cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intra-articular steroid injection at the time of knee arthroscopy increases risk of post-operative infection.

To evaluate the risk of post-operative infection after intra-articular steroid injection at the time of knee arthroscopy at a single institution high-volume sports medicine practice. The electronic medical record at a single institution was queried for all patients who underwent knee arthroscopy from 2011 to 2019. Patients were included if they underwent more simple arthroscopic procedures: diagnostic arthroscopy, meniscectomy, loose body removal, synovectomy, or microfracture. Patients were excluded if they underwent more complex procedures, such as ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair, or any open procedures. These patients’ medical records were then queried for current procedural terminology and international classification of disease codes indicating post-operative infection. Individual chart review was performed on this group of patients to determine if a true postoperative infection occurred within 6 months of the index arthroscopy. Patients were then categorized into “intra-operative steroid injection” versus “no steroid” based on each surgeon’s preferred intra-operative analgesic injection cocktail. A total of 6889 patients were identified, including 2416 (35.1%) who were given intra-articular steroid at the time of knee arthroscopy. Post-operative infection occurred in 10 patients (0.15%) at a median of 18 days (range 9–42 days), 7 who received intra-operative steroid injection (0.29%) and 3 who did not (0.067%), p = 0.040. The relative risk of infection for those who received intra-operative steroid injection was 4.32 times higher than those who did not, with a number needed to harm of 448. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, smoking status, or the prevalence of diabetes between those who got infected and those who did not. Knee infection following arthroscopic surgery is rare. Intra-operative steroid injection during arthroscopic knee surgery is associated with a 4.3-fold increased risk of subsequent knee infection. While the overall risk remains low, the use of intra-operative steroids is expected to result in one additional knee infection for every 448 arthroscopic procedures performed. IV.
Autonomic and sensory neuron cultures.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses autonomic and sensory neuron cultures. There are two major advantages of this method: (1) the ability to study the behavior of neurons in isolation from the body of the organism and (2) the ability to directly and continuously observe developmental processes. Although primary neuronal cell culture was once considered difficult and mysterious, it is now widely accepted as another technique by which the nervous system can be studied. The expansion of commercial services for culture—including the marketing of a wide variety of culture media, vessels, sera, and neurotrophic factors—has made the technique readily available to anyone who is willing and able. Among the most readily isolated yet relatively homogeneous populations of neurons are those from autonomic and sensory ganglia. The two most important variables in culturing neurons are the substratum on which the neurons are grown and the medium in which they are cultured. Although a variety of substrata have been used for plating neurons, the most consistently supportive of neuronal attachment and neurite outgrowth for autonomic and sensory neurons is laminin.
The mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, LY354740, blocks immobilization-induced increases in noradrenaline and dopamine release in the rat medial prefrontal cortex.

The metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2/3) receptor agonist, LY354740, exhibits anxiolytic-like properties in a number of rodent models. The present study utilized in vivo microdialysis to examine the effects of LY354740 on extracellular monoamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of animals subjected to 30 min immobilization stress. Immobilization stress significantly elevated extracellular levels of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in the mPFC, while systemic administration of LY354740 (30 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly attenuated immobilization-induced increases in both NA and DA. Reverse-dialysis of LY354740 (30 µm) into the mPFC significantly attenuated immobilization-induced increases in NA, but not DA without affecting basal levels of either amine. In separate studies in the presence of citalopram (1 µm; reverse dialysis into the mPFC), systemic administration of LY354740 attenuated immobilization-induced increases in NA and DA, but had no effect on serotonin (5-HT) levels. Co-administration of the selective mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495, partially or fully reversed the attenuation in NA and DA levels produced by LY354740, respectively. Taken together, these data suggest that LY354740 may produce anti-stress actions, in part, by blocking stress-related increases in catecholamines in the mPFC via mGlu2/3 receptor stimulation.
Modular approach for analog VLSI fuzzy control implementation and piecewise linear approximation

An efficient membership function circuit for the analog VLSI implementation of fuzzy controllers and for piecewise linear approximation is discussed. It is an analog BiCMOS circuit that approximates a triangular function with programmable height, slope and horizontal position. The circuit is very compact and operates on /spl plusmn/1.65 V supplies. Experimental results of a test chip are presented. >
A Priori Prediction of Ligand Affinity by Energy Minimization

