cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of lymphocyte subpopulations and T cell activation in endometriosis

PROBLEM: Numerous studies have characterized the lymphocyte subpopulations in normal eutopic endometrium and suggested a role for the cytokine secretory products of these lymphocytes in regulating endometrial cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have shown that ectopic endometrium contains a greater concentration of scattered stromal lymphocytes than does eutopic endometrium. However, the lymphocyte subpopulations and their activation status have not been characterized in ectopic endometrium. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemical studies on serial sections of proliferative and secretory phase eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium obtained during the proliferative phase using monoclonal antibodies to CD4 (T helper-inducer cells), CD8 (T cytolytic-suppressor cells), CD22 (B-cells), CD56 (natural killer cells), and VLA-1 (T-cell activation marker). RESULTS: Ectopic endometrium contained significantly more scattered stromal CD4, CD8, and activated T cells than did proliferative and secretory eutopic endometrium. There were more activated T-cells in proliferative than in secretory eutopic endometrium. Ectopic endometrium contained significantly fewer NK cells than proliferative and secretory endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that (1) the increased lymphocyte population in ectopic endometrium is due to increased numbers of CD4 and CD8 cells, and (2) a greater number of activated T cells are present in ectopic endometrium as compared to eutopic endometrium. Increased concentration of stromal T cells and enhanced VLA-1 expression in ectopic endometrium suggest that cytokine products of the activated T-cells may be involved in regulating cellular processes of endometriosis tissue.
STUDENT RACIAL INTERACTIONS IN AN URBAN NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

This paper presents data collected and analyzed as part of a graduate-level action research project. First, preferred disassociation (gleaned via observational methodology) between Latino and African American racial students within an urban neighbourhood school located within a large Midwestern city in the United States is discussed. Second, additional data highlighted not only apparent disassociation in the classroom, but also in various other typical locations within the school, as well as commuting to/from school. Finally, interviews and subsequent surveys were conducted to gauge student perceptions of their own personal safety at different locations during a normal school day.
Uveal Malignant Melanoma Associated with Ocular and Oculodermal Melanocytosis

Seventeen patients with ocular or oculodermal melanocytosis were identified among 1,250 Caucasian patients with uveal malignant melanoma. The uveal melanomas in these seventeen patients were similar in size, cell type, and tendency to metastasize to those occurring in reported populations without ocular or oculodermal melanocytosis. Clinical and histopathologic study of these 17 cases indicated that all of the affected eyes had episcleral and choroidal melanocytosis and that other ocular and periocular tissues (sclera, iris, conjunctiva, angle structures, and optic disc) were involved less commonly. The uveal malignant melanoma that was present in each of these cases involved the eye with melanocytosis. Furthermore, the melanoma arose from the zone of uveal melanocytosis in every eye with sectoral involvement. Statistical analysis of these data supports the contention that uveal malignant melanoma has a higher incidence in white persons with ocular or oculodermal melanocytosis than in those without these conditions.
Pph1 from Myxococcus xanthus is a protein phosphatase involved in vegetative growth and development

Myxococcus xanthus is a Gram-negative bacterium with a complex life cycle that includes vegetative swarming on rich medium and, upon starvation, aggregation to form fruiting bodies containing spores. Both of these behaviours require multiple Ser/Thr protein kinases. In this paper, we report the first Ser/Thr protein phosphatase gene, pph1, from M. xanthus. DNA sequence analysis of pph1 indicates that it encodes a protein of 254 residues (Mr = 28 308) with strong homology to eukaryotic PP2C phosphatases and that it belongs to a new group of bacterial protein phosphatases that are distinct from bacterial PP2C phosphatases such as RsbU, RsbX and SpoIIE. Recombinant His-tagged Pph1 was purified from Escherichia coli and shown to have Mn2+ or Mg2+ dependent, okadaic acid-resistant phosphatase activity on a synthetic phosphorylated peptide, RRA(pT)VA, indicating that Pph1 is a PP2C phosphatase. Pph1-expression was observed under both vegetative and developmental conditions, but peaked during early aggregation. A pph1 null mutant showed defects during late vegetative growth, swarming and glycerol spore formation. Under starvation-induced developmental conditions, the mutant showed reduced aggregation and failure to form fruiting bodies with viable spores. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have observed a strong interaction between Pph1 and the M. xanthus protein kinase Pkn5, a negative effector of development. These results suggest a functional link between a Pkn2-type protein kinase and a PP2C phosphatase.
A novel approach to random pattern testing of sequential circuits

Random pattern testing methods are known to result in poor fault coverage for most sequential circuits unless costly circuit modifications are made. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to improve the random pattern testability of sequential circuits. We introduce the concept of holding signals at primary inputs and scan flipflops of a partially scanned sequential circuit for a certain length of time, instead of applying a new random vector at each clock cycle. When a random vector is held at the primary inputs of the circuit under test or at the scan flip-flops, the system clock is applied and the primary outputs of the circuit are observed. Information obtained from a testability analysis or test generator is used to determine the number of clock cycles for which each random vector is to be held constant. The method is low cost and the results of our experiment on the benchmark circuits show that it is very effective in providing fault coverage close to the maximum obtainable fault coverage using random patterns with full scan.
Polynomial homotopies on multicore workstations

