cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Fitness, Cognition, and Brain Networks in Parkinson's Disease (S52.004)

Objective: To determine the effects of fitness training on executive functions and activation of brain networks in patients with mild-moderate Parkinson9s Disease (PD). Background Executive dysfunction is common in PD. In normal elderly, aerobic exercise has been shown to improve performance on the Eriksen flanker task (measures ability to inhibit conflicting information) accompanied by increased brain activation in executive control networks. Design/Methods: Forty-three ambulatory PD patients (age mean±SD=66.1±6.5, Hoehn-Yahr I-III) with mild impairments in various domains of cognition were enrolled in a Phase I/II study on the effects of a 6 month long aerobic exercise program (walking, 45 min/session, 3x/week). They were assessed using functional MRI imaging during the flanker task at baseline and after training. Results: Thirty-five participants completed the study. There were no serious adverse events; three participants dropped out due to exercise related adverse events. The completers experienced improvements in aerobic fitness as indexed by VO 2 max on cycle ergometry (from 25.0±6.9 ml/kg/min to 26.4±7.6, p 2 max after the program. Conclusions: In addition to physical benefits from the aerobic exercise program, patients with PD showed improvement in an executive function task accompanied by increased ability to marshal additional cortical resources in executive control/attention, visuospatial, and motor function networks, and by deactivation of the competing default mode network. Our preliminary findings suggest that increased aerobic fitness leads to higher efficiency of brain networks resulting in improved executive functions in PD. Supported by: Primarily by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation R&D Branch Merit Review Award B6261R (EYU), and also by National Center for Research Resources/National Institutes of Health grant UL1RR024979 (University of Iowa), R01 AG017177 (MR), R01 NS044930 (EYU). Disclosure: Dr. Uc has nothing to disclose. Dr. Magnotta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Doerschug has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mehta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thomsen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kline has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rizzo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Grabowski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bruss has nothing to disclose. Dr. Newman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nicol has nothing to disclose. Dr. Anderson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dawson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kramer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Darling has nothing to disclose.
Analysis of food poisoning events in Zhejiang schools,2004-2012

Objective To study the epidemic regularity and characteristics of food poisoning in Zhejiang schools from 2004 to 2012,and to provide basis for preventive measures of food safety in school. Methods Analysis was conducted on the incidence data of food poisoning reported in schools through the public health emergency surveillance system in Zhejiang from 2004 to 2012. Results A total of 66 food poisoning events in schools were reported in Zhejiang from 2004 to 2012. A total of 1 514 students and teachers were involved,no people were dead. Most food poisoning events occurred in 2nd,3rd and 4th quarter. The proportions of food poisoning occurred in primary schools and secondary schools,colleges,infant institutes,and other schools were 65. 15%, 16. 67%,12. 12% and 6. 06%. About 75. 76% of food poisoning happened in canteens,10. 61% in mobile vendors and snack shops near the schools. Bacteria( 54. 5%),and plant( 15. 15%) were main factors resulted in food poisoning. Conclusion Supervision should be implemented according to different epidemiological characteristics in canteens,mobile vendors,snack shops near the schools,and commissary in the schools. Propaganda and education should be strengthened to dining room staffs,teachers and students.
Study on localization diagnosis with SPECT rCBF imaging in childhood epilepsy: in comparison with EEG and MRI findings

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of SPECT rCBF imaging in localization of childhood epileptic foci Methods rCBF imaging was performed in 74 epileptic patients not in seizure and 10 epileptic patients right in seizure EEG was performed in 84, MRI in 67 of the subjects mentioned above All the results of three modalities were compared with each other Results The highest positive rate (82 14%) was found in SPECT rCBF imaging, the positive rate in EEG or MRI was 71 43% or 47 76% The epileptic foci localized by EEG (60 abnormalities) and by MRI (32 abnormalities) were 70 59% and 58 82% in concordance with those by SPECT, respectively Conclusions SPECT rCBF imaging is a sensitive and effective method for epileptic foci localization It may have some advantages over EEG and MRI in detecting and localizing epileptic foci However, abnormal SPECT areas may cover some abnormalities which do not belong to epileptic category A combination of these three methods (SPECT, EEG and MRI) will improve the positive rate and accuracy for localizing
The negotiation of parenting beliefs by Mexican American mothers and fathers of young children

ABSTRACTGuided by dialogical self theory, our purpose was to extend past research on the parenting beliefs of Mexican American parents. In this qualitative study, we analyze the dialoguing associated with the main beliefs of 13 Mexican-origin mothers and fathers, most of whom are second-generation. Of the seven main parenting beliefs identified by parents, three – speaking Spanish, fostering respect, and encouraging gratitude – were characterized by dialoguing that strongly connected to the values of their Mexican heritage. An additional three – promoting education, parental involvement, and showing affection – were associated with dialoguing that differentiated from the values and practices of their own parents. A final belief about discipline was more complex, evidencing an ongoing negotiation of Mexican and US values and practices. We propose that this dialogical approach offers a useful framework for future research on parents’ negotiation of multiple cultural traditions in creating their beliefs and ...
Discretizing singular point sources in hyperbolic wave propagation problems

