cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voluntary activation and decreased force production of the quadriceps femoris muscle after total knee arthroplasty

Background and Purpose. Quadriceps femoris muscle weakness as manifested by a decrease in force-generating capability is a persistent problem after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The authors hypothesized that (1) patients with a TKA would have decreased quadriceps femoris muscle performance (weakness) and impaired volitional activation when compared with a group of older adults without knee pathology, (2) pain and age would account for a large portion of the variability in volitional activation after surgery, and (3) volitional activation in the TKA group would account for a large portion of the variability in force production. Subjects. Comparison subjects were 52 volunteers (mean age=72.2 years, SD=5.34, range=64–85). The TKA group comprised 52 patients (mean age=64.9 years, SD=7.72, range=49–78) with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis who had undergone a tricompartmental, cemented TKA. Methods. Knee extension force was measured using a burst superimposition technique, where a supramaximal burst of electrical stimulation was superimposed on a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The amount of failure of volitional activation is determined by the amount of electrical augmentation of force beyond a person's MVIC at the instant of the application of the electrical burst. Results. The average normalized knee extension force of the TKA group was 64% lower than that of the comparison group. The average volitional activation deficit in the TKA group (26%) was 4 times as great as the comparison group's deficit (6%). Age did not correlate with quadriceps femoris muscle activation, and knee pain explained only a small portion of the variance in knee extension force ( r 2=.17). Volitional activation was highly correlated with knee extension force production ( r 2=.65). Discussion and Conclusion. Considerable quadriceps femoris muscle inhibition after surgery has several implications for recovery. Rehabilitation programs that focus on volitional exercise alone are unlikely to overcome this pronounced failure of activation. Early interventions focused at improving quadriceps femoris muscle voluntary activation may improve efforts to restore muscle force.
Actin cytoskeleton-dependent Rab GTPase-regulated angiotensin type I receptor lysosomal degradation studied by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

The dynamic regulation of the cellular trafficking of human angiotensin Ang type 1 receptor AT1R is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the cellular trafficking of AT1R-enhanced green fluorescent protein EGFP AT1R-EGFP heterologously ex- pressed in HEK293 cells by determining the change in donor lifetime AT1R-EGFP in the presence or absence of acceptors using fluores- cence lifetime imaging-fluorescence resonance energy transfer FRET microscopy. The average lifetime of AT1R-EGFP in our donor-alone samples was 2.33 ns. The basal state lifetime was shortened slightly in the presence of Rab5 2.01±0.10 ns or Rab7 2.11±0.11 ns la- beled with Alexa 555, as the acceptor fluorophore. A 5-min Ang II treatment markedly shortened the lifetime of AT1R-EGFP in the pres- ence of Rab5-Alexa 555 1.78±0.31 ns but was affected minimally in the presence of Rab7-Alexa 555 2.09±0.37 ns .A 30-min Ang II treatment further decreased the AT1R-EGFP lifetime in the presence of both Rab5- and Rab7-Alexa 555. Latrunculin A but not nocodazole pretreatment blocked the ability of Ang II to shorten the AT1R-EGFP lifetime. The occurrence of FRET between AT1R-EGFP donor and LAMP1-Alexa 555 acceptor with Ang II stimulation was impaired by photobleaching the acceptor. These studies demonstrate that Ang II- induced AT1R lysosomal degradation through its association with LAMP1 is regulated by Rab5/7 via mechanisms that are dependent on intact actin cytoskeletons. © 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engi-
Preparation the sustainable use of flame retardants in the electronics industry

The electronics industry is being impacted by changing chemical regulations in Europe and North America. The implications of programs, such as, EU Risk Assessment under Regulation (EEC) 797/93, REACH, and RoHS affect a broad range of materials, including flame retardants. Industry is responding to the challenge to ensure that flame retardants are sustainable. Environmental criteria alone are not sufficient to guarantee availability of flame retardants for the future.
Retrieval-Induced Forgetting Predicts Failure to Recall Negative Autobiographical Memories

There is a positivity bias in autobiographical memory such that people are more likely to remember positive events from their past than they are to remember negative ones. Inhibition may promote this positivity bias by deterring negative memories from being retrieved. In our first experiment, we measured individual differences in retrieval-induced forgetting, a phenomenon believed to be the consequence of retrieval inhibition, and correlated that measure with individual differences in the recall of positive and negative autobiographical memories. Participants who exhibited lower levels of retrieval-induced forgetting recalled significantly more negative memories despite recalling fewer positive memories. In our second experiment, participants attempted to recall negative memories from childhood and from the previous month. Participants who exhibited lower levels of retrieval-induced forgetting recalled significantly more negative memories in both conditions. These results suggest that inhibition plays a key role in preventing the retrieval of negative autobiographical memories.
Capital structure and small public firms

