cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E-health of Construction Works: A Proactive Injury Prevention Approach

This research is direct at developing an e-health approach for preventing the Musculoskeletal Disorders in construction through monitoring injury risk. The proposed approach leverages activities recognition through motion capturing techniques to monitor, assess, and reduce injury risk. More specifically, the authors used the Inertia Measurement Units, a motion-sensing tool to develop a concept for a wearable motion-data capturing prototype. The captured motion data was analyzed using data-driven, Machine Learning techniques to identify injury-prone activities. Instead of adopting a generic recognition model, a novel rapid model training process was investigated to configure a user-specific activity recognition model, aiming at improving the recognition accuracy with reduced computational effort. The customized model was based on the optimal configuration of data segmentation window size, feature sets, and classification algorithms for a specific user’s activity data. The feasibility study of the proposed approach has shown the personalized model achieved an average overall recognition accuracy of 0.81 and 0.74 for two sets of activities. The recognition model’s operation time was also reduced to under 0.01 seconds. The proposed approach can help to address the scalability challenge for data-driven activity recognition, and further, improve the effectiveness and practicality for proactive injury prevention on construction job site.
Correlates of and Body Composition Measures Associated with Metabolically Healthy Obesity Phenotype in Hispanic/Latino Women and Men: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Background. Individuals with “metabolically healthy obesity” (MHO) phenotype (i.e., obesity and absence of cardiometabolic abnormalities: favorable levels of blood pressure, lipids, and glucose) experience lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those with “metabolically at-risk obesity” (MAO) phenotype (i.e., obesity with concurrent cardiometabolic abnormalities). Among Hispanic/Latino women and men with obesity, limited data exist on the correlates of and body composition measures associated with obesity phenotypes. Methods. Data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008–2011) were used to estimate the age-adjusted distribution of obesity phenotypes among 5,426 women and men (aged 20–74 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and to compare characteristics between individuals with MHO and MAO phenotypes. Weighted Poisson regression models were used to examine cross-sectional associations between 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in body composition measures (i.e., body fat percentage, waist circumference, and body lean mass) and MHO phenotype prevalence. Results. The age-adjusted proportion of the MHO phenotype was low (i.e., 12.5% in women and 6.5% in men). In bivariate analyses, women and men with the MHO phenotype were more likely to be younger, have higher education and acculturation levels, report lower lifetime cigarette use, and have fasting insulin and waist circumference levels than MAO. Adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, among women, each 1-SD increase in body fat percentage, waist circumference, and lean body mass was, respectively, associated with a 21%, 33%, and 31% lower prevalence of the MHO phenotype. Among men, each 1-SD increase in waist circumference and lean body mass was, respectively, associated with a 20% and 15% lower prevalence of the MHO phenotype. Conclusions. We demonstrated that higher waist circumference and higher lean body mass were independently associated with a lower proportion of the MHO phenotype in Hispanic/Latino women and men. Findings support the need for weight reduction interventions to manage cardiometabolic health among Hispanics/Latinos.
Reducing Radiation and Lowering Costs With a Standardized Care Pathway for Nonoperative Thoracolumbar Fractures.

Study Design:Retrospective observational study.Objective:There is marked variation in the management of nonoperative thoracolumbar (TL) compression and burst fractures. This was a quality improveme...
Contralateral Muscle Imbalances and Physiological Profile of Recreational Aerial Athletes.

Background: Aerial fitness is quickly gaining popularity; however, little is known regarding the physiological demands of aerial athletes. The purpose of the study was to examine contralateral muscle imbalances, compare dominant versus non-dominant hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratios, and to establish a physiological profile of recreational aerial athletes. Methods: Thirteen aerialist women visited a local aerial studio to participate in a data collection session to examine isometric levels of upper and lower body strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Results: No significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength (p = 0.077), dominant and non-dominant isometric knee flexion (p = 0.483), dominant and non-dominant isometric knee extension (p = 0.152), or dominant and non-dominant isometric H:Q ratios (p = 0.102). In addition, no significant difference was found between isometric dominant H:Q ratio and the widely-used value of 0.60 (p = 0.139). However, isometric non-dominant H:Q ratio was significantly lower than the 0.60 criterion (p = 0.004). Aerial athletes demonstrated to have excellent flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and average strength. Conclusions: Aerial fitness may be another recreational activity that could be used to maintain higher levels of flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and strength. Aerialists may want to consider focusing on strengthening the lower body and balancing the hamstrings and quadriceps muscle strength.
Chinese Medicine and Men's Health

Abstract Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a theory and practice that developed over millennia and across nations, languages, religions, and cultures in the East. In the decades since it was popularized in the United States, it has seen an exponential growth of patients and practitioners in the West as well. But despite this popularity, TCM is often misunderstood by Western biomedical doctors and patients. This chapter provides an introduction to the foundational concepts of TCM, with an emphasis on those aspects that are most relevant to men's health. It compares and contrasts the diagnostic, therapeutic, and research practices employed by TCM and biomedicine and offers a pragmatic model for productive and respectful integration in the form of the Chinese specialty of Nanke or andrology.
A precise method for determining acetabular component anteversion after total hip arthroplasty.

