models BOLD signal fluctuations in fMRI experiments with significant transient hypocapnia. This is due to hysteresis in the ETCO2 response when moving from hypocapnia to normocapnia, compared to moving from normocapnia to hypocapnia.
Matchbox: secure data sharing

Homeland security requires that organizations share sensitive data, but both suppliers and users must typically restrict data access for security, legal, or business reasons. Matchbox database servers provide highly secure, fine-grained access control using digitally cosigned contracts to enforce sharing restrictions. To handle security operations, Matchbox uses the tamper-responding, programmable IBM 4758 cryptographic coprocessor. Matchbox servers can be distributed on a network for high availability, and parties can communicate with Matchbox over public networks - including hostile environments with untrusted hardware, software, and administrators.
Position: the user is the enemy

The Human Factor has long been recognized as the weakest link in computer systems security, yet, nothing technically significant has been done to address this problem in an attack agnostic manner. In this paper, we introduce the mantra of "The User is the Enemy" for security designers and developers alike as an underlying current towards addressing the weak human factor. We present different notions of the user and the system and argue from parallel tracks that user actions, both ignorant and non-compliant, are detrimental to the organization. We further show how the paradigm has been applied in a rather unconscious manner and contend that security mechanisms borne out of a conscious application will be more effective towards addressing this systemic problem. Our position is not meant to be a cynical attitude towards users; rather, it is meant to be the focal point of security design attitude, similar to the mantra "All user input is evil" for addressing buffer overflow attacks.
FAK promotes recruitment of talin to nascent adhesions to control cell motility.

Cell migration is a dynamic process that involves the continuous formation, maturation, and turnover of matrix–cell adhesion sites. New (nascent) adhesions form at the protruding cell edge in a tension-independent manner and are comprised of integrin receptors, signaling, and cytoskeletal-associated proteins. Integrins recruit focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the cytoskeletal protein talin to nascent adhesions. Canonical models support a role for talin in mediating FAK localization and activation at adhesions. Here, alternatively, we show that FAK promotes talin recruitment to nascent adhesions occurring independently of talin binding to β1 integrins. The direct binding site for talin on FAK was identified, and a point mutation in FAK (E1015A) prevented talin association and talin localization to nascent adhesions but did not alter integrin-mediated FAK recruitment and activation at adhesions. Moreover, FAK E1015A inhibited cell motility and proteolytic talin cleavage needed for efficient adhesion dynamics. These results support an alternative linkage for FAK–talin interactions within nascent adhesions essential for the control of cell migration.
Some Surface-Active Agents and Their Virucidal Effect on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus

Selected cationic and anionic surface-active compounds were tested to determine their virucidal effect on the foot-and-mouth disease virus, type O, strain M11, propagated in primary calf kidney cells. The chemical inactivation of the virus was tested with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0% concentrations of the selected compounds. Virus controls with pH adjusted to cover the expected range of the mixtures of the chemicals and virus were also tested. The absence of virus from the mixtures of chemical and virus after reaction at 28 C for 2 hr was assayed by inoculating suckling mice with the mixtures. One cationic compound, alkyl methyl isoquinilinium chloride, showed considerable antiviral activity due largely to pH effect. The use of the surface-active agents investigated in this study, in the presence of organic material, would not be recommended as virucides.
Chemoattraction and feeding stimulation in crustaceans

Crustaceans utilize water-borne‘chemical signals’to identify and orient toward potential prey. These chemical signals are recognized in spite of the chemical complexity of aquatic environments. Because feeds are a significant expense in all aquaculture operations, the need to maximize feeding rates and reduce wasted feed, thereby lowering production costs, is paramount to economic success. Confusion concerning the function and utility of chemoattractants versus feeding stimulants in aquatic feeds necessitates updated terminology. Simply put, detection does not equal attraction. To accurately describe and predict responses to feeding stimuli, it is necessary first to classify all possible stimulus types and then to categorize behavioural responses to each specific stimulus. The proposed hierarchical behavioural model classifies an animal's response to chemical stimuli into five phases: (1) detection; (2) orientation; (3) locomotion or displacement; (4) initiation of feeding; (5) continuation or termination of feeding. The second step in description of the behavioural model is the association of specific behaviours with these five phases of response. Crustaceans exhibit four major categories of chemotactic behaviour: antennule flicking, which appears to be the most sensitive; probing movements made by the pereiopods that precede locomotion; locomotion by the crustacean, indicating true attraction or repulsion; and movements by the mouthparts that indicate generalized feeding stimulation. Finally, feed and environmental quality have direct effects on the effectiveness of feed attractants/stimulants; food detection and feeding stimulation ultimately determine the commercial value of an aquatic feed.
Systematic Analysis of Hollow Fiber Model of Tuberculosis Experiments

