cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can we influence the trajectory of psychological consequences to terrorism

This article makes two significant contributions to the field of disaster and emergency mental health. First, it contributes to the existing knowledge regarding response to, and recovery from, events involving large-scale trauma. It does so by confirming previous findings as well as adding new information. Second, the findings of the study raise both puzzling and intriguing challenges to the profession and the country as we struggle to expand our knowledge and come to grips with the “new normal” faced by the United States. In a field where research is not nearly as extensive and complete as it needs to be and where we are far too dependent on extrapolation from other types of traumatic events, any and all research directly on disasters and terrorism is welcome. Longitudinal studies, even with rather short periods between samples, are especially needed. This study contributes by replication earlier findings regarding such factors as exposure, the impact of status factors such as gender, and the importance of social support. Other findings are tantalizing in both what they tell us and what they do not. We learn for example that a significant number of people turn to alcohol, medications, or drugs to feel better. What we cannot know from the study is the extent to which this coping strategy is nonproblematic use or abuse. To what extent is the drug use licit or illicit? These distinctions are important not only from a scientific and intervention perspective but also from a public policy, program development, and funding perspective. The study also demonstrates a significant gap in the existing models of understanding and intervening with the largest of catastrophic events. The science, practice, and appreciation for the importance of emergency and disaster mental health response has, and continues, to grow. However, most of our models are based on events that are far more limited in scope than the psychosocial sequelae that this study tells us attend the events of September 11, 2001. We have models for natural disaster. We have models for smaller-scale violent events. We do not have models for understanding and providing response and recovery from national disasters. This study documents the national nature of fear, distress, and changed behavior brought on by these types of events. While we may Psychiatry 67(2) Summer 2004 164
Aqueductal stenosis leading to hydrocephalus—an unusual manifestation of neurofibromatosis

Two brothers and an unrelated male with neurofibromatosis (NF) developed hydrocephalus in childhood. Aqueductal stenosis (AS) was demonstrated by ventriculography and required shunt operation. Genetic counselors had to decide whether to invoke an X-linked gene for AS or whether AS could be caused by the NF mutation. Reports of 13 patients of both sexes with AS and NF suggest that AS with resulting hydrocephalus may be a rare manifestation of the NF gene. AS should be looked for in young NF patients with signs of hydrocephalus or with neurologic abnormalities.
A novel 20-bit R-2R DAC structure based on ordered element matching

Random mismatch errors in the resistor networks are one of the dominant nonlinearity sources for high resolution and high accuracy resistor DACs. It is rigorously proven and verified that ordered element matching (OEM) technology could significantly reduce the random mismatch errors. This paper proposed a novel 20-bit three-segment R-2R DAC structure based on OEM theory. It can achieve high matching accuracy by choosing and regrouping the resistors in two unary weighted resistor arrays according to their resistance measurement results. A behavioral model of proposed 20-bit R-2R DAC structure is created in MATLAB. The statistical results show a significant resistor area reduction compared with the only one existing 20bit R-2R DAC in literature.
38 GHz to 75 GHz 1-D and 2-D MACOR elliptical lens antenna arrays

In this paper, the elliptical lens is made of a machinable glass-ceramic MACOR. The radiation patterns of a 13-element 1-D dual dipole array and an 8 x 4 2-D array are calculated using ray tracing and integration methods [1] and measured in an anechoic chamber. Theoretical and measured results agree well for both the patterns and steering angles. Sensitivity is measured from 38 GHz to 75 GHz for three different antenna sizes. The antenna array will be used in plasma imaging diagnostic systems to detect the electron density fluctuations [6-7].
A kinematic model for the structure of lee‐side deposits

A kinematic model for the structure of the lee-side deposit of a dune-like bedform, Gilbert-type delta, or similar step is developed, based on the assumptions that initial deposition is entirely by grainfall, that the rate of deposition decreases as a power function of distance downflow from the brink of the slipface, and that the resulting steepening of the slipface is periodically interrupted by avalanching. The parameters used in the model are: (1) the deposition rate at a given distance from the brink, (2) the exponent in the equation relating the deposition rate to distance from the brink, (3) the bedform migration rate, (4) the bedform height, (5) the avalanche speed, (6) the angle of initial yield, and (7) the residual angle after avalanching. From these parameters can be calculated structural characteristics such as the proportions of bottomset and foreset deposits, the proportions of avalanche and grainfall deposits in the foreset deposit, and the spacing of avalanche-grainfall couplets. The model correctly predicts the trends of changing avalanche activity and changing structural character with changes in flow character, grain size, and bedform height in both air and water. Moreover, the model correctly predicts certain consistent structural differences between aeolian and subaqueous lee-side deposits. Quantitative evaluation of the model requires more accurate data on the values of the input parameters than are presently available.
Development of modulation strategy for two-phase AC-AC matrix converters

