cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in Lower Extremity Joint Arthroplasty: Using Observational Data to Identify the Optimal Combination of Components.

Abstract Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are increasingly used in orthopedic surgery. Data are lacking on which combinations of ERAS components are (1) the most commonly used and (2) the most effective in terms of outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilized claims data (Premier Healthcare, n = 1,539,432 total joint arthroplasties, 2006-2016). Eight ERAS components were defined: (A) regional anesthesia, (B) multimodal analgesia, (C) tranexamic acid, (D) antiemetics on day of surgery, (E) early physical therapy, and avoidance of (F) urinary catheters, (G) patient-controlled analgesia, and (H) drains. Outcomes were length of stay, “any complication,” and hospitalization cost. Mixed-effects models measured associations between the most common ERAS combinations and outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Results In 2006-2012 and 2013-2016, the most common ERAS combinations were B/D/E/F/G/H (20%, n = 172,397) and B/C/D/E/F/G/H (17%, n = 120,266), respectively. The only difference between the most commonly used ERAS combinations over the years is the addition of C (addition of tranexamic acid to the protocol). The most pronounced beneficial effects in 2006-2012 were seen for combination A/B/D/E/F/G/H (6% of cases vs less prevalent ERAS combinations) for the outcome of “any complication” (OR 0.87, CI 0.83-0.91, P Conclusion Despite varying ERAS protocols, maximum benefits in terms of complication reduction differed minimally. Further study may elucidate the balance between an increasing number of ERAS components and incremental benefits realized. Level of Evidence III.
"There's no place like home": Examining the associations between state eviction defense protections and indicators of biopsychosocial stress among survivors of intimate partner violence.

Abstract Housing instability is prevalent among intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors and a source of biopsychosocial stress among this population. Eviction policies play an important role in determining housing instability of IPV survivors. However, few studies have investigated whether state-level policies that prevent evictions lessen vulnerability to biopsychosocial stress among IPV survivors. This study examined the relationship between state eviction defense policy and indicators of biopsychosocial stress among 6577 IPV survivors. State-level data on IPV-related housing policies were from a compendium on homelessness and violence. Individual-level data were collected from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), a nationally representative study of noninstitutionalized U.S. women and men from Wave 1 (2010). Multilevel regression models were conducted to investigate associations between the presence of an eviction defense policy and indicators of biopsychosocial stress (i.e., headaches, sleeping, safety concerns and PTSD symptoms). Stratified multilevel modeling was conducted to examine differences in the policy-stress associations across racial and ethnic groups and gender. Nearly 26% of states had an eviction defense policy for IPV survivors. Overall, residing in a state with an eviction defense policy (vs. none) was associated with no reports of frequent headaches (B [95% CI] = −0.21 [-0.41, −0.01], p
Gauging Perceptions and Attitudes About Student Anxiety and Supports Among School-Based Providers

Student anxiety is less frequently identified and treated in school settings relative to other mental health concerns (e.g., externalizing behavior problems). Considering the perspectives of school-based mental health providers is critical for improving supports for students with anxiety in schools. The present study examined patterns and predictors of school-based provider perceptions of student anxiety, as well as factors influencing provider self-efficacy when addressing student anxiety concerns. Participants (N = 87) were providers working in a very large school district serving students from highly diverse socioeconomic and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Providers reported on their perceptions of the top-ranking student mental health concerns, as well as their own emotional exhaustion, beliefs about accommodating students who experience anxiety, and perceived self-efficacy responding to student anxiety. 71.3% of providers identified student anxiety within their top five student mental health concerns. Providers in schools with higher proportions of economically disadvantaged students were significantly less likely to consider anxiety a top five concern. On average, providers reported feeling somewhat confident addressing anxiety. Greater emotional exhaustion predicted poorer self-efficacy, whereas prior training in anxiety predicted higher self-efficacy. Beliefs about accommodating anxious students in ways that run counter to anxiety guidelines was not significantly associated with provider self-efficacy. Although anxiety is a well-recognized student mental health concern among school providers, student anxiety is less commonly perceived as a top five concern by providers working with economically disadvantaged students, which may underscore the importance of addressing acute stressors and trauma exposure in such populations. Offering more anxiety-specific training and efforts to reduce emotional exhaustion may improve provider self-efficacy for addressing anxiety. To provide more equitable mental health services and supports for anxiety in school settings, more work is needed to improve identification of student anxiety as well as provider self-efficacy for addressing it within districts serving predominately racial and ethnic minority students.
(Un)Natural Disasters: Electoral Cycles in Disaster Relief

