cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Codon Volatility As an Indicator of Positive Selection: Data from Eukaryotic Genome Comparisons

It has been suggested that codon volatility (the proportion of the point-mutation neighbors of a codon that encode different amino acids) can be used as an index of past positive selection. We compared codon volatility with patterns of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution in genome-wide comparisons of orthologous genes between three pairs of related genomes: (1) the protists Plasmodium falciparum and P. yoelii, (2) the fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. paradoxus, and (3) the mammals mouse and rat. Codon volatility was not consistently associated with an elevated rate of nonsynonymous substitution, as would be expected under positive selection. Rather, the most consistent and powerful correlate of elevated codon volatility was nucleotide content at the second codon position, as expected, given the nature of the genetic code.
Generalized Skyrme Model With Pion Masses

We study the generalized SU(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}SU(2) Skyrme model, proposed by Cheung and G\"ursey, with an explicit chiral-symmetry-breaking term---the nonderivative pion mass term. We calculate the static properties of nucleons and compare with results obtained in the chiral limit. We find a peculiar behavior of the calculated proton and neutron charge densities, in the context of these models.
Qualitative assessment of corticosteroid cervical articular facet injection in symptomatic horses

Summary Cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of noninfectious spinal cord ataxia in horses. Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids into the facet joints of horses with CSM may relieve clinical signs of the disease process. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the efficacy of facet injection therapy in horses with CSM. This retrospective study describes the return to normal function or improvement in performance of horses after ultrasound-guided cervical facet injection that had previously shown signs of ataxia, obscure lameness or neck pain, prior to injection.
Is Pathokinesiology Synonymous with Physical Therapy

Hislop, in her 1975 Mary McMillan Lecture, presented a conceptual framework for the role of pathokinesiology in physical therapy.1 I find it somewhat difficult to address the implications of theory and research in pathokinesiology as it pertains to physical therapy because I have not accepted totally the concept as it has been presented. I agree with Hislop that physical therapists need a strong identification to survive the dilution of health care occupations by newly emerging ones. I further believe that pathokinesiology and its construed synonym movement dysfunction should be a major part of our profession. Pathokinesiology may represent, in fact, what the majority of physical therapists do. I do not agree, however, with Hislop's statement that “establishing a strong identity is not a question of restriction.”1…
Variation in the relationship between offspring size and survival provides insight into causes of mortality in Hawaiian monk seals

The reasons why wildlife populations decline in abundance are often unknown; thus, competing hypotheses are offered as causal factors, and research focuses on attributing relative sup- port to them. The widely documented relationship between offspring size and survival during the period following parental investment has been typically attributed to larger offspring having greater energy reserves, though size may also confer other survival advantages. Here, it is hypothesized that variation in the relationship between offspring size and survival in a population should provide insight into causes of mortality; for example, size-dependent and size-independent mortality will affect the shape of the size-survival curve differentially. This hypothesis is examined using weaning girth measurements and subsequent survival outcomes for Hawaiian monk seal Monachus schauins- landi pups, a species which is currently declining in abundance as a result of low juvenile survival. The probability of surviving the first year is strongly influenced by weaning condition (girth), as well as subpopulation and year. Comparing size-survival curves during years with high, medium, and low first-year survival suggests that an intensification of size-dependent mortality, probably related to food limitation, is commonly associated with poor survival. A notable exception at one colony, French Frigate Shoals, indicates that size-independent mortality, probably a result of a known high incidence of shark predation, is associated with high juvenile mortality. Analyzing variability in the relationship between body size and survival can be a useful tool for evaluating sources of mortality and, ultimately, aid in diagnosing population declines.
DNA and Chromatin Modification Networks Distinguish Stem Cell Pluripotent Ground States

Pluripotent stem cells are capable of differentiating into all cell types of the body and therefore hold tremendous promise for regenerative medicine. Despite their widespread use in laboratories across the world, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the pluripotent state is currently lacking. Mouse embryonic (mESC) and epiblast (mEpiSC) stem cells are two closely related classes of pluripotent stem cells, derived from distinct embryonic tissues. Although both mESC and mEpiSC are pluripotent, these cell types show important differences in their properties suggesting distinct pluripotent ground states. To understand the molecular basis of pluripotency, we analyzed the nuclear proteomes of mESCs and mEpiSCs to identify protein networks that regulate their respective pluripotent states. Our study used label-free LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify 1597 proteins in embryonic and epiblast stem cell nuclei. Immunoblotting of a selected protein subset was used to confirm that key components of chromatin regulatory networks are differentially expressed in mESCs and mEpiSCs. Specifically, we identify differential expression of DNA methylation, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling and nucleosome remodeling networks in mESC and mEpiSC nuclei. This study is the first comparative study of protein networks in cells representing the two distinct, pluripotent states, and points to the importance of DNA and chromatin modification processes in regulating pluripotency. In addition, by integrating our data with existing pluripotency networks, we provide detailed maps of protein networks that regulate pluripotency that will further both the fundamental understanding of pluripotency as well as efforts to reliably control the differentiation of these cells into functional cell fates.
Age-specific fecundity of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on three tree species infested in the United States

