cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of 1',5'-naphthyridinophthalone and its quantification in the color additive D&C Yellow No. 10 (Quinoline Yellow) using high-performance liquid chromatography.

The present work reports the identification and characterization of a contaminant, 2-(2ʹ-(1,5-naphthyridinyl))-1,3-indanedione (1ʹ,5ʹ-naphthyridinophthalone, 1,5NP), in the color additive D&C Yello...
Chemical Process Intensification with Pressure-Tunable Media

Pressure-tunable reaction media possess unique tunability of the physical and transport properties. This manuscript highlights how such media may be exploited for developing resource-efficient chemical technologies characterized by process intensification, high product selectivity, enhanced safety and facile separation steps. Alternative technology conceptsfor p-xylene oxidation and ozonolysis that employ pressuretunable media to demonstrate such process attributes are highlighted. Techno-economic and life cycle analyses reveal that the alternative processes possess process, economic and environmental benefits relative to incumbent technologies. Process intensification allows modularization of reactors and other unit operations, which is especially well suited for processing stranded or distributed resources such as biomass and shale gas to produce fuels and chemical intermediates.
Spark: A Smart Parking Lot Monitoring System

Parking on a college campus is understood to be a challenge for commuters. With a rising matriculation rate in the United States, the task of finding parking on an expansive campus grows even more daunting. However, the rising prominence of the Internet of Things has initiated a paradigm shift in data-analysis computing. The point of data collection is often outlier locations, removed from existing infrastructure, and parking lots are no exception. Using proximity sensors, solar power, and cellular communication, we can create such an IoT system to monitor parking lot in- and outflows. The parking data collected can be analyzed to create a smarter, more efficient parking experience.
How to Come up with Great Ideas: Think like an entrepreneur.

No matter what your profession, learning to think more innovatively and spark new ideas can help you. I have included some points and inspiration that have helped me, but the real key is changing your behavior and taking action.
Distribution of WHT Recurrences

This work explores the performance ofafamily of algorithms for computing the Walsh-Hadamard transform (WHT), ausefulcomputationin signal and image processing [1, 2, 5].The algorithms exhibit a wide range of performance and it is non-trivialtodetermine which algorithm is optimalon agiven computer[4].This paper providesatheoretical basis fortheperformanceanalysis.Performance is modelledby afamily of recurrence relations that determine the number of instructions required to executeagiven algorithm,and are related to standard divide and conquer recurrences[6, 3].However,since thereare a variablenumber of recursive parts which can grow to infinity as theinputsize increases, new techniquesare required for their analysis. In the full version of this paper,the minimum,maximum,expected values,and variances are calculated and the limiting distribution is obtained.
The Primary Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease: Should We Develop Large-Scale Trials?

Because the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease is strongly related to age, and the oldest population age groups of all developed countries are continuing to increase in size, the impact of the disease on public health will continue to grow. Improved treatment for persons who have the disease and support for their families are necessary, but by themselves are insufficient to confront a problem of this magnitude; a strategy for primary prevention of the disease is required as well. Prevention strategies must consider the possibility that Alzheimer’s disease does not have any single cause but, like many common chronic diseases, is affected by a complex array of risk factors, and that the effects of each of these factors on risk of disease maybe small to moderate in magnitude. Changes in risk of this magnitude would have great potential for prevention, but will likely be beyond the ability of even state-of-the-art observational studies to resolve. It is highly likely that randomized controlled trials of adequate size and design will be necessary to definitively assess whether such factors as use of estrogens, antioxidant agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents protect against Alzheimer’s disease, and strong consideration should be given to conducting large-scale trials in the near future. Otherwise, we will likely face continuing uncertainty as to the role of these and other factors in the prevention of the disease, with conflicting results from even the best designed observational studies.
Phonon Scattering and Thermal Resistance Due to Spin Disorder

The interaction of phonons with spin sites in the disordered or paramagnetic state is estimated. Each spin site is a two-level system, capable of absorbing and reemitting phonons of matching frequency. The level spacing of each site is randomly distributed owing to the spin-spin interaction between the site and its nearest spin neighbors. This results in a reduction of the mean free path for a broad frequency band of lattice waves. Two parameters enter the theory. The spin-phonon interaction energy governs the strength of the interaction at each site. The spin-spin interaction energy determines the width of the band of affected phonons. The latter parameter is related to the ordering temperature. The thermal resistance can be estimated at temperatures which are high enough for complete disorder.
Coherence Methods for Unconventonal Imaging Processes

Various unconventional imaging processes are described, all based on the use of coherence, either temporal or spatial. Coherence imaging techniques are applied to electronic holography for imaging through inhomogeneous media, coherence methods to characterize scattering media and related applications
Graduate Degree Proposals

