cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractographic fingerprinting of proton-irradiation-induced disordering and amorphization of intermetallic compounds

The intermetallic compounds NiTi, NiTi/sub 2/, CuZr, CuTi/sub 2/, and Zr/sub 3/Al were irradiated by 2 MeV protons at various temperatures between --175 /degree/C and --44 /degree/C to a fluence of 1.9/times/10/sup 22/ H/sup +//m/sup 2/. Transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and x-ray diffraction were used to evaluate the extents of disordering and amorphization induced by irradiation in the samples. Both phenomena progressed to varying extents in the five compounds, depending on the irradiation temperature and dose. It was observed that the C-A transition began before the degree of long-range order was reduced significantly, and that the amorphous phase nucleated homogeneously throughout the crystalline matrix. A major finding of the current investigation is that the technique of scanning electron fractography provides a useful correlation between the features of the fractured surfaces and the microstructural alterations induced by the proton irradiations. When amorphization is complete the fracture surfaces are either featureless (e.g., NiTi/sub 2/) or contain branching features resembling river patterns. In some cases (especially in CuZr) these are similar to the markings seen on the surface of fractured amorphous ribbons produced by melt-spinning. In general, however, there is not a particularly good correlation between the features on the fracture surfacesmore » of the irradiated and melt-spun ribbons. When the microstructure consists of amorphous regions embedded in a partially disordered crystalline matrix, there is consierable evidence for irradiation-induced ductility. In such cases, exemplified by the results on NiTi and Zr/sub 3/Al, the fracture surfaces contain dimples, characteristic of ductile fracture, suggesting that disordering promotes ductility.« less
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Spin-echo imaging is commonly used for assessment of cardiac and great vessel anatomy. With classic spin-echo imaging, rapidly moving blood appears dark. At current field strengths (1.5 and 3.0 tesla), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is considered safe for bioprosthetic and mechanical heart valves. Older (pre-2000) cardiac pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are an absolute contraindication to higher field (≥0.5 T) CMR. Patients with newer pacemaker systems may be safely scanned using specific protocols. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is an important noninvasive technique for evaluating thoracic aortic aneurysms. The clinical “gold standard” for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is contrast CT angiography (CTA). For patients who are not candidates for CTA due to renal dysfunction or contrast allergic history, pulmonary artery magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an excellent noninvasive alternative with high sensitivity and specificity. Cine CMR provides an excellent means for quantitative assessment of left and right ventricular volumes, global ejection fraction, regional systolic function, and biventricular mass. Available data suggest dobutamine stress CMR is a sensitive technique for the noninvasive recognition of coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary artery bypass graft patency is well evaluated by spin echo, gradient echo, and gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) enhanced coronary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance provides the noninvasive means to assess myocardial viability and fibrosis accurately. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance has great value for characterizing paracardiac and extracardiac tumors and their extension into the myocardium, cardiac chambers, or neighboring mediastinal structures. Both spin-echo CMR and CT are capable of measuring pericardial thickness accurately. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance has great utility for both simple and complex congenital heart disease. Coronary MRI for identification and characterization of anomalous coronary arteries is widely accepted.
Rule-based extrapolation in perceptual categorization

Erickson and Kruschke (1998) provided a demonstration that in certain situations people will classify novel stimuli according to an extrapolated rule, even when the most similar training exemplar is an exception to the rule. This result challenged exemplar models. Nosofsky and Johansen (2000) have called this finding into question by offering an exemplar-based explanation for those data based on the perceptual features of the stimuli. Here, we describe the results of a new experiment that yields results similar to those found previouslywithout the questionable perceptual features:Participantswho learn to classify all the training stimuli have patterns of generalization that indicate a combination of rule and exemplar representation. ATRIUM, a hybrid rule and exemplar model (Erickson & Kruschke, 1998), is shown to account for these data much better than ALCOVE, an exemplar model (Kruschke, 1992).Moreover, four alternate exemplar explanations, including one suggested by Nosofsky and Johansen, cannot account for our new findings.
Assessment of mortgage default risk via Bayesian reliability models

In this paper, we consider duration-type models and their generalizations for modeling default risk. The models are motivated by noting similarities between reliability-survival analysis and mortgage default risk. We present Bayesian modeling strategies used in reliability analysis for describing time to default data. Our models include proportional hazards-type generalized gamma and mixture models, which are capable of capturing nonmonotonic default rates. We develop Bayesian inference for our models and illustrate their implementation using actual time to default data from the U.S. mortgage market. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity of density separation media to Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium strain PC01: implications for density‐separation of soils and sediments

