cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
255 The risk of contracting COVID-19 after dermatological procedures compared with other medical procedures

During the COVID19 pandemic, research has shown that many patients have decided to delay elective procedures, even if available, to reduce COVID exposure There is scant literature that demonstrated the risk of COVID after dermatological procedures and whether these risks are higher compared to other medical procedures This study aims to investigate these risks A retrospective cohort study was done using TriNetX, a federated real time database of 63 million patient records Patients undergoing any procedure were identified by CPT codes from Jan 2020-Nov 2020 ICD-10 and serology codes were used to identify 30-day risk of post-procedural COVID diagnosis per CDC guidelines A 1:1 matched propensity score analysis was conducted, adjusting for comorbidities and demographics, to calculate adjusted Risk Ratios (aRR) with 95% CI 224,536 dermatological procedures were conducted during the timeframe Overall, there was a 2% risk of 30 day COVID diagnosis after a dermatological procedure After matching, patients had a lower risk of contracting COVID after undergoing dermatological procedures when compared to urinary procedures (aRR[95%CI])=(0 56[0 54-0 58]), gastrointestinal procedures (0 61[0 59-0 63]), cardiovascular procedures (0 56[0 55-0 58]), respiratory procedures (0 42[0 40-0 43]), hemic/lymphatic procedures (0 49[0 46-0 53]), musculoskeletal procedures (0 75[0 73-0 78]), and nervous procedures (0 86[0 83-0 89]) There was no difference in COVID risk compared with reproductive procedures Dermatological procedures presented a higher COVID risk when compared with endocrine procedures (1 46[1 17-1 82]), ophthalmic procedures (1 23[1 15-1 32]), and auditory procedures [1 52[1 41-1 64]) There is a minimal risk of contracting COVID after dermatological procedures, even when compared to other medical procedures Risks can be further mitigated by following proper guidelines by public health officials
Patient perspectives on mesh-related complications after hernia repair.

Abstract Background To explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of patients with mesh-related complications after hernia repair. The rate of long-term mesh-related complications requiring procedural intervention after abdominal core surgery, including hernia repair, is unknown. Determining this rate is challenging due to its anticipated low chance of occuring and historically poor systematic long-term follow-up in patients’ hernia repair. The lived experience of these patients is also not well understood. Methods Purposive sampling was used to identify patients who have experienced mesh-related complications after hernia repair, and semistructured interviews were conducted. Descriptive thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report common patterns across the data set related to the patient experience of mesh-related complications. Results Eight patients who had undergone a hernia repair with mesh and had at least 1 mesh-related complication after their repair requiring operation, an additional procedure, or medical treatment were included in the study and completed semistructured interviews over the phone. Five domains emerged from the interviews: indicators of mesh-related complications, knowledge of potential surgical complications, relationship/satisfcation with surgeon and/or surgical team, psychosocial impact of hernia repair and mesh-related complications, and function. Conclusion Despite the widespread use of mesh in abdominal wall operations, little is known regarding the patient experience of mesh-related complications. The themes identified in the present study provide insight into the patient experience of mesh-related complications and can inform the future development of a patient-reported outcome measure to determine the true incidence of mesh-related complications and the impact of these complications on quality of life.
Analyzing Outsourcing: Reengineering Information and Communication Systems

These days more and more companies - including giants like Eastman Kodak and General Dynamics - are choosing outsourcing in order to focus internal resources on critical projects, and even realize an immediate 10 to 15 percent savings on annual data center operations. The corporate decision to outsource is increasingly linked with the movement toward client/server architectures, so that reengineering can occur at two levels: replace the mainframe with smaller systems, and have an outside company assume the responsibility of the computing tasks of the organization. With this up-to-the-minute book - the only one to target specific methodologies for benefit analysis - you'll learn how to apply outsourcing effectively in your own company. In Analyzing Outsourcing, Daniel Minoli gives you the tools you need to make a thorough, balanced assessment of outsourcing's pros and cons. He explains how to model IS environments to determine which areas can be outsourced profitably. He also demystifies the technical aspects of preparing outsourcing contracts and stipulating service metrics, and discusses choosing the right vendor and striking a solid deal. Plus, you'll find valuable material on international issues for multinational businesses. Complete with real-life case studies from a major outsourcing firm, this is the ultimate decision-maker's guide to effective information systems reengineering. It clearly demonstrates to all IS managers, network managers, and CIOs how to maximize the benefits and minimize the organizational costs of outsourcing.
Posterior Soft Tissue Repair After Primary THA is Durable at Mid-term Followup: A Prospective MRI Study.