We develop high order accurate source discretizations for hyperbolic wave propagation problems in first order formulation that are discretized by finite difference schemes. By studying the Fourier series expansions of the source discretization and the finite difference operator, we derive sufficient conditions for achieving design accuracy in the numerical solution. Only half of the conditions in Fourier space can be satisfied through moment conditions on the source discretization, and we develop smoothness conditions for satisfying the remaining accuracy conditions. The resulting source discretization has compact support in physical space, and is spread over as many grid points as the number of moment and smoothness conditions. In numerical experiments we demonstrate high order of accuracy in the numerical solution of the 1-D advection equation (both in the interior and near a boundary), the 3-D elastic wave equation, and the 3-D linearized Euler equations.
Inhibition of Human Platelet Aggregation and Calcium-Dependent, Phospholipase A 2 Activity by Calcium Antagonists: Evidence for Intracellular Effects of Calcium Slow Channel Blockers

Recent studies demonstrate that calcium antagonists, such as bepridil and verapamil, enter and accumulate in muscle cells, and suggest that these drugs may have intracellular effects in addition to their role as inhibitors of the slow inward Ca2+ current (1,2). Therefore, we have tested a group of calcium “slow channel” blockers for their ability to inhibit human platelet aggregation, which requires extracellular Ca2+, and the activity of human platelet phospholipase A2,an enzyme that is calcium-dependent and is associated with intracellular membranes (3,4). All the calcium antagonists tested, except nifedipine, inhibited ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets. The extent of inhibition by a given concentration of bepridil increased with the time of preincubation with drug. D-600 and diltiazem were the most potent inhibitors of aggregation. Human platelet phospholipase A2 activity was maximally active at pH 7.0 and had an absolute requirement for, and was extremely sensitive to, low concentrations of CaCl2. Activity was stimulated 220% by 10-7 M D-600, was inhibited to different degrees by bepridil, nitrendipine, and verapamil, and was essentially unaffected by nifedipine, mesudipine, and higher concentrations of D-600. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity by bepridil was relieved by increasing concentrations of CaCl9. Bepridil, verapamil, and propranolol displaced 45Ca from the membranes of autoclaved E. coli. The differential effects of these calcium antagonists on human platelet phospholipase A2 activity suggest that these drugs may produce secondary effects inside the cell.
THE EFFECT OF VIRAL INFECTIONS ON THE FUNCTION OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of viral infections on the function of the immune system. Immunologic dysfunction induced by virus must reflect changes in the physiologic and immunologic function of T (thymus-dependent) lymphocytes, B (thymus-independent) lymphocytes, or macrophages, as it is the interaction between these cells and their products that generates immunity. It is known that macrophages play a role in processing of antigen and in its presentation to lymphocytes. B cells stimulated by antigen differentiate into antibody-secreting cells. T cells act directly in cellular immune reactions and also exert a helper effect on antibody production even though they do not themselves become plasma cells. Virus replication could lead to stimulation of suppressor cells that might inhibit responsiveness of T and B lymphocytes that are not themselves directly affected by the infection.
Semiconductor-to-Metal Transition in Rutile TiO2 Induced by Tensile Strain

We report the first observation of a reversible, degenerate doping of titanium dioxide with strain, which is referred to as a semiconductor-to-metal transition. Application of tensile strain to a ∼50 nm film of rutile TiO2 thermally grown on a superelastic nitinol (NiTi intermetallic) substrate causes reversible degenerate doping as evidenced by electrochemistry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and conducting atomic force microscopy (CAFM). Cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements show behavior characteristic of a highly doped n-type semiconductor for unstrained TiO2 transitioning to metallic behavior under tensile strain. The transition reverses when strain is removed. Valence band XPS spectra show that samples strained to 5% exhibit metallic-like intensity near the Fermi level. Strain also induces a distinct transition in CAFM current–voltage curves from rectifying (typical of an n-type semiconductor) to ohmic (metal-like) behavior. We propose that strain raises the energy distribution of o...
Aspirin monotherapy vs. dual antiplatelet therapy in diabetic patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): where do we stand?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in the United States and worldwide (1). Rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, followed by platelet aggregation and thrombus formation often leads to partial or complete occlusion of the native coronary artery, resulting in myocardial ischemia. Regardless of the revascularization modality used vs. medical therapy alone for patients with stable ischemic heart disease or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), antiplatelet therapy remains the standard of care.
A new live load model for bridges carrying light rail transit