The spread of Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Asian long horned bettle), in the United States is dependent on its rates of reproduction and dispersal among host-tree species. Therefore, investigations of the reproductive characteristics of A. glabripennis, including preovipositional period, age specific fecundity and survival, on Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and black willow (Salix nigra Marshall) were undertaken to quantify its reproductive capacity among these host-tree species under laboratory conditions. Differences were found in preovipositional period, fecundity, egg viability and survival among the host-tree species. Oviposition rate was positively correlated with beetle body size, but negatively correlated with beetle age, bolt area, diameter, and bark thickness. Collectively, results show that in terms of adult female A. glabripennis survival and reproductive capacity, Norway and red maple were more suitable than black willow, with Norway maple somewhat more suitable than red maple. We hypothesize bark thickness and woody-tissue characteristics (i.e., nutritional substances, secondary substances, structural features) caused, at least in part, the observed differences in A. glabripennis survival and reproduction. Comparison of the various measures of A. glabripennis reproductive capacity was made with other cerambycids, specifically species of the subfamily Lamiinae, and implications for development of management strategies in U.S. ecosystems are discussed.
Global surface slopes and roughness of the Moon from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter

[1] The acquisition of new global elevation data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter, carried on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, permits quantification of the surface roughness properties of the Moon at unprecedented scales and resolution. We map lunar surface roughness using a range of parameters: median absolute slope, both directional (along‐track) and bidirectional (in two dimensions); median differential slope; and Hurst exponent, over baselines ranging from ∼17 m to ∼2.7 km. We find that the lunar highlands and the mare plains show vastly different roughness properties, with subtler variations within mare and highlands. Most of the surface exhibits fractal‐like behavior, with a single or two different Hurst exponents over the given baseline range; when a transition exists, it typically occurs near the 1 km baseline, indicating a significant characteristic spatial scale for competing surface processes. The Hurst exponent is high within the lunar highlands, with a median value of 0.95, and lower in the maria (with a median value of 0.76). The median differential slope is a powerful tool for discriminating between roughness units and is useful in characterizing, among other things, the ejecta surrounding large basins, particularly Orientale, as well as the ray systems surrounding young, Copernican‐age craters. In addition, it allows a quantitative exploration on mare surfaces of the evolution of surface roughness with age.
Surface strontium enrichment on highly active perovskites for oxygen electrocatalysis in solid oxide fuel cells

Perovskite oxides have high catalytic activities for oxygen electrocatalysis competitive to platinum at elevated temperatures. However, little is known about the oxide surface chemistry that influences the activity near ambient oxygen partial pressures, which hampers the design of highly active catalysts for many clean-energy technologies such as solid oxide fuel cells. Using in situsynchrotron-based, ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study the surface chemistry changes, we show that the coverage of surface secondary phases on a (001)-oriented La0.8Sr0.2CoO3−δ (LSC) film becomes smaller than that on an LSC powder pellet at elevated temperatures. In addition, strontium (Sr) in the perovskite structure enriches towards the film surface in contrast to the pellet having no detectable changes with increasing temperature. We propose that the ability to reduce surface secondary phases and develop Sr-enriched perovskite surfaces of the LSC film contributes to its enhanced activity for O2 electrocatalysis relative to LSC powder-based electrodes.
Blunt rupture of the diaphragm: mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment.

Summary In the absence of respiratory distress and massive visceral herniation, the diagnosis of blunt diaphragmatic disruption can be difficult. 5 , 8 , 10 , 12–15 This is particularly true for diaphragmatic injuries confined to the right hemidiaphragm. 1 , 4 , 13 , 24–26 Because diagnostic delay and strangulation are associated with notable increases in mortality and morbidity, it is important to identify the injury as early as possible. 21 Victims of lateral impact motor vehicle collisions are more likely to experience rupture of the diaphragm than victims of frontal collisions. Occupants exposed to left lateral impacts are at greatest risk. The side of diaphragmatic rupture correlates with the direction of impact. The right hemidiaphragm is more resistant to rupture. Deformation shear is a more plausible mechanism for diaphragmatic rupture after lateral impacts. Knowledge of the mechanisms that produce this injury combined with information regarding the victim's seat position and direction of the impacting force should lead to a high index of clinical suspicion for diaphragmatic rupture. Chest radiography and diagnostic peritoneal lavage will establish the correct diagnosis in almost 90% of the patients with acute diaphragmatic disruption. 7–9 , 15 Additional diagnostic studies are reserved for the remaining 10% of patients. Due to the pressure differential between abdomen and thorax, the natural history of these injuries is one of enlargement, and none can be expected to heal spontaneously. Once the diagnosis has been established, the treatment of every diaphragmatic disruption is surgical repair.
Narcissism Dimensions Differentially Moderate Selective Attention to Evaluative Stimuli in Incarcerated Offenders

