cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Analgesia Decreases Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Living Liver Donation.

Objective To evaluate the effects of multimodal analgesia on postoperative opioid consumption and perioperative pain management in patients undergoing living liver donation. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of 129 patients who underwent living liver donation between 2006 and 2015. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts, pre-multimodal analgesia and multimodal analgesia, to allow intergroup analysis. All patients received an intrathecal opioid injection and underwent donor hepatectomy. Primary outcome data compared opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents for postoperative days (PODs) 0 to 4 between the cohorts. Secondary outcomes compared yearly averaged cumulative opioid consumption on PODs 0 to 4 in oral morphine equivalents; yearly averaged numeric rating scale pain scores; hospital length of stay; and percentage of patients receiving intravenous ketorolac, ketamine, or transversus abdominis plane blocks. Results For PODs 0 to 4, a 50% reduction in overall opioids administered postoperatively (359 mg vs 179 mg; P<.01) was observed in the multimodal analgesia cohort, whereas no significant difference was found in year-to-year average postoperative pain scores (4.5 vs 3.6). The proportion of patients receiving ketorolac increased to more than 90% by 2013. More than 40% of all patients in the multimodal analgesia group received a perioperative regimen of acetaminophen, gabapentin, ketamine, and transverse abdominal plane blocks (0% in pre-multimodal analgesia). Mean hospital length of stay was reduced from 7.7 to 6.6 days (P<.01). Conclusion Implementation of multimodal analgesia to manage perioperative pain in living liver donation resulted in a 50% reduction of postoperative opioid consumption. Clinically satisfactory average pain scores were maintained for PODs 0 to 4.
Stratifying the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Machine Learning

Objectives/hypothesis Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Due to overlapping clinical risk factors, identifying high-risk patients with OSA who are likely to develop CVD remains challenging. We aimed to identify baseline clinical factors associated with the future development of CVD in patients with OSA. Study design Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 967 adults aged 45 to 84 years and enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Six machine learning models were created using baseline clinical factors initially identified by stepwise variable selection. The performance of these models for the prediction of additional risk of CVD in OSA was calculated. Additionally, these models were evaluated for interpretability using locally interpretable model-agnostic explanations. Results Of the 967 adults without baseline OSA or CVD, 116 were diagnosed with OSA and CVD and 851 with OSA alone 10 years after enrollment. The best performing models included random forest (sensitivity 84%, specificity 99%, balanced accuracy 91%) and bootstrap aggregation (sensitivity 84%, specificity 100%, balanced accuracy 92%). The strongest predictors of OSA and CVD versus OSA alone were fasting glucose >91 mg/dL, diastolic pressure >73 mm Hg, and age >59 years. Conclusion In the selected study population of adults without OSA or CVD at baseline, the strongest predictors of CVD in patients with OSA include fasting glucose, diastolic pressure, and age. These results may shape a strategy for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with OSA and early intervention to mitigate CVD-related morbidity. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
HP experimental methods: cells and animals

Abstract This chapter describes the essential components of preclinical testing of hyperpolarized 13C labeled substrates for the uninitiated. Its focus is on the unique aspects of executing a successful hyperpolarized study, starting from the dissolution stage to the delivery into the biological system. A detailed discussion of the range of model systems at various testing phases and its unique advantages and disadvantages are presented. After reading this chapter, the reader should have a basic knowledge of how hyperpolarized 13C MRI probes are tested and used to investigate biomedical questions.
TRAFFIC VIDEO IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEMS INSTALLATIONS - AN EXAMINATION OF VIPS STANDARDIZATION

During two recent research projects (1993-94 and 1996-97), the California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) conducted field tests in a variety of freeway/highway/street locations and under a variety of conditions to assess the feasibility of deployment of traffic video image processing systems (VIPS) for detection purposes in California. This paper discusses system performance issues as well as some of the major needs for standardization in the area of traffic detection through image processing as observed during the field tests for both freeway monitoring as well as intersection control.
New Herpes Simplex Virus Replication Targets

The human alphaherpesviruses include human herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). HSV-1 and HSV-2 are responsible for primary and recurrent herpetic lesions of the mouth and genital tract, as well as more serious and potentially life-threatening infections of the eye and central nervous system. This chapter discusses alternative targets for antiherpesviral therapy. The roles of various viral glycoproteins in the attachment and penetration steps at the outset of the infection cycle are only now being identified; however, as with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the processes of attachment, receptor recognition, and penetration are likely be excellent targets for the development of antiviral therapy. Several reports have described a class of agents that inhibit the adsorption of the virus to host cells. Viral genes are classified as immediate early, early, or late and are transcribed from both strands of the viral genome by cellular RNA Pol II. The authors have proposed that recombination-dependent DNA replication plays an important role in viral DNA replication. Procapsids formed in the nucleus are competent to undergo encapsidation of the viral genome accompanied by a major conformational change in its structure from a sphere to a more angular shape.
Manufacture of modified milk protein concentrate utilizing injection of carbon dioxide

