cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of topiramate in pregnancy and risk of oral clefts

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of monotherapy topiramate in pregnancy and cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) in the offspring. Study Design Data from the Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study (BDS) from 1997 to 2009 and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) from 1997 to 2007 were analyzed. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare the first-trimester use of topiramate monotherapy to no antiepileptic drug use during the periconceptional period between the mothers of infants with CL/P and the mothers of controls for each study separately and in pooled data. Results The BDS contained 785 CL/P cases and 6986 controls; the NBDPS contained 2283 CL/P cases and 8494 controls. The odds ratios (exact 95% confidence intervals) for the association between topiramate use and CL/P were 10.1 (1.1-129.2) in the BDS, 3.6 (0.7-20.0) in the NBDPS, and 5.4 (1.5-20.1) in the pooled data. Conclusion First-trimester use of topiramate may be associated with CL/P.
Application of the extended fuzzy discrete event systems theory to HIV/AIDS treatment regimen selection

Selecting an appropriate treatment regimen for an HIV-infected patient is a significant problem. We previously developed a regimen selection system for the first-round HIV/AIDS treatment based on the fuzzy discrete event systems (FDES) theory where type-1 fuzzy sets are used to represent experts' consensus. In clinical practice, different experts may have their own distinct knowledge and expertise and it is often difficult for them to reach a consensus. In a recent paper, we presented our extended fuzzy discrete event systems (EFDES) theory in which type-2 fuzzy sets were utilized to capture and represent diverse expertise of different experts. In the present paper, an EFDES-based HIV/AIDS regimen selection system is constructed and its performance is evaluated using 35 patients. We focus on three different scenarios to equip the new system with the capabilities of handling higher levels of uncertainties, which is impossible under the FDES framework. The regimens selected by the EFDES-based system match the actual prescribed regimens for these patients over 80% of the time. While the matching rates are about the same as achieved by the FDES-based system, they are obtained under more realistic conditions, and hence more practical.
Spatial resolution requirements for digitizing dental radiographs

Abstract A study was performed to determine the appropriate spatial resolution for digitizing and transmitting dental radiographs with the KODAK EKTASCAN, a computer-based digital enhancement and transmission system Periapical, bitewing, and panoramic radiographs were digitized in three formats representing varying spatial resolution parameters. Eight viewers used a 5-point rating scale to evaluate the detectability of periapical pathosis on the periapical images, of proximal surface caries on the bitewing images, and of various bony abnormalities on the panoramic images. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and the results of the periapical, bitewing and panoramic experiments were presented as trapezoidal and maximum likelihood receiver operating characteristic curve areas. The results of this study indicate that digital images of dental radiographs provide adequate diagnostic accuracy for evaluating the presence of periapical pathosis, proximal surface caries, and specified bony abnormalities. The digitization parameters established for the KODAK EKTASCAN provide a guide for digitizing dental radiographs on other commercially available digital image-processing system.
Reproductive efficiency in reciprocal crosses of Arachis monticola with A. hypogaea subspecies

Abstract Wild species of Arachis encompass a large number of species which can provide valuable genetic resources for improving A. hypogaea L., the domesticated peanut. Arachis monticola Krapov. and Rig. is the only species which is both cross compatible with A. hypogaea and at the same ploidy level. An evaluation of reproductive efficiency in crosses between A. hypogaea and A. monticola was conducted to better understand the potential for utilization of this germplasm. This study documents the reproductive efficiency of A. monticola in reciprocal crosses with A. hypogaea subsp. hypogaea var. hypogaea cvs. Florunner and NC 6; A. hypogaea subsp. fastigiata var. vulgaris cv. Argentine; and A. hypogaea subsp. fastigiata var. fastigiata cv. New Mexico Valencia C by using selfs as controls. A significant maternal effect was observed among selfs and hybrids for timing of fertilization. Selfs of Florunner and New Mexico Valencia C initiated fertilization by 1 d after pollination, whereas syngamy did not occur in...
Flavor models for B ̄→D (*) τ ν ̄

