cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A retrospective review of fixation of C1 ring fractures—does the transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) really matter?

Abstract Background Context In contrast to the majority of outcome data, many consider C1 fractures to be benign injuries and so have advocated for conservative management, except in the case of concomitant transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) injury where C1–C2 or occiput–C2 fusions are recommended. Purpose Our goal was to evaluate a series of unstable C1 fractures treated with C1 open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes by determining the success of reduction and pain relief. Study Design/Setting This is a retrospective cohort review. Patient Sample The sample includes adult patients with unstable C1 fractures treated with open reduction and primary internal fixation. Outcome Measures Primary outcome measures included visual analog pain scale (VAS), radiographic reduction (lateral mass displacement), maintenance of reduction, C1–C2 instability, and complications. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with C1 fractures between September 2002 and September 2013 identified 12 consecutive patients from a level I trauma center who were treated with primary internal fixation without fusion. Electronic medical records and preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. The surgical technique consisted of a posterior cervical approach to the C1 arch and open reduction using bilateral C1 lateral mass screws connected transversely with a rod. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography scans were used to assess reduction. Long-term follow-up flexion and extension radiographs were used to assess C1–C2 stability. The authors did not receive relevant funding in relation to this research. Results Twelve patients underwent C1 ORIF, with a mean age of 43 (9 males and 3 females) and a mean follow-up of 17 months. Transverse atlantal ligament was found to be disrupted with type I or type II injury in 11 of the 12 patients: 5 type I and 6 type II. Preoperative lateral mass displacement averaged 7.1 mm, with postoperative displacement after reduction averaging 2.4 mm (p-value Conclusions Although a small series, early evidence suggests that patients with unstable C1 ring fractures can be successfully managed with primary ORIF. Open reduction and internal fixation results in a stable construct that maintains reduction, results in excellent pain control, and does not lead to C1–C2 instability. In our series, we have not observed the presence of TAL injury to adversely affect outcomes, and thus do not believe it is a contraindication to ORIF. Comparative studies comparing internal fixation with non-operative, C1–C2, or occiput–C2 fusions would yield more insight into optimal treatment options for these fractures.
Ontogeny of T lymphocytes and intestinal morphological characteristics in neonatal pigs at different ages in the postnatal period.

To evaluate morphological characteristics and development of the immune system at different ages in neonatal pigs, 4 piglets were euthanized at 7, 14, and 18 d of age for collection of blood, bile, and intestinal tissue for morphological measurements. Blood was collected for differential cell counts, lymphocyte blastogenesis, immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations, cytokine concentrations, and flow cytometric analysis. Bile was collected for quantification of Ig-A and Ig-M. Villus width and crypt depth from duodenum sections, as well as ileum crypt depth, were reduced (P or = 0.11) were observed in the number of goblet cells with neutral and acidic mucins, serum or enteric Ig concentrations, IL-2, IL-4, spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation, or leukocyte concentrations. When measured as counts per minute (cpm) and as a stimulation index (SI), lymphocyte proliferation responses to phytohaemagglutinin increased (P = 0.05) between 7 and 14 d of age; no changes (P = 0.10) occurred at 18 d of age. No age-related changes (P = 0.39) were observed in response to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) when measured as cpm; however, the SI from PWM-induced lymphocytes decreased (P = 0.04) 4-fold between 7 and 18 d of age. The CD4+:CD8+ and populations of lymphocytes expressing CD2+CD4+CD8- (T helper cells) and CD25+CD4+CD8- (activated T helper cells) were greater (P > or = 0.04) at 7 d of age than at 14 and 18 d. Populations of T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T cells (CD2+CD4-CD8+), activated lymphocytes (CD25+), and activated cytotoxic T cells (CD25+CD4-CD8+) were greater (P > or = 0.02) in 18-d-old pigs compared with 7-d-old pigs, whereas CD2+CD4-CD8- [double negative cells] were lower (P = 0.08) in 18-d-old pigs compared with 14-d-old pigs. The percentage of CD2+ T cells was 8.4% at 7 d of age, and by the time the pigs reached 18 d of age, the percentage of CD2+ T cells was 33.8%. Moreover, the percentage of gammadelta T cells was greater (P = 0.02) in 18-d-old pigs than in 7-d-old pigs (74.8 vs. 46.1%, respectively). Results indicate that the porcine immune system and gut are continuously changing as the young pig matures. Changes occurred in lymphocyte phenotypic expression and functional capabilities, as well as morphology and mucin production, and their role may be to further protect the neonate from antigenic challenge as protection from passive immunity declines.
James Gow, Funmi Olonisakin, and Ernst Dijxhoorn (Eds.). Militancy and Violence in West Africa: Religion, Politics and Radicalisation; Nick Ridley. Terrorism in East and West Africa: The Under-Focused Dimension

Evidently, terrorist activity in Africa is on the rise, spawning a cottage industry of academic assessments of varied quality, which raises serious concerns, as far too often poorly designed and ex...
Cloud Computing Techniques for Space Mission Design