Abstract This paper presents the development of a standard live load model for light rail bridges. It is recognized that the absence of a standard load model causes design outcomes varying from agency to agency, which is problematic from performance and reliability standpoints. A blend of deterministic and probabilistic approaches is employed to propose a new load model. Pursuant to light rail transit guidelines, benchmark bridges are designed (steel plate, prestressed concrete multicell box, reinforced concrete tee-beam, prestressed concrete I and bulb-tee, and steel box girder bridges). Finite element analysis is conducted to examine the response of the bridges when loaded by representative light rail trains operated in the United States (Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Utah). Parametric investigations in conjunction with numerous loading configurations (48,256 model cases) characterize light rail train loadings, and corresponding results are exploited to determine the extreme bending moments and shear forces of the bridges at four probability levels (the average, upper 20%, 99.9%, and 75-year categories). The upper 20% model shows load effects similar to the standard live load model (HL-93) of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications (BDS). The 99.9% and 75-year models envelop the moments and shear forces resulting from the representative light rail trains. These candidate load models are further assessed against site-based load inference. The 75-year model is selected and proposed to be the standard live load model entitled LRT-16 (a uniformly distributed load of 14 kN/m plus three axles of 150 kN at a spacing of 4.3 m, which is configured similarly to those of HL-93 in AASHTO LRFD BDS). The applicability of the standard load model is evaluated using 33 light rail tra.
Long-Term Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Trial.

This paper presents 6-month follow-up data of 44% (N = 64/116) of participants (ages 6–16 years) with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, who participated in a previously-published randomized controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) compared to a no-horse contact active control. The objective of this study was to examine whether significant improvements of irritability, hyperactivity, social, and communication behaviors observed in participants randomized to receive a 10-week manual-based THR intervention were sustained 6 months after the intervention conclusion. Participants' caregivers from both the THR (n = 36) and active control (n = 28) groups completed a measure of irritability and hyperactivity behaviors (primary outcome variables). Additionally, only the THR group participants completed the full battery of study outcomes assessments. Between group comparisons examining the extended interval from baseline (1-month pre-intervention assessment) to 6-months after the intervention revealed that the THR group maintained reductions in irritability behavior at a 0.1 level (effect size = 0.32, p = 0.07). (Effect size = 0.32, p = 0.07), which was 73% of efficacy preserved from the primary post-intervention endpoint (within 1-month post-intervention). Hyperactivity behaviors did not sustain this same trend. Comparisons from baseline and 6-months after the intervention revealed that the THR group sustained significant initial improvements made in social and communication behaviors, along with number of words and different words spoken during a standard language sample. This is the first known study to examine and demonstrate the longer-term effects of THR for individuals with ASD and warrants a more thorough evaluation of whether the effects of THR are maintained for at least 6-months after the intervention compared to a control. Clinical Trial Registration Information: Trial of Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder; http://clinicaltrials.gov; {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02301195","term_id":"NCT02301195"}}NCT02301195.
Kinome analyses of inflammatory responses to swine barn dust extract in human bronchial epithelial and monocyte cell lines

Exacerbated inflammation upon persistent barn organic dust exposure is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of lung inflammation and lung function decline. Barn dust constituents and the mechanism...
Comparing estimates of disability prevalence using federal and international disability measures in national surveillance.

Abstract Background The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is changing the annual inclusion of standardized disability identifiers, reinvigorating the priority to examine existing disability question sets. These sets include questions developed by the United States (U.S.) National Center for Health Statistics in conjunction with the U.S. Census Bureau (the American Community Survey questions, ACS) and United Nations (the Washington Group Short Set questions, WGSS), that are policy relevant, comparable across populations, and short enough to be included in censuses and surveys across countries. Objective To compare disability prevalence estimates from federal and international standardized disability questions across demographic factors. Methods Bivariate analysis of disability question sets asking adults about vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, and self-care difficulties and demographic factors using secondary data from supplements in the 2010 and 2013–2015 NHIS. Results Our study found substantial and statistically significant differences in the percentage of disabilities (overall and by type) based on comparable ACS and WGSS questions across demographic categories. Dependent on response coding, WGSS-based disability prevalence was consistently and significantly larger or smaller than ACS-based disability prevalence. Overall disability prevalence using ACS and two different WGSS response combinations were 16.3% and 9.2% or 39.4%, respectively. Conclusion ACS and WGSS measures identify predictably different sized populations of adults with disabilities. Further, with some exceptions, ACS and WGSS questions identify populations with disabilities with relatively consistent demographic factors. Additional research is recommended to understand the comparability of disability prevalence and health disparities and inequities people with disabilities experience when using these measures.
Should Intercultural Communication Change the Way We Think About Language