The ratio of the measured $\overline{B}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{D}^{(*)}\ensuremath{\ell}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ decay rates for $\ensuremath{\ell}=\ensuremath{\tau}$ vs $e,\ensuremath{\mu}$ deviate from the standard model (SM) by about $4\ensuremath{\sigma}$. We show that the data are in tension with the SM, independent of form factor calculations, and we update the SM prediction for $\mathcal{B}(B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{c}\ensuremath{\tau}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}})/\mathcal{B}(B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{c}\ensuremath{\ell}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}})$. We classify the operators that can accommodate the measured central values, as well as their UV completions. We identify models with leptoquark mediators that are minimally flavor violating in the quark sector, and are minimally flavor violating or $\ensuremath{\tau}$-aligned in the lepton sector. We explore experimental signatures of these scenarios, which are observable in the future at ATLAS/CMS, LHCb, or Belle II.
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors in Protection Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective anticancer drugs. Despite its clinical efficacy, the therapeutic usage of DOX is restricted due its potential for causing dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. The mechanisms of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy remain unclear, but most of the evidence indicates enhanced oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and subcellular changes in the myocardium eventually leading to the heart failure. Although numerous efforts have been made to develop effective therapeutic strategies to combat DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiac transplantation still remains the only definitive option to treat DOX-induced heart failure in later stages. Hence, there is an ongoing need to further investigate and develop efficient therapeutic agents to combat DOX-induced cardiac damage. In this chapter, we focus on a novel application of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors as potential agents in the treatment of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and present an overview of our recent findings, as well as consider the potential mechanisms by which PDE-5 inhibitors mediate beneficial cardioprotective effects during DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Several landmark studies from our laboratory showed that PDE-5 inhibitors induce powerful cardioprotective effects against ischemia–reperfusion injury and DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil and tadalafil) attenuated DOX-induced apoptosis, depletion of prosurvival proteins including Bcl-2, and dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and improved cardiac contractile function, which was impaired by DOX. Cardiac oxidative stress was attenuated by tadalafil via upregulation of MnSOD and direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, tadalafil treatment increased cardiac cGMP level and protein kinase G (PKG) activity and restored the depletion of GATA-4 in the DOX treated myocardium. Based on these compelling studies, we speculate that the class of PDE-5 inhibitors can represent an attractive therapeutic approach for managing DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in patients.
Hemodynamic Defects Underlying Shock with Indications for Treatment: An Appraisal of Vasopressors and Vasodilators

Until the sphygmomanometer came into wide use after 1910, the character and rate of the pulse served as the primary objective measure of severity of circulatory failure. Subsequently, blood pressure became an index for both the diagnosis and estimation of severity of the shock state. In the search for therapy by which hypotension could be reversed, the clinician was attracted to drugs restoring blood pressure to more normal levels. This led to the early use of epinephrine and the subsequent use of its adrenergic analogs. Beginning in the 1940s synthetic adrenergic drugs came into wide use for treatment of shock states. Unlike epinephrine, phenylephrine and methaxamine increased blood pressure but more often decreased the heart rate. Except for the relatively conservative use of fluids, blood, blood components, and blood substitutes, vasopressor drugs were until recently the mainstay of therapy for shock, regardless of cause.
Effect of Infection Duration on Habitat Selection and Morphology of Adult Echinostoma caproni (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in ICR Mice.

Abstract: The course of infection of Echinostoma caproni was followed in female ICR mice, a permissive laboratory host, from infection to natural termination. Twenty-one mice were infected with 20 metacercariae via oral intubation and housed 3 per cage. Three mice from a randomly selected cage were necropsied at 1 mo intervals. A second group of 15 mice was infected approximately 1 yr later to replace mice negative at necropsy in the first group. Mice in the second group were examined weekly for the presence of eggs in the feces. Mice negative for eggs on consecutive days were killed and necropsied. The location of individual worms and worm clusters were located in 20 segments of the small intestine. Adult worms were killed and fixed in hot formalin, stained, and prepared as whole mounts. Standard measurements were taken using a compound microscope fitted with an ocular micrometer. The infection spontaneously resolved in 10 mice from 7 to 32 wk PI, indicating the host response is highly variable and exte...
Individuals and Passthrough Entities, Notice 2006-14 Would 'Simplify' the Accounting Rules for Disproportionate Distributions from a Partnership by Making Them More Complex