This chapter describes how a thesis/dissertation committee should be formed, how a topic is often chosen, and describes the structure and purposes of thesis and dissertation proposals. While some of the specific topics discussed in this chapter are addressed elsewhere in the book, the intent of this chapter is to provide a “one-stop” opportunity to review the core elements of the graduate proposal.
When Can Swarm Data Be Used to Model Gas Discharges

Electron swarm data (e.g., first Townsend coefficient, diffusion coefficient, drift velocity) have at least two important uses. The first is that swarm data may be used to derive electron impact cross sections. These cross sections may then be used, in conjunction with solving Boltzmann’s equation, to obtain reaction rate coefficients to model gas discharges. The second use is to directly model gas discharges using the coefficients obtained from swarm experiments. The use of swarm data in this manner presupposes that the conditions under which the swarm parameters were measured resemble those of the gas discharges in question. With this in mind, one must consider whether differences in current density, nonequilibrium aspects of the electron energy distribution, and cleanliness of the system affect the validity of using swarm data to directly model gas discharges in this manner. In this paper, we discuss the parameter space in which swarm data may be directly used to model gas discharges, while paying attention to these parameters. We will also suggest that swarm data may be extended beyond the accepted parameter space by using scaling laws.
Non-Commutative Group Duality and the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger Condition

Given a C[1]-algebra A equipped with an action a of a locally compact group G, a necessary and sufficient condition for an α-invariant State ω on A to satisfy the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger condition with respect to a suitable one parameter subgroup of G is formulated in terms of a w*-closed right translation invariant isomorphism of a w*-dense subalgebra D of the Fourier- Stieltjes algebra B(G) into B(G) itself.
Pre-Ventricular Assist Device Palliative Care Consultation: A Qualitative Analysis.

Abstract Introduction In 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a mandate requiring that all patients undergoing destination therapy ventricular assist device (DT VAD) implantation have access to a palliative care team before surgery. Subsequently, many VAD programs implemented a mandatory preimplantation palliative care consultation for patients considering DT VAD. However, little is known about the quality of these consults. Methods All patients undergoing DT VAD implantation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from October 30, 2013 (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decision date), through March 1, 2018, were included. Palliative care consultation notes were qualitatively analyzed for elements of “palliative care assessment” and preparedness planning. Results Sixty-eight preimplantation palliative care consultations were analyzed. Fifty-six percent of the consults occurred in the intensive care unit, and the median time from consult to VAD implant was six days. General palliative care elements were infrequently discussed. Furthermore, the elements of preparedness planning—device failure, post-VAD health-related quality of life, device complications, and progressive comorbidities—were discussed in only 10%, 54%, 49%, and 12% of consultations, respectively. Conclusions One-time preimplantation palliative care consultations at our institution do not lead to completion of preparedness planning or even general palliative care assessment. Further work is needed to determine the most effective way to integrate palliative care into preimplantation care.
Acoustically relevant properties of four crude oils at oceanographic temperatures and pressures

Inversions of models of broadband acoustic scattering to detect and quantify weakly scattering targets, such as oil droplets in seawater, require precise knowledge of the physical properties that determine scattering. When the characteristic impedance contrast between a target and the surrounding medium is weak, small differences between the true and modeled impedance can cause significant errors in modeled scattering. For crude oil, currently available empirical models of density and sound speed are derived from measurements made at reservoir conditions (high temperature and pressure), which may not be relevant to oceanographic conditions due to phase changes in the oil. Measurements of the density and sound speed, as well as thermal characterization of phase changes via differential scanning calorimetry, of four crude oils at oceanographically relevant temperatures and pressures were made and compared to a commonly used empirical model for sound speed and density. Significant deviations between the measured and modeled values were found and different empirically fit models were developed. A literature review of sound speed data was also performed, and the innovative empirical model shows improvement over the commonly used empirical model for both the data measured here and the measurements in the literature.
Liver transcriptome data of Esr1 knockout male rats reveals altered expression of genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

Abstract Estrogens are traditionally considered to be female sex steroid hormones and most of the studies examining estrogen regulation of metabolic function in the liver have been conducted in females. However, the liver expresses high levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) in both males and females, which mediates the hepatic response to estrogens. In this data article, we investigated whether metabolic disorders in Esr1 knockout (Esr1-/-) male rats were linked with loss of transcriptional regulation by ESR1 in liver. To identify the ESR1 regulated genes in the mutant liver, RNA-sequencing was performed on liver RNAs purified from young male rats. The raw data were analyzed using the CLC Genomics Workbench and high-quality RNA-sequencing reads were aligned to the Rattus norvegicus genome. Transcriptome data obtained from Esr1-/- liver RNAs were compared to that of wild type rats. Based on an absolute fold change of 2 with a p-value ≤ 0.05, a total of 618 differentially expressed genes were identified in the Esr1-/- male liver. Pathway analyses demonstrated that the majority of differentially expressed genes are regulators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the liver. These differentially expressed genes and their potential roles were further examined in a companion manuscript, “Disruption of ESR1 alters the expression of genes regulating hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in male rats” (Khristi et al., 2018).
Comparative Analysis of Vaporization and Thermal Decomposition of Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX)