Emergency spending is often exempt from campaign period restrictions and procurement guidelines, making it attractive for opportunistic politicians, but natural disasters are seen as outside political business cycles. However, droughts are frequent but challenging to measure, so politicians can leverage discretion for electoral gain. This paper analyzes electoral cycles, term limits, and partisan targeting around municipal drought declaration in Northeast Brazil. Two sources of exogeneity (rainfall shocks, electoral calendar) isolate the effect of non-climatic factors on drought declarations. I find that drought declarations, which trigger relief, are more likely in mayoral election years. Incumbents are more likely to win re-election if they declare a drought in the election year, during below or above average rainfall. The results are consistent with interviews suggesting voters reward competent mayors and mayors trade relief for votes. This study highlights the interaction between distributive and environmental politics, which has increasing consequences due to climate change.
VO 2peak Prior to Transplant Differentiates Survival Post Kidney Transplant

The OPTN/UNOS utilizes the calculated estimated posttransplant survival (EPTS) score as the measure of post-kidney transplant survival to guide allocation of deceased donor kidney transplantation. This score does not include any metric of functional capacity. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak ), is an established predictor of survival among both the general and diseased populations. We assessed the association and discriminative capacity of VO2peak and that of EPTS score and all-cause mortality post-kidney transplant. Additionally, we assessed the "mortality risk" lower VO2peak conferred on those patients with low EPTS score. Among a cohort of 293 transplant recipients with at least 3-years post-transplant follow-up, the median VO2peak was 15.0 ml/Kg/min. Lower pre-transplant VO2peak and higher EPTS score conferred higher risk of post-transplant mortality. Among the cohort of "low-risk" patients (patients with EPTS score 80) score. We concluded functional capacity as defined by VO2peak is an important reflection of post-transplant survival. VO2peak is able to identify those with low EPTS who have similar survival to that of high EPTS phenotype. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Commercial Office Market and the Markup for Full Service Leases

Because landlords assume all of the operating expense risk, rents for gross leases exceed those for net leases. The markup for gross leases varies between properties and across markets. A matching ...
Making the invisible visible: Preparing preservice teachers for first steps in linking research to practice

Abstract Despite the widespread expectation that teachers leverage research to meet the needs of diverse students, little is known about how to prepare preservice teachers to engage in this complex process. This quasi-experimental study examines a collaborative, standards-based intervention that prepares preservice teachers to articulate classroom-based problems, create research-guiding questions, and design effective search strategies. A MANOVA test indicated that the intervention is associated with stronger performance on those first steps. The authors provide detailed descriptions of the intervention and its results in order to offer a roadmap for supporting preservice teachers in the foundational steps of linking research to practice.
A temporal relational calculus

This paper describes a generalization of the relational database model using first order predicate calculus with temporal operators. The generalization is intended to be a model for an intelligent database—one which employs reasoning in retrieving its data—and to suggest a query language for the system. An incremental approach to intelligent databases is employed, wherein a standard database model is augmented with temporal attributes and then with deductive capabilities. This paper builds on the work of Navathe on temporal databases and on Allen's algebra of temporal relations. The goal is a logical reconstruction of the model which results when the two approaches are combined.
Family Cultural Socialization, Ethnic Identity, and Self-Esteem

Abstract Using a Web-based survey, this study of 82 adult international adoptees examined the relationship between parental support for cultural socialization and its effect on adoptees' selfesteem. Feelings of belongingness and ethnic identity were predicted to serve as mediators between the central variables. The results showed a positive relationship between cultural socialization and selfesteem, which was mediated by a feeling of belongingness and one aspect of ethnic identification (marginality) among Asianborn international adoptees. These data suggest that counselors should raise awareness and knowledge of adoptive parents about the importance of cultural continuity in the child's upbringing.
Accurate eye diagrams and error rates using linearization

We find that the signal evolution of a chirped return-to-zero (CRZ) pulse over 6100 km is fully linearizable, and the noise Fourier components are multivariate Gaussian-distributed. We introduce a deterministic method to accurately calculate eye diagrams and error rates, avoiding Monte Carlo simulations altogether.
Computation of the optical properties of tissues from light reflectance using a neural network

We have established a neural network to quickly deduce optical properties of tissue slabs from the diffuse reflectance distribution. Diffusion theory based on multiple image sources mirrored about the two extrapolated boundaries is used to prepare the training and testing sets for the neural network. The neural network is trained using backpropagation with the conjugate gradient method. Once the neural network is trained, it is able to deduce optical properties of tissues within on the order of a millisecond. The range of the tissue optical properties that is covered by our neural network is 0.01 - 2 cm -1 for absorption coefficient, 5 - 25 cm -1 for reduced scattering coefficient, and 0.001 - 1 cm for tissue thickness. A separate network is also trained for thick tissue slabs. A simple experimental setup applying the trained neural network is designed to measure tissue optical properties quickly.
Group B, Coxsackie virus infection in infants with acute lower respiratory disease.

