cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Branchpoint labeling and matching in human airway trees

The functional understanding of the pulmonary anatomy as well as the tracking of the natural course of respiratory diseases are critically dependent on our ability to repeatedly evaluate the same region of the lungs time after time and perform accurate and reliable positionally corresponding measurements. We present a method for accurate labeling of airway branchpoints with their anatomical names as well as an approach for accurate matching of airway tree branchpoints beyond those with anatomical names. An intra-subject tree-matching as well as matching across subjects is achieved. The labeling process is based on matching against a population average. This population average incorporates the anatomical variability that is typically observed across the population. The matching algorithm is based on an association graph method. The computing time is drastically reduced by introducing a hierarchical splitting and only matching two sub-trees at a time. Both steps well tolerate possible false branches. Validation against an independent standard provided by human experts shows a high degree of accuracy (> 90%) for both labeling and matching. The average error compares well to the inter-observer variability among human experts.
Melatonin and the circadian regulation of sleep initiation, consolidation, structure, and the sleep EEG

The endogenous circadian rhythm of melatonin, driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, exhibits a close association with the endogenous circadian component of the sleep propensity rhythm and the endogenous circadian component of the variation in electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations such as sleep spindles and slow waves. This association is maintained even when the sleep-wake cycle is desynchronized from the endogenous circadian rhythm of melatonin. Administration of melatonin during the day increases daytime sleep propensity as indexed by both the latency to sleep onset and sleep consolidation. The EEG during daytime sleep after melatonin administration exhibits characteristics reminiscent of the nocturnal sleep EEG, that is, increased sleep spindle activity and reduced slow-wave sleep and slow-wave activity, as detected by quantitative EEG analysis. Administration of higher doses of melatonin (5 mg or more) prior to nocturnal sleep results in an increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These data demonstrate that melatonin exerts effects on the main characteristics of human sleep, that is, latency to sleep onset, sleep consolidation, slow waves, sleep spindles, and REM sleep. There is a need for further studies using physiological doses and delivery systems that generate physiological plasma melatonin profiles to firmly establish the role of the endogenous circadian rhythm of melatonin in the circadian regulation of sleep.
The Effect of Hemofiltration on Fiber Platelet Concentration

Experimental methods and apparatus were developed to measure platelet concentration in an ultrafiltering hollow fiber with blood and ultrafiltrative flow rates that are characteristic of current hemofiltration practice. Values are presented for the adjusted local platelet concentration, which allows for the expected increase due to loss of ultrafiltrate volume. Platelet concentrations in fiber samples are of interest since ultra-filtration can create platelet polarization in a fashion similar to the concentration polarization that occurs for proteins. For many combinations of inlet flow rate, ultrafiltrative flow rate, and fiber dimension, there are significant elevations in adjusted fiber platelet concentration. The adjusted platelet concentrations of the outflow samples are nominally equal to those of the feed (reservoir) samples; thus, reaction and adhesion of platelets is not a significant source of fiber concentration. Experiments with fibers of different diameters indicate that, as expected in concentration polarization, the excess platelets are located near the wall. Data for the fiber platelet concentration depend in a complex fashion upon the inlet wall shear rate and ultrafiltrative velocity. For certain fixed ultrafiltrative velocities, a maximum fiber platelet concentration occurs at an intermediate inlet wall shear rate. The data are qualitatively explained by an extension of a published model involving diffusive, ultrafiltrative, and wall-induced fluxes of red cells and platelets.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in an infant with necrotizing pneumonia and bronchopleural fistula.

Community-acquired necrotizing pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been reported with increasing frequency in children.[1][1] MRSA pneumonia can be complicated by pleural effusion, empyema, pneumatoceles, respiratory failure, and bronchopleural fistula.[1][1],[
Transanal minimally invasive surgery for benign and malignant rectal neoplasia

Abstract Background Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), an alternative technique to transanal endoscopic microsurgery, was developed in 2009. Herein, we describe our initial experience using TAMIS for benign and malignant rectal neoplasia. Methods This is an institutional review board approved, retrospective case series report. Results TAMIS was performed in 32 patients for rectal adenoma (13), adenocarcinoma (16), and carcinoid (3). There were 14 women, with mean age 62 ± 15 years and body mass index 28 ± 5 kg/m2. Lesion size ranged from .5 to 8.5 cm, distance from the dentate line 1 to 11 cm, and circumference of the lesion 10% to 100%. The mean operative time was 123 ± 62 minutes. Mean hospital length of stay was 2.5 ± 2 days. Complications included urinary tract infection (1), Clostridium difficile diarrhea (1), atrial fibrillation (1), rectal stenosis (1), and rectal bleeding (1). Conclusion TAMIS using a disposable transanal access platform is a safe and effective method to remove rectal lesions in this case series.
Placenta growth factor: potential role in pregnancy

