cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CNS demyelinating disorder with mixed features of neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis in HIV-1 infection. Case report and literature review

An African-American male presented with bilateral visual impairment, gait difficulties, and bladder and bowel incontinence raising concerns for multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO). He was identified to be HIV-1 infected with high viral load and low CD4+ counts. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was abnormal, but atypical for MS. MRI of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord showed multiple areas of myelitis with a longitudinally extensive thoracic transverse myelitis that showed enhancement with gadolinium suggestive of NMO. Cerebrospinal fluid showed oligoclonal IgG bands but did not show reactivity to aquaporin 4. Patient underwent treatment for the acute exacerbation with intravenous corticosteroids and treatment of the HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A year later, his viral load was <20 copies/ml and CD4+ counts were normal. Vision did not significantly improve, but his ambulation improved from a near total non-ambulatory state to ambulating without aids and resolution of the bladder and bowel incontinence. A demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) like MS or NMO has been previously reported in the context of HIV infection. The remarkable improvement of symptoms has also been previously reported with HAART, and these observations have led to clinical trials of MS with HAART therapy in the absence of HIV infection. We reviewed the few cases of CNS demyelinating disorders with HIV infection reported in the literature and speculate on the mechanisms of pathogenesis.
A comparative study of central visual field changes induced by sarin vapour and physostigmine eye drops.

Abstract A Friedmann visual field analyser was used to study the threshold luminance of multiple stimuli within the central visual field in human volunteers made miotic by exposure to sarin vapour. The observations were compared, in the same subjects, with the effects produced with an identical degree of miosis induced by the instillation of physostigmine. The results suggest that exposure to sarin vapour may affect the visual threshold, influencing cone more than rod function, possibly by modifying acetylcholine-mediated neurotransmission within the retina or central visual pathways.
Microvascular integrity indicates myocellular viability in patients with recent myocardial infarction. New insights using myocardial contrast echocardiography.

BACKGROUND Patency of the infarct-related artery (IRA) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may not reflect the magnitude of tissue perfusion. In animal models of AMI, myocardial cellular necrosis has been associated with extensive capillary damage. Because myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) can define the spatial distribution of microvascular perfusion, we hypothesized that it could be used in patients after recent AMI to distinguish myocardial regions that have an intact microvasculature and thus are viable from those without an intact microvasculature and thus are not viable. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred five patients with a recent AMI (range, 1 day to 4 weeks; median, 8 days) who were undergoing cardiac catheterization were included in the study. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline and repeated 1 month later to assess regional function within the infarct zone (scores of 1 to 5 indicating normal to dyskinetic segments, respectively). MCE was performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory to assess microvascular perfusion within the infarct bed. A contrast score index was derived by assigning scores to individual segments within the infarct zone (0, 0.5, and 1 denoting no, intermediate, and homogeneous contrast effect, respectively) and deriving the average score within the infarct bed. Revascularization was performed as clinically indicated. Although the baseline wall motion score and the contrast score index were similar in the 90 patients with a patent IRA and the 15 patients with an occluded IRA (median +/- 1 interquartile range, 3 +/- 1 versus 3.5 +/- 1; P = .41), wall motion score 1 month later was significantly better in those with open IRAs compared with those with closed IRAs (2 +/- 2 versus 3 +/- 2, P = .05). In the 90 patients with an open IRA, a strong correlation was noted between wall motion score 1 month later and the contrast score index (rho = -.64, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, the best correlate of the 1-month wall motion score was the contrast score index. CONCLUSIONS In patients studied in the cardiac catheterization laboratory between 1 day and 4 weeks after AMI, an intact microvasculature as identified by MCE indicates myocardial regions that improve function 1 month later. This study demonstrates that microvascular patency is closely associated with myocardial cellular viability after AMI in humans.
Experimental confirmation of transverse focusing and adiabatic damping in a standing wave linear accelerator

The measurement of the transverse phase-space map, or transport matrix, of a relativistic electron in a high-gradient, radio-frequency linear accelerator (rf linac) at the UCLA photoinjector is reported. This matrix, which indicates the effects of acceleration (adiabatic damping), first-order transient focusing, and ponderomotive second-order focusing, is measured as a function of both rf field amplitude and phase in the linac. The elements of the matrix, determined by observation of centroid motion at a set of downstream diagnostics due to deflections induced by a set of upstream steering magnets, compare well with previously developed analytical theory [J. Rosenzweig and L. Serafini, Phys. Rev. E {bold 49}, 1599 (1994)]. The determinant of the matrix is obtained, yielding a direct confirmation of trace space adiabatic damping. Implications of these results on beam optics at moderate energy in high-gradient linear accelerators such as rf photoinjectors are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The New Millennium

We can make the beginning of nm thousand‐year epoch ring loud and clear with hope. We can initiate a millennium of dialogue and action and safeguard our planet, protect our populations, savor our humanity provide basic rights for the individual, and assure the preservation of Life on Earth.
QSO evolution and the intergalactic medium

