cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Predictors of Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy An Analysis of 304 Patients Using a Short-Stay Monitoring Protocol

Importance Postoperative hypocalcemia is common after total thyroidectomy, and perioperative monitoring of serum calcium levels is arguably the primary reason for overnight hospitalization. Confidently predicting which patients will not develop significant hypocalcemia may allow for a safe earlier discharge. Objective To examine associations of patient characteristics with hypocalcemia, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative intact parathyroid hormone (IPTH) level after total thyroidectomy. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy by a single high-volume surgeon between February 1, 2010, and November 30, 2012. Postoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), calcium, and IPTH levels were tested within 6 to 8 hours after surgery. Mild hypocalcemia was defined as any postoperative serum calcium level of less than 8.4 to 8.0 mg/dL. Significant hypocalcemia was defined as any postoperative serum calcium level of less than 8.0 mg/dL or the development of hypocalcemia-related symptoms. Interventions Total thyroidectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures Associations of patient demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory values with postoperative mild and significant hypocalcemia were examined using univariate analysis, and independent predictors of hypocalcemia, duration of hospitalization, and IPTH level were determined using multivariate analysis. Results Overall, 304 total thyroidectomies were performed. Mild and significant hypocalcemia occurred in 68 (22.4%) and 91 (29.9%) patients, respectively, of which the majority were female ( P = .003). The development of significant hypocalcemia was associated with postoperative IPTH level ( P P P = .03). Presence of malignant neoplasm carried a 27% risk of mild hypocalcemia ( P = .02). There was a progressively increasing risk of lower IPTH levels for each parathyroid gland inadvertently resected or autotransplanted. Male sex and African American race were independently predictive of higher IPTH levels. Conclusions and Relevance Low postoperative IPTH level, female sex, and presence of malignant neoplasm are all significant, independent predictors of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Clinicians should consider these variables when deciding how to best manage or prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.
Production of mono-dispersed drops by forced vibration of a liquid jet

The production of mono-dispersed liquid drops by controlled vibration of a liquid jet issuing from a capillary has been investigated experimentally. The variables studied are the physical properties of the liquid, the dimensions of the capillary and the frequency and amplitude of the vibration. Stainless steel hypodermic needles of various sizes (22G to 30G) were used as capillary and the test liquids were water, aqueous solutions of human serum albumin (HSA) and aqueous solutions of glycerol. The experimental results reveal conditions under which drops of good mono-dispersity can be produced. On a etudie experimentalement la production de gouttes mono-dispersees de liquides au moyen de la vibration reglee d'un jet liquide emanant d'un tube capillaire. On a choisi comme variables, dans l'experience, les proprietes physiques des liquides, les dimensions du tube capillaire ainsi que la frequence et l'amplitude de la vibration. On a employe comme tube capillaire des aiguilles hypodermiques en acier inoxydable de differentes dimensions (22G a 30G), tandis que les liquides etudies etaient d'eau ainsi que des solutions aqueuses d'albumine de serum de hnmain et de glycerine. Les resultats experimentaux indiquent les conditions dans lesquelles on peut produire des gouttes possedant une bonne mono-dispersion.
Reflection and Recursion

Each age defines education in terms of the meanings it gives to teaching and learning, and those meanings arise in part from the metaphors used to characterise teachers and learners. In the ancient world, one of the defining technologies (Bolter, 1984) was the potter’s wheel. The student’s mind became clay in the hands of the teacher. In the time of Descartes and Leibniz, the defining technology was the mechanical clock. The human being became a sort of clockwork mechanism whose mind either was an immaterial substance separate from the body (Descartes) or was itself a preprogrammed mechanism (Leibniz). The mind has also, at various times, been modelled as a wax tablet, a steam engine and a telephone switchboard.
A stochastic foraging model with predator training effects: I. Functional response, switching, and run lengths

Abstract Training effects are changes in a predator's behavior while it is searching for the next prey to eat which are caused by the predator's experience with the last prey encountered. A stochastic foraging model is formulated incorporating several specific types of training effects, and their impact on the functional response shape, switching, and mean prey run lengths is evaluated. The main result is that training effects such as search image formation can cause sigmoid functional responses and switching, and can result in runs of prey captures longer than expected in the absence of training.
New evidence on birth spacing: promising findings for improving newborn, infant, child, and maternal health

Abstract This editorial summarizes new evidence, some of which is published in this supplement, on birth spacing and newborn, infant, child and maternal health, as well as the demand for birth spacing services in the developing world. The article points to the high number of annual infant, child and maternal deaths, low birth weight infants and malnourished infants and children in developing countries. It highlights several new findings on birth spacing relevant to these conditions: – for infants and children under five years of age, births spaced at least 36 months apart are associated with the lowest mortality risk; – birth to conception intervals of less than 6 months, as well as abortion-pregnancy intervals of less than 6 months, are associated with increased risk of pre-term births, low birth weight and small for gestational age; – birth to conception intervals of less than 6 months are associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. It argues that, in light of the new evidence, birth spacing is an important, feasible and practical intervention to address these conditions and should be included in developing country health programs.
Who will teach the basic medical sciences

