cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐I‐34: CT Metal Artifact Reduction in Clinical Perspective: Novel Methods Tailored to Specific Implants

Purpose: To develop novel methods for CT artifact reduction in patients with metallic implants, specifically tailored to implant materials commonly used in clinical practice. To retrospectively evaluate the performance of these methods using clinical scan data. Methods: Two artifact reduction methods were developed. A physics‐based method was designed that corrects for first‐order beam hardening effects, without requiring specific knowledge about the implant or X‐ray spectrum. A limited data reconstruction method was developed for implants which fully attenuate X‐rays, with smoothness regularization in image space. Both methods were retrospectively applied to projection data obtained from a GE LightSpeed RT 16 scanner of patients with different metallic implants. Results: Artifacts in patients scans of the both spinal and head & neck regions were significantly reduced. It was shown that beam hardening is the primary cause of artifacts due to titanium orthopedic hardware. Best results were therefore obtained using physics‐based correction, because information in all projection measurements is preserved. High‐density implants such as platinum fully attenuated the CT X‐rays. In this case, artifacts were reduced using the limited data reconstruction method. Smoothness regularization ensured clinically sensible solutions. Conclusions: The physical origin of CT metal artifacts depends on the material of the implant. For effective artifact reduction, methods should be tailored to specific implants in order to maximize the use of information in the CT projections. Using appropriate methods for either low‐ or high‐density metallic implants, clinical scans are significantly improved.
The current role of the vascularized-fibular osteocutaneous graft in the treatment of segmental defects of the upper extremity

Large osseous defects of the upper extremity can be a challenging problem for the reconstructive surgeon. There are numerous treatment options reported in the literature with variable results. We review our experience with the vascularized-fibular osteocutaneous graft for these complex defects with a focus on surgical techniques and outcomes. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Customer Types and the Empathetic Response

Each library evinces a unique culture, and the challenge of any night librarian or staff member is to understand the subtlety of that culture to develop great customer service. Even service points ...
Simultaneous wireless electrophysiological and neurochemical monitoring

Information processing and propagation in the central nervous system is mostly electrical in nature. At synapses, electrical signals cause the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, glutamate etc., that are sensed by post-synaptic neurons resulting in signal propagation or inhibition. It can be very informative to monitor electrical and neurochemical signals simultaneously to understand the mechanisms underlying normal or abnormal brain function. We present an integrated system for the simultaneous wireless acquisition of neurophysiological and neurochemical activity. Applications of the system to neuroscience include monitoring EEG and glutamate in rat somatosensory cortex following global ischemia.
Florilegio de paleopatología vascular: paleoangiología

Summary Knowledge of Angiology is complex, and when we try to delve into the past we need to go back to the aspects documented in the treatises of the History of Medicine. Paleopathology is a science which is able to document the existence of diseases in ancient times and to dig deep beyond written evidence even as far back as the origins of life and certainly of man. We define Paleoangiology as the study of vasculopathies on the mummified or skeletal remains of ancient humans. The analysis ofthese remains over the last 150years has created a broad record oflesions relating to the circulatory apparatus and has enabled us to observe the far distant secrets of most of the angiological pathology which we are diagnosing and treating today. Vascular pathology evolves with the human race, and it is within this context that the disease appears, develops and causes its harmful or deleterious effects. The findings of some of these diseases are surprising, especially arteriosclerosis, with an unexpected prevalence in societies whose risk factors do not correspond to those of today; this may lead to reflection or even debate. In any event, the aim of this article is to call attention to a less well-known aspect of ancient Angiology which will help us to put our work in a scientific and erudite context.
Application of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Long-Standing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Law Enforcement Personnel A Case Study

The development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be understood as a function of learning and cognitive processes. This case report addresses treatment of PTSD with a 72-year-old former police officer who was experiencing intrusive thoughts, nightmares, experiential and affective avoidance, and hyperarousal resulting from witnessing a series of traumatic events during his time in law enforcement. Although the latency between events and treatment was more than 20 years, this patient was responsive to a cognitive-behavioral, exposure-based treatment. Several other factors, including the client's age and chronic pain, complicated this case. The aim of this study was to identify the conceptual framework for treatment, explore the course of therapy, and identify socially valid means of treatment and assessment in outpatient therapy. At the termination of treatment, this patient evidenced improvements in overall anxiety, depressive symptoms, and frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms....
Dynamics of a system exhibiting the global bifurcation of a limit cycle at infinity