Aims Several radiological methods of measuring anteversion of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been described. These are limited by low reproducibility, are less acc...
The incidence of intraoperative gastric tube malposition verified by Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Background Over a million gastric tubes are placed yearly for varying medical reasons including gastric decompression. In the operating room (OR), this is performed blindly, and position is confirmed by auscultation, aspiration, or palpation by a surgeon. Despite the known risks of malpositioned gastric tubes, there is limited data in anesthesia literature about the incidence of intraoperative malpositioned gastric tubes. In this study, we use Point-of-Care ultrasonography (POCUS) to confirm gastric tube placement in the OR. Methods Prospective observational study with a total of 149 subjects, all over 18 years of age, undergoing surgery with general endotracheal anesthesia and intraoperative blind placement of a gastric tube by an anesthesia provider. The primary objective of this study is to determine the incidence of malposition of blindly placed gastric tubes. Results In our analysis, we found that out of 149 patients 110 patients were successfully visualized; the incidence of malposition was 0.14 [95% CI: 0.08-0.21]. We did not find age, Body Mass Index, or sex to be associated with predisposing patients to intraoperative malposition of gastric tube. However, increasing years of experience of anesthesia provider correlated with higher malposition rates. Conclusions In summary, we demonstrated that the incidence of malposition of blindly gastric tubes was 14%. Given the attendant risks of malpositioned gastric tubes, this data should inform decision algorithms for the blind placement of gastric tubes.
Consent, Coercion and Trade: A Reflection on the Relationship Between Free Trade and Values

Trade is a species of exchange rooted in a rich experience of encounter, opportunity, risk, and inequalities of power. All of this enters into the relationship between trade, defined here—following Berge—as the free circulation of goods, and questions of meaning and value (our subject today). In my view, this relationship can be conceptualized in at least three ways. One relationship between trade and values is called in the literature “linkage,” whereby the benefits of free circulation are conditioned on a commitment to some other non-trade value. A prominent and relevant example is the link between EU membership and joining the European Convention on Human Rights, thereby using the benefits of free circulation to promote the protection of human rights. A second relationship we could call “justification,” in which free circulation is justified in a normative sense by reference to some other non-trade value such as freedom, or some view of property rights or natural rights. Thus private parties must be allowed to trade, and to trade free from government intervention, as a consequence of human freedom, for example. In this short essay I propose to examine a third such relationship, which I am calling a constitutive relationship. In this relationship neither trade nor values are being conceived of or employed instrumentally; instead, there is an essential relationship between the nature of trade itself, understood here as a mutual exchange of goods, and the “value” we call “consent.” In other words, for an exchange to be trade, as we use the term in ordinary speech and in law, it must be consensual. If it is not consensual, then it is something else—coercion, exploitation, theft or some other kind of extraction or wealth transfer—but it is not trade. Consent is thus constitutive of trade, not instrumental to it, or vice versa. This essay will be printed as Chapitre 13 in the forthcoming Le sens des libertes economiques de circulation / The Sense of Economic Freedoms of Movement, edited by Jean-Sylvestre Berge and Giulio Cesare Giorgini, and has been posted here with permission of the editors.
LONG-LASTING MODULATION OF SLOW-EXCITATORY-POSTSYNAPTIC-POTENTIAL (s-EPSP), BY CATECHOLAMINES

Publisher Summary Dopamine (DA) had been found by Libet and Tosaka (1970) to exert two postsynaptic actions on the principal neurons in the rabbit's superior cervical ganglion: (1) DA can hyperpolarize the ganglion cells in a manner appropriate to its postulated role as the direct transmitter for the slow inhibitory-postsynaptic potential response and (2) DA can induce a modulatory potentiation of the slow muscarinic depolarizing response to acetylcholineThis chapter describes the long-lasting modulation of slow excitatory-postsynaptic potential (sEPSP), by catecholamines. Evidences have indicated that cyclic AMP is the intracellular mediator for developing the modulatory change induced by DA. The postsynaptic receptor for the DA-modulating action appears to fit into the DA-1 class of CNS receptors, and it is clearly different and separate from the receptor that mediates the hyperpolarizing response to DA. The modulatory action can be induced by DA at concentrations below those required for eliciting hyperpolarizing response.
Models of OH Maser Variations in U Herculis

