cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Commentary: How Has Neuroimaging Improved Patient Care?

Neuroimaging has significantly altered the management of patients with partial epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be a reliable and accurate indicator of the common pathologic findings underlying a partial seizure disorder. Intracranial mass lesions have been shown to be highly coherent with the localization of the epileptogenic zone. An MRI-identified epileptogenic lesion affects the selection of patients for epilepsy surgery and alters the diagnostic evaluation and the operative strategy. The results of the MRI preoperatively have prognostic importance in patients undergoing surgical treatment for partial epilepsy. Patients with lesional epileptic syndromes are considered favorable candidates for surgical ablative treatment. Hippocampal volume studies may predict the neurocognitive outcome in patients undergoing temporal lobe surgery. The use of MRI has resulted in a reduction in chronic intracranial EEG monitoring at most epilepsy centers, especially in patients with lesional pathology. MRI may be a reasonable initial "screening" procedure in selected patients with intractable partial epilepsy before consideration of a presurgical evaluation. A classification of partial epilepsy is proposed, based on the results of MRI, that may be useful for patients being considered for surgical treatment. Importantly, preoperative MRI must be correlated with the electrophysiologic studies and ictal semiology before decision-making regarding surgical therapy.
Rapidity of Breakdown of Nucleotides in Different Tissues.

SummaryOur experiments indicate that the nucleotides of different tissues vary greatly in lability. When dog muscle was removed rapidly and minced in ice cold trichloroacetic acid, its nucleotide pattern resembled that seen in fresh blood, i.e., ATP greatly exceeded ADP or AMP. Delay in mincing the tissue caused some decrease in ATP with increases in ADP and AMP. On the other hand, dog or rabbit intestinal mucosa was so labile that usual procedure of removing tissue and transferring it immediately to cold trichloroacetic acid was much too slow. Injecting cold trichloroacetic acid into the live tissue was necessary to give a nucleotide pattern which resembled patterns seen in other tissues. Incubation under circumstances tried, were unsuccessful in restoring tissue nucleotide patterns. Extrapolation of foregoing results suggests that studies involving either distribution of nucleotides in tissues or determination of tissue nucleotides after in vitro incubation must indicate degree of lability of these tiss...
Use of Case Studies in Engineering Education: Assessment of Changes in Cognitive Skills

Industry, educational institutions, government bodies, and academic accreditation entities have all stressed the need to incorporate sound assessment techniques into educational programs. However, many of the items listed in the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology 3(a–k) criteria are not commonly addressed in engineering programs. Literature has shown that case study methodology is an effective way to bridge this gap, particularly with regard to improving higher-cognitive skills. In this paper we discuss the various approaches to assessing cognitive improvements when case study methods are implemented in classrooms, along with a literature review, and the various methods are illustrated with examples. The limitations of these methods are examined and the paper concludes by stressing the need to conduct further research to identify the optimum way to assess the effectiveness of the case study methodology in engineering classrooms.
Effects of Monomer Flow Rate, Flow Configuration, and Reactor Geometry on the Rate of Plasma Polymerization

Abstract The effects of flow rate on the plasma polymerization of ethylene in an rf discharge were investigated using both a tubular and a bell-jar-type of reactor. Both reactors contained parallel plate internal electrodes. Experiments with the tubular reactor showed that both the total thickness of the deposit and its distribution in the axial direction were strong functions of the flow rate. At low flow rates the polymer thickness decreased in the flow direction, while at high flow rates the polymer thickness increased. Each of these observations is explained by a simple model of plasma polymerization. Using the bell-jar reactor, different monomer flow distribution configurations were tested to determine their effect on the distribution of polymer thickness. It was found that distribution or diffusion of the monomer inflow provided a more uniform film.
Effects of child restraint system features on installation errors

This study examined how child restraint system (CRS) features contribute to CRS installation errors. Sixteen convertible CRS, selected to include a wide range of features, were used in volunteer testing with 32 subjects. Subjects were recruited based on their education level (high or low) and experience with installing CRS (none or experienced). Each subject was asked to perform four child restraint installations in the right-rear passenger seat of a 2006 Pontiac G6 sedan using a crash dummy as a child surrogate. Each subject installed two CRS forward-facing (FF), one with LATCH and one with the vehicle seatbelt, and two CRS rear-facing (RF), one with LATCH and one with the seatbelt. After each installation, the experimenter evaluated 42 factors for each installation, such as choice of belt routing path, tightness of installation, and harness snugness. Analyses used linear mixed models to identify CRS installation outcomes associated with CRS features. LATCH connector type, LATCH strap adjustor type, and the presence of belt lockoffs were associated with the tightness of the CRS installation. The type of harness shoulder height adjuster was associated with the rate of achieving a snug harness. Correct tether use was associated with the tether storage method. In general, subject assessments of the ease-of-use of CRS features were not highly correlated with the quality of their installation, suggesting a need for feedback with incorrect installations. The data from this study provide quantitative assessments of some CRS features that were associated with reductions in CRS installation errors. These results provide child restraint designers with design guidelines for developing easier-to-use products. Research on providing effective feedback during the child restraint installation process is recommended.
Analysis of unslotted random access channel in a capture environment