The overarching objective of space mission design is to tackle complex problems producing better results, and faster. In developing the methods and tools to fulfill this objective, the user interacts with the different layers of a computing system.
Damage to Grain Sorghum by Fall Armyworm and Corn Earworm

In field tests, no significant loss in yield occurred when whorls of grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, were infested with 2, 4, 8, or 16 first instars of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), at 10 or 20 days after planting. However, infestations applied at 30–49 days after planting caused a high yield loss that increased progressively as the number of larvae increased. When similar infestation levels of corn earworms, Heliothis zea (Boddie), were applied, loss was greatest when sorghum heads were infested at 50% bloom. Injury was less when heads were infested 2 wk after bloom. Increasing the number of corn earworm larvae above 2/head did not increase loss of yield significantly.
Effect of Environmental Oxygen Tension on Intestinal Iron Absorption.

Summary1. The effects of exposure of albino rats to 2 hours of low, high and ambient environmental oxygen tensions upon intestinal iron absorption were studied. 2. Total serum irons were increased 116%, 84.8% and 42.4% at environmental oxygen tensions of approximately 54, 125, and 1390 mm Hg respectively.
One pediatric case with 21 trisomy syndrome complicating acute megakaryocytic leukemia(AMKL)and the literature review

As a rare clinical disease,acute megakaryocytic leukemia(AMKL)in children is less diagnosed domestically than abroad,perhaps for absence of knowledge about it.Related documents disclose that the children with 21 tri somy syndrome are complicated acute leukemia 20 times as easily as the common pediatric patients,and as soon as the children with 21 trisomy syndrome have acute myeloid leukemia,2/3 of them are the ones with AMKL.Through example analyses,this paper discloses the clinical manifestations,the molecular biological features and the factors affecting prognosis of AMKL in children,in order to deepen the knowledge,decrease misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses.
Establishment of the group sequence stratum rack of the southern area in northern Beixi slope

Using the sequence stratigraphy to recognize and contrast unconformity surface, the conformity surface, first flooding surface and maximum flooding surface, starting from the sequence division, and subdividing the system tracts, parasequence sets and parasequence patterns, we established, through studying form mechanisms, isochronal stratum framework of the research area stratum. This work can point out the direction of oil and gas exploration in this area.
A comparison of fine needle aspiration and core biopsy in diagnosis and preoperative grading of prostate cancer

AbstractFine needle aspiration biopsy has been documented to be safe and accurate for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. A study was done based on 3 objectives to determine 1) whether performing core biopsies and fine needle aspiration in each patient with a prostate nodule increases the detection rate of prostate cancer, 2) the accuracy of preoperative grading by fine needle aspiration in predicting the final pathological grade in radical prostatectomy specimens and 3) the usefulness of fine needle aspiration in screening for unsuspected stage A prostate cancer.Of 203 consecutive patients undergoing prostate biopsies core and fine needle aspiration biopsies were performed in 121. An additional 58 patients underwent prostate biopsies just before transurethral resection of the prostate and 24 underwent radical prostatectomy. The diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration was superior to that of core biopsy (82 versus 74 per cent). Performance of both biopsies yielded a higher percentage of positive diagn...
Deflections of Beams

A number of practical reasons for studying beam deflections may be cited. If these deflections become excessive, plaster cracking, which is expensive to repair, may occur in buildings. Shafts acting in bending may become misaligned in their bearings due to large deflections, resulting in excessive wear and possible malfunction. High-rise structures, which contain beam components, may deflect enough to cause psychological stress among the occupants even though failure may be unlikely. Extensive glass breakage in some recently constructed tall buildings has been partially attributed to excessive deflections. The general trend toward construction and manufacture of lighter, more flexible components that are safe from a stress or load-carrying capacity standpoint has led to a number of problems at least partially attributable to deflections that are too large to be tolerated either on physical or psychological grounds or a combination of both.
THE EFFECT OF DNA DAMAGE ON THE INDUCTION OF SIMIAN VIRUS 40 (SV40) IN TRANSFORMED HAMSTER CELLS

ABSTRACT The relationship between DNA repair processes and the induction of infectious virus in SV40-transformed hamster kidney cells has been investigated. Caffeine was found to inhibit postreplication repair in SV40-transformed hamster cells in which caffeine enhanced the induction of virus synthesis by UV light or mitomycin C. It is suggested that the persistence of gaps in DNA, caused by the presence of caffeine, results in the enhancement of SV40 virus induction.
Differences in Foetal, Adult Skin and Mucosal Repair

