cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computationally efficient solution of population balance models incorporating nucleation, growth and coagulation: application to emulsion polymerization

A computationally efficient solution technique is presented for population balance models accounting for nucleation, growth and coagulation (aggregation) (with extensions for breakage). In contrast to earlier techniques, this technique is not based on approximating the population balance equation, but is based on employing individual rates of nucleation, growth and coagulation to update the PSD in a hierarchical framework. The method is comprised of two steps. The first step is the calculation of the rates of nucleation, growth and coagulation by solving an appropriate system of equations. This information is then used in the second step to update the PSD. The method effectively decomposes the fast and the slow kinetics, thereby eliminating the stiffness in the solution. In solving the coagulation kernel, a semi-analytical solution strategy is adapted, which substantially reduces the computational requirement, but also ensures the consistency of properties such as the number and mass of particles.
Refined methods for creating realistic haptic virtual textures from tool-mediated contact acceleration data

Dragging a tool across a textured object creates rich high-frequency vibrations that distinctly convey the physical interaction between the tool tip and the object surface. Varying one's scanning speed and normal force alters these vibrations, but it does not change the perceived identity of the tool or the surface. Previous research developed a promising data-driven approach to embedding this natural complexity in a haptic virtual environment: the approach centers on recording and modeling the tool contact accelerations that occur during real texture interactions at a limited set of force-speed combinations. This paper aims to optimize these prior methods of texture modeling and rendering to improve system performance and enable potentially higher levels of haptic realism. The key elements of our approach are drawn from time series analysis, speech processing, and discrete-time control. We represent each recorded texture vibration with a low-order auto-regressive moving-average (ARMA) model, and we optimize this set of models for a specific tool-surface pairing (plastic stylus and textured ABS plastic) using metrics that depend on spectral match, final prediction error, and model order. For rendering, we stably resample the texture models at the desired output rate, and we derive a new texture model at each time step using bilinear interpolation on the line spectral frequencies of the resampled models adjacent to the user's current force and speed. These refined processes enable our TexturePad system to generate a stable and spectrally accurate vibration waveform in real time, moving us closer to the goal of virtual textures that are indistinguishable from their real counterparts.
Differentiating serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Serotonin syndrome (SS) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are two rare, but serious adverse reactions associated with psychotropic medications. While the disorders may share certain features...
Extractables and leachables considerations for prefilled syringes.

Introduction: Use of pre-filled syringes as both a packaging and delivery system for pharmaceutical drug products is accelerating. Pre-filled syringes must meet the quality and suitability for use requirements for both systems, including compatibility with the drug product. Relevant incompatibilities between pre-filled syringes and drug products include the safety of syringe-based leachables that accumulate in drug products and the ability of leachables to interact with the drug product’s ingredients as such interactions can affect safety, efficacy, stability and physical viability.Areas covered: Relevant suitability considerations for pre-filled syringes are discussed herein and specific examples of suitability for use issues for pre-filled syringes are cited, focusing on extractables associated with pre-filled syringes and leachables derived from such syringes. Aspects considered include the toxicological impact of leachables, their ability to alter the efficacy of drug products and to produce other und...
High Temperature Oxidation and Corrosion of Metal-Silicides

The high temperature oxidation of metal silicides is briefly reviewed followed by a description of recent experiments on the oxidation and mixed oxidant corrosion of Ni- and Fe-silicides. The oxidation kinetics are related to the structure and composition of the oxide films formed under various exposure conditions. Finally, the effects of pre-formed SiO 2 films on minimizing the corrosion of Ni- and Fe-base alloys in sulfur-bearing gases are presented.
Fall Meeting Subsurface Hydrology Highlights

As has become the norm in recent years, subsurface hydrology sessions took place every day of AGU's Fall 1992 Meeting in San Francisco, Calif. Sessions were organized around various approaches to groundwater modeling, hydrogeology field studies, hydrochemical investigations, vadose-zone studies, and measurement methods. Session chairs contributed the following highlights. A well-attended special session looked at the “History of Groundwater Hydrology in the Nuclear Era.” F. L. Parker, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., reviewed early developments in U.S. radioactive-waste disposal and offered the provocative viewpoint that a disposal program is characterized by a high degree of inflexibility. W. W. Dudley of the U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colo., summarized the hydrological studies that have been such an important component of the nuclear explosion program at the Nevada Test Site. Two papers presented results of investigations in connection with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant site, where military waste is to be stored in salt.
Videoconferencing at Psychology Internships: Interns' Perceptions of Interactive Television Experiences and Prospects

