cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer: life-long risks and responsibilities

Survival rates for most paediatric cancers have improved at a remarkable pace over the past four decades. In developed countries, cure is now the probable outcome for most children and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer: their 5-year survival rate approaches 80%. However, the vast majority of these cancer survivors will have at least one chronic health condition by 40 years of age. The burden of responsibility to understand the long-term morbidity and mortality that is associated with currently successful treatments must be borne by many, including the research and health care communities, survivor advocacy groups, and governmental and policy-making entities.
Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy and circulating markers of thrombin generation

Objective: To determine if subjects experiencing acute vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy have increased plasma markers of thrombin generation compared to nonbleeding controls. Methods: Subjects with clinically apparent acute (within 24 h of sample collection) vaginal bleeding between 6 and 20 weeks estimated gestational age and without known thrombophilias were enrolled, along with nonbleeding controls, and underwent collection of maternal plasma. Concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) and fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences between bleeding and nonbleeding subjects were assessed through linear regression with adjustment for gestational age. Results: Twenty subjects with vaginal bleeding and 20 controls were included. Bleeding was significantly associated with increased concentrations of TAT (p = 0.007) and F1 + 2 (p = 0.044) when corrected for gestational age. Among bleeding subjects, there was no association between markers of thrombin gener...
Innate Immune Responses to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Influence Skin Homing Molecule Expression by Memory CD4+ Lymphocytes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections of humans are characterized by intermittent, lytic replication in epithelia. Circulating HSV-specific CD4 T cells express lower levels of preformed cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), a skin-homing receptor, than do circulating HSV-specific CD8 T cells but, paradoxically, move into infected skin earlier than CD8 cells. Memory CD4 T cells develop strong and selective expression of CLA and E-selectin ligand while responding to HSV antigen in vitro. We now show that interleukin-12, type I interferon, and transforming growth factor beta are each involved in CLA expression by memory HSV type 2 (HSV-2)-specific CD4 T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). A reduction of the number of monocytes and dendritic cells from PBMC reduces CLA expression by HSV-2-responsive CD4 lymphoblasts, while their reintroduction restores this phenotype, identifying these cells as possible sources of CLA-promoting cytokines. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are particularly potent inducers of CLA on HSV-reactive CD4 T cells. These observations are consistent with cooperation between innate and acquired immunity to promote a pattern of homing receptor expression that is physiologically appropriate for trafficking to infected tissues.
The Schmitter Operationalization of the Size-Power Variable: a Research Note

In light of Ernst Haas's recent claim that "the relative size of the member states in a regional grouping is not a good overall predictor of the success of integration"' it is surprising that well-known scholars in the field of international integration still accept and/or advocate Philippe C. Schmitter's operationalization of the size-power variable. For example, Joseph S. Nye, in assessing the "refinements" of the neofunctional approach to the study of integration, has cited Schmitter's "approach for studying changes in symmetry based on the hypothesis that the greater the rank incongruence measured by Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W) in 'size-power' variables, the greater the chances of progression toward supranational institutions."2 Also, Schmitter continues to employ the same operationalization of the sizepower variable in his revised theory of regional integration although he presents refined hypotheses which give evidence of an awareness that his original hypothesis relating to size-power heterogeneity contained theoretically conflicting assumptions.3 There are serious difficulties inherent in Schmitter's use of Kendall's coefficient which have thus far escaped the attention of integration scholars. It is the purpose of this article to point out those difficulties and to present an argument against the use of the Schmitter operationalization of the size-power variable.
Circadian Rhythms in Hot Flashes in Natural and Surgically-Induced Menopause

The aim of this study was to investigate circadian and ultradian variations in menopausal hot flash. The number of hot flashes per 2-hr period was collected from 25 diurnally-active, perimenopausal women for 1 week in January or February of each year for 3 consecutive years. Fourteen women were experiencing natural menopause (NM) (mean age 51.9 years) and 11 were experiencing surgically-induced menopause (SIM) (mean age 52.0 years). The difference in the number of hot flashes between the two types of menopause at each clock time was not statistically significant; neither was the mean number of hot flashes per 24 hr different between the two groups (Student's t-test). Data when normalized for each woman and placed end-to-end revealed by cosinor analysis circadian rhythmicity in the SIM group (P = 0.02) but not in the NM group. A 12-hr periodicity was detected in both groups (P less than 0.001 for both). An 8-hr rhythm was detected only for the NM group (P = 0.04). Both groups combined exhibited statistically significant rhythmicities with periods of 24 hr (P = 0.003), 12 hr (P less than 0.001) and 8 hr (P = 0.005). Regardless of the type of menopause, the women could be separated into two groups based on the temporal pattern of hot flashes during the day. One group was defined by the occurrence of peak frequency of flashes during the morning (0400-0959), while the second group was defined by the occurrence of the peak in the evening (1600-2159).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Native SDS-PAGE: high resolution electrophoretic separation of proteins with retention of native properties including bound metal ions.

Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is commonly used to obtain high resolution separation of complex mixtures of proteins. The method initially denatures the proteins that will undergo electrophoresis. Although covalent structural features of resolved proteins can be determined with SDS-PAGE, functional properties are destroyed, including the presence of non-covalently bound metal ions. To address this shortcoming, blue-native (BN)-PAGE has been introduced. This method retains functional properties but at the cost of protein resolving power. To address the need for a high resolution PAGE method that results in the separation of native proteins, experiments tested the impact of changing the conditions of SDS-PAGE on the quality of protein separation and retention of functional properties. Removal of SDS and EDTA from the sample buffer together with omission of a heating step had no effect on the results of PAGE. Reduction of SDS in the running buffer from 0.1% to 0.0375% together with deletion of EDTA also made little impact on the quality of the electrophoretograms of fractions of pig kidney (LLC-PK1) cell proteome in comparison with that achieved with the SDS-PAGE method. The modified conditions were called native (N)SDS-PAGE. Retention of Zn2+ bound in proteomic samples increased from 26 to 98% upon shifting from standard to modified conditions. Moreover, seven of nine model enzymes, including four Zn2+ proteins that were subjected to NSDS-PAGE retained activity. All nine were active in BN-PAGE, whereas all underwent denaturation during SDS-PAGE. Metal retention after electrophoresis was additionally confirmed using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and in-gel Zn-protein staining using the fluorophore TSQ.
The aging clock and circadian control of metabolism and genome stability

It is widely accepted that aging is characterized by a gradual decline in the efficiency and accuracy of biological processes, leading to deterioration of physiological functions and development of age-associated diseases. Age-dependent accumulation of genomic instability and development of metabolic syndrome are well-recognized components of the aging phenotype, both of which have been extensively studied. Existing findings strongly support the view that the integrity of the cellular genome and metabolic function can be influenced by light at night (LAN) and associated suppression of circadian melatonin production. While LAN is reported to accelerate aging by promoting age-associated carcinogenesis in several animal models, the specific molecular mechanism(s) of its action are not fully understood. Here, we review literature supporting a connection between LAN-induced central circadian disruption of peripheral circadian rhythms and clock function, LINE-1 retrotransposon-associated genomic instability, metabolic deregulation, and aging. We propose that aging is a progressive decline in the stability, continuity, and synchronization of multi-frequency oscillations in biological processes to a temporally disorganized state. By extension, healthy aging is the ability to maintain the most consistent, stable, and entrainable rhythmicity and coordination of these oscillations, at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels.
Mass/heat‐exchange network representation of distillation networks

This article introduces the “state space” conceptual framework to process synthesis, which is used to provide a novel representation of a distillation network as a composite heat- and mass-exchange network. This representation suggests that distillation network synthesis may best be viewed as an interacting heat- and mass-exchange network synthesis problem. In that regard, familiar tools (such as pinch diagrams) from both heat-exchange network (HEN) and mass-exchange network (MEN) synthesis are shown to be of use in arriving at energy-efficient distillation network designs. Examples of propylene-propane and solvent-water separations are used to illustrate the proposed conceptual framework.
Fostering Passion Among First Year Engineering Students

Engineering is a complex field of study. Declining enrollment in engineering programs in the United States is of concern and understanding the various factors that contribute to this decline is in order. Fostering a higher level of student engagement with the content may foster passion towards engineering which could increase academic competency as well as sustained interest in remaining in the profession. This study examined the role of passion toward engineering content on students’ overall academic performance in an introductory course taught to university and high school students. A pre-test, post-test, weekly surveys and periodic classroom observation measured levels of passion in the student, classmates, and professor. Mid-semester feedback prompted the professor to adjust his teaching for the purpose of infusing greater student passion towards the content. Results suggest that student passion in both settings fluctuated widely from week to week perhaps due to variable interest in the specific topic. Overall, high school students’ level of passion remained more stable than that of university students and they performed better academically. Among university students, higher passion was not linked to higher academic performance. Professor’s passion was highly valued by students though it did not increase their own passion.
Risk and Responsibility Sharing in Nuclear Spent Fuel Management

With the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the responsibility of American utilities in the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel was limited to the payment of a fee. This narrow involvement did not result in faster or safer development of a solution for commercial nuclear waste. In most other countries, the financial liability and practical involvement of utilities appear more extensive. This paper highlights how such differences in institutional frameworks affect risk sharing and economic incentives. It argues that a greater allocation of risk and responsibility to the utilities should reenter the debate over nuclear waste in the US.
'From the Frying Pan to the Oven': Gentrification and the Experience of Industrial Displacement in Williamsburg, Brooklyn:

