cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second Generation Patient Specific Total Knees Demonstrate a Higher Manipulation Rate Compared with “Off-the-shelf” Implants

Introduction. Patient specific total knee arthroplasty (TKA) theoreticallyprovides a more accurate fit to the native knee but mayhave difficulty achieving full range of motion (ROM) post-operatively.Post-operative ROM data were compared between patientswho underwent cemented patient-specific cruciate-retaining(PSCR) and standard cemented posterior-stabilized (SPS) TKAs. Methods. PSCR and SPS TKAs that were performed from January2014 to September 2015 by the same surgeon using the same postoperativeprotocols at two selected facilities were reviewed. Twoandsix-week post-operative ROM data were obtained and thenumber of patients with knee flexion less than 110° was recorded. Results. Twenty-one patients in the PSCR group and 57 patientsin the SPS group were included. The percentage of patientswith knee flexion less than 110° was similar in both groups preoperatively(10% vs 14%, p = 0.60) and two-week post-operatively(57% vs 68%, p = 0.35). However, at six-week post-operativelythere was significant difference (29% vs 7%, p = 0.01). Conclusions. These results provide evidence to alert orthopaedicsurgeons when using these patient specific implants versus conventionalTKA methods. Patients whose TKA was performed usingpatient specific cutting guides struggled to obtain 110° of kneeflexion. Close monitoring, aggressive physical therapy, and earlymanipulation are recommended when using patient specific cuttingguides and custom total knee implants. Further evaluation ina larger group of patients is warranted. KS J Med 2016;9(4):88-92.
Regulation of muscle and metabolic physiology by hypothalamic erythropoietin independently of its peripheral action.

Abstract Objective The glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is required for erythropoiesis, and the kidney is the primary site of adult EPO synthesis. Limited evidence has suggested that EPO could be detectable in the brain under certain conditions, but it remains unknown if the brain might have its own EPO system for biological functions that are independent of peripheral EPO production and action. We performed this study to address this question using mice under normal conditions versus pathophysiological conditions including aging and dietary obesity. Methods EPO expression was measured in different brain regions as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid. Hypothalamic ventricular EPO was administered to physiologically examine possible therapeutic effects on the conditions of aging and dietary obesity. Body weight, body composition, insulin tolerance, and glucose tolerance were measured to assess the central effects of EPO on metabolic physiology, and muscle strength and histology were analyzed to assess the central effects of EPO on muscle function. In addition, β2-adrenergic receptor knockout bone marrow transplant was employed to determine the potential role of bone marrow in linking the brain to some of these peripheral functions. Results This study revealed that EPO is expressed in the ventromedial hypothalamus in addition to a few other brain regions and is present in the cerebrospinal fluid. Unlike blood EPO concentration, which increased with aging and dietary obesity, hypothalamic EPO decreased in these disease conditions. Therapeutically, aged mice were chronically treated with EPO in the hypothalamic ventricle, showing an increase in lean mass, while body weight and fat mass decreased as a result of a moderate reduction of food intake. Both muscle and metabolic functions were improved by this central treatment, and mechanistically, adrenergic signals to the bone marrow played a role in conveying hypothalamic EPO to these peripheral actions. Dietary obesity was also studied, showing that hypothalamic EPO treatment caused a reduction in food intake and obesity, leading to improved metabolic functions related to decreased fat as well as increased lean mass. Conclusions Hypothalamic EPO plays a role in the central regulation of muscle and metabolic physiology, while its decline contributes to aging and obesity physiology in a manner that is independent of peripheral EPO.
Epidemiology of in-hospital cardiac arrest complicating non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving early coronary angiography

In the period between 2000 and 2014, 584,704 admissions with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that received early coronary angiography (day zero) were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. In-hospital cardiac arrest was noted in 4349 (0.8%), of which ~47% were from ventricular arrhythmias and ~90% of occurred within ≤4 days. Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction admissions with in-hospital cardiac arrest had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without (61% vs. 1.6%) with an unchanged temporal trend of in-hospital cardiac arrest rates (adjusted odds ratio 1.29 [95% confidence interval 0.73-2.28]) in 2014 compared to 2000).
Mediators of Prolonged Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization After Severe Trauma.