The paper argues that research in intercultural communication should change the way we think about language. Standard linguistic and pragmatic theories assume that communication and language use depends on there being commonalities, conventions, standards and norms between language users. These conventions of language and conventions of usage create a core common ground on which intention and cooperation-based communication is built. When, however, this core common ground is limited as usually is the case in intercultural communication interlocutors cannot take them for granted, rather they need to co-construct them, at least temporarily. So there seems to be reason to take up the question of how people go about formulating utterances and interpreting them when they can’t count on or have limited access to those commonalities and conventions, and in a sense, they are expected to create, co-construct them (at least a part of them) in the communicative process. How does this intensive co-construction of core common ground, lack of conventions, and temporarily established standards affect language development and use? Will this corrupt the structurality and logic of language? How does linguistic creativity work in these circumstances? These and similar questions will be answered in the paper with a special focus on three issues: (1) shift of emphasis from the communal to the individual, (2) modified understanding of linguistic creativity, and (3) the changing role of context in language use.
Unsupervised automatic target generation process via compressive sensing

Unsupervised target generation for hyperspectral imagery (HSI) have generated great interest in the hyperspectral community. However, most of the current unsupervised target generation algorithms have to process large HSI data, which is acquired using the traditional Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, resulting in data with high band-to-band correlation. As a consequence, these algorithms end up processing redundant information, raising the demand for large memory storage, processing time, and transmission bandwidth. In the past, some efforts have been dedicated to dealing with the redundant information via data reduction (DR) or data compression post-acquisition. However, to the best of our knowledge, this challenge has been addressed outside the context of Compressive Sensing (CS). This paper applies CS data acquisition process at the sensor level so that the redundant information is removed at the early stage of the data processing chain. The main advantage of our approach is that it employs a random sensing process, and the concept of universality, to randomly sense the HSI bands and produce data containing the bare minimum information. We take advantage of CS Restricted Isometric Properties (RIP), Restricted Conformal Properties (RCP), and newly derived orthogonal sub-space projection (OSP) properties to perform automatic target generation process (ATGP) in the compressively sensed band domain (CSBD), instead of in the original data space (ODS), where the HSI data contains full spectral bands. Our experimental results show that, by working in the CSBD, we avoid processing redundant data and still maintain performance results that are comparable with the performance results obtained in the ODS.
Associations between linguistic acculturation and skin cancer knowledge and beliefs among U.S. Hispanic adults

The incidence of melanoma among U.S. Hispanics is rising and Hispanics have poorer melanoma survival compared to non-Hispanic whites. Acculturation has been linked with skin cancer-related behaviors among Hispanic individuals, such that Hispanic individuals who are more acculturated to U.S. norms and attitudes have been found to use sunscreen more frequently, to seek shade and use sun protective clothing less often, to sunbathe and indoor tan more frequently, and to have more sunburns than less acculturated individuals. However, little is known about factors that may account for the effect of acculturation on such behaviors and outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the association between linguistic acculturation and skin cancer-related knowledge and beliefs among Hispanic adults. 788 Hispanic adults completed an online survey measuring linguistic acculturation, sun protection knowledge, perceived skin cancer risk, perceived severity, perceived worry, skin color preference, perceived suntan benefits, photo-aging concerns, sun protection norms, tanning norms and skin cancer fatalism. Compared with Spanish-acculturated Hispanics, English-acculturated Hispanics had greater knowledge, lower levels of perceived risk of skin cancer, lower perceived severity of skin cancer, less worry about skin cancer, greater perceived suntan benefits, and lower photo-aging concerns. This study highlights the importance of considering an individual's level of acculturation when designing skin cancer prevention interventions. Additional research is warranted to develop and test culturally relevant, tailored interventions to reduce the risks of skin cancer among U.S. Hispanics.
STUDIES ON ENZYMES OF INOSITOL METABOLISM

SUMMARY: This laboratory has had two longstanding interests in inositol metabolism: the enzymatic origins of the lesser-known inositols scyllo- and neo-inositol, as well as chiro-inositol and the mechanism of action of L-myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase. In order to better study the properties of these enzymes we have been engaged in their purification. In this paper we review our findings regarding the mammalian inositol epimerase, describe the progress we have made in the purification of the myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase and discuss our findings on the mechanism of the aldolase step of the myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase reaction.
Attachment to God and Implicit Spirituality: Clarifying Correspondence and Compensation Models:

This article empirically investigates two alternative, competing hypotheses regarding human attachment patterns and attachment patterns with respect to people's spiritual experiences of relationshi...
What Plasma Density and Temperature Can Support Unipolar Arc

The unipolar arc (UA) consists of two parts: the emitting electrons cathode part and the anode part collecting electrons. The central (emitting) part operates as a vacuum arc with relatively well-established experimental parameters: cathode voltage drop, current density, and minimal arc current ( $I_{\mathrm {min}}$ ). The current distribution in the background plasma was considered to find the condition of the UA existence, which is the ability of the background plasma to provide the return current at a level above $I_{\mathrm {min}}$ . Two situations were considered: with and without external magnetic field. It was found that in the magnetic field absence, the condition for the UA existence is determined mostly by the plasma temperature. At the same time, the magnetic field dramatically shifts the domain of the unipolar existence toward higher temperatures and higher plasma densities.
Surgery versus Imaging in Non-Localizing Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Cost-Effectiveness Model.

