cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas Chromatographic Determination of Fatty Acids and Sterols in Orange Juice

A gas chromatographic (GC) method has been developed for the simultaneous quantitation of fatty acids and sterols in orange juice, using a bonded phase fused silica capillary column of intermediate polarity, splitless automatic injection, and flame ionization detection. Sample preparation has been simplified by using 1 g C-18 adsorbent in a disposable minicolumn to extract 2 mL orange juice. Methylation of fatty acids and silylation of the sterols were carried out in the eluted extract (low polarity lipid fraction). The method precision was 7%; recoveries ranged from 83 to 113%. The precision of the injection technique was 2%. Seven major fatty acids and 5 sterols in orange juice were quantitated by the GC method and identified by GC/mass spectrometry. Quantitative data for several orange juice samples indicated that the levels of the compounds of interest were in the 1.3-72.0 mg/L range. The results demonstrate that bonded phase fused silica capillary GC has great versatility and potential for the quantitative determination of fatty acids and sterols.
Molecular markers for throat and skin isolates of group A streptococci.

The nasopharyngeal mucosa and impetigo lesion serve as the primary sites of infection and principal reservoirs for transmission of group A streptococci. It has long been recognized that there exists discrete populations of group A streptococci that are associated with either the throat or skin, and it is the M protein serotype that defines the so-called throat and skin strains (1,9). The M and M-like family of proteins form surface fibrils which display structural and functional diversity. One of our goals has been to trace the molecular pathway that links pathogenic properties to epidemiological markers. As a first step, we sought to better understand the organization that underlies the complex emm gene family.
DNA methylation signature of intergenic region involves in nucleosome remodeler DDM1-mediated repression of aberrant gene transcriptional read-through.

The strict and efficient transcription termination is required to prevent production of aberrant read-through transcripts that may cause transcriptional interference at neighboring genes. However, the exact regulatory mechanism remains poorly understood. Through a genetic screening of a LUCIFERASE (LUC) reporter system, we found that Arabidopsis nucleosome remodeler DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION1 (DDM1) is a key component of this regulatory machinery and plays an important role in transcription termination, thus limiting transcriptional read-through (TRT). By whole-genome strand-specific RNA sequencing, we identified and confirmed 43 endogenous TRTs between genes, transposable elements (TEs), or genes and TEs in the ddm1-10 mutant, which mainly occurred at heterochromatin regions. The DNA methylation analysis of these TRT regions revealed that TRT occurred frequently at the intergenic regions with a higher methylation level in wild type comparing to the regions where TRT did not occur. Our results suggest that the level of intergenic DNA methylation may involve in preventing aberrant gene TRT or producing new gene during evolution.
Continuous Direct Current Nerve Block Using Multi Contact High Capacitance Electrodes

Charge-balanced direct current (CBDC) nerve block can be used to block nerve conduction in peripheral nerves. Previous work demonstrated that the CBDC waveform could be used to achieve a 10% duty cycle of block to non-block repeatedly for at least two hours. We demonstrate that the duty cycle of this approach can be significantly increased by utilizing multiple electrode contacts and cycling the CBDC waveform between each contact in a “carousel” configuration. Using this approach, we demonstrated in an acute rat sciatic nerve preparation, that a 30% duty cycle complete block can be achieved with two contacts; and a 100% duty cycle block (>95% complete block) can be achieved with four contacts. This latter configuration utilized a 4-s block plateau, with 3 s between successive plateaus at each contact and a recharge phase amplitude that was 34% of the block amplitude. Further optimization of the carousel approach can be achieved to improve block effectiveness and minimize total electrode length. This approach may have significant clinical use in cases where a partial or complete block of peripheral nerve activity is required. In one example case, we achieved continuous block for 22 min without degradation of nerve conduction. Future study will be required to further optimize this technique and to demonstrate safety for chronic human use.
Brazil Is Not a Serious Country

The pre-Collor Brazil was an exemplar of Third World state capitalism. To undo the canopy of state interventionism, central planning, and a jungle of restrictive regulations, Collor’s administration had to inculcate Brazil with a new culture of antistatist but private market-based development. The success of his reforms meant a direct confrontation with the statist tradition which has spawned scores, if not hundreds, of interest groups, including powerful business enterprises, both public and private, an ingrained ideology of topdown development, and a strong dose of national aspirations that Brazil was destined to become the global player in the South Atlantic. The power of the state steered the growth of Brazil’s economy for decades. As the economy grew, the state grew. State power led the transition from the agrarian to the industrial phase in Brazil. The power of the state, as in Pombal’s Portugal and Colbert’s France, shortened Brazil’s rise from a backward economy to the world’s eighth largest industrial economy within three decades. The state held the absolute financial lever.2
Questions of Species and Gender

Coleridge’s prose writings about animals differed markedly from his poetic depictions of them, partly because his increasing moral preoccupations took him away from the close empathising with the life in nature characteristic of earlier years. Whereas the three poems that prominently feature animals or birds – To a Young Ass, Its Mother Being Tethered Nearby’; ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’; and ’Christabel’ – depict them as victims of oppressive or unthinking actions (even if also as related in various ways to ‘Christian souls’), the prose writings concentrate increasingly on the distance or gap between human beings and animated nature.
NGS for Sequence Variants.

