cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MRI analysis of peripheral soft tissue composition, not body mass index, correlates with outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

To utilize MRI to assess the relationship between BMI, peripheral soft tissue composition about the knee, and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction. It was hypothesized that a fatty periarticular soft tissue composition may be better than BMI at predicting poor outcomes after ACL reconstruction. Fifty-eight patients who underwent primary acute ACL reconstruction were identified from the surgical database and their data were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected based on availability of 2-year IKDC outcome scores, BMI data, and preoperative MRI studies. To approximate peripheral soft tissue composition, novel measurements of axial MRI images were employed using PACS ROI measurement tool. Relationships were assessed between IKDC outcome scores and measures of body habitus including BMI, total knee area, knee fatty-connective tissue area, and fatty-connective tissue to bone size ratio. The median BMI was 24.3 kg/m2 (range 18.5–36.9). Median IKDC score was 81.0 (range 46–100). BMI was correlated with total knee area (R = 0.72) and periarticular fat (R = 0.53). Neither continuous BMI (n.s.) nor total knee area (n.s.) was predictor of IKDC outcomes scores. Periarticular fatty-connective tissue trended towards predicting negative outcomes (n.s.). Periarticular fatty-connective tissue to bone size ratio was a significant negative predictor of IKDC scores (p = 0.03). Patients with more fat than bone on axial MRI (ratio > 1, N = 34) reported a lower mean IKDC score compared to patients with a ratio < 1 (N = 24) (77.2 vs. 87.7, p = 0.0028). The top quartile (N = 14) of these ratios reported a mean IKDC score of 68.9, compared to 87.3 of the bottom quartile (p = 0.0001). Periarticular soft tissue composition, as approximated by the novel MRI analysis of this study, is a better predictor of outcomes following ACL reconstruction than is BMI. This information can be utilized in guiding surgeon and patient expectations following surgery, either via a direct application of these measurements or heightened awareness of the importance of peripheral body habitus. III.
Complex patterns of response to oral hygiene instructions: longitudinal evaluation of periodontal patients.

Oral hygiene instruction is an intervention widely practiced but increased knowledge about oral health does not necessarily dramatically impact oral disease prevalence in populations. We aimed to measure plaque and bleeding in periodontal patients over time to determine patterns of patient response to oral hygiene instructions. Longitudinal plaque and bleeding index data were evaluated in 227 periodontal patients to determine the impact of oral hygiene instructions. Over multiple visits, we determined relative plaque accumulation and gingival bleeding for each patient. Subsequently, we grouped them in three types of oral hygiene status in response to initial instructions, using the longitudinal data over the period they were treated and followed for their periodontal needs. These patterns of oral hygiene based on the plaque and gingival bleeding indexes were evaluated based on age, sex, ethnic background, interleukin 1 alpha and beta genotypes, diabetes status, smoking habits, and other concomitant diseases. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine if any differences between these variables were statistically significant with alpha set at 0.05. Three patterns in response to oral hygiene instructions emerged. Plaque and gingival bleeding indexes improved, worsened, or fluctuated over time in the periodontal patients studied. Out of all the confounders considered, only ethnic background showed statistically significant differences. White individuals more often than other ethnic groups fluctuated in regards to oral hygiene quality after instructions. There are different responses to professional oral hygiene instructions. These responses may be related to ethnicity.
The role of metalloproteinases on blood-brain barrier breakdown after ischemic stroke

The role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is to preserve the neuronal microenvironment, which is essential for the normal function of the brain. As a functional entity, BBB includes several cell types and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Microvascular endothelial cells coupled by tight junctions and featuring only a very few endocytotic vesicles are responsible for the permeability properties of the BBB [1]. Although in discontinuous contact with endothelial cells through their end feet, astrocytes seem also to actively participate in BBB phenotype [2]. Similarly, pericytes have been shown to change endothelial behavior [3–5>]. Finally, the endothelial basal lamina represents the non-cellular component of BBB. Produced by endothelial cells, the basal lamina is a specialized ECM composed of type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin and various proteoglycans [6]. The ECM components are connected to endothelial cells via integrins and may regulate distinct biological events such as cellular differentiation, survival, morphology, adhesion and gene expression [7–10]. When BBB integrity is lost, inflammatory cells and fluid penetrate the brain, causing vasogenic edema and cell death [11, 12]. BBB permeability properties are challenged in various brain pathologies including ischemic stroke and several mechanisms of BBB disruption have been considered, involving bradykinin [13] other proinflammatory mediators [14] and oxygen free radicals [15, 16>].
Discs large 1 controls daughter-cell polarity after cytokinesis in vertebrate morphogenesis.

