cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
General anesthesia and the ketogenic diet: clinical experience in nine patients.

Summary: Purpose: To determine if children actively on the ketogenic diet (KD) can safely undergo general anesthesia (GA) for surgical procedures. Methods: The records of children treated with the KD at Children's Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts) from 1995 to the present were reviewed. The charts of children who had received GA while on the diet were evaluated with regard to demographics, procedure information, anesthesia records, blood chemistries, and perioperative course. Of 71 children on the KD during the period of the study, nine (12.7%) had procedures requiring GA while on the diet. Results: Nine children received GA for surgical procedures ranging from central line placement to hemispherectomy while on the KD. At the time of GA, the children ranged from age 1 to 6 years, and had been on the KD for 2–60 months. The patients received carbohydrate-free intravenous solutions perioperatively. Anesthesia duration ranged from 20 min to 11.5 h; for longer procedures, serum pH, glucose, and electrolyte levels were monitored. Serum glucose levels remained stable in all patients, but serum pH typically decreased; the largest reduction was to 7.16. In three procedures, patients received intravenous bicarbonate because of level of acidosis. There were no perioperative complications. Conclusions: Children on the KD can safely undergo GA for surgical procedures. Although serum glucose levels appear to remain stable, serum pH or bicarbonate levels should be monitored because of the risk of metabolic acidosis.
Spectral and Time Domain Studies of Accumulated Photon Echo

Abstract Multishot or single-shot retrieval of femtosecond echo signal without substantial spectral distortion was experimentally demonstrated for a H2-octaethylporphine doped polystyrene sample. Upto 104 single-shot readout cycles using a femtosecond pulse were observed without substantial echo signal degradation. The echo decay time was determined for this sample to be (50 ± 15) ps.
Working Hard, Living Poor: Social Work and the Movement for Livable Wages

In 2001, social work researchers published Working Hard, Living Poor, a living wage study for Nevada and the opening salvo in a four-year coalition effort to raise the state's minimum wage. Social work faculty and students were active participants in that campaign; their contributions included wide distribution of the study, the development of an award-winning social welfare policy unit—Nickel and Dimed: On (not) Getting by in Northern Nevada; and advocacy, including legislative testimony and media outreach, on behalf of minimum wage legislation. This article—which poses the question, what is social work's responsibility vis-a-vis the working poor?—is a case study of that effort.
Numerical simulation of asymmetric hurricanes on a β-plane with vertical shear

A three-layer, semi-implicit model was developed to simulate moving and asymmetric hurricanes on a ?-plane, using Kuo's method of cumulus parametrization. Sensible and latent heat transfer from ocean to atmosphere was included implicitly in the model. In order to predict hurricane movement over a large area and yet resolve finer details near the eye, a multi-grid network was used with a movable finest grid of 20 km mesh size, surrounded by two coarse grid nets with mesh spacings of 60 km and 180 km, respectively. A comparison of the results with f -plane calculations shows that the vortex on the ?-plane intensified at a slower rate before the storm stage, but at the same rate thereafter. The ?-plane hurricane was asymmetric throughout its life cycle, and these asymmetrics looked similar to those observed in real hurricanes. The vortex moved on the ?-plane with a phase velocity of 4.3 km hour ?1 for the westerly and 3.3 km hour ?1 for the northerly components. The model was also integrated for two cases where the initial vortex was superimposed on a vertically varying basic current. Results showed that the strength of the simulated hurricane depends very much upon the magnitude of the vertical shear of the basic current; for a large shear (? 15 m sec ?1 /12 km) the vortex failed to intensify into a hurricane. Computations showed that the pressure weighted mean of the basic current between the surface and 12 km level agreed very well with the magnitude of the steering current. As a result of the interaction between the hurricane circulation and the basic current, the hurricane moved in an oscillatory path with an amplitude of 30 km and a period of about 20 hours. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1975.tb01699.x
Flow cytometric analysis of BDE 47 mediated injury to rainbow trout gill epithelial cells

The polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants whose residues are increasing in fish, wildlife and human tissues. However, relatively little is known regarding the mechanisms of cell injury caused by PBDE congeners in fish. In the present study, we employed flow cytometry-based analyses to understand the onset and mechanisms of cell injury in rainbow trout gill cells (RTgill-W1 cells) exposed to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 47). Substantial optimization and validation for flow cytometry protocols were required during assay development for the trout gill cell line. Exposure to micromolar concentrations of BDE 47 elicited a significant loss in RTgill-W1 cell viability that was accompanied by a decrease in NAD(P)H autofluorescence, a marker associated with disruption of cellular redox status. This loss in NAD(P)H content was accompanied by a decrease in nonyl acridine orange fluorescence, indicating mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, low doses of BDE 47 altered cellular forward angle light scatter (FS, a measure of cell diameter or size) and side light scatter properties (SS, a measure of cellular internal complexity), consistent with the early stages of apoptosis. These changes were more pronounced at higher BDE 47 concentrations, which led to an increase in the percentage of cells undergoing frank apoptosis as evidenced by sub-G1 DNA content. Apoptosis was also observed at a relatively low dose (3.2muM) of BDE 47 if cells were exposed for an extended period of time (24h). Collectively, the results of these studies indicate that exposure of rainbow trout gill cells to BDE47 is associated with the induction of apoptosis likely originating from disruption of cellular redox status and mitochondrial oxidative injury. The current report extends observations in other species demonstrating that oxidative stress is an important mechanism of BDE 47 mediated cellular toxicity, and supports the use of oxidative stress-associated biomarkers in assessing the sublethal effects of PBDEs and their replacements in fish. The application of flow cytometry endpoints using fish cell lines should facilitate study of the mechanisms of chemical injury in aquatic species.
A cDNA for the estradiol-regulated 24K protein: control of mRNA levels in MCF-7 cells.

