cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffusion tensor imaging of human Achilles tendon by stimulated echo readout-segmented EPI (ste-RS-EPI).

PURPOSE Healing, regeneration, and remodeling of the injured Achilles tendon are associated with notable changes in tendon architecture. However, assessing Achilles microstructural properties with conventional diffusion tension imaging (DTI) remains a challenge because of very short T2 / T 2 * values of the tendon. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop a novel Achilles tendon DTI protocol for a non-invasive investigation of the changes of microstructural integrity in tendinopathy. METHODS A novel stimulated echo readout-segmented EPI (ste-RS-EPI) DTI sequence was proposed to achieve a TE of ∼14-20 ms for typical b-values of 400-800 s/mm2 on clinical 3T MRI scanners. To further boost tendon MR signal, the Achilles was positioned at the magic angle (∼55 °) with respect to the scanner B0 field. The sensitivity of the developed protocol was evaluated in 19 healthy participants and 6 patients with clinically confirmed tendinopathy. RESULTS Compared to spin echo RS-EPI DTI protocol, ste-RS-EPI provided an ∼100-200% increase in Achilles MR signal. Tendinopathic Achilles demonstrated a high degree of microstructural disruption based on DTI tractography analysis, with significantly lower (P < 0.05) axial diffusivity (1.20 ± 0.19 vs. 1.39 ± 0.10 × 10-3 mm2 /s), radial diffusivity (0.72 ± 0.11 vs. 0.81 ± 0.08 × 10-3 mm2 /s), and mean diffusivity (0.87 ± 0.14 vs. 1.00 ± 0.07 × 10-3 mm2 /s), but no significant difference in fractional anisotropy (0.38 ± 0.04 vs. 0.38 ± 0.05; P = 0.86). CONCLUSION Achilles tendon ste-RS-EPI DTI can non-invasively detect the tendinopathy-induced changes to microstructural integrity, consistent with the disruption of collagen arrangement and increased cellularity. This study demonstrated the robustness and sensitivity of the proposed protocol in Achilles tendinopathy.
Hypergravity and estrogen effects on avian anterior pituitary growth hormone and prolactin levels.

Developing female chicks with fractured right radii were maintained for 14 d at either earth gravity (1 g) or a hypergravity state (2 g). The birds at 1 g were divided into groups which received daily injections of (1) saline, (2) 200 micrograms estrone, and (3) 400 micrograms estrone for 14 d. The 2-g birds were divided into three similarly treated groups. All 2-g birds showed significantly lower body weights than did 1-g birds. Anterior pituitary (AP) glands were excised and analyzed for growth hormone and prolactin content by analytical electrophoresis. The 1-g chicks receiving either dose of daily estrogen showed increased AP growth hormone levels, whereas hypergravity alone did not affect growth hormone content. Chicks exposed to daily estrogen and hypergravity displayed reduced growth hormone levels. AP prolactin levels were slightly increased by the lower daily estrogen dose in 1-g birds, but markedly reduced in birds exposed only to hypergravity. Doubly-treated chicks displayed normal prolactin levels. Reduced growth in 2-g birds might be due, in part, to reduced AP levels of prolactin and/or growth hormone.
Practical Applications of the Molecular Genetics of Colorectal Cancer

Predicting the future in medicine is a difficult task, especially in the field of molecular genetics. The rate of progress over the last 8 years has been so great that were it to continue, developments might occur that today are unthinkable. Many of the recent advances have not yet become routine clinical tools, but the next few years will likely see this happen. The effects of future developments and the transfer of current technology from the laboratory to the bedside will have profound effects on all aspects of care of patients with colorectal neoplasia. In this chapter some of the potential effects are discussed.
Patient and radiographer assessment of slump sitting flexion compared to conventional standing forward bending flexion.

Background: A comparative survey from patients and radiographers of the new slump sitting flexion posture and the conventional standing forward bending posture. This study was performed to compare the technical and logistical aspects of the slump sitting versus the forward bending posture. Slump sitting flexes the lumbar spine more than the forward bending and increases the diagnosis rate of sagittal spinal instability up to 40% depending on the diagnostic criteria used. This should not come at the expense of patient safety and comfort nor burden the radiographers. Methods: Sixty patients were recruited from a single tertiary spine centre. Patients were block randomised into two groups with either the forward bending or the slump sitting being performed first. Feedback was obtained through self-administered questionnaires from patients regarding perceived safety, convenience and comfort, plus from radiographers regarding the imaging process, proxy measures of radiographer ability and scan difficulty. Results: There was no significant difference between the baseline characteristics in both groups. Majority (63%) of patients preferred slump sitting and felt that forward bending caused pain (P=0.025). Overall, slump sitting was equivalent in comfort, perceived safety and ease to forward bending. Despite requiring more logistics (P=0.031), more effort to set up (P=0.002) and explain (P=0.012), the majority of radiographers (83%) preferred slump sitting. This method was felt to be less dangerous (P=0.015) and easier to maintain (P Conclusions: This study showed that the superiority of slump sitting in allowing more lumbar flexion compared to the forward bending comes with patient safety or comfort. The technical demands of the learning curve can be offset with training. As such, slump sitting flexion views should be adopted as the standardized method for assessing spinal instability.
Minimizing Total Weighted Tardiness on Single Batch Process Machine with Incompatible Job Families