Background The enhanced posterior soft tissue repair has reduced the frequency of dislocation after primary THA performed through the posterolateral approach. However, the long-term integrity of the repair is unknown and could influence surgeon choice regarding surgical technique and THA approach.
Semantic Geotagging: A Location-Based Hypermedia Approach to Creating Situational Awareness

As emergency first responders and commanders increasingly use mobile phones, tablets, and social media to communicate, coordinate, and manage information during disasters, we see a need and opportunity to provide a mobile device-appropriate semantic layer to a geographically-based common operating picture. The challenge is to provide a simple, usable structure for a rapidly growing body of information to simplify the development of situational awareness in an unfolding disaster. We use a hyperlinked structure based on the ASK model to organize information in a readily accessible form. In this paper we describe our initial design and experience with an Android-based prototype, supported by a Ruby on Rails-based repository service. Our prototype allows the incorporation, aggregation, assessment, and redistribution of dynamic human-generated and sensor-derived information.
Dynamic Modeling of Ratcheting Devices in Transmissions

Ratcheting Devices are often used in automatic transmissions to provide a unidirectional power flow to achieve specific gear functions. These devices consist of two members that rotate relative to each other and a locking mechanism between these two rotating parts. In order to meet certain gearshift needs, the ratcheting device performs a combined overrun and engagement function. In both modes the components experience high-speed rotation and are subjected to significant impact forces. The high impact forces between the components may cause damage on the parts and the device may fail to function as intended. It is important to understand the dynamic behaviors of these ratcheting devices and the key design factors affecting their performances under various operating conditions. Vehicle tests and/or laboratory tests are often conducted to investigate the dynamic performance of these devices. However, these tests are costly and time consuming and sometimes impossible to simulate the real world situations. It makes dynamic modeling essential to help better understand the dynamic characteristics of the ratcheting device, and to provide design engineers with physical insights and direction for problem resolution. In this paper we describe the development of a dynamic model with ADAMS to simulate a ratcheting device in automatic transmission systems. The dynamic behaviors of the ratcheting device are investigated under various operating conditions. The mechanism consists of two rotating parts, namely, the notch plate and pocket plate. A locking component called strut sits in the pocket plate with a preloaded spring located in the pocket underneath to provide the necessary engaging force. In the dynamic modeling, all the rotating inertias of the connecting parts are lumped into the notch plate and the pocket plate. The strut is modeled as a solid body with 6-degree of freedom, governed entirely by contact, impact, fluid damping, and spring forces. Real world operating situations are taken as the input loading conditions. The key design parameters that affect the dynamic behaviors of the mechanism are investigated in this study.
Teaching Secondary Mathematics

This book--a primary text for secondary mathematics methods students--is grounded in the NCTM standards and informed by up-to-date research and theory in mathematics education. The book is organized in three parts: General Fundamentals (a broad overview of education, curriculum, learning theory, discipline, planning, and adolescent behavior); Mathematics Education Fundamentals (technology, problem solving, discovery, and proof); and Content and Strategies (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus). To motivate students to become effective teachers of mathematics, the text engages them in a variety of stimulating activities such as reflective thought questions, mathematical challenges, and student life-based applications. Throughout the text, emphasis is given to: * Technology as a teaching tool. Many examples for secondary classrooms are included. * Development of teaching professionals who are self motivated, life-long learners. Students are encouraged to do a variety of problems; once they have done the problem, the setting is extended through discussion and reflection. * Connectivity. Concepts that are traditionally covered in one area are mapped into related areas; discussions focus on how an idea used in one environment can be used in a different environment.
How Do Learning Styles Relate to Performance in a Computer Applications Course

AbstractThis study investigated the relationships among learning styles and performance measures for computer concepts and application skills. Subjects were 68 college undergraduates who were enrolled in a computer applications course. The Instrument used in this study was the Gregorc Style Delineator (1984). A correlational study was conducted: (a) to investigate the relationship among learning styles and the course performance measures and (b) to identify the implications of students’ learning styles for design of computer applications instruction. Significant correlations were found among two learning styles and two performance measures. Subsequent analyses revealed that those students with high abstract sequential scores achieved significantly higher in total course points while those students with high abstract random scores earned significantly lower total course points.
Practical coagulation for the blood banker.

H istorically, many professionals in blood banking and transfusion medicine did not have any special interest or expertise in blood coagulation. Other areas of emphasis, such as serology, apheresis, or infectious disease, were much more common. However, we hope that we can convince our readers that gaining more background in coagulation has the potential to improve transfusion practice and patient care.
Design and Experimental Evaluation of an Automatically Reconfigurable controller for Process Plants

A digital controller that reconfigures control strategies as a result of changes in plant operating conditions has been developed and demonstrated. The reconfiguration logic involves the organization of available plant information, the definition and identification of plant operating conditions, the selection of the appropriate control law for the given operating condition, and the verification of the control choice through on-line performance evaluation. Also included is a decision and supervisory logic which interfaces with a knowledge base to insure that plant operating guidelines, procedures, and specifications are not exceeded. This methodology is entirely general and may be used with any process system. It was demonstrated experimentally on the 5 MWt MIT Research Reactor. The reconfigurable controller successfully controlled the reactor power under steady-state, power maneuver, and experimentally-induced anomalies in the control laws.
Organizational Design and Political Control of Administrative Agencies