Dried milk protein concentrate is produced from skim milk using a combination of processes such as ultrafiltration (UF), evaporation or nanofiltration, and spray drying. It is well established that dried milk protein concentrate (MPC) that contains 80% (MPC80) and greater protein content (relative to dry matter) can lose solubility during storage as a result of protein-protein interactions and formation of insoluble complexes. Previous studies have shown that partial replacement of calcium with sodium improves MPC80 functionality and prevents the loss in solubility during storage. Those studies have used pH adjustment with the addition of acids, addition of monovalent salts, or ion exchange treatment of UF retentate. The objective of this study was to use carbon dioxide to produce MPC80 with improved functionality. In this study, reduced-calcium MPC80 (RCMPC) was produced from skim milk that was subjected to injection of 2,200 ppm of CO2 before UF, along with additional CO2 injection at a flow rate of 1.5 to 2 L/min during UF. A control MPC80 (CtrlMPC) was also produced from the same lot of skim milk without injection of CO2. The above processes were replicated 3 times, using different lots of skim milk for each replication. All the UF retentates were spray dried using a pilot-scale dryer. Skim milk and UF retentates were tested for ζ-potential (net negative charge), particle size, and viscosity. All the MPC were stored at room (22±1°C) and elevated (40°C) temperatures for 6 mo. Solubility was measured by dissolving the dried MPC in water at 22°C and at 10°C (cold solubility). Injection of CO2 and the resultant solubilization of calcium phosphate had a significant effect on UF performance, resulting in 10 and 20% loss in initial and average flux, respectively. Processing of skim milk with injection of CO2 also resulted in higher irreversible fouling resistances. Compared with control, the reduced-calcium MPC had 28 and 34% less ash and calcium, respectively. Injection of CO2 resulted in a significant decrease in ζ-potential and a significant increase in the size of the casein micelle. Moreover, RCMPC had a significantly higher solubility after storage at room temperature and at elevated temperature. This study demonstrates that MPC80 with a reduced calcium and mineral content can be produced with injection of CO2 before and during UF of skim milk.
K− p → Σ± π ∓ (π0) from 594 to 820 MeV/c☆

Data on K−p interactions yielding charged sigma hyperons are presented. The cross sections and angular distributions are explained by Λ (1670) and Λ(1690) resonances. The Σ(1660) found in production experiments shows little or no coupling to the KN system.
The relationship between temperature and sales

Purpose – The influence of weather on business activities and human behaviour has been explored in several fields (e.g. finance and psychology), but little research about weather and retail sales is found in the retail or fashion literature. The purpose of the study is to analyse the relationship between temperature, one aspect of weather, and retail sales of seasonal garments.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers collected sales data from a retailer of branded women's business wear in the Seoul‐Kyunggi area in South Korea. Along with the sales data for seasonal basic styles, corresponding daily and weekly average temperature data were collected and evaluated. The analysis for the study was drawn using descriptive statistics including graphical evaluations, correlation analysis and paired samples t‐test. Interviews with the retailer's merchandisers were used to supplement interpretation of the statistical data.Findings – Results of this study provide strong evidence that fluctuations in temperatur...
Skepticism in Kant's Groundwork

This paper offers a new interpretation of Kant's relationship with skepticism in the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. My position differs from commonly held views in the literature in two ways. On the one hand, I argue that Kant's relationship with skepticism is active and systematic (contrary to Hill, Wood, Rawls, Timmermann, and Allison). On the other hand, I argue that the kind of skepticism Kant is interested in does not speak to the philosophical tradition in any straightforward sense (contrary to Forster and Guyer). On my reading, Kant takes up a skeptical method in the Groundwork as a way of exposing certain obstacles in our ordinary and philosophical thinking about morality. The central obstacle he is interested in is practical in character, arising from a natural tendency we have to rationalize against the moral law. In attempting to resolve this tendency, I argue, the Groundwork turns out to have a profoundly educative task.
A self tuning navigation algorithm

The author has to developed a system for improving the dead reckoning navigation accuracy for a mobile robot. He reports on the development of a parameter estimation scheme for correcting modeling errors due to wear, misalignment, or calibration degradation. A least-squares algorithm is used to give a suboptimal but robust estimate of the bias parameters. Simulations show marked improvement of the navigation accuracy of the robot. A test bed is being constructed at West Virginia University to verify and refine the technique. >
Fecal microbiota transplantation in treating Clostridium difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an increasingly common and severe international health problem. Customary treatment of this infection, usually with antibiotics, is often ineffective and its recurrence is common. In recent years the treatment of recurrent or refractory CDI by the transfer of stool from an uninfected person, so called fecal “microbiota transplantation” has become recognized as effective and generally safe. The effectiveness of this novel treatment is incompletely defined but is likely to be due to its correction of the intestinal dysbiosis that characterizes the disease. Practical methods for the administration of the transplantation have been described. This review summarizes the current reported experiences with fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment for CDI.
Tests that may be overused or misused in cardiology: The Choosing Wisely campaign