Abstract Most analyses of capital structure, from both a theoretical and an empirical viewpoint, focus on large corporations. As a result of data-availability problems, empirical studies deal with large corporations. Theoretical frameworks typically use illustrations and casual empirical evidence involving large firms. Only limited amounts of research focus on small, growing, entrepreneurial corporations and the factors affecting the capital structures of these firms. Much of current theory in capital structure deals with factors that are not easily and objectively quantified by outside researchers. These factors include items such as expected bankruptcy costs, information asymmetries between management and the financial marketplace, agency costs of monitoring management, and managerial risk preferences. This paper reports on a survey sent to over 400 small, high-growth corporations. Questions on the survey were derived from various strands of the theoretical financial literature on capital structure. Over 27% of the surveys were completed and returned, and give insight into the motivations and preferences of chief financial officers from over 100 small, high-growth corporations. Examination of the responses shows that, contrary to financial theory, factors dealing with bankruptcy costs, agency costs, and information asymmetries play little, if any, major role in affecting capital structure policy. Rather, the responding financial officers seem to follow a “pecking order” in financing their firm's needs (use internal cash as much as possible, issue debt if necessary, issue equity only as a last resort), while being concerned with market conditions and their own preferences. The following are implications of these findings. First, financial theory, which is more and more focusing on “micro” factors while still theorizing efficient “macro” markets, may be incorrectly ignoring the effect that management risk perceptions and preferences play in making capital structure decisions. Thus, additional work is necessary to include the management in theories of capital structure. Second, this survey allows outsiders to peer inside the managerial black box and gain insight into the factors that motivate and impact capital structure decisions. It provides an empirical basis to help determine which influences are important. Third, managers of entrepreneurial firms and investors in venture capital can compare their own beliefs, perceptions, and motivations against the mean results obtained from our sample of high-growth firms.
Recent Intron Gain in Elongation Factor-1α of Colletid Bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)

We discovered the presence of a unique spliceosomal intron in the F1 copy of elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) restricted to the bee family Colletidae (Hymenoptera: Apoidae). The intron ranges in size from 101 to 1044 bp and shows no positional sliding. Our data also demonstrate the complete absence of this intron from exemplars representing all other bee families, as well as from close hymenopteran relatives. A review of the literature finds that this intron is likewise absent from all other arthropods for which data are available. This provides unambiguous evidence for a relatively recent intron insertion event in the colletid common ancestor and, at least in this specific instance, lends support to the introns-late hypothesis. The comparative distribution of this novel intron also supports the monophyly of Colletidae and the exclusion of the Stenotritidae from this family, providing an example of the potential of some introns to act as robust markers of shared descent.
Examining the nexus of science communication and science education: A content analysis of genetics news articles

Access to science information via communications in the media is rapidly becoming a central means for the public to gain knowledge about scientific advancements. However, little is known about what content knowledge is essential for understanding issues presented in news media. Very few empirical studies attempt to bridge science communication and science education research. This study presents findings from an inductive content analysis of genetics news articles from the New York Times' science section. The analysis sought to characterize the genetic content knowledge anticipated as necessary to reason about featured issues. From the analysis, it is anticipated that individuals need detailed knowledge of molecular mechanisms in order to reason about such issues. Implications for supporting students' scientific literacy in terms of the nexus of science communication and science education is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 397–409, 2015
Distinct variant DNA-binding sites determine cell-specific autoregulated expression of the Drosophila POU domain transcription factor drifter in midline glia or trachea.

Transcriptional regulators utilizing the POU domain DNA-binding motif have been shown to form multiprotein complexes dependent on the POU domain itself and its flexibile recognition of various octamer sequence elements. We have identified two variant POU domain recognition elements, DFRE1 and DFRE2, which are found within a 514-bp autoregulatory enhancer of the Drosophila melanogaster POU domain gene drifter (dfr). Both elements are capable of binding bacterially produced full-length DFR protein with high affinity, although they differ in the 5*-to-3*orientation of POU-specific and POU homeodomain subelements. When placed indfrloss-of-function genetic backgrounds, all expression ofdfr-lacZfusion genes under control of the autoregulatory enhancer is dependent on DFR activity levels. However, the complete enhancer sequence directs b-galactosidase expression in only a subset of cells which normally express the endogenous DFR protein, including the middle pair of midline glias of the ventral nerve cord, the oenocyte clusters, and all tracheal cells. In addition, DFRE1 and DFRE2 exhibit separable tissue-specific functions when independently disrupted or deleted. Disruption of DFRE1 function specifically abolishes b-galactosidase expression in the middle pair of midline glias. Deletion of DFRE2 causes a specific loss of tracheal expression, leaving oenocyte and midline glia expression intact. These results suggest thatdfrcell-specific autoregulation is determined by the context of DFR POU domain binding within the enhancer, which is possibly mediated by the formation of recognition element-specific heteromultimeric complexes containing additional tissue-specific factors. Molecular and developmental analyses of the Drosophila melanogaster drifter(dfr) gene have shown that DFR protein is expressed under tight tissue-specific control in the middle pair of midline glias (MGM) and selected neurons of the ventral nerve cord as well as in all tracheal cells and oenocytes during embryogenesis. Maintenance of this restricted pattern of expression is required for tracheal and midline glial cell differentiation and migration (2). The DFR protein contains an evolutionarily conserved DNA-binding domain, the POU domain,whichiscomposedofthePOU-specific(POUSP)domain and the POU homeodomain (POUHD) connected by aflexible linker (16). This bipartite structure allows the POU domain to display a broad range of specificity for DNA recognition elements (9, 26) and immense potential for tissue-specific interactions with coregulators (16). Such functionally adaptable characteristicsresultinafamilyofhighlyversatileregulatorsof developmental gene expression identified in numerous species
Hysterectomy subsequent to endometrial ablation.

