The viability of a proposed psychoeducational neurodiversity approach in children services: The PANDA (the Portsmouth alliance's neuro-diversity approach).

People with Neurodevelopmental (ND) conditions are often unfairly stereotyped by society, without fully appreciating their strengths. As a result, their advantageous behaviours may be overlooked or ignored. Despite wide psychoeducation on ND in society there is a push from the scientific and ND community to move from a binary diagnostic system to an approach that encompasses the spectrum experienced by individuals. In view of this, we have developed the Portsmouth Alliance Neuro-Diversity Approach (PANDA), a coproduced method which helps facilitate understanding, communication and early support for individuals who may be Neuro-Diverse. 51 young people, their parents and attached professionals participated in the approach's feasibility to improve wellbeing and symptom management measured by quantitative and qualitative means. Results showed a significant improvement in the child's wellbeing, but not symptom management. Overall, this indicates the PANDA could facilitate a more holistic approach for referrals, information gathering, psychoeducation and cross-system relationship building to be used in conjunction with a traditional pathway. Though, this study is limited in scope, its main purpose is to inform future development of the approach. Additionally, more research investigating the specific narrative, and separate structure of the PANDA would be required to highlight the strengths and limitations of implementation.

Acetabular Rim Ossification Variants Are Found in Almost 20% of Patients Presenting With Hip Pain.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of 4 different types of acetabular rim ossifications, including partial labral ossification or punctate calcification, true os acetabuli, acetabular rim stress fracture, and complete labral ossification, and to determine whether different types of periacetabular ossifications are linked to demographic or radiological factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medial records of patients presenting for hip-related complaints at 2 sports medicine practices from September 2007 to December 2009. An anteroposterior radiograph of both hips and a lateral radiograph of each hip was obtained for all patients and reviewed for findings of cam and pincer femoroacetabular impingement, degenerative changes (Tönnis grade), and periacetabular calcifications for both hips. These parameters were also evaluated with respect to symptoms, sex, and age. Results: Four hundred ninety-one consecutive patients (982 hips) presented to 2 orthopaedic surgeons at 2 centers for "hip"-related complaints. There were 223 males and 268 females (age 39 ± 14 years). The overall prevalence of periacetabular calcifications in hips was 17.6%, with 56.6% of calcifications in the symptomatic hip and 43.4% in the contralateral hip. Four basic patterns of calcification were identified: punctuate calcifications within the labrum (8.0% hips), large rounded calcifications (os acetabuli) (4.2% hip), large fragments with a vertical line of the superior-lateral acetabular rim, consistent with healed or non-healed stress fracture (2.0% hips), and complete ossification of the labrum (3.4% hips). Overall, male sex (P = .002), increased lateral center-edge angle (P = .046), and higher Tönnis grade (P < .001) statistically predicted the presence of periacetabular ossification. Punctate calcifications were more prevalent in males (P = .002). Higher Tönnis grade (P = .029) and increased alpha angle (P = .046) were more prevalent with os acetabuli. Younger age (P = .001), male sex (P = .048), increased alpha angle (P = .012), and increased lateral center-edge angle (P < .001) were more prevalent in acetabular rim fractures. No factors were statistically significant at predicting the presence of an ossified labrum. Conclusions: Periacetabular calcifications are not uncommon. Four particular patterns of calcification are identified: punctate labral calcifications (8%), larger rounded calcifications (i.e., os acetabuli) (4.2%), acetabular rim stress fractures (2%), and complete ossification of the labrum (3.4%) for a combined prevalence of 17.6% in patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with "hip"-related complaints. Nearly half were in the asymptomatic hip. Male sex had a higher prevalence of periacetabular calcifications. An increased lateral center edge angle and higher Tönnis grade also had a higher prevalence of periacetabular calcifications. Younger male patients are more likely to have acetabular rim stress fractures. Patients with an increased alpha angle have a higher prevalence of os acetabuli and rim stress fractures. Clinical Relevance: This study aims to identify, quantify, and categorize periacetabular calcifications about the hip. Their clinical relationships and relevance have been discussed, but no study has distinctly categorized the various types and their prevalence. This study provides a framework for identification and categorization.

