cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pattern Formation in Chemical Systems

Open spatial reactors have been developed, in which well-defined states of spatiotemporal patterns of chemical systems can be sustained indefinitely by external feeds of reagents. These reactors overcome restrictions of evolving irreversibly toward thermodynamical equilibrium and lacking of precise control parameters in closed reactors used in previous experiments. Thus, stabilities and transitions between well-defined states of patterns can be studied by changing some external control parameter. Using these reactors we observed various transitions between states and obtained the first experimental results of bifurcation sequences of spatiotemporal patterns in chemical systems.
Effect of multiscalar subfilter PDF models in LES of turbulent flames with inhomogeneous inlets

Abstract To apply reduced-order manifold combustion models in Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of systems with multiple inlets, it is necessary to incorporate more than one mixture fraction. As a result, the joint subfilter Probability Density Function (PDF) of the mixture fractions must be modeled. To determine the sensitivity of the predicted turbulent flame structure to these models, LES calculations of the Sydney piloted jet burner with inhomogeneous inlets have been performed using the Dirichlet, Connor-Mosimann (CM), and Beta-Delta (BD) distributions. A memory-efficient convolution-on-the-fly approach was applied to enable use of more complex subfilter PDF models, such as the CM distribution. Strong sensitivities in the LES predictions were observed to the choice of subfilter PDF model. The Dirichlet distribution was found to be ill-suited to this partially premixed turbulent flame because as a subfilter PDF model it implicitly assumes symmetric mixing in mixture fraction space, which is inconsistent with partial premixing. Good agreement with the experimental data was obtained using both the CM and BD distributions, which are mathematically consistent with partial premixing. The CM distribution is the most general of the considered distributions and gives the best predictions, but this comes with increased complexity and computational cost.
Engineered FVIII-expressing cytotoxic T cells target and kill FVIII-specific B cells in vitro and in vivo

Hemophilia A is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the factor VIII (FVIII) gene (F8). Treatment with recombinant or plasma-derived FVIII replacement therapy is standard therapy. A major problem in treating hemophilia A patients with therapeutic FVIII is that 20% to 30% of these patients produce neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies (inhibitors) because they are not immunologically tolerant to this human protein. Hence, there is a need to establish tolerogenic protocols to FVIII epitopes. To specifically target FVIII-specific B cells, we engineered immunodominant FVIII domains (A2 and C2) as a chimeric antigen receptor expressed by both human and murine cytotoxic T cells. This FVIII domain engineered B-cell antibody receptor (BAR) that expresses T cells was capable of killing FVIII-reactive B-cell hybridomas in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, FVIII BAR CD8 T cells blocked the development of specific antibody from unimmunized spleen cells stimulated polyclonally with lipopolysaccharide in vitro. In addition, adoptive transfer of FVIII A2- and C2-BAR CD8 T cells significantly reduced the anti-FVIII antibody formation in hemophilic mice. These data suggest that BAR-engineered T cells are a promising approach for future prophylactic treatment for patients with severe hemophilia A who are at high risk of developing inhibitors.
FRI0492 CALCULATING FRAX SCORE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE: PITFALLS AND PROBLEMS

Background Osteoporosis related fractures cause significant morbidity and mortality. FRAX score uses clinical risk factors and country-specific data in addition to Bone Mineral Density (BMD) to assess patients with high 10-year risk of hip (>3%) or major osteoporotic (>20%) fracture. We noticed discrepancies between radiologist reported and physician calculated FRAX scores at our hospital. We hypothesized that providers are calculating FRAX score differently as BMD in the FRAX calculator is an optional input variable. Objectives This study was initiated to see the differences in results when FRAX score is calculated using T-score, BMD and no BMD and how this difference can influence treatment. Methods Retrospective chart review of 1200 DEXA reports from 2013 to 2015 was done. Patients between ages of 40-90 years with T-score ranging from -2.5 at femoral neck were included in the study. Patients already on osteoporosis therapy and/or with T-score -1 were excluded. Pertinent risk factors were obtained from chart review. 237 patients met inclusion criteria and 3 separate FRAX scores were calculated using a) Femoral neck BMD b) T-score c) no BMD value. FRAX score reported by radiologist in the chart was also reviewed. Subsequently, FRAX scores obtained using T-score, no BMD value and radiology reported scores were compared against FRAX score calculated using femoral neck BMD (gold standard) Results When FRAX score calculated using BMD was compared with FRAX score calculated without BMD, number of patients with high 10-year fracture probability decreased from 49 to 11 patients, which was a statistically significant decrease of 77.6% (p When data was stratified according to age, there was significant overestimation of risk in patients >65 years(p Conclusion FRAX score calculation without BMD leads to both statistically and clinically significant overdiagnosis especially in elderly. Interchanging T score and BMD to calculate FRAX score leads to same treatment decision. Further education of providers regarding FRAX score is needed. Many providers are not aware that if BMD column is left blank, it defaults the calculation to no BMD. A pop up alerting the user “no machine was selected so the calculation will default to no BMD which can lead to overestimation of risk” in FRAX tool might be helpful to avoid miscalculation. References [1] https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.jsp [2] Prawiradilaga, RS, et al., “FRAX Calculated without BMD Resulting in a Higher Fracture Risk Than That Calculated with BMD in Women with Early Breast Cancer,” Journal of Osteoporosis, vol. 2018, Article ID 4636028. Disclosure of Interests Navneet Kaur: None declared, Barbara Mendez: None declared, Avneet Vig: None declared, Beverly Johnson Shareholder of: ownership of johnson and johnson stock over 10,000 USD, Consultant for: I am a consultant for the rheumatology education group, Employee of: I have been paid indirectly by pharma as a consultant for the rheumatology education group, Tony Francis: None declared
Outcomes of women age 40 or more undergoing repeat cesarean or trial of labor after cesarean.