Recent technological advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) provide unprecedented power to sequence personal genomes, characterize genomic landscapes, and detect a large number of sequence variants. The discovery of disease-causing variants in patients’ genomes has dramatically changed our perspective on precision medicine. This chapter provides an overview of sequence variant detection and analysis in NGS study. We outline the general methods for identifying different types of sequence variants from NGS data. We summarize the common approaches for analyzing and visualizing casual variants associated with complex diseases on precision medicine informatics.
Rac1-Mediated DNA Damage and Inflammation Promote Nf2 Tumorigenesis but Also Limit Cell-Cycle Progression

Merlin encoded by the Nf2 gene is a bona fide tumor suppressor that has been implicated in regulation of both the Hippo-Yap and Rac1-Pak1 pathways. Using genetically engineered murine liver models, we show that co-deletion of Rac1 with Nf2 blocks tumor initiation but paradoxically exacerbates hepatomegaly induced by Nf2 loss, which can be suppressed either by treatment with pro-oxidants or by co-deletion of Yap. Our results suggest that while Yap acts as the central driver of proliferation during Nf2 tumorigenesis, Rac1 primarily functions as an inflammation switch by inducing reactive oxygen species that, on one hand, induce nuclear factor κB signaling and expression of inflammatory cytokines, and on the other activate p53 checkpoint and senescence programs dampening the cyclin D1-pRb-E2F1 pathway. Interestingly, senescence markers are associated with benign NF2 tumors but not with malignant NF2 mutant mesotheliomas, suggesting that senescence may underlie the benign nature of most NF2 tumors.
Significance of chromosome 8 breakpoint location in Burkitt's lymphoma: correlation with geographical origin and association with Epstein-Barr virus.

Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a B cell neoplasm, which occurs throughout the world, predominantly in children and young adults [Magrath 1983]. Its relatively high incidence in equatorial Africa has led to the African form of the disease being designated as “endemic” (eBL), while cases outside equatorial Africa are referred to as “sporadic” (sBL) Burkitt’s lymphoma. A number of differences between eBL and sBL have been described [Magrath 1986] and are summarized in table 1.
From Ordinary to Mathematical Categorization in the Visual World… of Words, Pictures and Practices

My initial strategy is to focus on categorization and its indeterminacy, since they play a role in understanding and using pictures as well as they do in symbolic representation and reasoning. The methodological choice to emphasize categorization is not arbitrary; it is rather motivated by the central role it plays in conceptual and formal accounts of the phenomenon of vagueness as well as in the very practice of its investigation, particularly in philosophical models of linguistic vagueness and the application of formal models of fuzzy sets. I take it to be a stable description of a phenomenon and a practice itself used to guide and explain other forms of behavior. There is some gain in trying to apply the conceptual standards developed around the linguistic cases: it brings out the scope of their relevance and some of their differences in role and interpretation. But, again, this is not to deny the variety of additional or alternative criteria relevant for understanding or establishing representation, or the mechanisms for effecting it; similarly, in the specific case of categorization, for its possible criteria or procedures. The caveat, I repeat, is that, like representation, the role of categorization itself as a label for a cognitive practice and an explanation for cognitive and other practices may very well be reinterpreted, explained away and replaced; that is, in objectivist terms, talk of categorization could be “wrong” and in pragmatic, functional terms, it could prove less efficient than alternatives. Vagueness and fuzzy set theory will have to be reinterpreted accordingly. Either way, applying specific views to new models of specific cognitive phenomena will suggest further developments that I leave the reader to explore.
Impacts of climate change and urban growth on the streamflow of the Milwaukee River (Wisconsin, USA)

Hydrological impact studies of climate change increasingly take land use changes into account. However, the Midwestern USA is still understudied in this context. This study investigated the impacts of potential climate change and urban growth on the streamflow characteristics of the Milwaukee River located in southeastern Wisconsin. The Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) was set up for the catchment and calibrated against observed streamflow data. The calibrated HSPF model was run with a series of climate and urban growth scenarios generated from nine global climate models (GCMs) and a land use simulation model, respectively. The outcomes from the GCMs, statistically downscaled at 10-km grid spacing, generally indicated a warmer and wetter climate by the mid-twenty-first century, and the land use simulation model projected moderate urban growth by the time. Major findings from the study include: (1) land use changes alone resulted in negligible streamflow changes; (2) low flows showed more sensitivity than mean streamflow to climate change; (3) streamflow variability increased with both land use and climate changes, and (4) uncertainty in simulated streamflow among GCMs was larger than uncertainty among the GCM output themselves. The findings suggest that the current pace of urban growth would not pose much threat to the water resources in the area. Considering that low flow indices responded more sensitively than mean streamflow to climate change, measures to improve resilience to drought conditions are recommended. Because land use change impacts were quite small, considering the impact of both climate and land use scenarios did not produce a significantly different result.
Evolution of surface structure and phase separation in GaInAsSb