The clinical, clinical laboratory, and viral aspects of 12 infants with acute, lower respiratory disease associated with group B, Coxsackie virus infection and/or isolation have been described. The prevalence of group B, Coxsackie virus infection was significantly greater among infants with lower respiratory disease than in infants without disease. Although a definite etiologic association could not be made because of the presence of concomitant infections with other viral agents, it was concluded that the group B, Coxsackie viruses might ultimately be added to the list of agents responsible for lower respiratory disease in infancy.
Modulation of schizophrenia-related genes in the forebrain of adolescent and adult rats exposed to maternal immune activation

Maternal immune activation (MIA) is an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia, and may contribute to other developmental disorders including autism and epilepsy. Activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine systems by injection of the synthetic double-stranded RNA polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (Poly I:C) mediates important neurochemical and behavioral corollaries of MIA, which have relevance to deficits observed in schizophrenia. We examined the consequences of MIA on forebrain expression of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and their receptors, ErbB4 and trkB, respectively, genes associated with schizophrenia. On gestational day 14, pregnant rats were injected with Poly I:C or vehicle. Utilizing in situ hybridization, expression of NRG-1, ErbB4, BDNF, and trkB was examined in male rat offspring at postnatal day (P) 14, P30 and P60. ErbB4 mRNA expression was significantly increased at P30 in the anterior cingulate (AC Ctx), frontal, and parietal cortices, with increases in AC Ctx expression continuing through P60. ErbB4 expression was also elevated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) at P14. In contrast, NRG-1 mRNA was decreased in the PFC at P60. Expression of BDNF mRNA was significantly upregulated in the PFC at P60 and decreased in the AC Ctx at P14. Expression of trkB was increased in two regions, the piriform cortex at P14 and the striatum at P60. These findings demonstrate developmentally and regionally selective alterations in the expression of schizophrenia-related genes as a consequence of MIA. Further study is needed to determine contributions of these effects to the development of alterations of relevance to neuropsychiatric diseases.
Cetuximab in the management of colorectal cancer

Cetuximab, a chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the ligand-binding domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is active in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). As an IgG1 antibody, cetuximab may exert its antitumor efficacy through both EGFR antagonism and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Clinical trials established the role of cetuximab, particularly with irinotecan, in irinotecan-refractory/heavily pretreated patients. More recent studies show promising activity in second-line treatment after oxaliplatin-based therapy failure, and with first-line chemotherapy, where increased response rates seen with adding cetuximab to first-line therapy for mCRC may increase chances for curative surgery in a population for whom the therapy goal would otherwise be palliative. Cetuximab is generally well tolerated; common toxicities are acne-form rash and hypomagnesemia. Rash intensity is associated with clinical efficacy, and in the future, may be used as a marker for optimal drug exposure. Cetuximab activity in mCRC is not correlated with EGFR expression, and consequently other markers will be needed to identify the most likely responders. Cetuximab has clinically emerged as a core agent, along with 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab, for overall mCRC management to optimize survival. Ongoing studies are exploring best combinations of cetuximab with these other agents to maximize patient outcome.
Development and Implementation of Student Portfolios in Foreign Language Programs.

Issues related to portfolio development and use in assessing language learning in foreign language education are discussed. Among the issues are “audiences” and “purposes” of the portfolio. With teachers involved in an evaluation project of less commonly taught languages (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Russian) representing different educational levels (elementary and secondary), we collaborated in the design and implementation of student portfolios to examine growth in foreign language proficiency. The contents of portfolios were analyzed to determine their usability as a means of assessing foreign language learning. Analysis of the portfolios showed that many factors should be considered by teachers in deciding on contents and objectives of the portfolio. We conclude with a series of recommendations for foreign language educators interested in using portfolios to document their students' language learning progress.
High-performance liquid chromatographic method for stability and pharmacokinetic studies of nicorandil.

Abstract Nicorandil is a unique vasodilator that combines the actions of a potassium channel activator and a nitrovasodilator. Little literature is available on its chemical stability and pharmacokinetics in animals. We developed a simple, specific, sensitive, and precise high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of nicorandil in aqueous solution and rat plasma, achieving a detection limit of 0.3 μg/ml with 180-μl samples. Nicorandil was found to be relatively stable between pH 2 and 10 at 37°C (half-life = 461-84 h) and it is subjected to specific base catalysis above pH 10. Both chemical degradation and in vivo metabolism produced N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nicotinamide, the denitrated product. Preliminary pharmacokinetic investigations showed that the assay is capable of quantitating nicorandil in rat plasma over a range of 0.3–100 μg/ml. These studies also suggested that the pharmacokinetics of nicorandil are dose-dependent.
On Lamport's interprocessor communication model