Abstract Background This study investigated the molecular mediators of prolonged hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization a trauma and chronic stress and the role of propranolol in modifying this response. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to lung contusion (LC), LC plus hemorrhagic shock (LCHS), or LCHS with daily restraint stress (LCHS/CS). Propranolol was administered daily. Bone marrow (BM) and lung expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), neutrophil elastase, stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/CXR4, and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1)/very late antigen-4 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Bone marrow HMGB1, G-CSF, and neutrophil elastase expression were significantly elevated two- to four-fold after LCHS/CS, and all were decreased with the use of propranolol. SDF-1 and VCAM-1 were both significantly decreased after LCHS/CS. Conclusions The increased expression of HMGB1 and G-CSF and decreased expression of BM anchoring molecules, SDF-1 and VCAM-1, after LCHS/CS, likely mediates prolonged hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization. Propranolol's ability to reduce HMGB1, G-CSF, and neutrophil elastase expression suggests that the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells was driven by persistent hypercatecholaminemia.
Racist Cops, Vested “Blue” Interests, or Both? Evidence from Four Decades of the General Social Survey:

The murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer triggered U.S. and worldwide protests—protests that raised questions about police funding, use of force, and whether police officers are d...
Holographic snapshots of laser wakefields

We report the first single-shot measurements of transverse and longitudinal structure of laser-generated wakefields. Real-time, non-averaged measurements of resonant wakes reveal detailed temporal and spatial features that depend on pulse energy and electron density.
Efficient execution of graph algorithms on CPU with SIMD extensions

Existing state-of-the-art CPU graph frameworks take advantage of multiple cores, but not the SIMD capability within each core. In this work, we retarget an existing GPU graph algorithm compiler to obtain the first graph framework that uses SIMD extensions on CPUs to efficiently execute graph algorithms. We evaluate this compiler on 10 benchmarks and 3 graphs on 3 different CPUs and also compare to the GPU. Evaluation results show that on a 8-core machine, enabling SIMD on a naive multi-core implementation achieves an additional 7.48x speedup, averaged across 10 benchmarks and 3 inputs. Applying our SIMD-targeted optimizations improves the plain SIMD implementation by 1.67x, outperforming a serial implementation by 12.46x. On average, the optimized multi-core SIMD version also outperforms the state-of-the-art graph framework, GraphIt, by 1.53x, averaged across 5 (common) benchmarks. SIMD execution on CPUs closes the gap between the CPU and GPU to 1.76x, but the CPU virtual memory performs better when graphs are much bigger than available physical memory.
Exploring the associations between debate participation, communication competence, communication apprehension, and argumentativeness with a global sample

In this original research study, we examined how participating in debate is associated with communication competence (CC), communication apprehension (CA), and argumentativeness (ARG). A sample of ...
Community-Based Education Practices in Resettlement: Insights from the Blacksburg Refugee Partnership

Education is a key component of the processes refugees undertake to (re)establish their lives in their new communities. In many cases too, displaced individuals have had interruptions in their education paths. In the United States context, nonprofit and community organizations provide essential services to supplement publicly funded resettlement and educational programs. The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership (BRP) has been filling service provision gaps in Southwest Virginia for a group of resettled refugee households since late 2016. BRP provides tutoring, English as a Second Language (ESL) training, and summer supplemental programming. Based upon an interview with BRP’s Education Coordinators and a survey of leaders and volunteers in September 2018, this article explores the organization’s work, connecting it to challenges and opportunities similar education initiatives encounter. I organize research results around three primary themes: the benefits of resettlement in a “college town” and the importance of leveraging university resources; the complexity of volunteer-led programming; and the need for comprehensive services to facilitate students’ education. I conclude by sketching the implications of this case for other educational initiatives serving refugees.
Adolescent high-fructose corn syrup consumption leads to dysfunction in adult affective behaviors and mesolimbic proteins in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract Adolescence is a critical period of development, during which the brain undergoes rapid maturation. Problematically, adolescents are the top consumers of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetened beverages and snacks, which may have neurodevelopmental consequences. While HFCS consumption has been linked to an increased likelihood of obesity and other physical health impairments, the link between HFCS and persistent behavioral changes is not yet fully established. The present study aimed to assess whether adolescent HFCS consumption could lead to alterations in adult behaviors and protein expression, following cessation. Adolescent HFCS-exposure contributed to deficits in learning and motivation on an effort-related T-Maze procedure, as well as increased immobility time in the forced swim paradigm during adulthood. Molecularly, protracted decreases in accumbal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and protein kinase G (PKG), as well as increases in tyrosine hydroxylase and GluA2 receptor subunits, were observed following HFCS-exposure. Taken together, these data suggest that adolescent HFCS-consumption leads to protracted dysfunction in affective behaviors and alterations in accumbal proteins which persist following cessation of HFCS-consumption.
Crystallization of Polymers: Polymer–diluent mixtures

High molecular weight n -alkanes The crystallization kinetics of the monodisperse, high molecular weight n -alkanes from solution follows the unique pattern observed in the melt crystallization of such species. The characteristic dependence of the observed rate on the crystallization temperature measured using differential scanning calorimetry is illustrated in Fig. 13.1 for the crystallization of C 198 H 398 from a 3.85% toluene solution. Typically, in crystallization from solution, as well as from the pure melt, the crystallization rate reaches a maximum several degrees below the melting temperature of the extended crystals. A minimum follows, as the temperature is lowered just a few more degrees. The further lowering of the temperature results in a steep increase in the rate. It is easily demonstrated that folded chain crystallites are initially formed at crystallization temperatures in the vicinity of the minimum. Similar inversions in the crystallization rates have been reported for the n -alkanes C 246 H 494 (5) and C 294 H 590 using the same method. Wide-angle x-ray scattering studies, utilizing synchrotron radiation, yield similar results for C 162 H 326 and C 246 H 494 crystallizing from solution. Growth rate studies with C 198 H 398 and higher n -alkanes also show maxima and minima with crystallization temperature, as does the initiation and spreading of a given layer. In the crystallization of C 246 H 494 from a dilute solution in toluene (0.14% w/w) two minima are observed in the crystallization rate–temperature plot.
Cigarette use by college students in smoke-free housing