Arecibo spectra of the main-line OH maser emission from U Her over more than a decade show variations of the OH emission over these timescales. These observations are combined with high spatial resolution VLBA maps to investigate the changes in the velocities of the maser components. Global properties of the dust shell, such as accelerations, variations in the pump, and shellwide magnetic field changes are examined as possibilities and eliminated. A solution to the problem involving plasma turbulence and the local magnetic field is introduced, and the relevant timescales of the turbulence are calculated. The turbulent velocity field causes variations on timescales that are too long (of order centuries), while the turbulent magnetic field causes variations on appropriate timescales of a few years. A line-of-sight model of the turbulence is developed and investigated. The complete exploration of this solution requires extensive theoretical and observational work. Possible avenues of investigation of the plasma turbulence model are presented.
Insights on the potential of vibratory actuation mechanism for enhanced performance of flapping-wing drones

This paper investigates the impacts that vibratory-based actuation mechanisms can have on power consumption for a flapping-wing micro air vehicle. The flapping-wing is characterized by a lumped-parameter single degree of freedom system. Equations of motion are developed which are solved to obtain the flapping angle and lift response of the flapping-wing system. Linear and nonlinear vibratory actuation mechanisms are considered to determine their effects on the power consumption of the flapping-wing drone. Actuation mechanism parameters are varied to enhance and optimize the system’s performance. The results show that the resonance phenomenon can be utilized to minimize the power consumption depending on the system’s parameters. Linear damping is found to be a very critical parameter that is necessary to minimize when designing the system. It is demonstrated that higher transmission ratios are effective at reducing the necessary forcing input, which reduces the input power needed for hovering flight. The results also indicate that the nonlinear softening behavior can be beneficial in further reducing the required power by reducing the necessary input force and excitation frequency. An optimal configuration of actuation mechanism parameters is presented.
Clinical Presentation Patterns and Survival Outcomes of Hispanic Patients with Gastric Cancer.

ABSTRACT Background Hispanic patients have a higher incidence of gastric cancer when compared to non-Hispanics. Outlining clinicodemographic characteristics and assessing the impact of ethnicity on stage-specific survival may identify opportunities to improve gastric cancer care for this population. Methods Patients with gastric cancer in the US Safety Net Collaborative (2012-2014) were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were compared between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients. Early onset gastric cancer was defined as age Results Seven hundred and ninety-seven patients were included, of which 219 (28%) were Hispanic. Hispanic patients were more likely to seek care at safety-net hospitals (66 vs 39%) and be uninsured (36 vs 17%), and less likely to have a primary care provider (PCP) (46 vs 75%; all P Conclusions A diagnosis of gastric cancer must be considered in previously healthy Hispanic patients who present to the emergency room with both abdominal pain and weight loss. Fewer than 50% of Hispanic patients have a PCP, indicating poor outpatient support. Efforts to improve outpatient support and screening may improve gastric cancer outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Pedagogical Inspiration through Martial Arts Instruction

This article discusses how the martial arts studio can be used as a model for improved instruction for the classroom teacher. Four common teaching techniques, common to the martial arts classroom, are defined and described. They are (a) motivating by praise and recognition, (b) differentiating instruction, (c) using formative assessments, and (d) employing preventive discipline. Explanation and illustrations of how to generalize each technique for the academic classroom are also included.
Software cost estimation for the LADEE mission

The purpose of the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission was to measure the density, composition and time variability of the lunar dust environment. The ground-support and onboard flight software for the mission was developed using a “Model-Based Software” methodology. In this technique, models of the spacecraft and flight software are developed in a graphical dynamics modeling package. Flight Software requirements are prototyped and refined using the simulated models. After the model is shown to work as desired in this simulation framework, C-code software is automatically generated from the models. The auto-generated code is then integrated with the Core Flight Executive and Core Flight Services (cFE/cFS) packages, VxWorks and appropriate board support packages. The generated software is then tested in real time Processor-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop test beds. Software cost estimation for the mission was performed 3 ways: 1) Extrapolated from development of a earth-based prototype hover-test vehicle, 2) Estimated through the Goddard Space Flight Center “mission design center” 3) Through the use of COCOMO based estimation spreadsheets. In this paper, we will discuss the characteristics of each of the cost estimation methods, and how they were tuned for a model-based development effort rather than a traditional effort. The estimates are also compared with actual costing and trend data for the LADEE Flight Software effort.
In vitro activity of CP-74,667. A new fluoroquinolone compared with other quinolones.