PROBLEM: In spite of the known requirement for adequate vascularity during placentation, little is known regarding the regulation of angiogenic growth factor production by trophoblast. Placenta growth factor (PIGF) is a recently discovered angiogenic growth factor whose expression is relatively limited to trophoblast. METHOD OF STUDY: Current literature of PIGF was reviewed, with emphasis on its expression, regulation, role in angiogenesis. and potential function(s) at the maternal fetal interface. RESULTS: PIGF is abundantly expressed by trophoblast, which implies that it could act in a paracrine manner to modulate vascular development, stability, and or function within the decidua and placental villi. In addition, expression of the PIGF receptor. fms-like tyrosine kinase (flt-1) receptor, on trophoblast raises the potential for an autocrine role of PIGF in regulating trophoblast growth and or function. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for PIGF to influence both vascular endothelial cells and trophoblast suggests that aberrant trophoblast production of PIGF could compromise cellular function during gestation and contribute to the vascular and placental pathologies noted in many obstetric complications.
A Comparison of Robbers’ Use of Physical Coercion in Commercial and Street Robberies

The face-to-face confrontation involved in the crime of robbery renders vast amounts of financial, physical, and psychological injury in the United States. This study developed hypotheses from existing literature regarding salient situational factors associated with the prevalence of overt physical coercion during commercial and street robberies. The study examined the effect of situational and personal characteristics on robbers’ use of coercion, with data coded from police reports of 1,281 street and commercial robberies in one precinct of Detroit, Michigan, between 2000 and 2003. The research results are relatively consistent with findings from the literature on robbery in the last 40 years: Street robberies involve a greater prevalence of physical force than do commercial robberies; guns reduce the likelihood of physical force; and victim resistance increases physical force. Additionally, characteristics of victims and offenders play a secondary role in predicting whether physical coercion is brought ...
Integrating field methodology and web-based data collection to assess the reliability of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

Field methodologies offer a unique opportunity to collect ecologically valid data on alcohol use and its associated problems within natural drinking environments. However, limitations in follow-up data collection methods have left unanswered questions regarding the psychometric properties of field-based measures. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the reliability of self-report data collected in a naturally occurring environment - as indexed by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) - compared to self-report data obtained through an innovative web-based follow-up procedure. Individuals recruited outside of bars (N=170; mean age=21; range 18-32) provided a BAC sample and completed a self-administered survey packet that included the AUDIT. BAC feedback was provided anonymously through a dedicated web page. Upon sign in, follow-up participants (n=89; 52%) were again asked to complete the AUDIT before receiving their BAC feedback. Reliability analyses demonstrated that AUDIT scores - both continuous and dichotomized at the standard cut-point - were stable across field- and web-based administrations. These results suggest that self-report data obtained from acutely intoxicated individuals in naturally occurring environments are reliable when compared to web-based data obtained after a brief follow-up interval. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the feasibility, utility, and potential of integrating field methods and web-based data collection procedures. Language: en
cAMP inhibits IP3-dependent Ca2+ release by preferential activation of cGMP-primed PKG

The singular effects and interplay of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA and PKG) on Ca2+ mobilization were examined in dispersed smooth muscle cells. In permeabilized muscle cells, exoge...
Testosterone replacement for fatigue in hypogonadal ambulatory males with advanced cancer: a preliminary double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Uncontrolled studies show fatigue, anorexia, depression, and mortality are associated with low testosterone in men with cancer. Testosterone replacement improves quality of life and diminishes fatigue in patients with non-cancer conditions. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of testosterone replacement on fatigue in hypogonadal males with advanced cancer, by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue subscale (FACIT-Fatigue) at day 29. This is a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Outpatients with advanced cancer, bioavailable testosterone (BT) 3/10 on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale were eligible. Intra-muscular testosterone or sesame seed oil placebo was administered every 14 days to achieve BT levels 70–270 ng/dL. Sixteen placebo and 13 testosterone-treated subjects were evaluable. No statistically significant difference was found for FACIT-fatigue scores between arms (−2 ± 12 for placebo, 4 ± 8 for testosterone, p = 0.11). Sexual Desire Inventory score (p = 0.054) and performance status (p = 0.02) improved in the testosterone group. Fatigue subscale scores were significantly better (p = 0.03) in those treated with testosterone by day 72. Four weeks of intramuscular testosterone replacement in hypogonadal male patients with advanced cancer did not significantly improve quality of life. Larger studies of longer duration are warranted.
Insights into the pharmacological targeting of the trigeminocervical complex in the context of treatments of migraine