Background The in vitro hollow fiber system model of tuberculosis (HFS-TB), in tandem with Monte Carlo experiments, was introduced more than a decade ago. Since then, it has been used to perform a large number of tuberculosis pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) studies that have not been subjected to systematic analysis. Methods We performed a literature search to identify all HFS-TB experiments published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012. There was no exclusion of articles by language. Bias minimization was according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Steps for reporting systematic reviews were followed. Results There were 22 HFS-TB studies published, of which 12 were combination therapy studies and 10 were monotherapy studies. There were 4 stand-alone Monte Carlo experiments that utilized quantitative output from the HFS-TB. All experiments reported drug pharmacokinetics, which recapitulated those encountered in humans. HFS-TB studies included log-phase growth studies under ambient air, semidormant bacteria at pH 5.8, and nonreplicating persisters at low oxygen tension of ≤ 10 parts per billion. The studies identified antibiotic exposures associated with optimal kill of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and suppression of acquired drug resistance (ADR) and informed predictions about optimal clinical doses, expected performance of standard doses and regimens in patients, and expected rates of ADR, as well as a proposal of new susceptibility breakpoints. Conclusions The HFS-TB model offers the ability to perform PK/PD studies including humanlike drug exposures, to identify bactericidal and sterilizing effect rates, and to identify exposures associated with suppression of drug resistance. Because of the ability to perform repetitive sampling from the same unit over time, the HFS-TB vastly improves statistical power and facilitates the execution of time-to-event analyses and repeated event analyses, as well as dynamic system pharmacology mathematical models.
Current rapid screening methods for gastrointestinal colonization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Abstract Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are known to cause hospital-acquired infections that can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. An active surveillance program that includes screening for gastrointestinal colonization of VRE in patients admitted to the hospital is able to reduce patient-to-patient transmission by introducing effective infection control strategies that aid in the decrease of infections caused by VRE. This article summarizes the laboratory methods available for the detection of gastrointestinal colonization of VRE of hospitalized patients as part of an active surveillance program.
Extremes of body mass index do not impact mid-term survival after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation

Background Extremes of body mass index (BMI) are often considered contraindications to use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), but data regarding outcomes across the spectrum of BMI are limited. We sought to assess the association of BMI with survival and major morbidity after continuous-flow (CF) LVAD implantation. Methods Patients ( n = 896) enrolled in the HeartMate II LVAD bridge-to-transplantation and destination therapy trials were divided into 4 BMI groups: underweight ( 2 ); normal (18.5 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI 2 ); obese (30 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI 2 ); and extremely obese (≥35 kg/m 2 ). The association of BMI with survival was tested using Kaplan–Meier analysis and proportional hazards regression. Major adverse events were compared using Poisson's regression and chi-square tests. Results At implantation, 48 (5%) patients were underweight, 596 (67%) normal weight, 164 (18%) obese and 88 (10%) extremely obese. BMI extremes were associated with differences in creatinine, albumin, age, central venous pressure and etiology. BMI was not associated with survival in the univariate analysis ( p = 0.83) or in adjusted models (extremely obese: hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, p = 0.231; obese: HR 0.94, p = 0.723; underweight: HR 1.23, p = 0.452). Underweight patients were more likely to have bleeding events ( p p = 0.041) and rehospitalization ( p = 0.014). Conclusions Overall survival in patients receiving CF LVAD is similar across BMI categories. Carefully selected patients at both extremes of BMI have good mid-term survival after LVAD and should be considered for LVAD implantation relative to overall risk profile.
Enhancing ESL education in India with a reading tutor that listens

We report results of a 2 1/2-month pilot study of Project Listen's PC-based Reading Tutor program for enhancing English education in India. Our focus was on low-income elementary school students, a population that has little or no exposure to English outside of school. The students showed measurable improvement on quantitative tests of reading fluency while using the tutor. Post-pilot interviews explored the students' experience of the reading tutor. Further, a survey of educational programs gives a picture of the wide range of institutions providing training in English in and around Bangalore to low-income populations. Each has associated infrastructure, personnel, and curricular constraints that would be faced by interventions like the reading tutor, even if it can be shown to be effective. The perceived advantages of literacy software and associated measures of success also vary by program.
Global Multi-armed Bandits with Holder Continuity

