cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective laser ablation of carious lesions using simultaneous scanned near-IR diode and CO2 lasers

Previous studies have established that carious lesions can be imaged with high contrast using near-IR wavelengths coincident with high water absorption, namely 1450-nm, without the interference of stains. It has been demonstrated that computer-controlled laser scanning systems utilizing IR lasers operating at high pulse repetition rates can be used for serial imaging and selective removal of caries lesions. In this study, a point-to-point scanning system was developed integrating a 1450-nm diode laser with the CO2 ablation laser. This approach is advantageous since it does not require an expensive near-IR camera. In this pilot study, we demonstrate the feasibility of a combined NIR and IR laser system for the selective removal of carious lesions.
‘The better way to fight crime’: Why fiscal arguments do not restrain the carceral state:

In recent years, actors from across the political spectrum concerned about the expansion of the US carceral state have pointed to the fiscal impacts of incarceration in a time of public austerity. ...
A Quantum Treatment of Spontaneous Emission Without Photons

The question whether it is possible to account for spontaneous emission of electromagnetic radiation from atoms without quantum electrodynamics has lately been the subject of further discussion.[1–5] In a recent article Nesbet[5] has considered an approach to the problem that differs substantially from the neoclassical approach of Jaynes and his co-workers.[1–3] In this theory the electromagnetic field is expressed explicitly in terms of its sources, which are quantized, and it obeys the algebra of the sources, while the concept of the free boson field is discarded altogether. Although he has referred to it as ‘semi-quantized radiation theory’, the theory is actually a fully quantized one, in the sense that no c-number currents or fields appear. When the rate of energy flow into the far electromagnetic field written in normal order is equated to the rate of energy loss of a two-level atom, Nesbet’s theory apparently leads to exponential decay of the atomic energy.[5,6]
ULTRASONIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NONLINEAR ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF GRAPHITE/EPOXY COMPOSITES

The normalized change in the ultrasonic “natural” velocity was measured as a function of stress and temperature in a unidirectional laminate of T300/5208 graphite/epoxy composite. These measurements were made using a pulsed phase locked loop ultrasonic interferometer at 2.25 MHz. The stress dependence of the velocity and the linear (second order) elastic moduli were used to calculate some of the nonlinear (third order) moduli of this material. This research provides the basis for ultrasonic techniques to determine residual stress (strain) in composite materials that develops upon curing due to mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion.
Determination of temperatures of aqueous-based samples directly from near infrared spectra

The temperature sensitivity of underlying water absorption bands can lead to baseline artifacts or apparent spectral band shifts in near infrared spectra and can negatively impact multivariate cali...
Metabolic Kinases Moonlighting as Protein Kinases

Protein kinases regulate every aspect of cellular activity, whereas metabolic enzymes are responsible for energy production and catabolic and anabolic processes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that some metabolic enzymes, such as pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), ketohexokinase (KHK) isoform A (KHK-A), hexokinase (HK), and nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 and 2 (NME1/2), that phosphorylate soluble metabolites can also function as protein kinases and phosphorylate a variety of protein substrates to regulate the Warburg effect, gene expression, cell cycle progression and proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, exosome secretion, T cell activation, iron transport, ion channel opening, and many other fundamental cellular functions. The elevated protein kinase functions of these moonlighting metabolic enzymes in tumor development make them promising therapeutic targets for cancer.
Power of Three: Incremental Increase in the Ligand Field Strength of N-Alkylated 2,2′-Biimidazoles Leads to Spin Crossover in Homoleptic Tris-Chelated Fe(II) Complexes

Homoleptic complexes [Fe(Ln)]X2 (L1 = 1,1′-(α,α′-o-xylyl)-2,2′-biimidazole, L2 = 1,1′-(α,α′-3,4-dibromo-o-xylyl)-2,2′-biimidazole, L3 = 1,1′-(α,α′-2,5-dimethoxy-o-xylyl)-2,2′-biimidazole; X = BF4– or ClO4–) were synthesized by direct reactions of the Fe(II) precursor salts and bidentate ligands L1, L2, or L3. All mononuclear complexes undergo gradual temperature-driven spin-crossover (SCO) between the high-spin (HS, S = 2) and low-spin (LS, S = 0) states. Complexes with ligands L1 and L2 synthesized in methanol exhibit complete SCO with the midpoint of the LS↔HS conversion varying from 233 to 313 K, while complexes with ligand L3, crystallized from an ethanol/dichloromethane mixture, exhibit incomplete SCO with the residual HS/LS ratio of ∼1:4 for [Fe(L3)3](BF4)2 and ∼1:1 for [Fe(L3)3](ClO4)2. Complexes with L1 can also be recrystallized from ethanol/dichloromethane, in which case they exhibit very gradual and incomplete SCO, similar to those of the complexes with L3. The differences in magnetic behavior ...
Photocatalysed Oxidation of Toxic Organics

