cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting the figure of merit of nanostructured thermoelectric materials

Over the last decade, the inclusion of nanofeatures has been demonstrated extensively for improving the performance of thermoelectric materials. The continued approach is to nanofeaturing these materials in a smart manner tailoring their electronic and thermal response. This research provides a computational tool for predicting all parameters in the thermoelectric figure of merit for a Si/Ge superlattice structure as a function of doping and layer thickness. The approach involves coupling a nonequilibrium Green’s function electronic and thermal transport model. The phonon description is communicated between the two models to facilitate spatially resolved multiphonon frequency electron–phonon scattering. Findings support the consideration of multiple phonon frequency scattering to accurately predict ZT values. An extrema in ZT as function of both doping and geometry were predicted. Furthermore, the optimal superlattice design was determined to be a Si(2 nm)/Ge(7 nm) with a donor concentration on the order of 1019 cm−3 for operation at 300 K.
Modeling and implementation of firing-rate neuromorphic-network classifiers with bilayer Pt/Al2O3/TiO2−x/Pt Memristors

Neuromorphic pattern classifiers were implemented, for the first time, using transistor-free integrated crossbar circuits with bilayer metal-oxide memristors. 10×6- and 10×8-crosspoint neuromorphic networks were trained in-situ using a Manhattan-Rule algorithm to separate a set of 3∗3 binary images: into 3 classes using the batch-mode training, and into 4 classes using the stochastic-mode training, respectively. Simulation of much larger, multilayer neural network classifiers based on such technology has sown that their fidelity may be on a par with the state-of-the-art results for software-implemented networks.
Thermodynamic analysis of the system Fe2O3-FeTiO3

The cluster variation method, in the single prism approximation, is used to model phase relations in the system, Fe2O3-FeTiO3. Ordering in FeTiO3 is analyzed, and it is shown that the stabilization of FeTiO3 (relative to mechanical mixing of Fe2O3 and Ti2O3) includes: (1) a contribution from the redox reaction, Fe3++Ti3+→Fe2++Ti4+ (ΔHredox∼−70kJ mole−1); and (2) a contribution from ordering (ΔHOD∼−8kJ mole−1). A theoretical phase diagram is presented and compared with available experimental data. Semiquantitative agreement between theory and experiment (on the location of phase boundaries) is achieved; but, owing to the paucity of experimental data on coexisting phases, these results may be fortuitous.
Liver Lesions Following Intravenous Administration of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP)

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is a water-soluble, hydrophilic, high-molecularweight product of the polymerization of vinyl pyrrolidone. A synthetic polymer, known also as Kollidon, Periston and Subtosan, it has been widely used as a plasma expander in lieu of human plasma. When in aqueous solution, its therapeutic effectiveness has been predicated upon its plasma-like colloidal osmotic pressure. The usual concentrations utilized in the human subject have been 2.5 to 4.5 per cent dissolved in isotonic sodium chloride or Ringer's solution. Although considerable clinical and experimental data have accumulated concerning its usefulness as a plasma substitute, there is a paucity of consistent opinion related to histologic findings in recipients. It has been flatly stated by some that PVP does not accumulate in the tissues; by others, that it does so as a simple storage phenomenon; and by still others, that it produces tissue injury and a reactive inflammatory exudate. It is of interest that most of the investigations have been of relatively short-term nature. The present observations, a portion of an extended combined clinical and pathologic study, represent the preliminary data gathered from histologic sections of the liver at varying intervals following a single intravenous infusion of PVP given to patients.
Influence of Reflective Mulches on Infestations of Liriomyza munda in Snap Bean Foliage

Kring (1964) and Smith et at (1964) demonstrated that aphids are repelled by reflective aluminum surfaces, and this repellency was shown to be useful in reducing the incidence of aphid-borne virus diseases in squash (Moore et at 1964) and gladiolus (Johnson et al. 1967, Smith and Webb 1968). In addition, the aluminum repelled flower thrips, Frankliniella tritici (Fitch) (Ota and Smith 1965) and gladiolus thrips, Taeniothrips simplex (Morison) (Smith et al. 1972). Wolfenbarger and Moore (1968) reported that aluminum foil repelled green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and leafminers, Liriomyza sp., in squash and tomato plots, but that honey bees, Apis mellifera L., and pickleworms, Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll), were attracted to the aluminum-mulched squash plots. Also, we (Smith and Webb 1969) found that melon aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover, were attracted to aluminum-mulched cucumber and muskmelon. Thus, though some insects are repelled by aluminum-mulched plots, other insect species may be attracted.
Evidence for Different Kinds of Dangling Bond Defects in a-Si:H

Comparing the photoconductivity σp of undoped samples with different native defect concentrations we find that light-induced metastable defects decrease the electron lifetime more strongly than the native defects. We discuss the differences between native and metastable dangling bond defects. We find that the constant photocurrent method underestimates the defect concentration in undoped a-Si:H.
A New Polyplax and Records of Sucking Lice (Anoplura) from Madagascar