Aim: Despite the increasing trend in delayed childbirth and the known associated complications in advancing maternal age, limited information exists regarding outcomes in very advanced maternal age...
Vaccination in the Elderly and IBD

Significant gaps in knowledge and utilization of vaccinations exist among practitioners providing care for patients with IBD. This review is intended to update the reader on best practices for vaccination within the IBD population with a specific focus on the elderly. Advances in IBD therapeutics have recently increased the number of immunosuppressive therapies available to practitioners. Differences in mechanisms of action of these medications have led to differential implications pertaining to vaccination strategies. Additionally, new vaccines, including the recombinant zoster vaccine, have recently become available for the use in the IBD population. Given the prominent role the IBD provider plays in the management of patients with IBD, a clear understanding of best practices is essential. This review provides a framework for the integration of optimal vaccination strategies for practitioners caring for adult and elderly patients with IBD.
Identification of a Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Signature: Preliminary Findings With Diagnostic Potential

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare, indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects 0. 13 per 100,000 persons annually. Overall survival of SMZL is estimated to reach 8-11 years in most cases, but up to 30% of SMZL cases develop aggressive presentations resulting in greatly diminished time of survival. SMZL presents with a very heterogeneous molecular profile, making diagnosis problematic, and accurate prognosis even less likely. The study herein has identified a potential diagnostic gene expression signature with highly specific predictive utility, coined the SMZL-specific Gene Expression Signature (SSGES). Additionally, five of the most impactful markers identified within the SSGES were selected for a five-protein panel, for further evaluation among control and SMZL patient samples. These markers included EME2, ERCC5, SETBP1, USP24, and ZBTB32. When compared with control spleen and other B-cell lymphoma subtypes, significantly higher expression was noticed in SMZL samples when stained for EME2 and USP24. Additionally, ERCC5, SETBP1, USP24, and ZBTB32 staining displayed indications of prognostic value for SMZL patients. Delineation of the SSGES offers a unique SMZL signature that could provide diagnostic utility for a malignancy that has historically been difficult to identify, and the five-marker protein panel provides additional support for such findings. These results should be further investigated and validated in subsequent molecular investigations of SMZL so it may be potentially incorporated into standard oncology practice for improving the understanding and outlook for SMZL patients.
Mechanical behavior and texture evolution of WE43 magnesium-rare earth alloy in Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar and Taylor Impact Cylinder Testing

Abstract Mechanical behavior and texture evolution of Mg rare-earth alloy WE43 is investigated for strain-rates 10−3/s to upwards of 105/s for the two material conditions - as-cast (AC) and T6 age hardened, rolled plate (RT6). The high strain-rate behavior is tested using both Taylor cylinder impact tests (TC) and split Hopkinson pressure bar tests (SHB) and bulk textures are obtained using neutron diffraction. Unlike the quasi-static strained material, AC and RT6 SHB retained high hardening rates throughout the test, even up to 30% true strain. Moreover, the high strain-rate data revealed that the RT6 material has a much higher strength than the AC material, but similar hardening rates despite significantly different initial texture. The flow stress near yield increased up to 10% for RT6 and up to 30% for AC as the strain-rate increased six orders of magnitude from quasi-static rates 10−3/s to 103/s. Neither material exhibited significant plastic anisotropy over the broad range of strain rates, despite the fact that the RT6 material had a moderately strong initial texture. In the TC tests, the geometric cross-sectional changes and texture along the cylinder from the cylindrical sample foot to head are measured and from the neutron diffraction texture analysis, upper-bound estimates of twin volume fraction are obtained as well as dislocation density from analyzing diffraction peak broadening. Recorded geometrical changes along several loading directions show that the material has deformed homogeneously under impact. Analysis of deformed textures indicates that { 10 1 ¯ 2 } extension deformation twinning occurred in the RT6 condition over the range of strain rates, with an upper bound estimate of 40% twin volume fraction for approximately 0.10-0.25 true strain. The peak texture components after the impact have their c-axes closely aligned with the impact direction. These observations are presented and rationalized in the paper.
Emotional labor assessments and episodic recall bias in public engagement