This paper explores the effects of gentrification on industrial displacement. Although urban manufacturing centres are not as central to the urban economy as they once were, they still house a vibr...
RivWidth: A Software Tool for the Calculation of River Widths From Remotely Sensed Imagery

RivWidth is an implementation in ITT Visual Information Solutions IDL of a new algorithm that automates the calculation of river widths using raster-based classifications of inundation extent derived from remotely sensed imagery. The algorithm utilizes techniques of boundary definition to extract a river centerline, derives a line segment that is orthogonal to this line at each centerline pixel, and then computes the total river width along each orthogonal. The output of RivWidth is comparable in quality to measurements derived using manual techniques; yet, it continuously generates thousands of width values along an entire stream course, even in multichannel river systems. Uncertainty in RivWidth principally depends on the quality of the water classification used as an input, though pixel resolution and the values of input parameters play lesser roles. Source code for RivWidth can be obtained by visiting http://pavelsky.googlepages.com/rivwidth.
An IPPD Approach For Preliminary Design Of Two-Place Turbine Training Helicopter

This paper describes research done for a two-place turbine training helicopter to successfully enter today’s challenging market. It must ofier superior performance, handling qualities, and safety capability at a price competitive with that of the Robinson R-22, the current world sales leader in two-place piston training helicopters. In order to meet this formidable design challenge, the priority of this design efiort was focused on the simpliflcation of systems and subsystems for both the vehicle and the process by which it would be built. Therefore, an Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD) methodology was used to drive the design solution - ultimately generating the Georgia Tech Rambler for the winning graduate entry in the 2006 American Helicopter Society (AHS) student design competition.
Paradigms and Poetics in Daniel Kehlmann's Measuring the World

ABSTRACT Daniel Kehlmann's best selling novel Measuring the World has been widely discussed as an example of the recent surge in German travel writing and as a historical novel. This article suggests understanding the book as an exploration of the poetics of fiction writing in opposition to the ‘naive realism’ (Kehlmann) that dominated German literature after 1945. Through a densely woven web of literary references, from Goethe to South America's magic realism, from Walter Benjamin to E. L. Doctorow and Jonathan Franzen, the novel reaches out to literary traditions far beyond the common framework of German postwar writing. Ultimately, it should be perceived as a narrative that explores or measures the world of literature.
Beverage Consumption Patterns and Micronutrient and Caloric Intake from Beverages in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this study was to determine total water intake and patterns of beverage consumption, and its contribution to total daily micronutrients and calories in older adults with mild memory decline. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used with 60 independent community-dwelling older adults (71.7 ± 5.4 years) with mild cognitive impairment, who were mostly female, well-educated, and white. Three-day food records were analyzed using the Nutrition Data Systems for Research. Descriptive statistics were conducted for a summary of demographics, the average intakes of beverages, and the contribution of beverages to total calorie and micronutrient intakes. Total daily water intake was 53.6 ± 26.7 fl oz and milk, plain water, and tea/coffee were beverages consumed most frequently. Beverage consumption contributed substantially to the intake of vitamin D (29.4%), calcium (26.4%), riboflavin (22.0%), magnesium (18.9%), and vitamin C (18.1%), but constituted only ∼12.5% of total energy. These findings suggest that nutrient-dense beverages play a fundamental role in overall micronutrient intake, despite comprising a small component of daily caloric intake. Incorporating adequate amounts of such beverages in meals and snacks may help older adults meet their nutrient recommendations.
Morphine modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasomecomplex is neuroprotective

Background: Over the past several decades, there is a growing need for the development of neuroprotective compounds, e.g, those that can prevent neural death. It was proposed that nitric oxide (NO), when induced by morphine, would produce neuroprotection in a human neuroblastoma cell line when tested concomitantly with compounds that produce intracellular oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Material/Methods: NO involvement in intracellular protein degradation controlled by the ubiquitin-proteasome complex was examined. Experiments were performed examining the following: a) neural cell viability and morphology; b) gene specific mRNA levels via semi-quantitative RT-PCR; c) protein levels via Western blotting; d) enzymatic activity via fluorogenic substrate-cleaving assays; and lastly, NO release via the Apollo 4000 real-time amperometric detector. Results: Morphine induces the production of NO in human neuroblastoma cells, which can be blocked by naloxone and the cNOS inhibitor L-NAME. Rotenone, which induces oxidative stress and increases the expression of the proteasomal catalytic X subunit, causes the cells to die and morphine inhibits this process via NO. Rotenone also increases the activity of the 20S proteasome, whereas morphine alone or in the presence of rotenone caused a decrease in the activity of the 20S proteasome. Morphine decreases the expression of the immunoproteasome catalytic subunit LMP7 in response to inflammatory stimulation, demonstrating that morphine's neuroprotective action does not apply to only oxidative stress. Morphine significantly increases free ubiquitin, suggesting that morphine is inducing neuroprotection by reducing the amount of oxidized proteins targeted for degradation. Conclusions: Significant neuroprotection on the cellular and molecular levels was demonstrated and serves as a foundation for future work concerning the development of novel ligands for morphine's mu3 opiate receptor in an effort to prevent cellular death associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Down-staging of locally advanced prostate cancer with anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody prior to radical prostatectomy