Standard Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) problems assume that the arms are independent. However, in many application scenarios, the information obtained by playing an arm provides information about the remainder of the arms. Hence, in such applications, this informativeness can and should be exploited to enable faster convergence to the optimal solution. In this paper, formalize a new class of multi-armed bandit methods, Global Multi-armed Bandit (GMAB), in which arms are globally informative through a global parameter, i.e., choosing an arm reveals information about all the arms. We propose a greedy policy for the GMAB which always selects the arm with the highest estimated expected reward, and prove that it achieves bounded parameter-dependent regret. Hence, this policy selects suboptimal arms only nitely many times, and after a nite number of initial time steps, the optimal arm is selected in all of the remaining time steps with probability one. In addition, we also study how the informativeness of the arms about each other’s rewards aects the speed of learning. Specically, we prove that the parameter-free (worst-case) regret is sublinear in time, and decreases with the informativeness of the arms. We also prove a sublinear in time Bayesian risk bound for the GMAB which reduces to the well-known Bayesian risk bound for linearly parameterized bandits when the arms are fully informative. GMABs have applications ranging from drug dosage control to dynamic pricing.
A Tradeoff between Energy and Bandwidth Efficiency in Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study the bandwidth efficiency and energy efficiency of wireless ad hoc networks in which the energy supply of nodes and bandwidth are the primary resource constraints. For bandwidth efficiency, we consider the total number of channel uses between source and destination node. Also, energy consumption of the receiver in order to process each coded bit is considered as well as the wasted energy of a nonideal amplifier in the transmitter. With the location of relaying nodes, we investigate the impact on bandwidth efficiency and energy efficiency for both common rate and common power Schemes. All nodes in a network operate in half-duplex mode, hence more channel uses are required in a multihop transmission. This leads to a loss in bandwidth efficiency but a potential gain in energy efficiency because each node can save its transmitting power. We investigate this tradeoff between energy efficiency and bandwidth efficiency of the network similar in nature to that found by Shannon for a single link. We also develop performance characterizations in terms of transport efficiency, which combines bandwidth efficiency and energy efficiency into a single metric. It is shown that equidistant relaying cases perform better than non-equidistant relaying cases for either common rate or common power schemes. For non-equidistant relaying cases, it is also shown that common power schemes achieve a higher bandwidth efficiency than do common rate schemes, whereas energy efficiency depends on the received signal-to-noise ratio at the destination node.
Cyclic CO2 Release and Water Loss in the Western Drywood Termite (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Abstract CO2 release and water loss patterns of Incisitermes minor (Hagen) pseudergates were investigated using flow-through respirometry techniques. Four hours of real-time CO2 release and water loss data were recorded for pseudergates of I. minor at 20–40°C. Cyclic release, but not traditional DGC, was the CO2 release pattern observed in these pseudergates. Variability of V˙co2 expressed as coefficient of variability (CV) was used to estimate the level of cycling in each recording. CV decreased exponentially with temperature. Mean V˙co2 values ranged from 0.24 ± 0.07 ml CO2 g−1 h−1 at 25°C to 0.89 ± 0.16 ml CO2 g−1 h−1 at 35°C. V˙co2 increased significantly (P = 0.014) with temperature, but was not influenced (P = 0.063) by body mass. Q10 for V˙co2 over the range of 20–40°C was 1.75 for I. minor pseudergates. Water loss cycled coincidently with CO2 release. Water loss rates ranged from 5.22 ± 1.97 mg H2O lost g−1 h−1 at 20°C to 17.96 ± 2.55 mg H2O lost g−1 h−1 at 40°C. Q10 for water loss over the range ...
Shoulder arthroplasty for post-traumatic osteonecrosis of the humeral head.

Background Osteonecrosis (ON) of the humeral head is a known complication of proximal humeral trauma. Prosthetic replacement may be the last option to treat the associated pain. Depending on the condition of the glenoid, hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can be considered. To date, the peer reviewed literature offers limited direction on the better treatment for this population. Methods Between 1973 and 2010, 93 arthroplasties were performed for post-traumatic ON of the humeral head after conservative treatments failed. Of these, 37 HAs and 46 TSAs were monitored for a minimum of 2 years (mean, 8.9 years) or until reoperation. Results The HA and TSA groups showed improvements in pain ( P P P P = .001). TSA led to better satisfaction (70% vs 56%) and more excellent/satisfactory Neer ratings (57% vs 41%) compared with HA. Nine HA patients and 5 TSA patients underwent reoperation. The most common causes for reoperation were painful glenoid arthrosis (n = 8) in HA and rotator cuff failure (n = 4) in TSA. The estimated 15-year survivorship was 79.5% for HA and 83% for TSA. Discussion In patients with post-traumatic ON of the humeral head, shoulder arthroplasty provides improvements in range of motion. However, TSA provides superior pain relief, with better patient-reported satisfaction. TSA should be strongly considered in patients with post-traumatic ON of the humeral head with damage to the glenoid cartilage.
A novel Shape Constrained Feature-based Active Contour model for lips/mouth segmentation in the wild