Separation of low-density sediment detritus in CsCl solution is a promising technique for benthic studies. The known toxicity of CsCl suggests the possibility of toxicity in the separated sediment. Fluoranthene biodegradation by Mycobacterium strain PC01 was used to probe microbial activity in sediment following density separation. Complete inhibition of biodegradation occurred in sediment previously contacted with CsCl media, but washing eliminated inhibition. Washing may not be preferable for subsequent study of the separated sediment, suggesting the need for less toxic media. We studied how various density separation media affected the viability of Escherichia coli to quantify toxicity. Although all media decreased viability, Nycodenz® and metrizamide were one to three orders of magnitude less toxic to bacteria than CsCl or Na2WO4. Toxicity was generally related to ionic strength. These results demonstrate that iodinated benzoic acids are superior to metal salts solutions for preserving biological activity on separated sediment or soil.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Primer for Interventionalists and Imagers

In recent years, research advancement in stem cell therapy has been rapid. Accordingly, general clinical, scientific, and public attention to the application of stem cell therapy has been substantial. Promises are great, most notably with regard to the application of stem cell therapy for diseases that are currently difficult to treat or incurable such as Parkinson disease or diabetes mellitus. It is in the best interest of patient care for diagnostic and interventional radiologists to be actively involved in the development of these therapies, both at the bench and at the bedside in clinical studies. Specifically, the diagnostic radiologist can become an expert in imaging, tracking, and monitoring of stem cells and in the assessment of engraftment efficiency, whereas the interventionalist is a natural expert in targeted stem cell delivery by means of different routes (percutaneous, selective intravenous, or intraarterial). In addition, there is a potential role for the interventionalist to create engraftment territory and increase engraftment bed fertility with controlled intentional tissue destruction (eg, by means of thermal ablation) that might precede stem cell administration.
Twenty years of conservation tillage research in subarctic Alaska: II. Impact on soil hydraulic properties

Soil management practices are needed in the subarctic that stabilize the soil against the forces of wind and water as well as conserve soil water for crop production. There is a paucity of information, however, regarding the long-term effects of conservation tillage on soil hydraulic properties in subarctic Alaska. The objective of this study was therefore to characterize infiltration, water retention, and saturated hydraulic conductivity of a soil 20 years after establishing tillage and straw management treatments in interior Alaska. The strip plot experimental design, established on a silt loam and maintained in continuous barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), included tillage as the main treatment and straw management as the secondary treatment. Tillage treatments included no tillage, autumn chisel plow, spring disk, and intensive tillage (autumn and spring disk) while straw treatments included retaining or removing stubble and loose straw from the soil surface after harvest. Soil properties were measured after sowing in spring 2004; saturated hydraulic conductivity was measured by the falling-head method, infiltration was measured using a double-ring infiltrometer, and water retention was assessed by measuring the temporal variation in in-situ soil water content. No tillage resulted in greater saturated hydraulic conductivity and generally retained more water against gravitational and matric forces than other tillage treatments. Infiltration was greater in autumn chisel plow than other tillage treatments and was presumably suppressed in no tillage by an organic layer overlying mineral soil. Infiltration was also enhanced by retaining straw on rather than removing straw from the soil surface after harvest. No tillage is not yet a sustainable management practice in this region due to lack of weed control strategies. In addition, the formation of an organic layer in no tillage has important ramifications for the soil hydrological and thermal environment. Therefore, minimum tillage (i.e., autumn chisel plow or spring disk) appears to be a viable management option for maximizing infiltration in interior Alaska. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Diseases Caused by Helminths (Worms)

Helminths are pathogens that infect at least two billion people worldwide. Included in this group are roundworms ( …
Abdominal insufflation for laparoscopy increases intracranial and intrathoracic pressure in human subjects

Laparoscopy has emerged as an alternative to laparotomy in select trauma patients. In animal models, increasing abdominal pressure is associated with an increase in intrathoracic and intracranial pressures. We conducted a prospective trial of human subjects who underwent laparoscopic-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (lap VPS) with intraoperative measurement of intrathoracic, intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures. Ten patients undergoing lap VPS were recruited. Abdominal insufflation was performed using CO2 to 0, 8, 10, 12 and 15 mmHg. ICP was measured through the ventricular catheter simultaneously with insufflation and with desufflation using a manometer. Peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) were measured through the endotracheal tube. Blood pressure was measured using a noninvasive blood pressure cuff. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) was measured for each set of abdominal pressure level. Pressure measurements from all points of insufflation were compared using a two-way ANOVA with a post hoc Bonferroni test. Mean changes in pressures were compared using t test. ICP and PIP increased significantly with increasing abdominal pressure (both p < 0.01), whereas cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and mean arterial pressure did not significantly change with increasing abdominal pressure over the range tested. Higher abdominal pressure values were associated with decreased ETCO2 values. Increased ICP and PIP appear to be a direct result of increasing abdominal pressure, since ETCO2 did not increase. Though CPP did not change over the range tested, the ICP in some patients with 15 mmHg abdominal insufflation reached values as high as 32 cmH2O, which is considered above tolerance, regardless of the CPP. Laparoscopy should be used cautiously, in patients who present with baseline elevated ICP or head trauma as abdominal insufflation affects intracranial pressure.
Role of intrarenal ANG II in reflex neural stimulation of plasma renin activity and renal sodium reabsorption