A two-phase ac-ac matrix converter configuration is presented based on direct power conversion without any intermediate dc stage. The modulation strategy is developed to provide sinusoidal output waveforms with two-phase loads. The proposed strategy can generate the two-phase output voltages/currents where the magnitudes are independently controlled, and the phase difference is fixed at 90/spl deg/.
Fast and Sweet: Nutritional Attributes of Television Food Advertisements With and Without Black Characters

This study describes a content analysis of food advertisements featured in television programming popular with children. Advertisements featuring no Black primary characters were compared on the basis of character and food attributes with ads featuring at least one Black primary character. Advertised foods were then analyzed for the compliance of their nutritional content with the federal government's recommended daily values (RDVs) of select nutrients. Analyses revealed notable differences between ads depicting Black characters and ads without Black characters. Compared with ads without Black characters, ads with Black characters were more likely to sell convenience foods, especially fast foods, yet less likely to feature overweight characters. Ads without Black characters, in contrast, were more likely to sell foods high in sugar. Overall there were few differences in the nutritional breakdown of foods advertised in ads with and without Black characters, mainly because both types of ads tended to sell n...
Impact of Prenatal Chlorpyrifos Exposure on Neurodevelopment in the First 3 Years of Life Among Inner-City Children

OBJECTIVE.The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos on 3-year neurodevelopment and behavior in a sample of inner-city minority children. METHODS.As part of an ongoing prospective cohort study in an inner-city minority population, neurotoxicant effects of prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos were evaluated in 254 children through the first 3 years of life. This report examined cognitive and motor development at 12, 24, and 36 months (measured with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II) and child behavior at 36 months (measured with the Child Behavior Checklist) as a function of chlorpyrifos levels in umbilical cord plasma. RESULTS.Highly exposed children (chlorpyrifos levels of 6.17 pg/g plasma) scored, on average, 6.5 points lower on the Bayley Psychomotor Development Index and 3.3 points lower on the Bayley Mental Development Index at 3 years of age compared with those with lower levels of exposure. Children exposed to higher, compared with lower, chlorpyrifos levels were also significantly more likely to experience Psychomotor Development Index and Mental Development Index delays, attention problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder problems, and pervasive developmental disorder problems at 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS.The adjusted mean 36-month Psychomotor Development Index and Mental Development Index scores of the highly and lower exposed groups differed by only 7.1 and 3.0 points, respectively, but the proportion of delayed children in the high-exposure group, compared with the low-exposure group, was 5 times greater for the Psychomotor Development Index and 2.4 times greater for the Mental Development Index, increasing the number of children possibly needing early intervention services.
The role of template superhelicity in the initiation of bacteriophage λ DNA replication

Abstract The prepriming steps in the initiation of bacteriophage lambda DNA replication depend on the action of the lambda O and P proteins and on the DnaB helicase, single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB), and DnaJ and DnaK heat shock proteins of the E. coli host. The binding of multiple copies of the lambda O protein to the phage replication origin (ori lambda) initiates the ordered assembly of a series of nucleoprotein structures that form at ori lambda prior to DNA unwinding, priming and DNA synthesis steps. Since the initiation of lambda DNA replication is known to occur only on supercoiled templates in vivo and in vitro, we examined how the early steps in lambda DNA replication are influenced by superhelical tension. All initiation complexes formed prior to helicase-mediated DNA-unwinding form with high efficiency on relaxed ori lambda DNA. Nonetheless, the DNA templates in these structures must be negatively supertwisted before they can be replicated. Once DNA helicase unwinding is initiated at ori lambda, however, later steps in lambda DNA replication proceed efficiently in the absence of superhelical tension. We conclude that supercoiling is required during the initiation of lambda DNA replication to facilitate entry of a DNA helicase, presumably the DnaB protein, between the DNA strands.
Inflammatory gene expression by human colonic smooth muscle cells.

Intestinal mucosal cells and invading leukocytes produce inappropriate levels of cytokines and chemokines in human colitis. However, smooth muscle cells of the airway and vasculature also synthesiz...
They’re Here! How to Prepare Your Blood Bank for Inspection

The importance of an inspection ready blood bank cannot be overemphasized. Various agencies perform inspections to ensure that facilities are compliant with federal and state regulations, as well as with standards defined by professional organizations. Inspections may strike fear into the staff members of the organizations being inspected. When a laboratory is in a state of constant readiness, such anxiety is likely to be lessened. Facilities may differ in structure and size and yet be held to the same standards. This article discusses the who, when, and why of laboratory safety inspections. We share helpful information gathered from various resources, including interviews with a quality assurance specialist, a blood bank manager, and an assessor, to help facilities work towards an inspection ready state.
Channel openings are necessary but not sufficient for use-dependent block of cardiac Na(+) channels by flecainide: evidence from the analysis of disease-linked mutations.