In a survey of local officials in Los Angeles County we test individual-level job-related assessments as a function of a public employee’s induced recall of discrete citizen engagement and one’s intrinsic prosocial motivation through a randomized survey experiment. We explore whether tangible retentions of public service influence the relationship between self-concepts—such as reported prosociality—and job-related assessments. We find that the relationship between self-reports of prosociality and pay satisfaction are contingent upon those concepts being decontextualized, whereas discrete recall bias appears not to affect emotional burnout. In other words, subjects seem to accept the emotional labor of engagement as part of their jobs. However, contextualizing engagement may make them more cognizant of its unremunerated dimensions; and, positive reinforcement of engagement provides encouragement to further engagement. Our findings make the case that emotional labor involves a skill set that employees implicitly recognize merits remuneration and that reinforcing positive engagement outcomes inspires employee motivation.
Fixing Up after Tearing Down: The Impact of Demolitions on Residential Investment:

Does the presence of deteriorating housing affect nearby property owner’s decision to maintain their units? Does demolishing these distressed houses increase nearby homeowner’s maintenance investme...
Hydrogen peroxide production by Streptococcus pneumoniae results in alpha-hemolysis by oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) and other streptococci produce a greenish halo on blood agar plates referred to as -hemolysis. This phenotype is utilized by clinical microbiology laboratories to report culture findings of -hemolytic streptococci, including Spn, and other bacteria. The -hemolysis halo on blood agar plates has been related to the hemolytic activity of pneumococcal pneumolysin (Ply), or to a lesser extent, to lysis of erythrocytes by Spn-produced hydrogen peroxide. We investigated the molecular basis of the -hemolysis halo produced by Spn. Wild-type strains TIGR4, D39, R6, and EF3030, and isogenic derivative {Delta}ply mutants, produced a similar -hemolytic halo on blood agar plates while cultures of hydrogen peroxide knockout {Delta}spxB/{Delta}lctO mutants lacked this characteristic halo. Spectroscopic studies demonstrated that culture supernatants of TIGR4 released hemoglobin-bound heme (heme-hemoglobin) from erythrocytes and oxidized oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin within 30 min of incubation. As expected, given Ply hemolytic activity, and that hydrogen peroxide contributes to the release of Ply, TIGR4 isogenic mutants {Delta}ply and {Delta}spxB/{Delta}lctO had a significantly decreased release of heme-hemoglobin from erythrocytes. However, TIGR4{Delta}ply that produces hydrogen peroxide oxidized oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin, whereas TIGR4{Delta}spxB/{Delta}lctO failed to produce oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin. We demonstrated that the so-called -hemolysis halo is caused by the oxidation oxy-hemoglobin (Fe+2) to a non-oxygen binding met-hemoglobin (Fe+3) by Spn-produced hydrogen peroxide. Since Spn colonizes the human lung, oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin might have important implications for pathogenesis. ImportanceThere is a misconception that -hemolysis observed on blood agar plates cultures of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), and other -hemolytic streptococci is produced by a hemolysin, or alternatively, by lysis of erythrocytes caused by hydrogen peroxide. We noticed in the course of our investigations that wild-type Spn strains and hemolysin (e.g., pneumolysin) knockout mutants, produced the -hemolytic halo on blood agar plates. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide defective mutants prepared in four different strains lacked the characteristic -hemolysis halo. We also demonstrated that wild-type strains and pneumolysin mutants oxidized oxy-hemoglobin to met-hemoglobin. Hydrogen peroxide knockout mutants, however, failed to oxidize oxy-hemoglobin. Therefore, the greenish halo formed on cultures of Spn and other so-called -hemolytic streptococci is caused by the oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin produced by hydrogen peroxide. Oxidation of oxy-hemoglobin to the non-binding oxygen form, met-hemoglobin, might occur in the lungs during pneumococcal pneumonia.
The reliability of resident self-evaluation of operative performance.

Abstract Background Self-assessment is critical to professional self-regulation yet many trainees may not reliably self-evaluate. We examine the gap between resident and faculty perceptions of trainee operative performance and contributing factors. Methods Surgery resident and faculty evaluations of trainee performance were collected from 14 academic institutions using smartphone-based performance assessments. Differences in resident/faculty ratings evaluating the same procedure were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Bayesian mixed models. Results Of 7382 evaluations, 46% trainees and faculty performance ratings were discrepant (r = 0.47), with 80% residents rating themselves lower than faculty in those cases. This gap existed regardless of case complexity and widened as trainees gained experience. Trainees who overrated themselves had the lowest mean performance scores from faculty. Conclusion Half of residents perceived their performance differently from faculty, and this difference widened for senior residents. Future focus should be to provide opportunity for trainees to improve skills to reliably assess themselves before graduation.
Hybrid argon plasma coagulation for Barrett’s esophagus

