cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a whole blood assay for quantifying myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) have been found to play an important role in limiting immune responses in cancer. Higher circulating MDSC levels have been associated with greater tumor burden, poorer response to immunotherapy, and poorer survival. Optimal measurement of MDSC levels could provide clinicians with a useful prognostic and/or management tool. A whole blood (WB) nine color, 11 parameter flow cytometric assay was designed, utilizing fluorescently-labeled antibodies against CD45, CD3, CD19, CD20, CD56, CD16, HLA-DR, CD33, CD11b, CD14 and CD15, and BD Trucount beads for quantitation. Total MDSC were defined as CD45 + CD3−CD19−CD20−CD56−CD16−HLA-DR−CD33 + CD11b + cells, while the monocytic (M-MDSC) and polymorphonuclear subsets were defined as CD14+ or CD15+, respectively. A novel gating strategy was devised to eliminate granulocytes and improve consistency in gating. Several pre-analytical variables were found to significantly affect MDSC quantitation, including collection tube type and time elapsed between blood collection and testing. Total and M-MDSC levels were a mean of 63% and 73% greater, respectively, with K2EDTA compared to Na+heparin collection tubes (N = 5). In addition, time elapsed at room temperature prior to cell labeling affected MDSC quantitation; by 24 h after blood collection, total and M-MDSC levels were a mean of 26% and 57% lower compared to testing as soon as possible after collection (N = 6). Refrigeration of samples at 4 °C ameliorated time-dependent effects at both 4 and 8 h, but not 24 h after blood collection. To establish normal ranges for this assay, MDSC levels were quantified in 67 healthy subjects (30 male, 37 female) ages 20–93. No significant differences in total or M-MDSC levels were detected for ages ≤60 compared to > 60 (p = 0.5 and p = 0.8, respectively). Finally, assay results demonstrated significantly higher MDSC levels among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (N = 55) compared to age-matched healthy controls (N = 27) for total and M-MDSC (p = 0.006 and 0.004, respectively). MDSC are a heterogenous group of cells, and their quantitation in WB can be affected by a number of pre-analytical variables. Consideration of these factors, and measurement using a material type that has not been manipulated, such as whole blood, is likely to yield the most accurate results.
Eicosanoids and Allograft Rejection

The relationship of fatty acids to immunity is of considerable interest (Meade and Mertin, 1978). Their role is now believed to be mediated by their oxidation products, specifically, the eicosanoids. The metabolites of arachidonic acid and drugs that affect their metabolism have far-reaching implications in organ transplantation. One of the major problems in evaluating the role of these eicosanoids is their remarkably diverse effects on many biological systems. The diversity of action appears to be receptor mediated, and receptor classification awaits the synthesis of specific eicosanoid antagonists. Diametrically opposite properties of individual metabolites are apparent in other fields and are well recognized, as is the case with the steroids. Here we are concerned with eicosanoids that are immuno-suppressive and others that clearly promote organ rejection.
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease below the belt.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are rare diseases of the gastrointestinal tract caused by allergic inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Initially described in 1978, recognition of these disorders has greatly increased over the past several decades. Thus far, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has received the most focus, leading to significant advances in understanding of disease mechanisms, widely adopted guidelines for diagnosis and management, and ongoing clinical trials to provide expanded treatment options. EGIDs can affect other parts of the gastrointestinal tract and include eosinophilic gastritis (EG), eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), and eosinophilic colitis (EC), yet these diseases are barely understood compared with EoE. Much of the research to date is limited to case series or single-center experiences, and there are no well-established guidelines for diagnosis or management. In this article the current state of EGIDs will be reviewed.
Perspective: eliminating channel feedback in next generation cellular networks

The ever-increasing demand for data has forced cellular networks towards advanced multi-antenna (MIMO) techniques. However, advanced MIMO solutions such as massive MIMO, coordinated multi-point, distributed MIMO, and multi-user MIMO, all require the base station to know the downlink channels to the client. In the absence of this information, the base station cannot beamform its signal to its users. Therefore, base stations require user devices to perform the measurements and send the channels back to the basestation as feedback. This feedback generates significant overhead that scales linearly with the number of antennas, and is a bottleneck for next generation of cellular networks with large antenna deployments.
Are You Connected Through Consumption? The Role of Hashtags in Political Consumption:

The debate surrounding protesting National Football League (NFL) games began with player Colin Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the national anthem in response to increased police violence to...
Cell-Free Hemoglobin: A New Therapeutic Target in Sepsis?