In February 2006, the IRS issued Notice 2006-14, inviting public comments on the rules concerning disproportionate partnership distributions under Code Sec. 751(b). In general, Code Sec. 751(b) provides that to the extent that a partner receives a distribution that alters the partner's interest in the partnership's unrealized receivables and/or substantially appreciated inventory items (collectively referred to as "hot assets"), the distribution is treated as a sale or exchange of property between the partner and the partnership. Code Sec. 751(b) is designed to prevent partners from shifting their shares of partnership ordinary income to other partners. The legislative history indicates that in enacting Code Sec. 751(b), Congress intended to prevent partners from using a partnership as a device for obtaining capital-gain treatment on fees or other rights to ordinary income and on appreciated inventory. The Code Sec. 751(b) regulations require complex computations and in some cases, fail to achieve Congress' intent. Under the Code Sec. 751(b) regulations, a distribution may reduce a partner's pro rata share of the unrealized appreciation in a partnership's unrealized hot assets without triggering application of Code Sec. 751(b). In other cases, a distribution may trigger application of Code Sec. 751(b) even though the distribution does not reduce a partner's pro rata share of the unrealized appreciation in the partnership's hot assets. Notice 2006-14 describes several possible methods that the IRS and the Treasury Department are considering to address the issues associated with the current Code Sec. 751(b) regulations. The alternate methods described in Notice 2006-14 for taxing disproportionate distributions would only add another layer of complexity to some of the most complex rules under subchapter K and would not eliminate the possibility for distortions. This column discusses the methods described in Notice 2006-14 and suggests that the only way to simplify the rules concerning disproportionate distributions is for Congress to repeal Code Sec. 751(b).
Using behavioral modeling and customized normalcy profiles as protection against targeted cyber-attacks

Targeted cyber-attacks present significant threat to modern computing systems. Modern industrial control systems (SCADA) or military networks are example of high value targets with potentially severe implications in case of successful attack. Anomaly detection can provide solution to targeted attacks as attack is likely to introduce some distortion to observable system activity. Most of the anomaly detection has been done on the level of sequences of system calls and is known to have problems with high false alarm rates. In this paper, we show that better results can be obtained by performing behavioral analysis on higher semantic level. We observe that many critical computer systems serve a specific purpose and are expected to run strictly limited sets of software. We model this behavior by creating customized normalcy profile of this system and evaluate how well does anomaly based detection work in this scenario.
Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Orange Peel Extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared in a one-step microwave-assisted synthesis guided by the principles of green chemistry. Microwave parameters were optimized using the Box–Benhken design for three factors (time, temperature, and pressure). Aqueous extracts from the peels of citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, tangelo, lemon, and lime) were used for the synthesis of AgNPs using microwave technology, though the synthesis of AgNPs was only successful using the orange peel extract. Nanospheres of TEM mean diameter (with standard deviation) of 7.36 ± 8.06 nm were successfully synthesized in 15 min by reducing Ag+ ions (from AgNO3) with orange peel extract, which also served as a capping agent. Creation of AgNPs was confirmed using UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, while size analysis was gathered from both transmission electron microscopy as well as dynamic light scattering. Analysis of all citrus peel extracts b...
An approximate solution of the magnetic dipole field in lossy layered medium

Summary A fast solution by using the complex image theory is proposed for the modeling of the tool response in a layered medium. This method is developed based on the complex image theory introduced by Wait in 1969 and the derivation of the field distribution in dissipative media by Lien in 1953. This method is tested in both two-layer and threelayer medium. In two-layer medium, the proposed method can not only handle the case when the tool is in the relatively high resistive side, but also works in the case when the tool is in the relatively high conductive layer. The simulation results show that, comparing with an analytical full solution, the proposed fast solution has enough accuracy. Especially, in the application of geo-steering, horizontally placed tool will have further detected distance.
Spectra and structure of small ring compounds: XXIX. Microwave spectrum of γ-butyrolactone

Abstract The microwave spectrum of γ-butyrolactone has been recorded from 12.4 to 40.0 GHz. Both A-type and B-type transitions were observed. The R-branch assignments have been made for the ground state and the first two excited states of the ring-puckering and the first excited state of the ring twisting modes. It is shown that the ring skeleton is non-planar from the magnitude of the μ c component of the dipole moment as well as from the value of I c −( I a + I b ). From the relative intensity measurements of the ground and the excited state, the ring twisting mode appears to be governed by a double minimum potential. The dipole moment was determined to be 4.27±0.03 D with components of μ a = 4.04±0.03 D, μ b = 1.42±0.03 D, μ c = 0.33±0.02 D. From an investigation of the Raman spectrum of the gas, the ring puckering vibration was found to have a frequency of 148 cm −1 , whereas the ring twisting mode was found at 225 cm −1 .
Linking Transparency to Trust in Government and Voice

The objective of this study is to provide a more nuanced assessment of the relationship between public sector transparency and trust in government. Specifically, we examine how different tools used to enhance transparency—social media and e-government websites—relate to citizens’ perceptions of government trustworthiness. We then examine how these relationships vary according to how frequently citizens exercise voice. Findings indicate respondents’ use of public sector social media is positively related to perceptions of government trustworthiness. E-government website use lacks a significant relationship to perceptions of government trustworthiness. However, a strong negative relationship emerged between e-government website use and perceptions of trustworthiness as respondents’ frequency of voice increased.
technical discussion on black start of newly built large thermal power plants

Newly built large thermal power plants often use auxiliary steam(from external of start-up boiler) for startup and commission.Based on the function analysis of start-up steam,this article studied its alternative proposal and gave an actual example for discussing the auxiliary system and start process of black start units moreover.All these can offer reference to latter project.
Introduction to informatics in glycoprotein analysis.