We have previously demonstrated an estradiol-regulated 24 kDa (24K) protein in human breast cancer tissue culture cells and human tumor biopsies. The presence of 24K correlates well with the presence of steroid hormone receptors. In order to further study the hormonal regulation of the 24K protein and gene, we have isolated cDNA clones corresponding to the 24K mRNA.
Dramatic growth of mice that develop from eggs microinjected with metallothionein–growth hormone fusion genes

A DNA fragment containing the promoter of the mouse metallothionein-I gene fused to the structural gene of rat growth hormone was microinjected into the pronuclei of fertilized mouse eggs. Of 21 mice that developed from these eggs, seven carried the fusion gene and six of these grew significantly larger than their littermates. Several of these transgenic mice had extraordinarily high levels of the fusion mRNA in their liver and growth hormone in their serum. This approach has implications for studying the biological effects of growth hormone, as a way to accelerate animal growth, as a model for gigantism, as a means of correcting genetic disease, and as a method of farming valuable gene products.
Membrane introduction mass spectrometry

Abstract An overview of membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) is presented and comparisons are made with other direct sample introduction techniques. Special attention is given to the unique advantages and the limitations of newer variants on the MIMS technique, including affinity MIMS, reverse-phase and trap MIMS. The salient features of the interfaces used in MIMS are summarized and the various membrane materials commonly used are delineated. The applicability of MIMS is illustrated via discussion of 1. (i) bioreactor monitoring (represented by yeast fermentation), 2. (ii) environmental monitoring (illustrated by analysis of contaminated ground water samples) and 3. (iii) on-line chemical reaction monitoring (exemplified by the photolysis of aryl esters). The applicability of MIMS to the analysis of environmental samples, including complex mixtures in water, air and soil, is noted.
An unusual receptor in the octopus

Abstract The epithelium of the rim of the octopus sucker is the site of several different types of primary receptors. One is a non-ciliated cell with unusual characteristics. (1) The surface of the cell is extremely irregular with finger-like extensions of cytoplasm, especially far reaching in the basal region. (2) The slender neck contains a canal whose apical opening is in contact with the environment. This canal is lined with microvilli and contains granular material in an electron-dense matrix. (3) Patches of presumed glycogen granules occur throughout the cell, being especially abundant in the outer reaches of the cytoplasmic extensions. Their presence, together with numerous mitochondria and free ribosomes, indicate a high intrinsic metabolism. (4) Small fascicles of microtubules are randomly situated throughout the perikaryon. They gather into a coherent system of larger and larger bundles which ultimately enter the axon leading from the cell. This axon extends some distance in the basal region of the epithelium before crossing the subepithelial space to enter the infundibular muscle. Possible functions of this cell are discussed. On the basis of its specific position on the sucker and its intrinsic morphology we suggest that it is a mechanoreceptor involved in shape and/or negative pressure discrimination.
Reaction Between Nitrogen and Spinel in Chromium

The reaction between nitrogen dissolved in chromium and a dispersion of magnesium aluminate particles in chromium at high temperatures is discussed. The equilibrium state for various nitrogen concentrations in a 94 chromium-6 spinel mixture was investigated between 1200° and 1400°C. Experimental techniques included electron-beam microprobe analysis and mass spectrometry. Partitioning of nitrogen between chromium and spinel was strongly in favor of the spinel. Mass spectrometry indicated coordination of nitrogen with magnesium in the spinel lattice. The spinel-nitrogen reaction is important because it can prevent the embrittling of chromium by nitrogen.
Coagulation Rate of Polydisperse Particles

The coagulation rate of suspended particles is studied analytically, taking into account the effects of both the particle size and the size spread. The log normal function was utilized for represen...
Meta neural networks as intelligent agents for diagnosis

Success of neural networks in medical diagnosis depends not only on the learning mechanisms and network structure, but also on the data quality. If insufficient data are available, other information must be included. In this work, expert-derived meta knowledge supplements a hierarchy of neural networks that together act as an intelligent agent.
Identification of polygyne and monogyne fire ant colonies (Solenopsis invicta) by multiplex PCR of Gp-9 alleles