e16103 Background: At present, androgen ablation (AA) therapy ± radiation therapy represents a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable locally advanced prostate cancer (CAP), typically resulting in palliative disease control. Immunotherapy, in the form of CTLA-4 blockade, has been shown to potentiate T-cell responses, representing a potential antitumoral immunotherapy for treating CAP. Here, we discuss the outcomes of 5 locally advanced CAP patients treated with the monoclonal antibody MDX-CTLA-4 (MDX-010) + AA who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), 2 of whom exhibited striking down-staging of their disease. Methods: A Phase II trial testing AA + MDX-010 therapy for treatment of locally or systemically advanced CAP is currently ongoing at our institution. To date, 5/85 patients have electively opted for off-study RP with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy after documentation of robust treatment response by PSA, staging digital rectal exam, and 3-D imaging. Results: All men had unr...
Impacts of parboiling conditions on quality characteristics of parboiled commingled rice

Abstract Commingling of rice cultivars with a wide range of onset gelatinization temperatures (T o ) could occur during harvesting, drying, storage, and distribution, and consequently impact parboiled rice properties. This study investigated the effects of commingling, soaking temperature and steaming duration on parboiled commingled rice properties. Rough rice of pureline (Taggart and CL151) and hybrid (XL753 and CL XL745) cultivars were mixed at 1:1 weight ratio to obtain 3 commingled rice lots with a difference in T o of 1.2, 3.9, and 6 °C. Rough rice was soaked at 65°, 70°, or 75 °C for 3 h, and steamed at 112 °C for 10, 15, or 20 min prior to drying. The effects of soaking temperature and steaming duration were found to vary with commingled rice. Soaking temperature exerted more influence on commingled rice comprising low T o cultivars. Commingled rice comprising high T o cultivars was less affected by soaking temperature and steaming duration in terms of head rice yield, deformed kernels and pasting viscosities. Both the difference in T o among commingled rice cultivars and the T o relative to the soaking temperature were important in parboiled commingled rice properties. Commingled rice with a wide range of T o tended to result in parboiled rice with less desirable properties.
Transformative Experience, by L.A. Paul

L.A. Paul's Transformative Experience is one of the best kinds of philosophy books. It is inventive and well-argued, and it develops and attempts to solve a profound problem relevant to each of our...
Radiation-mediated control of drug delivery.

Clinical trials of radiotherapy to control drug delivery were initiated in 1999 at Vanderbilt University. The initial studies exploited the findings that platelets are activated in tumor blood vessels after high-dose irradiation as used in radiosurgery and high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Platelets labeled with 111In showed binding in tumor blood vessels. However, the platelet labeling process caused platelets to also accumulate in the spleen. That clinical trial was closed, and subsequent clinical trials targeted protein activation in irradiated tumor blood vessels. Preclinical studies showed that peptide libraries that bind within irradiated tumor blood vessels contained the peptide sequence Arg-Gln-Asp (RGD). RGD binds to integrin receptors (e.g., receptors for fibrinogen, fibronectin, and vitronectin). We found that the fibrinogen receptor (GPIIb/IIIa, alpha2bbeta3) is activated within irradiated tumor blood vessels. RGD peptidemimetics currently in clinical trials include GPIIb/IIIa antagonists and the platelet-imaging agent biapcitide. Biapcitide is an RGD mimetic that is labeled with 99Tc to allow gamma camera imaging of the biodistribution of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor in neoplasms of patients treated with radiosurgery. This study has shown that the schedule of administration of the RGD mimetic is crucial. The peptide mimetic must be administered immediately before irradiation, whereas the natural ligands to the receptor compete for biapcitide binding if biapcitide is administered after irradiation. The authors currently are conducting a dose deescalation study to determine the threshold dosage required for RGD mimetic binding to radiation activated receptor. Radiation-guided clinical trials have been initiated by use of high-dose-rate brachytherapy. In a separate trial, the pharmacokinetics of radiation-inducible gene therapy are being investigated. In this trial, the radiation-activated promoter Egr-1 regulates expression of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene, which is administered by use of the attenuated adenovirus vector. The Ad.Egr-TNF (ADGV) gene is administered by intratumoral injection of vector followed by irradiation in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas. This review highlights recent findings in these phase I pharmacokinetic studies of radiation-controlled drug delivery systems.
Structural and functional Spectral/Fourier domain- OCT of the human retina