Atomic force microscopy was used to study changes in the surface step structure of GaInAsSb layers with varying degrees of phase separation. The layers were grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy on (001) GaSb substrates with 2{sup o} miscut angles toward (-1-11)A, (1-11)B, and (101). Alloy decomposition was observed by contrast modulations in plan-view transmission electron microscopy, and broadening in x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence peaks. GaInAsSb layers with a minimal degree of phase separation exhibit a step-bunched step structure. A gradual degradation in the periodicity of the step structure is observed as the alloy decomposes into GaAs- and InSb-rich regions. The surface eventually develops trenches to accommodate the local strain associated with composition variations, which are on the order of a few percent. The surface composition is affected by substrate miscut angle, and although phase separation cannot be eliminated, its extent can be reduced by growing on substrates miscut toward (1-11)B.
Carpal tunnel syndrome : etiology and endoscopic treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves classic symptoms of numbness and paresthesias in the radial three and one-half digits, most frequently nocturnal, with pain associated with this anatomic distribution. Thenar weakness and autonomic dysfunction occurs late in these patients and are usually seen in advanced cases. The wrist flexion test and local percussion sensitivity tests done on physical examination can be helpful in determining and confirming the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The likelihood that operative treatment will be required for resolution of symptoms is heightened if the patient is involved in daily manual repetitive activities of the hand or wrist. Surgical decompression can be accomplished by either a limited open or new endoscopic carpal tunnel release techniques. Currently, the advantages and disadvantages present in both procedures and careful controlled studies conducted in a prospective and randomized fashion will be required to further delineate the indications for either procedure. Carpal tunnel release remains an operative procedure with the most predictable outcome with relief of symptoms for the patient.
Toward Task-Based Mental Models of Human-Robot Teaming: A Bayesian Approach

We consider a set of team-based information tasks, meaning that the team’s goals are to choose behaviors that provide or enhance information available to the team. These information tasks occur across a region of space and must be performed for a period of time. We present a Bayesian model for (a) how information flows in the world and (b) how information is altered in the world by the location and perceptions of both humans and robots. Building from this model, we specify the requirements for a robot’s computational mental model of the task and the human teammate, including the need to understand where and how the human processes information in the world. The robot can use this mental model to select its behaviors to support the team objective, subject to a set of mission constraints.
Ranking Models with Item Covariates

Two parametric classes of ranking models are investigated: the Thurstone order statistics models and the Babington Smith models. Both families are natural extensions of commonly used paired comparison models. The concept of an “item parameter” is introduced and studied in the context of each of these classes of models. This distinction between the item parameters and the remaining parameters in a ranking model is useful not only for the general interpretation of model parameters, but also for the specific problem of introducing covariates in these models. Estimation schemes are described for these models, both with and without covariates, and are implemented in an example.
Economic burden of dermatitis in US workers [corrected].

Objective To estimate the economic burden associated with dermatitis in those aged 16 to 65 years and working in seven industry sectors (DW). Methods The 2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the cost-of-illness method, which aggregates health care costs and productivity losses, were used. Results The economic burden of DW was ~$1.2 billion, representing 10.5% of the cost of all skin diseases and disorders (SDD). In all private industry (ie, the sum of the seven sectors examined), cost per employed person was ~$11 for DW and $109 for SDD. In the all-services sector, one of the seven examined, cost per employed person was ~$15 for DW and $113 for SDD. Conclusions This study provides the first published estimate of the economic burden of DW, based on a representative sample of the US population.
The Longitudinal Connections Between Undergraduate High Impact Curriculum Practices and Civic Engagement in Adulthood

There is concern that civic engagement in the U.S. has declined recently especially among the younger generations. It is known that one of the strongest predictors of civic engagement is education level, where those with at least a college degree typically have the highest levels of civic engagement. There is also emerging evidence that college curriculum experiences have the potential to instill pro-civic dispositions. In this study, we improved on and advanced past research that examined the associations between undergraduate curriculum experiences and civic engagement. We used cohort and longitudinal data from the 2002–2012 Education Longitudinal Study to test whether experiences in six different high impact practices (HIP) as well as in the number of HIP predicted levels of civic engagement later in adulthood. Based on a series of binomial regression analyses, we found that experiences in HIP significantly predicted higher levels of civic engagement later in adulthood, especially for students who entered college with low levels of pro-civic orientations. Some of these longitudinal relationships were adjusted downward after controlling for precollege selection factors, other college experiences, and other adult outcomes. Still, the significant influence of these undergraduate HIP experiences persisted into adulthood suggesting that individuals carry their curriculum involvements into their post-college transitions including that of being engaged in their communities.
Synthesis of fibronectin by the isolated perfused rat liver