Surface-Localized Chemically Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Flexible Conductive Surfaces for Space Applications.

Thermoplastic polymers are a compelling class of materials for emerging space exploration applications due to their wide range of mechanical properties and compatibility with a variety of processing methods, including additive manufacturing. However, despite these benefits, the use of thermoplastic polymers in a set of critical space applications is limited by their low electrical conductivity, which makes them susceptible to static charging and limits their ability to be used as active and passive components in electronic devices, including materials for static charge dissipation, resistive heaters, and electrodynamic dust shielding devices. Herein, we explore the microstructural evolution of electrically conductive, surface-localized nanocomposites (SLNCs) of chemically modified reduced graphene oxide and a set of thermoplastic polymers as a function of critical thermal properties of the substrate (melting temperature for semi-crystalline materials or glass transition temperature for amorphous materials). Selected offsets from critical substrate temperatures were used to produce SLNCs with conductivities between 0.6-3 S/cm and surface structures, which ranged from particle-rich, porous surfaces to polymer-rich, non-porous surfaces. We then demonstrate the physical durability of these electrically conductive SLNCs to expected stress conditions for flexible conductive materials in lunar applications including tension, flexion, and abrasion with lunar simulant. Small changes in resistance (R/R0 < 2) were measured under uniaxial tension up to 20% strain in high density polyethylene and up to 500 abrasion cycles in polysulfone, demonstrating the applicability of these materials as active and passive flexible conductors in exterior lunar applications. The tough, electrically conductive SLNCs developed here could greatly expand the use of polymeric materials in space applications, including lunar exploration, micro- and nano-satellites, and other orbital structures.

Patient-Specific Variables Associated with Failure to Achieve Clinically Significant Outcomes After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation at Minimum 5 Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To determine the improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) necessary to achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) after primary meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) at a minimum of 5-year follow-up, while identifying variables predictive of achieving clinically significant outcomes (CSOs). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients undergoing primary MAT at a single institution from 1999 to 2016. Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales were collected before surgery and at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. A distribution-based approach was used to calculate MCID, whereas an anchor-based approach was used to calculate SCB and PASS. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with CSO achievement. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients undergoing MAT (56% medial, 44% lateral) were included with a mean follow-up of 9.8 ± 4.1 years, age of 29.7 ± 8.5 years, and body mass index (BMI) of 26.5 ± 4.7. Thresholds for achieving MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively, at a minimum 5-year follow-up for Lysholm (10.3, 74.5, 32.5), IKDC (12.1, 55.6, 29.1), and KOOS subscales questionnaires (Pain [11.0, 70.7, 25.1], Symptoms [11.0, 60.8, 19.6], Activities of Daily Living [10.5, 90.3, 17.9], Sport [16.2, 47.4, 37.5], and Quality of Life [13.6, 40.5, 37.3]) were calculated. Reduced odds of achieving MCID were associated with higher preoperative PROM scores, BMI, patient age, concomitant osteotomy, male sex, and worker's compensation (WC) status. Reduced odds of achieving PASS were associated with lower preoperative PROM scores, higher BMI (particularly ≥30), patient age, and WC status. Reduced odds of achieving SCB were associated with higher preoperative PROM scores and WC status. CONCLUSIONS: This study established the MCID, PASS, and SCB at 5-year minimum follow-up for the Lysholm score, IKDC, and KOOS subscales in patients who underwent MAT. Increased BMI and patient age, male sex, performance of concomitant osteotomy, WC status, and preoperative PROM scores were associated with failure to achieve CSOs after primary MAT at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study, retrospective case series.

Factors important for bull purchasing decisions and management in extensive rangeland production systems of New Mexico: a producer survey.

