cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE CERVICAL SPINE NONSEGMENTATION USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

BACKGROUND Vertebral nonsegmentation occurs because of segmentation failure of the vertebrae. The etiology of this failure can be congenital or acquired. The congenital nonsegmentation vertebrae may be partial or complete fusion at the body or the articular facets or in the transverse processes. The cervical vertebrae are the most commonly involved in the spine. These vertebrae are routinely visualized in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and the diagnosis is more precise in identifying nonsegmentation compared with the higher percentage of the false-positive findings on lateral cephalometric radiographs. OBJECTIVE(S) To describe the cervical spine nonsegmentation and any other incidental findings associated with it using CBCT. STUDY DESIGN Fifty CBCT radiographic reports were retrieved from the archived cases database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department at The University of Iowa, after institutional review board approval. All reports documented nonsegmentation in the cervical spine. Patient age and sex were collected and the scans were assessed for the level of segmentation, the affected side, and any other associated pathosis in the vertebral region. RESULTS For the 50 CBCT scans patient age ranged from 11 to 93 years old (average = 52.7). There were 23 male and 27 female patients. The highest number of vertebral nonsegmentation was found between C2 and C3 in 35 patients, followed by 7 cases between C4 and C3. Two cases had fusion between the occipital bone and C1. Two patients had vertebral nonsegmentation in 2 different regions, 1 in C0-C1 and C2-C3 and the other in C2-C3 and C2-C3-C4. Most of the cases had partial nonsegmentation. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Congenital cervical spine nonsegmentation can be easily identified in CBCT scans. These congenital anomalies might be asymptomatic and can cause restricted movement that may lead to neurologic implications. Therefore, the identification and documentation of this abnormality on CBCT scans is highly recommended.
Contextualizing Thermal Effluent Impacts in Narragansett Bay Using Landsat-Derived Surface Temperature

This work utilizes remotely sensed thermal data to understand how the release of thermal pollution from the Brayton Point Power Station (BPPS) affected the temperature behavior of Narragansett Bay. Building upon previous work with Landsat 5, a multi-satellite analysis is conducted that incorporates 582 scenes from Landsat 5, Landsat 7, and Landsat 8 over 1984-2021 to explain seasonal variability in effluent impacts, contrast data after the effluent ceased in 2011, identify patterns in temperature before and after effluent ceased using unsupervised learning, and track how recent warming trends compare to the BPPS impact. Stopping the thermal effluent corresponds to an immediate cooling of 0.26 ± 0.1 °C in the surface temperature of Mt. Hope Bay with respect to the rest of Narragansett Bay with greater cooling of 0.62 ± 0.2 °C found near Brayton Point; though, cooling since the period of maximal impact (1993-2000) totals 0.53 ± 0.2 °C in Mt. Hope Bay and 1.04 ± 0.2 °C at Brayton Point. During seasons with lower solar radiation (winter) and lower mean river input (autumn and late summer), the BPPS effluent impact is more prominent. The seasonal differences between the high impact and low impact periods indicate that river input played an important role in the heat balance when emissions were lower, but surface fluxes dominated when emissions were higher. Putting the BPPS effluent in context, Landsat data indicates that Narragansett Bay warmed 0.5 to 1.2 °C over the period of measurement at an average rate of 0.23 ± 0.1 °C/decade and that net warming in Mt. Hope Bay is near zero. This trend implies that Narragansett Bay has experienced climatic warming over the past four decades on the scale of the temperature anomaly in Mt. Hope Bay caused by the BBPS effluent.
The coiled coil of FtsLB is a structurally detuned element critical for modulating activation in bacterial cell division

The FtsLB complex is a key regulator of bacterial cell division, existing in either an off or on state which supports the activation of septal peptidoglycan synthesis. In Escherichia coli, residues that are critical for this activation are located in a region near the C-terminal end of the periplasmic coiled coil of FtsLB, raising questions about the precise role of this conserved domain in the mechanism. Here, we investigate an unusual cluster of polar amino acids occurring within the core of the coiled coil. These amino acids likely reduce the structural stability of the domain and thus may be important for governing conformational changes. We found that mutating these positions to hydrophobic residues increased the thermal stability of FtsLB but caused cell division defects, suggesting that the coiled-coil domain is a "detuned" structural element. In addition, we identified suppressor mutations within the polar cluster, indicating that the precise identity of the polar amino acids is important for fine-tuning the structural balance between the off and on states. We propose a revised structural model of the tetrameric FtsLB (named the "Y-model") in which the periplasmic domain splits into a pair of coiled-coil branches. In this configuration, the hydrophilic terminal moieties of the polar amino acids remain more favorably exposed to water than in the original four-helix bundle model ("I-model"). We propose that a shift in this architecture, dependent on its marginal stability, is involved in activating the complex during the process that triggers septal cell wall reconstruction.
Towards a systems view of IBS

