cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the Wolfram Unified Rating Scale (WURS)

Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is a rare, neurodegenerative disease that typically presents with childhood onset insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, followed by optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus, deafness, and neurological and psychiatric dysfunction. There is no cure for the disease, but recent advances in research have improved understanding of the disease course. Measuring disease severity and progression with reliable and validated tools is a prerequisite for clinical trials of any new intervention for neurodegenerative conditions. To this end, we developed the Wolfram Unified Rating Scale (WURS) to measure the severity and individual variability of WFS symptoms. The aim of this study is to develop and test the reliability and validity of the Wolfram Unified Rating Scale (WURS). A rating scale of disease severity in WFS was developed by modifying a standardized assessment for another neurodegenerative condition (Batten disease). WFS experts scored the representativeness of WURS items for the disease. The WURS was administered to 13 individuals with WFS (6-25 years of age). Motor, balance, mood and quality of life were also evaluated with standard instruments. Inter-rater reliability, internal consistency reliability, concurrent, predictive and content validity of the WURS were calculated. The WURS had high inter-rater reliability (ICCs>.93), moderate to high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.78-0.91) and demonstrated good concurrent and predictive validity. There were significant correlations between the WURS Physical Assessment and motor and balance tests (rs>.67, p .76, p<.04) and between WURS Total scores and quality of life (rs=-.86, p=.001). The WURS demonstrated acceptable content validity (Scale-Content Validity Index=0.83). These preliminary findings demonstrate that the WURS has acceptable reliability and validity and captures individual differences in disease severity in children and young adults with WFS.
Synergistic effect of targeting PI3k/PTEN and MDM2/p53 pathways in inducing apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 1345 PI3k/Akt and p53 pathways are known to play anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic roles in cell death, respectively. High level of PI3k/Akt activation by loss of PTEN expression and inactivation of p53 by overexpression of MDM2 are associated with cancer cell growth and progression. Here, we report that inhibition of PI3k/Akt either by PI3k inhibitor Ly294002 or by expression of PTEN synergizes the MDM2 antagonist nutlin-3 in inducing apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). First, we tested the effect of nutlin-3 on induction of p53 and apoptosis in a set of ALL cell lines with wild-type (wt) p53 and MDM2 overexpression. The p53 was induced by nutlin-3 in all cell lines tested, while induction of apoptosis was different in cells with distinct PTEN status. Nutlin-3 induced potent apoptosis in cell lines with PTEN expression but not in cell lines without PTEN expression. Consistent with the apoptotic effects, nutlin-3 significantly downregulated expression of survivin in PTEN-positive cells but not in PTEN-negative cells. When these nutlin-3 resistant cells were simultaneously treated with the PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 or pre-transfected with PTEN gene, their sensitivity to nutlin-3 was increased with a concomitant downregulation of survivin. Furthermore, direct silencing of survivin by siRNA increased the apoptotic effect of nutlin-3 on PTEN-negative ALL cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Akt-mediated survivin upregulation in PTEN-negative ALL cells attenuate nutlin-3 induced apoptosis, and combination of MDM2 antagonist and PI3K/Akt inhibitor may be a promising approach in the treatment of refractory ALL.
Timing of translocation influences birth rate and population dynamics in a forest carnivore

Timing can be critical for many life history events of organisms. Consequently, the timing of management activities may affect individuals and populations in numerous and unforeseen ways. Translocations of organisms are used to restore or expand populations but the timing of translocations is largely unexplored as a factor influencing population success. We hypothesized that the process of translocation negatively influences reproductive rates of individuals that are moved just before their birthing season and, therefore, the timing of releases could influence translocation success. Prior to reintroducing fishers (Pekania pennanti) into northern California and onto the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, we predicted that female fishers released in November and December (early) would have a higher probability of giving birth to kits the following March or April than females released in January, February, and March (late), just prior to or during the period of blastocyst implantation and gestation. Over four winters (2008–2011), we translocated 56 adult female fishers that could have given birth in the spring immediately after release. Denning rates, an index of birth rate, for females released early were 92% in California and 38% in Washington. In contrast, denning rates for females released late were 40% and 11%, in California and Washington, a net reduction in denning rate of 66% across both sites. To understand how releasing females nearer to parturition could influence population establishment and persistence, we used stochastic population simulations using three-stage Lefkovitch matrices. These simulations showed that translocating female fishers early had long-term positive influences on the mean population size and on quasi-extinction thresholds compared to populations where females were released late. The results from both empirical data and simulations show that the timing of translocation, with respect to life history events, should be considered during planning of translocations and implemented before the capture, movement, and release of organisms for translocation.
Making Lawyers Compete