This article reviews the use and perceptions of videoconferencing in psychology internship training from the perspective of interns. Videoconferencing offers a means of expanding training beyond conventional on-site models. Psychology interns completed an online survey about their experiences with videoconferencing and perspectives of its impact on training. Most participants encountered it in their didactics. Some used it for supervision or other purposes. Interns’ perspectives were complex, with videoconferencing seen as supporting learning similar to conventional training in some ways, yet as less desirable overall. Direct comparisons between videoconferencing and on-site training revealed interns perceived videoconferencing as somewhat less effective, and as deleteriously affecting learning dynamics. Challenges and potential benefits of incorporating videoconferencing into psychology internship training were identified. Potential benefits include augmenting available internship training and increasing rural sites’ access to training.
NAEP, report cards and education: A review eassay.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) was started in the early1960s by education policy people for political and technological reasons. It came to be called the Nation’s Report Card. It was expected to inform national policy. It was to authenticate Cold War and War on Poverty education reform efforts. And it was to further educational research. The political instigator was Francis Keppel, U. S. Secretary of Education. The Carnegie Foundation put up the first money. New and different purposes emerged as opposition to a federal role in U.S. Education died away. And as once feared, it helped move the nation toward standards-based teaching, uniform curricula and coast-to-coast standardized testing (Jennings & Rentner, 2006; Sarason, 1990).
Prevalence and Distribution of Ochlerotatus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Two Counties in Southern New York State

The seasonal occurrence and abundance of a newly introduced mosquito in the United States, Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) japonicus (Theobald), are reported for Westchester and Putnam Counties in southern New York State. Adult mosquitoes were sampled at 39 sites distributed throughout the two counties. CDC (Centers forDisease Control and Prevention) light traps (2,107 trap nights) and gravid traps (1,813 trap nights) were used to collect a total of 44,428 mosquitoes from May through October 2000. Oc. japonicus was found at 97.4% of sites sampled and accounted for 9.8% of all specimens collected. Oc. japonicus was recovered from 1.5% (n = 326) of the light trap collections and 18.1% (n = 4,026) of the gravid trap collections. Although gravid traps collected significantly more specimens than light traps, the seasonal activity patterns measured by each trap type were congruent. In all, 30 mosquito species were collected. Unlike other Ochlerotatus or Aedes species, Oc. japonicus was collected throughout the study, indicating a broad seasonal activity period. There was significant regional variation in Oc. japonicus abundance, with higher trap densities occurring in the northern-most trapping sites. This study demonstrates that Oc. Japonicus is established in southern New York State.
TACE release of TNF-α mediates mechanotransduction-induced activation of p38 MAPK and myogenesis

Skeletal muscle responds to mechanical stimulation by activating p38 MAPK, a key signal for myogenesis. However, the mechanotransduction mechanism that activates p38 is unknown. Here we show that mechanical stimulation of myoblasts activates p38 and myogenesis through stimulating TNF-α release by TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE). In C2C12 or mouse primary myoblasts cultured in growth medium, static stretch activated p38 along with ERK1/2, JNK and AKT. Disrupting TNF-α signaling by TNF-α-neutralizing antibody or knocking out TNF-α receptors blocked stretch activation of p38, but not ERK1/2, JNK or AKT. Stretch also activated differentiation markers MEF2C, myogenin, p21 and myosin heavy chain in a TNF-α- and p38-dependent manner. Stretch stimulated the cleavage activity of TACE. Conversely, TACE inhibitor TAPI or TACE siRNA abolished stretch activation of p38. In addition, conditioned medium from stretched myoblast cultures activated p38 in unstretched myoblasts, which required TACE activity in the donor myoblasts, and TNF-α receptors in the recipient myoblasts. These results indicate that posttranscriptional activation of TACE mediates the mechanotransduction that activates p38-dependent myogenesis via the release of TNF-α.
Precise determination of isotopic ratios for some biologically significant elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy

Abstract Isotope ratios for copper, iron, lead, lithium, nickel and zinc were measured with an ELAN 5000 ICP-MS instrument. Except for lithium isotopes, ratio relative standard deviations (RSDs) of about 0.1% were achieved with measurement times of 10 min or less per sample on isotope pairs that differed by no more than a factor of 10 in abundance. It was necessary to accumulate several million counts to reduce statistical counting errors, to correct for the dead time in the counting circuitry, and to compensate for a slow drift of apparent ratios with time. Drift compensation was achieved by using a third isotope of the test element, by adding two internal standard elements with isotopes bracketing the mass range of interest, or by frequent recalibration with a standard of known abundances. Attempts to compensate for drift in lithium isotope ratios were not successful and typical RSDs for 6 Li/ 7 Li remained around 0.5%. Copper and zinc ratios were measured in pig feces with ratio precision and drift behavior essentially identical to that seen for synthetic solutions.
When should DVT be suspected in children with osteomyelitis