Quantitative a priori prediction of the affinity of a ligand for its receptor is, in a sense, the holy grail of structure-based molecular design, ideally allowing one to optimize the number and kind of compounds designed for a program prior to any chemical synthesis. Historically, several approaches have been employed to calculate and/or predict binding affinity. The free energy of binding can be calculated directly via Free Energy Perturbation (FEP) calculations [1]. The relative binding energies for pairs of inhibitors are determined using a thermodynamic cycle in which the structure of one inhibitor is perturbed into the structure of another, both in the receptor site and in solvent. This approach has been reported to yield relative free energies that are accurate to ± 1 kcal/mol with respect to experiment. However, due to the amount of computer time required, these calculations are impractical for routine assessment of the binding affinity of proposed compounds. Other more efficient approaches have included: Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) [23], the Hypothetical Active Site Lattice (HASL) [4], HINT hydrophobicities [5], solvent accessibility [6] or solvent-induced interactions [7], atomatom contact preferences [8,9], a general mean field model [10,11] and scoring algorithms for database search or de novo design methods [12–16], as well as energy minimization methods. This chapter will focus on computational studies which employ energy minimization in an X-ray or modelled active site as the means to predict the affinity of a ligand for its receptor. These studies fall into two categories: (a) energy-component approaches – i.e. those that incorporate receptor-ligand energy values as one term in a sum of binding energy contributions or as part of a 3D QSAR; and (b) energy-only approaches – i.e. those that employ energy minimization methods alone to predict ligand affinity.
Detecting, localizing and grouping repeated scene elements from an image

This paper presents an algorithm for detecting, localizing and grouping instances of repeated scene elements. The grouping is represented by a graph where nodes correspond to individual elements and arcs join spatially neighboring elements. Associated with each arc is an affine map that best transforms the image patch at one location to the other. The approach we propose consists of 4 steps: (1) detecting “interesting” elements in the image; (2) matching elements with their neighbors and estimating the affine transform between them; (3) growing the element to form a more distinctive unit; and (4) grouping the elements. The idea is analogous to tracking in dynamic imagery. In our context, we “track” an element to spatially neighboring locations in one image, while in temporal tracking, one would perform the search in neighboring image frames.
IL-17 Promotes Murine Lupus

The proinflammatory activity of IL-17-producing Th17 cells has been associated with the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. In this article, we provide direct evidence for a role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The induction of SLE by pristane in IL-17-sufficient wild-type mice did not occur in IL-17-deficient mice, which were protected from development of lupus autoantibodies and glomerulonephritis. The protection from SLE in IL-17-deficient mice was associated with a reduced frequency of CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative T cells and an expansion of CD4(+) regulatory T cells, and did not depend on Stat-1 signaling. These data affirm the key role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of SLE and strengthen the support for IL-17 blockade in the therapy of SLE.
Bringing estrogen receptors under control

Received: 5 August 1999 Accepted: 5 August 1999 Published: 27 August 1999 © Current Science Ltd Important note about how to cite this article This article is also available online in the Breast Cancer Research website. To avoid confusion, please ensure that only the online version of the article is cited in any reference, as follows: Horwitz KB: Bringing estrogen receptors under control [commentary]. http://breast-cancer-research.com/vol1no1/27aug99/dispatch/2
On the representation of problems in artificial intelligence

Summary form only. In determining the computer language requirements for implementation of problem solving processes in AI, it is essential to clarify the nature of components that enter in the formulation of problems, solutions, and problem-solving procedures. An abstract formulation of a pattern in AI includes: the specification of a domain of discourse, the characterization of a set of possible solutions, and the specification of problem conditions that a member of the solution set must satisfy for it to be accepted as a solution to the problem. The data structures and process structures of program formulations of problems must be responsive to the characteristics of procedural formulations, which, in turn, depend on features of the key components of abstract problem formulations. >
Delayed diagnosis of small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic lymph node dissection.

Laparoscopic surgical procedures are infrequently complicated by bowel herniation through unsutured trocar sites. Nevertheless, there is a risk of this complication in patients presenting with symptoms of small bowel obstruction after laparoscopy. We present a case of delayed small bowel obstruction due to a Richter's hernia, a rare type of hernia that involves incomplete protrusion of bowel wall through a surgical defect. Knowledge of this potential complication of laparoscopic procedures may prevent the significant morbidity that results from mechanical small bowel obstruction with necrosis.
Public Opinion towards Return Migration: A Survey Experiment of Chinese Netizens

China has adopted preferential measures in hopes of luring back overseas talent, but what determines individual attitudes towards returning migrants and policies promoting return migration? This paper addresses this question using an original survey experiment of Chinese netizens. We argue that attitudes towards return migration are driven by two competing perceptions: on one hand, skilled migrants are widely thought to have beneficial effects on the local economy; on the other, domestic citizens may be wary of policies that offer elite returnees excessive benefits. The findings imply that the CCP may face a delicate trade-off between the economic benefits of return migration and the social costs of increasing inequality.
High intensity strength training improves strength and functional performance after stroke.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a progressive resistance strength training program on changes in muscle strength, gait, and balance in older individuals 1 yr after stroke, seven individuals were recruited who were greater than 60-yr-old, 1 yr after stroke, living at home, and able to follow verbal commands. Design: Subjects participated in a 12-wk 2× per wk resistance training program at 70% of 1 repetition maximum. Results: Lower limb strength improved 68% on the affected side and 48% on the intact side during training, with the largest increases observed for hip extension (affected side: 88%, P < 0.01; intact side: 103%, P < 0.001). Repeated chair stand time decreased 21% (P < 0.02). Motor performance assessed by the Motor Assessment Scale improved 9% (P < 0.04) and static and dynamic balance (Berg balance scale) improved 12% (P < 0.004). Progressive resistance training in individuals 1 yr after stroke improves affected and intact side lower limb strength and was associated with gains in chair stand time, balance, and motor performance. Conclusions: These results support the concept that strength training is an appropriate intervention to improve the quality of physical function in older community dwelling stroke survivors.
Comparability of in vitro and in vivo methods for the determination of alterations in drug metabolism