Oligonucleotide primers were designed to discriminate between the Gp-9B and Gp-9b alleles found in monogyne and polygyne colonies of fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Primers specific for the Gp-9B allele produced a 517 bp amplicon and primers specific for Gp-9b allele produced a 423 bp amplicon. When both sets of primers were multiplexed, homozygous monogyne ants produced a single 517 bp amplicon (specific for Gp-9B), whereas heterozygous polygyne ants produced one 517 bp amplicon and one 423 bp amplicon (specific for Gp-9B and Gp-9b, respectively) which allowed the Gp-9 alleles to be discerned in a single reaction. This method was tested on ants from 20 monogyne colonies and 20 polygyne colonies and was 100% accurate in discriminating the two forms.
A novel role for Gab2 in bFGF-mediated cell survival during retinoic acid–induced neuronal differentiation

Gab proteins amplify and integrate signals stimulated by many growth factors. In culture and animals, retinoic acid (RA) induces neuronal differentiation. We show that Gab2 expression is detected in neurons in three models of neuronal differentiation: embryonic carcinoma (EC) stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and primary neural stem cells (NSCs). RA treatment induces apoptosis, countered by basic FGF (bFGF). In EC cells, Gab2 silencing results in hypersensitivity to RA-induced apoptosis and abrogates the protection by bFGF. Gab2 suppression reduces bFGF-dependent activation of AKT but not ERK, and constitutively active AKT, but not constitutively active MEK1, reverses the hypersensitization. Thus, Gab2-mediated AKT activation is required for bFGF's protection. Moreover, Gab2 silencing impairs the differentiation of EC cells to neurons. Similarly, in NSCs, Gab2 suppression reduces bFGF-dependent proliferation as well as neuronal survival and production upon differentiation. Our findings provide the first evidence that Gab2 is an important player in neural differentiation, partly by acting downstream of bFGF to mediate survival through phosphoinositide 3 kinase–AKT.
T-cell agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abatacept is a selective T-cell co-stimulation blocker. It blocks the activation of T cells by interrupting the interaction between the CD28 ligand on the T cell and the CD80/86 ligand on the antigen presenting cell. This “second” signal is necessary for T-cell activation in addition to the “first signal,” which is the interaction between the Tcell receptor and the MHC-antigen complex on the antigen presenting cell. “Upstream” blockade of T-cell activation has profound effects on “downstream” events including the production of the cytokines TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 and B-cell activation. Abatacept is currently approved for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing a major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with non-biologic DMARDS. Currently, abatacept is available as in infusion. Loading doses are given on weeks 0, 2, and 4 followed by monthly dosing. The dosing is weight based with three dose stratifications for weights less than 60 kg, between 60 and 100 kg, and greater than 100 kg. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of abatacept has been reviewed previously. 1 This article will review the peer reviewed publications and abstracts relating to Abatacept that were published from 2010 to 2011.
Sensitized liposomes as an antigen delivery system for the stimulation of mucosal immunity

This study was designed to exploit the ability of Peyer's patch M cells to recognize antigen-antibody complexes in the targeted delivery of a model antigen for the induction of mucosal immunity. Sensitized liposomes consisted of an entrapped model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), and coated with unrelated antigen-antibody complexes. Sensitized liposomes were administered intrajejunally to mice either with or without monophosphoryl lipid A (MLA). Humoral immune responses were monitored in saliva, feces, serum, and bile. Mice which received sensitized liposomes showed up to 4-fold amounts of specific IgA in saliva, feces, and bile compared to controls. Transient increases in anti-OVA IgA and IgG were observed in serum. Formulations including MLA generated positive anti-OVA IgG responses in both serum and bile. In separate experiments, cell proliferation studies were performed with Peyer's patch lymphocytes harvested from mice immunized with OVA in either standard or sensitized liposomes. Lymphocytes from test mice receiving only sensitized liposomes proliferated in the presence of OVA, but not an unrelated antigen. Taken together, these results support the potential application of antigen-antibody complexes in the stimulation of mucosal immune responses and that MLA may play an important role in overcoming OVA tolerogenicity.
Nonlinear analysis of relativistic harmonic generation by intense lasers in plasmas

A linearly polarized, ultraintense laser field induces transverse plasma currents which are highly relativistic and nonlinear, resulting in the generation of coherent harmonic radiation in the forward direction (i.e., copropagating with the incident laser field). A nonlinear cold fluid model, valid for ultrahigh intensities, is formulated and used to analyze relativistic harmonic generation. The plasma density response is included self-consistently and is shown to significantly reduce the current driving the harmonic radiation. Phase detuning severely limits the growth of the harmonic radiation. The effects of diffraction are considered in the mildly relativistic limit. No third-harmonic signal emerges from a uniform plasma of near-infinite extent. A finite third-harmonic signal requires the use of a semi-infinite or finite slab plasma. For an initially uniform plasma, no second-harmonic radiation is generated. Generation of even harmonics requires transverse gradients in the initial plasma density profile. >
Presidential and Congressional Response to Political Crisis: Nixon, Congress, and Watergate