In this article, I argue that the structure and design of administrative agencies can be explained as mechanisms for controlling the principal-agent problem that exists between the political actors who delegate regulatory authority to administrative agencies and the bureaucrats within those agencies. The insight of this article is that politicians who establish administrative agencies can manipulate the structure and design of those agencies in ways that reduce the chance that future changes in the political landscape will upset the terms of the original understanding among the relevant political actors. The thesis can be illustrated easily with reference to the most fundamental choice of agency design: whether to create a single-industry regulatory agency or a multi-industry regulatory agency. At one extreme is the situation where a single agency regulates a number of separate industries with conflicting interests. At the other extreme is the situation where a single agency regulates a single industry or even, as in banking, a particular subgroup within an industry. My argument is that the nature of the outcomes generated by these two regulatory agencies will be quite different as a result of important differences The author is particularly grateful for comments and guidance from Cynthia R. Farina, Pablo T. Spiller, Cass Sunstein, and Barry Weingast. He also received useful suggestions and criticism
GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN NUCLEAR GENES OF THE EASTERN OYSTER, CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA GMELIN

Abstract The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, is a common inhabitant of estuarine and coastal waters from maritime Canada through the Gulf of Mexico. Because mitochondrial DNA haplotypes exhibit a distinct genetic break between Atlantic and Gulf oysters at Cape Canaveral, Florida, the degree of divergence between Atlantic and Gulf oysters in nuclear genes is less well known. We examined patterns of variation in four nuclear loci using restriction fragment analysis of amplified DNA (PCR-RFLP) in oysters (n = 317) from 16 locations spanning the geographic range of C. virginica. Marked differentiation was observed between Atlantic and Gulf populations, with smaller differences detected between North Atlantic and South Atlantic populations. Intermediate populations were observed in both eastern and northwest Florida. Regional population structure was also evident in the Gulf Coast, with Texas oysters highly divergent from all other populations.
Plasma volume expansion in the treatment of pre-eclampsia

The effects of plasma volume expansion with hyperosmolar solutions with the use of dextran 40 and plasmanate were studied in a controlled manner in 32 primiparous pre-eclamptic patients. The patients who were being studied received either dextran 40 (Rheomacrodex) or plasmanate in addition to the routine treatment with sedatives, bed rest, and magnesium sulfate when indicated. The patients were randomly assigned by blind draw to control (13), dextran (10), and plasmanate (nine) groups. The renal status of all patients was evaluated prior to volume expansion therapy. Patients were monitored for blood pressure, proteinuria, output of urine, hematocrit, and creatinine clearance. There was significant improvement in hemoconcentration and output of urine, and a trend toward a lowering of the mean arterial blood pressure in patients who were receiving plasmanate or dextran for volume expansion.
Evaluation of alternative methods for radiochemical purity testing of indium-111 capromab pendetide.

Abstract Objective To evaluate alternative methods for radiochemical purity testing of indium (In)-111 capromab pendetide after the discontinuation of instant thin-layer chromatography silica gel (ITLC-SG) strips. Design Descriptive experimental study. Setting United States in 2009. Participants Not applicable. Intervention Paper chromatography using Whatman 3MM strips, paper chromatography using Whatman 31ET strips, and mini-column chromatography using silica Sep-Pak cartridges were evaluated in the radiochemical purity testing of 13 consecutive vials of In-111 capromab pendetide prepared for clinical patient imaging procedures. These methods also were evaluated by testing seven aliquots of In-111 capromab pendetide that had been spiked with 5% to 15% In-111 pentetate (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid). Main outcome measures Correlation coefficients, radiochemical purity values for each method compared with ITLC-SG, and procedure times. Results Correlation coefficients of 0.988, 0.996, and 0.979 were found for ITLC-SG compared with Whatman 3MM, Whatman 31ET, and silica Sep-Pak, respectively. Compared with ITLC-SG, mean (±SD) radiochemical purity values differed by −0.8 ± (range −2.5 to 0.4) for Whatman 3MM, −0.8 ± (–2.3 to 0) for Whatman 31ET, and −0.5 ± (–3.6 to 0.7) for silica Sep-Pak. The approximate time required to develop the chromatography strip or elute the mini-column was 3, 14, 5, and 6 minutes for ITLC-SG, Whatman 3MM, Whatman 31ET, and silica Sep-Pak, respectively. Conclusion All three methods evaluated were acceptable alternatives to ITLC-SG for radiochemical purity testing of In-111 capromab pendetide. Based on its slightly higher correlation to ITLC-SG, slightly tighter SD and range, and slightly shorter development time, Whatman 31ET is preferred in our facility.
Targeted Overexpression of Human Alpha-Synuclein Triggers Microglial Activation and an Adaptive Immune Response in a Mouse Model of Parkinson Disease