Results: Current smoking prevalence was significantly lower among residents of smoke-free housing (21.0%) as compared with residents of unrestricted housing (30.6%, p,0.0001). The lower rate of current cigarette use was consistent with all types of student and college characteristics with few exceptions. Current cigarette use was significantly lower for those living in smoke-free housing than for residents of unrestricted housing among students who were not regular smokers before age 19 (10% vs 16.9%, p,0.0001), but not among students who smoked regularly before age 19. Conclusions: Smoke-free residences may help protect those students who were not regular smokers in high school from smoking in college. However, the difference in smoking rates may be due to self-selection of students into smoke-free residences. Since smoke-free options also protect students from secondhand smoke and dormitory fires, colleges should provide these types of residences for all students who request them, and should also encourage others to choose them.
On the Complexity and Inapproximability of Shortest Implicant Problems

We investigate the complexity and approximability of a basic optimization problem in the second level of the Polynomial Hierarchy, that of finding shortest implicants. We show that the DNF variant of this problem is complete for a complexity class in the second level of the hierarchy utilizing log2 n-limited nondeterminism. We obtain inapproximability results for the DNF and formula variants of the shortest implicant problem that show that trivial approximation algorithms are optimal for these problems, up to lower order terms. It is hoped that these results will be useful in studying the complexity and approximability of circuit minimization problems, which have close connections to implicant problems.
Viaggio in Bangladesh, una missione UNICEF

Il Bangladesh e uno dei Paesi piu poveri al mondo – il 43,3% della popolazione sopravvive con meno di 1 dollaro al giorno – ed e anche uno dei Paesi che oggi sconta maggiormente le conseguenze dei mutamenti climatici del pianeta. Nonostante gli enormi progressi realizzati dal 1990, oggi il Bangladesh si trova al 60° posto su 194 Paesi, nella classifica del tasso di mortalita sotto i 5 anni. Sono 57 milioni i bambini e i ragazzi sotto i 18 anni (cfr. Rapporto UNICEF, La condizione dell’infanzia nel mondo 2015), molti dei quali non vanno a scuola e sono privati dei servizi sociali piu elementari finendo per diventare bambini di strada, esposti ad abusi e allo sfruttamento nel lavoro. Bambini destinati a crescere ai margini della societa. Per conoscere i progetti realizzati dall’UNICEF1 a favore dei minori in Bangladesh, una delegazione composta da due “Grandi Donatrici” e dal Responsabile dell’Ufficio “Grandi Donatori e Lasciti” del Comitato Italiano per l’UNICEF ha compiuto un viaggio nel Paese nel corso del 2014. Dalla missione e scaturito un “Diario di viaggio” realizzato per condividere con tutti i sostenitori e amici dell’UNICEF il senso di questa eccezionale esperienza. Il diario e disponibile all’indirizzo: http://www.unicef.it/doc/5610/lavoro-minorile-i-donatori-visitano-i-progettiunicef-in-bangladesh.htm. Per approfondimenti: e.costantini@unicef.it
The effect of rate of infusion on continuous epidural analgesia for labor and delivery.

The authors previously reported that if a loading dose of 50 mg bupivacaine was followed by infusion of 0.0625% bupivacaine (12.5 mg/hr), supplemental doses to achieve satisfactory analgesia for labor and delivery were required in 50% of patients. The current study was done to determine whether increasing the dose from 12.5 to 25 mg/h would eliminate the need for supplemental injections. Twenty-three healthy parturients were randomly assigned to one of two groups—Group I: 0.125% bupivacaine at 20 ml/hr (25 mg/hr); or Group II: 0.25% bupivacaine at 10 ml/hr (25 mg/hr). Taking both groups together, the 50-mg bupivacaine loading dose followed by 25 mg/hr provided adequate analgesia for labor and delivery in 74% of the patients. Two parturients in Group I and three in Group II required supplemental boluses of 4 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine for delivery. Pharmacokinetic data were similar in both groups. Using a dose of 25 mg/hr resulted in 74% of the patients obtaining adequate analgesia for labor and delivery. This improvement over the 50% success rate in the previous study, was achieved without any evidence of toxicity.
Flexible Benefits as a Strategic Tool: Supporting the Use of Human Resources as a Distinctive Competency