recommendations included four that were related to cardiac imaging, particularly, stress tests or advanced noninvasive imaging. The first was that stress tests or advanced noninvasive imaging should not be performed if there are no symptoms of heart disease or high-risk factors like diabetes or peripheral arterial disease are not present. The second stated that cardiac imaging tests, particularly stress tests, should not be given as part of a routine annual follow up in patients who have had no change in signs or symptoms. The third recommendation was that cardiac imaging tests should not be given before performing low-risk surgery that is not related to heart disease. In addition, a fourth recommendation cited that echocardiograms should not be used as routine follow-up care in adults with mild heart valve disease, who have had no change in signs and symptoms. These recommendations by the ACC are entirely consistent with ACC/AHA Practice guidelines and the ACC’s Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC). In addition to contributing to the rising costs of cardiovascular imaging, ordering stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) tests for inappropriate indications adds to the radiation exposure of patients. 2 Downstream testing for equivocal or false
Localization of carbonic anhydrase activity in the vertebrate retina.

Abstract Carbonic anhydrase activity was localized histochemically in the retinas of five species: turtle (Pseudemys scripta), toad (Bufo marinus), New Zealand white rabbit, Sprague-Dawley albino rat, and human. By light microscopy, activity was present in Muller cells of all species and in pigment epithelium of the turtle, rat, and rabbit. In the human, the only mammal studied with numerous cones, the cones, but not the rods, displayed carbonic anhydrase activity. By electron microscopy, the reaction product was a finely granular precipitate, localized to the Muller cell cytoplasm and the cytoplasm associated with the pigment epithelial basilar infoldings and apical villous projections. Depending on the species studied, the histochemical reaction was completely inhibited by acetazolamide at concentrations of 0·5−5 × 10−6 m in the incubation medium. The mean carbonic anhydrase activities of the rabbit and turtle retinas were biochemically quantitated to be 991 units and 504 units/g dry weight, respectively, and 8·9−10·3% of the original activity was retained after fixing for 2 hr in 3%, 0·17 m cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde.
Project Integration Architecture: Inter -Application Propagation of Information

A principal goal of the Project Integration Architecture (PIA) is to facilitate the meaningful inter-application transfer of application-value-added information. Such exchanging applications may be largely unrelated to each other except through their applicability to an overall project; however, the PIA effort recognizes as fundamental the need to make such applications cooperate despite wide disparaties either in the fidelity of the analyses carried out, or even the disciplines of the analysis. This paper discusses the approach and techniques applied and anticipated by the PIA project in treating this need.
Effect of intraocular lens convexity on posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract A consecutive series of 248 eyes undergoing extracapsular cataract surgery and posterior chamber lens implantation were evaluated. One hundred eight eyes had the implant placed with the convex side posterior and 140 with the convex side anterior. The incidence of capsulotomy required in the convex posterior group was significantly less than in the convex anterior group, 17.6% versus 29.3% ( P value P
Renal extraction of monosubstituted guanidines.

SummaryRenal extractions of arterial glycocyamine and arginine were determined by sampling urine and right renal venous blood in 25 males studied during diuresis because of hypertensive or urologic disease. Both positive and negative extractions of both compounds were observed. The finding of negative extractions is compatible with the capacity for renal synthesis of these compounds shown in vitro in other species. The finding of positive extractions is discussed in terms of utilization of these compounds in local renal metabolism, in addition to previously postulated roles as substrates for extra-renal syntheses.
Coat protein and protease activity as in vitro translation products of potato carlavirus M RNA.

Genomic-size RNA isolated from purified potato carlavirus M (PVM) was translated in both the reticulocyte and the wheat germ cell-free, messenger-dependent systems. The PVM RNA translated the same set of major products in both in vitro systems. The Mr values of the most prominent polypeptides observed consistently were 185 000 (P185), 147 000 (P147), 94 000 (P94), 87 000 (P87), 72 000 (P72), 67 000 (P67), 52 000 (P52), 46 000 (P46), 35 000 (P35) and 25 000 (P25). Relatively low amounts of a translation product of Mr 200 000 (P200) were often detectable in both systems. The P35 polypeptide displayed the same molecular weight and one-dimensional peptide map as the virus coat protein (CP), and was precipitated by antibodies raised against PVM and PVM CP. The kinetics of appearance of the in vitro synthesized polypeptides suggested that primary translation products of high molecular weight undergo post-translational proteolytic cleavage.
REDUCTION OF RADIATION MORTALITY THROUGH MAGNETIC PRE-TREATMENT.