There were 463,000 head of beef cows in New Mexico as of January 1, 2021 (NASS, 2020), down roughly 4% from 2020 (NASS, 2019). Frequent drought often results in herd reduction and loss of valuable genetic progress. Bull selection is critical due to their influence on herd development. A survey was conducted to identify traits important to bull selection in New Mexico. Surveys were collected digitally (n = 83) and via the mail (n = 74). Responses were largely by cow/calf producers averaging 57 ± 1 years old with 24 ± 1 years' experience. Survey respondents represented 4,384,296 acres of private owned, private leased, and leased public rangeland and irrigated pasture meadow in New Mexico and surrounding states. Average cow/calf operation size was 294 ± 39 head and average bull herd size was 21 ± 3 head. Average price paid for a bull in the past 2 years was $3,981 ± 213. Physical characteristics, individual bull performance information, and genetic information are all important traits to New Mexico bull buyers; however, most producers (56%) indicated that structural soundness was the most important factor influencing their selection decisions. Amongst expected progeny differences (EPDs), New Mexico producers consider the calving ease direct (CED) and birth weight (BW) EPDS to be most important (40% and 35%, respectively). Producers also indicated that multitrait selection indexes used by the American Angus Association were important to their selection decisions, with the beef value ($B) and weaned calf value ($W) indexes being cited most often (35% and 31%, respectively). Elements important to bull purchase include the bull's sale preview (87%), body condition score (86%), feed efficiency/average daily gain information (85%), and actual scrotal circumference (82%). Following purchase of a new bull, most (60%) keep the bull separate from the cow herd until the following breeding season, while the remaining 40% of producers turn newly purchased bulls out within 30 days of purchase. Sixty eight percent of producers evaluate semen quality annually or prior to the start of the breeding season. Interestingly, 39% of producers indicated they used reproductive technologies like artificial insemination and synchronization of estrus while most (80%) test for trichomoniasis. The primary factor influencing culling decisions is age, followed by soundness and fertility.

Functional inference of gene regulation using single-cell multi-omics.

Cells require coordinated control over gene expression when responding to environmental stimuli. Here we apply scATAC-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in resting and stimulated human blood cells. Collectively, we generate ~91,000 single-cell profiles, allowing us to probe the cis-regulatory landscape of the immunological response across cell types, stimuli, and time. Advancing tools to integrate multi-omics data, we develop functional inference of gene regulation (FigR), a framework to computationally pair scA-TAC-seq with scRNA-seq cells, connect distal cis-regulatory elements to genes, and infer gene-regulatory networks (GRNs) to identify candidate transcription factor (TF) regulators. Utilizing these paired multi-omics data, we define domains of regulatory chromatin (DORCs) of immune stimulation and find that cells alter chromatin accessibility and gene expression at timescales of minutes. Construction of the stimulation GRN elucidates TF activity at disease-associated DORCs. Overall, FigR enables elucidation of regulatory interactions across single-cell data, providing new opportunities to understand the function of cells within tissues.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Focal Cartilage Defects of the Femoral Condyles.