In the United States, circumstances still permit each university to set its own course under relatively broad and generous guidelines. The options for our faculties are relatively unrestricted and they can play important roles in determining university policy. We need never reach a stage which nmany can label "crisis,"if events are predetermined by appropriate planning. The survey described herein points to the need for specific long-range planning of the future of preclinical departments in each university. The overall health care system is clearly involved in the problems described in Britain. The coming of a new order of health care in the United States should cause planners to accelerate their work.
A case presentation of Sweet's syndrome and discussion of life-threatening dermatoses

Sweet first described acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis in 1964. Since then, more than 425 cases of this typically benign, steroid-responsive disease have been recorded. Although often associated with myelodysplastic syndromes or hematologic malignancies, Sweet's syndrome has also been related to pregnancy, autoimmune disorders, and many drug therapies. Although it is not typically an acutely life-threatening illness, there is a potential for significant pulmonary involvement and respiratory compromise. Additionally, emergency physicians should be aware of this unusual disease and its frequent association with systemic illnesses. We report the first case of Sweet's syndrome in the emergency medicine literature and present a review and discussion of several common life-threatening dermatoses.
X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Individual Rare Earths in Complex Minerals

A combined chemical x-ray fluorescence method is described for determining rare-earth elements in small amounts of complex rare-earth minerals. These elements yield a complex x-ray spectrum in which many of the analytical emission Lα lines of a given element coincide with the Lβ and/or Lγ lines of a lighter rare-earth element several atomic numbers removed. The proposed analytical scheme corrects for these interferences. Sixteen elements consisting of the lanthanides, yttrium, and scandium can be determined on as little as a 1-mg portion of the separated oxides. The oxides are dissolved in 1 ml of dilute acid, absorbed onto cellulose powder and pressed into a pellet for x-ray excitation. Chemically analyzed geologic standards are not required for calibration.
AUTOGENIC RHYTHMICITY IN THE ABDOMINAL GANGLIA OF THE CRAYFISH: THE CONTROL OF SWIMMERET MOVEMENTS.

Abstract 1. 1. Complete deafferentation and isolation from the rest of the central nervous system does not prevent the appearance of rhythmic, coordinated motor discharges in the first roots of the first five abdominal ganglia. These discharges appear in the same sequence as in the intact animal and are of similar duration. 2. 2. No effect, other than appearance of rhythmic discharges if previously absent, is observed on removal of the last ganglion of the abdominal chain, i.e. the one innervating the uropods and telson. 3. 3. The rhythm normally originates from the fifth abdominal ganglion, spreading to the more anterior ones at a constant speed. 4. 4. In absence of the fifth ganglion, the fourth can replace it, often without much difference in rhythmicity. 5. 5. Removal of the fourth may or may not result in the third taking over the role of pacemaker for the rhythm; the second and first ganglia were never found to acquire pacemaker function. 6. 6. Hemisection did not interfere with the appearance of discharges of both roots from all ganglia, showing that duplicate pathways are involved. 7. 7. The activity spreads always anteriorly with a delay of about 150 msec for each ganglionic interval. 8. 8. All potential pacemakers appear to have about the same preferred inherent rhythmicity of 1·5 bursts/sec. 9. 9. Each ganglion has a characteristic type of discharge, which remains unaltered whether it is driven or functions as pacemaker. The more posterior the ganglion, the longer the discharge. 10. 10. Symmetrical roots usually show very similar discharges and are never out of phase.
Deep inelastic reactions and fusion

Abstract During the last decade considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the mechanisms of reactions between complex nuclei. In Session 3, some aspects of this progress as well as some of the outstanding problems are reviewed for damped or deep inelastic reactions and fusion.
Particle-like configurations of the electromagnetic field: An extension of de Broglie's ideas

Localised configurations of the free electromagnetic field are constructed, possessing properties of massive, spinning, relativistic particles. In an inertial frame, each configuration travels in a straight line at constant speed, less than the speed of lightc, while slowly spreading. It eventually decays into pulses of radiation travelling at speedc. Each configuration has a definite rest mass and internal angular momentum, or spin. Each can be of “electric” or “magnetic” type, according as the radial component of the magnetic or electric field vanishes in the rest frame, and each has an “antiparticle.” Any such configuration, of electric or magnetic type, is characterized in part by a set of labels (κ, ω0, σ,l, m), where ω0 is the mean of the angular frequencies of the plane waves making up the configuration, σ is the variance of those frequencies, κ is a positive constant with dimensions of action, andl, m are angular momentum “quantum numbers” withl a positive integer andm an integer such that ‖m‖≤l. The rest energy of the “particle” is κω0, its spin is κ ‖m‖, and its lifetime is of the order of 1/σ. Its antiparticle has ω0 replaced by −ω0.
Investigation of surface plasmon resonance in super-period gold nanoslit arrays

