cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timing of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after rt-PA treatment in ischemic stroke.

Background We investigated patterns in the time from recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment to symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) onset in acute ischemic stroke. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all admitted “stroke code” patients from 2003 to 2017 at the University of California San Diego Medical Center from a prospective stroke registry. We selected patients that received IV rt-PA within 4.5 hours after onset/last known well and had sICH prehospital discharge. sICH diagnosis was made by prospective review. Endovascular-treated patients were excluded, given the variability of practice. sICH was prospectively defined as any new radiographic (CT/MRI) hemorrhage after rt-PA treatment and any worsened neurologic examination. Time to sICH was the time from rt-PA administration start to documented STAT head CT order time with the first evidence of new hemorrhage. Charts were reviewed for examination time metrics, demographics, clinical history, and neuroimaging. Results sICH was identified in 28 rt-PA-only treated patients. The mean time to sICH was 18.28 hours (range 2.4–34 hours). Median time to sICH was 18.25 hours. sICH was correlated with increased age (p = 0.02) and increased NIH Stroke Scale (p = 0.01). Conclusions Our findings suggest that rt-PA patients have the highest risk of post rt-PA sICH within the first 24 hours after treatment. This supports monitoring of rt-PA-treated patients in specialized settings such as neuro-intensive care units or stroke units. Our findings suggest that the probability of sICH is low 36 hours post rt-PA. Future larger studies are warranted to identify the patterns of bleeding after rt-PA administration.
Power corrections in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scatterings at fixed target energies

The COMPASS collaboration published precise data on production cross section of charged hadrons in lepton-hadron semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering, showing almost an order of magnitude larger than next-to-leading order QCD calculations when ${P}_{{h}_{T}}$ and ${z}_{h}$ are sufficiently large. We explore the role of power corrections to the theoretical calculations, and quantitatively demonstrate that the power corrections are extremely important for these data when the final-state multiplicity is low and the production kinematics is near the edge of phase space. Our finding motivates more detailed studies on power corrections for upcoming experiments at Jefferson Lab, as well as the future Electron-Ion Collider.
The Contemporary Defended Neighborhood: Maintaining Stability and Diversity through Processes of Community Defense:

This article extends Suttles’ (1972) theory of the defended neighborhood by applying the framework to a contemporary context and exploring the social processes that residents of a diverse community...
The Inevitable Rise in Dual-Income Households and the Intertemporal Effects on Labor Markets:

The number of dual-income households has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. This study supports the hypothesis that given a household’s desire to remain above a minimum threshold s...
Origins of Parkinson’s Disease in Brain Development: Insights From Early and Persistent Effects of LRRK2-G2019S on Striatal Circuits

Late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) is dominated clinically and experimentally by a focus on dopamine neuron degeneration and ensuing motor system abnormalities. There are, additionally, a number of non-motor symptoms - including cognitive and psychiatric - that can appear much earlier in the course of the disease and also significantly impair quality of life. The neurobiology of such cognitive and psychiatric non-motor symptoms is poorly understood. The recognition of genetic forms of late-onset PD, which are clinically similar to idiopathic forms in both motor and non-motor symptoms, raises the perspective that brain cells and circuits - and the behaviors they support - differ in significant ways from normal by virtue of the fact that these mutations are carried throughout life, including especially early developmental critical periods where circuit structure and function is particularly susceptible to the influence of experience-dependent activity. In this focused review, we support this central thesis by highlighting studies of LRRK2-G2019S mouse models. We describe work that shows that in G2019S mutants, corticostriatal activity and plasticity are abnormal by P21, the end of a period of excitatory synaptogenesis in striatum. Moreover, by young adulthood, impaired striatal synaptic and non-synaptic forms of plasticity likely underlie altered and variable performance by mutant mice in validated tasks that test for depression-like and anhedonia-like behaviors. Mechanistically, deficits in cellular, synaptic and behavioral plasticity may be unified by mutation-linked defects in trafficking of AMPAR subunits and other membrane channels, which in turn may reflect impairment in the function of the Rab family of GTPases, a major target of LRRK2 phosphorylation. These findings underscore the need to better understand how PD-related mutant proteins influence brain structure and function during an extended period of brain development, and offer new clues for future therapeutic strategies to target non-motor cognitive or psychiatric symptoms of PD.
Chapter 28 – Skeletal Development