Objective To determine whether advanced imaging is cost-effective compared to primary bilateral neck exploration in the management of non-localizing primary hyperparathyroidism. Study design Cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods Cost-effectiveness analysis based on decision tree model and available Medicare financial data using data from 347 consecutive patients having parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism with either 1) positive, concordant ultrasound and sestamibi or 2) negative sestamibi and negative ultrasound. Results Bilateral neck exploration (BNE) costs $9578 and has a success rate of 97.3%. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) + minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was modeled to have a total cost of $8197 with a success rate of 98.6%. SPECT/computed tomography (CT) + MIP was modeled to have a total cost of $8271 and a 98.9% success rate. Four-dimensional (4D)-CT + MIP was modeled to cost $8146 with a success rate of 99%. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (IECR) (as compared to BNE) were -536.1, -605.5, and -701.6 ($/percent cure rate) for SPECT, SPECT/CT, and 4D-CT respectively. One-way sensitivity analyses demonstrate the change in IECR and cut-off points (IECR = 0) for four major variables. Conclusions In patients with non-localizing primary hyperparathyroidism, advanced imaging is associated with cost-savings compared to routine bilateral neck exploration. Increased cost-savings were predicted with increased imaging accuracy and decreased imaging costs. Increasing time for BNE or decreasing time for MIP were associated with increased cost savings. Level of evidence III Laryngoscope, 2020.
Creating a Survey Instrument for Self-Assessed Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and Androgen Excess

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive disorder in women, but tools for self-reported ascertainment are currently lacking. We created and evaluated an online survey instrument for identification of PCOS by incorporating clinically derived reproductive health questions and a novel pictorial tool for androgen excess. The survey was cognitively tested for question comprehension and usability. Comprehension problems included simplifying the PCOS definition and questions on bleeding duration. Recall and answer formation problems included beverage consumption and questions using symbols. Evaluation of this survey instrument via cognitive testing may help to accurately ascertain the prevalence of PCOS in general population settings.
Effective Hand Preparation for Surgical Procedures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Background: The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is greatest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common HAI in LMICs. Hand hygiene is the single most effective strategy for reducing HAIs and the transmission of antimicrobial drug-resistant pathogens. Similarly, effective surgical hand preparation is a critical step in the prevention of SSIs in the surgical patient. Methods: Surgical hand preparation (SHP) is a seemingly simple activity that is easily overlooked. Performed properly, however, along with other measures, it has the potential to reduce SSIs in LMICs. The article reviews the current state of surgical hand preparation in LMICs. Results: Alcohol-based handrubs (ABHRs) have received wide acceptance by healthcare workers for both hand hygiene and SHP; when mixed with emollients, ABHRs retain efficacy against microorganisms and gain skin tolerability and user acceptability. Healthcare institutions in many LMICs face difficulties obtaining the products needed to ensure effective SHP using ABHRs. Conclusion: The ABHRs are the most efficacious surgical hand preparation products available today. They are cost-effective and can safely be prepared locally in hospitals, even in LMICs. The challenge of access to ABHRs should be addressed by national and local governments, through advocacy by healthcare workers coupled with continued lobbying and campaigns by the World Health Organization. Effective surgical hand preparation, like hand hygiene, saves lives.
Ti-in-quartz: Evaluating the role of kinetics in high temperature crystal growth experiments