Leslie Lamport presented a set of axioms in 1979 that capture the essential properties of the temporal relationships between complex and perhaps unspecified activities within any system, and proceeded to use this axiom system to prove the correctness of sophisticated algorithms for reliable communication and mutual exclusion in systems without shared memory. As a step toward a more complete metatheory of Lamport's axiom system, this paper determines the extent to which that system differs from systems based on “atomic,” or indivisible, actions. Theorem 1 shows that only very weak conditions need be satisfied in addition to the given axioms to guarantee the existence of an atomic “model,” while Proposition 1 gives sufficient conditions under which any such model must be a “faithful” representation. Finally, Theorem 2 restates a result of Lamport showing exactly when a system can be thought of as made up of a set of atomic events that can be totally ordered temporally. A new constructive proof is offered for this result.
The role of dynamic spatial ability in geoscience text comprehension

The current experiment investigated the effects of a dynamic spatial ability on comprehension of a geoscience text on plate tectonics and the causes of volcanic activity. 162 undergraduates (54% female) from a large public university who had little prior knowledge of this science content area were asked to learn about plate tectonics. Measures of spatial ability and working memory capacity were used to predict comprehension from a text that contained either no images, static images, or animated versions of the static images. Only the dynamic spatial ability measure interacted with the type of illustrations contained in the text, and was shown to be especially relevant for comprehension when readers did not receive animations. These results demonstrate a novel influence of individual differences in dynamic spatial ability on comprehension of text describing dynamic spatial phenomena.
Large-eddy simulation/probability density function modeling of a non-premixed CO/H2 temporally evolving jet flame

Abstract We report a large-eddy simulation (LES)/probability density function (PDF) study of a non-premixed CO/H2 temporally-evolving turbulent planar jet flame, which has previously been studied using direct numerical simulations (DNS) with a skeletal chemical mechanism. The flame exhibits strong turbulence–chemistry interactions resulting in local extinction followed by re-ignition. In this study, the filtered velocity field in LES and the PDF transport equations with the interaction-by-exchange with the mean (IEM) mixing model (with molecular transport) are solved by the highly-scalable NGA/HPDF codes with second-order accuracy in space and time. The performance of the hybrid LES/PDF methodology is assessed through detailed a posteriori comparisons with DNS of the same flame. The comparison shows overall good agreement of the temporal evolution of the temperature and mass fractions of major chemical species, as well as the prediction of local extinction and re-ignition. The modeling of multi-scalar mixing is analyzed using the DNS and LES/PDF results. The DNS results exhibit an attracting manifold of the streamlines of the diffusion velocity in composition space, and the LES/PDF results show qualitative agreement on the manifold and joint PDFs of compositions.
Organic carbon production and preservation in response to sea-level changes in the Turonian Carlile Formation, U.S. Western Interior Basin

Abstract A primary sea-level control over the distribution of total organic and carbonate carbon and organic matter type can be inferred in the early to middle Turonian Carlile Formation (Fm.), Western Interior Basin, United States. The conceptual model relies on chemo- and lithostratigraphic correlations of lower to mid-Turonian strata in the central KWIS, supported by ammonite biostratigraphy, and is based primarily on lithologic, gamma-ray spectrometric, and geochemical facies analysis of the USGS Portland No. 1 Core from central Colorado, the Amoco Rebecca Bounds No. 1 Core from western Kansas, and the Hawarden Core from northwestern Iowa. Sedimentation in the central marine axial basin of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway (KWIS) during the Turonian mostly reflects deposition by pelagic settling and from nepheloid layers with winnowing by bottom currents. Relatively high % total organic carbon (TOC), % carbonate (CaCO3) and Rock-Eval pyrolysis hydrogen index (HI) values correspond to transgressive or highstand episodes within the overall regressive sequence, whereas low values of these parameters characterize regressive intervals. The lower Fairport Shale Member of the Carlile Fm and coeval strata in Iowa were deposited during a second-order sea-level highstand, the waning stages of the Greenhorn cyclothem. An overall shallowing- and coarsening-upward sequence characterizes the overlying majority of the Carlile Fm. This trend is punctuated by a short-term transgressive episode with associated retrograde facies and a disconformity. Earlier studies document relatively high productivity during the Turonian. Nutrient input to the seaway, required to sustain water-column productivity, is difficult to account for solely by riverine inputs; thus, a model of transgressive flooding of preconditioned, oxygen-deficient, nutrient-rich water from the global ocean into the KWIS is invoked. This advection of nutrients and low-oxygen water also helped to create broadly distributed dysoxic to anoxic conditions in the seaway, which would otherwise have been difficult to maintain in a relatively well-mixed, shallow sea. As the seaway regressed, river-supplied sea-surface nepheloid layers provided sufficient nutrient inputs and occasionally established temporary stratification of the water column, and thus contributed to maintaining an environment poised to produce and preserve organic matter.
An accessory limb with lipomyelomeningocele in a male