The bones and connective tissues of the body are derived from two embryonic origins, the mesoderm and neural crest. The appendicular skeleton arises from the lateral plate mesoderm, the axial skeleton from the paraxial mesoderm, and the craniofacial skeleton from a combination of cephalic paraxial mesoderm and neural crest cells. Bones are formed through one of two processes: Endochondral ossification involves the formation of primordial cartilaginous anlagen that are subsequently replaced by bone via the growth plates. Intramembranous ossification is characterized by the direct differentiation of mesenchymal cells to osteogenic tissue. The growth plate can be divided into a resting zone, a proliferating zone, a pre-hypertrophic zone, and a hypertrophic zone, reflecting a gradient of chondrocyte differentiation that is regulated by antagonism between bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways and gradients of IHH and PTHrP. Replacement of cartilage by osteoblasts is dependent upon prior mineralization of the cartilage matrix and vascular invasion. The activities of the hypertrophic chondrocytes and of the osteoblasts are regulated by RUNX2. Osteoclasts are of hematopoietic origin (monocyte), and with osteoblasts, they remodel bone throughout an individual’s lifetime to adapt to mechanical demands. Joints and intra-articular structures arise from a cohort of progenitor cells distinct from those of the bones and are labeled by GDF5 and TGFBRII expression. Somites are formed from the segmental plate through the interaction of a cell-autonomous oscillator and a morphogenetic wave that coordinates somite boundary formation via the Notch-Delta juxtacrine system and epithelialization via WNT paracrine system and cadherin activity. Dysregulation of this developmental process leads to congenital scoliosis. The axial skeleton is derived from the ventro-medial sclerotome of somites. Differentiation of the somite is regulated by paracrine factors from surrounding tissues and the sclerotome in particular is induced by SHH. Tendons and ligaments develop from the interaction of mesodermal mesenchyme with myoblasts. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc is initially derived from the notochord. The gradual loss of “embryonic cells” from the disc may be related to disc degeneration and back pain.
Resection versus biopsy in the treatment of multifocal glioblastoma: a weighted survival analysis

Diffuse tumor invasion in multifocal/multicentric GBM (mGBM) often foreshadows poor survival outcome. The correlation between extent of resection in gliomas and patient outcome is well described. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of gross total resection compared to biopsy for mGBM on patient overall survival and progression free survival. Thirty-four patients with mGBM received either biopsy or resection of their largest enhancing lesion from 2011 to 2019. Relevant demographic, peri-operative, and radiographic data were collected. Tumor burden and extent of resection was assessed through measurement of pre-operative and post-operative contrast-enhancing volume. An adjusted Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was conducted using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to account for the covariates of age, number of lesions, satellite tumor volume, total pre-operative tumor volume, degree of spread, and location. Thirty-four patients were identified with sixteen (47.1%) and eighteen (52.9%) patients receiving resection and biopsy respectively. Patients receiving resection exhibited greater median overall survival but not progression free survival compared to biopsy on IPTW analysis (p = 0.026, p = 0.411). Greater than or equal to 85% extent of resection was significantly associated with increased median overall survival (p = 0.016). Overall, our study suggests that resection of the largest contrast-enhancing lesion may provide a survival benefit. Our volumetric analysis suggests that a greater degree of resection results in improved survival. Employing IPTW analysis, we sought to control for selection bias in our retrospective analysis. Thus, aggressive surgical treatment of mGBM may offer improved outcomes. Further clinical trials are needed.
Outcomes From Whole-Brain Reirradiation Using Pulsed Reduced Dose Rate Radiation Therapy.

Abstract Purpose Recurrent intracranial metastases after whole-brain irradiation pose a clinical challenge owing to the escalating morbidity associated with their treatment. Although stereotactic radiosurgery is increasingly being used, there are still situations in which whole-brain reirradiation (ReRT) continues to be appropriate. Here, we report our experience using whole-brain pulsed reduced dose rate radiation therapy (PRDR), a method that delivers radiation at a slower rate of 0.067 Gy/min to potentially increase sublethal damage repair and decrease toxicity. Methods and Materials Patients undergoing whole-brain ReRT with PRDR from January 1, 2001 to March 2019 were analyzed. The median PRDR ReRT dose was 26 Gy in 2 Gy fractions, resulting in a median total whole-brain dose of 59.5 Gy. Cox regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for overall survival, progression free survival, and to evaluate the ReRT score. Binary logistic regression was employed to evaluate variables associated with rapid death. Results Seventy-five patients were treated with whole-brain PRDR radiation therapy. The median age was 54 (range, 26-72), the median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was 80, and 86.7% had recursive partitioning analysis scores of 2. Thirty-two patients had over 10 metastases and 11 had leptomeningeal disease. The median overall survival was 4.1 months (range, 0.29-59.5 months) with a 1 year overall survival of 10.4%. Age, KPS, dexamethasone usage, and intracranial disease volume were significantly correlated with overall survival on multivariate analysis. A KPS ≤70 was associated with rapid death after radiation. The prognostic value of the ReRT score was validated. The most common acute toxicities were fatigue (23.1%) and headache (16.9%). Conclusions In this large cohort of patients with advanced intracranial metastases, PRDR achieves acceptable survival and may decrease toxicity associated with ReRT. PRDR is an easily implemented technique and is a viable treatment option for ReRT of brain metastases.
Manufacturing Distress: Race, Redevelopment, and the EB-5 Program in Central Brooklyn:

Gentrification’s racial consequences are garnering increased attention as the process advances into majority–minority urban neighborhoods. This study examines the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program’s ...
Quasi-static and dynamic fracture behavior of lead zirconate titanate: A study of poling and loading rate

Abstract In this study, coupon specimens of both poled and de-poled lead zirconate titanate (PZT) are examined under quasi-static and stress-wave loading conditions. Mode-I crack initiation and fracture behavior is examined using ultra high-speed imaging in conjunction with 2D digital image correlation on symmetrically impacted specimens. Measured displacement fields ahead of the dynamically loaded crack tip are used to extract the critical stress intensity factor ( K I C d ) at initiation and are compared with quasi-static SENT fracture toughness tests. Results demonstrate that under static conditions, the difference between poled and de-poled specimens is not statistically significant, however under dynamic conditions, poled samples exhibited a 70% greater fracture toughness compared to the de-poled specimens. To verify the increase was not due to thermal degradation of material mechanical properties during the de-poling process, re-poled specimens were also prepared and examined under dynamic fracture loading conditions. In general, impulsively loaded samples exhibited greater fracture toughness compared to their quasi-statically loaded counterparts, regardless of the poling. Specifically, the critical stress intensity factor increased seven to tenfold compared to static fracture toughness values, with poled samples exhibiting the greatest toughness of all samples explored. In terms of rate, the increase in fracture toughness under dynamic conditions likely comes from microcracking and potentially phase transformations at the crack tip. In terms of poling, the increase in fracture toughness is likely due to a bulk manifestation of ferroelastic toughening, where dynamic domain reorientation provides crack tip shielding.
Comparative effectiveness of Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for chronic mechanical neck pain: quasi-randomised parallel controlled study

Abstract Objectives To determine the effectiveness of Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). Design Quasi-randomised parallel controlled study. Setting Community, university and private practice settings in four locations. Participants Fifty-six individuals with CNP scoring ≥3/10 on the numeric pain rating scale for >3 months (controls n =17, Pilates n =20, yoga n =19). Interventions Exercise participants completed 12 small-group sessions with modifications and progressions supervised by a physiotherapist. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes were pain ratings, range of movement and postural measurements collected at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Follow-up was performed 6 weeks after completion of the exercise classes (Week 18). Results NDI decreased significantly in the Pilates {baseline: 11.1 [standard deviation (SD) 4.3] vs Week 12: 6.8 (SD 4.3); mean difference −4.3 (95% confidence interval −1.64 to −6.7); P P Conclusions Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions with appropriate modifications and supervision were safe and equally effective for decreasing disability and pain compared with the control group for individuals with mild-to-moderate CNP. Physiotherapists may consider including these approaches in a plan of care. Clinical Trial Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01999283.
Species-environment relationships and vegetation patterns: effects of spatial scale and tree life-stage

Do relationships between species and environmental gradients strengthen or weaken with tree life-stage (i.e., small seedlings, large seedlings, saplings, and mature trees)? Strengthened relationships may lead to distinct forest type boundaries, or weakening connections could lead to gradual ecotones and heterogeneous forest landscapes. We quantified the changes in forest dominance (basal area of tree species by life-stage) and environmental factors (elevation, slope, aspect, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), summer soil moisture, and soil depth and texture) across 14 forest ecotones (n = 584, 10 m #x00D7; 10 m plots) in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, U.S.A. Local, ecotone-specific species-environment relationships, based on multiple regression techniques, generally strengthened from the small seedling stage (multiple R 2 ranged from 0.00 to 0.26) to the tree stage (multiple R 2 ranged from 0.20 to 0.61). At the landscape scale, combined canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) among species and for all tree life-stages suggested that the seedlings of most species became established in lower-elevation, drier sites than where mature trees of the same species dominated. However, conflicting evidence showed that species-environment relationships may weaken with tree life-stage. Seedlings were only found in a subset of plots (habitats) occupied by mature trees of the same species. At the landscape scale, CCA results showed that species-environment relationships weakened somewhat from the small seedling stage (86.4% of the variance explained by the first two axes) to the tree stage (76.6% of variance explained). The basal area of tree species co-occurring with Pinus contorta Doug. ex. Loud declined more gradually than P. contorta basal area declined across ecotones, resulting in less-distinct forest type boundaries. We conclude that broad, gradual ecotones and heterogeneous forest landscapes are created and maintained by: (1) sporadic establishment of seedlings in sub-optimal habitats; (2) survivorship of saplings and mature trees in a wider range of environmental conditions than seedlings presently endure; and (3) the longevity of trees and persistence of tree species in a broad range of soils, climates, and disturbance regimes.
The Genetics of Schizophrenia