Abstract Scar formation, a physiologic process in adult wound healing, can have devastating effects for patients; a multitude of pathologic outcomes, affecting all organ systems, stems from an amplification of this process. In contrast to adult wound repair, the early gestation fetal skin wound heals without scar formation, a phenomenon that appears to be intrinsic to fetal skin. Interestingly, there is strong evidence to suggest healing of oral mucosal wounds parallels that of fetal skin wound repair, and that the relative scarless repair of oral mucosa is also derived primarily from the intrinsic differences in oral mucosal tissue, rather than from the intraoral environment. An intensive research effort has focused on unraveling the mechanisms that underlie scarless fetal wound healing in an attempt to improve the quality of healing in both children and adults. Unique properties of fetal skin and oral mucosal cells, extracellular matrix, cytokine profile, and gene expression contribute to this scarless repair. Despite the great increase in knowledge gained over the past decades, the precise mechanisms regulating scarless wound healing remain unknown. Herein, we describe the current models and proposed mechanisms underlying scarless wound healing in an effort to better understand this privileged phenotype.
The Zero-Sum Game of Race and the Familiar Strangeness of President Obama

ABSTRACTAcross his presidency, Barack Obama has been situated as the signal of (racial) national progress and (racial) national decline, prompting heightened attention to national race talk. In this article, we return to the September 2009 announcement that President Obama would give a speech directed to the nation’s schoolchildren. The speech quickly became a site of contentious race talk with critics alleging socialism and communism, not race, and advocates offering praise. We argue that despite different invocations of race, both critics and advocates invoke similar logics of race, ground in notions of strangeness and familiarity that function both to (dis)engage race and to reiterate race as racist threat. These similar logics produce a zero-sum logic of racism that precludes complex conversation.
Implikationen für die Wissenschaft und weiterführende Forschungen

1m Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde erstmalig die ldentifikation und Strukturierung von Erfulgsfaktoren im Rahmen intemationaler Marktbearbeitungsstrategien in der Automobilindustrie durchgefiihrt.
Mid-infrared quantum cascade laser integrated with distributed Bragg reflector

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are promising as compact light sources in the mid-infrared region. In order to put them into a practical use, their relatively high threshold currents should be reduced. Facet reflectivity increase by distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) is effective for this purpose, but there have been few reports on DBR-integrated QCLs (DBRQCLs). In this paper, we report a successful operation of a DBR-QCL in 7 μm wavelength region. With the fabrication, an n-InP buffer layer, a core region consisting of AlInAs/GaInAs superlattices, an n-InP cladding layer, and an n-GaInAs contact layer were successively grown on an n-InP substrate using OMVPE in the first growth. Then, the wafer was processed into a mesa-stripe, and it was buried by an Fe-doped InP current-blocking layer to form a buriedheterostructure (BH) waveguide. After that, a DBR in which semiconductor-walls and air-gaps were alternately arranged was formed at the front or end of the cavity by dry-etching the epitaxial layers of the air-gap regions, and thus a DBRQCL was fabricated. A DBR-QCL chip (Mesa-width:10 μm, Cavity-legth:2 mm) which had a DBR-structure consisting of 1 pair of a 3λ/4-thick semiconductor-wall/3λ/4-thick air-gap at the front end and a high reflective facet at the rear end oscillated successfully under continuous-wave condition at 15°C. This is the first report on the InP-based DBR-QCL to our knowledge. The facet reflectivity at the DBR was 66%, which was about two times larger than that of the cleaved facet. This result clearly shows that the DBR-structure is effective for threshold current reduction of QCL.
Liner Anchorage Analysis for Nuclear Containments

A method is presented to analyze the behavior and evaluate the safety of a rib-type anchorage system used in attaching the steel liner plate to the concrete wall in a prestressed or reinforced concrete containment vessel. The method presented is consistent with that of Doyle and Chu and utilizes the stress fall-off concepts examined by Young and Tate. A mathematical model is defined, and the analysis procedure is developed in step-by-step fashion up to the final determination of anchor displacements and factor of safety. A computer program was written to perform the calculations described. The method, as presented and programmed, requires that the load-deflection curve be idealized as either bilinear or trilinear. One linear panel is assumed to be buckled. The initial deflection of this panel plus the thicknesses and yield strengths of this and other panels are then specified.
Single crystal diamond growth on iridium

As for many other materials, the synthesis of diamond single crystals with a low defect density in wafer size is the ultimate goal and a prerequisite for the development of novel devices. The development of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods eradicated the inherent size limitations of the classical high-pressure high-temperature technique. Combining CVD with heteroepitaxial nucleation and growth on an appropriate substrate represents a very promising concept for the synthesis of single crystal diamond wafers. Many years of research were necessary before iridium was identified as a unique template for diamond heteroepitaxy. It exceeds by far all other competing substrate materials in terms of the achievable diamond crystal quality. Bias-enhanced nucleation (BEN) is the crucial step to obtain epitaxial diamond nucleation on Ir. Its mechanism cannot be described by classical nucleation theory. A broad range of characterization tools was applied to study the BEN process. Combining all the results into a big puzzle allowed the development of a consistent model that explains the nucleation on iridium and the characteristic pattern formation. The initial mosaic structure of thin heteroepitaxial diamond films on Ir transforms into a real single crystal by a mosaic spread reduction process that is based on the merging of grains by the formation of disclinations. The texture development was successfully modeled numerically. Diamond/Ir/SrTiO 3 /Si and diamond/Ir/yttria-stabilized zirconia/Si are powerful multilayer structures for the upscaling of (100)- and (111)-oriented diamond films. The growth of single crystal metal films on biaxially textured oxide layers offers an attractive concept for single crystal diamond deposition on arbitrary substrates. Off-axis growth and epitaxial lateral overgrowth are strategies for further improvement of the film quality. Among potential applications, diamond mosaic crystals as neutron monochromators and detectors for tracking and timing in high-energy particle physics are described.
Development and evaluation of iManage: A self-management app co-designed by adolescents with sickle cell disease.

Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD) are a vulnerable population with high risk of morbidity that could be decreased with effective self-management. Previous research suggests that mobile applications (apps) may facilitate AYA engagement in health-promoting behaviors. The objectives of this study were: (i) describe Internet access and use in AYA with SCD; (ii) identify barriers for self-management in this population; (iii) collaborate with AYA to co-design a mobile app that would minimize barriers; and (iv) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the app. Procedure In phase 1, 46 AYAs with SCD 16–24 years of age completed a survey of Internet access and use. During phase 2, 19 AYAs with SCD (average age 20 ± 2.5 years) and eight healthcare providers participated in interviews to identify barriers and co-design sessions to develop the app. In phase 3, five AYAs with SCD completed app feasibility and usability testing. Results AYAs with SCD had daily Internet access (69%) using their computers (84%) or mobile phones (70%). Participants went online for health information (71%) and preferred Web sites with interactive/social features (83%). Barriers to self-management included failing to believe that their health would suffer, lack of tailored self-management support, lack of a mechanism to visualize self-management progress, and limited opportunities for peer interaction around self-management. The prototype app (iManage) was rated as highly feasible and beneficial. Conclusions A mobile app prototype co-designed by AYAs with SCD may be a useful tool for engaging them in self-management strategies designed to improve health.
The effect of threshold voltage of PD sensors on RPDIV and RPDEV of twisted-pair samples

Using a newly developed PD measuring system with RFCT and horn antenna under repetitive voltage impulses, RPDIV and RPDEV of twisted-pair were obtained according to the definition of IEC61934Ed.2.0. Weibull distribution of hundred RPDIV and RPDEV shows that PRDIV is always higher than RPDEV for both PD sensors and that the difference was less than 5% of RPDIV. The difference of sensitivity of PD sensors was discussed with threshold voltage for the calculation of RPDIV and RPDEV. Recalculation shows the linear dependence of threshold voltage on RPDIV and RPDEV.
Opportunity costs influence food selection and giving‐up density of dabbling ducks

The interaction of animals with their food can yield insights into habitat characteristics, such as perceived predation risk and relative quality. We deployed experimental foraging patches in wetlands used by migrating dabbling ducks (Anas spp.) in the central Illinois River Valley to estimate variation in seed removal and giving-up density (GUD; i.e., density of food remaining in patches following abandonment) with respect to seed density, seed size, seed depth in the substrate, substrate firmness, perceived predation risk, and an energetic profitability threshold (i.e., critical food density). Seed depth and the density of naturally-occurring seeds outside of experimental plots affected seed removal and GUD in experimental patches more than perceived predation risk, seed density, seed size, or substrate firmness. The greatest seed removal and lowest GUDs in experimental patches occurred when food resources in alternative foraging locations outside of plots (i.e., opportunity costs) appeared to be near or below a critical food density (i.e., 119–181 kg/ha). Giving-up densities varied substantially from a critical food density across a range of food densities in alternative foraging locations suggesting that fixed GUDs should not be used as surrogates for critical food densities in energetic carrying capacity models. Foraging and resting rates in and near experimental foraging patches did not reflect patterns of seed removal and were poor predictors of GUD and foraging habitat quality. Our results demonstrated the usefulness of GUDs as indicators of habitat quality for subsurface, benthic foragers relative to other available foraging patches and suggested that food may be limited for dabbling ducks during spring migration in some years in the Midwest. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Bordering Shanghai: China's hukou system and processes of urban bordering

Abstract As members of history's largest rural-urban migration, the migrants who make up a great portion of urban China's low-wage labor force and burgeoning population face unique challenges. Although the trajectories of their movements do not cross international boundaries, most are legally prevented from ever gaining full legal status in their destinations, based on the status they hold within China's hukou system of household registration. This system parallels national citizenship policies in important ways, providing an alternative to standard understandings of how the legal boundaries around communities are drawn. However, empirical work bringing the hukou system into relation with theoretical developments in (international) migration studies is scarce. Based on a series of qualitative interviews conducted in Shanghai and rural Anhui province, this article argues that the structure and effects of the hukou system demonstrate clearly that the boundaries of national territory cannot be considered as the exclusive site from which bordering processes emanate. Bridging the gap between scholarship of Chinese migration and international boundary-making, I position this argument as an extension of the recent trend in border studies to understand bordering processes as taking place beyond the territorial boundaries of the nation state.
Social cognitive correlates of physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis: Influence of depressive symptoms.