The interference process in an unslotted ALOHA channel with power capture is presented and used to obtain the channel throughput. In the model considered, each station chooses a power level at random from a given set for each packet transmitted. It is shown that unslotted ALOHA with power capture can achieve an ideal throughput of 0.26. >
A treatment program for babies with esophageal atresia in Belize.

Abstract Background Children born with congenital anomalies in low- and middle-income countries often face a multitude of challenges. Access to pediatric surgical services is limited because of a lack of medical facilities, an adequate transportation system, and a lack of trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, all of which leads to a high mortality rate. Methods This is a report of a 5-y collaborative effort between the World Pediatric Project, the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, and multiple organizations within the country of Belize to provide care for infants born with esophageal atresia, with or without associated tracheoesophageal fistula. Results A total of six infants were transferred to our institution in Richmond, VA for operative correction of their esophageal atresia. Conclusions Caring for infants with congenital anomalies can be challenging, especially children from low- and middle-income countries. Through collaboration between countries and nonprofit organizations, life-saving international care can be provided to children for these conditions.
A State-Space Representation Model and Learning Algorithm for Real-Time Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

Modeling dynamic systems incurring stochastic disturbances for deriving a control policy is a ubiquitous task in engineering. However, in some instances obtaining a model of a system may be impractical or impossible. Alternative approaches have been developed using a simulation-based stochastic framework, in which the system interacts with its environment in real time and obtains information that can be processed to produce an optimal control policy. In this context, the problem of developing a policy for controlling the system’s behavior is formulated as a sequential decision-making problem under uncertainty. This paper considers real-time sequential decision-making under uncertainty modeled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). A state-space representation model is constructed through a learning mechanism and is used to improve system performance over time. The model allows decision making based on gradually enhanced knowledge of system response as it transitions from one state to another, in conjunction with actions taken at each state. A learning algorithm is implemented realizing in real time the optimal control policy associated with the state transitions. The proposed method is demonstrated on the single cart-pole balancing problem and a vehicle cruise control problem.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Interacting within Metaphors

Creating metaphorical settings in which a patient may therapeutically interact while hypnotized would appear to have many of the advantages of more traditional uses of metaphors and to possess advantages of its own. Although this type of guided imagery may be widely used in practice, it is underrepresented in the literature compared to other uses of metaphor. I describe the use of a castle setting as one example of this type of metaphorical setting that may be useful in working with trauma patients. I also describe some features useful for this interventions, using three case examples.
Critical Incidents: Failure in Prevention

Attempts at preventing drug and alcohol use by youth may fail more often than they succeed, but failures are rarely reported in the literature. There are three types of failure: (1) failure to initiate, (2) failure to be effective, and (3) failure to thrive. Brief descriptions of prevention failures of all three types are presented and the reasons for failure are discussed.
Epidural Glucocorticoid Injections for Spinal Stenosis, Interlaminal at the Worst Level

Dear Editor, It has been 1 year since the publication of “A Randomized Trial of Epidural Glucocorticoid Steroid Injections for Spinal Stenosis” [1]. Although this was a large scale clinical trial evaluating the use of epidural steroid injections (ESI) for spinal stenosis (SS), pain physicians argue the validity of the results based on the experimental setup and study design. In academic meetings and clinical discussion amongst pain specialists, some very much agree with the main study result: ESI are not very helpful for SS. Others report consistent, short-term pain benefit of SS symptoms. We are in the latter group and …
Measurement Consistency from Magnetic Resonance Images

Rationale and Objectives. In quantifying medical images, length-based measurements are still obtained manually. Due to possible human error, a measurement protocol is required to guarantee the consistency of measurements. In this work, we review various statistical techniques that can be used in determining measurement consistency. The focus is on detecting a possible measurement bias and determining the robustness of the procedures to outliers. Materials and Methods. We review correlation analysis, linear regression, Bland-Altman method, paired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). These techniques were applied to measurements, obtained by two raters, of head and neck structures from magnetic resonance images. Results. The correlation analysis and the linear regression were shown to be insufficient for detecting measurement inconsistency. They are also very sensitive to outliers. The widely used Bland-Altman method is a visualization technique, so it lacks the numeric quantification. The paired t-test tends to be sensitive to small measurement bias. In contrast, ANOVA performs well even under small measurement bias. Conclusions. In almost all cases, using only one method is insufficient and it is recommended that several methods be used simultaneously. In general, ANOVA performs the best.
Reentry within the cavotricuspid isthmus: an isthmus dependent circuit.