The feasibility of treating water contaminated by two toxic organic compounds with an ultraviolet light catalyzed oxidation process using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant is investigated. In this process hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by ultraviolet radiation producing hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl radicals will then oxidize organic compounds via a complex chain of radical reactions. Tests showed that this photooxidation process could successfully remove isophorone and dimethyl phthalate from contaminated waters. A reaction rate expression which adequately describes the process was developed. The reaction rate was found to be first order with respect to hydrogen peroxide concentration, zero order with respect to organic concentration and a function of ultraviolet radiation intensity. The reaction did not exhibit autocatalytic characteristics.
The role of demand-side incentives and charging infrastructure on plug-in electric vehicle adoption: analysis of US States

In the US, over 400 state and local incentives have been issued to increase the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) since 2008. This article quantifies the influence of key incentives and enabling factors like charging infrastructure and receptive demographics on PEV adoption. The study focuses on three central questions. First, do consumers respond to certain types of state level vehicle purchase incentives? Second, does the density of public charging infrastructure increase PEV purchases? Finally, does the impact of various factors differ for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV) and vehicle attributes within each category? Based on a regression of vehicle purchase data from 2008–2016, we found that tax incentives and charging infrastructure significantly influence per capita PEV purchases. Within tax incentives, rebates are generally more effective than tax credits. BEV purchases are more affected by tax incentives than PHEVs. The correlation of public charging and vehicle purchases increases with the battery-only driving range of a PHEV, while decreasing with increasing driving range of BEVs. Results indicate that early investments in charging infrastructure, particularly along highways; tax incentives targeting affordable BEVs and PHEVs with higher battery only range, and better reflection of the environmental cost of owning gasoline vehicles are likely to increase PEV adoption in the US.
Manifolds of General Type

In general, given a topological space X with a pseudo-distance d and a non-negative real number k, the k-dimensional Hausdorff measure m k is defined as follows. For a subset E ⊂ X, we set $${m_k}(E) = \mathop {\sup }\limits_{\varepsilon >0} \inf \left\{ {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^\infty {{{(\delta ({E_i}))}^k};E = \bigcup\limits_{i = 1}^\infty {{E_i},\delta ({E_i})} } < \varepsilon } \right\}$$ , where δ(E i ) denotes the diameter of E i . If X is a complex space, then the pseudo-distances c x and d x induce Hausdorff measures on X. Since every holomorphic map is distance-decreasing with respect to these intrinsic pseudo-distances, it is also measure-decreasing with respect to the Hausdorff measures they define. There are other intrinsic measures on complex spaces. For a systematic study of intrinsic measures on complex manifolds, see Eisenman [1]. In Section 2 we shall discuss the intrinsic mesaures which may be considered as direct generalizations of c x and d x In this section we discuss their infinitesimal forms.
Fracture mechanics in the elastic-plastic regime

The objective of this paper is to present, as simply as possible, an explanation of the J-integral methods of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. Its rationale as an extension of the linear-elastic fracture mechanics is emphasized. Other methods, such as crack-opening displacement and equivalent-energy methods, are contrasted with the J-integral methods for both analysis and applications to material characterization. Finally, the broad applicability and usefulness of the J-integral methods are also emphasized.
Revisiting the Clinical and Biologic Relevance of Partial PTEN Loss in Melanoma

The extent of PTEN loss that confers clinical and biological impact in melanoma is unclear. We evaluated the clinical and biologic relevance of PTEN dosage in melanoma and tested the postulate that partial PTEN loss is due to epigenetic mechanisms. PTEN expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a stage III melanoma cohort (n = 190) with prospective follow up. Overall, 21 of 190 (11%) tumors had strong PTEN expression, 51 of 190 (27%) had intermediate PTEN, 44 of 190 (23%) had weak PTEN, and 74 of 190 (39%) had absent PTEN. Both weak and absent PTEN expression predicted shorter survival in multivariate analyses (hazard ratio = 2.13, P
Patient Readmission Rates For All Insurance Types After Implementation Of The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program

Since the implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), readmissions have declined for Medicare patients with conditions targeted by the policy (acute myocardial infarction,...
How verbal-nonverbal consistency shapes the truth

Abstract The experience of fluency, or subjective ease, has a robust effect on human judgment, including the extent to which a fluently processed stimulus is perceived as true, familiar, or attractive. Evidence that fluently processed messages are perceived as true has primarily focused on written text or object images while much of human communication occurs when people can both see and hear each other. As such, little is known about the characteristics of communication that lead to an emergent sense of fluency in an interpersonal context. We propose that the consistency of a senders' verbal and nonverbal behavior, or communicative coherence, facilitates the integration of information across communicative modalities and thus the fluency of speech comprehension. By this mechanism, we expect communicative coherence to shape perceptions of truth. Consistent with our hypotheses, we find that senders' verbal-nonverbal consistency increased perceivers' comprehension fluency, leading them to accept the sender's message as true (Study 1). Further, we use an audio-video off-set procedure to manipulate communicative coherence, and find that audio-video offset caused perceivers to doubt the truthfulness of a message (Study 2). That is, senders' communicative coherence appears to cause perceivers to evaluate messages as truthful. Findings extend a rich literature on the effects of processing fluency by pointing toward the importance of understanding the antecedents of processing fluency in interpersonal contexts typical to human history.
Converting an Organic Chemistry Course to an Online Format in Two Weeks: Design, Implementation, and Reflection

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic spread throughout the world, universities were faced with extraordinary challenges. Shelter-in-place orders were given, in-person classes were canceled, and at the Univer...
Senescence of Normal Human Fibroblasts Relates to the Expression of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor GluR6/Grik2.

