cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebrovascular injuries found in acute type B aortic dissections are associated with blood pressure derangements and poor outcome.

Abstract Objective Cerebrovascular injury (CVI) is a recognized but underappreciated complication of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). This study was performed to determine risk factors for CVI associated with ATBAD and, in particular, the possible contributory role of aggressive anti-impulse therapy. Methods A retrospective review of all patients presenting to a tertiary medical center with an ATBAD between January 2003 and October 2012 was conducted. All CVIs were adjudicated by a vascular neurologist and assigned a probable cause. The initial intensity of anti-impulse therapy was defined as the difference in mean arterial pressure (ΔMAP) from presentation to subsequent admission to the intensive care unit. Results A total of 112 patients were identified. The average age was 61 years; 64% were male, and 59% were African American. Twenty patients required operative intervention (14 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs and 6 open). CVI occurred in 13 patients (11.6%): 9 were hypoperfusion related (6 diffuse hypoxic brain injuries and 3 watershed infarcts), 2 were procedure related (both thoracic endovascular aortic repairs), 1 was an intracranial hemorrhage on presentation, and 1 was a probable embolic stroke on presentation. CVI patients had demographics and comorbidities comparable to those of the non-CVI patients. CVI was associated with operative intervention (54% vs 13%; P = .002). Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher in CVI patients (54% vs 6%; P Conclusions In our series, CVI in ATBAD is more frequent than previously reported and is associated with increased mortality. The most common causes are related to cerebral hypoperfusion. Higher MAP on presentation and greater decline in MAP are associated risk factors for hypoperfusion-related CVI. A less aggressive approach to lowering MAP in ATBAD warrants further study in an attempt to reduce CVI in ATBAD.
Genetic Regulation of Lignin Biosynthesis and the Potential Modification of Wood by Genetic Engineering in Loblolly Pine

Lignin, a highly polymeric product of phenylpropanoid metabolism in plants, is one of the most abundant organic materials on the surface of the earth. The evolution of lignin was a key factor in the appearance and radiation of land plants, and lignin still plays important physiological and developmental roles in terrestrial vascular plants.1 Hemicelluloses and lignin form the embedding matrix of both primary and secondary plant cell walls, reinforcing the cellulose microfibrils and imparting rigidity to the wall.2,3 Lignin provides strength, flexibility and impermeability to the cell walls. Thus, lignification is an important step in the terminal differentiation of vascular elements into functional water-conducting tissue.4,5 Lignin is needed to support the weight of the plant and to prevent the compression of vascular tissue that would collapse the cell walls. Lignification is also induced by environmental effects such as pathogen attack or mechanical stress6,7 and thus plays an important role in resistance to disease and other adverse environmental stresses.
Learning technology management while teaching technology management: a trial of distance learning in higher education

This case study presents an evaluation pilot of a technology-enabled service, specifically a distance learning program at a university. The primary intent of the case is to illustrate the management of a trial evaluation of an information technology and the need for explicit criteria considering multiple technical and organizational factors. The secondary purpose of the case is to share the learning specific to the administration and delivery of a distance learning program using various media. The distance learning program was conducted on a trial basis with 16 students in a 13-course, 18-month Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM) program. Compressed video and Internet-based technologies were used for course delivery, in addition to limited on-site instruction. The case study describes the motivation and progression of the trial, up to the point when a decision had to be made about continuing the program beyond the trial. The experience is considered from multiple perspectives, specifically those of the school administration, faculty, and students. Positive and negative aspects are highlighted to lay the groundwork for analysis at the decision point.
Multivalent Cyclic RGD Conjugates for Targeted Delivery of Small Interfering RNA

We have designed, synthesized, and tested conjugates of chemically modified luciferase siRNA (Luc-siRNA) with bi-, tri-, and tetravalent cyclic(arginine-glycine-aspartic) (cRGD) peptides that selectively bind to the αvβ3 integrin. The cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and pharmacological effects of the cRGD-conjugated Luc-siRNAs compared to those of unconjugated controls were examined using a luciferase reporter cassette stably transfected into αvβ3 positive M21+ human melanoma cells. The M21+ cells exhibited receptor-mediated uptake of cRGD–siRNA conjugates but not of unconjugated control siRNA. The fluorophore-tagged cRGD–siRNA conjugates were taken up by a caveolar endocytotic route and primarily accumulated in cytosolic vesicles. The bi-, tri-, and tetravalent cRGD conjugates were taken up by M21+ cells to approximately the same degree. However, there were notable differences in their pharmacological effectiveness. The tri- and tetravalent versions produced progressive, dose-dependent reducti...
Does demographic knowledge matter? Results of a poll in the New York City watershed.