Vertebrate embryogenesis and organogenesis are driven by cell biological processes, ranging from mitosis and migration to changes in cell size and polarity, but their control and causal relationships are not fully defined. Here, we use the developing limb skeleton to better define the relationships between mitosis and cell polarity. We combine protein-tagging and -perturbation reagents with advanced in vivo imaging to assess the role of Discs large 1 (Dlg1), a membrane-associated scaffolding protein, in mediating the spatiotemporal relationship between cytokinesis and cell polarity. Our results reveal that Dlg1 is enriched at the midbody during cytokinesis and that its multimerization is essential for the normal polarity of daughter cells. Defects in this process alter tissue dimensions without impacting other cellular processes. Our results extend the conventional view that division orientation is established at metaphase and anaphase and suggest that multiple mechanisms act at distinct phases of the cell cycle to transmit cell polarity. The approach employed can be used in other systems, as it offers a robust means to follow and to eliminate protein function and extends the Phasor approach for studying in vivo protein interactions by frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of Forster resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET) to organotypic explant culture.
Preclinical assessment of resorbable silk splints for the treatment of pediatric tracheomalacia.

OBJECTIVE Tracheomalacia is characterized by weakness of the tracheal wall resulting in dynamic airway collapse during respiration; severe cases often require surgical intervention. Off-label external splinting with degradable implants has been reported in humans; however, there remains a need to develop splints with tunable mechanical properties and degradation profiles for the pediatric population. The objective of this pilot study is to assess the safety and efficacy of silk fibroin-based splints in a clinically relevant preclinical model of tracheomalacia. METHODS Silk splints were evaluated in a surgically induced model of severe tracheomalacia in N = 3 New Zealand white rabbits for 17, 24, and 31 days. An image-based assay was developed to quantify the dynamic change in airway area during spontaneous respiration, and histopathology was used to study the surrounding tissue response. RESULTS The average change in area in the native trachea was 23% during spontaneous respiration; surgically induced tracheomalacia resulted in a significant increase to 86% (P < 0.001). The average change in airway area after splint placement was reduced at all terminal time points (17, 24, and 31 days postimplantation), indicating a clinical improvement, and was not statistically different than the native trachea. Histopathology showed a localized inflammatory reaction characterized by neutrophils, eosinophils, and mononuclear cells, with early signs suggestive of fibrosis at the splint and tissue interface. CONCLUSION This pilot study indicates that silk fibroin splints are well tolerated and efficacious in a rabbit model of severe tracheomalacia, with marked reduction in airway collapse following implantation and good tolerability over the studied time course. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 129:2189-2194, 2019.
Small asset credit union executive succession concerns

Abstract Managerial succession in small and medium size businesses is accompanied by strategic change. When succession planning is absent, firms encounter difficulties in selecting plans that facilitate commercial viability. This paper examines the effects of succession planning constraints in the context of small asset credit unions. Although these experience continuation of the business, executive succession causes significant changes in strategic direction, capital structure, and employee performance. Evidence of these changes reinforce how board policies and operating procedures ought to be developed in a collaborative manner to support executive change.
The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3): Global patterns of mineral composition and bedform stability

Abstract We present an expansion to the Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) describing 1) bulk dune field composition determined by fitting a mineral spectral library to Thermal Emission Spectra (TES) data, and 2) a morphologic stability index that measures the degree of non-aeolian modification that has eroded and stabilized each dune field. This paper describes results for these two components, providing insight into global patterns of dune sand sources, postdepositional alteration, and mineral maturity. Consistent with the work of others, the main mineral components of each analyzed dune field are feldspar, pyroxene, and high-silica phases, with minor amounts of olivine and possibly sulfate minerals. Subtle global-scale spatial variations in olivine and feldspar abundances correspond with previously observed trends in surface mineralogy, suggesting that dune sand is reflective of its regional setting, and thus that aeolian sand has typically not traveled far (
Efficacy and tolerability of FOLFOX6 as first-line treatment for advanced gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers (AGC): A single-center experience.

e14705 Background: There are a number of options for first line treatment for AGC. We sought to review the efficacy and tolerability of FOLFOX (F) in AGC, and compare outcomes with anthracycline-ba...
Self-similar turbulent vortex rings: interaction of propellant gases with blood backspatter and the transport of gunshot residue

Self-similar turbulent vortex rings are investigated theoretically in the framework of the semi-empirical turbulence theory for the modified Helmholtz equation. The velocity and vorticity fields are established, as well as the transport of passive admixture by turbulent vortex rings. Turbulent vortex rings of propellant gases originating from the muzzle of a gun after a gunshot are an important phenomenon to consider in crime scene reconstruction. In this work, it is shown that this has a significant repercussion on the outcome of backward blood spatter resulting from a gunshot. Turbulent vortex rings of propellant gases skew the distribution of bloodstains on the ground and can either propel blood droplets further from the target, or even turn them backwards towards the target. This is revealed through the final bloodstain locations and the respective distributions of the number of stains and their area as a function of distance from the target for two different shooter-to-target distances. An image of the propagating muzzle gases after bullet ejection is overlaid with the predicted flow field, which reveals satisfactory agreement. Gunshot residue is an important factor in determining the events of a violent crime due to a gunshot and are considered to be entrained and transported by the propellant gases. The self-similar solutions for the flow, vorticity and concentration of gunpowder particles are predicted and the results are shown to be within the measured range of a limited set of experimental data.
Design of a Bioreactor to Assess the Effect of Passive Joint Loading in a Live Chick Embryo In Ovo

There is increasing interest in understanding how mechanical cues (e.g., physical forces due to kicking and other movements) influence the embryological development of tissues and organs. For examp...
Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Birth Characteristics: The Upstate KIDS Study.

BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may be associated with obesogenic effects in offspring. Our study is the first to investigate associations between concentrations of POPs from newborn dried blood spots (DBS) and birth characteristics. METHODS Concentrations of 10 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ether-47 (PBDE-47), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were measured from DBSs collected at birth from 2,065 singleton infants. DBS samples were pooled in groups of five and assayed together to reach limits of detection. Differences in risk of large for gestational age (LGA, defined as >90th percentile of birth weight for sex and gestational age), small for gestational age (SGA, <10th), and preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks) were estimated using logistic regression per unit (ng/ml) increase in concentration of each chemical, adjusting for individual-level covariates, including maternal age, race/ethnicity, prepregnancy BMI, education, parity, smoking, and infant sex while assuming a gamma distribution and using multiple imputation to account for pools. RESULTS There were 215 (11.3%) singletons born LGA, 158 (7.5%) born SGA, and 157 (7.6%) born preterm. Higher concentrations of POPs were positively associated with slightly higher risk of LGA and higher birth weight. CONCLUSIONS Relationships between POPs measured in newborn DBS and birth size were mixed. Pooled analysis methods using DBS could address challenges in limits of detection and costs for population-based research.
A Review of the Impact of Neuter Status on Expression of Inherited Conditions in Dogs

Gonadectomy is an important reproductive management tool employed in many countries, and is highly prevalent in the US with an estimated 85% of dogs being neutered. Despite the societal benefits in pet population control, negative associations between neuter status, and health conditions have been reported in recent years. Most particularly observed are the consequences of early age neutering. Knowing that different physiological systems rely upon gonadal steroids during development and physiological maintenance, studies have been undertaken to assess the impact of neuter status on multiple body and organ systems. For some inherited conditions, neutering is associated with an increased risk of expression. Neutering has also been associated with altered metabolism and a predisposition for weight gain in dogs, which may confound the detected risk association between neutering and disease expression. This review summarizes the effects of neutering on cancer, orthopedic, and immune disorders in the dog and also explores the potentially exacerbating factor of body weight.
Successful use of an automated proning system to achieve prone positioning in a patient with severe ARDS requiring veno-venous ECMO.

A morbidly obese middle aged woman in her 40's presented to another hospital with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and subsequently developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Her oxygenation demonstrated no improvement with low tidal volume ventilation, paralysis, or prostagladin therapy. She was unable to be manually proned secondary to her habitus. She was subsequently transferred to our facility, where she was initiated on VV-ECMO. Maximal flow through the ECMO circuit was inadequate for oxygenation given significant systemic shunt through her native lungs. In order to optimize lung protective ventilation and treat ARDS, we used an automated kinetic system (Rotoprone Therapy System) to prone the patient. To our knowledge, this is the first description in the literature of using an automated proning system with an ECMO circuit in place. This report describes the technique we used to safely perform axial rotations for two days with fewer providers required than manual proning.
Can Institutional Deliveries Reduce Newborn Mortality?: Evidence from Rwanda

Explores if policies promoting institutional deliveries in developing countries can actually reduce newborn deaths.
If money does not make you happy, consider time

Abstract Although a substantial amount of research has examined the link between money and happiness, far less has examined the link between time and happiness. This paper argues, however, that time plays a critical role in understanding happiness, and it complements the money-spending happiness principles in Dunn, Gilbert, and Wilson (2011) by offering five time-spending happiness principles: 1) spend time with the right people; 2) spend time on the right activities; 3) enjoy the experience without spending the time; 4) expand your time; and 5) be aware that happiness changes over time.
Rotational Advancement Flap Quadrantectomy

