cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Curriculorum : a computer science approach to curriculum management

Having been assigned part-time to an administrative position (concurrently with normal academic duties) in charge of curriculum management, the author has developed curriculorum, a system to assist in that task that was, is, and will continue to be developed by and for a computer scientist. We describe the design of the system and how it has evolved to meet requirements that were only dimly perceived when the project started. As such, the project has been a gratifying exercise in the development of its designer's skills in data management, in software engineering, and in Python, its implementation language. We provide guidelines for the reader embarking on a similar project.
High-speed high-accuracy three-dimensional shape measurement using digital binary defocusing method versus sinusoidal method

This paper presents our research findings on high-speed high-accuracy three-dimensional shape measurement using digital light processing (DLP) technologies. In particular, we compare two different sinusoidal fringe generation techniques using the DLP projection devices: direct projection of computer-generated 8-bit sinusoidal patterns (a.k.a., the sinusoidal method), and the creation of sinusoidal patterns by defocusing binary patterns (a.k.a., the binary defocusing method). This paper mainly examines their performance on high-accuracy measurement applications under precisely controlled settings. Two different projection systems were tested in this study: a commercially available inexpensive projector and the DLP development kit. Experimental results demonstrated that the binary defocusing method always outperforms the sinusoidal method if a sufficient number of phase-shifted fringe patterns can be used.
The Endogenous Cannabinoid System: A Budding Source of Targets for Treating Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain

A great need exists for the development of new medications to treat pain resulting from various disease states and types of injury. Given that the endogenous cannabinoid (that is, endocannabinoid) system modulates neuronal and immune cell function, both of which play key roles in pain, therapeutics targeting this system hold promise as novel analgesics. Potential therapeutic targets include the cannabinoid receptors, type 1 and 2, as well as biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Notably, cannabinoid receptor agonists as well as inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase produce reliable antinociceptive effects, and offer opioid-sparing antinociceptive effects in myriad preclinical inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Emerging clinical studies show that ‘medicinal’ cannabis or cannabinoid-based medications relieve pain in human diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. However, clinical data have yet to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes. Likewise, the question of whether pharmacotherapies aimed at the endocannabinoid system promote opioid-sparing effects in the treatment of pain reflects an important area of research. Here we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of various endocannabinoid system targets as potential therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions.
Detection of single nucleotide variations.

Advances in molecular biology and genetics in recent years have made it possible to identify the molecular defects in many genetic disorders with simple Mendelian inheritance with the positional cloning approach (1). Crucial to the success of this approach is the initial localization of the disease locus by linkage analysis, that is, analyzing for co-inheritance of genetic markers and the disease in affected kindreds (2). Once the disease locus is narrowed down to a manageable region of the chromosome, cand idate genes are identified and screened for mutations. The highly informative microsatellite markers are the markers of choice in linkage analysis and useful genetic maps based on microsatellite markers have been constructed for this purpose (3). In contrast, the discovery of genetic factors for complex diseases (those involving multiple genes) such as heart disease, diabetes, schizophrenia and susceptibility to cancer has been slow in coming. For such complex inherited diseases, linkage analysis has limited power, since mutations in a number of genes can contribute incrementally to disease development (4).
Association of Magnet Status and Nurse Staffing With Improvements in Patient Experience With Hospital Care, 2008-2015.

Background:Little is known about the longitudinal association of hospital Magnet status (an indicator of nursing excellence) and nurse-staffing level with inpatient care experience.Objectives:To examine temporal trends in hospital performance on patient experience measured using the Hospital Consume
A qualitative study on learning trajectories of non-native Chinese instructors as successful Chinese language learners

This paper reports a qualitative study on the Chinese language learning trajectories of non-native Chinese instructors as successful Chinese language learners. While some literature has been found on studying good learners of English and other languages, there is a lack of research on studying good learners of the Chinese language, especially on their life-long Chinese learning process. Six active instructors teaching Chinese at K-12 schools or universities in the United States, whose native language is English, were interviewed on a one-on-one basis with an auto/biographical approach. This approach, as one type of narrative inquiries under a qualitative paradigm, has been increasingly used in the study of English language learners. Findings of the study include that the six participants all had experiences studying in Greater China, and all held lifelong learning attitude as well as demonstrated various self-regulation strategies with strong self-motivation and dedication. While they all took Chinese classes at college, only two of them studied prior to college, which is encouraging for Chinese learners who were unable to learn Chinese from an early age. This study helps to fill the gap in literature on good language learners of Chinese, and provides educational implications for Chinese language learners, instructors, researchers, and other stakeholders.
Location of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Capitellum