The focus of this research is minimization of the total weighted tardiness on a single batch-processing machine with incompatible job families, a problem very pertinent to scheduling semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities, especially in the diffusion process. Ideally, we would like to form the batches and schedule them simultaneously, but since this problem is NP-hard, the problem is decomposed into two sub-problems: forming the batches, which includes initial assignment of jobs to batches and modifying the batches after they have been sequenced; and sequencing the batches. After assigning the batches to the jobs initially, the two procedures are employed iteratively on these subproblems until no improvement in the solution is obtained. A good solution can be obtained by this procedure. The best sequencing of the batches is obtained by using dynamic programming, but a decomposition heuristic based on it yields a good solution in a reasonable amount of time. The batches are modified using a swapping algorithm, which moves jobs between batches.
Have Academic Libraries Overcome the Gender Wage Gap? An Analysis of Gender Pay Inequality

This report draws upon two data sets to examine the gender wage gap among member institutions of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The first data set consists of 35 years of salary survey data collected by ARL and is used to provide trend data on the gender wage gap from 1980 to 2014 as well as present an in-depth look at the wage gap in 2014. After controlling for variables such as years of experience, position, and type of library in the 2014 ARL Salary Survey data, results revealed that women on average made approximately 2 percent less than their male counterparts in 2014. The second data set comes from a survey of ARL institutions conducted by the researchers in 2015 and is used to explore the influence of additional variables on the gender wage gap that were not found in the ARL Salary Survey data. Results from both data sets suggest a substantial difference between the gender wage gap in ARL institutions and the workforce as a whole.
Degenerate Transesterification of Dimeric Lithium 2,4,6-Trimethylphenolate and a Further Observation on the Reaction of Tetramers1

The rates of exchange of the 2,4,6-trimethylphenolate ion between dimeric lithium 2,4,6-trimethylphenolate-d9 and a series of 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl esters [2,4,6-(CH3)3C6H2COOCH2R; R = CH2CH3, CH3O, Ph, 4-CH3Ph, 4-CF3Ph, 4-ClPh, 4-CH3OPh, 2-pyridyl, and 4-pyridyl] have been determined in dioxolane, THF, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and pyridine. The reactions are first order in the lithium phenolate showing that the dimer reacts without dissociation. The rates of transesterification increase with increasing solvent donicity in contrast to the reaction of tetrameric lithium 3,5-dimethylphenolate. For all the esters, except R = 2-pyridyl, the rates of transesterification exhibit a linear correlation with their rates of hydrolysis. The 2-pyridyl ester exhibits an abnormally high rate of transesterification, which is attributed to a complex-induced proximity effect. Tetrameric lithium 3,5-dimethylphenolate undergoes transesterification less rapidly in the presence of hexamethylphosphoric triamide (0.25−1.6 equiv), a ...
Reverse epidemiology and the obesity paradox for patients with chronic kidney disease: a Markov decision model

Abstract Background Obesity has been associated with both increased progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as with a paradoxical improvement in survival among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. As such, the optimal weight management strategy for obese CKD patients remains unclear. Objective To estimate the outcomes of obese, CKD stage 3b patients after 3 weight loss interventions, including medical weight management, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), were followed to determine which strategy optimizes long-term survival. Setting University hospital, Aurora, Colorado. Methods A decision analytic Markov state transition model was created to simulate the life of 30,000 obese patients with CKD stage 3b, as they progressed to end-stage renal disease, transplantation, and death. Life expectancy after conservative medical weight management, RYGB, and SG were estimated. Base case patients were defined as being 50 years old and having a preintervention BMI of 40 kg/m2. Sensitivity analysis of initial BMI was performed. All Markov parameters were extracted from literature review. Results RYGB and SG were associated with improved survival for patients with preintervention body mass index of >38 kg/m2. Compared with conservative weight management, base case patients who underwent RYGB gained 10.6 months of life, and gained 8.3 months of life after SG. Conclusions Balancing progression of CKD with improved survival on end-stage renal disease for obese patients requires selective use of weight management strategies. RYGB and SG improved survival for CKD patients with Class II and III obesity, but not for patients with Class I obesity. As such, aggressive weight loss interventions should be reserved for patients with Class II and III obesity, while more conservative methods should be offered to those with Class I obesity.
The representation of finger movement and force in human motor and premotor cortices