In this paper, we propose a novel joint formulation of feature-based active contour (FAC) and prior shape constraints (CS) for lips/mouth segmentation in the wild. Our proposed SC-FAC model is able to robustly segment the lips/mouth that belongs to a given mouth shape space while minimizing the energy functional. The shape space is defined by a 2D Modified Active Shape Model (MASM) whereas the active contour model is based on the Chan-Vese functional. Our SC-FAC energy functional is able to overcome the drawback of noise while minimizing the fitting forces under the shape constraints. We conducted our experiments on images captured under challenging conditions such as varying illumination, low contrast, facial expression, low resolution, blurring, wearing beard/moustache and cosmetic affection from the MBGC, VidTIMIT, JAFFE, and LFW databases. The results from our studies indicate that the proposed SC-FAC model is reliable and accurately perform prior shape weak object segmentation. The average performance of the mouth segmentation using proposed SC-FAC on 1918 images from the MBGC database under different illuminations, expressions, and complex background reaches to a Precision of 91.30%, a Recall of 91.32% and an F-measure of 90.62%. HighlightsPropose a novel joint formulation of contour and shape for lips segmentation.Robustly segment lips under challenging environment and complex background.The energy functional is composed of 5 terms based on the Chan-Vese functional.The shape space is defined by a 2D.Experiments are conducted from the MBGC, VidTIMIT, JAFFE, and LFW databases.
Mast cell activation disease and the modern epidemic of chronic inflammatory disease.

A large and growing portion of the human population, especially in developed countries, suffers 1 or more chronic, often quite burdensome ailments which either are overtly inflammatory in nature or are suspected to be of inflammatory origin, but for which investigations to date have failed to identify specific causes, let alone unifying mechanisms underlying the multiple such ailments that often afflict such patients. Relatively recently described as a non-neoplastic cousin of the rare hematologic disease mastocytosis, mast cell (MC) activation syndrome—suspected to be of greatly heterogeneous, complex acquired clonality in many cases—is a potential underlying/unifying explanation for a diverse assortment of inflammatory ailments. A brief review of MC biology and how aberrant primary MC activation might lead to such a vast range of illness is presented.
Posttraumatic Growth and Sexual Violence: A Literature Review

ABSTRACTPosttraumatic growth (PTG) is the positive psychological growth that a person might experience after enduring a traumatic event. PTG is a relatively new area of research identified by researchers because it represents a shift in thinking. Rather than focusing on the negative consequences of trauma, it explores the potential for positive outcomes associated with trauma. Although PTG is well documented across different types of traumas, it is unclear how this kind of growth stems from sexual violence, specifically. This review provides an overview of the literature concerning PTG that is associated with sexual violence. Results across the literature indicate that sexual violence is consistently associated with PTG. However, given the inconsistency in research designs, assessment, and operational definitions used to study PTG, many researchers suggest that it might be difficult to determine how and when PTG occurs. This study provides a literature review of the research on PTG in the aftermath of sex...
Sampling techniques population dispersion and sampling plans for leafhoppers homoptera cicadellidae in bermudagrass

Five techniques were evaluated for sampling efficiency for leafhopper nymphs and adults in bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.). The D-Vac insect collector was selected as the best sampling technique because it provided greater density estimates of nymphs and adults with less relative variation (SEM/$\bar x$) (100) than sweep-net, drop trap, pan-shake, and cut-and-bag techniques. Iwao's regression method and Taylor's power law were used to describe the dispersion patterns of adults of Carneocephala flaviceps (Riley), Endria inimica (Say), Exitianus exitiosus (Uhler), Graminella nigrifrons (Forbes), Graminella sonora (Ball), Planicephalus flavocostatus (Van Duzee), polyamia weedi (Van Duzee), Psammotettix lividellus (Zetterstedt), Stirellus bicolor (Van Duzee), and total adults. Dispersion patterns of nymphs of C. flavicceps, E. inimica, E. exitiosus, Graminella spp. plus P. lividellus , P. weedi , and total nymphs also were quantified. Both dispersion analyses found that nymph and adult populations of all leafhopper taxa were aggregated. The results of Taylor's analysis were used to calculate the minimal mean density that can be estimated for a given sample size and precision level for each leafhopper taxon. The uses of these data in selecting an optimal sample size for a fixed-sample-size program are discussed.
Dislocation Dynamics During the Czochralski Growth of Silicon