The above series of experiments taken in toto suggest the usefulness of lindane as a model substrate for studying the effects of a variety of compounds on drug metabolism in vivo. Excellent correlations were observed in comparison with the in vitro measurements both qualitatively and quantitatively. Unlike some of the other compounds discussed lindane offers some distinct advantages. One is that because the metabolites can be monitored in the urine, it is non-invasive in nature. A second is that a number of mixed function oxidase pathways (phase I reactions) can be determined at the same time. This would be of great importance if the effect of a compound is rather selective and does not alter the single pathway measured in the metabolism of other substrates which have been suggested as model compounds. However, the tradeoff is obviously the need for more analytical work. A third advantage is the ability of the system to detect changes in conjugative or phase II reactions at the same time. Further studies will be necessary with all of these model substrates to detect their usefulness and their limitations.
Rung 3.5 density functionals

This work proposes a new term on the “Jacob’s ladder” of approximate exchange-correlation functionals in Kohn–Sham density functional theory. In these Rung 3.5 functionals, the exchange-correlation energy density at a point depends linearly (rather than quadratically) on the nonlocal Kohn–Sham one-particle density matrix in a finite neighborhood around the point. These functionals are intermediate in complexity between the semilocal approximations of Rungs 1–3, and fully nonlocal Rung 4 approximations such as global hybrids. Rung 3.5 functionals built on the model for exchange in [B. G. Janesko, J. Chem. Phys. 131, 234111 (2009)] predict molecular thermochemistry and kinetics with accuracy intermediate between their “parent” semilocal functional and the corresponding global hybrid. The best Rung 3.5 functional presented here gives mean absolute errors of 5.7 kcal/mol for G3/99 thermochemistry, 5.2 kcal/mol for HTBH38/04 hydrogen-transfer reaction barriers, and 5.7 kcal/mol for NHTBH38/04 nonhydrogen-trans...
Consumers’ perceptions of the fairness of price-matching refund policies

Abstract This paper examines the antecedents and consequences of perceived price-matching policy fairness. Among the antecedents, we study the effects of the refund depth if a lower competitive price is identified, the degree that the retail product assortment is available at competing retailers, and the consumers’ inference as to the retailer's motive for the price-matching policy. Product assortment uniqueness is identified as a key driver of fairness perceptions, both directly and indirectly through inferred motive. The three experiments show that consumers’ perceptions of the fairness of a store's pricing policy influence their price fairness perceptions, consequently influencing their retail shopping intentions.
Central limit problem on Lp (p ≥ 2) II. Compactness of infinitely divisible laws

Abstract Compactness criterion for a sequence of infinitely divisible laws in terms of their Levy-Khinchine representations is obtained. As a consequence, analog of classical central limit theorems without the assumption of bounded variance on the triangular arrays are proved.
In vivo diffusion tensor MRI of the mouse retina: a noninvasive visualization of tissue organization.

Diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) is a method for the noninvasive assessment of cellular organization and integrity in vivo. In this study, in vivo DTI was performed to demonstrate its ability to reflect photoreceptor cell alignment in adult C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Age-matched retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mice were employed as a negative control, i.e. loss of the photoreceptor cell layer. In wild-type mice, DTI-estimated cell alignment suggests that the MR-detected outer retinal layer comprises cells aligning perpendicular to the retinal surface, consistent with the known organization of photoreceptor cells. The MR-detected outer retinal layer exhibits a lower apparent diffusion coefficient and higher fractional anisotropy than the other two MR-detected retinal layers (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). In rd1 mice, the remaining MR-detected retinal layer exhibits different cell alignment, apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy from that of the MR-detected outer retinal layer in wild-type mice (p < 0.05 for all comparisons), reflecting the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in rd1 mouse retina. Overall, our findings suggest that in vivo DTI assessment of mouse retina with normal physiology or degenerative pathology is feasible.
Institutions and sorting in a model of metropolitan fragmentation