Considering the need for accurate vaporization rates in the propellant combustion models, sublimation and vaporization rates of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) have been estimated over a wide r...
A New Transcranial Doppler Scoring System for Evaluating Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transcranial Doppler (TCD) criteria for cerebrovascular stenosis are only based on velocity with unsatisfactory positive predictive value (PPV) in previous studies. We refined a published scoring system that integrates several characteristics of TCD data in diagnosing middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. METHODS Using the TCD-digital subtraction angiography (DSA) database from Stroke Outcomes and Neuroimaging of Intracranial Atherosclerosis (SONIA) trial, velocity, spectrum pattern, diffuse ratio, and asymmetry ratio were assessed. The cutpoints were defined for each parameter and a point value was assigned to each category within that parameter. A summed score was calculated for each MCA. The accuracy was assessed for different cutpoints in predicting ≥50% MCA stenosis measured by DSA. Logistic regression and C-statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS A total of 114 MCAs were included in vessel-based and 87 patients were included in patient-based analysis. Compared to the velocity-only cutpoints in SONIA, the score results in much improved PPV while negative predictive value (NPV) remains unchanged. The score based on mean velocity (score 0: <140 cm/s, score 3: ≥140 cm/s), spectrum pattern (score 0: no turbulence; score 1: mild turbulence; 2: significant turbulence), and asymmetry ratio (score 0: ratio <1.5, score 1: ratio 1.5-2; score 2: ratio ≥2.1) has the highest NPV while PPV remains favorable (PPV: 72% [95% CI 54-90%]; NPV: 84% [95% CI: 75-93%], area under curve [AUC]: .76 [95% CI: .66-.86]). CONCLUSIONS The multiparameter scoring system incorporating several characteristics of TCD measures yielded higher PPV while maintaining high NPV compared with the single-parameter velocity criteria in diagnosing MCA ≥50% stenosis.
Diacyl disulfides as the precursors for hydrogen persulfide (H2S2).

Abstract While hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn, n ≥ 2) are believed to play regulatory roles in biology, their fundamental chemistry and reactivity are still poorly understood. Compounds that can produce H2Sn are useful tools. In this work we found that H2S2 could be effectively produced from diacyl disulfide precursors, triggered by certain nucleophiles, in both aqueous solutions and organic solvents. This method was used to explore redox reactions of H2S2, such as scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and reduction of tetrazines.
The Osteocyte: New Insights

Osteocytes are an ancient cell, appearing in fossilized skeletal remains of early fish and dinosaurs. Despite its relative high abundance, even in the context of nonskeletal cells, the osteocyte is perhaps among the least studied cells in all of vertebrate biology. Osteocytes are cells embedded in bone, able to modify their surrounding extracellular matrix via specialized molecular remodeling mechanisms that are independent of the bone forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Osteocytes communicate with osteoclasts and osteoblasts via distinct signaling molecules that include the RankL/OPG axis and the Sost/Dkk1/Wnt axis, among others. Osteocytes also extend their influence beyond the local bone environment by functioning as an endocrine cell that controls phosphate reabsorption in the kidney, insulin secretion in the pancreas, and skeletal muscle function. These cells are also finely tuned sensors of mechanical stimulation to coordinate with effector cells to adjust bone mass, size, and shape to conform to mechanical demands.
Time-dependent model for sand grain deflection including contact maturing under sustained load