Sepsis is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome that has defied all attempts to identify effective pharmacologic therapies. A growing body of evidence suggests that an elevated level of circulating cell-free hemoglobin is a feature of some, but not all patients with sepsis. Cell-free hemoglobin can cause tissue injury and organ dysfunction through a variety of injurious mechanisms including scavenging of nitric oxide, pro-inflammatory signaling, and oxidative injury. The kidney and lung appear to be particularly vulnerable to cell-free hemoglobin-mediated injury. A number of potential therapies to target cell-free hemoglobin in sepsis have been identified including haptoglobin, hemopexin, and acetaminophen. Early phase clinical trials suggest that acetaminophen may have beneficial effects on lipid peroxidation and kidney function in patients with sepsis. Measurement of cell-free hemoglobin levels at the bedside has the potential to facilitate predictive enrichment for future therapeutic trials of cell-free hemoglobin-targeted therapeutics in sepsis such that only patients with elevated cell-free hemoglobin who would be most likely to benefit would be enrolled. However, rapid, accurate bedside tests for plasma cell-free hemoglobin will need to be developed in order for such trials to move forward.
A Rab Escort Protein Regulates the MAPK Pathway That Controls Filamentous Growth in Yeast

MAPK pathways regulate different responses yet can share a subset of common components. In this study, a genome-wide screen was performed to identify genes that, when overexpressed, induce a growth reporter (FUS1-HIS3) that responds to ERK-type MAPK pathways (Mating/filamentous growth or fMAPK) but not p38-type MAPK pathways (HOG) in yeast. Approximately 4,500 plasmids overexpressing individual yeast genes were introduced into strains containing the FUS1-HIS3 reporter by high-throughput transformation. Candidate genes were identified by measuring the degree of growth, which was a reflection of reporter activity. Of fourteen genes identified and validated by re-testing, two were metabolic controls (HIS3 and ATR1), five had established roles in regulating ERK-type pathways (STE4, STE7, BMH1, BMH2, MIG2) and seven represent potentially new regulators of MAPK signaling (RRN6, CIN5, MRS6, KAR2, TFA1, RSC3, RGT2). MRS6 encodes a Rab escort protein and effector of the TOR pathway that plays an established role in nutrient signaling. MRS6 overexpression stimulated filamentous/invasive growth and phosphorylation of the ERK-type fMAPK, Kss1. Overexpression of MRS6 reduced the osmotolerance of cells and phosphorylation of the p38/HOG pathway MAPK, Hog1. Mrs6 interacted with the PAK kinase Ste20 and MAPKK Ste7 by two-hybrid analysis. Collectively, the data indicate that Mrs6 may function to selectively propagate an ERK-dependent signal. Generally speaking, the identification of new MAPK pathway regulators by genetic screening in yeast may be a useful resource for understanding signaling pathway regulation.
R-α-lipoic acid and 4-phenylbutyric acid have distinct hypolipidemic mechanisms in hepatic cells

The constitutive activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) leads to the overproduction of apoB-containing triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins in HepG2 cells. R-α-lipoic acid (LA) and 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) have hypolipidemic function but their mechanisms of action are not well understood. Here, we reported that LA and PBA regulate hepatocellular lipid metabolism via distinct mechanisms. The use of SQ22536, an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase, revealed cAMP's involvement in the upregulation of CPT1A expression by LA but not by PBA. LA decreased the secretion of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in the culture media of hepatic cells and increased the abundance of LDL receptor (LDLR) in cellular extracts in part through transcriptional upregulation. Although PBA induced LDLR gene expression, it did not translate into more LDLR proteins. PBA regulated cellular lipid homeostasis through the induction of CPT1A and INSIG2 expression via an epigenetic mechanism involving the acetylation of histone H3, histone H4, and CBP-p300 at the CPT1A and INSIG2 promoters.
Whoosh! Springy-bounce spider webs

![Graphic][1] Slingshot spiders certainly live up to their names. Weaving webs in the shape of a satellite dish with the middle caved in, the finishing touch is a single silk thread, running from the middle of the web to a nearby location to anchor the structure in place. This line – the
Operational Stress Control during a Pandemic: An Army National Guard Perspective on Lessons Learned during the Response to COVID-19

U.S. Army combat operational stress control doctrine and techniques are effective resources for military leaders preparing for prolonged operations in hostile environments. This doctrine provides a...
Do employers discriminate against obese employees? Evidence from individuals who are simultaneously self-employed and working for an employer.