Na+ channel blockers such as flecainide have found renewed usefulness in the diagnosis and treatment of two clinical syndromes arising from inherited mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding the α subunit of the cardiac voltage–gated Na+ channel. The Brugada syndrome (BrS) and the LQT-3 variant of the Long QT syndrome are caused by disease-linked SCN5A mutations that act to change functional and pharmacological properties of the channel. Here we have explored a set of SCN5A mutations linked both to BrS and LQT-3 to determine what disease-modified channel properties underlie distinct responses to the Na+ channel blocker flecainide. We focused on flecainide block that develops with repetitive channel activity, so-called use-dependent block (UDB). Our results indicate that mutation-induced changes in the voltage-dependence of channel availability (inactivation) may act as determinants of flecainide block. The data further indicate that UDB by flecainide requires channel opening, but is not likely due to open channel block. Rather, flecainide appears to interact with inactivation states that follow depolarization-induced channel opening, and mutation-induced changes in channel inactivation will alter flecainide block independent of the disease to which the mutation is linked. Analysis of flecainide block of mutant channels linked to these rare disorders has provided novel insight into the molecular determinants of drug action.
Maids of Academe: African American Women Faculty at Predominately White Institutions

The presence of African American women at predominantly white institutions is one of historical relevance and continues to be one of first, near misses, and almosts. Individually and collectively, African American women at PWIs suffer from a form of race fatigue as a result of being over extended and undervalued. The purpose of this article is to present the disproportionate role African American women assume in service, teaching, and research as a result of being in the numerical minority at PWIs. Information is presented to provide an overview on racism in the academy, images and portrayals, psychosocial, spiritual, and legal issues for African American women faculty. Finally recommendations are presented to assist African American women faculty, and administrators, colleagues, and students at PWIs to understand and improve the climate at their institutions.
The effects of finite melt volume on proton exchanged lithium niobate

The effects of using a benzoic acid melt of limited volume on proton-exchanged LiNbO/sub 3/ crystals are discussed. It was found, by observing the strength of the O-H peak as a function of exchange time, that the amount of hydrogen entering the crystal saturates if the benzoic acid melt is of limited volume. This behavior has been modeled using the condition that the concentration of free protons in the melt decreases as the exchange proceeds. A good fit of the data based on this model can be obtained by considering the total amount of solute in the system to a constant. Diffusion coefficients deduced from the model agree well with the ones reported in the literature. >
The Church at Work in Creating Community: Strengthening Support Networks for the Homebound Elderly

OLDER PEOPLE LIVING in urban areas can be put at risk if their abilities to enter into and maintain healthy social networks are challenged. This article addresses the role of local churches in King County, Washington, in strengthening social networks of the elderly, thereby contributing to the building of “communities” for older persons. The data come from the ethnographic investigation of a network of churches that organized volunteers to provide older persons with a variety of services in their own homes. Volunteerism here is seen as a form of exchange, and it is explained through the interaction of three factors—costs and rewards, perceived distribution of resources, and social distance. Local churches, as community-based institutions, have the potential to contribute to the reshaping of urban life and forming of community for the potentially vulnerable older person, [community service, volunteerism, social exchange, social networks]
On the Role of Wave Transience and Dissipation in Stratospheric Mean Flow Vacillations

Abstract The quasi-geostrophic β-plane channel model of Holton and Mass (1976) is used to further elucidate the nature of mean flow changes in the stratosphere forced by planetary waves generated in the troposphere. It is shown that wave transience, not dissipation, is the primary mechanism for generating mean flow oscillations. In addition it is shown that the critical wave-forcing amplitude necessary to produce a vacillating response is very sensitive to the initial mean flow profile.
Interannual Variability of the Subsurface High Salinity Tongue South of the Equator at 165°E*

Abstract A 14-yr time series of salinity at thermocline level was constructed from repeated meridional CTD sections (averaging about 110 days apart) spanning the equator along 165°E during 1984–97. A tongue of high salinity water extends along the isopycnal σt = 24.5 from its surface outcrop in the southeast Pacific to 175-m depth near 5°–10°S along the section at 165°E. In the west, the tongue moves vertically with the thermocline, mostly as part of the ENSO cycle, while salinity in the tongue varied interannually over a range of 0.4 psu. Most of this variability was due to zonal advection along the isopycnal tongue, with similar changes observed at other longitudes in the west and central Pacific. Part of the interannual salinity signal can be attributed to changes in the near-zonal flow of the South Equatorial Current associated with El Nino, but a general 0.3 psu rise occurring during the 1990s (probably starting even earlier) was not apparently consistent with this explanation. An attempt was made to...
New Treatments and New Strategies