Surface plasmon resonance in super-period metal nanoslits can be observed in the first order diffraction as well in the zeroth order transmission. In this paper, surface plasmon resonance modes in various super-period gold nanoslit arrays are investigated. It is found that the surface plasmon resonance frequencies are determined by the small period of the nanoslits in the super-period nanoslit unit cell. The number of nanoslits in the unit cell and the nanoslit width do not control the surface plasmon resonance frequencies. It is also found that the resonance frequency observed in the first order diffraction reveals more accurately the surface plasmon resonance frequency in the super-period metal nanoslit device.
Immune dysfunction following trauma-haemorrhage: Influence of gender and age

Recent studies indicate that young female proestrus mice show an enhanced immune response following trauma-haemorrhage, as opposed to the immunodepression observed in males of comparable age. Testosterone is suggested as the cause of immunodepression in males, whereas oestradiol seems to be responsible for the enhanced immune response in females, however, sex hormone levels decrease with age. To determine if the sexual dimorphism in immune responses observed in young mice following trauma-haemorrhage changes with age, young (2-3 months) and aged (18-19 months) male and female CBA/J NIA mice were subjected to soft-tissue trauma (laparatomy) and haemorrhage (35+5 mmHg for 90 min and fluid resuscitation) or sham operation. Mice were killed 24 h later, and whole blood, as well as splenic and peritoneal macrophages (Mstraight phi) obtained. Plasma 17beta-oestradiol and free testosterone decreased in aged females and males, respectively. Mstraight phi from young females had enhanced IL-1beta and suppressed IL-10 production following trauma-haemorrhage, while aged females had unchanged production IL-1beta and IL-6 production and enhanced IL-10 release. In contrast, IL-1beta and IL-6 production by Mbeta from young males was suppressed and IL-10 production enhanced following trauma-haemorrhage, whereas Mstraight phi from aged males produced elevated levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 and suppressed levels of IL-10 following trauma-haemorrhage. Thus, the gender-related changes in the immune response to trauma-haemorrhage were reversed in aged mice.
Ethnic disadvantage and schizophrenia.

Objective: To review and interpret epidemiologic research on ethnic disadvantage and schizophrenia. Method: A search of the research literature was conducted. Results: Seventeen population-based studies were reported in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands from 1967 to 1997. The studies report high incidence rates for immigrants whose position in society is disadvantaged, than majority-group native-born, with a range of relative incidence from 1.7 to 13.2. It is proposed that the developmental task for formulating the life plan challenges the young adult's executive function abilities, which may be weaker in individuals vulnerable to schizophrenia. Formulating the life plan may be made more difficult by the position in society of disadvantaged ethnic minorities, raising the risk for schizophrenia. Conclusion: Further research on executive function, and the developmental challenge of formulating the life plan, might provide insights into the etiology of schizophrenia, as well as suggest avenues for prevention.
Counselor Experience and Accuracy of Prediction of Client Behavior: College

Three groups of counselors, with varying levels of experience, predicted educational and vocational outcomes at better than chance levels. Variation within groups was nearly as great as that between groups; therefore, no significant differences between groups were found. Analysis of the rankings of importance of information revealed high agreement; the only variation attaining significance was the inexperienced counselors' higher ranking of a problem checklist. Inspection of the data revealed counselors in training increasingly approximate the predictive performance of experienced counselors.
3α-OH-DHP and 5α-THDOC implants to the ventral tegmental area facilitate sexual receptivity in hamsters after progesterone priming to the ventral medial hypothalamus

Progesterone (P) stimulation to both the ventral medial hypothalamus (VMH) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is necessary to facilitate sexual receptivity in female hamsters, despite the sparse population of estrogen-induced P receptors found in the VTA. Instead, P may act at neuronal membranes in the VTA. These P effects may be mediated by actions on the gamma-aminobutyric acid A-(GABAA)-benzodiazepine receptor complex (GBR). Many progestin metabolites have a greater effect in vitro on benzodiazepine binding and Cl- flux than P. If P's actions are due to metabolism to a progestin more potent at the GBR, then applying one of those progestin metabolites directly to the VTA should facilitate receptivity, if coupled with P to the VMH. To test this hypothesis three P metabolites, in decreasing order of activity at cortical synaptosome GBR, were tested: 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one (3 alpha-OH-DHP), 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha,21-diol-20-one (5 alpha-THDOC) and 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha,21-diol-20-one (5 beta-THDOC). Ovariectomized hamsters were implanted with chronic cannulae, one aimed above the VMH and the other over the contralateral VTA. Animals were estrogen-primed and tested for sexual receptivity 4 h after a P containing insert was applied to the VMH and a metabolite containing insert was applied to the VTA. The following week the contents of the tubes were reversed; on the third week P was applied to both sites. Facilitation of receptivity occurred only when P was applied to the VMH and either P or a metabolite was applied to the VTA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High range resolution profiling using phase-coded, stepped-frequency waveforms