On the basis of findings from family, twin, and adoption studies, heredity emerges as a major etiological factor in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Molecular genetic techniques (mainly genetic association and linkage studies) indicate that area 13q32 on chromosome 13 and, possibly, areas 6p24–22, 6q16–24, 8p, and 22q11–13, as well as the gene of serotonin 2A receptor, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. As yet, however, no major genes have been identified; this is mainly because of the assumed heterogeneity of the disease, multigenic inheritance, reduced penetrance of genotype(s), and interplay between genetic and environmental vulnerability factors. Identification of genetically homogeneous patient subgroups and carriers of genes with reduced penetrance is based on “soft” neurological signs; deficits in auditory sensory gating and smooth pursuit eye movements; neuroanatomical abnormalities; deviant patterns of cerebral regional blood flow, functional MRI and brain lateralization; and biochemical indices of neurotransmitter abnormalities. The integration of molecular genetics with other fields of neuropsychiatry could provide new advances in our understanding of the interactions among the various genetic and environmental mechanisms leading to schizophrenia and allow the implementation of accurate genetic counseling and more appropriate interventions for the prevention and management of this devastating disease.
How you can evaluate the integrity of your library service quality assessment data

Purpose – This paper aims to explain how the integrity or trustworthiness of library service quality assessment data can be evaluated. Using the metaphor of a bathroom scale, the paper also aims to present the ideas underlying score reliability and score validity in an accessible manner.Design/methodology/approach – The use of the software, SPSS, to compute the related statistics is illustrated. LibQUAL+® data are used in heuristic examples, to make the discussion concrete, but the illustrations apply to both new and other measures of library service quality.Findings – The paper suggests that assumptions about the quality of data should always be empirically checked whenever an attempt is made to characterize service quality.Originality/value – This user‐friendly, conversational paper explains some of the more critical elements of service quality assessment.
Metrology for cancer biomarkers: Affinity analysis of human HER2 and telomerase with IgYs

A3 To improve quantitation of HER2 and telomerase as cancer biomarkers, we have generated novel avian polyclonal antibodies of IgY isotype(1) for comparison with commercially available mammalian antibodies in cell culture models. IgYs were generated against antigens for two human proteins, HER2 and telomerase, and compared with mammalian IgGs and IgMs by immunochemistry (IC), Western blotting and layered peptide array (LPA) technologies. Mammalian antibodies for both targets have been previously reported. However, metrology for quantitative comparisons of affinity reagents in general is lacking. Here we report direct comparisons between mammalian and avian reagents with several methods. These results are directed at improving metrology and validated reagents in model systems on which future clinical validation studies will be based.(1) Yan Xiao, (2006) IgY ANTIBODIES TO HUMAN TELOMERASE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE. Patent application has been filed (attorney docket number 000479.00163 for the US application, and filing date June 26, 2006).
The British Nutrition Transition and its Histories

This paper argues that food has become an increasingly important topic in British historiography. To frame this historiographical analysis, the paper focuses on the “nutrition transition” in Britain, which took place between around 1750 and 1950. This transition marked a shift towards a diet rich in refined wheat, sugar, dairy and meat. The paper explores various phenomena related to the nutrition transition, notably changes in the standard of living, the relationship between the state and the economy, the impact of war, and the development of globalization. These various historical developments have all become rich areas for historiographical analysis and debate. In general, we can observe a historiographical drift from “social” approaches to the history of food through “cultural” ones to today’s situation, which is one of methodological innovation and profusion. This situation suggests that some of the most interesting writing on British history is currently about food.
Requirement of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway for the induction of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein/immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein by azetidine stress: activating transcription factor 6 as a target for stress-induced phosphorylation

Malfolded protein formation and perturbance of calcium homoeostasis results in the induction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone protein, namely the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)/immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein. Various ER stress inducers can activate grp78, but signal transduction mechanisms are not well understood. We report in the present study that the induction of endogenous grp78 mRNA by the amino acid analogue azetidine (AzC) requires the integrity of a signal transduction pathway mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). In contrast, induction of grp78 by thapsigargin that depletes the ER calcium storage can occur even when the p38 MAPK pathway is blocked. Treatment of cells with AzC results in the sustained activation of p38 MAPK. We identified an ER transmembrane activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) as a target of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in AzC-treated cells. ATF6 undergoes proteolytic cleavage on AzC treatment, releasing a nuclear form that is an activator of the grp78 promoter. We show here that constitutively active mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6, a selective p38 MAPK activator, enhances the ability of the nuclear form of ATF6 to transactivate the grp78 promoter. Our results provide direct evidence that different ER stress inducers use diverse pathways to activate grp78 and that in addition to activation by proteolytic cleavage, ATF6 undergoes specific ER stress-induced phosphorylation. We propose that phosphorylation of ATF6 is a novel mechanism for augmenting its potential as a transcription activator.
Real thinking with virtual hats: A role-playing activity for pre-service teachers in Second Life

