cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortico-Striatal Cross-Frequency Coupling and Gamma Genesis Disruptions in Huntington’s Disease Mouse and Computational Models

Abstract Abnormal gamma band power across cortex and striatum is an important phenotype of Huntington’s disease (HD) in both patients and animal models, but neither the origin nor the functional relevance of this phenotype is well understood. Here, we analyzed local field potential (LFP) activity in freely behaving, symptomatic R6/2 and Q175 mouse models and corresponding wild-type (WT) controls. We focused on periods of quiet rest, which show strong γ activity in HD mice. Simultaneous recording from motor cortex and its target area in dorsal striatum in the R6/2 model revealed exaggerated functional coupling over that observed in WT between the phase of delta frequencies (1–4 Hz) in cortex and striatum and striatal amplitude modulation of low γ frequencies (25–55 Hz; i.e., phase-amplitude coupling, PAC), but no evidence that abnormal cortical activity alone can account for the increase in striatal γ power. Both HD mouse models had stronger coupling of γ amplitude to δ phase and more unimodal phase distributions than their WT counterparts. To assess the possible role of striatal fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) in these phenomena, we developed a computational model based on additional striatal recordings from Q175 mice. Changes in peak γ frequency and power ratio were readily reproduced by our computational model, accounting for several experimental findings reported in the literature. Our results suggest that HD is characterized by both a reorganization of cortico-striatal drive and specific population changes related to intrastriatal synaptic coupling.
Multi-Timescale Three-Phase Unbalanced Distribution System Operation With Variable Renewable Generations

This paper proposes a multi-timescale operational approach for a three-phase unbalanced distribution system containing hourly scheduling at substation level and minutes power flow operation at feeder level. In the substation scheduling model, the objective is to minimize the system cost with variable renewable generations. The given error distribution model of renewable generation is formulated as a chance constraint and derived into a deterministic form by Gaussian mixture model with genetic algorithm-based expectation-maximization. In the feeder scheduling model, the system cost is further reduced with the optimal power flow (OPF) at a timescale of minutes. Considering the nonconvexity of the three-phase unbalanced OPF problem in distribution systems, the semidefinite programming is used to relax the problem into a convex problem and a distributed computation approach is built based on alternating direction method of multiplier. The IEEE 123-bus distribution system, University of Denver campus distribution system, and the IEEE 8500-bus distribution system are used as the test bench for the proposed approach. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method.
The effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol on Dictyostelium discoideum oscillations

Abstract During aggregation the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum emits pulses of cAMP about every 5 minutes. Only a small fraction of the aggregating cells produces the pulses autonomously, while most cells synthesize and release the nucleotide in a chain-reaction response to the autonomous signals (1). We report here that 2,4-dinitrophenol, KCN, and caffeine all inhibit the autonomous cAMP oscillations but do not interfere with the triggered response. Because of this, and other data (2), we question current models of the oscillatory synthesis of cAMP.
Hydraulic properties of injection formations constrained by surface deformation

Abstract Wastewater injection over the past decade has increased seismicity in the central USA, in some cases accompanied by detectable surface uplift. Here, we use this uplift to constrain subsurface properties and pore pressure evolution. We apply an advanced multitemporal interferometric algorithm to 35 synthetic aperture radar images acquired by ALOS satellite over four years before the 2012 earthquake sequence in east Texas, where large volumes of wastewater are disposed at depths of ∼800 m and ∼1800 m. To solve for the hydraulic diffusivity of the injection layers, we jointly inverted the injected volume and uplift data, considering a poroelastic layered half space. We find diffusivity values of 0.3 ± 0.1 m2/s and 0.7 ± 0.15 m2/s for shallow and deep injection layers, respectively, which combined with seismically-derived bulk moduli yields permeability values of 5.5 ± 2.6 × 10 − 14 m2 and 1.9 ± 0.25 × 10 − 13 m2 for these layers, consistent with permeability range reported for Rodessa formation and well test values. Hydraulic conductivity determines the evolution of pore pressure and thus the origin and location of induced seismicity. This study highlights the value of geodetic observations to constrain key hydrogeological properties of injection layers and to monitor the evolution of the subsurface pressure change.
Oral Arginine Increases Erythrocyte Glutathione Levels in Sickle Cell Disease: Implications for Pulmonary Hypertension.