Abstract Background Physical inactivity and elevated depressive symptoms are both highly prevalent and correlated among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Variables from Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) might be differentially correlated with physical activity in persons with MS who have elevated depressive symptoms. Purpose This study investigated the influence of elevated depressive symptoms on correlates of physical activity based on SCT in persons with MS. Methods Participants (mean age = 50.3 years, 87% female, 69% Caucasian) completed questionnaires on physical activity, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, functional limitations, and goal setting. The questionnaires were delivered and returned through the U.S. Postal Service. The sample (N = 551) was divided into 2 subgroups (i.e., elevated vs non-elevated levels of depressive symptoms) for statistical analyses. Bivariate correlations and stepwise multiple regressions were conducted using SPSS. Results Self-efficacy (r = 0.16), functional limitations (r = 0.22) and goal-setting (r = 0.42) were significantly (p 0.05) entered the model. All social cognitive variables were significantly associated with physical activity levels (r = 0.16–0.40, p Conclusion Based on SCT, self-efficacy and goal-setting represent possible targets of behavior interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with MS who have elevated depressive symptoms. There is a larger set of targets among those with MS who do not have elevated symptoms.
Association of provider opioid prescribing practices and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services hierarchical condition category score: A retrospective examination of correlation between the volume of provider-prescribed opioid medications and provider panel complexity:

Objective:Opioids are being prescribed at increasing rates in primary care practices, and among individual providers there is significant variability in opioid prescribing. Primary care practices a...
AMNESIAC: Amnesic Automatic Computer

Due to imbalances in technology scaling, the energy consumption of data storage and communication by far exceeds the energy consumption of actual data production, i.e., computation. As a consequence, recomputing data can become more energy efficient than storing and retrieving precomputed data. At the same time, recomputation can relax the pressure on the memory hierarchy and the communication bandwidth. This study hence assesses the energy efficiency prospects of trading computation for communication. We introduce an illustrative proof-of-concept design, identify practical limitations, and provide design guidelines.
The Prospect of Two-Dimensional Heterostructures: A Review of Recent Breakthroughs

This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in heterostructures of two-dimensional (2-D) layered materials for future electronic and optoelectronic applications. We also discuss the progress in capping heterostructures, where an inert 2-D material serves as a passivation layer and provides environmental stability to the relatively unstable 2-D material. Such capping of heterostructures often enhances the electronic properties (e.g., the carrier mobility) of the active 2-D layer by orders of magnitude. Finally, we elucidate the progress in large-area growth of these heterostructures using various state-of-the-art techniques.
Changes in Maternal Behavior in Rats During Exposure to a Stimulus Predicting Shock

Previous research has established that Pavlovian fear-conditioned stimuli exert inhibitory effects when superimposed on appetitive contingencies. The study reported here shows that a shock signal will suppress specific maternal behaviors in dams exposed to stimulus-shock pairings before their litters were born. The suppression of maternal behavior in the form of oral contacts with pups and time spent in proximity to pups occurred in the home cage, while stimulus-shock pairings occurred in an operant chamber. The pattern of findings for three control groups, stimulus only, shock only, and random stimulus-shock, indicates that the suppression effect is dependent on the association of the stimulus and shock and not just the result of being shocked or exposed to the stimulus.
Freeze-drying technologies for 3D scaffold engineering

Three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering application are employed as an artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) for an accurate and quick regeneration of tissue. To mimic the natural tissue, 3D scaffolds should be similar to ECM physically, structurally, and chemically. The freeze-drying method introduced an advanced technology to produce highly porous 3D scaffolds with complex pore morphology, using a wide range of materials including natural polymer, synthetic polymer, and ceramics, which opened a vast opportunity in hard and soft tissue engineering especially for bone tissue. The aim of this review is to illuminate the fundamental principles of freeze-drying and summarize the parameters that can affect the pore size and morphology of freeze-dried scaffolds. Briefly, a freezing rate using a mold could significantly affect the morphology of pores, while changing polymer/ceramic concentration and viscosity would be effective on pore size. At the end, the outlook on future development of freeze-drying technology for tissue engineering are addressed.
Optocapacitive Generation of Action Potentials by Microsecond Laser Pulses of Nanojoule Energy

Millisecond pulses of laser light delivered to gold nanoparticles residing in close proximity to the surface membrane of neurons can induce membrane depolarization and initiate an action potential. An optocapacitance mechanism proposed as the basis of this effect posits that the membrane-interfaced particle photothermally induces a cell-depolarizing capacitive current, and predicts that delivering a given laser pulse energy within a shorter period should increase the pulse's action-potential-generating effectiveness by increasing the magnitude of this capacitive current. Experiments on dorsal root ganglion cells show that, for each of a group of interfaced gold nanoparticles and microscale carbon particles, reducing pulse duration from milliseconds to microseconds markedly decreases the minimal pulse energy required for AP generation, providing strong support for the optocapacitance mechanism hypothesis.
Quantitative characterization of glomerular fibrosis with magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study in a rat glomerulonephritis model.