A new species, Polyplax brachyuromyis Kim & Emerson, from Brachyuromys is described and illustrated, and records of 5 species of Anoplura are reported from Madagascar rodents, insectivores, and domestic cattle: HoploPleura captiosa on Mus musculus, H. pacifica on Rattus rattus, Polyplax reclinata on Suncus murinus, P. spinulosa on Rattus rattus , and Haematopinus quadripertusus on cow.
Transforming Growth Factor-β and Activin Inhibit Basal Secretion of Prolactin in a Pituitary Monolayer Culture System:

Incubations of rat anterior pituitary cells with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 for 48 hr suppressed the secretion of basal prolactin (PRL) in a dose-dependent manner (ED50, 100 pg/ml). Activin, a gonadal hormone processing cysteine distribution similar to TGF beta, also suppressed basal PRL secretion, but it was less effective (ED50, 4 mg/ml). Treatment with TGF beta 1 significantly suppressed basal PRL secretion from the pituitary after 24 hr and up to 72 hr of incubation. TGF beta 1 also inhibited thyrotropin-releasing hormone-mediated PRL secretion and activin inhibited thyrotropin-releasing hormone-mediated PRL secretion slightly, but significantly. In addition, we also measured the secretion of growth hormone by cultured pituitary cells treated with TGF beta 1 or activin for 24 to 72 hr. TGF beta 1 and activin showed an opposite effect on growth hormone secretion; TGF beta stimulated and activin inhibited basal secretion of growth hormone. These results suggest that TGF beta 1 is a potent inhibitor of basal secretion of PRL by the pituitary, and both TGF beta 1 and activin play a multifunctional role in basal secretion of pituitary hormones.
Emergency Medicine Resident Perceptions of Medical Professionalism

Introduction: Medical professionalism is a core competency for emergency medicine (EM) trainees; but defining professionalism remains challenging, leading to difficulties creating objectives and performing assessment. Because professionalism is dynamic, culture-specific, and often taught by modeling, an exploration of trainees’ perceptions can highlight their educational baseline and elucidate the importance they place on general conventional professionalism domains. To this end, our objective was to assess the relative value EM residents place on traditional components of professionalism. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, multi-institutional survey of incoming and graduating EM residents at four programs. The survey was developed using the American Board of Internal Medicine’s “Project Professionalism” and the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education definition of professionalism competency. We identified 27 attributes within seven domains: clinical excellence, humanism, accountability, altruism, duty and service, honor and integrity, and respect for others. Residents were asked to rate each attribute on a 10-point scale. We analyzed data to assess variance across attributes as well as differences between residents at different training levels or different institutions. Results: Of the 114 residents eligible, 100 (88%) completed the survey. The relative value assigned to different professional attributes varied considerably, with those in the altruism domain valued significantly lower and those in the “respect for others” and “honor and integrity” valued significantly higher (p<0.001). Significant differences were found between interns and seniors for five attributes primarily in the “duty and service” domain (p<0.05). Among different residencies, significant differences were found with attributes within the “altruism” and “duty and service” domains (p<0.05). Conclusion: Residents perceive differences in the relative importance of traditionally defined professional attributes and this may be useful to educators. Explanations for these differences are hypothesized, as are the potential implications for professionalism education. Because teaching professional behavior is taught most effectively via behavior modeling, faculty awareness of resident values and faculty development to address potential gaps may improve professionalism education.
The impact of improved signal-to-noise ratios on algorithm performance: Case studies for Landsat class instruments

Abstract The Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) has 5 to 10 times better signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in all spectral bands than previous Landsat instruments. SNR performance has long been recognized as a value in instrument design, however, the impact on algorithm performance for earth science applications is poorly documented. Since SNR performance may drive design/cost tradeoffs on future missions, a set of experiments were designed to evaluate the impact of various SNR levels on algorithms applied to different science applications. The application areas studied spanned a wide range including water quality, land cover and forestry. The experiments involved producing data sets with a range of signal-dependent SNR values ranging from Landsat 7 ETM + levels to OLI levels. Algorithms were then run on these otherwise identical data sets and evaluation metrics applied to evaluate the relative performance versus SNR. In all cases, performance was shown to be a strong function of SNR with substantial increase in performance as SNR increased (e.g. constituent retrieval errors reduced by a factor of three). However, in some cases, the rate of increase slowed at higher SNR levels. Regrettably, the point of diminishing returns was not the same for all applications leaving significant burden on design teams to decide which application's needs could be fully met in terms of SNR requirements.
Load-induced subsidence of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains recorded by preservation of Permian landscapes