Microglial activation and adaptive immunity have been implicated in the neurodegenerative processes in Parkinson disease. It has been proposed that these responses may be triggered by modified forms of alpha-synuclein (alpha-SYN), particularly nitrated species, which are released as a consequence of dopaminergic neurodegeneration. To examine the relationship between alpha-SYN, microglial activation, and adaptive immunity, we used a mouse model of Parkinson disease in which human alpha-SYN is overexpressed by a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector, serotype 2 (AAV2-SYN); this overexpression leads to slow degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Microglial activation and components of the adaptive immune response were assessed using immunohistochemistry; quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine cytokine expression. Four weeks after injection, there was a marked increase in CD68-positive microglia and greater infiltration of B and T lymphocytes in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the AAV2-SYN group than in controls. At 12 weeks, CD68 staining declined, but B- and T-cell infiltration persisted. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines was enhanced, whereas markers of alternative activation (i.e. arginase I and interleukins 4 and 13) were not altered. Increased immunoreactivity for mouse immunoglobulin was detected at all time points in the AAV2-SYN animals. These data show that overexpression of alpha-SYN alone, in the absence of overt neurodegeneration, is sufficient to trigger neuroinflammation with both microglial activation and stimulation of adaptive immunity.
The rates of oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and esters

The rates of autoxidation of oleic acid, ethyl oleate, linoleic acid, 10,12-linoleic acid, ethyl linoleate, trilinolein, pentaerythritol linoleate, dipentaerythritol linoleate, elaidolinolenic acid, linolenic acid, ethyl linolenate, trilinolenin, and methyl arachidonate have been studied by oxygen uptake in a Warburg respirometer and the results are compared with the rates of enzymatic oxidation of lipoxidase substrates.
Early mammalian erythropoiesis requires the Dot1L methyltransferase

Histone methylation is an important regulator of gene expression; its coordinated activity is critical in complex developmental processes such as hematopoiesis. Disruptor of telomere silencing 1-like (DOT1L) is a unique histone methyltransferase that specifically methylates histone H3 at lysine 79. We analyzed Dot1L-mutant mice to determine influence of this enzyme on embryonic hematopoiesis. Mutant mice developed more slowly than wild-type embryos and died between embryonic days 10.5 and 13.5, displaying a striking anemia, especially apparent in small vessels of the yolk sac. Further, a severe, selective defect in erythroid, but not myeloid, differentiation was observed. Erythroid progenitors failed to develop normally, showing retarded progression through the cell cycle, accumulation during G0/G1 stage, and marked increase in apoptosis in response to erythroid growth factors. GATA2, a factor essential for early erythropoiesis, was significantly reduced in Dot1L-deficient cells, whereas expression of PU.1, a transcription factor that inhibits erythropoiesis and promotes myelopoiesis, was increased. These data suggest a model whereby DOT1L-dependent lysine 79 of histone H3 methylation serves as a critical regulator of a differentiation switch during early hematopoiesis, regulating steady-state levels of GATA2 and PU.1 transcription, thus controlling numbers of circulating erythroid and myeloid cells.
Conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, vibrational assignment and ab initio calculations of oxalyl chloride

Abstract The Raman spectra (2000-10 cm −1 ) of gaseous, liquid and solid oxalyl chloride, (CCIO) 2 , have been recorded, and the Raman spectrum of the liquid with qualitative depolarization values has been obtained. In addition to the six symmetry permitted Raman lines for the trans conformer, there are eight more Raman lines observed in the spectrum of the gas (ten for the liquid) which must be assigned to a second conformer. These data have been interpreted on the basis of a more stable trans rotamer and high-energy gauche conformer in equilibrium for the fluid phases. Variable-temperature studies of the Raman spectrum have been carried out and a conformational enthalpy difference of 289 ± 110 cm −1 (827 ± 315 cal mol −1 ) has been obtained for the gas. Additionally, variable-temperature studies of the infrared spectrum of the sample dissolved in xenon gave an enthalpy difference of 111 ± 49 cm −1 (317 ± 140 cal mol −1 ). The CCIO wag for the trans conformer has been assigned at 700 cm −1 which is a much higher frequency than any previously reported value for this fundamental. Assignments are also provided for most of the fundamentals for the gauche conformer. All these data are compared with the corresponding quantities obtained from ab initio calculations employing the RHF/3-21G ∗ , RHF/6-31G ∗ , RHF/6-311 + G ∗ , and MP2/6-31G ∗ basis sets. These data are also compared to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Optimization of metrology measurements in extreme-ultraviolet projection cameras: University of Arizona lithography package