Abstract The ability to grasp and manipulate objects requires controlling both finger movement kinematics and isometric force in rapid succession. Previous work suggests that these behavioral modes are controlled separately, but it is unknown whether the cerebral cortex represents them differently. Here, we asked the question of how movement and force were represented cortically, when executed sequentially with the same finger. We recorded high-density electrocorticography (ECoG) from the motor and premotor cortices of seven human subjects performing a movement-force motor task. We decoded finger movement [0.7 ± 0.3 fractional variance accounted for (FVAF)] and force (0.7 ± 0.2 FVAF) with high accuracy, yet found different spatial representations. In addition, we used a state-of-the-art deep learning method to uncover smooth, repeatable trajectories through ECoG state space during the movement-force task. We also summarized ECoG across trials and participants by developing a new metric, the neural vector angle (NVA). Thus, state-space techniques can help to investigate broad cortical networks. Finally, we were able to classify the behavioral mode from neural signals with high accuracy (90 ± 6%). Thus, finger movement and force appear to have distinct representations in motor/premotor cortices. These results inform our understanding of the neural control of movement, as well as the design of grasp brain-machine interfaces (BMIs).
Wetting and Spreading Kinetics of a Nano-suspension Drop via MD Simulations

Nano-suspension has garnered tremendous attention recently in advanced material processing. The concept of assembling ordered arrays of nanoparticles on a substrate surface via suspension droplet wetting and subsequent evaporation has fueled a large body of research in this area. Wetting and Spreading kinetics of nanosuspension droplets are discussed by results from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. We examine how wetting kinetics depend on the effects of nanoparticle size and interaction strength. Results demonstrate that increasing the particle size dramatically changes observed wetting behavior from depinning to pinning. Additionally, simulation results show how weakening the interaction between the particle and the underlying substrate can change a system from exhibiting pinning behavior to de-pinning.
Durability of humoral immune responses to rubella following MMR vaccination.

Abstract Background While administration of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR-II®) vaccine has been effective at preventing rubella infection in the United States, the durability of humoral immunity to the rubella component of MMR vaccine has not been widely studied among older adolescents and adults. Methods In this longitudinal study, we sought to assess the durability of rubella virus (RV)-specific humoral immunity in a healthy population (n = 98) of adolescents and young adults at two timepoints: ~7 and ~17 years after two doses of MMR-II® vaccination. Levels of circulating antibodies specific to RV were measured by ELISA and an immune-colorimetric neutralization assay. RV-specific memory B cell responses were also measured by ELISpot. Results Rubella-specific IgG antibody titers, neutralizing antibody titers, and memory B cell responses declined with increasing time since vaccination; however, these decreases were relatively moderate. Memory B cell responses exhibited a greater decline in men compared to women. Conclusions Collectively, rubella-specific humoral immunity declines following vaccination, although subjects’ antibody titers remain well above the currently recognized threshold for protective immunity. Clinical correlates of protection based on neutralizing antibody titer and memory B cell ELISpot response should be defined.
NASAL PRESSURE ULCERS: A NATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT PRACTICE AND OCCURRENCE IN PAEDIATRIC AND NEONATAL

Background Pressure ulcers have detrimental effects on our patients both physically and emotionally and have financial implications for health care providers. A five-year audit of pressure ulcers reported in the Evelina Children’s Hospital, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) identified that almost 50% were as a consequence of nasal endotracheal tubes. Objective A national survey was conducted to collect information on management of nasal endotracheal tubes and the perceived risk factors contributing to the formation of nasal pressure ulcers. The data gathered facilitated comparison of different techniques in methods of safe securement, skin protection and reduction of iatrogenic injury from nasal endotracheal tubes. The results add to existing knowledge around nasal pressure ulcers to contribute to the reduction of incidents. Method An electronic questionnaire was devised and circulated to twenty five Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland to gather information on current practice. Results The response rate was 88.5% (23/25). The results indicated that the incidents of nasal pressure ulcers in comparable units were similar. However, securement techniques, skin protection and methods to reduce injury were variable. This survey also identified no consistent method used for grading or reporting of pressure ulcers. Conclusion The survey identified nasal pressure ulcers as a national problem with no clear evidence of best practice, therefore, highlighting this issue as a priority for nursing research in PICU and NICU.
Hyponatraemia due to hypothyroidism: a rare side effect from pomalidomide

Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug used for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Hypothyroidism is an uncommon side effect of pomalidomide. We present a 70-year-old male patient with RRMM on daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone, who presented with 2 weeks of fatigue. Laboratory values showed sodium of 120 mEq/L, plasma osmolarity of 256 mOsm/kg, urine osmolarity of 648 mOsm/kg and urine sodium of 93 mEq/L. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test was within normal limits. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was 88.6 IU/mL (0.380–4.700 IU/mL), total triiodothyronine (TT3)
Using poro-elasticity to model the large deformation of tissue during subcutaneous injection

Abstract Subcutaneous injection of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has recently attracted unprecedented interests in the pharmaceutical industry. The drug transport in the tissue and mechanical response of the tissue after injection are not yet well-understood. We are motivated to study subcutaneous injection using poro-elasticity, including linear and nonlinear poro-elastic models. We first present the fixed-stress split of the nonlinear model and perform convergence studies under spatial and temporal refinements. We then investigate the model assumption of the linear model using numerical solutions. In the case of small permeability, the linear model is not adequate to account for the large deformation of the tissue due to injection. Next, we adopt a nonlinear poro-elastic model to study subcutaneous injection. For large deformation, numerical solutions of the nonlinear model differ significantly from that of the linear model, especially near the injection site.
Intubated COVID-19 predictive (ICOP) score for early mortality after intubation in patients with COVID-19.