Narcissistic personality disorder is associated with distinguishing traits including self-enhancement, arrogance, and intense reactivity to ego threat. Theoretical accounts of narcissism suggest these heterogeneous behaviors reflect a defensive motivational style that functions to both uphold and protect the self-concept. However, the notion that narcissism can be characterized by grandiose and vulnerable dimensions raises the possibility that these diverse behaviors represent distinct expressions of narcissistic defensiveness. The present study examined whether both dimensions exhibit a general defensive style marked by selective attention to evaluative stimuli or are differentially associated with selective attention to positive and negative information, respectively. Using a dot probe task consisting of valenced and neutral trait adjectives, we evaluated these hypotheses in a group of male offenders. Results indicated that vulnerable narcissism was associated with attention biases for both positive and negative stimuli, though the dimension was further distinguished by disengagement difficulties and a greater recognition memory bias in response to negative words. Conversely, grandiose narcissism was associated with increased accuracy when attending to positive stimuli and directing attention away from negative stimuli. Overall, these findings suggest narcissistic individuals share motivated selective attention in response to evaluative stimuli, while simultaneously highlighting important phenotypic differences between grandiose and vulnerable dimensions.
Estimation and prediction for (mostly Gaussian) Markov fields in the continuum

We present a survey of design problems and results that arise in the prediction and parameter estimation of stochastic partial differential equations (SPDES). The aim is to better understand some unavoidable errors that occur in the discretization of SPDEs, and available methods for minimizing these errors.
Use of Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) for the Treatment of Parotid Sialocele and Fistula After Extirpation of Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Immediate Reconstruction Using Microvascular Free Flap: A Report of 3 Cases.

Purpose Buccal squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of oral carcinoma with a high recurrence rate. Injury to the parotid duct is often unavoidable when surgically treating buccal squamous cell carcinoma because of the intimate anatomic relation among the buccal mucosa, Stensen duct, and parotid gland. It is often difficult to achieve negative margins and preserve the integrity of the parotid duct. Sialocele formation is a frequent and untoward complication owing to extravasation of saliva into the surgical defect, which delays healing, creates fistulas, and produces painful facial swelling. Currently, no consensus exists regarding the management of a parotid sialocele. Multiple investigators have described different modalities of treatment, such as repeated percutaneous needle aspiration, pressure dressings, antisialagogue therapy, radiotherapy, botulinum toxin, and surgical techniques, including duct repair, diversion, ligation, drain placement, and parotidectomy. Materials and Methods With approval from the institutional review board of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, 3 cases of parotid sialocele and nonhealing fistulas successfully treated with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) after tumor extirpation, neck dissection, and reconstruction with a microvascular free flap are presented. Results At the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, the radiation oncologist prefers not to start adjunctive radiation treatment with a nonhealing wound or a drain in the field of radiation. Ideally, a standard timing of adjuvant radiotherapy is 6 to 8 weeks after surgery and 60 cGy should be completed before 7 months. Conclusions With the use of Botox, the nonhealing wound resolved and the drain was removed at least 2 weeks before the initiation of adjunctive radiotherapy, thus minimizing the delay in adjuvant treatment.
Supply Chain Coordination with Group Buying Through Buyback Contract

Under group buying strategy, a retailer offers buyers price discount based on buyers’ aggregate purchase quantity. This paper studies the supply chain coordination issue with a supplier and a retailer that uses group buying mechanism when selling to customers. We demonstrate that a buyback contract can coordinate the supply chain under group buying, and how its contract terms critically depend on the quantity threshold above which group buying deal is activated.
Relative Susceptibilities of Coptotermes formosanus, Reticulitermes flavipes, and R. virginicus to Soil Insecticides

Laboratory tests indicate that Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and 2 species of Retiulitermes differ in their susceptibilities to aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, and heptachlor in soil. C. formosanus tubed through 50 mm of soil containing as much as 500 ppm of each of the 4 insecticides, while Reticulitermes usually did not penetrate soil treated with far less than 500 ppm. When the termites were placed directly on the treated soil, R. virginicus (Banks) and R. flavipes (Kollar) usually succumbed more rapidly than C. formosanus .
Structure of the Microarthropod Community In Lake Ontario Beach Debris