Metrology measurements for alignment of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) projection cameras can be optimized using the concept of misalignment modes. Using a metric called distance between subspaces, metrology measurements can be adjusted to increase sensitivity to a chosen camera- performance measure. For example, we have found that collecting exit-pupil wavefront measurements at locations outside the EUVL projection-camera's ring field of view can increase the sensitivity of such metrology measurements to chief-ray distortion. This paper describes the development of the University of Arizona Lithography Package (UALP), a software package that supports the types of computation, e.g., sensitivity-matrix calculation, and the types of analysis, e.g., singular value decomposition, that are required by the optimization of metrology measurements using misalignment modes. The description begins with a discussion of the ideas behind each step of the development process of UALP, including its use of ZEMAX. Along with the discussion of these steps, we describe the progression of our interface to ZEMAX. We describe the transition from the original ZEMAX extension model to the model using the Win32 library, and also our final version written using the Microsoft Foundation Class Library. We also introduce a diagnostic tool that was created to help a programmer interact with ZEMAX.
Superdiffusive transport due to random velocity fields

The motion of a random walk in a medium containing random, but spatially correlated velocity fields is discussed. This type of disorder generally leads to superdiffusive behavior in which the mean-square displacement, 〈x2(t)〉, grows faster than linearly with time. For a two-dimensional medium with layers of random velocities in the x-direction, 〈x2(t)〉 is found to increase as t2v with 2v=32. The probability distribution of displacements appears to fit the form P(x,t)∼t−34 exp[−(x/t34)δ], with δ≲1.7. However,a Lifshitz argument for the tail of the distribution suggests that δ≤43. This discrepancy is yet to be fully resolved. We also discuss some intriguing properties in a model with isotropic velocity fields. In two dimensions, we find v=43, while δ=3. These values obey the general scaling relation δ=(1−v)−1.
Experimental demonstration of an optical artificial perfect magnetic mirror using dielectric resonators

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate an artificial perfect magnetic mirror constructed from an array of cross-shaped dielectric resonators in the optical range. The TM 01δ mode of the cross-shaped dielectric resonator was exploited to provide a near-unity reflectivity and a near-zero reflection phase, mimicing a theoretical perfect magnetic conductor. A sample of the artificial mirror was fabricated using standard e-beam lithography and was further characterized, showing a strong agreement with simulated predictions.
A talk by Patti Maes

This talk is informed by the concepts of computational reflection including reflective architectures, causal connections, and the definitions of these concepts in an object-oriented setting, and by an effort to radically rethink the human-machine interactive experience. The latter effort endeavors to design interfaces that are more immersive, more intelligent, and more interactive, and by doing so to change the human-machine relationship and to create systems that are more responsive to people's needs and actions and that become true "accessories" for expanding our minds.
Waveguide formation by laser irradiation of sol-gel coatings

Sol-Gel derived Si02-Ti02 films were densified by scanning a C02 laser beam across the surface. The effects of laser power and scanning rate on the morphology and optical properties of the coatings were studied. At low laser powers a depression, with rough sidewalls and approximately gaussian profile was formed in the coatings. As the laser power was increased the channels became wider and smoother, and flattened out on the bottom. At high laser powers a pair of ridges were formed in the bottom of the channel, apparently due to melting. The refractive index of the laser densified films was higher than for films fired in a furnace. Most laser densified areas supported waveguide modes but exhibited high loss. By processing at powers just below the damage threshold loss was reduced to a measurable value, 12.4 dB/cm for the TM0 mode for one sample. Annealing the films after laser processing also reduced the loss.
A comparison of one-minute probability density distributions of global horizontal solar irradiance conditioned to the optical air mass and hourly averages in different climate zones

Abstract In this study, one-minute global horizontal solar irradiance distributions conditioned to the optical air mass, m , and hourly average of global horizontal solar irradiance were studied at sites in five different climate regions. For this purpose, the clearness index, k t , which accounts for the atmospheric transmittance, has been used. These distributions are fitted by functions based on the Boltzmann statistic. The one-minute distributions of k t conditioned to m found are either unimodal or bimodal, depending on the location and the value of m . These distributions are different for each of the locations analyzed. The one-minute distributions of k t conditioned to their hourly value ( k th ) are unimodal, and are in turn different at each of the locations analyzed. The one-minute k t distributions conditioned to both m and k th analyzed are also unimodal. These distributions were found to be the same (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, p > 0.05) at different sites in 5% of the cases compared, the majority of which show very cloudy sky conditions and decrease monotonically at clearer-sky conditions. These results point to the importance of local distribution and type of clouds in one-minute solar irradiance distributions, and highlight the role of local atmospheric clear sky transparency in differentiating these distributions.
The “women's court” in India: an alternative dispute resolution body for women in distress

The ‘women's court’ (mahila adalat or mahila mandal) is a fairly recent but increasingly prevalent phenomenon in contemporary India. A particular kind of alternative dispute-resolution forum specifically designed to address women's marital and related family problems, it aims to provide a safe and unthreatening environment wherein women can air their grievances, work out satisfactory settlements with husbands and in-laws, or find ways to escape their difficult situations altogether. It encourages women to resolve domestic disputes informally, rather than by resort to the state's judicatory institutions. Most women's courts are run by women's NGOs, often with financial support from foreign donor agencies or, in some cases, from governmental or semi-governmental agencies such as State Women's Commissions or Legal Aid Societies. This paper discusses the structure and workings of some of these women's courts, based on two decades of ethnographic observations and interviews in such venues as well as on the wor...
Distinctive amygdala kindled seizures differentially affect neurobehavioral recovery and lesion-induced basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression.