Abstract Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a strong predictor of mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD), and is associated with dysregulation of the arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway. This is in part the consequence of hemolysis, as erythrocyte release of plasma hemoglobin consumes NO, while simultaneous release of arginase consumes arginine, the substrate for NO production. The arginase-induced shift towards ornithine metabolism may then contribute to the proliferative changes in the lungs and vasculature associated with PHT through excess production of proline and polyamines. Glutathione (GSH) depletion may contribute to oxidative stress and pre-dispose sickle erythrocytes to hemolysis. We have found that erythrocyte GSH depletion is associated with severity of anemia and PHT measured by Doppler echocardiography (Morris C, Klings E, unpublished data). Kaul et al recently demonstrated that arginine supplementation in BERK mice markedly reduced hemolysis (> 60% reduction in plasma hemoglobin), increased NO generation, and decreased COX-2 expression and PGE2 levels. Since short-term arginine therapy improves PHT in SCD, we hypothesize that oral arginine therapy may impact GSH, a key erythrocyte anti-oxidant. Methods: Total erythrocyte GSH was analyzed using a sensitive liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometric technique before and after arginine therapy at 0.1 mg/kg three times daily for 1 month, followed by 0.2 mg/kg three times daily for two more months, in 8 SCD patients already on stable hydroxyurea therapy. Results: Erythrocyte GSH levels increased significantly in SCD patients after arginine therapy (Mean±SEM: 1222±150 vs. 1593± 144mM, p=0.03; Figure 1). Conclusion: Arginine therapy increases erythrocyte GSH levels, which may decrease oxidative stress and hemolysis. Therapies that attenuate hemolysis and oxidative stress will likely benefit PHT in SCD. Download : Download high-res image (129KB) Download : Download full-size image
Erratum to: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Smoking Cessation App Designed for Individuals With Co-Occurring Tobacco Dependence and Serious Mental Illness.

INTRODUCTION High rates of tobacco use among people with serious mental illness (SMI), along with their unique needs, suggest the importance of developing tailored smoking cessation interventions for this group. Previous early-phase work empirically validated the design and content of Learn to Quit, a theory-based app designed for this population. METHODS In a pilot randomized controlled trial, we compared the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Learn to Quit versus QuitGuide, an app designed for the general population. All participants received nicotine replacement therapy and technical assistance. Daily smokers with SMI (N = 62) participated in the trial with outcomes assessed at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. RESULTS Compared to QuitGuide, Learn to Quit participants had similar number of days of app use (34 vs. 32, p = .754), but larger number of app interactions (335 vs. 205; p = .001), longer durations of app use (4.24 hrs. vs. 2.14 hrs; p = .044), and higher usability scores (85 vs. 79, p = .046). At week 16, Learn to Quit led to greater reductions in cigarettes per day (12.3 vs. 5.9 for QuitGuide; p = 0.10). Thirty-day point prevalence abstinence was verified in 12% of Learn to Quit participants versus 3% of QuitGuide participants (odds ratio = 3.86, confidence interval = 0.41 to 36, p = .239). Changes in psychiatric symptoms and adverse events were not clinically significant between conditions. CONCLUSIONS This pilot trial provides strong evidence of Learn to Quit's usability, feasibility, and safety. Preliminary evidence suggests the app may be efficacious. A randomized controlled efficacy trial is needed to test the app in a larger sample of smokers with SMI. IMPLICATIONS This study suggests that the Learn to Quit app is a feasible approach to deliver smoking cessation treatment in patients with co-occurring tobacco use disorder and SMI. This means that, if found efficacious, this technology could be used to deploy smoking cessation treatment to larger segments of this population, hence improving public health. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial should be conducted to examine the efficacy of this digital intervention.
Association of Type and Frequency of Postsurgery Care with Revision Surgery after Total Joint Replacement.

Context Postmarket surveillance is limited in the ability to detect medical device problems. Electronic health records can provide real-time information that might help with device surveillance. Specifically, the frequency of postsurgery care might indicate early problems and determine high-risk patients requiring more active surveillance. Objective To evaluate whether intensity of postsurgery care is associated with revision risk after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Design Using an integrated health care system's TJA registry, we identified primary TJA performed between April 2001 and July 2013 (22,953 knees and 9904 hips). Survival analyses evaluated the frequency of specific types of outpatient and inpatient utilization 0 to 90 and 91 to 180 days postoperatively and revision risk. Main outcome measures Revision surgery occurring at least 6 months after primary TJA. Results Knee arthroplasty recipients with 3 or more outpatient orthopedic allied health/nurse visits within 90 days had a 2.2 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6-2.9) higher risk of revision within the first 2 years postoperatively and 10.1 times higher risk (95% CI = 7.6-13.3) after 2 years. Compared with hip arthroplasty recipients who had 0 to 3 visits, patients with 6 or more outpatient orthopedic office visits within 90 days had a 15.7 times (95% CI = 5.7-42.9) higher risk of revision. Similar results were observed for 91-day to 180-day visits. Conclusion Future studies are needed to determine if more specific data on reasons for the higher frequency of outpatient visits can refine these findings and elicit more specific recommendations for TJA devices.
A Small Amount of Retraction Force Results in Inadvertent Piriformis Muscle Damage During a Piriformis-Sparing Approach to the Hip.