Although the fi eld of glycome informatics has established several methods, standards and technologies for carbohydrate analysis, the analysis of glycoproteins and other glycoconjugates is still in its infancy. However, from even before the term “glycome informatics” emerged, several groups have developed methods and tools on the analysis of glycosylation sites. In particular, the Expasy server has provided such tools to aid in the prediction of glycosylation sites of N - and O -glycans, while glycosciences.de has provided tools for the analysis of the amino acid distribution around glycosylation sites in 3D space, based on data from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). In addition to these tools, databases of glycoprotein information are available that may aid in glycoprotein prediction; GlycoProtDB is a database of glycoprotein information characterized by the Japanese Consortium for Glycobiology and Glycotechnology, and UniProt includes glycosylation site information along with its protein sequence data. Furthermore, the providers of the glycosylation tools on Expasy, the Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, also provide a database of O-glycosylation called O-GlycBase. Such databases may eventually aid in the development of glycoprotein-analysis tools as more consistent data is accumulated, and some prospects on this area of research will be given. This chapter will introduce various tools and methods that are available for the analysis of glycoproteins in general. To date, the majority of these tools pertain to glycosylation site prediction. A few tools provided by the glycosciences.de web portal provide statistical tools for the analysis of amino acids surrounding glycans as found in the data of the Protein Data Bank (PDB). A description of potentially useful databases pertaining to glycoproteins will also be introduced. The URLs for these resources are listed in Table 1 . Each resource will be described in different subsections, and in summary, perspectives on future glycoproteomic research will be given.
Patrimonial Issue: Dutiful and Prodigal Brothers

As Elizabeth Bennet wanders around the Pemberley estate, she muses on Darcy’s responsibilities and obligations: ‘As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people’s happiness were in his guardianship! — How much of pleasure or pain it was in his power to bestow! — How much of good or evil must be done by him!’ (PP, pp. 250–1). While the dynamics of sororal and cross-sibling relationships steal the limelight, brotherly relations remain in the wings of Austen’s novels. Nonetheless, the decisions and directions of brothers either affect or serve as a catalyst for all of the action in the novels. Elder brothers, in particular, have the ability to improve or ruin the lives of their sisters and younger brothers, whether temporarily or permanently. In this way, Austen reveals her acute sensitivity to and comprehension of the inner workings of the contemporary economic and social arena. The guardianship of brothers and the unequal fortunes doled out by the system of primogeniture may not be the major focus of her works, but they do serve as the underpinnings for her narratives. Thus, fraternal roles and relations become the prism through which expectations and prescriptions for other family members are refracted.
Lamin Mutations Accelerate Aging via Defective Export of Mitochondrial mRNAs through Nuclear Envelope Budding

Defective RNA metabolism and transport are implicated in aging and degeneration [1, 2], but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. A prevalent feature of aging is mitochondrial deterioration [3]. Here, we link a novel mechanism for RNA export through nuclear envelope (NE) budding [4, 5] that requires A-type lamin, an inner nuclear membrane-associated protein, to accelerated aging observed in Drosophila LaminC (LamC) mutations. These LamC mutations were modeled after A-lamin (LMNA) mutations causing progeroid syndromes (PSs) in humans. We identified mitochondrial assembly regulatory factor (Marf), a mitochondrial fusion factor (mitofusin), as well as other transcripts required for mitochondrial integrity and function, in a screen for RNAs that exit the nucleus through NE budding. PS-modeled LamC mutations induced premature aging in adult flight muscles, including decreased levels of specific mitochondrial protein transcripts (RNA) and progressive mitochondrial degradation. PS-modeled LamC mutations also induced the accelerated appearance of other phenotypes associated with aging, including a progressive accumulation of polyubiquitin aggregates [6, 7] and myofibril disorganization [8, 9]. Consistent with these observations, the mutants had progressive jumping and flight defects. Downregulating marf alone induced the above aging defects. Nevertheless, restoring marf was insufficient for rescuing the aging phenotypes in PS-modeled LamC mutations, as other mitochondrial RNAs are affected by inhibition of NE budding. Analysis of NE budding in dominant and recessive PS-modeled LamC mutations suggests a mechanism by which abnormal lamina organization prevents the egress of these RNAs via NE budding. These studies connect defects in RNA export through NE budding to progressive loss of mitochondrial integrity and premature aging.
Understanding Environmentally Responsible Behaviour of Ecotourists: The Reasoned Action Approach

