cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-mammalian Animal Models Offer New Perspectives on the Treatment of TBI

Patients who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit clinical symptoms of widely varying types and severities. In contrast, because of cost, experimental flexibility, and animal welfare, preclinical rodent models of TBI are designed to exhibit relatively homogeneous symptoms. This disconnect may explain why drugs developed using rodent models have universally failed in clinical studies. We suggest that drug development for TBI could benefit from preclinical studies using non-mammalian animals, where cost, experimental flexibility, and animal welfare are less of an issue and variables that affect clinical symptoms, including genotype, age, and environmental factors, can be more extensively investigated.
Distribution and Characteristics of Colonic Diverticula in a United States Screening Population

Background & Aims Colonic diverticula are the most common finding from colonoscopy examinations. Little is known about the distribution of colonic diverticula, which are responsible for symptomatic and costly diverticular disease. We aimed to assess the number, location, and characteristics of colonic diverticula in a large US screening population. Methods We analyzed data from a prospective study of 624 patients (mean age, 54 years) undergoing screening colonoscopy at the University of North Carolina Hospital from 2013 through 2015. The examination included a detailed assessment of colonic diverticula. To assess the association between participant characteristics and diverticula, we used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Of our population, 260 patients (42%) had 1 or more diverticula (mean number, 14; range, 1–158). Participants with diverticula were more likely to be older, male, and have a higher body mass index than those without diverticula. The distribution of diverticula differed significantly by race. Among white persons, 75% of diverticula were in the sigmoid colon, 11% in the descending splenic flexure, 6% in the transverse colon, and 8% were in the ascending colon or hepatic flexure. In black persons 64% of diverticula were in the sigmoid colon, 8% in the descending colon or splenic flexure, 7% in the transverse colon, and 20% in the ascending colon or hepatic flexure ( P = .0008). The proportion of patients with diverticula increased with age: 35% were 50 years or younger, 40% were 51–60 years, and 58% were older than 60 years. The proportion of patients with more than 10 diverticula increased with age: 8% were 50 years or younger, 15% were 51–60 years, and 30% were older than 60 years. Conclusions Older individuals not only have a higher prevalence of diverticula than younger individuals, but also a greater density, indicating that this is a progressive disease. Black persons have a greater percentage of their diverticula in the proximal colon and fewer in the distal colon compared with white persons. Understanding the distribution and determinants of diverticula is the first step in preventing diverticulosis and its complications.
Analytical model for thermal boundary conductance and equilibrium thermal accommodation coefficient at solid/gas interfaces.

We develop an analytical model for the thermal boundary conductance between a solid and a gas. By considering the thermal fluxes in the solid and the gas, we describe the transmission of energy across the solid/gas interface with diffuse mismatch theory. From the predicted thermal boundary conductances across solid/gas interfaces, the equilibrium thermal accommodation coefficient is determined and compared to predictions from molecular dynamics simulations on the model solid-gas systems. We show that our model is applicable for modeling the thermal accommodation of gases on solid surfaces at non-cryogenic temperatures and relatively strong solid-gas interactions (e(sf) ≳ k(B)T).
Vowel perception asymmetry in auditory and phonemic listening

UC Berkeley Phonology Lab Annual Report (2015) Vowel perception asymmetry in auditory and phonemic listening Keith Johnson Department of Linguistics UC Berkeley short title: Vowel perception asymmetry Keith Johnson Department of Linguistics 1203 Dwinelle Hall UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA 97420-2650 phone: 510 333 1575 fax: 510 6435688 email: keithjohnson@berkeley.edu
Usable Socio-Economic Science for Rangelands

On the Ground Because humans depend on rangelands for a wide variety of ecosystem goods and services, they have a large stake in research that explores supply and demand for those goods and services. Scientists and science users who ranked 142 separate rangeland issues chose a socio-economic concern as most pressing: How to help rural communities plan for, adapt to, and recover from impacts of increased social, economic, and ecological variability. Cross-jurisdictional stewardship is required to address many rangeland problems, so it is important to find ways to encourage and assist collaborative management efforts. Decision makers and citizens need better ways to sift through the conflicting claims and conclusions available from a growing number of information sources. Rangeland communities, and the land itself, require a steady supply of individuals who are both willing and able to choose careers in rangeland occupations.
Numerical Study of Sand Deposition and Control by Flat Solar Panels

To make the best use of solar energy, most solar plants are located in deserts or dry and sandy areas, where most of the sand originate in sandstorms and desertification. For large scale solar plants, the structure of the solar panels can reduce the mean wind speed greatly, thus having a great effect on the deposition and entrainment process of the sand and dust. To study the effect of installment of solar panels on wind flow, numerical simulations are applied to get the turbulent flow field in the lee of the solar panels, with inclination angles ranging from 15° to 30° and at different spacing. The results show that 30° is the optimal choice and the performance with larger spacing at 2.5 times panel length is better than the case at 1.5 times.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Expression and role of cyclooxygenase isoforms in alveolar and peritoneal macrophages