Background Piriformis-sparing approaches to the hip allow surgeons to avoid releasing the piriformis tendon during total hip arthroplasty; however, the consequences of retracting an intact piriformis tendon during such an approach remain ill-defined. The present study aimed to determine the upper limit of force that can be applied during retraction of the piriformis tendon to expose the hip, and to quantify the resultant damage to the piriformis musculotendinous complex. Methods A patent-pending instrumented retractor was designed to record the applied force, duration, and angle of retraction during a piriformis-sparing posterior approach to the hip. In addition to the data collected with use of the instrumented retractor, damage to the piriformis muscle and tendon was quantified by a blinded observer. Results There was no damage to the piriformis tendon in 22 (96%) of 23 hips during piriformis retraction for visualization of the hip capsule; however, there was complete or partial damage to the piriformis muscle at the sacral origin, belly, or musculotendinous junction (i.e., outside the surgical field) noted in 21 (91%) of 23 hips. The mean peak force to failure of the piriformis muscle was exceedingly small (29.0 ± 9.4 N; range, 10.1 to 44.9 N). Conclusions The mean peak force applied to the piriformis retractor is much less than the force required for several common daily activities, such as opening a door or crushing an empty aluminum can. Soft-tissue damage that occurs outside the surgical field during the retraction of unreleased muscles, like the piriformis muscle, is common and remains an uncontrolled surgical variable. This inadvertent soft-tissue damage is not routinely accounted for when accessing the invasiveness of a procedure. Hence, it is no longer adequate to define a minimally invasive surgical procedure simply as an approach that involves the limited release of anatomical structures. Clinical relevance The use of instrumented retractors may redefine surgical invasiveness by providing data that could alter our understanding of the soft-tissue damage caused by retraction and open the possibility of robot-assisted or damage-limiting retractor systems.
Genomic Analysis of Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars: Identification of Virulence Genes and Associated Regulatory Elements Using Pattern-Based Searches and Genome Comparison

The availability of complete genome sequences for three P. syringae pathovars (P. s . pv. tomato DC3000, P. s . pv. phaseolicola 1448A, and P. s . pv. syringae B728a) provides researchers with unprecedented opportunities to explore factors contributing to pathogenicity and virulence in these pathogens. One method employed for genome sequence analysis involves identification of genes and regulatory elements through association with conserved sequence motifs. Using this approach, ∼50 and ∼30 genes for T3SS-dependent Hop/Avr effector proteins have been identified in Pst DC3000 and Psp 1448A, respectively, on the basis of their proximity to conserved "hrp box" regulatory motifs and the presence of Hop-associated patterns at the N-terminus of the encoded proteins. These analyses have also led to a comprehensive catalog of the hrpL regulons of all three pathovars. Similar pattern-based searches have led to comprehensive identification of other regulatory elements in the Pst DC3000 genome, including binding sites for RpoD, RpoE, RpoN, RpoS, and Fur. Genome comparison represents a second powerful tool for identification of the genes and regulatory elements involved in diverse stages of the plant-pathogen association. For example, genome comparison of the three sequenced P. syringae pathovars sheds light on genes contributing to their different pathogenic strategies. More broadly, genes distinguishing the plant-associated pseudomonads from pseudomonads occupying other niches can be identified as described in the study comparing the Pst DC3000 genome with that of the saprophyte P. putida and the animal pathogen P. aeruginosa. Using this approach, 44 "LSRs" (lineage-specific regions) were identified in the Pst DC3000 genome. Enriched for genes encoding known virulence factors, the LSRs also contain a large number of genes encoding uncharacterized "hypothetical" proteins with potential roles in the bacteria-plant interaction. Comparisons among genomes of plant-associated pseudomonads and enterobacteriaceae may also yield insight into the underlying, broadly conserved functions required for bacteria to associate 1
Computer Age Statistical Inference, Student Edition: Algorithms, Evidence, and Data Science

The twenty-first century has seen a breathtaking expansion of statistical methodology, both in scope and influence. 'Data science' and 'machine learning' have become familiar terms in the news, as statistical methods are brought to bear upon the enormous data sets of modern science and commerce. How did we get here? And where are we going? How does it all fit together? Now in paperback and fortified with exercises, this book delivers a concentrated course in modern statistical thinking. Beginning with classical inferential theories - Bayesian, frequentist, Fisherian - individual chapters take up a series of influential topics: survival analysis, logistic regression, empirical Bayes, the jackknife and bootstrap, random forests, neural networks, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, inference after model selection, and dozens more. The distinctly modern approach integrates methodology and algorithms with statistical inference. Each chapter ends with class-tested exercises, and the book concludes with speculation on the future direction of statistics and data science.
On the empirical efficiency of the vertex contraction algorithm for detecting negative cost cyles in networks

In this paper, we present a comprehensive empirical analysis of the Vertex Contraction (VC) algorithm for the problem of checking whether a directed graph with positive and negative costs on its edges has a negative cost cycle (NCCD). VC is a greedy algorithm, first presented in [SK05], for NCCD and is the only known greedy strategy for this problem. In [SK05] we compared a naive implementation of VC with the “standard” Bellman-Ford (BF) algorithm for the same problem. We observed that our algorithm performed an order of magnitude better than the BF algorithm on a range of randomly generated inputs, thereby conclusively demonstrating the superiority of our approach. This paper continues the study of contrasting greedy and dynamic programming approaches, by comparing VC with a number of sophisticated implementations of the BF algorithm.
NONLINEAR MODELS IN 2 +{epsilon} DIMENSIONS