Abstract This paper concerns the dynamics of a class of non-linear oscillators of the form: x″ + x − ϵx′(1−ax 2 −bx′ 2 ) = 0 . The non-linear term contains two parameters a and b which may be varied to give the Rayleigh and Van der Pol differential equations as special cases. The existence and approximation of limit cycles in this system are investigated using the Poincare-Bendixson theorem and the Lindstedt perturbation method. Analysis of the system at infinity is used to study the global bifurcation through which the limit cycle is created from four saddle-saddle connections between equilibrium points at infinity. Center manifold theory is used to determine the stability of the equilibrium points at infinity. Numerical integration is used to verify the analytical results. It is shown that an arbitrarily small perturbation to the damping term of the Rayleigh equation results in points close to the stable limit cycle escaping to infinity.
A Hybrid Differential Dynamic Programming Algorithm for Constrained Optimal Control Problems. Part 1: Theory

A new algorithm is presented to solve constrained nonlinear optimal control problems, with an emphasis on highly nonlinear dynamical systems. The algorithm, called HDDP, is a hybrid variant of differential dynamic programming, a proven second-order technique that relies on Bellman's Principle of Optimality and successive minimization of quadratic approximations. The new hybrid method incorporates nonlinear mathematical programming techniques to increase efficiency: quadratic programming subproblems are solved via trust region and range-space active set methods, an augmented Lagrangian cost function is utilized, and a multiphase structure is implemented. In addition, the algorithm decouples the optimization from the dynamics using first- and second-order state transition matrices. A comprehensive theoretical description of the algorithm is provided in this first part of the two paper series. Practical implementation and numerical evaluation of the algorithm is presented in Part 2.
The WNK/SPAK and IRBIT/PP1 pathways in epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport

Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis is a fundamental physiological function required for survival and is associated with a plethora of diseases when aberrant. Systemic fluid and electrolyte composition is regulated by the kidney, and all secretory epithelia generate biological fluids with defined electrolyte composition by vectorial transport of ions and the obligatory water. A major regulatory pathway that immerged in the last several years is regulation of ion transporters by the WNK/SPAK kinases and IRBIT/PP1 pathways. The IRBIT/PP1 pathway functions to reverse the effects of the WNK/SPAK kinases pathway, as was demonstrated for NBCe1-B and CFTR. Since many transporters involved in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis are affected by PP1 and/or calcineurin, it is possible that WNK/SPAK and IRBIT/PP1 form a common regulatory pathway to tune the activity of fluid and electrolyte transport in response to physiological demands.
The role of α7 and α4β2 nicotinic receptors in the nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect in zebrafish

Abstract Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been widely used to study the molecular mechanisms of development including neurodevelopment. More recently, they have begun to be used to study neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology. Critical for this line of research are methods to study behavioral function in zebrafish. Previous studies have compared zebrafish with mammalian models to determine similarities and differences in locomotor behavior, learning and memory. Relatively little research has been conducted on stress response and anxiety behavior as well as the pharmacologic response in zebrafish. We have developed a test for zebrafish to assess stress response and anxiety: the novel tank diving test. In this short test normally zebrafish dive to the bottom of a novel tank and then gradually over the 5-min test begin exploring higher levels of the tank. Nicotine, which has anxiolytic effects in rodents and humans was found to diminish this novel tank diving response in zebrafish. The current study examined the nicotinic receptor subtype selectivity involved in the actions of nicotine. Two nicotinic receptor subtype selective antagonists were used: MLA (an α7 antagonist) and DHβE (an α4β2 antagonist). We replicated our previous finding of the anxiolytic effect of nicotine with significantly less bottom dwelling by the fish after nicotine treatment. This nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect was reversed by both MLA and DHβE, indicating that both nicotinic α7 and α4β2 receptors are involved in the nicotinic effect on anxiety in zebrafish.
Generation of quasi-monoenergetic 2 GeV electrons by laser wakefield acceleration

We report self-injected quasi-monoenergetic (5% spread FWHM) acceleration of electrons to 2.0 ± 0.1 GeV by 0.6 PW-laser-driven wakefield acceleration in pure He plasma of density 5×1017 cm−3. Electron bunches diverge ∼0.5mrad, and contain ∼60 pC.
Role of nucleotide pyrophosphatase in enflurane-induced reduction of UDP-glucuronic acid concentration in mouse liver

Because hepatic UDP-glucuronic acid levels decrease upon exposure to volatile anesthetics, the present study was designed to determine the mechanism by which enflurane decreases UDP-glucuronic acid in mice by measuring the concentrations of intermediates and the activities of enzymes in the UDP-glucuronic acid pathway. UDP-glucuronic acid concentrations were decreased by 40% in both male and female mice after 10 min of enflurane-induced narcosis. Concentration of UDP-glucose and the activities of diethylstilbestrol UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase were not affected by enflurane treatment. In contrast, nucleotide pyrophophatase activity was increased approximately 50% in both sexes. Thus, the decrease in hepatic UDP-glucuronic acid upon exposure of mice to enflurane is probably due to increased degradation by nucleotide pyrophosphatase.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF TREES WITHIN THE DRY SEASON IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