Background: There is increasing recognition that deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a complicating factor in some children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. The similarity in signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis and DVT make clinical recognition of this complicating condition difficult. It would be helpful to the clinician to identify by other means which children with osteomyelitis are at greatest risk for DVT. We reviewed the available literature regarding osteomyelitis and DVT in children to identify potential characteristics of children with osteomyelitis that puts them at risk for concurrent DVT. Methods: We performed searches of the PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and National Guideline Clearinghouse databases on the topic of osteomyelitis and thrombosis in children 0 to 18 years of age from 2001 to the present. Results: Four studies were included: 3 retrospective and 1 prospective. Studies varied in terms of clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters evaluated. Overall they suggest trends toward increased incidence of DVT in children who were critically ill at presentation, had positive blood cultures, were infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, had an elevated C-reactive protein, and had central venous catheters placed. Conclusions: Strong consideration should be given to evaluating children with osteomyelitis for DVT if they are critically ill at presentation, particularly if they have pulmonary findings, are persistently bacteremic, especially with methicillin-resistant S aureus.
Exchange Rate Risk, Exchange Rate Regime and the Volume of International Trade

The authors examine the effect of exchange-rate regimes on the volume of internatio nal trade. Bilateral trade flows among countries with floating exchan ge rates are higher than those among countries with fixed rates. Whil e exchange-rate risk does reduce the volume of trade among countries regardless of the nature of their exchange-rate regime, the greater r isk faced by traders in floating exchange-rate countries is more than offset by the trade-reducing effects of restrictive commercial polic ies imposed by fixed exchange rate countries. Copyright 1988 by WWZ and Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag AG
Resistance of Insecticide-Treated Foam Board Insulation Against the Eastern Subterranean Termite and the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Three foam board types, one untreated control, one containing 2,000 ppm disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), and one containing 1,000 ppm deltamethrin, were exposed to field populations of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. There was no significant difference in termite damage between foam boards treated with 2,000 ppm DOT and the untreated control. Form boards containing 1,000 ppm deltamethrin were not damaged by R. flavipes, whereas only minor damage occurred after exposure to C. formosanus.
Sprays in Cross Flow: Dependence on Weber Number

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the spray created by Jet A fuel injection from a plate containing sharp edged orifice 0.018 inches (457 μm) in diameter and L/D ratio of 10 into the crossflow of preheated air (555 K) at elevated pressure in the test section (4 ata) and liquid to air momentum-flux ratio of 40. A 2 component Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer used for measuring the characteristics of the spray. The Weber number of the spray in crossflow was varied between 33 and 2020 and the effect of Weber number on spray properties was investigated. It was seen that shear breakup mechanism dominates at Weber number greater than about 100. Droplets’ diameters were found to be in the range of 15-30 microns for higher values of Weber numbers, while larger droplets (100-200 microns) were observed at Weber number of 33. Larger droplets were observed at the periphery of the spray. The droplet velocities and diameters were measured in a plane 30mm downstream of the orifice along the centerline of the spray at an incoming air flow Mach number of 0.2 and liquid to air momentum-flux ratio of 40. The droplets reach a maximum of 90% of the flow velocity at this location. The velocity of droplets in the directions perpendicular to the air flow direction is higher at the periphery of the spray possibly due to the presence of larger droplets. The RMS values of the droplet velocities are highest slightly off center of the centerline of the spray showing the presence of strong vortices formed due to the liquid jet in crossflow. The data presented here could serve as benchmark data for CFD code validation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Pepsinogen secretion from streptolysin O-permeabilized chief cells from guinea pig stomach

To evaluate directly the actions of cellular mediators on pepsinogen secretion, a nearly homogeneous population of dispersed chief cells was permeabilized using the bacterial toxin streptolysin O (30 IU/ml for 10 min). This resulted in the release of > 60% of cellular lactate dehydrogenase activity, whereas cellular pepsinogen levels were not altered. Examination of permeabilized cells using light and electron microscopy revealed preservation of cellular polarity and organelles. Pepsinogen secretion from permeabilized chief cells could be stimulated with increasing concentrations of calcium (300 nM to 10 microM), adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP; 1 microM to 1 mM), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10 nM to 1 microM), or by addition of carbamylcholine (0.1 mM) to the incubation solution. In the absence of calcium [0.4 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid], activators of protein kinase C stimulated a two- to threefold increase in pepsinogen secretion, and potentiation of secretion was observed when these agents were combined with 0.3 and 1.0 microM calcium. In contrast to the effects of activators of protein kinase C, cAMP-induced pepsinogen secretion was observed only with calcium concentrations > or = 100 nM. Combinations of increasing concentrations of cAMP and calcium resulted in an additive secretory response. This study indicates the utility of streptolysin O-permeabilized chief cells for the study of signal transduction mechanisms that mediate pepsinogen secretion.
Orthopedic tissue regeneration: cells, scaffolds, and small molecules