The market for tort-claiming services is not price competitive. Indicators of an uncompetitive market include uniform pricing unjustified by considerations of efficiency or reduction in agency costs, price inelasticity in the face of highly variable production costs and rewards, the level of increase over the past 40 years in the inflation-adjusted effective hourly rate realized by tort lawyers, and the historical derivation of the standard contingent fee. The results of this non-competitive market are as we would expect: Over the past 40 years, the average effective hourly rate of the contingent-fee bar has increased, in inflation-adjusted dollars, by between 1,000 and 1,400 percent. Moreover, the top quartile of the torts bar obtains effective rates of thousands of dollars an hour. I estimate that tort fees total $22 billion annually; others estimate the total as high as $40 billion.
Neuregulin-activated ERBB4 induces the SREBP-2 cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and increases low-density lipoprotein uptake

Cholesterol is a lipid that is critical for steroid hormone production and the integrity of cellular membranes, and, as such, it is essential for cell growth. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family member ERBB4, which forms signaling complexes with other EGFR family members, can undergo ligand-induced proteolytic cleavage to release a soluble intracellular domain (ICD) that enters the nucleus to modify transcription. We found that ERBB4 activates sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) to enhance low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis. Expression of the ERBB4 ICD in mammary epithelial cells or activation of ERBB4 with the ligand neuregulin 1 (NRG1) induced the expression of SREBP target genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, including HMGCR and HMGCS1, and lipid uptake, LDLR, which encodes the LDL receptor. Addition of NRG1 increased the abundance of the cleaved, mature form of SREBP-2 through a pathway that was blocked by addition of inhibitors of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) or dual inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2, but not by inhibition of AKT or mTORC1. Pharmacological inhibition of the activity of SREBP site 1 protease or of all EGFR family members (with lapatinib), but not EGFR alone (with erlotinib), impaired NRG1-induced expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes. Collectively, our findings indicated that activation of ERBB4 promotes SREBP-2-regulated cholesterol metabolism. The connections of EGFR and ERBB4 signaling with SREBP-2-regulated cholesterol metabolism are likely to be important in ERBB-regulated developmental processes and may contribute to metabolic remodeling in ERBB-driven cancers.
'Reasonable Levels of Arbitrariness' in Death Sentencing Patterns: A Tragic Perspective on Capital Punishment

After sketching the process model for capital punishment adopted by the Supreme Court, this Article discusses the need for judicial review of capital sentencing patterns and the "arbitrariness" inevitably involved in providing this review. The paradox involved in providing such arbitrary review indicates the need for adopting a tragic perspective on capital punishment. From this perspective, various positions on the propriety of the death penalty can be understood as tactics to avoid the tragic dilemma resulting from the inability of our cultural framework of values to resolve the dispute about the justice of executions. This Article discusses and views the process model adopted by the Supreme Court as such a tactic. In addition, this Article analyzes judicial responses to challenges to the sentencing patterns that result from this process model in terms of a desire to avoid the tragic conflict involved. Finally, this Article criticizes these tactics and urges an honest acceptance of the tragic situation.
Serious Games: An Evaluation Framework and Case Study

Serious games show promise as an effective training method, but such games are complex and few guidelines exist for their effective evaluation. We draw on the design science literature to develop a serious game evaluation framework that emphasizes grounding evaluation in each of four key areas -- theoretical, technical, empirical, and external. We further recommend that serious game developers assume an iterative, adaptive approach to grounding an evaluation effort in these four areas, emphasizing some areas more than others at different stages of the development cycle. We illustrate our framework using a case study of a large-scale serious game development project. The case study illustrates a holistic approach to serious game evaluation that is valuable to both researchers and practitioners.
The Hemalet Bleeding Time Device

Data are presented evaluating a new bleeding time device called the Hemalet, which Is designed to produce less skin scarring by employing a novel automatic blade retraction mechanism that allows greater apposition of the wounded skin edges following incision. In this study, the single-blade Hemalet device is compared with the Simplate II, a commonly used double-lancet disposable bleeding time device. Bleeding times and the degree of skin scarring were compared. In 52 patients, bleeding times for the two devices were similar, with a correlation coefficient of r=0.85. The degree of skin scarring was assessed in ten patients. With an arbitrary grading system, ranging from 0 to 4, mean skin scarring for the Hemalet was significantly less than that of the Simplate II (1.1 versus 2.9, respectively), with followup times ranging from six to 72 weeks. The Hemalet disposable bleeding time device has bleeding times comparable with those obtained with the Simplate II, with a significant reduction in skin scarring.
Predicting electromigration mortality under temperature and product lifetime specifications

Today's methodologies for electromigration (EM) identify EM-susceptible wires based on their current density, using the Blech criterion to filter out wires that are EM-immortal. The Blech criterion is agnostic to the product lifetime and temperature conditions: many Blech-mortal wires may never experience EM during the product lifetime. We develop new methods that evaluate the transient evolution of stress, relative to the product lifetime, and present an improved set of simple and practical mortality criteria. On a set of power grid benchmarks, we demonstrate that the actual number of mortal wires may depend strongly on the lifetime and reliability conditions.
Podoconiosis in Rural Tanzania