Abstract CP-74,667, a 6-fluoro-7-bridged piperazinyl-1-cyclopropyl-4 quinolone, inhibited 90% of staphylococci, β-hemolytic streptococci, enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at ≤ 2 μ g/ml. Ciprofloxacin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 50 ) of 4 μg/ml and an MIC 90 of 8 μg/ml. CP-74,667 was fourfold more active than ciprofloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae and St. pyogenes , but equal or less active than tosufloxacin against Gram-positive species. The MIC 90 for P. aeruginosa was 5 μg/ml similar to temafloxacin. The CP-74,667 MIC 90 for Bacteroides fragilis was 2 μg/ml, equal to tosufloxacin and temafloxacin. Activity was eight- to 16-fold less at pH 5.5 compared with pH 7.4 and also eight- to 16-fold less in urine. Magnesium ions markedly increased the CP-74,667 minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The development of resistance to CP-74,667 was similar to that found for other fluoroquinolones.
Evidence that Oleic Acid Exists in a Separate Phase Within Stratum Corneum Lipids

Oleic acid is known to be a penetration enhancer for polar to moderately polar molecules. A mechanism related to lipid phase separation has been previously proposed by this laboratory to explain the increases in skin transport. In the studies presented here, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was utilized to investigate whether or not oleic acid exists in a separate phase within stratum corneum (SC) lipids. Per-deuterated oleic acid was employed allowing the conformational phase behavior of the exogenously added fatty acid and the endogenous SC lipids to be monitored independently of each other. The results indicated that oleic acid exerts a significant effect on the SC lipids, lowering the lipid transition temperature (T m) in addition to increasing the conformational freedom or flexibility of the endogenous lipid alkyl chains above their T m. At temperatures lower than T m, however, oleic acid did not significantly change the chain disorder of the SC lipids. Similar results were obtained with lipids isolated from the SC by chloroform:methanol extraction. Oleic acid, itself, was almost fully disordered at temperatures both above and below the endogenous lipid T m in the intact SC and extracted lipid samples. This finding suggested that oleic acid does exist as a liquid within the SC lipids. The coexistence of fluid oleic acid and ordered SC lipids, at physiological temperatures, is consistent with the previously proposed phase-separation transport mechanism for enhanced diffusion. In this mechanism, the enhanced transport of polar molecules across the SC can be explained by the formation of permeable interfacial defects within the SC lipid bilayers which effectively decrease either the diffusional path length or the resistance, without necessarily invoking the formation of frank pores.
Protecting Architectural Forms as Traditional Cultural Expression? Why WIPO Should Go Back to the Drafting Table

In recent decades, developing countries and indigenous communities have increasingly asserted the necessity of protecting so-called “traditional cultural expression” – the array of creative expressions integral to the cultural and social identities of indigenous and local communities – from improper exploitation. Among the more prominent voices responding to such calls has been the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which has worked to develop an international framework affording traditional cultural expression and folklore sui generis rights. This Note examines WIPO’s recently promulgated Revised Draft Provisions for the Protection of Traditional Cultural Expressions/Expressions of Folklore, which would, among other things, loosely define “architectural forms” as a protectable traditional cultural expression. In evaluating the proposed protection for “architectural forms,” this Note simultaneously assesses the profound tensions WIPO’s Revised Draft Provisions create with respect to the existing U.S. intellectual property regime and identifies the general limits of WIPO’s current vision for protecting traditional cultural expression in general. Ultimately, this Note argues that WIPO’s proposals should not include the vaguely defined category of “architectural forms” as protectable subject matter because the currently broad language would raise serious issues as to public domain and free speech rights, and could seriously impair creative expression, cultural development and the progress of an important professional service.
Hopelessness as Mediator of the Link Between Reports of a History of Child Maltreatment and Suicidality in African American Women

Findings from a study comparing reports of a history of child maltreatment and hopelessness in a sample of economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged young urban African American women suicide attempters (n = 176) and demographically similar nonattempters (n = 185) revealed higher rates of child maltreatment and hopelessness among attempters than those among their nonsuicidal counterparts. Using a mediational model involving both linear and logistic regressions, results indicated that hopelessness partially mediated the link between reports of certain forms of child maltreatment (i.e., physical/emotional abuse and emotional neglect) and suicide attempts, and hopelessness fully mediated the link between child sexual abuse and suicide attempts. Of equal importance, reports of a history of childhood maltreatment significantly predicted the presence of hopelessness in those women who later attempted suicide. These results emphasize the clinical importance of screening for hopelessness in women who report a history of childhood maltreatment and/or current or previous suicidal behavior, as well as the need to target negative views of the future in clinical interventions with African American women abused as children.
ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX SINGLE-MOLECULE FRET TIME TRAJECTORIES