ABSTRACTEcotourism has been increasingly promoted as an environmentally appropriate form of tourism across the globe. The impact of ecotourism on the destination environment, however, depends on on-site tourist behaviour. It is crucial for ecotourism planners and managers to understand the factors affecting on-site behaviours of ecotourists so that environmentally responsible behaviour can be encouraged. This paper explores the factors influencing tourist environmental behaviour (TEB) using the reasoned action approach. Data were collected through a survey of 230 tourists visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal. Results indicated that the variation in TEB is explained by three psychological variables (i.e. environmental attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) as well as one sociodemographic characteristic (i.e. age), and two trip attributes (i.e. trip duration and group size). Theoretical and managerial implications of research findings with respect to ecotourism developmen...
Surface Structures and Antibiotic Targets in the Gonococcus

All four colony types of N. gonorrhoeae possess pit-like structures in the outer membrane of their envelopes. A stable, piliated strain GC1 of intermediate colony morphology also possesses this structural feature. Isolated envelopes of gonococcal strain GC1 and T1 have an active D-alanine carboxypeptidase. This membrane-bound enzyme in GC1 has an alkaline pH optimum, a Km of 0. 25 mM and is sensitive to inhibition by penicillin G, ampicillin, cloxacillin and methicillin. An active phospholipase A is present in GC1, Ti and T4 envelopes, the activity is stimulated by methanol (30%) and the enzyme converts phosphatidylethanolamine to lysophosphatidylethanolamine. It is suggested that such an enzyme could modulate barrier properties of the outer membrane.
The Hum Redux [Turnstile]

Discusses the theories behind people hearing strange humming sounds. Discusses the possible origins of these sounds and examines where these sounds originate from including sounds from various seismic activities.
MEIOBENTHIC SUBCOMMUNITY STRUCTURE: SPATIAL VS. TEMPORAL VARIABILITY

ABSTRACT Annual and seasonal variabilities in an assemblage of subcommunity properties obtained from one whole-beach transect site are compared with values from a second transect site further along the same beach for four pairs of sites, two from western Scotland and two from the eastern United States. Properties involve interspecific interaction, diversity-evenness, similarity, numbers and estimated biomass of the Gastrotricha subcommunity of meiofauna, one of the more important herbivore elements of the decomposer-based food web. Sedimentary properties differed significantly between paired transects on three of four beaches, generally involving mean grain size, sorting and roundness but not pore space. Little consistency occurred throughout the series. No significant differences were found between subcommunity parameter values in annual vs. summer collections from the same transect, for each of the three cases where annual data were available. Yet percent composition of several species and one or more other parameters differed between spatially neighboring transects on each of the four beaches. Similarly, while no significant differences were found between permutations of annual and those of seasonal collections from the major collection transects on each beach with respect to shared species diversity, a strong difference (.001>P) occurred between spatially differentiated transect pairs. Conclusions are that longshore gradients may play an important part in determining subcommunity structure and that such gradients warrant serious attention in future studies of beach meiofauna.
Exercise, Depression-Anxiety Disorders and Sex Hormones

Depression, predicted to be the second leading cause of global disability burden by 2020, is twice as common in women versus men. In addition, women are roughly twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, compared to men. Observations that mood and anxiety disorder prevalence appears to increase concomitant with reproductive steroid hormone changes occurring across the female life span (including puberty, the menstrual cycle, the perinatal period, and the menopause transition) have led to the hypothesis that reproductive-related hormones may play a role in the development and maintenance of mood and anxiety disorders in women. Regular participation in physical activity may offer women a non-pharmacological means to relieve depressive and anxious symptoms during these life periods; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are still being understood. Moreover, depression and anxiety are commonly associated with low levels of physical activity, and even among individuals with mental illness, these phenomena appears to be more prevalent in women than in men. This chapter aims to provide an overview of women’s mood disorders, the role of sex hormones in the development and maintenance of women’s reproductive-related mood disorders, and the associations among physical activity and women’s reproductive-related mood disorders.
Correlation of hyperlipidemia with high degree of FDG uptake in human aorta