Purpose The location of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the sagittal plane guides the surgical approach, and lesion location in the coronal plane influences surgical management. Although most lesions have been reported to occur between 4 o'clock and 4:30 (120° to 135° anterior to the humerus), some lesions are located elsewhere in the capitellum. The primary aim was to define the region of the capitellum affected by OCD lesions using a novel clock-face localization system. Methods We reviewed 104 magnetic resonance imaging examinations diagnosing a nontraumatic capitellar OCD lesion. In the sagittal plane, lesion margins were recorded as degrees on the capitellum and converted into a clock-face format in which 0° corresponds to 12:00 with the forearm facing to the right. The 0° axis (12-o'clock axis) was defined as a line parallel to the anterior humeral line that intersects the capitellum center. The following coronal measurements were recorded: lesion width, capitellar width, and distance between the lateral capitellum and lateral lesion. Two independent observers took measurements. Results In the sagittal plane, average lesion location was 92° to 150° (3:04–5:00, clock face) and ranged from 52.1° to 249.5° (1:44–8:19, clock face). Average lesion dimensions were 10.7 mm (mediolateral width) and 5.2 mm (anteroposterior depth). Interrater reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98). Conclusions Using a magnetic resonance imaging–based clock-face localization system, we found that capitellar OCD lesions affect a broad region of the capitellum in the sagittal plane. Clinical relevance The clock-face localization system allows for precise description of capitellar OCD lesion location, which may facilitate intraoperative decision and longitudinal monitoring.
Future Markets: Information Technology’s Impact on Market Structure

Given that we are living through the advent of an important innovation, Information Technology (IT), it is not surprising, despite its relatively short historical tenure, that we have already identified several “waves” or “eras” of IT application or usage in organizations(Cash, et al. 1988). The earliest of these is generally thought of as the automation, or data processing period. This was characterized by using computers to release staff from performing repetitive tasks, such as back office financial transactions. The prevailing model was replacing existing labor with machines, and there was much associated discussion of the purported ill effects of such automation. As this period progressed, both the technology and users’ understanding of it advanced rapidly. Dramatic improvements in the performance to price ratio and reductions in the size of computers proceeded apace, and affected the supply of IT, while early adopters’ exposure to computers through the automation era engendered demand for new types of applications. The end of the automation era was heralded by cries to support management decision making and the next wave of usage, which replaced the term “data processing” with “management information systems”, promoted a wider application of the technology at higher levels in the organization. A greater number of decisions makers were exposed to computers and the conceptual understanding of what a computer could do was widened.
Robust Static $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ Output-Feedback Control Using Polynomial Chaos

This article considers the $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ static output-feedback control for linear time-invariant (LTI) uncertain systems with nonlinear dependence on probabilistic time-invariant parametric uncertainties. By applying polynomial chaos theory, the control synthesis problem is solved using a high-dimensional expanded system which characterizes stochastic state uncertainty propagation. In contrast to published polynomial chaos-based control methods, the proposed approach aims at minimizing an upper bound of the $\mathcal{L}_{2}$ gain from the disturbance to the controlled output. The effect of using a finite number of terms in the polynomial chaos expansions is captured by a time-varying norm-bounded uncertainty, and is explicitly taken into account. This feature avoids the use of high-order polynomial chaos expansions to alleviate the destabilizing effect of truncation errors, thus significantly reducing computational complexity. A numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Wrinkled graphene cages as hosts for high capacity Li metal anodes shown by cryogenic electron microscopy

Lithium (Li) metal has long been considered the “holy grail” of battery anode chemistry but is plagued by low efficiency and poor safety due to its high chemical reactivity and large volume fluctuation, respectively. Here we introduce a new host of wrinkled graphene cage (WGC) for Li metal. Different from recently reported amorphous carbon spheres, WGC show highly improved mechanical stability, better Li ion conductivity, and excellent solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for continuous robust Li metal protection. At low areal capacities, Li metal is preferentially deposited inside the graphene cage. Cryogenic electron microscopy characterization shows that a uniform and stable SEI forms on the WGC surface that can shield the Li metal from direct exposure to electrolyte. With increased areal capacities, Li metal is plated densely and homogeneously into the outer pore spaces between graphene cages with no dendrite growth or volume change. As a result, a high Coulombic efficiency (CE) of ∼98.0% was achieved u...
Targeting Iron Dyshomeostasis for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