Background/aim Glutamate receptor GRIK2, previously designated as GluR6, is best described in neuronal cells. However, its biological relevance in non-neuronal cells is not well understood. We have investigated the expression of this important protein in normal human fibroblasts as a function of cell proliferation. Materials and methods We introduced expression constructs of all five isoforms (A-E) of GRIK2 in normal human fibroblasts and investigated the cells for the presence and localization of GRIK2, as well as for cell proliferation and senescence over a period of 24 days. Results The expression of GRIK2-A isoform led to immediate cessation of cell proliferation. However, the cell numbers increased by 1.5- to 9.0-fold in 24 days upon transfection with B, C, D and E isoforms, after which they entered a state of senescence. The decreased proliferation was reflected by incorporation of BrdU in only 2-8% of transfected cells even after culturing them for 16 days. Conclusion Our results are indicative of an association between GRIK2 and aging of fibroblasts.
Experience in the Perinatal Development of Action Systems

Explaining the emergence of behavioral organization and functional action patterns during ontogeny represents a challenge for developmental science. Using interlimb coordination in the fetal and neonatal rat as a model behavior, this chapter reviews central mechanisms and sensory regulation of spontaneous limb movement, pharmacological induction of locomotor-like behavior, motor learning and memory, and environmental factors that contribute to the construction of organized motor behavior during perinatal development. Recent experiments indicate that action systems in the fetus emerge under the joint infl uence of neural resources, biomechanical constraints, proprioceptive feedback, and contingencies posed by the intrauterine environment. This research suggests that experience accruing from feedback about motor performance may play a signifi cant role in the perinatal construction of motor behavior.
Brown V. Board of Education Fifty Years Later: What Makes for Greatness in a Legal Opinion?

The article focuses on some of the purported shortcomings of Brown v. Board of Education. The article establishes a framework for discussing criticisms of this landmark case by means of a brief overview of the Court's reasoning in Brown. After addressing the criticisms, and following a personal reflection on the author's experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South, the article concludes that Brown v. Board of Education was rightly decided for the right reasons. Together with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution itself, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, the Brown decision deserves its revered standing among the pantheon of essential writings that are fairly to be regarded as defining the essence of the American spirit.
The Risk and Reward of Speaking Out for Racial Equity in Surgical Training

In order to maintain productivity and career advancement, Black and Brown individuals often find themselves downplaying persistent elements of bias and racism experienced in predominantly white fields. These elements are commonly reinforced by institutional and departmental policies that hinder the creation of an equitable and inclusive environment for all. In this manuscript, we outline specific challenges faced by Black and Brown trainees and faculty that are perpetuated by such policies. The challenges are followed by specific recommendations for change as they may apply to faculty, staff and trainees. The outlined recommendations or "action items" may be enacted by any residency program or department based on perceived timeliness and should serve as a foundation for change-one that is intently created through a lens of anti-racism. The risk of speaking up for racial equity is outweighed by the potential rewards of building an environment that is diverse, inclusive and better for everyone.
Sonographic evaluation of the degree of medial meniscal extrusion during Thessaly test in healthy knees.