I construct a theoretical and computational model of municipal fragmentation and Tiebout competition and show that factors such as income heterogeneity, political institutions, and the discretionary power of municipalities to tax can substantially affect both where individuals choose to live and how cities form. Conclusions are drawn about the types of cities that form when secession is an option. These conclusions support the idea that increasing the range of choices available to municipalities and to individuals can actually leave a majority of residents worse-off.
Neutron Reflectivity Investigations of Self-Assembled Conjugated Polyion Multilayers

Neutron reflectivity has been used to study the organization of self-assembled multilayers of sulfonated polyaniline and polyallylamine. Films were prepared by the sequential adsorption of polycations and polyanions from dilute aqueous solutions. Scattering contrast was achieved by selective deuteration of the blocks of bilayers at varying intervals along the film. The multilayer structure was found to be preserved over 40 bilayer depositions, but with an internal organization which decays monotonically away from the substrate. These results suggest that the observed interfacial widths are primarily due to the accumulation of defects as the bilayers are deposited.
Measuring users' responses to humans, robots, and human-like robots with functional near infrared spectroscopy

The Uncanny Valley Hypothesis (UVH) describes the sudden change in a person's affect from affinity to aversion that is evoked by robots that border a human-like appearance. The portion of the human-likeness spectrum in which such aversion is posited to occur is referred to as the “uncanny valley”. However, evidence in support of the UVH is primarily based on subjectively assessed evaluations. Thus it remains an open question as to whether there are behavioral or neurophysiological manifestations of uncanny valley effects. To address this gap in literature, we investigated the activation of the anterior prefrontal cortex (PFC) - a region of the brain associated with emotion regulation - in response to a series of robots with varying human-likeness. We hypothesized that highly human-like robots - which have been found to receive negative subjective attributions - will also elicit increased activity in the PFC versus humans or robots with lesser degrees of human-likeness in accordance with the UVH. Our results show a “valley” in brain activity in the PFC corresponding to the valley observed via subjective measures alone, thus suggesting one neural manifestation (the PFC) of uncanny valley effects and further supporting the affective response (aversion) posited to occur by the UVH. However, the results also reveal a second “uncanny valley” in prefrontal hemodynamics, which suggests that the effects (and the contributing factors) are more complex than previously understood.
Functions of the Two-Year College Curriculum: Faculty Perceptions.

There are limited empirical data on curriculum in two‐year colleges; this study is designed to address that lack. A literature review is used to identify the functions served by credit courses: transfer, general education, preparation for work, and remediation. Secondary analysis is made of data gathered on a 1977 survey of science, social science, and science‐related technical courses. Instructor perceptions of course purpose(s) are used to determine if the identified functions are served. The findings indicate these functions are served, but predominately as combined functions rather than the discrete functions identified in the literature. Patterns of multiple course functions are identified by academic area and by course. Further, the methodology used is presented as a useful tool in developing empirical data about college curricula.
Sleep and eating behavior in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Insufficient quantity and quality of sleep may modulate eating behavior, everyday physical activity, overall energy balance, and individual risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We examined the association of habitual sleep quantity and quality with the self-reported pattern of eating behavior in 53 healthy urban adults with parental history of type 2 diabetes (30 F/23 M; mean (s.d.) age: 27 (4) years; BMI: 23.9 (2.3) kg/m2) while taking into consideration the amount of their everyday physical activity. Participants completed 13 (3) days of sleep and physical activity monitoring by wrist actigraphy and waist accelerometry while following their usual lifestyle at home. Overnight laboratory polysomnography was used to screen for sleep disorders. Subjective sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Eating behavior was assessed using the original 51-item and the revised 18-item version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire including measures of cognitive restraint, disinhibition, hunger, and uncontrolled and emotional eating. In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, BMI, gender, race/ethnicity, level of education, habitual sleep time measured by wrist actigraphy and physical activity measured by waist accelerometry, lower subjective sleep quality was associated with increased hunger, more disinhibited, uncontrolled and emotional eating, and higher cognitive restraint. There was no significant association between the amount of sleep measured by wrist actigraphy and any of these eating behavior factors. Our findings indicate that small decrements in self-reported sleep quality can be a sensitive indicator for the presence of potentially problematic eating patterns in healthy urban adults with familial risk for type 2 diabetes.
Gastric emptying, glucose tolerance, and insulin response after duodenojejunostomy