A phase-coded stepped-frequency (PCSF) waveform with high range resolution (HRR) processing is presented as an improvement to stepped-frequency (SF) processing. By combining intrapulse phase and interpulse frequency modulations, the PCSF technique enables larger frequency step sizes than SF processing-system effective bandwidth is traversed more quickly, allowing shorter burst times while decreasing Doppler sensitivity. The PCSF framework presented and corresponding HRR simulation results for complex targets are shown consistent with the ideal SF response and demonstrate Doppler sensitivity reduction.
The fine specificity of IgG antiguanosine antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract The antigen specificity, isotype, and subclass of antinuclear antibodies may be related to their pathogenicity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our laboratory found that IgG antibodies that bound the nucleoside, guanosine, occurred frequently in SLE patients. In contrast, sera from healthy subjects contained IgM but not IgG antiguanosine antibodies. The present studies were designed to characterize the fine specificity of IgG antiguanosine antibodies in SLE and compare them with IgM antiguanosine antibodies in normal sera. Serum antinuclear antibodies from six healthy subjects and six SLE patients were isolated by affinity binding to guanosine and measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgM in normal sera, and both IgM and IgG in SLE sera bound guanosine. IgM antiguanosine antibodies in normal sera were polyspecific and bound other nucleosides and 1-methylguanosine but not denatured DNA (ssDNA). In contrast, IgG antiguanosine antibodies from the SLE patients bound guanosine and ssDNA but not other nucleosides or 1-methylguanosine. SLE IgM antiguanosine antibodies had the same fine specificity and bound guanosine and ssDNA but not any of the other nucleosides. These results suggest that SLE IgG and IgM antiguanosine antibodies have fine specificity in contrast to the polyspecific IgM antibodies in normal sera. In addition, subclass analysis indicated that all SLE patients had either IgG1 or IgG3 subclass of antiguanosine antibodies that bind complement. Characterizing the isotype, subclass, and fine antigen specificity of antiguanosine antibodies should assist in evaluating their potential pathogenicity in SLE.
Values and realist evaluation

In this chapter, realist principles frame evaluation as a support for democratic processes in the pursuit of social betterment. Social betterment is defined as the extent to which public policies and programs meet the ever-emerging complex of human needs. Distinct implications for the practice of evaluation, including balancing among values, analyzing distributional aspects of a program, and informing democratic processes are discussed.
Prism adaptation: The “target-pointing effect” as a function of exposure trials

The amount by which target pointing enhances prism adaptation (the “target-pointing effect”) was examined as a function of exposure trials. Each S served in three conditions—target-pointing, no-target, and control—wearing 20-diopter prism goggles in the first two. The S was measured prior to the exposure period on target-pointing accuracy with normal vision but with no visual feedback regarding his performance. Similar measures were taken after the 5th, 10th, 15th, 25th, 35th, 55th, and 95th exposure trials and after each of two consecutive 5-min postexposure periods in the dark. The two experimental conditions led to sharply rising and negatively accelerated adaptation (“negative aftereffect”) curves, the asymptotes of which differed markedly, in favor of the target-pointing condition. This difference in asymptotes indicates that the target-pointing effect is not limited to the early portion of the exposure period but, instead, is a relatively permanent phenomenon. There was no decline in adaptation during the postexposure period.
A plant flavone, luteolin, induces expression of Rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes

The symbiotic interaction of Rhizobium meliloti and alfalfa results in the formation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Rhizobium meliloti nodABC genes are required for the early host responses of cortical cell divisions and root hair curling. The induction of nodABC expression by alfalfa exudates demonstrates host-symbiont signaling at an early stage in nodule development. The inducer molecule for nodABC expression was isolated from plant exudate by constructing a nodABC-lacZ fusion to monitor the inducing activity. From ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry, the inducer was determined to be 3',4', 5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone (luteolin). Luteolin is a normal secondary plant metabolite found throughout the plant kingdom that may serve to control nodABC expression during nodule development. This regulatory role for a flavone contrasts with the function of some flavonoids as defense compounds.
Cholestatic Jaundice as a Result of Combination Designer Supplement Ingestion