Orthopedic tissue regeneration would benefit the aging population or patients with degenerative bone and cartilage diseases, especially osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Despite progress in surgical and pharmacological interventions, new regenerative approaches are needed to meet the challenge of creating bone and articular cartilage tissues that are not only structurally sound but also functional, primarily to maintain mechanical integrity in their high load-bearing environments. In this review, we discuss new advances made in exploiting the three classes of materials in bone and cartilage regenerative medicine--cells, biomaterial-based scaffolds, and small molecules--and their successes and challenges reported in the clinic. In particular, the focus will be on the development of tissue-engineered bone and cartilage ex vivo by combining stem cells with biomaterials, providing appropriate structural, compositional, and mechanical cues to restore damaged tissue function. In addition, using small molecules to locally promote regeneration will be discussed, with potential approaches that combine bone and cartilage targeted therapeutics for the orthopedic-related disease, especially osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Relationship of erythropoietin to renal juxtaglomerular cells.

SummaryErythropoietic activity of saline extracts of rat kidneys with varying degrees of juxtaglomerular granularity was studied. It was found that higher than normal degrees of juxtaglomerular granularity were associated with higher than normal erythropoietic activity. Lower than normal degrees of juxtaglomerular granularity were not definitely associated with lower than normal erythropoietic activity. The evidence here does not conclusively prove or disprove that the juxtaglomerular apparatus secretes erythropoietin.
Silver nanowire based wearable sensors for multimodal sensing

We present multifunctional sensors based on highly stretchable silver nanowire conductors, which can be conformally attached to human skin for multimodal sensing. The wearable sensors were integrated with an interface circuit with wireless capability in the form of a chest patch. The capabilities of electrocardiography, strain/motion sensing and skin impedance sensing were demonstrated. Additionally, the impedance sensor with the interface circuit was packaged into a wrist watch for skin impedance monitoring.
Expressions of Human Leucocyte Histocompatibility Antigen-DR,Human Leucocyte Histocompatibility Antigen-DQ of Periphearal Blood Mononuclear Cell and Their Relationships with Total Serum Immunoglobulin E in Asthma-tic Children

Objective To study expressions of human leucocyte histocompatibility antigen-DR,DQ(HLA-DR,HLA-DQ) genes of peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC) and their relationship with total serum immunoglobulin E(TIgE)in asthmatic children.Methods Indirect immunofluorescence test and Phadiatop auto allergy test system were used to detect the HLA-DR,HLA-DQ genes of PBMC and TIgE in 27 children with exacerbation of bronchial asthma and 12 healthy children.Results The HLA-DR,HLA-DQ positive rate were(27.77±3.89)% and(9.49±3.71)%,(18.23±1.50)% and(3.79±2.04)% in 27 asthmatic children and 12 healthy children,respectively.There were significant difference between two groups(Pa0.001).There were significant association between HLA-DR,HLA-DQ and TIgE le-vels[r(HLA-DDR)=0.774 4,r(HLA-DQ)=0.749 4 Pa0.001].Conclusions The expressions of HLA-DR、HLA-DQ increase and they are associated with high level of TIgE in asthmatic children.High expressions of HLA-DR,HLA-DQ may play an important roles in the development of asthma.
The status quo and countermeasures of the corporation accountant

Through analyzing the status quo of the disorder of the corporation acc ountant and remaining to perfect of the accountant system , the international ec onomy communion,the international corresponding and the accountant's quality,the paper puts forward some countermeasure of perfecting the corporation accountant system.
Making Meaning with Multimedia in Secondary English Language Arts: A Multiple Case Study.

The purpose of this multiple case study was to learn about how secondary English language arts (ELA) teachers help students to make meaning with multimedia. The study focused on how and why teachers plan and implement meaning-making learning experiences. The cases represent the experiences and perspectives of five ELA teachers who use digital and non-digital multimedia texts to help their students develop skills in meaning making. The results of this study define a set of principles that the teachers use to guide planning and implementation processes that focus on authentic, studentcentered learning. The teachers value learning that has relevance to the students’ interests, goals, and lived experiences outside of the classroom. Adaptable planning, a focus on the needs of students, mitigating barriers through accessing outside resources, and setting learning goals that go beyond content-area standards characterize the teachers’ approaches to helping students make meaning. Multimedia texts were an embedded and pervasive aspect of students’ learning experiences. KERRIGAN ROSE MAHONEY EDUCATIONAL, POLICY, PLANNING AND LEADERSHIP CURRICULUM AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY IN VIRGINIA MAKING MEANING WITH MULTIMEDIA IN SECONDARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY
Wine, Polyphenols, and Cardioprotection