Recent advances in molecular and cell biology have opened new avenues for the understanding of the genetic nature of cancer. Emergence of novel treatment approaches over the last 50 years has resulted in significant improvement in the prognosis of childhood cancer. The long-term survival rate for pediatric cancer patients in the 1960s was approximately 20% and currently is in the range of greater than 75% [1]. Specifically, the survival in patients with Wilm’s tumor has dramatically increased from 30% to 90% during this period [2]. Despite these impressive trends in survival, little progress has been made in the therapy of many pediatric brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and soft-tissue sarcomas. Furthermore, the focus of mainstream cancer therapies to target the proliferating cells has led to significant side-effects in normal developing tissues, organs, and bone marrow predisposing children to growth delay, cognitive impairments, and secondary malignancies [3]. Clearly, strategies that are both more targeted and effective are mandated in these patients.
Characterization of chirally-coupled-core (3C) fibers fabricated with direct nanoparticle deposition (DND)

We report detailed characterization results of Yb-doped Chirally-Coupled-Core (3C) fibers fabricated with Direct Nanoparticle Deposition (DND) technique. Two types of 3C fibers with core/clad geometries of 34/250μm and 55/400μm and another 25/250μm conventional large-mode-area (LMA) fiber are measured and the results are compared in terms of modal content, transmission spectrum, etc. A picosecond fiber amplifier is built based on 55/400μm 3C fiber, showing robust single-mode operation with peak power >1MW with no sign of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS).
SY14-2RIP3 IN ALD VERSUS NALD: DIFFERENT PATHWAYS TO CELL DEATH

Progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic liver disease (NALD) is associated with death of hepatocytes by apoptosis and necrosis/necroptosis. Specific pathways of cell death may influence progression of liver disease, with hepatocyte death by apoptosis driving fibrotic responses, while death by necrosis/necroptosis releases damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), …
The impact of a podiatric lead limb preservation team on disease outcomes and risk prediction in the diabetic lower extremity: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: We used a model of lower-extremity ulceration to determine the impact of a podiatric lead limb preservation team on identified relationships among risk factors, predictors of ulceration, amputation, and clinical outcomes of lower-extremity disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 485 patients with diabetes mellitus were randomly selected from the diabetic population and included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were then stratified into two groups: those who received specialty podiatric medical care and those who did not. Data covering a 5-year period were collected using electronic medical records and chart abstraction to capture detailed treatment characteristics, ulcer status, and surgical outcomes. Results: Overall, the frequencies of inpatient and outpatient encounters and the durations of hospital stays were significantly greater with increasing wound depth and in the presence of infection. In addition, the overall ulcer incidence was greater in patient...
Rerouting radical cascades: intercepting the homoallyl ring expansion in enyne cyclizations via C-S scission.

The switch from 5-exo- to 6-endo-trig selectivity in the radical cyclization of aromatic enynes was probed via the combination of experimental and computational methods. This transformation occurs by kinetic self-sorting of the mixture of four equilibrating radicals via 5-exo-trig cyclization, followed by homoallyl (3-exo-trig/fragmentation) ring expansion to afford the benzylic radical necessary for the final aromatizing C–C bond fragmentation. The interception of the intermediate 5-exo-trig product via β-scission of a properly positioned weak C–S bond provides direct mechanistic evidence for the 5-exo cyclization/ring expansion sequence. The overall cascade uses alkenes as synthetic equivalents of alkynes for the convenient and mild synthesis of Bu3Sn-functionalized naphthalenes.
Factors Associated with Pregnancy among Incarcerated African American Adolescent Girls

The purpose of this study was to examine the social and behavioral factors associated with pregnancy history among a sample of African American adolescent girls recruited from a short-term juvenile detention center in order to better understand the needs of this vulnerable population. Data were collected from a sample of 188 detained African American, 13-17-year-old girls in Atlanta, Georgia, who participated in a larger HIV prevention study. An audio computer-assisted self-interviewing survey was completed by participants to obtain information on socioecological factors to include individual, parental/familial, sexual risk, psychosocial, and substance use factors. Among the 188 participants, 25.5 % reported a history of pregnancy. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that girls with a history of pregnancy were more likely to live in a household receiving government aid, use hormonal contraceptives at last sex, participate in sex trading, have casual sex partners, have condomless sex in the past 90 days, and have a history of physical abuse. Girls with no history of pregnancy were more likely to have been incarcerated at least twice and to have previously used alcohol. Detention-based interventions and pregnancy prevention programs for this vulnerable population may benefit by addressing factors related to sexual behavior and development, substance use, individual background, and psychosocial health.
Epigenetics in Bone and Joint Disorders