While iron has an important role in the normal functioning of the brain owing to its involvement in several physiological processes, dyshomeostasis has been found in many neurodegenerative disorders, as evidenced by both histopathological and imaging studies. Although the exact causes have remained elusive, the fact that altered iron levels have been found in disparate diseases suggests that iron may contribute to their development and/or progression. As such, the processes involved in iron dyshomeostasis may represent novel therapeutic targets. There are, however, many questions about the exact interplay between neurodegeneration and altered iron homeostasis. Some insight can be gained by considering the parallels with respect to what occurs in healthy aging, which is also characterized by increased iron throughout many regions in the brain along with progressive neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of iron-mediated damage are likely disease specific to a certain degree, given that iron plays a crucial role in many disparate biological processes, which are not always affected in the same way across different neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, it is not even entirely clear yet whether iron actually has a causative role in all of the diseases where altered iron levels have been noted. For example, there is strong evidence of iron dyshomeostasis leading to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, but there is still some question as to whether changes in iron levels are merely an epiphenomenon in multiple sclerosis. Recent advances in neuroimaging now offer the possibility to detect and monitor iron levels in vivo, which allows for an improved understanding of both the temporal and spatial dynamics of iron changes and associated neurodegeneration compared to post-mortem studies. In this regard, iron-based imaging will likely play an important role in the development of therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing altered iron dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, the bulk of such therapies have focused on chelating excess iron. Although there is some evidence that these treatment options may yield some benefit, they are not without their own limitations. They are generally effective at reducing brain iron levels, as assessed by imaging, but clinical benefits are more modest. New drugs that specifically target iron-related pathological processes may offer the possibility to prevent, or at the least, slow down irreversible neurodegeneration, which represents an unmet therapeutic target.
A mechanistic cutting force model based on ductile and brittle fracture material removal modes for edge surface grinding of CFRP composites using rotary ultrasonic machining

Abstract Rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) has been proven to be an effective method for surface grinding of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. Cutting force is considered as the main criterion to evaluate the performance of RUM surface grinding process. The cutting force modeling is essential to better understand such a process. All reported cutting force models for RUM of CFRP are developed based on brittle fracture material removal mode (brittle mode). However, it is recently found that both ductile material removal mode (ductile mode) and brittle mode exist in RUM of CFRP. Among surface grinding processes, edge surface grinding is the mandatory and primary process to remove an amount of composite material from the workpiece edge to achieve the desired workpiece with high precision. In edge surface grinding process, cutting forces in both feeding direction and in depth-of-cut direction (being perpendicular to feeding direction) play important roles in material removal. In addition, the understandings of material removal mechanisms will greatly benefit the modeling development of cutting forces and improve the RUM process. In this study, a mechanistic model based on both ductile mode and brittle mode is developed to predict cutting forces in both feeding and depth-of-cut directions for RUM edge surface grinding of CFRP composites. A series of experiments are conducted to verify this mechanistic model. The model prediction agrees well with the experimental results under different groups of input variables.
Building an endobariatric program: lessons learned.

The emphasis on treating obesity has never been more critical, yet the complexity of delivering care has become more intricate due to new procedures, variable insurance coverage, and inconsistent reimbursement. This is our experience building an endobariatric program and treating overweight and obese patients with endobariatric therapies (EBTs) over 3 years. The primary intention of this manuscript was to educate the reader on how to build an endobariatric program, identify barriers, and provide succinct solutions to establish a successful program. The secondary aim was weight loss outcomes of procedures offered at our institution. We compiled a list of lessons learned, based on the difficulties we experienced to make it easy for others embarking on this journey. Herein, we present a business development strategy to overcome impediments, whilst offering high quality service. The high cost and lack of insurance coverage are significant barriers. Marketing can be costly and is often a factor that is ignored particularly early on, when finances are limited. However, it is an integral component of growing the program. The percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL) at 6 and 12 months post ESG was 17.8 ± 6.48 and 20.6 ± 8.3 (P The key to building a successful endobariatric program is a motivated physician leader, collaborative bariatric surgeons, institutional support, and marketing. Insurance coverage will likely occur in the near future and programs must be prepared to manage the massive influx of patients that will likely request these procedures.
Overdue: Collection development and deselection projects for a faculty-selected collection

Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University is one of the only academic libraries in the United States to have a faculty-selected main collection. Three newly hired employees to the library...
Thinking About Leaving: Identifying Threats to Computing Doctoral Student Persistence

Broadening participation in computing is a key priority for both the tech industry and academia. However, high rates of attrition from Ph.D. programs represent a tremendous loss of talent, potential, and resources that stifles efforts to diversify computing. The purpose of this study was to understand the extent to which students consider departure and to uncover prominent threats to student persistence. Findings reveal that students primarily consider departure due to a lack of support and inclusion in their department.
TS-HDS and FGFR3 antibodies in small fiber neuropathy and Dysautonomia.