THE effect of whole body irradiation on rodents with lethal doses of X-rays or γ-rays is one of the most widely investigated phenomena. Mortality depends on the total dose, intensity at which the dose is delivered, strain, sex and age of the animal. Both serial histological examination and direct counts demonstrate the rapid loss of nucleated cells from the bone marrow. The animals' failure to replenish the granulocytes, platelets and erythrocytes from the circulating blood is primarily responsible for the death, as a consequence of septicaemia, haemorrhage and anaemia.
Clinical application for the preservation of phospho-proteins through in-situ tissue stabilization

Protein biomarkers will play a pivotal role in the future of personalized medicine for both diagnosis and treatment decision-making. While the results of several pre-clinical and small-scale clinical studies have demonstrated the value of protein biomarkers, there have been significant challenges to translating these findings into routine clinical care. Challenges to the use of protein biomarkers include inter-sample variability introduced by differences in post-collection handling and ex vivo degradation of proteins and protein modifications. In this report, we re-create laboratory and clinical scenarios for sample collection and test the utility of a new tissue stabilization technique in preserving proteins and protein modifications. In the laboratory setting, tissue stabilization with the Denator Stabilizor T1 resulted in a significantly higher yield of phospho-protein when compared to standard snap freeze preservation. Furthermore, in a clinical scenario, tissue stabilization at collection resulted in a higher yield of total phospho-protein, total phospho-tyrosine, pErkT202/Y204 and pAktS473 when compared to standard methods. Tissue stabilization did not have a significant effect on other post-translational modifications such as acetylation and glycosylation, which are more stable ex-vivo. Tissue stabilization did decrease total RNA quantity and quality. Stabilization at the time of collection offers the potential to better preserve tissue protein and protein modification levels, as well as reduce the variability related to tissue processing delays that are often associated with clinical samples.
Effects of schedule and magnitude of reinforcement under conditions of thirst motivation

Abstract In contrast to a recent finding ( Macdonald, G. E., & De Toledo, L. Learning and Motivation , 1974 , 5 , 288–298.) the results of three experiments investigating various partial reinforcement (PRF) manipulations under conditions of thirst motivation demonstrated strong similarity to analogous manipulations involving food reward. Specifically, for animals receiving water reinforcement, PRF was shown to generate greater resistance to extinction than continuous reinforcement (Expt 1 & 3), the schedule of reinforcement was shown to interact with level of acquisition (Expt 1 and 2), and the magnitude of the partial reinforcement extinction effect was shown to be a function of reward magnitude (Expt 3). These results provide strong evidence that mechanisms which operate in partial reinforcement situations are highly similar, regardless of the type of appetitive reinforcement.
Use Of The Adaptive Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm To Detect Lines In Digital Images

Detection of line segments in a digital picture is viewed as a clustering problem through application of the adaptive fuzzy clustering (AFC) algorithm. For each line detected, the AFC gives the line description in terms of the end-points of the line as well as its weighted geometric center. The results of the AFC technique are compared with the results of the fuzzy c-lines (FCL) and fuzzy c-elliptotypes (FCE) algorithms and superiority of AFC is demonstrated. It is also shown that the output of the AFC algorithm is not very sensitive to the number of clusters to be searched for. A major advantage of the AFC approach is that it does not require ordered ( e.g. chain-coded ) image data-points. Thus it is comparable to the global line detection technique like Hough transforms (HT). The AFC method requires less memory than the HT method and is shown to work better for polygonal descriptions of digital curves. A variation of the AFC algorithm is introduced in order to improve the computational efficiency.
Do Muslims in Germany Really Fail to Integrate? Muslim Integration and Trust in Public Institutions

Multivariate analysis of 2008 data from the German Social Survey (ALLBUS) provides firm evidence on the basis of one important dimension of political integration—individuals’ trust in the political system—that Muslims are integrating well into German society. The results are significant despite controls for multiple indicators of respondents’ social capital, socioeconomic status, post-material views, ideological position, partisan support for parties in power, assessment of government performance, interest in politics, and amount of television viewing. Furthermore, Muslims’ level of religiosity does not influence their level of political trust. The findings raise new questions about integration in that the significantly lower levels of political trust found among non-Muslims may negatively affect their views of government and its efforts to respond to Germany’s Muslim population. Skepticism and distrust of government by non-Muslim ethnic Germans may undermine important programs designed to bridge the actual value and cultural differences which remain the source of the ignorance that fuels prejudice and discrimination.
Kinetic Analysis of Sb(III): An Experiment for the Quantitative Analysis Laboratory

Sb(III) reduces phosphomolybdic acid to molybdenum blue, and, if phosphomolybdic and hydrochloric acids are in excess, the rate of this reaction is linearly proportional to the concentration of Sb(III). This experiment, developed for the undergraduate quantitative analysis laboratory, employed the pseudo-first-order rate law for the phosphomolybdic acid reduction reaction to determine the concentration of Sb(III) in aqueous samples. The rate of the reaction was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring changes in the absorbance of molybdenum blue over time. Students constructed a calibration curve with Sb(III) standards and then evaluated the concentration of an assigned unknown sample containing Sb(III). The median magnitude of the relative error of the values reported by the students was 11.7%. This experiment illustrates applications of kinetics in analytical chemistry, and, though developed for students in a second-year quantitative analysis laboratory course, the experiment could be adapted for ...
Rheological changes during crosslinking