At 7 months, an infant born with a third limb attached to a lumbosacral mass with an associated lipomyelomeningocele underwent removal of the limb and spinal cord detethering. Depending on the complexity of the pathology and proximity of the limb to viscera, consultation with neurosurgical and surgical colleagues is recommended.
Atypical response regulator ChxR from Chlamydia trachomatis is structurally poised for DNA binding.

NIH AIR01079083. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Induced Chern-Simons terms at high temperatures and finite densities.

The CP nonconserving portion of the gauge-field effective action for an even number of left-handed SU(2) fermion doublets, with nonzero chemical potentials ..mu../sup i/, is calculated to leading order in the inverse temperature, T/sup -1/. It is shown to be i summation/sub i/ (..mu../sup 1//T)W(A), where W(A) is the Chern-Simons topological mass term. This result is also shown to be a consequence of the U(1)/sub L/ anomaly at zero temperature, but with ..mu..not =0. Because of the i in front of the Chern-Simons term, this produces magnetic screening only if ..mu.. is complex.
Review of high temperature superconductivity

Experimental and theoretical progress in high temperature superconductivity is reviewed. A consensus is emerging on many experimental facts but important aspects are still not known with certainty. Some theoretical progress has been made but at this time nobody knows what is causing T c to be as high as 125 K.
A shallow buried-layer formation technique utilizing diffusion from implanted polysilicon layer

A shallow buried-layer (0.25 approximately 0.50 mu m) formation technique utilizing diffusion from an arsenic-implanted polysilicon layer is discussed. The polysilicon layer is removed by converting it into an oxide layer and wet etching the oxide layer. Vertical n-p-n bipolar transistors are fabricated on epitaxial layers deposited on buried layers formed utilizing this technique. The transistor characteristics indicate that high-quality epitaxial layers can be grown on these buried layers. Using this technique, a buried layer with a sheet resistance of 28 Omega / Square Operator and a junction depth of approximately 0.4 mu m was obtained (prior to the epitaxial growth). >
Fabrication and characterization of graded impedance impactors for gas gun experiments from hot-pressed magnesium and polyethylene powders

A methodology is described for fabrication of compositionally graded metal/polymer structures to be used as light-gas gun impactors. Mixtures of Mg and polyethylene (PE) powders were layered into a stainless steel mold and uniaxially pressed to achieve a controlled composition gradient ranging from 5 to 100% PE. Monolithic pellets of each composition were evaluated by measurement of density and sound wave velocity. Both properties vary monotonically over most of the composition range. Graded impactors were characterized by ultrasonic C-scan and white light interferometry. A prototype impactor was launched into a stationary LiF target using a two-stage light-gas gun, and the resulting particle velocity was characterized via velocimetry. An impactor with 20 layers of differing composition produced smooth compression with a barely visible manifestation of the discrete layer structure. Fabrication of graded impactors by this technique is of significant interest for providing improved control of the pressure profile and impactor planarity in gas gun experiments.
Optimal length distribution of termite tunnel branches for efficient food search and resource transportation.

Subterranean termites excavate branching tunnels for searching and transporting food in soil. Experimentally, the length distribution of the branch tunnels, P(L), was characterized by the exponentially decaying function, P(L) ∼ exp(−αL) with a branch length exponent of α = 0.15. To evaluate the significance of this α value, we used a lattice model to simulate tunnels of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki in featureless soil and computed the ratio of energy gain for obtained food to loss for transporting food for a given time, γ for various simulated tunnel patterns with the different values of α. In simulation, the γ was maximized at 0.15 < α < 0.20 for the number of primary tunnels N = 6, 8, and 10. Our results indicate that tunnels with branch length distributions similar to those derived from empirical tunnel patterns result in tunnels made up of highly efficient paths to search and transport resources.
Degradation of poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres: effect of molecular weight