This paper discusses the following hypothesis: many tree species in lowland Central America have evolved the timing of their flowering and fruiting period with the dry season to maximize vegetative competitive ability of individuals, and to maximize use of pollinating and dispersal agents. The physiological stimuli for dry season flowering and fruiting are not of concern (see discussions and included references in Schimper, 1903; Simon, 1914; Coster, 1925, 1926; Baker, 1947; Richards, 1952; Holttum, 1953), but rather the selective forces that brought about the use of these stimuli to induce reproductive activity during the dry season. The focus is shifted to the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction during the dry season (ultimate causes), instead of mechanisms of sychronization of reproduction by many species (proximate causes). Virtually all of Central America below 1000 m elevation, and much of that above, experiences a dry season. By "dry season" is meant a consistently timed annually recurrent period of several weeks or more when rainfall is distinctly reduced to the point where animals and plants show behavioral reactions to the lack of rainfall and its byproducts. The discussion in Schulz (1960) would lead one to choose a month with less than 65 mm of rain as a dry month. However, in lowland Costa Rica, Guatemala, and southern Mexico, plants and animals react to months with as much as 150 mm of rainfall as if they were
Reducing the pyroelectric effect in lithium niobate Q-switch crystals

The influences of thermo-chemical reduction processing on the physical properties of lithium niobate are studied. The behavior of the surface resistivity and the induced optical absorption are characterized, with trends indicating a significant reduction in resistivity can be realized before absorption becomes problematic in the 1.0 µm spectral region. The edge localization of the effects in bulk materials is identified, suggesting a central clear aperture of high transmission is possible even when large absorption near the crystal edges is observed. Electro-optical Q-switch crystals were processed with varying degrees of annealing and reduction, leading to the realization of several samples with optimal combinations of modified surface and bulk properties. The highest transmission samples were then tested under transient ambient temperature conditions and compared to unprocessed crystals. The processed samples showed a significant reduction in the transient depolarization of transmitted laser light due to the pyroelectric effect.
Impaired insulin receptor phosphorylation in skeletal muscle membranes of dbdb mice: The use of a novel skeletal muscle plasma membrane preparation to compare insulin binding and stimulation of receptor phosphorylation

Abstract A method has been developed to isolate skeletal muscle plasma membranes from mice in good yield without harsh extraction procedures. The method involves perfusion of mouse hindquarters with a calcium-deficient buffer containing collagenase and hyaluronidase. This is followed by gentle disruption, filtration, and differential centrifugations. The entire procedure takes about six hours and the yield is approximately 4 mg. protein from 10 g. equivalent of hindquarter muscle. The preparation contained predominantly plasma membranes based on specific activities of marker enzymes, electron microscopic data, and specific binding sites for insulin and a -adrenergic ligand. Studies using such preparations from lean, 4–5 week old and 12–20 week old db db mice showed marked reduction in the phosphorylation of the 95 kDa subunit of the insulin receptor of the obese mice with no change in insulin binding. In addition, there was a progressive reduction in insulin sensitivity in stimulating receptor phosphorylation in the db db mice.
Dispersion of Airborne-Released Silver Iodide in Winter Orographic Clouds

Abstract Two flight plans were used for a seeding aircraft and a measurement aircraft in the study of silver iodide plume dispersion. An instantaneous line source and a continuous point source plume generation were simulated approximately by the seeding aircraft. Plume interceptions were made about an hour later by another aircraft equipped with an acoustical type ice nucleus counter. Results of the measurements are that both the vertical and horizontal diffusion of silver iodide released from airborne generators in the northern Wasatch Mountains during winter orographic storms are much lower than that desired for effective seeding. Plume-edge outward velocities are only about 0.5–1 m s−1 in the horizontal and about 0.1 m s−1 in the vertical directions, respectively.
Scattering cross section of a small radome of arbitrary shape

A simple moment procedure is used to compute the scattering cross section of a small radome of arbitrary shape. Numerical results are presented for a radome with Von Karmon shape and a spherical shell. The computed and exact results for the spherical shell are in good agreement. Data for the Von Karmon shape are presented but not yet assessed. The method presented is found to be mainly limited to radomes in the resonance region since as the size of radome increases, the number of unknowns required for reasonable convergence drastically increases. >
Guest Editors' Introduction: Accessibility and Assistive Technologies

Integrating disabled individuals into society, with dignity, is an ancient social issue. And while each person who is born with or acquires a disability faces an immediate and urgent crisis, society is slow to fix chronic problems even after discovering solutions. This situation is especially tragic considering that some individuals might spend an entire life attempting to surmount problems that already have been solved simply because the institutions in charge of change don't find the problem urgent enough to implement the known solution. For example, solutions exist to solve the information-access problems faced by disabled individuals, but content producers see no urgency in addressing the fundamental issues. Media-production processes must change to incorporate the already-existing solutions, which, for the most part, have minimal costs.
Array Triplication Data Constraining Seismic Structure and Composition in the Mantle