Huge rheological changes occur during thermoset polymerisation. Methods for measuring these changes and relating them to molecular structure through branching theory and reaction kinetic data are reviewed. Applications to thermoset processing are discussed.
Utility of CD138 (syndecan-1) in distinguishing carcinomas from mesotheliomas

CD138 (Syndecan-1) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan present on the surface of plasma cells and epithelial cells. CD138 is also expressed in some hematopoietic neoplasms and has recently been observed in carcinomas. We characterized CD138 expression in cell-block preparations of fluids/effusions, focusing on the distinction between carcinoma and mesothelioma. One hundred formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cell-block sections of fluids/effusions consisting of 58 metastatic carcinomas, 24 mesotheliomas, 11 reactive mesothelial cell proliferations, 3 lymphomas, 3 metastatic sarcomas, and 1 metastatic melanoma were stained with a monoclonal antibody against CD138. CD138 staining was observed in 32/58 (55%) metastatic carcinomas and 2/24 (8%) mesotheliomas; all reactive mesothelial cells, lymphomas, sarcomas, and melanoma were negative. CD138 is a highly specific marker in the differential diagnosis of carcinoma vs. mesothelioma. Distinct membranous staining without background staining of most inflammatory cells makes CD138 an ideal marker for cell-block preparations of fluids/effusions. It should be an integral component of the epithelial-mesothelial antibody panel.
Separating the Scattering and Absorption Coefficients Using the Real and Imaginary Parts of the Refractive Index for White Light Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography

We present a method that yields the real and imaginary components of the refractive index, thus separating the scattering and absorption coefficients using white-light spectroscopic OCT. Measurements from scattering and non-scattering hemoglobin phantoms are presented.
The Ultrastructure of Dentinal Tubules from Erupted Human Premolar Teeth

Different regions of crown dentin from erupted human premolars were examined ultrastructurally to determine the contents of the dentinal tubules. Odontoblast processes were limited to inner dentin, and nerve fibers were not observed in any tubules examined.
Sm-Nd age of lherzolite 67667: implications for the processes involved in lunar crustal formation

Abstract Pristine samples from the lunar highlands potentially offer important information bearing on the nature of early crustal development on all the terrestrial planets. One apparently unique sample of this group of lunar crustal rocks, the feldspathic lherzolite 67667, was studied utilizing the Sm-Nd radiometric system in an attempt to define its age and the implications of that age for the evolution of the lunar highlands. Data for 67667 precisely define an isochron corresponding to an age of 4.18±0.07 AE. The observed lack of disturbance of the Sm-Nd system of this sample may suggest that this time marks its crystallization at shallow depth in the lunar crust. However, the possibility that this age, as well as those of other highland rocks, indicate the time of their impact-induced excavation from regions deep enough in the lunar crust to allow subsolidus isotopic equilibrium to be produced or maintained between their constituent minerals is also considered. Taken together, bulk rock Sm-Nd data for four “high-Mg” rocks, including 67667, indicate that the chemical characteristics of all their source materials were established 4.33±0.08 AE ago and were intimately associated with the parent materials of KREEP. This finding provides more support for the concept of a large-scale differentiation episode early in lunar history. The possible roles of the crystallization of a global magma ocean, endogenous igneous activity, and of planetesimal impact, in producing the observed geochemical and chronological aspects of lunar highland rocks are discussed.
Aqueous Piperazine/N-(2-Aminoethyl) Piperazine for CO2 Capture☆

Abstract A novel blend of piperazine (PZ) with N-(2-aminoethyl) piperazine (AEP) has been proposed as a superior solvent for CO2 capture from coal-fired flue gas. Blending PZ with AEP can remediate the precipitation issue of concentrated PZ while maintaining its high CO2 absorption rate, and high resistance to degradation. Although PZ/AEP has a lower CO2 capacity than concentrated piperazine, its higher heat of absorption may offset the negative effect on energy consumption. PZ/AEP also shows a milder nitrosamine issue than concentrated piperazine. A novel method for synthesizing AEP using PZ and monoethanolamine (MEA) was also developed to lower the solvent cost in industry application.
SU‐E‐I‐186: Digital Radiography Artifacts