The hypothesis of contact maturing advocates static fatigue at contacts between sand grains as the key cause contributing to time effects in sand. The focus of the paper is on a model of an individual grain subjected to a sustained load applied through two steel plates. The grain is characterized by the roughness of its surface. The distinct element method is used to construct a model on two scales: the grain scale and the contact scale. Assemblies of bonded sub-particles are used to model both the grain and the contact region. The bond model includes the stress corrosion process, which simulates decaying strength of bonds and fracture. Two components of the time-dependent grain deflection under sustained loads are the displacement owed to sub-critical fracturing of asperities on the grain surface at the contacts and the creep of the core mineral in the grain. The model demonstrates what may be difficult capturing in physical testing. The simulated nominal contact evolves as the number of contact points increases due to sub-critical fracturing of asperities, leaving the contact firmer. The contact evolution process, as observed in simulations, is consistent with the contact maturing hypothesis.
Risk factors and treatment outcomes of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND Insufficient data exist for peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG), which primarily affects patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIMS To evaluate the risk factors and treatment response of PPG in IBD patients in a real-life cohort. METHODS Cases of PPG were identified retrospectively using ICD-9/10 codes in patients with IBD who had an ostomy at a tertiary care centre. Disease-specific characteristics were compared between groups with and without PPG, and response to therapy was evaluated in patients with PPG. RESULTS The cohort included 41 IBD patients with PPG and 123 IBD controls with an ostomy who never developed PPG. Patients with PPG were more likely to be female (76% vs 51%, P = 0.006), had higher BMIs (29.78 ± 0.89 vs 23.53 ± 0.51, P < 0.0001) and had increased usage of pouch belts (97% vs 71%, P = 0.0008) compared to controls. There were no differences in age at surgery (41.76 ± 2.60 vs 43.49 ± 1.50, P = 0.57) or IBD diagnosis (63% vs 54% Crohn's disease, P = 0.28) between PPG and controls. 85% of PPG patients achieved complete resolution with different treatments, including surgery. Complete resolution with topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors alone were low (14% and 13% respectively). Higher rates of complete resolution were reported with anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents (63%) and surgical interventions (80%). CONCLUSIONS Female gender, higher BMI and pouch belts were associated with increased risk of developing PPG. Most PPG cases resolved after treatment with the highest rates of complete resolution seen with anti-TNF agents and surgical intervention.
A model to predict surface gas transfer rate in streams based on turbulence production by aquatic vegetation

Abstract Turbulence generated by aquatic vegetation in lakes, estuaries, and rivers can significantly alter the flow structure throughout the entire water column, affecting gas transfer mechanisms at the air-water interface, thus modifying indicators of water quality. A series of laboratory experiments with rigid, acrylic cylinder arrays to mimic vegetation was conducted in a recirculating Odell-Kovasznay type race-track flume. Particle Image Velocimetry was used to characterize mean and turbulent flow statistics, to investigate the effect of emergent and submerged vegetation on gas transfer rate in terms of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), Reynolds stresses, and TKE production. Surface gas transfer rates were determined by measuring dissolved oxygen concentration during re-aeration using an optical sensor. The results provided new insights on how stem- and canopy-scale turbulence affect the surface gas transfer rate at different submergence ratios and array densities. The relation between mean flow velocity and TKE production in each scenario is discussed, and a modified surface renewal model using TKE production as an indicator of gas transfer efficiency is developed to more accurately predict surface gas transfer rates in vegetated streams.
Abstract 16257: Giant Left Circumflex (LCx) Coronary Artery Aneurysm (CAA) Presenting as a Cardiac Mass

Introduction: CAAs are a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Commonly defined as localized dilations greater than 1.5 times the adjacent artery, “giant” CAA (GCAA) is a term used to de...
The Role of Cardiac Computed Tomography in Valve Disease and Valve Intervention Planning

This review aims to provide an overview of cardiac CT role in detection of valvular lesions and in transcatheter valve replacement. Modern CT scans and protocols allow valve evaluation with high spatial and temporal resolution with reduced radiation dose. Cardiac CT is now mainstay of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) planning. It plays a role in sizing of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis, risk assessment for potential complications, prediction of ideal fluoroscopic angles, and selection of vascular access. Cardiac CT’s role in transcatheter mitral, pulmonic, and tricuspid valve replacements has evolved in conjunction with these new procedures. We summarize the role of cardiac CT in the context of valvular diseases and transcatheter valve replacement planning.
Lipophilic Re(CO)3pyca complexes for Mid-IR imaging applications

Several Re(I)pyca conjugates incorporating long aliphatic amines have been synthesized through a one-pot methodology. The compounds have been fully characterized, and seven compounds have been structurally elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The C14 variant was probed as a potential organometallic IR dye. Large unilamellar vesicles were generated with DOPC and the C14 compound and we observed incorporation of the rhenium complex as observed by FTIR microscopy.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Mainstream Smoke of Sixty Domestic Little Cigar Products

The mainstream smoke yields of five volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were determined from 60 commercial U.S. little cigar products under ISO 3308 and Canadian Intense (CI) smoking regimens on linear smoking machines using a gas sampling bag collection. The five VOCs, 1,3-butadiene, acrylonitrile, benzene, isoprene, and toluene were analyzed using an automated GC/MS analytical method validated for measuring various VOCs in mainstream smoke. The VOCs range in amounts from micrograms to milligrams per little cigar. VOC deliveries vary considerably among the little cigar products under the ISO smoking regimen primarily due to varying filter ventilation. Under the CI smoking regimen where filter ventilation is blocked, the delivery range narrows, although individual and total VOC yields are approximately 2 fold higher than those under the ISO smoking regimen. Correlation analysis reveals strong associations between acrylonitrile and 1,3-butadiene or toluene under the ISO smoking regimen. Compared to cigarettes, little cigars delivered substantially higher VOC mainstream smoke yields under both ISO and CI smoking regimens. Moreover, little cigar smoke also contains higher VOCs than cigarette smoke when adjusted for mass of tobacco.
Racial disparities in complications and costs after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