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can have increased risk of mortality shortly after intubation. The aim of this study is to develop a model using predictors of early mortality after intubation from COVID-19. A retrospective study of 1945 intubated patients with COVID-19 admitted to 12 Northwell hospitals in the greater New York City area was performed. Logistic regression model using backward selection was applied. This study evaluated predictors of 14-day mortality after intubation for COVID-19 patients. The predictors of mortality within 14 days after intubation included older age, history of chronic kidney disease, lower mean arterial pressure or increased dose of required vasopressors, higher urea nitrogen level, higher ferritin, higher oxygen index, and abnormal pH levels. We developed and externally validated an intubated COVID-19 predictive score (ICOP). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75 (95% CI 0.73-0.78) in the derivation cohort and 0.71 (95% CI 0.67-0.75) in the validation cohort; both were significantly greater than corresponding values for sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) or CURB-65 scores. The externally validated predictive score may help clinicians estimate early mortality risk after intubation and provide guidance for deciding the most effective patient therapies.
“As High as I Could:” Media Discourse Shaping Patricia Okoumou’s Statue of Liberty Protest

News coverage around monuments and statues have served as spaces of resistance for marginalized communities. The Statute of Liberty protest of Patricia Okoumou challenged the U.S. immigration polic...
Failure Detection Performance Analysis of the Optimal Nonlinear Filter for the Identification Problem

A popular nonlinear filter for failure detection in dynamic systems is the well-known Identification Filter. The filter consists of parallel Kalman filters, each tuned to a different system mode of operation, whose estimates parametrize a finite-dimensional system of equations for the conditional probabilities of being at each mode. The filter generates a sequence of decisions in finite time and this paper focuses on the performance analysis of such a filter. It is shown that after a long enough time a correct decision is expected for any decision threshold level.
Optimal Separable bases and molecular collisions

A new methodology is proposed for the efficient determination of Green`s functions and eigenstates for quantum systems of two or more dimensions. For a given Hamiltonian, the best possible separable approximation is obtained from the set of all Hilbert space operators. It is shown that this determination itself, as well as the solution of the resultant approximation, are problems of reduced dimensionality for most systems of physical interest. Moreover, the approximate eigenstates constitute the optimal separable basis, in the sense of self-consistent field theory. These distorted waves give rise to a Born series with optimized convergence properties. Analytical results are presented for an application of the method to the two-dimensional shifted harmonic oscillator system. The primary interest however, is quantum reactive scattering in molecular systems. For numerical calculations, the use of distorted waves corresponds to numerical preconditioning. The new methodology therefore gives rise to an optimized preconditioning scheme for the efficient calculation of reactive and inelastic scattering amplitudes, especially at intermediate energies. This scheme is particularly suited to discrete variable representations (DVR`s) and iterative sparse matrix methods commonly employed in such calculations. State to state and cumulative reactive scattering results obtained via the optimized preconditioner are presented for the two-dimensionalmore » collinear H + H{sub 2} {yields} H{sub 2} + H system. Computational time and memory requirements for this system are drastically reduced in comparison with other methods, and results are obtained for previously prohibitive energy regimes.« less
Optimizing ML Using a Hierarchy of Monadic Types

We describe a type system and typed semantics that use a hierarchy of monads to describe and delimit a variety of effects, including non-termination, exceptions, and state, in a call-by-value functional language. The type system and semantics can be used to organize and justify a variety of optimizing transformations in the presence of effects. In addition, we describe a simple monad inferencing algorithm that computes the minimum effect for each subexpression of a program, and provides more accurate effects information than local syntactic methods.
A comparison of time-domain and harmonic balance steady-state analyses for coupled device and circuit simulation

A comparison of time-domain and harmonic balance steady-state analyses for coupled device and circuit simulation is presented. The algorithms are evaluated in one framework. Both methods are efficient for periodic forced circuits. The harmonic balance method was found to be better for multi-tone circuits while for autonomous circuits the time-domain shooting method is more efficient and reliable.
Late infections following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: Suggested strategies for prophylaxis

Bone marrow transplant recipients remain at risk for infections for a variable period of time even after adequate hematologic reconstitution. Late infections are a significant cause of morbidity and can be fatal in 4–15% of these patients. Patients with chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) and unrelated-donor transplant recipients, even without GVHD, are at particular risk. Most late infections occur in the first post-transplant year, the majority are caused by bacteria, particularly encapsulated organisms, or herpes group viruses (CMV and VZV) and present with cutaneous, sino-pulmonary or systemic involvement. Effective chemoprophylaxis is available only for the encapsulated bacteria (penicillin or erythromycin) and Pneumocystis carinii (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Routine use of long-term IV immunoglobulin supplementation has not been shown to be effective and may be harmful as it may delay reconstitution of humoral immunity. Active immunization (pneumococcal vaccine, influenza vaccine and HiB) ...
Lung cancer risk is proportional to cigarette tar yield: evidence from a prospective study.