Purpose: Recent and rapid development in digital radiography (DR) systems has led to greater flexibility in DR usage. With new DR uses, new processing algorithms, new acquisition tools and methods we see new artifacts, and some old artifacts with new presentations. In this poster we present a host of DR artifacts and their explanations, along with tips for identifying or avoiding them. Methods: DR artifacts were collected over the course of several years from four different vendor equipment models used for routine chest, general and portable radiography. Both fixed and wireless indirect flat panel detectorimages are included. The acquisition conditions for each image are described or approximated from knowledge of standard acquisition techniques. Results: Artifact examples in our poster include those due to: image lag, flawed gain calibration,image‐lag + flawed dark‐noise correction, backscatter through a portable detector and stitching issues. The underlying physics which contributed to each artifact is explained to the degree that is possible without knowledge of proprietary vendor algorithms and techniques. Several of the artifacts presented had the potential to impact diagnosis. Suggested techniques for preventing the artifacts or quality control steps to avoid such artifact formation are also provided. Conclusions: Before purchasing a DR system, upgrading to DR, or using DR, it is important to be aware of its limitations, some of which result in image artifact formation. In this poster, we present several example artifacts which have not previously received attention, are unique to DR, or present differently than in computed radiography(CR). Knowledge of how these artifacts form, their frequency and severity are important considerations for DR use, selection, acceptance testing and quality control.
Modeling of lithium-ion batteries

After reviewing the basic modeling framework for simulating battery behavior, three examples relating to mass-transfer effects are presented. Side reactions at the lithium electrode can change the surface concentration of lithium ions, introducing error into measurements of the cell potential as a function of bulk electrolyte concentration (concentration-cell measurements). This error introduced by a continuous side reaction is carried over into calculations of the transference number from the galvanostatic polarization method. Concentration gradients formed during passage of current are associated with a heat-of-mixing effect, which is the cause of heat generation during relaxation after cessation of the current. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations show that the decrease in conductivity with increasing salt concentration in liquid carbonate electrolytes is caused by ion association.
GFP for EM: Site-Specific Labeling of Proteins for Electron Microscopy

Structural analysis of macromolecules by electron microscopy (EM) has been facilitated by a recent technological revolution in instrumentation and data processing, which has led to the achievement of their visualization at atomic resolution. However, moderate resolution electron density maps of protein complexes can be misleading, resulting in ambiguity when ascribing subunits to particular locations within the architecture of complexes. To this end, investigators have traditionally performed subunit mapping by N- or C-terminal fusions with tags, such as maltose binding protein (MBP), with mixed success. Toward the accurate determination of the location and orientation of protein subunits, as well as large scale movements of protein complexes, the establishment of a highly specific labeling technique would be a major breakthrough. Here we present a site-specific labeling strategy that exploits a unique chemical handle introduced by the incorporation of the unnatural amino acid (UAA). The UAA permits a site-specific copper-free click reaction for labeling with a modified label, such as MBP or Nanogold. We use this method to label a subunit within the recombinant yeast proteasome lid complex that was previously not amenable to labeling by MBP fusion. This technique is extremely versatile and precise; it can be readily expanded to other organisms and to other labels, and will be useful for a wide range of structural analyses.
Comments on ‘Ambiguities in the interpretation of small angle neutron scattering from blends of linear and branched polyethylene’

Abstract Small-angle neutron scattering has recently been applied to study liquid-liquid phase separation in blends of branched and linear polyethylenes. While experimental results from two groups are basically the same, interpretations differ strongly. The analyses of Schipp . (Polymer, 1996, 37, 2291), which favour phase separation, are shown to be incorrect. There is no contraction of chain dimensions in blends of linear and branched polyethylene chains. The postulate that large domain sizes in two-phase blends obscure the presence of phase separation is correct in principle, but requires dimensions some ten times larger than the ∼1 μm sizes reported for the systems in question. Thus, neutron scattering does not support liquid-liquid phase separation inferred from indirect studies of polyethylene blends.
Migración rural en los Andes: Sipesipe (Cochabamba, 1645)

Historiadores y antropologos han solido concebir los pueblos de indios como asentamientos estables en zonas rurales. Han supuesto que desde que la administracion colonial espanola redujo alli a los indigenas, no se suscitaron en ellos movimientos de envergadura hasta quea la modernizacion reciente provoco una fortisima emigracion. Investigaciones en curso no respaldan, empero, tal presuncion. D. J. Robinson acaba de recordarnos que «en el mundo hispanoamericano siempre ha habido mucho de que huir o, por lo que ser atraido» (1). La estabilidad resulta menos cierta aun en los Andes meridionales, donde a menudo los indios cortaron los lazos que les ataban a sus comunidades. Sobre este fenomeno hemos escrito antes en terminos generales o, mas en detalle, en relacion con la migracion urbana (2).
Centimeter-scale characterization of biogeochemical gradients at a wetland–aquifer interface using capillary electrophoresis