Abstract Study Objective To estimate the incidence of and factors associated with hysterectomy subsequent to endometrial ablation. Design Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Gynecology practice. Patients Women who underwent endometrial ablation from January 2003 to June 2010, with a minimum follow-up of 9 months. Interventions Endometrial ablation and hysterectomy. Measurements and Main Results Of 1169 women, 157 (13.4%) underwent hysterectomy subsequent to endometrial ablation. Women who underwent subsequent hysterectomy were significantly younger at ablation (mean [SD; 95% CI] 39.0 [6.8; 38.0–40.1] years vs 41.4 [7.0; 41.0–41.9] years; p Conclusion With a mean follow-up of 39 months, 13.4% of women underwent hysterectomy subsequent to ablation. Women who were younger at ablation had an increased likelihood of hysterectomy. Rate and time to hysterectomy were associated with the type of ablation performed.
Development and Validation of a Nutritional Education Pamphlet for Low Literacy Pediatric Oncology Caregivers in Central America

A culturally appropriate nutrition education pamphlet was developed and validated for low-literacy caregivers in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The pamphlet was developed after a preliminary survey of pediatric oncology nurses in the 3 countries to assess the need for education materials, caregiver literacy levels, and local eating habits. Experts in nutrition and low-literacy patient education and pediatric oncology nurses validated the pamphlet’s content and design. The pamphlet was validated positively and has been circulated to pediatric oncology caregivers in Central America.
Telomerase activity and differential expression of telomerase genes and c‐myc in chicken cells in vitro

This study examined telomerase activity and gene expression profiles for three genes in Gallus gallus domesticus: telomerase reverse transcriptase (chTERT), telomerase RNA (chTR), and c-myc. Expression of these genes was studied in chicken embryonic stem (chES) cells, chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs), and DT40 cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results establish that, relative to transcription levels in telomerase-negative CEFs, chTERT and chTR are up-regulated in telomerase-positive chES cells. Transcription levels of chTERT, chTR, and c-myc are dramatically up-regulated in telomerase-positive DT40 cells, relative to CEFs and chES cells. These results are consistent with a model in which telomerase activity is up-regulated in proliferating embryonic stem cells requiring stable telomeres to endure multiple rounds of cell division; down-regulated in differentiated, lifespan-limited cells; and dramatically up-regulated in immortalized, transformed cells for which uncontrolled proliferation is correlated with c-myc dysregulation and telomerase activity.
Cardiac muscle tissue engineering: toward an in vitro model for electrophysiological studies

The objective of this study was to establish a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model system of cardiac muscle for electrophysiological studies. Primary neonatal rat ventricular cells containing lo...
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide: The Level and the Drug— Partners in the Diagnosis and Management of Congestive Heart Failure

Over the past 100 years, cardiovascular disease has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A tremendous increase in incidence and prevalence of heart failure has been observed in the United States. The cost of managing heart failure itself is $56 billion a year, 70% of which is due to hospitalization. Although we have made tremendous advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of congestive heart failure, the diagnosis of the disease still remains difficult. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure are nonspecific. The recognition of the role of B-type natriuretic peptide as an objective marker for the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of acute coronary syndromes and congestive heart failure was truly a breakthrough for clinicians and patients faced with cardiovascular disease. Also, the high levels of endogenous B-type natriuretic peptide may be released as a “distress hormone”; that is, these levels are no longer effective in maintaining the balance of vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Hence it makes intuitive and practical sense that giving back B-type natriuretic peptide in the form of exogenous nesiritide might restore neurohormonal homeostasis. Therefore, lately there has been a lot of interest shown in the use of recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide as a drug. This article reviews the literature concerning the use of these peptides in a variety of clinical scenarios and the use of recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide in decompensated heart failure. (CHF. 2004;10(1 suppl 1):3–27) © 2004 CHF, Inc.
Modeling of electromechanical behavior of woven SiC/SiC composites