The Thessaly test is a commonly used orthopedic test for meniscus tear evaluation. The study’s objective is to evaluate the degree of medial meniscal extrusion during different loading phases of the Thessaly test. A convenience sample of 60 healthy knees (35 participants) was examined and the data sets were collected from October 8, 2018 through February 8, 2019. Sonographic measurement of the degree of physiologic extrusion of the medial meniscus deep to the medial collateral ligament was taken by two examiners at six different loading phases: supine, standing, 5° knee-flexion with internal (IR)/external (ER) rotation and 20° knee-flexion with IR/ER. The difference in meniscal extrusion by knee position was compared with ANOVA. Interexaminer reproducibility assessment was analyzed using limits of agreement. The mean meniscal extrusion for each position was—supine: 2.3 ± 0.5 mm, standing: 2.8 ± 0.8 mm, 5° IR: 2.3 ± 0.9 mm, 5° ER: 2.4 ± 0.7 mm, 20° IR: 1.9 ± 0.8 mm, and 20° ER: 2.3 ± 0.7 mm. Significant increase in extrusion was observed from supine to standing (p < 0.05) and from 20° IR to 20° ER (p = 0.015). Significant decreased measurement was observed from standing to 5° IR (p < 0.05), 5° ER (p < 0.05), 20° IR (p < 0.05) and 20° ER (p < 0.05). There is no significant change between 5° IR and 5° ER (p = 1.0). Agreement parameters revealed that the differences between examiner measurements were minimal; 75% of both examiners’ meniscal extrusion measurements were within 1.0 mm with 97% of measurements falling within 2.0 mm. Our study’s novel findings showed various degrees of physiological extrusion of the medial meniscus in asymptomatic knees during the loading phases involved in the Thessaly test. Physiological MME does exist and should not be defaulted to pathologic meniscus as previously described. Agreement parameters suggest that measurement of meniscal extrusion during the Thessaly test is reproducible between different examiners.
The Safety of a Non-Invasive Monitoring Protocol in Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose Heart transplant (HT) recipients require monitoring for allograft rejection with frequent endomyocardial biopsies (EMB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of transitioning heart transplant recipients to a non-invasive monitoring protocol utilizing HeartCare (combination of gene expression profiling [Allomap] and donor derived cell free DNA [Allosure]). Methods This is a prospective single-center cohort study evaluating the utilization of HeartCare from as early as one month post-HT. Positive Allomap test was defined as ≥32 in patients ≤6 months and ≥34 in patients > 6 months post-HT. Positive Allosure test was defined as ≥0.12%. Positive biopsy included ISHLT Grades ≥1B. Results 320 heart transplant recipients enrolled to this study. Mean age was 57.5±14.0, 231 were males (72.0%). There was a total of 523 HeartCare blood tests drawn and 148 biopsies were performed (Figure). Of 82 patients with elevated Allomap and Allosure, only 7 (8.5%) of them had a confirmed rejection episode. Among 71 patients with elevated Allosure with normal Allomap, only 2 (2.8%) patients had confirmed rejection. 2 patients (4.3%) with negative Allomap and Allosure had rejection. During the study period 55 patients (17.2%) were admitted to the hospital for a total of 67 admissions. 17 patients were admitted for rejection (5.3%). None of the patients died during the study period. Conclusion Transitioning from invasive endomyocardial biopsy monitoring to a non-invasive HeartCare protocol in HT recipients seems feasible based on the high negative value of the combined Allomap and Allosure tests. However, further study is needed to follow the long-term outcomes and presence of rejection in patients post-transplant with this protocol.
Culture-Strategy-Execution

The culture-strategy-execution framework, known as the Trio Model, offers organizations a powerful, adaptive approach to navigating today's complicated global issues. By considering culture as an integral part of strategic thinking, executives and practitioners adopting the model can take a holistic approach to solving practical problems. Excerpt UVA-S-0305 Rev. Feb. 14, 2019 Culture-Strategy-Execution “Oneness”: A How-To Guide For decades, strategy and execution tactics taught by Western business schools have, for the most part, worked well for Western companies. As the world has become increasingly interconnected, however, and organizations encounter new customs, philosophies, and local practices, a two-dimensional focus is not sufficient to serve the competitive needs of many firms. Executives and business practitioners who integrate a third component, culture, into their thinking take a holistic approach to strategy planning and implementation. The culture-strategy-execution (C-S-E) Oneness Model (see Figure 1) is a powerful, adaptive framework for strategic management in today's complex global environment. This how-to guide explains the rationales of the model and lays out a system of processes for incorporating each of the model's components. It offers tools and specific steps for systematically collecting and analyzing data, articulating insights, and developing a practical, results-oriented plan for integrating culture, strategy, and execution. The guide includes a case study that demonstrates how the model can enable managers to differentiate their company's competitive advantages for sustained success. The three elements of the C-S-E Oneness Model (Figure 1) function as an interdependent process: culture entails understanding and adapting to national, organizational, local, and individual beliefs and practices; strategy focuses on the “power of one,” or believing in and doing one thing exceptionally well; and execution requires persistence in carrying out the company strategy to an end that achieves the desired results. . . .
Systems Approach to Integrating Preclinical Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Investigations Reveals Novel Etiologic Pathways and Master Atherosclerosis Network in Humans.

Objective Animal models of atherosclerosis are used extensively to interrogate molecular mechanisms in serial fashion. We tested whether a novel systems biology approach to integration of preclinical data identifies novel pathways and regulators in human disease. Approach and Results: Of 716 articles published in ATVB from 1995 to 2019 using the apolipoprotein E knockout mouse to study atherosclerosis, data were extracted from 360 unique studies in which a gene was experimentally perturbed to impact plaque size or composition and analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. TREM1 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells) signaling and liver×receptor/retinoid×receptor activation were identified as the top atherosclerosis-associated pathways in mice (both P Conclusions Preclinical Science Integration and Translation leverages published preclinical investigations to identify high-confidence pathways, networks, and regulators of human disease.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma Modified Electrospun Scaffolds with Embedded Microspheres for Improved Cartilage Regeneration.