The thermal stresses induced by temperature variations that exist during steady-state Czochralski growth produce plastic deformations in the crystal by dislocation motion and generation. The temperature variations in the crystal are calculated numerically by the finite element method (FEM). Employing the Haasen-Sumino viscoplastic response function for silicon and the calculated temperature profile, the thermal stresses, the dislocation densities, and the residual stresses in the crystal are also calculated. Only low dislocation densities are of interest and hence the associated viscoplastic deformations are found to be small. The assumption is made that there is a very low dislocation density along the solid-melt interface. The Haasen-Sumino material model is modified to include a back-stress to account for the locking effects due to the impurity concentration in the crystal. This analysis provides guidance for growing large diameter crystal of materials with known constitutive relations which have a low dislocation density and low thermal stresses.
Partitioning of Respiration in an Animal-Algal Symbiosis: Implications for Different Aerobic Capacity between Symbiodinium spp.

Cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbioses are ecologically important and the subject of much investigation. However, our understanding of critical aspects of symbiosis physiology, such as the partitioning of total respiration between the host and symbiont, remains incomplete. Specifically, we know little about how the relationship between host and symbiont respiration varies between different holobionts (host-symbiont combinations). We applied molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate aerobic respiratory capacity in naturally symbiotic Exaiptasia pallida sea anemones, alongside animals infected with either homologous ITS2-type A4 Symbiodinium or a heterologous isolate of Symbiodinium minutum (ITS2-type B1). In naturally symbiotic anemones, host, symbiont, and total holobiont mitochondrial citrate synthase (CS) enzyme activity, but not host mitochondrial copy number, were reliable predictors of holobiont respiration. There was a positive association between symbiont density and host CS specific activity (mg protein-1), and a negative correlation between host- and symbiont CS specific activities. Notably, partitioning of total CS activity between host and symbiont in this natural E. pallida population was significantly different to the host/symbiont biomass ratio. In re-infected anemones, we found significant between-holobiont differences in the CS specific activity of the algal symbionts. Furthermore, the relationship between the partitioning of total CS activity and the host/symbiont biomass ratio differed between holobionts. These data have broad implications for our understanding of cnidarian-algal symbiosis. Specifically, the long-held assumption of equivalency between symbiont/host biomass and respiration ratios can result in significant overestimation of symbiont respiration and potentially erroneous conclusions regarding the percentage of carbon translocated to the host. The interspecific variability in symbiont aerobic capacity provides further evidence for distinct physiological differences that should be accounted for when studying diverse host-symbiont combinations.
Relationship of unhealthy lifestyle and subhealth

This paper describes the subhealth and unhealthy lifestyle and result in "lifestyle disease".Leading to several subhealthy lifestyle,channels were explained,and the reasons was summed up.Summing up the principles and subhealth prevention and treatment concrete measures,paying attention to the health and subhealth population,focusing on prevention,building a healthy lifestyle in order to ensure population health efforts.
Toxicity of tubule fluid iron in the nephrotic syndrome.

This study was carried out in rats with nephrotoxic serum nephritis after autologous phase proteinuria was well established to determine the effect of tubule fluid iron chelation on the course of this disease. Deferoxamine administration caused a reduction in urinary iron potentially capable of catalyzing hydroxyl radical (.OH) formation and kidney iron uptake (224 +/- 60 vs. 398 +/- 152 mg/kg). This was associated with a decrease rate of progression of renal failure over the 21-day study period (creatinine clearance -0. 199 +/- 0.152 vs. -0.509 +/- 0.336 ml/min, P < 0.05) and improved survival (8/8 vs. 4/8, P < 0.05). In addition deferoxamine caused a reduction in urinary transferrin excretion (32 +/- 15 vs. 74 +/- 16 mg/day) and fractional excretion of transferrin (2.01 +/- 1 vs. 5.9 +/- 3.7%) and an increase in serum transferrin levels (229 +/- 36 vs. 139 +/- 45 mg/dl, all P < 0.05). It is suggested that iron presented to the tubule fluid as a result of the glomerular leak for transferrin is dissociate...
Comparison of single-dose diethylcarbamazine and ivermectin for treatment of bancroftian filariasis in Papua New Guinea.