Focal cartilage defects of the knee are painful and difficult to treat, especially in younger patients1. Seen in up to 60% of patients who undergo knee arthroscopy2, chondral lesions are most common on the patella and medial femoral condyle3. Although the majority of lesions are asymptomatic, a variety of treatment options exist for those that are symptomatic; however, no clear gold-standard treatment has been established. In recent years, osteochondral allograft transplantation has been increasingly utilized because of its versatility and encouraging outcomes4-7. The procedure entails replacing damaged cartilage with a graft of subchondral bone and cartilage from a deceased donor. Indications for this procedure include a symptomatic, full-thickness osteochondral defect typically ≥2 cm2 in size in someone who has failed conservative management. Relative indications include patient age of <40 years and a unipolar defect8,9. Description: Osteochondral allograft transplantation requires meticulous planning, beginning with preoperative radiographs to evaluate the patient's alignment, estimate the lesion size, and aid in matching of a donor femoral condyle. The procedure begins with the patient supine and the knee flexed. A standard arthrotomy incision is performed on the operative side. Once exposure is obtained, a bore is utilized to remove host tissue from the lesion typically to a depth of 5 to 8 mm. Measurements are taken and the donor condyle is appropriately sized to match. A coring reamer is utilized to create the plug from donor tissue, which is trimmed to the corresponding depth. After marrow elements are removed via pulse lavage, the allograft plug is placed within the femoral condyle lesion through minimal force. Alternatives: Nonoperative treatment involves a reduction in high-impact activities and physical therapy. Surgical alternatives include chondroplasty, microfracture, and osteochondral autograft transplantation; however, these options are typically performed for smaller lesions (<2 cm). For larger lesions (≥2 cm), matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) can be utilized, but requires 2 surgical procedures. Rationale: Osteochondral allograft transplantation is selected against other procedures for various reasons related to patient goals, preferences, and expectations. Typically, this procedure is favored over microfracture or autograft transplantation when the patient has a large lesion. Allograft transplantation might be favored over MACI because of patient preference for a single surgical procedure instead of 2. Expected Outcomes: To our knowledge, there are currently no Level-I or II trials comparing osteochondral allograft transplantation against other treatments for cartilage defects. There are, however, many systematic reviews of case studies and cohorts that report on outcomes. A 2016 review of 291 patients showed significantly improved patient-reported outcomes at a mean follow-up of 12.3 years5,9. The mean survival of grafts was 94% at 5 years and 84% at 10 years5. Overall, data on long-term survival are lacking because interest in and use of this procedure have only increased over the past few decades10. Finally, the rate of return to sport is promising, with the systematic review by Campbell et al. showing rates as high as 88% with an average time to return to sport of 9.6 months11. Postoperatively, patients can expect to immediately begin passive range of motion. Progression of heel-touch weight-bearing begins at 6 weeks, and patients may return to sport-specific activity after 8 months, as tolerated. Important Tips: Ensure that the allograft is of adequate quality and is size-matched prior to performing the surgical procedure.The cannulated cylinder should be perpendicular to both the host lesion and graft tissue in order to ensure symmetric estimations of size.Save subchondral bone shavings when preparing the host lesion. These can be utilized to take up space if your graft depth is not sufficient to fill the host defect.Utilize saline solution irrigation judiciously when reaming out the host tissue and graft plug. Acronyms & Abbreviations: AAROM = active-assisted range of motionACI = autologous chondrocyte implantationAP = anteroposteriorBMI = body mass indexCPM = continuous passive range of motionGlut/glutes = gluteal musclesHTO = high tibial osteotomyICRS = International Cartilage Repair SocietyLFC = lateral femoral condyleLTP = lateral tibial plateauMACI = matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantationMFC = medial femoral condyleMobs = mobilizationMRI = magnetic resonance imagingNSAIDs = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsOAT = osteochondral allograft transplantationPROM = passive range of motionQuad = quadriceps musclesROM = range of motionSLR = straight leg raise.

Tuning fullerene miscibility with porphyrin-terminated P3HTs in bulk heterojunction blends.

Understanding and manipulating the miscibility of donor and acceptor components in the active layer morphology is important to optimize the longevity of organic photovoltaic devices and control power conversion efficiency. In pursuit of this goal, a "porphyrin-capped" poly(3-hexylthiophene) was synthesized to take advantage of strong porphyrin:fullerene intermolecular interactions that modify fullerene miscibility in the active layer. End-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) was synthesized via catalyst transfer polymerization and subsequently functionalized with a porphyrin moiety via post-polymerization modification. UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements show that the porphyrin-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) exhibits increased intermolecular interactions with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) in the solid state compared to unfunctionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) without sacrificing microstructure ordering that facilitates optimal charge transport properties. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry revealed porphyrin-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) crystallization decreased only slightly (1-6%) compared to unfunctionalized poly(3-hexylthiophenes) while increasing fullerene miscibility by 55%. Preliminary organic photovoltaic device results indicate device power conversion efficiency is sensitive to additive loading levels, as evident by a slight increase in power conversion efficiency at low additive loading levels but a continuous decrease with increased loading levels. While the increased fullerene miscibility is not balanced with significant increases in power conversion efficiency, this approach suggests that integrating non-bonded interaction potentials is a useful pathway for manipulating the morphology of the bulk heterojunction thin film, and porphyrin-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophenes) may be useful additives in that regard.