Articular cartilage is prone to degeneration and possesses extremely poor self-healing capacity due to inherent low cell density and the absence of a vasculature network. Tissue engineered cartilage scaffolds show promise for cartilage repair. However, there still remains a lack of ideal biomimetic tissue scaffolds which effectively stimulate cartilage regeneration with appropriate functional properties. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop a novel biomimetic and bioactive electrospun cartilage substitute by integrating cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment with sustained growth factor delivery microspheres. Specifically, CAP was applied to a poly(e-caprolactone) electrospun scaffold with homogeneously distributed bioactive factors (transforming growth factor-β1 and bovine serum albumin) loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microspheres. We have shown that CAP treatment renders electrospun scaffolds more hydrophilic thus facilitating vitronectin adsorption. More importantly, our results demonstrate, for the first time, CAP and microspheres can synergistically enhance stem cell growth as well as improve chondrogenic differentiation of human marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (such as increased glycosaminoglycan, type II collagen, and total collagen production). Furthermore, CAP can substantially enhance 3D cell infiltration (over two-fold increase in infiltration depth after 1 day of culture) in the scaffolds. By integrating CAP, sustained bioactive factor loaded microspheres, and electrospinning, we have fabricated a promising bioactive scaffold for cartilage regeneration.
TH-EF-BRD-10: Spatiotemporal Dose Shaping to Achieve Uniform Fractionation in Healthy Tissues Along with Hypo-Fractionation in Targets

Purpose: Fractionation decisions in radiotherapy face the tradeoff between increasing the number of fractions to spare normal tissues, and increasing the total dose to achieve the same effect in the target volume. In that regard, the ideal treatment would fractionate in normal tissues while simultaneously hypo-fractionating in the target. Interestingly, this is possible to a limited degree by delivering distinct dose distributions in different fractions. The dose distributions have to be designed such that similar doses are delivered to normal tissues while delivering high single fraction doses to parts of the target. We demonstrate that this concept may lead to an improved therapeutic ratio for rotation therapy treatments using conventional photon beams. Methods: Fractionation effects are modeled via the biologically equivalent dose (BED) model. Treatment plan optimization is performed using objective functions evaluated for the cumulative BED delivered at the end of treatment. This allows for simultaneously optimizing multiple distinct treatment plans for different fractions. Results: The concept is demonstrated for large cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) treated in two fractions. It is shown that the optimal treatment delivers a large dose to the center of the AVM in the first fraction. The second fraction delivers the missing dose to the rim of the target volume. The target is divided into center and rim in such a way that the dose received by normal brain adjacent to the AVM is approximately equal in both fractions. Conclusion: The BED in the target can be increased by hypo-fractionating the central core. Since the fractionation effect is exploited in the normal tissue, this leads to an improved therapeutic ratio overall. The approach may potentially be beneficial for large AVMs or tumors embedded in a dose-limiting normal tissue treated with stereotactic regimens.
Planning a CI Study for Medical Device Development

Contextual inquiry (CI) studies in medical device development (MDD) focus on the “what” and the “why” while in the field, and then through analysis and interpretation the “so what?” that drives medical device design can be determined. The process is based on a set of principles that allow it to be adapted to each situation studied. This is achieved through visiting with medical device users as they use the devicesand developing a rapport for the sharing of methods and opinions. The data are collected and interpreted for multiple purposes, including opportunity identification. Conducting a CI study in this environment requires formal planning. However, the actual conduction of the study and interaction with the participants is largely informal. Like best practices in MDD, the best results happen when a multidisciplinary research and design team are involved at every step. Each discipline brings expertise and lens through which they view the clinical problem and will add value to the research.
Studies on the Distribution and Degradation of Heptadecapeptide, Big, and Big Big Gastrin

Spaces of distribution and rates of degradation were determined for both unlabeled and radioiodinated gastrin peptides after pulse injection. The major forms of circulating gastrin; heptadecapeptide gastrin, big gastrin, and big big gastrin were found to have half-times for disappearance of approximately 3, 9, and 90 min, respectively. Since the plasma concentration of each component under steady state conditions is determined not only by its secretion rate, but also by its distribution into extravascular spaces and its rate of degradation, these findings put into proper perspective the previously described patterns of the relative concentrations of the three components in different clinical conditions and in response to physiologic secretagogues and suppressants.
Longitudinal trajectories of BMI and cardiovascular disease risk: the national longitudinal study of adolescent health.