Background: We describe a new cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) circuit. Methods: This study includes 8 patients referred for atrial flutter (AFL) ablation whose tachycardia circuit was confined to the septal CTI and the os of the coronary sinus (CSOS) region. Entrainment mapping was performed within the CTI, CSOS, and other right atrial annular sites (tricuspid annulus (TA)). Electroanatomic mapping was available in 2 patients. Results: Sustained AFL occurred in all patients with mean tachycardia cycle length (TCL) of 318 ± 54 (276 − 420) ms. During tachycardia, fractionated or double potentials were recorded at either the septal CTI and/or the region of CSOS in all, and concealed entrainment with post-pacing interval (PPI) − TCL ≤ 25 ms occurred in this area; but manifest entrainment with PPI > TCL was demonstrated from the anteroinferior CTI and other annular sites in 7/8 patients. In one, tachycardia continued with conduction block at the anteroinferior CTI during ablation. Up to three different right atrial activation patterns (identical TCL) were observed. The tachycardia showed a counterclockwise (CCW) pattern in 6, a clockwise pattern in 2, and simultaneous activation of both low lateral right atrium and septum in 5. Electroanatomic mapping was available in 2, showing an early area arising from the septal CTI in 1, and a CCW activation sequence along the TA in another. Radiofrequency application to the septal CTI terminated tachycardia in 4, and tachycardia no longer inducible in all. Conclusions: We describe a tachycardia circuit confined to the septal CTI/CSOS region, and hypothesize that this circuit involves slow conduction within the CTI and around the CSOS, which acts as a central obstacle.
MRI of toxic leukoencephalopathy syndrome associated with methylenedioxymethamphetamine.

A 17-year-old boy presented with headaches, altered mental status, and double vision 2 days after ingestion of “molly” pills (methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], ecstasy), which was detected on urine toxicology. Lumbar puncture yielded CSF with mild lymphocytosis and elevated protein. Rheumatologic, infectious, and other toxicologic workup had negative results. MRI of the brain showed diffuse signal abnormality in the midbrain, bilateral insulae, and basal ganglia bilaterally (figure). Leukoencephalopathy related to MDMA use is uncommon and believed to result from serotonergic neuronal damage and myelin damage from oxidative stress.1 Individual susceptibility may be related to abnormalities in the demethylation of debrisoquine hydroxylase.2
SUBSTRATUM CONDITIONING AND DIATOM COLONIZATION IN DIFFERENT CURRENT REGIMES1

Short-term (3 day) diatom colonization of clean ceramic tiles and tiles conditioned with a thin, nonalgal biofilm was examined in fast- and slow-current outdoor experimental stream channels to assess effects of organic conditioning and current regime on diatom colonization. Colonization rates onto unconditioned tiles were 10 times lower in fast current that in slow. Substratum conditioning reduced the effects of current because organic conditioning of tiles significantly enhanced colonization in fast current, but not in slow current. Two diatom taxa (Nitzschia acicularis W. Sm. and Synedra radians Kutz) colonized unconditioned tiles more rapidly than conditioned tiles in slow current, suggesting the existence of negative interactions between these diatoms and bacteria and/or organics in conditioning films.
Physical Limits on Ground Motion at Yucca Mountain

Abstract Physical limits on possible maximum ground motion at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, the designated site of a high-level radioactive waste repository, are set by the shear stress available in the seismogenic depth of the crust and by limits on stress change that can propagate through the medium. We find in dynamic deterministic 2D calculations that maximum possible horizontal peak ground velocity (PGV) at the underground repository site is 3.6 m/sec, which is smaller than the mean PGV predicted by the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) at annual exceedance probabilities less than 10 -6 per year. The physical limit on vertical PGV, 5.7 m/sec, arises from supershear rupture and is larger than that from the PSHA down to 10 -8 per year. In addition to these physical limits, we also calculate the maximum ground motion subject to the constraint of known fault slip at the surface, as inferred from paleoseismic studies. Using a published probabilistic fault displacement hazard curve, these calculations provide a probabilistic hazard curve for horizontal PGV that is lower than that from the PSHA. In all cases the maximum ground motion at the repository site is found by maximizing constructive interference of signals from the rupture front, for physically realizable rupture velocity, from all parts of the fault. Vertical PGV is maximized for ruptures propagating near the P -wave speed, and horizontal PGV is maximized for ruptures propagating near the Rayleigh-wave speed. Yielding in shear with a Mohr–Coulomb yield condition reduces ground motion only a modest amount in events with supershear rupture velocity, because ground motion consists primarily of P waves in that case. The possibility of compaction of the porous unsaturated tuffs at the higher ground-motion levels is another attenuating mechanism that needs to be investigated.
Extending the Conversation: Qualitative Research as Dialogic Collaborative Process.