Droplet-based combinatorial indexing for massive-scale single-cell chromatin accessibility.

Recent technical advancements have facilitated the mapping of epigenomes at single-cell resolution; however, the throughput and quality of these methods have limited their widespread adoption. Here we describe a high-quality (105 nuclear fragments per cell) droplet-microfluidics-based method for single-cell profiling of chromatin accessibility. We use this approach, named 'droplet single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing' (dscATAC-seq), to assay 46,653 cells for the unbiased discovery of cell types and regulatory elements in adult mouse brain. We further increase the throughput of this platform by combining it with combinatorial indexing (dsciATAC-seq), enabling single-cell studies at a massive scale. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by measuring chromatin accessibility across 136,463 resting and stimulated human bone marrow-derived cells to reveal changes in the cis- and trans-regulatory landscape across cell types and under stimulatory conditions at single-cell resolution. Altogether, we describe a total of 510,123 single-cell profiles, demonstrating the scalability and flexibility of this droplet-based platform.

Impact of Low Molecular Weight Poly(3-hexylthiophene)s as Additives in Organic Photovoltaic Devices.

Despite tremendous progress in using additives to enhance the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices, significant challenges remain in controlling the microstructure of the active layer, such as at internal donor-acceptor interfaces. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of low molecular weight poly(3-hexylthiophene)s (low-MW P3HT) to the P3HT/fullerene active layer increases device performance up to 36% over an unmodified control device. Low MW P3HT chains ranging in size from 1.6 to 8.0 kg/mol are blended with 77.5 kg/mol P3HT chains and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) fullerenes while keeping P3HT/PCBM ratio constant. Optimal photovoltaic device performance increases are obtained for each additive when incorporated into the bulk heterojunction blend at loading levels that are dependent upon additive MW. Small-angle X-ray scattering and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy imaging reveal that domain sizes are approximately invariant at low loading levels of the low-MW P3HT additive, and wide-angle X-ray scattering suggests that P3HT crystallinity is unaffected by these additives. These results suggest that oligomeric P3HTs compatibilize donor-acceptor interfaces at low loading levels but coarsen domain structures at higher loading levels and they are consistent with recent simulations results. Although results are specific to the P3HT/PCBM system, the notion that low molecular weight additives can enhance photovoltaic device performance generally provides a new opportunity for improving device performance and operating lifetimes.

Using Latent Class Analysis to Identify Profiles of Elder Abuse Perpetrators.

Objectives: Research suggests that abuser risk factors differ across elder mistreatment types, but abuse interventions are not individualized. To move away from assumptions of perpetrator homogeneity and to inform intervention approaches, this study classifies abusers into subtypes according to their behavior profiles. Method: Data are from the Older Adult Mistreatment Assessment administered to victims by Adult Protective Service (APS) in Illinois. Latent class analysis was used to categorize abusers (N = 336) using victim and caseworker reports on abusers' harmful and supportive behaviors and characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was then used to determine which abuser profiles are associated with 4 types of mistreatment-neglect, physical, emotional, and financial-and other sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Abusers fall into 4 profiles descriptively labeled "Caregiver," "Temperamental," "Dependent Caregiver," and "Dangerous." Dangerous abusers have the highest levels of aggression, financial dependency, substance abuse, and irresponsibility. Caregivers are lowest in harmful characteristics and highest in providing emotional and instrumental support to victims. The 4 profiles significantly differ in the average age and gender of the abuser, the relationship to victims, and types of mistreatment committed. Discussion: This is the first quantitative study to identify and characterize abuser subtypes. Tailored interventions are needed to reduce problem behaviors and enhance strengths specific to each abuser profile.