A 59-year-old female with a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (1.75 cm), ER/PR positive, Her-2/neu negative, and grade 2 and focal DCIS underwent right partial mastectomy (upper outer quadrant) at an outside institution, as part of breast conservation therapy. Final pathology demonstrated the presence of positive resection margin and patient subsequently transferred care to our institution. Re-excision segmental mastectomy and sentinel lymph node mapping were planned, in addition to reconstruction of the segmental mastectomy defect with local tissue rearrangement. The patient underwent an uneventful surgery and was subsequently treated with adjuvant radiation; breast and axilla received a total of 42.56 Gy in 16 fractions, and the operative bed was boosted with an additional 12.5 Gy in 5 fractions. Patient discontinued her treatment with Femara, secondary to postmenopausal bleeding, and continued her therapy with exemestane. Final pathology result after re-excision demonstrated the presence of cauterized atypical glands, most consistent with invasive ductal carcinoma, measuring 2.5 mm in greatest dimension, present 1 mm from the anterior-inferior aspect of the medial margin. It also showed separate scattered atypical glands in a 4 mm area, consistent with invasive ductal carcinoma, low grade, present 4 mm from the closest inferior medial margin.
Clinical Manifestations of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant condition that results from inactivating mutations of the MEN1 gene (11q13) encoding menin, a tumor suppressor protein whose biochemical function has not yet been fully characterized. There are few hereditary cancer syndromes that can compare with the challenges associated with MEN1. Patients manifest clinically important, classical tumors (parathyroid, enteropancreatic, and pituitary) over many decades, often starting in young adulthood and occasionally in early childhood. These manifestations require expert medical and surgical interventions to arrest or ameliorate metabolic and neoplastic complications. Despite its high penetrance (95–100 % by age 60), MEN1 is a disease of considerable phenotypic heterogeneity. A few kindreds with distinctive phenotypic manifestations have been found; however, no consistent genotype–phenotype correlations have been identified. Pathologic mutations are found throughout the MEN1 gene locus and no particular mutation hotspots have surfaced among over 1,000 known germline MEN1 mutations. The lack of known hotspots has implications in genetic testing of probands; the entire MEN1 gene sequence must be analyzed. Furthermore, in about 10–30 % of MEN1 kindreds and in 35–50 % of sporadic cases, no mutation is detectable by sequencing of the coding regions of the MEN1 gene, as can happen for instance with whole gene deletions, or in cases of somatic mosaicism. These limitations have impeded efforts to establish genotype–phenotype correlations.
The Day I Was Older

The clock on the parlor wall, stout as a mariner's clock, disperses the day with immaculate ticking. All night it tolls the half-hour, and the hour's number, to sail over fathoms of sleep with resolute measure, approaching the poles and crossing the equator nightly. Warm in the dark next to your breathing, below the thousand favored stars, I feel horns of gray water heave underneath us, and the ship's pistons pound as the voyage continues over the limited sea.
Dbl and the Rho GTPases Activate NFκB by IκB Kinase (IKK)-dependent and IKK-independent Pathways

Dbl is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates the Rho family GTPases Cdc42, Rac, and Rho. Dbl and all three GTPases are strong activators of transcription factor NFκB, which has been shown to have an important role in Dbl-induced oncogenic transformation. Here we show that although Dbl activation of NFκB requires Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, the different GTPases activate NFκB by different mechanisms. Whereas Rac stimulates the activity of the IκB kinase IKKβ, Cdc42 and Rho activate NFκB without activating either IKKα or IKKβ. Like Dbl, Rac activation of IKKβ is mediated by the serine/threonine kinases NIK but not MEKK. This differs from Rac activation of the JNK pathway, which was previously shown to be mediated by MEKK. The pathway leading from Rho and Cdc42 to NFκB is more elusive, but our results suggest that it involves an IKKα/IKKβ-independent mechanism. Finally, we show that the signaling enzymes that mediate NFκB activation by Dbl and the Rho GTPases are also necessary for malignant transformation induced by oncogenic Dbl.
Systeme mit zeitlich veränderlichen Koeffizienten und nichtlineare Systeme

Alle bisher betrachteten Anordnungen und Erscheinungen konnten durch lineare Differentialgleichungen mit konstanten Koeffizienten beschrieben werden, d. h. alle Massen waren konstant, alle Federkrafte waren proportional zur Auslenkung, die Dampfungskrafte waren proportional zu einer Geschwindigkeit. In diesem Kapitel werden Falle besprochen, in denen diese Bedingungen nicht mehr gleichzeitig gultig sind, jedoch werden die Ausfuhrungen auf Systeme mit einem Freiheitsgrad beschrankt.
Wideband, planar, log-periodic balun

This paper presents the design and performance characteristics of a new planar balun structure. The design is based on the log-periodic antenna theory. The design guidelines, as well as simulated and measured results are presented. It is shown that the new balun has greater than one octave bandwidth. The log-periodic balun will find applications in wireless communication circuits such as mixers, amplifiers and antennas.
Toward rapid prototyping of miniature Capsule Robots

Minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques are becoming popular thanks to their enhanced patient benefits, including shorter recovery time, better cosmetic results and reduced discomforts. Less invasive procedures would be achieved with the use of Medical Capsule Robots (MCRs). These devices are characterized by low power requirements and small dimensions as well as uncompromising safety. MCRs operate wirelessly in abdominal Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) or in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The design process of MCRs, however, is expensive and time consuming. A platform for rapid prototyping MCRs is needed so that MCR researchers can reduce development costs and spend more time in studying innovative MCR applications. In this work, we introduce an open source modular platform geared toward rapid prototyping MCRs. To speed up the prototyping process, the MCR is programmed using TinyOS instead of bare-bone C. We present the hardware architecture of the platform, and the motivation for using TinyOS. To show the viability of TinyOS, we present results from an experiment involving sensing, actuation and wireless communication. This work lays the foundation for our future goal of building an integrated design environment for the design, analysis and simulation of MCRs.
The MARS appliance Report of a case

Inconsistent wearing of functional appliances, intermaxillary Class II elastics, and headgear during the treatment of Class II malocclusions is a common concern of many orthodontists. The MARS (Mandibular Advancing Repositioning Splint) is a functional device designed to overcome many such cooperation deficiencies. The MARS appliance is a fixed functional device which is attached to the arch wires of a multibanded orthodontic appliance. It is composed of a piston and cylinder which attach to the lower canine and the upper molar region of the dental arch wires on each side of the jaw. It forces the patient to maintain the mandible in a protruded position 24 hours a day and yet allows full and complete opening and closing as well as lateral excursive movement. The design, method of attaching, and adjustment of the appliance during treatment are discussed, and the results achieved in a single case are described. The results being achieved in the pilot study so far are encouraging and are being pursued further.
Mathematical Strategies for the Coarse-Graining of Microscopic Models

Spatial inhomogeneity at some small length scale is the rule rather than the exception in most physicochemical processes ranging from advanced materials’ synthesis, to catalysis, to self-assembly, to atmospheric science, to molecular biology. These inhomogeneities arise from thermal fluctuations and complex interactions between microscopic mechanisms underlying conservation laws. While nanometer inhomogeneity and its corresponding ensemble average behavior can be studied via molecular simulation, such as molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) techniques, mesoscale inhomogeneity is beyond the realm of available molecular models and simulations. Mesoscopic inhomogeneities are encountered in self-assembly, pattern formation on surfaces and in solution, standing and traveling waves, as well as in systems exposed to an external field that varies spatially over micrometer to centimeter length scales. It is this class of problems that require “large scale” mesoscopic or coarse-grained molecular models and where the developments described herein are applicable. It is desirable that such mesoscopic or coarse-grained models meet the following needs: They are derived from microscopic ones to retain microscopic mechanisms and interactions and enable a truly first principles multi-scale approach; They reach large length and time scales, which are currently unattainable by micro scopic molecular models;
Transcending AIDS: Nurses and HIV Patients in New York City

Transcending AIDS: Nurses and HIV Patients in New York City. Peggy McGarrahan. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1994 (cloth and paper). ix + 199 pp.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Oleosin Gene Family in 22 Tree Species: An Accelerator for Metabolic Engineering of BioFuel Crops and Agrigenomics Industrial Applications?

Trees contribute to enormous plant oil reserves because many trees contain 50%-80% of oil (triacylglycerols, TAGs) in the fruits and kernels. TAGs accumulate in subcellular structures called oil bodies/droplets, in which TAGs are covered by low-molecular-mass hydrophobic proteins called oleosins (OLEs). The OLEs/TAGs ratio determines the size and shape of intracellular oil bodies. There is a lack of comprehensive sequence analysis and structural information of OLEs among diverse trees. The objectives of this study were to identify OLEs from 22 tree species (e.g., tung tree, tea-oil tree, castor bean), perform genome-wide analysis of OLEs, classify OLEs, identify conserved sequence motifs and amino acid residues, and predict secondary and three-dimensional structures in tree OLEs and OLE subfamilies. Data mining identified 65 OLEs with perfect conservation of the "proline knot" motif (PX5SPX3P) from 19 trees. These OLEs contained >40% hydrophobic amino acid residues. They displayed similar properties and amino acid composition. Genome-wide phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment demonstrated that these proteins could be classified into five OLE subfamilies. There were distinct patterns of sequence conservation among the OLE subfamilies and within individual tree species. Computational modeling indicated that OLEs were composed of at least three α-helixes connected with short coils without any β-strand and that they exhibited distinct 3D structures and ligand binding sites. These analyses provide fundamental information in the similarity and specificity of diverse OLE isoforms within the same subfamily and among the different species, which should facilitate studying the structure-function relationship and identify critical amino acid residues in OLEs for metabolic engineering of tree TAGs.
To what ends & by what means? The social justice implications of contemporary school finance theory & policy by Gloria Rodriguez and Anthony Rolle (Eds.) (2007)

To What Ends and By What Means? The Social Justice Implications of Contemporary School Finance Theory and Policy (2007) presents an unprecedented perspective on the issues of school finance by engaging its readers in how the school finance theory and policy can aid in eliminating existing inequalities and support democratic participation by all members of the society.
An iridium–pyridylpyrrolide complex exhibiting reversible binding of H2