Homotopy continuation methods to solve polynomial systems scale very well on parallel machines. We examine its parallel implementation on multiprocessor multicore workstations using threads. With more cores we speed up pleasingly parallel path tracking jobs. In addition, we compute solutions more accurately in about the same amount of time with threads, and thus achieve quality up. Focusing on polynomial evaluation and linear system solving (key ingredients of Newton's method) we can double the accuracy of the results with the quad doubles of QD-2.3.9 in less than double the time, if all available eight cores are used.
Error Variance Estimation for Individual Geophysical Parameter Retrievals

Neural networks (NNs) are developed for estimating the error variances of individual infrared and microwave atmospheric temperature and humidity profile retrievals, thus potentially significantly improving their assimilation into numerical weather prediction models. Currently, most assimilation processes require error covariance matrices that are typically estimated over diverse profile ensembles. In addition to these “ensemble error variances,” this work explores the estimation of “sample error variances” that are relevant to a single sample of the ensemble (that is, an individual profile retrieval and its error at each pressure level). This analysis is facilitated by considering an individual profile retrieval as the most likely sample from a distribution of retrievals, given an individual sensor observation vector. The sample error variance is defined as the variance of this distribution. The approach described in this paper does not attempt to compute these retrieval distributions explicitly, as this is computationally prohibitive for hyperspectral sounders. Instead, NNs are trained to estimate the variances of these distributions directly. Examples over ocean utilizing AIRS/AMSU soundings on the NASA Aqua satellite and those from a proposed hyperspectral microwave sounder show that the predicted sample error variances agree well with the true sample error variances as determined by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts analyzes colocated to the sensor observations. Furthermore, simple quality indicators derived using thresholding of the sample variance estimates compare favorably to AIRS Level-2 Version-5 quality flags.
Stability of magnesiowüstite in Earth's lower mantle

Magnesiowustite [(Mg,Fe)O] is the second most abundant mineral of Earth's lower mantle. Understanding its stability under lower mantle conditions is crucial for interpreting the physical and chemical properties of the whole Earth. Previous studies in an externally heated diamond anvil cell suggested that magnesiowustites decompose into two components, Fe-rich and Mg-rich magnesiowustites at 86 GPa and 1,000 K. Here we report an in situ study of two magnesiowustites [(Mg(0.39),Fe(0.61))O and (Mg(0.25),Fe(0.75))O] at pressures and temperatures that overlap with mantle conditions, using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Our results show that addition of Mg in wustite (FeO) can stabilize the rock-salt structure to much higher pressures and temperatures. In contrast to the previous studies, our results indicate that Mg-rich magnesiowustite is stable in the rock-salt structure in the lower mantle. The physical and chemical properties of magnesiowustite should change gradually and continuously in the lower mantle, suggesting that it does not make a significant contribution to seismic-wave heterogeneity of the lower mantle. Stable Mg-rich magnesiowustite in lowermost mantle can destabilize FeO in the core-mantle boundary region and remove FeO from the outer core.
High-Q integrated passive elements for high frequency applications

Using MEMS fabrication technology, we have demonstrated very high frequency and high quality factor (Q) varactors, inductors and transformers on a Si substrate. On high resistivity Si, this technology results in broadband analog varactors with continuous tuning range as high as 3:1 and 1 nH inductors with Q>60 at frequencies of 3 to 7 GHz. High efficiency high-Q transformers with coupling factors 0.6<k<0.9 are achieved with very high self-resonance frequencies (8 GHz<f/sub res/<16 GHz). This technology is compatible with Si fabrication technologies and can be either implemented as a post-processing step or as a part of a vertical chip to interposer packaging scheme.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical resection with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): improved treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Background. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction results in substantial morbidity, locoregional recurrence, and death. Surgical procedures, even with adjuvant therapy, have not significantly improved survival. This study evaluated the toxicity, response rate, locoregional control, and survival of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer that was treated with neoadjuvant multimodality therapy. Methods. Patients with stage IIIA or early stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma received neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Adriamycin, and Cisplatin and underwent gastrectomy or esophagogastrectomy with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT; 1000 cGY) to the gastric bed and postoperative radiation therapy. Results. Nine of 15 patients (60%) with transmural extension and/or nodal metastases received IORT. There were 2 pathologically complete responses at the primary site. Eleven of 15 patients (73%) had tumor in perigastric lymph nodes; however, 9 of 15 patients (60%) had mucin-filled nodes without tumor cells. Neoadjuvant treatment did not increase operative morbidity rates. Ten of 15 patients (67%) remain free of disease (median, 27 months; range, 6-60 months). Five patients died 13 to 41 months (median, 17 months) after diagnosis. Conclusions. Neoadjuvant multimodality therapy with neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Adriamycin, and Cisplatin, radical resection with IORT, and postoperative radiation therapy is safe, can downstage tumors, provides improved locoregional control, and appears to cause significant tumor regression that may result in long-term survival or cure. (Surgery 2000;128:564-71.)
Processing of audiovisually congruent and incongruent speech in school‐age children with a history of specific language impairment: a behavioral and event‐related potentials study