A 1993 telephone survey of 1,150 households in 15 upstate towns in the New York City watershed asked a number of knowledge and attitude questions related to perceptions of national, local, and world population size. Considerable public ignorance of population size was revealed, with gender differences the most critical explanatory variable. Males were much more likely to respond to knowledge questions on population size, and to respond more accurately, even after several other characteristics were held constant. However, knowledge is at best unrelated to measures of concern about population, and even shows a slight tendency to be associated with lower concern.
Abstract WP35: An ASL Collateral Score Can Identify Improved Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow in Acute Stroke Patients

Objective: To measure quantitative hemodynamic parameters in acute stroke patients using a tomographic collateral assessment based on arterial spin labeling (ASL) [1]. Methods: Patients were retros...
Practice Patterns of Systemic Corticosteroid Use in Complicated Acute Rhinosinusitis Among Rhinologists and Pediatric Otolaryngologist.

BackgroundThe use of systemic corticosteroids remains controversial in the treatment of orbital complications of sinusitis.ObjectiveTo compare and contrast the current practice patterns of the use ...
More Evidence for a Prevention-Related Indication for Metformin: Let the Arguments Resume!

Global estimates of the number of individuals with diabetes are staggering, and the prevalence is reported to be increasing in most countries. In 2017, it was estimated that approximately 425 million adults (20–79 years of age) were living with diabetes and that half were undiagnosed (1). This number with diabetes is projected to increase to 629 million individuals by 2045 (1). An overwhelming majority of cases are attributable to type 2 diabetes. In the U.S., the latest projections identify over 30 million Americans living with diabetes (2). The numbers at risk for developing diabetes are also of great concern. Worldwide, 352 million people are thought to be at risk, with 84 million of those individuals in the U.S. (1,2). The global diabetes burden imposes great personal costs to each individual and to society in general. Beyond the overall reduction of quality of life and productivity due to complications of diabetes, in 2017 diabetes was estimated to result in 4 million deaths worldwide (1). In addition, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that diabetes caused at least $727 billion (USD) in health expenditure in 2017—12% of total spending on adults (1). In the U.S., the estimated total costs of diagnosed diabetes have risen from $245 billion in 2012 to $327 billion in 2017, a 26% increase over a 5-year period (3). The growing personal burdens of diabetes are not acceptable given our research advances, and the costs of caring for diabetes are simply not sustainable! Thus, preventive strategies on a global scale remain a priority. Clinical studies have provided extensive and growing evidence for the efficacy of preventive strategies (4–8). There is convincing support for using lifestyle modification (focused on healthy eating, weight loss, and enhanced physical activity) as the cornerstone of preventive therapy. We are encouraged …
How drag force evolves in global common envelope simulations

We compute the forces, torque and rate of work on the companion-core binary due to drag in global simulations of common envelope (CE) evolution for three different companion masses. Our simulations help to delineate regimes when conventional analytic drag force approximations are applicable. During and just prior to the first periastron passage of the in-spiral phase, the drag force is reasonably approximated by conventional analytic theory and peaks at values proportional to the companion mass. Good agreement between global and local 3D "wind tunnel" simulations, including similar net drag force and flow pattern, is obtained for comparable regions of parameter space. However, subsequent to the first periastron passage, the drag force is up to an order of magnitude smaller than theoretical predictions, quasi-steady, and depends only weakly on companion mass. The discrepancy is exacerbated for larger companion mass and when the inter-particle separation reduces to the Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton accretion radius, creating a turbulent thermalized region. Greater flow symmetry during this phase leads to near balance of opposing gravitational forces in front of and behind the companion, hence a small net drag. The reduced drag force at late times helps explain why companion-core separations necessary for envelope ejection are not reached by the end of limited duration CE simulations.
Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal approaches are equally effective for spigelian hernia repair.

Spigelian hernias (SH) are rare intraparietal abdominal wall hernias occurring just medial to the semilunar line. Several small series have reported on laparoscopic SH repair and both totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approaches have been described. However, there are limited outcome data including both of these techniques. We present the largest series to date of laparoscopic SH repair comparing both popular approaches. Consecutive patients (n = 77) undergoing laparoscopic SH repair from 2009 to 2019 were identified from a prospectively managed quality database. All procedures were performed at a single institution. Patients were divided based on laparoscopic approach used, TEP group (n = 37) and TAPP group (n = 40). Comparison of patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and post-operative complications between TAPP and TEP groups was made using the Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher’s exact tests. Individuals undergoing TAPP had higher mean BMI (29.3 ± 5.4 vs. 26.3 ± 5.6 kg/m2; p = 0.019) and were more likely to have had prior abdominal surgery (65% vs 24.3%, (p < 0.001). Mean procedure length was 77 ± 45 min for TAPP repairs and 48 ± 21 for TEP repairs (p = 0.001). TAPP repairs had a significantly longer median LOS than TEP (25 vs. 7 h; p < 0.001). Days of narcotic use were significantly shorter after TEP repair than for TAPP (0 vs. 3; p = 0.007) and return to ADL was significantly shorter after TEP repair than for TAPP (5 vs. 7 days; p = 0.016. There were no significant differences in readmission, reoperations, SSI, or recurrence between the two groups. Our large series revealed that both preperitoneal laparoscopic approaches, TEP, and TAPP, for SH repair are equally safe, effective, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Therefore, we suggest that the approach used for repair should be based on surgeon experience, preference, and individual patient factors.
Spatio-Temporal Capsule-based Reinforcement Learning for Mobility-on-Demand Coordination