Prostaglandin synthesis represents one means by which macrophages modulate inflammation. The initial enzyme in the metabolism of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins is cyclooxygenase (COX). Both constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-2) isoforms are recognized. We previously showed that COX activity of rat peritoneal macrophages (PM) exceeds that of alveolar macrophages (AM). In this study, we correlated the steady-state levels of COX-1 and COX-2 proteins with COX activity in resident AM and PM. Freshly obtained AM contained lower levels of COX-1 than did fresh PM. Neither contained substantial amounts of COX-2 in the basal state, but both cell types demonstrated induction when cultured with lipopolysaccharide; once again, COX-2 levels in PM exceeded those in AM. Despite COX-2 induction under these circumstances, its contribution to prostaglandin production appeared to be modest. We conclude that, although both isoforms of COX are expressed in rat AM and PM, COX-1 is responsible for the majority of enzyme activity in both the basal and stimulated states. The lesser prostaglandin synthetic capacity of AM than of PM appears to be the consequence of lower steady-state levels of both COX proteins.
Developments in Captive Giant Panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Population

To predict the development of captive Giant Panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Population,mathematical statistics such as: linear or four multiple regression equation,differential equation in the exponential growth has been applied for analysing on 563 captive giant pandas in the world from 1953 to 2003.The results sgowed that four multiple regression equation fitted good,and from 1953 to 1987.The census of captive giant panda was in "S" curve,but after 1998,the growth curve became linear and exponential.Since 1998,the captive population stared to sustain itself would be expected to be over 200 in 2007 and between 220～240 by 2009.With the next 15～22 years the captive population would be double that of 2003,to about 330 giant pandas.
Extraction of crude flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot(L) flower

By the studies of Abelmoschus manihot(L) flower flavonoids ultrasound-assisted extraction that using single factor and orthogonal design,the ultrasonic-assisted extraction parameters of flavonoids crude extracts could be obtained as follows: After 80℃ temperature ultrasonic 30min,ultrasonic treatment lasted for 75min with 1∶40 of 60% ethanol,and extracted one time.Calculating the content of flavonoid extract,we could see the amount of flavonoid extraction is 56.37mg per gram of raw materials.Flavonoids crude extracts concentrated by rotary evaporation later obtained its freeze-dried powder by freeze-drying.Abelmoschus manihot(L) flower raw material per gram of freeze-dried powder obtained 0.097g and flavonoid content was 0.0562g,The extraction rate of flavonoids and flavonoid contents were 9.7% and 58%.
Uncovering Processes and Pathways in Family–School Research: Modeling Innovations for Handling Data Complexities

For applied researchers interested in using quantitative data to evaluate research questions about family–school partnership programs, the data structure complexities that are encountered in family and school systems’ research provide challenges that complicate the associated analyses. This chapter describes some of the challenges that are encountered in research focused on families and schools and includes recommendations for models that can be used to handle some of the resulting methodological dilemmas. Examples of research questions and data structure complications are provided using the context of family–school partnership research. The models that can be used to handle the associated complexities are then demonstrated. The types of models that are discussed include conventional multilevel models, cross-classified and multiple membership random effects models, multivariate multilevel models for handling dependence from multiple, related outcomes for different participant types (e.g., student versus teacher or parent), and multilevel latent variable regression models. This chapter also provides references where readers can access more detail about the relevant models and about associated software that can be used to estimate some of the models.
Truth, Damn Truth, and Statistics

Statisticians and Statistics teachers often have to push back against the popular impression that Statistics teaches how to lie with data. Those who believe incorrectly that Statistics is solely a ...
Agriculture pest detection using video processing technique

Early pest detection and identification in agriculture is necessary for good quality and quantity of crop production. This will help to reduce the effect of pest and the use of pesticides. Detection of pest is necessary to get the information and location of the pest and this can be achieved only if temperature is controlled in the room like in the greenhouse. There are various conventional techniques which are used to detect the pest, but the proposed method is very fast, easy and convenient. This project proposes pest detection and movement by using the video processing. Video processing involves capturing the video and processing on it to find the presence and location of pest.
Student Characteristics Associated with Successful Matching to a PGY1 Residency Program

Objective. To identify predictors for postgraduate matching success. Methods. In April 2014, a survey was distributed to students at five schools of pharmacy in the United States assessing organizational involvement, research and work experience, postgraduation plans, match status, and demographics. Results. Five hundred seventy-seven students (82%) completed the survey. Applicants who matched had a higher median number of interview offers compared to those who did not match. Significantly more females than males applied for a residency program. Those who matched had a higher median pharmacy school grade point average (GPA) compared to those who did not. No differences were observed in the rates of matching when leadership positions, student organizational membership, or previous work experience were considered. Conclusion. For pharmacy students in this study, number of applications and interviews, pharmacy school GPA, and female gender were associated with a higher likelihood of matching.
English Language Learners in Higher Education: An Exploratory Conversation.