Abstract We present results from 25 hydrothermal quartz growth experiments, all conducted at 800 °C and 1 kbar but with varying starting materials and run times, to address discrepancies between calibrations of the titanium-in-quartz (TitaniQ) thermobarometer. In our experiments, a gold capsule is loaded with silica glass, water, and either rutile or anatase as the TiO2 source. In most experiments, there is also a large quartz seed crystal contained in an open inner capsule. The use of rutile versus anatase has a significant influence on the (re)crystallization pathways of the SiO2 and TiO2 components. When rutile is used, quartz overgrowths have abundant open cavities and complex zonations. The rutile does not completely dissolve because rutile is the stable TiO2 polymorph, and yet, new rutile forms at the quartz seed-overgrowth interface and on the outer surface of quartz crystals. This suggests crystallization of quartz near Ωrut ∼ 1, but wide-ranging Ti concentrations and zonations in quartz are indicative of kinetic effects. When powdered anatase is used, the quartz overgrowths look markedly different, lacking the open cavities and instead exhibiting step edges and terraces. The Ti concentrations in quartz from these experiments are also wide-ranging but reach larger values. Our results span the range of previous calibrations and indicate that Ti concentrations in quartz are sensitive to the TiO2/SiO2 ratio of the fluid as opposed to the absolute concentration (or activity) of dissolved TiO2. We present a kinetic model for quartz and rutile growth from a fluid where the input parameters are the initial degrees of supersaturation with respect to quartz and rutile, the total reactive surface area, and rate constants that link the degree of supersaturation to net precipitation rates. The model can explain many of the salient features of our experimental results, as well as those from previous studies, but requires that the rate constant multiplied by the reactive surface area for rutile is less than that of quartz, and that rutile solubility depends on the SiO2 concentration of the fluid, as documented in the recent literature. Complete quartz-rutile equilibrium may not have been established in any of the experimental studies, but low-pressure experiments with slowly grown quartz seem to be more reliable than extrapolations from high-pressure experiments for thermobarometry of shallow natural systems.
Sex differences and effects of estrous stage on hippocampal-prefrontal theta communications

ABSTRACT Effective communication between the mammalian hippocampus and neocortex is essential to certain cognitive-behavioral tasks critical to survival in a changing environment. Notably, functional synchrony between local field potentials (LFPs) of the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) within the theta band (4-12 Hz) underlies innate avoidance behavior during approach-avoidance conflict tasks in male rodents. However, the physiology of vHPC-mPFC communications in females remains unestablished. Furthermore, little is known about how mPFC subdivisions functionally interact in the theta band with hippocampal subdivisions in both sexes in the absence of task demands. Given the established roles of biological sex and gonadal hormone status on innate avoidance behaviors and neuronal excitability, here, we characterize the effects of biological sex and female estrous stage on hippocampal-prefrontal theta signaling in freely-moving female and male rats. LFPs from vHPC, dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), mPFC-prelimbic (PrL), and mPFC-infralimbic (IL) were simultaneously recorded during spontaneous exploration of a familiar arena. Data suggest that theta phase and power in vHPC preferentially synchronize with PrL; conversely, dHPC and IL preferentially synchronize. Males displayed greater vHPC-PrL theta synchrony than females, despite similar regional frequency band power and inter-regional coherence. Additionally, several significant estrous-linked changes in hippocampal-prefrontal theta dynamics were observed. These findings support the hypothesis that biological sex and female estrous stage can both affect hippocampal-prefrontal theta signaling in a familiar environment. These findings establish novel research avenues concerning sexual dimorphisms and effects of gonadal hormone status in HPC-mPFC network activity pertaining to threat evaluation biomarkers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Effective signaling between subregions of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex underlies several cognitive-behavioral processes necessary for survival. Theta-frequency synchrony between the local fields of the ventral hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex regulates innate avoidance behavior in male rodents. However, this circuit remains understudied in females, despite its potential utility in research modeling the neurobiology of anxiety disorders (and sex differences therein). Here, we demonstrate that both biological sex and female hormone status have multifaceted effects on hippocampal-prefrontal theta-frequency signaling in freely-moving rats during exploration of a familiar arena. These findings provide insight into how biological sex and female estrous stage shape the way in which these circuits may represent the potential for threat.
Strategies for evaluating self-efficacy and observed success in the practice of yoga postures for therapeutic indications: methods from a yoga intervention for urinary incontinence among middle-aged and older women

Most clinical investigations involving yoga lack adequate description of the specific yoga elements, including physical postures. Few studies have measured self-efficacy regarding the performance of yoga postures or assessed observed success in performing postures. We developed and piloted several tools to evaluate self-efficacy and observed success in practicing yoga in the context of a randomized feasibility trial of an Iyengar-based yoga intervention for urinary incontinence in ambulatory women ≥50 years. At the end of the 12-week yoga intervention involving twice weekly group yoga classes and once weekly home practice, participants rated their self-efficacy in performing each of the included 15 yoga postures on a 5-point Likert scale. During the 12th week, an expert yoga consultant observed participants and rated their competency in performing postures on a 5-point scale. Participants completed a questionnaire about self-efficacy in adhering to home yoga practice. We examined the distribution of and correlations between scores on the above measures. Among 27 participants (mean age 65 years), the range of means for self-efficacy ratings for individual postures was 3.6 to 4.5. The range of means for observed competency ratings for individual postures was 3.3 to 5.0. Mean self-efficacy rating for confidence in adhering to the assigned once-weekly home yoga practice was 2.8 (range 1 to 5). Posture self-efficacy was inversely correlated with participant age (p = 0.01) and positively correlated with self-reported physical function (p = 0.03) and mobility (p = 0.01). No significant correlations were found between posture self-efficacy scale scores and expert-observed yoga competency ratings or practice adherence self-efficacy scores. These measures hold promise for advancing yoga research and practice by describing methods to: 1) measure self-efficacy in performing specific yoga postures; 2) use an expert observer to assess participants’ competence in performing yoga postures; and 3) measure self-efficacy in adhering to home practice. These proposed measures can be used to describe specific components of yoga interventions, to assess whether study participants are able to learn to practice physical aspects of yoga and/or maintain this practice over time, as well as to investigate relationships between self-efficacy and competency in performing yoga postures to achieve specific health outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02342678, January 21, 2015.
Deep-Learning-Based Computational Biomedical Microscopy with Uncertainty Quantification