Despite an extensive body of reported information about peripheral and central mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of IBS symptoms, no comprehensive disease model has emerged that would guide the development of novel, effective therapies. In this Review, we will first describe novel insights into some key components of brain-gut interactions, starting with the emerging findings of distinct functional and structural brain signatures of IBS. We will then point out emerging correlations between these brain networks and genomic, gastrointestinal, immune and gut-microbiome-related parameters. We will incorporate this new information, as well as the reported extensive literature on various peripheral mechanisms, into a systems-based disease model of IBS, and discuss the implications of such a model for improved understanding of the disorder, and for the development of more-effective treatment approaches in the future.
Stability regions for an unsymmetrical rigid body spinning about an axis through a fixed point

The classical stability problem of the spinning rigid body with a fixed point under the influence of uniform gravity, is examined by several approaches. First, an inertia parameter is introduced which simplifies and clarifies investigation of the problem for all possible rigid bodies. Instability zones are then found using the Floquet theory. The results of Rumiantsev's Lyapunov analysis are used to provide part of the stable zone. Finally, the remaining regionR, for which a stability (in the large) decision is not guaranteed either by the Floquet theoryor the Lyapunov analysis, is discussed.
Occurrence and Possible Mechanism of 32P and 18O Exchange Reactions of Photophosphorylation

Abstract The incorporation of water oxygen into ATP during photophosphorylation by chloroplasts varies from l0.5 to g1.0 atom of oxygen per mole of ATP formed. The ATP ⇄ HOH exchange, particularly in the presence of ascorbate and phenazine methosulfate or ferricyanide, is accompanied by small but significant Pi ⇄ HOH and Pi ⇄ ATP exchanges. The results are compatible with all exchanges occurring as a result of dynamic reversal of ATP formation at the catalytic site. Such interpretation is supported by ATP acceleration of a light-dependent Pi ⇄ HOH exchange, and can be rationalized with Pi and ADP inhibitory effects on the ATP ⇄ HOH exchange. Mg++ in excess of the ATP concentration is required for maximal ATP ⇄ HOH exchange. A small Pi ⇄ HOH exchange as well as a more prominent ATP ⇄ HOH exchange accompanies ATP synthesis in the dark resulting from an acid-base transition of chloroplasts.
Measurement parameter optimization for surface crack detection in metals using an open-ended waveguide probe

Fatigue and stress induced surface crack detection in metals is an important practical issue. A newly developed microwave inspection approach, using an open-ended rectangular waveguide, has proved to be an effective tool for detecting such cracks. This novel microwave approach overcomes some of the limitations associated with the standard detection methods for surface crack detection. In addition, this approach is applicable to exposed, filled (with a dielectric such as dirt, rust, etc.) and cracks under dielectric coatings such as paint. This paper presents the basic foundation of this surface crack detection methodology along with the ways by which measurement parameters may be optimized for increased detection sensitivity.
Interactions of an acidic cyclooctapeptide with metal ions: microcalorimetric and fluorescence analyses

: The metal-ion binding preferences of an acidic amphipathic cyclopeptide, cyclo[d-Leu-Leu-d-Leu-Trp-(d-Glu-Glu)2] (CP), was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. CP adopted a partial beta structure, and variable temperature circular dichroism showed small secondary structural changes over the temperature range from 5 °C to 95 °C. The peptide did not bind alkali or alkaline earth metal ions but exhibited selectivity for some divalent transition metal ions (with association constants KCu2+ 4.5 × 104 m−1, KZn2+ 1.6 × 105 m−1, KCd2+ 1.3 × 104 m−1, KHg2+ (1) 2.2 × 106 m−1, and KHg2+ (2) 6.5 × 103 m−1), for Pb2+ (2.0 × 105 m−1), and a trivalent Group III metal, Al3+ (1.6 × 105 m−1). The thermodynamic data show that the interaction between CP and these metal ions are spontaneous and entropically driven. A large range of binding enthalpies coupled with a smaller range of binding free energies of CP for these metal ions indicate an entropy–enthalpy compensation dependent on the ionic size of participating metal ions. The interaction of Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+ with CP in aqueous solution specifically modulates the fluorescence emission properties of CP. The results of this study show that CP exhibits selectivity in metal-ion binding, which is reflected in its fluorescence spectra. The observed trends can be useful for the design of heavy-metal sensors based on fluorophore-tagged acidic cyclopeptides.
The Association of Coping to Physical and Psychological Health Outcomes: A Meta-Analytic Review

We performed a series of meta-analyses examining the associations between coping and health-related outcomes in nonclinical adult samples. Results revealed that problem-focused coping was positively correlated with overall health outcomes, whereas confrontive coping, distancing, self-control, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, avoidance, and wishful thinking were each negatively correlated with overall health outcomes. Neither planful problem solving nor positive reappraisal was significantly associated with overall health outcomes in our analyses. However, type of health outcome (i.e., physical vs. psychological) and situational characteristics (i.e., stressor type, controllability, and duration) moderated many of the overall associations.
Food environments in university dorms: 20,000 calories per dorm room and counting.