The synthesis and characterization of a series of iridium(I) and iridium(III) complexes supported by a 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-(2′-pyridyl)pyrrole (L−) ligand are reported. Compound [Ir(L)(COD)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) demonstrates reversible binding of hydrogen to form a dihydride complex [Ir(L)(H)2(COD)] with no hydrogenation of COD.
Cardiac cryosurgery: regional myocardial blood flow of ventricular cryolesions

Abstract Cryosurgery is one of three methods introduced recently for the treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Cryothermic exposure ablates arrhythmogenic ventricular myocardium, and produces a dense fibrous scar with a sharp border to histologically normal tissue. Myocardial blood flow in the region of the cryolesion, however, has not been quantitated. The purpose of this study was to measure regional blood flow within and around the cryolesion in an attempt to identify ischemic zones that might become arrhythmogenic. Left ventricular cryolesions were created in eleven adult dogs. Two weeks later, the animals underwent radioactive tracer microsphere injection for quantitation of regional myocardial blood flow. The fibrotic cryolesion demonstrated a significantly depressed blood flow (0.44 ± 0.07 ml/min/g) compared to blood flow in control tissue (1.36 ± 0.12 ml/min/g) (P
Isoproterenol-induced expression of the cystatin S gene in submandibular glands of parasympathectomized rats

Abstract Parasympathetic innervation of rat submandibular and parotid glands regulates saliva volume, its rate of secretion and its composition. It also has a regulatory role in hypertrophy and hyperplasia of salivary glands, and in the expression of specific sets of genes. Rat cystatin S is a member of family 2 of the cysteine proteinase inhibitor superfamily. Cystatin S gene expression is tissue- and cell type-specific, temporally regulated during postnatal development, and not observed in adult animals. Isoproterenol (IPR), a β-adrenergic agonist, induces hypertrophic and hyperplastic enlargement of rat salivary glands and expression of a number of genes including cystatin S. Sympathectomy reduces, but does not completely block IPR-induced expression of the cystatin S gene in the submandibular glands of adult female rats, indicating the participation of sympathetic factor(s) in this regulation. Since both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system act in parallel in the submandibular gland, it is possible that parasympathetic nerve terminals also provide factor(s) that play a role in regulation of cystatin S gene expression. Experiments described in this paper were designed to test the hypothesis that the parasympathetic nervous system participates in IPR-induced cystatin S gene expression. Bilateral parasympathectomy reduced IPR-induced cystatin S gene expression, suggesting a role of the parasympathetic nervous system in its regulation. Unilateral parasympathectomy in contrast, had no effect on IPR-induced cystatin S gene expression, suggesting that the presence of an intact parasympathetic innervation in the contralateral side permits the `normal' IPR-induced expression of the cystatin S gene in the parasympathectomized gland.
Constructing Linguistic and Ethnic Boundaries in a Basque Borderland: Negotiating Identity in Rioja Alavesa, Spain

RESUMENLa construction de barreras linguisticas y etnicas en una zona fronteriza vasca: La negociation de la propia identidad de la Rioja Alavesa espanolaEn 1982, los dirigentes del gobierno regional vasco en Espana han implementado politicas encaminadas a mantener y restaurar la lengua vasca, el euskara, en la totalidad de dicha Comunidad. Promotores del idioma vasco asocian el euskara con la identidad vasca. No obstante, investigaciones etnograficas revelaron ciertos efectos desiguales de dichas medidas enfocadas a restaurar el euskara en la Rioja Alavesa, zona fronteriza de la provincia vasca de Alava, donde dicha lengua no habia sido hablaba desde hacia varios siglos. Ademas de acentuar la barrera que separa las provincias vascas del resto del territorio espanol, estas politicas de idioma han reforzado simultaneamente cierta percepcion de marginacion etnica para muchos habitantes de la Rioja Alavesa que no conocen el euskara, a la vez que provoca el rechazo de la asociacion del euskara a la identidad del pueblo vasco por otros. Este caso particular demuestra que el contexte fronterizo, donde son imprecisas las identidades, puede ser muy util para asi explorar la construccion de barreras etnicas y linguisticas.RESUMOKonstrui lingvajn kaj etnajn limojn en eŭska limregiono:Negoci identecon en Rioja Alavesa, HispanioEn 1982 gvidantoj de la regiona eŭska registaro en Hispanio realigis politikojn, kiuj celis repuŝi la malfortiĝon de la eŭska lingvo kaj restarigi ĝian uzon tra la tuta eŭska komunumo. Lingvaj planistoj konsideris la eŭskan unu el la ĉefaj markiloj de eŭska identeco. Tamen, etnografaj esploroj montris malebenajn efikojn de politikoj por restarigi la eŭskan en Rioja Alavesa, lima zono de la eŭska provinco Alava, kie oni ne parolis la lingvon jam jarcentojn. La lingvaj politikoj, kiuj emis emfazi la limon dividantan la eŭskajn provincojn de la cetera neeŭska Hispanio, samtempe fortigis perceptojn de etna marĝeneco ĉe multaj neparolantoj de la eŭska en Rioja Alavesa, kaj igis aliajn malakcepti la asociiĝon de la eŭska lingvo kun eŭska identeco. La kazo montras la utilecon de limregiona medio, kie identecoj estas neklaraj, por esplorado de la konstruo de etnaj kaj lingvaj limoj.
A converged full-dimensional calculation of the vibrational energy levels of (HF) 2