Previous studies indicate that at least some aspects of audiovisual speech perception are impaired in children with specific language impairment (SLI). However, whether audiovisual processing difficulties are also present in older children with a history of this disorder is unknown. By combining electrophysiological and behavioral measures, we examined perception of both audiovisually congruent and audiovisually incongruent speech in school-age children with a history of SLI (H-SLI), their typically developing (TD) peers, and adults. In the first experiment, all participants watched videos of a talker articulating syllables 'ba', 'da', and 'ga' under three conditions - audiovisual (AV), auditory only (A), and visual only (V). The amplitude of the N1 (but not of the P2) event-related component elicited in the AV condition was significantly reduced compared to the N1 amplitude measured from the sum of the A and V conditions in all groups of participants. Because N1 attenuation to AV speech is thought to index the degree to which facial movements predict the onset of the auditory signal, our findings suggest that this aspect of audiovisual speech perception is mature by mid-childhood and is normal in the H-SLI children. In the second experiment, participants watched videos of audivisually incongruent syllables created to elicit the so-called McGurk illusion (with an auditory 'pa' dubbed onto a visual articulation of 'ka', and the expectant perception being that of 'ta' if audiovisual integration took place). As a group, H-SLI children were significantly more likely than either TD children or adults to hear the McGurk syllable as 'pa' (in agreement with its auditory component) than as 'ka' (in agreement with its visual component), suggesting that susceptibility to the McGurk illusion is reduced in at least some children with a history of SLI. Taken together, the results of the two experiments argue against global audiovisual integration impairment in children with a history of SLI and suggest that, when present, audiovisual integration difficulties in this population likely stem from a later (non-sensory) stage of processing.
Building the first step: a review of low-intensity interventions for stepped care

Within the last 30 years, a substantial number of interventions for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have received empirical support. Nevertheless, fewer than 25% of individuals with alcohol-related problems access these interventions. If several intensive psychosocial treatments are relatively effective, but most individuals in need do not access them, it seems logical to place a priority on developing more engaging interventions. Accordingly, after briefly describing findings about barriers to help-seeking, we focus on identifying an array of innovative and effective low-intensity intervention strategies, including telephone, computer-based, and Internet-based interventions, that surmount these barriers and are suitable for use within a stepped-care model. We conclude that these interventions attract individuals who would otherwise not seek help, that they can benefit individuals who misuse alcohol and those with more severe AUDs, and that they can facilitate subsequent help-seeking when needed. We note that these types of low-intensity interventions are flexible and can be tailored to address many of the perceived barriers that hinder individuals with alcohol misuse or AUDs from obtaining timely help. We also describe key areas of further research, such as identifying the mechanisms that underlie stepped-care interventions and finding out how to structure these interventions to best initiate a program of stepped care.
CHOP: Integrating DRAM Caches for CMP Server Platforms

Integrating large DRAM caches is a promising way to address the memory bandwidth wall issue in the many-core era. However, organizing and implementing a large DRAM cache imposes a trade-off between tag space overhead and memory bandwidth consumption. CHOP (Caching Hot Pages) addresses this trade-off through three filter-based DRAM-caching techniques.
Individual, Family, Peer, and Academic Characteristics of Male Juvenile Sexual Offenders.

This study examined the individual functioning, interpersonal relations, and academic performance of 115 male juveniles who were divided into 5 demographically matched groups (sexual offenders with peer/adult victims, sexual offenders with child victims, violent nonsexual offenders, nonviolent nonsexual offenders, and nondelinquent youths). Parents and youths completed self-report instruments, behavior rating inventories, and a videorecorded interaction task, and teachers completed a rating measure. Results showed that juvenile sexual offenders, like juvenile nonsexual offenders, had more behavior problems, more difficulties in family and peer relations, and poorer academic performance than did nondelinquent youths. However, juvenile sexual offenders and nonsexual offenders did not differ on any of the measures of individual or interpersonal adjustment. The implications of these findings for research, theory, and treatment are discussed.
Functional evaluation of retina and optic nerve in the rat model of chronic ocular hypertension.