Background Few young adults meet national dietary recommendations. Although home food availability likely has important influences on dietary intake, little research has examined this issue among young adults. The objective of this research was to conduct a detailed, observational assessment of food and beverages available in college-student dormitory rooms. Methods Dormitory-residing students (n=100) were recruited from a large, public university. Research staff completed a detailed inventory of food and beverages in the dorm rooms, including nutrient contents and purchasing sources. Data were collected and analyzed in 2008. Results The mean number of food and beverage items per participant was 47 (range: 0–208), with 4% of participants not having any food or beverages. More than 70% of students had each of the following types of items: salty snacks, cereal or granola bars, main dishes, desserts or candy, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Fewer students had low-calorie beverages, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, tea/coffee, and 100% fruit/vegetable juice. The average number of calories per dorm room was 22,888. Items purchased by parents had a higher calorie and fat content than items purchased by students. Conclusions Findings indicate that students maintain a wide array of food and beverages in their dormitory rooms. Parents purchased a substantial amount of food for their children's dormitory rooms, and these food items were less healthful than the food that students purchased. The foods observed in college students' living spaces may have an important impact on eating habits. Overall, young adult–oriented obesity prevention efforts are needed, and improving the various facets of campus food environments may mark an important component of such strategies.
6,6‐Dimethyl‐4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]oct‐1‐ene

[60935-22-0] C8H12O2 (MW 140.08) InChI = 1S/C8H12O2/c1-7(2)5-9-8(3-4-8)10-6-7/h3-4H,5-6H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = AINMINDCBBSFAO-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used in cyclopropenone synthesis, organometallic addition reactions, radical acceptor, and cycloaddition reactions) Physical Data: bp ca. 40–55 °C/0.015 mm Hg. Solubility: readily soluble in ether. Form Supplied in: clear liquid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR, GLC. Preparative Methods: commercially available 1,3-dichloroacetone is treated with neopentyl glycol and catalytic p-toluenesulfonic acid providing 2,2-bis-chloromethyl-5,5-dimethyl[1,3]dioxane. The dichloroketal is converted into the title compound 6,6-dimethyl-4,8-dioxaspiro[2.5]oct-1-ene with sodium amide in liquid ammonia.2 An alternative route to 6,6-dimethyl-4,8-dioxaspiro[2.5]oct-1-ene involves a transketalization of 1-bromo-3-chloro-2,2-dimethoxypropane.3 This undergoes cyclization by means of treatment with potassium amide in liquid ammonia supplying the title compound.4 Purification: distillation under reduced pressure. Handling, Storage, and Precaution: the reagent should be stored at 0 °C.
Nonlinear Control Techniques for a SMA Active Ankle Foot Orthosis

This paper is aimed toward the development and evaluation of a novel active ankle foot orthosis (AAFO) based on shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. This device intends to fill the gap in the existing research aimed at helping patients with drop foot muscle deficiencies as well as rehabilitation activities. To check the feasibility of this idea, a brief study is done on the dynamic behavior of ankle joint and then an SMA manipulator with a similar biological concept is used for experiment. Nonlinear behavior of SMA wires requires nonlinear control techniques such as Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) for tracking the desired ankle angle. Simulation results of three different techniques are compared (PID, SMC and SMC-PID) and finally the experimental result of a SMC-PID switching control is provided. This results shows that a switching control between simple PID and Sliding Mode Control can be a good alternative to follow the desired trajectory in slow walking cycles.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Applications of dexsil and other gas chromatographic porous-layer open tubular columns to metal compound separations and pyrolysis

Abstract Stainless-steel porous-layer open tubular (PLOT) columns have been made with Dexsil and other stationary phases suitable for the separation of a range of volatile metal chelates and organometallic compounds. Integrity of the substrate is assured by multiple coating of the stationary phase. Structural isomers of chromium β-diketonates and mixed ligand redistribution products are resolved and eluted without sample loss to flame ionization detection limits. A family of tetradentate copper β-ketoamine chelates are separated and the pyrolysis products of analogous tetradentate salicylaldimine complexes are resolved. Vapor phase infra-red spectrophotometry is used on-line with the PLOT column eluent for peak identification. A range of metallocene organometallics are separated including ferrocene, ruthenocene and osmocene, and substituted ferrocenes are resolved with iron specific detection by d.c. argon plasma emission spectroscopy. Cyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyls and cyclopentadienylchromium nitrosyl carbonyl species are also chromatographed.
Saturation of the Anomalous Hall Effect in Critically Disordered Ultrathin CNi3 Films