Introduction The specificity of trisulfated heparin disaccharide/fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (TS-HDS/FGFR3) antibodies in the diagnosis of autoimmune small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is unclear. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients evaluated for SFN and dysautonomia in the Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital Autonomic Laboratory in 2019-2020. Associations were assessed between TS-HDS/FGFR3 antibodies and SFN markers, including epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD), sweat gland nerve fiber density (SGNFD), and autonomic dysfunction assessed by Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing, sudomotor, and tilt testing. Results Of 322 patients; 28% had elevated anti-TS-HDS, 17% had elevated anti-FGFR3, 96% had autonomic dysfunction, 71% had abnormal ENFD, and 49% had abnormal SGNFD. TS-HDS/FGFR3 antibodies were present in patients with autonomic dysfunction irrespective of whether they had normal or abnormal skin biopsies unless ENFD/SGNFD were combined for anti-FGFR3 seropositivity. Discussion TS-HDS/FGFR3 antibodies are present in patients with evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Further studies are needed to document the clinical value of these antibodies in assessment of immune mediated dysautonomia.
Multi-mobs

The study of set-valued multiplications on a set is originated and developed by O. Ore. The development of projective geometry as a multigroup by W. Prenowitz is a cute application to it. On the other hand, the topological observations of set-valued functions have been investigated extensively over the past forty years. No literature concerning topological algebra based on a set-valued multiplication could readily be found.
Caregivers' Use of Personal and Social Resourcefulness: Differences by Care Recipient Condition

Although family caregivers who use both the personal and social resourcefulness skills have the best health outcomes, it is unknown whether their tendency toward personal or social resourcefulness varies by their care recipient's condition. This cross-sectional study of existing data from 234 caregivers of persons with various conditions examined five item pairs from the Resourcefulness Scale© with responses capturing personal and social resourcefulness in relation to anxiety, anger, sadness, indecision, and financial distress. Caregivers were categorized by the recipient's condition (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, dementia, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, other, or multiple conditions). Findings showed that across most groups, caregivers used both personal and social resourcefulness when angry, sad, or indecisive and personal resourcefulness when anxious or managing money. Caregivers of persons with cancer, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and mental illness differed. The findings provide a basis for future clinical trials across diverse caregiver groups.
William Rehnquist, the Separation of Powers, and the Riddle of the Sphinx

* Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; Senior Fellow in Constitutional Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. ** Associate Professor of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Professor Samahon is a former law clerk to Judge Bybee. The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors, and any errors that remain are our own. We thank Bret Birdsong, Steve Calabresi, Doug Kmiec, Tom McAffee, David Tanenhaus, and Carl Tobias for their comments; Rachel Bickle-Stone, Kelly Dove, Michael Murphy, and Danielle Oakley for their research assistance; Lindsey Samahon for her editorial input; and the William S. Boyd School of Law for its financial support of this research.
Crust and Lithospheric Structure - Active Source Studies of Crust and Lithospheric Structure

Controlled-source seismology methods are used to make high-resolution images of the seismic velocity and impedance structures in the Earth's upper crust, crust, and upper mantle over scale ranges from a few meters to a maximum of about a hundred kilometers in depth and a few tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers laterally. In this chapter, we review the principles behind the two most common controlled-source methods, reflection seismology and refraction or wide-angle seismology. The former is used to make images of the fine-scale seismic impedance structure of the Earth, which is often closely related to sedimentary layering and the large-scale features of structural geology. The latter is used to make lower-resolution images of the Earth's seismic velocity structure in which large structural geology features are observed and from which the constituent lithologies can often be inferred. The two methods complement one another, particularly since the velocity field developed from wide-angle data can be used in image formation with the reflection data. We discuss some of the standard data processing and analysis methods, particularly common midpoint processing and migration of reflection data, and travel time inversion of refraction data. We also describe some modem methods of analysis termed wavefield inversion and waveform tomography, which in some sense unifies the two different experimental approaches, as they can be applied to both types of data.
Target recognition and classification using neural networks

Intelligent systems such as neural networks and fuzzy logic or a combination thereof have been successfully applied to solving problems in the area of pattern recognition. Neural networks are modeled off the biological neurons in the body and their triggered responses to stimuli; while, fuzzy logic uses human linguistic and expert knowledge to make decisions. In many situations, there are multiple sensors making measurements of the environment. The objective is to combine the measurements (data fusion) in a way that provides an output that describes the environment. The development of a mathematical formulation for solving a problem like this is often very difficult. On the other hand, intelligent systems such as neural networks and fuzzy logic have provide good solutions in complex scenarios like this, where it is difficult to develop closed form mathematical solutions to multi-input/multi-output problems. Therefore, in this paper a neural network approach is used to recognize and classify airborne targets. The target recognition and classification problem was broken into two parts. The first part consists of using a neural network to recognize the existence of a target. Then, given the existence of a target, the next step consists of classifying the target type. Two case studies are presented showing the efficacy of using neural networks for target recognition and classification.
Generation and measurement of ultrafast tunable VUV light