The microarthropod community of the beach debris, or drift line, on the southeast shore of Lake Ontario was investigated during summer and fall of 1970 to determine the species composition and the influence of drift components and vertical location on community structure. Structural characteristics measured included the arthropod species and volume diversities, habitat diversity, and 3-dimensional ordination. The drift line was composed principally of decaying fish ( Alosa pseudoharangus Wilson), herbaceous plant fragments, and driftwood. Some species were clearly associated with either the decomposing alewives or the plant debris; others were common to both. Alewife fauna had a lower average species diversity and arthropod volume diversity that that of the plant debris, although alewives supported a much greater arthropod saprovore volume until late fall; values for mixed debris were intermediate. Burial of drift materials by sand had a major effect on species composition, but little or no effect on species diversity or arthropod volume diversity. Species diversity, richness, and equitability were not correlated with the diversity of components in the natural drift line. General comparisons showed the drift line community to be very dissimilar to that of nearby cottonwood leaf litter, which had a higher species diversity.
Protection against irreversible hemorrhagic shock by allopurinol.

SummaryThe xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol alone or in combination with hypoxanthine and adenine exerted little or no protection against the onset of irreversible shock. However when allopurinol is combined with the above two compounds in addition to inosine, alpha-ketoglutarate and oxalacetate 48 hr survival was increased to 43%. This may be due to prevention of loss of purine bases as well as supply of compounds to stimulate high-energy phosphate production. The effects may also be due to the vasodilator properties of the compounds increasing blood flow and thereby reducing the hypoxic effects.The author acknowledges the technical assistance of Mrs. Hollie A. Moore. The author expresses his appreciation to Dr. Robert A. Maxwell, Department of Pharmacology, The Wellcome Research Laboratories, Burroughs-Wellcome and Co., Research Triangle Park, NC for the generous supply of sodium allopurinol and for many valuable discussions. Supported by The Wellcome Research Laboratories.
Specific degradation of Cryptococcus neoformans 3723 capsular polysaccharide by a microbial enzyme. II. Biological activity of the enzyme.

three isolates for mice was determined as previously described (3). LD50S (as number of cells) by the intraperitoneal (IP) route were as follows: isolate 3723?1042 , isolate DU?1065 , isolate BRI?103 8 . Mice.?Male, Swiss (Rockland) mice were used throughout this investigation. Four-weekold animals were employed for enzyme studies while LD50 determinations were carried out using six-week-old animals.
Analysis on influenza surveillance in Chengdu(2010-2013)

Objective To provide a basis for influenza prevention by understanding the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Chengdu city.Methods Epidemilogy,etiology and outbreaks of influenza were analyzed by collecting data on influenza-like illness(ILI) and influenza cases through the national disease reporting system,emergency public reporting system and influenza surveillance system.Results ILI peaked distinctly between winter and spring and during the summer.Two outbreaks of influenza were reported in November 2013,occurring within schools.Out of 3 768 ILI cases,the positive rate of nucleic acid was 21.79%.There were 487 strains of virus isolated from 6 390 cases,with an isolation rate of 7.62%.The H1N1 pdm,H3 and B sub-type of influenza were alternately prevalent from 2010 to 2013.Spearman correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the ILI rate and positive rate of etiology monitoring(r = 0.408,P 0.001).Conclusion The ILI prevalence was consistent with the trend of influenza virus activity,and flu prevention should be strengthened between winter and spring and during the summer.
Cancers of the Digestive System

This chapter reviews the anatomy of the digestive system. In addition, students are questioned regarding the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancers of the digestive system. Specific questions regarding the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of these cancers are included.
Association of radial versus femoral access with contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at an increased risk of developing contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Data on the association between transradial (TRA) vs. transfemoral (TFA) access and the risk of CI-AKI in this setting are limited. Methods We analyzed data on 1162 patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI at two tertiary care centers between 2010 and 2014. Primary outcome was CI-AKI, defined as a relative rise in serum creatinine of ≥25%, or an absolute increase of ≥0.5 mg/dL, within 48 h of primary PCI. We used multivariable logistic regression and propensity analysis to determine the association between vascular access site and CI-AKI. Results Of 1162 patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI, TFA was used in 857 (73.8%), and TRA in 305 (26.2%) patients. In the unmatched cohort, TRA was associated with numerically lower rates of CI-AKI as compared with TFA; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (5.9% vs. 7.0%; unadjusted OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.48–1.44, p = 0.510; adjusted OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.44–1.62, p = 0.610). Similar results were seen in a propensity matched cohort of 508 patients (254 TRA and 254 TFA; CI-AKI 5.5% vs. 8.3%, OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.32–1.30, p = 0.220). Conclusions In patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, TRA was not associated with a lower risk of CI-AKI, as compared with TFA. Randomized controlled trials are needed to definitely assess the role of vascular access site in reducing the risk of CI-AKI in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI. Summary In patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, the overall incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) was low (6.7%). Transradial access was not associated with a lower risk of CI-AKI as compared with transfemoral access.
Ultrafast polarization dynamics induced by the “virtual excitation” of spin-polarized carriers in semiconductors