A generalization of the nonlinear ~ model is considered. The field takes values in a compact manifold M and the coupling is determined by a Riemannian metric on H. The model is renormalizable in 2 + ~ dimensions, the renormalization group acting on the infinite dimensional space of Riemannian metrics. Topological properties of the p-function and solutions of the fixed point equation R{sub ij}-αg{sub ij}=∇{sub i}v{sub j}+∇{sub j}v{sub i}, α=±1 or 0, are discussed.
Blur identification and correction for a given imaging system

Estimating the blur function is the first step in all the image restoration techniques. A priori knowledge of the blur phenomenon helps improve the quality and certainty of image restoration. In this paper, a method of estimating the blur function for imaging setups that are not subject to change, for example surveillance cameras, is developed using the Wiener filter. A random noise image is used as a test image. Deconvolution is performed between the original test image and its observation taken from the given imaging system, to obtain the blur estimate for the system. Necessary preprocessing steps are implemented to compensate for the non-ideal nature of the imaging environment. Blur correction is then implemented on different observations taken from the same imaging system. The performance of the restoration is evaluated using mean square error and signal to noise improvement criteria.
Coordination of deglutitive glottic closure with oropharyngeal swallowing

The goals of this study were to quantify the temporal relationship between swallow-induced glottic closure and (a) signals of swallow initiation, such as hyoid bone movement, tongue base movement, and mylohyoid electrical activity; (b) pharyngeal peristalsis; (c) laryngeal elevation; (d) vestibular closure; and (e) oropharyngeal barium bolus transit. Eight normal subjects (age 20-30 yr) were studied by concurrent transnasal video laryngoscopy, pharyngeal intraluminal manometry, and submental surface electromyography. The manometric, electromyographic, and both video recordings were synchronized with one another using a specially designed event marker. Dry, 5-ml water, and 5-ml barium swallows were recorded. Frame-by-frame analysis of the video endoscopic recordings showed that deglutitive laryngeal kinetics consisted of vocal cord adduction associated with transverse approximation of the arytenoids followed by vertical approximation of arytenoids to the base of the epiglottis followed by laryngeal ascent and epiglottic descent. Onset of swallow-induced vocal cord adduction preceded the onset of hyoid bone movement, base of the tongue movement, and submental surface myoelectric activity by 0.33 +/- 0.04 (SE) s, 0.31 +/- 0.04 s, and 0.38 +/- 0.04 s, respectively. Onset of vocal cord adduction also preceded the initiation of peristalsis in the nasopharynx and its propagation to oropharynx and upper esophageal sphincter by 0.64 +/- 0.05 s, 0.82 +/- 0.05 s, and 1.08 +/- 0.04 s, respectively. The time between the onset of vocal cord adduction and their return to full opening was 2.2 +/- 0.09 s. It was concluded that (a) among events evaluated, vocal cord adduction is the initial event during the swallowing sequence; (b) laryngeal kinetics during deglutition have distinctive features, and their close coordination with other swallowing events suggests that they are an essential feature of the swallowing program; and (c) abnormal laryngeal kinetics or lack of coordination between the glottic closure mechanism and oropharyngeal bolus transport may have an important role in swallow-induced aspiration.
Lower Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections seen in both the ambulatory inpatient and nursing facility settings. Due to unique characteristics of the geriatric population, including physiology, comorbidities, and social history, incidences of these infections increase with age requiring special attention. Here, we provide an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urinary tract infections with focus on the geriatric patient.
Material properties of fresh cold-stored allografts for osteochondral defects at 1 year.

Little is known about the long-term properties of fresh cold-stored osteochondral allograft tissue. We hypothesized fresh cold-stored tissue would yield superior material properties in an in vivo ovine model compared to those using freeze-thawed acellular grafts. In addition, we speculated that a long storage time would yield less successful grafts. We created 10-mm defects in medial femoral condyles of 20 sheep. Defects were reconstructed with allograft plugs stored at 4°C for 1, 14, and 42 days; control specimens were freeze-thawed or defect-only. At 52 weeks, animals were euthanized and retrieved grafts were analyzed for cell viability, gross morphology, histologic grade, and biomechanical and biochemical analysis. Explanted cold-stored tissue had superior histologic scores over freeze-thawed and defect-only grafts. Specimens stored for 1 and 42 days had higher equilibrium moduli and proteoglycan content than freeze-thawed specimens. We observed no difference among any of the cold-stored specimens for chondrocyte viability, histology, equilibrium aggregate modulus, proteoglycan content, or hypotonic swelling. Reconstructing cartilage defects with cold-stored allograft resulted in superior histologic and biomechanical properties compared with acellular freeze-thawed specimens; however, storage time did not appear to be a critical factor in the success of the transplanted allograft.
Effect of endometrial pathology on the success of non-surgical embryo transfer