Seismic data recorded in the upper mantle triplication distance range between 10° and 30° are generated by wave propagation through complex upper mantle structure. They can be used to place constraints on seismic velocity structures in the upper mantle, key seismic features near the major discontinuities, and anisotropic structure varying with depth. In this paper, we review wave propagation of the upper mantle triplicated phases, how different key seismic features can be studied using upper mantle triplicated data, and the importance of those seismic features to the understanding of mantle temperature and composition. We present two examples of using array triplicated phases to constrain upper mantle velocity structures and detailed features of a certain discontinuity, with one for a shallow event and the other for deep events. For the shallow event, we present examples of how the array triplication data can be used to constrain several key properties of the upper mantle: existence of a lithospheric lid, existence of a low velocity zone beneath the lithospheric lid, and P/S velocity ratio as a function of depth. For deep events, we show examples of how array triplication data can be used to constrain the detailed structures of a certain discontinuity: velocity gradients above and below the discontinuity, velocity jumps across the discontinuity and depth extents of different velocity gradients. We discuss challenges of the upper mantle triplication study, its connection to other approaches, and its potential for further studying some other important features of the mantle: the existence of double 660-km discontinuities, existence of low-velocity channels near major discontinuities and anisotropy varying with depth.
Efficacy and safety of scheduled dosing of opioid analgesics: a quality improvement study.

Abstract Scheduled dosing of opioids is believed to provide more effective analgesia when compared to as needed (PRN) administration of the drug; however, few studies have evaluated the value of this approach. Therefore, a quality improvement study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of scheduled dosing of opioid analgesics, using a 2-group parallel design. One medical unit in a large urban academic medical center employed scheduled dosing, whereas a comparable unit used PRN dosing. The primary outcome indicators included pain intensity ratings and opioid doses, along with adverse events. Scheduled dosing was associated with decreased pain intensity ratings. There were no statistically significant differences in the amount of opioid ordered, or the amount administered when comparing scheduled vs. PRN dosing. However, when the amount of opioid given was expressed as a percentage of the amount ordered, the difference between scheduled (70.8%) and PRN (38%) dosing was statistically significant (P = .0001). There was no difference in adverse events between the 2 groups. These findings suggest that scheduled dosing of opioids in an inpatient medical population provides improved analgesia with no increased risk of adverse events. Perspective Scheduled dosing of opioids in an inpatient medical population improves analgesia, theoretically by overcoming barriers to drug administration, as well as providing more stable plasma levels of the opioid.
Effect of 2(N‐morpholino)ethane)sulfonic acid (MES) on the growth and tissue composition of cucumber

Abstract The effect of 2(N‐morpholino)ethane)sulfonic acid (MES) on the growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativa L. var. Marketer) in hydroponic culture was determined at 0, 1, 5, and 10 mM concentrations. The effect of adding the MES to the solution at the time of transfer to hydroponic culture or waiting one week was also determined. MES was observed to strongly affect plant growth with increasing concentration in nutrient solution. Tissue and nutrient solution analysis determined that MES affects manganese (Mn) uptake. MES appears to be reduced by Mn, precipitating the Mn out of solution. The suitability of MES as a pH buffer in hydroponic culture is discussed in terms of this effect.
ON RIBBON PRESENTATIONS OF RIBBON KNOTS

A ribbon n-knot Kn is constructed by attaching m bands to m + 1n-spheres in the Euclidean (n + 2)-space. There are many way of attaching them; as a result, Kn has many presentations which are called ribbon presentations. In this note, we will induce a notion to classify ribbon presentations for ribbon n-knots of m-fusions (m ≥ 1, n ≥ 2), and show that such classes form a totally ordered set in the case of m = 2 and a partially ordered set in the case of m ≥ 1.
Recurrent artery-to-artery embolism during intravenous t-PA therapy for acute ischemic stroke

Introduction: Treatment of acute ischemic stroke with systemic thrombolysis in the presence of a proximal thrombo-embolic source carries a theoretical risk of thrombus fragmentation and recurrent embolization. Intracardiac thrombus has received the most attention as a potential source of recurrent emboli, and in the past, it was considered a relative contra-indication to tissue plaminogen activator (t-PA) treatment. More recent data show that recurrent embolization from a cardiac source during t-PA infusion is rare. Case Report: This article describes recurrent symptomatic basilar artery embolization during t-PA infusion from acute thrombus in the proximal cervical vertebral artery. Discussion: This case provides evidence that intravenous t-PA must be used cautiously in the presence of large proximal thrombo-embolic sources and that intraluminal thrombus in a large cervical artery should be considered one such source.
Nitric-oxide-dependent and independent mechanisms of protection from CNS inflammation during Th1-mediated autoimmunity: evidence from EAE in iNOS KO mice.