The Ancestral Rocky Mountains (ARM) formed a system of highlands and adjacent basins that developed during Pennsylvanian–earliest Permian deformation of interior western North America. The cause of this intracratonic deformation remains debated, although many have linked it to far-field compression associated with the Carboniferous–Permian Ouachita-Marathon orogeny of southern North America. The ultimate disappearance of the ARM uplifts has long been attributed to erosional beveling presumed to have prevailed into the Triassic–Jurassic. New observations, however, indicate an abrupt and unusual termination for the largest of the ARM uplifts. Field evidence from paleohighlands in the central ARM of Oklahoma and Colorado indicates that Lower Permian strata onlap Pennsylvanian-aged faults and bury as much as 1000 m of relief atop the paleohighlands. In parts of Oklahoma and Colorado, late Cenozoic partial exhumation of these paleohighlands has revealed landscapes dating from Permian time. These relationships suggest cessation of uplift followed by active subsidence of a broad region that encompassed both basins and uplifted crustal blocks and that commenced in Early Permian time, directly following the Pennsylvanian tectonic apogee of the ARM. Independent from these geological observations, geophysical data reveal a regional-scale mafic load underpinning these paleohighlands, emplaced during Cambrian rifting associated with the southern Oklahoma aulacogen. Geophysical modeling of the effects of such a load in the presence of a horizontal stress field, such as that implied by ARM orogenesis, indicates that the amplitude of flexurally supported features is modulated nonlinearly. This leads to buckling and thrust formation with the application of sufficient compressive stress, and subsidence of topography formed by buckling upon relaxation of the high compressional stresses. We therefore infer that the core ARM highlands subsided owing to the presence of a high-density upper crustal root, and that this subsidence began in the Early Permian owing to relaxation of the in-plane compressional stresses that had accompanied the last phase of the Ouachita-Marathon orogeny of southern and southwestern Laurentia. Our results highlight the importance of tectonic inheritance in intraplate orogenesis and epeirogenesis, including its potential role in hastening the reduction of regional elevation, and enabling the ultimate preservation of paleolandscapes.
The visible signal responsible for proton therapy dosimetry using bare optical fibers is not Čerenkov radiation

Purpose Proton beam dosimetry using bare plastic optical fibers has emerged as a simple approach to proton beam dosimetry. The source of the signal in this method has been attributed to Cerenkov radiation. The aim of this work was a phenomenological study of the nature of the visible light responsible for the signal in bare fiber optic dosimetry of proton therapy beams. Methods Plastic fiber optic probes embedded in solid water phantoms were irradiated with proton beams of energies 100, 180, and 225 MeV produced by a proton therapy cyclotron. Luminescence spectroscopy was performed by a CCD-coupled spectrometer. The spectra were acquired at various depths in phantom to measure the percentage depth dose (PDD) for each beam energy. For comparison, the PDD curves were acquired using a standard multilayer ion chamber device. In order to further analyze the contribution of the Cerenkov radiation in the spectra, Monte Carlo simulation was performed using fluka Monte Carlo code to stochastically simulate radiation transport, ionizing radiation dose deposition, and optical emission of Cerenkov radiation. Results The measured depth doses using the bare fiber are in agreement with measurements performed by the multilayer ion chamber device, indicating the feasibility of using bare fiber probes for proton beam dosimetry. The spectroscopic study of proton-irradiated fibers showed a continuous spectrum with a shape different from that of Cerenkov radiation. The Monte Carlo simulations confirmed that the amount of the generated Cerenkov light does not follow the radiation absorbed dose in a medium. Conclusions The source of the optical signal responsible for the proton dose measurement using bare optical fibers is not Cerenkov radiation. It is fluorescence of the plastic material of the fiber.
A population health approach to thinking about and addressing disparities related to breast cancer prevention and risk

PL02-02 Understanding disparities and how to address them has become of increasing scientific interest since the publication in 1999 of Health People 2010 which officially defined addressing disparities as a national priority. In 2000 the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities was established under the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act which required all NIH institutes and centers to develop strategic plans for modifying and eliminating health disparities. Since that time the discourse about health disparities has shifted from their immutability to how they might be addressed and funding for research focused on understanding and addressing disparities has been more available then previously. First this paper considers what appears to be a consensus about how disparities differ from differences in health outcomes. Second, the paper addresses how understanding the difference between differences and disparities introduces new ways of understanding the determinants of adverse breast cancer outcomes, using illustrations from the breast cancer research being done some Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities funded by the National Cancer Institute we consider the determinants that are used to understand differences and disparities in stage at diagnosis..
Genetic characterization of Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus , in the Edisto River, South Carolina and identification of genetically discrete fall and spring spawning

Once widely abundant, most subpopulations of the endangered Atlantic sturgeon are now estimated to be only 1–10% of their historical levels. The Edisto River has been sampled for a long period and extensively for juvenile Atlantic sturgeon from separate spring- and fall-spawned cohorts. Our objectives are to characterize the genetic diversity, stability, adaptive potential, and potential genetic structure of Atlantic sturgeon in the Edisto River and to identify any past bottlenecks experienced by this species, as well as to conduct forward simulation modeling of the population under multiple population trajectories. Our results indicate that fall- and spring-spawned Atlantic sturgeon in the Edisto River are genetically distinct (overall $${{F}_{ST}}$$ = 0.092) with little gene flow or admixture between groups, both of which are diverse from a neutral genetic marker standpoint. Genetic diversity of both groups is on the higher end of published population diversity values. A lack of inbreeding and recent bottlenecks also bode well for these two groups of sturgeon, although future projections indicate a loss of allelic richness and genetic diversity even with population stability. Our effective population size estimates are moderate compared to published estimates for other Atlantic sturgeon populations. The most significant finding of our research is the genetic distinctness of the fall- and spring-spawned Atlantic sturgeon in the Edisto River, which may have several important ramifications for management of the species, including re-evaluating the demarcation of distinct population segments.
Simulation-based education leads to decreased use of fluoroscopy in diagnostic coronary angiography.