Analysis of flexible substrates for clinical translation of laser-generated shockwave therapy.

Bacteria biofilms in chronically infected wounds significantly increase the burden of healthcare costs and resources for patients and clinics. Because biofilms are such an effective barrier to standard antibiotic treatment, new methods of therapy need to be developed to combat these infections. Our group has demonstrated the potential of using Laser Generated Shockwaves as a potential therapy to mechanically disrupt the bacterial biofilms covering the wound. Previous studies have used rigid silica glass as the shockwave propagation medium, which is not compatible with the intended clinical application. This paper describes the exploration of five candidate flexible plastic films to replace the glass substrate. Each material measured 0.254 mm thick and was used to generate shockwaves of varying intensities. Shockwave characterization was performed using a high-speed Michelson displacement interferometer and peak stress values obtained in the flexible substrates were compared to glass using one-way nested Analysis of Variance and Tukey HSD post-hoc analysis. Results demonstrate statistically significant differences between substrate material and indicate that polycarbonate achieves the highest peak stress for a given laser fluence suggesting that it is optimal for clinical applications.

Effect of laser generated shockwaves 1 on ex-vivo pigskin.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent bacterial infection prolongs hospitalizations, leading to increased healthcare costs. Treatment of these infections costs several billion dollars annually. Biofilm production is one mechanism by which bacteria become resistant. With the help of biofilms, bacteria withstand the host immune response and are much less susceptible to antibiotics. Currently, there is interest in the use of laser-generated shockwaves (LGS) to delaminate biofilm from infected wound surfaces; however, the safety of such an approach has not yet been established. Of particular concern are the thermal and mechanical effects of the shockwave treatment on the epidermis and the underlying collagen structure of the dermis. The present study is a preliminary investigation of the effect of LGS on freshly harvested ex vivo porcine skin tissue samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples for investigation were harvested immediately post-mortem and treated with LGS within 30 minutes. Previous studies have shown that laser fluences between 100 and 500 mJ/pulse are capable of delaminating biofilms off a variety of surfaces, thus our preliminary investigation focused on this range of laser energy. For each sample, LGS were produced via laser irradiation of a thin layer (0.5 µm) of titanium sandwiched between a 50 and 100 µm thick layer of water glass and a 0.1 mm thick sheet of Mylar. The rapid thermal expansion of the irradiated titanium film generates a transient compressive wave that is coupled through a liquid layer to the surface of the ex vivo pigskin sample. Shocked samples were immediately fixed in formalin and prepared for histological analysis. A blinded pathologist evaluated and scored each section on the basis of its overall appearance (O) and presence of linear/slit-like spaces roughly parallel to the surface of the skin (S). The scores were given on a scale of 0-3. RESULTS: The present investigation revealed no visible difference between the tissue sections of the control sample and those that were subjected to laser-generated shockwaves. There was no relationship between the scores received by the samples and the energy with which they were shocked. CONCLUSION: Preliminary investigation into the safety of the LGS treatment for biofilm delamination appears promising. Additional investigation will continue on ex vivo porcine samples, followed by an in vivo animal trial to better understand the physiological response to LGS treatment.

Avalanche Analysis from Multielectrode Ensemble Recordings in Cat, Monkey, and Human Cerebral Cortex during Wakefulness and Sleep.