The major site(s) of synthesis of plasma fibronectin is unknown. Using the isolated perfused rat liver and anti-rat fibronectin antiserum, we have measured net hepatic synthesis of fibronectin during 10-hr perfusion periods. We calculated the circulating plasma fibronectin pool of a 195-g rat with body surface area of 300 sq cm to be 3.3 mg: net hepatic synthesis of 3.75 +/- 1.0 mg/300 sq cm body surface area of the rat liver donor was seen in liver perfusions of 10 hr. When the hormones cortisol and insulin were added to the liver perfusate, net synthesis of 5.05 +/- 0.82 mg/300 sq cm was seen. Synthesis of two known acute phase reactant proteins, fibrinogen and alpha-2 acute phase globulin, was also substantially greater in the presence of cortisol and insulin. Plasma fibronectin levels measured in intact rats that had abscess produced by subcutaneous turpentine injection were 0.57 +/- 0;05 mg/ml compared to 0.38 +/- 0.02 mg/ml in normal control animals. Our studies indicate that hepatic synthesis contributes substantially to the plasma fibronectin pool and show that such synthesis is enhanced by the hormones cortisol and insulin. In the intact rat, inflammation was associated with elevated levels of plasma fibronectin.
Calpain-mediated tau cleavage: a mechanism leading to neurodegeneration shared by multiple tauopathies.

Tau dysfunction has been associated with a host of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies. These diseases share, as a common pathological hallmark, the presence of intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau in affected brain areas. Aside from tau hyperphosphorylation, little is known about the role of other posttranslational modifications in tauopathies. Recently, we obtained data suggesting that calpain-mediated tau cleavage leading to the generation of a neurotoxic tau fragment might play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease. In the current study, we assessed the presence of this tau fragment in several tauopathies. Our results show high levels of the 17-kDa tau fragment and enhanced calpain activity in the temporal cortex of AD patients and in brain samples obtained from patients with other tauopathies. In addition, our data suggest that this fragment could partially inhibit tau aggregation. Conversely, tau aggregation might prevent calpain-mediated cleavage, establishing a feedback circuit that might lead to the accumulation of this toxic tau fragment. Collectively, these data suggest that the mechanism underlying the generation of the 17-kDa neurotoxic tau fragment might be part of a conserved pathologic process shared by multiple tauopathies.
Electron-phonon interaction and Boltzmann equation in narrow-band semiconductors

Interaction of electrons or holes in narrow energy bands with both acoustic and polar phonons is investigated. Based upon a graphical expansion of the electron Green's function and of the transport vertex function, a Boltzmann equation is derived, which includes one-phonon and simultaneous two-phonon scattering. The general results are applied to a one-dimensional model of a narrow-band system.
Text Messaging as a Teaching Tool in a Family Medicine Clerkship Rotation.

Introduction Today's learners use multiple forms of social communication, such as text messaging, that offer a promising teaching tool for medical education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a diabetes care curriculum delivered through text messages for third-year medical students on a rural family medicine clerkship. Methods A pilot study of 119 participants were compared in a parallel group randomized controlled trial evaluating medical student learning and satisfaction with text messages throughout rotation compared to an email with the same content in their first week of rotation. Participants completed a 10-question multiple-choice test and six survey questions upon completing the rotation. The primary outcome was a difference between test scores among the two groups, and student satisfaction with the educational intervention was a secondary outcome. Results A total of 85 participants successfully completed the study protocol (34 text messages and 51 email) and were included in a per protocol analysis. The average number of correct responses per test was 3.32 (SD 1.29) in the texting group and 3.69 (SD 1.53) in the email group (P=0.259). Student satisfaction with text messages was 3.68 (SD 0.87) compared to email at 2.02 (SD 0.95) when rating the educational intervention on a 1 to 5 Likert scale (1=poor, 3=average, and 5=excellent). Conclusions Participant knowledge on a challenging posttest was not improved with text messages compared to an email in this pilot study. Satisfaction with text messages was primarily positive. Further study is needed to determine the effectiveness of this content delivery method.
Limb blood flow and tissue perfusion during exercise with blood flow restriction.

Exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) is emerging as an effective modality for improving muscular function in clinical and athletic populations. Selection of cuff pressure is critical because it should maximize metabolic stress without completely occluding blood flow or compromising user safety. It is unknown how cuff pressures determined at rest influence blood flow hemodynamics during exercise. We evaluated changes in blood flow and tissue perfusion before, during, and after exercise with BFR. Ten males performed rhythmic handgrip exercise (30 contractions, 30% MVC) at 0%, 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of limb occlusion pressure (LOP). Brachial artery blood flow and tissue saturation were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. At rest blood flow generally decreased with increased pressure (0% > 60% ≈ 80% > 100% ≈ 120% LOP). During 60% and 80% LOP conditions, blood flow increased during exercise from rest and decreased after exercise (all P < 0.05). Compared to 0% LOP, relative blood flow at 60% and 80% LOP decreased by 22–47% at rest, 22–48% during exercise, and 52–71% after exercise (all P < 0.05). Increased LOP decreased tissue saturation during exercise with BFR (P < 0.05). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac output did not differ across LOP. At pressures below LOP the cardiovascular system overcame the external pressure and increased blood flow to exercising muscles. Relative reductions in blood flow at rest were similar to those during exercise. Thus, the relative occlusion measured at rest approximated the degree of occlusion during exercise. Moderate cuff pressures increased metabolic stress without completely occluding blood flow.
A New Algorithm Design Technique for Hard Problems, Building on Methods of Complexity Theory

Our goal is to develop a general algorithm design technique for a certain type of heuristic algorithms, so that it provably applies to a large class of hard problems. A heuristic algorithm provides a correct decision for most inputs, but may fail on some. We focus on the case when failure means that the algorithm does not return any answer, rather than returning a wrong result. This type of failure is represented by a “don’t know” answer. Such algorithms are called errorless heuristics. Their advantage is that whenever the algorithm returns any answer (other than “don’t know”), the answer is guaranteed to be correct.
Exosomal microRNA: The revolutionary endogenous Innerspace nanotechnology

T lymphocytes release exosomes containing specific microRNAs that cause apoptosis of pancreatic β cells in type 1 diabetes.
Seismic Interpretation in Petroleum Exploration

The application of the seismic technique to petroleum exploration has evolved well beyond its original emphasis on imaging of subsurface structure. Regional data sets are key to understanding basin scale structural style and basin fill cyclicity. Seismic interpretation supports evaluation of all of the conventional petroleum systems elements: source, degree of source maturation, reservoir presence and quality, trap geometry and seal capacity. The practice of seismic and sequence stratigraphy aid in definition of potential source intervals based on lapout surfaces that may indicate organic marine condensed sections or coal-rich to lacustrine deposits in topset geometries. Basin fill cyclicity defined by regional horizon mapping is commonly integrated with heat flow modeling to evaluate potential source kitchens. Seismic geomorphology and attribute analyses are applied to the understanding of reservoir body geometry and the degree of stratigraphic compartmentalization. Acquisition of high-resolution 3D seismic surveys and related prestack time and depth migration has greatly enhanced the ability to image steep dips, complex structures, and trapping configuration. Top seals are generally defined as regionally mappable mudrich stratigraphic units. Evaluation of pressure seals and sealing capacity can be supported by analysis of structural relief, fluid pressure fetch areas, and the presence of gas clouds.
One-Pot Synthesis of Cinnamylideneacetophenones and Their in vitro Cytotoxicity in Breast Cancer Cells.

A series of cinnamylidene acetophenones (III) (10 examples) are synthesized via a modified Claisen—Schmidt condensation and evaluated for their cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells.
How to Transect the C2 Root for C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement: Case Series and Review of an Underappreciated Variable in Outcome

Background The techniques for atlantoaxial arthrodesis have been modified over the years, and placing C1 lateral mass screws is a modern approach. C2 neuropathy is a complication of concern; however, sacrifice of the C2 nerve is an accepted and often favored adjunct. The impact of the technique for cutting the C2 nerve is not adequately addressed in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes from a series of roots sacrificed during C1-2 fusion with attention to the C2 transection method. Methods Clinical data were collected from trauma patients who underwent C1 screw fixation for atlantoaxial fusion. Chart review was performed and outcome assessed through telephone surveys to patients who were at least 6 months postoperative. Quality of life, C2 nerve function, neck pain, and head pain were assessed. Results Sixty-six roots were divided in 35 patients. There were no cases of occipital neuralgia at routine 3-month follow-up. Delayed telephone surveys were completed in 17 patients and exposed 4 cases of severe head/neck pain but none consistent with occipital neuralgia. Conclusions C2 neuralgia is rare when sharply dividing the C2 root with the aid of bipolar electrocautery at the midportion of the ganglion where it overlies the C1-2 joint. A literature review suggests the impact of the root sacrifice method is an underappreciated modifiable factor in outcome. In future reports, description of the root transection technique is imperative and trials comparing ganglionectomy versus transection proximal to the ganglion or through the ganglion should be considered.
Excited bottomonia in quark-gluon plasma from lattice QCD