This article discusses an exploratory conversation between a newly hired assistant professor of ESOL Education and one of her graduate level students taking the methods and materials course. The graduate student was an English learner (international student), and therefore offered this new professor an opportunity to explore her practice of working with English learners in a new context outside of K-12 schools. The discussion followed theoretical protocols of cogenerative dialogue in which the student brought in artifacts from the recently completed course that exemplified easy and difficult assignments. Both professor and student were able to examine their own practices in relation to access of curriculum and strategies that encourage that access.
Managing elite defection in Museveni’s Uganda: the 2016 elections in perspective

ABSTRACTLike other semi-authoritarian leaders, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni faced constant threats of elite defections during successive general elections since 1996. Except in 2011 when he lured prominent opposition members to his ruling party, Museveni faced defections on the eve of four out of the five general elections during his rule: in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2016. The 2015 defection of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi was billed as Museveni’s toughest challenge ever. However, Museveni successfully countered this threat with ministerial appointments, cash handouts along with targeted use of state coercive apparatus, chiefly the police, thus stopping Mbabazi from taking many National Resistance Movement (NRM) party elites into his camp to mount a serious electoral challenge. This article situates Mbabazi’s defection, and his poor performance at the polls going by the official election results, in the context of previous episodes of elite defections. The article argues that defections have been avoided a...
SAQP pitch walk metrology using single target metrology

Self-aligned quadruple patterning (SAQP) processes have found widespread acceptance in advanced technology nodes to drive device scaling beyond the resolution limitations of immersion scanners. Of the four spaces generated in this process from one lithography pattern two tend to be equivalent as they are derived from the first spacer deposition. The three independent spaces are commonly labelled as α, β and γ. α, β and γ are controlled by multiple process steps including the initial lithographic patterning process, the two mandrel and spacer etches as well as the two spacer depositions. Scatterometry has been the preferred metrology approach, however is restricted to repetitive arrays. In these arrays independent measurements, in particular of alpha and gamma, are not possible due to degeneracy of the standard array targets. . In this work we present a single target approach which lifts the degeneracies commonly encountered while using product relevant layout geometries. We will first describe the metrology approach which includes the previously described SRM (signal response metrology) combined with reference data derived from CD SEM data. The performance of the methodology is shown in figures 1-3. In these figures the optically determined values for alpha, beta and gamma are compared to the CD SEM reference data. The variations are achieved using controlled process experiments varying Mandrel CD and Spacer deposition thicknesses.
Changing chemotherapy (C) with concurrent radiation (RT) followed by surgery after sub-optimal FDG-PET response to induction chemotherapy improves outcomes in locally advanced (LA) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA).

4054 Background: Pre-operative CRT is a standard-of-care for LA EA. We showed that PET scan after induction C prior to CRT and surgery predicts outcomes (Cancer 118:2820; 2012). PET responders (PET...
Re-conceptualizing Self, Speaker, and Body: Applying an Enactive and Conversation Analytic Approach to Selfhood and Cognition

In this article I review significant contributions to the subfield of Embodied Cognition that formulate an inclusive account of the body's role in cognitive processes. I argue that a reconceptualization of the mind–body problem must take into account some notion of the self as a nonlocalized, transient phenomenon that emerges through day-to-day interaction. Drawing on literature from epistemology, phenomenology, and Conversation Analysis, I aim to revise contributions that rely on essentialized notions of the self and speaker, in terms of an enactive and Conversation Analytic approach to selfhood and cognition.
Teaching Social Sciences: Cultural Concerns

The term ‘social sciences’ is broad, embracing a range of issues and methods of inquiry not readily reducible to systematic organization. What is taught and how it is taught under the general rubric thus varies significantly across and even within the constituent special fields. Complicating matters further is the hybrid nature of certain disciplines (e.g., psychology, physical anthropology), which are at once social and natural sciences. Common across and within the disciplines are certain core problems of a conceptual nature, chiefly those pertaining to explanation, integration, measurement, and the criteria of theoretical adequacy.
Rethinking Emotional Desensitization to Violence: Methodological and Theoretical Insights From Social Media Data

While the term "desensitization" has been employed in the studies of media and real world violence, its longitudinal effect is largely unexplored due to methodological difficulties. This paper applies computerized linguistic analysis to study the longitudinal emotional desensitization towards gun violence using Twitter data. The results show that there is a decline in overall negative emotions when people tweet about gun violence during 2012-2014, and a case study of six school shootings confirmed the finding through more nuanced analysis. Moreover, the findings expand the previous unified conceptualization of emotional desensitization. Despite the overall desensitization trend, people show a significant decrease in disgust, sadness, and anger, yet notable increase in anxiety towards gun violence. The results provide evidence for longitudinal emotional desensitization, and call for more careful conceptualization of the term.
Incidence and predictors of late atrioventricular conduction recovery among patients requiring permanent pacemaker for complete heart block after cardiac surgery.