Functional SD/FD-OCT will be presented that allows for comprehensive screening of large area's and 3-D volume rendering of optic nerve head and fovea structure, vasculature and RNFL birefringence.
Child nasal NK/T cell lymphoma:a case report and literature review

Objective By learning the clinical features of child nasal NK/T cell lymphoma to enhance the ability of early diagnosis and treatment.Methods One case of child with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma wAS reported in the clinical features,histopathological features based on disease history,physical examination,sinus CT and MRI,bone marrow cytology,immunology and histopathological examinations of a new nasal tissue,skin and subcutaneous tissue,cecum mucosa and muscle.Then the case was followed up and the literatures were reviewed.Results The case was a 15 years old boy.He came to hospital because of fever,rash and blocked nose for 1 month.The child sufferred from nasal cavity tumors with skin involvement,as well as digestive system and joint metastasis.CT and MRI tests of the nasal cavity showed a space-occupying lesion.The pathology of left lower extremity skin nodules,bowel and left anterior tubercle puncture indicated that profiled lymphocyte infiltration could be seen surrounding small blood vessels of dermis and skin appendage.Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells expressed T cell marker CD45RO,CD3 and NK-cell-specific antibody CD56.Cytotoxic molecule was positive,such as perforin,TIA-1,Granzyme B and so on.It was proved to be nasal NK/T cell lymphoma by clinical manifestations,microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics.As his parents gave up the treatment after the diagnosis,the child died in 2 months after discharge.Conclusions Child nasal NK/T cell lymphoma was a rare and special type of primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.The disease mainly affected the nasal cavity and the facial midline or presented as multi-system involvement.The disease is highly aggressive with rapid progress.It was easily resistant to chemotherapeutic drug and had poor prognosis in advanced cases.Early clinical manifestations were atypical and it was often misdiagnosed as inflammation,Wegner granulomatosis,other types of lymphoma and Behcet's disease.
Survey and analysis in agricultural products of Yingcheng city and its pesticide residues in environment

Objective:In order to understand the agricultural pesticide of Yingcheng city and its residues in the environment.Methods:From April 2006 to September 2008 in the urban area of Yingcheng city collected and the growth of agricultural products,environmental samples a total of 10 categories were 622,21 kinds of pesticide residue testing.Results:Agricultural products and the growth of pesticide residues in the environment with a detection rate of 19.61 percent,the standard rate of 8.68 percent;detection rate followed by porkricevegetablesleavesfishvegetable oilsoilsurface waterwaterlotus root,Pesticide residues in samples of the same species,large differences in content;different pesticide residues in samples of a significant difference,χ2=130.25,P0.01.Conclusion:Agricultural pesticide of Yingcheng city and its residues in the environment is more serious,some of the samples also detected a banned pesticide,suggesting the need to strengthen the management of pesticides to control agricultural and pesticide residues in the environment.
Enhanced synthesis of adrenal dopamine beta-hydroxylase induced by repeated immobilization in rats.

Repeated immobilization of rats results in a striking increase in adrenal medullary dopamine β-hydroxylase activity. After six periods of immobilization the levels are highest preceding the next immobilization, decrease during the immobilization, and increase upon termination of the immobilization. Six hours after the immobilization the activities return nearly to the preimmobilization levels. Denervation of the adrenal markedly diminishes the increase in dopamine β-hydroxylase activity that occurs with repeated immobilization. Prior treatment with hexamethonium prevents the decrease in activity during the immobilization interval, whereas the protein synthesis inhibitors actinomycin D and cycloheximide prevent the increase in enzyme activity seen after termination of immobilization. These observations support the view that dopamine β-hydroxylase is released as a result of neural stimulationn during immobilization and suggest that its increase following cessation of immobilization is a consequence of accelerated synthesis of the enzyme.
Fuel-/Time-Optimal Relative Trajectories for a Satellite near a Perturbed, Elliptical Orbit

The problem of fuel/time trajectory optimization is considered for a spacecraft moving relative to another in a perturbed, elliptical orbit. The relative motion model for the deputy satellite with respect to the chief is assumed to be well-approximated using the Gim–Alfriend state transition matrix. Control is applied in the in- and cross-track directions, which makes this an underactuated but reachable system for any eccentricity and inclination (excluding the critical inclination). The system is discretized using a zero-order hold on the input, and the control signals are computed using a linear program, which results in a bang-off-bang control profile. A balance between the time of flight and the required fuel are analyzed using a genetic algorithm and the results are compared with two well-known maneuvers from impulsive orbit theory. The results of the new method agree well with the impulsive solution in terms of the velocity change required.
Stress-Strain State of the Elements of Building Structures in the Case of Fire