As an alternative means of convenient and smart transportation, mobility-on-demand (MOD), typified by online ride-sharing and connected taxicabs, has been rapidly growing and spreading worldwide. The large volume of complex traffic and the uncertainty of market supplies/demands have made it essential for many MOD service providers to proactively dispatch vehicles towards ride-seekers. To meet this need effectively, we propose STRide, an MOD coordination learning mechanism reinforced spatio-temporally with capsules. We formalize the adaptive coordination of vehicles into a reinforcement learning framework. STRide incorporates spatial and temporal distributions of supplies (vehicles) and demands (ride requests), customers' preferences and other external factors. A novel spatio-temporal capsule neural network is designed to predict the provider's rewards based on MOD network states, vehicles and their dispatch actions. This way, the MOD platform adapts itself to the supply-demand dynamics with the best potential rewards. We have conducted extensive data analytics and experimental evaluation with five large-scale datasets (~27 million rides from Uber, NYC/Chicago Taxis, Didi and Car2Go). STRide is shown to outperform state-of-the-arts, substantially reducing request-rejection rate and passenger waiting time, and also increasing the service provider's profits.
Future Work and Conclusion

The measurement of quantum radiation pressure noise in the audio-frequency band opens the door for many exciting future projects. As described in Chap. 7, a QRPN-limited system provides a test bed for studying methods to reduce or mitigate QRPN. More generally, it presents a system to investigate mechanics of macroscopic objects in the quantum regime. The sections below illustrate a few of the exciting possibilities now within reach.
Attention-based CNN for KL Grade Classification: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder of joints and it is the most common reason leading to total knee joint replacement. Diagnosis of OA involves subjective judgment on symptoms, medical history, and radiographic readings using Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KL-grade). Deep learning-based methods such as Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) have recently been applied to automatically diagnose radiographic knee OA. In this study, we applied Residual Neural Network (ResNet) to first detect knee joint from radiographs and later combine ResNet with Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to make a prediction of the KL-grade automatically. The proposed model achieved a multi-class average accuracy of 74.81%, mean squared error of 0.36, and quadratic Kappa score of 0.88, which demonstrates a significant improvement over the published results. The attention maps were analyzed to provide insights on the decision process of the proposed model11Code is available at https://github.com/denizlab/OAI-KL-Grade-Classification.
Economic Evaluation of Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening at Federally Qualified Health Centers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a long-standing commitment to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for vulnerable populations. In 2005, the CDC began a demonstration in five states and, with lessons learned, launched a national program, the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP), in 2009. The CRCCP continues today and its current emphasis is the implementation of evidence-based interventions to promote CRC screening. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of four CRCCP awardees and their federally qualified health center partners as an introduction to the accompanying series of research briefs where we present individual findings on impacts of evidence-based interventions on CRC screening uptake for each awardee. We also include in this article the conceptual framework used to guide our research. Our findings contribute to the evidence base and guide future program implementation to improve sustainability, increase CRC screening, and address disparities in screening uptake.
Coil Occlusion of Right M2 Fusiform Aneurysm After Balloon-Test Occlusion: 2-Dimensional Video.

We present a 73-year-old man with an incidental right M2 fusiform aneurysm demonstrating growth on serial noninvasive imaging over 5 years ( Video 1 ). After multidisciplinary conference review, the decision was to proceed with intracranial balloon-test occlusion (BTO) followed by coil occlusion if the patient passed this test or by trap and bypass if the patient failed this test. With the patient under moderate conscious sedation, a transfemoral 8F approach was used with positioning of a TracStar 95-cm 088 guide catheter (Imperative Care, Campbell, California, USA) into the distal right cervical ICA. We positioned a Scepter 4-mm × 10-mm compliant dual-lumen balloon microcatheter (MicroVention, Alisa Viejo, California, USA) into the proximal M2. The patient passed the 30-minute BTO including a 15-minute hypotensive challenge with nitroprusside infusion. Our goal was to occlude the aneurysm from distal to proximal for precise thrombosis. A Phenom 17 150-cm microcatheter (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) separate from the Scepter balloon microcatheter was positioned in the distal portion of the aneurysm. Coil occlusion was successfully performed with an assortment of complex and helical coils. Sluggish anterograde flow was seen distal to the aneurysm with prominent retrograde filling of the distal right MCA territory via pial collaterals from the right PCA. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged the following day neurologically intact. Six-month follow-up diagnostic angiogram confirmed complete occlusion of the aneurysm. This is the first published video using the elegant approach of intracranial BTO followed by coil occlusion for an intracranial fusiform aneurysm using a dual-lumen balloon microcatheter.
The impact of nature-based education on health-related quality of life among low-income youth: results from an intervention study.