Abstract Steep biogeochemical gradients were measured at mixing interfaces in a wetland–aquifer system impacted by landfill leachate in Norman, Oklahoma. The system lies within a reworked alluvial plain and is characterized by layered low hydraulic conductivity wetland sediments interbedded with sandy aquifer material. Using cm-scale passive diffusion samplers, “peepers”, water samples were collected in a depth profile to span interfaces between surface water and a sequence of deeper sedimentary layers. Geochemical indicators including electron acceptors, low-molecular-weight organic acids, base cations, and NH 4 + were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) and field techniques to maximize the small sample volumes available from the centimeter-scale peepers. Steep concentration gradients of biogeochemical indicators were observed at various interfaces including those created at sedimentary boundaries and boundaries created by heterogeneities in organic C and available electron acceptors. At the sediment–water interface, chemical profiles with depth suggest that SO 4 2 - and Fe reduction dominate driven by inputs of organic C from the wetland and availability of electron acceptors. Deeper in the sediments (not associated with a lithologic boundary), a steep gradient of organic acids (acetate maximum 8.8 mM) and NH 4 + (maximum 36 mM) is observed due to a localized source of organic matter coupled with the lack of electron acceptor inputs. These findings highlight the importance of quantifying the redox reactions occurring in small interface zones and assessing their role on biogeochemical cycling at the system scale.
Visual discrimination learning following single-stimulus training

Grice’s (1948) experiment on the effect of prior single-stimulus training upon subsequent two-choice discrimination has been successfully replicated with the preliminary training conducted in a separate single stimulus apparatus and with the positive stimulus counterbalanced. This eliminates a criticism by Mackintosh (1965) of the original experiment.
Cord blood zinc protoporphyrin/heme ratio in minority neonates at risk for iron deficiency

We measured cord blood zinc protoporphyrin/heme (ZnPP/H) and plasma ferritin in healthy African-American and Hispanic newborns, matched by gestation with Caucasian newborns. In these at-risk minorities, cord ZnPP/H was higher and plasma ferritin lower, supporting the feasibility of screening newborns at-risk for iron deficiency at birth.
Mutual visibility of points in building plans

In this paper, attempts are made to characterise building plans based on mutual visibility of points defined by the lines composing these plans. Since lines in building plans represent real walls and their surfaces, points defined by these lines are considered to have certain perceivable significance. The paper considers two overlapping sets of points: vertices and coordination points. Vertices are tangible points defined by the free ends and the intersections of lines, while coordination points are the tangible and intangible points defined by intersecting lines and/or diagonals. A coordination point helps to coordinate two or more points, either physically by direct access or visually by sightlines. The paper proposes graph-theoretic techniques to characterise vertices and coordination points based on their visual relationships defined in a number of ways. These techniques are applied to three sets of artificial building plans representing the cellular, deformed and free-plan types: types that are quite...
Epitaxial ZnS, ZnSe and ZnS-ZnSe superlattices grown on (001)GaAs by pulsed-laser ablation

Pulsed KrF (248nm) laser ablation of polycrystalline ZnS and ZnSe targets has been used to grow high quality, fully epitaxial ZnS and ZnSe thin films on (001) GaAs. Photoluminescence measurements of the ZnS thin films show strong edge emission, while ZnSe thin films show free excitonic as well as donor and acceptor peaks. By alternately ablating each target, strained layer superlattices of the form (ZnSe)[sub m]-(ZnS)[sub n] were grown with as many as 65 periods of compositional modulation. A ZnS[sub x]Se[sub 1-x] structure also was fabricated which simultaneously incorporated both continuously graded and abrupt compositional changes.
Electron microscope observations of embryos from maternal rats treated with trypan blue.

Electron microscopic examination of embryos from trypan blue injected maternal rats reveals tissue alterations that may signal forthcoming malformations. Ten-, eleven-, and twelve-day normal appearing embryos from the dye-treated group demonstrate early tissue changes in hindgut, neural tissue and myocardium. A 1-μ “halo” vacuole is observed only in treated tissues. The vacuole exhibits a clear periphery enclosing a homogeneous, electron-dense material. The vacuole is prevalent throughout 10-day embryonic tissues. In older embryos the halo vacuole is frequently observed within residual bodies, suggesting heterophagic processing. The halo vacuole may contain trypan blue, implicating direct action of the dye upon embryonic cells. Extensive fibrous deposits above the neural plates and within hindgut lumina of dye-treated embryos demonstrate 230 A periodicity characteristic of fibrin. In cross-section the fibrin displays a core of fibrillar material encased by an electron-dense sheath. Trypan blue may form this core and initiate fibrin polymerization. These extensive accumulations of fibrin probably form in conjunction with dye provoked hemorrhagic blistering. Large intra- and extracellular granular deposits occur in dye-treated myocardium and hindgut epithelium. PAS staining, alpha amylase and ribonuclease digestion identify the granules as glycogen. The ultrastructure and quantity of glycogen is similar to that in glycogen storage disease of man.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: What it is and what it is not

Purpose of reviewTo critically review recent literature on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).Recent findingsWhen originally described, SIBO was added to the list of causes of the malabsorption syndrome and the pathophysiology of its consequences for the digestion and absorption of various
The primitive endoderm lineage of the mouse blastocyst: Sequential transcription factor activation and regulation of differentiation by Sox17