Abstract There is growing evidence that implicates the epigenome in the development of bone and joint disorders. The complexity and dynamic nature of epigenetic regulations confound the investigation of these disorders. We will review current evidence that connects epigenetics to the development of autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. The pathogenesis of these disorders is likely to be related to modifications to epigenetics regulation by environmental signals in individuals with a certain genetic makeup. The epigenome is an attractive therapeutic target; however, successful epigenetic-based treatment will depend on a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the epigenome and its alteration in rheumatic and bone disorders.
Future of Water Management in Afghanistan: Capacity Building, Risk Assessment, Cooperation, and Good Water Governance

Water management in Afghanistan is beset by numerous problems, including difficulties of negotiating transboundary cooperation over water between Afghanistan and any single country, or with groups of the neighboring countries of Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan into whose territory flow the rivers that head in Afghanistan. At the present time the rivers of Kabul, Helmand, Hari Rud, Murghab, and Amu Darya have no truly functioning water treaties about them. Risk assessment for water-cooperation negotiation involves a variety of cost-benefit assessments and risk-opportunity situations that any country must consider as they attempt to move toward a more comfortable position in water negotiation. Enhancing cooperation over water is accomplished by paying greater attention to water management, water-capacity development, or hydro-education of government officials, and generally improved water governance overall. New President Ashraf Ghani could become an essential technocratic water champion for Afghanistan.
Transnational Homes: Pan-Nationalisms

Transnationalism is a phenomenon widely recognized as putting into question the modern sovereign state. The massive global population migrations of the late twentieth century have changed the ‘national’ character of many states, especially in advanced economies. If most of the countries in the world were already multicultural before these population movements gathered steam, they are even more so now. Recognition of the benefits of diversified societies has caused the reverse process, ethnic cleansing by a state, to be vigorously denounced. Today’s international norms do not tolerate it.
A 20–40 GHz tunable MEMS bandpass filter with enhanced stability by gold-vanadium micro-corrugated diaphragms

This paper reports the first octave-tunable K-band MEMS continuously tunable band-pass cavity filter with enhanced frequency stability by incorporating a creep-resistive Au-V (2.2 at. % V) micro-corrugated diaphragm (MCD) tuner. All filter components are fabricated with silicon micromachining techniques. The filter's measured tuning range is from 20 to 40 GHz with fractional bandwidth ranging from 1.9% to 4.7%. The filter's measured loss varies from 3.09 to 1.07 dB including its connectors. The Au-V tuner results in significantly improved frequency stability with a 7× slower drift rate (phase II creep) compared to previously reported stare-of-art MEMS tunable filters based on Au-based MCD tuners. However, this comes at a cost of an additional 0.15–0.9 dB loss due to the higher resistivity of AuV. This large increase in frequency stability with a low-to-moderate increase in loss is a desirable trade-off for most applications.
Imagined territory: Paektusan in late Chosŏn maps and writings

In January 1892, Charles Campbell (1861–1921), a British diplomat serving in Qing China (1644–1911) and Chosŏn Korea (1392–1897), gave a talk at the Royal Geographical Society, London. He was invit...
409. Expression of Mouse CD47 in Human Cancer Cells Profoundly Increases Tumor Metastasis in Murine Models

Although there are many well established tumor cell lines that have been widely used as xenografts in murine models, many of them do not efficiently metastasize to other organ tissues after local inoculation. Lack of reliable metastatic human cancer models is hindering many aspects of cancer research, in particular, for drug development. The underlying reason for the inability of human xenografts to metastasize in immunodeficient mice is currently unclear. We hypothesize that innate immune cells such as macrophages play a pivotal role in dictating cancer cell metastasis. Specifically, macrophages can limit cancer cell metastasis by clearing tumor cells that do not express the correct CD47, the “don't eat me” signal.To test our hypothesis, we transduced the murine CD47 (mCD47) gene into the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3, to establish PC-3-CD47-GFP-Luc. A control cell line transduced with GFP-Luc only, PC-3-GFP-Luc, was also established. We then compared PC-3-CD47-GFP-Luc with PC-3-GFP-Luc and with PC-3M-Pro4, a more metastatic line established by repeatedly inoculating and harvesting PC-3 cells from prostates of athymic nude mice, for their metastatic efficiency in mice with different severity of immunodeficiency.In CB17Scid mice, which have an intact macrophage activity but lack functional T and B cells, tumor metastasis was detected in both sentinel lymph node and lung from subcutaneously implanted PC-3-CD47-GFP-Luc cells but not from the other two cell lines. In NOD-Scid and NSG mice, which have similar deficiency in T and B cells but have a diminished macrophage activity as compared to CB17Scid, tumor metastasis to the sentinel lymph node, lung and liver was detected from all the three cells implanted subcutaneously (in NOD-Scid mice) or orthotopically (in NSG mice). However, PC-3-CD47-GFP-Luc cells produced 2-3 times more tumor nodules than other two cells. The metastatic nodules from PC-3-CD47-GFP-Luc cell implantation were also visibly larger than in the other two groups. When quantified by luciferase activity, radiance from the metastatic tumor nodules in PC-3-CD47-GFP-Luc group was up to 11 times higher than that in the other two groups. Together, these data demonstrate that CD47 plays an important role in dictating tumor cell metastatic potential by providing the “don't eat me” signal to host's macrophages.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