Abstract We present the first lattice QCD study of up to 3S and 2P bottomonia at non-zero temperatures. Correlation functions of bottomonia were computed using novel bottomonium operators and a variational technique, within the lattice non-relativistic QCD framework. We analyzed the bottomonium correlation functions based on simple physically-motivated spectral functions. We found evidence of sequential in-medium modifications, in accordance with the sizes of the bottomonium states.
Bone-Selective MRI as a Nonradiative Alternative to CT for Craniofacial Imaging

Rational and Objectives Computed tomography (CT) is the clinical gold-standard for high-resolution 3D visualization of cortical bone structures. However, ionizing radiation is of concern, particularly for pediatric patients. This study evaluates the feasibility of producing 3D human skull renderings using a novel bone-selective magnetic resonance imaging technique. Materials and Methods A dual-radiofrequency pulse, dual-echo, 3D ultrashort echo time sequence was applied for scanning of a cadaver skull and five healthy adult subjects. Scans were each completed within 6 minutes. Semiautomatic segmentation of bone voxels was performed using ITK-SNAP software, leading to 3D renderings of the skulls. For comparison, thin-slice head CT scans were performed. Mimics software was used to measure eight anatomic distances from 3D renderings. Lin's Concordance Correlation test was applied to assess agreement between measurements from MR-based and CT-based 3D skull renderings. Results The 3D rendered MR images depict most craniofacial features (e.g., zygomatic arch), although some voxels were erroneously included or excluded in the renderings. MR-based measurements differed from CT-based measurements by mean percent difference ranging from 2.3%–5.0%. Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficients for MR-based vs CT-based measurements ranged from 0.998–1.000. Conclusion The proposed dual-radiofrequency dual-echo 3D ultrashort echo time imaging technique produces high-resolution bone-specific images within a clinically feasible imaging time, leading to clear visualization of craniofacial skeletal structures. Concordance coefficients suggest good reliability of the method compared to CT. The method is currently limited by time and manual input necessary for segmentation correction. Further investigation is needed for more accurate 3D renderings and for scanning of pediatric patients.
Evaluation of lymphocytic thyroiditis in children with quantitative gray-scale ultrasound echo intensity using a PACS-based tool.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate diagnostic performance of PACS-based quantitative gray-scale ultrasound as an objective method in evaluation of pediatric thyroiditis. Methods Quantitative measurements of the echo-intensity level of the thyroid were obtained from ultrasound images, retrospectively using a PACS-based tool in 37 children with the tissue-proven diagnosis. Thyroid/muscle ratio was calculated by dividing the mean echo intensity of thyroid by that of adjacent strap muscle. Heterogeneity index (HI) was calculated by dividing thyroid standard deviation (SD) by thyroid mean values. For qualitative evaluation, two radiologists independently reviewed ultrasounds twice for the presence of thyroiditis. A consensus session was performed for patients for whom there was disagreement. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were assessed. Thyroid/muscle ratio and HI were correlated with final pathology. Results Lymphocytic thyroiditis was found by histopathology in 19/37 (51%). No significant difference between thyroiditis and normal thyroid groups was found for either thyroid/muscle ratio (1.51 and 1.62, respectively, p = .82) or HI (0.23 and.23, respectively, p = .37). A larger proportion of patients for whom the consensus review indicated thyroiditis were confirmed by histopathology than would be expected by chance alone (12/19 (63%), p = .03). There was fair inter-observer agreement (κ with 95% confidence intervals of 0.36 (0.14–0.57), p = .004) and slight intra-observer agreement for each radiologist (κ with 95% confidence intervals of 0.13 (0.17–0.43), p = .39 and 0.17 (0.15–0.49), p = .31). Conclusion Quantitative gray-scale echo intensity analysis of US was not sufficient to diagnose thyroiditis in a pediatric population. Consensus qualitative analysis of ultrasound was more consistent with pathological diagnosis.
DBT–ACES in a multicultural community mental health setting: implications for clinical practice

Abstract This chapter expands on the dialectic between the delivery of dialectical behavior therapy–accepting the challenge of exiting the system (DBT–ACES) and cultural intersectionality. The aims of DBT–ACES, a second-stage treatment aimed at helping clients with borderline personality disorder, are to support clients in continuing to aspire for a life worth living, secure economic independence, and ultimately break free from psychiatric disability. This chapter focuses on multicultural barriers that may arise during treatment. Program data from a culturally diverse treatment sample are reviewed. A review of the literature on the importance of considering multiculturalism in the delivery of DBT and cultural adaptations are suggested for clinical practice. Case examples are provided to highlight these concepts.
Covid19 and protest repertoires in the United States: an initial description of limited change

The Covid19 pandemic did not cause a dramatic change in the dominant protest repertoire in the United States. Street protests and all the associated behaviors such as marching, carrying signs, chan...
Assessment of alerting, orienting, and executive control in persons with aphasia using the Attention Network Test

Attention deficits frequently accompany language impairments in aphasia. Most research on attention in aphasia focuses on selective attention measured by executive control tasks such as the color-w...
Immunoassay Biosensing of Foodborne Pathogens with Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging: A Review.

Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) has been increasingly used in the label-free detections of various biospecies, such as organic toxins, proteins, and bacteria. In combination with the well-...
Artificial Intelligence and the Trainee Experience in Radiology.

Abstract The hype around artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology continues unabated, despite the fact that the exact role AI will play in future radiology practice remains undefined. Nevertheless, education of the radiologists of the future is ongoing and needs to account for the uncertainty of this new technology. Radiology residency training has evolved even before the recent advent of imaging AI. Yet radiology residents and fellows will likely one day experience the benefits of an AI-enabled clinical training. This will offer them a customized learning experience and the ability to analyze large quantities of data about their progress in residency, with substantially less manual effort than is currently required. Additionally, they will need to learn how to interact with AI tools in clinical practice and, more importantly, understand how to evaluate AI outputs in a critical fashion as yet another piece of information contributing to the interpretation of an imaging examination. Although the exact role AI will play in the future practice of radiology remains undefined, it will surely be integrated into the education of future radiologists.
A cross-sectional study on the impact of the prevention and control response of the COVID-19 pandemic on minor's orthopedic trauma in Shanghai

Background The Chinese government has taken strong prevention and control measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic is far from over, it has been effectively controlled in China. The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to study the influence of governmental prevention and control response on orthopedic trauma in minors. Methods We collected and reviewed data and information on minor's orthopedic trauma from 1 January to 30 June of the past three year (2018, 2019 and 2020). The data were divided according to the time of prevention and control response level in 2020 (the first level response is from January 24 to March 22, the second level response is from March 23 to May 7, and the third level response is May 8 to now). By comparing the relevant data from orthopedic emergency and operating rooms from the past three years, the influence of governmental pandemic prevention measures on orthopedic trauma in minors was analyzed. Results A total of 36,301 minors were included in the study cohort. Before the prevention and control response, the data of the orthopedic emergency department of National Children Medical Center (Shanghai) in 2020 was the same as the previous two years. The condition of children undergoing surgery at the time of injury is significantly different under different levels of prevention and control response. Under the first-level response, the number of fractures, open injuries, radial head subluxation, and surgery were significantly reduced, and the severity of patients with surgery was also significantly reduced. Under the second-level response, the number of operations began to increase, and the severity of the disease also began to rise. Under the third-level response control, the number of fractures, open injuries, and operations have returned to the levels of the previous two years. The severity of the operation has also returned to its previous level. The number of subluxations of the radial head is still different from before. Conclusion The prevention and control response for the pandemic of COVID-19 can reduce the incidence of orthopedic trauma in minors by strengthening the guardian's care and restricting children's outdoor activities. With the control of the pandemic, the amount of orthopedic trauma in minors will not be affected by low-level prevention and control.
Teacher communities as a context for professional learning: a preschool case study

Considerable research has shown professional learning communities (PLC) within schools as a beneficial way for teachers to develop professionally within the context of their own work environment. A...
Non-topotactic reactions enable high rate capability in Li-rich cathode materials

High-rate cathode materials for Li-ion batteries require fast Li transport kinetics, which typically rely on topotactic Li intercalation/de-intercalation because it minimally disrupts Li transport pathways. In contrast to this conventional view, here we demonstrate that the rate capability in a Li-rich cation-disordered rocksalt cathode can be significantly improved when the topotactic reaction is replaced by a non-topotactic reaction. The fast non-topotactic lithiation reaction is enabled by facile and reversible transition metal octahedral-to-tetrahedral migration, which improves rather than impedes Li transport. Using this concept, we show that high-rate performance can be achieved in Mn- and Ni-based cation-disordered rocksalt materials when some of the transition metal content can reversibly switch between octahedral and tetrahedral sites. This study provides a new perspective on the design of high-performance cathode materials by demonstrating how the interplay between Li and transition metal migration in materials can be conducive to fast non-topotactic Li intercalation/de-intercalations. It is generally believed that fast Li-ion transport in batteries can only be achieved when the host material does not change much with the Li movement. Here the authors show that controlled and reversible changes in host structures upon cycling can actually be used to improve the battery kinetics.
Effectiveness of Similitude Theory for Bucket Design and Analysis for Rubber Tire Loaders