Abstract Degradation behaviors of two poly( d,l -lactic acid) (PDLA) microspheres prepared from two different molecular weights (17000 and 41000) were examined. The degree of the degradation was quantitatively estimated by employing an aqueous gel permeation chromatography (GPC) which allowed the determination of the overall amount of water soluble degradation products released out into aqueous medium. At the initial stage of incubation, short chain oligomers, which were produced in an ultrasonication treatment step during the microsphere preparation were immediately released out. Critical weight average molecular weight of the water soluble oligomers ranged from 1050 to 1150. The polymer degradation behaviors of the microspheres during the 53-day incubation were greatly affected depending on the molecular weight of raw polymers as evidenced by significantly different trends of time-dependent molecular weight change. The lower molecular weight polymeric mocrosphere exhibited a significant degradation with reduced glass transition temperature, while the higher molecular weight polymeric microsphere did not show any detectable change in the degradation until 53 days. It was found the water hydration in the low molecular weight PDLA microsphere immediately allowed the polymer morphology to change from a glassy to rubbery state by lowering the glass transition temperature below the incubation temperature. This led to the more susceptible physical state to the degradation. On the other hand, the high molecular weight microsphere was in the glassy state until they started to degrade.
Prenatal and early life factors and risk of Parkinson's disease

Few studies have investigated the relation between early life factors and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), although a potential role of exposures during pregnancy and childhood has been hypothesized. The study population comprised participants in two prospective cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study (121,701 female nurses followed up from 1976-2002) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (51,529 male health professionals followed up from 1986-2002). PD risk was examined in relation to season of birth, birthweight, parental age at birth, preterm birth, multiple birth, ever having been breast-fed, and handedness. We identified 659 incident PD cases. No significant relation with PD was observed for birthweight, paternal age, preterm birth, multiple birth, and having been breast-fed. A modest nonsignificant association was suggested for season of birth (30% higher risk of PD associated with spring versus winter birth) and for older maternal age at birth (75% increased risk among those with mothers aged 30 years and older versus younger than 20 years). Left-handedness was associated with a 62% increased risk of PD in women but not in men. Further investigation of the relation between prenatal, perinatal, or neonatal factors and PD in other study populations is suggested.
Subpicosecond stimulated Raman scattering in high-pressure hydrogen

We studied the effect of self-phase modulation and self-focusing on transient stimulated Raman scattering in high-pressure hydrogen by using high-energy, subpicosecond laser pulses. Adding argon to the hydrogen emphasizes the effect of self-phase modulation on stimulated Raman scattering by increasing the former effect without affecting the latter. The behavior of the observed stimulated Raman scattering falls into three regimes depending on input energy: normal stimulated Raman scattering at low energies, suppression by self-phase modulation at medium energies, and a recovery at high energies because strong self-focusing limits self-phase modulation.
A sharper tits alternative for 3-manifold groups

The following theorem is proven. LetM be a closed, orientable, irreducible 3-manifold such that rankH 1(M, ℤ/pℤ)≥3 for some primep. Then either π1(M) is virtually solvable or it contains a free group of rank 2.
Phase Separation Induced by Orbital Degrees of Freedom in Models for Manganites with Jahn-Teller Phonons

The 2-orbital Kondo model with classical Jahn-Teller phonons is studied using Monte Carlo techniques. The observed phase diagram is rich and includes a novel regime of phase separation induced by the orbital degrees of freedom. Experimental consequences of our results are discussed. In addition, the optical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ of the model is presented. It is shown to have several similarities with experimental measurements for manganites.
Subspecialization in radiation oncology: Impact of stereotactic radiosurgery

To determine the need for subspecialization in radiosurgery, a brief definition and review of radiosurgery is required. Radiosurgery was originally described as a technique to “destroy” intracranial targets using single high doses of ionizing radiation in stereotactically directed narrow beams. This technique is now used by radiosurgeons to produce certain biological effects (ranging from blood vessel thrombosis or reproductive cell death to frank necrosis) within the treatment volume. Patients were treated historically under the guidance of a neurosurgeon with the assistance of a radiation physicist without participation of radiation therapists. This fact is in part responsible for the lack of knowledge that exists among radiation oncologists and radiobiologists about this form of therapy. In reality, radiosurgery is a technique which represents the merger of neurosurgical and radiotherapeutic disciplines. The combination of expertise and experience of a complete multidisciplinary team including a radiation oncologist, neurological surgeon, radiation physicist, and the neuroradiologist is required for the proper use of radiosurgery. It was developed to treat specific problems not adequately managed by surgical resection and/or conventional radiotherapy. Radiosurgery is indicated in the treatment of relatively small, discrete tumors or arteriovenous malformations that cannot be completely resected without excessive risk of complications. Radiosurgery has also been used as a “boost” for tumors that cannot be adequately controlled with radiotherapy, for tumors that have recurred following prior surgical resection and/ or radiotherapy, and for patients who refuse recommended surgical resection and/or radiotherapy (5). DISCUSSION
The sulfur biogeochemistry of chemosynthetic cold seep communities, gulf of Mexico, USA