Role-plays in a virtual world hold tremendous potential for higher education because they allow synchronous, immersive participation by students located across the globe. They also have the added advantage of allowing students to adopt roles and carry out tasks that are not possible in the real world. In this article, a project that involved pre-service teachers carrying out role-plays based on de Bono's Six Thinking Hats framework is presented. A pilot study was carried out over two years with on-campus students, who performed the role-plays both in a real-life, physical setting and within the virtual world of Second Life . The activity has since been extended to off-campus students exclusively using Second Life . The authors report selected quantitative and qualitative survey data from the pilot study that provide insight into students' perceptions of this style of learning, and discuss the challenges that were encountered and how they were overcome. The future of virtual world-based role-playing as a strategy for teaching and learning is discussed, with a focus on its application to distance education contexts.
The Distribution of Zeros of the Derivative of a Random Polynomial

In this note we initiate the probabilistic study of the critical points of polynomials of large degree with a given distribution of roots. Namely, let f be a polynomial of degree n whose zeros are chosen IID from a probability measure μ on \(\mathbb{C}\). We conjecture that the zero set of f ′ always converges in distribution to μ as n → ∞. We prove this for measures with finite one-dimensional energy. When μ is uniform on the unit circle this condition fails. In this special case the zero set of f ′ converges in distribution to that of the IID Gaussian random power series, a well known determinantal point process.
Fabrication of IR-transparent microfluidic devices by anisotropic etching of channels in CaF2

A simple fabrication method for generating infrared (IR) transparent microfluidic devices using etched CaF2 is demonstrated. To etch microfluidic channels, a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device was reversibly sealed on a CaF2 plate and acid was pumped through the channel network to perform anisotropic etching of the underlying CaF2 surface. To complete the CaF2 microfluidic device, another CaF2 plate was sealed over the etched channel using a 700 nm thick layer of PDMS adhesive. The impact of different acids and their concentrations on etching was studied, with HNO3 giving the best results in terms of channel roughness and etch rates. Etch rate was determined at etching times ranging from 4-48 hours and showed a linear correlation with etching time. The IR transparency of the CaF2 device was established using a Fourier Transform IR microscope and showed that the device could be used in the mid-IR region. Finally, utility of the device was demonstrated by following the reaction of N-methylacetamide and D2O, which results in an amide peak shift to 1625 cm(-1) from 1650 cm(-1), using an FTIR microscope.
Computing nonnegative rank factorizations

Abstract The existence of nonnegative generalized inverses in terms of nonnegative rank factorizations is considered. An algorithm is presented which computes a nonnegative rank factorization of a nonnegative matrix when a nonnegative 1-inverse exists.
Entropy as an Index of the Informational State of Neurons

Techniques were developed for using the classical information theory descriptor, entropy, to quantify the “uncertainty” present in neuronal spike trains. Entropy was calculated on the basis of a method that describes the relative relationships of serially ordered interspike intervals by encoding the intervals as a series of symbols, each of which depicts the relative duration of two adjacent spike intervals. Each symbol, or set of symbols has a specific fractional entropy value, derived from its probability of occurrence; moreover, fractional entropy can describe the relative amount of “information” that is associated with the relative location of a given symbol in a string of symbols.Using spike trains from 12 single neurons in the cerebellar cortex of rats, we determined: (1) the mean and S.D. of information content of each symbol in each specific position in a group of symbols (2-4 symbols/group, based on 3-5 adjacent intervals), (2) the 4-symbol groups which had the least and the most average fraction...
Comparison of a microstructure evolution model with experiments on irradiated vanadium

Abstract A kinetic rate theory model, which includes the formation of cascade-induced clusters (CIIC), is presented. Comparison of the model to ion irradiation data on vanadium reveals the effects of helium generation and cascade-induced interstitial and vacancy clusters on microstructure evolution. The model is based on a simplification of hierarchical rate equations for the clustering of helium bubbles, immobile vacancy clusters, glissile interstitial clusters, sessile dislocation loops, as well as precipitates and grain boundaries. The model shows that the transport of helium to dislocations, bubbles and grain boundaries is strongly transient because of coupling between the nucleation and growth modes of bubble evolution. Helium agglomeration in vacancy clusters is shown to reduce the excess vacancy flux to grow matrix and precipitate-affixed bubbles. The direct formation of vacancy and interstitial clusters in cascades reduces the growth rate of bubbles, and leads to enhanced nucleation of matrix bubbles. In addition to the dislocation and production bias mechanisms, a new mechanism of `helium nucleation bias' is shown to exist under high helium generation rates.
Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery to Correct Anisometropia due to Residual Astigmatism After Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical effect of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on eyes with anisometropia due to residual astigmatism after cataract surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 eyes of 11 patients who had undergone cataract surgery from March 2002 to November 2005. PRK (2 eyes) and LASIK (9 eyes) was performed on 11 eyes with refractive myopic or mixed astigmatism over 1.5D after cataract surgery. Result: Before laser surgery, the mean astigmatism was 3.23±1.02D and the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -2.27±1.43D. Six months after laser surgery, the mean SE was 0.66±0.58D and the mean astigmatism was 0.73±0.39D. The changes in mean manifest SE and astigmatism were statistically significant between paired preoperative and postoperative values (p
A kinetic model for H2O2/UV process in a completely mixed batch reactor