Abstract We test whether the lower wages of obese employees result from employer discrimination using a novel empirical strategy. Using data from two nationally representative surveys from the US, we analyze the wages of individuals who are simultaneously self-employed and working for an employer. While lower productivity and customer discrimination against obese individuals may affect wages in both types of jobs, employer discrimination cannot affect the wages of solo entrepreneurs. Our estimates suggest that, even after controlling for productivity (proxied by their concurrent wage in self-employment), white women (men) who are obese earn 11.4% (9.7%) less than their healthy-weight counterparts in their paid employment jobs. We also find that white women (but not men) who are overweight earn 9.1% less than their healthy-weight counterparts. We do not find any evidence of significant bodyweight discrimination among black and Hispanic workers. These results suggest that white workers, especially white women, are likely to face bodyweight discrimination in their workplaces. We report the results for a series of robustness checks to rule out alternative explanations, such as reverse causality, differences in healthcare costs, and occupation-specific customer discrimination.
Exploring Determinants of Primary School Completion in Sub-Saharan Africa

Many countries around the world did not achieve the Universal Primary Education (UPE) by 2015. The same target is now part of Sustainable Development Goals and commits to ensure all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education by 2030. Although Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole lagged behind some countries have achieved the target by 2015. Using secondary data, I assessed why some countries achieved universal completion rates compared to others by focusing on 5 factors: GDP per capita, expenditure in education, pupil-teacher ratio, democracy, and level of conflicts. The analysis indicates that pupil-teacher ratio explains most of the variation in primary school completion rates among Sub-Saharan African countries, followed by level of conflicts. GDP per capita, expenditure on education, and democracy individually explain the variations but they do not have a statistically significant effect after controlling for the other variables. The high pupil-teacher ratio in Sub-Saharan African could be attributed to the fact that most countries only implemented policies that removed barriers of access to primary schooling with less emphasis on retention. Due to missing data I limited the analysis to 2013 primary school completion rates.
A 24-Channel Digitizer and Digital Serial Interface ASIC for High-Speed Detector Instrumentation

A 24-channel application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) intended for the readout of high-speed particle detectors is presented. The chip comprises 24 preamplifiers, 24 12-bit, 25 MS/s Pipelined Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) with self-calibration, an internal PLL, and a 3 Gbps serial interface that conforms to the JESD204B standard. To simplify interfacing with a variety of sensors, the ASIC also includes an automatic offset calibration loop. The high-level of integration of the ASIC reduces overall system cost and area, and exploiting the signal characteristics of the typical sensors allows the ADC to be optimized for reduced power dissipation. The use of an integrated serializer and an industry standard protocol simplifies integration of the ASIC into a complete detector system. An ASIC illustrating the concept, called the High-Speed Image Preprocessor Targeted for Electron Readout, or HIPSTER, with a die area of 64.26 mm2, is packaged in a 480-ball BGA, and is fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS technology. HIPSTER includes a front end matched to the sensor and achieves typical DNL < 0.55 LSB, input-referred thermal noise of 114.5 µV-rms, and a BER of better than 10−14. The power dissipation is 98 mW / channel.
Architectural constructs of Ampex DST

The DST 800 automated library is a high performance, automated tape storage system, developed by AMPEX, providing mass storage to host systems. Physical Volume Manager (PVM) is a volume server which supports either a DST 800, DST 600 stand alone tape drive, or a combination of DST 800 and DST 600 subsystems. The objective of the PVM is to provide the foundation support to allow automated and operator assisted access to the DST cartridges with continuous operation. A second objective is to create a data base about the media, its location, and its usage so that the quality and utilization of the media on which specific data is recorded and the performance of the storage system may be managed. The DST tape drive architecture and media provides several unique functions that enhance the ability to achieve high media space utilization and fast access. Access times are enhanced through the implementation of multiple areas (called system zones) on the media where the media may be unloaded. This reduces positioning time in loading and unloading the cartridge. Access times are also reduced through high speed positioning in excess of 800 megabytes per second. A DST cartridge can be partitioned into fixed size units which can be reclaimed for rewriting without invalidating other recorded data on the tape cartridge. Most tape management systems achieve space reclamation by deleting an entire tape volume, then allowing users to request a 'scratch tape' or 'nonspecific' volume when they wish to record data to tape. Physical cartridge sizes of 25, 75, or 165 gigabytes will make this existing process inefficient or unusable. The DST cartridge partitioning capability provides an efficient mechanism for addressing the tape space utilization problem.
Retrotransposition and Human Disorders

Retrotransposition is a ‘copy-and-paste’ mechanism whereby a retrotransposable element is copied from one genomic location and inserted into another genomic location, using a ribonucleic acid intermediate. Keywords: retrotransposons; L1 elements; Alu elements; insertional mutagenesis; unequal homologous recombination
A comparison of different methods for measuring renal function during pregnancy

Abstract During recent years numerous tests of kidney function have been developed. In general, each of these tests belongs to one of three types: (1) a measure of the ability of the kidneys to concentrate and dilute urine, (2) a test of the efficiency of excretion of catabolic waste products, and (3) a measure of the elimination by the kidneys of a foreign substance introduced into the body. The value of tests representative of each of these types in different clinical states has recently been discussed by one of us. 1 The purpose of this communication is to report the results of a study of the comparative value of three different tests of renal efficiency during pregnancy.
Antiferromagnetic Ordering and Crystal Field Behavior of Ni Cl 2 4 H 2 O