We investigated the impact of direct jejunal delivery of various meals on gastric empyting, glucose tolerance, and insulin response in a chronic dog model following duodenojejunostomy. Ten beagle dogs underwent duodenal transection 2 cm distal to the pylorus and end-to-side duodenojejunostomy 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. Three months after operation each dog underwent gastric emptying studies using radiolabeled normal saline, 20% glucose solution, and standardized mixed solid meal. Glucose tolerance tests with plasma insulin determinations were obtained using the glucose meal. After duodenojejunostomy both the rapid exponential pattern of emptying of normal saline and the slower linear pattern of glucose emptying seen in intact dogs were preserved. The linear gastric emptying of the solid meal which was slower than gastric emptying of either of the liquid meals was also preserved. Although integrated plasma glucose levels over 2 hr were 484.8 ± 40.4 and 456.6 ± 30.4 mg · hr/dl in intact and duodenojejunostomy dogs, respectively (P > 0.05), the initial rate of rise of plasma glucose was significantly delayed in the duodenojejunostomy dogs. But integrated plasma insulin levels over 2 hr differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the intact (71.6 ± 9.2 μU · hr/nl) and duodenojejunostomy (48.3 ± 6.2 μU · hr/nl) dogs. We conclude that duodenojejunostomy (jejunal delivery) preserved the patterns of gastric emptying of saline, glucose, and mixed solid meals; retarded initial plasma glucose response to the glucose meal; and blunted plasma insulin response to the glucose load.
Genomic approaches to outcome prediction in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer remains a common cause of cancer death in men. Applications of emerging genomic technologies to high-quality prostate cancer models and patient samples in multiple contexts have made significant contributions to our molecular understanding of the development and progression of prostate cancer. Genomic analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein alterations allows for the global assessment of this disease and provides the molecular framework to improve risk classification, outcome prediction, and development of targeted therapies. In this review, the author focused on highlighting recent work in genomics and its role in evaluating molecular modifiers of prostate cancer risk and behavior and the development of predictive models that anticipate the risk of developing prostate cancer, prostate cancer progression, and the response of prostate cancer to therapy. This framework has the exciting potential to be predictive and to provide personalized and individual treatment to the large number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Cancer 2009;115(13 suppl):3046–57. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Awareness and Acceptable Practices: IRB and Researcher Reflections on the Havasupai Lawsuit.

Background: In 2003, Havasupai Tribe members in Arizona discovered that their DNA samples, collected for genetic studies on type II diabetes, had been used for studies on schizophrenia, migration, and inbreeding without their approval. The resulting lawsuit brought by the Havasupai reached a settlement in April 2010 in which tribe members received monetary compensation and the return of DNA samples. In this study, we examine the perceptions of institutional review board (IRB) chairpersons and human genetic researchers about the case and its impact on the practice of research. Methods: Twenty-minute semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 institutional review board (IRB) chairs and researchers at six top National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded institutions. Participants were questioned about their knowledge and perceived impact of the Havasupai case and their perceptions of informed consent in genetic research studies. Results: We found that most study participants did not perceive that the Hav...
QUANTUM ELECTROMAGNETIC ZERO-POINT ENERGY OF A CONDUCTING SPHERICAL SHELL AND THE CASIMIR MODEL FOR A CHARGED PARTICLE.

The quantum electromagnetic zero-point energy of a conducting spherical shell of radius $r$ has been computed to be $\ensuremath{\Delta}E(r)\ensuremath{\cong}\frac{0.09\ensuremath{\hbar}c}{2r}$. The physical reasoning is analogous to that used by Casimir to obtain the force between two uncharged conducting parallel plates, a force confirmed experimentally by Sparnaay and van Silfhout. However, while parallel plates are attracted together because of the zero-point energy, a conducting sphere tends to be expanded. Thus although relevant for the understanding of the quantum-mechanical zero-point energy, the result invalidates Casimir's intriguing model for a charged particle as a charged conducting shell with Poincar\'e stresses provided by the zero-point energy and a unique ratio for $\frac{{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}c}$ independent of the radius.
Accounts of Sexual Identity Formation in Heterosexual Students.

Very little research has focused on the ways that heterosexual people perceive their sexual identity. This paper explores heterosexual identity from the standpoint of an established identity model, that of James Marcia. Twenty-six heterosexual undergraduate students (14 men: 3 African-American, 1 Latino, and 10 White, and 12 women: 3 African-American, 1 Latina, and 8 White) wrote two-three page essays on how their sexual identities formed and how they influence their daily lives. Students could be categorized into all four of Marcia's identity statuses. Additionally, six common themes were noted in their essays: had never thought about sexual identity; society made me heterosexual; gender determines sexual identity; issues of choice versus innateness of sexuality; no alternative to heterosexuality; and the influence of religion.
Confirming evidence for the clonal development and stem cell origin of philadelphia chromosome‐negative chronic myelogenous leukemia

A 74-year old woman with Ph1-negative chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and heterozygous for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was studied. Both A and B types of G6PD were found in skin. In contrast, white blood cells and platelets showed only a single G6PD type A. These results provide further evidence that Ph1-negative CML has a stem cell origin and develops clonally.
Signal, noise, and detective quantum efficiency of a-Si:H flat-panel imagers