We report the efficient generation of phase-matched tunable VUV light from 80-300nm by wave mixing and harmonic generation in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber. Distinct phase-matching and cascaded processes are observed.
Root Colonization by Agrobacterium tumefaciens Is Reduced in cel, attB, attD, and attR Mutants

Root colonization by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was measured by using tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana roots dipped in a bacterial suspension and planted in soil. Wild-type bacteria showed extensive growth on tomato roots; the number of bacteria increased from 10(3) bacteria/cm of root length at the time of inoculation to more than 10(7) bacteria/cm after 10 days. The numbers of cellulose-minus and nonattaching attB, attD, and attR mutant bacteria were less than 1/10,000th the number of wild-type bacteria recovered from tomato roots. On roots of A. thaliana ecotype Landsberg erecta, the numbers of wild-type bacteria increased from about 30 to 8,000 bacteria/cm of root length after 8 days. The numbers of cellulose-minus and nonattaching mutant bacteria were 1/100th to 1/10th the number of wild-type bacteria recovered after 8 days. The attachment of A. tumefaciens to cut A. thaliana roots incubated in 0.4% sucrose and observed with a light microscope was also reduced with cel and att mutants. These results suggest that cellulose synthesis and attachment genes play a role in the ability of the bacteria to colonize roots, as well as in bacterial pathogenesis.
Territorial W&M Discussion Draft: Change Required

The House Ways & Means Committee Discussion Draft proposes a territorial taxation system for the United States. This article published in Tax Notes on 23 January 2012 was taken from the author's comments on the Discussion Draft as submitted to the Committee in conjunction with a hearing held on 17 November 2011. See full comments at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1997482. The full comments include many additional issues not covered in this article.The Discussion Draft importantly includes a dividend-received deduction of 95% instead of 100% as a mechanism to disallow expenses that are attributable to exempt foreign earnings. This mechanism causes the receipt of a dividend to be a "taxable event". The Draft also proposes elimination of the section 956 "investment in U.S. property rules". This elimination along with a dividend being a taxable event will continue the current encouragement of U.S. MNCs to stockpile earnings overseas in tax havens and will encourage intercompany loans of such funds that will further reduce the US tax base from the interest charged. Changes are suggested that will eliminate these detrimental effects.
The population distribution of the sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and SAD/height ratio among Finnish adults

Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD; ‘abdominal height’ measured in supine position) may improve upon conventional anthropometry for predicting incident cardiometabolic diseases. However, the SAD is used infrequently by practitioners and epidemiologists. A representative survey of Finnish adults in 2000–2001 collected body measurements including SAD (by sliding-beam calliper) using standardized protocols. Sampled non-pregnant adults (ages 30+ years; 79% participation) provided 6123 SAD measurements from 80 health centre districts. Through stratified, complex survey design, these data represented 2.86 million adults at ages 30+ years. SAD ranged from 13.5 to 38.0 cm, with a population mean (standard error) of 21.7 (0.05) cm and median (interquartile range) of 21.0 (19.1–23.4). Median SAD was higher at ages 50+ years compared with ages 30–49 both for men (22.4 [20.5–24.6] vs. 20.8 [19.3–22.7]) and women (21.7 [19.6–23.9] vs. 19.4 [17.8–21.4]). The SAD/height ratio was similar (0.118) for both sexes at 30–39 years, rising more steeply with age for women than men. Attaining only a basic education, compared with a high level, was associated with increased mean (95% confidence interval) SADs for men (22.6 [22.3–22.8] vs. 22.0 [21.7–22.2]) and women (21.8 [21.5–22.0] vs. 20.6 [20.4–20.8]). Finland’s early experience with nationally representative SAD measurements provides normative reference values and physiological insights useful for investigations of cardiometabolic risk.
Population genetic structure of a threatened tortoise across the south-eastern United States: implications for conservation management