A model is developed of a cold, photoionized intergalactic medium in which only discrete, evolving sources (quasars) produce the observed extragalactic hard X-ray background. Constraints on the model are imposed by observed optical depth limits to various redshifts, far UV and visible flux measurements, X-ray background and source counts in the region 2-6 keV, and it makes use of results of the Palomar Bright Quasar Survey and the Braccesi Quasar survey to obtain expressions for the quasar evolution function, absolute luminosity, present number density and switch-on redshift. Results of computer modeling reveal an intergalactic medium with a density with respect to closure less than 0.35, temperature of 16,000 K and fractional ion abundances of approximately 0.000001 for H I and 0.001 for He II, under the assumption of a Hubble constant of 50 km/sec per Mpc. In addition, spectral indices of -0.4 and -1.3 are obtained for the regions of the emission spectrum above and below 4 x 10 to the 18th Hz.
Management of benign skin lesions commonly affecting the face: actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and rosacea.

Purpose of reviewPatients commonly present to the otolaryngologist for management of benign facial lesions. It is important to be able to both recognize these lesions and offer patients the most effective therapies currently available. Advances in the understanding and management of three of the mor
Efficient fax transmission of halftone image sequences

We propose an algorithm in which a sequence of digital halftone images is efficiently transmitted using encoding compatible with conventional facsimile devices. To enhance the CCITT standardized coding schemes for Group 3 and Group 4 facsimile apparatus, pre-encoding is done on each image in the sequence: The image is either pre-encoded as a combination of bit representation of block means and an "error" image, according to the ToneFac algorithm, or it is pre-encoded as an "interimage" in which interframe redundancy is converted into spatial redundancy, and the least "busy" of the above images is encoded and transmitted. The approach is referred to as the ToneSec algorithm.
Interaction of cadmium chloride and γ irradiation on blood parameters of the young adult rat

Abstract Two hundred and sixteen male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats, 80 ± 5 days old and weighing 220–250 g each, were assigned at random to nine groups of 24 rats each. Rats were injected with cadmium (Cd) intraperitoneally every 3 days for 29 days for a total of nine injections. Injections doses were 0, 1.0, or 2.5 mg Cd kg −1 body wt. Twenty-four hours after the last Cd injection (Day 30), each rat received an acute whole-body 60 Co γ radiation dose of 0, 3.62, or 5.43 Gray (Gy) at a dose rate of 33.04 Gy min −1 . The irradiated groups exhibited significant decreases in the total number of white blood cells (WBCs) and the percentage of lymphocytes. Significant increases were seen in the percentage of polyneutrophils, serum triacylglycerols (TG), serum iron, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Cd-treated groups had increased total WBCs, percentage of polyneutrophils, and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT). Significant decreases were observed in the percentage of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, total number of red blood cells (RBCs), and hematocrit. In the co-insult, significant decreases were seen in the total number of WBCs and RBCs, the percentage of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Significant increases were observed in the percentage of polyneutrophils and serum iron. In general, Cd acted as a debilitator which enhanced the overall effect of ionizing radiation when applied as the second insult. On the other hand, Cd also provided protection against radiation; that is, some parameters such as total WBCs, serum TG, serum iron, and serum LDH were not as adversely affected by the co-insult as when radiation only was used. The mechanism of this Cd anomaly is not known.
Transient vibration of smart structures using a coupled piezoelectric-mechanical theory

Analysis of smart structures using piezoelectric materials (PZT) as either sensors or actuators has traditionally been performed using uncoupled models [1,2]. Uncoupled models make the assumption that the electric field within the piezoelectric material is constant and proportional to the ratio of electrode voltage to PZT thickness. Having made this assumption, the strain induced by an actuator is modeled with a single uncoupled equation and the charge output of a sensor is described by another uncoupled equation. This method is relatively simple, but it has its limitations. The mechanical and electric response of a piezoelectric device is in reality described by a pair of coupled equations [3] and cannot be accurately modeled if treated independently. It is necessary to simultaneously solve for both the electric response as well as the mechanical response regardless of whether the PZT is being used as a sensor or actuator. Also, the uncoupled model is not capable of taking into consideration any electrical circuitry connected to the piezoelectric device. This has been recognized in some specific applications and coupled equations have been used to model passive damping circuits [4,5] and develop self-sensing actuators [6]. Only recently have the coupled equations been simultaneously used for general analysis of adaptive structures [7–9].
Molecular Dynamics Model of Ultraviolet Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Including Ionization Processes

A molecular dynamics model of UV-MALDI including ionization processes is presented. In addition to the previously described breathing sphere approach developed for simulation of laser ablation/desorption of molecular systems, it includes radiative and nonradiative decay, exciton hopping, two pooling processes, and electron capture. The results confirm the main conclusions of the continuum model of Knochenmuss, Anal. Chem. 2003, 75, 2199, but provide a much more detailed description of the interaction between ablation/desorption and ionization processes in the critical early time regime. Both desorption and ablation regimes generate free ions, and yields are in accordance with experiment. The first molecular ions are emitted at high velocities shortly before neutral desorption begins, because of surface charging caused by electron escape from the top of the sample. Later ions are entrained and thermalized in the plume of neutral molecules and clusters. Clusters are found to be stable on a nanosecond time s...
Quantitative comparison between microperforating osteotomies and continuous lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty.