Magnetic-susceptibility and heat-capacity measurements on single crystals of Ni${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$ \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} 4${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, which is isomorphic to Mn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$ \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} 4${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and Mn${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} 4${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, indicate an antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition at (2.99\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01) \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The large zero-field splitting of the ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ ion in this material results in an 11 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K doublet-singlet splitting of its ground state with the doublet lying lower. A molecular-field model has been used to obtain an exchange-parameter value of $\frac{\mathrm{zJ}}{k}=\ensuremath{-}5.25$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The effect of the crystal field anisotropy on the transition temperature has been interpreted and the results seem to indicate that the molecular-field theory gives a better approximation than do the Green's-function techniques.
Best Practices for the Authentication of Official Electronic Legal Material

Many state governments publish primary legal material online, potentially saving money, increasing efficiency, and expanding access to such material. However, the transition away from print raises many important questions about the management of electronic legal information, including issues related to the trustworthiness of the information as it moves from the content originator to the end user. In states publishing primary legal material online, it is critically important that state officials take steps to ensure that the electronic legal information they publish is unaltered and can be verified as authentic. Digital authentication solutions assure users that the material is trustworthy and has not been altered since dissemination by a trusted source. These best practices, which stem from analyses of other studies and discussions with countless experts in the field, are designed to help cut through the confusion related to the selection, implementation, and maintenance of a digital authentication solution for the electronic publication of official legal material. The authors created these best practices because they are in states on the leading edge of state government publication of official, authentic versions of primary legal material online, and they personally observed a need for this guidance. As such, they created these best practices primarily for use by those charged with implementing and investigating digital authentication solutions, but they may also benefit anyone interested in digital authentication.
High-resolution manometry findings in symptomatic post-Nissen fundoplication patients with normal endoscopic configuration

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate high-resolution manometry (HRM) findings in symptomatic post-fundoplication patients with normal endoscopic configuration. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted to identify patients who underwent evaluation with HRM and endoscopy for symptom evaluation after previous fundoplication. Study period extends from September 2008 to December 2012. Only patients with complete 360° fundoplication (Nissen) were included, and patients with partial fundoplication were excluded. Patients with endoscopic abnormality or patients who underwent Collis procedure were also excluded. Additionally, contrast study and 24-hour pH study if done were reviewed. Symptoms were graded using a standard questionnaire with symptoms graded on a scale of 0–3. Symptom grade 2 or 3 was considered a significant symptom. One hundred seventy-nine symptomatic patients with previous Nissen fundoplication underwent HRM and endoscopy during the study period. Of these, 136 patients were excluded (51 had recurrent hiatal hernia, 2 had disrupted fundoplication, 68 had slipped fundoplication, 10 had twisted fundoplication, 2 had esophageal stricture, and 3 had Collis procedure). Remaining forty-three patients met inclusion criteria (mean age of 56.0 ± 14.8, 32 females).The most common symptom was dysphagia (67%). Patients with dysphagia had a significantly longer length of distal esophageal high pressure zone (HPZ) and a higher integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) than patients without dysphagia (P = 0.020, 0.049). Especially, patients who had shorter HPZ (≤2 cm) were less likely to have significant dysphagia. Twenty-three patients (53%) had heartburn. There was no significant difference in HRM findings between patients with and without heartburn. Only 4 of 28 patients with concomitant pH study showed abnormal DeMeester score (>14.7), and there was no correlation between results of pH study and lower esophageal sphincter pressure/length and IRP. Longer HPZ complex length and higher IRP as measured with HRM is associated with post-Nissen fundoplication dysphagia in patients with normal endoscopic configuration. No HRM parameters are associated with reported heartburn or a positive pH score.
Dealing with uncertainty in environmental model predictions

There is a growing trend toward the use of complex, integrated models of environmental systems to support policy making in such diverse areas as human health and ecological risk assessments, safety analysis of nuclear waste repositories, and analysis of global climate change. Historically, modeling studies for such problems have been based on a deterministic framework, in which “point” estimates of specific parameters are combined to generate a single estimate of the outcome of interest. These analyses are typically carried out either with conservative—for example, “worst-case”— assumptions, or more realistic—for example, “best-guess”—estimates for the model parameters. In general, the actual likelihood of the resulting single-point deterministic model predictions cannot be quantified without additional information. However, it can be shown that a systematic use of conservative parameter values yields results that have a very small probability of occurrence due to the problem of “compounded conservatism.” Given that uncertainty is certain, the utility of deterministic model predictions is therefore likely to be diminished without some demonstration of the associated uncertainties.
Optimizing performance funding at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown University (KU) is one of 14 public universities that comprise the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Each fiscal year, the 14 state universities compete for funds based on their performance relative to 51 criteria defined by PASSHE. In this paper, we will discuss a mixed zero-one integer programming model that was developed by a team comprised of faculty and administrators at KU for the purpose of optimizing KU's performance funding allocation. Implementation of this model and its results will be highlighted.
The proteases, amylase and lipase of the pancreas and intestinal contents of germ-free and conventional rats.