Renal sympathetic stimulation of plasma renin activity (PRA) and sodium reabsorption was examined in conscious dogs before and during intrarenal angiotensin II (ANG II)-type 1 receptor blockade with losartan (Dup-753) and converting enzyme inhibition. In uninephrectomized dogs, renal function and PRA responses to 14% blood volume depletion (BVD) were measured. BVD was utilized to activate renal sympathetic outflow in the absence of hypotension. In eight vehicle-treated dogs, 14% BVD increased PRA from 1.38 +/- 0.32 to 2.79 +/- 0.66 ng ANG I.ml-1 x h-1 and decreased urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) from 85.1 +/- 11.3 to 45.4 +/- 7.5 mueq/min. During losartan (n = 6) and captopril (n = 5) infusion, plasma renin responses were enhanced in response to 14% BVD (1.93 +/- 0.48 to 5.74 +/- 2.25 and 3.03 +/- 0.73 to 9.19 +/- 1.94 ng ANG I.ml-1 x h-1, respectively), whereas antinatriuretic responses were similar to vehicle-infused dogs. Thus, neurogenic antinatriuresis is not mediated by secondary generation of ANG II, since UNaV decreased similarly to control in all conditions of ANG II blockade. Tonic intrarenal and/or circulating ANG II synthesis of dogs on a normal sodium diet inhibit neurogenic stimulation of renin release, since PRA responses were enhanced after blockade of ANG II.
High-Linearity MEMS Accelerometer with Lateral Comb Finger Groups

Most capacitive MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) accelerometers sense capacitance gap change due to inertial force. Since capacitance is inversely proportional to capacitance gap, this results in nonlinearity of its output response. In this paper, a high-linearity and high-sensitivity capacitive MEMS accelerometer based on overlap length change instead of capacitance gap change has been reported. Since capacitance is directly proportional to the overlap length, the proposed accelerometer has inherent high-linear relationship between its differential capacitance output and input acceleration. The proposed accelerometer utilizes threefold beam structure, which leads to improved device sensitivity. The working principle of the accelerometer is discussed. Theoretical analysis was performed to guide the device design optimization. The proposed MEMS accelerometer is to be fabricated with bulk-micromachining using silicon DRIE (deep reactive ion etching) and silicon-glass anodic bonding techniques. ANSYS simulation is used to verify the function of the designed MEMS accelerometer.
Italo Svevo and his Legacy for the Third Millennium - Volume I: Philology and Interpretation

Italo Svevo belongs to that great generation of Triestine writers (as Claudio Magris called them) who were active in Trieste at the turn of the twentieth century, when the city still belonged to th...
Determining vorticity axes from grain-scale dispersion of crystallographic orientations

Kinematic shear sense indicators are critical tools for tectonic interpretation of shear zones. The appropriate plane in which to interpret shear sense indicators is the vorticity normal surface, which is often inferred using fabric (foliation, lineation) orientation. Strain modeling, however, suggests that such fabrics can be unreliable for determining a kinematic framework. We demonstrate the application of a new quantitative method, crystallographic vorticity axis (CVA) analysis, that utilizes rotation statistics to calculate dispersion axes from crystallographic orientations at the grain scale. We apply CVA analysis to samples from three shear zones that exhibit distinct kinematics and deformation geometries. In all cases, the aggregate of calculated grain-scale dispersion axes yields a preferred axis of crystallographic vorticity at the specimen scale that is coincident with the independently determined bulk vorticity axis. This new method allows the position of vorticity axes to be evaluated independently of foliation and lineation information, and without assumptions about the kinematics of deformation.
Anisotropic transport in the quasi-one-dimensional semiconductor Li0.33MoO3

Transport measurements (electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity) in the temperature range 80–500 K are presented for single crystals of the quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) semiconductor Li0.33MoO3. Opposite signs are observed for the Seebeck coefficient along the trinclinic a and c axes, with Sc − Sa ≃ 250 μV/K near room temperature and ≃100 μV/K at 380 K. The thermal conductivity at room temperature in the a-c planes was ∼2 W/m K and ∼10 times smaller along b*. A weak structural anomaly at Ts ≈ 355 K, identified in the temperature-dependent lattice constants, coincides with anomalies in the electrical properties. Analysis of the electronic transport at T > Ts favors an intrinsic semiconductor picture for transport along the most conducting Q1D axis and small-polaronic transport along the other directions, providing insight into the origin of the Seebeck anisotropy.
The multi-dimensional constitutive relations of shape memory alloys