The progressive loss and fragmentation of longleaf pine forests throughout the southeastern United States has led to severe declines in habitat specialists such as the federally listed gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus. However, little is known of the range-wide historical genetic structure of this species or how habitat loss may have impacted the genetic diversity of this species over time. As genetic data are lacking in many parts of the gopher tortoise range, management of federally listed populations in Louisiana and Mississippi have been based on conservation units delineated by rivers. However, this current management strategy has been formulated without any knowledge of how riverine barriers might relate to genetic population structure. Here, we examine variability of mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite markers in gopher tortoise populations across their natural range in the southeastern United States. Results from the mitochondrial data showed a historical phylogenetic break that is coincident with the Apalachicola River and a novel population assemblage located within western Georgia. Genetic structure based on microsatellite loci revealed high levels of genetic differentiation in some regions and a pattern of isolation by distance at two spatial scales. We also find that rivers across the federally listed portion of the range, do not significantly influence gene flow. Coalescent analyses of population demographic change in gopher tortoises indicate evidence of an ancient and severe population decline at sites across the range. Findings from this study provide important information that will aid in the identification of distinct population units for management and in the formulation of recommendations for the future maintenance of genetic diversity in this species.
UTE imaging with simultaneous water and fat signal suppression using a time-efficient multispoke inversion recovery pulse sequence.

Author(s): Carl, Michael; Bydder, Graeme M; Du, Jiang | Abstract: PurposeThe long repetition time and inversion time with inversion recovery preparation ultrashort echo time (UTE) often causes prohibitively long scan times. We present an optimized method for long T2 signal suppression in which several k-space spokes are acquired after each inversion preparation.Theory and methodsUsing Bloch equations the sequence parameters such as TI and flip angle were optimized to suppress the long T2 water and fat signals and to maximize short T2 contrast. Volunteer imaging was performed on a healthy male volunteer. Inversion recovery preparation was performed using a Silver-Hoult adiabatic inversion pulse together with a three-dimensional (3D) UTE (3D Cones) acquisition.ResultsThe theoretical signal curves generally agreed with the experimentally measured region of interest curves. The multispoke inversion recovery method showed good muscle and fatty bone marrow suppression, and highlighted short T2 signals such as these from the femoral and tibial cortex.ConclusionInversion recovery 3D UTE imaging with multiple spoke acquisitions can be used to effectively suppress long T2 signals and highlight short T2 signals within clinical scan times. Theoretical modeling can be used to determine sequence parameters to optimize long T2 signal suppression and maximize short T2 signals. Experimental results on a volunteer confirmed the theoretical predictions. Magn Reson Med 76:577-582, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A general framework for multirate joint precoder-equalizer

We propose a new framework for joint precoder-equalizer based on a multirate filterbank. Our framework generalizes all the existing multirate joint precoder-equalizer structures in the literature and hence permits more degrees of freedom in the design to incorporate useful features. Based on multirate system theory, we convert the proposed framework into an equivalent but simpler frequency-domain representation that permits flexible designs. We propose the novel concept of channel-independent precoders and address their advantages over the existing precoders, which all require the knowledge of channel impulse responses.
Suppressive subtraction libraries to identify interferon-inducible genes in fish.

Previous attempts to identify genes in fish that respond to virus infection or interferon induction have not been particularly productive. Since these genes are very important in developing strategies to control disease outbreaks in aquaculture, we began a study of interferon-inducible genes in fish using suppressive subtraction hybridization to construct cDNA libraries enriched for interferon-inducible genes. Subtraction hybridization libraries were constructed with cDNA obtained from the kidney, spleen, and liver of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and staghorn sculpin (Hemilepidotus spinosus) before and after injection with poly IC, a potent interferon inducer. The ``identified'' genes in both cDNA libraries corresponded to previously identified genes of the fish complement system, the interferon-inducible proteins observed in mammalian cells, and the Vig-1 gene, identified in fish cells after infection with fish rhabdoviruses.
Ecological consequences of individual spatial choice in foraging groups of brown capuchin monkeys, Cebus apella

Abstract Individuals in a foraging group of brown capuchin monkeys choose different spatial positions relative to the rest of the group. An individual's choice of spatial positiion affects its foraging success and perceived predation risk (as measured by vigilance behaviour). The two most dominant group members preferred to forage where their expected forwaging success was greatest. Juveniles chose to forage where their perceived predation risk was least, not where they would achieve the highest foraging success. The positions used by non-dominant adults neither maximized foraging success nor minimized predation risk. It is likely that subordinate adults accept spatial positions with suboptimal ecological consequences to avoid the costs of frequent confrontations with the dominant members of the group over foraging sites in poreferred positions.
PREDICTORS OF EARLY MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA CAUSED BY ISOLATED BELOW-THE-KNEE ARTERY DISEASE

It has already been reported that presence of critical limb ischemia (CLI) associated with high mortality. In this study, we sought to investigate the predictors of early mortality in patients with CLI caused by isolated below-the-knee (BTK) artery disease. This study was multicenter retrospective
Psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder: Perspective from the behavioral approach system (BAS) dysregulation theory