Abstract The age-adjusted risk for lung cancer among over 120,000 male current cigarette smokers in the American Cancer Society's 1959–1972 prospective study was analyzed according to tar yield and quantity smoked per day. At each quantity level, the risk increased with increasing tar yield, and at each tar level, the risk increased with numbers of cigarettes smoked daily. The risks in smokers of cigarettes with the lowest yields, however, far exceeded those of former smokers and nonsmokers. The excess lung cancer risk for current smokers was directly proportional to the estimated total milligrams of tar consumed daily: SMR = 100 + 1.731 × milligrams tar per day. Tar yields today are much lower than they were at the time of this study and presage an eventual reduction (but not elimination) of lung cancer risk for those who continue to smoke cigarettes, especially among lifetime smokers of low-tar cigarettes.
Nephrotoxic effects of oxygen transport media in the isolated rat kidney.

AbstractPerfusion of isolated kidneys from rats demonstrated the following nephrotoxic effects of Fluosol-DA: decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine flow rate (UFR), and fractional reabsorption of potassium (FrK+) (P < 0.01). Fluosol-DA perfusions were at flow rates about equal to the physiologically normal rodent renal plasma flow rate of 4 ml/min. Stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH) perfusions, also at 4 ml/min, were associated with physiologically normal renal functions, as were those of control Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) perfusions at 32 ml/min.
Why the United States is becoming more vulnerable to natural disasters

The United States is becoming more vulnerable to natural hazards mostly because of changes in population and national wealth density—more people and more societal infrastructure have become concentrated in disaster-prone areas. For most of the 20th century, the United States has been largely spared the expense of a catastrophic natural disaster. A great earthquake (magnitude 8 or larger) has not struck a major metropolitan area since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. An extreme or catastrophic hurricane (Class 4 or 5) has not struck directly a major urban area since the one that hit Miami, Florida, in 1926. Yet even without such disasters, which might create losses well over $100 billion, the overall costs of natural hazards, such as extreme weather, drought, and wildfires, are estimated at $54 billion per year for the past 5 years, or approximately $1 billion per week [National Science and Technology Council, 1997].
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the substance use disorders: the nature of the relationship, subtypes at risk, and treatment issues

There is a strong literature supporting a relationship between ADHD and SUD. Clearly, ADHD adolescents with conduct or bipolar disorder as partof their clinical picture are at the highest risk for SUD. ADHD without comorbidity appears to confer an intermediate risk factor for SUD that appears to manifest in young adults and college students. Both family genetic and self-medication influences may be operational in the development and continuation of SUD in ADHD subjects: however, systematic data are lacking. Patients with ADHD and SUD require multi-modal intervention incorporating addiction and mental health treatment. Pharmacotherapy in individuals with ADHD and SUD needs to take into consideration abuse liability, potential drug interactions, and compliance concerns. Although the existing literature has provided important information on the relationship of ADHD and SUD, it also points to a number of areas in need of further study. The mechanism by which untreated ADHD leads toSUD and the risk reduction of ADHD treatment on later SUD, needs to be understood better. The influence of adequateness of treatment of ADHD on later SUD needs to be delineated. Given the prevalence and major morbidity and impairment caused by SUD and ADHD. prevention and treatment strategies for these patients need to be developed and evaluated further.
Members of the Jagged/Notch Gene Families Are Expressed in Injured Arteries and Regulate Cell Phenotype via Alterations in Cell Matrix and Cell-Cell Interaction

The Jagged/Notch signaling pathways control cell fate determination and differentiation, and their dysfunction is associated with human pathologies involving cardiovascular abnormalities. To determine the presence of these genes during vascular response to injury, we analyzed expression of Jagged1, Jagged2, and Notch1 through 4 after balloon catheter denudation of the rat carotid artery. Although low levels of Jagged1, Jagged2, and constitutive expression of Notch1 were seen in uninjured endothelium, expression of all was significantly increased in injured vascular cells. High Jagged1 expression was restricted to the regenerating endothelial wound edge, whereas Notch transcripts were abundant in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. To understand the basis for Jagged/Notch control of cellular phenotype, we studied an in vitro model of NIH3T3 cells transfected with a secreted form of the extracellular domain of Jagged1. We report that the soluble Jagged1 protein caused decreased cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration defects. Cadherin-mediated intercellular junctions as well as focal adhesions were modified in soluble Jagged1 transfectants, demonstrating that cell-cell contacts and adhesion plaques may be targets of Jagged/Notch activity. We suggest that Jagged regulation of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions may contribute to the control of cell migration in situations of tissue remodeling in vivo.
Interpolation on Arbitrary Regions in the Complex Plane