Glomerular fibrosis occurs in the early stages of multiple renal diseases, including hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy. Conventional assessment of glomerular fibrosis relies on kidney biopsy, w...
On the effect of Ga and In substitutions in the Ca11Bi10 and Yb11Bi10 bismuthides crystallizing in the tetragonal Ho11Ge10 structure type.

The Ga- and In-substituted bis­muthides Ca11GaxBi10–x, Ca11InxBi10–x, Yb11GaxBi10–x, and Yb11InxBi10–x (x < 2) can be readily synthesized employing molten Ga or In metals as fluxes. They crystallize in the tetra­gonal space group I4/mmm and adopt the Ho11Ge10 structure type (Pearson code tI84; Wyckoff sequence n2 m j h2 e2 d). The structural response to the substitution of Bi with smaller and electron-poorer In or Ga has been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods for the case of Ca11InxBi10–x [x = 1.73 (2); octabismuth undecacalcium diindium]. The refinements show that the In atoms substitute Bi only at the 8h site. The refined inter­atomic distances show an unconventional – for this structure type – bond-length distribution within the anionic sublattice. The latter can be viewed as consisting of isolated Bi3− anions and [In4Bi820−] clusters for the idealized Ca11In2Bi8 model. Formal electron counting and first-principle calculations show that the peculiar bonding in this compound drives the system toward an electron-precise state, thereby stabilizing the observed bond-length pattern.
Tolerance to high-internalizing δ opioid receptor agonist is critically mediated by arrestin 2.

Background and purpose Opioid δ receptor agonists are potent antihyperalgesics in chronic pain models, but tolerance develops after prolonged use. Previous evidence indicates that distinct forms of tolerance occur depending on the internalization properties of δ receptor agonists. As arrestins are important in receptor internalization, we investigated the role of arrestin 2 (β-arrestin 1) in mediating the development of tolerance induced by high- and low-internalizing δ receptor agonists. Experimental approach We evaluated the effect of two δ receptor agonists with similar analgesic potencies, but either high-(SNC80) or low-(ARM390) internalization properties in wild-type (WT) and arrestin 2 knockout (KO) mice. We compared tolerance to the antihyperalgesic effects of these compounds in a model of inflammatory pain. We also examined tolerance to the convulsant effect of SNC80. Furthermore, effect of chronic treatment with SNC80 on δ agonist-stimulated [35 S]-GTPγS binding was determined in WT and KO mice. Key results Arrestin 2 KO resulted in increased drug potency, duration of action and decreased acute tolerance to the antihyperalgesic effects of SNC80. In contrast, ARM390 produced similar effects in both WT and KO animals. Following chronic treatment, we found a marked decrease in the extent of tolerance to SNC80-induced antihyperalgesia and convulsions in arrestin 2 KO mice. Accordingly, δ receptors remained functionally coupled to G proteins in arrestin 2 KO mice chronically treated with SNC80. Conclusions and implications Overall, these results suggest that δ receptor agonists interact with arrestins in a ligand-specific manner, and tolerance to high- but not low-internalizing agonists are preferentially regulated by arrestin 2.
Managing Regional Impacts of Trade Liberalization: Informal Practices and Collaborative Economic Development on the U.S.–Mexico Border:

How can local actors manage the regional-level impacts of trade liberalization? Most scholarship focuses on how given endowments, such as geographic location and existing industries, affect the loc...
Counting periodic points on quotient varieties over Fq

Abstract Let V be a quasiprojective variety defined over F q , and let ϕ : V → V be an endomorphism of V that is also defined over F q . Let G be a finite subgroup of Aut F q ( V ) with the property that ϕ commutes with every element of G. We show that idempotent relations in the group ring Q [ G ] give relations between the periodic point counts for the maps induced by ϕ on quotients of V by various subgroups of G. We also show that periodic point counts for the endomorphism on V / G induced by ϕ are related to periodic point counts on V and all of its twists by G.
Type A: Behavior or Trait?

For years, participants at conferences such as this one have reported that persons characterized as Type A are at higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) than are others not so unfortunately endowed. These informants readily acknowledge that the two major tests of Type A, the structured interview (SI), and the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), do not correlate well with one another (MacDougall et al. 1979; Chesney et al. 1981; Matthews et al. 1982). However, they argue that that discrepancy is because the two instruments measure different components of Type A. That truism is usually followed by the assertion that the SI is better than the JAS because it is based on behavioral observations that are not possible with the JAS. At the same time, it is acknowledged that the JAS is better for scientific purposes because it yields quantified, scaled scores which provide finer means of relating Type A to other, quantified scores.
NAT Update; Where are We Today?