Changes in marketplace competitiveness have forced the small business owner to recognize the benefits of implementing sound management principles. Two areas of management that have gained increasing attention in the small business research are business strategy and human resource management. This paper suggests that smaller firms can gain a competitive edge through developing a distinctive competency in the human resource area. One human resource tool, flexible benefits plans, is described and a strategic model is suggested that outlines how they can be used to help develop a firm 's human resources as a distinctive competency.
Simulation of the hypothesis generation process

Can the process by which scientific hypotheses are developed be made explicit? This paper investigates the issue by assuming hypotheses come from data, utilizing an information processing framework, and setting up a laboratory simulation in which subjects infer mathematical functions from plots of coordinate values. Protocol information collected in this setting provide the basis for a computer model of the sequence leading from the data to hypotheses. The model has five steps including the identification of the data's significant features and their organization into a coherent pattern, inferring of a general class of hypotheses, determination of a specific hypothesis from the class, testing by means of comparing hypotheses' predictions with the data, and iteration if necessary. Tests of the model indicate it gets the same answer as subjects most of the time and follows some of the process used by subjects in obtaining answers.
Search for biochemical effects in cells and tissues of ultrasonic irradiation of mice and of the in vitro irradiation of mouse peritoneal and human amniotic cells

Abstract Cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, and histamine concentrations were determined in skin, lung, and peritoneal cells of untreated, sham-treated, and treated mice in vivo (2 MHz continuous wave, 1 W/cm 2 , 100 and 200 sec, 34°C). The mice were killed and samples were taken 2–120 min after exposure. Similar experiments, including some on liver, were performed with focused-beam exposures (8.4 W/cm 2 , 2 × 100 sec; 10 W/cm 2 , 12 sec) of specific areas of the mouse. In addition, wide-beam exposures in vitro of the peritoneal cells and of human amniotic cells were included. In all of the work, no significant positive effect of the exposures was observed based on numbers of samples and respective means and distributions in comparison with the controls. Furthermore, the percentages of dead peritoneal and amniotic cells present were not affected by the exposures. These results may depend on maintenance of the integrity of cell membrane structures during the exposures, in spite of damage to other cell structures.
The challenge of repositioning: Teacher learning in the company of others

Abstract In this article, the author uses positioning theory to better understand the complexity of teacher learning about culture in the company of diverse colleagues. Analysis of a yearlong dialogic professional development experience among high school English teachers revealed that although an African American male's storyline informed the group of otherwise white teachers, his position as cultural “expert” limited his and his colleagues ability to reposition themselves. Teacher educators working with increasingly diverse teacher cohorts must consider how best to maximize learning opportunities, open communication, and free participants from subject positions (such as “expert”) that may inhibit overall group learning.
Comparison of two transcatheter device strategies for occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus.

Objectives: The present study evaluates two transcatheter closure strategies utilized at a single center and makes recommendations for device selection when occluding the patent ductus arteriosus. Background: A variety of devices are available for transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) but no guidelines exist to guide operator device choice. Methods: A total of 132 patients underwent attempted transcatheter PDA closure utilizing one of two consecutive closure strategies between January 2000 and June 2005. Strategy A (n = 64; January 2000–May 2003) utilized Gianturco coils only. Strategy B (n = 68; June 2003–June 2005) utilized a single Gianturco coil for the PDA with a minimal diameter ≤1 mm (n = 28) or an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO) if the PDA diameter exceeded 1 mm (n = 40). Success was defined as complete occlusion on a follow up echocardiogram. Results: 58 of 64 (90.6%) patients treated utilizing strategy A had successful coil implantation. 68 of 68 (100%) patients treated utilizing strategy B had successful coil/device implantation. At follow up echocardiography, 32 of 44 (72.7%) strategy A patients had complete ductal closure, as compared with 57 of 58 (98.3%) strategy B patients (P < 0.0001). Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified closure strategy as the most powerful predictor of procedural success (OR = 85.9; CI 5.6–9.99). Conclusions: A transcatheter PDA closure strategy consisting of a single Gianturco coil for PDA ≤ 1 mm or an ADO for larger sized PDA (strategy B) achieves superior outcomes compared to the use of coils alone. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Typification of the Linnaean names in Pyrola (Ericaceae, Pyroloideae)

Lectotypes are designated for four of the six Linnaean names inPyrola. The names are applied now to species ofChimaphila, Moneses, Orthilia, andPyrola (Ericaceae, Pyroloideae).
A Theory for Interactions of Two Dynamical Systems

In this paper, a generalized theory for interactions of two separable dynamical systems is presented. The corresponding mathematical conditions are developed to determine the motion complexity of the two systems, which is caused by the interaction between two systems. This theory presents a different point of view about the interactions of dynamical system.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Personality-informed interventions for healthy aging: conclusions from a National Institute on Aging work group.