Collaborative research often refers to collaboration among the researcher and the participants. Few studies investigate the collaborative process among researchers themselves. Assumptions about the qualitative research process, particularly ways to establish rigor and transparency, are pervasive. Our experience conducting three collaborative empirical research studies challenged and transformed our assumptions about qualitative research: (a) research planning taught as concrete and linear rather than as emergent and iterative, (b) data analysis conceptualized as individual discovery rather than collaboratively-constructed meaning, and (c) findings represented as individual product rather than as part of an ongoing conversation. We address each assumption, including how our collaborative research diverged from the assumption and how this divergence has impacted our own practice. Key Words: Dialogue, Collaborative Research, Group Meaning-Making, and Rigor in Qualitative Inquiry
Availability, production and competition: A model

Abstract Assume that s elements compete for a single item over a sequence of time intervals, not necessarily of equal length. Denote any of the time intervals by (a, b). The length of each time interval is controlled by the model. The model makes use of knowledge which is acquired by statistical/possibilistic analysis of data which were obtained generally before the beginning of each time interval (a, b). Starting at a = t0, on-line information is provided periodically. Over each period, a simple computational scheme which includes threshold values is executed. The purpose of the computations is to monitor the current state of the system. The computations are designed for parallel processing and for real-time execution. Basic concepts of fuzzy sets allow topical changes among competitors while keeping control of the system as a whole unit. The model does not intend to make predictions; its function is to adapt to sudden changes which were not observed before and which may affect the overall behavior of the system.
Rapid development of 9 cerebral aneurysms in Varicella-Zoster virus vasculopathy

A patient with zoster in multiple dermatomes, severe headache, and normal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and 4-vessel digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) developed 9 anterior circulation aneurysms 2 months later. Antiviral treatment resulted in clinical improvement, size reduction of most aneurysms, and complete resolution of the 2 largest aneurysms.
Optimal Facility Location with Concave Costs

The following problem is considered: select plant sites from a given set of sites and choose their production and distribution levels to meet known demand at discrete points at minimum cost. The construction and operating cost of each plant is assumed to be a concave function of the total production at that plant, and the distribution cost between each plant and demand point is assumed to be a concave function of the amount shipped. There may be capacity restrictions on the plants. A branch-and-bound algorithm for identifying an optimal solution is described; it is equivalent to the solution of a finite sequence of transportation problems. The algorithm is developed as a particular case of a simplified algorithm for minimizing separable concave functions over linear polyhedra. Computational results are cited for a computer code implementing the algorithm.
The biochemistry tetrahedron and the development of the taxonomy of biochemistry external representations (TOBER)

Visual literacy, the ability to interpret and create external representations (ERs), is essential to success in biochemistry. Studies have been conducted that describe students' abilities to use and interpret specific types of ERs. However, a framework for describing ERs derived through a naturalistic inquiry of biochemistry classrooms has not been proposed in the literature. The Taxonomy of Biochemistry External Representations (TOBER) is proposed as a method for classifying the types of ERs used in biochemistry classrooms. Johnstone's domains of chemical knowledge is extended to the discipline of biochemistry to form the “Biochemistry Tetrahedron” and the TOBER is mapped on to it. Ainsworth's Functional Taxonomy of Multiple ERs is connected to biochemistry and is used in conjunction with the TOBER and Biochemistry Tetrahedron to derive implications for research and classroom practice.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION AND THE TREES: An Analysis of Deforestation in Less-Developed Countries, 1990–2005

This study tests a hypothesis derived from an expanded theory of foreign investment dependence. The tested hypothesis states that less-developed countries with higher levels of primary sector foreign investment exhibit greater rates of deforestation. Findings for cross-national analyses of deforestationfrom1990to2005for40less-developedcountriesconfirmthehypothesis,providing support for the proposed theorization. Additional results indicate that the presence of environmental international nongovernmental organizations is beneficial for natural forest areas, while population growth is a key driver of deforestation in less-developed countries.Besides confirming the hypothesis, this research underscores the importance for sociologists to consider both political‐economic forms of integration and human-ecological factors when investigating how humans impact the environment.
Infrastructures of the Imagined Island: Software, Mobilities, and the Architecture of Caribbean Paradise