As the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma increases in the United States, detection, diagnosis, and treatment for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is even more critical.1 BE-related neoplasia is managed by endoscopic eradication therapy, a strategy of endoscopic resection of any nodular or visible lesion and ablation for flat neoplasia.2 Ablative modalities include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), argon plasma coagulation (APC), and cryoablation with either spray liquid nitrogen or balloon-based nitrous oxide therapy. The original and still most commonly used method is RFA, which can be performed using a balloon-based circumferential device for long-segment BE or a focal cap device for shorter segments or tongues. APC, a contact-free thermal coagulation technique, uses a jet of ionized argon gas that is ignited to achieve tissue ablation. The main limitations to current ablative technologies are stricture formation, buried glands below the neosquamous epithelium, the requirement for multiple sessions to achieve remission, the risk of recurrent disease, and technical difficulty in patients with tortuous esophageal anatomy. A new technique called hybrid-APC combines submucosal fluid injection through a high-pressure water jet system to create a protective cushion before ablation, with a goal of safely treating to greater tissue depth compared with standard APC.3 The proposed advantages of hybrid-APC include the ability to ablate a larger area in a single session, the potential to administer therapy deep into the tissue, and a possible decreased rate of stricture formation or adverse events (Video 1, available online at www.giejournal.org).
Challenges in the Development of Ford Mustang Mach-E BEV Motor Calibration and Controls for NVH & Losses

The 300-mile range marquee 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E all electric crossover vehicle (BEV) launched recently with variants like RWD and AWD in standard and extended range configuration is propelled by an interior permanent magnet (IPM) AC synchronous motor and a three phase two-level voltage source inverter system. This paper outlines the challenges encountered during the development of the electric drive system and how competing vehicle attributes like NVH, range and inverter system component thermal reliability are effectively managed by employing motor calibration and control strategies in delivering an uncompromising and superior vehicle performance.
Leveling airborne and surface gravity surveys

For both airborne gravimetric and airborne magnetic surveys, systematic residual errors usually remain in the data after standard data processing. In the literature, the mismatches at the crossover points are used to either adjust the processing procedures or directly adjust the results. This is usually called crossover adjustment. Due to the limited crossover points, it has a risk of leaking the random errors into a systematic distortion of the entire data. In aeromagnetic surveys, the low-wavenumber information is used to construct a smooth field to level the survey data without the need for tie lines. However, this method relies on the long-wavelength component of the flight line data accurately sampling the regional field. Here, an alternative approach is developed to model the physical field using radial basis functions (RBF) and to parameterize the systematic errors at the same time, which avoids all of the aforementioned problems. Numerical results show that the new method provides more stable results than the classical approach. The method is also tested on terrestrial gravity surveys (where it is challenging to directly apply the crossover analysis). Here also, it yields promising results.
Essentials of digital signal processing

This textbook offers a fresh approach to digital signal processing (DSP) that combines heuristic reasoning and physical appreciation with sound mathematical methods to illuminate DSP concepts and practices. It uses metaphors, analogies and creative explanations, along with examples and exercises to provide deep and intuitive insights into DSP concepts. Practical DSP requires hybrid systems including both discrete- and continuous-time components. This book follows a holistic approach and presents discrete-time processing as a seamless continuation of continuous-time signals and systems, beginning with a review of continuous-time signals and systems, frequency response, and filtering. The synergistic combination of continuous-time and discrete-time perspectives leads to a deeper appreciation and understanding of DSP concepts and practices. For upper-level undergraduatesIllustrates concepts with 500 high-quality figures, more than 170 fully worked examples, and hundreds of end-of-chapter problems, more than 150 drill exercises, including complete and detailed solutionsSeamlessly integrates MATLAB throughout the text to enhance learning
Spatio temporal helixes for event modeling

This paper defines a framework for the spatio-temporal analysis of motion imagery (MI) datasets depicting two-dimensional phenomena evolving in time. More specifically, we introduce the concept of a spatiotemporal helix as a concise representation of spatiotemporal events, modeling their path in space and the variations of their outline. We also present in some detail the automated algorithms developed to support the automated generation of spatiotemporal helixes and discuss their comparison to support spatiotemporal analysis.
Comparison of Four Agar Plating Media with and Without Added Novobiocin for Isolation of Salmonellae from Beef and Deboned Poultry Meat

Four plating media, Hektoen enteric (HE), xylose-lysine deoxycholate (XLD), tryptic soy-xylose-lysine (TSXL), and tryptic soy-brillant green (TSBG) agars with and without 10 mg of added novobiocin per ml, were evaluated for recovery of Salmonella from roast beef and deboned turkey. Colonies producing a reaction typical of H2S-positive salmonellae (alkaline with black centers) were picked. On the media without novobiocin, from 109 determinations on 75 samples, number of salmonellae found and false-positives were, respectively: HE—13, 58; XLD—17, 18; TSXL—23, 0; TSBG—22, 7. When novobiocin was present the corresponding results were: HE—17, 24; XLD—21, 2; TSXL—23, 3; TSBG—20, 7. A total of 25 determinations were positive on one or more agars. False-positives on HE and XLD without novobiocin were predominantly Proteus, which were almost totally eliminated by addition of 10 mg of novobiocin per liter. If alkaline H2S-negative colonies had been considered, many more false-positives would have been found on HE and XLD but not on TSBG or TSXL. Addition of novobiocin markedly improved isolations of salmonellae from XLD and HE and reduced the number of false-positives. Addition of novobiocin did not improve performance of TSXL and slightly impaired differentiation of salmonellae from Citrobacter on TSBG. XLD with novobiocin and TSXL are highly specific for H2S-positive salmonellae, and the appearance of Salmonella-like colonies on these media can be considered a presumptive test for H2S-positive salmonellae.
II, 15. DNA-based rotavirus vaccines