Migraine is one of the most severe and debilitating brain disorders. Most scientists accept that it involves activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular system, which includes the sensory peripheral projections to the pain-producing dura mater, and a central projection to the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and its cervical extension, the trigeminocervical complex (TCC). The development of the anti-migraine therapeutics, triptans-5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, had originally targeted the craniovasculature to exert therapeutic effects, and this locus of action seemed to predict efficacy in the clinic. However, subsequent development of novel targets, using the same strategy failed to replicate this early success and as a consequence central mechanisms of action away from the dural vasculature were thought to be responsible for these therapeutic effects. Coupled to this, migraine has been hypothesized to involve a dysfunction of areas of the brainstem and diencephalon, which seem to mediate the activation, or perception of activation, of the trigeminovascular system as well as sensitization of neuronal pathways that drive trigeminovascular activation. Therefore, drug targets that act in the brain, specifically on the central component of the trigeminovascular system, the TCC, would seem to be ideally placed to modulate this nociceptive pathway and relieve migraine, but particularly the headache phase. This review will discuss how the TCC, rather than other more craniovascular sites, may be the anatomical target of some of the current and emerging therapies to relieve migraine symptoms, and why this should prove to be a fruitful area for drug development for the treatment of migraine.
Salmonella typhimurium enterotoxin epitopes shared among bacteria.

The deduced amino acid sequence of the cloned Salmonella enterotoxin gene (stn) was used to prepare anti-peptide antibodies. These antibodies were then employed to screen isolates of this enteric pathogen for the synthesis of protein enterotoxin (Stn). Cell lysates of all Salmonella isolates tested displayed a prominent immunoblot band of approximately 29 kDa, which was consistent with the size of the cloned stn gene product. Among other Gram-negative bacteria examined, isolates of KlebsiellaEnterobacter, and Citrobacter exhibited a similar-sized protein that reacted strongly with the Stn antibodies. Since the stn gene was located opposite the hydrogenase regulatory genes (hydHG) required for hydrogen metabolism in bacteria, our data suggested that only in Salmonella and some other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae had the DNA sequence evolved, presumably through point mutations, into an expressed gene product of similar size.
Building an enterprise Web infrastructure using Windows 2000

From its inception more than a decade ago, the World Wide Web has evolved from a tool for the research and scientific community to what may arguably be the most accessible and broad-based communication instrument of the twentieth century. The Web has altered the way people work, recreate, communicate, and interact with each other. Commerce, marketing and publication concepts have been transformed by the Web. Corporations, public organizations, governments, educational institutions and individuals have access to a global audience through the Web. An author, artist, musician or publisher can reach millions of readers, viewers and listeners throughout the world in a matter of minutes via the distributed features of the Web.
The Design of a Multicore Extension of the SPIN Model Checker

We describe an extension of the SPIN model checker for use on multicore shared-memory systems and report on its performance. We show how, with proper load balancing, the time requirements of a verification run can, in some cases, be reduced close to N-fold when N processing cores are used. We also analyze the types of verification problems for which multicore algorithms cannot provide relief. The extensions discussed here require only relatively small changes in the SPIN source code and are compatible with most existing verification modes such as partial order reduction, the verification of temporal logic formulas, bitstate hashing, and hash-compact compression.
A 100 GHz Josephson mixer using resistively-shunted Nb tunnel junctions

The authors describe preliminary mixer results using resistively shunted Nb/AlO/sub x//Nb tunnel junctions in a 100-GHz waveguide mixer mount. The mixer utilizes robust, lithographically defined devices which have nonhysteretic I-V curves. A receiver temperature of 390 K (D5B) has been obtained with a conversion loss of -6.5 dB. The receiver's behavior agrees qualitatively with the behavior predicted by the resistively shunted junction model. Substantial improvements in performance are expected with the use of better-optimized shunted junctions and numerical simulations suggest that, if devices with higher I/sub C/R/sub N/ (critical-current normal-resistance) products can be obtained. Josephson effect mixers could be competitive with superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixers at high frequencies. >
Daphnia as keystone predators: effects on phytoplankton diversity and grazing resistance

Theory predicts that a predator can promote coexistence among competing prey, and so enhance prey diversity (the keystone predation effect), by fostering dominance of slow-growing, consumption-resistant prey. In contrast, if the predator promotes dominance by fast-growing vulnerable prey, theory predicts that the predator is unlikely to promote prey diversity. Theory is silent about keystone predation effects when the predator does not cause a net change in the vulnerability of the prey assemblage. I present experimental evidence that Daphnia can act as a keystone predator without causing a net change in the grazing resistance of the phytoplankton assemblage. No change in resistance was observed, despite strong Daphnia effects on the species composition of the phytoplankton.
The biological effects and digestible energy value of a sugar-beet fibre preparation in the rat.