BACKGROUND Nature experiences have been shown to promote physical, emotional, mental and overall health. However, low-income youth often face inequities in access to nature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 15-week nature-based education (NBE) intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of low-income youth. METHODS A total of 362 low-income youth (ages 9-15) in St. Louis, MO, USA, participated in this study. Study participants completed a pre- and post-intervention survey that included validated measures of six HRQoL domains (Physical Activity, Emotional Health Functioning, School Functioning, Social Functioning, Family Functioning and overall HRQoL). Random effects analysis of covariance was used to test for significant differences in HRQoL scores between the intervention and control groups, after adjusting for school, age, previous nature exposure, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics capacity. RESULTS After the intervention period, youth in the NBE intervention group experienced improvements in all HRQoL domain scores (P < 0.001), whereas youth in the control group experienced declines in HRQoL domain scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS NBE may have a positive impact on the HRQoL of low-income youth. Further investigations examining the influence of nature-based activities on youth health outcomes are warranted.
Meta-analysis of scRNA seq data to define the landscape of human liver immune homeostasis

ABSTRACT Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) generates highly dimensional transcriptome data to understand cellular phenotypes. Due to high cost and volume of data obtained from these experiments, most studies analyze few unique samples. Pre-analytical tissue processing and different sequencing techniques can alter quantity and phenotype of cells being examined. This study used existing ‘human liver’ scRNA seq datasets to determine if heterogeneity exists between datasets and if these data could be integrated to define phenotypes across leukocyte subpopulations in healthy human liver. CD45+ cells from three published studies reporting scRNA seq data from human livers were analyzed and leukocyte subpopulations were examined. All three datasets co-clustered, but with differing cell proportions. Expression correlation demonstrated similarity across all studies. Detailed analysis of differential expression identified meta-signatures for each hepatic immune subpopulation. Herein, we introduce a novel and rigorous framework for meta-analysis of scRNA seq datasets and highlight profiles of liver immune homeostasis.
Optimizing Non-Markovian Information Gain Under Physics-Based Communication Constraints

In many exploration scenarios, it is important for robots to efficiently explore new areas and constantly communicate results. Mobile robots inherently couple motion and network topology due to the effects of position on wireless propagation—e.g. distance or obstacles between network nodes. Information gain is a useful measure of exploration. However, finding paths that maximize information gain while preserving communication is challenging due to the non-Markovian nature of information gain, discontinuities in network topology, and zero-reward local optima. We address these challenges through an optimization and sampling-based algorithm. Our algorithm scales to 50% more robots and obtains 2–5 times more information relative to path cost compared to baseline planning approaches.
The Impact of Racism, Power, Privilege, and Positionality on Communication Sciences and Disorders Research: Time to Reconceptualize and Seek a Pathway to Equity

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore how racism, privilege, power, and positionality negatively impact clinical research conducted in the discipline of communication sciences and disor...
Oil Scarcity Ideology in US Foreign Policy, 1908-1997

Over the past century peak oil forecasts have had a profound influence on US foreign policy. Unquestioned acceptance of these forecasts, all of which proved wrong, repeatedly led policymakers to assume that rival powers sought to seize dwindling supplies or that disaffected exporter-states would decline to sell. Perennial expectation of impending scarcity elevated the perceived importance of foreign oil, especially from the Middle East (ME). In response, increasingly aggressive US policies were adopted to secure ME oil. I call belief in an oil scarcity imperative for aggressive policy “oil scarcity ideology.” Policymakers’ concerns over oil’s availability were repeatedly challenged by market information, which was always ignored. Recurring pessimism over future supply during times of high price was always followed by oversupply and low price, yet aggressive polices to secure supply were never reassessed after scarcity failed to materialize. Scarcity ideology’s exemption from scrutiny drove a policy ratchet; US ME policy could become more aggressive, but not less.
Measuring Post-training Activities Following a Veterinary Teaching Workshop in East Africa

A teaching workshop was delivered for faculty members of East African colleges of veterinary medicine to foster teaching development and reflection. The goal was for participants to use knowledge gained to improve teaching skills. The approach was to “train the trainer” so attendees could transfer new knowledge to colleagues at their institutions. Techniques were used to increase the likelihood that participants would apply the training. A culturally responsive survey was developed to assess training transfer 1 year later. Pilot survey results suggest that participants applied what they learned and shared with colleagues largely due to peer and supervisor support.
My Philosophy of Law