Background New-onset complete heart block (CHB) commonly complicates cardiac surgery, for which some patients require a permanent pacemaker (PPM). Little is known regarding late atrioventricular (AV) conduction recovery. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize the incidence and predictors of late AV conduction recovery among patients requiring PPM after cardiac surgery. Methods Consecutive patients receiving PPM for CHB after cardiac surgery at a high-volume U.S. center from 2000 to 2014 were evaluated. The primary outcome was late AV conduction recovery, defined as a reduction in ventricular pacing requirement to Results Among 301 patients evaluated over 4 ± 4 years of follow-up, the incidence of late AV conduction recovery was 12% (n = 37), for whom the median ventricular pacing requirement decreased from 96% at implant to 200 ms and QRS >120 ms (n = 42). Multivariable analysis identified only female sex and transient AV conduction postoperatively as independent predictors of recovery (odds ratio 3.5; P Conclusion Late AV conduction recovery is not uncommon after cardiac surgery, occurring in 1 of 8 patients within 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative AV conduction abnormalities were associated with decreased recovery, whereas female sex and transient postoperative AV conduction were associated with increased recovery.
Precision Therapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Precision medicine is an approach to disease prevention and treatment that takes into account genetic variability and environmental and lifestyle influences that are unique to each patient. It facilitates stratification of patient populations that vary in their susceptibility to disease and response to therapy. Shared databases and the implementation of new technology systems designed to advance the integration of this information will enable health care providers to more accurately predict and customize prevention and treatment strategies for patients. Although precision medicine has had a limited impact in most areas of medicine, it has been shown to be an increasingly successful approach to cancer therapy. Despite early promising results targeting aberrant signaling pathways or inhibitors designed to block tumor-driven processes such as angiogenesis, limited success emphasizes the need to discover new biomarkers and treatment targets that are more reliable in predicting response to therapy and result in better health outcomes. Recent successes in the use of immunity-inducing antibodies have stimulated increased interest in the use of precision immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Using next-generation sequencing, the precise profiling of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has great promise to identify hypoimmunogenic cancer that would benefit from a rationally designed combinatorial approach. Continued interrogation of tumors will reveal new actionable targets with increasing therapeutic efficacy and fulfill the promise of precision therapy of head and neck cancer.
The Death Debate: Penumbra Conundrum.

Determination and declaration of death by neurologic criteria, brain death, is an established and legally accepted clinical practice with profound implications. Concerns regarding the accuracy of t...
Differential effects of sodium selenite and methylmercury(II) on membrane permeability and DNA replication in HeLa S3 carcinoma cells: a preliminary report regarding the modification of organomercurial toxicity by selenium compounds.

When viewed in terms of their concentration in the growth medium, sodium selenite and methylmercuric hydroxide — administered individually to HeLa S3 cells — are of equal efficacy in inhibiting DNA synthesis: the dose-response curves overlap and 50% residual DNA synthesis occurs at 6.13 µM of either chemical. A different picture, however, emerges if replication is expressed as a function of the actual amounts of toxicant bound per cell. Now, the dose-response curves do not overlap and Na2SeO3 is much more toxic than CH3HgOH: 50% inhibition of DNA replication exists at 5.37 × 10 −17 moles of Se bound per cell and at 3.63 × 10−15 moles of Hg bound per cell. Further, selenite is taken up by the cells more slowly than methylmercury and its (limiting) cellular concentration is below that of the organomercurial. Lastly, much higher levels of selenite in the growth medium are required to bring about the same degree of membrane damage as the one caused by methylmercury. These differential effects may have a bearing on the observation, well-known but thus far unexplained, that selenite and methylmercury are strikingly less toxic to animals when administered simultaneously than they are when administered individually: selenium may counteract the membrane-destabilizing characteristics of methylmercury and it may retard its binding to the cells. Data on the inhibition of DNA synthesis have been obtained when selenite and methylmercury are administered simultaneously to HeLa S3 cells in varied molar ratios. Best mutual protection appears to exist when the two chemicals are present in equimolar amounts or when there is a slight excess of selenite.
Ca(2+) oscillations regulate contraction of intrapulmonary smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary blood pressure is a function of the resistance of the intrapulmonary blood vessels. Consequently, the mechanisms controlling blood vessel smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction serve as potential sites for hypertension therapy. To explore these mechanisms, access to the intrapulmonary vessels is required and this is provided by the observation of a unique lung slice preparation with microscopy. There are 2 major processes that determine SMC tone; the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the sensitivity of the SMCs to Ca2+. Agonist-induced increases in Ca2+ occur in the form of propagating Ca2+ oscillations that predominately utilize internal Ca2+ stores and inositol trisphosphate receptors. The frequency of these Ca2+ oscillations correlates with contraction. Agonists also increase Ca2+ sensitivity of SMCs to enhance contraction. Changes in membrane potential mediated by KCl also stimulate contraction via slow Ca2+ oscillations and increased sensitivity. However, these slow Ca2+ oscillations rely on Ca2+ influx to drive the cyclic release of over-filled Ca2+ stores via the ryanodine receptor. The relaxation of SMC tone can be induced by the reduction of the frequency of the Ca2+ oscillations and the Ca2+ sensitivity by b2-adrenergic agonists or nitric oxide.
Using Simulation to Examine the Effect of MPI Message Matching Costs on Application Performance