Objective To determine the difference in nasal bone narrowing between 2 techniques: the low lateral intranasal perforating osteotomy technique and the low lateral continuous osteotomy technique. Methods A retrospective analysis of preoperative and postoperative photographs to determine the changes of the dorsal width of the nose (width of plateau of the nose, or dorsal nasal highlight) and the ventral width (junction of the flattened surface of the maxilla and the ascending nasal process of the maxilla). Results Twenty patients underwent continuous osteotomies, and 40 underwent intranasal perforating osteotomies. The continuous osteotomy technique had a preoperative to postoperative decrease in the ventral width of 7.0% ( P P P Conclusions Both the continuous and perforating osteotomy technique resulted in a decrease in the ventral nasal bone width. No statistical difference was found between continuous and perforating osteotomy techniques in the amount of nasal bone narrowing ( P
Endotoxin Increases Ascorbate Recycling and Concentration in Mouse Liver

Sublethal exposure to Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) attenuates the lethal effects of subsequent insults associated with oxidative stress, such as higher LPS dose, septic peritonitis and ischemia. Because administration of the antioxidant ascorbate protects against these same insults and injection of dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) protects against ischemia, the hypothesis that sublethal LPS increases endogenous ascorbate concentration and recycling (i.e. synthesis from DHAA) was tested. Injection of LPS (5 × 106 EU/kg body weight i.p.) in mice caused a temporary inhibition of food intake, which was significant by 20 h and recovered within 3 days. LPS increased ascorbate concentration in adrenal gland, heart, kidney and liver. LPS had similar effects in wild-type and Slc23a2+/− mice despite the latter’s deficiency in the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. In liver, the ascorbate response to LPS was not accompanied by change in glutathione concentration. LPS decreased gulonolactone oxidase activity, which is rate-limiting for de novo synthesis of ascorbate from glucose, but increased the rate of DHAA reduction to ascorbate. In conclusion, sublethal endotoxin increases ascorbate recycling in liver and ascorbate concentration in liver, adrenal gland, heart and kidney. The enhanced rate of ascorbate production from DHAA may protect these organs against the reactive oxygen species produced by subsequent, potentially lethal challenges.
Paradoxical effect of pilus expression on binding of antibodies by Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) pili are surface proteins that are associated with the ability of Hib to attach to human epithelial cells. Like pilus expression of other bacteria, expression of Hib pili undergoes phase variation. We observed that Hib in the piliated phase (Hib p+) bound monoclonal antibodies directed against six conserved, surface-exposed, nonpilus Hib outer membrane epitopes to a greater extent than Hib in the nonpiliated phase (Hib p-). However, after extended incubation, p+ and p- cells bound these antibodies in a similar fashion. The differential in nonpilus antibody binding to p+ and p- Hib was not related to the presence of the type b capsule. In addition, Hib p+ organisms whose pilin gene was insertionally inactivated and did not produce pili and Hib in the nonpiliated phase bound the nonpilus Hib antibodies similarly. Hib p+ and p- organisms did not differ in their binding of anti-type b capsule antibody, and the binding was specific for the epitopes recognized by the antibodies. In complement-dependent bactericidal assays, the nonpilus antibodies killed Hib p+ more effectively than Hib p-. The increased binding to, and killing of, Hib p+ by a variety of nonpilus antibodies may be important for host defense against invasive Hib.
Designs for Phase I Trials

This chapter surveys the recent development of dose-finding designs for phase I trials of chemotherapy, reviews the statistical theory of dose-finding, and outlines the basic concepts of methods for dealing with specific clinical settings such as late-onset toxicities, gradation of toxicity severity, and bivariate outcomes. We will compare some of the promising approaches via simulations in the context of a combination chemotherapy trial in patients with lymphoma. Our goal is to highlight the relative advantages of each method, and provide guidance on the scenarios where some methods are more appropriate than the others. We will explore the robustness of these methods under violations of their underlying assumptions, with a particular focus on the model-based continual reassessment method. Finally, we will discuss the challenge of implementing these novel designs in practice, and introduce an R package for the planning and implementation of the continual reassessment method in a phase I trial.
La2CuO4 + δ: Synthesis Under High Oxygen Pressure and Study of Phase Relations and Energetics