I will present several deep learning based computational microscopy techniques including phase microscopy and imaging oximetry. Emphasis will be put on an uncertainty quantification framework for assessing the reliability of these techniques.
Observing EeV neutrinos through the Earth: GZK and the anomalous ANITA events

Tau neutrinos are unique cosmic messengers, especially at extreme energies. When they undergo a charged-current interaction, the short lifetime of the produced tau gives rise to secondary tau neutrinos that carry a significant fraction of the primary neutrino energy. This effect, known as tau neutrino regeneration, has not been applied to its full potential in current generation neutrino experiments. In this work, we present an updated calculation of tau neutrino regeneration, and explore its implications for two scenarios: the recent anomalous ANITA events and the cosmogenic neutrino flux. For the former, we investigate the idea of localized emission and find that the maximum secondary neutrino flux allowed by IceCube measurements implies a primary flux that is incompatible with the ANITA observation, regardless of the assumed source energy spectrum. For the latter, we study the prospect of detecting the cosmogenic neutrino flux of regenerated PeV neutrinos with current and next generation neutrino detectors.
Remedial Discretion in Constitutional Adjudication

Courts frequently withhold remedies for meritorious assertions of constitutional right. The practice is often unobjectionable. Indeed, it is a systemic necessity if constitutional law is to remain vibrant. Without it, judges surely would be less inclined to engage in constitutional innovation. But just as surely, the practice is not available for all types of constitutional claim. For instance, the subject of a criminal indictment is always entitled to dismissal of the charges if the statute authorizing the prosecution is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has experimented with various approaches to withholding constitutional remedies. The Warren Court embraced the practice of issuing non-retroactive constitutional rulings as it recognized new criminal constitutional rights. But the Burger and Rehnquist Courts rejected non-retroactivity. Instead, they enforced forfeiture rules and significantly broadened the reach of remedy-limiting doctrines such as qualified immunity, harmless error, and exceptions to the exclusionary rule. The Roberts Court has continued in the same vein. Unfortunately, however, the Court’s shift away from non-retroactivity has been unaccompanied by any trans-substantive account of when and how courts may withhold constitutional remedies. As a consequence, influential commentators have charged the Court with inconsistency; they say that it is incoherent to discard non-retroactivity while expanding doctrines that accomplish the same thing. These commentators have called for a revival of non-retroactivity doctrine to enable more constitutional innovation. This paper argues against reviving non-retroactivity doctrine and proposes a functional framework for evaluating when and how courts may withhold constitutional remedies. The proposal differentiates between substitutionary remedies addressed to wholly concluded constitutional wrongs, which courts sometimes may withhold, and specific remedies addressed to ongoing violations, which are obligatory. The proposal rationalizes the Court’s recent remedial practices in constitutional adjudication, permits a context-specific balancing of remedial interests in cases where such a balancing is appropriate, and accounts for separation-of-powers and federalism concerns. It thus provides concrete guidance on when courts may withhold constitutional remedies and when they may not. It also respects Article III limits on judicial power — limits that non-retroactivity doctrines exceed.
Electrically controlled active metasurfaces for free space optical communications

Active metasurfaces designed to operate at optical frequencies are a new class of flat optical elements that can dynamically control the wavefront of the reflected or transmitted light at a subwavelength scale. Here, we estimate the feasibility of using gate-tunable conducting oxide metasurfaces as electrically steerable apertures for free space optical communications. Our optical link budget analysis shows that for pulse energies of 1 mJ, free space optical communication at distances of 100000 km is possible. We further elaborate our analysis by adopting a system design approach and refining our optical link budget analysis.
Red Sloughing Patches

The differential diagnosis in a patient with red, sloughing skin includes toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, staph-scalded skin syndrome, acute phototoxicity, acute graft versus host disease, acute photosensitive lupus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus.
The Catholic Church and the Italian State: The Case of the Bishop of Prato

On the west coast of Italy, north of Rome, lies a region called Tuscany. It is a region with a geometric shape — triangular — and with an abundance of mountains and hills, valleys and beaches.1 Behind this scenic facade, stands a legacy of humanism that has made Tuscany the cradle of the Renaissance.2 “It is a region of equilibrium, ‘a country both discreet and pensive.’”3 In history and in art, in literature and in science, in craftsmanship and in customs, Tuscany is the region with a profile in uniqueness, with a past equalled by few, surpassed by none.4
Comparison of tissue integration between polyester and polypropylene prostheses in the preperitoneal space.