Of all the components to the Mediterranean diet, red wine is arguably one of the most provocative and perhaps most investigated for its health benefit. Hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, nicotine abuse, diabetes mellitus, and genetic predisposition are all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Brief report: Suicidal ideation in adolescent girls: Impact of race

Abstract In the present study, we examine the unique and interactive effects of race (African American or European American) and depression on suicidal ideation, controlling for poverty, within a representative sample of adolescent girls. A community sample of 2450 girls (43.9% African American) participating in the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study (PGS) was interviewed annually about depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, from ages 10–15 years. Caregivers reported on the girls' racial/ethnic background and the family's receipt of public assistance. Race and depression scores explained unique variance in suicidal ideation; receipt of public assistance did not. Endorsement and recurrence of suicidal ideation was more likely for African American than European American girls: there was a nearly two-fold increase in the likelihood of reporting frequent thoughts of death or suicide as a function of race. Of the 255 girls reporting recurrent suicidal ideation, 65.9% were African American. An interaction effect between race and depression symptoms was observed, such that African American girls were more likely to report suicidal ideation at lower levels of depression severity. The findings indicate that race is a critical factor for understanding, preventing, and treating suicidal ideation in girls.
Personal Trainer Demographics, Current Practice Trends and Common Trainee Injuries.

Increasing emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle has led many individuals to seek advice on exercise from personal trainers. There are few studies to date that evaluate personal trainer education, practice trends, and injuries they have seen while training clients. A survey was distributed to personal trainers using Survey Monkey® (Palo Alto, CA, USA) with 605 personal trainers accessing the survey. An exercise related bachelor’s degree was held by 64.2% of survey participants and a certification in personal training by 89.0%. The most common personal trainer certifications were from American College of Sports Medicine (59.2%) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (28.9%). Only 2.9% of all personal trainers surveyed had no exercise-related bachelor’s degree and no personal trainer certification. The most common injuries seen by personal trainers during sessions were lumbar muscle strain (10.7%), rotator cuff tear/tendonitis (8.9%), shin splints (8.1%), ankle sprain (7.5%), and cervical muscle strain (7.4%). There is variability in the practices between different personal trainers when analyzing differences in collegiate education, personal trainer certifications, and strength and conditioning certifications. The clinical implication of the differences in practices is unknown as to the impact on injuries or exercise prescription effectiveness.
Coating of AAV Vectors with Human Albumin Blocks Antibody Binding and Enables Transduction of Human Hepatocytes in the Presence of Neutralizing Antibodies

Neutralization of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer vectors by pre-existing antibodies is a significant barrier to clinical gene transfer using systemic administration. In a recent clinical trial for hemophilia B, while efficient gene transfer and therapeutic levels of hFIX were achieved in a human subject with low pre-existing antibodies to AAV2, no gene transfer was observed in a subject with a modest pre-existing AAV2 antibody titer of 1:17 who received the same dose (Manno et al . Nature Med. 2006;12:342–347). With the objective to achieve consistent and efficient transduction in the presence of AAV antibodies, ‘humanized’ AAV vectors were generated by covalent attachment of human albumin (HSA) to the surface of purified AAV2 by cross linking the single free thiol (Cys34) of HSA to lysine residues on the vector surface using suflosuccinimidyl 4 [N-maleimidomethyl] cyclohexane-1-caboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC). Variable levels of HSA substitution up to 65 HSA molecules per virion were achieved, corresponding to a maximum of approximately one HSA molecule per virion capsid protein. Analysis by SDS-PAGE of the modified vector revealed the presence of a 130kDA polypeptide species in the conjugated vector, not observed in the unmodified vector, that was consistent with predicted molecular weight obtained by covalent attachment of HSA with AAV capsid protein VP3. Dynamic light scattering demonstrated an average radius of 16.6 nm for the HSA-conjugated vector compared with 11.6 nm for unconjugated vector, consistent with coating of the vector surface with HSA. Analysis by flow cytometry demonstrated that the binding of AAV2-specific monoclonal antibody A20 to unmodified vectors was progressively reduced to background levels in HSA-conjugated vectors with increasing HSA substitution. Quantitative analysis by Biacore indicated that the association rate and available sites per virion for antibody binding were reduced > 10- fold in HSA-conjugated vectors. The conjugated vectors were significantly more resistant than unmodified vectors to neutralization by AAV antibody, demonstrating comparable transduction in the presence of 16-fold higher concentration of MAb A20 following transduction of cultured human hepatocytes (HepG2). In conclusion, covalent coupling of HSA to the surface of recombinant AAV2 is demonstrated as a feasible method to modify AAV vectors to increase their resistance to neutralizing antibodies. ‘Humanized’ AAV vectors such as HSA-coated AAV that effectively mask viral epitopes recognized by antibodies and display human epitopes may enable more consistent transduction following systemic administration in vivo , and enable vector readministration.
FDG-PET in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.