Attaining high performance with MPI applications requires efficient message matching to minimize message processing overheads and the latency these overheads introduce into application communication. In this paper, we use a validated simulation-based approach to examine the relationship between MPI message matching performance and application time-to-solution. Specifically, we examine how the performance of several important HPC workloads is affected by the time required for matching. Our analysis yields several important contributions: (i) the performance of current workloads is unlikely to be significantly affected by MPI matching unless match queue operations get much slower or match queues get much longer; (ii) match queue designs that provide sublinear performance as a function of queue length are unlikely to yield much benefit unless match queue lengths increase dramatically; and (iii) we provide guidance on how long the mean time per match attempt may be without significantly affecting application performance. The results and analysis in this paper provide valuable guidance on the design and development of MPI message match queues.
The effect of countermeasures against the reaction time based concealed information test on the P300 index of knowledge recognition: A combined RT and P300-based test

Abstract Behavioral reaction time (RT) to key (probe) stimuli in a concealed information test (CIT) is usually greater than RT to irrelevant stimuli, and this difference has been utilized as a sign of recognition of concealed information. The ability to voluntarily increase irrelevant RT would appear to be an obvious countermeasure to the RT-based CIT. This study examined the effect of such countermeasure use on the simultaneously recorded P300 event related potentials. There were two blocks of trials in the present study, based on the 3-stimulus protocol. On the first trial block, half the participants were tested on concealed recognition of their phone numbers without a countermeasure. In the second block, this subset of participants were tested on their birth dates, while they applied a countermeasure consisting of the mental statement of the phrase “yes sir” prior to the button press signaling irrelevant stimulus. The other half of the subjects received the reverse order of stimulus categories. Results were that probe RT exceeded irrelevant RT in the first block, but that this relationship was reversed on the second block. In contrast, although the probe P300 exceeded the irrelevant P300 in the first block, this difference significantly increased in the second (RT countermeasure) block, leading to more detections based on P300. Thus, there was a differential effect of this novel countermeasure (directed at countering RT) on RT and P300, which actually led to improved detection with P300, suggesting that both measures might be profitably used in field applications.
Effects of Carrying an Unwanted Pregnancy to Term on Women's Existing Children.

Objective To examine how receiving or being denied a wanted abortion affects the subsequent development, health, caregiving, and socioeconomics of women's existing children at time of seeking abortion. Study design The Turnaway Study is a 5-year longitudinal study with a quasi-experimental design. Women were recruited from January 2008 to December 2010 from 30 abortion facilities throughout the US. We interviewed women regarding the health and development of their living children via telephone 1 week after seeking an abortion and semiannually for 5 years. We compare the youngest existing children younger than the age 5 years of women denied abortion because they presented for care beyond a facility's gestational limit (Turnaway group) with those of women who received the abortion (Abortion group). We used mixed-effects regression models to test for differences in outcomes of existing children of women in the Turnaway group (n = 55 children) compared with existing children of women in the Abortion group (n = 293 children). Results From 6 months to 4.5 years after their mothers sought abortions, existing children of women denied abortions had lower mean child development scores (adjusted β −0.04, 95% CI −0.07 to −0.00) and were more likely to live below the Federal Poverty Level (aOR 3.74, 95% CI 1.59-8.79) than the children of women who received a wanted abortion. There were no significant differences in child health or time spent with a caregiver other than the mother. Conclusions Denying women a wanted abortion may have negative developmental and socioeconomic consequences for their existing children.
Factors impacting sorbitol polymorphism and polymorphic transitions during aging

Abstract During the manufacture of sugar-free confectionery and pharmaceutical products, sorbitol can dissolve and recrystallize into a variety of different polymorphic structures, which can have an impact on stability and physical properties. In order to maintain desired attributes, factors that impact sorbitol polymorphic structure during shelf life must be understood and controlled. To study crystallization of sorbitol under static conditions, three different moisture content sorbitol syrups (3, 4, and 5%) were prepared and crystallized at 15, 40, and 65 °C for one week to determine differences in final polymorphic structure and well as changes in polymorphic structure during aging. The effects of mannitol and maltitol on sorbitol crystal structure in these low moisture sorbitol syrups were also determined. High temperatures and moisture contents increased the stability of sorbitol and accelerated polymorphic transitions while mannitol and maltitol had the opposite effect.
Modeling of a compact gas vortex lens for high-power lasers