1. Measurements were made of the proteases, amylase and lipase of the pancreas and of the corresponding intestinal, caecal and colonic contents of germ-free and conventional rats. 2. Little difference was found between the concentration of the enzymes in the germ-free and conventional rats. 3. The results indicate that intestinal bacteria had only a minor part in determining the fate of the pancreatic enzymes in the contents of the intestine, caecum and colon. 4. The enzyme concentrations decreased caudally. The proteases were the most stable, and the amylase was the least stable; the stability of lipase was intermediate between that of the proteases and amylase. 5. Evidence of bacterial activity in the caecal contents of conventional rats was seen in the greater percentage of protein nitrogen and in the lower percentage of the non-protein nitrogen
Preparation and characterization of highly porous, biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds for soft tissue applications

In the engineering of soft tissues, scaffolds with high elastance and strength coupled with controllable biodegradable properties are necessary. To fulfill such design criteria we have previously synthesized two kinds of biodegradable polyurethaneureas, namely poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) and poly(ether ester urethane)urea (PEEUU) from polycaprolactone, polycaprolactone-b-polyethylene glycol-b-polycaprolactone, 1,4-diisocyanatobutane and putrescine. PEUU and PEEUU were further fabricated into scaffolds by thermally induced phase separation using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. The effect of polymer solution concentration, quenching temperature and polymer type on pore morphology and porosity was investigated. Scaffolds were obtained with open and interconnected pores having sizes ranging from several mum to more than 150 microm and porosities of 80-97%. By changing the polymer solution concentration or quenching temperature, scaffolds with random or oriented tubular pores could be obtained. The PEUU scaffolds were flexible with breaking strains of 214% and higher, and tensile strengths of approximately 1.0 MPa, whereas the PEEUU scaffolds generally had lower strengths and breaking strains. Scaffold degradation in aqueous buffer was related to the porosity and polymer hydrophilicity. Smooth muscle cells were filtration seeded in the scaffolds and it was shown that both scaffolds supported cell adhesion and growth, with smooth muscle cells growing more extensively in the PEEUU scaffold. These biodegradable and flexible scaffolds demonstrate potential for future application as cell scaffolds in cardiovascular tissue engineering or other soft tissue applications.
Qualification of Procedures for Welding Onto In-Service Pipelines

When welding onto an in-service pipeline, to facilitate a repair or to install a branch connection using the “hot tapping” technique, two risks need to be considered. The first is the risk of burnthrough, where the welding arc causes the pipe wall to be penetrated allowing the contents to escape. The second is the risk of hydrogen cracking that arises from the fast cooling rates that tend to be produced by the ability of the flowing contents to remove heat from the pipe wall. To prevent hydrogen cracking, at least one of the three conditions necessary for its occurrence must be eliminated. Beyond the use of low-hydrogen electrodes to minimize hydrogen levels, it is prudent to develop and use procedures that minimize the formation of crack susceptible microstructures. This paper reviews existing methods for selecting parameters and qualifying procedures for welding onto in-service pipelines. HAZ hardness is an indicator of the susceptibility of a microstructure to cracking. A widely-used value below which it is generally agreed that hydrogen cracking is not expected is 350 HV. Unfortunately, there is no one hardness level above which the risk of hydrogen cracking becomes unacceptable. This paper also describes the development of a hardness evaluation criterion that can be used to quantify the trade-offs that can be made between HAZ hardness, hydrogen level, and chemical composition. Finally, the results of a recently-completed group-sponsored project, where procedures for welding onto in-service pipelines were developed over a wide range of conditions, are also reviewed. The results can be used to select an appropriate procedure that is resistant to hydrogen cracking for a particular application. The use of these results allows in-service welding to be carried out in a safe, cost-effective manner, allowing both economic and environmental benefits to be realized by avoiding pipeline shutdown and interruption of service.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A six-camera digital video imaging system sensitive to visible, red edge, near-infrared, and mid-infrared wavelengths