Publisher Summary Group A rotaviruses (RVs) are the most important cause of diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. As the vaccines produced to date do not provide complete protection and may have adverse effects associated with them, new approaches to immunization continue to be needed. New approaches that have shown promise in animal models of RV infection include the use of virus-like particles (VLPs) prepared from recombinant RV proteins, chimeric RV proteins, and plasmid DNA vaccines. This chapter discusses the properties of DNA vaccines and immune responses to DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines are plasmid DNAs (pDNAs) encoding specific proteins that can be expressed in cells of an inoculated host. DNA immunization has been shown to be an effective means of eliciting both humoral and cellular immunity against infectious agents. Gene gun bombardment of the surface of skin with DNA-coated gold beads and intramuscular injection of DNA vaccines have been the methods most often used for immunization.
Extracellular polysaccharide impaired mutants of Clavibacter michiganense subsp. insidiosum

Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) produced by the plant pathogen Clavibacter michiganense subsp. insidiosum are thought to be important virulence factors in the bacterial wilt disease caused by this pathogen. The most commonly considered role of the EPS in this disease is that of contributing to the water stress associated with the disease through physical blockage of the plant's water conducting system. U.v.-induced mutants of the bacterium, impaired in both quantity and quality of the EPS produced, were used to assess the role of the EPS in colonization and growth of the bacteria in planta. The five types of mutants analysed differed qualitatively from wild-type EPS in size and classes of EPS produced and/or sugar composition of the EPS. It was found that the mutant strains grew to the same population numbers as the wild-type when co-inoculated. From these results we conclude that it is unlikely that the EPS of this plant pathogen plays an important role in the early stages of disease establishment.
Physical, Biochemical, and Immunological Properties of Coliphage MS-2 Particles

H (heavy) and L (light) MS-2 particles differ in density, absorption spectrum, and infectivity. Studies on their sedimentation, ribonucleic acid (RNA) content and infectivity, appearance under the electron microscope, ribonuclease sensitivity, and A-protein content failed to demonstrate any difference between the two particle types. Studies on the size, RNA content, and density of the capsid and two smaller coat protein components were also conducted. The antigenic relatedness of five different viral and subviral particles of MS-2 were studied by using immunodiffusion and neutralization. Capsids and the H and L viral particles were shown to be antigenically related, whereas the coat protein monomers and dimers were shown to be unrelated to the higher-molecular-weight particles. Images
Measurement of total antioxidant capacity in sub-μL blood samples using craft paper-based analytical devices

Antioxidants play a role in counteracting free radicals and reactive oxygen species and are thought to help prevent or slow the progression of many chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein we report a simple way to make a colorimetric assay for measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on craft paper-based analytical devices (cPADs) suitable for sub-μL volume blood samples. We incorporated a microfluidic separation mechanism for the isolation of plasma from interfering blood cells. The whole diagnostic process, including cPAD construction, plasma sample preparation, assay, and image thresholding analysis, can be completed in fifteen minutes. We applied our approach to the measurement of TAC in mice that model Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal, neurodegenerative movement disorder. Results revealed that TAC was significantly elevated in R6/2 HD model mice compared to their age-matched wild-type (WT) controls. We expect that this method, with a simple, fast, and sensitive assay on low-cost and disposable paper, will meet the potential needs for point-of-care (POC) testing of TAC, as well as other disease biomarkers in blood and other types of bodily fluids where limited volumes of samples are obtainable.
Activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis is Elevated in Rats with Activity-Based Anorexia

Activity-based anorexia is characterized by suppressed food intake and excessive physical activity. These behaviors are typical of persons with anorexia nervosa. Activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is known to be elevated in anorexia nervosa. We investigated the status of this axis in activity-based anorexia. Meal fed-control (MFC) and meal fed-wheel running (MFWR) rats were given access to food for 90 min daily; MFWR animals were allowed access to an activity wheel the remainder of the day. The experiment terminated when MFWR animals reached 75% of preexperimental body weight (males 3.9 +/- 0.3 d; females 4.2 +/- 0.2 d). Male and female MFWR rats consumed less food than MFC animals, while maintaining a high level of wheel running. Corticosterone concentrations were significantly elevated in MFWR animals. Corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus were not different. Relative adrenal gland weights were greater and thymus gland weights were lower in MFWR animals. Changes in food intake could not be explained by differences in insulin, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate or norepinephrine concentrations. Our results suggest increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in activity-based anorexia.
Carotid Artery Stenting: A Vascular Surgeon‐Endovascular Specialist's Perspective