A 30 year-old woman who lived in the southern highlands of Tanzania presented with a 5-year history of progressive bilateral foot and ankle swelling. Mossy-like papillomata and block-shaped toes involving both feet were apparent, and the swelling had the consistency of a “water-bag” (Figure 1). The patient denied travel to Tanzania's coastal region. The symptoms of elephantiasis in the absence of exposure to areas where the mosquito vector for Wuchereria bancrofti is found make lymphatic filariasis unlikely and suggest podoconiosis. Figure 1. Initial presentation of podoconiosis with bilateral “water bag” edema and block-shaped toes. Podoconiosis is known as “mossy-foot” because the papillomata have a moss-like appearance. It is caused by long-term barefoot exposure to volcanic soils high in silica. These soils are found in the highlands of tropical Africa, Central America, and northwest India.1 Seasonally heavy rains in these regions lead to soil erosion. Chronic, recurrent barefoot exposure to exposed silica leads to lymphatic obstruction resulting in ascending lymphedema.2 Podoconiosis is clinically distinguished from filarial elephantiasis. Unlike filarial elephantiasis, podoconiosis characteristically presents with block-shaped toes, mossy-like papillomata, and an ascending edema that stops at the knee without groin involvement (Figure 2). It is important to recognize that the presentation of podoconiosis can vary from the classic hard, nodular edema to a soft “water-bag” edema.1 Figure 2. Podoconiosis with bilateral “water bag” edema. Note that the swelling terminates at the level of the knee joint. Podoconiosis is preventable with consistent shoe wearing and good foot hygiene practices. Treatment includes use of compression bandages and elevation of the affected limbs.3 With time and proper treatment the edema and moss-like papillomata can diminish (Figure 2).
The viability of civil war peace agreements

AbstractCivil war peace agreements are prone to collapse. While some research suggests that multiple layers of power-sharing provisions lead to more viable agreements, others have suggested that negotiated settlements are not only more likely to return to violence, but that those cases will be more deadly as a result. We suggest here that previous research has failed to address the various ways that peace agreements emerge and that this context is crucial in explaining peace agreement viability. In some situations, rebels are likely to earn those concessions through battlefield success. Governments may feel compelled to address underlying grievances in order to stop the bloodshed and ultimately maintain some political clout in the postwar regime. In other cases, however, governments may feel pressure to engage in discussions and to provide concessions by outside actors, whether in the form of diplomatic intervention, economic, or foreign military intervention. Hypotheses are tested on all civil war peace ...
Imagined interactions and identity in the works of Joss Whedon

AbstractJoss Whedon has presented several examples of imagined interactions and how they relate to real-life communication, specifically how they relate learning about and playing with one’s own identity. In this paper, Whedon’s serial narratives are examined through an imagined interactions theoretical lens and a fantasy theme analytical lens to explore how Whedon’s serial work provides a varying look on common communicative practices in an intrapersonal and interpersonal scope and how certain ‘Whedonesque’ elements create a stronger narrative and encoding/decoding practices for the viewer. This paper presents a critical examination of the implications for remodelling a common television/film trope (the imagined interaction) and how various real-life decoding and parasocial normativity shifts as a result of being presented with the end messages from the overarching narrative. Specifically, the paper argues that Whedon has remodelled how imagined interactions are portrayed and how Whedon’s rhetorical visi...
Understanding real many-antenna MU-MIMO channels

We conducted one of the most comprehensive many-antenna MU-MIMO channel measurement campaigns ever reported. Our measurement system supports full mobility with very high time-frequency resolution. We report channel traces in the UHF, 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz bands, in diverse environments, with up to 104 base-station antennas serving 8 users. We characterize channel stability and capacity across these bands and environments with varying mobility. Our results show that channels exhibit large capacity fluctuations on the order of milliseconds, even with just pedestrian mobility. However in stationary environments, MU-MIMO channels are long-term stable regardless of frequency, and are only ephemerally affected by environmental mobility. Furthermore, these traces and measurement system are made openly available online, enabling future research on many-antenna wireless systems.
Midwives and Spin Doctors: The Rhetoric of Authority in Early Modern French Medicine

This chapter traces the establishment of medical authority in French obstetrical treatises throughout the seventeenth-century. A close analysis of rhetorical tropes in these scientific texts offers valuable insights into the politics of women’s health care in the early modern period. Looking at the incongruous intrusion of autobiographical narratives in medical texts, this chapter investigates the reasons for such an unusual staging of the self and argues that for these medical practitioners, making fragments of their lives public equates with publicizing or advertising their authority. This literary practice is concomitant with an important institutional shift, which replaces ill-famed midwives with university-trained surgeons, ultimately altering care practices and opening up the birthing chamber to male physicians such as Jacques Duval and Francois Mauriceau.
Value-of-information in spatio-temporal systems: Sensor placement and scheduling