OBJECTIVETo report a case of cholestatic jaundice as a result of combination herbal and designer supplement use.CASE SUMMARYA 50-year-old Hispanic male presented to the hospital with a 1-week history of significant painless jaundice; total bilirubin on admission was 29.4 mg/dL. He reported use of both herbal (creatine and whey protein) and designer (Incredible Bulk and Spartan 45) supplements concurrently for approximately 2 months. Upon admission, all supplements were discontinued and multiple laboratory and diagnostic tests were ordered. On day 6 of his hospital admission, a liver biopsy was performed, the results of which indicated drug-induced hepatotoxicity. On day 9 he was discharged with prescriptions for ursodeoxycholic acid and hydroxyzine. Three months post hospital discharge, the patient continued to be supplement-free and bilirubin had decreased substantially.DISCUSSIONAnabolic-androgenic steroids are capable of causing hepatotoxicity, and multiple cases reported in the literature support this...
A knowledge-based approach to multiple query processing

Abstract The collective processing of multiple queries in a database system has recently received renewed attention due to its capability of improving the overall performance of a database system and its applicability to the design of knowledge-based expert systems and extensible database systems. A new multiple query processing strategy is presented which utilizes semantic knowledge on data integrity and information on predicate conditions of the access paths (plans) of queries. The processing of multiple queries is accomplished by the utilization of subset relationships between intermediate results of query executions, which are inferred employing both semantic and logical information. Given a set of fixed order access plans, the A ∗ algorithm is used to find the set of reformulated access plans which is optimal for a given collection of semantic knowledge.
Orange-to-blue and red-to-green photon upconversion with a broadband absorbing copper(I) MLCT sensitizer

A synthetically facile and earth abundant Cu(I) metal-to-ligand charge transfer sensitizer was successfully incorporated into two distinct photochemical upconversion schemes, affording red-to-green and orange-to-blue wavelength conversions.
A new steroid aromatization rearrangement involving inversion of sidechain configuration

Abstract The bile acid, cholic acid, has been transformed into 3α-hydroxy-12-methyl-18-nor-5β, 17α-chola-8,11,13-trien-24-oic acid. The constitution of this novel type of steroid (benzenoid C-ring with 17α-sidechain) has been supported by chemical degradation, and confirmed by crystal structure analysis of the methyl ester iodoacetate derivative.
Hypofractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy with temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme

We conducted a phase I study to determine (a) the maximum tolerated dose of peri-radiation therapy temozolomide (TMZ) and (b) the safety of a selected hypofractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy (HIMRT) regimen in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. Patients with histological diagnosis of GBM, Karnofsky performance status (KPS)≥ 60 and adequate bone marrow function were eligible for the study. All patients received peri-radiation TMZ; 1 week before the beginning of radiation therapy (RT), 1 week after RT and for 3 weeks during RT. Standard 75 mg/m(2)/day dose was administered to all patients 1 week post-RT. Dose escalation was commenced at level I: 50mg/m(2)/day, level II: 65 mg/m(2)/day and level III: 75 mg/m(2)/day for 4 weeks. HIMRT was delivered at 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions to the contrast enhancing lesion (or surgical cavity) plus the surrounding edema plus a 2 cm margin. Six men and three women with a median age of 67 years (range, 44-81) and a median KPS of 80 (range, 80-90) were enrolled. Three patients were accrued at each TMZ dose level. Median follow-up was 10 months (range, 1-15). Median progression free survival was 3.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-7.4; range, 0.9-9.9 months) and the overall survival 12.7 months (95% CI: 2.5-17.6; range, 2.5-20.7 months). Time spent in a KPS ≥ 70 was 8.1 months (95% CI: 2.4-15.6; range, 2.4-16 months). No instance of irreversible grade 3 or higher acute toxicity was noted. HIMRT at 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions with peri-RT TMZ at a maximum tolerated dose of 75 mg/m(2)/day for 5 weeks is well tolerated and is able to abate treatment time for these patients.
Isolation of mouse x-chromosome specific DNA from an x-enriched lambda phage library derived from flow sorted chromosomes.

A lambda phage library enriched in X(7) chromosomal material has been constructed from flow sorted chromosomes isolated from mice carrying the Cattanach translocation T(X;7)1Ct. The flow sorted fraction that was cloned contained 40% X(7) chromosomes, so that the resulting lambda phage library should be more than 10-fold enriched for X chromosomal DNA. Approximately 100,000 lambda phage clones were obtained; of these, at least 80% were recombinant. Three quarters of recombinants were positive for mouse repetitive DNA as detected either by phage plaque filter hybridization or by Southern blotting. Recombinant DNA inserts were prepared from some of the remaining nonrepetitive phage fraction. The X-chromosome specificity of cloned DNA inserts was tested by hybridization to DNA from mouse-hamster somatic cell hybrids that had retained all or most of the mouse X as the only mouse chromosome and by comparison of the extent of hybridization to DNA from male and female mice. Out of nine cloned unique sequence segments successfully examined thus far, two were presumably derived from the X. Possession of a phage library highly enriched for mouse X DNA should facilitate molecular studies of the control of X chromosome gene expression.
A guide to murine platelet structure, function, assays, and genetic alterations

Platelets play an important role in hemostasis, thrombosis and several other biological processes. The adaptability of mice to genetic manipulation and their genetic similarity to humans has resulted in a plethora of murine models to study platelet function. Although murine platelets differ from human platelets with regard to size, number and structure, functionally they are very similar. Thus, studies which employed these model systems have greatly improved our current understanding of the contribution of platelets to hemostasis and thrombosis. This review presents general recommendations with respect to collection, isolation and processing of murine platelets. It also describes the assays currently available to study platelet function and critically assesses their utility. The extensive literature on the effects of genetic alterations on murine platelet function is considered in detail. This review is intended to provide a convenient source of reference for platelet investigators.
Phase selectivity of spatial frequency channels.