Endovascular interventions were developed to provide minimally invasive alternatives to standard surgical therapies. Where an endoluminal technique has the potential to supplant its surgical predecessor, the rival must prove itself against the gold standard in terms of outcome, complications, and durability. In the case of carotid stenting, the stroke risk reduction data for carotid endarterectomy gathered from recent randomized trials appear to be unassailable. In the face of this challenge, why would we pursue an endoluminal alternative? Would the investment in resources and device development result in benefit to the patient? In this perspective, an endovascular surgeon proposes several possible case scenarios appropriate to carotid stenting and reviews progress to date on the investigation of this therapeutic alternative.
Evaluation of balloon angioplasty of coarctation restenosis by magnetic resonance imaging

Eight patients treated by balloon angioplasty for coarctation restenosis have been followed for 4 to 54 months (mean 40) by physical examination using Doppler pressures and by magnetic resonance imaging in a superconducting magnet operating at 0.6 tesla. Image analysis was performed by inspection and by measurement of the aorta, with particular attention to the angioplasty site and its relation to the ascending aorta at the same axial level. Similar measurements were made from immediate postangioplasty angiograms. Residual pressure gradients were 0 to 12 mm (mean 2), reflecting persistent absence of a gradient in 1 patient and further gradient reduction in 7. Images showed no aneurysm formation, mild residual or recurrent stenosis in 4 patients, minimal focal periaortic soft tissue thickening in 1 patient and an interval increase in the ratio of ballooned segment diameter to ascending aortic diameter in the 7 patients in whom it could be measured. Thus, intermediate-term results of balloon dilatation of coarctation restenosis are excellent and magnetic resonance imaging is well suited to the serial studies required in these patients.
Effects of Aging on Sensitivity of the Pharyngeal and Supraglottic Areas

As one ages, sensory discrimination in the oral cavity progressively diminishes, and dysphagia and aspiration are more likely to occur. Whether similar age-related laryngopharyngeal (LP) sensory abnormalities exist and contribute to dysphagia and aspiration is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if sensory discrimination in the area of the laryngopharynx innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve diminishes with increasing age. By applying a previously described device and technique that utilized endoscopically delivered air pulse stimulation of the anterior wall of the pyriform sinus, sensory discrimination can be reliably determined. LP sensory discrimination testing was performed in 80 healthy adults 23-87 years of age, with a mean age of 47 +/- 20 years. There were 60 men and 20 women. The test subjects were divided into 3 age groups, 20-40, 41-60, and > or =61. For the entire population studied, average LP sensory discrimination thresholds were 2.60 +/- 0.56 mm Hg air pulse pressure (APP). In general, there was a progressive increase in sensory discrimination threshold with each decade of life. A correlation analysis revealed that there were significant increases in pressure thresholds with advancing age (r = 0.62, P or =61, 2.97 +/- 0.78 mm Hg APP. Thresholds for the > or =61 group were significantly different from those for the 20-40 and the 41-60 groups (P <0.05). Progressive diminution in LP sensitivity with increasing age might be a contributing factor in the development of dysphagia and aspiration in the elderly.
Mechanism of Adhesion Between Polyolefins and Steel as Studied by XPS and Static Sims

XPS and static SIMS have been used to characterize the interfaces between squalene or cis-polyisoprene and steel in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of bonding.
Monocular deprivation in an identical twin.

Purpose The scientific literature contains minimal human studies of the effect of monocular deprivation on a single eye of twins. This report examines the effects of early visual deprivation on axial length measurements by comparing the refractive findings and axial length measurements of identical twins’ 4 eyes, 1 visually deprived and 3 nondeprived. Methods A retrospective record review was performed on the medical records of identical 6-year-old Hispanic female twins. Both patients had received eye care at the University Optometric Center, State University of New York, for a period of at least 5 years. Subsequently, an Internal Review Board–approved prospective study was undertaken. Each twin received a comprehensive eye examination and an A-scan. Results The findings of the 3 nondeprived eyes were compared with those of the 1 deprived eye. The 3 nondeprived eyes had at least 20/20 visual acuity, low hyperopia or astigmatism, low with the rule keratometric findings, 12-mm corneal diameters, and A-scan results ranging from 21.0 to 21.55 mm. The remaining eye, which was visually deprived secondary to congenital cataract from birth to 6 months of age, had an aphakic refractive condition, decreased visual acuity, glaucoma, esotropia, and borderline microcornea. Keratometric findings were comparable with those of the other 3 eyes, whereas the A-scan finding was 25.16 mm. Conclusion This case presented a unique opportunity to directly examine the effect of visual deprivation on axial elongation. Although other factors, such as glaucoma and borderline microcornea, may influence axial elongation, the findings in this patient indicate that a substantial portion, if not all, of the axial elongation can be attributed to early monocular deprivation.
FAITH, SACRIFICE, AND THE EARTH'S GLORY IN TERRENCE MALICK'S THE TREE OF LIFE

Abstract:Terrence Malick's film The Tree of Life revisits many of the questions regarding a Christian theodicy. How, for example, can one reconcile the idea of providence or believe in the meaning of human suffering when life itself is subject to and even dependent on chance and violence? In order to sustain faith in providence in such a universe, Malick suggests that one must be willing to absorb the insults of accident and sacrifice the human drive to control and master one's own destiny. In his invocation of Job, his allusions to Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, and his debt to Kierkegaard, Malick suggests that the recompense for this sacrifice is an intensification of appreciation for existence itself and for the spiritual value of biological and geological processes. In this way, the film offers an insightful ecotheology that makes earth more central to a Christian ethos.
Peer relationships and diabetes: retrospective and ecological momentary assessment approaches.