Single-molecule methods have given researchers the ability to investigate the structural dynamics of biomolecules at unprecedented resolution and sensitivity. One of the preferred methods of studying single biomolecules is single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET). The popularity of smFRET stems from its ability to report on dynamic, either intra- or intermolecular interactions in real-time. For example, smFRET has been successfully used to characterize the role of dynamics in functional RNAs and their protein complexes, including ribozymes, the ribosome, and more recently the spliceosome. Being able to reliably extract quantitative kinetic and conformational parameters from smFRET experiments is crucial for the interpretation of their results. The need for efficient, unbiased analysis routines becomes more evident as the systems studied become more complex. In this chapter, we focus on the practical utility of statistical algorithms, particularly hidden Markov models, to aid in the objective quantification of complex smFRET trajectories with three or more discrete states, and to extract kinetic information from the trajectories. Additionally, we present a method for systematically eliminating transitions associated with uncorrelated fluorophore behavior that may occur due to dye anisotropy and quenching effects. We also highlight the importance of data condensation through the use of various transition density plots to fully understand the underlying conformational dynamics and kinetic behavior of the biological macromolecule of interest under varying conditions. Finally, the application of these techniques to studies of pre-mRNA conformational changes during eukaryotic splicing is discussed.
Promoting Appropriate Antimicrobial Drug Use in the Outpatient Setting: What Works?

Acute respiratory tract infections account for the majority of outpatient antimicrobial use, and physicians continue to prescribe these drugs inappropriately for cough, cold and flu symptoms despite l
Driver assisted yaw rate control

A yaw rate controller was developed that utilizes the rear wheels of a vehicle to improve steering performance. The driver retains control over the front wheels, while a model reference controller (MRC) commands the rear wheels. Experimental results were obtained by implementing the MRC on a scale vehicle. These results indicate significant performance improvement over proportional yaw-rate controller methods often used for rear-wheel control. Specifically, the MRC method was found to be less sensitive to model nonlinearities such as actuator dynamics and steering linkage kinematics.
Escape Reflexes in Earthworms and Other Annelids

Escape or startle reflexes are characteristically seen in many representatives of the Phylum Annelida (segmented worms), a group that comprises the earthworms, aquatic oligochaetes, leeches, and marine bristle or polychaete worms. From the standpoint of defense, the escape reflex represents one of the most important components of a worm’s repertoire of locomotory behavior that, depending on the species, may also include undulating swimming or peristaltic creeping movements. The underlying control and coordination for all of these locomotory movements are carried out by the worm’s central nervous system, which consists of a dorsal brain in anterior segments and a ventral nerve cord, the latter being composed of a chain of segmentally arranged ganglia joined by longitudinal connectives.
Evaluation of current surveillance guidelines following radical cystectomy and proposal of a novel risk-based approach.

Abstract Background Evidence supporting surveillance guidelines after radical cystectomy (RC) are lacking. Herein, we evaluate the ability of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines to capture recurrences and provide an alternative approach that balances risks of recurrence with non–bladder cancer death. Methods We identified 1,797 patients who had M0 urothelial carcinoma who underwent RC at our institution between 1980 and 2007. The success of current guidelines to capture recurrences was assessed by calculating the percentage of recurrences detected during the recommended follow-up time: the NCCN—2 years and the EAU—5 years. An alternative protocol was created using Weibull distributions, which estimate when a patient׳s risk of non–bladder cancer death exceeds their risk of recurrence. Results At a median follow-up of 10.6 years (interquartile range : 6.8–15.2), a total of 714 patients recurred. Of these, 491 (68.7%) would have been detected by the NCCN guidelines and 642 (89.8%) by the EAU guidelines. Using a risk-adapted approach, vastly different surveillance durations were appreciated. For example, for patients older than 80 years with pT0Nx-0 or pTa/CIS/1Nx-0 disease, recurrence risk to any location never exceeded their risk of non–bladder cancer death, whereas for patients aged 60 years and younger with pT3/4Nx-0 or pTanyN+disease, risk of abdominal/pelvis recurrence remained greater than their risk of non–bladder cancer death for>20 years. Conclusions The duration of post-RC follow-up recommended by the NCCN and the EAU does not comprehensively capture recurrences. A surveillance algorithm based on the interaction between recurrence risk and competing health factors individualizes recommendations and may improve capture of recurrences and resource allocation.
Effects of Increasing Numbers of Pituitary Transplants in Hypophysectomized Rats1