Objective In adulthood, excess BMI is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD); it is unknown whether risk differs by BMI trajectories from adolescence to adulthood. Design and Methods The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative, longitudinal adolescent cohort (mean age: 16.9 years) followed into adulthood (mean age: 28.8 years) [n = 13,984 individuals (41,982 observations)] was examined. Separate logistic regression models for diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation were used to examine odds of risk factors at given adult BMI according to varying BMI trajectories from adolescence to adulthood. Results CVD risk factor prevalence at follow-up ranged from 5.5% (diabetes) to 26.4% (hypertension) and 31.3% (inflammation); risk differed across BMI trajectories. For example, relative to men aged 27 years (BMI = 23 kg/m2 maintained over full study period), odds for diabetes were comparatively higher for men of the same age and BMI ≈ 30 kg/m2 with ≈8 BMI unit gain between 15 and 20 years (OR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.51, 3.66) or in those who maintained BMI ≈ 30 kg/m2 across the study period (OR = 2.33; 1.92, 2.83) relative to the same ≈8 BMI unit gain, but between 20 and 27 years (OR = 1.44; 1.10, 1.87). Conclusions Specific periods and patterns of weight gain in the transition from adolescence to adulthood might be critical for CVD preventive efforts.
Phased tag cache: an efficient low power cache system

In this paper, we propose a low power cache design, namely phased tag cache, for reducing the power consumption of set-associative caches. In the phased tag cache, the tag is compared in two phases. A small part of the tag is compared in the first phase to determine the data way which a memory reference falls into. The remaining bits of the tag are compared in the second phase to verify if the result from the first phase is valid. By doing so we can eliminate most of the unnecessary activities on the entire tag. We used the CACTI cache model to show that the time overhead of the phased tag cache is small. Simulation results based on Spec2000 benchmark applications suggest that the phased tag cache design has small impact on the cache performance. The power model shows the phased tag design reduces the power consumption by 30-50%, compared to conventional caches used by the Itanium2 processor.
Perceptions of Same-Sex Relationships and Marriage as Gender Role Violations: An Examination of Gendered Expectations (Sexism)

The current study sought to add to the literature that has demonstrated a link between sexism and sexual prejudice. The study evaluated whether a community sample with an age range of 19-64 (n = 122), including 32% sexual minority participants, believe that dating, sex, and marriage with same-sex partners are perceived to be gender role violations. Results varied by participant sexual/gender identity (LGBTQ or heterosexual) and political ideology. Liberal LGBTQ persons do not see same-sex relationships as gender role violations; LGBTQ non-liberals and heterosexual liberals rated same-sex relationships as mild violations; and non-liberal heterosexuals perceive same-sex relationships as "moderate" violations. Our results suggest both positive movement in attitudes toward same-sex relationships, including same-sex marriage, and broader recognition that gender identity, gender role expression, and sexual orientation are separate and distinct components of one's overall sexual identity.
White matter changes in chronic alcoholic liver disease: Hypothesized association and putative biochemical mechanisms

Advanced liver disease has long been associated with cerebral abnormalities. These abnormalities, termed acquired hepatocerebral degeneration, are typically visualized as T1 weighted hyperintensity on MRI in the deep gray matter of the basal ganglia. Recent reports, however, have demonstrated that a subset of patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease may also develop white matter abnormalities. Thus far, the morphology of these changes is not well characterized. Previous studies have described these changes as patchy, sporadic white matter abnormalities but have not posited localization of these changes to any particular white matter tracts. This paper hypothesizes that the white matter findings associated with advanced alcoholic liver disease localize to the corticocerebellar tracts. As an initial investigation of this hypothesis, 78 patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and an MRI showing clearly abnormal T1 weighted hyperintensity in the bilateral globus pallidus, characteristic of chronic liver disease, were examined for white matter signal abnormalities in the corticocerebellar tracts using FLAIR and T2 weighted images. The corticocerebellar tracts were subdivided into two regions: periventricular white matter (consisting of the sum of the centrum-semiovale and corona radiata), and lower white matter (consisting of the corona radiata, internal capsules, middle cerebral peduncles, middle cerebellar peduncles and cerebellum). As compared to matched controls, significantly greater signal abnormalities in both the periventricular white matter and lower white matter regions of the corticocerebellar tracts were observed in patients with known liver cirrhosis and abnormal T1 W hyperintensity in the globi pallidi. This difference was most pronounced in the lower white matter region of the corticocerebellar tract, with statistical significance of p<0.0005. Furthermore, the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying these changes remains unknown. This paper hypothesizes that the etiology of white matter changes associated with advanced liver disease may resemble that of white matter findings in subacute combined degeneration secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency. Specifically, significant evidence suggests that dysfunctional methionine metabolism as well as dysregulated cytokine production secondary to B12 deficiency play a major role in the development of subacute combined degeneration. Similar dysfunction of methionine metabolism and cytokine regulation is seen in alcoholic liver disease and is hypothesized in this paper to, at least in part, lead to white matter findings associated with alcoholic liver disease.
Spectroscopic separation of Čerenkov radiation in high-resolution radiation fiber dosimeters.