Objective To examine the association of positive and negative aspects of friendship to psychological well-being, self-care behavior, and blood glucose control, and determine whether these relations were moderated by gender.
Arabitol dehydrogenase as a selectable marker for rice

Arabitol dehydrogenase has been adapted for use as a plant selectable marker. Arabitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that can be used by E. coli strain C, but not by the laboratory K12 strains. The enzyme converts the non-plant-metabolizable sugar arabitol into xylulose, which is metabolized by plant cells. Rice was transformed with a plant-expression-optimized synthetic gene using Biolistic-mediated transformation. Selection on 2.75% arabitol and 0.25% sucrose yielded a transformation efficiency (9.3%) equal to that obtained with hygromycin (9.2%). Molecular analyses showed that the atlD gene was integrated into the rice genome of selected plants and was inherited in a Mendelian manner. This study indicates that arabitol could serve as an effective means of plant selection.
The timing of normalization of CA-125 levels during primary chemotherapy is predictive of survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective To determine if the timing of normalization of CA-125 levels during primary chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) could predict survival. Methods Patients who reached a complete clinical response for EOC with primary taxane/platinum-based chemotherapy were eligible. Patient demographics, chemotherapy administration, CA-125 levels, and survival outcomes were abstracted. Progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and platinum sensitivity (>6 months from chemotherapy completion) were compared to CA-125 levels during primary therapy. Results 262 patients who achieved a complete clinical response were identified. Patients who achieved normalization of CA-125 by 3rd cycle of chemotherapy were compared to patients who failed to achieve normalization by the 3rd cycle. Patients with early normalization demonstrated improved PFS (19 vs. 6 months; p p p p p p Conclusion Earlier normalization of CA-125 levels during primary chemotherapy for EOC predicts improvement in platinum sensitivity, PFS, and OS. This data provides prognostic information that may influence future decisions regarding chemotherapy and potentially earlier enrollment in treatment protocols.
Effects of Clostridium difficile Toxin on Tissue-Cultured Cells

A partially purified toxin of Clostridium difficile induced similar morphologic changes in three different tissue-cultured mammalian cell lines. The morphologic changes were not associated with biochemical changes indentical to those caused by the enterotoxins of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli. Although the mechanisms responsible for the noncytotoxic morphologic effects remain to be delineated, the toxin appears to exert its effects by directly affecting membrane constituents.
Efficacy and treatment-related toxicity of radiotherapy for early-stage primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the parotid gland.

Purpose To assess the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the parotid gland. Methods and materials Data on 35 consecutive patients seen at Mayo Clinic between 1974 and 2000 with Ann Arbor Stage I and II NHL of the parotid gland were reviewed retrospectively. Radiotherapy was given to 23 patients, and 12 patients were observed. Eight patients received RT to local fields only. In addition to local fields, 9 patients received ipsilateral neck irradiation, and 6 patients received both ipsilateral and contralateral neck irradiation. Results Median follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 2 months–24 years). Local control was significantly improved in the RT group compared with the observation group ( p = 0.03). Both overall survival and disease-specific survival were 90% at 5 years and 71% at 10 years. There was no significant difference in disease-specific survival or overall survival between the RT and observation groups. Conclusions The overall prognosis for this rare presentation of NHL is excellent. Radiotherapy provided significant improvement in local control with minimal morbidity and should be considered in the treatment of these patients.
The Ruesch Center Symposium 2014: Fighting a Smarter War against Cancer Using Immunotherapy

The symposium Every year the Ruesch Center runs an annual symposium: Fighting a Smarter War against Cancer. Although not on the scale of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meetings, the symposium is overbrimming with oncology expertise. The event convenes not only national but also global experts and always broaches the latest hot or oftentimes controversial topics [1]. This year the center’s annual symposium (2014) had a major focus on immune therapy for GI cancers and on Friday, December 5, we brought together ‘an incredible line-up’ of immunotherapy experts (in speaker Chris Heery’s words). Running themes throughout the symposium were that “we are entering a new era in the treatment of GI cancer”, “we are beginning to see a transformation in the standard of care”, “immunotherapy is the new treatment Paradigm” and “there has been a fundamental shift in the way we understand cancer”. As a lead-up to Friday, the session on Thursday evening discussed the latest advances in GI cancer research, during which Michael Pishvaian likened surgery to uprooting the large weed growing in the middle of the garden while chemotherapy was like treating the whole yard for unwanted growth. On Friday it was made clear that immunotherapy is capable of doing both these things and as such is a tactical gamechanger. Saturday was a day for patient education, covering a range of topics aimed at increasing patient knowledge of cancer research, therapy and coping skills. This commentary will cover the events on Thursday and Friday only.
Frequency of close positioning of chromosomal loci detected by FRET correlates with their participation in carcinogenic rearrangements in human cells