This research tests a series of hypotheses on the congressional response to Watergate and explores Nixon's counter-impeachment strategy. As Neustadt's theory of presidential influence predicts, the sequence of Watergate disclosures contributed to a decline in congressional support for Nixon's legislative program in 1973. Partisan and regional differences in support for Nixon's program were also significant. The electoral marginality of representatives was not an important factor: competitive-seat Republicans voted as consistently for Nixon's program as safe-seat Republicans. The president's own electoral strength was a significant factor early in the 93rd Congress: Republicans in districts where Nixon ran strongly give Nixon his greatest legislative support. Nixon responded to the impeachment threat by withdrawing from legislative leadership and abandoning the “Administrative Presidency.” In 1974 Nixon added only five proposals to his domestic legislative agenda, took positions on only 15 percent of House...
Platelet glycoprotein inhibitors in patients with medically managed acute coronary syndrome: Does the enthusiasm exceed the science?

Guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, as well as numerous review articles, have strongly and enthusiastically recommended that platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors be used in patients with medically managed unstable angina or non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI). We explore whether there is sufficient experimental evidence to justify these recommendations. We review the 4 large randomized trials of US Food and Drug Administration-approved platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors that included medically managed UA/NSTEMI patients, first taking each trial's results at face value and then in the context of likely biases. The risk differences, unadjusted for potential biases, are 2.5% (0.6%, 4.4%) for the Platelet Receptor Inhibition in Ischemic Syndrome Management (PRISM) study, 2.3% (-1.9%, 6.5%) for the Platelet Receptor Inhibition in Ischemic Syndrome Management in Patients Limited by Unstable Signs and Symptoms (PRISM-PLUS) study (tirofiban plus heparin), 0.9% (-0.9%, 2.8%) for the Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable Angina Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy (PURSUIT) trial, -0.2% (-1.7%, 1.3%) for the least harmful treatment arm of the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO-IV) trial, and -1.9% (-6.8%, 3.0%) for the PRISM-PLUS study (tirofiban alone) (positive numbers indicate benefit). The 95% confidence interval produced by combining the studies using a random effects model is -1.3% to 3.2% (mean 0.9%); this is consistent with drugs providing a small benefit, no benefit, or causing harm. Confounding caused by the nonrandom selection of patients for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting in all trials except GUSTO-IV and problems arising from the fact that enrolled patients were much sicker than typical UA/NSTEMI patients are likely to have biased the studies away from the null and make an assertion of benefit even more tenuous. Given the equivocal results, it would appear that the authors are relying on opinion rather than evidence to formulate their conclusions. Clinicians should understand that opinion and factors other than medical evidence may influence the content of the recommendations.
Pointer-induced aliasing: a problem classification

A?iasing occurs at some program point during execution when two or more names exist for the same location. We have isolated various programming language mechanisms which create aliases. We have classified the complexity of the fllas problem induced by each mechanism alone and in combination, as AfP-hard, complement tip-hard, or polynomial (’P). We present our problem classification, give an overview of our proof that finding interprocedural aliases in the presence of single level pointers is in 7, and present a represent tive proof for the NP-hard problems.
The puzzle of schizophrenia: Tracking the core role of cognitive deficits

Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are increasingly accepted as core features of this disorder that play a role as vulnerability indicators, as enduring abnormalities during clinical remission, and as critical rate-limiting factors in functional recovery. This article demonstrates the lasting influence of Norman Garmezy through his impact on one graduate student and then through his later collaborative research with colleagues. The promise of core cognitive deficits as vulnerability indicators or endophenotypes was demonstrated in research with children born to a parent with schizophrenia as well as with biological parents and siblings of individuals with schizophrenia. In studies of patients with a recent onset of schizophrenia, cognitive deficits were found to endure across psychotic and clinically remitted periods and to have a strong predictive influence on likelihood of returning successfully to work or school. Converging lines of evidence for the enduring core role of cognitive deficit in schizophrenia have led in recent years to a burgeoning interest in developing new interventions that target cognition as a means of improving functional recovery in this disorder.
A Micromachined Chip-to-Board Interconnect System Using Electroplating Bonding Technology