Software is receding and rescaling island space, assembling islands in new configurations of territoriality and governance. Paying attention to software-supported mobility, sovereignty and place-making offers a key terrain for thinking about the contemporary rescaling of Caribbean states, island territories, and the imaginary ‘offshore’ economies within them. Travel and leisure destinations, especially in the Caribbean, are being disembedded from national territories and repackaged as unique natural enclaves connected to global metropolitan transport, media, and data flows. Through a discussion of Zaha Hadid's masterplan for a new resort on Dellis Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the author explores how state space, informational space, and tourist space are converging in new fantasies of mobility, accessibility, and island paradise. The new software- supported spatialities, theorized as urban or metropolitan, are actually affecting remote Caribbean islands and other dispersed enclaves as much as (tho...
242 : RNase L induces autophagy via C-Jun N-terminal kinase and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase signaling pathway

Autophagy is a tightly regulated mechanism that mediates sequestration, degradation and recycling of cellular proteins, organelles and pathogens. Several proteins associated with autophagy regulate host responses to viral infections. Ribonuclease L (RNase L) is activated during viral infections and cleaves cellular and viral single-stranded RNAs, including rRNAs in ribosomes. We demonstrate that direct activation of RNase L coordinates the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) to induce autophagy with hallmarks as accumulation of autophagic vacuoles, p62(SQSTM1) degradation and conversion of Microtubule-associated Protein Light Chain 3-I (LC3-I) to LC3-II. Accordingly, treatment of cells with pharmacological inhibitors of JNK or PKR and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking JNK1/2 or PKR showed reduced autophagy levels. Furthermore, RNase L-induced JNK activity promoted Bcl-2 phosphorylation, disrupted the Beclin1-Bcl-2 complex and stimulated autophagy. Viral infection with Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) or Sendai virus led to higher levels of autophagy in wild-type (WT) MEFs compared to RNase L knock out (KO) MEFs. Inhibition of RNase L-induced autophagy using Bafilomycin A1 or 3-methyladenine suppressed viral growth in initial stages; in later stages autophagy promoted viral replication dampening the antiviral effect. Induction of autophagy by activated RNase L is independent of the paracrine effects of interferon (IFN). Our findings suggest a novel role of RNase L in inducing autophagy affecting the outcomes of viral pathogenesis.
Exercise Mode Moderates the Relationship Between Mobility and Basal Ganglia Volume in Healthy Older Adults

Objectives To examine whether 12 months of aerobic training (AT) moderated the relationship between change in mobility and change in basal ganglia volume than balance and toning (BAT) exercises in older adults. Design Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Participants Community-dwelling older adults (N = 101; mean age 66.4). Intervention Twelve-month exercise trial with two groups: AT and BAT. Measurements Mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. Basal ganglia (putamen, caudate nucleus, pallidum) was segmented from T1-weighted magnetic resonance images using the Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain Software Library Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool. Measurements were obtained at baseline and trial completion. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine whether exercise mode moderates the relationship between change in mobility and change in basal ganglia volume over 12 months. Age, sex, and education were included as covariates. Results Exercise significantly moderated the relationship between change in mobility and change in left putamen volume. Specifically, for the AT group, volume of the left putamen did not change, regardless of change in mobility. Similarly, in the BAT group, those who improved their mobility most over 12 months had no change in left putamen volume, although left putamen volume of those who declined in mobility levels decreased significantly. Conclusion The primary finding that older adults who engaged in 12 months of BAT training and improved mobility exhibited maintenance of brain volume in an important region responsible for motor control provides compelling evidence that such exercises can contribute to the promotion of functional independence and healthy aging.
The Internet and the Journal.

The word “publishing” has taken on new meaning. For centuries, publishing required an intermediary, someone who had an editorial staff and a press — in short, a publisher. Today, anyone equipped with a computer, a modem, and a connection to the Internet can be a publisher. The consequences of this technical transformation should give pause to all of us in medicine. Direct electronic publishing of scientific studies threatens to undermine time-tested traditions that help to ensure the quality of the medical literature. The first hint that electronic publishing by medical researchers might become a reality came from the field of . . .
Research and development of identification card for Salmonella bacteria

Objective:To research quickly and easily appraisal method of Salmonella bacteria and develop an identification card for Salmonella bacteria.Methods:Make identification card with H2S AGAR,Lysine AGAR,TTC AGAR,Mannitol AGAR,Beta galacitiol AGAR,Sucrose AGAR,as Salmonella bacteria series of biochemistry.22 strains of standard bacteria and 72 strains separate from our lab were identified,and the sample identification of strains.Results:The results of strains identified by identification card shows that Salmonella bacteria is in the appraisal model,while other is out appraisal model.The accuracy was 100%.Conclusion:The identification card is of high sensitivity and specificity and the operation is simple.
Effect of level of beef cow milk production on pre- and postweaning calf growth.