A coupled electro-mechanical model was developed to predict the mechanical behavior of woven SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites and electrical resistance response to mechanical damages in the composites. The matrix is explicitly included in the model such that the matrix cracking and fiber break can be linked to the electrical resistance change during loading. The results show that the electrical resistance increases linearly with an increase of matrix crack density and the number of fiber breaks. The predictions are compared to the experimental results on 2D woven SiC/SiC ceramic composites. With proper materials parameters input, the models can accurately predict the stress–strain curve and electrical resistance change during the loading. The model is further compared to an analytical solution of electromechanical coupling to get an insight into the electrical–mechanical interaction mechanisms in the composites.
Measuring the intensity of object coupling in C++ programs

Software metrics increase our ability to understand the behavior of software systems. An accurate measurement provides us with solid understanding of the entity we are measuring. In Object Oriented software, most current metrics quantify a class's coupling complexity by simply counting the number of connections with other classes but such metrics are unable to capture the underlying complexity or tension of individual connections. In this paper we propose a technique for measuring the strength of interclass relationships that takes into account both the number of statements participating in the connection, as well as the complexity of those statements. Our approach introduces a new concept for measuring Object Oriented coupling complexity and provides a more sensitive measurement than traditional approaches. We present examples in C++ to support our method.
CLF-Based Control Design for Unknown Multiinput Nonlinear Systems With Good Transient Performance

This technical note tackles the problem of constructing state-feedback stabilizers that guarantee good transient closed-loop performance when applied to general unknown nonlinear multiinput state-feedback stabilizable systems. An adaptive Control Lyapunov Function-based control scheme is proposed in order to address this problem. Mathematical analysis establishes that the proposed control scheme guarantees good closed-loop transient performance outside the regions where the system is uncontrollable, provided the controlled system admits a controllability-like property.
Variance-based sampling for cycle time: throughput confidence intervals

In the analysis of a manufacturing system, the analyst is often interested in the change in mean cycle time as a function of different throughput (start rate) levels. Since the variance of the mean cycle time generally increases as the start rate increases, an equal allocation of simulation effort at each simulated throughput level will result in confidence intervals of different widths. This paper discusses an approach for generating nearly equal sized mean cycle time confidence intervals at selected throughput levels when the computing budget is fixed (limited). The simulation effort allocation procedure described in this paper determines the proportion of the fixed budget to allocate at each throughput level based on the asymptotic variance.
Asymptotic theory for a bathtub vortex in a rotating tank

Fluid entering the periphery of a cylindrical tank mounted on a rotating table is pumped inwards toward a central, floor drain by a potential vortex that is established in the fluid interior. We present here an asymptotic theory for small Rossby and Ekman numbers, including detailed solutions in the vortex core. Results for azimuthal velocity variation with radius agree quite well with the experiments of Andersen et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 556, 2006, pp. 121–146), in spite of their free upper boundary. Modifications of the flow are presented in the instance that a short cylinder is place on the tank axis as in the work of Chen et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 733, 2013, pp. 134–157). The overall flow structure found here is exactly that noted by both Andersen et al. and Chen et al.
Immunocytochemical localization of the neural-specific regulatory subunit of the type II cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase to postsynaptic structures in the rat brain

The cellular and subcellular distribution of a major cyclic AMP binding protein in the central nervous system, the neural-specific regulatory subunit of the type II cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (RII-B), was analyzed in rat brains with light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical methods. The distribution of the non-neural isoform of the regulatory subunit of the enzyme (RII-H) was also analyzed. It was found that RII-B immunoreactivity was predominantly localized to neurons whereas glial and endothelial cells were unlabeled. In the neurons the RII-B immunoreactivity occurred in the perikaryal cytoplasm and in the dendrites; there was no significant accumulation of immunoreaction product in nuclei, myelinated axons and axon terminals. Although immunoreactivity was never detected in axon terminals, it was characteristically associated with the postsynaptic densities and the surrounding non-synaptic sites in somata, dendrites and dendritic spines. The localization of RII-B antigenic sites did not show specificity to any type of neuron or synapse, but the amount of immunoreactivity varied. The distribution of RII-H immunoreactivity was similar to that of RII-B except that RII-H immunoreaction product was also observed in glial cells and occurred more frequently in myelinated axons. Our data confirm that RII-B is one of the major cyclic AMP binding proteins in neurons, and provide morphological support for the involvement of the type II cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in postsynaptic neural functions.
Controlling Proton Conductivity with Light: A Scheme Based on Photoacid Doping of Materials.