High oxygen pressures have been achieved in a piston-cylinder apparatus using a double capsule assembly consisting of a sealed outer Au capsule, containing an oxygen source (KMnO[sub 4]), and an inner, open Pt capsule containing the sample. Using this technique, La[sub 2]CuO[sub 4] was annealed at 800 [degree]C, 5--25 kbar for 2--4 h. Transposed temperature drop calorimetry at 704 [degree]C was used to determine the enthalpy of oxidation, and weight loss measurements characterized the oxygen nonstoichiometry, [delta], in La[sub 2]CuO[sub 4+[delta]], in the high-pressure, oxygen annealed samples. For samples analyzed at room temperature, x-ray diffraction measurements show that beyond [delta][approx]0.10--0.13, additional oxygen is accommodated in a perovskite-like LaCuO[sub 3[minus][alpha]] phase. An analysis of the thermochemical measurements indicates that the nature of holes in La[sub 2]CuO[sub 4+[delta]] could change in the range of [delta][approx]0.03--0.06.[sup 16,17] It is further suggested that the observed change in the thermochemical behavior in the range of [delta][approx]0.01--0.06 could be the driving influence behind the spinodal decomposition of La[sub 2]CuO[sub 4+[delta]] at low temperatures (Dabrowski [ital et] [ital al].[sup 10]).
Dynamics of multibody systems in planar motion in a central gravitational field

Multibody systems in planar motion are modelled as two or more rigid components that are connected and can move relative to each other. The dynamics of such multibody systems in planar motion in a central gravitational force field is analysed. The equations of motion of the system include the equations for the orbital motion of the bodies, the orientation (attitude) of the assembly, and the relative orientation (shape) of the bodies with respect to each other. Dynamic coupling between these degrees of freedom gives rise to complex dynamical systems that are usually not integrable. Relative equilibria, corresponding to circular orbits of the multibody system, are obtained. The free dynamics has a symmetry due to a cyclic coordinate. Routh reduction is carried out to eliminate this coordinate and obtain the reduced dynamics. The stability of the relative equilibria is analysed using the Routh stability criterion when it is applicable; an expansion of the Hamiltonian in normal form is used otherwise. We appl...
Language profiles in nonspeaking individuals of normal intelligence with severe cerebral palsy

Evidence is presented that verbal intelligence may be relatively superior to nonverbal intelligence in many nonspeaking individuals of normal intelligence with severe cerebral palsy and that unqualified generalizations about language abilities in this patient population should be avoided. Standardized tests of different levels of processing oral language (phonemic analysis, vocabulary knowledge, sentence syntax, discourse comprehension), of processing written language (word decoding out of sentence context and sentence and paragraph comprehension), and of producing written language (spelling single dictated words) were administered to a nonspeaking adult, adolescent, and child of normal intelligence with severe cerebral palsy. Intraindividual differences and common patterns across language profiles were examined. Not all subjects showed the same pattern within their language profiles, but all showed relatively better receptive oral language at the discourse level than any other level and were relatively b...
Future flexible OLED displays for army applications

Organic light emitting diodes have been fabricated on an active matrix backplane from an 180C processed amorphous Si thin film transistors on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates. Organic light emitting diodes have been fabricated on the active matrix backplane. The presentation will include organic material development from ARL in the context of future Army applications.
Bistability in the perception of motion and stationarity: Effects of temporal asymmetry

Evidence for bistability in the perception of motion and stationarity was obtained for a displaced dotfigure embedded in a background of randomly moving noise dots. In the temporal symmetry condition, the figure was presented for the same duration in its two locations; either figure motion or random motion was perceived, depending on the number of noise dots. In the temporal asymmetry condition, the figure was presented for different durations in its two locations; figure motion, a single, stationary figure in a fixed position, or random noise was perceived, again depending on the number of noise dots. Competition between these percepts was established by an analysis of switching rates and by an experiment demonstrating the presence of hysteresis as noise levels were gradually increased and decreased across the figure-motion and figure-stationarity boundaries. This evidence for bistability in the perception of figure motion and figure stationarity (one or the other, but not both, was perceived for the same stimulus) suggested the presence of strong inhibitory competition between motion- and position-detecting mechanisms.
Disruption of Hematopoiesis and Thymopoiesis in the Early Premalignant Stages of Infection with SL3-3 Murine Leukemia Virus