Abstract The sensitivity and specificity of fluorine-18 fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (PET) in the evaluation of peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL) is not well established. In this abstract, we describe our experience utilizing PET in the diagnostic evaluation of PTCL. A retrospective review of 2768 PET examinations conducted at our institutionbetween the years 1999–2006 produced twenty-six examinations among twenty-two patients with a biopsy proven diagnosis of PTCL. All patients underwent staging of their disease using both conventional diagnostic methods and PET. Their therapeutic status was also taken into consideration when interpreting PET examinations. PTCL were classified by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and included: PTCL-unclassified (PTCL-U), anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (+) and negative (−) anaplastic large cell lymphoma, gioimmunoblastic (AITL n=1), and natural killer T-cell nasal type (NK/T n=1). PET results for each patient were compared against a standard of reference, and the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PET) of PET were calculated. PET had an overall sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 100% in PTCL-U. PET had an overall sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 100% in ALCL. PET had an overall sensitivity of 13% and specificity of 0% in cutaneous PTCL. Among patients with non-cutaneous PTCL-U, the sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 100% respectively. Among patients with non-cutaneous ALCL, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% respectively. Excluding those patients with cutaneous PTCL, PET correlated with clinical outcome in 87% of PTCL-U 100% of ALCL patients. The average maximum standard uptake value (g/mL) of abnormal foci demonstrated greater intensity in patients with ALCL (13.1) than those with PTCL-U (8.87) (Figure 1). PET had excellent correlation with CT, physical examination and clinical follow-up at both nodal and extra-nodal sites, but poor correlation at cutaneous sites (Figure 2). The PPV and NPV of restaging PET in PTCL-U were 75% and 100% respectively. In ALCL, the PPV and NPV of restaging PET were 66% and 100% respectively. PET is useful for staging and restaging patients with nodal and non-cutaneous extra-nodal involvement in PTCL-U and ALCL. It demonstrates a comparatively low sensitivity in cutaneous PTCL. Download : Download high-res image (86KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (100KB) Download : Download full-size image
Impact of satellite imagery spatial resolution on land use classification accuracy and modeled water quality

Remote sensing offers an increasingly wide array of imagery with a broad variety of spectral and spatial resolution, but there are relatively few comparisons of how different sources of data impact the accuracy, cost, and utility of analyses. We evaluated the impact of satellite image spatial resolution (1 m from Digital Globe; 30 m from Landsat) on land use classification via ArcGIS Feature Analyst, and on total suspended solids (TSS) load estimates from the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the Camboriu watershed in Southeastern Brazil. We independently calibrated SWAT models, using both land use map resolutions and short-term daily streamflow (discharge) and TSS load data from local gauge stations. We then compared the predicted TSS loads with monitoring data outside the model training period. We also estimated the cost difference for land use classification and SWAT model construction and calibration at these two resolutions. Finally, we assessed the value of information (VOI) of the higher-resolution imagery in estimating the cost-effectiveness of watershed conservation in reducing TSS at the municipal water supply intake. Land use classification accuracy was 82.3% for 1 m data and 75.1% for 30 m data. We found that models using 1 m data better predicted both annual and peak TSS loads in the full study area, though the 30 m model did better in a sub-watershed. However, the 1 m data incurred considerably higher costs relative to the 30 m data ($7000 for imagery, plus additional analyst time). Importantly, the choice of spatial resolution affected the estimated return on investment (ROI) in watershed conservation for the municipal water company that finances much of this conservation, although it is unlikely that this would have affected the company's decision to invest in the program. We conclude by identifying key criteria to assist in choosing an appropriate spatial resolution for different contexts.
Individuals’ perception about upper limb influence on participation after stroke: an observational study

AbstractBackgroundStroke can compromise upper limb performance and influence the individual’s participation in real life situations.ObjectiveTo investigate how components of body function and activity affect the individuals’ self-perception of their participation after stroke.MethodsIn this observational study, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used as model. Body function was assessed by palmar grip and pinch strength; Ashworth modified scale; Fugl-Meyer scale; and Motor-Free Visual Perception Test. The Purdue Pegboard Test and the aiming movement performance measured the activity. Upper limb participation was analyzed by the Hand Function domain of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Thirty-four individuals after chronic stroke were divided into two groups, according to their Hand function SIS scores (severe and non-severe). Differences between groups were analyzed. Relationships between individual variables and the SIS score were verified. A regression model was prop...
Predicting the partitioning of organic compounds through Polymer materials: Quantum mechanical applications