The study objective was to examine the impact of race on inpatient complications and costs after inpatient surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). In this retrospective cohort study, we identified women who underwent surgery for POP between 2012 and 2014. Patient demographics, outcomes, hospital characteristics, and hospital costs were extracted. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared by race using Kruskal–Wallis for continuous variables and Chi-squared test for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic and linear regressions were used to identify variables associated with increased complications and costs respectively. A total of 29,347 women with a median age of 62 years underwent inpatient surgery for POP between 2012 and 2014. There were 4,419 women (15%) who had at least one in-hospital postoperative complication. Rates of any postoperative complication were significantly higher among Black women (20%) than among white, Hispanic, and women of other races (16%, 11%, and 13% respectively, p < 0.01). The median total cost associated with surgeries for POP was $8,267 (IQR $6,008–$11,734). After multivariate analyses controlled for potential confounders, postoperative complications remained independently associated with Black race (aOR 1.21) whereas Hispanic and other races were associated with decreased odds of complications (aOR 0.62, and aOR 0.77) relative to white race. After controlling for confounders, Hispanic women had lower associated hospital costs. Black women undergoing inpatient surgery for POP had a 21% increase in the odds of complications, but no difference in costs compared with white women, whereas Hispanic women had the lowest odds of complications and lowest costs
Migrant-Family Separation and the Diverging Normative Force of International Law and Constitutional Law

A growing experimental literature suggests that international law appears to have a larger impact on public opinion than constitutional law. We develop a theory to explain these seemingly counter-intuitive results. First, in studies that explore the impact of constitutional law, respondents may be “unsuccessfully treated.” Second, constitutional law treatments can trigger a backlash effect through defensive processing of information on constitutionality. To test our theory, we simultaneously test the normative effect of international law and law in relation to the policy of separating migrant families at the U.S. border. We fielded nationwide survey experiments in July 2018 and November 2020, asking respondents whether they supported the policy. Consistent with our theory, we find that telling people that the policy is unconstitutional increases support for the policy, but only when the issue was receiving heavy media coverage, and that international law has no comparable effect on public opinion.
A biologically based measure of turbulence intensity for predicting fish passage behaviours

Many fishways were designed to facilitate upstream migration at anthropogenic barriers for targeted species, such as salmonids, though these designs may impede the passage of non-target species wit...
Impact of preoperative biliary drainage on 30 Day outcomes of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy.

Abstract Background Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) has been advocated to address the plethora of physiologic derangements associated with cholestasis. However, available literature reports mixed outcomes and is based on largely outdated and/or single-institution studies. Methods Patients undergoing PBD prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary malignancy between 2014-2018 were identified in the ACS-NSQIP pancreatectomy dataset. Patients with PBD were propensity-score-matched to those without PBD and 30-day outcomes compared. Results 8,970 patients met our inclusion criteria. 4,473 with obstruction and PBD were matched to 829 with no preoperative drainage procedure. In the non-jaundiced cohort, 711 stented patients were matched to 2,957 without prior intervention. PBD did not influence 30-day mortality (2.2% versus 2.4%) or major morbidity (19.8% versus 20%) in patients with obstructive jaundice. Superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) were more common with PBD (6.8% versus 9.2%), however, no differences in deep or organ-space SSIs were found. Patients without obstruction prior to PBD exhibited a 3-fold increase in wound dehiscence (0.5% versus 1.5%) additionally to increased superficial SSIs. Conclusion PBD was not associated with an increase in 30-day mortality or major morbidity but increased superficial SSIs. PBD should be limited to symptomatic, profoundly jaundiced patients or those with a delay prior to PD.
Learning to Be Quaker: Spiritual Formation and Religious Education among Early Friends

The theology and lifestyle that grew from Friends' transforming experience of'primitive Christianity revived' differed from the dominant culture, exacting a high cost. Relying on early Friends' writing, this article examines how this new paradigm was transmitted. Friends summarized the basis of their faith with the phrase 'Christ is come to teach his people himself' (Benson 1968: 36; 1976: 3; Cooper 1990: 2; Freiday 1984: 4; Grundy 2002b: 11-13, 15, 17). In the 1650s and 1660s most people who became Friends were first worked on internally by the Holy Spirit. When they heard a Quaker preach, the words reached to the witness of God already working in them. This was often followed with some intense personal ministry. There might be no more contact until a different Friend came through the area and clinched the convincement. It was always clear that new Friends, as well as more experienced ones, were to be taken to the feet of Christ and left there to learn from the Teacher himself The broad statements of early Quaker faith made in this article should be familiar to students of Quaker history and theology. A sampling of secondary references is included for readers who would like to browse more widely. Many others could be added.
Psychosocial adaptation to wearing the Milwaukee brace for scoliosis: A pilot study of adolescent females and their mothers