This paper describes a six-camera multispectral digital video imaging system designed for natural resource assessment and shows its potential as a research tool. It has five visible to near-infrared light sensitive cameras, one near-infrared to mid-infrared light sensitive camera, a monitor, a computer with a multichannel digitizing board, a keyboard, a power distributor, an amplifier, and a mouse. Each camera is fitted with a narrowband interference filter, allowing the system to obtain imagery in the blue (447 – 455 nm), green (555 – 565 nm), red (625 – 635 nm), red edge (704 – 716 nm), near-infrared (814–826 nm), and mid-infrared (1631 – 1676 nm) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Analogue video acquired by this system is converted to digital format. Radiometric resolution of the imagery is 8-bit (pixel values range 0 – 255). Images obtained by the system can be evaluated individually and/or in combination with each other to assess natural resources.
Clinicopathologic review of 88 cases of carcinoma metastatic to the pituitary gland

Clinical and pathologic features of 88 cases of carcinoma metastatic to the pituitary gland were reviewed. In 61 (69.3%), metastases were localized either in the posterior lobe alone or in the posterior and anterior lobes together; only 12 (13.6%) involved the anterior lobe alone. Diabetes insipidus was present in 6 patients (6.8%), one of whom also had clinical panhypopituitarism due to metastatic tumor and necrosis in the anterior pituitary lobe. Breast and lung were the most frequent primary sites in women and men, respectively. Sixty-four (72.7%) of these glands were grossly normal at necropsy. Metastases to the pituitary gland occur more frequently in the posterior lobe than in the anterior lobe, and my ve reflected clinically by diabetes insipidus in patients with diseminated carcinoma. Clinical panhypopituitarism is a rare accompaniment of anterior lobe involvement.
Oral satiation and regulation of intake

The satiating effect of maltose and glucose was tested following oral application. Results showed significant suppression of subsequent cereal intake for both. Based on this finding, oral satiation is proposed to be the first and perhaps the most important in a sequence of mechanisms for regulating nutrient intake. Sensory recognition based on chemical structure rather than special attributes such as calorie content is proposed as the basis for this mechanism. Lactose and sucrose, two other sugars important in human nutrition, may also function in a similar manner.
WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AND INJURIES AMONG OPERATING ENGINEERS : A REVIEW AND GUIDELINES FOR IMPROVEMENT

Abstract Among construction workers, operating engineers encounter job factors considerably different from those of their counterparts in other construction trades. While many professionals in the construction trades are faced with risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMD) such as heavy lifting, carrying, power tool use, and forceful repeated motions, operating engineers are confronted with more subtle stressors. The sustained and awkward postures they are required to maintain, the controls they are required to operate, and the vibrating environments in which they work are major risk factors for WMDs among operating engineers. This article reviews the current literature and recommendations for improvement. Considering symptom and disability prevalence rates along with biomechanical and physiological considerations, four primary recommendations to reduce WMDs are indicated. Equipment designs should minimize the magnitude and frequency of vibration reaching the operator. Placement of equ...
Endovascular repair for diverse pathologies of the thoracic aorta: an initial decade of experience.

Background Endovascular grafts have rapidly evolved as a minimally invasive treatment for a variety of acute and chronic disorders of the thoracic aorta. Application of this technology at a single center is reported. Study Design Between 1998 and 2007, 197 patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Primary indications included degenerative aneurysms (n = 121), type B aortic dissection (n = 44), mycotic aneurysms (n = 9), traumatic disruptions (n = 9), intramural hematoma (n = 5), pseudoaneurysm (n = 4), and miscellaneous pathology (n = 5). An analysis of patient demographics, periprocedural records, complications, reinterventions, and survival was conducted. Results Thirty-day mortality was 6%, which was lowest among patients undergoing treatment for a degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm (2.4%, 3 of 121). Major adverse events included stroke in 3%, spinal cord ischemia in 2%, peripheral vascular repair in 4.5%, renal failure in 4.5%, and open conversion in one patient (0.5%). Both preoperative serum creatinine (odds ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.04, p=0.039) and number of endograft components (odds ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.01, p=0.043) were predictors of major adverse events. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a reduction in late survival among patients with preoperative creatinine≥1.8 mg/dL (p Conclusions Thoracic endovascular aortic repair represents an effective treatment for a variety of pathologic states. But the risk-benefit analysis for thoracic endovascular aortic repair should carefully consider the extent of disease, pathologic condition, and renal function.
Patients' Voices: The Powerful Sound in the Stem Cell Debate