This paper presents a multi-dimensional thermomechanical constitutive model for shape memory alloys. This constitutive relation is based upon a combination of both micromechanics and macromechanics. A variable of martensite fraction is introduced in this model to reflect the martensitic transformation that determines the unique characterisitics of shape memory alloys. This constitutive relation can be used to study the complex behavior associated with 2-D and 3-D SMA structures. A numerical example using this constitutive model is also presented, which reveals a new and interesting phenomenon of 3-D SMA structures.
Overwintering Refuge of Anagrus epos(Hymenoptera: Mymaridae)

The leafhopper Erythroneura elegantula (Osborn) is considered a major pest of grapes in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys of California, but does not require treatment in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys of the same State.
A New Species of Anthonomus Attacking Cotton in Colombia, with a Review of the Taxonomy of Anthonomus vestitus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Anthonomus bisinuatus , a new species closely resembling A. vestitus Boheman, is described from cultivated cotton in the Cauca Valley of Colombia. Geographic variation of A. vestitus from Peru and Ecuador is discussed and evidence is presented to show the probable existence of 2 distinct forms of this species. The female type of A. vestitus is redescribed. Male genitalia and the metatibiae of both sexes of the 2 species are illustrated.
Local Wall Power Loading Variations in Thermonuclear Fusion Devices

A 2½-dimensional geometric model is presented that allows calculation of power loadings at various points on the first wall of a thermonuclear fusion device. Given average wall power loadings for b...
Endovascular Treatment of Nutcracker Syndrome.

Background Nutcracker syndrome, or mesoaortic compression of the left renal vein (LRV), with associated symptoms related to venous hypertension in the left kidney, is a rare entity that may result in severe symptoms requiring operative intervention. We report on 3 patients who presented with nutcracker syndrome, including one patient with a circumaortic LRV resulting in posterior nutcracker syndrome, who underwent successful endovascular treatment with renal vein stenting. A review of existing literature on endovascular management of nutcracker syndrome follows. Methods Three women (age range 28–43 years) presented with symptoms and imaging studies consistent with nutcracker syndrome. Symptoms included pelvic and flank pain in all 3 patients, and episodes of hematuria in 2 patients. Imaging studies demonstrated compression of the LRV between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta in 2 of the patients. The third patient was noted to have a circumaortic LRV. Results All 3 patients underwent venography and LRV stenting. Stents included a 12 × 40 mm self-expanding nitinol stent, 14 × 60 mm WALLSTENT, and 16 × 40 mm WALLSTENT. All patients were placed on clopidogrel postoperatively. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 to 27 months. At follow-up, all 3 patients reported significant symptomatic improvement, and duplex ultrasonography demonstrated stent patency in all. Conclusions Nutcracker syndrome is a rare condition that can be successfully treated with renal vein stenting via an endovascular approach. Results are encouraging at follow-up periods beyond 2 years.
Root regulation of artemisinin production in Artemisia annua: trichome and metabolite evidence

Roots of plants with high artemisinin-producing leaves increased leaf production of artemisinin in low-producing plants and vice versa indicating roots are involved in controlling artemisinin biosynthesis in shoots. The anti-malarial sesquiterpene, artemisinin, is produced and stored in glandular trichomes (GLTs) of Artemisia annua. Evidence suggested roots, which produce no significant artemisinin nor precursor compounds, regulate production of artemisinin biosynthesis in the leaves. Using grafting, we studied the relationship between rootstock and scion by measuring GLTs and five artemisinic metabolites (artemisinin, deoxyartemisinin, dihydroartemisinic acid, artemisinic acid, arteannuin B) in scions of ungrafted, self-grafted, and cross-grafted plants among three cultivars: S and 15 both having GLTs with artemisinin at 1.49 and 0.57 %, respectively, and G producing neither GLTs nor detectable artemisinin. All artemisinin-producing self-grafts, e.g., S/S (scion/rootstock) and 15/15, produced more artemisinin than ungrafted plants, likely from grafting stress. S/S grafts also produced more GLTs. The 15/S grafts produced more artemisinin than S/15, suggesting rootstocks from high producing S plants stimulated artemisinin production in 15 scions. S/15 grafts yielded less artemisinin than S/S, but more than either 15/15 or ungrafted n15 and nS; S/15 grafts also had a lower density of GLTs than S/S, suggesting rootstock inhibition of the scion. The S rootstock induced trace artemisinin production in G scions, but did not induce GLT formation in G/S grafts. Different grafts exhibited different trichome morphologies and effects on artemisinic pathway flux. This study provides new information regarding the role of roots in GLT development and artemisinin production in this important medicinal plant.
Russian-Soviet Expansion towards Afghanistan: British-Indian and Pakistani Counter-Pressures