Abstract The management of infrastructure involves accounting for factors which vary in space over the system domain and in time as the system changes. Effective system management should be guided by models which account for uncertainty in these influencing factors as well as for information gathered to reduce this uncertainty. In this paper, we address the problem of optimal information collection for spatially distributed dynamic infrastructure systems. Based on prior information, a monitoring scheme can be designed, including placement and scheduling of sensors. This scheme can be adapted during the management process, as more information becomes available. Optimality can be defined in terms of the value of information (VoI), which provides a rational metric for quantifying the benefits of data gathering efforts to support system management decision-making. However, the computation of this metric in spatially and temporally extensive systems can present a practical impediment to its implementation. We describe this complexity, and investigate a special case of system topology, termed as a temporally decomposable system with uncontrolled evolution, in which the complexity of assessing VoI grows at a manageable rate with respect to the system management time duration. We demonstrate the evaluation and optimization of the VoI in an example of such a system.
Effect of airflow rate on drying air and moisture content profiles inside a cross-flow drying column

Rice at 20.5 and 16.3% initial moisture contents (IMCs) was dried using 57°C/13% RH air at airflow rates (Qs) of 0.36, 0.46, and 0.56 (m3/s)/m2 for 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively, in an experimen...
A Model for Accumulation Of C, Fe, and Ti Foulants in Coal Liquefaction Catalysts

Abstract A phenoraenological model has been developed to describe the accumulation of C, Fe, and Ti in catalysts used in a pilot-plant scale two-stage coal liquefaction operation. Two species for each foulant have been identified on the basis of (a) spatial accumulation profiles and (b) time rate of deposition. The more rapidly diffusing species appears to be associated with plant start-up and is uniformly distributed throughout the catalyst pellet. Accumulation of the more slowly diffusing species has been related to a process stream which is high in non-distillate materials. The effects of coal ash on these foulant species are examined and show that the presence of ash may drastically alter foulant deposition. The effect is consistent with competitive adsorption between ash and catalyst, and in the case of C, the adsorption of the slowly diffusing species appears to be reversible.
Functional conservation of the sex-lethal sex determining promoter, Sxl-Pe, in Drosophila virilis.

The primary sex determination signal in Drosophila melanogaster, the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes, sets the activity state of the switch gene, Sex-lethal (Sxl), by regulating the establishment promoter, m-Sxl-Pe. We have identified and characterized the establishment promoter, v-Sxl-Pe, of the distantly related species Drosophila virilis. Like melanogaster, the virilis Sxl-Pe is organized into four sub-domains: the Sxl-Pe mRNA leader and exon E1 of Sxl protein, the core promoter, the sex-specific element and the augmentation element. The core promoter and sex-specific element of v-Sxl-Pe show considerable sequence similarity to m-Sxl-Pe and contain target sites for components of the X/A signaling system. While the augmentation element of v-Sxl-Pe also has sequence motifs that could function as target sites for the X/A signaling system, it shows little similarity to the melanogaster augmentation element. Functional studies reveal that v-Sxl-Pe drives sex-specific expression in D. melanogaster embryos and that the activity of the virilis promoter is controlled by known components of the melanogaster X/A counting system. Although v-Sxl-Pe responds appropriately to the melanogaster sex determination signal, it is less active than Sxl-Pe from melanogaster. Unexpectedly, the reduced activity is due to differences in the activity of the conserved core promoter, while the non-conserved augmentation element functions effectively. These findings suggest that low-affinity target sites for the X/A counting system are critical for the functioning of Sxl-Pe.
Part-Time Faculty and Their Hidden Value

A desire for improved worklife balance has prompted more faculty to work less than one full-time equivalent. While not exclusive, women faculty are especially to make this request. This chapter explores the hidden value of part-time faculty and the perceptions of department chairs and their department managers about these special faculty members.
Electrophysiological principles of motility disturbances in the small and large intestines--review of the literature and personal experience

Motility disturbances of the small and large intestines are based on changes in the smooth-muscle potential, whereby the number of amplitudes and configuration of slow waves and of spike potentials as well as pattern, speed of propagation, and duration of the MMC are of crucial importance.
Ethylene Receptors—Biochemical Events