Summary Endometrial pathology and prolonged infertility caused a marked reduction in embryo recovery from barren mares. Young maiden mares produced more embryos later, rather than earlier, in the breeding season. Recipient mares with a normal endometrium had a higher pregnancy rate (P<0.05) than recipient mares in which moderate endometrial pathology was observed. Minimal pregnancy loss occurred between the time of embryo transfer and Day 50 of gestation in recipient mares with normal endometria that had been closely synchronised with their respective donor mares.
Relaxation processes in crystalline polymers: experimental behaviour — a review

Abstract A comprehensive review of relaxation processes in semi-crystalline polymers is presented. Methods for assignment of phase origin of relaxations are discussed. Experimental results for a variety of polymers ranging from inherently difficulty crystallizable to easily crystallizable are reviewed with emphasis placed on phase origin, phase properties and the effects of the interactions between the crystal and amorphous phases.
The effect of skin texture on the heating of the human skin by thermal radiation.

In most of the work on the effect of radiated heat on the human skin, the variability of the skin itself is taken as a nuisance one has to put up with. In this investigation, an attempt is made to determine the cause and the meaning of this variability.
A proposed new technique for correction of transposition of the great arteries.

Abstract A proposed new technique for correction of transposition of the great arteries is presented that restores normal anatomical and physiological continuity of blood flow through the cardiac chambers, valves, and great vessels. Thus, blood from the right ventricle can be shunted through a tube made of Dacron, the pulmonary artery, or the rectus sheath sutured proximally at a level between the aortic root annulus and the coronary ostia and distally into the pulmonary artery bifurcation. A common aortopulmonary trunk serves as the new aorta with blood flowing through it from the anatomical left ventricle and its valves around the interposed graft, thus supplying both the coronary arteries proximally and the aorta distally. Preliminary experiments are discussed.
Surface spectroscopic characterization of the interaction between zinc ions and γ-alumina

Interaction of zinc ions with γ-alumina has been investigated using the surface spectroscopic techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA or XPS) and low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS). In addition, the “bulk” techniques of laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed. Surface characteristics of ZnAl2O3 catalysts are affected by both metal loading and calcination temperature. The ZnAl intensity ratio was examined as a function of zinc content and calcination temperature. Plots of both ESCA and ISS intensity ratios (ZnAl) vs metal loading show changes in slope at high loadings, indicating a change in surface structure. ESCA, LRS, and XRD all show the ability to distinguish between ZnO and ZnAl2O4. Results indicate that at low zinc loadings (< 20%), a strong interaction occurs between zinc and γ-alumina resulting in the formation of an “aluminate type” phase (i.e., a “surface spinel”). This interaction involves diffusion of zinc ions into the tetrahedral lattice sites of the support. At higher loadings, bulk-like ZnO segregates on top of the interaction species and the support. ESCA has also been used to study the effects of reduction and sulfiding on the catalysts.
Phase II trial of α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) in the treatment of primary systemic amyloidosis

Primary systemic amyloidosis (AL) is a rare disorder characterized by deposition of a monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain or fragment thereof, resulting in dysfunction of the heart, kidney, liver, or nerves. Despite the use of melphalan, prednisone, colchicine, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), no improvement in median survival has been reported in prospective randomized studies. We undertook a study of alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) in the treatment of 16 patients with AL because of its reported benefits in animal models of senile and secondary amyloidosis as well as reported benefit in the treatment of secondary amyloidosis in humans. None of the patients showed any objective regression of their disease. The median survival of the entire group was 19.4 months. This survival is not superior to that reported with other agents used in this disease. We conclude that alpha-tocopherol is not a valuable agent in the treatment of AL.
Distributing non-MARC metadata: the CUGIR metadata sharing project

Technical Service departments throughout libraries today are increasingly in the position to create and maintain non-MARC metadata that may be shared among institutions. The Cornell University Geospatial Information Repository (CUGIR) Metadata Sharing Project is an example of a system that manages heterogeneous metadata such as MARC, Dublin Core, and Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM). The mechanics and policies required to exchange MARC records are mature and well understood. In contrast, non-MARC metadata resource sharing is largely uncharted territory. The authors present and discuss the mechanisms they implemented to enable heterogeneous metadata sharing. Now that CUGIR geospatial metadata records are widely distributed, searchers who might not otherwise have access to geospatial information can more easily discover what they need.
Tunable multilayered nanospheres as probes for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Giant electromagnetic field enhancements in the vicinity and within layered nanoparticles supporting surface plasmon resonances provide an excellent opportunity for ultra-sensitive Raman spectroscopy. Using metal nanoparticles, enhancement levels of very high sensitivity are achievable but quantitative control over them has traditionally been poor. We propose here multilayered nanospheres with alternating me tal-dielectric layers as optimal and easily tailored probes for enhanced Raman scattering, terming these constructs nano-LAMPs (nano-Layered Metal Particles). A theoretical framework based on electromagnetic scattering calculations is us ed to describe the influence of parameters of the probes, viz. size, composition and spacing of metal and properties of dielectric layers. A recursive formulation of analytical Mie solution is used to evaluate scattering, and the theoretical tunability of electric field enhancement within the spheres is demonstrated as a function of design parameters. An optimization procedure is devised to obtain optimal configurations under fabrication constraints. While demonstrating significant surface enhancement effects, the optical tunability of nano-LAMPs is shown to provide an ability to design probes for multiple excitation frequencies. Keywords: surface enhanced Raman spect roscopy, nanoprobes, nanopa rticles, multilayered particles, electromagnetic field enhancement, surface plasm on resonance, Raman hot-spots, Mie theory , optical tunability
Hamiltonian reduction of Einstein's equations of general relativity