It has been well established that genes participating in oncogenic rearrangements are non-randomly positioned and frequently close to each other in human cell nuclei. However, the actual distance between these fusion partners has never been determined. The phenomenon of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is observed when a donor fluorophore is close (<10 nm) to transfer some of it energy to an acceptor fluorophore. The aim of this study was to validate the use of FRET on directly labeled DNA molecules to assess the frequency of positioning at <10 nm distances between genes known to be involved in rearrangement and to correlate it with their probability to undergo rearrangement. In the validation experiments, the frequency of FRET-sensitized emission (SE) was found to be 93–96% between probes for the immediately adjacent chromosomal regions as compared to 0.1–0.2% between probes for the random loci located on large linear separation. Further, we found that the frequency of FRET-SE between four pairs of genes that form rearrangements in thyroid cancer was 5% for RET and CCDC6, 4% for RET and NCOA4, 2% for BRAF and AKAP9, and 2% for NTRK1 and TPR. Moreover, the frequency with which FRET was observed showed strong correlation (r = 0.9871) with the prevalence of respective rearrangements in thyroid cancer. Our findings demonstrate that FRET can be used as a technique to analyze proximity between specific DNA regions and that the frequency of gene positioning at distances allowing FRET correlates with their probability to undergo chromosomal rearrangements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spreading depression in squirrel monkey lissencephalic cortex

Abstract Spreading depression was elicited in the squirrel monkey's cerebral cortex to determine some parameters of cortical spreading depression (CSD) in a highly encephalized but semi-lissencephalic brain. Rate of CSD propagation, as indicated by a slow potential (SP) change, was slower than in other mammals but comparable to that reported in other primates. Frontal and occipital regions of the cortex differed in terms of SP amplitude, CSD threshold, SP waveform, and seizure threshold. It was concluded that the squirrel monkey would be an excellent preparation for studying the effects of CSD upon memory functions, interhemispheric transfer, and other phenomena in a highly encephalized brain.
A 180-V pp Integrated Linear Amplifier for Ultrasonic Imaging Applications in a High-Voltage CMOS SOI Technology

This brief presents a monolithically integrated fully differential linear HV amplifier as the driver of an ultrasonic transducer. The linear amplifier is capable of transmitting HV arbitrary signals with a very low harmonic distortion, which is suitable for tissue harmonic imaging and other ultrasonic modes for enhanced imaging quality. The amplifier is designed and implemented using the 0.7- $\mu\mbox{m} $ CMOS silicon-on-insulator process with 120-V devices. The amplifier, when driving a load of 300 pF in parallel with 100 Ω, is capable of transmitting a sine-wave signal with a frequency of up to 4.4 MHz, a maximum signal swing of 180 Vpp, and a second-order harmonic distortion (HD2) of $-$ 56 dBc but only dissipating an average power of 62 mW with a 0.1% duty cycle.
Fabrication of Low Cost 1D CdSe Nanowires using Near-field Electrospinning

Well-aligned, 1D CdSe quantum dot (QD) fibers (0.3μm to 2.5μm) containing up to 20wt% fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by near-field electrospinning (NFES) process. Electrospun solutions were prepared using PVAc as the matrix polymer, dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent and colloidal QDs in chloroform (CHCl3). The diameter of the fibers decreased as the ratio of DMF/CHCl3 is varied. QDs showed good dispersion and a linear relationship between QD loading and fiber diameter, as determined by the morphology measurements taken using TEM and SEM, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy shows that there is light attenuation throughout the fibers. Results also show that the NFES process may be used as a method to create aligned, 1D fibers of QDs and potentially other nanofibers.
Cell cycle parameters and accumulation of metaphase cells in maize suspension cultures

Abstract Cell cycle parameters of maize (Zea maysL cv Black Mexican Sweet) suspension cultures and root meristem cells were determined by pulse labelling with [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR). Total cell cycle time for the suspension cultures was 27 h; 3 h in G1, 14 h in S, 6 h in G2, 2.2 h in prophase, 1 h in metaphase, 0.1 h in anaphase, and 0.7 h in telophase. Cell cycle durations in root meristem cells of Black Mexican Sweet (BMS) corn with and without B chromosomes in vivo were 20.0 h and 18.3h, respectively. Chemical and physical methods were used successfully to accumulate mitoses in the suspension cultures; compared to the untreated control, the mitotic index of the treated cultures was increased from 4 to 23% and the frequency of metaphase cells increased dramatically from 3 to 19%.