Flat-panel imagers based upon the technology of thin-filmamorphous silicontransistors and photodiodes are under investigation for a wide variety of medical imaging applications. This thesis presents quantitative empirical and theoretical investigations of the imaging performance of such imaging systems. Performance was evaluated in terms of imager signal size, spatial resolution, noise characteristics, and signal-to-noise ratio for a wide variety of imaging system configurations and exposure conditions relevant to medical imaging. A theoretical model based upon cascaded systems analysis allowed prediction of imager signal, noise, and detective quantum efficiency (DQE), and theoretical results were found to agree well with empirical measurements. The empirical and theoreticalanalyses yielded quantification of the performance of existing imager designs, allowed investigation of the potential performance of future flat-panel imaging systems, and provided a methodology for identifying optimal imager configurations for various applications and imaging tasks. There is every indication that flat-panel imagers could provide performance superior to that of existing clinical imaging technologies. For example, in general x-ray radiography, mammography, and radiotherapy portal imaging, such systems could provide DQE exceeding 60%, 80%, and 1.5%, respectively, approximately twice that of film-based systems. However, for applications involving very low exposures per image, e.g., real-time fluoroscopy, flat-panel imagers may suffer from reduced signal-to-noise ratio. The analyses developed in this thesis provide a general description of imager signal and noise as well as a means of identifying strategies for improved imager performance.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Behaviors of Asian Pacific Islander Community College Students

Analyzed were the sexual and reproductive health behaviors of Asian Pacific Islander (API) California community college students who took the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey. This was done to identify characteristics related to sexual behavior and choice of birth control and examine the association between condom use and history of HIV testing. A total of 769 API heterosexual, male and female students between ages 18–24 were included in the analysis. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine whether there was an association between condom use and history of HIV testing. API students reported few sexual partners (41% with no partner, and 49% with 1 or 2 partners), and preferred condoms (53.0%) for birth control over hormonal methods (29.3%). One-fifth of API students have used emergency contraception, and 21.7% have had an HIV test. API students had more conservative sexual practices and lower HIV testing practices than community college students in general. More culturally tailored ...
Ultrastructure and Cortical Morphogenesis in the Euplotine Hypotrich Certesia quadrinucleata Fabre‐Domergue, 1885 (Ciliophora, Protozoa)

The cortical development during cell division and the interphase ultrastructure of the marine interstitial hypotrich Certesia quadrinucleata is described using light microscopy and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Membranelles are paramembranelles; postciliary microtubules from rightmost membranellar kinetosomes line the buccal cavity and separate parallel arrays of pharyngeal discs that border the cytopharynx. A large paroral membrane is present; an endoral membrane is absent. Alveolar plates lie within alveolar membranes except in regions where organelles and organellar complexes (cirri, the condylopallium, dorsal bristles, membranelles, and the paroral membrane) emerge from the cortex. Muciferous-like bodies attach to the plasma membrane in these regions. Dorsal bristles possess transverse and postciliary microtubules as well as kinetodesmal fiber like those of other hypotrichs. Lasiosomes are present. A unique bulbous structure—the condylopallium—protrudes from the anterior right of the cell. The morphogenetic pattern is euplotine in that cortical development begins in one latitudinal zone, and the oral primordium of the opisthe develops within a subsurface pouch apart from the frontal primordia. Microtubular bundles appear beside (later attached to) developing frontal anlagen; they disappear after cirri are in final interphase locations. Although possessing unique characters, Certesia shares a close phylogenetic relationship with Euplotes.
Observed and reported expressive vocabulary and word combinations in bilingual toddlers.

The consistency of parental reports of expressive vocabulary and word combinations with observed expressive language among 21- to 27-month-old children exposed to English and Spanish on a regular b...
Comparison of Four Digitizers for Time-Domain EPR

Pulsed, time-domain electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) requires fast data collection. The ideal is for the data acquisition rate to be limited by the spin relaxation times, and not by the data collection hardware and software. Four devices with fast time response were compared in the collection of pulsed EPR data. The fastest data collection was achieved with a Bruker E587 SpecJet transient signal averager.
Water reactivity in the liquid and supercritical CO2 phase: Has half the story been neglected?

Aqueous-phase mediated chemical reactions with dissolved CO2 have long been considered the principal if not only reactive process supporting mineralization reactions with basalt and other reactive reservoir rocks and caprocks in deep geologic sequestration systems. This is not surprising given the quite high solubility of CO2 in the aqueous phase and ample evidence from natural systems of the reactivity of CO2-charged waters with a variety of silicate minerals. In contrast, comparatively scant attention has been directed at reactivity of water solvated in liquid and supercritical CO2, with the exception of interest in the impacts of water in CO2 on the corrosion of pipeline steels. The results presented in this paper show that the most interesting and important aspects of water reactivity with metal and oxide surfaces of interest in geologic sequestration systems actually occurs in the liquid or supercritical CO2 phase. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.
Geodesic voxel binding for production character meshes