Abstract A fast and stable numerical algorithm is presented for the interpolation from an arbitrary Jordan curve in the complex plane to the region bounded by that curve. The algorithm combines the classical analytical apparatus with the fast multipole method to obtain an order O ( N 1.5 ) procedure for the determination of interpolation nodes with N the number of nodes in the discretization of the given curve and order O ( M + K ) procedure for the actual interpolation from M nodes on the boundary of the region to K nodes inside the region. The performance of the algorithm is illustrated with several numerical examples.
Perioperative headaches in an adolescent: a most complex situation.

Regional anesthesia (e.g., spinal, epidural) offers adolescents a choice in the decisions concerning their health care when confronted with certain elective or emergency surgeries, particularly orthopedic procedures on the lower extremities. The most frequent complication of either spinal or epidural anesthesia, as well as diagnostic/therapeutic lumbar puncture, is the occurrence of headache after the procedure (postdural puncture headache [PDPH]). Such headaches are attributed to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after dural penetration [1,2], although the exact mechanism is still undetermined [3,4]. We report on a 16-year-old patient who had minor headaches before, and increasing headache immediately after, elective knee surgery performed under spinal anesthesia, with severe recurrence a few weeks later. In her case, there were multiple causes for the headaches, ranging from normal stress preoperatively to PDPH after spinal anesthesia, and ultimately the finding of a previously unrecognized brain tumor after epidural blood patch. We present a review and discussion of the headaches experienced by this adolescent and the diagnostic complexities that surrounded her final diagnosis.
Analog CMOS IC for Object Position and Orientation

A CMOS VLSI chip that determines the position and orientation of an object is described. The chip operates in a continuous-time analog fashion, with a response time as short as 200 s and power consumption under 50 mW. A self-contained phototransistor array acquires the image directly, and the output is a set of eight currents from which the position and orientation can be found. Orientation is determined to within 2% or better for moderately sized and sufficiently elongated objects. Chip dimensions are 7900 m by 9200nm.
Glucose-6-phosphatase dependent substrate transport in the glycogen storage disease type-1a mouse.

Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD–1a) is caused by a deficiency in microsomal glucose–6–phosphatase (G6Pase), the key enzyme in glucose homeostasis. A G6Pase knockout mouse which mimics the pathophysiology of human GSD–1 a patients was created to understand the pathogenesis of this disorder, to delineate the mechanisms of G6Pase catalysis, and to develop future therapeutic approaches. By examining G6Pase in the liver and kidney, the primary gluconeogenic tissues, we demonstrate that glucose–6–P transport and hydrolysis are performed by separate proteins which are tightly coupled. We propose a modified translocase catalytic unit model for G6Pase catalysis
Landward limit of wind setup on beaches

Abstract Open coast storm surge water levels consist of a wind shear forcing component generally referred to as wind setup; a wave setup component caused by wind-induced waves transferring momentum to the water column; an atmospheric pressure head component due to the atmospheric pressure deficit over the spatial extent of the storm system; a Coriolis-forced component due to effects of the rotation of the earth acting on the wind-driven alongshore current at the coast; and, if astronomical tides are present, an astronomical tide component. Astronomical tide is considered to be predictable and, therefore, not a meteorological driven component of storm surge although there may be interaction between the tide and meteorological driven water levels. Typically the most important component of storm surge on the US East Coast and Gulf of Mexico shorelines is the wind setup component. The importance of inland flooding due to the wind setup component of storm surge is considered herein with special reference to the effect of subaerial slope on inland flooding where three different linear slopes are considered and storm surge is calculated for the region above still water level, using an analytic solution. The present study findings show that the inland storm surge from the wind setup component can be of considerable importance and lead to significantly higher storm surges than found for storm surge at the still water level intersection of the beach/land. It is shown that mild slopes can lead to very high water levels at the land–water interface (i.e. above the still water level intersection of the beach).
Collective Response of Zebrafish to a Mobile Robotic Fish

We investigate the response of groups of zebrafish, a model social organism, to a free-swimming robotic fish. The robot has a body and tail section and moves forward by beating the tail. Steering control is achieved by offsetting the beating tail with respect to the body. The color pattern and shape of the robot are informed by visual cues known to be preferred by zebrafish. A real-time multi-target tracking algorithm uses position and velocity estimates to autonomously maneuver the robot in circular trajectories. Observables of collective behavior are computed from the fish trajectory data to measure cohesiveness, polarization, and speed of the zebrafish group in two different experimental conditions. We show that while fish are significantly less polarized in the presence of the robot with an accompanying change in average speed, there is no significant change in the degree of cohesion.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A prospective study of pregravid oral contraceptive use in relation to fetal growth.