The origins of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in human history are unknown, but the condition has been well described since Freke's account in 1740. Important contributions by physicians and scientists in the past 250 yr have converged on the remarkable skeleton of Harry Eastlack at the Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians in Philadelphia.
A coefficient of restitution model for sphere–plate elastoplastic impact with flexural vibrations

The current work presents an experimentally validated analytical model for low-velocity impact between a sphere and a plate. The model accounts for plastic deformation as well as flexural vibrations. The elastic phases are modeled with a nonlinear Hertzian contact model, and the plastic phase is linearized with a non-homogeneous expression. The results are compared against newly carried out experiments. The model well captures the effect of plate thickness-to-sphere diameter ratio, impact velocity, and material properties. The model’s generalized framework allows consideration for various expressions of contact parameters, critical velocity, and residual indentation. Moreover, the proposed methodology can be easily incorporated into particle-based or discrete element modeling approaches for granular flows to evaluate the real-time coefficient of restitution as opposed to assuming the constant value beforehand. Simplified relations are provided to assist in evaluating the coefficient of restitution.
Promoting teacher learning: a framework for evaluating the educative features of mathematics curriculum materials

Educative curricula, curriculum materials that intentionally foster teacher professional development, can serve as a site for teacher learning through their use in daily instructional practices. The present article introduces a framework, Teacher Learning Opportunities in Mathematics Curriculum Materials (TLO-Math), for designing and evaluating mathematics curriculum materials’ educative features according to seven theoretically based variables: (1) mathematics content knowledge for teaching, (2) teacher knowledge of student thinking in mathematics, (3) teacher knowledge of disciplinary discourse in mathematics, (4) teacher knowledge of assessment in mathematics, (5) teacher knowledge of differentiated instruction in mathematics, (6) teacher knowledge of technology use in mathematics, and (7) teacher knowledge of mathematical community. Each variable is illustrated with a definition, guiding questions, discipline-specific literature, and examples from two sets of elementary mathematics curriculum materials. The development of the TLO-Math framework is a critical first step for further study of the use of mathematics curriculum materials as sites for teacher learning.
Change detection using landsat time series: A review of frequencies, preprocessing, algorithms, and applications

Abstract The free and open access to all archived Landsat images in 2008 has completely changed the way of using Landsat data. Many novel change detection algorithms based on Landsat time series have been developed We present a comprehensive review of four important aspects of change detection studies based on Landsat time series, including frequencies, preprocessing, algorithms, and applications. We observed the trend that the more recent the study, the higher the frequency of Landsat time series used. We reviewed a series of image preprocessing steps, including atmospheric correction, cloud and cloud shadow detection, and composite/fusion/metrics techniques. We divided all change detection algorithms into six categories, including thresholding, differencing, segmentation, trajectory classification, statistical boundary, and regression. Within each category, six major characteristics of different algorithms, such as frequency, change index, univariate/multivariate, online/offline, abrupt/gradual change, and sub-pixel/pixel/spatial were analyzed. Moreover, some of the widely-used change detection algorithms were also discussed. Finally, we reviewed different change detection applications by dividing these applications into two categories, change target and change agent detection.
Critical autobiography: a new genre?

Memoir, a genre that dates back, arguably, to Augustine’s Confessions, if not even earlier, is today enjoying enormous critical as well as popular success. In this essay, I discuss what I see as th...
Micromirror-based manipulation of synchrotron X-ray beams