The ultrafast changes in the polarization state of a weak probe pulse induced by the creation of spin-polarized virtual carriers in a multiple quantum well are measured, discussed in terms of saturation and exciton-exciton interactions, and used to explain the operation of an all-optical switch.
Russia and the United States: On irritants, friction, and international order or what can we learn from Hedley Bull?

In this article, I argue that the present low-point in US–Russian relations does not negate the existence of order between the two great powers. US–Russian relations remain remarkably orderly irrespective of the continued presence of irritants and points of friction in the relationship. That is the Russian Federation and the USA continue to conceive of each other as indispensable members of international society in, at the very least, the ‘pluralist’ sense of this concept. I empirically buttress this argument by way of a tour d’horizon of US–Russian relations during the administration of President Barack Obama, spanning, thereby, the administrations of presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin.
1.2 Dynamics of exponentials in circuits and systems

Our industry is in a state of transition as the result of the confluence of two trends - the first, technology driven, the second, market driven: 1. CMOS scaling is coming to an end! This is encouraging “multi-dimensional innovations” in circuits and systems enabled by various scaling trends (exponential and nonlinear) in CMOS device engineering for analog circuits, new materials such as III–V, timing references, high-performance SiGe devices, integrated sensors, and Si photonics. 2. Electronics is a critical element in many product areas: automotive, industrial, and medical. In all of these, there is rapid growth in both volume and sophistication. Demand for these products will result in an industry where a very large number of semiconductor devices is provided to a large number of customers using differentiated manufacturing technologies.
Differences in lumbar spine and lower extremity kinematics during a step down functional task in people with and people without low back pain.

Abstract Background When functional movements are impaired in people with low back pain, they may be a contributing factor to chronicity and recurrence. The purpose of the current study was to examine lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity kinematics during a step down functional task between people with and without a history of low back pain. Methods A 3-dimensional motion capture system was used to analyze kinematics during a step down task. Total excursion of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity segments in each plane were calculated from the start to end of the task. Separate analysis of variance tests (α = 0.05) were conducted to determine the effect of independent variables of group and plane on lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity kinematics. An exploratory analysis was conducted to examine kinematic differences among movement-based low back pain subgroups. Findings Subjects with low back pain displayed less lumbar spine movement than controls across all three planes of movement (P-values = 0.001–0.043). This group difference was most pronounced in the sagittal plane. For the lower extremity, subjects with low back pain displayed more frontal and axial plane knee movement than controls (P-values = 0.001). There were no significant differences in kinematics among movement-based low back pain subgroups. Interpretation People with low back pain displayed less lumbar region movement in the sagittal plane and more off-plane knee movements than the control group during a step down task. Clinicians can use this information when assessing lumbar spine and lower extremity movement during functional tasks, with the goal of developing movement-based interventions.
SU(3) x SU(3) BREAKING, K/sub l3/ DECAYS, AND THE kappa ENHANCEMENT.

Alternative values of the symmetry-breaking parameters, which are consistent with two reported $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ enhancements, are considered within (3,3*) \ensuremath{\bigoplus} (3*,3) broken $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3)$ symmetry; and subsequent predictions are compared with ${K}_{l3}$-decay form factors.
Scaled penalization of Brownian motion with drift and the Brownian ascent

We study a scaled version of a two-parameter Brownian penalization model introduced by Roynette-Vallois-Yor (Period Math Hungar 50:247–280, 2005). The original model penalizes Brownian motion with drift \(h\in \mathbb {R}\) by the weight process \({\big (\exp (\nu S_t):t\geq 0\big )}\) where \(\nu \in \mathbb {R}\) and (St : t ≥ 0) is the running maximum of the Brownian motion. It was shown there that the resulting penalized process exhibits three distinct phases corresponding to different regions of the (ν, h)-plane. In this paper, we investigate the effect of penalizing the Brownian motion concurrently with scaling and identify the limit process. This extends an existing result for the ν < 0, h = 0 case to the whole parameter plane and reveals two additional “critical” phases occurring at the boundaries between the parameter regions. One of these novel phases is Brownian motion conditioned to end at its maximum, a process we call the Brownian ascent. We then relate the Brownian ascent to some well-known Brownian path fragments and to a random scaling transformation of Brownian motion that has attracted recent interest.
Case 82: Hemoptysis from a 2-Month Tracheostomy