Purpose. To functionally characterize the rat retina and optic nerve after chronic elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) using electroretinography (ERG) and computerized pupillometry. Methods. Chronic elevation of the IOP was induced in Brown Norway rats by combined injection of indocyanine green dye (ICG) into the anterior chamber and diode laser treatment, followed by ERG and pupil light reflex (PLR) monitoring. Results. Laser treatment induced significant elevation of the IOP in operated eyes for 6 weeks, with maximal values observed 14 days postoperatively (ctrl ¼ 18·4 ^ 2·4 and operated ¼ 35 ^ 8·4 mmHg; mean ^ SD). Preoperative values for the PLRratio were 68·5 ^ 4% (mean ^ SEM; %). Three days postoperatively the PLRratio decreased to 60·3 ^ 10·3%, but was not significantly different compared to preoperative values (p . 0·05; Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test with Dunn’s post-test). However, 7, 14 and 21 days postoperatively the PLR function dramatically decreased to 14·6 þ 8·6, 11·5 ^ 6·7 and 12·6 ^ 4%, respectively, and was significantly smaller compared to preoperative values ðp , 0·01Þ: At day 28 the PLR significantly recovered and was not significantly different compared to preoperative values (PLRratio ¼ 38·5 ^ 8·6, p . 0·05). However, 35 days after surgery the PLR started to decrease once again in the operated eyes (PLRratio ¼ 17·2 ^ 7·4%) and was significantly smaller again compared to preoperative values ðp , 0·05Þ: The PLR values continued to decrease until the end of experiment (60 days postoperatively). ERG analysis of operated eyes revealed significantly decreased amplitudes of a- and b-waves 10d postoperatively, while oscillatory potentials (OPs) and flicker ERG (flERG) amplitudes were not detectable. However, 28 days postoperatively OPs significantly, but temporarily recovered, while a-wave, b-wave and flERG amplitudes did not significantly change compared to values observed 10d postoperatively. The ERG analysis of the operated eyes revealed significantly reduced amplitudes 60 days postoperatively. Histological analysis revealed degeneration of all retina layers and optic nerve axons. Conclusions. Chronic ocular hypertension in rats produces dramatic damage to all retinal layers and optic nerves observed by morphological and functional methods which significantly correlate with the IOP elevation. Outer retina of glaucomatous rats seems to be more susceptible to the damage due to chronic elevation of the IOP. Chronic hypertensive rat eyes have capacity to temporarily recover function of the inner retina and optic nerve. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Records of cerambycidae (Coleoptera) in Massachusetts with notes on larval hosts

A summary of Massachusetts's records of Cerambycidae reported in the literature is presented, including our own records of 132 species from years 1999 to 2001. Altogether it represents a total of 198 species, from which 27 species collected during our study are noted from Massachusetts for the first time. Host plants for 106 species are presented, including 60 new host plant records. Host plant and biology of Hesperophanes pubescens (Haldeman) is discussed for the first time.
Firm Clustering Based on Financial Statements

The classification and clustering of firms can help investors, consumers, and stakeholders to collect information, analyze behavior and predict potential market opportunities. Most existing approaches only pay attention to the operation processes and outputs of firms. In this paper, we introduce a firm clustering method that uses XBRL based financial information. With the adoption of XBRL, financial data has become increasingly available to allow for the application of a wide range of clustering methods. In this research, we construct the network of firms using the shared data elements in firms’ financial statements. By implementing a spectral clustering method and applying it to the network, we identify clusters and characteristics of firms in the same cluster but classified as different industries according popular classification methods.
Are the Effects of Minimum Wage Increases Always Small? A Reanalysis of Sabia, Burkhauser, and Hansen

In a 2012 article, Sabia, Burkhauser, and Hansen reported very large negative effects of the 2004 to 2006 increase in the New York State minimum wage on the employment of young, less-educated workers. Hoffman reexamines their estimates using data from the full Current Population Survey (CPS), rather than the smaller CPS-MORG files they used, and finds no evidence of a negative employment impact. The full CPS, which is the source of U.S. official labor market statistics, is certainly the more appropriate and reliable data source. Furthermore, when Hoffman repeats the analysis using three states and the District of Columbia, which also had a substantial increase in the state minimum wage in the same time period, he finds evidence of a small positive employment effect. Together, the two findings are consistent with other, more recent research that reports very weak or zero employment effects of the minimum wage.
Framatome et l'exportation

Apres avoir rappele les caracteristiques essentielles de l'industrie nucleaire francaise et retrace l'important developpement qu'elle a connu au cours des dernieres annees, l'auteur decrit les moyens mis en place, notamment par Framatome, pour la construction des centrales nucleaires de puissance et leur exportation
Super-Poissonian statistics of photon emission from single CdSe-CdS core-shell nanocrystals coupled to metal nanostructures.

We demonstrate that photon antibunching observed for individual nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) can be transformed into photon bunching characterized by super-Poissonian statistics when they are coupled to metal nanostructures (MNs). This observation indicates that, while the quantum yield of a biexciton (${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$) is lower than that of a single exciton (${Q}_{1\mathrm{X}}$) in freestanding NQDs, ${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$ becomes greater than ${Q}_{1\mathrm{X}}$ in NQDs coupled to MNs. This unique phenomenon is attributed to metal-induced quenching with a rate that scales more slowly with exciton multiplicity than the radiative decay rate and dominates over other nonradiative decay channels for both single excitons and biexcitons.
Fractures and dislocations of the cervical spine in children.