We propose a mathematical model based on the finite-element method for the quantitative description of the processes of deformation of building structures and their elements under conditions of fire. The Lagrangian approach is used to determine the stress-strain state of a body under force and thermal loads. Numerous test problems are solved in order to approve the proposed approach. The convergence of numerical solutions of these problems is investigated. We also perform the comparative analysis of the numerical results obtained under various model assumptions, the experimental data, and the available analytic solutions of similar problems.
Determination of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins in tears and blood serum of infants and parents by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Tears serve as a viable diagnostic fluid with advantages including less invasive sample to collect and less complex to prepare for analysis. Several water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins were detected and quantified in human tears and compared with blood serum levels. Samples from 15 family pairs, each pair consisting of a four-month-old infant and one parent were analyzed; vitamin concentrations were compared between tears and blood serum for individual subjects, between infants and parents, and against self-reported dietary intakes. Water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3 (nicotinamide), B5, B9 and fat-soluble vitamin E (α-tocopherol) were routinely detected in tears and blood serum while fat-soluble vitamin A (retinol) was detected only in blood serum. Water-soluble vitamin concentrations measured in tears and blood serum of single subjects were comparable, while higher concentrations were measured in infants compared to their parents. Fat-soluble vitamin E concentrations were lower in tears than blood serum with no significant difference between infants and parents. Serum vitamin A concentrations were higher in parents than infants. Population trends were compiled and quantified using a cross correlation factor. Strong positive correlations were found between tear and blood serum concentrations of vitamin E from infants and parents and vitamin B3 concentrations from parents, while slight positive correlations were detected for infants B3 and parents B1 and B2 concentrations. Correlations between infants and parents were found for the concentrations of B1, B2, B3, and E in tears, and the concentrations of B2, A, and E in blood serum. Stronger vitamin concentration correlations were found between infants and parents for the breast-fed infants, while no significant difference was observed between breast-fed and bottle-fed infants. This work is the first to demonstrate simultaneous vitamin A, B, and E detection and to quantify correlations between vitamin concentrations in tears and blood serum. Our results suggest that tears are a viable biofluid to monitor nutritional health because they sufficiently mirror blood serum data and may enhance the speed of deficiency diagnoses.
The Long Noncoding RNA Landscape of the Ischemic Human Left Ventricle.

Background— The discovery of functional classes of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has expanded our understanding of the variety of RNA species that exist in cells. In the heart, lncRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of development, ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, there is a limited description of expression profiles for these transcripts in human subjects. Methods and Results— We obtained left ventricular tissue from human patients undergoing cardiac surgery and used RNA sequencing to describe an lncRNA profile. We then identified a list of lncRNAs that were differentially expressed between pairs of samples before and after the ischemic insult of cardiopulmonary bypass. The expression of some of these lncRNAs correlates with ischemic time. Coding genes in close proximity to differentially expressed lncRNAs and coding genes that have coordinated expression with these lncRNAs are enriched in functional categories related to myocardial infarction, including heart function, metabolism, the stress response, and the immune system. Conclusions— We describe a list of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed after ischemia in the human heart. These genes are predicted to function in pathways consistent with myocardial injury. As a result, lncRNAs may serve as novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ischemic heart disease. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00985049.
Memory: Irreducible, Basic, and Primary Source of Knowledge

I argue against preservationism, the epistemic claim that memories can at most preserve knowledge generated by other basic types of sources. I show how memories can and do generate knowledge that is irreducible to other basic sources of knowledge. In some epistemic contexts, memories are primary basic sources of knowledge; they can generate knowledge by themselves or with trivial assistance from other types of basic sources of knowledge. I outline an ontology of information transmission from events to memory as an alternative to causal theories of memory. I derive from information theory a concept of reliability of memories as the ratio of retrieved information to transmitted information. I distinguish the generation of knowledge from reliable memories from its generation from unreliable memories. Reliable memories can generate new knowledge by forming together narratives and via colligation. Coherent, even unreliable, memories can generate knowledge if they are epistemically independent of each other and the prior probability of the knowledge they generate is sufficiently low or high. Ascertaining the epistemic independence of memories and eliminating possible confounders may be achieved through the generation of knowledge from independent memories in different minds, when memories are primary basic sources of knowledge and the testimonies that report them are trivial.
Program Directors’ Perceptions of a Post-Match Competency Handover Between Medical School and Residency