AbstractHazardous organic compounds can permeate gas pipelines and geomembranes made of organic polymer materials in landfills and leak into the surrounding environment, contaminating groundwater. ...
Slow Auger Relaxation in HgTe Colloidal Quantum Dots

The biexciton lifetimes in HgTe colloidal quantum dots are measured as a function of particle size. Samples produced by two synthetic methods, leading to partially aggregated or well-dispersed particles, exhibit markedly different dynamics. The relaxation characteristics of partially aggregated HgTe inhibit reliable determinations of the Auger lifetime. In well-dispersed HgTe quantum dots, the biexciton lifetime increases approximately linearly with particle volume, confirming trends observed in other systems. The extracted Auger coefficient is three orders of magnitude smaller than that for bulk HgCdTe materials with similar energy gaps. We discuss these findings in the context of understanding Auger relaxation in quantum-confined systems and their relevance to mid-infrared optoelectronic devices based on HgTe colloidal quantum dots.
Isocontours and Isosurfaces

In this chapter, we start discussing methods for the extraction of shapes (curves or surfaces) from discrete image data. Most of the methods we will discuss will proceed by energy minimization and be implemented using curve evolution equations. Such equations will be discussed in Chapter 6. In this first, short, chapter, we discuss what is probably the simplest option that is available to extract a curve or a surface from an image, which is to define it implicitly based on the image values.
Polygalacturonase inhibitors of Bartlett pear fruits: differential effects on Botrytis cinerea polygalacturonase isozymes, and influence on products of fungal hydrolysis of pear cell walls and on ethylene induction in cell culture

The influence of polygalacturonase inhibitor protein (PGIP) from mature green Bartlett pears on the action of a mixture of cell wall hydrolases from Botrytis cinerea on isolated pear cell walls, and on a soluble extract of these walls, was studied. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis of Cervone et al. that PGIP may modify cell wall degradation to result in the production of an increased proportion of pectic oligomers in the particular size class most effective for elicitation of defence responses. Products of the partially inhibited and uninhibited enzyme system from B. cinerea culture supernatant were compared as elicitors of ethylene production by pear fruit cells in suspension culture (which would indicate the presence of oligogalacturonides in the size class known to elicit plant defence responses), and on the basis of direct analytical data relating to oligomer length. Pear PGIP caused partial inhibition of the crude mixture of Botrytis enzymes, and increased the ratio of dimeric to monomeric uronide products. However, no accumulation of larger oligomeric breakdown intermediates was detected, and no impact on ethylene elicitor activity of the digestion products was observed. Differential inhibition of the B. cinerea polygalacturonase isozymes by pear PGIP was demonstrated following their separation by isoelectric focusing. The fact that some isozymes remained relatively uninhibited may have accounted for the absence of any accumulation of oligomeric breakdown intermediates.
Control of Lung Epithelial Growth by a Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: The Other Side of the Coin

This Commentary provides a perspective on an article in the current issue of the American Journal of Pathology by Maouche et al, which demonstrates that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play a key role in regulating airway regeneration by limiting basal epithelial cell proliferation.
Globalization and Labor Rights: Perspectives from Developed Countries

Globalization through trade, finance, and migration has affected the modern world in ways that is unprecedented in human history. However, globalization is facing headwind in developed countries forcing the world to re-evaluate the costs and benefits of rapid globalization. In this paper, we examine the impact of globalization on labor rights in developed countries. Using recently available Cambridge University Labor Regulation Index we show that workers in developed countries faced gradual but continuous decline in key components of labor rights protection since 1980s. This to an extent explains increasing unpopularity of globalization among the working class.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Meningitis as a Complication of Facial Nerve Decompression for Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia

We present a case of a 55-year-old lady with intermittent twitching of the left side of her face, involving her left eyelid and the angle of the mouth, ongoing for two years. She failed multiple trials of botulinum toxin injections as well as oral anti-spasmodic medications. The patient was diagnosed with an ectatic left vertebral artery, causing a compression of cranial nerve VII on the same side on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. She underwent neurosurgery with a microvascular decompression of the ectatic artery with a resolution of hemifacial spasms. However, her postoperative course was complicated by headaches and low-grade fevers. She also had leukocytosis on a laboratory evaluation. The postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan of her head was normal. The patient had a lumbar puncture done, which showed an elevated white cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and the CSF culture was positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. She was diagnosed with MRSA meningitis as a postoperative complication following microvascular decompression. The patient had a revision surgery of the decompression site, including wound debridement and did well postoperatively.
Internalization of Exosomes through Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