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of similitude theory in predicting the draft of a rubber tire loader’s bucket during initial penetration. The work uses 1:16 and 1:8 scale models of an 18-t capacity load haul dump, scaled with the Buckingham Pi Theorem, to evaluate the prediction of draft and penetration under different operating and different dynamic conditions. The authors hypothesize that the observed relationships between draft and longitudinal penetration and the operating and dynamic conditions will hold true for an upscaled model. Similarly, the authors hypothesized that the results of experiments conducted with the smaller scaled model should predict the draft on an upscaled model. The results show that the relationships between draft and longitudinal penetration and operating and dynamic parameters are similar for both scaled models. Similarly, the draft on the upscaled model, predicted by using the experimental results of the small model, is similar to the measured draft on the upscaled model. The mean difference between the two is 1.71 N with 95% confidence interval of [-3.51, 6.93], which is very good given the average draft is approximately 330 N. Thus, the work indicates that both hypotheses are true for draft. However, the work shows that scaling muck pile particle sizes using the Buckingham Pi Theorem is not adequate to ensure good predictions of penetration. This work provides insights that will help design engineers to acquire useful data on scaled models and use it for various analyses on heavy machinery.
Assay for singlet-oxygen generation by peroxidases using 1270-nm chemiluminescence.

Publisher Summary Singlet oxygen ( l Δ g ) represents one possible product of systems composed of a peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide, and a halide. Both heme-containing peroxidases and nonheme vanadium bromoperoxidases can produce singlet oxygen. Peroxidases can also oxidize iodide anion. However, with hypoiodous acid, the reaction is endothermic and singlet oxygen is not produced. To distinguish singlet oxygen from a variety of other reactive products generated by peroxidases, including radicals and various oxidized halide species, a technique with extreme selectivity is required. The measurement of singlet oxygen phosphorescence at 1270 nm is one such technique. Even in complex biochemical systems, chemiluminescence near 1270 nm from other excited species is extremely uncommon. Singlet oxygen ( l Δ g ) is an electronically excited oxygen molecule with 23 kcal per mole more energy than ground-state oxygen. This energy can be released as a 1270-nm photon, but the transition, which requires an electron spin change, is not allowed by the rules of quantum mechanics. Thus, the radiative rate is low. Most deactivating collisions of singlet oxygen with water molecules generate heat via a nonradiative transition. The lifetime of singlet oxygen in water is only 3.1μsec. The modest singlet oxygen production rates found in peroxidase systems and the short singlet oxygen lifetime result in low steady-state singlet oxygen concentrations. The combination of a low steady-state concentration and of a low radiative rate causes the 1270-nm emission from peroxidase systems to be very weak. Thus, measuring the weak 1270-nm emission from singlet oxygen generated by peroxidases would appear to represent a significant technical challenge, but modern solid-state near-infrared detectors have made the measurement of singlet oxygen production by various biochemical systems straightforward.
Freedom: psychological, ethical, and political

Freedom is sometimes cast as the psychological ideal that distinguishes human beings from other animals; sometimes as the ethical ideal that distinguishes some human beings from others; and sometimes as the political ideal that distinguishes some human societies from others. This paper is an attempt to put the three ideals in a common frame, revealing their mutual connections and differences.
Fallacies of Negative Constitutionalism

models that rarely occur in pure form. How individual theorists are classified will depend on whether they associate the Constitution chiefly with representative processes and negative liberties or whether they place equal or greater emphasis on a constitutional duty to pursue substantive public purposes. One can defend either of these orientations on textual grounds, intentionalist grounds, pragmatic grounds, and moral grounds. I have argued for a positive or welfarist view on all these grounds.' My arguments for a welfarist view include an attack on some forms of negative * Professor of Political Science, University of Notre Dame. 1. See generally Sotirios A. Barber, Welfare and the Constitution, at chs. 2, 5 (2003) [hereinafter Welfare and the Constitution].
Our society is not more violent.

The proposition that our society as a whole has become increasingly violent is now firmly imbedded into the psyche of the American public. As counterpoint to the unremitting tales of crimes in our newspapers and telecasts, waves of "experts" are brought forth to lament how each particular act of mayhem typifies the violent culture in which we live. Multidisciplinary conferences on violence are a growth industry. There is much wrong with this depiction of the violence "epidemic" (medical metaphors are popular these days), not the least of which is that it is inaccurate. If the term means hurtful actions and behaviors between human beings, I contend that there is considerably less overall violence in the 1990s than occurred 100, 50, or even 25 years ago.
Moi et 'Autre: identití et diversité dans un cours sur le film francophone

Un cours sur le cinema francophone constitue une occasion ideale pour apprehender les concepts d'identite et de diversite en mettant les etudiants en contact avec des individus d'autres cultures aux identites plurielles. Cet article propose une sequence pedagogique en quatre modules combinant des exercices d'analyse de films et des exercices d'introspection. Les etudiants retracent le parcours identitaire des personnages a travers leurs rencontres avec les Autres, et par le truchement des films, s'interrogent sur leur propre parcours et sur leurs reactions aux Autres. Ils apprennent ainsi a developper progressivement leurs competences interculturelles.