Abstract Converged nine-dimensional vibrational eigenvalue calculations are reported for forty energy levels of (HF) 2 for the case of zero total angular momentum. The effect of HF stretching motions on the van der Waals bound states is assessed by comparing the results to seven-dimensional calculations in which the monomer stretches are frozen. Coupling to the HF monomer stretches increases the tunneling splitting by a factor of 3.7, and it changes some of the other excitation energies by up to 4 cm −1 .
Dynamic information visualization

Dynamic queries constitute a very powerful mechanism for information visualization; some universe of data is visualized, and this visualization is modified on-the-fly as users modify the range of interest within the domains of the various attributes of the visualized information. In this paper, we analyze dynamic queries and offer some natural generalizations of the original concept by establishing a connection to SQL. We also discuss some implementation ideas that should make these generalizations efficient as well.
Phase relations and equilibrium copolymerization in the SeS system

The phase relations in the SeS system were investigated by the appearance of phase method, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. High purity selenium melts at 216 ± 2°C. A peritectic exists at 85 at. % Se and 168 ± 2°C; the peritectic isotherm extends from 92 to 73.5 at. % Se. A temperature minimum of 102 ± 1°C exists at a composition of 35 ± 1 at. % Se. High purity sulfur melts at 114 ± 1°C and polymerizes at 160 ± 2°C. Addition of 10 at. % Se lowers the polymerization temperature to 118 ± 3°C. The SeS system shows complete liquid miscibility and in this respect it differs from the majority of selenide type systems that generally show one or more fields of liquid immiscibility. The complete liquid miscibility in the SeS system can best be explained by the equilibrium copolymerization theory. Investigation of the subsolidus relations in the SeS system shows a miscibility gap in the Se-rich part of the system. The eutectoid proposed by W. E. Ringer (Z. Anorg. Chem. 32, 183 (1902)) in the S-rich part of the system was not detected.
Performance evaluation of unsupervised stochastic model-based image segmentation technique

This paper provides a new approach for performance evaluation of unsupervised stochastic model-based image segmentation techniques. Performance evaluation is conducted at three (3) aspects: (1) ability in detection of the number of image regions, (2) accuracy in estimation of the model parameters, and (3) error in classification of pixels into image regions. For detection performance, probabilities of over- detection and under-detection of the number of image regions are defined, and the corresponding formulae in terms of model parameters and image quality are derived. For estimation performance, this paper shows that both Classification-Maximization (CM) and Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithms produce the asymptotically unbiased ML estimates of model parameters in the case of no-overlap. Cramer-Rao bounds of variances of these estimates are derived. For classification performance, misclassification probability, based on parameter estimate and classified data, is derived to evaluate segmentation errors. The results by applying this performance evaluation method to the simulated images demonstrate that for the images with the moderate quality, the detection procedure is robust, the parameter estimates are accurate, and the segmentation errors are small.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The stability of molecular iodine in seawater

Abstract Both theoretical considerations and laboratory studies suggest that molecular iodine undergoes rapid hydrolysis to form hypoiodite when it is added to seawater. Previous experimental designs were not suitable for studying the fate of molecular iodine in seawater.
On-Demand DNA Synthesis on Solid Surface by Four Directional Ejectors on a Chip

This paper presents a synthesis technique for any random deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences on different substrates such as glass, plastic or silicon by an array of directional droplet ejectors. Any DNA sequence can be synthesized by ejecting droplets of DNA bases by an ultrasonic transducer having lens with air-reflectors (LWARs) that requires no nozzle. The LWAR is capable of ejecting liquid droplets around 80 mum in diameter, and reduces the amount of reagents needed for the synthesis from most of conventional microarray techniques. One major advantage of the nozzleless ejector is that it can eject droplets in any direction, so that a spot can be inked by four ejectors (carrying four DNA bases) without moving the ejector. The directional ejection of the droplets removes the need for aligning the substrate with the ejector, and minimizes the automation and control circuitry. To demonstrate the DNA synthesis capability of the directional droplet ejectors, four LWAR ejectors were used to synthesize a 15-mer 5'-CGCCAAGCAGTTCGT-3' on a substrate surface. This paper describes the concept and scheme of the on-demand DNA synthesis (with MEMS ejector integrated with microfluidic components) along with experimental results of an actual DNA synthesis by four directional droplet ejectors.
Lithospheric Thinning Beneath Rifted Regions of Southern California