Millions of patients may benefit from the applications of stem cell research, although there is disagreement about whether public funds should be used to develop the science. Patients have been key to winning political support. Acting as advocates, they have contended that public investment will speed the research and bring accountability to biomedical technology. A political dispute about the new research, which holds the potential for cures to devastating diseases and to foster healthy aging, shows the need to respect public sensibilities and to court public approval, as well as the importance of involving patients in debates where the methods of biomedical discoveries and ethical beliefs collide.
Gender patterns in cost effectiveness of quality improvement for depression: results of a randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract Background Little is known about gender differences in the costs and outcomes of primary care quality improvement strategies for depression. Methods Intent-to-treat analysis of data from a group-level controlled trial, in which matched primary care clinics in the US were randomized to usual care or to one of two interventions designed to increase the rate of effective depression treatment. One intervention facilitated medication management (“QI-Meds”) and the other psychotherapy (“QI-Therapy”), but patients and clinicians could choose the type of treatment, or none. The study involved 46 clinics in 6 non-academic, managed care organizations; 181 primary care providers; and 375 male and 981 female patients with current depression. Outcomes are health care costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALY), depression burden, employment, and costs/QALY, over 24 months of follow-up. Results Relative to usual care, QI-Therapy significantly reduced depression burden and increased employment, for men and women; but QI-Meds significantly reduced depression burden only among women. Average health care costs increased $429 in QI-Meds and $983 in QI-Therapy among men; corresponding cost increases were $424 and $275 for women. The estimated cost per QALY for men ranged between $16,600 and $42,600 under QI-Therapy. For women, estimated costs per QALY were $23,600 or below for QI-Meds and $12,500 or below under QI-Therapy. Limitations This study may be underpowered for some relevant outcomes, particularly costs. The study population is limited to patients who sought health care in primary care settings. Conclusions Both men and women can benefit substantially from quality improvement interventions for depression in primary care. Results are particularly favorable for the QI-Therapy intervention.
Progress and problems with the use of viral vectors for gene therapy

Gene therapy has a history of controversy. Encouraging results are starting to emerge from the clinic, but questions are still being asked about the safety of this new molecular medicine. With the development of a leukaemia-like syndrome in two of the small number of patients that have been cured of a disease by gene therapy, it is timely to contemplate how far this technology has come, and how far it still has to go.
Mechanical performance of a screw-type veterinary suture anchor subjected to single load to failure and cyclic loads.

Objective— To characterize the mechanical performance of a veterinary bone anchor under static and cyclic loads. Study Design— Mechanical testing study. Animals— Cadaveric canine humeri. Methods— Humeri (6 pairs) were collected from skeletally mature dogs (mean [±SD] age, 17.2±2.1 months; weight, 20.8±1.5 kg). Bone anchors were inserted in the proximal metaphysis using nylon, and were longitudinally extracted. For the opposite humerus, anchors were subjected to longitudinal cyclic load (50% of the load at failure of their pair) for 1200 cycles then longitudinally loaded to failure. Anchors were then installed in a similar and adjacent area of these 2nd humeri with nylon and cyclically tested perpendicular to the axis of anchor insertion (100% of the longitudinal holding power of their pair) for 1200 cycles, then perpendicularly loaded to failure. Paired t-tests were used to compare holding power before and after longitudinal cyclic testing. Results— Longitudinal holding power of the screw-type anchor in the proximal humerus was 385±30 N. Anchor pullout was the only mode of failure. Anchors in the paired humeri did not fail after 1200 cycles of 50% longitudinal loading, and post-cycle holding strength was not different (335±87 N; P=.32). Perpendicularly loaded anchors did not fail after 1200 cycles of 100% of opposite longitudinal holding strength, and had post-cycle perpendicular holding strengths of 514±72 N. Suture breakage was the mode of failure. Clinical Relevance— Bone anchor holding strength is dependent on orientation of suture load. Screw-type bone anchor holding strength was not affected by longitudinal cyclic loading, and holding strengths of approximately 385 N can be expected in metaphyseal bone of large-breed mature dogs. Perpendicularly loaded anchors have higher failure loads, and holding strength of approximately 514 N can be expected in metaphyseal bone of the proximal humerus.
The New Public Contracting: Public Versus Private Ordering?

This article explores the hybrid character of contemporary public service organization with specific reference to the emergence in Britain over the last twenty-five years of a novel mode of governance, the "New Public Contracting." The New Public Contracting governs an ever-expanding range of aspects of modern life through contracting regimes directed at the attainment of particular policy purposes. In Britain, this mode of governance has been problematic in that many contracting regimes have failed to respond adequately to public needs. While the trend toward privatization may be politically irreversible, the role of the state should be to help establish the conditions that enable all parties with stakes or interests in particular public services to participate in collective learning processes aimed at addressing deficiencies in existing provisions.
ASAM treatment placement criteria for gambling disorder