We demonstrate a micromachined flexible chip-to-board chip interconnect structure for a chip scale package. Micromachined flexible interconnects enable robust operation in high thermal cycling environments, even for high pinout chips due to the flexible interconnect ability to absorb thermal expansion strain. The interconnects on the chip-side and printed wiring board (PWB)-side are united by electroplating bonding technology, a direct bonding technology resulting in solder-free, underfill-free, low temperature joining by means of copper (Cu) electroplating. Over 200 surface micromachined interconnects, which have a thermal relief geometry, are radially arranged on 11 cm substrates. A chip surrogate consisting of glass with integrated platinum (Pt) microheaters mimics a real electronic device under varying thermal loads. The integrated microheaters can simultaneously test mechanical and electrical performance of the interconnects by generation of on-chip temperatures up to 150 C. Lateral and vertical displacement of the interconnects in the thermal environment are measured and simulated. A mechanical reliability test of the chip scale package is successfully performed for 5000 cycles with thermal cycles of 5 min between 40 C to 147 C. No failures were observed during this period.
Safety and effectiveness of malignant pleural mesothelioma patients treated with pemetrexed: A postmarketing drug registered study under performance linked access system

e19084 Background: Approximately 1000 patients are newly diagnosed as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) each year in Japan, however MPM patient profile and their outcome are not well understood....
Human myeloma in vitro colony growth: interrelationships between drug sensitivity, cell kinetics, and patient survival duration

Ninety-seven patients with multiple myeloma evaluated serially had both a tritiated thymidine labeling index of bone marrow plasma cells (LI%) and in vitro myeloma stem cell culture performed. Thirty-three patients with myeloma colony growth had in vitro drug sensitivity testing carried out, 18 having in addition in vitro thymidine suicide determinations. The LI% and the likelihood of in vitro myeloma colony growth were highly correlated: the higher the LI%, the more likely was colony or cluster growth (p less than 0.001). The tritiated thymidine suicide of myeloma stem cells was usually very high. There was excellent correlation between in vitro and in vivo drug sensitivity. Both pretreatment drug resistance and selective sensitivity (e.g., interferon, bisantrene, methotrexate, vinblastine) at the time of relapse were accurately detected and correlated well with survival duration (p = 0.01 Wilcoxan). Although LI% and in vitro sensitivity were clearly independent variables, a high LI% (greater than 3%) plus in vitro resistance were associated with a subsequent survival duration of less than 6 mo. The studies allowed dissection of the complex interrelationship between cell kinetics and drug sensitivity.
c-Jun N-terminal kinase mediates mouse liver injury through a novel Sab (SH3BP5)-dependent pathway leading to inactivation of intramitochondrial Src

UNLABELLED Sustained c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation has been implicated in many models of cell death and tissue injury. Phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) interacts with the mitochondrial outer membrane SH3 homology associated BTK binding protein (Sab, or SH3BP5). Using knockdown or liver-specific deletion of Sab, we aimed to elucidate the consequences of this interaction on mitochondrial function in isolated mitochondria and liver injury models in vivo. Respiration in isolated mitochondria was directly inhibited by p-JNK + adenosine triphosphate. Knockdown or liver-specific knockout of Sab abrogated this effect and markedly inhibited sustained JNK activation and liver injury from acetaminophen or tumor necrosis factor/galactosamine. We then elucidated an intramitochondrial pathway in which interaction of JNK and Sab on the outside of the mitochondria released protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 6 (SHP1, or PTPN6) from Sab in the inside of the mitochondrial outer membrane, leading to its activation and transfer to the inner membrane, where it dephosphorylates P-Y419Src (active), which required a platform protein, docking protein 4 (DOK4), on the inner membrane. Knockdown of mitochondrial DOK4 or SHP1 inhibited the inactivation of mitochondrial p-Src and the effect of p-JNK on mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS The binding to and phosphorylation of Sab by p-JNK on the outer mitochondrial membrane leads to SHP1-dependent and DOK4-dependent inactivation of p-Src on the inner membrane; inactivation of mitochondrial Src inhibits electron transport and increases reactive oxygen species release, which sustains JNK activation and promotes cell death and organ injury. (Hepatology 2016;63:1987-2003).
Effect of cytochalasin-B, low Ca++ concentration, iodoacetic acid, and quinacrine-HCl on the attachment of Giardia trophozoites in vitro.

Giardia sp. trophozoites were isolated directly from the small intestines of rats and permitted to ach to polystyrene Petri dishes incubated attached trophozoites were treated in vitro with various agents which inhibit cell motility (cytochalasin-B, low Ca-, colchicine) and metabolism (iodoacetic acid, 2,4- dinitrophenol) and chemotherapeutic agents (quinacrine-HCl, metronidazole). Trophozoite attachment was sensitive to cytochalasin-B, low Ca-, iodoacetate, and quinacrine-HCl. Contractile proteins (actin, myosin) have been demonstrated previously in the periphery of the ventral disc. The effect of cytochalasin-B and low Ca++ concentrations on trophozoite attachment is consistent with the suggested role of contractile proteins in the mechanism of attachment. The effect of iodoacetate suggests that energy for attachment is derived from glycolysis. The effect of quinacrine-HCl on attachment was rapid (< 10 min with 10.0 ,ug/ml). Its mode of action on attachment is not understood. Trophozoites of the genus Giardia attach to the brush border of the host's intestinal epithe- lium by a specialized organelle called the ventral disc. Giardia muris has been reported to cause
The Sternal Scent Gland of Eurycotis Floridana (Blattaria: Blattidae)