With 3D steady-state fluid simulations, we show that a negative lens can be created from a rotating gas (vortex) in a compact structure. The gas flow is well described by a compressible Bernoulli principle assuming an adiabatic, ideal gas. The gas lens’ focal length can be varied by adjusting the mass flow rate. The dominant aberration is spherical. Transient simulations show a 60 μs time scale for switching of the focal length. The gas vortex lens allows operation of high-power lasers above the damage thresholds of conventional optics and, additionally, its self-healing design allows operation near gas breakdown thresholds without risk to the optical element.
The Poisson–Hermite Semigroup

In this chapter, we consider the Poisson–Hermite semigroup, which is the semigroup subordinated to the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup. This is analogous to the classical case in which the Poisson semigroup is obtained by subordination of the heat semigroup (for more details see the Appendix). Then, we study the characterization of the \(\frac {\partial ^2}{\partial t^2} + L\)-harmonic functions, the generalized Poisson–Hermite semigroups, and the conjugated Poisson–Hermite semigroup which, as in the classical case, is closely related to the notion of singular integrals.
Formation, isolation, spectroscopic properties, and calculated properties of some isomers of C(60)H(36).

Isomers of C60H36 and He@C60H36 have been synthesized by the Birch or dihydroanthracene reduction of C60 and isolated by preparative high-pressure liquid chromatography. 3He, 13C, and 1H NMR spectroscopic properties were then determined. A comparison of experimental chemical shifts against those computed using density functional theory (B3LYP) with polarized triple- and double-ζ basis sets for He and C,H, respectively, allowed provisional assignment of structure for several isomers to be made. Theoretical calculations have also been carried out to identify low-energy structures. The transfer hydrogenation method using dihydroanthracene gives a major C60H36 isomer and a minor C60H36 isomer with C3 symmetry as determined by the 13C NMR spectrum of C60H36 and the 3He NMR spectrum of the corresponding sample of 3He@C60H36. In view of the HPLC retention times and the 3He chemical shifts observed for the Birch and dihydroanthracene reduction products, the two isomers generated by the latter procedure can be onl...
Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Musculoskeletal symptoms may be the initial presentation of a wide variety of systemic non-rheumatic conditions to include metabolic, endocrine, hematologic, and malignant process. Epidemiological features such as gender, ethnicity and age of onset, arthritis pattern, and associated symptoms along with response or lack thereof to empiric treatments provide clues to formulate a broad differential diagnosis. Identifying the primary disorder is crucial for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In older patients, seronegative patients, or patients whose constitutional symptoms are out of proportion to underlying arthritis, evaluation for underlying malignancy is warranted. Early-onset arthritis may be seen in rare genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease or alkaptonuria. Rheumatologic manifestations are common in sarcoidosis but are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. Early osteoporosis and osteoarthritis should raise suspicion for systemic conditions. Amyloid deposition can indolently cause musculoskeletal symptoms mimicking classic primary rheumatic diseases.
Laser refrigeration of ytterbium-doped alkali-yttrium-fluoride nanostructures (Yb:MYF, M = K, Na, Li)

Single-beam laser tweezers with a tunable NIR trapping wavelength are used to analyze cold Brownian motion (CBM) dynamics of ytterbium-doped alkali yttrium fluoride (Yb:MYF, M=Li, Na, K) nanostructures.
Changing number and distribution of orthodontists: 1982-1991

A review of the 1991 and past two American Dental Association studies on the distribution of dentists provides specific information on the evolving numbers of orthodontists at the national, regional and state levels.
Treat Yourself: The Effects of Motivational Messaging and Nutritional Information on Front-of-Pack Labeling

ABSTRACTWith the majority of snacking behavior directed toward self-reward, there is a growing area of interest in the use of motivational messaging in front-of-pack (FoP) labeling. It is assumed t...
Effects of Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars on productivity of mates and growth of first-cross progeny.