Abstract In hydrocarbon seep sediments associated with chemosynthetic communities along the continental slope of the northern Gulf of Mexico, the distribution of sulfate reduction rates is very heterogeneous, with rates ranging from values typical of off-seep Gulf environments to very high rates (up to ∼14.8 μmol cm −3 day −1 ). These extreme rates deplete porewater sulfate within 20 cm and are associated with increases in dissolved sulfide and DIC concentrations. Large depletions of porewater calcium and high concentrations of solid phase CaCO 3 indicate that carbonate precipitation is driven by sulfate reduction as well. Although total organic carbon concentrations (reflecting an unresolved mix of ambient biomass, crude oil and other seep hydrocarbons) are much higher than elsewhere in the Gulf, sulfate reduction rates are not related in any simple fashion to POC. In addition, apparent diffusion coefficients ( D S *) computed from sulfate gradients and reduction rates typically exceed molecular values. In tubeworm- Beggiatoa mat associations these excursions approach two orders of magnitude. We suggest that these elevated D S * values may indicate specific organism-sediment interactions that replenish sulfate, either through sediment irrigation or in situ sulfur recycling. Interactions between Beggiatoa and tubeworms may lead to large enhancements of the apparent flux of sulfate to the zone of SR, and give rise to very high SR rates that are otherwise probably limited in duration and lateral extent.
Evaluation of a dual-panel PET camera design to breast cancer imaging.

Abstract We are developing a novel, portable dual-panel positron emission tomography (PET) camera dedicated to breast cancer imaging. With a sensitive area of ∼ 150 cm2, this camera is based on arrays of lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystals (1×1×3 mm3) coupled to 11×11-mm2 position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPD). GATE open source software was used to perform Monte Carlo simulations to optimize the parameters for the camera design. The noise equivalent counting (NEC) rate, together with the true, scatter, and random counting rates were simulated at different time and energy windows. Focal plane tomography (FPT) was used for visualizing the tumors at different depths between the two detector panels. Attenuation and uniformity corrections were applied to images.
Inhibitory inputs tune the light response properties of dopaminergic amacrine cells in mouse retina.

Dopamine (DA) is a neuromodulator that in the retina adjusts the circuitry for visual processing in dim and bright light conditions. It is synthesized and released from retinal interneurons called ...
DISPERSION IN TURBULENT FILM FLOW

Dispersion of miscible solutes from non-uniformly distributed instantaneous sources in two dimensional smooth open channel turbulent flows is described satisfactorily by using generalized dispersio...
Humoral, mucosal, and cellular immune responses to oral Norwalk virus-like particles in volunteers.

Abstract Norwalk virus-like particles (VLPs), made from recombinant capsid protein, are a promising vaccine. Thirty-six healthy adult volunteers received 250 μg (n = 10), 500 μg (n = 10), or 2000 μg (n = 10) of orally administered VLP or placebo (n = 6). All vaccinees developed significant rises in IgA anti-VLP antibody-secreting cells. Ninety percent who received 250 μg developed rises in serum anti-VLP IgG; neither the rates of seroconversion nor geometric mean titers increased at the higher doses. About 30–40% of volunteers developed mucosal anti-VLP IgA. Lymphoproliferative responses and IFN-γ production were observed transiently among those who received 250 μg or 500 μg but not 2000 μg of VLP. Studies to increase immunogenicity using a mucosal adjuvant are planned.
On the relationship between protein stability and folding kinetics: a comparative study of the N-terminal domains of RNase HI, E. coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus L9.

There is currently a great deal of interest in proteins that fold in a single highly cooperative step. Particular attention has been focused on elucidating the factors that govern folding rates of simple proteins. Recently, the topology of the native state has been proposed to be the most important determinant of their folding rates. Here we report a comparative study of the folding of three topologically equivalent proteins that adapt a particularly simple alpha/beta fold. The folding kinetics of the N-terminal domain of RNase HI and the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9 from Escherichia coli (eNTL9) were compared to the previously characterized N-terminal domain of L9 from Bacillus stearothermophilus (bNTL9). This 6.2 kDa protein, which is one of simplest examples of the ABCalphaD motif, folds via a two-state mechanism on the millisecond to submillisecond time scale. The RNase HI domain and bNTL9 have very similar tertiary structures but there is little similarity in primary sequence. bNTL9 and eNTL9 share the same biological function and a similar primary sequence but differ significantly in stability. Fluorescence-detected stopped-flow experiments showed that the three proteins fold in a two-state fashion. The folding rates in the absence of denaturant were found to be very different, ranging form 21 s(-1) to 790 s(-1) at 10 degrees C. The diverse folding rates appear to reflect large differences in the stability of the proteins. When compared at an isostability point, the folding rates converged to a similar value and there is a strong linear correlation between the log of the folding rate and stability for this set of proteins. These observations are consistent with the idea that stability can play an important role in dictating relative folding rates among topologically equivalent proteins.
Multi-path quenchers: efficient quenching of common fluorophores.