363 Objectives: It has been shown in animal model that the degree of FDG uptake in the aorta correlates with the presence of atherosclerotic lesions, which contain macrophages and is pronounced in hyperlipidemic than in normal rabbits. In humans, it has been observed that aging is associated with increased FDG uptake in the large arteries. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of FDG uptake in the aorta between subject with normal lipid in the blood and those with hyperlipidemia. Methods: Eighteen subjects (15 males, 3 females with mean age of 57±8 years) who underwent a FDG PET for clinical purposes were included in this retrospectively study. All patients were non-diabetic and were overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25-29 Kg/m2 (BMI = [Wt (Kg)/ Ht (m2)]). Lipid profile [i.e. Total cholesterol (normal≤260mg/dl), LDL (normal≤160mg/dl) and Triglyceride (normal≤200mg/dl)] were determined within 6 month of FDG PET study and the blood glucose levels were recorded just before FDG PET study. Normal and hyperlipidemia patients were identified as 2 distinct groups. In every subject, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of FDG in 4 regions of the aortic wall (ascending, arch and descending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta) was measured. The results were compared statistically between the two groups using t-test. Results: The normal lipid group included with 11 patients (9 males, 2 females, and mean age of 57±8 years) while the hyperlipidemic group consisted of 7 patients (6 males, 1 female and mean age of 58±9). SUVmax in each aortic region of the hyperlipidemic group were significantly higher than that in that in the normal lipid group (p Conclusions: In this age matched of subjects with normal lipids and hyperlipidemia population, FDG uptake in the aortic wall was significantly higher in the latter group. FDG PET imaging may prone to be an important tool used in monitoring response to therapeutic interventions in patients with hyperlipidemia.
ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Lytic Candidate) on Oral Anticoagulant

Patients on oral anticoagulation who present with a ST-segment myocardial infarction and require fibrinolytics therapy represent a high patient population. With limited evidence to guide management, providers must assess risk versus benefit and attempt to mitigate bleeding events.
Outcome analysis of time from diagnosis to treatment in breast cancer patients treated at Edward Comprehensive Cancer Center, Huntington, West Virginia.

e12005Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the USA. In multiple cohorts, adverse outcomes were observed among early breast cancer (BC) patients when time from diagnosis to tre...
Optimizing waiting duration for renal transplants in the setting of renal malignancy: is 2 years too long to wait?

Background For potential transplant recipients with a prior history of renal malignancy, no evidence-based recommendations currently exist with regard to waiting duration on dialysis. We aim to improve decision making by evaluating the impact of waiting duration on the outcomes of kidney cancer patients awaiting renal transplantation. Methods The United States Renal Data System was used to identify patients with a known cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from 1983 to 2007. Evaluation of overall survival (OS) was performed with Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models. Fine-Gray competing risk models were used to assess cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and non-cancer-specific mortality (NCSM). Results Of 1 374 175 patients with ESRD, 228 984 (16.7%) received transplantation. Transplant recipients with renal malignancy-associated ESRD (RM-ESRD) had longer waiting durations than those with other known causes of ESRD (2.4 versus 1.3 years; P < 0.0001). RM-ESRD patients who had shorter waiting durations (0-2 years) had better OS than those who waited longer (2+ years) (10-year OS 69.0 versus 46.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001), with similar CSM (10-year CSM 10.3 versus 10.2%, respectively; P = 0.883), whereas NCSM was worse for those with longer waiting durations (10-year NCSM 20.7 versus 44.3%, respectively; P < 0.0001). On Cox modeling, the status of RM-ESRD was not a significant predictor (P = 0.07), while longer waiting duration remained significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusion We found that CSM was not affected by waiting duration, while NCSM significantly improved with shorter wait times. These findings suggest that the OS of potential transplant recipients with RM-ESRD may be improved by reducing waiting duration.
Is women's empowerment associated with political knowledge and opinions? Evidence from rural Mali.

Abstract According to many prominent theorists of democracy, citizens must be able to “formulate and signify preferences” to participate as ‘political equals’ for democracy to work ( Dahl, 1971 ). However, a gender gap in political knowledge and opinions exists across the Global South, especially in rural areas. In this paper, we study the relationship between rural women’s socioeconomic empowerment (household agency and mobility outside the village) and political knowledge and opinions in Mali, a West African country with patriarchal gender norms. To reduce well-known difficulties of gaining access to rural women and reducing bystander effects, we use simultaneous co-gender interviews of one man and one woman per extended family household and a modified Audio-Self-Administered Questionnaire for illiterate populations. Further to reduce “satisficed” opinions, we elicit opinion justifications and measure “justified opinions.” Consistent with predictions, we find that women’s empowerment is positively associated with rural women’s political knowledge and opinions. We close by examining opinions towards one controversial policy area with redistributive consequences for men and women—the Family Code, which regulates rights of men and women in marriage, inheritance, and the family. More empowered women are more likely to support pro-woman changes.
Peripheral Changes Associated With Delayed Dark Adaptation in Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose To study the association between peripheral changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dark adaptation (DA). Design Prospective, cross-sectional study. Methods We recruited patients with AMD and a control group (>50 years) without any vitreoretinal disease. Ultra-widefield (UWF) pseudocolor and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) were obtained, and were assessed by 2 graders for the presence of several peripheral changes in perimacular, midperipheral, and far-peripheral zones. All participants were also imaged with 7-field color fundus photographs used for AMD staging (Age-Related Eye Disease Study classification system). Both eyes of study participants were tested with a dark adaptation (DA) extended protocol (20 minutes). Multilevel mixed-effect models (accounting for correlated outcomes between 2 eyes) were used for analyses. Results We included 128 eyes (n = 72 patients), 75% with AMD and the remainder controls. The presence of reticular pigmentary changes in the midperipheral (s = 4.3, P = .012) and far-peripheral zones (s = 8.4, P Conclusion Our results suggest an association between DA and the presence of peripheral reticular pigmentary changes, as well as the presence of a peripheral mottled decreased FAF pattern. This provides new insights on the clinical significance of peripheral changes in AMD, and their contribution to impairments on DA.
Forensic identification of urine on cotton and polyester fabric with a hand-held Raman spectrometer