We describe two frameworks in which personality dimensions relevant to health, such as Conscientiousness, can be used to inform interventions designed to promote health aging. First, contemporary data and theory do not suggest that personality is “immutable”, but instead focus on questions of who changes, in what way, why, when, and how. In fact, the notion that personality could be changed was part and parcel of many schools of psychotherapy, which suggested that long term and meaningful change in symptoms could not be achieved without change in relevant aspects of personality. We review intervention research documenting change in personality. Based on an integrative view of personality as a complex system, we describe a “bottom-up” model of change in which interventions to change basic personality processes eventuate in changes at the trait level. A second framework leverages the descriptive and predictive power of personality to tailor individual risk prediction and treatment, as well as refine public health programs, to the relevant dispositional characteristics of the target population. These methods dovetail with and add a systematic and rigorous psychosocial dimension to the personalized medicine and patient-centeredness movements in medicine. In addition to improving health through earlier intervention and increased fit between treatments and persons, cost-effectiveness improvements can be realized by more accurate resource allocation. Numerous examples from the personality, health, and aging literature on Conscientiousness and other traits are provided throughout, and we conclude with a series of recommendations for research in these emerging areas.
An African Nationalist Ideology Framed in Diaspora and the Development Quagmire: Any Hope for a Renaissance?

This article advances the argument that an African nationalist ideology crafted in Diaspora by African ideologues in the 19th and early 20th centuries contained tenets that addressed the fundamental development challenges faced in present day Africa. The ideology centered on African interests ranging from resistance against the institution of slavery to the formation of what was referred to as an “African nationality” with an independent African continent governed by Africans against the background of African history and Africa's contribution toward human civilization. However, after African decolonization in the 20th century, ideologues in the African leadership structure did not seem to have learned lessons from the vision and processes in the formulation of an ideology by their precursors in Diaspora, hence nullifying what probably would have resulted in an African renaissance grounding African national development in an Africanbased ideology.
Sex Differences in Legal Drug Use

Women use more legal drugs of all types (preventive, curative, prescription, nonprescription) than men do. This paper studies personal characteristics that encourage drug use by adults and how those characteristics help explain women's greater use. Data are from a general population survey of white adults in metropolitan Detroit, which has information on drug use from health interviews and also from health diaries kept for six weeks. Results show that morbidity is the strongest predictor of both curative and preventive use for adults. Age ranks second (older people use more drugs), and inability to ignore symptoms ranks third. Disruptive events, feelings of helplessness about life, poor self-rated health, and recent stress also boost drug use to a smaller extent. Personal characteristics are not only crucial to explaining day-to-day drug use by women and men, but also to accounting for sex differences in use. Detroit women's drug use is 50–80% greater than men's. The women also tend to have personal characteristics that boost drug use. When those characteristics are statistically controlled, the sex differences in drug use diminish. This is especially true for curative use, because it is so strongly affected by morbidity and women report much greater morbidity than men do. Structural characteristics (features of health services, medical care practice, health insurance, drug industry) are not measured in the data, but they are probably important too since people's ability to obtain prescriptions and to purchase drugs ultimately affects their daily drug use.
Real-Time Experimental Demonstration of Precise Decentralized Relative Navigation for Formation Flying Spacecraft

This paper presents the rst set of hardware-in-theloop results that experimentally demonstrate precise relative navigation for true formation-°ying spacecraft applications. Carrier Di®erential-phase GPS provides an ideal navigation sensor for formation °ying missions because it can be used to directly measure the relative positions and velocities of the vehicles in the °eet. A decentralized algorithm for formation estimation is presented, using an Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy. Four modi ed GPS receivers were used in the NASA Goddard Formation Flying Testbed facility to demonstrate formation °ying in low Earth orbit. Results from these hardware-in-theloop tests show accuracies on the order of » 1cm position and » 0.5mm/s for a 1 km elliptical formation. These results validate both the use of a decentralized architecture and the adaptive EKF.
Ultrasensitive Molecular Detection By Multiphoton Ionization Spectroscopy

In this paper we describe molecular detection methods based on Multi-Photon Ionization (MPI) spectroscopy that provide high selectivity in addition to excellent detection limits. Prior work based on one-wavelength resonance enhanced 2-photon ionization spectroscopy is reviewed. Highlights include improvement of detection limits for aromatic hydrocarbons by a factor of one-thousand and adaptation of 2-photon ionization for spectrally selective detection in gas chromatography. Two alternative approaches for highly selective MPI detec-tion are discussed. Time-of-Flight (TOF) ion analysis in conjunction with MPI provides mass spectral signatures in addition to MPI spectra. Single ion sensitivity can be approached in this configuration. In a purely optical approach, selectivity can be improved by using two-color excitation. The new two-color method of Ion Dip Spectroscopy (IDS) can be used to label specific intermediate states involved in the MPI process and it is capable of generating Raman-type spectra as a supplement to the MPI spectra. The ultimate detection limit of the IDS method is expected to be about 104 molecules/ cm3, which is comparable to the detection limit that we have obtained for naphthalene by one-color MPI.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Non-contrast MRA using an inflow-enhanced, inversion recovery SSFP technique in pediatric abdominal imaging

Abdominal contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) is routinely performed in children. CE-MRA is challenging in children because of patient motion, difficulty in obtaining intravenous access, and the inability of young patients to perform a breath-hold during imaging. The combination of pediatric-specific difficulties in imaging and the safety concerns regarding the risk of gadolinium-based contrast agents in patients with impaired renal function has renewed interest in the use of non-contrast (NC) MRA techniques. At our institution, we have optimized 3-D NC-MRA techniques for abdominal imaging. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the utility of an inflow-enhanced, inversion recovery balanced steady-state free precession-based (b-SSFP) NC-MRA technique.
2013 William Allan Award: My multifactorial journey.