The tumor microenvironment is replete with factors secreted and internalized by surrounding cells. Exosomes are nano-sized, protein-embedded, membrane-bound vesicles that are released in greater quantities from cancer than normal cells and taken up by a variety of cell types. These vesicles contain proteins and genetic material from the cell of origin and in the case of tumor-derived exosomes, oncoproteins and oncogenes. With increasing understanding of the role exosomes play in basic biology, a more clear view of the potential exosomes are seen to have in cancer therapeutics emerges. However, certain essential aspects of exosome function, such as the uptake mechanisms, are still unknown. Various methods of cell-exosome interaction have been proposed, but this review focuses on the protein-protein interactions that facilitate receptor-mediated endocytosis, a broadly used mechanism by a variety of cells.
The Effect of the Elective Intra-Operative Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support on the Development of Primary Graft Dysfunction Following Bilateral Lung Transplantation

Purpose Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplant. Studies have identified the intraoperative use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) as a risk factor for PGD. There has been an increase in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for intraoperative support over the last decade. We sought to further evaluate the differential risk of PGD across various extracorporeal life support (ECLS) modalities. Methods Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplant. Studies have identified the intraoperative use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) as a risk factor for PGD. There has been an increase in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for intraoperative support over the last decade. We sought to further evaluate the differential risk of PGD across various extracorporeal life support (ECLS) modalities. Results A model including age, race, body mass index, diagnosis and pulmonary artery pressure was developed to predict ECLS use. Our analysis included 238 patients who underwent BLT (figure 1). 49 patients who received elective intra-operative ECMO after 2015 were matched with 49 patients who received intraoperative CPB before 2015. There was no difference in the development of severe PGD (p=0.4) or any PGD (p=0.6) between the two groups. Seventy patients who underwent BLT with no ECLS after 2015 were matched with 70 patients who underwent BLT before 2015 with CPB support. There was no difference in the development of severe PGD (p=0.2) or any PGD (p=0.3) between the two groups. Exclusion of patients bridged to transplant with ECMO didn't alter the results. Conclusion In a single center study of BLT recipients, there was no difference in the development of PGD across different ECLS modes. Future analysis will compare the impact of ECMO vs. CPB on biomarkers associated with lung and endothelial injury.
Music in the Classical World: Genre, Culture, and History

Music in the Classical World: Genre, Culture, and History provides a broad sociocultural and historical perspective of the music of the Classical Period as it relates to the world in which it was created. It establishes a background on the time span—1725 to 1815—offering a context for the music made during one of the more vibrant periods of achievement in history. Outlining how music interacted with society, politics, and the arts of that time, this kaleidescopic approach presents an overview of how the various genres expanded during the period, not just in the major musical centers but around the globe. Contemporaneous treatises and commentary documenting these changes are integrated into the narrative. Features include the following: A complete course with musical scores on the companion website, plus links to recordings—and no need to purchase a separate anthology The development of style and genres within a broader historical framework Extensive musical examples from a wide range of composers, considered in context of the genre A thorough collection of illustrations, iconography, and art relevant to the music of the age Source documents translated by the author Valuable student learning aids throughout, including a timeline, a register of people and dates, sidebars of political importance, and a selected reading list arranged by chapter and topic A companion website featuring scores of all music discussed in the text, recordings of most musical examples, and tips for listening Music in the Classical World: Genre, Culture, and History tells the story of classical music through eighteenth-century eyes, exposing readers to the wealth of music and musical styles of the time and providing a glimpse into that vibrant and active world of the Classical Period.
Understanding the Residential Treatment Center School Academic Environment: Perspectives of Students and Teachers

The purpose of the present study was to explore student and teachers’ perceptions of the academic environment in an urban residential treatment center school setting, which serves female students w...
An Integrated STEM Introduction to Increase Interdisciplinary Thinking and Research Preparation: In "An integrated STEM introduction to increase interdisciplinary thinking and research preparation," authors Barbara Kramer and Timothy Walston assess two first-year courses and the impact these classes had on students.

An integrative introduction to the sciences and an introduction to scientific writing can provide a strong foundation for broadly trained STEM majors to explore the interconnectedness of STEM disciplines and prepare them for scientific research. These goals have been accomplished through a sequence of two first-year courses, STEM 101: Integrative STEM Freshman Seminar and STEM 105: Inquiry Seminar. In STEM 101, students define the STEM disciplines, see the interconnectedness of the disciplines, learn scientific ethics, and develop team-building skills as they complete a group project that explores the nature and process of science. In STEM 105, students learn about and then engage in a variety of forms of scientific communication as they develop and present an independent research proposal.
Automotive cybersecurity: assessing a new platform for cybercrime and malicious hacking

ABSTRACTThe push for technological enhancement and Internet connectivity in all aspects of modern life is radically transforming our use of devices and equipment that was not designed with this fun...