The stretching and break-up of tectonic plates by rifting control the evolution of continents and oceans, but the processes by which lithosphere deforms and accommodates strain during rifting remain enigmatic. Using scattering of teleseismic shear waves beneath rifted zones and adjacent areas in Southern California, we resolve the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and lithospheric thickness variations to directly constrain this deformation. Substantial and laterally abrupt lithospheric thinning beneath rifted regions suggests efficient strain localization. In the Salton Trough, either the mantle lithosphere has experienced more thinning than the crust, or large volumes of new lithosphere have been created. Lack of a systematic offset between surface and deep lithospheric deformation rules out simple shear along throughgoing unidirectional shallow-dipping shear zones, but is consistent with symmetric extension of the lithosphere.
Diameter-reducing wire to facilitate deployment of a modified zenith fenestrated stent graft

Background: Modified fenestrated stent grafts have been used for compassionate treatment of large complex aortic aneurysms in high-risk patients who do not have access to a manufactured device and are not candidates for conventional open surgical repair. Accurate device design and precise implantation are key components of the procedure. A technique of device modification with diameter-reducing wire is described to facilitate catheterization of side branches. Methods: The modified Cook Zenith stent graft was created using reinforced fenestrations with gold nitinol markers. The stainless steel wire, which secures the top cap into the uncovered stent, was partially withdrawn, retrieved, and redirected externally through-and-through the fabric of the stent graft. Each Z-stent was constrained using the stainless steel wire for support and by two nonlocking prolene loops. The constrained stent graft was 30% narrower than the unconstrained device, which allowed flow between the stent graft and the aortic wall, as well as longitudinal and rotational movement of the stent graft. After successful catheterization of the fenestrations, balloon-expandable stent grafts were advanced over hydrophilic sheaths, and the stainless steel diameter-reducing wire was removed with full expansion of the Z-stents to its unconstrained diameter. The fenestrations were stented with balloon-expandable stent grafts, followed by placement of iliac limbs Conclusion: The use of a diameter-reducing wire allows longitudinal and rotational movement to the modified fenestrated stent graft and facilitates side branch catherization in patients in whom there is misalignment between the fenestration and the origin of the target vessel.
Axonic and Synaptic Lesions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Peculiar vesicular structures in the axons and synaptic terminals of neocortex of a 30 month old boy with psychomotor retardation of unknown origin are similar to the changes observed in other human diseases characterized by disorders of memory and learning. Such changes in the architecture of axons and synapses may cause certain disorders the aetiology of which is at present obscure.
Surgical Simulators and Hip Fractures: A Role in Residency Training?

Background Orthopedic surgery residency training requires intellectual and motor skill development. In this study, we utilized a computer-based haptic simulator to examine a potential model for evaluation of resident proficiency and efficiency in the placement of a center guide wire during fixation of an intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture. We hypothesize the junior residents will utilize more fluoroscopy and require more time to complete the task. Methods Postgraduate year (PGY) 1-5 residents completed the same task of placing a single central guide pin into a femoral head for a dynamic hip screw construct utilizing a haptic surgical simulator. Residents were divided into 2 groups (PGY 1-2 and PGY 3-5) and then evaluated based on final tip-apex distance (TAD), fluoroscopy time, time to complete the task, total number of distinct attempts at pin placement for each femur construct, as well as final 3-dimensional location of the pin from the isometric center of the femoral head. Results No statistically significant differences were noted between the 2 groups in total time or for tip-apex distance, anterior/posterior medial/lateral position, anterior/posterior superior/inferior, and lateral x-ray medial/lateral positioning measurements. Significant differences between Groups I and II were observed in anterior/posterior final position on the lateral view (p = 0.01), unique attempts (0.77 and 1.5, p = 0.03), and total fluoroscopic time (18.4 seconds and 12.9 seconds, p = 0.05). Conclusions In this study, we displayed that based on our simulator model there was no statistical difference between Group I and II in time to completion, final placement on anterior/posterior (A/P) view, and tip-apex distance. There was a statistically significant difference in the anterior/posterior placement of the wire in lateral view between the 2 groups, fluoroscopy time, and number of attempts per trial. Our findings suggest a computer-based surgical simulator can identify measurable differences in surgical proficiency between junior and senior orthopedic surgery residents and may play an expanding role in resident education.
Use of multipole magnetic fields for making uniform irradiations

Abstract A technique using multipole magnetic fields to shape charged particle intensity distributions is discussed. The concept is to use the nonlinear magnetic field of a multipole to preferentially focus the edges of a particle distribution back to the center in such a way that the final distribution is uniform. The integral transformation theory of this technique is presented. Calculations show that a Gaussian-shaped intensity distribution can be smoothed to better than 5% uniformity for up to 95% of the initial beam intensity. A sample beamline and variable strength multipole are presented.