I wish to sincerely acknowledge the support, efforts, and hard work of numerous trainees and collaborators whose work I have described, as well as the patients and their families who lent themselves to our investigations. Importantly, I acknowledge the numerous contributions of the members of the International Hirschsprung Disease Consortium, particularly the junior leaders, Jeanne Amiel, Merce Garcia-Barcelo, Raquel Fernandez, Francesca Lantieri, and Yunia Sribudiani. Finally, I remain deeply indebted to the National Institutes of Health, which, despite my frequent complaints, have steadfastly and consistently supported my diverse research ideas since 1984. I am a paid member of the Scientific Advisory Boards of Affymetrix and Biogen Idec. These potential conflicts of interest are managed by the policies of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Faraday effect due to Pauli exclusion principle in 3D topological insulator nanostructures

3D topological insulator (3D TI) materials have interesting surface states that are protected against scattering due to non-magnetic impurities. They turn out to be useful in quantum information processing. Here, using the 3D Dirac equation, we show that the transitions between positive and negative energy solutions in a 3D TI heterostructure junction and in a 3D TI quantum dot (QD) obey strict optical selection rules. We calculate the optical conductivity tensor of a 3D TI double interface made of a PbTe/Pb 0:31 Sn 0:69 Te/PbTe heterostructure using Maxwell's equations, which reveals a giant Faraday rotation effect due to Pauli exclusion principle. A transfer matrix method is employed to calculate the transmittance in a multilayer stacking of PbTe/Pb 0:31 Sn 0:69 Te/PbTe heterostructure. We show that while the Faraday rotation is giant for a single double interface, it takes about 60 double interfaces to absorb incoming radiation completely. We also present the model of a QD consisting of a spherical core-bulk heterostructure made of 3D TI materials, such as PbTe/Pb 0:31 Sn 0:69 Te/PbTe , with bound massless and helical Weyl states existing at the interface and being confined in all three dimensions. We calculate the Faraday rotation effect coming from the polarization of single electron-hole pairs. We show that the semi-classical Faraday effect can be used to read out spin quantum memory.
Perceptions of Ranchers About Medusahead ( Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) Management on Sagebrush Steppe Rangelands

Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) is an exotic annual grass invading rangelands in the western United States. Medusahead is a serious management concern because it decreases biodiversity, reduces livestock forage production, and degrades the ecological function of rangelands. Despite the obvious importance of ranchers as partners in preventing and managing medusahead in rangelands, little is known about their perceptions and behaviors concerning medusahead management. We present the results of a survey of ranchers operating on sagebrush steppe rangeland in a three-county area in southeast Oregon encompassing over 7.2 million ha. The primary objective of this research was to determine if the presence of medusahead on a ranch influenced its operator’s perceptions and behaviors concerning invasive plant control and prevention. Ranchers operating on medusahead-infested rangeland were more likely to indicate increased awareness and concern about medusahead and the potential for its continued expansion. Ranchers operating on rangeland invaded by medusahead were also more likely to indicate use of measures to prevent the spread of medusahead and other invasive plants on rangeland, interest in educational opportunities concerning invasive annual grass management, and plans for controlling invasive annual grasses in the future. This study revealed an alarming trend in which individuals are less likely to implement important prevention measures and participate in education opportunities to improve their knowledge of invasive plants until they directly experience the negative consequences of invasion. Information campaigns on invasive plants and their impacts may rectify this problem; however, appropriate delivery methods are critical for success. Web- or computer-based invasive plant information and tools were largely unpopular among ranchers, whereas traditional forms of information delivery including brochures/pamphlets and face-to-face interaction were preferred. However, in the future web- or computer-based information may become more popular as ranchers become more familiar with them.
Computational investigations of the stereoselectivities of proline-related catalysts for aldol reactions

Computational investigation of the aldol reaction of benzaldehyde with acetone catalyzed by various proline derivatives and 2-azetidine carboxylic acid reveal the origins of stereoselectivities of these reactions. Structural differences between catalysts and transition states were analyzed with density functional theory geometries in order to establish the key factors that will help in the design of new catalysts.
The solar oxygen-isotopic composition: Predictions and implications for solar nebula processes