Synchrotron beamlines typically use macroscopic, quasi-static optics to manipulate x-ray beams. We present the use of dynamic microelectromechanical systems-based optics (MEMS) to temporally modulate synchrotron x-ray beams. We demonstrate this concept using single-crystal torsional MEMS micromirrors oscillating at frequencies of 75 kHz. Such a MEMS micromirror, with lateral dimensions of a few hundred micrometers, can interact with x rays by operating in grazing-incidence reflection geometry; x rays are deflected only when an x-ray pulse is incident on the rotating micromirror under appropriate conditions, i.e., at an angle less than the critical angle for reflectivity. The time window for such deflections depends on the frequency and amplitude of the MEMS rotation. We demonstrate that reflection geometry can produce a time window of a few microseconds. We further demonstrate that MEMS optics can isolate x rays from a selected synchrotron bunch or group of bunches. With ray-trace simulations we explain the currently achievable time windows and suggest a path toward improvements.
Comparison of percutaneous versus open femoral cutdown access for endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Objective Ruptured endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (REVAR) is being increasingly used to treat ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). However, the comparison between totally percutaneous (pREVAR) vs femoral cutdown (cREVAR) access for REVAR has not been studied. We used a national surgical database to evaluate the 30-day outcomes in patients undergoing pREVAR vs cREVAR. Methods Patients who underwent EVAR for rAAA between 2011 and 2014, inclusively, were studied in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted vascular database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare preoperative demographics, operation-specific variables, and postoperative outcomes between those who had pREVAR and cREVAR. Results We identified 502 patients who underwent REVAR, of which 129 had pREVAR (25.7%) and 373 cREVAR (74.3%). Between 2011 and 2014, the use of totally percutaneous access for repair increased from 14% to 32%. Of all patients undergoing REVAR, 24% had bilateral percutaneous access, 2% had attempted percutaneous access converted to cutdown, 64% had bilateral femoral cutdowns, and 10% had single femoral cutdown. Univariate analysis showed there were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, AAA size, or other high-risk physiologic comorbidities between the two groups. There was also no difference in rates of preoperative hemodynamic instability (48.1% vs 45.0%; P = .55) or need for perioperative transfusion (67.4% vs 67.8%; P = .94). There was a higher incidence of use of regional anesthesia for pREVAR compared with cREVAR (20.9% vs 7.8%; P Conclusions The ACS NSQIP targeted vascular database shows that there has been increased adoption of pREVAR in recent years, with improved mortality and operative time over the 4-year study period. At this point, pREVAR has not yet been shown to be superior to cREVAR for rAAA, but these outcome improvements are encouraging and likely attributable to increased operator experience.
The biology of natural killer cells during sepsis

Natural killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes largely recognized for their importance in tumour surveillance and the host response to viral infections. However, as the major innate lymphocyte population, NK cells also coordinate early responses to bacterial infections by amplifying the antimicrobial functions of myeloid cells, especially macrophages, by production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Alternatively, excessive NK cell activation and IFN-γ production can amplify the systemic inflammatory response during sepsis resulting in increased physiological dysfunction and organ injury. Our understanding of NK cell biology during bacterial infections and sepsis is mostly derived from studies performed in mice. Human studies have demonstrated a correlation between altered NK cell functions and outcomes during sepsis. However, mechanistic understanding of NK cell function during human sepsis is limited. In this review, we will review the current understanding of NK cell biology during sepsis and discuss the challenges associated with modulating NK cell function during sepsis for therapeutic benefit.
A non-cell-autonomous role for Pml in the maintenance of leukemia from the niche

Disease recurrence after therapy, due to the persistence of resistant leukemic cells, represents a fundamental problem in the treatment of leukemia. Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of leukemic cells, before and after treatment, is therefore critical to identify curative modalities. It has become increasingly clear that cell-autonomous mechanisms are not solely responsible for leukemia maintenance. Here, we report a role for Pml in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in supporting leukemic cells of both CML and AML. Mechanistically, we show that Pml regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines within MSCs, and that this function is critical in sustaining CML-KLS and AML ckit+ leukemic cells non-cell autonomously.
Image quality, scatter, and dose in compact CBCT systems with flat and curved detectors

Purpose: A number of cone-beam CT (CBCT) applications demand increasingly compact system designs for smaller footprint and improved portability. Such compact geometries can be achieved via reduction of air gap and integration of novel, curved detectors; however, the increased x-ray scatter in presents a major challenge to soft-tissue image quality in such compact arrangements. This work investigates pre-patient modulation (bowtie filters) and antiscatter grids to mitigate such effects for compact geometries with curved detectors. Methods: The effects of bowtie filters on dose and x-ray scatter were investigated in a compact geometry (180 mm air gap), for three detector curvatures: Flat, Focused at source, and Compact focused at isocenter. Experiments used bowtie filters of varying curvature combined with antiscatter grids (GR: 8:1, 80 lpmm). Scatter was estimated via GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo simulation in an anthropomorphic head phantom. Primary fluence was estimated with a polychromatic Siddon projector. Realistic Poisson noise (total dose: 20 mGy) was added to the total signal. Scatter magnitude and distribution were evaluated in projection data, and CT image quality was assessed in PWLS reconstructions. Results were validated in physical experiments on an x-ray test-bench for CBCT. Results: Moderate bowties combined with grids reduced average scatter magnitude and SPR, reduced cupping from 90 to 5 HU, and yielded net benefit to CNR despite attenuation of primary fluence. Dose to sensitive organs (eye lens) was reduced by 27%. More aggressive bowties showed further potential for dose reduction (35%) but increased peripheral SPR and increased non-uniformity and artifacts at the periphery of the image. Curved detector geometry exhibited slightly improved uniformity but a slight reduction in CNR compared to conventional flat detector geometry. Conclusion: Highly portable, soft-tissue imaging, CBCT systems with very compact geometry and curved detectors appear feasible, despite elevated x-ray scatter, through combination of moderate pre-patient collimation and antiscatter grids.
Construction of spatiotemporal infant cortical surface atlas of rhesus macaque