Objective Because oral contraceptives are so widely used, any health consequences may have substantial public health implications. Whether pregravid oral contraceptives could affect subsequent pregnancies has not been adequately studied. The study objectives were to examine whether pregravid oral contraceptive use affects fetal growth and pregnancy hormone levels. Design A prospective study of pregnant women followed through pregnancy. Setting A major teaching hospital in Boston, USA. Population Two hundred and sixty Caucasian pregnant women, with a mean age of 31, and a parity of no more than two. Seventy-nine percent of the women were pregravid oral contraceptive users. Methods Exposure and covariate data were collected through structured questionnaires. Blood was drawn for hormonal analysis during the 16th and 27th gestational week. Information on pregravid oral contraceptive use included duration and recency of use, and oral contraceptive formulation. Multivariate regression models were used to examine the effect of pregravid oral contraceptive use on birth outcomes and the studied pregnancy hormones. Main outcome measures Birthweight, placental weight, gestational age, pregnancy hormone levels of oestriol and progesterone at 16th and 27th gestational week. Results Adjusting for confounders, pregravid oral contraceptive use increased birthweight (mean difference =+207.3 g, 95% CI =+77.6 to +337.1) and placental weight (mean difference =+64.9 g, 95% CI =+13.0 to +116.9) compared with never use. Women with prior oral contraceptive use had higher levels of serum progesterone (P= 0.002) and oestriol (P= 0.12) at the 27th gestational week measurement. The effect on birthweight, placental weight and hormones was stronger among those using oral contraceptives in the previous year and those using a high progestin/high oestrogen potency preparation. Conclusions Pregravid oral contraceptive use is positively associated with fetal growth, and this effect may be mediated through oestriol and progesterone.
A Citation Study of Engineering Masters Theses at the University of Oklahoma: Comparing the Years 1991 and 2011

In an effort to learn how local collections, electronic and print, are used at the graduate level, the engineering librarian at the University of Oklahoma (OU) reviewed citations from seventy-three College of Engineering masters theses accepted in 2011. The engineering librarian also reviewed citations from seventy-three College of Engineering masters theses accepted in 1991, twenty years earlier, in an effort to consider changes in information use by local graduate students. The twenty year comparisons showed similar use of peer reviewed journal literature, decreased use of monographs, and, surprisingly enough, similar use of reference works. Perhaps most noteworthy, the twenty year comparison provided trending evidence supporting interdisciplinary engineering, technology, and applied science research at the graduate level.
Determination of gatifloxacin in human serum and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

Abstract A simple and sensitive HPLC method for the determination of gatifloxacin concentrations in human serum and urine was developed and validated. Serum proteins were removed by ultrafiltration through a filtering device after adding a displacing agent. Urine samples were diluted with mobile phase prior to injection. Separation was achieved with a C18 reverse-phase column and gatifloxacin concentrations were determined using ultraviolet detection. The quantitation limits of the assay were 100 ng/ml in serum and 1.0 μg/ml in urine. The assay method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of gatifloxacin in healthy volunteers.
Interactions of spin-labeled calmodulin with trifluoperazine and phosphodiesterase in the presence of Ca(II), Cd(II), La(III), Tb(III), and Lu(III).

Abstract Bovine calmodulin analogues, spin-labeled at methionine and tyrosine residues, have been utilized in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies designed to investigate calmodulin interactions with the antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine and the calmodulin-binding protein 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phospho-diesterase. Trifluoperazine titrations of spin-labeled calmodulin analogues were carried out in the presence of Ca(II), Cd(II), and Tb(III). Similar experiments were performed with the phosphodiesterase in the presence of Ca(II), Cd(II), La(III), Tb(III), and Lu(III). EPR signals from the methionine-directed probe proved to be more sensitive to the binding of target molecules than signals from the tyrosine-directed probe, perhaps indicating that the spin-labeled methionine is at a site close to the target molecule binding site. While the binding of TFP, as monitored by EPR spectral changes in the methionine spin-labeled calmodulin, was in evidence with Ca(II), Cd(II), and all the lanthanides examined, no binding of phosphodiesterase to calmodulin could be detected in the presence of the lanthanide ions, perhaps due to inactivation of the phosphodiesterase by lanthanide ion binding. The abilities of the spin-labeled calmodulins to activate phosphodiesterase were also investigated. The spin-labeled tyrosine calmodulin was able to activate phosphodiesterase as well as native calmodulin, while a lower degree of activation was found when the spin-labeled methionine analogue was used.
Effects of Alkali Metal Gations on the Potential across Toad and Bullfrog Urinary Bladder