A sugar-beet fibre preparation (SBF) was incorporated into a semi-synthetic rat diet at a level of 100 g/kg. The material caused no feed aversion, and gain of live weight was unimpaired. SBF appeared to be slightly more fermentable than wheat bran and only marginally less effective as a faecal bulking agent when compared with equalized intakes of non-starch polysaccharide. SBF did not stimulate mucosal cell turnover in the small intestine. Some enlargement of the caecum was observed in animals given SBF, but it was no greater than that of animals given wheat bran. Animals given SBF had a lower serum cholesterol concentration than both the fibre-free controls and those given wheat bran. This hypocholesterolaemic effect was less than that of guar gum however. The partial digestibility of energy for SBF was 0.64, and its partial digestible energy value was 11.3 kJ (2.7 kcal)/g. The partial digestibility of energy for non-starch polysaccharide in SBF was estimated to be 053 and its partial digestible energy value was 9.1 kJ (2.2 kcal)/g. This value was not significantly different from that expected for unavailable carbohydrate in mixed human diets. Sugar-beet fibre: Dietary fibre: Digestible energy : Rat
Erythrocytosis associated with uterine myomas.

Abstract 1. The seventh case of erythrocytosis with uterine myoma is described and compared with those previously reported. 2. Studies in the pathogenesis of erythrocytosis with uterine myoma are suggested.
Teaching with Technology in the 21st Century Law School Classroom

These remarks were delivered at The Future of Law Libraries Symposium at Amelia Island, FL on March 10, 2005 and have been expanded and updated to be current through February 1, 2006: I believe we are entering a fourth phase in the deployment of modern technology in the law school classroom, in which faculty embrace technology to actively engage the twenty-first century law student. Instead of fighting losing battles against technology, or living with the problems associated with the current state of law school classroom technology, I want to discuss here three of the new technological tools that I use on a daily basis in my classes: (1) the Classroom Performance System; (2) the Law Stories Series; and (3) the Law Professor Blogs Network. These technological tools represent the next generation of law school teaching technology and answer critics who charge that technology in the form of PowerPoint slides and laptop computers create a stultifyingly passive classroom environment. By requiring students to take a more active role in their learning, these technologies help students to thrive in the fast-paced legal world of the twenty-first century using twenty-first century tools.
Platelet Antiheparin Activity: Storage Site and Release Mechanism

The platelet storage and release mechanisms for the heparin-neutralizing activity (HNA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), serotonin, and lysosomal enzymes were investigated in normal human platelets and in platelets with defective storage or release of ADP and serotonin. The time course of release of HNA from normal washed platelets by thrombin and collagen was slower than that of serotonin. Lysosomal enzymes were not released by collagen from normal washed platelets, whereas under the same conditions HNA was released. In four of six patients with storage pool deficiency, the platelets contained normal amounts of HNA but definitely decreased amounts of ADP and serotonin, whereas in the remaining two patients the total contents of ADP, serotonin, and HNA were all definitely lower than normal. In four of six patients with storage pool deficiency, the amounts and per cents of total HNA released by collagen were normal, whereas the amounts and per cents of total ADP released were diminished compared with normal. Platelets from patients with the aspirinlike platelet release defect and from aspirin-treated normal subjects contained normal quantities of ADP, serotonin, and HNA, but HNA and ADP were not released in response to collagen. It is concluded that either HNA is stored in and released from dense granules by mechanisms different from those for ADP and serotonin, or that HNA is stored in and released from granules other than the dense granules, which contain ADP and serotonin and the α-granules, which contain lysosomal enzymes.
Discriminative Stimulus and Receptor Binding Effects of 5-HT1A Agonists in Pigeons

Pigeons were trained to discriminate buspirone (1.0 mg/kg) from saline. Dose-dependent generalization occurred to BMY 14802, SM 3997, WY 47,846, and eltoprazine, but not to mCPP. The range of doses that occasioned 90% or greater generalization was similar for all four drugs. The drugs that substituted for buspirone were investigated for their ability to inhibit [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding in pigeon cerebrum. The IC50 for each was in the nanomolar range. The results suggest that BMY 14802, SM 3997, WY 47,846, and eltoprazine have substantial behavioural effects mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor in pigeons.
Biofluid Activated Microbattery for Disposable Microsystems

A flexible aluminum-silver oxide microbattery activated by a liquid electrolyte for on-demand operation is presented. Four different electrolytes are tested: 1) aqueous sodium hydroxide; 2) blood; 3) urine; and 4) saliva. To start the operation of the microbattery 8 μL of the target electrolyte is pipetted onto the surface of the microbattery. The microbattery is fabricated on a polyimide substrate using conventional microfabrication techniques. The proposed microbatteries have an interdigitated electrode geometry and a minimum footprint area of 12 mm 2 . Seven different batteries designs having different electrode width and spacing have been fabricated and characterized. The experimental results show energy densities up to 26.6 μW h cm-2μm -1 , maximum voltage output of 1.75 V, maximum current output of 0.55 mA, maximum capacity of 7.17 μAh, and maximum operating time of 75 min.
Novel Billet Design for Co-extrusion of Bi-metallic Shapes and Tubes