We demonstrate that a distinct high-disorder anomalous Hall effect phase emerges at the correlated insulator threshold of ultrathin, amorphous, ferromagnetic ${\mathrm{CNi}}_{3}$ films. In the weak-localization regime, where the sheet conductance $G\ensuremath{\gg}{e}^{2}/h$, the anomalous Hall resistance of the films increases with increasing disorder and the Hall conductance scales as ${G}_{xy}\ensuremath{\propto}{G}^{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ with $\ensuremath{\varphi}=1.6$. However, at sufficiently high disorder the system begins to enter the 2D correlated insulator regime, at which point the Hall resistance ${R}_{xy}$ abruptly saturates and the scaling exponent becomes $\ensuremath{\varphi}=2$. Tunneling measurements show that the saturation behavior is commensurate with the emergence of the 2D Coulomb gap, suggesting that $e\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}e$ interactions mediate the high-disorder phase.
Progressive motor weakness in transgenic mice expressing human TDP-43

Familial ALS patients with TDP-43 gene mutations and sporadic ALS patients share common TDP-43 neuronal pathology. To delineate mechanisms underlying TDP-43 proteinopathies, transgenic mice expressing A315T, M337V or wild type human TDP-43 were generated. Multiple TDP-43 founders developed a severe early motor phenotype that correlated with TDP-43 levels in spinal cord. Three A315T TDP-43 lines developed later onset paralysis with cytoplasmic ubiquitin inclusions, gliosis and TDP-43 redistribution and fragmentation. The WT TDP-43 mouse line with highest spinal cord expression levels remains asymptomatic, although these mice show spinal cord pathology. One WT TDP-43 line with high skeletal muscle levels of TDP-43 developed a severe progressive myopathy. Over-expression of TDP-43 in vivo is sufficient to produce progressive motor phenotypes by a toxic gain of function paradigm. Transgenic mouse lines expressing untagged mutant and wild type TDP-43 under the same promoter represent a powerful new model system for studying TDP-43 proteinopathies in vivo.
Determination of Reactor Transfer Functions by Statistical Correlation Methods

An experimental investigation was made of the self fluctuations in neutron density in a reactor, and the response in neutron density for random reactivity inputs, using analog correlation techniques. The analysis of selffluctuations was based on ion chamber measurements of the fluctuations of neutron intensity at various points. Autocorrelation analysis was then used to find the power spectrum of the fluctuations, which has the shape of square modulus of transfer function. A random reactivity input was realized by using an electromechanical system to convert the white noise of a radioactive source into linear motion of a small neutron absorber. Analysis of the response was made by autocorrelating the reactivity input and cross-correlating the reactivity input and the response in neutron density, and determining their spectra. The amplitude and phase of the reactor transfer function were determined from these spectra. Results are presented on some measurements made on a small reactor at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The measured transfer function agrees with the calculated transfer function. (auth)
The problem of exchange between two or more individuals, motivated by hedonistic considerations

Let two or more individuals each possess different quantities of two objects of satisfaction. Under certain conditions they may agree to exchange part of the objects if this leads to an increase of each one's satisfaction. The equations which govern this process have been derived by G. E. Evans (1930) for the case of two individuals. A different proof of these equations is given here and the equations are generalized to the case of more than two individuals.
Geriatric injury: An analysis of prehospital demographics, mechanisms, and patterns

Study objective: To evaluate emergency medical services (EMS) system use, injury mechanisms, and prehospital assessments among elderly victims of trauma. Design: We analyzed all prehospital data for injuries among patients 70 years old or older for whom 911 EMS dispatch was requested in a medium-sized metropolitan area during a 12-month period. Results: A total of 1,154 cases occurred (women, 65.1%), which represented 30.3% of all 911 dispatches involving elderly patients. Injury mechanisms were fall (60.7%), motor vehicle accident (MVA; 21.5%), fight (2.4%), accidental poisoning (2.3%), and choking (2.1%). Persons in their 90s had a lower frequency of MVAs (3.4%) than did younger patients (23.0%) ( P P P P P Conclusion: We report injury patterns and mechanisms among elderly victims of trauma presenting to an EMS system. A knowledge of these patterns will be useful to emergency physicians and EMS administrators.
Comparison of the activity of doxorubicin analogues using colony-forming assays and human xenografts.

The potential use of nude mouse xenografts as a source of human tumor tissue for preclinical assessment of drug activity was examined by a comparison of in vivo and in vitro sensitivity to four anthracycline derivatives of eight xenografts maintained in nude mice and tumor colony-forming units (CFU) from the xenografts grown in agar. Results obtained in the two systems with doxorubicin (Dx) and a new, closely related derivative (epi-doxorubicin, epi-Dx) correlated well. In vivo tumor growth delay and maximum in vitro tumor CFU kill for these two drugs showed a significant correlation (r = 0.64, P <.01). Separation of tumors into “sensitive” and “insensitive” tumor populations on the basis of maximum in vitro CFU kill also predicted the in vivo response to these two drugs in 88% of cases. Similar analyses performed on in vitro and in vivo results with two other new anthracyclines (4′-deoxy-doxorubicin, deoxy-Dx and 4′-O-methyl-doxorubicin, O-Me-Dx) showed a significant negative correlation between in vivo and in vitro results; the in vitro system failed to predict in vivo activity of these two drugs. No significant differences in in vitro activity against normal, granulocyte/macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM) or against various tumor CFUs were detected. Thus, the selectivity (activity against normal tissue compared with that against tumor) of the four drugs appeared equal. These data suggest that in vitro screening of drugs using tumor CFUs from nude mouse xenografts may predict the in vivo activity of drugs for which pharmacologic data are available, but illustrate the difficulties in attempting to predict the in vivo activity of new drugs for which no such data are available.
Embourgeoisement in Indianapolis