Abstract A dynamic kinetic model for the advanced oxidation process (AOP) using hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation (H 2 O 2 /UV) in a completely mixed batch reactor (CMBR) is developed. The model includes the known elementary chemical and photochemical reactions, and literature reported photochemical parameters and chemical reaction rate constants are used in this model to predict organic contaminant destruction. Unlike most other kinetic models of H 2 O 2 /UV oxidation process, the model does not assume that the net formation rate of free radical species is zero (pseudo-steady state assumption). In addition, the model considers the solution pH decrease during the process as mineral acids and carbon dioxide are formed. The model is tested by predicting the destruction of a probe compound, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) in distilled water with the addition of inorganic carbon. The new model developed in this work gives better predictions of the destruction of the target organic compound than the model based on the pseudo-steady state assumption. The model provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of design and operational variables on process performance. Accordingly the ability of the model to select optimum process variables, such as hydrogen peroxide dosage, is illustrated.
Gravitation, primordial stars and the dark mass

THE possibility that the gravitational constant G decreases as the Universe expands is a subject of continuing theoretical and experimental interest. Such a cosmology is used here to explain the low luminosity of the ‘missing mass’ in clusters of galaxies, and the ‘heavy haloes’ of spiral galaxies, in terms of the rapid initial evolution of a generation of primordial stars.
The influence of boric acid and dissolved oxygen on the morphology of electroless palladium films

Abstract The effects of boric acid and dissolved oxygen on the morphology of palladium films deposited from the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and triethyleneamine (TEA) baths were studied. Striking morphological differences in the palladium films after the addition of boric acid were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The addition of boric acid in the EDTA bath enhances the deposition rate, while in the TEA bath it has the effect of producing lower coverage films and changing the particle shape from agglomerated nodules to round and smooth particles. The function of boric acid in the electroless bath is not only to act as a buffer but also to affect the nucleation and growth behavior of deposits, depending on the bath composition. The effect of dissolved oxygen on the electroless palladium films was investigated by growing films from EDTA and TEA baths that had had the dissolved oxygen concentration reduced by bubbling nitrogen through the baths for 10 min prior to electroless deposition. The palladium films deposited from the bath with dissolved oxygen are typically loosely packed discontinous films. The EDTA bath seems to be more sensitive to the dissolved oxygen, resulting in palladium deposits which are fewer than those from the nitrogen-bubbled bath. A possible mechanism of the dissolved oxygen effect in the electroless metal bath is proposed.
Tails of solutions of certain nonlinear stochastic differential equations driven by heavy tailed Levy motions

We describe the exact tail behavior of the solutions to certain nonlinear stochastic differential equations driven by Levy motions with regularly varying tails and establish existence and uniqueness of solutions to these equations.
Weekend hospitalisations and post-operative complications following urgent surgery for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Summary Background There is increasing complexity in the management of patients with acute severe exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD; Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC)] with frequent requirement for urgent surgery. Aim To determine whether a weekend effect exists for IBD care in the United States. Methods We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2007, the largest all-payer hospitalisation database in the United States. Discharges with a diagnosis of CD or UC who underwent urgent intestinal surgery within 2 days of hospitalisation were identified using the appropriate ICD-9 codes. The independent effect of admission on a weekend was examined using multivariate logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results Our study included 7,112 urgent intestinal surgeries in IBD patients, 21% of which occurred following weekend admissions. There was no difference in disease severity between weekend and weekday admissions. Post-operative complications were more common following weekend than weekday hospitalisations in UC [odds ratio (OR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.90]. The most common post-operative complication was post-operative infections (Weekend 30% vs. weekday 20%, P = 0.04). The most striking difference between weekend and weekday hospitalisations was noted for needing repeat laparotomy (OR 11.5), mechanical wound complications (OR 10.03) and pulmonary complications (OR 2.22). In contrast, occurrence of any post-operative complication in CD was similar between weekday and weekend admissions. Conclusion Patients with UC hospitalised on a weekend undergoing urgent surgery within 2 days have an increased risk for post-operative complications, in particular mechanical wound complications, need for repeat laparotomy and post-operative infections.
Optimization of the Broadband Reflectance of Graded Multilayers for Hard X-Ray Mirrors