Objectives The aim of this study is to determine whether simulation-based education (SBE) translates into reduced procedure time, radiation, and contrast use in actual clinical care. Background As a high volume procedure often performed by novice cardiology fellows, diagnostic coronary angiography represents an excellent target for SBE. Reports of SBE in interventional cardiology are limited and there is little understanding of the potential downstream clinical impact of these interventions. Methods All diagnostic coronary angiograms performed at a single center between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2015 were analyzed. Random effects linear regression models were used to compare outcomes between procedures performed by 12 cardiology fellows who underwent simulation-based training and those performed by 20 traditionally trained fellows. Results Thirty-two cardiology fellows performed 2,783 diagnostic coronary angiograms. Procedures performed by fellows trained with SBE were shorter (mean of 23.98 min vs. 24.94 min, P = 0.034) and were performed with decreased radiation (mean of 56,348 mGycm2 vs. 66,120 mGycm2, P < 0.001). After controlling for year in training, procedure year, access site, and supervising attending physician, training on the simulator was independently associated with 117 fewer seconds of fluoroscopy time per procedure (P = 0.04). Conclusions Diagnostic coronary angiography SBE is associated with decreased use of fluoroscopy in downstream clinical care. SBE may be a useful tool to reduce radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
Lay Buddhists and Moral Activism in Contemporary China (当代中国的佛教居士与道德能动主义)

The last few decades have seen the rise of grassroots groups of lay Buddhists in post-Mao China who, through the composition, exchange, and discussion of Buddhist-themed media, foster moral discourses that critique what they perceive as the materialistic direction of contemporary Chinese society. Disseminated at legal but unregulated spaces within Buddhist temples, these discourses empower the economically marginalized lay practitioners who gather there and provide them with new purpose in life. Practitioners are also able to transmit these moral discourses through networks to other temple spaces. However, they do not yet possess the means to use them to influence the social direction of Chinese society at large. This is due to (1) political restrictions against the circulation of religious-themed materials outside of approved religious activity sites; (2) economic obstacles faced by the practitioners who seek to spread anti-materialistic messages; (3) a lack of organizational cohesiveness among the practitioners; and (4) the influence on practitioners of doctrines within Buddhism that caution against proselytizing to those who do not already possess a pre-fated bond with the Buddha and his teachings. As a result, lay Buddhists do not as yet constitute a social movement in the way the term is conventionally used by sociologists.佛教居士组成的草根社会团体在毛时代之后的几十年快速发展。通过书写、交流与讨论与佛教主题相关的文献，他们促进形成了一套批判当前中国社会拜金主义倾向的道德话语。这套话语在合法且相对自由的佛教寺院中传播，鼓励了经济窘迫的信徒，帮助他们获得新的生活目的。这一道德话语也借由信徒进一步传播给其他的寺院。但是因为以下原因，这些草根团体无力影响中国社会的整体方向：1)宗教政策限制了宗教思想在寺庙以外的传播；2)信徒的经济地位较低，难以宣传反对拜金主义的话语；3)信徒中间缺乏组织凝聚力；4)反对向那些与佛陀无缘的人宣传佛家思想的信条。因此到目前为止，佛教居士团体还没有形成社会学意义上的社会运动。
Creation of Data Repositories to Advance Nursing Science

Data repositories are a strategy in line with precision medicine and big data initiatives, and are an efficient way to maximize data utility and form collaborative research relationships. Nurse researchers are uniquely positioned to make a valuable contribution using this strategy. The purpose of this article is to present a review of the benefits and challenges associated with developing data repositories, and to describe the process we used to develop and maintain a data repository in HIV research. Systematic planning, data collection, synthesis, and data sharing have enabled us to conduct robust cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses with more than 200 people living with HIV. Our repository building has also led to collaboration and training, both in and out of our organization. We present a pragmatic and affordable way that nurse scientists can build and maintain a data repository, helping us continue to make to our understanding of health phenomena.
Autonomic Ganglionated Plexi Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Experimental and clinical studies suggest that the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system (ganglionated plexi, GP) plays a significant role in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in both: (1) the initiation of AF by producing pulmonary vein (PV) firing (“Calcium Transient Triggered Firing”) and (2) the maintenance of AF with production of fractionated atrial potentials (FAP) during AF.
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies

Biotechnology has been described as the third great technological revolution of the 20th century, following atomic technology and computer technology (Montague, 1989). Over 100 years have passed since Mendel published his original work on genetics in 1866. During this time tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the universal molecular alphabet which governs how all organisms store genetic information and replicate.
Physical phantom evaluation of the efficiency of reconstruction and compensation methods on quantitative SPECT prostate imaging

2208 Objectives: This project was to evaluate the quantitative accuracy of SPECT using physical phantoms and the GE Hawkeye SPECT/CT system. Particular interest derives from SPECT imaging of prostate cancer, in which target radioactivity is complicated by that in surrounding tissue and bladder. Methods: Experimental SPECT/CT phantom studies are performed to investigate the effect of size, radioactivity level and partial volume on the accuracy of quantitation. The phantoms were designed to mimic activity distribution found in prostate SPECT imaging. The SPECT projections acquired were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), with ordered subset-expectation maximization (OSEM) without and with attenuation correction and additional collimator-detector response (CDR) and scatter compensation, and with additional correction for partial volume effect (PVE). Calibration factor in terms of voxel intensity/µCi was determined using a point source with known radioactivity. Estimated radioactivity from phantom sources was determined from the SPECT reconstructed images, using calibration factor and intensity sum over volume-of-interests (VOIs) with boundary determined by CT image. Quantitative accuracy of the different image reconstruction and compensation methods was determined from the estimated and known radioactivity within the phantom. Results: Results demonstrated quantitative accuracy progressively improved from FBP (70%) to OS-EM with compensations (up to ~5%) in cases not complicated by PVE. In cases where PVE became important, the quantitative accuracy decreased depending on the relative size and activity concentration of adjacent sources. Correction of PVE improves the quantitative accuracy approaching those from isolated sources. In experiments designed in analogy with prostate SPECT imaging where the size and activity concentration of the tumor are relatively small compared to the closely adjacent bladder, OSEM with all compensations with an appropriate update number significantly increases quantitative accuracy within the tumor volume by 50% or more as compared to FBP. Conclusions: Quantitative SPECT image reconstruction with compensation for image degrading factors substantially improves SPECT quantitation accuracy. This is particularly relevant to prostate SPECT. Research Support (if any): NIH SAIRP CA92871
Earth radiation budget instrument modeling: investigating stray light impacts to instrument calibration (Conference Presentation)

Earth Radiation Budget sensors, such as the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES), and the Radiation Budget Instrument (RBI) have been a crucial part of studying the Earth's radiation budget for the past three decades. These instruments measure the net radiative exchange at the top of the Earth's atmosphere to provide an understanding of the effects of clouds and aerosols within the Earth-atmosphere system. Before launch, these instruments go through several robust design phases followed by vigorous ground calibration campaigns to set their baseline characterization spectrally, spatially, temporally and radiometrically. The knowledge from building and calibrating these instruments has aided in technology advancements and the need for developing more accurate instruments has increased. In order to understand the on-ground instrument performance, NASA Langley Research Center has partnered with the Thermal Radiation Group of Virginia Tech to develop a first-principle, dynamic, electro-thermal, numerical model of a scanning radiometer that can be used to enhance the interpretation of an Earth radiation budget-like instrument on orbit. The modeling tool consists of optical components, calibration targets, detecting elements, and sources that include information on anisotropy of a given earth scene type. The tool allows the designer to simulate the entire science data stream, photons in to bits out, and allows them the flexibility to input various scene types that might be comprised of calibration targets or Earth scenes. As this modeling tool matures, it will allow us to quantify the effects of various anomalous sources of energy, such as stray light, and also run parametric analysis to quantify uncertainties in knowledge of instrument parameters. The current effort presents the capabilities of this tool applied to the design of the Radiation Budget Instrument, demonstrating its optical and radiometric performance at the system level. Furthermore, this complete model was used to investigate stray light impacts on instrument response and calibration, and results from those studies are presented in this paper.
Structural but Not Functional Alterations in Cones in the Absence of the Retinal Disease Protein Retinitis Pigmentosa 2 (RP2) in a Cone-Only Retina.

X-linked retinitis pigmentosa 2 (XLRP2) patients and Rp2 null mice exhibit severe cone photoreceptor degeneration. However, due to the paucity of cones in mammalian model systems, it is not clear how cones respond to the loss of RP2. Here we have used the Nrl-/- mice, which develop a rodless and short wavelength (S) opsin-containing cone-only retina, to generate Rp2 null::Nrl-/- double knock out (Rp2-DKO) mice. We found that the ciliary axoneme and the outer segments (OSs) of the cones were significantly longer with disorganized membrane infoldings as compared to the Nrl-/- mice. Additionally, we found misregulation in the expression of the genes related to ophthalmic disease, cell trafficking, and stress-response in the Rp2-DKO mice prior to the onset of cone degeneration. Surprisingly, the loss of RP2 did not affect progressive photoreceptor dysfunction of the Nrl-/- mice and the trafficking of S opsin. Our data suggest that RP2 is a negative regulator of cone OS length but does not affect S-opsin trafficking and S-cone function. Our studies also provide a cone-only platform to design cone-targeted therapeutic strategies for X-linked RP2.
The role of phase impurities and lattice defects on the electron dynamics and photochemistry of CuFeO 2 solar photocathodes