The differing effects of partial seizures on neurobehavioral recovery following anteromedial cortex (AMC) injury in rats have previously been reported. Specifically, convulsive Stage 1 seizures evoked ipsilateral to the lesion during the 6-day post-lesion critical period delayed recovery, while non-convulsive Stage 0 seizures were neutral. The present study was designed to elaborate on that research by examining several potential mechanisms for the seizure-associated difference observed in functional outcome. Anesthetized rats sustained unilateral AMC lesions followed by implantation of a stimulating electrode in the amygdala ipsilateral (Expt. 1) or contralateral (Expt. 2) to the lesion. Beginning 48 h after surgery, animals were kindled to evoke Stage 0 or Stage 1 seizure activity during the critical period. Kindling trials and afterdischarge (AD) were controlled to ascertain their role in functional outcome. Recovery from somatosensory deficits was assessed over a two-month period. The results revealed that (i) Stage 0 seizures did not impact recovery regardless of whether initiated ipsilateral or contralateral to the lesion, (ii) Stage 1 seizures prevented recovery only when initiated in the ipsilateral hemisphere during the post-lesion critical period, and (iii) the detrimental effect of Stage 1 seizures appears to be independent of the number of kindling trials provided and cumulative AD. Thus, to determine why Stage 1 seizures evoked in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the lesion impeded recovery, a separate group of animals (Expt. 3) were kindled accordingly and processed for c-Fos and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) immunohistochemistry. It was hypothesized that Stage 1 seizures evoked in the injured hemisphere prevent recovery by blocking lesion-induced bFGF expression in structures shown to be important for recovery after cortex lesions (e.g., striatum). The results confirmed our hypothesis and suggest that the seizure-associated inhibition of lesion-induced bFGF may alter the growth factor-mediated plasticity necessary for functional recovery.
Some Chinese Rebel Ideologies

The belief that a study of an ideology is a key to the understanding of the society in which it takes form is based on the assumption that ideas are functions of the subject who expresses them 1), and that "the shape ideas take is relative to the culture and era in which they develop and are used" "), although "there are internal standards of validity in ideas themselves" 3). But ideas, whatever their status, are in fact efficacious in history. They have influenced
The Ghost of Matthew Arnold: Englishness and the Politics of Culture

Submissive, and even consenting to their subjection, the Indians nevertheless often made of the rituals, representations, and laws imposed on them something quite different from what their conquero...
Search for νμ − ντ oscillations in BEBC

Abstract We search for νμ − ντ oscillations, by measuring the neutral to charged current ratio of the PS νμ beam at ≈1.3 GeV. We exclude at 90% confidence level δm2≤0.25 eV2 for maximum mixing and sin2(2θ)≤0.20 at δm2 = 3 eV2.
Microinjection of DNA into the Nuclei of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract Background. It is challenging to successfully transfect human vascular cells by conventional techniques. We evaluated the efficiency of transfection of human smooth muscle cells (SMC) using a method of direct nuclear microinjection of DNA constructs. Materials and methods. The nuclei of explanted human saphenous vein SMC were microinjected with the plasmid pCMVβ, containing the lacZ gene for β-galactosidase (β-gal). Efficiency of injection and expression were assessed by histochemical staining for β-gal. Injected SMC were subjected to standard assays of viability and migration. Results. Parameters affecting the conditions of injection were systematically analyzed to achieve optimal transfection efficiency. A vertical injection resulted in a twofold increase in expression of β-gal compared to a horizontal approach. A DNA concentration of 100 ng/μl (390 copies/injection) provided a maximal rate of expression. No further increase in expression was evident at higher concentrations. Maximal expression was achieved with a time of injection of 200–500 ms, an injection pressure of 5–10 psi, and a pipette tip size of 0.6 μm, resulting in an injection volume of 0.03 pl. Cytoplasmic injection did not result in gene expression. The ability of SMC to migrate under videomicroscopy was not altered by the injection process. Optimizing all injection parameters resulted in cell viability >95% and efficiency of injection of 59%. Conclusion. DNA encoding a variety of intracellular proteins can be efficiently microinjected into human vascular SMC. Coupled with the use of videomicroscopy, this technique can allow for the evaluation of genes that might modulate important cellular processes such as proliferation and migration.
Diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy among chronic kidney disease patients