In order to understand the dynamics of Soviet penetration into Afghanistan from the 1950s to the 1970s, it is useful to analyze its historical antecedents, namely: (1) British India and Russia were instrumental in creating the modern state of Afghanistan under Amir Abdur Rahman (22 July 1880–1 October 1901); (2) British India was primarily responsible in establishing Afghanistan’s boundaries with Iran, the Russian imperial possessions in Central Asia, and India, which Pakistan inherited in 1947 as one of the successor states of British India; (3) Pakistan’s policies of integrating the borderlands (the so-called Tribal Belt) with the NWFP; (4) the impact of the global cold war on Afghan irredentism towards Pakistan; and finally (5) the demise of the ancien regime in Afghanistan, when the communists as the Soviet surrogates staged a coup d’etat against President Daud’s government in April 1978, and ushered in the calamitous era of the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. This long-drawn-out political process finally culminated in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.
What Money Is

Chapter 8 gave a very general overview of money’s role in an economy in the context of how other social animals organize joint activity (and how we humans organize our activity in ways other than with money). This chapter uses a parable about the construction of a mill to lay out with more substance what money is and how it works. The context is a physical economy in which money doesn’t yet exist. The parable shows how a set of social arrangements around an investment project can lead to the existence of money. Money itself is tied to debt and credit. Extensions of the main story lead to observations about the relationship between saving and investment, and about the government’s role in the monetary system. Appendices discuss: value and money’s roles and attributes; saving not tied to other people’s obligations; and the connection between money and precious metals.
An automated synthesizer for electrochemical 18F-fluorination of organic compounds

Electrochemical 18F-fluorination of organic compounds provides a means to synthesize Positron-Emission-Tomography (PET) tracers difficult to obtain otherwise. Here, the first automated synthesizer that enables radiolabeling through carrier-added electrochemical 18F-fluorination is described. The system provides capabilities for all necessary operations such as drying of cyclotron derived [18F]fluoride, electrochemical incorporation of the radioisotope into a precursor molecule, subsequent reactions such as protecting group removals, HPLC-purification and formulation of the final tracer. Demonstrated is the aliphatic electrochemical 18F-fluorination of methyl 2-(phenylthio)acetate.
Physical properties of the HIV-1 capsid from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations

The large and complex HIV-1 capsid modulates several molecular events during HIV-1’s infective cycle. Here the authors use all-atom molecular dynamic simulations to probe the biophysical properties of the genome-free HIV-1 capsid.
Real-time sun protection decisions in first-degree relatives of melanoma patients.

Objective Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer, and consistent use of sun protection is recommended to reduce risk. Yet sun protection use is generally inconsistent. Understanding the decisional factors driving sun protection choices could aid in intervention development to promote sun protection maintenance. Method In 59 first-degree relatives of melanoma patients, an interactive voice response system (IVRS) on participants' cell phones was used to assess twice daily (morning, afternoon) real-time sun protection usage (sunscreen, shade, hats, protective clothing) and decision factors (weather, type of activity, convenience, social support) over a 14-day summer interval where morning and afternoon outdoor exposures were anticipated. Generalized estimating equations and hierarchical linear models were used to examine the effect of demographics and decisional factors on sun protection choices over time. Results Sun protection use was inconsistent (e.g., 61% used sunscreen inconsistently). Most strategies were used independently, with the exception of moderate overlap of sunscreen and hat usage. Decision factors were highly relevant for sun protection. For instance, sunscreen use was related to the perception of having adequate time to apply it, whereas shade and hat usage were each related to convenience. Few findings emerged by gender, age, time of day, or year. Significant within-subject variation remained, however. Conclusions The findings support continued examination of decision factors in understanding sun protection consistency in real time. Interventions where cues to action and environmental supports work together in varied settings can be developed to improve sun protection maintenance in populations at risk for this common disease. (PsycINFO Database Record
Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Children

Unfortunately, childhood anxiety disorders are prevalent and cause a great deal of difficulty and interference in the lives of those children affected. The following chapter provides a brief overview of the outcome of almost two decades of research into the development and dissemination of efficacious treatments to alleviate the symptoms of these anxiety disorders. Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral interventions have been found to be particularly efficacious, administered either individually or in groups depending on the disorder. Even so, a great deal more research is required to further refine these treatments, determine how they work (i.e., mediators), determine for whom they work (i.e., moderators), and improve the effects of treatment for those children with refractory anxiety disorders.
Macular hole syndromes. Echographic findings with clinical correlation.