The psychological, social, and lifestyle effects of wearing the Milwaukee brace for scoliosis was examined in 16 mother-daughter pairs using a patient interview and a questionnaire of similar content for the mother. Results suggested that after the initial shock of learning about the condition and treatment, the effects of the brace-wearing experience were minimal. Positive aspects of brace-wearing included better posture and a straighter back. The experience of "being different" was reported to be constructive by 12.5% of the patients. Negative aspects were related to buying clothing, limited movement, and the rudeness shown toward them by others. Participation in sports and extracurricular activities was maintained by the group. The responses of most mothers were similar to those of their daughter.
New algorithms for statistical analysis of interval data

It is known that in general, statistical analysis of interval data is an NP-hard problem: even computing the variance of interval data is, in general, NP-hard. Until now, only one case was known for which a feasible algorithm can compute the variance of interval data: the case when all the measurements are accurate enough – so that even after the measurement, we can distinguish between different measured values $\widetilde x_i$. In this paper, we describe several new cases in which feasible algorithms are possible – e.g., the case when all the measurements are done by using the same (not necessarily very accurate) measurement instrument – or at least a limited number of different measuring instruments.
Controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation in a headwater stream: the influence of photochemical and hydrological conditions in determining light-limitation or substrate-limitation of photo-degradation

Abstract. We investigated how absorption of sunlight by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) controls the degradation and export of DOM from Imnavait Creek, a beaded stream in the Alaskan Arctic. We measured concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as well as concentrations and characteristics of CDOM and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM), during ice-free periods of 2011–2012 in the pools of Imnavait Creek and in soil waters draining to the creek. Spatial and temporal patterns in CDOM and FDOM in Imnavait Creek were analyzed in conjunction with measures of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria and assessments of hydrologic residence times and in situ UV exposure. CDOM was the dominant light attenuating constituent in the UV and visible portion of the solar spectrum, with high attenuation coefficients ranging from 86 ± 12 m−1 at 305 nm to 3 ± 1 m−1 in the photosynthetically active region (PAR). High rates of light absorption and thus light attenuation by CDOM contributed to thermal stratification in the majority of pools in Imnavait Creek under low-flow conditions. In turn, thermal stratification increased the residence time of water and DOM, and resulted in a separation of water masses distinguished by contrasting UV exposure (i.e., UV attenuation by CDOM with depth resulted in bottom waters receiving less UV than surface waters). When the pools in Imnavait Creek were stratified, DOM in the pool bottom water closely resembled soil water DOM in character, while the concentration and character of DOM in surface water was reproduced by experimental photo-degradation of bottom water. These results, in combination with water column rates of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria, suggest that photo-degradation is the dominant process controlling DOM fate and export in Imnavait Creek. A conceptual model is presented showing how CDOM amount and lability interact with incident UV light and water residence time to determine whether photo-degradation is "light-limited" or "substrate-limited". We suggest that degradation of DOM in CDOM-rich streams or ponds similar to Imnavait is typically light-limited under most flow conditions. Thus, export of DOM from this stream will be less under conditions that increase the light available for DOM photo-degradation (i.e., low flows, sunny days).
Bioinspired Navigation for a Nonholonomic Mobile Robot

This work addresses the problem of navigation of an autonomous flying vehicle using an optic flow sensing approach motivated by the visuomotor system of insects. Here, the state estimation and conflict resolution aspects of this problem are considered. Specifically, the observability of the robot with an arbitrary number of sensors is investigated, and the minimum number of optic flow sensors and the sensor configuration necessary to have an observable system are determined. The system dynamics linearized about a point are not observable, but a nonlinear observability analysis based on Lie derivatives indicates that the sensor measurements provide enough information for estimating the states of the system. A control policy that guarantees a conflict-free path is also described. In this work, planar obstacles are considered, such as walls. The results are demonstrated in simulation.
Las piedras y la construcción psicológica de don Quijote

An element that is at once constructive and destructive, the rock figures as one of the most powerful symbols in Don Quixote. The most common interpretations of rocks hail from the Judeo-Christian tradition, that is, the durability and resistance associated with faith. Nonetheless, this article aims to expand upon this notion and investigate the relationship of rocks with punishment, death, martyrdom and even resurrection. Through the analisis of five episodes from Cervantes’ novel, the article will illustrate how the polyvalent nature of rocks reflects the polyvalence of Don Quixote’s psychology and his transition from a choleric to a melancholic individual. It will also address the architectonic role of rocks in both the construction and the destruction of ideals, and by extension, the destruction of the protagonist’s own identity.
Regulation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates: Thiophosphorylation of initiation factor eIF-2 by heme-regulated protein kinase