You are called to the emergency room (ER). A 19-year-old male (1.6 m and 63 kg) is complaining that he had over half a cup of acute bright red hemoptysis from his tracheostomy site in the last hour. The patient has a 3-day history of blood-tinged sputum from the tracheostomy site. He is in remission from a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for which he has received chemotherapy and radiation with good effect. He had required a tracheostomy because of severe swelling of face and neck with acute airway obstruction. A computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck and chest has been done while in the ER, and is negative for any active bleeding.
TRANSMISSION OF DATA BY RADIO FROM U.S. SATELLITES

This chapter discusses the process of transmission of data by radio using the United States satellites. All of the United States satellites have used radio transmissions from the satellite to ground receiving stations for precision tracking of the satellites and for the transmission of telemetry data from measurements taken within the satellite. For the tracking of the United States satellites, a dual system of radio and optical tracking stations was established, to provide a high probability of establishing and determining the precise path of the satellite, and to predict the future path of these satellites. Initial acquisition of the satellite, and tracking during the first few weeks of its lifetime, is done by a radio tracking system, using a transmitter carried within the satellite that sends signals continuously during flight. In contrast, the optical tracking system uses reflected sunlight to illuminate the ground observation stations, a condition that limits operations to two periods of approximately one hour each, just before dawn and just after dusk each day, and even then only when the seeing conditions allow such observations.
Degradation and durability testing of low temperature fuel cell components

Abstract: The durability of fuel cell components constitutes a major barrier towards their financial viability. Lifetime requirements include 5000 and 40 000 h for automotive and stationary applications respectively, and thus it is impractical to evaluate fuel cell components’ lifetime using prolonged time periods. Accelerated durability testing protocols for fuel cell components (proton exchange membrane, electrocatalyst and supports) have been developed to obtain cell component lifetimes in shorter experimental time and are discussed in detail, along with fuel/air impurities testing protocols.
An Automated Intervention Did Not Improve Adherence to Oral Oncolytic Agents While Managing Symptoms: Results From a Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Context An increasing number of oral cancer treatments require patient adherence and symptom self-management. Objectives The report presents the effects of a medication reminder and symptom management intervention directed at patients initiating new oral oncolytic agents. Methods Patients (N = 272) were recruited at six comprehensive cancer centers, interviewed over the telephone after oral agent initiation, and randomized to either standard care or a medication reminder and symptom management intervention. In the intervention arm, the automated system called patients daily to remind them about taking their medications and weekly to assess 18 symptoms and refer patients to a printed Medication Management and Symptom Management Toolkit. Severity of 18 symptoms was also assessed during telephone interviews at Week 4 (midintervention), Week 8 (postintervention), and Week 12 (follow-up). Adherence was measured using the relative dose intensity, the ratio of dose taken by patient out of dose prescribed by the oncologist, and assessed using pill counts at Weeks 4, 8, and 12 and prescribing information from medical records. Results The relative dose intensity was high and did not differ by trial arm. Symptom severity was significantly lower (P Conclusion Adherence may be less of a problem than originally anticipated, and intervention was not efficacious possibly because of already high rates of patient adherence to oral oncolytic medication during first 12 weeks. Longer follow-up in future research may identify subgroups of patients who need interventions to sustain adherence.
Using a Numerical Model to Track the Discharge of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in a Tidal Estuary

Along the coast of Maine, USA, there are numerous wastewater treatment plants that discharge their treated effluents into a river estuary which is shared by commercial fishing and shellfish harvesting. Occasionally, there can be failures or bypasses of treatment plants that lead to untreated or partially treated sewage flowing into shellfish harvesting waters. To prevent any toxic contamination of harvested shellfish, a prohibitive zone is established around the treatment plant where shellfish harvesting is prohibited. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted numerous dye studies on both coasts of the USA to determine these prohibitive zones, based on the guidelines of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. In May 2010, the FDA conducted such a dye study at the Yarmouth, Maine wastewater treatment plant. The results are compared with a numerical coastal model that provides the velocity field for the currents around the treatment plant. This model includes a diffusion equation to simulate dye dispersion from a point source which is used to determine the prohibitive zone. The numerical model shows good correlation with the FDA dye study report and establishes a prohibitive zone for commercial harvesting in keeping with that of the FDA study. The benefits of the numerical model include sampling at thousands of locations simultaneously, seasonal changes in river volumes, and changes in plant discharge volumes.
Hospital utilization and disposition among patients with malignant bowel obstruction: A population-based comparison of surgical to medical management.