An educational handover at the completion of medical school that transmits competency information about individual learners has been proposed as a means for improving the sub-optimal communication between medical school and residency. The authors created an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones handover (MH) for graduating medical students entering surgery, pediatrics, and OBGYN residencies utilizing assessments primarily from residency preparatory courses. This pilot study investigated residency program directors’ (PDs) perspectives on the potential utility of the MH. The authors mapped medical school assessment data to the specialty-specific ACGME level one milestones for 39 graduating medical students. The MH reported whether the student had met the level one milestone competencies. After the residency match, the MH was sent to PDs with an electronic survey asking about their perceptions of the handover. The MHs reported level one competency determinations for most of the ACGME milestones (12 of 16 for surgery, 26 of 28 for OBGYN, and 18 of 21 milestones for pediatrics). Of the 38 surveyed PDs, 25 (66%) responded. PDs reported that the MH provided better level one competency information for new trainees compared to the Medical Student Performance Evaluation [Likert score 2.07 (SD 1.16) vs. 3.67 (SD 1.14), P < 0.05] however did not feel that it was superior in describing the attributes of a new intern [Likert score 3.32 (SD 0.95) vs. 3.68 (SD 0.95), P = 0.09]. This preliminary data suggests that the MH could be a potentially useful tool. Further work will need to expand these efforts to improve the generalizability and validity evidence of a competency-based educational handover between medical school and residency.
Investigation of Multi-Photon Excitation Schemes for Detecting Atomic Hydrogen in Flames

We investigate two-photon and three-photon excitation schemes for ultrashort pulse LIF detection of atomic hydrogen in flames. Three-photon (λ=307.7nm) scheme was demonstrated successfully for the first time and various interferences effects are studied.
Emerging investigator series: interactions of engineered nanomaterials with the cell plasma membrane; what have we learned from membrane models?

With the increasing industrial and biomedical applications of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), concerns have been raised regarding the increased risk of exposure. Exposure to ENMs can potentially lead to adverse health effects including cell toxicity. The plasma membrane, a lipid bilayer surrounding all cells, is the first cellular entity that comes into contact with foreign particles, and membrane damage by ENMs is one of the potential mechanisms through which ENMs induce cytotoxicity. In recent years, significant effort has been focused on elucidating the complex interactions at the particle–plasma membrane interface. Such studies have primarily relied on membrane models to tease out what particle physicochemical properties might perturb the structure and function of the cell plasma membrane. However, the diversity of membrane models has made it difficult to translate the results obtained from studies with one model to another and ultimately to live cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on ENM–plasma membrane interactions based on studies in membrane models including lipid monolayers, supported lipid bilayers, and lipid vesicles. The mechanisms of membrane disruption by the ENMs in each model have been discussed in detail and the role of the membrane model itself in modulating the results has been described. In addition, results in membrane models have been compared with the current knowledge about cells. Finally, some of the challenges toward improving the current membrane models and enhancing the environmental relevance of studies are discussed.
Limb threatening thigh hematoma diagnosis accelerated by emergency physician bedside ultrasound.

Introduction:Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis, specialty consultation, and definitive management to prevent significant morbidity. Traditionally, compartme...
The Traitor in Nuno Treez 2

The traitor (traedor) against whom a girl vows vengeance in a cantiga d’amigo of Nuno Treez (presumably a thirteenth century Galician jograr) might be thought to be San Clemenco, to whom the text is addressed, but an examination of pragmatic criteria supports the argument that the traitor is the girl’s boyfriend, who may merely be late in returning to her.
Underwater acoustic energy fluctuations during strong internal wave activity using a three-dimensional parabolic equation model.

The three-dimensional Monterey–Miami parabolic equation model is used to simulate a nonlinear internal wave (NIW) crossing the sound field in a shallow water environment. The impetus for this research stems from acoustic measurements taken during the Shallow Water '06 (SW06) field experiment, where a NIW traversed the water column such that soliton wavecrests were nearly parallel to the source–receiver path. Horizontal refraction effects are important in this scenario. A sound speed profile adapted from experimental SW06 data is used to simulate the NIW, assuming variations along the wavecrests (e.g., curvature) are negligible. Broadband and modal energy metrics show acoustic fluctuations due to internal wave activity. Repeated model runs simulate the NIW crossing the parabolic equation (PE) field over space and time. Statistical analysis shows the PE data are best fit by a lognormal distribution but tends to an exponential distribution during certain scenarios. Small angle differences between the acoustic track and the propagating NIW cause substantial differences in energy distribution throughout the PE field. While refraction effects due to the leading edge of the NIW's arrival are important in all cases, the impacts of focusing and defocusing in the perfectly parallel case dominate the field fluctuations. In the non-parallel case, the strong fluctuations introduced by the passage of the NIW are of similar order to the refraction off the leading edge.The three-dimensional Monterey–Miami parabolic equation model is used to simulate a nonlinear internal wave (NIW) crossing the sound field in a shallow water environment. The impetus for this research stems from acoustic measurements taken during the Shallow Water '06 (SW06) field experiment, where a NIW traversed the water column such that soliton wavecrests were nearly parallel to the source–receiver path. Horizontal refraction effects are important in this scenario. A sound speed profile adapted from experimental SW06 data is used to simulate the NIW, assuming variations along the wavecrests (e.g., curvature) are negligible. Broadband and modal energy metrics show acoustic fluctuations due to internal wave activity. Repeated model runs simulate the NIW crossing the parabolic equation (PE) field over space and time. Statistical analysis shows the PE data are best fit by a lognormal distribution but tends to an exponential distribution during certain scenarios. Small angle differences between the acousti...
Crystal Engineering of Molecular Solids as Temporary Adhesives