Research has emerged providing consistent support for the behavioral approach system (BAS) dysregulation theory of bipolar disorder. The objective of the current article is to examine the extent to which findings from the BAS dysregulation theory can inform psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. Towards this end, we first provide an overview of the BAS dysregulation theory. Second, we review extant research on psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. And, third, we discuss means by which research and theory in line with the BAS dysregulation model can inform psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. Particular attention is given to the clinical implications of research suggesting that bipolar disorder is characterized by high drive/incentive motivation, ambitious goal-setting, and perfectionism in the achievement domain.
New concepts for control of fugitive particle emissions from unpaved roads

Abstract An analysis of the forces that produce emissions from unpaved roads shows that if fine material can be reduced or moisture increased, emissions will be reduced. Instead of collecting emissions, this new approach would decrease the emissions by reducing the fine material or by making minor increases in the moisture content of the road. In either case, a stable, rot-resistant, water-permeable fabric would be used to separate road ballast from the subsoil. Preliminary evaluation and economic analysis indicate that roads constructed in this way can be cheaper than conventional unpaved roads when subsoil load-bearing characteristics are poor. The paper describes the theoretical analysis, preliminary results, and economics of the idea.
Dehydroxylation induced structural transformations in montmorillonite: an isothermal FTIR study

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements on thermally shocked (290<T<1100 K, t=1 and 24 h) and thermally soaked (T=803 K, 0<t<25 h) Ca-montmorillonite from Texas show that the dehydroxylation temperature for this mineral is much lower than previously reported in the literature and depends upon the thermal soak time used. The effect of thermal shock temperature on vibrational frequencies, originating from the silicate sheet, and the intensity of Al-OH-Al stretching mode suggest that Camontmorillonite dehydroxylates at 903 <T<923 K and 773<T<823 K for 1 h and 24 h thermally shocked samples, respectively. Our similar measurements on the Mn and Fe exchanged-montmorillomte from Texas demonstrate that the dehydroxylation temperature range is also affected by the type of cations present in the interlayer. The thermal soak (T=803 K, 0<t<25 h) measurement on Ca-montmorillonite indicates that the dehydroxylation of this montmorillonite proceeds via the development of intermediate structural phases. As noted by previous authors, the dehydroxylation of Mg2+ and Fe3+ octahedral sites does not affect the overall structure. However, if ∼75 percent of the hydroxyls attached to Al3+ are lost, then the lattice manifests an intermediate structural phase. In this intermediate phase, the structure of both octahedral and silicate layers is affected. On a further loss of hydroxyls (∼90% of Al3+ hydroxyls), the final montmorillonite dehydroxylate phase develops. The vibrational analysis of an isothermally treated sample suggests that the final phase is induced due to the rearrangement of the silicate oxygens, which leave the coordination around Al to be 5. The dehydroxylation results of montmorillonite (Texas) have been discussed in terms of known mechanisms, and it appears that the dehydroxylation starts at the surface and proceeds via proton delocalization at trans hydroxyl positions, followed by the protons' migration across the vacant cation sites with the formation of H2O molecules below the hexagonal holes.
On global existence and uniqueness theorems for gravitational systems

Recent results concerning singularities and collisions in the problem ofn-bodies are reviewed. It is shown how they relate to the question of finding a global existence and uniqueness theorem for this dynamical system.
Quantitative risk analysis for quantal reproductive and developmental effects.

Animal experiments are generally conducted at higher dose levels than anticipated human dose levels in order to elicit otherwise subtle changes in reproduction or developmental effects with relatively few animals. Based on animal data, regulatory strategy generally has been to postulate a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for toxic effects and to divide this by a safety factor, usually 100, to establish acceptable levels for humans. Various authors have discussed the shortcomings of using NOEL and have suggested the use of an estimable effect level determined from a dose-response curve fitted to bioassay data, e.g., the dose at which 1% of the animals are adversely affected, and employing some form of conservative low dose extrapolation to control risks at lower doses. In this paper, 10 sets of bioassay data on fetal mortality or anomalies were used to compare the estimated upper limits of risk estimated at the NOEL/100 and the lower 95% confidence limit estimate of the dose producing adverse effects in 1% of the embryonic implants or fetuses divided by 100 (LED01/100). The latter quantity is expected to result in a risk (proportion affected) of less than 10(-4) (1 in 10,000). The estimated upper limits of risk associated with the NOEL/100 were from 2 x 10(-4) to 6 x 10(-4) for the 10 data sets investigated.
SECM imaging of electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction on thin film materials

Abstract The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on sputtered Pt thin films in acidic solution was successfully studied by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in a modified tip generation–substrate collection (TG–SC) mode. SECM images of ORR activity in different sample areas were obtained and it is shown that this TG–SC SECM technique can be used to screen electrocatalytic activity of continuous thin film samples efficiently and quickly for the ORR in an acidic medium. It is observed that this technique is not very sensitive to the tip–substrate separation within a certain range. The SECM images obtained are strongly dependent on the substrate potential. The advantages of this technique for studying ORR electrocatalysts are discussed.
Anti-RNA polymerase I antibodies in the sera of MRL lupus mice at the initial stages of disease are directed primarily against phosphorylation-dependent epitopes.