CuFeO2 is a promising photocathode for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction reactions. To better understand the complex defect chemistry and role of impurity phases in this material and their effect on the photochemical performance, we employ visible light transient absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the electron dynamics in electrochemically deposited Cu-Fe oxide thin films. Kinetic analysis of carrier lifetime shows a fast, sub-ps contribution to relaxation followed by persistence of a long-lived state to time delays greater than 2 ns. Increasing amplitude of the long-lived state is shown to correlate with the rate of fast initial relaxation, and this is explained in terms of a competition between charge carrier trapping and charge separation. Charge separation in CuFeO2 occurs via hole thermalization from O 2p to Cu 3d valence band states leading to segregation of electrons and holes across layers in the CuFeO2 lattice. Correlation between transient absorption measurements and DFT calculations suggest that Cu vacancies enhance photochemical performance by facilitating charge separation kinetics. In contrast, O interstitials are predicted to switch the relative positions of O 2p and Cu 3d valence band states, which would inhibit charge separation by inter-band hole thermalization. Finally, we find no evidence for electron injection from CuFeO2 to CuO suggesting that charge separation at this heterostructure interface does not play a role in the carrier lifetime or photochemical performance of the catalysts studied here.
Ultrasound-guided analgesic injection for acromioclavicular joint separation in the emergency department.

Abstract We present the first documented case of an emergency clinician treating the pain of an acute Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation through ultrasound (US) guided injection of an anesthetic agent. A 41 year old male presented with an acute traumatic grade III AC joint separation after falling off a scooter, and his pain was not significantly improved with oral medication. The AC joint was located by US, and bupivacaine was injected into the joint effusion under US guidance, yielding near complete resolution of pain. In orthopedics and physiatry literature, US guided AC joint injections have been shown to be far more efficacious than landmark guided AC joint injections, yet this is the first known case documenting injection in the Emergency Department (ED). The superficial location of the AC joint, its ease of identification by US, and the rapid onset of analgesia by intra-articular injection makes the US-guided anesthetic injection of the AC joint an ideal tool to incorporate into a multimodal approach to pain management in AC joint separations.
Identification of Pleiotrophin as a Novel Growth Factor for Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells have been demonstrated to reside in association with bone marrow sinusoidal endothelial cells in vivo but the mechanisms through which the BM vascular niche regulates hematopoiesis remains incompletely defined. In an attempt to identify candidate soluble growth factors for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) which are produced by endothelial cells (Ecs), we have performed comparative genome-wide expression analysis of a primary human brain-derived Ecs which we have previously demonstrated to support a 10-fold expansion of human SCID-repopulating cells (SRCs) in non-contact cultures. This analysis revealed that pleiotrophin (PTN), a heparin binding growth factor, was 32-fold overexpressed in HUBECs that supported human HSC expansion as compared to non-supportive EC lines. Pleiotrophin has anti-apoptotic, mitogenic and transforming activities, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis. No role for pleiotrophin in hematopoiesis has been described. In order to determine if PTN contributes to the demonstrated HSC-supportive activity of HUBECs, the activity of PTN was blocked by adminstration of a neutralizing anti-PTN mAb to the coculture model. Three doses of PTN neutralizing antibody (5, 25, and 50 ug/ml) were added to non-contact cocultures of HUBECs with human cord blood CD34+CD38-lin- HSCs. The anti-PTN treatment caused a decrease in the numbers of phenotypic HSCs in culture in a dose dependent manner. Relative to control HUBEC cultures, the % and expansion of CD34(+) progenitors decreased signficantly at the two higher doses of anti-PTN (p
From Approximations of Practice to Transformative Possibilities: Using Theatre of the Oppressed as Rehearsals for Facilitating Critical Teacher Education

Rehearsals and other approximations of practice are often touted as effective pedagogies for preparing teachers to reproduce/replicate practices deemed universally beneficial. However, scholars hav...
Music Playing a Role in Medical Interoperability

This article is a literary metanalysis that defines interoperability and how it applies to music in medicine. Interoperability is of growing importance in the increasingly high-tech medical world whose machines, monitors, and devices more often than not utilize acoustic alarms. Additionally, this article expands the understanding of interoperability to one that includes the integration of music such as music therapy with clinical medicine. Despite barriers pertaining to cost and infrastructure, the future of medicine is even brighter with the continued application of interoperability regarding music.
Delayed Patchy Choroidal Filling in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials (CATT)

� PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between delayed patchy choroidal filling and morphologic and functional outcomes among eyes treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. � DESIGN: Cohort study. � METHODS: Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials participants were assigned randomly to ranibizumab or bevacizumab on a monthly or as-needed schedule. Presence of delayed patchy choroidal filling and morphologic and functional outcomes were evaluated among eyes with gradable fluorescein angiography at baseline (n [ 973) and at 1 year (n [ 860) eyes. � RESULTS: Delayed filling was present in 75 (7.7%) of 973 eyes at baseline. Eyes with incident delayed filling at 1 year (23 [2.9%] of 798) showed a mean decrease of 1.7 letters in visual acuity, whereas eyes without incident delayed filling had a mean improvement of 8.1 letters (difference [D], L9.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] , L15.8 toL3.9;P<.01).Eyeswithincidentdelayedfillinghada larger increase in mean total lesion area of choroidal neovascularization (3.00 mm 2 ) than eyes without incident delayedfilling(0.56mm 2 ;D,2.4;95%CI,0.4to4.4;P[ .02). The proportion with incident delayed filling at 1 year was similar among eyes treated with ranibizumab (10 [2.4%] of 413) or bevacizumab (13 [3.3%] of 385; P [ .53) and among eyes treated monthly (12 [3.1%] of 388) or as needed (11 [2.7%] of 410; P [ .83). � CONCLUSIONS: Delayed patchy choroidal filling was uncommon at baseline. Although only a small percentage of eyes demonstrated delayed filling during the first year ofanti‐vascularendothelialgrowthfactortreatment,these eyes had worse visual acuity and a larger increase in total lesion area of choroidal neovascularization. (Am J Ophthalmol 2014;158:525‐531. 2014 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
Oncolytic Viruses and the Immune System: The Dynamic Duo

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) constitute a new and promising immunotherapeutic approach toward cancer treatment. This therapy takes advantage of the natural propensity of most tumor cells to be infected by specific OVs. Besides the direct killing potential (oncolysis), what makes OV administration attractive for the present cancer immunotherapeutic scenario is the capacity to induce two new overlapping, but distinct, immunities: anti-tumoral and anti-viral. OV infection and oncolysis naturally elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses (required for long-term anti-tumoral immunity); at the same time, the viral infection prompts an anti-viral response. In this review, we discuss the dynamic interaction between OVs and the triggered responses of the immune system. The anti-OV immunological events that lead to viral clearance and the strategies to deal with such potential loss of the therapeutic virus are discussed. Additionally, we review the immune stimulatory actions induced by OVs through different inherent strategies, such as modulation of the tumor microenvironment, the role of immunogenic cell death, and the consequences of genetically modifying OVs by arming them with therapeutic transgenes. An understanding of the balance between the OV-induced anti-tumoral versus anti-viral immunities will provide insight when choosing the appropriate virotherapy for any specific cancer.
Coordinated Systemic Stomatal Responses in Soybean

Rapid and coordinated systemic stomatal responses occur in the crop plant soybean and could be involved in acclimation to changes in light conditions occurring in the field as a result of sunflecks.
The effect of 6-months l-deprenyl administration on pineal MAO-A and MAO-B activity and on the content of melatonin and related indoles in aged female Fisher 344N rats

Six months of administration of the selective MAO-B inhibitor, selegiline (1-deprenyl 0.25mg/kg, s.c.) to aged female Fisher 344N rats suppressed MAO-A as well as MAO-B activity and increased serotonin (substrate for melatonin biosynthesis) and N-acetylserotonin (immediate melatonin precursor) levels in pineal glands taken from the animals during the night. Daytime values were unchanged by the treatment. The data suggest that stimulation of pineal melatonin biosynthesis might be one of the consequences of MAO-A inhibition contributing to life span prolongation induced by chronic selegiline treatment.
Case 8-2021: A 34-Year-Old Woman with Cholangiocarcinoma.

A Woman with Cholangiocarcinoma A 34-year-old woman was evaluated in the oncology clinic for the management of recurrent, metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Before evaluation, an extended ...
Intradural Disc Herniation in the Setting of Congenital Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Abstract Introduction Accounting for an estimated 1.10-1.76% of all lumbar herniations, lumbar intradural disc herniation (IDH) occurs primarily in males during the fourth to fifth decades of life. While not validated, congenital lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS) is implicated as one precipitating factor for IDH. Case report We report 28-year-old Hispanic female with CLSS, severe obesity, and degenerative disk disease, with a history of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) decompression for a large paracentral L4-5 disc herniation at 25. After three years, the patient developed sudden burning dysesthesias in the L4-5 dermatomes bilaterally and temporary leg weakness. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging exhibited severe L4-5 spinal stenosis, and the patient underwent repeat MIS decompression, which again provided her with adequate symptom resolution. However, 20 days postoperatively she developed cauda equina syndrome with anal dysfunction, and bilateral leg and foot weakness. Upon open surgical exploration we discovered a tense L4-5 dural protrusion. After a dorsal durotomy, a large IDH with a ventral dural tear was identified. Subsequent to adequate debulking of the IDH, the ventral tear was repaired, and an expansile duraplasty was performed. Overall, the patient's bladder and bowel function, pain, hypoesthesia, and motor strength all improved. Two weeks after surgery she presented with a lumbar pseudomeningocele that was managed conservatively. Conclusion This report not only highlights an atypical presentation of IDH and is the first case of CLSS linked with IDH, lending support to the hypothesis that CLSS can lead to IDH, but also provides a comprehensive review of IDHs.
GIS-Based Data Integration Approach for Rainfall-Induced Slope Failure Susceptibility Mapping in Clayey Soils