A time course analysis of SL3-3 murine leukemia virus (SL3) infection in thymus and bone marrow of NIH/Swiss mice was performed to assess changes that occur during the early stages of progression to lymphoma. Virus was detectable in thymocytes, bone marrow, and spleen as early as 1 to 2 weeks postinoculation (p.i.). In bone marrow, virus infection was detected predominantly in immature myeloid or granulocytic cells. Flow cytometry revealed significant reductions of the Ter-119+ and Mac-1+ populations, and significant expansions of the Gr-1+ and CD34+ populations, between 2 and 4 weeks p.i. Analysis of colony-forming potential confirmed these findings. In the thymus, SL3 replication was associated with significant disruption in thymocyte subpopulation distribution between 4 and 7 weeks p.i. A significant thymic regression was observed just prior to the clonal outgrowth of tumor cells. Proviral long terminal repeats (LTRs) with increasing numbers of enhancer repeats were observed to accumulate exclusively in the thymus during the first 8 weeks p.i. Observations were compared to the early stages of infection with a virtually nonpathogenic SL3 mutant, termed SL3ΔMyb5, which was shown by real-time PCR to be replication competent. Comparison of SL3 with SL3ΔMyb5 implicated certain premalignant changes in tumorigenesis, including (i) increased proportions of Gr-1+ and CD34+ bone marrow progenitors, (ii) a significant increase in the proportion of CD4− CD8− thymocytes, (iii) thymic regression prior to tumor outgrowth, and (iv) accumulation of LTR enhancer variants. A model in which disrupted bone marrow hematopoiesis and thymopoiesis contribute to the development of lymphoma in the SL3-infected animal is discussed.
Slitlamp, specular, and light microscopic findings of human donor corneas after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Objective To examine slitlamp, specular, and light microscopic features of humandonor corneas known to have undergone laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK). Methods Twenty-six donor corneas known to have undergone LASIK prospectivelyunderwent slitlamp examination with particular attention to the presence ofa flap edge, as well as specular microscopy with particular attention to thepresence of highly reflective particles in the stroma corresponding to theLASIK interface. Central endothelial cell density and pachymetery were obtained.They were compared with 26 control donor corneas without LASIK. Eleven LASIKdonor corneas were processed for histology. Twenty-six donor corneas withno known prior keratorefractive surgery also underwent similar slitlamp examinationand specular microscopy to serve as controls. Results Twelve (46%) of 26 LASIK donor corneas had an obvious flap edge, and10 (39%) had a subtle flap edge by slitlamp examination. Four (15%) had infiltratesby slitlamp examination, of which 3 were confirmed by histopathologic examination.Highly reflective particles were seen by specular microscopy in the stromaof 23 (88%) of 26 LASIK donor corneas, but only 1 (4%) of 26 control donorcorneas had a single highly reflective particle in the stroma (P Conclusions Detection of a flap edge by slitlamp examination may detect at leasthalf of the donor corneas that may have undergone LASIK. The detection ofhighly reflective stromal particles may form an effective basis for screeningfor LASIK donor corneas using specular microscopy and requires further study.
Determinants of cerebrovascular remodeling: Do large brain arteries accommodate stenosis?

Objective It is hypothesized that outward remodeling in systemic arteries is a compensatory mechanism for lumen area preservation in the face of increasing arterial stenosis. Large brain arteries have also been studied, but it remains unproven if all assumptions about arterial remodeling can be replicated in the cerebral circulation.
Nerve regeneration-induced recovery of quinine avoidance after complete gustatory deafferentation of the tongue

The concentration-dependent decrease in quinine licking by rats is substantially attenuated by combined bilateral transection of the chorda tympani (CT) and glossopharyngeal (GL) nerves, but transe...
Detection of Influenza Antigen with Rapid Antibody-Based Tests after Intranasal Influenza Vaccination (FluMist)

Rapid tests for influenza antigen detection are frequently used, but it is not known how receipt of intranasal influenza vaccine affects results of these tests. We tested healthy adults who received either intranasal or intramuscular influenza vaccine. Of the 14 intranasal vaccine recipients, 7 (50%) had a direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) result and 2 (14%) had an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) result that was positive for influenza antigen within 7 days after vaccination. No subjects had positive EIA results on day 12 or 13 after vaccination. For some intranasal vaccine recipients, rapid influenza-antigen detection tests yield positive results within 1 week after vaccination.
Re-examination of the effects of periodic and aperiodic stimulation on the auditory-evoked vertex response.

It has been hypothesized that aperiodic stimulation will produce larger auditory-evoked vertex responses than periodic stimulation. Attentiveness toward an acoustic stimulus by human subjects has been shown in the past to enhance the auditory-evoked response. The unpredictability of aperiodic intersignal intervals has been assumed by previous investigators to produce more attentive listening behaviour and has therefore been used clinically to obtain 'enhanced' evoked responses. In order to examine this question further, auditory-evoked vertex responses were obtained with variable-interval (aperiodic) and with fixed-interval (periodic) schedules of stimulus presentation that had geometric mean intersignal intervals of 5 or 10 s. The evoked responses were obtained from normally-hearing adults while they were engaged in a counting task and while they were reading. Tone bursts were presented at 30 and 60 dB sensation level. No significant differences in peak-to-peak amplitude measures of components with laten...
Shear axial modes in a PCTSCM: VII. Reflection spectral holes