This double-blind study compared the clinical safety and parasitologic efficacy of single-dose regimens of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and ivermectin for treatment of bancroftian filariasis in Papua New Guinea. Five groups of 10 men each with mean levels of parasitemia ranging from 2,985 to 5,185 microfilariae (mf)/ml were given DEC (6 mg/kg of body weight one time or 1 mg/kg, then 6 mg/kg four days later) or ivermectin (220 micrograms/kg; 20 micrograms/kg, then 200 micrograms/kg four days later or 20 micrograms/kg, then 400 micrograms/kg four days later). No significant side effects (e.g., acute adenolymphangitis, fever lasting more than eight hours, hypotension) were observed in any of the five treatment groups. The magnitude of reduction in microfilaremia was greater (P < 0.01) for the three ivermectin groups versus the two DEC groups in the first 30 days after drug administration (mf levels < 1% of pretreatment values versus 22.6-41.5%, respectively). At 90 and 180 days, mf levels continued to decrease in the DEC groups whereas they increased in the ivermectin groups given a total dose of 220 micrograms/kg. Eighteen months after drug administration, individuals given DEC or 420 micrograms/kg of ivermectin had the greatest degree of reduction in microfilaremia (86-90% compared with the pretreatment values). Decreases in parasite antigenemia measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for a secreted 200-kD adult worm antigen were greatest for the single-dose DEC group (39.7% decrease relative to the pretreatment level versus 7.8-15.7% for the ivermectin groups). These results indicate that single-dose DEC and ivermectin are well-tolerated by Wuchereria bancrofti-infected individuals with high levels of microfilaremia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Current research findings on childhood autism.

ObjectiveTo review the main areas of current research findings regarding the core deficits in autism and the implications of these findings for the practicing clinician.MethodBehavioural, cognitive...
The Value of Online Customer Reviews

We study the effect of the volume of consumer reviews on the purchase likelihood (conversion rate) of users browsing a product page. We propose using the exponential learning curve model to study how conversion rates change with the number of reviews. We call the difference in conversion rate between having no reviews and an infinite number the value of reviews. We find that, on average, the conversion rate of a product can increase by as much as 270% as it accumulates reviews, amongst the users that choose to display them. We also find diminishing marginal value as a product accumulates reviews, with the first five reviews driving the bulk of the aforementioned increase. To address the problem of simultaneity of increase of reviews and conversion rate, we use customer sessions in which reviews were not displayed as a control for trends that would have happened regardless of the increase in the review volume. Using our framework, we further find that high priced items have a higher value for reviews than lower priced items. High priced items can see their conversion rate increase by as much as 380% as they accumulate reviews compared to 190% for low priced items.We infer that the existence of reviews provides valuable signals to the customers, increasing their propensity to purchase. We also infer that users usually don't pay attention to the entire set of reviews, especially if there are a lot of them, but instead they focus on the first few available. Our approach can be extended and applied in a variety of settings to gain further insights.
On computational complexity of the multilevel fast multipole algorithm in various dimensions

This paper reports a concise complexity analysis for the multilevel fast multipole algorithm. The algorithm can solve a plethora of problems governed by different kinds of physics, and therefore the analysis is done for surface and volume problems in two and three dimensions for the sake of generality.
Intermolecular Dynamics of Organotin Compounds from Mossbauer and Raman Spectroscopy

The correlation between chemical structure and the lattice dynamical behavior of the constituent atoms of a solid is of primary importance since those are two complementary aspects of bonding in solids. However, relatively little data in this area are available from classical experimental techniques. Ellipsoids of vibration deduced from the thermal scattering factors in x-ray diffraction studies have provided the bulk of the information available on the anisotropy of atomic motion in single crystalline materials. In recent years, Mossbauer effect spectroscopy — in particular the temperature dependence of the recoil-free fraction and the Gol’danskii-Karyagin asymmetry — has made available additional precision data on the details of the dynamical behavior of atoms in a condensed matrix.1,2 One of the limitations of this technique is that the effective lattice temperature and the mass of the vibrating entity in the lattice are reflected in the single experimental quantities (e.g.: the temperature dependence of the recoil-free fraction or the second order Doppler shift) deduced from the data and can, in general, not be independently determined from Mossbauer measurements alone.
Use of Nanoparticles to Optimize Short Pulse Laser Based Biomedical Applications

Intravenous administration of spherical gold-nanoparticles, which accumulate in tumors due to the leakiness of tumor vasculature, enhances the resolution of laser-based cancer detection system by increasing the contrast between surrounding normal tissue and tumors. The goal of this research is to demonstrate that gold nanoparticles tuned to the wavelength of the laser can enhance the sensitivity, resolution and precision of short-pulse laser-based cancer detection and therapeutic systems.
A Comparison of Various Optical Sectioning Methods: The Scanning Slit Confocal Microscope

The term “Confocal Microscopy” has been applied primarily to instruments using circular field stops, e.g. single pinholes or arrays of pinholes in the illumination and imaging systems. Other aperture shapes can of course be utilized, and the slit is an attractive alternative. In a number of circumstances the slit aperture confocal system can have advantages over circular aperture systems.
Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation (ROHHAD)