Meishan, Fengjing, Minzhu, and Duroc boars were mated by AI to crossbred gilts to compare the sire breeds for effects on productivity of their mates and performance of their progeny. Gilts were derived from a four-way cross of Chester White, Landrace, Large White, and Yorkshire. At weaning, litters sired by Meishan boars averaged 1.69 and 1.32 more pigs than those sired by Duroc and Minzhu boars, respectively (P less than .05). Pigs sired by Meishan and Fengjing boars averaged 1.2 to 1.8 more nipples than pigs sired by Duroc and Minzhu boars (P less than .05). Minzhu-sired pigs had a lower (P less than .05) survival rate to 14 and 28 d of age than did those sired by Meishan, Fengjing, and Duroc. Fengjing-sired pigs were heavier than Minzhu-sired pigs at birth and heavier than Minzhu- and Duroc-sired pigs at 14, 28, and 56 d of age (P less than .05). At 70 d of age, Meishan-sired pigs were heaviest, followed in order by Fengjing-, Duroc-, and Minzhu-sired pigs. At 98 d of age, Meishan-sired pigs were significantly heavier than all other breed groups and Duroc-sired pigs were significantly heavier than Minzhu-sired pigs. At 126 and 154 d of age, Duroc-sired pigs were heaviest, followed in order by Meishan-, Fengjing-, and Minzhu-sired pigs; all differences were significant. Average backfat thickness of gilts at 99.7 kg was least for Duroc-sired gilts and highest for Meishan-sired gilts. Sire breed groups did not differ significantly in feed efficiency from 70 to 98 d of age. Duroc-sired pigs were the most efficient (P less than .05) from 98 to 126 and 126 to 154 d of age. Results indicate that use of these Chinese breeds in crossbreeding programs will decrease performance traits. This decrease would have to be offset by increases in reproductive efficiency of Chinese sows, use of repartitioning agents, or other management techniques if Chinese pigs are to improve overall production efficiency of a crossbreeding program.
Reverend Bayes and Appendicitis

The diagnosis and exclusion of appendicitis continues to be 1 of the primary concerns of providers who care for children with abdominal pain. Jennings et al,1 from the Seattle Children’s Hospital, adopted a statistical model to analyze the most cost-effective approach to a common and age-old problem: the diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis. Specifically, 10 imaging strategies were modeled, using differing previous probabilities (a la Bayes’ theorem) of appendicitis.2 A “Goldilocks” prevalence of the disease (neither too little nor too much) was reasonably assumed: 16% to 67% in this case. The most cost-effective (cost per quality-adjusted life-years gained) approach was then an initial ultrasound followed by a computed tomographic scan only if the appendix was not visualized and secondary signs of appendicitis (periappendiceal fluid collections, free fluid, hyperemia, fat stranding, bowel wall edema, or … Address correspondence to Rebecca M. Rentea, MD, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. E-mail: rrentea{at}cmh.edu
Co-expression of master transcription factors determines CD4+ T cell plasticity and functions in auto-inflammatory diseases

Master CD4+ T cell lineage determined transcription factors are found to be dysregulated in pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. CD4+ T cells categorized into different lineages based on their functions, cell surface markers and master transcription factors those required for expression of lineage specific cytokines. T-bet, GATA3, RORγt and Foxp3 are major transcription regulators of Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells respectively. Significant progress has been made in understanding expression of lineage specific master regulators that drives CD4+ T cell differentiation. It is known that each CD4+ T cell lineage express precise determined transcription factor and due to cross regulation between these factors the CD4+ T cells able to maintain thier specific phenotype. However, recent studies shows that the lineage specifying transcription factors frequently co-expressed. There is an emerging area of research revealing that the co-expression of lineage-specifying transcription factors alters the potential function and flexibility of subsets of CD4+ T cell, this in turn favors the autoimmune pathology. Here, we discuss similarities and differences between mutually co-expressed transcription factors in CD4+ T cell subsets and then recapitulates on cell type specific and dynamic balance between the lineage restricted transcription factors in determining plasticity of CD4+ T cell subsets. Furthermore, we discuss abnormal regulation of such transcription factors that establishes a pathogenic CD4+ T cell phenotype in autoimmune diseases and how this understanding will provide further insight into potential therapeutic development.
Open Repair of Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm

A patient with 3.9 cm left common iliac artery aneurysm with associated extreme tortuosity of common iliac artery was treated with open aortoiliac reconstruction. Left common iliac artery aneurysm and associated extreme tortuosity of the left common iliac artery with associated tortuosity of the infrarenal aorta.
Cell-wide mapping of Orai1 channel activity reveals functional heterogeneity in STIM1-Orai1 puncta