Self-organized critical states are found in many natural systems, from earthquakes to forest fires, they have also been observed in neural systems, particularly, in neuronal cultures. However, the presence of critical states in the awake brain remains controversial. Here, we compared avalanche analyses performed on different in vivo preparations during wakefulness, slow-wave sleep, and REM sleep, using high density electrode arrays in cat motor cortex (96 electrodes), monkey motor cortex and premotor cortex and human temporal cortex (96 electrodes) in epileptic patients. In neuronal avalanches defined from units (up to 160 single units), the size of avalanches never clearly scaled as power-law, but rather scaled exponentially or displayed intermediate scaling. We also analyzed the dynamics of local field potentials (LFPs) and in particular LFP negative peaks (nLFPs) among the different electrodes (up to 96 sites in temporal cortex or up to 128 sites in adjacent motor and premotor cortices). In this case, the avalanches defined from nLFPs displayed power-law scaling in double logarithmic representations, as reported previously in monkey. However, avalanche defined as positive LFP (pLFP) peaks, which are less directly related to neuronal firing, also displayed apparent power-law scaling. Closer examination of this scaling using the more reliable cumulative distribution function (CDF) and other rigorous statistical measures, did not confirm power-law scaling. The same pattern was seen for cats, monkey, and human, as well as for different brain states of wakefulness and sleep. We also tested other alternative distributions. Multiple exponential fitting yielded optimal fits of the avalanche dynamics with bi-exponential distributions. Collectively, these results show no clear evidence for power-law scaling or self-organized critical states in the awake and sleeping brain of mammals, from cat to man.

The impact of a specific aqua-training for adult haemophilic patients--results of the WATERCISE study (WAT-QoL).

Sport is increasingly recommended for haemophilic patients due to physical and psychological benefits. 'WATERCISE' is a specific aqua-training programme for haemophiliacs in which endurance, strength, coordination and mobility are trained. In the WAT-QoL study benefits and risks of regular WATERCISE training sessions were investigated in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical functioning (PF), orthopaedic joint status (OJS), bleeding frequency and factor consumption. Patients in the WATERCISE group attended an aqua-training programme once a week for 1 h over 12 months, patients in the control group did not. Patients were matched for clinical and demographic data. Information on clinical data, orthopaedic status, PF (HEP-Test-Q) and HRQoL were collected in both groups at baseline and at follow-up (6 and 12 months). Twenty-eight adult severely affected haemophilic patients (WATERCISE group: 10 haemophilia A (HA), 3 haemophilia B (HB) patients; control group: 12 HA and 3 HB patients) were enrolled (aged 40.68 ± 12.7 years). Baseline data (body mass indices, OJS, sportive activities, HRQoL and PF) were well distributed between groups. After 12 months the WATERCISE group reported a significantly better PF (M(W) = 65.22, SD = 11.3; M(C) = 52.5, SD = 15.0), especially for endurance (P < 0.004). Although always differently reported by the patients within the WATERCISE group, HRQoL did not prove to be significantly different between groups. WATERCISE seems to have a positive effect on the PF of patients suffering from haemophilia. These study findings need to be further investigated in a larger study group.

[Project database health services research Germany]. / Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland.

"Versorgungsforschung Deutschland" (Health Services Research Germany) is a database for health services research projects in Germany which is free, publicly accessible and still growing. The aim is to contribute to the transparency in this research field, to identify best practice models and to facilitate the exchange of research results. All researchers and all institutions which carry out health services research projects are requested to make projects directly known via this internet platform in order to promote the faster implementation of research results into practice.

Photon counting histogram analysis for two-dimensional systems.

Photon counting statistics in 3D photon counting histogram analysis for one-photon excitation is a function of the number of molecules of particular brightness in the excitation-detection volume of a confocal microscope. In mathematical form that volume is approximated by a three-dimensional Gaussian function which is embedded in the PCH theoretical equations. PCH theory assumes that a molecule can be found anywhere inside the excitation-detection volume with equal probability. However, one can easily imagine systems in which this assumption is violated because molecules are constrained by the geometry of the sample. For example, molecules on a surface or in a membrane would be constrained to two dimensions. To enable the analysis of such systems by PCH, the theoretical framework requires modification. Herein, we present an extension of the PCH analysis to systems where molecules exist in thin structures that are effectively two-dimensional. The method, aptly called two-dimensional photon counting histogram (2D PCH), recovers the number of fluorescent particles per unit area and their molecular brightness. Both theoretical background and experimental results are presented. The theory was tested using computer-simulated and experimental 2D PCHs obtained from confocal experiments. We demonstrate that this modification of the theoretical framework provides a tool to extract data that reveal states of aggregation, surface photophysics, and reactivity.