6571Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is often a terminal event in end-stage cancer patients. The decision to intervene surgically is complex, given the risk of harm in patients with a ...
Vibrio cholerae MARTX toxin multifunctionality silences inflammatory response to toxin mediated cytoskeletal collapse

Multifunctional autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxins are pore-forming toxins that translocate multiple functionally independent effector domains into a target eukaryotic cell. Vibrio cholerae colonizes intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and utilizes a MARTX toxin with three effector domains -- the actin cross-linking domain (ACD), the Rho inactivation domain (RID), and the alpha/beta hydrolase domain (ABH) -- to regulate innate immunity and enhance colonization. Whether these multiple catalytic enzymes delivered from a single toxin have coordinated function has not been explored. Using cultured IECs, we demonstrate ACD-induced cytoskeletal collapse activates a robust proinflammatory response that is blocked by the action of co-delivered RID and ABH. Thus, MARTX toxins utilize multiple enzymatic activities on a single toxin to silence the host response to both bacterial factors and effector function. Further, these data explain that V. cholerae utilizes the MARTX toxin to suppress intestinal inflammation and contribute to cholera being classically defined as non-inflammatory diarrheal disease.
Molecular dynamics simulations in reservoir analysis of offshore petroleum reserves: A systematic review of theory and applications

Abstract Production from offshore reservoirs has contributed significantly to supply required hydrocarbons in the past several decades. The world's ever-growing energy demand has made the industry extend exploration and production activities to much deeper waters and harsher offshore environments. However, development of offshore reservoirs is a challenging task, and the role of efficient and reliable reservoir characterization tools in successful offshore developments cannot be overstated. Reservoir analysis in terms of determination of the properties of rock and fluids and their interactions constitutes a major part of reservoir characterization. Traditionally, laboratory tests and measurements are considered the most reliable characterization approach. However, in many cases, reservoir rock and fluid samples might be unavailable or insufficient for all the required tests and measurements. Empirical correlations and theoretical relationships can be employed in the absence of or to augment experimental data. However, characteristic predictions obtained from this deterministic strategy can be highly uncertain due to sensitivity to the property ranges, oversimplifying assumptions, and local variations of properties in heterogeneous reservoirs. Various forms of connectionist techniques have recently been used as an alternative method for property predictions with higher accuracy and reliability. Yet, their applications have been mostly limited to research studies rather than industrial projects. Recently, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations have gained considerable attention in studying reservoir rock and fluid properties, interactions, and associated phenomena at the atomic level. In MD, the properties of interest are extracted from the analysis of time evolution of atomic positions and velocities by numerical solution of Newtonian equations for the motion of all the atoms in the system. This technique facilitates performing “computer experiments” that may otherwise be impossible, extremely costly, or very dangerous to conduct. In this paper, the MD simulation technique and its applications to investigate rock and fluid properties are reviewed. The MD theoretical concepts and procedures are addressed, particularly in reservoir analysis. The main advantages and disadvantages of MD are listed. This review manuscript will provide useful guidelines to characterize the reservoir rock and fluid and their behaviours in various petroleum reserves, which considerably help to conduct better design and optimal operation of production plants.
Identification of hypoglycemia-specific neural signals by decoding murine vagus nerve activity

Glucose is a crucial energy source. In humans, it is the primary sugar for high energy demanding cells in brain, muscle and peripheral neurons. Deviations of blood glucose levels from normal levels for an extended period of time is dangerous or even fatal, so regulation of blood glucose levels is a biological imperative. The vagus nerve, comprised of sensory and motor fibres, provides a major anatomical substrate for regulating metabolism. While prior studies have implicated the vagus nerve in the neurometabolic interface, its specific role in either the afferent or efferent arc of this reflex remains elusive. Here we use recently developed methods to isolate and decode specific neural signals acquired from the surface of the vagus nerve in BALB/c wild type mice to identify those that respond robustly to hypoglycemia. We also attempted to decode neural signals related to hyperglycemia. In addition to wild type mice, we analyzed the responses to acute hypo- and hyperglycemia in transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) cell depleted mice. The decoding algorithm uses neural signals as input and reconstructs blood glucose levels. Our algorithm was able to reconstruct the blood glucose levels with high accuracy (median error 18.6 mg/dl). Hyperglycemia did not induce robust vagus nerve responses, and deletion of TRPV1 nociceptors attenuated the hypoglycemia-dependent vagus nerve signals. These results provide insight to the sensory vagal signaling that encodes hypoglycemic states and suggest a method to measure blood glucose levels by decoding nerve signals. Not applicable.
Trainee Counselor Development of Social Justice Counseling Competencies