My approach to the philosophy of law is similar to that of most American (U.S.) philosophers. The philosophy of law, like many other branches of philosophy, is comprised of two sorts of issues, conceptual (analysis of legal concepts) and normative (matters of values and ideals). And like most American legal philosophers, as I believe the case to be, I have not been concerned with whether, and how, the philosophy of law should be distinguished from jurisprudence, legal theory, and legal dogmatics (a term that is virtually unknown among American writers), which is a problem that Continental thinkers are so worried about. I have been, and I believe most American legal philosophers have been, governed more by the interest of a topic than by such systemic considerations. American legal philosophy, at least, may therefore seem somewhat parochial, driven, as it often is, by questions deriving from U.S. constitutional law and the common law.
Negative Energy Balance Blocks Neural and Behavioral Responses to Acute Stress by "Silencing" Central Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling in Rats.

Previous reports indicate that caloric restriction attenuates anxiety and other behavioral responses to acute stress, and blunts the ability of stress to increase anterior pituitary release of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Since hindbrain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons and noradrenergic prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) neurons participate in behavioral and endocrine stress responses, and are sensitive to the metabolic state, we examined whether overnight food deprivation blunts stress-induced recruitment of these neurons and their downstream hypothalamic and limbic forebrain targets. A single overnight fast reduced anxiety-like behavior assessed in the elevated-plus maze and acoustic startle test, including marked attenuation of light-enhanced startle. Acute stress [i.e., 30 min restraint (RES) or 5 min elevated platform exposure] robustly activated c-Fos in GLP-1 and PrRP neurons in fed rats, but not in fasted rats. Fasting also significantly blunted the ability of acute stress to activate c-Fos expression within the anterior ventrolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vlBST). Acute RES stress suppressed dark-onset food intake in rats that were fed ad libitum , whereas central infusion of a GLP-1 receptor antagonist blocked RES-induced hypophagia, and reduced the ability of RES to activate PrRP and anterior vlBST neurons in ad libitum -fed rats. Thus, an overnight fast “silences” GLP-1 and PrRP neurons, and reduces both anxiety-like and hypophagic responses to acute stress. The partial mimicking of these fasting-induced effects in ad libitum -fed rats after GLP-1 receptor antagonism suggests a potential mechanism by which short-term negative energy balance attenuates neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to acute stress. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The results from this study reveal a potential central mechanism for the “metabolic tuning” of stress responsiveness. A single overnight fast, which markedly reduces anxiety-like behavior in rats, reduces or blocks the ability of acute stress to activate hindbrain neurons that are immunoreactive for either prolactin-releasing peptide or glucagon-like peptide 1, and attenuates the activation of their stress-sensitive projection targets in the limbic forebrain. In nonfasted rats, central antagonism of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors partially mimics the effect of an overnight fast by blocking the ability of acute stress to inhibit food intake, and by attenuating stress-induced activation of hindbrain and limbic forebrain neurons. We propose that caloric restriction attenuates behavioral and physiological responses to acute stress by “silencing” central glucagon-like peptide 1 signaling pathways.
Interaction of Whole Cottonseed and Supplemental Fat on Digestive Function in Cattle

Four Holstein steers (155 kg) with "T" cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the interaction of whole cottonseed (WC) and yellow grease (YG) on digestive function. Four treatments were compared: 1) 0% YG, 0% WC; 2) 5% YG, 0% WC; 3) 0% YG, 20% WC, and 4) 5% YG, 20% WC. The YG and WC were substituted for steam-flaked corn in an 80% concentrate growing-finishing diet. Both YG and WC decreased ruminal OM digestion (P < .01). However, the effects were not additive (interaction, P < .05). When YG was added to the control diet ruminal OM digestion was decreased by 6.9%. In contrast, when YG and WC were added to the control diet the decrease was 24.0%. This interaction was also apparent (P < .05) in ruminal digestion of feed N and starch. Total tract digestion of OM was decreased (P < .01) with WC and YG supplementation, although, like ruminal digestion, the effects were nonadditive (P < .05). In the absence of WC, YG had little influence (.8%) on OM digestion. However, in the presence of WC, YG decreased total tract OM digestion 5.7%. This interaction was also manifest (P < .05) in total tract digestion of ADF and GE. Although there was some compensation with respect to methane energy loss, the ME (megacalories/kilogram) of WC was 20% lower when fed in combination with YG. The degree of ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids was high for both WC and YG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modulation of swimming behavior in the medicinal leech. I. Effects of serotonin on the electrical properties of swim-gating cell 204.