Novel billet design was introduced in an effort to better control material flow during the co-extrusion of bi-metallic shapes and tubes. In order to minimize the amount of material that is extruded “out of geometrical tolerance” (measured by the interface location) as a result of non-concurrent material flow, the core length in the initial billet is shortened. Extrusion was simulated using DEFORM 2D™ finite element modeling (FEM) software and confirmed by actual extrusion experiments on an industrial press. Results for a specific billet geometry extruded using a selected extrusion ratio for plain carbon/stainless steel tubes are presented. It has been shown that by reducing the core length in the initial billet by approximately 10% - 20%, concurrent material flow is promoted and the amount of out of tolerance material is minimized. The presented innovation was first developed for solid bi-metallic profiles made from different aluminum alloys and then applied to bi-metallic ferrous tubes showing general application of the proposed invention.
Potential infection of imported malaria and control measures in Hubei province

Objective To evaluate the situation of imported malaria and explore effective control and prevention measures. Methods The data of imported malaria cases during 1999 to 2012 in Hubei were collected and analayzed. Results There were 457 imported malaria cases reported in Hubei in 1999~2012 including 7 deaths. 60.17% of them were falciparum malaria cases. 38.95% of them were vivax malaria cases,0.44% of ovale malaria cases and 0.44% of malariae malaria cases. The age of malaria cases was 17~69 years,The ratio o male:female was 24:1. Imported malaria occurred in every month of the years.and 40.49% were reported around Spring festival,62.39% was from Africa,27.43% cases from Southeast Asia and 93.36% of them were returned workers. The imported malaria were distributed in the cities of Whuanm Yichang and Enshi,occuoied 51.99%,9.29% and 7.96%. The parasite carrying rate of the returned malaria cases was 19.96%. The average date of from onset to diagnosis was 8.91 days and 15.27% of the cases diagnosed on the first day. No cases of secondary cases were fpund. Conclusions The imported malaria shoed an increasing trend in Hubei and effective measures including health education,active monitoring of the returned workers from malaria endemic areas be taken to prevent and control the transmission of malaria.
Forecasting oilfield output by Grey-Markov Chain model based on genetic algorithm

An oilfield with big output fluctuation is regarded as a stochastic dynamic grey system.The grey parameters and the state space of Markov Chain are solved by combining the advantages of grey model and Markov Chain model and by using genetic algorithm which is good at global search and highly robust,thus established a Grey-Markov Chain model for forecasting oilfield output.Practice has shown that this model has effectively overcome the shortcomings of the two methods in dynamic prediction,the prediction results highly coincide with practical values,and the model is easy to manipulate and applicable to oilfield development performance prediction and assessment.
Downsizing of health-system pharmacist positions

The effects of downsizing on institutional pharmacists were studied. A national mail survey was sent to a random sample of 533 members of ASHP in January 1997. The questionnaire was designed to determine (1) the influence of selected factors on the downsizing of pharmacist positions and (2) pharmacists' attitudes about downsizing. A total of 256 usable questionnaires were received, for a net response rate of 48%. Forty-four pharmacists, or 17%, had personally been affected by downsizing. Sixty-one percent of the pharmacists affected by downsizing had had administrative positions. After downsizing, only 32% of the pharmacists had an administrative position. Most of the pharmacists were currently employed. Thirty-five (79%) described their current job responsibilities as substantially changed. Two thirds made the same salaries or higher salaries. Pharmacists who had been downsized rated mergers, the impact of managed care, and the profit motive as the most influential causes of downsizing of pharmacist positions. The three most common negative comments about the impact of downsizing cited reduction in the quality of patient care, increased stress, and lowered morale. Most of the pharmacists believed that communication skills, education, cross-training, and clinical skills are keys to surviving downsizing. Most pharmacists whose positions were downsized said they went on to jobs with similar or higher salaries and substantially different responsibilities.
G363(P) Management of paediatric pneumothorax