Three groups of beef cows that were similar in growth and mature size, but different in genetic potential for level of milk provided to their calves, were studied. A procedure for fitting grafted polynomials based on calf suckling data was used to estimate the total amount of milk produced by each cow during 205-d lactations. Estimated 205-d milk production of the high milk group exceeded that of the medium and low milk groups by 186 and 561 kg, respectively. Differences in milk production of the three groups tended to increase as dams got older. The pooled, within milk-group correlation between calf gain to 205 d and milk intake was .60. Calves suckling dams with low milk production relied earlier and to a greater extent on alternative food sources of lower nutritional value than milk. Calves suckling high milk-group dams had 16.9 kg greater 205-d weaning weight than those suckling low milk-group dams, solely because of differences in maternal environment. Calves from the high milk group maintained 63% of the advantage over those in the low milk group in 205-d weight through a fairly rapid postweaning growth period to slaughter.
Data Processing and Analysis Using ProteinChip ® Data Manager Software

Mass spectrometry-based clinical proteomics and biomarker research require the processing of large numbers of patient samples in order to attain the statistical significance required to produce robust biomarker candidates. When processed using the high-sensitivity and high-throughput Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization ProteinChip SELDI system, the result is an enormous amount of mass spectrometric profiling data. The time and effort required to mine this data and the quality of the candidate biomarkers generated is largely dependent on the quality and appropriate use of the software tools available. This chapter describes the typical workflow for processing and analyzing SELDI data using both univariate and unsupervised multivariate analysis tools.
Testicular abnormalities of the subfertile male.

AbstractEvaluation of 48 cases of male infertility included testicular biopsy. The histologic classification included normal spermatogenesis (normal or abnormal supporting tissue), maturation arrest (spermatocyte or spermatid stage), hypospermatogenesis, Klinefelter’s syndrome and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. No diagnostic advantage was found in bilateral over unilateral testicular biopsies. Clinical presentation of the patient was correlated with histologic classification: 1) 4 of 13 azoospermic cases had normal spermatogenesis, suggesting post-testicular obstruction, 2) severe oligospermic cases (1 × 106sperm per ml.) had spermatogenic abnormalities and 3) only 1 of 8 mild oligospermic cases (10 to 20 × 106per ml.) had abnormalities of spermatogenesis. The histologic pattern in patients with varicocele seemed consistent with hypospermatogenesis in 9 of 13 cases studied.Testicular biopsy may be useful in the diagnosis of reversible post-testicular obstruction in some azoospermic patients. In addition, som...
Discovery of a Novel Series of Orally Bioavailable and CNS Penetrant Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1R) Noncompetitive Antagonists Based on a 1,3-Disubstituted-7-aryl-5,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-5,8-dihydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione Core

A duplexed, functional multiaddition high throughput screen and subsequent optimization effort identified the first orally bioavailable and CNS penetrant glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) noncompetitive antagonist. Antagonist 5d not only blocked exendin-4-stimulated insulin release in islets but also lowered insulin levels while increasing blood glucose in vivo.
Electrodynamics of left-handed materials

The theory of diffraction in the system consisting from the left-handed and the right-handed materials is constructed. The theory is based upon the Huygens principle and the Kirchhoff integral and it is valid if the wavelength is smaller than any relevant length of the system. The theory is applied to the calculation of the smearing of the foci of the Veselago lens due to the finite wavelength. We show that the Veselago lens is a unique optical instrument for the 3D imaging, but it is not a "superlens" as it has been claimed recently. We analyze the possibility of obtaining a left-handed materials on the basis of the metallic photonic crystals. The recent experimental results on the LHM are discussed.
One-step model of photoemission from single-crystal surfaces

In this paper, we present a three-dimensional one-step photoemission model that can be used to calculate the quantum efficiency and momentum distributions of electrons photoemitted from ordered single-crystal surfaces close to the photoemission threshold. Using Ag(111) as an example, we show that the model can not only calculate the quantum efficiency from the surface state accurately without using any ad hoc parameters, but also provides a theoretical quantitative explanation of the vectorial photoelectric effect. This model in conjunction with other band structure and wave function calculation techniques can be effectively used to screen single-crystal photoemitters for use as electron sources for particle accelerator and ultrafast electron diffraction applications.
Implications of altered autonomic control on sports performance in athletes with spinal cord injury