Transducing light energy to changes in material properties is central to a large range of functional materials, including those used in light harvesting. In conventional semiconductors, photoconductivity arises due to generation of mobile electrons or holes with light. Here we demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, an analogue of this effect for protons in an organic polymer solution and in water. We show that when a material is doped with photoacids, light excitation generates extra mobile protons that change the low-frequency conductivity of the material. We measure such change both in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and in water sandwiched between two transparent electrodes and doped with a well-known photoacid 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS). The complex impedance of the material is measured over a range of 0.1 Hz–1 MHz in both the presence and absence of light, and it is found that shining light changes the low frequency impedance significantly. We model the impedance spectra of ...
A Software Tool for Analyzing Motions and Loading in Spatial Tensegrity Structures

Tensegrity structures are a unique class of mechanisms since they are overconstrained but possess mobility due to member compliance. Visualization of these systems is an important step in their design. This paper presents a simulation tool developed in the MATLAB programming environment for simulation of spatial tensegrity structures. Particularly, it allows visualization of motion (animation) of tensegrity mechanisms, as well as determination of load distributions. A compatibility-based solution approach is used to handle the constraints of loading cables in tension only. The result is a design/analysis tool useful not only for tensegrity mechanisms, but general planar and spatial mechanisms as well. This is illustrated by examples.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
An introduction for machining researchers to measurement uncertainty sources in thermal images of metal cutting

Thermal imaging yields valuable information which improves and verifies the accuracy of machining models. There are three main steps involved when measuring temperature distribution of the tool, workpiece, or chip during metal cutting; acquiring a thermal image, converting imaged temperature to apparent temperature, and converting apparent temperature to true temperature. There are many error sources to consider. It is important to understand how these error sources affect measurement uncertainty. Some are familiar to anyone performing thermography measurements, such as uncertainties in camera calibration. However, metal cutting presents unique measurement challenges due to factors such as the high magnification required, high surface speeds, micro blackbody effects, and changing emissivity. This paper is an introduction, focusing on thermal images, though visible spectrum images are also shown. Some examples illustrate basic concepts, while others are more complex. For brevity, specifics of cutting experiments are not given, as this paper has a measurement focus.
Opiate Receptor Binding of Agonists and Antagonists Affected Differentially by Sodium

Receptor binding of the tritiated opiate antagonists naloxone, nalorphine, and levallorphan is enhanced by sodium ion, while binding of the tritiated agonists oxymorphone, dihydromorphine, and levorphanol is diminished. This differential effect of Na+ is highly specific, since it is elicited by Na+ and Li+ but not by other monovalent or divalent cations. The relative effectiveness of nonradioactive opiates in inhibiting [3H]naloxone binding in the absence and presence of Na+ in vitro correlates impressively with their relative agonist-antagonist properties in vivo . It is hypothesized that sodium allosterically transforms opiate receptor sites from conformations which bind agonists more readily to conformations which bind antagonists more readily. This hypothesis is supported by the competition of opiate agonists and antagonists for receptor sites, the marked temperature dependence of binding, the similar extent of binding of tritiated agonists and antagonists at maximal saturation, the concurrent increase in naloxone binding sites and decrease in dihydromorphine binding sites caused by the addition of Na+, and the ability of Na+ to increase [3H]dihydromorphine dissociation with no effect on [3H]naloxone dissociation. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We gratefully acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of Adele M. Snowman.
Efficient FPGA Implementations and Cryptanalysis of Automata-based Dynamic Convolutional Cryptosystems.

With the exception of the recently proposed class of cascaded dynamic convolutional cryptosystems, all the symmetric cryptosystems studied so far in the literature are static, in the sense that their structure do not change at all during encryption/decryption. In this paper, we propose and analyze a new class of dynamic symmetric cryptosystems, called automata-based dynamic convolutional cryptosystems (ADCCs). The paper is organized as follows. First, we provide the reader with a brief introduction to convolutional codes. Second, we give the definition of an ADCC, and then show how to use such a cryptosystem for encryption/decryption. Third, we provide a thorough security analysis of ADCCs, and then discuss their practical advantages. The conclusion of our cryptanalysis is that an ADCC is very hard to break completely, but quite easy to break partially. Fourth, an extension of ADCCs, called nonlinear cascaded ADCCs, is proposed and shown to be much more secure in practice than ADCCs. Finally, an efficient FPGA implementation of nonlinear cascaded ADCCs is presented.
Use of the inhaled corticosteroid to bronchodilator ratio in an audit of the treatment of asthma in an academic family medicine residency programme