The first step in ethylene perception occurs when the ethylene molecule binds to a receptor. A large number of studies have increased our understanding about how ethylene binds to the receptors and a signal is transduced. These studies have shown that a copper ion is a required cofactor that is delivered by the RAN1 (RESPONSIVE TO ANTAGONIST1) copper transporter. Additionally, biochemical studies have determined that the receptors are functional protein kinases. However, receptor protein kinase activity is not required for responses to ethylene. Rather, this activity seems to modulate responses to ethylene. Even though the exact nature of receptor output is unknown, it is clear that the receptors affect the activity of the CTR1 (CONSITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE1) protein kinase. A model for how ethylene affects receptor signaling is presented.
Ancient Rhetorics and Digital Networks

Frankly, it feels like a cop-out to review Michele Kennerly and Damien Smith Pfister’s recent edited collection in a series of traditional scholarly paragraphs. Such a review should perhaps be comp...
Induction of Antibody Responses In Vivo by Antigen Specific Helper Factor

Abstract T helper cell factors (HF) have been preparated against protein and synthetic antigens by restimulating in vitro induced helper cells with small amounts of antigen. HF when tested in vitro are antigen specific and capable of replacing T cells, initiating a thymus dependent IgM response. In the in vivo adoptive transfer assay HF is capable of replacing T helper cells and is active at very high dilution, inducing both IgM and IgG responses. When tested on unirradiated DNP primed animals the HF was able to initiate a thymus dependent anti-hapten response, comparable to that seen with helper T cells, of both IgM and IgG class. It was also shown that HF acts on anti-Thy 1 treated spleen cells. The results indicate that antigen specific helper factors may be one of the physiologic mediators of T -B interactions in intact animals.
Self-Regulated Force and Neuromuscular Responses During Fatiguing Isometric Leg Extensions Anchored to a Rating of Perceived Exertion.

The purpose of the study was to examine the fatigue-related patterns of responses for electromyography (EMG), mechanomyography (MMG), and force during a sustained isometric muscle action anchored to RPE = 5. Ten men (22.9 ± 2.0 year) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) prior to and following an isometric leg extension muscle action, which was sustained for a maximal time-limit of 5 min or until it could not be maintained at RPE = 5 (actual time-limit). EMG amplitude (AMP), EMG mean power–frequency (MPF), MMG AMP, MMG MPF, and force values were determined every 5% of the actual time-limit. Regression analyses were used to examine the neuromuscular parameters and force responses, and a t test was used to examine MVIC. The pretest MVIC (62.4 ± 14.3 kg) was significantly (p 0.05) relationships for EMG MPF, MMG AMP, or MMG MPF versus time. The findings indicated that it was necessary to reduce force and EMG AMP to maintain RPE = 5. We hypothesize that the maintenance of RPE = 5 was initially accomplished by an anticipatory feedforward mechanism and then continuous integrations of afferent feedback, which resulted in reductions of EMG AMP and force, due to reductions in neural drive, to attenuate the impact of metabolic byproducts.
Interventions to minimize blood loss and transfusion risk in spine surgery: A narrative review

Blood loss is an inevitable reality of spine surgery. Excessive loss is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is frequently combated with allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfusions themselves are associated with increased morbidity, including circulatory overload, lung injury, and acute kidney injury. It is therefore incumbent upon the practicing spine surgeon to be aware of evidence-based interventions capable of reducing blood loss and the risk of transfusion. Here we review the available literature and make recommendation based upon the available evidence.
Practice patterns for extended venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis among urologic oncologists after radical cystectomy

Abstract Introduction Extended outpatient chemoprophylaxis (ECP) following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer is proven to reduce rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE). While ECP is commonly performed with enoxaparin, its cost-effectiveness and adherence rate has been called into question. Data from orthopedic literature suggest that ECP with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be as effective in VTE prevention as enoxaparin in patients undergoing joint surgery. Our goal is to determine how urologic oncologists employ ECP following RC. Methods Members of the Society of Urologic Oncology were surveyed on practice patterns for the use of ECP after RC. Specific questions were asked regarding the use of inpatient and outpatient VTE prophylaxis, as well as perceived barriers to DOACs and enoxaparin. Results There were 121 of 878 (13.8%) respondents and the majority were in academic practices (83%). Most respondents had at least 5 years of experience and performed greater than 10 cystectomies annually. Almost all participants utilized inpatient (97%) and extended (80%) chemoprophylaxis for VTE prevention. Of those who elected for ECP, almost all (96%) used enoxaparin. Only 3 respondents (3%) prescribed oral agents such as rivaroxaban (2) or warfarin (1). Among those using enoxaparin, financial-specific barriers to treatment such as lack of insurance coverage (38%), inability to afford the medication (51%), and need for additional insurance authorization (44%) were reported. Poor patient adherence and refusal to perform injections were reported by 20% and 18% of respondents, respectively. Among the 23 physicians who did not use ECP, cost (39%) and delivery method (26%) were cited as barriers to treatment. Conclusions The majority of surveyed urologic oncologists are prescribing subcutaneous enoxaparin ECP following RC. Poor patient adherence due to self-injections and financial barriers were frequently reported and represent a possible opportunity for the use of oral anticoagulants in the post-operative setting. These data will be used in the development of a proposed clinical trial of a DOAC in the post-RC setting.
Uncommon Law: Judging in the Anthropocene