Intrastrain im pituitary transplants in Sprague-Dawley rats were usually free of homograft reaction as observed in serial sections at 10 weeks after transplantation. Transplantation of 1, 3, 10 or 30 such pituitaries in hypophysectomized weanling females produced continuous growth proportional to the logarithm of the number of grafted glands. At 10 weeks hypophysectomized control rats weighed 96 + 5 g, hypophysectomized-grafted with 1 gland 129 ±3, with 3 glands 151 ±3, with 10 glands 170 ±3, with 30 glands 189+2, and intact controls 239+5. The morphology and weights of target organs also showed cumulative trophic effects with increasing numbers of grafts. Thus, in the hypophysectomized- grafted rats with 30 pituitaries the mean weights of the thyroid and adrenals were 2 times, the preputial glands 3 times, the uterus 4 times, and the ovaries 6 times greater than those of hypophysectomized controls. In the hypophysectomized rats grafted as weanlings with 30 glands the ovaries contained mature follicles an...
Valproic Acid–Induced Parkinsonism in the Elderly: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract Background Valproic acid (VPA) is commonly used to treat many psychiatric conditions in the elderly. VPA-induced parkinsonism is a less common but important adverse effect of this drug. Objectives The purpose of our study was to conduct a literature review to assess VPA-induced parkinsonism in the elderly. Methods We searched Ovid Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Database (January 1970 to December 2010) using the key words divalproate , divalproex sodium , valproate , depakote , valproic acid , elderly , aged , Parkinson's disease , and parkinsonism . The Naranjo algorithm was used to assess whether a change in clinical status was the result of an adverse drug reaction. Results We identified 13 case reports. Available evidence indicated that there was a variable time interval for the development of parkinsonism after VPA therapy. Most cases showed improvement with the withdrawal of the drug, but the rate and extent of improvement was unpredictable. The calculated Naranjo adverse drug reaction scores, for most cases, were between 5 and 6, meaning it was probable that parkinsonism was due to VPA therapy. Conclusions High clinical awareness is required in diagnosing VPA-induced parkinsonism in the elderly due the presence of comorbid neurodegenerative conditions and the usage of antipsychotics in these patients.
Dances with fire: Tracking metapopulation dynamics ofpolygonella basiramia in Florida scrub (USA)

The regional persistence of species subject to local population colonization and extinction necessarily depends on how landscape features and disturbance affect metapopulation dynamics. Here, we characterize the metapopulation structure and short-term dynamics ofPolygonella basiramia. This rare, short-lived perennial herb is endemic to Florida scrublands and lacks a seed bank. Fires create the open sand gaps within a shrub matrix that support this species but also kill established plants. Thus, persistence depends on frequent colonization of unoccupied gaps. We are monitoring population dynamics within and among 1204 gaps distributed among 19 shrub patches. Considerable subpopulation turnover is evident at the gap level with rates of gap extinction exceeding rates of colonization in the first year. Whether declines in overall abundance continue is likely to depend on patterns of disturbance and regional stochasticity in this dynamic landscape.Polygonella is more likely to occupy larger and less isolated gaps, demonstrating that landscape features and disturbance strongly affect metapopulation dynamics. BecausePolygonella basiramia displays characteristics, occupancy patterns, and turnover dynamics consistent with metapopulation theory, it represents a model system for studying plant metapopulations.
Some new almost difference sets via finite fields

Several investigations on antenna arrays focus on the “thinning” problem wherein one would like to reduce the number of array elements with respect to the original filled layouts. The rationale to do so is to economize costs, weight, consumption of power etc. But this typically would result in the loss of SLL (sidelobe level) control and gain when compared to the filled arrangements. Caorsi, S., Lommi, A., Massa, A. and Pastorino, M. [2004] have successfully used the so-called “difference sets” (DS), a rich class of combinatorial objects in thinned-array design procedures, to synthesize thinned arrays with controlled sidelobes. Oliveri,G., Donelli, M., and Massa, A [ 2009] go a step further and exploit the use of a more general class of combinatorial objects known as “almost difference sets” (ADS) since the admissible array configurations embrace a much larger terrain in their generalization. Several construction techniques based on finite fields and cyclotomy are obtained during the last decade providing infinite classes of ADS. We obtain some new examples of such objects using a finite field of order 31, thereby obtaining an almost perfect sequence of length 62 whose existence status was previously open. Further such examples are likely and are being investigated in our REU project supported by NSF.
Preparing Disadvantaged Pupils for Homemaker and Wage-Earner Roles

Selected teachers were provided learning experiences preparing them to work effectively with disadvantaged pupils; to cooperate with social and educational agencies; to work with employers providing job experience; and to produce curriculum materials for two courses orienting pupils to a dual role, one emphasizing job preparation, the other homemaking. Experimental and control groups were compared post-course. Instruments to measure comprehension, job and homemaker skills and attitudes, self-concept, and employee and employer satisfactions were selected or developed. Teaching methods and curriculum materials were evaluated. Utility of curriculum for teachers not sharing special preparation was assessed. Pupils were followed up after one year. Pupils in the wage-earning course evidenced gains in employability, knowledge, and feelings of self-worth. Pupils in both homemaking and wage-earning courses gained in positive attitude toward work. The impact of the courses was limited on academic achieve ment, absenteeism, and attitude toward women's dual role. Pupils said they had learned; employers and administrators evidenced satisfaction. Pupils in the course emphasizing wage earning gained more consistently than those in the course emphasizing homemaking. Agency resources made little contribution. Teachers successfully used the curriculum without special training.
SUITS: How to make a global IT service provider sustainable?