INTRODUCTION: Asthma affects around 5% of the United States population, with 50% having uncontrolled symptoms. AIM: To improve asthma care by seeing if the inhaled corticosteroid to bronchodilator ratio (RATIO) is associated with asthma control and if non-clinical factors were associated with adherence to asthma guidelines. METHOD: A retrospective study using University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, School of Community Medicine Family Medicine Clinic electronic medical records of a random sample of 49 patients with asthma who were seen at least twice from July 2003 through June 2007 and did not have a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or exercise-induced asthma. RESULTS: The RATIO for those prescribed corticosteroid inhalers was directly related to the actual step of asthma care (STEP) but inversely related to the number of prednisone courses prescribed per year (R2=.30, p=0.0012). The difference between the actual STEP and ideal STEP (had corticosteroid inhalers been prescribed for all the months in the study) was directly related to the percent of available salbutamol (albuterol) inhalers that non-clinicians refilled and inversely related to the actual STEP (R2=.45, p=1.8 x 10-5). The available corticosteroid inhalers prescribed was directly related to the actual STEP and inversely related to the number of comorbid diagnoses addressed at the last asthma visit (R2=.70, p=5.8 x 10-10). DISCUSSION: Efforts to both limit salbutamol medications, especially by non-clinicians, and simultaneously prescribe appropriate amounts of inhaled corticosteroids, through a dedicated asthma visit, should improve asthma control. A higher RATIO implies better asthma control. KEYWORDS: Asthma; anti-inflammatory agents; albuterol; bronchodilator agents; drug therapy, combination; medical audit
A ccepting God's Offer of Personal Communion in the Words and Deeds of Christ, Handed on in the Body of Christ, His Church

The Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on faith and reason insists on both the superiority of faith over reason and the basic harmony between faith and reason. Against rationalism (the idea that reason is superior to faith) the Catholic Church has insisted that faith is above reason, that by divine faith we are aware of things we could not have been aware of through natural reason (that is, reason unaided by divine faith), and that we cannot, in this life, fully understand the mysteries revealed to us by God in the words and deeds of the prophets and of Jesus Christ. Yet, against fideism (the idea that reason is unnecessary in the life of faith, and perhaps even essentially untrustworthy), the Catholic Church has insisted that human reason has not been completely corrupted by original sin, that it retains a basic capacity to apprehend truth, although seriously wounded by original sin, it has an important role to play within the act of faith, and that philosophy (a work of reason) has an important role within theology (the developed understanding of faith). In other words, while faith and reason are distinct, and faith is superior to reason, there remains a need for both (see John Paul II, 1998, chapter V, especially #49-56). This position can be understood more fully only by examining the Catholic positions on revelation, faith, and reason.
Error Modeling and Compensation for Parallel Kinematic Machines

In this paper, inverse and forward kinematic models were derived to analyze and enhance the performance of a hexapod machine with parallel kinematic structure. Analytical models were constructed for both ideal and real structures. Performance assessment and enhancement algorithms were developed to determine the strut lengths for both ideal and real structures. The strut lengths determined from both cases can be used to analyze the effect of structural imperfections on machine performance. Experiment and simulation results show that the performance of a parallel kinematic machine can be enhanced through error modeling and compensation.
Intrinsic Cellular Properties and Connectivity Density Determine Variable Clustering Patterns in Randomly Connected Inhibitory Neural Networks

The plethora of inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus and cortex play a pivotal role in generating rhythmic activity by clustering and synchronizing cell firing. Results of our simulations demonstrate that both the intrinsic cellular properties of neurons and the degree of network connectivity affect the characteristics of clustered dynamics exhibited in randomly connected, heterogeneous inhibitory networks. We quantify intrinsic cellular properties by the neuron's current-frequency relation (IF curve) and Phase Response Curve (PRC), a measure of how perturbations given at various phases of a neuron’s firing cycle affect subsequent spike timing. We analyze network bursting properties of networks of neurons with Type I or Type II properties in both excitability and PRC profile; Type I PRCs strictly show phase advances and IF curves that exhibit frequencies arbitrarily close to zero at firing threshold while Type II PRCs display both phase advances and delays and IF curves that have a non-zero frequency at threshold. Type II neurons whose properties arise with or without an M-type adaptation current are considered. We analyze network dynamics under different levels of cellular heterogeneity and as intrinsic cellular firing frequency and the time scale of decay of synaptic inhibition are varied. Many of the dynamics exhibited by these networks diverge from the predictions of the interneuron network gamma (ING) mechanism, as well as from results in all-to-all connected networks. Our results show that randomly connected networks of Type I neurons synchronize into a single cluster of active neurons while networks of Type II neurons organize into two mutually exclusive clusters segregated by the cells' intrinsic firing frequencies. Networks of Type II neurons containing the adaptation current behave similarly to networks of either Type I or Type II neurons depending on network parameters; however, the adaptation current creates differences in the cluster dynamics compared to those in networks of Type I or Type II neurons. To understand these results, we compute neuronal PRCs calculated with a perturbation matching the profile of the synaptic current in our networks. Differences in profiles of these PRCs across the different neuron types reveal mechanisms underlying the divergent network dynamics.
Pleasure's Place