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review was to study the prevalence of and establish an association between biochemical markers and the underlying rate of bone turnover in renal osteodystrophy. METHODS Using the PubMed database, we undertook a systematic review of literature using studies that included bone histology in combination with serum biochemical markers among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, published between 1985 and 2007. Studies having at least 3 of 7 serum biochemical markers were chosen for this review. RESULTS Of the dialysis patients who were recipients of 1,701 bone biopsies, 41% had hyperparathyroid bone disease, 5% had osteomalacia, and 33% had adynamic bone disease. Among CKD patients not on dialysis, of a total of 1,316 bone biopsies, 34% had hyperparathyroid bone disease, 19% had osteomalacia, and 8% had adynamic bone disease. Dialysis patients who had high-turnover bone disease compared with those with low bone turnover had significantly higher levels of parathyroid hormone, serum alkaline phosphatase, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin. A similar relationship was observed among CKD patients not on dialysis. There was significant individual variation in bone turnover biochemical markers. CONCLUSIONS A combination of serum biochemical markers might predict underlying renal osteodystrophy better than would individual biochemical markers. A predictive model using bone histology and biochemical markers can be developed in the future.
Permeability Testing of Glove Materials for Use with Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of several types of hospital gloves that are recommended by the manufacturers for handling chemotherapy drugs. Gloves were examined for permeability against five cancer chemotherapy drugs (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, carmustine, and cisplatin) at several time points up to 2 h using a bacterial mutation assay as the measure of permeation. Of the 5 types of gloves tested at a single thickness, 4 were completely impermeable to all drugs and the remaining 1 demonstrated only limited permeability. A latex examination glove used for comparison was permeable to carmustine. One glove material that was tested as a double thickness was impermeable to the 5 drugs. Results indicate that various types of gloves may offer protection against exposure to chemotherapy drugs for healthcare workers.
Location of modulatory β subunits in BK potassium channels

Large-conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels contain four pore-forming α subunits and four modulatory β subunits. From the extents of disulfide cross-linking in channels on the cell surface between cysteine (Cys) substituted for residues in the first turns in the membrane of the S0 transmembrane (TM) helix, unique to BK α, and of the voltage-sensing domain TM helices S1–S4, we infer that S0 is next to S3 and S4, but not to S1 and S2. Furthermore, of the two β1 TM helices, TM2 is next to S0, and TM1 is next to TM2. Coexpression of α with two substituted Cys’s, one in S0 and one in S2, and β1 also with two substituted Cys’s, one in TM1 and one in TM2, resulted in two αs cross-linked by one β. Thus, each β lies between and can interact with the voltage-sensing domains of two adjacent α subunits.
Epicardial fat can mimic pericardial effusion on transoesophageal echocardiogram.

A 71-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent transoesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of thrombus prior to atrial fibrillation ablation therapy. Transoesophageal echocardiographic images showed no thrombus but demonstrated an echo-free space adjacent to the right ventricle suggestive of a small pericardial effusion ( Figure 1A ; see Supplementary data online, Movie S1 ). Real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiographic images of the right ventricle were also suggestive of pericardial …
OUTPATIENT SCHEDULING IN HEALTH CARE: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This paper provides a comprehensive survey of research on appointment scheduling in outpatient services. Effective scheduling systems have the goal of matching demand with capacity so that resources are better utilized and patient waiting times are minimized. Our goal is to present general problem formulation and modeling considerations, and to provide taxonomy of methodologies used in previous literature. Current literature fails to develop generally applicable guidelines to design appointment systems, as most studies have suggested highly situation-specific solutions. We identify future research directions that provide opportunities to expand existing knowledge and close the gap between theory and practice.
Palaeomagnetic analysis of plunging fold structures: Errors and a simple fold test

Abstract The conventional corrections for bedding dip in palaeomagnetic studies involve either untilting about strike or about some inclined axis—the choice is usually governed by the perceived fold hinge orientation. While it has been recognised that untilting bedding about strike can be erroneous if the beds lie within plunging fold structures, there are several types of fold which have plunging hinges, but whose limbs have rotated about horizontal axes. Examples are interference structures and forced folds; restoration about inclined axes may be incorrect in these cases. The angular errors imposed upon palaeomagnetic lineation data via the wrong choice of rotation axis during unfolding are calculated here and presented for lineations in any orientation which could be associated with an upright, symmetrical fold. This extends to palaeomagnetic data previous analyses which were relevant to bedding-parallel lineations. This numerical analysis highlights the influence of various parameters which describe fold geometry and relative lineation orientation upon the angular error imparted to lineation data by the wrong unfolding method. The effect of each parameter is described, and the interaction of the parameters in producing the final error is discussed. Structural and palaeomagnetic data are cited from two field examples of fold structures which illustrate the alternative kinematic histories. Both are from thin-skinned thrust belts, but the data show that one is a true plunging fold, formed by rotation about its inclined hinge, whereas the other is an interference structure produced by rotation of the limbs about non-parallel horizontal axes. Since the angle between the palaeomagnetic lineations and the inclined fold hinge is equal on both limbs in the former type of structure, but varies from limb to limb in the latter, a simple test can be defined which uses palaeomagnetic lineation data to identify rotation axes and hence fold type. This test can use pre- or syn-folding lineations and could be useful in areas of non-coaxial folding.
Studies of the putative transforming protein of the type I human T-cell leukemia virus