The heme-regulated protein kinase, which specifically phosphorylates the 38-kDa subunit of initiation factor eIF-2, can utilize adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP[gamma S]) as a substrate. The rate of thiophosphorylation is 5-6-times slower than that observed with ATP. It is of special interest that thiophosphorylated derivatives of eIF-2 are resistant to dephosphorylation catalyzed by eIF-2 phosphoprotein phosphatase. The thiophosphorylated eIF-2 is less effective in promoting protein synthesis in hemin-deficient lysates under physiological conditions. In addition, ATP[gamma S] could also be utilized by the self-phosphorylation activity intrinsically associated with HRI.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for q-Exponential (Tsallis) Distributions

This expository note describes how to apply the method of maximum likelihood to estimate the parameters of the ``$q$-exponential'' distributions introduced by Tsallis and collaborators. It also describes the relationship of these distributions to the classical Pareto distributions.
Acetylcholine mimics ischemic preconditioning via a glibenclamide-sensitive mechanism in dogs

The major objectives of the present study were to examine the ability of acetylcholine (ACh) to mimic ischemic preconditioning in dogs and to determine the role of cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in mediating its effects. Barbital-anesthetized open-chest dogs were subjected to 60 min of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Preconditioning was elicited by 10 min of LAD occlusion followed by 10 min of reperfusion before the 60-min occlusion period. ACh (10 micrograms/min) or an equivalent volume of saline were infused into the LAD for 10 min followed by a 10-min drug-free period before the 60-min ischemic insult. In another group, the specific KATP channel blocker glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg iv) was given 15 min before ACh administration. Transmural myocardial blood flow was measured at 30 min of occlusion, and infarct size (IS) was determined by triphenyltetrazolium staining and expressed as a percentage of the anatomic area at risk (AAR). There were no significant differences in hemodynamics, collateral blood flow, or AAR between groups. Preconditioning produced a marked reduction (P < 0.05) in IS (5.3 +/- 3.0 vs. 23.7 +/- 5.9% in the controls). ACh, similar to preconditioning, resulted in a dramatic decrease in IS (10.0 +/- 2.9%), whereas glibenclamide completely abolished its protective effects (20.9 +/- 4.8%). These results are the first to indicate that ACh mimics ischemic preconditioning via a cardiac KATP channel-sensitive mechanism in dogs.
Effect of a nano-hydroxyapatite paste on bleaching-related tooth sensitivity.

Statement of the Problem: Bleaching-related tooth sensitivity has been shown to be facilitated by the presence of enamel defects. A nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) paste has been shown to repair these defects. Purpose of the Study: Using a randomized clinical trial, an n-HAP paste was investigated to determine its efficacy in reducing bleaching-related tooth sensitivity. Methods and Materials: An n-HAP paste (Renamel AfterBleach®, Sangi Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) and a placebo (zero-HAP) were randomly assigned for use in 42 participants. A 7% hydrogen peroxide gel was used twice daily for 14 days, with use of assigned desensitizer for 5 minutes immediately following. A diary was completed daily for 4 weeks to note: use of the agents and sensitivity on a visual analog scale (VAS). Three aspects of tooth sensitivity were investigated: percentage of participants; number of days; and intensity level. Color change was assessed. Results: For Groups zero-HAP and n-HAP, respectively, 51 and 29% of participants reported tooth sensitivity (p = 0.06). Days of sensitivity were 76 and 36, respectively (p = 0.001). Change in VAS score from baseline trended higher for Group zero-HAP (p = 0.16). Color change was equivalent. Discussion: The data trend indicated Group n-HAP experienced less sensitivity over all three measures. Only the number of days of sensitivity was statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study it can be concluded that the use of the n-HAP paste was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the number of days of tooth sensitivity experienced during active bleaching. CLINICAL RELEVANCE For those using a tooth whitener without a desensitizing agent, this study indicates that a paste containing nano-hydroxyapatite crystal can effectively reduce the duration of tooth sensitivity. (J Esthet Restor Dent 24:268–276, 2012)
Comparative assessment of change in fat mass using dual X-ray absorptiometry and air-displacement plethysmography.