Isolated urinary bladders of the bullfrog (R. catesbeiana) and the toad (B. marinus) were mounted in an Ussing chamber. Potential differences up to 114 mv were observed in bullfrog bladder when the mucosal surface was bathed in dilute Na2SO4 and the serosal surface in sulfate Ringer's. In experiments with bullfrogs, K was used to replace Na in the mucosal solution and Na was used for K in the serosal solutions. The selectivity was judged in terms of the relative effectiveness of the replacement cation in maintaining the bladder potential. In experiments with toads, K and Rb were equally poor replacements for Na at the mucosal border, while Rb was a good replacement for K at the serosal border. Li in the mucosal solution appeared to depress the potential in part irreversibly. At the serosal border, Li was a partially effective substitute for K, more so than was Na. However, both were poor replacements compared to Rb. The mucosal surface of the urinary bladder of both frog and toad appears to be Na-selective and the serosal surface appears to be K-selective, consistent with the Koefoed-Johnsen-Ussing model for frog skin.
Cellular mechanisms underlying affective resiliency: the role of glucocorticoid receptor- and mitochondrially-mediated plasticity.

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a devastating psychiatric illness marked by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. While the underlying pathophysiology of BPD remains elusive, an abnormal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and dysfunctional glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling are considered hallmarks. This review will examine how targeting resiliency signaling cascades at the cellular level may serve as a mechanism to treat BPD. Here, cellular resiliency is defined as the ability of a cell to adapt to an insult or stressor. Such resiliency at the cellular level could confer resiliency at the systems level and, ultimately, help individuals to cope with stressors or recover from depressive or manic states. This review will focus on four molecular targets of mood stabilizers that are known to play integral roles in these cellular resiliency signaling pathways: (1) B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), (2) Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG-1), (3) glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), and (4) 51 kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP5). These targets have emerged from neurobiological and human genetic studies and employ mechanisms that modulate GR function or promote anti-apoptotic processes critical to affective resilience. Future research should focus on elucidating sustainable treatments that target resiliency factors—such as BAG-1 or FKBP5—which could ultimately be used to treat individuals suffering from BPD and prevent relapses in afflicted individuals. Further identification of resiliency and susceptibility factors will also be vital. Ultimately, these developments would allow for the treatment of susceptible individuals prior to the development of BPD.
Maternal Oxygen (O2) Supplementation During Prolonged Uterine Blood Flow (Ut BF) Reduction Does Not Prevent Fetal Growth Restriction In Sheep. 234

We have shown that 7 days of fetal hypoxemia due to Ut BF reduction results in a 38% decrease in fetal growth rate (AJP,1996). Further, 25% of the decrease in fetal growth rate was attributed to the level of fetal hypoxemia. We hypothesized that maternal O2 supplementation during Ut BF reduction would improve fetal oxygenation and prevent fetal growth restriction. Sheep were prepared with vascular catheters, a fetal crown-rump length measuring device, a vascular occluder on the maternal terminal aorta, and a catheter in the maternal trachea. Serial studies were performed 7 days apart beginning at 120-130 days gestation. Six sheep (Occluded) underwent Ut BF reduction that was maintained for 7 days after the basal study. Five sheep (Mat O2) underwent Ut BF reduction and in addition were started on 100% O2 at 2-2.5 lpm after the basal study. Results (Mean ± SD): Ut BF decreased by 37% in Occluded sheep and by 38.5% in Mat O2 sheep after the basal study. Fetal linear growth rate decreased in the Occluded sheep from 5.9 ± 2.7 to 2.7 ± 1.7mm/d (p<0.05) after the basal study and from 5.9 ± 1.0 to 3.3 ± 1.5mm/d (p=0.1) in Mat O2 sheep.Table Conclusion: Maternal O2 supplementation reduces the degree of fetal hypoxemia, but does not completely prevent the decrease in fetal growth rate that is associated with prolonged Ut BF reduction.
A determination of source properties of large intraplate earthquakes in Alaska

Historically, large and potentially hazardous earthquakes have occurred within the interior of Alaska. However, most have not been adequately studied using modern methods of waveform modeling. The 22 July 1937, 16 October 1947, and 7 April 1958 earthquakes are three of the largest events known to have occurred within central Alaska (Ms=7.3,Ms=7.2 andMs=7.3, respectively). We analyzed teleseismic body waves to gain information about the focal parameters of these events. In order to deconvolve the source time functions from teleseismic records, we first attempted to improve upon the published focal mechanisms for each event. Synthetic seismograms were computed for different source parameters, using the reflectivity method. A search was completed which compared the hand-digitized data with a suite of synthetic traces covering the complete parameter space of strike, dip, and slip direction. In this way, the focal mechanism showing the maximum correlation between the observed and calculated traces was found. Source time functions, i.e., the moment release as a function of time, were then deconvolved from teleseismic records for the three historical earthquakes, using the focal mechanisms which best fit the data. From these deconvolutions, we also recovered the depth of the events and their seismic moments. The earthquakes were all found to have a shallow foci, with depths of less than 10 km.