SUMMARY Correct diagnosis of fractures and dislocations of the cervical spine in children requires an awareness of the pseudosubluxation and other normal variants noted in x-ray films of patients in this age group. Fractures of the odontoid process occur frequently and almost always can be treated by closed reduction and external fixation until union occurs. Fractures of the lower cervical spine are difficult to detect roentgeno-graphically, and x-ray changes can belie the severity of soft tissue injury and cord trauma. Instability tends to persist in adolescent patients after cervical spine injury because of the combination of epiphyseal and posterior ligamentous disruption. Neoplastic, inflammatory, and congenital lesions render the cervical spine vulnerable to injury and can permit major damage to result from minor stresses.
High risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery and its impact on asphyxia of premature infants: an epidemiological study

Objective: To explore the high risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery and its impact on asphyxia of premature infants,provide theoretical basis for monitoring high risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery and preventing and treating asphyxia among premature infants. Methods: A total of 178 women of spontaneous premature delivery were selected from the hospital from January2011 to January 2014 as observation group,178 full- term pregnant women were selected as control group; the clinical data in the two groups were analyzed retrospectively; univariate Logistic regression analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the high risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery; the incidence rate of asphyxia and mortality rate of neonates in the two groups were compared. The premature infants with asphyxia were designed as asphyxia group,the premature infants without asphyxia were designed as normal group; the relationship between high risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery and asphyxia of premature infants was analyzed. Results:Progestational BMI in observation group was( 23. 76 ± 2. 96) kg / m2,prenatal examination was conducted for( 4. 51 ± 2. 07) times,which were statistically significantly lower than those in control group( P 0. 05); the proportions of keeping working during pregnancy,combining with premature rupture of fetal membrane,intrauterine infection,lower genital tract infection,surgical history of pelvic cavity,and the interval time of pregnancy less than half a year were statistically significantly lower than those in control group( P 0. 05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that keeping working during pregnancy,combining with premature rupture of fetal membrane,surgical history of pelvic cavity,and the interval time of pregnancy less than half a year were independent risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery,progestational BMI was a protective factor of spontaneous premature delivery,there were statistically significant differences( P 0. 05); the incidence rate of neonatal asphyxia and mortality rate of neonates in observation group were 12. 92% and 3. 37%,respectively,which were statistically significantly higher than those in control group( P 0. 05); there was no statistically significant difference in high risk factors of premature infants between the two groups( P 0. 05). Conclusion: Keeping working during pregnancy,combining with premature rupture of fetal membrane,surgical history of pelvic cavity,and the interval time of pregnancy less than half a year were independent risk factors of spontaneous premature delivery,but there was no significant correlation between spontaneous premature delivery and asphyxia of premature infants.
Application of Integration Management Techniques in Automobile Enterprises

Integration Management Technique is a new management method and technique, A lot of attention and research has been given to the peculiarity of "gathering as a whole, efficiencies of scale".Based on the practical applications of Integration Management Techniques in SGMW, this paper searches for the core value and key techniques to provide the reference for the Automobile Enterprises innovation management.
Clinical significance of reversal of flow in the vertebral artery identified on cerebrovascular duplex ultrasound.

Abstract Background Reversal of flow in the vertebral artery (RFVA) is an uncommon finding on cerebrovascular duplex ultrasound examination. The clinical significance of RFVA and the natural history of patients presenting with it are poorly understood. Our objective was to better characterize the symptoms and outcomes of patients presenting with RFVA. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all cerebrovascular duplex ultrasound studies performed at our institution between January 2010 and January 2016 (N = 2927 patients). Individuals with RFVA in one or both vertebral arteries were included in the analysis. Results Seventy-four patients (74/2927 patients [2.5%]) with RFVA were identified. Half of the patients were male. Mean age at the time of the first ultrasound study demonstrating RFVA was 71 years (range, 27-92 years); 78% of patients had hypertension, 28% were diabetic, and 66% were current or former smokers. Indications for the ultrasound examination were as follows: 44% screening/asymptomatic, 7% anterior circulation symptoms, 20% posterior circulation symptoms, 28% follow-up studies after cerebrovascular intervention, and 5% upper extremity symptoms. At the time of the initial ultrasound examination, 21 patients (28%) had evidence of a prior carotid intervention (carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting), 21 patients had evidence of moderate (50%-79%) carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in at least one carotid artery, and 12 patients (16%) had evidence of severe (>80%) CAS. Of the 15 patients presenting with posterior circulation symptoms, 11 (73%) had evidence of concomitant CAS. In contrast, 22 of the 59 patients (37%) without posterior circulation symptoms had duplex ultrasound findings of CAS ( P = .01). The mean duration of follow-up was 28 ± 22 months. Follow-up data were available for 63 patients (85%), including the 15 patients who presented with posterior circulation symptoms. Of these 15 patients, 5 underwent subclavian artery revascularization, including balloon angioplasty and stenting in 4 patients and open/hybrid revascularization in 1 patient. Five individuals were awaiting intervention. Three patients underwent carotid endarterectomy for CAS, with resultant improvement in posterior circulation symptoms. Finally, one patient was deemed too high risk for intervention, and one patient was found to have an alternative cause for symptoms. The remaining 59 patients continued to be asymptomatic during follow-up. One patient progressed to vertebral artery occlusion, and six patients had progression of CAS. Conclusions Symptomatic RFVA responds well to intervention, including subclavian artery stenting and carotid intervention in patients with CAS. The majority of patients with this finding are asymptomatic at the time of presentation. Although progression of vertebral artery disease is rare, these patients may benefit from monitoring for progression of CAS with surveillance ultrasound.
Urodynamic Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis

AbstractMost patients with multiple sclerosis who have vesical dysfunction will have some variety of uninhibited bladder that generally will progress toward a hyperreflexic state. Management of these patients requires, primarily, control of the infection and the use of a variety of techniques and pharmacologic agents in many combinations to achieve a socially acceptable state.
Progression of obstructive coronary artery disease after implantation of aorto-coronary saphenous vein bypass grafts

Nineteen subjects with a total of 33 aorto-coronary saphenous vein bypass grafts were subjected to coronary and bypass graft angiography an average of 102 days after operation. There was a significant progression of coronary artery disease in both bypassed and nonbypassed coronary arteries. Net progression of disease was similar in both bypassed (16 ± 12 per cent) and nonbypassed (12 ± 24 per cent) coronary arteries (p > 0.4). There was no significant difference between the mean net progression of disease in coronary arteries with patent grafts (16 ± 12 per cent) and those arteries with nonpatent grafts (16 ± 13 per cent) (p > 0.8). We conclude that the progression of coronary arterial disease in patients subjected to the saphenous vein bypass procedures is a manifestation of the natural history of coronary artery disease and is rarely influenced per se by graft implantation.
Endoscopic Management of Food Impaction and Foreign Bodies

Endoscopy plays an important role in the management of ingested foreign bodies and impacted food boluses. The safe and effective use of endoscopic therapy requires proper patient assessment and an adequately trained personnel and equipment availability. The endoscopist should be familiar with commonly used devices for food disimpaction and foreign body extraction and recognize pitfalls associated with endoscopic intervention for particular objects. Whenever feasible, pre-procedural simulation for object retrieval, especially for the novice endoscopist, can facilitate a successful endoscopic outcome.
The emergency psychiatric system.

The emergency psychiatric system is a vast community network made up largely of non-mental-health professionals. The author, through a series of case studies, points out some of the inadequacies of the existing system. He then outlines a strategy for improving emergency care, and discusses the role of the psychiatrist within the system.
How Can Physicians Educate Patients About Health Care Policy Issues

Complicated health care policy decisions are generally made by elected officials. The officials making these complicated decisions are elected by the people, and citizens' participation in the voting process is one of the basic tenets of democracy. Voters in the United States, who are also patients in the health care system, receive enormous amounts of information throughout election cycles. This information is generally delivered in sound bites often intended to elicit an emotional reaction rather than simply inform. From April through July 2016, the author-an academic physician-rode a bicycle across the United States and met with people in small rural towns to ask them their understanding of the Affordable Care Act and the impact it has had on their lives. In this Commentary the author shares some of those stories, which are often informed by sound bites and misinformation. The author argues that it is the role of academic physicians to educate not only students and residents but also patients. In addition to providing information about patients' medical problems, physicians can educate them about the health care policy issues that are decided by elected officials.A doctor can help educate patients about these issues to facilitate their making informed decisions in elections. Physicians have a role and responsibility in society as a knowledgeable person to make the health care system be the best it can be for the most people.
Femtosecond enhancement cavity — direct frequency comb spectroscopy and coherent extreme nonlinear optics

To prepare for future experiments on coherent spectroscopy and quantum control in the VUV spectral regions, we have pursued direct frequency comb spectroscopy and generation of phase coherent VUV frequency combs. High-finesse, low-dispersion passive optical cavities are used to enhance the power of femtosecond pulses for extreme nonlinear optics and to increase detection sensitivity for spectroscopy.
Causes and Management of Headache in the Emergency Department

The diagnoses, indications for CT scans, and pharmacological therapy in 130 children (0.7% of all pediatric ER visits, mean age 9.3 years), presenting with a chief complaint of headache in the pediatric emergency department, were evaluated by a 1-year retrospective chart review at the Schneider Children’s Hospital, New Hyde Park, NY.
Treatment of orbital solitary fibrous tumour with gamma knife radiosurgery and systematic review of literature