The origin story of environmental law begins with judges working valiantly to protect the environment, but ultimately, out of an apparent necessity, passing responsibility to legislators and regulators. There is truth to the story, but it ignores important aspects of the demonstrated expertise, creativity, and dynamism of common law judges. Given the trajectory of the environmental law narrative, judges today too anxiously defer to legislative and regulatory policy, and we have come to expect, sometimes champion, this shirking of environmental responsibility. But this logic of deference is unpersuasive in an age where legislators and regulators also struggle, and most often fail, to address environmental issues like climate change. This chapter urges that, instead of minimizing the role of judges, there is immense need to rediscover the possibilities of common law environmental protection. There is need to write a new origin story in which courts, legislators, and regulators carry shared responsibility. The threat of climate change demands a turn to courts for a variety of services, not least, adjudication that uncovers individual suffering and declaration of norms of right and responsibility. The judge’s role in candidly attending to these meaningful decisions can be the catalyst for much needed political action.
Evaluation and Treatment of Disorders of Magnesium Balance

Disorders of magnesium are reasonably prevalent, yet under-identified. We review how the kidney and gastrointestinal tract maintain normal magnesium homeostasis and the contexts and illness that may disrupt magnesium balance. We also suggest an approach to the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of magnesium disorders, with an emphasis on genetic etiologies that have helped to elucidate normal renal homeostatic functions and reveal mechanisms of disease. Research is ongoing and continues to reveal new mechanisms of gastrointestinal and renal magnesium transport and regulation. We discuss some of the more recently identified genetic mechanisms of renal magnesium wasting and dysregulation. Magnesium is an essential cation, needed for hundreds of cellular functions. Magnesium disorders may be due to either altered intake or gastrointestinal magnesium absorption or impairment of renal tubular magnesium handling. Recognizing the symptoms, risks, and co-morbidities for disorders of magnesium may help identify, diagnose, and manage groups of patients with increased hospital morbidity and mortality. Research continues to explore and clarify our understanding of mechanisms for the regulation of the total body and plasma magnesium. Additional clinical research is needed to link therapy and treatment goals with clinical outcomes.
Transgender Education Experiences Among Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents: A National Survey

Purpose: To assess the current state of training among U.S. Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn) residents in the field of transgender medicine. Methods: An anonymous survey was sent to current OB/Gy...
Is Footedness Driving Right Lower Extremity Arthroplasty Becoming Commoner Than Left Lower Extremity Arthroplasty

The question arises whether footedness transforms into asymmetrical incidence of wear and tear within lower extremity joints. After obtaining institutional review board approval for exempt research, the author manually counted the number of patients who underwent right or left or bilateral, hip or knee, primary or revision arthroplasty over a five-year period (2016-2020) at a university-affiliated hospital in the United States. Overall, right lower extremity arthroplasty was significantly commoner than left lower extremity arthroplasty (P=0.002). Individually, only right primary hip arthroplasty (P=0.033) and right revision knee arthroplasty (P=0.041) were significantly commoner procedures than their left counterparts. These results should set up the stage for future investigations into footedness retrospectively and prospectively to rule out if commoner right footedness in itself is driving this asymmetrical incidence of lower extremity arthroplasty or whether automatic transmission vehicular driving is independently contributing to this asymmetrical incidence.
Astrometry and Cosmology

For reference purposes, the earth’s surface at sea level may be represented by revolving an ellipse of eccentricity, e, and major axis, a e, about the polar axis. The flattening factor, f, or ellipticity, is related to the eccentricity, e,by the equation $${e^2} = 2f - {f^2}$$ (5-1) , The flattening factor is alternatively called the ellipticity or the oblateness factor. The major axis, a e, is the equatorial radius, which is related to the polar radius, a p, by the equation $${a_p} = {a_e}\left( {1 - f} \right) = {a_e}{\left( {1 - {e^2}} \right)^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 2}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}}}$$ (5-2) and the mean radius, is given by $$\left\langle a \right\rangle = {\left( {a_e^2{a_p}} \right)^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 3}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 3}}}$$ (5-3) .
THE LIFEWAYS OF HUNTER-GATHERERS: THE FORAGING SPECTRUM

There is a strong link between the study of hunter-gatherers and the study of lithic technologies. Not only did prehistoric foragers regularly make use of stone for tools, but those lithic implemen...
Avulsion of permanent teeth: theory to practice.