What is already known about this subject • Excess fat mass (FM) is believed to be a primary cause of the health risks (e.g. cardiovascular, metabolic) associated with obesity • Dual X-ray absorptiometry and air-displacement plethysmography are frequently used in clinical research and practice to measure body composition changes. • There is no accepted single tool for measurement of obesity and change in FM that provides a sufficiently accurate and precise estimate. What this study adds • The demonstrated accuracy of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) supports its use as an indirect method for monitoring fat mass (FM) changes associated with clinical interventions for obesity. • DXA is significantly more accurate when compared to air-displacement plethysmography in recognizing small changes in FM. Summary The study aims to compare the accuracy of body composition measurements to small, defined changes in fat mass (FM) between dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air-displacement plethysmography (ADP). Fifty-six healthy adults, 29 women and 27 men (age, 38 ± 12.4 years; body mass index, 27.6 ± 5.8 kg m−2) were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, indwelling metal hardware or pacemakers, or weight exceeding DXA table limit (>350 lb). All individual testing was completed within a 2-h period. Fat packets were prepared using lard wrapped in plastic and applied exogenously in defined locations. Each participant completed body composition measurements with ADP and DXA (both testing modalities completed with and without 1 kg of exogenously applied FM). Both DXA and ADP were highly accurate in detecting an overall increase in body mass associated with exogenously applied 1 kg of FM (0.99 kg vs. 0.97 kg, respectively). DXA more accurately detected exogenous fat increase as FM compared to ADP (0.93 kg; 90% CI for the mean of the difference: 0.83 to 1.03 kg vs. 0.45 kg; 90% CI: 0.19 to 0.71 kg, respectively). The accuracy of body mass detection was similar for males and females (0.97 vs. 1.02 for DXA and 0.92 vs. 1.02 for ADP, respectively), though accuracy in detecting added mass as fat was less accurate in males than females (0.84 vs. 1.00 for DXA and 0.39 vs. 0.51 for ADP, respectively). Both DXA and ADP are accurate in detecting an overall increase in body mass associated with exogenously applied 1 kg of FM. However, DXA is more accurate than ADP in correctly identifying the increase in body mass as FM, as opposed to fat-free mass.
Nature of atomic ordering and mechanism of relaxor ferroelectric phenomena in PMN

Abstract Small angle resonant x-ray scattering measurements were performed for Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN) at the Pb and Nb absorption edges using synchrotron radiation. The results are not consistent with the current model of segregated nano-domains and pose a serious question on the mechanism of the relaxor ferroelectric behavior in PMN. Combining with our earlier results of large angle resonant x-ray scattering measurements and the pulsed neutron scattering measurements on PMN, PZ and PZT, an alternative mechanism of the relaxor behavior is proposed.
Flexible Parts Routing in Manufacturing Systems

Abstract We study dynamic parts routing in flexible manufacturing systems. To quantify flexibility, we develop an entropy type of measure that incorporates all the job and machine characteristics that contribute to routing flexibility. Based on this measure and the principle of “least reduction in entropy” (LRE), two operating rules, the part selection rule and the machine selection rule, are established. These rules are then applied to drive some simulated systems and compared with the “shortest processing time” (SPT) rule. It is found that LRE either outperforms or is as good as SPT in terms of makespan and machine utilization.
Expression of an eclosion hormone gene in insect cells using baculovirus vectors

The ability of a baculovirus vector system to produce insect eclosion hormone (EH) was investigated by insertion of a Manduca sexta cDNA encoding EH into the genome of Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) such that transcription was under the control of a strong, modified polyhedrin promoter. Two polypeptides, approx. 6.0–6.5 kDa, were synthesized in and secreted from recombinant virus-infected cells but not wild-type (wt) virus-infected cells. Both polypeptides were immunoprecipitated by polyclonal antiserum directed againnst natural M. sexta EH. Immunoblotting revealed only a single polypeptide, suggesting that only one form is stable in the expression system. The size of this polypeptide and its elution from a reverse phase HPLC column indicate that this polypeptide is similar, if not identical, in structure to natural EH. Bioassay data revealed that biologically active EH was synthesized and secreted at high levels (e.g. 10 μg of active polypeptide per 106 cells). Thus, the baculovirus expression system is an excellent source of EH for further studies of this unique insect neurohormone.
Dendrite bundles, central programs and the olfactory bulb.

Summary The long secondary dendrites of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb are well developed in the mammalian neonate and show a considerable degree of interweaving and coiling characteristic of dendrite bundles. In a number of other areas throughout the central nervous system, we have made a provisional correlation between the appearance of these bundles and the development of specific items of output performance characteristic of the areas involved. On this basis we have suggested that the dendrite bundles may serve as a repository for the central program shaping the response. This hypothesis is explored further in the case of the olfactory bulb. Mechanisms are suggested whereby rudimentary appetitive programs already encoded along facing dendrite membrane pairs within the specialized intrafascicular milieu, may trigger and control nipple search and suckling in the still blind and only primitively mobile neonate.
Do resource dependent regions grow slower than they should

Abstract A large literature documents a negative correlation between income growth and resource dependence. This correlation has been named the resource curse. We present evidence that suggests that the resource curse can be explained by a slow growing resource sector.