Tissue integration and implant characteristics of various biomaterials commonly used for inguinal hernia repair have not been studied extensively. The aim of this study is to compare behavior and tissue response between two new polyester prostheses and a commonly used polypropylene (PP) mesh. The polyester prostheses utilized were polyester flat (PF) and polyester soft three-dimensional (PS); the PP mesh utilized was Marlex®. Eight randomly assigned 4 x 4-cm 2 pieces of two different meshes were fixed in the preperitoneal space with a centrally placed single suture. Gross evaluation included shrinkage and stiffness. Histological evaluation included amount of fibrous and fat encapsulation, connective tissue, foreign-body reaction, neovascularization, hemorrhage, necrosis, and exudate. Evaluations were graded on a zero to four scale. The area and the area ratio were measured using a calibrated micrometer. PP mesh resulted in more fibrous encapsulation and stiffness than PF and PS prostheses. PP also resulted in less connective tissue formation and foreign-body reaction than PF and PS prostheses. There was no difference in fat encapsulation, necrosis, hemorrhage, or exudate between prostheses. Both polyester prostheses (PF and PS) have better tissue integration than the PP mesh, as evidenced by the higher amount of connective tissue and lower extent of fibrous encapsulation.
Dysregulation of the HPA Axis in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A wide array of physiologic mechanisms has been proposed to explain the symptomatology and pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome. One consistent finding points to potential disruptions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning concomitant with hypocortisolism. While there are divergent theories, evidence has been found for a possible lack of responsiveness on the part of the HPA axis to challenge, a pattern of glucocorticoid resistance, and disruption or dysregulation of the expected diurnal cortisol pattern among patients with CFS. Some authors offer that CFS is the result of a maladaptive stress response, one that is under the influence of genetic variance or epigenetic influences. Recent research demonstrates a lack of messenger RNA encoding for the glucocorticoid receptor, with evidence pointing toward histone deacetylases. The intent of this review is to highlight these findings supporting dysregulation of the HPA axis in CFS.
Oxidative stress and longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans as mediated by SKN-1.

Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a role in normal aging. The SKN-1 transcription factor regulates the response to oxidative stress and also is necessary for intestinal development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using transcriptome analysis, we found that oxidative stress induces almost a thousand genes, including the antioxidant and heat-shock responses, as well as genes responsible for xenobiotic detoxification. There were also 392 down-regulated genes including many involved in metabolic homeostasis, organismal development, and reproduction. Many of these oxidative-stress-induced transcriptional changes are dependent on SKN-1 action; the induction of the heat-shock response is not. When we used RNAi to inhibit genes, we found that most had no effect on either resistance to oxidative stress or longevity; however two SKN-1-dependent genes, nlp-7 and cup-4, that were up-regulated by oxidative stress were found to be required for resistance to oxidative stress and for normal life span. nlp-7 encodes a neuropeptide-like protein, expressed in neurons, while cup-4 encodes a coelomocyte-specific, ligand-gated ion channel. RNAi of nlp-7 or cup-4 increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and reduced lifespan. Among down-regulated genes, only inhibition of ent-1, a nucleoside transporter, led to increased resistance to oxidative stress; inhibition had no effect on lifespan. In contrast, RNAi of nhx-2, a Na+/H+ exchanger, extended lifespan significantly without affecting sensitivity to oxidative stress. These findings show that oxidative stress causes a transcriptional shift from growth and maintenance towards the activation of cellular defense mechanisms; many of these transcriptional alterations are SKN-1-dependent.
Counselors' knowledge of the adoption of tobacco cessation medications in substance abuse treatment programs.

This study assessed counselors’ knowledge of the adoption of evidence-based tobacco cessation medications (TCMs)— varenicline, bupropion, and five nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs)—and predictors of adoption in diverse substance abuse treatment settings. We used Managing Effective Relationships in Treatment Services (MERITS I) data from 658 counselors working in 26 programs. Adoption of varenicline was reported by 16% of counselors, bupropion by 11%, and NRTs by 27%. Knowledge of the adoption of all types of TCMs was more likely to be reported by counselors who worked in treatment programs that adhered less to a 12-step orientation and restricted outdoor smoking for employees. Several additional unique predictors of varenicline and NRTs were identified. (Am J Addict 2010;20:56–62)