Abstract A program is outlined which resolves the problem of the Hamiltonian reduction of Einstein's vacuum field equations in (3 + 1)-dimensions. The problem involves writing Einstein's vacuum field equations as an unconstrained Hamiltonian dynamical system where the variables of the unconstrained system are the true degrees of freedom of the gravitational field. Our analysis is applicable to vacuum spacetimes that admit constant mean curvature compact spacelike hypersurfaces M that satisfy certain topological restrictions. We find that for these spacetimes (3 + 1)-reduction can be completed much as in the (2 + 1)-dimensional case. In both cases, one gets as the reduced phase space the contangent bundle T ast; T M of the Teichm u ller space T M = M P D 0 of conformal structures on M and one gets reduction of the full classical Hamiltonian system with constraints to a non-local time-dependent reduced Hamiltonian system without constraints on the contact manifold R × T ∗ τ M . For this reduced system, the time parameter is the parameter of a family of monotonically increasing constant mean curvature compact spacelike hypersurfaces in a neighborhood of the given initial one and the Hamiltonian is the volume functional of these hypersurfaces expressed in terms of the canonical variables of the hypersurface.
Cicatricial pemphigoid with severe gingival and laryngeal involvement in an 18-year-old female

Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP), also known as mucous membrane pemphigoid, is an autoimmune vesiculobullous disease occurring mostly in elderly people and seldom occurring in individuals under the age of 20 years. It predominantly affects the mucosal surfaces, primarily the oral and conjunctival mucosa. Uncommonly, the upper aerodigestive tract is involved, which can lead to life-threatening complications. We present the case of an 18-year-old girl with desquamative gingivitis and severe laryngeal webbing and stenosis, caused by cicatricial pemphigoid. Airway management necessitated a tracheostomy and additional surgical procedure. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of this disease are discussed, focusing on the oral and unique laryngeal manifestations.
Development and analysis of distributed acoustic echo cancellation microphone system

Abstract Acoustic echo cancellation using an adaptive transversal filter and the least mean square algorithm is the most effective technique of reducing acoustic echoes in a hands-free telephone system. However, a very high-order adaptive filter and multiple echo paths for each microphone result in difficulties in algorithm convergence and hardware implementation. This paper presents a distributed system which performs acoustic echo cancellation in the microphone unit. Each acoustic echo cancellation microphone unit has two closely spaced directional microphones pointing in opposite directions and a much lower order adaptive filter than in the earlier systems. Computer simulations were conducted based on real speech data collected from a typical conference room. Finally, a robust double-talk detector, which identifies three modes of operation, was developed and tested in real-time
In Situ X‐Ray Absorption Fine Structure Studies of a Manganese Dioxide Electrode in a Rechargeable MnO2 / Zn Alkaline Battery Environment

Electronic and structural aspects of a MnO{sub 2} electrode in a rechargeable MnO{sub 2}/Zn battery environment have been investigated by in situ Mn K-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). The relative amplitudes of the three major Fourier transform shells of the extended XAFS function of the rechargeable MnO{sub 2} electrode in the undischarged state were similar to those found for ramsdellite, a MnO{sub 2} polymorph with substantial corner-sharing linkages among the basic MnO{sub 6} octahedral units. The analyses of the background-subtracted pre-edge peaks and absorption edge regions for the nominally 1-e{sup {minus}} discharged electrode were consistent with Mn{sup 3+} as being the predominant constituent species, rather than a mixture of Mn{sup 4+} and Mn{sup 2+} sites. Furthermore, careful inspection of both the x-ray absorption near edge structure and EXAFS indicated that the full recharge of MnO{sub 2}, which had been previously discharged either by one or two equivalent electrons, generates a material with decreased corner-sharing linkages compared to the original undischarged MnO{sub 2}.
Progress in 193nm Resists

The impact of develop time and developer concentration was investigated for 193nm resists based on "alternating" polymers of malefic anhydride and norbomene monomers (COMA), prepared by free radical copolymerization. The COMA materials show significant and unique performance dependence on the development process. The development process for COMA materials was found to be a powerful process variable. This paper suggests an explanation for these findings.
Increased cyclic nucleotides in several tissues of the cockroach and mouse following treatment with toxaphene