We have investigated Cerenkov radiation generated in phosphor-based optical fiber dosimeters irradiated with clinical electron beams. We fabricated two high-spatial resolution fiber-optic probes, with 200 and 400 μm core diameters, composed of terbium-based phosphor tips. A generalizable spectroscopic method was used to separate Cerenkov radiation from the transmitted signal by the fiber based on the assumption that the recorded signal is a linear superposition of two basis spectra: characteristic luminescence of the phosphor medium and Cerenkov radiation. We performed Monte Carlo simulations of the Cerenkov radiation generated in the fiber and found a strong dependence of the recorded Cerenkov radiation on the numerical aperture of the fiber at shallow phantom depths; however, beyond the depth of maximum dose that dependency is minimal. The simulation results agree with the experimental results for Cerenkov radiation generated in fibers. The spectroscopic technique used in this work can be used for development of high-spatial resolution fiber micro dosimeters and for optical characterization of various scintillating materials, such as phosphor nanoparticles, in ionizing radiation fields of high energy.
Advanced composite materials and steel retrofitting techniques for seismic strengthening of low-rise structures: Review

Low-rise structure collapse can be caused by several different factors including natural disasters, fire, blast, and poor construction. This study focuses on preventing collapse due to earthquakes and it is concerned with the retrofit of structures against future total collapse using innovative materials, such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and traditional materials such as steel. A review of recent technology to strengthen low-rise building using FRP composites and steel is presented.
Key to the 2012 Presidential Election: The Philadelphia Suburbs

Mitt Romney or Barack Obama: this is the choice Pennsylvanian voters will have in November as the 2012 presidential election draws closer. The voters of Pennsylvania will be at the height of importance in the history of American presidential elections, playing a key role as one of the leading battleground states in this upcoming election. With twenty electoral votes, tied for the fifth most of any state in the country, both campaigns will look to focus a great amount of time and money on trying to win this crucial state. And at the center of this fierce battle between the current GOP presumptive nominee and the President of the United States are four counties that comprise the suburbs of Philadelphia. These counties will ultimately decide the fate of Pennsylvania’s electoral votes, and possibly even the election itself.
Painleve´ analysis of a coupled Burgers-heat equation system, and non-classical similarity solutions of the heat equation

Abstract Painleve analysis of a coupled Burgers-heat equation system of partial differential equations, initially introduced in a study of non-classical similarity solutions of the heat equation reveals that the system possesses two singularity branches. One of the singularity branches yields a Backlund transformation that maps the system onto two coupled linear heat-like equations. Simple solutions of the non-linear system are used to generate new classes of non-classical similarity solutions of the heat equation.
The association of quality-of-life measures with malignancy and survival in patients with pancreatic pathology.

Objectives:This study assessed whether pretreatment quality-of-life (QoL) scores could predict the presence of pancreatic malignancy and survival.Methods:Patients with pancreatic lesions completed the SF-36, containing 8 domains: physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, bodily pain, vita
Upper limit on the radiative width of the 9.64-MeV state of 12 C

An experimental upper limit for the branching ratio, $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{rad}}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$, for electromagnetic transitions from the 9.64-MeV state of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ has been established through a search for coincidences between inelastically scattered $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles and the associated $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ ions. It is concluded, at a one standard deviation confidence level, that ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{rad}}$ is less than 14 meV.
A chronology for glacial Lake Agassiz shorelines along Upham's namesake transect

Four traditionally recognized strandline complexes in the southern basin of glacial Lake Agassiz are the Herman, Norcross, Tintah and Campbell, whose names correspond to towns in west-central Minnesota that lie on a linear transect defined by the Great Northern railroad grade; the active corridor for commerce at the time when Warren Upham was mapping and naming the shorelines of Lake Agassiz (ca.1880–1895). Because shorelines represent static water planes, their extension around the lake margin establishes time-synchronous lake levels. Transitions between shoreline positions represent significant water-level fluctuations. However, geologic ages have never been obtained from sites near the namesake towns in the vicinity of the southern outlet. Here we report the first geologic ages for Lake Agassiz shorelines obtained at field sites along the namesake transect, and evaluate the emerging chronology in light of other paleoclimate records. Our current work from 11 sampling sites has yielded 16 independent ages. These results combined with a growing OSL age data set for Lake Agassiz's southern basin provide robust age constraints for the Herman, Norcross and Campbell strandlines with averages and standard deviations of 14.1 ± 0.3 ka, 13.6 ± 0.2 ka, and 10.5 ± 0.3 ka, respectively.
Unusual findings in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma suggesting partial regression: a study of two cases