ROHHAD syndrome (rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation) is a rare pediatric disorder that is characterized by rapid weight in addition to hypoventilation and hypothalamic and autonomic dysfunction. A definite underlying etiology is not known but genetic and autoimmune/paraneoplastic mechanisms have been postulated. Obesity and respiratory and autonomic dysfunctions are commonly seen in the pediatric population, and due to the rarity of ROHHAD syndrome, the diagnosis can be easily missed. A multisystem presentation including autonomic dysfunction in a child with rapid weight gain should raise the suspicion for ROHHAD syndrome.
Developmental Changes in Reading and Reading Disabilities

Reading is one of the most complex cognitive activities that most of us engage in on a regular basis. It requires a host of sensory, perceptual, and linguistic abilities, and it takes many years to fully master. Even among educated adults, there is considerable variability in reading skill (Jackson & McCelland, 1979). In an attempt to understand complex cognitive processes, psychologists have often developed models in which these processes are conceptualized in terms of their component skills (e.g., Badderly, 1986). In the case of reading, Gough and Tunmer (1986) proposed the Simple View of Reading. According to this view, reading comprehension is the product of two basic components: word recognition and linguistic comprehension. Over the last 15 years, considerable evidence has emerged in support of the Simple View of Reading (Aaron, Joshi, & Williams, 1999; Catts, Hogan, & Fey, 2003; Hoover & Gough, 1990). Although this work has documented the important roles of word recognition and linguistic comprehension in reading, little data are available on how these roles change over time. In this chapter, we present the results of a longitudinal investigation that demonstrates the developmental changes in the component processes of reading, and we discuss the implications of these changes for the identification and remediation of children with reading disabilities.
Effects of composition and transportation logistics on environmental, energy and cost metrics for the production of alternative cementitious binders

Abstract The production of cement, the primary ingredient in concrete, is responsible for 5–10% of anthropogenic GHG emissions. Numerous studies have investigated ordinary portland cement (OPC) alternatives with the goal of reducing GHG emissions. This life cycle assessment (LCA) adds transportation as a focus of the assessment, in addition to the process steps from cradle to the gate of finished cementitious product. GHG emissions and cost are assessed for five cement types with comparable performance (1) OPC; (2) blended OPC with slag (SC); (3) blended OPC with fly ash (FAC); (4) metakaolin-based geopolymer (MKG); and (5) high volume limestone alkali-activated slag cements (HLAASCs). Transportation logistics are known to be critical for the cement industry, and this holds true for alternative cements. The influence of feedstock source location and transport mode within the supply chain significantly affect both environmental impacts (up to 80% of GHG emissions) and production cost (up to 65%), and should thus be a major consideration. All OPC alternatives reduce GHG emissions, even at the least beneficial points of their ranges. HLAASC reduces GHG emissions and energy consumption in all cases studied, by up to 95% and 83%. SC and FAC have comparable reductions in GHG emissions and energy, and their ranges overlap. MKG reduces GHG emissions but not energy input for the cases studied, however the energy demand may be closer to the other binders studied where the mineral is available and from low grade sources.
Polymer Nanosheet Containing Star-Like Copolymers: A Novel Scalable Controlled Release System

Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)-based nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, have exhibited great potential as controlled release systems, but the difficulties in large-scale fabrication limit their practical applications. Among the various methods being developed to fabricate polymer nanosheets (PNSs) for different applications, such as Langmuir-Blodgett technique and layer-by-layer assembly, are very effort consuming, and only a few PNSs can be obtained. In this paper, poly(e-caprolactone)-based PNSs with adjustable thickness are obtained in large quantity by simple water exposure of multilayer polymer films, which are fabricated via a layer multiplying coextrusion method. The PNS is also demonstrated as a novel controlled guest release system, in which release kinetics are adjustable by the nanosheet thickness, pH values of the media, and the presence of protecting layers. Theoretical simulations, including Korsmeyer-Peppas model and Finite-element analysis, are also employed to discern the observed guest-release mechanisms.
Fatigue: A Common Comorbidity in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurobehavioral disorder defined clinically by its motor features. Pathologically, it is defined by the loss of pigmented neurons in the brain stem, coupled with the presence of Lewy bodies in those degenerating centers. However, advances in histology have led to the recognition of pathological changes in regions far more widespread than recognized even a decade ago, and there is every reason to believe that more surprises are in store in the near future. The correlations between pathology and clinical phenomena have yet to be made for most brain regions, leaving our understanding of the mechanisms of the clinical features of the disease incomplete. The behavioral and nonmotor aspects of PD are particularly difficult to understand because of the major overlap among problems due to neuronal degeneration, psychological responses to progressive disability, iatrogenic complications, and the secondary effects of primary disorders, such as excessive daytime somnolence due to sleep disorder.
The CSBG - LSU Gateway: Web based Hosted Gateway for Computational System Biology Application Tools from Louisiana State University