Anti-RNA polymerase I (RPI) antibodies in the sera of MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr and MRL/Mp-+/+ mice, which develop an autoimmune disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus, were screened for reactivity with purified RPI or RPI which had been dephosphorylated. In every case (n=10), dephosphorylation of RPI resulted in a significant decrease (33–95%) in antibody binding. The anti-RPI antibodies in the sera of the same mice approximately 6 weeks later also reacted better with untreated as compared to dephosphorylated RPI but, in every case, the decrease in antibody (0–30%) caused by dephosphorylation was substantially diminished. That the proportion of anti-RPI antibodies in the sera of MRL mice decreased with progression of lupus-like disease was confirmed by closely monitoring the antibodies over the course of disease. Anti-RPI antibodies produced at the earliest stages appeared to be directed almost exclusively against phosphorylation-dependent determinants since dephosphorylation of RPI essentially aboli...
Quantitative analysis of dual-purpose, patient-specific craniofacial implants for correction of temporal deformity.

BACKGROUND The development of computer-assisted design, virtual modeling, and computed tomography has allowed precise customization of implants for patients who undergo neurosurgical or craniofacial surgery procedures. However, such techniques and implant designs have not adequately addressed temporal asymmetry due to postoperative bone resorption, temporalis muscle malposition/foreshortening, and/or temporal fat pad atrophy. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that an alteration in customized craniofacial implant (CCI) design with a strategic extension inferolaterally and excessive material bulking would provide simultaneous reconstruction of coexisting temporal skull defects and therefore reduce the effect of soft tissue deformities. METHODS A single-surgeon, single-institution retrospective cohort study was performed to include 10 consecutive subjects who underwent cranioplasty reconstruction with modified implants during a 3-year period. Implants were placed with the use of our previously described pericranial-onlay technique. With the use of a computed tomography-based, computer-assisted design/manufacturing methodology, novel dual-purpose implants were designed to prevent and/or correct persistent temporal hollowing. The efficacy of the new CCI shape and design for cranial restoration of temporal symmetry was analyzed in both 2 and 3 dimensions. RESULTS In 2-dimensional analyses, the modified implant provided enhanced lateral projection (21%; 1.06 cm(3)) in areas closest to the temporal arch. Three-dimensional volumetric analyses demonstrated that additional bulking totaled 24 ± 11 cm(3) (range, 9-43 cm), which essentially replaced 40 ± 13.7% (range, 26%-60%) of the absent temporal volume contributing to persistent temporal hollowing. CONCLUSION Computer-designed, dual-purpose CCIs can be safely created with unprecedented shape to prevent and/or eradicate postoperative temporal deformity.
Effect of ethanol on cyclic nucleotides in vivo: Consequences of controlling motor and respiratory changes

Abstract Many psychotropic drugs alter cerebellar cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) content. Whereas apomorphine increased levels, central depressants such as ethanol, chlordiazepoxide or barbiturates, reduce the content of cerebellar cGMP without altering levels of cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). Additional data indicate that tolerance develops to this reduction of cerebellar cGMP by ethanol. In paralyzed animals, the increase in cerebellar cGMP content induced by apomorphine and the decrease caused by ethanol were dramatically attenuated. Since relatively high doses of ethanol were needed to decrease blood CO2 tension in spontaneously moving rats, changes in respiratory function appear to be of only minor importance in the ethanol-induced decrease in cerebellar cGMP. It is concluded that ethanol-induced changes in content of cerebellar cGMP in vivo may be secondary to alterations in motor and, to a lesser extent, in respiratory function.
Quaternion physical quantities

Quaternions consist of a scalar plus a vector and result from multiplication or division of vectors by vectors. Division of vectors is equivalent to multiplication divided by a scalar. Quaternions as used here consist of the scalar product with positive sign plus the vector product with sign determined by the right-hand rule. Units are specified by the multiplication process. Trigonometric functions are quaternions with units that can satisfy Hamilton's requirements. The square of a trigonometric quaternion is a real number provided that the product of the scalar number and the vector is not commutative. Maxwell's electromagnetic equations for empty space can be represented by a single quaternion equation.