The embourgeoisement thesis was examined in Indianapolis for blue-collar workers in general and skilled blue-collar workers in particular with regard to a wide range of political, social and economic variables. The findings did not support the embourgeoisement thesis and marked blue-collar–white-collar differences were found, especially with regard to economic attitudes and domestic political attitudes and behavior. An analysis of covariance revealed that difference in years of education was most generally responsible for blue-collar–white-collar differences, while difference in occupation, racial composition, and income levels accounted for some of the blue-collar–white-collar differences. Occupation was found to account independently for only a few of the observed attitudinal and behavioral differences between blue-collar and white-collar workers.
The Rotational Effect of Pronation and Supination Osteotomies of the Forearm in a Cadaver Model: A Comparison of Osteotomy Sites on the Radius and the Ulna

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on forearm rotation of rotation osteotomies at the distal and proximal levels of the radius and the ulna. Rotation osteotomies of 15° and 30° were made in the distal and proximal one-third of the radius and the ulna in ten cadaver specimens and changes of forearm arc of rotation were compared after osteotomy at the four sites. This study identifies the proximal ulna as the best of these sites for rotation osteotomy because of the high gain in the rotated direction and minimal loss in the opposite direction.
In vitro effect of retinoids on calcineurin activity

Abstract Calcineurin was shown previously to be inhibited by members of the tyrphostin family of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with the most effective inhibition suggested to be caused by the presence of a conjugated side chain (Martin BL, Biochem Pharmacol 56: 483–488, 1998). Retinoids are a family of naturally occurring biomolecules having non-aromatic ring structures and conjugated side chains as substituents on the ring. Three oxidation states of the all- trans configuration of retinoids (retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid) were tested as effectors of calcineurin. Only retinoic acid was found to inhibit calcineurin effectively, with an ic 50 value of approximately 50 μM. Retinol and retinal caused less than 30% inhibition at concentrations up to 100 μM. All three retinoids caused some precipitation of reaction components: retinoic acid and retinal above 50 μM, and retinol above 250 μM. Bacterial alkaline phosphatase was not inhibited by the retinoids, indicating that metal centers alone are insufficient for significant inhibition by retinoic acid. An aromatic ring was not required for inhibition and may not provide additional inhibition, inasmuch as an aromatic analog of retinoic acid (acitretin) showed less effective inhibition. These data are consistent with the presence of conjugated, unsaturated groups enhancing the inhibition of calcineurin.
Alternatives to coaxial cable for delaying analog and digital signals in a particle physics experiment

Abstract The use of distributed and lumped-constant delay lines as substitutes for coaxial cable to delay analog and digital signals is discussed. Construction of multichannel modules to delay NIM signals by 350 ns, and to delay photomultiplier signals by 400 ns are described.
MR diagnosis of traumatic tear of the spring ligament in a pole vaulter

The spring ligament is a significant contributor to the stability of the talar head and longitudinal arch of the foot, lending importance to accurate radiologic diagnosis of injury. Using MR, we diagnosed a spring ligament tear with associated navicular dorsal subluxation, confirmed intraoperatively. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of MR diagnosis of tear of the spring ligament.
Biomarkers for combat-related PTSD: focus on molecular networks from high-dimensional data

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other deployment-related outcomes originate from a complex interplay between constellations of changes in DNA, environmental traumatic exposures, and other biological risk factors. These factors affect not only individual genes or bio-molecules but also the entire biological networks that in turn increase or decrease the risk of illness or affect illness severity. This review focuses on recent developments in the field of systems biology which use multidimensional data to discover biological networks affected by combat exposure and post-deployment disease states. By integrating large-scale, high-dimensional molecular, physiological, clinical, and behavioral data, the molecular networks that directly respond to perturbations that can lead to PTSD can be identified and causally associated with PTSD, providing a path to identify key drivers. Reprogrammed neural progenitor cells from fibroblasts from PTSD patients could be established as an in vitro assay for high throughput screening of approved drugs to determine which drugs reverse the abnormal expression of the pathogenic biomarkers or neuronal properties. Keywords : PTSD; genomics; gene expression; proteomics; Computational Biology; risk factors Responsible Editors: Alexander McFarlane, The University of Adelaide, Australia; Eric Vermetten, Central Military Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands. This paper is part of the Special Issue: PTSD in the military: prevalence, pathophysiology, treatment . More papers from this issue can be found at http://www.eurojnlofpsychotraumatol.net (Published: 14 August 2014) Citation : European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2014, 5 : 23938 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v5.23938
Temperature dependence of nitrogen broadening of ozone ν3 rovibrational transitions