Abstract Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) disease was accelerated iNOS-deficient (KO) mice: coinciding with greatly increased numbers of Ag-specific Th1 cells in the periphery that appeared to rapidly shift from the spleen to the CNS during onset of disease symptoms. iNOS KO mice had significantly increased Th1 cells in the CNS versus wild-type mice. Apoptosis of CNS-infiltrating CD4+ T cells was impaired in iNOS KO mice at peak of disease; consequently, these mice had more CNS-infiltrating CD4+ T cells. Subsequently, iNOS KO mice up-regulated apoptosis of CNS-CD4+ T cells. During chronic EAE, CNS macrophages were greatly decreased, suggesting elimination of CNS-infiltrating CD4+ T cells and activated macrophages by iNOS-independent mechanisms. INOS is not only required for apoptosis of CNS-CD4+ T cells but also prevents overexpansion of autoreactive Th1 cells in the periphery and the CNS.
Artificial Representation of Power Systems

The size and complexity of present-day power systems have increased to the point where the prediction of the behavior of the system by analytical methods is more and more difficult. The solution of commercial networks by Kirchhoff's Laws or by cut and try methods, even with the help of star-delta transformations, leads to such involved equations that the need for simpler methods is keenly felt. Increasing attention has been given to various methods of representing power systems in miniature so that an experimental solution may be substituted for an algebraic one. The d-c. short circuit calculating table is a satisfactory and relatively simple means of determining short circuit currents in networks, but is too inaccurate to give satisfactory solution under normal operating conditions. An a-c. artificial representation of power networks in miniature has been developed by O. R. Schurig of the General Electric Company who used 3.75-kw. 110-volt three-phase generators as power stations. Actual transformers are used, while lines and loads are made up of conveniently arranged lumped units of inductance, capacity, and resistance. This apparatus has been in satisfactory operation for several years. Evans and Bergvall of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company used a test floor set-up to check experimentally the theory of long line stability. Powers of about 500 kv-a. were used. The present paper presents a method of artificial representation on a laboratory scale, decreasing the size of the apparatus and increasing the precision of the results. All rotating apparatus has been eliminated.
Rooting the tree of knowledge: a response to Henriques' "psychology defined".

Neither science nor culture could exist without a participant–observer and a conceiving human mind. Being-in-the-world, or “Dasein,” as Heidegger termed it, is fundamental to any conceptual understanding we have of how things work in the universe. There is no view from nowhere. Psychology is the primordial ground in which the tree of knowledge has its roots. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Initiation of behavior by single neurons: the role of behavioral context

Flying crickets avoid sources of ultrasound, possibly echolocating bats, by making rapid steering movements that turn them away from the stimulus. Electrical stimulation of a single, identified sensory interneuron (Int-1) elicits avoidance steering; depressing its response to ultrasound abolishes avoidance steering. Int-1 is necessary and sufficient for this behavior but only while the cricket is in flight. Thus, the sufficiency of Int-1 for eliciting this behavior is contingent on behavioral context.
Analysis of the Effect of Osteon Diameter on the Potential Relationship of Osteocyte Lacuna Density and Osteon Wall Thickness

An important hypothesis is that the degree of infilling of secondary osteons (Haversian systems) is controlled by the inhibitory effect of osteocytes on osteoblasts, which might be mediated by sclerostin (a glycoprotein produced by osteocytes). Consequently, this inhibition could be proportional to cell number: relatively greater repression is exerted by progressively greater osteocyte density (increased osteocytes correlate with thinner osteon walls). This hypothesis has been examined, but only weakly supported, in sheep ulnae. We looked for this inverse relationship between osteon wall thickness (On.W.Th) and osteocyte lacuna density (Ot.Lc.N/B.Ar) in small and large osteons in human ribs, calcanei of sheep, deer, elk, and horses, and radii and third metacarpals of horses. Analyses involved: (1) all osteons, (2) smaller osteons, either ≤150 μm diameter or less than or equal to the mean diameter, and (3) larger osteons (>mean diameter). Significant, but weak, correlations between Ot.Lc.N/B.Ar and On.W.Th/On.Dm (On.Dm = osteon diameter) were found when considering all osteons in limb bones (r values -0.16 to -0.40, P < 0.01; resembling previous results in sheep ulnae: r = -0.39, P < 0.0001). In larger osteons, these relationships were either not significant (five/seven bone types) or very weak (two/seven bone types). In ribs, a negative relationship was only found in smaller osteons (r = -0.228, P < 0.01); this inverse relationship in smaller osteons did not occur in elk calcanei. These results do not provide clear or consistent support for the hypothesized inverse relationship. However, correlation analyses may fail to detect osteocyte-based repression of infilling if the signal is spatially nonuniform (e.g., increased near the central canal).
Building bridges: using collaboration to leverage resources