for this learned effect. IL-1 B is a pro-inflammatory cytokine linked to learning and memory and is expressed within the DH. Present studies investigated the role of DH IL-1 B in heroin conditioned immunosuppression and food conditioned place preference (CPP). Methods: Rats were DH cannulated and conditioned to associate heroin’s unconditioned effects with a context (5 pairings). They were then microinjected with IL-1 B siRNA or missense control siRNA prior to either re-exposure to the heroin-paired context or return to the home cage. Immediately afterward, the immune system was challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats were sacrificed 6-h later. Spleenic iNOS was assessed by real-time qRTPCR and plasma nitrate/nitrite levels in by Greiss Reagent Assay. CPP was established in another cohort of DH cannulated rats by pairing foodwith one context. Rats were injectedwith IL-1 B siRNA or missense control siRNA prior to testing for CPP again. Results: IL-1 B siRNA prevented the heroin context’s ability to suppress thenormal splenic inductionof iNOS (p 0.05), indicating that IL-1 B suppression did not disrupt memory in general, but is more specifically linked to heroin. Conclusions: These studies reveal what could be a drugmemory specificmechanism that distinguishes the drug responses from normal natural reward responding. Understanding this conditioned effect will critically inform our knowledge of how these associations engage memory and immune systems and possibly provide therapeutic targets to help restore immune function in drug users. Financial Support: NIDA Grant DA25667.
Psychosocial health problems increase risk for HIV among urban young men who have sex with men: Preliminary evidence of a syndemic in need of attention

Background: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) experience disparities in HIV rates and potentially in mental health, substance abuse, and exposure to violence.Purpose: We assessed the extent to which these psychosocial health problems had an additive effect on increasing HIV risk among YMSM.Methods: An urban sample of 310 ethnically diverse YMSM reported on psychosocial health problems, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV status. A count of psychosocial health problems was calculated to test the additive relationship to HIV risk.Results: The prevalence of psychosocial health problems varied from 23% for regular binge drinking to 34% for experiencing partner violence. Rates of sexual risk behaviors were high and 14% of YMSM reported receiving a HIV + test result. Psychosocial health problems cooccurred, as evidenced by significant bivariate odds ratios (ORs) between 12 of the 15 associations tested. Number of psychosocial health problems significantly increased the odds of having multiple anal sex partners (OR=1.24), unprotected anal sex (OR=1.42), and an HIV-positive status (OR 1.42), after controlling for demographic factors.Conclusions: These data suggest the existence of cooccurring epidemics, or “syndemic,-of health problems among YMSM. Disparities exist not only in the prevalence of HIV among YMSM but also in research to combat the epidemic within this vulnerable population. Future research is needed to identify risk and resiliency factors across the range of health disparities and develop interventions that address this syndemic.
Depressed lymphocyte responsiveness in autistic children.

Although there are associations linking autism with prenatal rubella, cytomegalovirus, syphilis, and varicella, the etiology of the autistic state remains obscure. Host defense against the etiologic agents postulated to be responsible for the autism-associated syndromes is believed to be primarily of the cell-mediated type. In this preliminary study, cellular immune function was assessed in vitro by phytohemagglutinin (PHA)stimulation of lymphocyte cultures. Twelve autistic children and 13 control subjects were compared. The autistic group exhibited a depressed lymphocyte transformation response to PHA when compared to the control subjects (p<.01).
Truths, errors, and lies around "reflex sympathetic dystrophy" and "complex regional pain syndrome".

The shifting paradigm of reflex sympathetic dystrophy–sympathetically maintained pains–complex regional pain syndrome is characterized by vestigial truths and understandable errors, but also unjustifiable lies. It is true that patients with organically based neuropathic pain harbor unquestionable and physiologically demonstrable evidence of nerve fiber dysfunction leading to a predictable clinical profile with stereotyped temporal evolution. In turn, patients with psychogenic pseudoneuropathy, sustained by conversion-somatization-malingering, not only lack physiological evidence of structural nerve fiber disease but display a characteristically atypical, half-subjective, psychophysical sensory-motor profile. The objective vasomotor signs may have any variety of neurogenic, vasogenic, and psychogenic origins. Neurological differential diagnosis of “neuropathic pain” versus pseudoneuropathy is straight forward provided that stringent requirements of neurological semeiology are not bypassed. Embarrassing conceptual errors explain the assumption that there exists a clinically relevant “sympathetically maintained pain” status. Errors include historical misinterpretation of vasomotor signs in symptomatic body parts, and misconstruing symptomatic relief after “diagnostic” sympathetic blocks, due to lack of consideration of the placebo effect which explains the outcome. It is a lie that sympatholysis may specifically cure patients with unqualified “reflex sympathetic dystrophy.” This was already stated by the father of sympathectomy, Rene Leriche, more than half a century ago. As extrapolated from observations in animals with gross experimental nerve injury, adducing hypothetical, untestable, secondary central neuron sensitization to explain psychophysical sensory-motor complaints displayed by patients with blatantly absent nerve fiber injury, is not an error, but a lie. While conceptual errors are not only forgivable, but natural to inexact medical science, lies particularly when entrepreneurially inspired are condemnable and call for peer intervention.