A recent review covered the one-year experience with NAT in North America [1]. In that review, five different programs including testing with two different manufacturers of NAT assays for both HIV-1 and HCV were discussed. When combined, the HCV yield for 16 3 million donations tested was 62 confirmed positives (1:263,000); the HIV-1 yield for 12.6 million donations tested was 6 (1:2,100,000). Two of the six HIV-1 NAT positives were also HIV-1 p24 antigen (Ag) reactive; excluding those donors that were already detected by an FDA licensed screening test for p24 Ag reduced yield to 1:3,150,000. Updating these numbers for two years of screening increases the number of yield samples for HCV to 113 per 29,253,815 donations screened (1:259,000) and for HIV-1, including HIV-1 p24 Ag reactives, to 8 per 26,339,192 donations screened (1:3,292,400). Excluding the two HIV-1 p24 Ag reactives reduces the HIV-1 NAT yield to 6 (1:4,390,000). The updated numbers for the two-year experience are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Variability observed by site for HCV NAT yield is influenced greatly by the HCV antibody-screening test used. For sites using HCV 2.0, their yield is approximately 1:150,000 whereas sites using HCV 3.0 have yields that range from 1:300,000 to 1:500,000 (March 2001, FDA Blood Products Advisory Committee, BPAC, Meeting).
The historical context of the American medical association’s 1847 Code of Ethics

On the morning of May 7th, 1847, the national medical convention — soon to rename itself the American Medical Association - enacted a Code of Ethics. In the brief span of three years the frustration of a few New York physicians had led to the first national medical convention, to the first national medical association, and to the first national code of medical ethics. The object of the New Yorkers’ frustration, however, was neither the lack of a national organization, nor the state of medical morals, it was the state of medical education. Bad education was driving out good: the shorter and cheaper the route to medical qualification, the fewer the demands a college made on a medical student, the more likely it was to be a financial success. Worse yet, piecemeal reform seemed impossible. No single state could reform its system without a parallel reform in the others. Medical students, medical qualifications, and medical practices were all portable; were any single state to raise educational standards within its borders, it would merely create a competitive advantage for colleges beyond its borders. Moreover, once students had earned their qualifications, however poorly educated they might be, they could still practice anywhere. Consequently, were any state to attempt to raise educational standards on its own, it was likely undercut its medical colleges, without significantly raising the qualifications of its physicians. Educational reform would either have to be done by everyone, everywhere, or no one could successfully implement it anywhere.
Sleep disordered breathing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in younger boys with DMD are often poorly perceived and/or articulated by the patients or their families. As a result it is the watchful eye of the care-provider that determines the need for early polysomnographic (PSG) assessments. The use of polysomnography without capnometry should be considered completely inadequate when it comes to diagnosis and management of SDB in these patients. The stabilization of gas exchange with non-invasive ventilation may be achieved by the use of pressure or volume support ventilation. Serial PSG assessments are recommended to assure optimal management as the patients' clinical status evolves with disease progression and the emergence of additional morbidities such as cardiomyopathies, dysphagia, and chronic aspiration.
Increased MDR1 Transporter Expression in Human Brain Endothelial Cells Through Enhanced Histone Acetylation and Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1, ABCB1, P-glycoprotein) is a critical efflux transporter that extrudes chemicals from the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and limits neuronal exposure to xenobiotics. Prior studies in malignant cells demonstrated that MDR1 expression can be altered by inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC), enzymes that modify histone structure and influence transcription factor binding to DNA. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms responsible for the up-regulation of MDR1 by HDAC inhibitors in human BBB cells. Immortalized human brain capillary endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells were treated with HDAC inhibitors and assessed for MDR1 expression and function. Of the HDAC inhibitors profiled, valproic acid (VPA), apicidin, and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) increased MDR1 mRNA and protein levels by 30-200%, which corresponded with reduced intracellular accumulation of the MDR1 substrate rhodamine 123. Interestingly, induction of MDR1 mRNA by HDAC inhibitors mirrored increases in the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and its target gene cytochrome P450 1A1. To explore the role of AHR in HDAC inhibitor-mediated regulation of MDR1, a pharmacological activator (β-naphthoflavone, βNF) and inhibitor (CH-223191, CH) of AHR were tested. The induction of MDR1 in cells treated with SAHA was amplified by βNF and attenuated by CH. Furthermore, SAHA increased the binding of acetylated histone H3K9/K14 and AHR proteins to regions of the MDR1 promoter that contain AHR response elements. In conclusion, HDAC inhibitors up-regulate the expression and activity of the MDR1 transporter in human brain endothelial cells by increasing histone acetylation and facilitating AHR binding at the MDR1 promoter.
A new device to improve target localization for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.