It is well known that athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) may experience altered autonomic physiology that impacts their exercise capacity and sports performance. This is particularly relevant given the ever-increasing number of individuals with SCI who are actively engaged in sports at all levels, from community-based adaptive sports to elite Paralympic competitions. As such, the purpose of this article is to review the present literature regarding the implications of altered autonomic control on the safety and performance of athletes with SCI. A particular emphasis will be placed on the autonomic aspects of cardiovascular and thermoregulatory control in the athlete population, as well as the implications of autonomic dysreflexia in enhancing sports performance. Further research is needed to understand the autonomic factors that influence athletes with SCI in order to ensure optimal and safe sports competition. Additionally, this information is crucially relevant to the coaches, sports administrators, and team medical staff who work closely with athletes with SCI.
MEMS scale artificial hair cell sensors inspired by the cochlear amplifier effect

Research over the past few decades has shown that the ear exhibits an important, nonlinear amplification called the “cochlear amplification.” It is responsible for boosting faint sounds and improving frequency sensitivity, which allows the ear to process a larger range of sound intensities (from about 20 micro-Pa to 20 Pa). In contrast, typical microphones, accelerometers, and other dynamic sensors are designed to operate linearly in the sensor’s quasi-static response region. Instead, the cochlea operates in the resonance region, where weak inputs are significantly amplified. The goal of our research is to develop unique, piezoelectric-based MEMS sensors that mimic the function of hair cells in the mammalian cochlea. Inspired by the geometry of the hair cells, a set of artificial hair cells (AHCs) are designed based on piezoelectric cantilever beams. Developing piezoelectric, MEMS AHC arrays capable of mimicking the cochlea’s behavior is the main scope of this work. The design consists of a substrate material and two layers of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) deposition that represents artificial hair cells. Abaqus finite element software is used to model the AHC arrays. Fundamental frequencies of the AHCs and also frequency response function due to a base excitation of the array are obtained by linear perturbation frequency analysis and steady-state linear dynamic analysis, respectively. As a proof of concept, a series of dynamic tests are conducted on larger scale single AHCs and an array of four AHCs to measure the response of the sensors to an external stimulus.
Variationally consistent coupling of non-matching discretizations for large deformation problems

Non-matching interfaces occur in large computational models of complicated structures when different discretizations are used in different regions of the problem domain. Presence of non-matching interfaces, for instance, between two or more finite element meshes of different refinement, or between a meshfree region and a finite element region, can lead to erroneous results. In this work, a variationally consistent coupling method is developed to ensure that such patch tests are passed for any choice of numerical integration over the interface. This is achieved by constructing an integration constraint over the non-matching interface and by modifying the approximation basis functions for the adjacent discretizations in a way that guarantees passing the patch test. Numerical examples are presented to verify the formulation and study the performance of the proposed method.
Abstract 327: Cardiac Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis by Med13

Alterations in metabolism are a major component of cardiovascular disease associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The complex interplay between these three diseases poses a challenge for successful treatment and warrants further studies directed at understanding the intertissue communication between major metabolic organs. We previously identified a signaling pathway within the heart that modulates systemic energy homeostasis by regulation of Med13, a component of the kinase submodule of the Mediator Complex, in the heart. The Mediator Complex is a large, multiprotein complex that functions to integrate signal specific events with transcriptional activation and elongation in a context dependent manner. Our current work further delineates a mechanism by which Med13 in the heart functions to regulate whole body energy homeostasis. The increase in energy expenditure in Med13 transgenic (TG) mice is due in part to increased triglyceride uptake and beta-oxidation in white adipose tissue and liver. Additionally, the expression of Krebs Cycle and fatty acid oxidation genes are increased in adipose tissue and liver as measured by RNA seq and in metabolite production in Med13 Tg mice. Together, these results demonstrate the Mediator Complex regulates cardiac gene expression and metabolite production which communicates with energy depots within the body to modulate whole body energy homeostasis.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy via transvenous approach in a 2‐year‐old boy with a complete atrioventricular block after a tetralogy of Fallot repair

Cardiac resychronization therapy (CRT) was performed via transvenous approach in a 2-year-old boy with a tetralogy of Fallot and postoperative severe heart failure, and complete atrioventricular block treated with a dual-chamber pacemaker. Epicardial leads were unavailable because of mediastinitis and the presence of severe bilateral pleural effusions requiring continuous drainage. There were no procedural complications. Biventricular pacing was significantly effective and both mediastinitis and pleural effusions recurred. The transvenous CRT was exchanged for an epicardial CRT after 4 months because of the possibility of a venous obstruction.
Three centuries in the making: Hurricane Katrina from an historical perspective