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) are relatively rare tumours that were originally thought to arise from the pleura but have thereafter been demonstrated as occurring anywhere in the body. These tumours are generally considered benign but have frequently been noted for recurrence and local invasion. Furthermore, their indolence is controversial due to increasing evidence implicating the existence of a spectrum that includes hemangiopericytoma (HPC). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been well characterised in the treatment of benign, malignant and vascular conditions, and it appears to be a reasonable option as adjuvant or recurrent treatment for intracranial SFTs. We present in this case the first complete description of an SFT of the orbit treated by SRS as well as a systematic review of available English literature for intracranial SFTs treated by SRS. We report effective local tumour control in our case and conclude that SRS is a reasonable treatment option for recurrent SFT.
A Statistical Perspective on Wind Profiles and Vertical Wind Shear in Tropical Cyclone Environments of the Northern Hemisphere

AbstractA statistical analysis of tropical cyclone (TC) environmental wind profiles is conducted in order to better understand how vertical wind shear influences TC intensity change. The wind profiles are computed from global atmospheric reanalyses around the best track locations of 7554 TC cases in the Northern Hemisphere tropics. Mean wind profiles within each basin exhibit significant differences in the magnitude and direction of vertical wind shear. Comparisons between TC environments and randomly selected “non-TC” environments highlight the synoptic regimes that support TCs in each basin, which are often characterized by weaker deep-layer shear. Because weaker deep-layer shear may not be the only aspect of the environmental flow that makes a TC environment more favorable for TCs, two new parameters are developed to describe the height and depth of vertical shear. Distributions of these parameters indicate that, in both TC and non-TC environments, vertical shear most frequently occurs in shallow layer...
Higher theta and alpha1 coherence when listening to Vedic recitation compared to coherence during Transcendental Meditation practice.

Abstract This study compared subjective experiences and EEG patterns in 37 subjects when listening to live Vedic recitation and when practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM). Content analysis of experiences when listening to Vedic recitation yielded three higher-order code. Experiences during Vedic recitation were: (1) deeper than during TM practice; (2) experienced as an inner process; and (3) characterized by lively silence. EEG patterns support these higher-order codes. Theta2 and alpha1 frontal, parietal, and frontal-parietal coherence were significantly higher when listening to Vedic recitation, than during TM practice. Theta2 coherence is seen when attending to internal mental processes. Higher theta2 coherence supports subjects’ descriptions that the Vedic recitations were “not external sounds but internal vibrations.” Alpha1 coherence is reported during pure consciousness experiences during TM practice. Higher alpha1 coherence supports subjects’ descriptions that they “experienced a depth of experience, rarely experienced even during deep TM practice.” These data support the utility of listening to Vedic recitation to culture deep inner experiences.
Inequalities in tobacco outlet density by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, 2012, USA: results from the ASPiRE Study.

Background Evidence of racial/ethnic inequalities in tobacco outlet density is limited by: (1) reliance on studies from single counties or states, (2) limited attention to spatial dependence, and (3) an unclear theory-based relationship between neighbourhood composition and tobacco outlet density. Methods In 97 counties from the contiguous USA, we calculated the 2012 density of likely tobacco outlets (N=90 407), defined as tobacco outlets per 1000 population in census tracts (n=17 667). We used 2 spatial regression techniques, (1) a spatial errors approach in GeoDa software and (2) fitting a covariance function to the errors using a distance matrix of all tract centroids. We examined density as a function of race, ethnicity, income and 2 indicators identified from city planning literature to indicate neighbourhood stability (vacant housing, renter-occupied housing). Results The average density was 1.3 tobacco outlets per 1000 persons. Both spatial regression approaches yielded similar results. In unadjusted models, tobacco outlet density was positively associated with the proportion of black residents and negatively associated with the proportion of Asian residents, white residents and median household income. There was no association with the proportion of Hispanic residents. Indicators of neighbourhood stability explained the disproportionate density associated with black residential composition, but inequalities by income persisted in multivariable models. Conclusions Data from a large sample of US counties and results from 2 techniques to address spatial dependence strengthen evidence of inequalities in tobacco outlet density by race and income. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms in order to strengthen interventions.
Defining and Describing Rural: Implications for Rural Special Education Research and Policy:

A critical aspect of rural research is carefully defining and describing the rural context. This is particularly important in rural special education research because different definitions of rural...
Towards understanding scene transition techniques in immersive 360 movies and cinematic experiences

Many researchers have studied methods of effective travel in virtual environments, but little work has considered scene transitions, which may be important for virtual reality experiences like immersive 360 degree movies. In this research, we designed and evaluated three different scene transition techniques in two environments, conducted a pilot study, and collected metrics related to sickness, spatial orientation, and preference. Our preliminary results indicate that faster techniques are generally preferred by gamers and more gradual transitions are preferred by participants with less experience with 3D gaming and virtual reality.
Surfactant properties of PEGylated lignins: Anomalous interfacial activities at low grafting density