The cockroach Eurycotis floridana (Walker) secretes 2-hexenal in a large median ventral gland in the abdomen (Roth et al., 1956). The gland is a lobed sac formed by an invagination of the epidermis between the sixth and seventh abdominal sternites. Two distinctly separated lobes of the gland arise on each side of the ventral nerve cord and extend forward to the third sternite (fig. 1). The large lobes consist of two or three less distinct lobes. When the gland is distended with fluid, its surface is smooth and the lobes are distinct. Tracheae, branching from the median ventral tracheal trunks, ramify extensively over the surface of the gland. Fat body is closely associated with the scent gland by means of tracheal attachments. Inconspicuous longitudinal muscles arise along the ventral surface of the two main lobes and insert near the median line at the anterior edge of the sixth sternite. No detectable nerves are connected with the gland. The gland opens to the exterior between the sixth and seventh sternites. A U-shaped indentation in the middle of the anterior margin of the seventh sternite delimits the dorsal side of the opening; the ventral side of the opening is slightly wider (fig. 2). Just posterior to the aperture of the gland is a crescent-shaped, rigid thickening in the intersegmental membrane (fig. 2,R). As there is no sphincter muscle at the opening of the gland and no muscles in the wall of the sac, the discharge of fluid from the gland seems to be controlled by the longitudinal muscles which attach the gland to the sixth sternite. Contraction of these muscles would elongate the sac and thereby decrease its volume and force the fluid out through the narrow slit of the closely opposed sternites (fig. 3). Similarly, general contraction of the abdomen would compress the fluid-filled sac and force out the liquid. The fluid can be ejected for a considerable distance (Roth et al, 1956).
Understanding the Thermodynamic Possibilities and Limitations of the Solid-oxide Fuel Cell, Gas Turbine Double Cycle

A demand for high efficiency electricity generation has led to the development of power plants that combine a solid-oxide fuel cell with a gas turbine engine. The thermodynamically optimal configurations and limitations of this cycle are yet to be fully understood. This study addresses this issue using a novel method for engine optimization, denoted the “attractor” methodology. This method essentially tracks the effect every device in the engine architecture has on the ultimate system irreversibility. To maximize efficiency, this quantity should be minimized. The attractor was developed for optimization of gas turbine architectures and is extended here for use with solid-oxide fuel cells. A series of device orderings and optimal operating points are then motivated through the attractor analysis and confirmed as optimal through parametric analyses. Fuel cell length is a key variable in determining the best architecture. For common 0.5 m fuel cell tubes, the maximally efficient architecture examined is CXinFXBTXout with a possible LHV efficiency of 75%. For a fuel cell with sufficient length to guarantee near-complete fuel utilization at 18 bar pressure, the best system changes to (CI)nCXinFxBTXout with a possible LHV efficiency of 79%. These efficiencies are not only higher than any existing double cycle, but also higher than Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ reported efficiency of their solid-oxide fuel cell, gas turbine, steam turbine triple cycle.
Construction of Cultural Heritage Experiment or Practice Teaching System in Northwest University

The construction of experiment teaching demonstration center is an integral part of the quality projects of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China.And the construction of the experiment or practice teaching system is a very important task in the construction of experiment teaching demonstration center.The experiment teaching demonstration center of cultural heritage preservation techniques in Northwest University explored the construction of experiment teaching system for many years based on the strong characteristics of the experiment or practice of cultural heritage major,and established the experiment or practice teaching system of "five unites","four gradations" and "three effects",achieving apparent results in the cultivation of culture heritage talents.
Intestinal Transplant Inflammation: the Third Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Intestinal transplantation is the most immunologically complex of all abdominal organ transplants. Understanding the role both humoral and innate and adaptive cellular immunity play in intestinal transplantation is critical to improving outcomes and increasing indications for patients suffering from intestinal failure. Recent findings highlighting the impact of donor-specific antibodies on intestinal allografts, the role of NOD2 as a key regulator of intestinal immunity, the protective effects of innate lymphoid cells, and the role of Th17 in acute cellular rejection are reviewed here.
An effective secondary electron emission suppression treatment for copper MDC electrodes

Untreated oxygen-free, high-conductivity (OFHC) copper, commonly used for MDC electrodes, exhibits relatively high secondary electron emission characteristics. This paper describes a specialized ion-bombardment procedure for texturing copper surfaces which sharply reduces the emission properties relative to untreated copper. The resulting surface is a particle-free, robust, uniformly highly-textured all-metal structure. The use of this process requires no modifications to copper machining, brazing, or other MDC normal fabrication procedures. The flight TWT for a planned NASA deep space probe, the Cassini Mission, will incorporate copper MDC electrodes treated with the method described here. >
Femoral Head Fracture