IT Service Providers are faced with the challenge to reconcile their goals in providing services efficiently and with the quality of services required while sustaining the environment. With the introduction of carbon taxation and regulations to control green gas emissions, there is a need to expand service design to incorporate heterogeneity in carbon taxes due to regional differences. The service providers have flexibility of selecting best locations for delivery of a service by taking into consideration operational cost associated with green gas emissions. They can also buy or sell carbon credits in a carbon trading market to maintain sustainable operational performance. In this paper, we introduce the Sustainable IT Services (SUITS) framework to develop models for operational performance of an IT Service Provider in a global environment with carbon taxation and carbon credit trading markets. The models are used to formulate a revenue optimization problem for the IT Service Provider in this environment. The model solutions can provide guidance for designing operational level of different IT components and for creating effective strategies for trading in carbon markets.
The grant portfolio of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research: the first five years.

Abstract Objective: To relate grant funding activities of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) with the Center's mission, priorities, and terminology for disability classification. Study Design: Retrospective review by the National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research (NABMRR). Data: Abstracts of 153 research proposals and one contract funded by the NCMRR from 1992 through 1996. Method: A six-member research group participated in the development of a rating form and related instructions used to evaluate each abstract. The form was piloted and revised, and interrater agreement was monitored. Results: Funded proposals reflected each of the NCMRR priorities evaluated, with the highest proportion in the areas of assistive technology and whole body system, and the lowest in the area of behavioral adaptation. Although some proposals were funded in each of the domains of the disability classification system, proportionately fewer addressed the domains of disability and societal limitations. Findings also indicated that few funded proposals addressed more than one domain in the disability classification system and that most abstracts did not address consumers' perspectives on quality of life. Recommendations: The NABMRR recommended that the NCMRR (1) encourage more research in the areas of disability and societal limitations and in behavioral adaptation, (2) examine funded proposals in light of a recent Institute of Medicine report, and (3) explore quality-of-life measurements. Further, members of the rehabilitation community are encouraged to e-mail their responses to this review to NCMRR staff at 〈lq2n@nih.govA〉 and to suggest areas of research emphasis.
Regulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II Synthesis in Bone Cell Cultures by Skeletal Growth Factors*

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is a growth factor secreted by bone cells and presumed to act as an autocrine regulator of bone formation. Although hormones and growth factors regulate the synthesis of skeletal IGF-I, hormones do not seem to modify the synthesis of skeletal IGF-II. We postulated that skeletal IGF-II is regulated by growth factors, and we tested the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) on IGF-II messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and polypeptide concentrations in cultures of osteoblast-enriched (Ob) cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae. Steady state IGF-II mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis, and IGF-II concentrations were determined in acidified and fractionated culture medium by a specific RIA. Treatment of Ob cells with bFGF, TGF beta 1, and PDGF-BB decreased IGF-II mRNA levels after 24-48 h. A continuous 48-h treatment with bFGF at 0.6-6 nM, TGF beta 1...
Modulation of the rate of histamine release from basophils by cyclic AMP.

Abstract Rates of histamine release from human basophil leukocytes have been studied in response to three different stimuli: antigen, ionophore A23187 and strontium ions. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and other agents which are assumed to cause a rise in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP accelerate the release of histamine induced by all of the stimuli. In addition, dibutyryl cyclic AMP caused an inhibition of the maximum release obtainable with antigen stimulation but no inhibition of the maximum release obtainable with ionophore A 23187 or with strontium ions alone.
Degenerate Raman Sideband Cooling of Trapped Cesium Atoms at Very High Atomic Densities

Vladan Vuletic, Cheng Chin, Andrew J. Kerman, and Steven Chu Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4060 (Received 25 August 1998) We trap 107 cesium atoms in a far red detuned 1D optical lattice. With degenerate Raman sideband cooling we achieve a vibrational ground state population of 80% for the steep trapping direction. Collisional coupling enables us to cool the spin-polarized gas in 3D without loss of atoms to a peak phase space density of 1y180 at a mean temperature of 2.8 mK and a density of 1.4 3 1013 cm23. [S0031-9007(98)08002-8]
A critical analysis of paddlewheel-driven raceway ponds for algal biofuel production at commercial scales

Microalgae have been promoted as the next frontier of green biotechnology and gained widespread attention as desirable feedstocks for biofuels. Using conservative assumptions for microalgal growth rates (15 g m− 2 d− 1) and total lipid content (25%), the entire “pond-to-pump” lifecycle of algal biofuels for 1000 bbl d− 1 of crude algae oil production is modeled with approximately 4875 ha of raceway ponds for solar collection and cultivation and 1463 MLD (385 MGD) of water handling capacity in the current analysis. Technoeconomic analysis based on an array of 6000 modular 0.8 ha (2 acre) paddlewheel-driven ponds in New Mexico identified several cost barriers and resources challenges (i.e., nutrient and water resources). For 10- and 20-year capital return scenarios, the cost of algal oil production – $4.10 L− 1 ($15.52 gal− 1) and $3.21 L− 1 ($12.14 gal− 1), respectively – requires substantial capital and facility maintenance investments with principal cost sensitivities attributed to extraction efficiency and lipid content. Baseline conditions result in an energy return on investment (EROI) of 2.73. Uncertainty in energy requirements for paddlewheels as well as water supply and circulation significantly affect the EROI and operating costs. Alternative strategies to address the major cost barriers are needed for algal biofuels to realize their full potential.
Application of a direct microscopic method of the determination of active bacteria in lakes