Abstract Lignin is a biopolymer in plant cell walls that has intrinsic interfacial functions and is produced in vast quantities but has found limited application as a surfactant. Here we demonstrate that low-density functionalization of anionic lignin derivatives with a corona of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) significantly augments their native interfacial activities, in contrast to previous studies of PEGylated lignins in which extensive functionalization was performed based on hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) predictions of solubility. Commercially available kraft lignin and lignosulfonate having high concentrations of carboxylate and sulfonate groups, respectively, were PEGylated with monoreactive grafts having molecular weight 750, 2000, and 5000 g/mol at constant grafting density and PEG fractions as low as 20% for the 750 g/mol species whereas previous studies focused on 50% PEGylation of greater. Both classes of PEGylated lignin demonstrated modest reductions in air-water surface tension, which decreased monotonically with PEGylated lignin concentration to values as low as 50 dyn/cm but did not demonstrate a sharp critical micelle concentration (CMC). However, the air-water surface tension was found to be relatively insensitive to both the chemistry of the lignin core and the graft length. In contrast, the cyclohexane-water interfacial tension was strongly dependent on lignin core, graft length, and concentration, with PEGylated kraft lignin driving the interfacial tension value to 3 dyn/cm at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL that corresponded with an apparent critical micelle concentration while the PEGylated lignosulfonates had a weaker effect, with uniformly higher values of interfacial tension measured and no CMC observed. Finally, cyclohexane-water emulsions were prepared, and the volume fraction of the emulsion phase was much greater for PEGylated kraft lignin than for PEGylated lignosulfonate, suggesting formulations based on kraft lignin are significantly more effective at stabilizing oil-water interfaces. This disparity suggests that specific interactions between the lignin core and the non-aqueous phase may augment interfacial activities.
METER, FEEL, AND PHRASING IN WEST AFRICAN BELL PATTERNS: THE EXAMPLE OF ASANTE KETE FROM GHANA

This article offers an analysis of west African bell patterns, positioning them as an entry to musical analysis of west African drumming. How can bell patterns be used as a tool by researchers to establish meter? What information do they provide about the â€œfeelâ€ of the music? And finally, how do these patterns interact with the underlying meter and feel, and what does this reveal about phrasing in west African music? To answer these questions, this article examines the case of the dawuro iron bell in Asante Kete drumming from Ghana. A close analysis of the Kete dawuro bell pattern reveals that the Kete pattern may be represented in an â€œAfrican 12/8â€ or ternary-quadruple meter, emphasizes the importance of the half-time 2-feel embodying the Asante maxim of â€œnot hurryingâ€, and demonstrates the highly motile and â€œgoal-orientedâ€ phrasing exemplified in Keteâ€™s timeline patterns. To the broader west African and diasporic scholarly communities, this article presents a model for inferring meter, feel, and phrasing through close analysis of west African bell patterns.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Murine Model of Chronic Radiation-Induced Proctitis.

Purpose Radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used to treat most pelvic malignancies. While treatment is often effective, curative radiation doses to the rectum can result in chronic radiation-induced proctitis, which is characterized by diarrhea, tenesmus, and/or rectal bleeding, recently termed pelvic radiation disease. An animal model of chronic radiation-induced proctitis would be useful to test both preventative and therapeutic strategies to limit this morbidity but has been elusive because of the high rodent mortality associated with acute bowel RT injury. The objective of this research was to develop a novel mouse model of chronic radiation-induced proctitis using advanced technology. Methods and Materials Using an X-RAD 225-Cx (Precision X-Ray) small animal irradiator, multiple plan configurations were evaluated for planning treatment volume and organ-at-risk avoidance to deliver a 15 Gy 3D conformal treatment plan. The final plan was verified by high resolution 3D dosimetry (PRESAGE/optical-CT), and delivered using a single arc. Mice were monitored for mortality for 250 days, followed by histopathological correlates including mucicarmine, Masson's trichrome, and fecal pellet length. Results Six beam arrangements were considered: single and parallel-opposed fields with whole-pelvis coverage, and collimated fields in parallel-opposed, 3-field, 4-field, and arc geometries. A collimated arc plan offered superior planning treatment volume coverage and organ-at-risk avoidance compared to whole-pelvis irradiation. Treatment verification with PRESAGE 3D dosimetry (Heuris Inc) showed >99% of voxels passing gamma analysis with 2%/2 mm criteria. Our treatment resulted in no acute mortality and 40% mortality at 250 days. Histopathological analysis showed increased mucous production and fibrosis of the irradiated colon, but no change in fecal pellet length. Conclusions Our model was able to target successfully lower colon and rectum with lower mortality than other published models. This permitted measurement of late effects that recapitulate some features of rectal damage in humans.