Abstract We report N 2 -broadening coefficients for rovibrational transitions of the ν 3 band of ozone in the temperature range 180–296 K. We assume a power law dependence of the temperature for these coefficients, with a temperature exponent n . For the 21 transitions we measured, the average value of n is 0.74 and is well within experimental error of the theoretically predicted value of 0.77. The significance of this parameter in modeling atmospheric IR absorbance due to ozone is discussed.
Line shapes and charge identification

Abstract We present results of theoretical calculations and supporting experiments which determine optimum settings for spectrometers used in the “side-on” viewing mode to observe spectral lines emitted by fast-beam sources. These results establish the validity of the refocusing procedure. We report the expressions obtained for the refocus distance (D), the entrance slitwidth (wsopt) and exit slitwidth (wdopt) that cause the ratio of peak intensity to recorded linewidth to be maximum, and report the expression for the corresponding recorded linewidth (Δλ 1 2 opt ) . These expressions are: D ≐ (ν/c) (λ 0 /K); w sopt ≐ 1.45 λ 0 (ν/cK) 1 2 ; w dopt Δ 0.48λ 0 (ν/cK) 1 2 ; Δλ 1 2 opt ≐ 0.74 (νK/c) 1 2 s , where λ0 = the wavelength of the spectral line in the rest frame of the beam particles, ν = the speed of the excited beam (ν〈c), c = the speed of light and K is the inverse linear dispersion (plate factor) of the spectrometer. We also show that a refocused spectrometer may be profitably used with a particular method for identifying the charge of the emitting particle.
Derivation of coefficients of orifices

Abstract 1. 1. A mistake in the original derivation of coefficient of contraction by the method of Professor Hooper has been pointed out. 2. 2. The method has been reapplied to the circular orifice using a slightly different assumption of velocity distribution based upon a compound surface and the method has been extended to the rectangular orifice. Results have been obtained which are fairly close to experimental values, assuming velocity coefficients unity. 3. 3. The method has also been applied to spherical surfaces whose centers are not in the plane of the orifice. Results in agreement with those of the previous analysis have been obtained when the center of the sphere or of the cylinder was assumed to be about one radius distant from the plane of the orifice. A general relation between this distance and the resulting computed coefficient of contraction has been derived for the circular orifice. 4. 4. A further study has been made of the influence of the coefficient of velocity upon the coefficients of contraction and discharge and the coefficient of discharge of the tube has been derived which appears only slightly larger than the more plausible experimental values. 5. 5. Inconsistencies in certain of the assumptions of this method have been admitted and the opinion expressed that a rigorous derivation of the coefficient of contraction must be based upon the classical methods of hydrodynamics. 6. 6. The derived relations between the coefficients help to explain the well-known paradox of the inverse relation between fluidity and rate of flow which apparently has not yet been studied by the more elegant mathematical methods.
A trial of clarithromycin for the treatment of suboptimally controlled asthma

Background PCR studies have demonstrated evidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in the lower airways of patients with asthma. Objective To test the hypothesis that clarithromycin would improve asthma control in individuals with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma that was not well controlled despite treatment with low-dose inhaled corticosteroids. Methods Adults with an Asthma Control Questionnaire score ≥1.5 after a 4-week period of treatment with fluticasone propionate were entered into a PCR-stratified randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effect of 16 weeks of either clarithromycin or placebo, added to fluticasone, on asthma control in individuals with or without lower airway PCR evidence of M pneumoniae or C pneumoniae . Results A total of 92 participants were randomized. Twelve (13%) subjects demonstrated PCR evidence of M pneumoniae or C pneumoniae in endobronchial biopsies; 80 were PCR-negative for both organisms. In PCR-positive participants, clarithromycin yielded a 0.4 ± 0.4 unit improvement in the Asthma Control Questionnaire score, with a 0.1 ± 0.3 unit improvement in those allocated to placebo. This between-group difference of 0.3 ± 0.5 ( P = .6) was neither clinically nor statistically significant. In PCR-negative participants, a nonsignificant between-group difference of 0.2 ± 0.2 units ( P = .3) was observed. Clarithromycin did not improve lung function or airway inflammation but did improve airway hyperresponsiveness, increasing the methacholine PC 20 by 1.2 ± 0.5 doubling doses ( P = .02) in the study population. Conclusion Adding clarithromycin to fluticasone in adults with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma that was suboptimally controlled by low-dose inhaled corticosteroids alone did not further improve asthma control. Although there was an improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness with clarithromycin, this benefit was not accompanied by improvements in other secondary outcomes.
Amniotic fluid leukotaxis assay as an early indicator of chorioamnionitis