Crystal engineering of temporary adhesion is important in diverse fields ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. Molecular solids—a broad class of crystalline materials characterized by discrete ...
Evolving Requirements and Trends of Datacenters Networks

In this manuscript, we present an overview of Google’s datacenter network, which has led and defined the industry over the past few decades. Starting inside the datacenter, we cover all aspects, from networking/topology to key hardware components of interconnect and switching, traffic/throughput, and energy usage/efficiency for intra-datacenter networks. Likewise, we discuss topology and interconnect for inter-datacenter networks. With particular focus on optical interconnect, we also discuss future technology directions for scaling bandwidth through a combination of higher baud rates, wavelength-division multiplexing (), coherent communication (polarization multiplexing, I/Q modulation), and space-division multiplexing (), along with the corresponding trade-offs between these various dimensions and how these trade-offs are adjusted at different length scales. Although questions remain on the exact implementation to be adopted in the future, one thing is clear: the evolution of datacenter networks and the underlying technologies have been and will remain a critical driver for enabling new compute capabilities in the cloud.
Craft beverage tourism development: The contributions of social capital

Abstract This study investigates the role that social capital plays in synergizing two growing components of economic development for many communities - the tourism and craft beverage industries. By focusing on an emerging craft beverage tourism destination, Wake County in North Carolina (United States), this study illustrates the economic development outcomes that can be generated by craft beverage tourism and the forms of social capital needed to establish and sustain this type of niche tourism. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 stakeholders revealed that craft beverage tourism contributes to economic development outcomes such as: (1) community capacity, (2) firm and industry capacity, (3) entrepreneurial activity, and (4) innovative infrastructure. Both bridging and bonding social capital supported these outcomes in the forms of (1) collaboration among stakeholders, (2) support for new members of the industry, (3) craft beverage stakeholders' involvement with the community, and (4) creation of a craft beverage destination. Results indicate that bonding social capital is a crucial resource for establishing and sustaining Wake County's craft beverage industry and its development as a craft beverage destination. However, there is only limited utilization of bridging social capital in efforts to advance craft beverage tourism development. Collectively, these findings outline the economic development benefits of craft beverage tourism and the social capital resources needed to achieve those benefits. These insights can facilitate the development of CBT products.
Understanding differences between divorced and intact families: Stress, interaction, and child outcome.

Preface - Ronald L Simons PART ONE: INTRODUCTION The Effect of Divorce on Adult and Child Adjustment - Ronald L Simons The Sample, Data Collection Procedures, and Measures - Ronald L Simons PART TWO: MATERNAL STRESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING Family Structure Differences in Stress and Behavioral Predispositions - Ronald L Simons, Christine Johnson, and Frederick O Lorenz Family Structure and Mother's Depression - Frederick O Lorenz, Ronald L Simons, and Wei Chao PART THREE: FAMILY INTERACTION Mother's Parenting - Ronald L Simons and Christine Johnson Father's Parenting - Ronald L Simons and Jay Beaman Sibling Relationships - Rand D Conger and Katherine J Conger PART FOUR: CHILD OUTCOMES Conduct Problems - Ronald L Simons and Wei Chao Adolescent Sexual Intercourse - Les B Whitbeck, Ronald L Simons, and Elizabeth Goldberg Adolescent Depressed Mood - Rand D Conger and Wei Chao Academic Performance and Future Aspirations - Glen H Elder Jr and Stephen T Russell PART FIVE: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Theoretical and Policy Implications of the Findings - Ronald L Simons
Freeway-Merging Operations: A Probabilistic Approach

Abstract Existing traffic flow models generally assume that breakdown will occur at capacity flows only, and therefore capacity can be measured immediately prior to breakdown. Field observations at ramp-freeway merge areas however, showed that clusters of closely spaced vehicles from the ramp were the main cause of conflicts at the merge area. A probabilistic model was developed to estimate the probability of breakdown for given levels of flow on the freeway and on the ramp, considering the presence of vehicular clusters from the ramp. This model can serve as the framework for developing a microscopic simulation model for freeway merge areas.