ABSTRACTMatthen usefully distinguishes between mere ‘r-pleasures’ (associated with relief) and ‘f-pleasures’: ‘facilitating’ pleasures that are valuable in drawing out the ‘self-reinforcing’ characteristic of good art. But there are reasons, especially from a Kantian Critical perspective with which Matthen sympathizes, to worry about any such ‘hedonistic’ approach to aesthetics, however valuable its general account of pleasure may be. Especially deserving of emphasis are the role of objectivity (in a broad sense) and the significance of aesthetic goals other than pleasure.
The Neurological Sequelae of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Definitions, Diagnosis and Treatment of the Kernicterus Spectrum Disorders (KSDs).

Background Despite its lengthy history, the study of jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus suffers from a lack of clarity and consistency in the key terms used to describe both the clinical and pathophysiological nature of these conditions. For example, the term Bilirubin-induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) has been used to refer to all neurological sequelae caused by exposure to high levels of bilirubin, to only mild neurological sequelae, or to scoring systems that quantitate the progressive stages of Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy (ABE). Objective We seek to clarify and simplify terminology by introducing, defining, and proposing new terms and diagnostic criteria for kernicterus. Methods We propose a systematic nomenclature based on pathophysiological and clinical criteria, presenting a logical argument for each term. Acknowledging observations that kernicterus is symptomatically broad and diverse, we propose the use of the overarching term Kernicterus Spectrum Disorders (KSDs) to encompass all the neurological sequelae of bilirubin neurotoxicity including Acute Bilirubin Neurotoxicity (ABE). We further suggest subclassification of KSDs based on the principal disabling features of kernicterus (motor, auditory). Finally, we suggest the term subtle KSD to designate a child with a history of significant bilirubin neurotoxicity with mild or subtle developmental delays. Results and conclusion We conclude with a brief description of the limited treatments currently available for KSD, thereby underscoring the importance of further research. We believe that adopting a systematic nomenclature for the spectrum of clinical consequences of hyperbilirubinemia will help unify the field and promote more effective research in both prevention and treatment of KSDs.
FeVI, FeV, and FeIV oxidation of cyanide: Elucidating the mechanism using density functional theory calculations

Abstract Fe VI O 4 2− (Fe VI ) is a promising oxidant/disinfectant and coagulant in treating water. Fe V O 4 3− (Fe V ) and Fe IV O 4 4− (Fe IV ) are intermediates in oxidations performed by Fe VI and are highly effective in degrading recalcitrant contaminants. The performance of each ferrate requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism. This paper presents the use of density functional theory (DFT) to understand the oxidation of cyanide by Fe VI , Fe V , and Fe IV . The sequence of steps in the oxidation process is the same for all three species. The electrostatic attraction of the positive H and C on HCN for two of the negative oxygen atoms on the ferrate is followed by the formation of a C-O bond with cleavage of an Fe-O bond. Subsequently, the formation of an H-O bond occurs with cleavage of the H-C bond, resulting in the formation of an NCO – ferrate complex. However, the energetics are different, with C-O bond formation being the rate determining step for Fe VI while for Fe V and Fe IV it is the transfer of the H from C to O. Energy calculations describe the order of reactivity of ferrates with HCN as Fe V > Fe IV > Fe VI , which agrees well with experimental results.
Associations of Race and Ethnicity With Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Care Utilization Among Older Adults Initiating a New Episode of Care for Back Pain.

Study Design.Secondary analysis of the Back Pain Outcomes using Longitudinal Data (BOLD) cohort study.Objective.To characterize associations of self-reported race/ethnicity with back pain (BP) patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and health care utilization among older adults with a new episode of care
Evaluating the promise of recombinant transmissible vaccines