Abstract Electron transport activity was measured in planktonic, freshwater bacteria by determining the number of cells which reduced 2-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyltetrazolium chloride (INT) to INT-formazan, which was deposited as opague, red, intracellular crystals. Counting was facilitated by application of the malachite green-INT (MINT) method. MINT counts were not significantly different when compared with acridine orange direct counts for determining total bacterial numbers in Florida lakes of varying trophic status. Use of MINT makes it possible to enumerate both active and inactive freshwater bacteria on the same preparation using only bright field microscopy.
Arterial Thrombosis With Immunomodulatory Derivatives in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Center Case Series and Review of the Literature

Although the increased risk of venous thrombotic events with thalidomide in multiple myeloma (MM) has been well described, an association with an increased risk of arterial events is less well appreciated. We describe 5 unusual arterial thromboses in patients with MM shortly after beginning thalidomide-based therapies. The cases are remarkable for a paucity of risk factors and short latency. We also review the literature on arterial thromboembolic events in patients taking thalidomide. Care should be taken in future trials to document arterial events with both thalidomide and lenalidomide.
System support for mobile, adaptive applications

Imagine that, while on a business trip to Paris, you decide to take a few extra days to sample the city's museums. When you buy your museum pass, you are given a virtual tour guide device-a small PDA that can deliver information about specific pieces in the museum system as well as general information about the city. This device communicates via wireless networks. In or near a museum, the device has access to a high-speed micro-cellular network; in the rest of the city, it makes use of the GSM infrastructure. The user can ask this device to elaborate on specific sites or pieces, display related information, or perform geographically-based queries. These requests are satisfied by applications such as a customized Web browser and a video playback application. When within range of a museum's high-quality network, the displayed information is of excellent quality: images are at high resolution and color, and video is delivered in full motion. However, when the user strays away from the high-bandwidth network, each application degrades the quality of the data it delivers so that it arrives in a timely fashion.
The quest for universal curves to describe the surface sensitivity of electron spectroscopies

Abstract An overview is given of data for electron attenuation lengths (ALs) and inelastic mean free paths (IMFPs) in the energy range of interest for electron spectroscopy of surfaces with emphasis on the search for so-called universal curves. Reliable knowledge of ALs and IMFPs is important for determining the surface sensitivity of electron spectroscopies and for quantitative surface analysis by AES and XPS. Suitable formulae for ALs and IMFPs are needed as user guides but existing formulae are of limited accuracy due to problems in AL measurements and approximations in IMFP calculations. AL measurements and the various AL and IMFP formulae are evaluated. A new formula due to Tanuma et al. shows promise of being a useful guide to the energy- and material-dependences of IMFPs and may be a reasonable though less accurate guide for ALs.
Which African American mothers disclose psychosocial issues to their pediatric providers

Abstract Objective To determine if parents' self-efficacy in communicating with their child's pediatrician is associated with African American mothers' disclosure of psychosocial concerns during pediatric primary care visits. Methods Self-identified African American mothers (n = 231) of children 2 to 5 years were recruited from 8 urban pediatric primary care practices in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Visits were audiorecorded, and parents completed phone surveys within 24 hours. Maternal disclosure of psychosocial issues and self-efficacy in communicating with their child's provider were measured using the Roter Interactional Analysis System (RIAS) and the Perceived Efficacy in Patient–Physician Interactions (PEPPI), respectively. Results Thirty-two percent of mothers disclosed psychosocial issues. Mothers who disclosed were more likely to report maximum levels of self-efficacy in communicating with their child's provider compared to those who did not disclose (50% vs 35%; P = .02). During visits in which mothers disclosed psychosocial issues, providers were observed to provide more psychosocial information (mean 1.52 vs 1.08 utterances per minute, P = .002) and ask fewer medical questions (mean 1.76 vs 1.99 utterances per minute, P = .05) than during visits in which mothers did not disclose. The association between self-efficacy and disclosure was significant among low-income mothers (odds ratio 5.62, P Conclusions Findings suggest that efforts to increase parental self-efficacy in communicating with their child's pediatrician may increase parents' likelihood of disclosing psychosocial concerns. Such efforts may enhance rates of identifying and addressing psychosocial issues, particularly among lower-income African American patients.