Abstract – This paper presents clinical protocols for the emergency, early and post treatment complications of the avulsed tooth. The biological basis for these protocols is presented so that the reader understands the clinical decisions that have been made. Most of the protocols described in this article, but not all, have been adopted in the official guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology. Some experimental results are promising and they have therefore been included in the review to stimulate colleagues to further research.
Plasma Methionine Levels in Normal Adult Subjects after Oral Loading with L-Methionine and N-Acetyl-L-Methionine

The biological quality of soy protein isolates is limited by methionine content but can be enhanced by methionine addition. Since supplemental methionine may undergo chemical modification during processing, producing objectionable odors, N-acetyl-L-methionine has been proposed as a methionine replacement. Plasma and erythrocyte methionine levels and the area under the plasma and erythrocyte methionine absorption curve were compared in five normal adult subjects administered equimolar quantities (0.0605 mmoles/kg) of L-methionine and N-acetyl-L-methionine. The two compounds produced an equivalent overall release of L-methionine to the blood as judged by the area under the plasma and erythrocyte methionine time-absorption curves. There was a difference in the early part of both absorption curves (15 to 45 minutes), with plasma and erythrocyte levels higher after L-methionine administration than after N-acetyl-L-methionine administration. However, this difference was only statistically significant at 15 minutes (P = 0.03). Gastric emptying did not account for this difference apparently reflecting a slower rate of absorption of N-acetyl-L-methionine by mucosal cells. No evidence was obtained that indicated release of N-acetyl-L-methionine to the plasma or its excretion in urine after loading. The data are consistent with previous data showing L-methionine and N-acetyl-L-methionine to be equivalent sources of methionine.
Structural and Secretory Polarity in the Pancreatic Acinar Cell

The sections in this article are: 1 Development of Structural Polarity 1.1 The Developing Pancreas 1.2 Tight Junctions 1.3 Cell-Substrate Interactions 2 Polarized Secretion in The Pancreas 3 Relationship Between Structural and Functional Polarity 4 Ontogeny of Pancreatic Secretion 5 Distal Events in Stimulus-Secretion Coupling 5.1 Participation of the Cytoskeleton 5.2 Regulatory Events 5.3 Compensatory Endocytosis 6 Regulated and Constitutive Secretion 7 Biogenesis of Membrane and Secretory Polarity
Education and Language-Based Knowledge Gaps Among New Immigrants In the United States: Effects of English- and Native-Language Newspapers and TV

This study analyzed the impact of pre- and postimmigration use of English- and native-language newspapers and TV on the relative size of education- and language-based political knowledge gaps among new U.S. immigrants. Results from a nationally representative survey of new immigrants in the United States ( N = 3,319) suggested that pre-immigration use of English-language newspapers widens political knowledge gaps between immigrant groups with higher and lower English proficiency and groups with higher and lower preference to use English in social interactions. However, the gap in political knowledge between immigrant groups with higher and lower levels of education was leveled by post-immigration use of English-language TV. Interestingly, use of native-language media also had a leveling effect on the knowledge gap. Specifically, pre-immigration use of native-language newspapers and TV decreased the gap in political knowledge between groups with high and low education, and pre-immigration use of native-language TV decreased the knowledge gap between groups with high and low preference to use English. Implications are discussed.
Expression of an extracellular peroxidase that is induced in barley (Hordeum vulgare) by the powdery mildew pathogen (Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei)

The intercellular wash fluids (IWF) of barley seedlings contain at least six peroxidase isozymes. Two isozymes, P8.5 and P5.2, specifically increase in both resistant and susceptible barley following inoculation with the powdery mildew pathogen, Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei. A polyclonal antiserum to the cationic P8.5 isozyme was used to recover a clone for this peroxidase from a cDNA expression library made from inoculated barley seedlings. This cDNA was used as a probe to examine P8.5 mRNA levels from 0 to 48 h following inoculation of resistant barley with E. graminis hordei. Accumulation of the P8.5 polypeptide and total peroxidase activity in IWF was monitored over the same time course. These experiments show that enhanced levels of peroxidase activity are correlated with elevated levels of P8.5 polypeptide and mRNA in seedlings following inoculation with the powdery mildew pathogen. Finally, increased deposition of P8.5 was observed in papillae by immunogold labeling experiments. All the data are consistent with the hypothesis that peroxidase P8.5 participates in the deposition of phenolic compounds in papillae and thereby contributes to general, nonspecific defense responses in barley.
Prevalence and fate of gut-associated human pathogens in the environment.