Various common injuries in the pelvis and lower extremity are investigated in this chapter. Significant attention is paid not only to proper diagnostic examination and imaging, but also to optimal nonoperative and operative treatment options to manage these conditions.
A SEER-Medicare analysis of the impact of metformin on overall survival in ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective Determine whether metformin use is associated with improved survival in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Methods All patients with a diagnosis of first epithelial ovarian cancer from 2007 to 2011 in the combined SEER-Medicare database were identified from the SEER registry primary site codes. Comorbidities, procedures and cancer treatment ICD-9 and HCPCS codes were used to search the Medicare claims files. Medication use was determined with National Drug Codes using the Medicare Part D event files. The primary outcome, overall survival, was assessed between metformin users and non-users using a Cox Proportional Hazards survival model. To control for confounding, metformin users were matched to non-metformin users using propensity scores. Effect of dosage on survival was assessed using discrete time survival analysis with pooled logistic regression (PLR). Results There were 2291 cases that met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 180 (7.9%) had been on metformin. The median age was 73years, with the majority of the population being White (83.5%) and treated with primary surgery (74.1%). Metformin use was not associated with overall survival in the entire cohort (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75–1.23) or in the matched sample cohort (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.66–1.17). However, exploratory regression with time-varying coefficients suggests a protective metformin effect for women alive after 30months follow-up (HR=0.37, 95% 0.16–0.87). Conclusion No statistically significant association was observed between metformin use and overall survival in a matched cohort of 360 ovarian cancer patients. However, exploratory modeling suggests metformin use may be protective in a certain subgroup of patients.
Linear Systems Over Projective Fields

Abstract A class of fields projective fields , of which the field of the reals is a special case, is introduced. The linear algebra over this field and the theory of linear systems over the field has some remarkable properties: when coordinatized by the real field, a class of nonlinear systems appears. The underlying linear structure leads to simple characterizations of stability, reachability, observability and realization. Both the discrete and the continuous case are analyzed.
Better Not to Know?: The SHA1 Collision & the Limits of Polemic Computation

In February of 2017, Google announced the first SHA1 col- lision. Using over nine quintillion computations (over 6,500 years of compute time), a group of academic and industry researchers produced two different PDF files with identical SHA1 checksums. But why? After all, SHA1 had already been deprecated by numerous standards and advisory bodies. This paper uses the SHA1 collision compute as a site for surfacing the space of ecological risks, and sociotechnical rewards, associated with the performance of large computes. I forward a theory of polemic computation, in which com- putes exert agency in sociotechnical discourses not through computational results, but through feats, the expenditure of significant material resources. This paper does not make specific claims about the (ecological, political, labor) limits within which polemic computes must operate in order to be considered acceptable. Instead, this paper raises the question of how such limits could be established, in the face of polemic computes' significant costs and difficult-to-measure rewards.
MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANCY IN A PATIENT WITH NONCLASSICAL CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

ABSTRACT Objective: Patients born with reduced activity of 21-hydroxylase are considered to have nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH). Pregnancy in patients with NCCAH has been well studied; however, only recently have new data emerged that impact how these patients should be treated during pregnancy. Methods: Case report and review of the literature. Results: A 34-year-old pregnant female, 15 weeks 4 days, with a diagnosis of NCCAH presented for management during pregnancy. The implanted embryo was heterozygous for a mild mutation for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). She was taking dexamethasone, started by her reproductive endocrinologist. Historically, dexamethasone was used to treat pregnant females whose children were at risk of developing CAH with virilizing features. The risks associated with prenatal dexamethasone exposure include reduced birth weight of the offspring. The long-term effects of dexamethasone, recently revealed, include reduced verbal and nonverbal intelligence a...
Chloride Maintains a Protonated Internal Water Network in the Photosynthetic Oxygen Evolving Complex.

In photosystem II (PSII), water oxidation occurs at a Mn4CaO5 cluster and results in production of molecular oxygen. The Mn4CaO5 cluster cycles among five oxidation states, called Sn states. As a result, protons are released at the metal cluster and transferred through a 35 A hydrogen-bonding network to the lumen. At 283 K, an infrared band at 2830 cm–1 is assigned to an internal solvated hydronium ion via H218O solvent exchange. This result is similar to a previous report at 263 K. Computations on an oxygen evolving complex model predict that chloride can stabilize a hydronium ion on a network of nine water molecules. In this model, a H3O+ stretching mode at 2738 cm–1 is predicted to shift to higher frequency with bromide and to lower frequency with nitrate substitution. The calculated frequencies were compared to S2-minus-S1 reaction-induced Fourier transform infrared spectra acquired from chloride-, bromide-, or nitrate-containing PSII samples, which were active in oxygen evolution. As predicted, the f...
Development of a Twitter graduate school virtual mentor for HBCU computer science students