Background: Anatomic characteristics of macular holes may be difficult to define, even with contact lens biomicroscopy. With the advent of successful macular hole surgical techniques, accurate diagnosis has become increasingly important to avoid unnecessary or incorrect surgery. Echography may provide additional diagnostic information in some cases. The purpose of this study is to correlate echographic and intraoperative clinical features of macular holes. Methods: The echographic features and intraoperative findings in 25 patients were compared. The spectrum of identifiable echographic features included (1) a thin, smooth, membrane-like surface minimally elevated over the macula (limited posterior vitreous face separation); (2) macular thickening; (3) an operculum; and (4) a complete posterior vitreous face separation. Intraoperative clinical findings included the presence or absence of (1) a thin, limited posterior vitreous face separation, (2) a subretinal fluid cuff, (3) an operculum, and (4) a complete posterior vitreous face separation. Results: Echographic and intraoperative findings correlated regarding the limited posterior face separation in 23 of 25 patients, a surrounding subretinal fluid cuff (macular thickening) in 24 of 25 patients, an operculum in 19 of 25 patients, and complete posterior vitreous face separation in 24 of 25 patients. Thus, echography was very effective in detecting the position of the posterior vitreous face. Overall, echography correlated accurately with 90 (90%) of 100 of these four features. Conclusion: Echographic features correlate accurately with clinical features.
Violence and Social Salvation at the Texas Prison Rodeo

From 1931 until 1986, at the annual Texas Prison Rodeo, incarcerated people performed before massive crowds. In this negotiated space, prison officials, audience members, and imprisoned riders welded together a performance of violent range labor with a discourse of social rehabilitation. Responsible for funding all educational and recreational programs for the incarcerated population of Texas, the rodeo purported to save lives even as it risked them. Prisoner-led reforms in the 1960s and 1970s, however, helped expose the failures of Texas's labor regime, stripping the rodeo of its rehabilitative pretenses and contributing to the eventual demise of prison rodeo in Texas.
Teamwork During Mass Casualty Incidents and Disasters

Teamwork is an essential and integral part of the successful management of sudden mass casualty incidents (SMCIs) and disasters. Teams are groups of people with similar objectives but differing levels of expertise and skills. Therefore, team leadership skills are also essential. Teams are made up of many people, but teamwork itself is an individual skill. During a SMCI, the formation of an effective team unit is complicated by the emergency nature of the incident and confounded by the confusion and chaos that these incidents generate. For these reasons, educating teams regarding their expected knowledge and skills are critical elements of planning for SMCIs. Developing and practicing team skills are a mandatory part of every mass casualty drill.
¿Literatura sin estado?: Sobre las aporías del régimen estético en la modernidad capitalista

espanolEste ensayo explica como la esfera estetica es el efecto de un proceso de diferenciacion que el proyecto de la modernidad impone progresivamente sobre diversas areas de toda la vida y produccion social, tanto practica como teorica. De este proceso de especializacion y parcializacion emana tambien la literatura como un ambito de valores especificos y experiencias propias. Un aspecto fundamental de este entramado es el Estado en tanto que sosten material y garante simbolico del quehacer y poder politicos. A partir de esta distincion, este articulo muestra que los intentos por lanzar puentes entre estetica/literatura y politica han naufragado en esa inercia centrifuga que divide y encierra ambos campos en su propia logica interna y en su propia institucionalidad. Para una larga tradicion filosofica, la salida a este nudo gordiano pasa por la abolicion de ambos regimenes sociales (politica y estetica), esto es, la cancelacion del Estado y la Literatura. EnglishThis essay explains how the aesthetic sphere was historically produced by a process of differentiation that Modernity progressively develops in several areas of social life, both practical and theoretical. Out of this process of specialization and fragmentation, literature precisely emerges as one sphere with its own specific values and possible experiences. A critical element of this process of specialization and fragmentation is also the State, which works as the material structure and the ultimate symbolic guarantor of any political power and activity. Based on this constitutive and historical distinction between aesthetics and politics, this essay suggests that attempts at throwing bridges between these two fields have systematically failed due to the centrifugal inertia that encloses these fields within their own internal rationales and institutionalities. In order to cut this Gordian knot, what is required (according to a long philosophical tradition) is the abolition of both social regimes (the political and the aesthetic), that is, the cancelation of the State and Literature.
Court Cities Celebrate Prince Baltasar Carlos: Loyalty, Status, and Identity in the Early Modern Spanish World

Upon the birth of the Spanish prince Baltasar Carlos in 1629, Spanish subjects feasted and put on pageants and processions in celebration. Numerous relaciones , or official reports, recounted the responses to the royal birth in the court cities of Madrid and Lima. Although the authors of these relaciones sought to project royal power, they also alluded to the ways in which local experiences, rank, race, and the particular aims of Spanish subjects complicated their imperial identities and their performances of loyalty. Subjects were not merely spectators; they were also participants and actors in these festivals. By performing loyalty to the new prince, people in court cities advanced their own corporate and individual agendas. In the process, they rewrote their relationships to the crown and each other.
Conjugate Gradients and Accelerated Methods Unified: The Approximate Duality Gap View