Abstract On-site detection and identification of body fluid samples at crime scenes and in prisons is critical for law enforcement. Current forensic tests for body fluids are highly specific, destructive to potential DNA evidence and time-consuming. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a label-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical technique that provides information about molecular vibrations and consequently chemical structure of the analyzed specimen. These advantages make RS highly attractive for forensic applications. This study demonstrates how RS can be used for confirmatory, non-invasive and non-destructive detection and identification of urine directly on fabrics. This is very important because there have been cases of correctional officers subjected to urine from prisoners. One would envision that conclusive evidence other than eyewitness testimonies will help in potential prosecution of such cases, especially if both urine and DNA can be simultaneously detected. In this study, we show that using a handheld Raman spectrometer we can detect and identify urine in liquid samples, both on cotton and synthetic fabric, as well as on sweat-contaminated clothes. We also demonstrate that RS is capable of detection and identification of urine directly on police uniform. Finally, we show that coupling of partial least squares discriminant analysis with RS allows for high accuracy prediction of urine on all studied types of fabric.
Dr. William W. Scott’s 25th Anniversary at Johns Hopkins

January 1, 1971, will mark my 30 years of association with Professor William Wallace Scott in pursuits related to Urology. The setting was the laboratory of Dr. Charles B. Huggins at the University of Chicago where I had spent my senior elective quarter. Having graduated in December, 1940, I continued to work as a research fellow on the use of serum phosphatases as an indicator when hormonal control of prostatic cancer was instituted. Dr. Huggins was Professor and Chief of the Division of Urology and Dr. Cornelius Vermeulen was an Instructor in Urology. Dr. Scott came to the laboratory, having just completed a year of straight surgical internship, to spend six months in research prior to entering the residency program in Urology.
Something Corporate: The Case for Treating Proprietary Education Institutions Like Corporations

Postsecondary education, particularly proprietary postsecondary education, has become a product-driven industry. As such, the law must apply the same accountability standards on these schools that it requires of other proprietary entities. This article examines the history of and distinction between proprietary schools and traditional postsecondary schools, the modern reality of the educational marketplace, and the organizational structure of proprietary schools, positing that the regulation of the proprietary education industry is more akin to regulating a traditional corporation than regulating a traditional postsecondary school. Ultimately, this article concludes that a fiduciary duty, existing between proprietary education institutions and their students, must supplant the academic abstention doctrine, which has long been a fixture in the court system, and finds that historical causes of action against proprietary schools are inadequate in the modern context. This article also contends that the states are better positioned to regulate harmful trade practices of proprietary schools than the federal government and makes a realistic and modern recommendation for the regulation of proprietary educational institutions.
Asymptotics of Spectral Projections of Some Random Matrices Approximating Integral Operators

Given a probability space (S, S, P) and a symmetric measurable real valued kernel h on S × S, which defines a compact integral operator H from L 2(P) into L 2(P), we study the asymptotic behavior of spectral projections of the random n × n matrices H n with entries n −1h(X i,X j), 1 ≤ i,j ≤ n, and H n, obtained from H n by deleting of its diagonal. Here (X 1,… , X n) is a sample of independent random variables in (S, S) with common distribution P. We show that if H is a Hilbert-Schmidt operator, then the spectral projections of H n converge a.s. to the spectral projections of H (the convergence is understood in the sense of quadratic forms). Under slightly stronger assumptions, the convergence also holds for the spectral projections of H n. Moreover, under much stronger assumptions on the kernel h, we show that the fluctuations of the spectral projections of H n or H n are asymptotically Gaussian.
Tricuspid Valve Disease