A characteristic feature of histologic chorioamnionitis caused by ascending infection is the amniotropism displayed by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the placental membranes. We tested the hypothesis that amniotic fluid from patients with histologic chorioamnionitis and intact membranes without clinical infection contains leukoattractants detectable by an in vitro leukotactic assay. Leukoattractants were detected in 13 cases (87%) and absent in 2 cases (13%) with histologic chorioamnionitis (p < 0.005). The two cases with histologic chorioamnionitis that had negative leukotaxis were classified as stage I/mild severity. A positive leukotactic response was a better predictor of histologic chorioamnionitis (87%) than positive Gram stain (33%), amniotic fluid culture (53%), gas-liquid chromatography (40%), or a combination of these three methods (60%). These results suggest that demonstration of leukoattractants in amniotic fluid is an earlier and more sensitive predictor of chorioamnionitis than is presently available. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;161:802-7.)
Visual evoked potential responses of the anesthetized cat to contrast modulation of grating patterns.

Abstract Contrast modulation affords independent control of static contrast ( C ) and changes in contrast (Δ C ). We found that in anesthetized, paralyzed cats, the visual evoked potential (VHP) was dependent only on ¦Δ C ¦ at each pattern transition, and was independent of the starting or ending contrast level. Increasing modulation frequency to above 2 Hz reduced the VEP monotonically, implying that the time constant for differentiation by the VEP is of the order of 250 msec. The essentially perfect a.c. coupling suppresses standing contrast completely, permitting the full dynamic range of the VEP response system to be used for detection of contrast increments (which results in a decreasing Weber fraction). The difference between our results and those of behavioral studies using contrast modulation can be explained by eye movements present in the behavioral studies which refresh the retinal image of the static contrast in a way uncorrelated to temporal modulation of the stimulus, thus introducing a masking effect.
The Role of Important Non-Parental Adults (VIPs) in the Lives of Older Adolescents: A Comparison of Three Ethnic Groups

Previous research has consistently documented the importance of VIPs (mentors or important non-parental adults) in the lives of adolescents. Little is known, however, about whether VIPs play the same important roles across ethnic groups and whether VIPs remain influential when adolescents are older and involved in romantic relationships. The present study compared VIPs of 355 Hispanic, Asian, and European American older adolescents (age range = 17–19 years; M = 18.7 years; 62% female). Results indicated that, despite ethnic differences in their social capital, VIPs’ psychological characteristics (e.g., warmth and acceptance, depressive symptoms, and problem behavior) were similar. VIPs were perceived to have more positive psychological profiles than parents and peers, and in some cases, romantic partners. Moreover, with a few exceptions, the associations between VIP characteristics and adolescent adjustment (e.g., self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and problem behavior) were largely similar across ethnic groups. Finally, VIPs made unique contributions to adolescents’ self-esteem and problem behaviors even after the effects of romantic partners were considered. Implications of the findings are discussed.
SU‐GG‐I‐106: Reconstructing Surface Models from Contours: A Simple Two‐Step Algorithm

Purpose: To reconstructsurfacemodels from delineations on CTimages, a simple two‐step algorithm is implemented. Method and Materials: Stacks of contours with CTimages are extracted from DICOM files which are exported from the treatment planning system. The surface reconstruction algorithm contains two steps. The first step is to segment the CTimages according to delineations via determining volumetric pixels inside or outside the contours via a simple scan line algorithm. The second step is to classify the six facets of each volumetric pixel of regions of interest, which is on or inside the contours, into inner facets and outer facets via determining a facet shared by two volumetric pixels or not. All the outer facets represent the boundary of delineated regions of interest on the CTimages. The surfacemodel is then generated from all the outer facets. Results: In comparison to other surface reconstruction algorithms, such as “Marching Cubes”, the surface reconstruction algorithm we describe here can be used to generate ‘interpolating’ surfaces other than ‘approximate’ surfaces. The surfacemodel can also be opened or closed if outer facets depending on whether the first and last layers of a CTimage are included or not. A lung case and a prostate case were tested. The largest surfacemodel is the body surfacemodel from the lung case which has roughly 400K triangular facets. For targets, the surfacemodels have approximately 2K triangular facets and 20K triangular facets for the lung and prostate PTVs, respectively. Conclusions: We have implemented a simple method to reconstructsurfaces from contours. All surfacemodels can be efficiently operated on a low‐end desktop computer. The algorithm is efficient and accurate, and can be used to generate surfacemodels for applications such as IGRT and dose‐surface histogram analysis. Work supported in part by NIH_R01‐CA106770
Vortex dynamics and scalar transport in the wake of a bluff body driven through a steady recirculating flow