Aims No specific guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax in the paediatric population have been published. Adult guidelines are frequently observed but these are not always applicable in children. We aimed to assess the management of spontaneous pneumothorax in our paediatric tertiary referral centre against guidance set out by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) with the long term goal of producing a set of paediatric specific guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax. Methods Retrospective case note analysis of all patients under 16 years of age presenting to our centre with a diagnosis of pneumothorax during the period between January 2014 and May 2015 was performed. Patients with an identifiable cause for their pneumothorax were excluded. Subsequent patient management was assessed against BTS guidelines. The primary outcome measure was mode of management; conservative, needle thoracocentesis, tube thoracostomy or surgical management. The secondary outcome measure was pneumothorax recurrence rate. Results 28 patients with 32 episodes of pneumothorax were included in the study. A total of 62.5% of episodes were managed in line with adult BTS guidelines. Where deviation from guidelines occurred, the commonest reasons were escalation of treatment straight to tube thoracostomy without attempting needle thoracocentesis, or in complicated cases attempting needle thoracocentesis prior to tube thoracostomy. 2 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for bilateral recurrent pneumothoraces. 8 patients underwent needle thoracocentesis and in all 8 a chest drain was subsequently placed. Of those episodes where adult guidelines were followed, 85% were managed successfully as defined by resolution of the pneumothorax. Conclusions Despite the overall high rate of success of spontaneous pneumothorax management with the use of adult BTS guidelines, this study has shown that needle thoracocentesis is an ineffective management strategy in these paediatric cases, since all patients who underwent needle thoracocentesis required further intervention in the form of tube thoracostomy. We recommend a prospective study to confirm these findings followed by production of paediatric specific guidelines.
Thermal behavior of the STM tip under laser irradiation

This thesis discusses the thermal behavior of the STM tip under laser irradiation. The thermal expansion of the tip was researched with varying laser spot size, frequency, location, and power. In order to determine the thermal expansion of the STM tip, the behavior in both the time and frequency domain were investigated. By employing the FFT analysis, the noise of the thermal behavior in the frequency domain was greatly reduced when compared to the time domain behavior, allowing for higher resolution expansions. With noise reduced, a thermal expansion of 1 nm, equating to a 0.03 K average temperature rise across the tip was found. Besides the heating and expansion of the STM tip, the thermal diffusivity of the PtIr STM tip was calculated using the TET and Characteristic Point methods, and found to be within 3% of the expected value.
Integument--the hide in seeking.

One year ago, Dr. Irvin Blank (1), in his presidential address before this Society spoke of cutaneous barriers, the properties of the skin which protect the organism from its environment, maintain it in relative isolation, and which in consequence in many ways insulate it against outside influences. He also spoke of the intangible barriers of dermatology, properties of the specialty which tend to maintain the discipline of dermatology in relative isolation, and in consequence insulate it against outside influences. In turn, on this occasion of the presidential address, it is my intention to talk of the skin as a highly functional intercommunicating and interrelating medium which mediates an intimate relationship of the organism with its environment. I wish also to direct attention to properties of the skin which similarly may be operable to induce dermatology into greater functional identities in interdisciplinary environments.
Talking science with the President

Gregg Herken has written an interesting, pacey, and well documented chronology of the successes and failures of presidential science advising in the US. "Cardinal Choices" refers to policy decisions on issues in which scientific and technical factors are critical.
Outcomes research in the PICU

Pediatric critical care involves the delivery of care to children with severe illness or in need of close cardiopulmonary monitoring after a surgical procedure. In areas of the world where these critical care services are available and accessible, mortality has been on the decline over the past two decades. This gratifying result of intensive care and of biomedical advancement as a whole, has led to ever-increasing calls for measurement of the functional status and quality of life of survivors of critical illness. The ultimate goal of pediatric intensive care is to provide survival without impairment. Implicit in this assertion is the need to ensure that a child who survives intensive care is able to perform daily activities in a manner and range considered normal, meet basic needs, fulfill roles, and maintain health and well-being. The ensuing treatise will highlight the fact that majority of critically ill children survive hospitalization, however; they might be impaired or disabled thereafter. It is being increasingly recognized that while a child with disability resulting from critical illness, might adjust over time and be able to rate the quality of their life as good, normal, or acceptable; impairment (and resulting disability), is a poor outcome for pediatric intensive care. Focus on survival status alone will lead to omission of these vital patient-centered outcomes of functional status and quality of life. In the ensuing discourse, outcomes of critical care will be defined, along with methods to measure them. It will be evident that very few studies of functional status and health-related quality of life have been performed in pediatric intensive care, a pressing concern that needs to be addressed to enlighten important stakeholders, including patients and their caregivers, governmental and other regulatory agencies, and critical care providers about the value of pediatric intensive care that reaches far beyond survival status.
Rate and Selectivity Control in Thioether and Alkene Oxidation with H2O2 over Phosphonate-Modified Niobium(V)–Silica Catalysts