The outer layers of the Sun are thought to preserve the average isotopic and chemical composition of the solar system. The solar O-isotopic composition is essentially unmeasured, though models based on variations in meteoritic materials yield several predictions. These predictions are reviewed and possible variations on these predictions are explored. In particular, the two-component mixing model of Clayton and Mayeda (1984) (slightly revised here) predicts solar compositions to lie along an extension of the calcium-aluminum-rich inclusion (CAI) ^(16)O line between (δ^(18)O, δ^(17)O) = (16.4, 11.4)%0 and (12.3, 7.5)%0. Consideration of data from ordinary chondrites suggests that the range of predicted solar composition should extend to slightly lower δ^(18)O values. The predicted solar composition is critically sensitive to the solid/gas ratio in the meteorite-forming region, which is often considered to be significantly enriched over solar composition. A factor of two solid/gas enrichment raises the predicted solar (δ^(18)O, δ^(17)O) values along an extension of the CAI ^(16)O line to (33, 28)%0. The model is also sensitive to the nebular O gas phase. If conversion of most of the gaseous O from CO to H_2O occurred at relatively low temperatures and was incomplete at the time of CM aqueous alteration, the predicted nebular gas composition (and hence the solar composition) would be isotopically heavier along a slope 1/2 line. The likelihood of having a single solid nebular O component is discussed. A distribution of initial solid compositions along the CAI ^(16)O line (rather than simply as an end-member) would not significantly change the predictions above in at least one scenario. Even considering these variations within the mixing model, the predicted range of solar compositions is distinct from that expected if the meteoritic variations are due to non-mass-dependent fractionation. Thus, a measurement of the solar O composition to a precision of several permil would clearly distinguish between these theories and should clarify a number of other important issues regarding solar system formation.
A neurophotonic device for stimulation and recording of neural microcircuits

Neural stimulation and recording with high spatiotemporal precision is desirable for studying the real time cellular basis of neural circuits, as well as developing possible therapeutic treatments for neurological diseases. Optical stimulation of genetically targeted neurons expressing the light sensitive ion channel protein Channelrhodopsin (ChR2) and Halorhodopsin (NpHR) has recently been reported as a means for millisecond temporal control of neuronal spiking activity with cell-type selectivity. We combine the new ‘optogenetics’ approaches with a dual-modality device, which consists of a tapered coaxial optical waveguide (“optrode”) directly integrated into a 36 element intra-cortical multi-electrode recording array (MEA). This novel optoelectronic microarray was cortically implanted in ChR2 transduced behaving rats. We have shown that the idiopathic induced epileptic seizure could be modulated by optical stimulation.
Thermodynamic state of SO2 on Io's surface

It has been suggested that surface conditions on Io might be conducive to significant SO2 adsorption on sulfur or alkali sulfides. A number of spectroscopic arguments for and against the high abundance of a SO2 adsorbate (versus frost) on Io have been made. SO2 absorption isotherms on particulate sulfur are measured, and the question of SO2 adsorbate/ice is approached from a thermodynamic perspective. Because of formidable experimental difficulties, data were not obtained at the very low temperatures and P(SO2) characteristics of Io; however, data were obtained over a wide range of pressures and temperatures somewhat higher than Io's and extrapolated to Io surface conditions. Errors in estimating adsorptive capacity accrue through extrapolation of the adsorption isotherms; however, more significant is the addition of the solid SO2 equilibrium vapor pressure curve to the phase diagram. The formation of ice places a strict upper limit on adsorptive coverage at any temperature. The limit for Io based upon the data is calculated, and it is shown that no more than 0.014 monolayers of SO2 can adsorb on sulfur at Io temperatures. Given the assumption that sulfur forms the primary adsorbent on Io's surface, or the assumption that the adsorptive capacity of the other adsorbents is not substantially greater than that of sulfur, this explains the fact that the nu(1) + nu(3) band center position is in better agreement with that of frost than adsorbate.
Electron-phonon interactions in C 28 -derived molecular solids

We present ab initio density-functional calculations of molecular solids formed from ${\mathrm{C}}_{28}$-derived closed-shell fullerenes. Solid ${\mathrm{C}}_{28}{\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ is found to bind weakly and exhibits many of the electronic structure features of solid ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ with an enhanced electron-phonon interaction potential. We show that chemical doping of this structure is feasible, albeit more restrictive than its ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ counterpart, with an estimated superconducting transition temperature exceeding those of the alkali-doped ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ solids.
Curbing marital violence through social policies: perspectives from the Bangladesh demographic and health survey