Abstract Background Accurate identification of cranial midline structures is essential for many targeting techniques that use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), including the Beam F3 method used for depression treatment. Objective Evaluate whether a novel, laser-sighted device will assist with more accurate identification of the cranial midline relative to standard scalp-based measurement procedures. Methods Three trained TMS technicians performed repeated scalp-based measurements to identify the inion and vertex on five subjects (n = 54 measurements). Measurements were compared to points identified with the midline localizer device and the true midline as defined by MRI midline structures. Results Use of the midline localizer was more accurate for midline identification than technician measurement (p = 0.00025) and the ratio of localizing the midline within 5 mm was higher (78% versus 54%, p = 0.008). Conclusion Use of a laser-sighted midline localizer device can improve the accuracy of scalp measurements associated with target localization for rTMS treatment protocols.
SYMPTOM INSTABILITY AND A PROPOSED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT OF SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSION.

Background Individuals can experience headaches, dizziness, cervical dysfunction, balance disturbances, fatigue, and oculomotor impairments following a concussion. Patients with sports-related concussions are not a homogenous group but rather heterogenous groups with mixed clinical findings. Purpose The purpose of this clinical commentary is to propose a classification system developed specifically for the physical therapy management of sports-related concussions. Description The concept of "symptom instability" was introduced to assist with classifying patients. The time period post-concussion, symptom instability, and the ability to identify symptom triggers were used as defining criteria. The end result was a classification system with five clinical subgroups. Relationship to clinical practice The classification system assists in forming homogeneous groups. The grouping of patients into these subgroups can allow for improved efficiency of organizing treatment plans. Level of evidence 5.
A multimodal analgesic protocol reduced opioid use/misuse after third molar surgery

Objective This institutional review board–approved prospective study was designed to assess the number of opioid doses available to patients from filled prescriptions (Rx) and the opioid doses taken and left over after adoption of a multimodal analgesic protocol to manage pain after surgery in 2018. Study Design The inclusion criteria were (1) American Society of Anesthesiologists risk classification I/II, (2) age 18 to 35 years, and (3) at least 2 lower third molars removed. The exclusion criterion was treatment for opioid addiction/abuse. All enrolled, consented subject-patients were treated with the multimodal analgesic protocol. In addition, subject-patients were given 2 Rx for 4 doses of hydrocodone 5 mg or acetaminophen 325 mg each: one Rx dated to be filled on the day of surgery, one Rx dated to be filled on any subsequent day; both Rx could be filled at the patient's discretion. Data were derived from an encounter form completed by the patient at surgery; a 14-day diary by the patient, which tracked opioid drugs taken; and the Rx filled as recorded in the North Carolina RxSentry Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The primary outcome variable was the number of opioid doses filled by Rx for each subject-patient. The primary predictor variable was the multimodal analgesic protocol. Descriptive statistics were used. Results Data from 50 patients were analyzed. Of these patients, 32 (64%) were females. Median age was 22 years (interquartile range [IQR] 19–26 years). Twenty-nine (58%) subject-patients filled no Rx, 9 filled 1 Rx (18%), 12 filled 2 Rx (24%). Within the group that filled 1 Rx, 23 left-over doses out of 36 doses (64%) were not consumed. Within the group that filled 2 Rx, 36 left-over doses out of 96 doses (38%) were not consumed. Conclusions Outcomes suggest that implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol with third molar surgery may be effective in reducing use and misuse of opioid drugs.
Non-Contrast Perfusion Detection with ARFI Variance of Acceleration (VoA) Imaging: Phantom and In Vivo Results

Low blood SNR makes detecting small vessels, measuring slow flow rates, and assessing blood perfusion without contrast administration challenging. A potential approach is to use Variance of Acceleration (VoA) imaging, which has been demonstrated previously in humans in vivo for monitoring subcutaneous bleeding and delineating intraplaque hemorrhage. We hypothesize that, without the addition of contrast agents, VoA can detect slow flow in small vessels for perfusion assessment. Experiments were performed on an ATS 700-D 527 calibrated flow phantom (vessel diameter of 1 mm, flow rates of 0-53 cm/s) and in the surgically exteriorized right kidneys of 3 pigs (2M/1F, mean body weight of 74.4 ± 9.3 kg) at baseline and after inducing ischemia. In the phantom, logVoA increased in the vessel with increasing flow rate, and it remained constant in the background. LogVoA values were higher in the background with versus without the ARF excitation. Similarly, logVoA values were higher in the vessel, particularly for flow rates < 12 cm/s, with versus without ARF excitation. Vessel CNR by logVoA was higher with versus without ARF excitation for flow rates < 12 cm/s, and CNR by logVoA was greater than CNR by power Doppler for all flow rates. Additionally, logVoA was statistically significantly greater at baseline than ischemia in all three in vivo pig kidneys. Finally, logVoA delineates a 1.25 mm-diameter vessel in a pig renal cortex in vivo, while power Doppler does not. These results suggest that logVoA could support contrast-free detection of slow blood flow in small vessels and in vivo perfusion assessment.