Supported metal oxide catalysts are versatile materials for liquid-phase oxidations, including alkene epoxidation and thioether sulfoxidation with H2O2. Periodic trends in H2O2 activation was recently demonstrated for alkene epoxidation, highlighting Nb-SiO2 as a more active and selective catalyst than Ti-SiO2. Three representative catalysts are studied consisting of NbV, TiIV, and ZrIV on silica, each made through a molecular precursor approach that yields highly dispersed oxide sites, for thioanisole oxidation by H2O2. Initial rates trend Nb>Ti≫Zr, as for epoxidation, and Nb outperforms Ti for a number of other thioethers. In contrast, selectivity to sulfoxide vs. sulfone trends Ti>Nb≫Zr at all conversions. Modifying the Nb-SiO2 catalyst with phenylphosphonic acid does not completely remove sulfoxidation reactivity, as it did for photooxidation and epoxidation, and results in an unusual material active for sulfoxidation but neither epoxidation nor overoxidation to the sulfone.
Fixed vs. Free-text Documentation of Indication for Antibiotic Orders

AbstractBackgroundRequiring indications for antimicrobial orders can allow stewardship programs to evaluate adherence to guidelines and assess outcomes. We extracted indication data from our institution’s EPIC system and found that in a 29-month time frame there were 12,218 uniquely entered indications. Only 136 of these were standardized drop-down (fixed) menu options; the rest were entered manually (free-text). Enormous variation in these uniquely typed entries emphasizes the value and necessity of fixed indication options to allow for better evaluation of stewardship program outcomes.MethodsWe evaluated the 718 most commonly used indications accounting for a total of 113,741 unique antibiotic orders for 42,665 patients. We excluded indications used for less than 36 orders during the study period. We analyzed the characteristics of these orders to identify opportunities for improvement in indication documentation and developed a new list of less than 200 indications that could account for nearly all of the various indications entered.Results66,404 (58%) orders were placed using fixed options available in the menu (Figure 1). 32,427 (29%) orders were placed with no indication listed. The remaining 14,910 (13%) orders were documented with free-text indications. Within these manual entries, 59% were identical or nearly identical to an option that was available in the drop down menu. 37% of free-text indications could not be appropriately placed with an option available in the menu. For example, the menu contained a fixed option for “Severe C. difficile infection” forcing all non-severe cases to be entered as varied free-text alternatives (Figures 2 and 3).ConclusionIn our sample, use of fixed menu options was high but robust evaluation of proper antimicrobial use was substantially limited by failure to document indication and free-text entry by providers. Free-text entry and blank fields can be used as quality metrics, with high use indicating poor quality. We recommend that standard comprehensive indication lists are developed, providers are encouraged and empowered to utilize menu options consistently, and computerized order systems are programmed to prevent orders from being placed without an indication listed.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
Distributed electricity generation from sugarcane for agricultural irrigation: A case study from the midwest region of Brazil

Abstract The Midwest is the largest Brazilian agricultural region, far from major power production units. The availability of energy close to consumption, or distributed generation (DG), can reduce distribution costs and losses. We verified the possibility of using electric power from sugarcane biomass to irrigate corn crops through interviews with sugarcane companies and farmers. Direct commercialization of energy from sugarcane biomass for irrigation is not viable due to energy subsidies received by irrigating farmers. Most sugarcane energy is sold into the national network, without considering its origin. DG has potential, but its development involves the increase of rural energy consumption, such as for irrigation.
STAR: STAble routing for hidden interfering primary user problems in mobile cognitive radio networks

In mobile Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs), the frequent link breakage and wireless interference urged the need for novel stable routing solutions. In this paper, we propose STAR, a stable routing protocol that aims at selecting interference-free and durable paths. We investigate the particular Hidden interfering Primary User (HIPU) problem caused by the un-detectable presence of the primary user in the transmission range of the secondary users resulting on severe packet loss. While existing CRNs routing solution, generally, overlook the interference caused by the Hidden Interfering Primary User (HIPU), STAR defines a HIPU-free transmission zone, that enables successful transmission and selects a stable route that is free from interference along the path to the destination. STAR uses prediction based model to estimate the link stability and the link propagation delay. To quantitatively select the best stable links along the route, STAR implements an objective function, cognitive stable link (CSL), that captures node mobility, interference by the HIPU, link propagation delay, and the distance towards the destination. We evaluate STAR, while comparing its throughput, latency, and packet loss ratio to three other protocols, namely PCTC, J-SRCA and AODV. Evaluation on MATLAB shows that STAR achieves higher throughput while reducing the end-to-end latency and the packet loss in the network.
Predicting the economic impacts of the 2017 West Coast salmon troll ocean fishery closure