Upon Ca2+ store depletion, Orai1 channels cluster and open at endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane (ER-PM) junctions in signaling complexes called puncta. Little is known about whether and how Orai1 channel activity may vary between individual puncta. Previously, we developed and validated optical recording of Orai channel activity, using genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators fused to Orai1 or Orai3 N or C termini. We have now combined total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with whole-cell recording to map functional properties of channels at individual puncta. After Ca2+ store depletion in HEK cells cotransfected with mCherry-STIM1 and Orai1-GCaMP6f, Orai1-GCaMP6f fluorescence increased progressively with increasingly negative test potentials and robust responses could be recorded from individual puncta. Cell-wide fluorescence half-rise and -fall times during steps to -100 mV test potential indicated probe response times of <50 ms. The in situ Orai1-GCaMP6f affinity for Ca2+ was 620 nM, assessed by monitoring fluorescence using buffered Ca2+ solutions in "unroofed" cells. Channel activity and temporal activation profile were tracked in individual puncta using image maps and automated puncta identification and recording. Simultaneous measurement of mCherry-STIM1 fluorescence uncovered an unexpected gradient in STIM1/Orai1 ratio that extends across the cell surface. Orai1-GCaMP6f channel activity was found to vary across the cell, with inactive channels occurring in the corners of cells where the STIM1/Orai1 ratio was lowest; low-activity channels typically at edges displayed a slow activation phase lasting hundreds of milliseconds. Puncta with high STIM1/Orai1 ratios exhibited a range of channel activity that appeared unrelated to the stoichiometric requirements for gating. These findings demonstrate functional heterogeneity of Orai1 channel activity between individual puncta and establish a new experimental platform that facilitates systematic comparisons between puncta composition and activity.
WeRehab: Assisting Cannabis Rehabilitation via Mobile Application

This research aims to develop a mobile application to assist patients undergoing cannabis rehabilitation. The project includes two primary stages. Stage one is an empirical study exploring the impact of different types of social support on rehabbers’ behavior in a cannabis rehabilitation discussion group. Stage two oversees the development of a mobile application that addresses the social support research discovered in stage one. The study contributes to both academics and real-world applications.
The trouble with antidepressants: why the evidence overplays benefits and underplays risks-an essay by John B Warren.

Widespread prescribing has not reduced mental disability or suicide, raising questions about the assessment of evidence on effectiveness and safety of antidepressants, writes John Warren
Religia na (mniej) poważnie. Nowe ruchy religijne i religie prześmiewcze w kontekście współczesnych przemian kulturowych

This paper explores the issue of mock and parody religions, which is considered today as a interesting phenomenon among the new religious movements. Mock religions can be aimed at a particular religion or belief system, or they might encapsulate several selected elements of various religions. With humor as a common denominator, they have a large presence in the new media and some researchers consider them foremostly as Internet religions in contrast to more traditional and well institutionally rooted denominations. This paper reveals however the fact, that that these new religious movements can be also regarded as a reflection of the cultural condition modern societies live in and as such they might be analysed through cultural studies. In effect we can say that mock religions emphasize the personal and indivualistic approach to religion and spirituality in general.
PEDAGOGIA SOCIAL COMO FORMA DE RECONHECIMENTO SENSÍVEL ÀS DIFERENÇAS

O estudo apresenta perspectivas formativas e culturais da Pedagogia social a luz de narrativas contemporâneas, tendo como inspiracao as novas formas de linguagens, na busca por uma educacao que valoriza a diversidade cultural. A educacao voltada as demandas de reconhecimento social e igualdade sensivel a inclusao dos grupos vulneraveis e algo proprio a pedagogia social, um sentido posto de inclusao das diferencas e responsabilidade solidaria pelo outro como condicao de possibilidade a democracia. A partir da compreensao hermeneutica enquanto cooperacao reflexiva, a ideia e de promover a reinvencao de debates criticos sobre o universo das tecnologias de interacao humana, como forma de pensar a Pedagogia social, na dimensao do que e tecido junto com o outro. O conhecimento esta em constante transformacao e o saber esta vinculado ao mundo pratico, escolar e nao escolar, de vida em comunidade, na articulacao com a realidade e com experiencias de mundo. Contudo, tecemos uma aproximacao com as linguagens tecnologicas no sentido de exercitar a participacao critica na vida democratica e a liberdade cooperativa. Concluimos que a Pedagogia social lanca possibilidades para transcender a perspectiva instrumental das tecnologias digitais, em favor do (re)conhecimento reciproco de uma experiencia social, tecida em rede de relacoes sociais no mundo criadora, de comunidades aprendentes, para que os sujeitos tenham condicoes criticas de intervir na realidade em que estao inseridos.
Software-Assisted Pattern Recognition of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Contaminated Human and Animal Food

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a serious food safety concern due to their persistence and toxic effects. To promote food safety and protect human health, it is important to understand the sources of POPs and how to minimize human exposure to these contaminants. The POPs Program within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manually evaluates congener patterns of POPs-contaminated samples and sometimes compares the finding to other previously analyzed samples with similar patterns. This manual comparison is time consuming and solely depends on human expertise. To improve the efficiency of this evaluation, we developed software to assist in identifying potential sources of POPs contamination by detecting similarities between the congener patterns of a contaminated sample and potential environmental source samples. Similarity scores were computed and used to rank potential source samples. The software has been tested on a diverse set of incurred samples by comparing results from the software with those from human experts. We demonstrated that the software provides results consistent with human expert observation. This software also provided the advantage of reliably evaluating an increased sample lot which increased overall efficiency.