Women’s empowerment is usually regarded as an effective way of reducing their vulnerability to martial violence. In Bangladesh, the microfinance revolution resulted in an unprecedented surge in women’s economic empowerment. However, the expectation that economic empowerment will reduce marital violence has been belied in Bangladesh, which continues to have one of the highest rates of marital violence in the world. Our objective was to study the correlates of marital violence and hence to suggest social policies to mitigate marital violence in Bangladesh. We examined the association of three aspects of women’s empowerment – education, paid work, and non-governmental organisation (NGO) membership with marital violence. We find that a woman who is educated, performs paid work, and holds NGO membership is least likely to be a victim of marital violence. We demonstrate that in the face of well-established patriarchal values in Bangladesh, piecemeal policies are likely to be insufficient in mitigating marital violence. Instead, our study calls for comprehensive social policy packages that simultaneously encourage all three aspects of women’s empowerment.
Kinetics of the NOcarbon reaction at fluidized bed combustor conditions

Abstract The reduction of NO by carbonaceous solid has been studied in a packed bed reactor. After an initial transient, a steady rate of NO reduction is observed with N 2 , CO and CO 2 as the dominant products. Kinetic parameters of the reaction were obtained for various NO and CO concentrations, temperatures, and carbon types. The reaction rate per unit total surface area is found to be first order in NO, to have an apparent activation energy of 44 kcal/mole for temperatures higher than 873K, to be enhanced by the presence of CO, and to vary by approximately an order of magnitude between graphite and coal chars.
Osteocytes as Dynamic Multifunctional Cells

The target of bone systemic factors and therapeutics has been assumed to be primarily osteoblasts and/or osteoclasts and their precursors. All the action with regard to bone modeling or remodeling has been assumed to take place on the bone surface. In this scenario, cells below the bone surface, that is, osteocyte, are considered to be inactive placeholders in the bone matrix. New data show osteocytes are involved. In addition to the function of osteocytes translating mechanical strain into biochemical signals between osteocytes and cells on the bone surface to affect (re)modeling, new functions are emerging. Osteocytes are exquisitely sensitive to mechanical strain in the form of shear stress compared to osteoblasts or osteoclasts and communicate with each other, with cells on the bone surface, and with marrow cells. Osteocytes are able to move their cell body and their dendritic processes and appear to be able to modify their local microenvironment. A novel function now attributed to osteocytes includes regulation of phosphate metabolism. Therefore, in addition to osteoblasts and osteoclasts, osteocytes are also important for bone health.
Cranial intraosseous meningioma: spectrum of neuroimaging findings with respect to histopathological grades in 65 patients

The aim of this study was to determine various imaging features of intraosseous meningiomas (IOMs) and differentiate low-grade from high-grade tumors. The histopathologic evaluation revealed World Health Organization (WHO) grade I tumor in 56 (86%) patients, grade II in 8 (12%), and grade III in 1 (2%) patient. WHO grade I was considered low grade and II and III were designated as high grade. Hyperostosis was observed most commonly in low-grade IOMs. Mixed hyperostotic/lytic pattern with radial bony spiculations and presence of a scalp mass seem to be more frequently associated with higher-grade IOMs.
Effects of altered calcium homeostasis on the expression of glutathione S- transferase isozymes in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

Abstract The effects of altered Ca 2+ homeostasis on glutathione S -transferase (GST) isozyme expression in cultured primary rat hepatocytes were examined. Isolated hepatocytes were cultured on Vitrogen substratum in serum-free modified Chee's essential medium and treated with Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 at 120 hr post-plating. GST activity increased slightly, albeit significantly, in a concentration-dependent manner in A23187-treated hepatocytes relative to untreated controls. Western blot analysis using GST class α and μ specific antibodies showed an ∼1.6-and 1.5-fold increase in the class α, Ya and Yc subunits, respectively, whereas no significant increase (∼1.2-fold) in class μ GST expression was observed following A23187 treatment. Northern blot analysis revealed an ∼5-fold increase in GST class α and an ∼7-fold increase in class μ GST mRNA levels in ionophore-treated hepatocytes compared to untreated cells. Results of the Western and Northern blot analyses of the ionophore-treated hepatocytes were compared with those obtained for tert -butyl hydroperoxide-treated cells. Inununoblot analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of GST class α, Ya and Yc subunits, ∼1.8- and 1.7-fold, respectively, for tert -butyl hydroperoxide-treated hepatocytes as compared to controls, with little or no increase in class μ GSTs. Northern blot analysis showed ∼3- and 2-fold increases, respectively, in class α and μ GST mRNA levels, following the tert -butyl hydroperoxide treatment. The results of the present investigation show that alterations in Ca 2+ homeostasis produced by either Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 or tert -butyl hydroperoxide treatment of hepatocytes enhanced the expression of GST isozymes in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.
Apheresis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Excerpt Many remedies are capable of interrupting the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, but none are uniformly successful. The adrenal corticosteroid hormones remain the most effective...
Off-Axis Parabola Fabrication At Kitt Peak National Observatory

The stressed mirror polishing method is being used to produce two thin two-meter diameter off-axis parabola mirrors. These mirrors are prototypes for a large segmented mirror telescope and the initial objective is to achieve 0.025 micron (RMS) surface accuracy. The fabrication set-up will be described along with improvement modifications that have proven to be necessary. Polishing results to date will be presented.