The phase selectivity of spatial frequency channels was measured, using an adaptation technique. Subjects first adapted to a grating of a given spatial frequency; subsequent threshold measurements were made at various spatial frequencies and phase shifts. Changes in the phase relationship between the test and adaptation gratings due to eye movements were circumvented by viewing the gratings through an image stabilization apparatus. Local retinal adaptation was minimized by using an adaptation grating whose contrast flickered sinusoidally as a function of time. We were able to demonstrate channel-like frequency tuning for all conditions studied, but the threshold elevations following adaptation were always independent of the phase shift between the test and adaptation gratings. Our results imply that the channels which are selectively tuned to spatial frequency are not selectively tuned to spatial phase.
Reinforcement Learning: A Tutorial Survey and Recent Advances

In the last few years, reinforcement learning (RL), also called adaptive (or approximate) dynamic programming, has emerged as a powerful tool for solving complex sequential decision-making problems in control theory. Although seminal research in this area was performed in the artificial intelligence (AI) community, more recently it has attracted the attention of optimization theorists because of several noteworthy success stories from operations management. It is on large-scale and complex problems of dynamic optimization, in particular the Markov decision problem (MDP) and its variants, that the power of RL becomes more obvious. It has been known for many years that on large-scale MDPs, the curse of dimensionality and the curse of modeling render classical dynamic programming (DP) ineffective. The excitement in RL stems from its direct attack on these curses, which allows it to solve problems that were considered intractable via classical DP in the past. The success of RL is due to its strong mathematical roots in the principles of DP, Monte Carlo simulation, function approximation, and AI. Topics treated in some detail in this survey are temporal differences, Q-learning, semi-MDPs, and stochastic games. Several recent advances in RL, e.g., policy gradients and hierarchical RL, are covered along with references. Pointers to numerous examples of applications are provided. This overview is aimed at uncovering the mathematical roots of this science so that readers gain a clear understanding of the core concepts and are able to use them in their own research. The survey points to more than 100 references from the literature.
Deficiency of decay accelerating factor and CD59 leads to crisis in experimental myasthenia.

Abstract In myasthenia gravis (MG), neuromuscular transmission is disrupted due to the production of autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChR). In previous work, we showed that decay accelerating factor (DAF or CD55), an intrinsic cell surface complement regulator that disables C3/C5 amplification convertases, protects against receptor loss and muscle weakness. In this study, we examined whether, and if so, to what extent CD59, a downstream intrinsic cell surface regulator that prevents assembly of membrane attack complexes (MACs), contributes to this protection. Twenty-four hours after anti-AChR injection, we found that CD59a −/− mice did not significantly differ from WTs, all Daf1 −/− CD59a −/− mice either died or required euthanasia. At 48 h, Daf1 −/− were significantly weaker than CD59a −/− and WT mice, and for these mice immunohistochemistry revealed marked C9 deposition at postsynaptic junctions, radioimmunoassays showed reductions in AChR levels, and electron microscopy demonstrated massive junctional damage. These data indicate that DAF serves as the initial shield that protects the neuromuscular junction whereas CD59 is a further barrier. They argue that complement inhibitor, particularly if targeted to the receptor, could then have therapeutic value in human MG.
Modeling anxiety using adult zebrafish: A conceptual review

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are rapidly emerging as a useful animal model in neurobehavioral research. Mounting evidence shows the suitability of zebrafish to model various aspects of anxiety-related states. Here, we evaluate established and novel approaches to uncover the molecular substrates, genetic pathways and neural circuits of anxiety using adult zebrafish. Experimental approaches to modeling anxiety in zebrafish include novelty-based paradigms, pharmacological and genetic manipulations, as well as innovative video-tracking, 3D-reconstructions, bioinformatics-based searchable databases and omics-based tools. Complementing traditional rodent models of anxiety, we provide a conceptual framework for the wider application of zebrafish and other aquatic models in anxiety research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
A 3 MHz/18 MHz dual-layer co-linear array for transrectal acoustic angiography