This grounded theory study sought to identify the process by which master’s level counselors-in-training (CITs)develop social justice counseling competencies. Participants (N = 41) from a clinical mental health counseling(CMHC) program were interviewed at pre-practicum, pre-internship, and post-internship phases. CITsprogressed through the stages of exposure, recognition, and action, influenced by self-reflection and attitudes.These stages differed from the awareness, knowledge, and skills domains identified in prior multicultural andsocial justice counseling literature. Most CITs planned advocacy action steps by the conclusion of their program,though few implemented them. Implications for counselor educators are discussed.
Generalized Systematic Approach Applied to Design a Novel Three-Port Power Converter

There has been growing interest in multi-port power converters especially three-port converters (TPCs) over the past several years. The main reason is their growing use in applications like solar and traction applications to combine different blends of energy sources/storage. Even though there is a large body of work that exists in literature and a large number of topologies proposed as well as a few review papers, there is no generalized systematic approach explaining how to develop/design a TPC based on the involved inputs and outputs. This paper presents this generalized systematic approach. The proposed approach will be applied to two cases and the topologies that evolve out of this process will be discussed. The paper will also cover in a more comprehensive way the various modes of operation of a TPC. Also, the proposed approach has been used to develop a novel three-port power converter and the simulation results will be presented.
Analysis of iodine nutritional status and influence factors of hypothyroidism in Pinggu District of Beijing City

Objective To examine the situation of iodine nutritional status and the prevalence of hypothyroidism in Pinggu District of Beijing City, and analyze the illness-related factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed in 734 adults who had lived more than five years in Pinggu District, a random urine sample was collected in the morning from each adult, urine iodine was tested via the arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry method (WS/T 107-2006); edible salt samples were collected, salt iodine was tested via the method of direct titration (GB/T 13025.7-1999); fasting blood samples were collected, electrochemiluminescence was used to measure three free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroid hormone (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb); automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure triglyceride (TG); high pressure liquid phase method was used to measure glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The results of routine physical examination, thyroid examination by color Doppler ultrasound and questionnaires were collected. Results A total of 696 urine samples were collected, the median of urine iodine was 125.25 μg/L, and the values of male (287 cases) and female (409 cases) were 125.19 and 125.79 μg/L, respectively. Forty-nine non-iodized salt samples (6.7%), 647 qualified iodized salt samples (88.1%), and 38 unqualified iodized salt samples were detected (5.2%), respectively. Subclinical hypothyroidism (58 cases, 89.2%) in all hypothyroidism (65 cases) was the most common hypothyroidism. Independent risk factors for hypothyroidism of male were increased TG [odds ratio (OR)=3.298, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.112-9.785] and over 60 years old (OR=8.657, 95%CI: 1.015-73.863); independent risk factors for hypothyroidism of female were physical work (OR=3.576, 95%CI: 1.323-9.670), increased TgAb (OR=2.306, 95%CI: 1.099-4.841) and diffused change of thyroid (OR=5.177, 95%CI: 1.944-13.787). Conclusions The iodine nutritional status of residents in Pinggu District of Beijing City is good. Main type of hypothyroidism is subclinical hypothyroidism. Age, diffused change of thyroid, etc. are the influencing factors of hypothyroidism. Key words: Iodine; Urine; Salts; Hypothyroidism
Claims-based Frailty Indices: A Systematic Review.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate claims-based frailty indices (CFIs) used to assess frailty on a population-based level. Background Frailty is a key determinant of patient outcomes, independent of demographics and comorbidities. Measuring frailty in large populations has implications for targeted interventions, public reporting, and risk adjustment. Frailty indices based on administrative data in health insurance claims allow such population-level assessments of frailty. Methods We used PubMed to search for studies that: (1) were development or validation studies of a CFI that predicted frailty; and (2) used only diagnosis codes within administrative claims or health services claims. We evaluated the CFIs on 6 axes: databases used to build the CFIs; variables used to designate frailty; methods used to build the CFIs; model performance for predicting frailty; model relationship to clinical outcomes; and model limitations. Results We included 17 studies. They showed variation in the claims codes used to designate frailty, although themes like limited mobility and neurological and psychiatric impairment were common to most. C-statistics demonstrated an overall strong ability to predict patient frailty and adverse clinical outcomes. All CFIs demonstrated strong associations between frailty and poor outcomes. Conclusions While each CFI has unique strengths and limitations, they also all had striking similarities. Some CFIs have been more broadly used and validated than others. The major takeaway from this review is that frailty is a clinically relevant, highly predictive syndrome that should be incorporated into clinical risk prediction when feasible.
“The Onus is on Us”: How White Suburban Teachers Learn about Racial Inequities in a Critical Book Study

Racial disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes continue to plague public schools in the United States (U.S.) and are becoming increasingly salient in suburban schools where major shif...