AbstractRoadside slopes in clayey soils with high swelling and shrinkage potential are prone to rainfall-induced shallow slope failures. Identification of slope segments susceptible to rainfall-ind...
Surface-Related High School Football Game Injuries on Pad and No-Pad Fields.

Background:Artificial turf fields are increasingly being installed with lighter weight infill systems that incorporate a pad underlayer, which is reported to reduce surface shock and decrease injur...
Journal Magic

Reflections on the Crerar Library’s deletion of its social science holdings, of working for Telos under Paul Piccone, of becoming editor/publisher of The Journal of the History of Sociology, and editor of two journals owned by the American Sociological Association, Sociological Theory and Contemporary Sociology, over a fifteen year period. Likely prospects for scholarly journals in the future, and the requirements of maintaining them at an optimum level.
Government Responsiveness in Developing Countries

When and how do governments deliver public goods and services in response to citizen preferences? We review the current literature on government responsiveness, with a focus on public goods and ser...
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with perimyocarditis: yet another important differential diagnosis to entertain

Dear Sir, We read with great interest the report by Lee et al,(1) who did a commendable job of illustrating the clinical pearls in perimyocarditis and emphasised the importance of recognising its electrocardiographic evolution/staging. However, we would like to point out an additional important diagnostic electrocardiographic marker. In the first electrocardiogram (ECG) of Lee et al’s report,(1) downsloping of TP segments, known as Spodick’s sign,(2) which is named after the pioneer work of our former university professor Dr David Spodick, is observed. This finding is best noted in lead II and the lateral precordial leads, and is present in about 80% of cases of acute pericarditis (Fig. 1). It also serves as an excellent electrocardiographic tool for differentiating acute pericarditis from acute coronary syndrome. Fig. 1 Initial ECG (from Lee et al’s case report(1)) shows Spodick’s sign, which is the downsloping TP segments in lateral precordial leads, viz. V4, V6, and lead II (black arrows [inserted by current authors]). The electrocardiographic pattern observed in the second ECG, viz. convex tomb-stoning ST elevations with absence of PR segment depression, is unusual for the electrocardiographic evolution of pericarditis or perimyocarditis, though it may be observed (albeit rarely) in frank myocarditis or myopericarditis.(3) Since the diagnosis was based mostly on the clinical context, we wish to emphasise the importance of entertaining an alternate differential diagnosis or clinical explanation. The understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors for takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) has been a continuously evolving process. The association between classical- or variant-form (regional) TC and perimyocarditis has been recognised recently and emphasised in one of our prior works.(4) The preceding myopericarditis can thus serve as a stressor substrate for TC. Thus, we wonder if Lee et al’s(1) finding from the second ECG can be better explained by TC or diffuse epicardial coronary vasospasm (one of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms for TC). The electrocardiographic evolution of TC is very similar to the four-stage evolution of pericarditis.(5) Furthermore, in Lee et al’s report,(1) the presence of apical hypokinesis, in addition to a mid-inferoseptal hypokinesia, may highly support our hypothesis of atypical TC superimposed on the preceding perimyocarditis. Did the authors perform a repeat echocardiography to observe any improvement in wall function? An early resolution of such hypokinesis may again be supportive of TC. Nevertheless, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be particularly useful for making the final diagnosis in such cases.(6,7) The telltale sign (i.e. the presence of epicardial and mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement, and an enhanced focal T2 signal representing myocardial oedema) is diagnostic of perimyocarditis.(8) On the other hand, the lack of apical late gadolinium enhancement will be more supportive of superimposed TC. Yours sincerely,
Modeling of Coal Processes

In the past, comprehensive modeling of coal processes has been restricted by lack of computer speed and capacity and by technical difficulties in describing essential model elements. Lowry (1963) and, subsequently, Elliott (1981) have edited comprehensive reviews of the chemistry of coal utilization which present information on coal origins, characteristics, and reactions. However, comprehensive modeling of coal processes was not addressed. Field et al. (1967) discussed many of the elements of modeling of pulverized-coal processes, but emphasized only the more elementary well-stirred and plug-flow models of coal processes. These authors noted that no multidimensional models existed at that time for pulverized-coal systems. Smoot and Pratt (1979) edited a treatment of pulverized-coal models where multidimensional models were considered. More recently, Smoot (1980) reviewed the state of development of models for pulverized-coal flames, both for combustion and gasification.