Abstract The ocean salmon fishery on the US West Coast has faced periodic closures of varying extents in order to protect vulnerable runs. These closures can have serious consequences for fishers and fishing communities, and have necessitated the release of millions of dollars of federal disaster aid. The 2017 ocean Chinook troll fishery (the major salmon ocean fishery) is closed between southern Oregon and northern California to protect the Klamath River fall Chinook, which is forecast to return in low numbers. A model of vessel fishing choices was used in combination with an established input-output model to estimate the potential economic impact of this closure on fishers and fishing communities. The analysis predicts that this closure of the ocean fishery will result in a loss of $5.8–$8.9 million in income, $12.8–$19.6 million in sales, and 200–330 jobs. These estimates are only a partial estimate of the economic impacts of the 2017 salmon regulations, as they do not fully account for the effects of the limited season outside of the closed ocean area or the effects on other salmon fisheries (e.g. the gillnet and recreational fisheries). The impacts are not distributed evenly in space, with the largest relative losses occurring in the Coos Bay, Brookings, and Eureka regions. This information may be useful as policymakers consider mitigating economic losses in the fishery and associated communities. Early estimates of economic impacts of fishery closures may also enable quicker determination of the need and extent of disaster assistance and a more timely response.
Regulation of osteogenesis by long noncoding RNAs: An epigenetic mechanism contributing to bone formation

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as novel regulators of lineage commitment, differentiation, development, viability, and disease progression. Few studies have examined their role in osteogenesis; however, given their critical and wide-ranging roles in other tissues, lncRNAs are most likely vital regulators of osteogenesis. In this study, we extensively characterized lncRNA expression in mesenchymal cells during commitment and differentiation to the osteoblast lineage using a whole transcriptome sequencing approach (RNA-Seq). Using mouse primary mesenchymal stromal cells (mMSC), we identified 1438 annotated lncRNAs expressed during MSC differentiation, 462 of which are differentially expressed. We performed guilt-by-association analysis using lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles to identify lncRNAs influencing MSC commitment and differentiation. These findings open novel dimensions for exploring lncRNAs in regulating normal bone formation and in skeletal disorders.
Integrated Sizing and Optimization of Aircraft and Subsystem Architectures in Early Design

The aerospace industry’s current trend towards novel or More Electric architectures results in some unique challenges for designers due to both the scarcity or absence of historical data and a pote...
Sun sensitivity and sun protective behaviors during sun exposure among indoor office workers in the American Midwest.

Background/purpose Sun sensitivity, a confounder between sun exposure and sun protection, is often overlooked. We examined how sun exposure and sun protection behaviors among indoor workers varied by sun sensitivity. Methods Sun exposure and sun protection diaries over a 45-day period from Midwestern United States indoor workers were examined. We categorized sun sensitivity (fair and non-fair complexion) using tanning inability and sunburn tendency. Total exposure (sunrise to sunset) and peak exposure (10 am and 4 pm) lasting at least 60 minutes were examined. Percentages of time using sun protection were reported. We determined associations between fair complexion, mean sun exposure, and mean sun protection times with logistic regression. Results Fair individuals spent less time in the sun than non-fair individuals, but a greater proportion of time using sun protection behaviors, including sunscreen with SPF 30+ (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.98, 1.87)), or wearing long-sleeved shirts (OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.24, 6.73). Conclusion Fair individuals spent less time in the sun and practiced more sun protective behaviors than non-fair individuals. This complex association between sun sensitivity, sun protection and sun exposure has not consistently been addressed in studies of skin cancer.
The Good Under Construction and the Research Vocation of a Catholic University

Responding to challenges questioning the possibility of distinctively Catholic higher education, this article seeks to establish an integrated vision for Catholic universities. Relying on the works of Philip Gleason, Ignatius of Loyola, and Bernard Lonergan, the author provides a framework for the important research function of Catholic universities and conceives the mission of Catholic institutions of higher education as contributing to the ongoing, creative, and redemptive work that is ultimately God’s plan for humanity.
Requiem for the Testing Role?: The Perceptions of Administrators vs. Teachers

In order to determine if school psychologists are functioning in activities considered most desirable by other school personnel, public school administrators and classoom teachers described their s...
Design and Implementation of a Hybrid RF-VLC System with Bandwidth Aggregation

Visible light communication (VLC) has the potential to add significant capacity to short range wireless access technology by piggybacking data on light from overhead luminaires. However, an uplink is required to complete such a network, which introduces new issues. In this paper, we propose and implement a practical hybrid WiFi-VLC system that does not require a separate VLC uplink but rather aggregates WiFi and VLC downlinks and shares the WiFi uplink. Aggregated downlink bandwidth of the hybrid system is achieved by using a Linux bonding driver and media access control (MAC) address redirection. The throughput of the system is tested and compared with WiFi-only (one WiFi downlink) and asymmetric (one VLC downlink) systems under a congested WiFi environment. The evaluation results show that our system achieves aggregated downlink bandwidth that is approximately the summation of the downlink capacities of the WiFi-only and asymmetric systems. The study of the round-trip time (RTT) demonstrates the tradeoff between bandwidth utilization and latency that can be used in the design of load-balancing algorithms. Finally, the deployed system demonstrates feasibility in typical indoor space room dimensions.