Science gateways are identified as an effective way to publish and distribute software for research communities without the burden of learning HPC (High Performance Computer) systems. In the past, researchers were expected to have in-depth knowledge about using HPC systems for computations along with their respective science field in order to do effective research. Science gateways eliminate the need to learn HPC systems and allows the research communities to focus more on their science and let the gateway handle communicating with HPCs. In this poster we are presenting the science gateway project of CSBG (Computational System Biology Group - www.brylinski.org) of Department of Biological Sciences with Center for Computation & Technology at LSU (Louisiana State University). The gateway project was initiated in order to provide CSBG software tools as a service through a science gateway.
Vaccination in the context of immunological immaturity

Neonates, infants, and young children are at higher risk of infection and are more susceptible to serious consequences of infections than adults.This susceptibility results from limitations of both innate and adaptive (antigenspecific) immunity. All major lineages of hematopoietic cells that are part of the immune system are present in the human by the beginning of the second trimester, but their state of differentiation and their functional capacity may limit the immune response. In this chapter, we review general information about phenotypic and functional studies of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), T cells and B cells in the human neonate, infant, and young child, including responses to specific infectious agents and vaccines. To illustrate recent insights into the acquisition of antigen-specific immunity in the context of the developing immune system after the neonatal period, we summarize our recent investigations of immune responses in infants and young children with post-natally acquired human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and infants given live attenuated measles vaccine at six, nine or twelve months of age.
Crime, Neighborhoods, and Units of Analysis: Putting Space in Its Place

Research has long established that crime is not randomly distributed, and spatial regression models of crime have clearly demonstrated that crime patterns cannot be explained merely by the socio-economic characteristics of a particular place. These findings are a reminder that “space matters” and that neighborhoods are not analytically independent units. Modeling the clustering of crime through spatial regression requires two important decisions. First, one must choose a unit of analysis that is consistent with the social processes believed to be driving the observed patterns. Second, one must consider the relationships among these units such that the model captures the influence the activities in other areas have on outcomes in the neighborhood. Within criminology, this second feature has been given insufficient consideration. Instead, the connectedness of spatial units has been taken as given and modeled solely through adjacency or a distance decay function. This chapter critiques such inductive approaches used to model and explain the spatial distribution of crime. Drawing upon the modeling of network autocorrelation within the social influence literature, we describe a deductive approach wherein specific social processes are posited, measured and modeled a priori. An empirical example using gang violence demonstrates this deductive approach and we find that the spatial distribution of violence is influenced by neighbors defined by the socio-spatial dimensions of gang rivalries rather than simply by geographically contiguous neighbors. We emphasize that a complete discussion of the appropriate unit of analysis must also consider the spatial dimensions of the social phenomena thought to be responsible for the spatial patterning.
A Strategic Model for INGO Accountability Systems

i Acknowledgements ii List of Tables vi List of Figures vii List of Acronyms viii Forward ix Chapter 1. Background and Topic Defense 1 Chapter 2. The Rise of the Accountability Debate 13 Part 1. The Debate on INGOs 13 Part 2. Getting Concepts and Definitions Straight 20 International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) 21 Accountability in General 25 Stakeholders and Beneficiaries 29 Chapter 3. Defining Accountability to Beneficiaries 33 Who is Accountable 34 Accountability Compass 41 Locating Accountability to Beneficiaries within INGO Activities 49 Accountable to whom? 54 Accountable for what 60 Accountable How? 63 Accountable How: Tools 65 Accountable How: Processes 77 Chapter 4. Internal/Staff-Based Assessment Tools 88 Balanced Scorecards and Internal Strategic Management Tools 90 Building the Mercy Corps Accountability System 94 Background to the Mercy Corps Survey 95 Methodology 100 Survey Analysis: Accountability Barriers 104 Accountable to whom? Which beneficiaries are we targeting? 109 Accountable how? Sharing Information with Beneficiaries 112 Accountable for what? Participation 114 Accountable How? 116
Changes in Tuberculosis Disparities at a Time of Decreasing Tuberculosis Incidence in the United States, 1994–2016

Objectives. To assess national progress in reducing disparities in rates of tuberculosis (TB) disease, which disproportionately affects minorities.Methods. We used Centers for Disease Control and P...