Abstract Cylic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) concentrations in toxaphene-treated cockroaches, Leucophaea maderae (Fab.), increased in all tissues sampled, with the greatest increases occurring at 24 hr for cAMP and 168 hr for cGMP. Asymptomatic mice treated with 112 mg/kg of toxaphene were not significantly different from controls. Symptomatic mice showed increased cAMP in all tissues examined and an increase in testicle cGMP. The greatest increases in cAMP occurred during the more advanced stages of toxaphene poisoning.
Social media participation and performance at work: a longitudinal study

The use of social media at work is gaining traction, and there is evidence to suggest that various benefits accrue from its use. Yet the relationship between using social media at work and employee performance is not clear. Through a study of 75,747 employees of a large global company over the course of 3 years, we find that some social media usage (number of forum posts, forum post length, and status update length) was positively associated with performance ratings. This study is one of the first to show the relationship among different forms of social media use and employee performance ratings.
Medial and orbital cortex and the suppression of behavior in the rat

Abstract The medial and orbital regions of the rat cortex were mapped for sites where low-frequency electrical stimulation will suppress the bar-press response for food. Strong response suppression was found mainly at sites in or near the frontal pole part of these two cortical regions. Results of this study, together with those of a previous study, indicate that inhibitory influences in the rat cortex are primarily located in the frontal pole and adjacent medial, dorsal and lateral cortex, and at the dorsal cortex along the frontal midline.
Multilayer Metal-Dielectric Stack Ultraviolet Filter

We present an ultraviolet (UV) filter composed of a multilayer metal-dielectric stack that functions as a coupled set of nanoscale Fabry-Perot etalons having resonant transmission in the UV.
A low molecular weight cut-off polymer–silicate membrane for microfluidic applications

In this article, we report a novel approach to fabricating a low molecular weight cut-off membrane that could readily be employed for several microfluidic applications. The reported structure was created by selectively retaining a precursor solution [5% (w/v) maleic anhydride, 21% (v/v) (37:1) acrylamide/bisacrylamide, and 0.2% (w/v) VA-086 photoinitiator] in a chosen location of a microfluidic network via capillary forces and then photo-polymerizing the mixture. The pores in the resulting membrane were subsequently filled with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, heated, and then treated with sodium silicate solution and heated again, giving a structure having reduced porosity. The composite membrane thus created has been shown to have a molecular weight cut-off that is at least an order of magnitude smaller than other photo-polymerized microfluidic membranes reported in the literature. Moreover, this polymer–silicate structure was observed to be capable of blocking electroosmotic flow, thereby generating a pressure gradient around its interface with an open microchannel upon application of an electric field across the microchannel-membrane junction. In this study, a fraction of the resulting hydrodynamic flow was successfully guided to an electric field free analysis channel to implement a pressure-driven assay. With our current design pressure-driven velocities, up to 1.8 mm/s was generated in the electric field free analysis channel for an applied voltage of 2 kV in the pumping section. Finally, the functionality of this integrated microfluidic device was demonstrated by implementing a reverse phase chromatographic separation using the pressure-driven flow generated on-chip.
Physical activity programs for chronic arthritis.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to evaluate recent trials and studies of different types of physical activity programs for individuals with chronic arthritis and to discuss recommendations and findings from systematic reviews of physical activity interventions.Recent findingsRecent ra
Magnetic studies on the TiO system: Experimental aspects and magnetic parameters

Precise and accurate measurements of molar magnetic susceptibility (χm) have been carried out as a function of temperature (T) for the following well-characterized titanium oxides: Ti3O5, Ti4O7, Ti5O9, Ti6O11, Ti8O15 and Ti10O19 to permit a statistical analysis to within 99.9% confidence limits. The data have been fitted to the Curie-Weiss law, χm = C(T+θ) + A, using a nonlinear least squares curve fitting procedure. From this the best values of the Curie constant (C), the Curie-Weiss constant (θ) and the temperature independent term (A) were determined. These parameters have been used to calculate the effective magnetic moment (μeff) for each oxide. With the exception of Ti10O19, the calculated μeff was less than the theoretical “spin-only” value expected from stoichiometry. This has been attributed to exchange interactions (among localized electrons) and to the presence of large temperature-independent terms (arising from delocalized electrons).
Trade-off in production between adjacent seamount chains near the East Pacific Rise

BATHYMETRIC data and side-scan sonar images collected near the southern East Pacific Rise between 15° and 19° S1, 2 have revealed many seamounts on the west flank of the rise, most of which are organized into chains running perpendicular to the rise axis. The number of seamounts of >5 km diameter is at least twice that expected for average East Pacific sea floor3. The formation of numerous, small ( 5 Myr), linear seamount chains and the tendency for fresh lava flows to be found primarily at the near-ridge ends of the chains suggest that there are plume-like sources in the upper mantle, which are relatively stationary, active for extended periods and affected by adjacent sources.
A Systematic Review of Treatments for Anxiety in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study systematically examined the efficacy and safety of psychopharmacological and non-psychopharmacological treatments for anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Four psychopharmacological, nine cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and two alternative treatment studies met inclusion criteria. Psychopharmacological studies were descriptive or open label, sometimes did not specify the anxiety phenotype, and reported behavioral activation. Citalopram and buspirone yielded some improvement, whereas fluvoxamine did not. Non-psychopharmacological studies were mainly randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with CBT demonstrating moderate efficacy for anxiety disorders in youth with high functioning ASD. Deep pressure and neurofeedback provided some benefit. All studies were short-term and included small sample sizes. Large scale and long term RCTs examining psychopharmacological and non-psychopharmacological treatments are sorely needed.
Heart rate variability biofeedback in adolescent substance abuse treatment.