We propose a fully automatic method for specifying influence weights for closed-form skinning methods, such as linear blend skinning. Our method is designed to work with production meshes that may contain non-manifold geometry, be non-watertight, have intersecting triangles, or be comprise of multiple connected components. Starting from a character rest pose mesh and skeleton hierarchy, we first voxelize the input geometry. The resulting voxelization is then used to calculate binding weights, based on the geodesic distance between each voxel lying on a skeleton "bone" and all non-exterior voxels. This yields smooth weights at interactive rates, without time-constants, iteration parameters, or costly optimization at bind or pose time. By decoupling weight assignment from distance computation we make it possible to modify weights interactively, at pose time, without additional pre-processing or computation. This allows artists to assess impact of weight selection in the context in which they are used.
Selective σ receptor agonist and antagonist affect dopamine neuronal activity

Abstract Extracellular recording techniques were used to study the effects of the selective σ receptor agonist (+)-[3H]3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP) and selective σ receptor antagonist BMY 14802 on dopamine (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra. Intravenous administration of (+)-3-PPP produced a dose-dependent inhibition of DA neuron firing rate. Complete inhibition of DA neurons produced by (+)-3-PPP could be completely reversed by administration of BMY 14802. Also, pretreatment with BMY 14802 shifted the (+)-3-PPP dose response curve to the right. These data demonstrate a relationship of the σ receptor with the dopamine system and further suggest a model system to study agonist/antagonist interactions of σ ligands.
Ex Vivo Gene Therapy Using Patient iPSC-Derived NSCs Reverses Pathology in the Brain of a Homologous Mouse Model

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising strategy for delivering therapeutic proteins in the brain. We evaluated a complete process of ex vivo gene therapy using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NSC transplants in a well-characterized mouse model of a human lysosomal storage disease, Sly disease. Human Sly disease fibroblasts were reprogrammed into iPSCs, differentiated into a stable and expandable population of NSCs, genetically corrected with a transposon vector, and assessed for engraftment in NOD/SCID mice. Following neonatal intraventricular transplantation, the NSCs engraft along the rostrocaudal axis of the CNS primarily within white matter tracts and survive for at least 4 months. Genetically corrected iPSC-NSCs transplanted post-symptomatically into the striatum of adult Sly disease mice reversed neuropathology in a zone surrounding the grafts, while control mock-corrected grafts did not. The results demonstrate the potential for ex vivo gene therapy in the brain using human NSCs from autologous, non-neural tissues.
A Pitch Control System for the KaMeWa Wind Turbine

Caracteristiques techniques de l'aerogenerateur KaMeWa de 2 MW. Conception d'un systeme automatique du pas des helices
Circumcision and HIV Infection: Assessment of Causality

Whether the observed association between male circumcision and HIV infection is causal or not has not been verified. We did a meta-analysis of published data and applied Hill’s criteria for causality on all available evidence to assess presence of a causal association. Analysis was by the random effects method. Summary estimates were calculated for all studies combined and for sub groups stratified by type of study population, study design, and method of ascertaining circumcision status. Thirteen studies were included. Circumcised men had a reduced risk for HIV infection (adjusted RRoverall = 0.42, 95% CI 0.33−0.53; RRRCT = 0.43 95% CI 0.32−0.59, RRobservational = 0.39, 95% CI 0.27−0.56). Available evidence satisfies six of Hill’s criteria: strength of association, consistency, temporality, coherence, biological plausibility, and experiment. These results provide unequivocal evidence that circumcision plays a causal role in reducing the risk of HIV infection among men.
Binding characteristics of atrial natriuretic factor and the production of cyclic GMP in kidneys of Dahl salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats.

Summary The binding of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was studied in kidney membranes of inbred salt-sensitive (S) and inbred salt-resistant (R) rats on high or low salt diet. Important differences between strains were seen in the rate of dissociation of ANF from its renal receptor(s) and this was dependent on salt (NaCl) intake. On low salt diet ANF dissociation rates were similar between strains. R rats responded to high salt diet with a decrease in the rate of ANF dissociation from its renal receptor, but ANF dissociation in S rats was not altered by dietary salt. Receptor density was similar between strains. Basal cGMP production was slightly higher for renal membranes of S rats, but ANF stimulation of cGMP production was similar between strains and was not influenced by salt intake in either strain. Since strain-related salt-induced changes in ANF-receptor binding kinetics were not reflected in any strain-related salt-induced changes in ANF stimulated cGMP production, it is tentatively concluded that the ANF receptor likely to be difference between S and R strains is the ANF receptor not linked to cGMP production.
High-grade hyperinvasive sarcomatoid urothelial bladder carcinoma demonstrating complete response to bladder-preserving chemoradiation