The air ventilation system in wide-body aircraft cabins provides passengers with a healthy breathing environment. In recent years, the increase in global air traffic has amplified contamination risks by airborne flu-like diseases and terrorist threats involving the onboard release of noxious materials. In particular, passengers moving through a ventilated cabin may transport infectious pathogens in their wake. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the wake produced by a bluff body driven through a steady recirculating flow. Data were obtained in a water facility using particle image velocimetry and planar laser induced fluorescence. Ventilation attenuated the downward convection of counter-rotating vortices produced near the free-end corners of the body and decoupled the downwash mechanism from forward entrainment, creating stagnant contaminant regions.
Humour in University and Corporate Training: A Comparison of Trainer Perceptions

This article compares the humour used in university and corporate training programmes and discusses survey implications. Based on a survey of 183 university business professors and 243 corporate trainers, both groups were found to use similar types of humour (e.g. short stories, exaggeration), have similar reasons for using humour (e.g. help trainees relax, keep training interesting), and use humour in similar settings (e.g. humour occurs in lectures most often). Based on survey results and a literature review, both groups should consider making their humour understandable, non‐coercive, and relevant to the training situation. University and corporate trainers should also listen to what types of humour can be students like. Practising humour can be a way to gain these humour skills.
Bulimia and body image dissatisfaction in adolescence

This study examined body image dissatisfaction in bulimic adolescent girls. Subjects were screened with the Bulimia Test and the Eating Disorder Inventory, followed by clinical interviews using Russell's diagnostic criteria. Bulimic subjects were matched with controls by age, weight, height and year in high school. Results indicated that bulimic subjects were significantly more dissatisfied with their bodies as measured by the Color-A-Person Test than matched controls.
Risk of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy

Purpose. The primary objective of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the risk of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in healthy postmenopausal women, in breast...
Coagulopathies and surgeons

Abstract The certain mortality from uncontrolled bleeding and the high morbidity and mortality associated with arterial and venous thromboses make it mandatory that the surgeon be knowledgeable about coagulopathies and about mechanisms for reducing the incidence and sequelae of venous and arterial thromboses. It is hoped that this exposure to coagulation and coagulation-related research will help some surgeons in their practice of surgery, some in their research-related efforts, and, perhaps, entice a few surgeons to become involved in this exciting area of biological investigations.
Spatial convergent cross mapping to detect causal relationships from short time series

Recent developments in complex systems analysis have led to new techniques for detecting causal relationships using relatively short time series, on the order of 30 sequential observations. Although many ecological observation series are even shorter, perhaps fewer than ten sequential observations, these shorter time series are often highly replicated in space (i.e., plot replication). Here, we combine the existing techniques of convergent cross mapping (CCM) and dewdrop regression to build a novel test of causal relations that leverages spatial replication, which we call multispatial CCM. Using examples from simulated and real-world ecological data, we test the ability of multispatial CCM to detect causal relationships between processes. We find that multispatial CCM successfully detects causal relationships with as few as five sequential observations, even in the presence of process noise and observation error. Our results suggest that this technique may constitute a useful test for causality in systems where experiments are difficult to perform and long time series are not available. This new technique is available in the multispatialCCM package for the R programming language.
The development of children’s beliefs about intelligence

Abstract We review research in the development of children’s beliefs about intelligence and propose that this development represents simultaneous processes of concept acquisition and theory building. Research in beliefs about the nature of intelligence has focused on children’s definitions of intelligence, beliefs about the component structure of intelligence, and the criteria children use to evaluate ability. Children’s beliefs about the stability of intelligence have been examined in terms of constancy, controllability, capacity, the origins of intelligence, and mechanisms of change. Researchers have also examined the relationships among beliefs about intelligence and the relationship between those beliefs and achievement behaviors. We summarize prior theoretical frameworks used to explain the development of children’s beliefs and propose a new integrative model to understand children’s conceptions.
Passivity of a class of sampled-data systems: Application to haptic interfaces

Passivity of systems comprising a continuous time plant and discrete time controller is considered. This topic is motivated by stability considerations arising in the control of robots and force-reflecting human interfaces (“haptic interfaces”). Necessary conditions for passivity are found via a small gain condition, and sufficient conditions are found via an application of Parseval's theorem and a sequence of frequency domain manipulations. An example—implementation of a “virtual wall” via a one degree-of-freedom haptic interface—is given and discussed in some detail. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Future of brain support: multimodality monitoring

Multimodality monitoring of cerebral physiology encompasses the application of different monitoring techniques and integration of several measured physiological and biochemical variables into the assessment of brain metabolism, structure, perfusion and oxygenation status, in addition to clinical evaluation. Novel monitoring techniques include transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, neuroimaging, intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion and cerebral blood flow monitors, brain tissue oxygen tension monitoring, microdialysis, evoked potentials and continuous electroencephalography. Multimodality monitoring enables the immediate detection and prevention of acute neurological events, as well as appropriate intervention based on a patient’s individual disease state in the neurocritical care unit. Simultaneous real-time analysis of cerebral physiological, metabolic and cardiovascular parameters has broadened knowledge regarding complex brain pathophysiology and cerebral hemodynamics. Integration of this informati...