Abstract The waves of the Katrina disaster initially unfolded over 3 days in late August 2005. Hurricane Katrina, a natural hazard, made landfall in Louisiana on Monday, August 29, 2005. By Tuesday, August 30, 2005, technological failures were the major hazard in the disaster. In the Lower Ninth Ward, levee failures allowed a wall of water 20 feet high to surge into that neighborhood, and the failure of other major levees and floodwalls throughout the city resulted in the beginning of widespread flooding. Wednesday was the beginning of the failure of agencies at all levels of government in the disaster response, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe. This chapter uses an historical and longitudinal approach to identify the root societal causes and structural constraints that created a very high level of disaster vulnerability. The implications of this historical analysis are discussed for Vulnerability-plus (V+) theory, and for disaster services policy.
Ventilatory Responsiveness to CO2 Above & Below Eupnea: Relative Importance of Peripheral Chemoreception

Sleep apnea is a highly prevalent problem occurring in the general working population at rates of 2–3% in children, 3–7% in middle-aged adults and 10–15% in the healthy elderly (>65 years old).1,2 While anatomical dimensions or mechanical properties of the upper airway are an important risk factor for sleep apnea, neural control over the magnitude and stability of respiratory motor output to both the upper airway and chest wall pump muscles has also emerged as a major contributor to all types of sleep apnea.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Chemoreflexes are the most important determinant of respiratory drive during sleep. Given the rapidity with which hypopneas/apneas develop in a typical central and/or “mixed” apnea episode, our recent work has addressed the general hypothesis that carotid chemoreceptors have a dominant role in mediating ventilatory responses to transient increases and decreases in CO2 as commonly occurs in sleep-disordered breathing.
The role of shape recognition in figure/ground perception in infancy

In this study we sought to determine whether infants, like adults, utilize previous experience to guide figure/ground processing. After familiarization to a shape, 5-month-olds preferentially attended to the side of an ambiguous figure/ground test stimulus corresponding to that shape, suggesting that they were viewing that portion as the figure. Infants' failure to exhibit this preference in a control condition in which both sides of the test stimulus were displayed as figures indicated that the results in the experimental condition were not due to a preference between two figure shapes. These findings demonstrate for the first time that figure/ground processing in infancy is sensitive to top-down influence. Thus, a critical aspect of figure/ground processing is functional early in life.
Motivational Interviewing in Adolescent Treatment

This paper briefly reviews the research literature on motivational interviewing (MI) and behaviour change in adolescents and then discusses the implications of adolescent cognitive and social-emotional developmental processes for the relational and technical components of MI. Research suggests that MI is efficacious in improving substance use in adolescents. Research has been slower to emerge in other behaviours, but available randomized controlled trials suggest that MI has great promise for improving mental and physical health outcomes in this developmental period. The relational and technical components of MI are highly relevant for the adolescent developmental period, and studies have shown that these components are related to outcomes in this population. There are several ways to include MI in clinical interventions for adolescents, ranging from MI in brief settings to using MI as a platform from which all other treatments are offered. Future research is necessary to test the effects of MI in adolescent group settings and the full integration of MI into other adolescent treatment approaches.
Predictive patterns of suicidal behavior: the United States armed services versus the civilian population.

Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States and the third leading cause of death in the military population. The purpose of this study was to compare the suicide rates of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to the U.S. population for the years 1980 through 1992. Multivariate linear regression analytic techniques were used to test the specific effects of year, service membership, and gender on suicide rates. A hierarchical linear regression equation resulted in R 2 = 0.6737, a highly predictive finding (F 112.18 = 13.600, p < 0.000). Further controlled hypothesis testing suggested that each independent variable provided a unique contribution to the total variance accounted for in suicide rates. A follow-on set of time series regressions was used to assess the effects of gender and specific military service on suicide rates over the 13-year period. Findings revealed that suicide rates for civilian males are increasing, whereas civilian female rates are declining. No significant trends by yearwere shown among the services. Military suicide rates were consistently lower than civilian rates, and military female rates tended to be lower yet than military male rates.
The EGF/TGFα family of growth factors and their receptors

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent mitogen for cells of mesodermal and ectodermal origin. In the process of purifying a nerve growth-promoting activity from mouse submaxillary glands, Cohen (1962) observed that injections of certain purified fractions accelerated eyelid opening and incisor tooth eruption when injected into newborn mice. In a series of now classic studies, he and his colleagues then isolated and characterized mouse EGF, a 53 amino acid peptide with a molecular weight of 6045, delineated its interactions with its receptor (EGFR), and described many of its biological effects (Cohen and Savage, 1974; Cohen and Taylor, 1974; Carpenter and Cohen, 1990). These contributions were rewarded with the Nobel Prize to Dr Cohen in 1987. Gregory (1975) isolated the human homologue of mouse EGF from human urine on the basis of its ability to inhibit acid release from gastric mucosa. Although initially named urogastrone, this peptide is now designated h-EGF because it has all of the biological properties of mouse EGF and is identical in 37 of 53 amino acid residues.