The putative transforming protein of the type I human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) is a 40-kilodalton protein encoded by the X region and is termed p40XI. On the basis of both subcellular fractionation techniques and immunocytochemical analysis, it is now shown that p40XI is a nuclear protein with a relatively short half-life (120 minutes). It is synthesized de novo in considerable quantities in a human T-cell line infected with and transformed by the virus in vitro, and it is not packaged in detectable amounts in the extracellular virus.
Wide dynamic range CMOS image sensor with pixel level ADC

A new enhanced dynamic range (DR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) CMOS imaging system with a pixel level analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is presented. The proposed reset technique and time-to-digital converter increases DR and peak SNR simultaneously. The circuit reuse concept is also proposed to increase the fill factor.
Low-frequency fluctuations in solids: 1/f noise

An astonishing variety of systems show properties that fluctuate with approximately $\frac{1}{f}$-shaped spectral densities. In this review we deal with selected topics regarding $\frac{1}{f}$ fluctuations (or noise) in the resistance of simple condensed matter systems, especially metals. We find that considerable experimental and conceptual progress has been made, but specific physical processes mostly remain to be identified.
Stress analysis and fatigue life prediction for a U-bend steam generator tube

Abstract An analysis is carried out to determine the stresses in a steam generator tube that failed by fatigue. Using data available for the failed tube and for failures in two similar steam generators, the magnitudes of the alternating and mean stresses produced during operation are estimated. The cause for the early failure is shown to be the high mean stress caused by denting of the tube in the location where it passed through the tube sheet.
Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in the ovine heart: Mitral annular dynamic three-dimensional geometry ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract Background: Ring annuloplasty has been used to correct annular dilatation and mitral regurgitation in dilated cardiomyopathy, but little is known about the dynamic precise 3-dimensional geometry of the mitral annulus in this condition. Methods: Nine sheep had radiopaque markers sewn to the mitral annulus, creating 8 distinct segments beginning at the posterior commissure (segments 1-4, septal mitral annulus; segments 5-8, lateral mitral annulus). Biplane videofluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography were performed before and after rapid pacing (180-230 min −1 for 15 ± 6 days) sufficient to develop tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation. Mitral annular segment contraction was defined as the percentage difference between maximum and minimum lengths. Mitral annular area and mitral annular septal-lateral and commissure-commissure diameters and 3-dimensional shape were determined from marker coordinates. Results: With tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, end-diastolic mitral annular area, septal-lateral diameter, and commissure-commissure diameter increased by 36% ± 14%, 25% ± 12%, and 9% ± 5%, respectively ( P P Conclusions: With tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, the mitral annulus dilated substantially, being more in the septal-lateral than in the commissure-commissure dimension. Greater annular segmental dilatation and decreased contraction occurred in the lateral annulus. The saddle shape of the annulus was retained but flattened. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:315-24
Transfection of cells attached to selected cell based biosensor surfaces.

Abstract Mammalian cell attachment studies were conducted on a variety of common microchip surfaces for potential use in cell based biosensors. COS-7 cell attachment to Au, Pt or ITO, per unit area was greater than to SiO 2 surfaces. The number of cells that would attach was essentially maximized 3 h after cell seeding. HL-1 cells attached more readily to surfaces precoated with fibronectin, but by 3 h equivalent number of cells had attached independent of fibronectin precoating. Inclusion of serum in media during the initial period of attachment decreased the number of COS-7 cells attached to SiO 2 surfaces, but no dependence on serum was seen for ITO surfaces. The number of cells attached per unit area varied with the composition of the surface. However, no differences were observed in the percentage of cells transfected with a green fluorescent protein gene, or in the level of reporter gene expression over the population of transfected cells on ITO, SiO 2 , Pt, Ag, or Au surfaces. Similar FACS analysis of transfected Hep G2 cells revealed lower levels of both transfection efficiency and levels of GFP fluorescence. Hep G2 cells plated on Ag did not remain attached for analysis, but there were no significant differences between tissue culture plastic and the other biosensor surfaces in the percentage of cells transfected. This suggests that, in general, cells will attach to the various conducting and nonconducting biosensor surfaces studied and will provide comparable data in reporter gene expression assays.
The Move Toward American Modernity: Empowerment and Individualism in the Black Mega Church

In this post-modern era, the Black church attempts to survive amid the evolution of the mega church. The rise of the mega church phenomenon within the Black community in this consumerist culture is a radical departure with the historic commitment to fight for freedom and justice. Utilizing the empowerment perspective, this article will discuss individualism and barriers to community empowerment and its impact on the history of the Black church.