Transmissible vaccines have the potential to revolutionize infectious disease control by reducing the vaccination effort required to protect a population against a disease. Recent efforts to develop transmissible vaccines focus on recombinant transmissible vaccine designs (RTVs) because they pose reduced risk if intra-host evolution causes the vaccine to revert to its vector form. However, the shared antigenicity of the vaccine and vector may confer vaccine-immunity to hosts infected with the vector, thwarting the ability of the vaccine to spread through the population. We build a mathematical model to test whether a RTV can facilitate disease management in instances where reversion is likely to introduce the vector into the population or when the vector organism is already established in the host population, and the vector and vaccine share perfect cross-immunity. Our results show that a RTV can autonomously eradicate a pathogen, or protect a population from pathogen invasion, when cross-immunity between vaccine and vector is absent. If cross-immunity between vaccine and vector exists, however, our results show that a RTV can substantially reduce the vaccination effort necessary to control or eradicate a pathogen only when continuously augmented with direct manual vaccination. These results demonstrate that estimating the extent of cross-immunity between vector and vaccine is a critical step in RTV design, and that herpesvirus vectors showing facile reinfection and weak cross-immunity are promising.
Intravenous Lidocaine Provides Similar Analgesia to Intravenous Morphine for Undifferentiated Severe Pain in the Emergency Department: A Pilot, Unblinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives We compared the analgesic effects of intravenous (IV) lidocaine and IV morphine for the treatment of severe pain in the emergency department (ED). Methods This was a pilot, unblinded randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy of IV lidocaine vs IV morphine for patients aged ≥18 years with severe pain (numerical rating scale [NRS] ≥ 7). Participants were randomized to receive IV lidocaine (75 mg if 100 kg) over 10 minutes, followed by a 50-minute IV lidocaine infusion of the same dose or provider-chosen dose of morphine. Participants were eligible for rescue morphine. The primary outcome was the difference in patients' mean reported pain at 60 minutes. Secondary outcomes included total morphine consumption, patient satisfaction, and side effects. Results Thirty-two patients were enrolled. The lidocaine arm's mean pain NRS at 60 minutes was 5.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.3 to 6.8) compared with 4.2 (95% CI = 3.0 to 5.4) in the morphine arm, and the absolute difference was 0.9 (95% CI = -1.2 to 2.9). Among participants in the lidocaine and morphine arms, 13% and 38%, respectively, had side effects. Patient satisfaction was similar in both arms (87% and 88%). Lidocaine arm patients averaged 4.5 mg of IV morphine (95% CI = 3.0 to 6.0) compared with 8.4 mg (95% CI = 6.9 to 9.8) in the morphine arm, an absolute difference of 3.9 mg (95% CI = 1.8 to 5.9). Conclusions We found similar pain relief and satisfaction in both study arms. Lidocaine arm participants had fewer side effects and required less morphine. Lidocaine is a potential opioid-sparing analgesic that deserves further study for severe pain in ED patients.
Thrombolytic Therapy in Stroke Patients

The use of tissue plasminogen activators (t-PA) for acute stroke was proven safe and effective in the National Institutes of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) study of t-PA for acute stroke, published in 1995 (1). The therapy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996, and endorsed by the American Heart Association, American Academy of Neurology, and National Stroke Association in 1997 (2, 3, 4). Nevertheless, some authorities argued that thrombolytic therapy with t-PA for stroke was still not ready for general use, leaving the practitioner in an awkward position (5). Since the original approval, there have been several reports that bear on some of the questions raised by skeptics. What have we learned since the original study to answer remaining concerns about thrombolytic stroke therapy? Are data available now, that were not available previously, to reassure neurologists that it is now time to expand their use of thrombolytic therapy for stroke patients? The extension of thrombolytic therapy into the community—that is outside of specialized academic medical centers—is presented in Chapter 9. In the previous edition of this book, the case for limiting the use of thrombolytic therapy was eloquently made by Dr. Lou Caplan; for this edition, in Chapter 14, Dr. Caplan continues to point out the limitations of our understanding of thrombolysis, while making a case in favor of limiting thrombolytic use to specialized centers. Here, we will present the case in favor of thrombolytic therapy under the current guidelines.
The computer science curriculum: make room for wireless!

Due to the increasing growth in wireless networks, there is an urgent need for professionals who understand and can implement emerging technologies. Although most universities have risen to this challenge by adding wireless topics to their curricula, they have typically integrated these topics into their engineering programs. For example, the Ohio State University offers graduate education in Wireless Engineering. The wireless concepts taught in such curricula include radio engineering, antenna installation, hardware design issues and other engineering subjects [12].Computer Science programs have been slow to incorporate topics such as wireless programming and applications in their curricula. This paper advocates the adoption of a strong wireless component in computer science curricula in the form of a separate course. The rationale and benefits of such a course are presented, along with an evaluation of an experimental course in wireless networking. Guidelines and recommendations are provided, which can be adopted by other institutions.
Feminist Cringe Comedy: Dear Dick, The Joke Is on You

Feminist cringe comedies eschew the conventions of romance and sentimentality in favor of comedy that discomforts. Cringe comedies are one example of what I call feminism's visual realisms, so named for doing feminist political work by evoking laughter and the cringe. The cringe pulls us inward in our posture, while laughter opens us to others. This bodily response to cringe comedies interrupts the fantasies of the male gaze and makes space for spectators to acknowledge the excessive, complicated, and seemingly shameful realities of female desire. My primary example is Jill Soloway's television adaptation of Chris Kraus's I Love Dick, a series that builds on the feminist legacy of avant-garde director Catherine Breillat. Departing from politically correct narratives and comforting or sentimental affect, I Love Dick achieves feminist community through the appeal, the cringe, and the irruption of laughter.