Tricuspid valve disease may result from primary leaflet involvement, as occurs with rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis, or from involvement of right ventricular myocardium or papillary muscles. As is the case with the mitral valve, it is important to consider the entire valvular apparatus. Thus, tricuspid valve insufficiency may result from disease of the right ventricular papillary muscles, the chordae tendineae, the tricuspid valve substance, or from disease of the tricuspid annulus.
International Cooperation in Homeland Security

Terrorism against the United States, post-9/11, reaches far beyond the U.S. borders. In order to effectively prevent and react to terrorism within the homeland, the U.S. must think of security internationally. International security efforts touch on key issues such as travel security, border control, immigration, intelligence, and financing terrorism. This article examines the U.S. effort at international cooperation in homeland security by examining security and threat assessment in order to analyze current developments and necessary progress moving forward. Further, this article explores comparative efforts at international cooperation in homeland security by examining Canada, Japan, and the E.U. in terms of security and threat assessment. Finally, this article offers recommendations and articulates criteria by which the U.S. can improve vital efforts at international cooperation in homeland security. To ensure effective counterterrorism, the U.S. must follow a two step process. First, the U.S. must take measures to protect the homeland. Those measure include: promoting travel security by implementing sophisticated technology; promoting border security by securing the Northern border; implementing intelligence sharing between agencies; creating a coordinated plan to promote travel and border security; undergoing training and simulation, and finally; ensuring institutionalized continuity from one Administration to the next. After taking action to protect the homeland, the U.S. must use these factors as a foundation on which to establish international cooperation. To establish effective international cooperation in homeland security, the U.S. must take measures including the following: forging international partnerships; sharing intelligence related to travel security; creating a coordinated international security plan; running international training and simulation exercises, and finally; implementing international institutionalized continuity.
The coordination of centrosome reproduction with nuclear events during the cell cycle

Publisher Summary The centrosome is the ensemble of structures that nucleates the interphase array of cytoplasmic microtubles and assembles the poles of the mitotic spindle. This chapter discusses the events and controls for centrosome reproduction. Coordination of centrosome reproduction with nuclear events in the cell cycle is also discussed. The sequence of the events of centrosome reproduction is (1) splitting, (2) disorientation, (3) duplication, (4) licensing, (5) disjunction, and (6) separation. The controls for centrosome reproduction are carried by limits that are intrinsic to the centrosome or by extrinsic controls imposed by changing cytoplasmic conditions. The cycle of centrosome reproduction can occur repeatedly in the absence of cell-cycle progression. One way of investigating the coordination of centrosome reproduction and nuclear events in the cell cycle is to characterize which cell-cycle stages support centrosome reproduction and which do not. The approach used is to arrest cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle and then determine if the centrosome reproduces one or more times without further experimental intervention. The sequential activation and inactivation of one or more of the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) could function as the cytoplasmic mechanism that coordinately drives centrosome duplication and nuclear events in the cell cycle.
Sorting ultracold atoms in a three-dimensional optical lattice in a realization of Maxwell’s demon

In 1872, Maxwell proposed his famous 'demon' thought experiment1. By discerning which particles in a gas are hot and which are cold, and then performing a series of reversible actions, Maxwell's demon could rearrange the particles into a manifestly lower-entropy state. This apparent violation of the second law of thermodynamics was resolved by twentieth-century theoretical work2: the entropy of the Universe is often increased while gathering information3, and there is an unavoidable entropy increase associated with the demon's memory4. The appeal of the thought experiment has led many real experiments to be framed as demon-like. However, past experiments had no intermediate information storage5, yielded only a small change in the system entropy6,7 or involved systems of four or fewer particles8-10. Here we present an experiment that captures the full essence of Maxwell's thought experiment. We start with a randomly half-filled three-dimensional optical lattice with about 60 atoms. We make the atoms sufficiently vibrationally cold so that the initial disorder is the dominant entropy. After determining where the atoms are, we execute a series of reversible operations to create a fully filled sublattice, which is a manifestly low-entropy state. Our sorting process lowers the total entropy of the system by a factor of 2.44. This highly filled ultracold array could be used as the starting point for a neutral-atom quantum computer.
Potential for participatory big data ethics and algorithm design: a scoping mapping review

Ubiquitous networked data collection and algorithm-based information systems have the potential to disparately impact lives around the planet and pose a host of emerging ethical challenges. One response has been a call for more transparency and democratic control over the design and implementation of such systems. This scoping mapping review focuses on participatory approaches to the design, governance, and future of these systems across a wide variety of contexts and domains.1