Abstract Piezoelectric, continuously twisted, structurally chiral materials (PCTSCMs) exhibit the circular Bragg phenomenon in a narrow frequency regime, when irradiated by a normally incident shear wave. The reflectance spectrum of a bilayer comprising two identical PCTSCM layers twisted with respect to each other by 90° is shown here to display a spectral hole, when the layers are relatively thin. As the layers become thicker, the reflection spectral hole vanishes, and a much thinner spectral transmission hole appears.
AGAINST TRADITION TO LIBERATE TRADITION: weaponized apophaticism and gnostic refusal

AbstractThis essay begins by examining the identity of tradition, arguing that traditions as contemporarily conceived cast themselves as an end rather than as a means. This takes place through a consideration of the writing of MacIntyre before turning to a non-philosophical interpretation of tradition as a kind of theological decision centred on the question of a power principle (symbolized by the name of God). This opens up to an explanation of the concept of weaponized apophaticism, which describes the way in which traditions cast themselves as an end through a process of theological claims to authority that are ultimately made all the more powerful through a process of deferral. The essay then concludes with a discussion of gnosis as a kind of non-tradition, a generalized form of tradition which escapes being mistaken or “hallucinated; as an end because of gnosis's being cast as prior to origin. Tradition is revealed in its identity (as means, not end) through gnostic refusal, which ultimately illumina...
Single-edge Notched Disk Fracture Test for Asphalt Concrete

Asphalt concrete is commonly used as the surface layer in many pavement structures. One of the most important characteristics of asphalt concrete is its cracking resistance. At present, the conventional engineering material parameters such as tensile strength and dynamic modulus are the parameters used in the process of flexible pavement designs. In order to improve the design process, development and use of mechanistic-based design methods are necessary. These methods require characteristics that accounts for fracture resistance of asphalt concrete materials such as fracture energy. Thus, the use of a fracture mechanics approach and the development of valid fracture tests which are able to extract fundamental fracture properties of asphalt concrete are crucial. The goals of this research were to first introduce and evaluate a new and more practical fracture test, called single-edge notched disk (SEND) test, that can be easily used to characterize fracture properties of asphalt concrete, and second, to describe testing and analysis technique used in this investigation. As compared to other available fracture tests, the SEND test had several advantages, including capability of using field specimens, easy specimen preparation and test procedure, simple load configuration and test fixtures, big fractured surface area, and capability to induce cracks to propagate across the pavement thickness. Since the SEND test combined materials’ visoelastic deformation with fracture, it was able to simulate real life failure in pavements more accurately as compared to other existing fracture tests. The scope of this study was on laboratory and field compacted, dense graded asphalt mixture specimens. The results of the study clearly showed the ability of the SEND test to characterize fracture properties of various types of asphalt concrete mixtures at different testing temperatures, loading rates, and air void levels.
The Pleasures of Memory: Learning to Read with Charles Dickens

The luxuriant opacity of the preposition “with” in the subtitle of Sarah Winter's recent book, The Pleasures of Memory: Learning to Read with Charles Dickens, suggests the diverse forms of reading ...
A Comparison of Cursor Control Devices on a Graphics Editing Task

Six cursor control devices (absolute touchpad, mouse, trackball, relative touchpad, displacement joystick, and force joystick) were compared on seven graphics editing tasks. Analysis of subjects' performance data showed better task completion times (TCT) for the trackball and mouse than the remaining four devices. Preference rankings by subjects reflected the performance results.
High-order time-domain solutions for periodic gust/flat-plate interaction

High-order numerical simulations of the aeroacoustic noise generated by the interaction of a periodic gust with a flat plate are presented for non-compact gusts with freestream Mach numbers from 0.25 to 0.75. The numerical method is formulated for the scattered form of the acoustic perturbations modeled with the two-dimensional linearized Euler equations. The farfield boundary conditions are approximated by the perfectly-matched-layer (PML) equations, which simulate an absorbing layer surrounding the interior of the computational domain. The spatial derivatives are represented by high-order compact differences, while the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method is used to integrate the equations forward in time. The average surface pressure distribution and far-field pressure directivity are presented to characterize the radiated sound. Results of a parameter study are presented to show trends due to the gust frequency, freestream Mach number and compactness ratio. The numerical solutions are found to be relatively insensitive to the difference order and the boundary location, permitting the PML boundary condition to be applied near the plate without alteration of the computed surface pressure distribution. Copyright
Mild hemorrhagic shock does not enhance the risk of CD18 blockade to S. aureus skin inoculations.

Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 60.3 recognizes the leukocyte CD18 glycoprotein and ameliorates much of the injury after hemorrhagic shock in rabbits and nonhuman primates. This MAb blocks neutrophil emi...
The Design and Analysis to Hypoid Gear of High Speed Ratio

By using the void pitch cone method,the hypoid gears of high speed ratio(tooth number ratio:3/37and 4/37)machined by HFT method were designed.Based on the local synthesis method,the meshing behavior such as contract pattern,transmission error of new designing hypoid gear of high speed ratio was analyzed.
Combating misinformation in the ex-felon population: The role probation and parole agencies can play to facilitate civic reintegration in the United States

In-depth interviews conducted with recently released ex-felony offenders and months of participant observation, revealed that felon disenfranchisement laws and other exclusionary practices, cause e...
INSOMNIA : CONCERNS OF THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Insomnia is frequently seen in the primary care setting. Although poor sleep can impair daytime functioning and directly affect quality of life, insomnia often goes untreated, resulting in perpetuation and, sometimes, exacerbation of the problem. Reversing this trend requires that family physicians become attuned to complaints of insomnia and respond appropriately. Through education about proper sleep hygiene and stress management, and with the appropriate use of hypnotic agents, most cases of insomnia can be managed effectively by the primary care physician and patient without referral to a sleep specialist.
Aspiration cytology of heterotopic ossification a case report

Heterotopic ossification (myositis ossificans) is usually a posttraumatic reactive process involving new bone formation. This nonneoplastic process can be clinically and radiologically confused with osteosarcoma. A case of heterotopic ossification is reported in which cytologic material was obtained from a partially calcified thigh mass from a 17-year-old, athletic male. Aspiration cytology revealed numerous osteoclastic giant cells containing multiple plump nuclei. These cells were admixed in a benign-appearing stromal background composed of mature fibroblasts and were typified by elongated spindle cells. A small incisional biopsy showed new bone formation, osteoclasts, osteoblasts and fibroblasts consistent with maturing heterotopic ossification. Heterotopic ossification may be distinguished cytologically from osteosarcoma by the presence of numerous uniform benign stromal cells composed of mature fibroblasts and osteoclastic giant cells. The differential diagnosis may be more difficult in the early stages of this reactive and proliferative process. Adequate sampling of suspected heterotopic ossification by aspiration cytology may avoid surgery in a selected group of patients.
Why has Microfinance been a Policy Success in Bangladesh

If you ask a rich world citizen with an interest in development to name a development policy that works, there is a very strong chance they will say ‘microfinance’, and tell you that they have heard it works wonders in Bangladesh. In the public eye, and according to many analysts, microfinance has been successful. The microfinance industry now has global outreach, with more than 92 million clients reported in developing countries.2 It is very difficult to find a Poverty Reduction Strategy that does not include microfinance as an element.
Prevention of pancreatic cancer in a hamster model by cAMP decrease.

// Jheelam Banerjee 1 , Arokya M.S. Papu John 1 , Mohammed H. Al-Wadei 1 , Hildegard M. Schuller 1 1 Experimental Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA Correspondence to: Hildegard M. Schuller, email: hmsch@utk.edu Keywords: pancreatic cancer, prevention, γ-aminobutyric acid, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cancer stem cell signaling Received: December 2, 2015 Accepted: May 22, 2016 Published: June 02, 2016 ABSTRACT Smoking and alcoholism are risk factors for the development of pancreatitis-associated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We have previously shown that these cancers overexpressed stress neurotransmitters and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) while the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was suppressed. Using a hamster model, the current study has tested the hypothesis that cAMP decrease by GABA supplementation in the drinking water prevents the development of pancreatitis-associated PDAC. Our data reveal strong preventive effects of GABA supplementation on the development of PDAC and pancreatic intraductal neoplasia (PanIN). ELISA assays and immunohistochemistry revealed significant decreases in the levels of cAMP and interleukin 6 accompanied by reductions in the expression of several cancer stem cell markers and phosphorylated signaling proteins, which stimulate cell proliferation, and migration in pancreatic exocrine cells of GABA treated animals. We conclude that cAMP decrease by GABA supplementation inhibits multiple cancer stimulating pathways in cancer stem cells, differentiated cancer cells and the immune system, identifying this approach as promising novel tool for the prevention of PDAC in individuals with a history of smoking and alcoholism.
Tolerance to oxidative stress is required for maximal xylem colonization by the xylem‐limited bacterial phytopathogen, Xylella fastidiosa

Bacterial plant pathogens often encounter reactive oxygen species (ROS) during host invasion. In foliar bacterial pathogens, multiple regulatory proteins are involved in the sensing of oxidative stress and the activation of the expression of antioxidant genes. However, it is unclear whether xylem-limited bacteria, such as Xylella fastidiosa, experience oxidative stress during the colonization of plants. Examination of the X. fastidiosa genome uncovered only one homologue of oxidative stress regulatory proteins, OxyR. Here, a knockout mutation in the X. fastidiosa oxyR gene was constructed; the resulting strain was significantly more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) relative to the wild-type. In addition, during early stages of grapevine infection, the survival rate was 1000-fold lower for the oxyR mutant than for the wild-type. This supports the hypothesis that grapevine xylem represents an oxidative environment and that X. fastidiosa must overcome this challenge to achieve maximal xylem colonization. Finally, the oxyR mutant exhibited reduced surface attachment and cell-cell aggregation and was defective in biofilm maturation, suggesting that ROS could be a potential environmental cue stimulating biofilm development during the early stages of host colonization.
83-P: AN ASSOCIATION OF ACTIVATING KIR RECEPTORS ON HIGHER CREATININE LEVELS IN RENAL ACUTE CELLULAR REJECTION