This note provides a novel, simple analysis of the method of conjugate gradients for the minimization of convex quadratic functions. In contrast with standard arguments, our proof is entirely self-contained and does not rely on the existence of Chebyshev polynomials. Another advantage of our development is that it clarifies the relation between the method of conjugate gradients and general accelerated methods for smooth minimization by unifying their analyses within the framework of the Approximate Duality Gap Technique that was introduced by the authors.
Comparison of the ionic currents modulated during activity-dependent and normal presynaptic facilitation

One of the major questions in psychology is whether associative and nonassociative learning are fundamentally different or whether they involve similar processes and mechanisms. We have addressed this question by comparing mechanisms of a nonassociative form of learning, sensitization, and an associative form of learning, classical conditioning of the siphon-withdrawal reflex of hermaphroditic Aplysia In an analog of differential conditioning, action potentials in one siphon sensory neuron (SN) were paired with shock to the pedal nerves, producing activity-dependent presynaptic facilitation, and action potentials in another SN were unpaired with the shock as a control. The difference between paired and unpaired training is a measure of associative plasticity. Before and after this training, we voltage clamped each SN and measured the outward current during depolarizing pulses. There was a significantly greater decrease in the net outward current in the paired SN than in the unpaired SN. We obtained similar results when we substituted the depolarizing voltage clamp pulse for action potentials during training. We then bathed the ganglion in serotonin as a measure of nonassociative plasticity. The current that was modulated differentially (paired-unpaired) had time and voltage dependencies similar to the current that was modulated by serotonin (I s). These results suggest that an associative form of plasticity, activity-dependent presynaptic facilitation underlying conditioning, involves enhanced modulation of the same ionic current as a nonassociative form, normal presynaptic facilitation underlying sensitization.
Chaotic mélange: neo-liberalism and neo-statism in the age of Sino-capitalism

Following the central themes of this special forum, this article aims to move beyond binary debates on how China relates to the hitherto dominant US-led liberal order. The most debated outcomes – s...
Teaching robotics using ROS

The Robot Operating System (ROS) has had a dramatic impact on the field of robotics over the last several years. ROS is an open-source software framework for developing robotics applications. It has become a standard platform with a wide range of supported robots and a vibrant software ecosystem.
On Human Rights: Premises for a New Approach to Fundamental Social Rights

From the point of view of international law, what we are seeking in this paper is to expose some of the premises for a (new) approach to fundamental social rights. If we think about the absolute supremacy of human life, a life that, to be understood as such, must be a life lived with dignity, we have to think about life from a material point of view and, therefore, in a priority status to the so-called «social» rights, since social rights (economic, social and cultural) address issues as basic to life and human dignity as food, health, shelter, work, education and water. With this understanding, it becomes very clear that the materiality of human dignity rests on the so-called «existential minimum», the hard kernel of social rights, in such a way that social rights are genuine (true) fundamental human rights. Recognition of social rights cannot be, therefore, a mere listing of good intentions on the part of the state. Social rights are fundamental rights, which are for all men, can be exercised by everyone and are essential to life and human dignity. What we are seeking in this paper, then, is to shed light on the understanding that social rights are fundamental human rights in international law.
RARE COMPLICATION LEADING TO PEA ARREST IN HOCM

Mitral and papillary muscle abnormalities are common in HOCM but chordal rupture is a rare entity. 65-year-old male with past medical history of HOCM, sleep apnea, hypertension, obesity presented with syncope and was found to have non sustained ventricular tachycardia on evaluation. Echocardiogram
T-Pulse for Exciting Single Modes of Radar Targets

We present an approach called T-pulse approach to excite a single mode of a target. The T-pulse is a time-limited signal that has maximum energy in a given frequency band. While the T-pulse method can be applied to any highly resonant target for the purpose of target identification and discrimination, an application of the T-pulse method to a synthesized thin-wire target is presented to illustrate its ability of exciting single modes.
Raising Healthy Children: Health Risks of Obesity

Although babies need fat for warmth and normal growth, as children develop, too much fat can be unhealthy. Childhood obesity may result in health problems early in life and into adulthood. This 4-page fact sheet will help you understand the health risks of obesity and ways to help your child maintain a healthy weight. Written by Stephanie Meyer, Karla Shelnutt, and Gail Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1356
The primary cilium is required for MC4R control of food intake and body weight