The problem being addressed in the study is the underrepresentation of African American tenured and tenure-track faculty in the STEM professoriate despite HBCUs producing the most STEM doctoral graduates. This study uses virtual mentoring as a tool to aid undergraduate STEM students in obtaining information on graduate school because mentoring is a crucial element in preparing African American students for tenured positions. The focus of study of the study is to compare which conversational agent interface, the Twitter Conversational Agent or Embodied Conversational Agent, the users find the most effective. The sample is composed of 37 African American HBCU male undergraduate students who are STEM majors and interested in graduate school. The participants must already use Twitter. The same number of students (37) used in Gosha's study will be used for this study in order to receive an accurate comparison between the TCA and ECA. The study has not been executed yet, but it is intended to be executed soon.
New nearby young star cluster candidates within 200 pc

I briefly describe two new young star cluster candidates found within 200 pc of the Sun, associated with the 4th-magnitude stars μ Oph and 32 Ori. The μ Oph group (d ≃ 170pc) has a space motion and age (~120± 25 Myr) suspiciously similar to the Pleiades, but lies in the opposite side of the sky behind ~0.9 mag of visual extinction in Ophiuchus. The 32 Ori group is a nearby (d ≃ 90 pc) loose aggregate of ~25-Myr-old post-T Tauri stars co-moving with the massive binary 32 Ori (B5V+B7V) in northern Orion. The 32 Ori group accounts for part of the population of “isolated” Li-rich RASS pre-MS stars in northern Orion.
Developing and Piloting a Community Scientist Academy to Engage Communities and Patients in Research.

IntroductionEffective translational research requires engagement and collaboration between communities, researchers, and practitioners. We describe a community scientist academy (CSA) developed at the suggestion of our Clinical and Translational Science Awards’ (CTSA) community advisory board to engage and capacitate community members by (1) increasing community members’ and patients’ understanding about the research process and (2) increasing their access to opportunities to influence and participate in research. A joint CTSA/community planning committee developed this 8-hour workshop including sessions on: (1) research definitions and processes; (2) study design; (3) study implementation; and (4) ways to get involved in research. The workshop format includes interactive exercises, content slides and videos, and researcher and community presenters.MethodsCommunity-based information sessions allowed assessment of community interest before piloting. Two pilots of the CSA were conducted with community members and patients. Participant data and a pre/post knowledge and feedback survey provide evaluation data.ResultsThe pilot included 24 diverse participants, over half of whom had not previously participated in research. Evaluation data suggest knowledge gains. Post-CSA, one-third have reviewed CTSA pilot grants and over 80% want to attend further training.ConclusionsThe CSA can demystify the research process for those underrepresented in research and facilitate their engagement and influence within CTSAs.
Utility of smartphone-based fundus camera device in a social outreach setting

Context: Fundus photography. Aim: To demonstrate the use of smartphone-based fundus camera device for detecting retinal pathology in social outreach camps. Settings and Design: Prospective comparative study. Subjects and Methods: Two investigators were recruited, one trained in conventional indirect ophthalmoscopy and the other in smartphone-based fundus photography. A smartphone and a 20D lens were used to record the fundus in video mode. Thirty-six patients having nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy were included in the study and examined by both the investigators. Clinical staging done by them on the basis of their individual photographs were compared. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test. Results: Smartphone-based fundus photography was able to capture quality images of the retina. The investigators were able to deduce the same clinical staging for 33 out of 36 patients (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The images can be forwarded to the retina specialist via E-mail or digital messenger and opinion on management or referral can thus be sought. This will help bring specialized medical expertise to masses at remote places.
Non-accidental Trauma Presenting as Esotropia in a 6 Month Old Infant

Introduction A 6-month-old male presented to the Emergency Department (ED) due to left sided esotropia that was discovered 5 days prior. Family sources reported that the patient had experienced trauma 13 days before after an older sibling had fallen during a diaper change and struck him on the head. The patient was found to have bilateral 6th nerve palsy, subacute subdural hemorrhage in the right frontal lobe, and multiple healing fractures. The case was ruled as a non-accidental head trauma and demonstrates the importance of conducting a thorough workup for any abnormal neurological …
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is one of the most common GI disorders of pregnancy, affecting 70–80% of pregnant women [1]. It is characterized by nausea and vomiting which typically begin within 4 weeks of the last menstrual period, peaks between 10 and 16 weeks gestation, and resolves after 20 weeks gestation [2]. NVP is often erroneously referred to as “morning sickness” as NVP is limited to the morning in less than 2% of women and more commonly persists throughout the day [2]. Women with severe symptoms may have hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition associated with fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, nutritional deficiency, and weight loss [3]. HG is much less common than NVP, affecting only 0.3–3.6% of all pregnancies worldwide [4]. While there are no strict criteria for HG, it is commonly defined as the occurrence of greater than three episodes of vomiting per day with accompanying ketones in the urine and weight loss of more than 3 kg or 5% of body weight [5].