The standard treatment for locally advanced urothelial bladder carcinoma is radical cystectomy or chemoradiation. Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma, a rare tumour, is treated with radical cystectomy because the response to radiation therapy alone is poor in other sarcomas. We report a case of high-grade hyperinvasive urothelial bladder carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation. The patient refused cystectomy, and so a chemoradiation regimen was devised for her treatment. She completed the regimen and has since demonstrated a complete response to chemoradiation therapy clinically and pathologically by biopsy. The patient has therefore been able to attain a complete response while preserving a functional bladder.
The Preschool Child's Response to Dental Care When Accompanied by Day‐Care Personnel

The cooperative behavior of 93 preschool children during first visit to a dentist was studied in order to assess the effect of being accompanied by day-care personnel rather than their parents. Due to external constraints on the study design, there were imbalances with respect to various predictive factors between the groups. Correcting for these imbalances, no difference was found for the children who came with day-care personnel. Age and the ability to communicate verbally with the dentist (i.e., in English) were found to influence behavior significantly.
Beyond the Divide of Teacher Research and Academic Research

Abstract This paper explores ways to bridge the separation that currently exists between the worlds of teacher research and academic research. Currently, many teachers feel that educational research conducted by those in the academy is largely irrelevant to their lives in schools. On the other hand, many academics dismiss the knowledge produced through teacher research as trivial and inconsequential to their work. In this paper, it is argued that our vision of educational research should include both teacher produced knowledge and knowledge produced by those in the academy, and take the position that the processes of teacher development, school reform, and teacher education can greatly benefit from occasions when academic and teacher knowledge cross the divide that currently separates teacher knowledge from academics and academic knowledge from teachers. Two specific examples are discussed that illustrate instances where academic knowledge and teacher knowledge have improved teaching, together with the as...
Studying the underlying event at CDF

A study of ''underlying event'' in Run 2 at CDF is presented. Several PYTHIA 6.2 tunes (with multiple parton interactions) are examined and compared with HERWIG (without multiple parton interactions) and with the ATLAS PYTHIA tune (with multiple parton interactions) and they are extrapolated to the LHC.
Are there common biochemical and molecular mechanisms controlling manganism and parkisonism.

Over the past several decades there has been considerable progress in our basic knowledge as to the mechanisms and factors regulating Mn toxicity. The disorder known as manganism is associated with the preferential accumulation of Mn in the globus pallidus of the basal ganglia which is generally considered to be the major and initial site of injury. Because the area of the CNS comprising the basal ganglia is very complex and dependent on the precise function and balance of several neurotransmitters, it is not surprising that symptoms of manganism often overlap with that of Parkinson’s disease. The fact that neurological symptoms and onset of Mn toxicity are quite broad and can vary unpredictably probably reflects specific genetic variance of the physiological and biochemical makeup within the basal ganglia in any individual. Differences in response to Mn overexposure are, thus, likely due to underlying genetic variability which ultimately presents in deviations in both susceptibility as well as the characteristics of the neurological lesions and symptoms expressed. Although chronic exposure to Mn is not the initial causative agent provoking Parkinsonism, there is evidence suggesting that persistent exposure can predispose an individual to acquire dystonic movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. As noted in this review, there appears to be common threads between the two disorders, as mutations in the genes, parkin and ATP13A2, associated with early onset of Parkinsonism, may also predispose an individual to develop Mn toxicity. Mutations in both genes appear to effect transport of Mn into the cell. These genetic difference coupled with additional environmental or nutritional factors must also be considered as contributing to the severity and onset of manganism.
Fast generalized Lloyd iteration for vector quantizers (VQ) codebook design

The generalized Lloyd algorithm (GLA) plays an important role in the design of vector quantizers (VQ) for lossy data compression, and in feature clustering for pattern recognition. In the VQ context, this algorithm provides a procedure to iteratively improve a codebook and results in a local minimum which minimizes the average distortion function. We present a set of ideas that provide the basis for the acceleration of the GLA, some of which are equivalent to the exhaustive nearest neighbor search and some that may trade-off performance for the execution speed. More specifically, we use the maximum distance initialization technique in conjunction with either the partial distortion method or the fast tree-structured nearest neighbor encoding or the candidate-based constrained nearest neighbor search. As it is shown by the numerical experiments, all these methods provide significant improvement of the execution time of the GLA, in most cases together with an improvement of its performance. This improvement is of the order of 0.4 dB in the MSE, 15% in the entropy and more than 100 times in the execution time for some of the results presented.
A QUESTION OF GURALNICK ABOUT REFLEXIVE ALGEBRAS

Abstract Let A be a commutative, finite-dimensional, local k -algebra, and set B = End A ( M ), where M is a finitely generated, faithful, indecomposable A -module. Guralnick asked whether B must equal A if B is an intermediate algebra of A , i.e., if the A - and B -submodules of M are the same. We give a class of examples where this is not the case.