This chapter examines the available information concerning prevalence, survival, and, ultimately, fate of enteric bacterial pathogens in different environments and under various conditions. The bacterial pathogens discussed in this chapter are those known to have a water-based or water-mediated transmission route between the environment and humans. Animal contamination, especially by bird flocks, is believed to be a primary source of campylobacters in remote water environments and Campylobacter jejuni has been consistently isolated from wild bird populations. Sand in particular appears capable of supporting significant populations of enterococci, especially when compared to water. It is clear that enterococci are capable of multiplication under simulated environmental conditions; however, whether these types of conditions are ever naturally present in the environment is debatable. Studies suggest that Salmonella is capable of surviving for extended periods in the environment, especially within soil and livestock waste. The presence of bacteria in the environment is essentially dependent on two factors: loading and survival. Pathogenic Vibrio spp. are also clearly capable of persistence and growth within the aquatic environment. Many of the studies examining characteristics of enteric pathogens in the environment have focused on the presence of these organisms in aquatic environments and water supplies, perhaps because this is viewed as the most likely vector for human infection. Recent studies have presented novel, molecular-based approaches to detection or quantification of certain enteric pathogens.
The specificity of the Duquenois color test for marihuana and hashish.

The Duquenois color test [1,2], coupled when possible with botanical examination [3], is regarded as one of the most reliable indications of the trace presence of cannabinoids, the physiologically active constituents of marihuana and hashish [4]. Consequently, this color test is used widely in forensic laboratories in the United States. Analysis of extracts from a substantial number of plant families has failed as yet to discover any exception to the specificity of the test [3,5]. However, it is clear that an understanding of the chemical basis of the test would allow a better appreciation of the molecular features which are necessary for a positive color test, and an increased confidence in its specificity. With this end in mind, we have studied the minimum structural features of the cannabinoid skeleton which are necessary for a positive test.
Densities of glutamatergic and GABAergic presynaptic terminals are altered in experimental cortical dysplasia.

Summary Purpose: Cortical dysplasia (CD) is a major cause of epilepsy in children and adults, but underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis in this disorder are poorly understood. We have utilized the irradiated rat model to study an injury-based form of diffuse CD in rats. Prior studies in this model have shown reduced numbers of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons and reduced inhibitory synaptic currents in pyramidal cells in CD. We analyzed the number of excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic terminals in the neocortex of irradiated rats to better characterize altered connectivity in experimental CD. Methods: Antibodies to vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and parvalbumin (PV) were used to quantify glutamatergic and GABAergic presynaptic terminals in control and dysplastic cortex. Results: We found that the density of VGLUT1 terminals was increased in CD in comparison to layers IV, V, and VI in control cortex. VGLUT2 terminals were increased in CD compared to layers IV and VI. VGAT terminals were reduced in CD compared to layers II/III, IV, and V in controls as were PV-immunoreactive somata and terminals. Discussion: These findings suggest an overall increase in excitatory synaptic connectivity and decrease in inhibitory synaptic connectivity in CD in irradiated rat. We propose that these changes contribute to hyperexcitability in these animals and may contribute to epileptogenicity in some forms of human CD.
Advantages of the LBL 88-inch cyclotron ion beams for SEP studies

The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 88-inch cyclotron has been widely used for single event phenomena (SEP) studies. The advantages and disadvantages of using ions at this facility are compared with those for other accelerator facilities in the US. One major advantage of the 88-inch cyclotron is that several ion species, with varying stopping powers, can be made available in a matter of seconds by simply adjusting the cyclotron frequency. The importance of this capability is illustrated via test results for a high density SRAM and an EEPROM device type. >
Iterated networks and the spectra of renormalizable electromechanical systems

Beginning with anLRC network with impedance functionZ(Ω), a sequence of iterated networksNk with impedance functionsZ‡k(Ω), k= 1, 2, 3,..., is introduced. The asymptotic comportment ofZ‡k(Ω) and the spectra ofNk are analyzed in terms of the Julia set ofZ. An example is given of an iterated network associated with a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations.
A Comparison of Probability Bounds Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis in Environmentally Benign Design and Manufacture

There is growing acceptance in the design community that two types of uncertainty exist: inherent variability and uncertainty that results from a lack of knowledge, which variously is referred to as imprecision, incertitude, irreducible uncertainty, and epistemic uncertainty. There is much less agreement on the appropriate means for representing and computing with these types of uncertainty. Probability bounds analysis (PBA) is a method that represents uncertainty using upper and lower cumulative probability distributions. These structures, called probability boxes or just p-boxes, capture both variability and imprecision. PBA includes algorithms for efficiently computing with these structures under certain conditions. This paper explores the advantages and limitations of PBA in comparison to traditional decision analysis with sensitivity analysis in the context of environmentally benign design and manufacture. The example of the selection of an oil filter involves multiple objectives and multiple uncertain parameters. These parameters are known with varying levels of uncertainty, and different assumptions about the dependencies between variables are made. As such, the example problem provides a rich context for exploring the applicability of PBA and sensitivity analysis to making engineering decisions under uncertainty. The results reveal specific advantages and limitations of both methods. The appropriate choice of an analysis depends on the exact decision scenario.Copyright © 2006 by ASME