Histologic changes of regression have been recognized in many malignant tumors, although they have not been documented in thyroid carcinoma. We analyze here the histologic features of 2 cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, one of the diffuse sclerosing variant and another multicentric of the follicular variant, that suggest partial regression. The histologic and clinical features of the 2 thyroid microcarcinomas were compared with the features of regression reported in other tumors. Hematoxylin and eosin stains were examined in each case. In addition, immunoperoxidase stains for thyroglobulin and thyroid transcription factor-1 were performed on the metastatic and primary lesions of each case. Immunostains for CD4 and CD8 performed on the thyroid lesions were also examined. Both patients presented with metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in regional lymph nodes with no clinical or radiologic evidence of primary tumor in the thyroid glands. When examined, the thyroid glands revealed only microscopic foci of papillary thyroid carcinoma measuring less than 1.5 mm, diffuse sclerosis and a lymphocytic infiltrate mainly composed of cytotoxic T lymphocytes around the neoplastic microfollicles. Numerous psammoma bodies were also found in the thyroid of case 1, and venulitis similar to that seen in acute hepatic rejection was also seen in the microcarcinoma of case 2. The 2 patients reported had papillary thyroid microcarcinomas measuring less than 1.5 mm and features suggestive of regression characterized by extensive fibrosis, an accompanying T lymphocyte infiltrate, venulitis, and only a few clusters of neoplastic cells or a few neoplastic follicles. Thus, we believe that these histologic changes suggest regression because papillary thyroid microcarcinomas measuring less than 1.5 mm do not metastasize and have been considered innocuous or medical curiosities.
The Bäcklund transformation for isomonodromy deformation Schlesinger equations

We define the transformation of linear differential equations with rational function coefficients that fix monodromy data and change local multiplicities by any sequence of integers. This transformation that gives rise to Pade approximations, at the same time defines the Backlund transformation of Schlesinger equations.
Pope Nicholas I and John of Ravenna: The Struggle for Ecclesiastical Rights in the Ninth Century

On 24 February 861 Pope Nicholas I excommunicated and deposed one of Italy's most powerful prelates, John VIII, archbishop of Ravenna.1 This papal action, prompted by a number of transgressions on the archbishop's part, was taken with the consent of a council of bishops at Rome. John immediately turned for aid to Louis II, king of Italy and emperor in the West. A delegation from Louis, however, failed to deter Nicholas who insisted that John come to Rome for adjudication. Moreover, the pope journeyed to Ravenna at the invitation of its citizens, and there personally rectified the situation which John's abuses had created. As Nicholas advanced, John retreated to seek Louis's intercession at Pavia again, but this time his reception was less cordial. The Pavians, led by their bishop, shunned the excommunicate and his retinue and Louis, who would not even grant John an audience, advised him through an intermediary to "humble himself to such a pontiff to whom we and the entire Church bow."2 When a second delegation, gained only by John's repeated pleas, was again unsuccessful in bargaining with the pope, the archbishop had no choice but to submit. At the Roman synod which met from 16 to 18 November 861, John acknowledged the charges against him and was restored to his see on conditions laid down by the synod. According to the Vita Nicolai, the proceedings concluded with a standing ovation for the pope from the bishops who proclaimed three times:
Cubic irreducible graphs for the projective plane

A characterization of all cubic finite graphs that do not embed in the real projective plane P is given in the sense that Kuratowski characterized all non-planar finite graphs. Specifically it is shown that there exist exactly 6 cubic irreducible graphs for P.
Tribasic lead maleate and lead maleate: synthesis and structural and spectroscopic characterizations.

We report on the synthesis and structure of tribasic lead maleate hemihydrate ([Pb4O3]C2H2(CO2)2·1/2H2O, TRIMAL) and lead maleate (PbC2H2(CO2)2, PBMAL). The structure of [Pb4O3]C2H2(CO2)2·1/2H2O, solved ab initio from X-ray powder diffraction data, consists of infinite slabs of edge-sharing OPb4 tetrahedra, of composition [Pb4O3], running along the c axis and linked together into a three-dimensional network by tetradentate maleate anionic ligands. The structure of PbC2H2(CO2)2, solved from single crystal diffraction data, is lamellar and contains double layers of heptacoordinated lead atoms, bonded only to the oxygen atoms of the maleate ligands. In both compounds, lead is in the oxidation state 2+ and the coordination polyhedra around the Pb2+ exhibit a hemidirected geometry and are strongly distorted as a result of the lone pair of electrons. The absence of protons on the acidic portion of the maleate moieties was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and by 1H MAS and 1H−13C CP MAS NMR experiments. The two c...
The geography of medical care delivery: an historical perspective

Abstract A weakness of research into urban service delivery has been its ahistorical approach. Historical geographers, on the other hand, have neglected the issue of urban service delivery. This paper illustrates the influence and interaction of urbanization, professionalization and public policy on urban service delivery using the example of medical care in Britain.
A history of mathematics course as a senior seminar

ABSTRACT The senior seminar in mathematics at Hood College is a course in the history of mathematics. A requirement for all mathematics majors, it serves as a capstone course, bringing together students who have been pursuing different tracks in the major, and giving them a glimpse of the Big Picture at last. It is a student-led seminar, with students gaining practice in oral presentation, preparing visual aids, and planning a class. Students also complete projects, both individually and in groups, and gain library research experience. We use films, the Internet, and journal articles, as well as books, to learn about the history of mathematics. At the end of the course, we celebrate Mathematics Awareness Month by sharing what we have learned with the rest of the campus. * This paper is an invited paper from the Contributed Paper Session on The Undergraduate Seminar in Mathematics at the New Orleans Joint AMS/AMA Mathematics Meetings, 10–13 January 2001.