The effects of serotonin on the electrical properties of swim-gating neurons (cell 204) were examined in leech (Hirudo medicinalis) nerve cords. Exposure to serotonin decreased the threshold current required to elicit swim episodes by prolonged depolarization of an individual cell 204 in isolated nerve cords. This effect was correlated with a more rapid depolarization and an increased impulse frequency of cell 204 in the first second of stimulation. In normal leech saline, brief depolarizing current pulses (1 s) injected into cell 204 failed to elicit swim episodes. Following exposure to serotonin, however, identical pulses consistently evoked swim episodes. Thus, serotonin appears to transform cell 204 from a gating to a trigger cell.
Exploiting Discontinuities in Optical Flow

Most optical flow estimation techniques have substantial difficulties dealing with flow discontinuities. Methods which simultaneously detect flow boundaries and use the detected boundaries to aid in flow estimation can produce significantly improved results. Current approaches to implementing these methods still have important limitations, however. We demonstrate three such problems: errors due to the mixture of image properties across boundaries, an intrinsic ambiguity in boundary location when only short sequences are considered, and difficulties insuring that the motion of a boundary aids in flow estimation for the surface to which it is attached without corrupting the flow estimates for the occluded surface on the other side. The first problem can be fixed by basing flow estimation only on image changes at edges. The second requires an analysis of longer time intervals. The third can be aided by using a boundary detection mechanism which classifies the sides of boundaries as occluding and occluded at the same time as the boundaries are detected.
Some Applications of High Pressure Studies of Phase Transitions in Solids

High-pressure research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the properties of matter. Perhaps there is no one area to which high-pressure research has contributed more than that of phase transitions in solids. High-pressure studies have improved our understanding of the properties of materials near phase transitions and of the mechanisms for certain types of transitions. Such studies have also led to the discovery of a very large number of new phase transitions which can be induced by pressure alone.
Isospin constraints on angular momentum truncated wave functions

In this report we examine two topics relating to previous work. We feel that there are points to be made which we have not made before. A common thread in the two problems is that they both involve the isospin variable in an important way.
Vascular Flora of Buettner Xeric Limestone Prairies, Monroe County, Illinois

ABSTRACT Xeric limestone prairies occur in southwestern and southern Illinois. These small grassland communities are present on thin soil and commonly have relatively extensive areas of exposed rock. Warm-season clump grasses, primarily Schizachyrium scoparium and Bouteloua curtipendula, are dominant along with a mixture of prairie and open-forest species. The vascular flora of two xeric limestone prairies, located near the bluff line of the Mississippi River on the property of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Buettner in Monroe County, Illinois, were surveyed in 2011. A total of 174 vascular plant species were recorded from the two prairies, with 60 species present in survey plots. Bouteloua curtipendula dominated the East prairie followed by Schizachyrium scoparium, Andropogon gerardii, and Ruellia humilis. Andropogon gerardii dominated the West prairie followed by Bouteloua curtipendula, Solidago ulmifolia, Aster oblongifolius, Tridens flavus, and Schizachyrium scoparium. Vegetation covers 38.0% and 33.5% of the sur...
Effect of Tai Chi Exercise Combined with Mental Imagery Theory in Improving Balance in a Diabetic and Elderly Population

BACKGROUND One of the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral neuropathy, affects the sensation in the feet and can increase the chance of falling. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of Tai Chi (TC) training combined with mental imagery (MI) on improving balance in people with diabetes and an age matched control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventeen healthy subjects and 12 diabetic sedentary subjects ranging from 40-80 years of age were recruited. All subjects in both groups attended a Yang style of TC class using MI strategies, 2 sessions a week for 8 weeks. Each session was one hour long. Measures were taken using a balance platform test, an Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, a one leg standing test (OLS), functional reach test (FRT) and hemoglobin A1C. These measures were taken twice, pre and post-study, for both groups. RESULTS Both groups experienced significant improvements in ABC, OLS, FRT (PCONCLUSIONS All results showed an improvement in balance in the diabetic and the control groups; however, no significant difference between the groups was observed. Since the DM group had more problems with balance impairment at baseline than the control, the diabetic group showed the most benefit from the TC exercise. Language: en
Globalization and Cultural Imperialism in Jamaica: The Homogenization of Content and Americanization of Jamaican TV through Programme Modeling

There is a great deal of discussion about the globalization of media, particularly television, especially as it is being driven by the spread of satellite technology and cable. While certain scholars view this as promoting cultural heterogeneity and the diversification of programme content, others see this trend as proliferating the homogenization of programme content and American popular culture. The paper investigates the relevance of the two above perspectives within the Jamaican media context. By conducting informant interviews as well as a programme analysis of content aired on local television stations, the research reveals that the cultural imperialism perspective remains quite relevant as is evidenced through the modeling of programming originating predominantly in the United States of America
Assessing environmental factors in red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) growth in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA: From conceptual model, envirogram, to simulation model