This paper focuses on using collaboration to get more mileage out of your efforts, especially when faced with static or declining resources. In addition, collaboration has beneficial aspects that can help bridge gaps between individuals, offices, and departments. Benefits you can realize by using collaboration include:More leverage for your efforts by tapping established networks of other offices and departments.Delivery of a consistent message to your audience even when the message comes from different areas and departments.Extend the reach of your marketing and support efforts without additional resources.Develop more innovative ideas by bringing in different perspectives.Help in finding, selecting, developing, and adapting resources for your support efforts..Several areas and projects where we used collaboration to benefit both us and our various audiences include: student, staff, and faculty orientation; Connected @ Iowa State; Solutions! CD; university handbooks; computer training; resource fairs; and university-wide recruitment and marketing materials.
Tai Chi effects on neuropsychological, emotional, and physical functioning following cancer treatment: A pilot study

Objective: To examine the effects of a 10-week Tai Chi (TC) program on neuropsychological, psychological, and physical health of female cancer survivors. Design: Twenty-three women with a history of cancer participated in 60-min TC classes two times/week for 10-weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Before and after the intervention, participants completed neuropsychological tests (memory, executive functioning, language, and attention); 5 tests of balance; and self-report questionnaires of neuropsychological complaints, stress and mood, and fatigue. Results: After the 10-week session, participants evidenced fewer neuropsychological complaints and enhanced neuropsychological functioning. They also demonstrated improved balance and reported better psychological functioning. Conclusions: Results suggest that TC may promote gains in neuropsychological functioning, in addition to previouslydemonstratedimprovementsinphysicalandpsychologicalhealth.These findingssupporttheneed for controlled trials examining the potential benefits of TC on neuropsychological functioning after cancer.
Quantum mechanical tunnelling in biological systems

‘Tunnelling’ is the metaphorical name given to the process, possible in quantum mechanics, but not in classical mechanics, whereby a particle can disappear from one side of a potential-energy barrier and appear on the other side without having enough kinetic energy to mount the barrier. One can think of this as a manifestation of the wave-nature of particles. The wavelength is larger if a particle is lighter. In particular electrons, being very light compared to atoms, have wavelengths as large or larger than atoms at energies found in the valence shells of molecules. Thus, they easily ooze through and around atoms and molecules. We are also concerned with the tunnelling of heavy particles: nuclei, atoms, molecules.
Young Adult Romantic Relationships: The Role of Parents' Marital Problems and Relationship Efficacy

This study examined the link between parental divorce and marital conflict and young adult romantic relationships, and it tested whether offspring efficacy beliefs and conflict mediate this association. Young adults (N=358) provided data at three time points each separated by 7-week intervals. Results from structural equation modeling demonstrated that (a) parents' marital conflict, rather than parental divorce, was associated with offspring conflict behavior; (b) relationship efficacy mediated this association; and (c) conflict behavior, in turn, mediated the association between efficacy beliefs and the quality of offspring romantic relationships. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding the impact of parents' marital problems on romantic relationships in young adulthood. Their implications for preventive interventions and future research are also outlined.
Fixed hip contracture and cyclic hip pain secondary to endometriosis. A case report.

C yclic pain in the hip region secondary to endometriosis is relatively rare. It is most commonly described as “cyclic sciatica” and presents with pain and often with sensory and motor neuropathies mimicking lumbar radiculopathies1-5. Joint contracture is not a typical finding. Usually, the symptoms are caused by endometriomas adjacent to and/or infiltrating the sciatic nerve2-5, and in a few instances endometriomas have been reported to involve other nearby structures. We report the case of a patient with a fixed external rotation contracture of the hip and cyclic groin pain secondary to endometriosis involving the obturator nerve and the obturator internus and externus muscles. A twenty-three-year-old woman was seen because of a twenty-month history of stiffness and pain in the right hip. The first symptom was stiffness in the hip, followed by the onset of pain in the right groin approximately two months later. The pain was cyclical in nature and always occurred twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the onset of her menstrual period. It lasted for ten to twelve days and then gradually subsided until her next monthly period. The pain and stiffness progressively worsened, resulting in marked external rotation and flexion of the extremity and a limp during walking. The pain was exacerbated by activity but was also present at rest and had been unresponsive to several trials of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The patient had no history of trauma. She worked as a radiographic technician and was otherwise healthy, with her only medications being oral contraceptives for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. She had a smoking history of eight cigarettes per day for the past six years. She was seen by an orthopaedic surgeon approximately one year after the onset of symptoms. She was noted to have marked limitation of internal …
‘Teachers are Always Good. Children have Flaws.’: Memories of School and Learning in the Narratives of Low-income Parents in India