In this paper, a novel dual layer co-linear array ultrasound transducer was developed for transrectal dual-frequency superharmonic imaging. The KLM model and Field II were used for the acoustic stack design and simulation of the acoustic field of the array, respectively. The newly designed and fabricated probe consists of 50 transmit elements with a center frequency of 3 MHz and 100 receive elements with a center frequency of 18 MHz. The dimensions of the array are 15 mm in azimuth and 9 mm in elevation. The pitch is 270 µm for the transmitting elements and 135 µm for the receiving element. Pulse-echo testing of TX/RX elements corresponded with the simulation results. Real-time contrast imaging was tested using a multi-channel imaging system. The non-linear responses from microbubble contrast agents flowing through a 200 µm cellulose tube at a distance of 30 mm from the probe were clearly observed and displayed in the image. The axial beam width and CNR were calculated to be 200 µm and 18 dB, respectively. These results suggest that the prototyped co-linear array is capable of performing dual-frequency superharmonic imaging of microbubbles (“acoustic angiography”) for prostate cancer assessment.
The Effect of Social Confrontation on Individuals'Intentions to Internally Report Fraud

ABSTRACT: Fraudulent activity is often first discovered by employees. Gaining an understanding of how meeting with the transgressor to discuss the apparent fraud (“social confrontation”) influences individuals’ likelihood of reporting fraud to internal recipients is particularly important for various stakeholders interested in the early reporting of fraud. Using an experimental approach, this study provides evidence on the extent to which unsuccessful social confrontation with one’s supervisor regarding apparent fraud influences reporting intentions to two different, but plausible, internal report recipients: the supervisor’s supervisor and an internal auditor. To broaden the generalizability of the findings, the study includes two different fraudulent acts. In the study, participants assume the role of an employee discovering a fraudulent act. The study manipulates two between-participants variables: (1) the presence or absence of unsuccessful social confrontation with the transgressor to discuss the app...
Nonprofit, For‐Profit, or Stand‐Alone? How Management Organizations Influence the Working Conditions in Charter Schools

Objective We examine how the working conditions in charter schools managed by management organizations (MOs) compare to those that teachers experience in stand-alone charter schools. We consider differences in the degree of autonomy within the schools, professional development, levels of administrative support, support from teachers and parents, and teachers’ work hours and levels of compensation. Methods Our data come from the 2011–2012 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). We estimate multilevel models using the hierarchical linear modeling software, while controlling for the composition of the teachers and school context. Results We find that teachers in charter schools managed by education MOs have lower levels of autonomy than teachers in other charter schools. They also receive lower levels of compensation than other charter school teachers. Conclusion For-profit MOs appear to constrain the charter schools that they manage, limiting the ability of teachers to determine how students are taught within their classrooms.
Constructive and destructive addition of forward and reflected arterial pulse waves

Although the physics of arterial pulse wave propagation and reflection is well understood, there is considerable debate as to the effect of reflection on vascular input impedance (Z in), pulsatile ...
What's the story? Expectations for oral case presentations.

This article focuses on teaching and evaluating oral presentation skills as part of the ongoing Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP) series on skills and strategies used by superb clinical teachers. While oral presentations by students can be used to enhance diagnostic reasoning,1 we will focus this article on the characteristics of high-quality oral presentations by medical students, highlight several common pitfalls, and reinforce the connection between effective oral presentations and clinical reasoning. A model for evaluating student clinical performance, the RIME model, will be reviewed. Students often struggle with what is expected of them when asked to give an oral presentation of a patient encounter. Many preceptors have asked a student to present a case, only to be answered with the question, “What would you like to hear?” Students frequently perceive the oral presentation as “a rule-based, data-storage activity governed by order and structure.”2 Clinicians, however, view the oral presentation as a flexible form of communication, with content determined by the clinical context and audience. The first step in bridging this gap is to set explicit expectations. Students should be told early in the clinical experience the commonly accepted and expected style for oral presentations and the rationale for the organization. The ultimate goal of the presentation is to provide the justification for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Table 1 summarizes the elements of an effective oral presentation.3 View this table: TABLE 1 Oral Presentation Expectations Checklist3 ### Chief Complaint: Who Are We Talking About? Presenting information in an expected order makes it easier for listeners to process information. This begins with the chief complaint. Either a direct quote (eg, “My tummy hurts”) or an identifying statement (“A 6-year-old girl with fever and abdominal pain”) sets the context for this patient’s story from the first line (a different context than that … Address correspondence to Michael Dell, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44122. E-mail: michael.dell{at}uhhospitals.org
Quantifying Ternary Protein Expression Fractions using Three-Channel Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy

Fluorescence studies of cellular protein-protein interactions commonly employ transient transfection to express proteins carrying distinct fluorescent labels. Because transiently transfected cells differ significantly in their expression level, the concentration ratio of the expressed proteins varies, which in turn influences the measured fluorescence signal. Knowledge of the statistics of protein expression ratios, which currently is not well understood, is of considerable interest both from a fundamental point of view and for cellular fluorescence studies. Despite the perceived randomness of transient transfection, we recently succeeded in developing a model that describes the distribution and the average of the protein expression ratio for the coexpression of two proteins. Here we extend our previous work to the simultaneous coexpression of three proteins, where each protein species is labeled with a distinctly colored fluorescent protein. All protein species are simultaneously excited using two-photon absorption. The fluorescence of the protein mixture is split according to color into three detection channels. Brightness measurements of the individual proteins combined with intensity ratio data between detection channels is used to identify the protein expression ratios of all three proteins. We examine the relationship between DNA-plasmid fractions and protein expression fractions. In addition, we quantify the cell-to-cell scatter in the protein expression ratios for different transfection protocols in order to identify the best conditions for three-color fluorescence fluctuation experiments. This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (GM64589) and the National Science Foundation (PHY 0346782).
Gene Mapping by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Gene mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the localization of a unique DNA sequence (probe) to a specific position (chromosomal band) within the genome (target). The DNA probe localization on the target is visualized using a fluorescent reporter molecule directly or indirectly bound to the probe. Although gene mapping by FISH usually refers to the localization of a gene or DNA sequence to a specific metaphase chromosome band, it can also include the relative position of genes along a chromatin or DNA fiber, or the identification of specific genomic BAC/PAC clones present in an array. FISH combines the specificity of recombinant DNA technology with basic cytogenetic techniques for target DNA preparation. Valuable information regarding the biological and/or clinical significance of a gene can be obtained by identifying its subchromosomal location in both normal and disease conditions. Mapping a gene to certain critical chromosomal regions that may be deleted, amplified, or involved in translocation breakpoints can provide important information about the role of that gene in disease processes and may have significant clinical applications. Important information regarding gene function can also be obtained from mapping genes from individual tissues or disease states, identifying transgene insertion sites, studying interspecies synteny, and determining the order of and distance between two or more genes within a chromosome band. Keywords: BAC; Chromosomal Bands; Chromatin Fibers; Released Chromatin Fibers; Released DNA Fiber; FISH; Interphase Nuclei; Metaphase Chromosome; PAC; YAC
The Somatovisceral Components of Emotions and Their Role in Decision Making: Specific Attention to the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex

1 Visceral Functions of the vmPFC 2 Decision-Making Functions of the vmPFC 3 Summary Keywords: ventromedial prefrontal; orbitofrontal; somatic marker; Iowa Gambling Task; decision-making; emotion; feeling; amygdala; insular cortex; working memory; uncertainty; reward; punishment
A new bonding technology dealing with large CTE mismatch between large Si chips and Cu substrates

Fluxless bonding between large silicon (Si) chips and copper (Cu) substrates using electroplated indium (In) and silver (Ag) as solders has been successfully developed. The nucleation mechanism in In-Ag system is first studied. It is interesting to discover that In reacts with underlying Ag and forms Agln2 as soon as it is electroplated at room temperature. To reduce stress caused by coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between Si and Cu, a 280 mum thick Ag foil, working as a stress buffer, is directly bonded on Cu substrate at low process temperature of 250degC. It is a typical reflow temperature of lead-free (Pb-free) solders. There are three different bonding structure designs to perform fluxless bonding between Si chips and Ag-cladded Cu substrates in this project. High quality joints are achieved by conducting bonding between Si/Cr/Au/Ag and Cu/Ag/In/Ag in 50 millitorr vacuum. The initial joint is very strong without any voids. It consists of three distinct layers of Ag, Ag2In, and Ag. Further annealing step is employed on the bonded sample to convert Ag2In intermetallic compound (IMC) into (Ag) solid solution phase. The resulting joint comprises (Ag) and pure Ag layers and is expected to sustain high operating temperature up to 850degC. The joints do not contain any IMC layers. Thus, all reliability issues associated with IMCs and IMC growth do not exist anymore. This novel bonding process can be applied to a variety of electronic devices that require high thermal performance or high operating temperature.
Worst case analysis of a simple routing problem

A simple routing problem in which there are two service stations is considered. Subject to burstiness constraints on the arrival of work, a study is made of the worst-case delay performance of dynamic routing algorithms. Under a light loading condition, it is found that the well-known route-to-shortest (RTS) rule is optimal in some sense. On the other hand, it is shown that under a heavy loading condition, the RTS is not optimal. The performance of RTS routing is compared with that of fixed routing, and other heuristic dynamic routing rules are considered. >
Core concepts of computational thinking

‘Computational thinking’ has become a recognised approach to gaining knowledge and to problem-solving that has received much attention in the last 15 years. Exact descriptions of the art are still in process. This is a new concept which has evolved in association with the power of modern electronic computers though it does not mandate computer use. It experiences the usual delay in implementation of new concepts. This paper presents detailed approaches for implementing computational thinking in secondary schools and post-secondary education.