Abstract This study provides a method for assessing a multiplicity of environmental factors in red spruce growth in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) of Southeastern USA. Direct and indirect factors in the annual growth increment are first organized into a schematic input–output envirogram (ARIRS), and this information is then used to construct a simulation model (ARIM). The envirogram represents a structured conceptualization of most environmental factors involved in growth, as developed from relevant literature. This interdisciplinary synthesis distinguishes direct vs. indirect factors in growth and takes account of the systems ecology concept that indirect factors may be as important as or more important than direct ones in regulating growth. The ARIRS envirogram summarizes hierarchically organized, within- and cross-scale, local-to-global interactions, and its construction makes it obvious that growth is influenced by many cross-scale spatiotemporal interactions. More research on genecology is still needed to clarify the role of phenotypic plasticity and adaptive capacity in nutrient cycling, global change, and human disturbance.
Gene expression alterations in cryptorchid males using spermatozoal microarray analysis.

Objective To identify differential spermatozoal gene expression patterns using microarray between controls and patients with cryptorchidism. Design Prospective laboratory analysis. Setting Pediatric urology clinic and laboratory of an academic hospital in the United States. Patient(s) Ten control patients and 12 cryptorchid males (8 unilateral, 4 bilateral). Intervention(s) Ejaculates were collected and motile sperm were isolated by Percoll centrifugation, total RNA was extracted and verified using sperm-specific reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Biotin-labeled amplified RNA was hybridized to Affymetrix Human Genome Focus arrays. Differentially expressed genes were identified using permutation t -test. Main Outcome Measure(s) Semen analyses and differential spermatozoal gene expression patterns measured by microarray. Result(s) Mean semen volume was not different between control and patients with cryptorchidism. Mean sperm density was significantly decreased between control, unilateral, and bilateral cryptorchid samples (110 vs. 87 vs. 16 million/mL). From the microarray expression data, we identified 43 genes differentially expressed between the two groups. Thirty-eight genes were significantly underexpressed in the cryptorchid samples including many transcriptional factors (cul3, prm1, hspcd35) and a testis-specific cell-adhesion gene ( tpx-1 ) involved in germ cell maturation and sperm tail formation. An antiapoptotic gene (TNFAIP3) was highly overexpressed in the cryptorchid samples. Conclusion(s) Gene expression profiles offer insight into the diverse alterations that occur in cryptorchidism. The observed changes in spermatozoal expression of transcriptional and antiapoptotic genes may result in poor seminal parameters in formerly cryptorchid males.
Effects of Split Exercise Sessions on Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption and Resting Metabolic Rate

This study involved examining how splitting a 30-min exercise bout on a cycle ergometer into two equal sessions affects excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and resting metabolic rate (RMR...
Vulvar lipoleiomyoma in a dog

A vulvar neoplasm from a 5-year-old female Siberian Husky dog was removed surgically and examined histologically. Macroscopically, the neoplasm was firm, white, and measured 6 x 4 x 3 cm. Microscopically, the neoplasm was expansile, nonencapsulated, and composed of lobules of mature adipocytes ad-mixed with streams and bundles of well-differentiated smooth muscle cells. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells had strong diffuse cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin, and no immunoreactivity for cytokeratin or vimentin. On the basis of gross, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of lipoleiomyoma was made. This is, to the author's knowledge, the first report of canine vulvar lipoleiomyoma.
Local and band approaches to actinide systems

Abstract We investigate two models of interest in the context of actinide and rare earth systems. We extend previous work on the Anderson model for two magnetic configurations and obtain the singlet quasiparticle energy to next leading order in the 1 N expansion. We prove that the appropriate Ward identity and perturbative scaling results are reproduced in this theory. We also prove the opposite limit in which there is significant f-f overlap using the infinite U Hubbard model. Working to second order in the 1 N expansion, we study the quasiparticle scattering amplitudes and find a large enhancement in the Landau parameter ƒa0 near half filling which varies as the cube of the mass enhancement. For a free-electron-like dispersion relation, this implies a transition to a ferromagnetic state for small hole concentrations.
Hemispheric asymmetry, cardiac response, and performance in elite archers.

Abstract Previous sport research on elite athletes has shown systematic changes in psychophysiological measures, such as heart rate (HR) deceleration and hemispheric asymmetries in EEG activity, in the few seconds prior to executing a motor response. These changes are believed to be due to a more focused attention on the external environment. Using archery (an attentive state), this investigation was designed to examine: (a) whether hemispheric asymmetry and HR deceleration would occur during the aiming period, and (b) if they did, whether this would affect performance. HR and left and right temporal EEG were recorded from 28 right-handed elite archers for 16 shots. The results indicated that (a) there was no HR deceleration; (b) during the aiming period, EEG alpha activity formed the dominant frequency and this was significantly greater in the left than in the right hemisphere; (c) there were no significant right hemisphere EEG changes in spectral power from 3 s before the shot to arrow release, but ther...
A new uniform solution for scattering by thin dielectric strips: TM wave incidence