Cells of the primitive endoderm (PrE) and the pluripotent epiblast (EPI), the two lineages specified within the inner cell mass (ICM) of the mouse blastocyst stage embryo, are segregated into adjacent tissue layers by the end of the preimplantation period. The PrE layer which emerges as a polarized epithelium adjacent to the blastocoel, with a basement membrane separating it from the EPI, has two derivatives, the visceral and parietal endoderm. In this study we have investigated the localization of two transcriptional regulators of the SOX family, SOX17 and SOX7, within the PrE and its derivatives. We noted that SOX17 was first detected in a salt-and-pepper distribution within the ICM, subsequently becoming restricted to the nascent PrE epithelium. This dynamic distribution of SOX17 resembled the localization of GATA6 and GATA4, two other PrE lineage-specific transcription factors. By contrast, SOX7 was only detected in PrE cells positioned in contact with the blastocoel, raising the possibility that these cells are molecularly distinct. Our observations support a model of sequential GATA6 > SOX17 > GATA4 > SOX7 transcription factor activation within the PrE lineage, perhaps correlating with the consecutive periods of cell lineage ‘naivete’, commitment and sorting. Furthermore our data suggest that co-expression of SOX17 and SOX7 within sorted PrE cells could account for the absence of a detectable phenotype of Sox17 mutant blastocysts. However, analysis of implantation-delayed blastocysts, revealed a role for SOX17 in the maintenance of PrE epithelial integrity, with the absence of SOX17 leading to premature delamination and migration of parietal endoderm.
Sulfhydryl groups are essential for organic anion exchange in canine renal brush-border membranes.

Abstract The effect of several sulfhydryl-modifying reagents (HgCl2, p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid (PCMBS), N-ethylmaleimide) on the renal organic anion exchanger was studied. The transport of p- amino [ 3 H ] hippurate , a prototypic organic anion, was examined employing brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from the outer cortex of canine kidneys. HgCl2, PCMBS and N-ethylmaleimide inactivated p-aminohippurate transport with IC50 values of 38, 78 and 190 μM. The rate of p-aminohippurate inactivation by N-ethylmaleimide followed apparent pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. A replot of the data gave a linear relationship between the apparent rate constants and the N-ethylmaleimide concentration with a slope of 0.8. The data are consistent with a simple bimolecular reaction mechanism and imply that one molecule of N-ethylmaleimide inactivates one essential sulfhydryl group per active transport unit. Substrate (1 mM p-aminohippurate) affected the rate of the N-ethylmaleimide (1.3 mM) inactivation: the t 1 2 values for inactivation in the presence and absence of p-aminohippurate were 7.4 and 3.7 min, respectively. The results demonstrate that there are essential sulfhydryl groups for organic anion transport in the brush-border membrane. Moreover, the ability of substrate to alter sulfhydryl reactivity suggests that the latter may play a dynamic role in the transport process.
Symbolic computation of nonlinear wave interactions on MACSYMA

Abstract In this paper we describe the use of a large symbolic computation system - MACSYMA - in determining approximate analytic expressions for the nonlinear coupling of waves in an anisotropic plasma. MACSYMA was used to implement the solutions of a fluid plasma model nonlinear partial differential equations by perturbation expansions and subsequent iterative analytic computations. By interacting with the details of the symbolic computation, the physical processes responsible for particular nonlinear wave interactions could be uncovered and appropriate approximations introduced so as to simplify the final analytic result. Details of the MACSYMA system and its use are discussed and illustrated.
Amygdala modulation of memory consolidation: interaction with other brain systems.

There is a strong consensus that the amygdala is involved in mediating influences of emotional arousal and stress on learning and memory. There is extensive evidence that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a critical locus of integration of neuromodulatory influences regulating the consolidation of several forms of memory. Many drug and stress hormone influences converge in activating the release of norepinephrine (NE) within the BLA. Evidence from studies using in vivo microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography indicates that increases in amygdala NE levels assessed following inhibitory avoidance training correlate highly with subsequent retention. Other evidence indicates that NE influences on memory consolidation require muscarinic cholinergic activation within the BLA provided by projections from the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NB). Evidence from several experiments indicates that activation of the BLA plays an essential role in modulating memory consolidation processes involving other brain regions. These findings provide strong support for the hypothesis that the BLA plays a critical role in regulating the consolidation of lasting memories of significant experiences.
The three R's of training: Recording, Retaining, and Reporting - The training management system that synergizes

NASA's Kennedy Space Center employs a Training and Certification Record System (TCRS) which tracks and maintains records for each of its employees, encompassing all aspects of training history: training courses, physical examinations, proficiency tests, on-the-job training, standboards, and certifications with completions and expiration dates. TCRS, which is fully automated, includes an expiration-alert notification capability to project recurring expirations, thereby functioning as a forecasting tool for training budgets.