As a widely used animal model in MR imaging studies, rhesus macaque helps to better understand both normal and abnormal neural development in the human brain. However, the available adult macaque brain atlases are not well suitable for study of brain development at the early postnatal stage, since this stage undergoes dramatic changes in brain appearances and structures. Building age matched atlases for this critical period is thus highly desirable yet still lacking. In this paper, we construct the first spatiotemporal (4D) cortical surface atlases for rhesus macaques from 2 weeks to 24 months, using 138 longitudinal MRI scans from 32 healthy rhesus monkeys. Specifically, we first perform intra-subject cortical surface registration to obtain within-subject mean cortical surfaces. Then, we perform inter-subject registration of within-subject mean surfaces to obtain unbiased and longitudinally-consistent 4D cortical surface atlases. Based on our 4D rhesus monkey atlases, we further chart the first developmental-trajectories-based parcellation maps using the local surface area and spectral clustering algorithm. Our 4D macaque surface atlases and parcellation maps will greatly facilitate early brain development studies of macaques.
Prevalence of paradoxical bronchoconstriction after inhaled albuterol.

Abstract Purpose Paradoxical bronchoconstriction with resulting decreased airflow occurs in some patients after administration of bronchodilators. This study assessed the frequency of paradoxical bronchoconstriction in a real-life clinical setting at a large academic medical center. Procedures We analyzed data from 4593 patients who underwent pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry testing. We assessed the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) before and after the administration of an inhaled short-acting β2-agonist. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: bronchodilation, no significant change and paradoxical bronchoconstriction. Main findings When assessing response to bronchodilators, 201 (4.4%) patients demonstrated significant bronchoconstriction, whereas 849 (18.5%) showed bronchodilation. The majority (3543 or 77.1%) had no significant change. There were no significant relationships noted between paradoxical bronchoconstriction and sex, race/ethnicity or body mass index. Conclusions A significant subset of patients experience paradoxical bronchoconstriction after albuterol administration. Further research to better understand the clinical implications of paradoxical acute bronchoconstriction is needed.
Adaptive H∞ Vibration Control

This paper presents a procedure for designing an adaptive H∞ controller to reject sinusoidal disturbances with unknown constant frequencies. The proposed adaptive controller identifies the tonal frequencies in the disturbance and updates the controller to attenuate these frequencies. The controller design builds upon a closed-form solution for a simplified single-frequency attenuation problem. An application to optical beam jitter control illustrates the design procedure and its properties.
Production of Transgenic Mice by Pronuclear Microinjection

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a procedure for production of transgenic mice by pronuclear microinjection. When one micromanipulation device is chosen over another, the choice may dictate the use of supplies that are especially compatible with the equipment available. Microneedles are pulled from appropriate microcapillary tubing and used directly without further processing. The instrument collar for the holding pipette should be connected via tubing to a microinjection device. The instrument collar for the microneedle may be connected to a 10-cc syringe. Insert the microneedle into the pronucleus and allow the flow of DNA to cause swelling of the pronucleus. Microinjection should not be considered successful unless this swelling is seen. After microinjection, immediately remove the microneedle from the zygote. Release the zygote by applying positive pressure on the holding pipette. Allow the microinjected zygote to drift down to the floor of the dish and then move the stage so as to repeat the process on the next embryo. When all embryos are microinjected, remove them to a dish of M16 for about 1 h of culture.
Analytic insights into nonlocal energy transport. II. Combined steady state Fokker Planck and Krook theory

In a direct drive laser fusion, nonlocal transport of the more energetic electrons can have at least two potentially important effects. First, the most energetic electrons, furthest out on the tail of the distribution function can cause preheat of the fuel deep inside the target. Second, nearby the nonlocal deposition of less energetic electrons can spread out the ablation layer, possibly having a stabilizing effect on the Rayleigh Taylor instability. This sequence of two papers treats two different methods of modeling nonlocal transport. For about 20 years, these phenomena have been treated with a Krook model for the electron collisions. However, different versions have given different results, especially as regards preheat. Our first paper attempts to analyze the various reasons for discrepancies, correct errors, and derives a variety of simple formula to evaluate preheat. The second paper offers, for the first time, a steady state, nonlocal method of using the Fokker Planck equation to evaluate the nonlocal transport and deposition of energetic electrons deposited by some mechanism, at some particular point in the plasma. Regarding ablation surface broadening, the two models are not very different; but regarding preheat, the Fokker Planck model gives orders of magnitude less. This is a very optimistic result for the direct drive laser fusion.