Aim Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes which express killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) with an affinity to specific HLA class I molecules. NK cells have the ability to detect HLA mismatches in an allograft, which may contribute to acute cellular rejection (ACR) in solid organ transplantation. The aim of the study was to test whether the number of activating and inhibiting KIR of the recipient, respective to their matched HLA ligand in the donor, is correlated to renal outcome in patients exhibiting ACR. Methods A panel of renal deceased donor recipients (n=45) transplanted from 2009 to 2011 were selected for this study. Twenty two of the studied recipients were diagnosed with ACR. Twenty three of the recipients did not exhibit signs of ACR. All patients were further divided into two categories: those with high creatinine levels (>1.3mg/dl), and those with normal creatinine levels (⩽1.3mg/dl). Creatinine was used as an indicator of renal function. KIR genotyping was performed by PCR-SSP on all recipients and donors. The number of activating and inhibiting KIR in the recipient with matched HLA ligands in the donor were determined. Results No significance was shown between the numbers of activating or inhibitory KIR at high or normal creatinine levels in recipients without ACR compared to those with ACR. However, ACR patients with high creatinine levels were shown to express significantly more activating KIR than ACR patients with normal creatinine levels (p=0.011). Conclusions The results of this study indicate that ACR patients who experience reduced kidney function, designated by high creatinine levels, might be determined by the number of activating KIR with matched HLA ligands.
Cardiovascular Risks of Exogenous Testosterone Use Among Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Purpose We sought to evaluate whether exogenous testosterone therapy is associated with increased risk of serious cardiovascular events as compared with other treatments or placebo. Methods Study selection included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that enrolled men aged 18 years or older receiving exogenous testosterone for 3 or more days. The primary outcomes were death due to all causes, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Secondary outcomes were other hard clinical outcomes such as heart failure, arrhythmia, and cardiac procedures. Peto odds ratio was used to pool data from RCTs. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration tool and Newcastle and Ottawa scale, respectively. The strength of evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group approach. Results A total of 39 RCTs and 10 observational studies were included. Meta-analysis was done using data from 30 RCTs. Compared with placebo, exogenous testosterone treatment did not show any significant increase in risk of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR] 0.87; 95% CI, 0.39-1.93; 16 RCTs), stroke (OR 2.17; 95% CI, 0.63-7.54; 9 RCTs), or mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.55-1.41; 20 RCTs). Observational studies showed marked clinical and methodological heterogeneity. The evidence was rated as very low quality due to the high risk of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency. Conclusions We did not find any significant association between exogenous testosterone treatment and myocardial infarction, stroke, or mortality in randomized controlled trials. The very low quality of the evidence precludes definitive conclusion on the cardiovascular effects of testosterone.
Minimum action transition paths connecting minima on an energy surface.

Dynamics is essential to the biological functions of many bio-molecules, yet our knowledge of dynamics remains fragmented. Experimental techniques for studying bio-molecules either provide high resolution information on static conformations of the molecule or provide low-resolution, ensemble information that does not shed light on single molecule dynamics. In parallel, bio-molecular dynamics occur at time scale that are not yet attainable through detailed simulation methods. These limitations are especially noticeable when studying transition paths. To address this issue, we report in this paper two methods that derive meaningful trajectories for proteins between two of their conformations. The first method, MinActionPath, uses approximations of the potential energy surface for the molecule to derive an analytical solution of the equations of motion related to the concept of minimum action path. The second method, RelaxPath, follows the same principle of minimum action path but implements a more sophistic...
Improving Universal Pediatric Lipid Screening.

Objective To evaluate whether the release of national guidelines, electronic health record (EHR) modifications, and educational initiatives correlated with changes in pediatricians' universal lipid screening practices. Study design Retrospective review of EHRs in an academic general pediatric practice was performed to measure the prevalence of order placement. A child was “screened” if an order was placed during a well-visit between 9 and 21 years of age. The prevalence of order placement for lipid screens on 22 374 patients from January 2010 to December 2015 was analyzed for date of order and patient age, then compared with timing of guidelines, local educational initiatives, and EHR modifications. Primary study outcome was lipid screening order placement over time. Results Order placement increased from 8.9% (95% CI 8.3%-9.5%) before any intervention to 50.0% (95% CI 48.8%-51.2%) over the last 12 months of the study period (P Conclusions Improved adherence to recommendations for universal lipid screening is possible through educational initiatives and EHR modifications. Inclusion of 12- to 16-year-old adolescents/teenagers as a targeted group for universal screening in addition to recommended age groups improved screening prevalence. Similar efforts could be applicable for implementation of other guidelines.