Multilayer structures with depth graded spacing can present a high reflectivity in a broad energy bandpass for hard X-rays (>20 keV) if the interface roughness/diffuseness is controlled and minimized. We present an optimization study of several multilayer systems deposited by DC magnetron sputtering on silicon wafer substrates. The material combinations presented in this work are W/Si, W/C, Wsi2/Si, Pt/C, Ni/C, and Mo/Si.
The 2002 M5 Au Sable Forks, NY, earthquake sequence: Source scaling relationships and energy budget

[1] We find invariant high stress drops and radiated energies for a sequence of intraplate earthquakes. We estimate source parameters of the Au Sable Forks, NY, earthquake (M5, 2002) and aftershocks. This intraplate earthquake was the largest to occur in Eastern North America since 1988 and the largest to be recorded by regional broadband networks. We use the empirical Green's function (EGF) method and define a set of qualitative and quantitative rules for the selection of EGF earthquake pairs and for the quality verification of the obtained EGF spectral ratio. We use a multitaper code that performs the complex spectral division with minimum frequency leakage and allows transformation back to the time domain to check the validity of the EGF event. We estimate source parameters for 22 earthquakes (M1–M5) in the sequence. The median stress drop of 104 MPa (using Madariaga source model, and 19 MPa for a Brune model) is significantly larger than estimates for interplate earthquakes. The lower crustal strain rates, and longer fault healing times in intraplate environments, may be responsible for this high average value. We find constant stress drop between M2 and M5, up to the bandwidth resolution limit (80 Hz) of the study, and no evidence of stress drop breakdown for M2 to M1 earthquakes. We find consistently high radiated seismic energy and apparent stress, and a median radiated energy to seismic moment ratio of 9 × 10−5. This is significantly larger than estimates for interplate earthquakes (∼2 × 10−5) and consistent with higher stress drops and stronger faults.
Analysis of Snapback Phenomena in VDMOS Transistor having the High Second Breakdown Current: A High ESD Mechanism Analysis

We proposed the balanced vertical double - diffused MOS (B-VDMOS) transistor. The B-VDMOS transistor is not destroyed by avalanche breakdown and acquires the high second breakdown current. Owing to the high second breakdown current, the B-VDMOS transistor has high electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness. This paper presents the mechanism of the snapback phenomena and clarifies the cause that the B-VDMOS transistor has the high second breakdown current. We find the cause that current does not become concentrated even after avalanche breakdown in the B-VDMOS transistor. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic discoveries as the basis of personalized therapy: rosiglitazone treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Genetic discoveries as the basis of personalized therapy: rosiglitazone treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Towards a Parallel Implementation of an Immersed Boundary Method on Non-Uniform Cartesian Mesh Coupled With a Fluid Structure Interaction Model

The immersed boundary methods are well known as an efficient flow solver for engineering problems involving fluid structure interactions. However, in order to obtain better results, higher resolutions near the immersed boundary points are desired. Non-uniform Cartesian mesh can easily fulfill this task without introducing a dramatic increase on the cost of computation and coding. In the current paper, an immersed boundary method with non-uniform Cartesian mesh is demonstrated. The Poisson problem is solved with assistance of a scientific parallel computational library PETSc. The code is validated with a three-dimensional flow over a stationary sphere. Then, a fluid-structure interaction model is coupled and validated with two-dimensional vortex induced vibration problems. Comparisons with previous studies are presented. The ultimate goal is to couple the fluid-structure interaction model with the three-dimensional immersed boundary method.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Continuous Flow Electroless Plating Enhances Optical Features of Au Films and Nanoparticles

A novel continuous flow (CF) electroless (EL) plating method deposits gold (Au) films which exhibit increased continuity and uniformity relative to batch immersion as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Transmission UV−vis (T-UV) spectra exhibit lower peak heights (PH) and narrower full-width-half-maxima (fwhm), consistent with microscopy measures. Nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by thermal transformation of CF-EL Au film are larger and monodisperse relative to I-EL NPs. Their extinction spectra exhibit higher PH due to enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and narrower fwhm than NP from I-EL films. Au deposition during CF-EL plating is calculated to be 78.3% higher than during I-EL plating for each 30-s interval. Optical features of T-UV [PH, fwhm, and resonant extinction maxima (λmax)] increase in proportion to time-integrated mass transport coefficient and suggest that increased mass transfer rate and steady higher average local Au concentration ...
Impacts of Riprap on Wetland Shorelines, Upper Winnebago Pool Lakes, Wisconsin