Scattering from thin dielectric sheets is encountered in certain practical situations. To simplify the problem, a thin dielectric structure is usually modeled by a resistive sheet. Many approximate solutions have been proposed for the problem, which all are based on the known exact solution for a resistive half plane. However, the resulting solutions contain a transcendental function known as Maliuzhinets function. We have proposed an approximate solution for a thin dielectric object with any size and shape. The solution is represented in terms of a spectral integral whose integrand contains only elementary functions. Based on this formal solution, a uniform solution for bistatic scattering by a thin dielectric strip is formulated for a TM wave incidence. Through comparisons of results calculated by the uniform solution and a numerical method, such as the method of moments (MoM), the new formulation is verified for several cases. One advantage of the new formulation is that it is expressed in terms of elementary functions, and thus it is much easier to understand scattering behavior.
The gamma-ray spectrum of Geminga and the inverse Compton model of pulsar high energy emission

We reanalyze the Fermi spectra of the Geminga and Vela pulsars. We find that the spectrum of Geminga above the break is exceptionally well approximated by a simple power law without the exponential cut-off, making Geminga's spectrum similar to that of Crab. Vela's broadband gamma-ray spectrum is equally well fit with both the exponential cut-off and the double power law shapes. In the broadband double power-law fits, for a typical Fermi spectrum of a bright \gamma-ray pulsar, most of the errors accumulate due to the arbitrary parametrization of the spectral roll-off. In addition, a power law with an exponential cut-off gives an acceptable fit for the underlying double power-law spectrum for a very broad range of parameters, making such fitting procedures insensitive to the underlying Fermi photon spectrum. Our results have important implications for the mechanism of pulsar high energy emission. A number of observed properties of \gamma-ray pulsars, i.e., the broken power law spectra without exponential cut-offs and stretching in case of Crab beyond the maximal curvature limit, spectral breaks close to or exceeding the maximal breaks due to curvature emission, a Crab patterns of relative intensities of the leading and trailing pulses repeated in the X-ray and \gamma-ray regions, all point to the inverse Compton origin of the high energy emission from majority of pulsars.
Emergent Thrombectomy in a Neonate with an Upper Extremity Arterial Thrombus

Case This case report is of a 39 4/7 weeks infant who presented at the time of birth with an immobile, cyanotic right upper extremity consistent with ischemia but without evidence of gangrene. Doppler examination identified pulses in the axillary but not the brachial or radial arteries. Extremity arterial ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of an arterial thrombosis extending from the right axillary artery to the brachial artery bifurcation. An emergent balloon thrombectomy was performed successfully with immediate return of blood flow. Intraoperative ultrasound demonstrated patent axillary and brachial arteries with forward flow. A retroperitoneal ultrasound and limited hypercoagulable workup failed to identify a source of the arterial thrombus. The infant had normal return of function without residual limb effects. Conclusion Emergent balloon thrombectomy should be heavily considered in neonates with an extremity arterial thrombosis of undeterminable duration both for limb salvage, preserve function, and to prevent long-term growth discordance.
Acetonitrile(6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl)silver(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate

In the title compound, [Ag(CH3CN)(C12H12N2)]CF3SO3, the Ag atom is three-coordinated by one 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl ligand and one acetonitrile mol­ecule, with trifluoro­methane­sulfonate acting as a noncoordinating counter-ion. The two pyridyl rings of the bipyridine ligand are nearly coplanar with a twist angle of 5.35 (5)° between the two mean planes. The commonly seen π-stacking inter­action between the aromatic rings in bipyridine complexes, which reinforces further silver–silver inter­actions, is not observed in the crystal structure of the sterically hindered compound.
Biochemical studies of otosclerosis. Inorganic constituents by neutron activation analysis.

Neutron activation analysis was used to determine the inorganic constituents of stapes and cortical bone. Zinc, sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus were detected. The calcium and phosphorus concentrations in stapes and cortical bone from individuals with otosclerosis was compared to that of bone from non-otosclerotic controls. No significant differences were observed.
Characterization of pH dependent axial ligation changes of monomer and dimer forms of iron(III) uroporphyrin I in aqueous solution

Abstract It has been demonstrated that aqueous solutions of ferric uroporphyrin I chloride contain two species that are resolvable by proton NMR spectroscopy. These have been identified as monomeric and dimeric species. The proton NMR spectra of monomer and dimer forms of ferric uroporphyrin I chloride exhibit a dramatic pH dependence. This behavior is interpreted as a change in axial ligation from the five coordinate hydroxo complex at high pH to the six coordinate di-aquo complex at low pH for the ferric uroporphyrin monomer. Transition to the same low pH form is also achieved by the ferric uroporphyrin dimer, however the pH dependent behavior involves changes in coordination as well as in the extent of dimerization. The apparent pK for this process is 8.75.