What do the poor in India say about the education their children are receiving? And how do they remember their own years of schooling? This cultural psychological study of parental beliefs about education explored these questions by employing participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus groups and sentence-completion tasks. The participants were 19 low-income parents from the state of Gujarat, India, with a child between 8 and 18 years of age. Results indicated that these materially impoverished parents nostalgically deified teachers, whom they often referred to as Guru, while they characterised their young student selves as playful and distracted. They upheld the sanctity of the teacher–student relationship, only occasionally criticising the schools and teachers of their childhood. Examining the personal narratives of these parents, I argue that Guru is a shared cultural concept that they have appropriated as a cultural resource for understanding their own educational experiences and reconstructin...
Model reduction of unstable systems

A simple and powerful method for unstable model reduction has been developed in which the approach is based on the fact that translation transformations in the s-plane preserve the input-output properties of a system. Using translation transformations in the frequency domain it is possible to change the stability of the system without losing input-output information. Although balancing requires that the model be asymptotically stable, it reduces the model depending only on the information of input to state and state to output. The stability requirement comes from the computation of the controllability and observability gramians which are used for characterizing the contribution of the states to the input-output map. It has been shown in this paper that it is possible to use balancing to reduce the models of unstable systems by transforming them into the stable models, reducing the model order, and then transforming the models back. The method has been demonstrated by case studies.
A novel downscaling technique for the linkage of global and regional air quality modeling

Abstract. Recently, downscaling global atmospheric model outputs (GCTM) for the USEPA Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Initial (IC) and Boundary Conditions (BC) have become practical because of the rapid growth of computational technologies that allow global simulations to be completed within a reasonable time. The traditional method of generating IC/BC by profile data has lost its advocates due to the weakness of the limited horizontal and vertical variations found on the gridded boundary layers. Theoretically, high quality GCTM IC/BC should yield a better result in CMAQ. Unfortunately, several researchers have found that the outputs from GCTM IC/BC are not necessarily better than profile IC/BC due to the excessive transport of O3 aloft in GCTM IC/BC. In this paper, we intend to investigate the effects of using profile IC/BC and global atmospheric model data. In addition, we are suggesting a novel approach to resolve the existing issue in downscaling. In the study, we utilized the GEOS-Chem model outputs to generate time-varied and layer-varied IC/BC for year 2002 with the implementation of tropopause determining algorithm in the downscaling process (i.e., based on chemical (O3) tropopause definition). The comparison between the implemented tropopause approach and the profile IC/BC approach is performed to demonstrate improvement of considering tropopause. It is observed that without using tropopause information in the downscaling process, unrealistic O3 concentrations are created at the upper layers of IC/BC. This phenomenon has caused over-prediction of surface O3 in CMAQ. In addition, the amount of over-prediction is greatly affected by temperature and latitudinal location of the study domain. With the implementation of the algorithm, we have successfully resolved the incompatibility issues in the vertical layer structure between global and regional chemistry models to yield better surface O3 predictions than profile IC/BC for both summer and winter conditions. At the same time, it improved the vertical O3 distribution of CMAQ outputs. It is strongly recommended that the tropopause information should be incorporated into any two-way coupled global and regional models, where the tropospheric regional model is used, to solve the vertical incompatibility that exists between global and regional models.
[Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: evidence based strategies and new developments].

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, and since the prevalence is highly age-related, its public health impact in our aging societies is potentially enormous. Not only is our population aging, but the age-adjusted incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation is increasing, and these trends show no sign of abating. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the United States is approximately 2.3 million but this is likely a marked underestimation since many patients remain undiagnosed due to paroxysmal or asymptomatic disease or because of atypical symptoms. The underlying factors fueling this phenomenon are not well defined, but emerging trends in regard to increases in traditional and novel risk factors appear to play a prominent role, in particular, obesity and its associated comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Parameter Estimation and Life Modeling of Lithium-Ion Cells

The lithium-ion cell is among the most popular candidates considered actively as a replacement for nickel-based batteries in automobile, small-electronics, satellite, and several other applications. This demand has fueled the need for improved performance and safety of the lithium-ion system. Consequently, a substantial amount of work has gone into understanding the mechanism of the capacity fade occurring in the battery experimentally and via rigorous theoretical analysis. 1-18
Role of interleukin-1/interleukin-1 receptor antagonist family of cytokines in long-term continuous glucose monitoring in vivo.