Infrared spectroscopy and structures of manganese carbonyl cations, Mn(CO)n+ (n = 1-9).

Manganese carbonyl cations of the form Mn(CO)(n)(+) (n = 1-9) are produced in a molecular beam by laser vaporization in a pulsed nozzle source. Mass selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in the carbonyl stretching region is used to study these complexes and their "argon-tagged" analogues. The geometries and electronic states of these complexes are determined by comparing their infrared spectra to theoretical predictions. Mn(CO)(6)(+) has a completed coordination sphere, consistent with its predicted 18-electron stability. It has an octahedral structure in its singlet ground state, similar to its isoelectronic analogue Cr(CO)(6). Charge-induced reduction in pi back-bonding leads to a decreased red-shift in Mn(CO)(6)(+) (upsilon(CO) = 2106 cm(-1)) compared with Cr(CO)(6) (upsilon(CO) = 2003 cm(-1)). The spin multiplicity of Mn(+)(CO)(n) complexes gradually decreases with progressive ligand addition. MnCO(+) is observed as both a quintet and a septet, Mn(CO)(2)(+) is observed only as a quintet, while Mn(CO)(3,4)(+) are both observed as triplets. Mn(CO)(5)(+) and Mn(CO)(6)(+) are both singlets, as are all larger complexes.

Using squat repetition maximum testing to determine hamstring resistance training exercise loads.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a linear relationship between the squat and a variety of hamstring resistance training exercises, and whether this relationship differs on the basis of sex. This study also sought to create prediction equations for the determination of hamstring exercise load based on the squat load. Repetition maximums of the squat, as well as 4 common hamstring resistance training exercises including the seated leg curl, stiff leg dead lift, single leg dead lift, and good morning exercise, were determined for each subject. Subjects included 21 men and 13 women collegiate athletes. Data were evaluated using linear regression analysis to predict hamstring exercise loads from 6 repetition maximum squat data. Results of the analysis of all subjects indicated that squat load was a significant predictor of loads for each of the hamstring exercises. However, separate analysis of women revealed that squat load was not a significant predictor of loads for any of the hamstring exercises. Analysis of the men revealed that squat was a significant predictor of load for the seated leg curl (R = 0.58, p < 0.001), stiff leg dead lift (R = 0.82, p < 0.001), single leg stiff leg dead lift (R = 0.80, p < 0.001), and good morning (R = 0.79, p < 0.001) exercises. On the basis of the analysis of the men, the following prediction equations were devised for each exercise: (1) seated leg curl load = squat load (0.186) + 10.935 kg, (2) stiff leg deadlift load = squat load (1.133) - 86.331 kg, (3) single leg stiff leg deadlift load = squat load (0.443) - 3.425 kg, and (4) good morning load = squat load (0.961) - 105.505 kg. Thus, results from testing core exercises such as the squat can provide useful data for the assignment of loads for assistance exercises.

Seven-coordinate homoleptic metal carbonyls in the gas phase.

Gas-phase metal carbonyl cations of the vanadium-group metals (V(+), Nb(+), Ta(+)) were produced in a molecular beam by laser vaporization and then mass-analyzed and size-selected in a time-of-flight spectrometer and studied with IR laser photodissociation spectroscopy in the carbonyl-stretching region. The abundances in the mass spectra, the fragmentation patterns, and the IR spectra provided a combined approach that revealed the coordination numbers in these systems. Although seven-coordinate structures would have 18 electrons in each case, V(CO)(6)(+) was found to be formed rather than V(CO)(7)(+). Nb(+) formed both six- and seven-coordinate species, while Ta(+) formed only the Ta(CO)(7)(+) complex. Density functional theory computations were used to predict the IR spectra for these systems, which are dramatically different for the six- and seven-coordinate structures and in excellent agreement with the measurements. V(CO)(6)(+) and Nb(CO)(6)(+) have structures slightly distorted from octahedral, while Nb(CO)(7)(+) and Ta(CO)(7)(+) have C(3v) capped octahedral structures.