Abstract The Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) plays a critical role in the long-term regulation of energy homeostasis and mutations in MC4R are the most common cause of monogenic obesity. However, the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of energy balance within MC4R expressing neurons are unknown. We recently reported that MC4R localizes to primary cilia, a cellular organelle that allows for partitioning of incoming cellular signals, raising the question of whether MC4R functions there. Here, using mouse genetic approaches, we found that cilia are required specifically on MC4R-expressing neurons to restrain feeding behavior. Moreover, these cilia were critical for pharmacological activators of MC4R to exert an anorexigenic effect. MC4R is expressed in multiple brain regions. Using targeted deletion of primary cilia, we found that cilia in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus are essential to restrict food intake. MC4R activation increases adenylyl cyclase activity. Like removing cilia, inhibiting adenylyl cyclase activity in the cilia of MC4R-expressing neurons of the PVN caused hyperphagia and obesity. Thus, MC4R signals via cilia of PVN neurons to control food intake and body weight. We propose that defects in ciliary localization of MC4R cause obesity in human inherited obesity syndromes and ciliopathies.
A study of the privacy of COVID-19 contact tracing apps

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe and resulted in substantial loss of lives and livelihoods. To effectively fight this pandemic, many digital contact tracing mobile apps have been developed. Unfortunately, many of these apps lack transparency and thus escalate concerns about their security and privacy. In this paper, we seek to perform a systematic and cross-platform study of the privacy issues in official contact tracing apps worldwide. To this end, we have collected 41 released apps in total, many of which run on both iOS and Android platforms, and analyzed both their documentation and binary code. Our results show that some apps expose identifiable information that can enable fingerprinting of apps and tracking of specific users that raise security and privacy concerns. Further, some apps have inconsistent data collection behaviors across different mobile platforms even though they are designed for the same purpose.
Continuous local bupivacaine wound infusion reduces oral opioid use for acute postoperative pain control following myelomeningocele repair.

Background For pregnancies complicated by fetal myelomeningocele who meet the established criteria, prenatal closure is a viable management option. Prenatal closure is an open procedure, with some techniques requiring greater dissection of maternal tissue than cesarean delivery; pain control is an important postoperative goal. Given the rising rates of opioid dependence and concerns regarding the fetal and neonatal effects of opioid use, our practice has turned to nonopioid pain management techniques. Objective This study aimed to compare postoperative opioid use and pain scores in women undergoing open fetal myelomeningocele repair with and without continuous local bupivacaine wound infusion. Study Design This was a retrospective, single-center chart review of all consecutive patients who underwent open myelomeningocele repair from March 2013 to December 2019. Women were enrolled at the time of referral and locally followed for 2 weeks postoperatively. The control group received patient-controlled epidural analgesia for 48 hours with acetaminophen and oral and intravenous opioids as needed. The treatment group received patient-controlled epidural analgesia for 24 hours with acetaminophen, oral and intravenous opioids, and continuous local bupivacaine infusion. Pain scores, medication use, and postoperative milestones and complications through discharge were abstracted from the chart and compared. Results Of 72 subjects, 51 were in the control group and 21 in the treatment group. Total opioid use, including intravenous doses (165 vs 52.5 mg; P=.001) and daily average oral opioid use (30 vs 10.5 mg; P=.002) were lower in the treatment group. In addition, 24% of women in the treatment group used no opioid postoperatively, compared with 4% in the control group. There was no difference in postoperative day 1 to 4 pain scores, antiemetic use, or bowel function; the treatment group was discharged significantly earlier. Conclusion Postoperative opioid use was reduced in women who received continuous local wound infusion of bupivacaine for incisional pain control after prenatal myelomeningocele repair. Pain control is paramount following open myelomeningocele repair; local bupivacaine wound infusion is an important adjunct to reduce opioid use postoperatively.
PFAS and cancer, a scoping review of the epidemiologic evidence

Abstract Background The number of studies addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cancer is increasing. Many communities have had water contaminated by PFAS, and cancer is one of the important community concerns related to PFAS exposure. Objectives We critically reviewed the evidence relating to PFAS and cancer from an epidemiologic standpoint to highlight directions for future research that would be the most likely to meaningfully increase knowledge. Methods We conducted a search in PubMed for studies of cancer and PFAS (through 9/20/2020). We identified epidemiologic studies that provided a quantitative estimate for some measure of the association between PFAS and cancer. Here, we review that literature, including several aspects of epidemiologic study design that impact the usefulness of study results. Results We identified 16 cohort (or case-cohort) studies, 10 case-control studies (4 nested within cohorts and 6 non-nested), 1 cross sectional study and 1 ecologic study. The cancer sites with the most evidence of an association with PFAS are testicular and kidney cancer. There are also some suggestions in a few studies of an association with prostate cancer, but the data are inconsistent. Discussion Each study's design has strengths and limitations. Weaknesses in study design and methods can, in some cases, lead to questionable associations, but in other cases can make it more difficult to detect true associations, if they are present. Overall, the evidence for an association between cancer and PFAS remains sparse. A variety of studies with different strengths and weaknesses can be helpful to clarify associations between PFAS and cancer. Long term follow-up of large-sized cohorts with large exposure contrasts are most likely to be informative.