Background: Glucose-sensor-induced tissue reactions (e.g., inflammation and wound healing) are known to negatively impact sensor function in vivo. The roles of cytokine networks in controlling these tissue reactions (i.e., sensor biofouling) is not understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a key anti-inflammatory antagonist of the proinflammatory interleukin-1 cytokines [i.e. interleukin-1 (IL-1) alpha and IL-1 beta] in controlling continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: To investigate the role of IL-1Ra in long-term CGM in vivo, we compared CGM in transgenic mice that overexpress IL-1Ra [interleukin-1 receptor antagonist overexpresser (IL-1Ra~OE), B6.Cg-Tg(IL1rn)1Dih/J] or are deficient in IL-1Ra [interleukin-1 receptor antagonist knockout (IL-1Ra~KO), B6.129S- IL1rn tm1Dih /J] with mice that have normal levels of IL-1Ra (C57BL/6) over a 28-day time period. Results: Mean absolute relative difference (MARD) analysis of CGM results among the mice of varying IL-1Ra levels demonstrated that during the first 21 days, IL-1~KO mice had the greatest tissue inflammation and the poorest sensor performance (i.e., higher MARD values) when compared with normal or IL-1Ra~OE mice. By 28 days post-sensor implantation, the inflammatory reactions had subsided and were replaced by varying degrees of fibrosis. Conclusions: These data support our hypothesis on the importance of the IL-1 family of agonists and antagonists in controlling tissue reactions and sensor function in vivo. These data also suggest that local delivery of IL-1Ra genes or recombinant proteins (anakinra) or other IL-1 antagonists such as antibodies or soluble IL-1 receptors would suppress sensor-induced tissue reactions and likely enhance glucose sensor function by inhibiting inflammation and wound healing at sensor implantation sites.
The non-consensus process loss: an alternative interpretation

Much of the GSS literature comparing GSS groups with manual groups has produced contrary results. One of the more confusing is that GSS groups have a higher level of non-consensus than manual groups. Lack of consensus in GSS groups is considered to be a negative aspect of GSS. This paper argues that non-consensus is not necessarily harmful, and proposes an alternative interpretation of non-consensus using a measure other than actual consensus: an influence level of information. Experimental results show GDSS provide more influential information than manual groups and that measuring influential information can be a better predictor of satisfaction than actual consensus. We discuss these implications, as well as additional directions for further consensus research.
Psychotogenic drug use and neuroleptic response

When fixed doses of haloperidol or perphenazine were used in two separate studies, we found that psychotic males with a prior history of psychotogenic drug use had a poorer early neuroleptic response even in the early stages of their psychotic disorder than psychotic males who had not previously used significant amounts of psychotogenic drugs. Relative neuroleptic refractoriness may be characteristic of some dual diagnosis patients at the beginning of their illness. Antecedent psychotogenic drug use may contribute to the development of psychosis and to relative neuroleptic refractoriness by means of effects upon dopaminergic mechanisms.
Petrographic variations among carbonaceous chondrites of the Vigarano type

The Vigarano subtype is a petrographically complex class of meteorites. Oxidized and reduced groups can be distinguished on the basis of metal vs magnetite abundances and Ni contents of sulfide minerals. These meteorites also differ in the proportions of matrix and chondrules and in polymict character. Slight bulk chemical differences correlate with the recognized petrologic groupings. It is likely that the Vigarano subtype includes several previously unrecognized subgroups. Metamorphism has affected Coolidge, Mulga (West) and, to a lesser extent, Allende, as evidenced by ferromagnesian mineral equilibration, Fe-enrichment of fine-grained inclusions, and loss of some volatile gases. Because of the metamorphic effects in the Allende chondrite (the only meteorite of the group that has been intensively studied) and the petrographic differences among all meteorites of the Vigarano subtype, it is suggested that Allende alone may not adequately reflect the wide spectrum of properties in this important class of meteorites.
Novel blind and group-blind constant modulus multiuser detectors for CDMA systems

In this paper, blind and group-blind detectors are proposed based on the constant modulus (CM) property of the transmitted signals. By adopting blind and group-blind CM detectors, signi£cant gains are attained compared to the original blind and group-blind detectors, with only a slight increase in complexity. The SINR of the blind and group-blind CM detectors approach the theoretical upper bound for SINR (Cramer-Rao bound). Furthermore, the proposed detectors perform almost as well as the exact MMSE detector at high SNR.
Clinical Pearls in Gastroenterology

At the 2001 annual conference of the American College of Physicians, a new teaching format to aid physician learning, Clinical Pearls, was introduced. Clinical Pearls is designed with the 3 qualities of physician-learners in mind. First, we physicians enjoy learning from cases. Second, we like concise, practical points that we can use in our practice. Finally, we take pleasure in problem solving. In the Clinical Pearls format, speakers present a number of short cases in their specialty to a general internal medicine audience. Each case is followed by a multiple-choice question answered live by attendees using an audience response system. The answer distribution is shown to attendees. The correct answer is then displayed and the speaker discusses teaching points, clarifying why one answer is most appropriate. Each case presentation ends with a Clinical Pearl, defined as a practical teaching point that is supported by the literature but generally not well known to most internists. Clinical Pearls is currently one of the most popular sessions at the American College of Physicians meeting. As a service to its readers, Mayo Clinic Proceedings has invited a selected number of these Clinical Pearl presentations to be published in our Concise Review for Clinicians section. “Clinical Pearls in Gastroenterology” is one of them.