Fluorescence quenching groups are widely employed in biological detection, sensing, and imaging. To date, a relatively small number of such groups are in common use. Perhaps the most commonly used quencher, dabcyl, has limited efficiency with a broad range of fluorophores. Here, we describe a molecular approach to improve the efficiency of quenchers by increasing their electronic complexity. Multi-Path Quenchers (MPQ) are designed to have multiple donor or acceptor groups in their structure, allowing for a multiplicity of conjugation pathways of varied length. This has the effect of broadening the absorption spectrum, which in turn can increase quenching efficiency and versatility. Six such MPQ derivatives are synthesized and tested for quenching efficiency in a DNA hybridization context. Duplexes placing quenchers and fluorophores within contact distance or beyond this distance are used to measure quenching via contact or FRET mechanisms. Results show that several of the quenchers are considerably more e...
Modeling of transverse loading effect on Bragg grating signals

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) can provide extremely sensitive strain measurements for various materials and structures. The main functionality of the Bragg grating is along the fiber's main axis, where changes in the grating's spacing can be converted into strain measurements. Previous work from a number of researchers has identified bifurcation and broadening of the Bragg signal under transverse loading. The work presented in this paper highlights efforts to relate transverse loading to changes in index of refraction in the fiber core cross section, and then ultimately to predicted changes in Bragg signals. The modeling work completed provides a useful tool in predicting effects on FBGs of potential transverse loading scenarios, whether these effects are undesirable, or sought after. Analytical and numerical analyses are presented as well as a background of interest in loading effects and birefringence with respect to Bragg grating applications.
Cytoplasmic filaments of Amoeba proteus. I. The role of filaments in consistency changes and movement.

The role of filaments in consistency changes and movement in a motile cytoplasmic extract of Amoeba proteus was investigated by correlating light and electron microscopic observations with viscosity measurements. The extract is prepared by the method of Thompson and Wolpert (1963). At 0°C, this extract is nonmotile and similar in structure to ameba cytoplasm, consisting of groundplasm, vesicles, mitochondria, and a few 160 A filaments. The extract undergoes striking ATP-stimulated streaming when warmed to 22°C. Two phases of movement are distinguished. During the first phase, the apparent viscosity usually increases and numerous 50–70 A filaments appear in samples of the extract prepared for electron microscopy, suggesting that the increase in viscosity in caused, at least in part, by the formation of these thin filaments. During this initial phase of ATP-stimulated movement, these thin filaments are not detectable by phase-contrast or polarization microscopy, but later, in the second phase of movement, 70 A filaments aggregate to form birefringent microscopic fibrils. A preparation of pure groundplasm with no 160 A filaments or membranous organelles exhibits little or no ATP-stimulated movement, but 50–70 A filaments form and aggregate into birefringent fibrils. This observation and the structural relationship of the 70 A and the 160 A filaments in the motile extract suggest that both types of filaments may be required for movement. These two types of filaments, 50–70 A and 160 A, are also present in the cytoplasm of intact amebas. Fixed cells could not be used to study the distribution of these filaments during natural ameboid movement because of difficulties in preserving the normal structure of the ameba during preparation for electron microscopy.
Hazardous Substance Research Centers program: An incubator for remediation research

The Hazardous Substance Research Center (HSRC) was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist in the implementation of Superfund and to address major hazardous substance environmental problems at a regional level. Over the past 12 years, the HSRC program has produced more than 1,200 peer-reviewed technical articles, 27 patents and licenses, 21 new technologies for the remediation marketplace, and provided technical assistance to more than 300 communities. Research, technology transfer, and training are conducted by five regional multi-university centers, which focus on different aspects of hazardous substance management. Areas of focus include urban environments, contaminated sediments, natural remediation and restoration technologies, abandoned mine lands, and chlorinated solvents in groundwater. This article provides an overview of the five HSRC programs including current areas of research, field studies, and technology transfer Internet links to access research results and remediation technology information. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum Theory of Nonlinear Optical Processes with Time-Dependent Pump Amplitude and Phase: Frequency Conversion

The behavior of a simple theoretical model of a quantum-frequency converter with a time-dependent pump amplitude and phase is analyzed quantum mechanically. A sufficient condition ensuring periodic frequency conversion between the modes is found and exact solutions are given in these cases. The complete time-dependent density matrices which give the most complete statistical description of the system are presented for a variety of initial states of the system. In the general case where the sufficient condition is not satisfied, time-dependent-perturbation-theory results give corrections to the amplitude and the period of the energy exchange between the modes. Comparisons are made between these results and those of other authors.