Isolation of causative factors has proved challenging in characterizing the physical, chemical, and biological effects of shoreline hardening on the nearshore environment because of logistical challenges in identifying comparable sites. Extensive shoreline hardening and interspersion with unaltered shores in the large, shallow lakes in central Wisconsin provide an opportunity to surmount this. We compared the effects of shoreline protection on wave climate, bottom topography and substrate, water quality, and plant and animal assemblages at five adjacent pairs of natural and armored (riprapped) shorelines. Armored shorelines were characterized by coarser, more compacted substrates with lower organic content; cooler temperatures with higher dissolved oxygen; and greater water clarity. Differences in physical and chemical properties likely influenced plant growth forms and fish feeding guild differences between riprapped and natural sites. For example, floating-leaved plants were more abundant and fish were nearly twice as abundant and were represented by larger individuals at natural versus armored shorelines. Substrate characteristics may account for the differences in water quality and plant and animal associations observed in this study. As shoreline property owners continue to install riprap as protection against erosion, we expect the nearshore environment and associated biological communities to increasingly reflect this practice.
Comparisons of one and two adaptation gain complex PtNLMS algorithms

Learning curves of the complex proportionate-type normalized least mean square (CPtNLMS), simplified CPtNLMS, and one-gain CPtNLMS algorithms are compared for different complex input signals and complex impulse responses. Cases when the algorithms show different behaviors are presented. In addition the water-filling algorithm for optimal adaptation gain allocation is extended from real-valued signals to complex-valued signals. In fact, two complex water-filling algorithms are derived, namely, the complex water-filling with one gain for coefficient real and imaginary parts and the complex water-filling algorithm with separate gains for coefficient real and imaginary parts.
Density functional theory calculations for F

Abstract The orbital energy of F − with local DFT functionals is re-examined. Unlike previous researchers, our calculations give negative 2p orbital energies with LDA and BLYP. In order to obtain this result, it was essential to use a numerical integration grid that would give accurate Kohn–Sham matrix elements for very diffuse basis functions. We suggest that DFT programs should test for the accuracy of the self-overlap of basis functions, computed by numerical integration, rather than just testing the accuracy of the integral of the total density.
Immunochemical differences among molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase in brain and blood.

Abstract Molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) differ in their solubility properties as well as in the number of their catalytic subunits. We used monoclonal antibodies to investigate the structure of acetylcholinesterase forms in brain, erythrocytes and serum of rats, rabbits and other mammals. Two antibodies were found to bind tetrameric acetylcholinesterase in preference to the monomeric enzyme. These antibodies also displayed lower affinity for certain forms of ‘soluble’ brain acetylcholinesterase than for the ‘membrane-associated’ counterparts. Furthermore, one of them was virtually lacking in affinity for the membrane-associated enzyme of erythrocytes. The basis for the antibody specificity was not fully determined. However, the immunochemical results were supported by measurements of enzyme thermolability, which showed that the catalytic activity of ‘soluble’ acetylcholinesterase was comparatively heat-resistant. These observations point toward structural differences among the solubility classes of acetylcholinesterase.
We Said, “Why Not?”—A Historical Perspective on Women's Outdoor Pursuits

Abstract This article discusses ways in which women were involved in outdoor recreation personally and professionally in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These women were among the growing numbers eager to share the strenuous, yet rewarding life that resulted from their experiences in the outdoors.
The forehead scar as a literary device.

Dermatologists and patients often view scars as imperfections. In lit-erature, however, scars can help define a nuanced character, oftenrevealing more than other aspects of a character’s appearance. Doesthe scar connote bravery, some triumph in battle? Or, could it meansomethingmoresinister,amementooftreacheryperhaps?Forehead scars, in particular, are a frequently used literary device.TheearliestexampleofforeheadscarsmaybethebiblicaltaleofCainandAbel.GodbanishedCainformurderinghisbrother,Abel,butGod“setamarkuponCain,lestanyfindinghimshouldkillhim.AndCainwentout…anddweltinthelandofNod,ontheeastofEden”(
Beta decay of 26Si, 30S and 34Ar

Abstract New branches in the β+ decay of 26Si, 30Si, and 34Ar have been observed and their log ft values determined. Upper limits for the branching ratios are reported for unobserved branches. Values of T 1 2 = 1.22±0.03 s for 30S and T 1 2 = 0.74±0.11 s for 34Ar were obtained from an analysis of the decay of β-delayed γ-rays. Comparison of the pure Gamow-Teller β+ transitions with the analogous M1 γ-transitions indicates that the orbital contribution is not negligible.
Small sample rank tests with applications to asset pricing

Abstract This paper proposes small sample tests for rank restrictions that arise in many asset pricing models, economic fields and others, complementing the usual asymptotic theory which can be unreliable. Using monthly portfolio returns grouped by industry and using two sets of instrumental variables, we cannot reject a one-factor model for the industry returns.