Strategies are needed to improve adolescent substance abuse treatment outcomes. For example, during outpatient substance abuse treatment, up to 80% of adolescents continue to use.1,2 Following residential substance abuse treatment, 88% of adolescents relapse within 6 months.3 Psychosocial stress plays an important role in the maintenance of substance use and also in relapse. A study of 2031 16- to 24-year-olds with past-month marijuana use showed that 56% used marijuana in the past month to cope with life stress.4 Furthermore, in a study of 81 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) followed for 6 months after treatment, 67% of those who relapsed reported a stressful event just prior to relapse.3 Therefore, treatment outcomes might be improved by interventions that help teens cope with stress.
Preparation of carbon molecular sieves by propylene pyrolysis over microporous carbons

Modification of the pore structure of microporous carbons by depositing carbon from pyrolysis of C3H6 between 973–1123 K was investigated in regard to development of molecular sieving properties for separation of O2 and Ar. Excellent adsorption kinetics and selectivity for separation of O2 and Ar were achieved by depositing carbon on a substrate carbon that contains pores of a narrow size distribution. Activated carbons showed no useful development of molecular sieving characteristics after carbon deposition. This is attributed, primarily, to their containing too wide a size distribution of micropores.
Supervector pre-processing for PRSVM-based Chinese and Arabic dialect identification

Phonotactic modeling has become a widely used means for speaker, language, and dialect recognition. This paper explores variations to supervector pre-processing for phone recognition-support vector machines (PRSVM) based dialect identification. The aspects studied are: (i) normalization of supervector dimensions in the pre-squashing stage, (ii) impact of alternative squashing functions, and (iii) N-gram selection for supervector dimensionality reduction. In (i) and (ii), we find that several alternatives to commonly used approaches can provide moderate, yet consistent performance improvements. In (iii), a newly proposed dialect salience measure is applied in supervector dimension selection and compared to a common N-gram frequency based selection. The results show a strong correlation between dialect-salience and frequency of occurrence in N-grams. The evaluations in this study are conducted on a corpus of Chinese dialects, a Pan-Arabic corpus, and a set of Arabic CTS corpora.
Stress analysis of configurations involving small fillets

AbstractThe stress analysis of cut-outs or notches involving fillets with constant curvature is considered for two-dimensional problems of elasticity. An approach using a continuous representation in the region local to the fillet and a finite-element representation in regions where stress gradients are small is proposed. The plan is shown to be effective in both accuracy of results and computer economy. A square cut-out with filleted corners is examined to illustrate the method. The versatility of the approach is then utilized to examine a class of U-notch (or slot) problems with only trivial changes in programming.
A Reliable Way to Detect Endogenous Murine β-Amyloid

Unraveling the normal physiologic role of β-amyloid is likely crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, progress on this question is currently limited by the high background of many ELISAs for murine β-amyloid. Here, we examine the background signal of several murine β-amyloid ELISAs, and conclude that the majority of the background is from non-APP derived proteins. Most importantly, we identify ELISAs that eliminate this background signal.
Comparison of determinantal inequalities for lower bounds to 〈1/r〉

This article considers two types of 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, and 5 × 5 determinantal inequalities. One type involves Gram determinants, while the other type involves determinants based on a theorem by Polya and Szego. The elements of the first type of determinants are 〈rn〉, while the elements of the second type of determinants are c 〈rn〉, where c = 3 + n, and r is the distance from the nucleus of an atom. Both types of determinantal inequalities are used to obtain lower-bound (LB) estimates of 〈1/r〉 for atoms of spherical symmetry. The inequalities involving Gram determinants have been applied previously by the author to atoms of spherically symmetric charge distributions, such as He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe; Li, Na, K, Rb; Be, Mg, Ca, Sr. In the resent article, the inequalities involving determinants based on the Polya and Szego theorem are applied to the same atoms. It is found that in both cases the LB values of 〈1/r〉, for all atoms considered, appear to converge to the quantum mechanical (QM) values of Boyd, who calculated them with the Roothan–Hartree–Fock wave functions of Clementi and Roetti. It is also found that the LB values of 〈1/r〉, using determinants based on the Polya–Szego theorem, converge “faster” to the QM values of 〈1/r〉 than do the LB values of 〈1/r〉 based on Gram determinants. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.