cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complications, Costs, and Quality Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Cervical Deformity Surgery With Intraoperative BMP Use.

STUDY DESIGN An epidemiological study using national administrative data from the MarketScan database. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the impact of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing adult cervical deformity (ACD) surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA BMP has been shown to stimulate bone growth and improve fusion rates in spine surgery. However, the impact of BMP on reoperation rates and postoperative complication rate is controversial. METHODS We queried the MarketScan database to identify patients who underwent ACD surgery from 2007 to 2015. Patients were stratified by BMP use in the index operation. Patients <18 years and those with any history of tumor or trauma were excluded. Baseline demographics and comorbidities, postoperative complication rates, and reoperation rates were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 13,549 patients underwent primary ACD surgery, of which 1155 (8.5%) had intraoperative BMP use. The overall 90-day complication rate was 27.6% in the non-BMP cohort and 31.1% in the BMP cohort (P < 0.05). Patients in the BMP cohort had longer average length of stay (4.0 days vs. 3.7 days, P < 0.05) but lower revision surgery rates at 90 days (14.5% vs. 28.3%, P < 0.05), 6 months (14.9% vs. 28.6%, P < 0.05), 1 year (15.7% vs. 29.2%, P < 0.05), and 2 years (16.5% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.05) postoperatively. BMP use was associated with higher payments throughout the 2-year follow-up period ($107,975 vs. $97,620, P < 0.05). When controlling for baseline group differences, BMP use independently increased the odds of postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.4) and reduced the odds of reoperation throughout 2 years of follow-up (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.4-0.6). CONCLUSION Intraoperative BMP use has benefits for fusion integrity in ACD surgery but is associated with increased postoperative complication rate. Spine surgeons should weigh these benefits and drawbacks to identify optimal candidates for BMP use in ACD surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Is long-term ABA therapy abusive: A response to Sandoval-Norton and Shkedy

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a common treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a recent volume of this journal, Sanvodal-Norton and Shkedy (2019) published a criticis...
Malignant eosinophilic ascites due to metastatic urothelial carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

A 59-year-old man with a history of tobacco use presented for worsening abdominal pain and swelling associated with weight loss and haematuria. Physical examination revealed a thin-appearing man with tense ascites and a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. Initial laboratory studies revealed a
Reducing criminal record discrimination through banning the box: the importance of timing and explanation in the reveal of a drug conviction

There has been a recent push toward placing restrictions on when and how employers can ask about job applicants’ criminal records. In our research, we asked hypothetical employers to evaluate job a...
The Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test Predicts Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology (P4.1-026)

Objective: To use performance on the picture version of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT+IR) to predict Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) neuropathology defined by Braak stage. Background: The pFCSRT+IR is a widely-used episodic memory test that has participants identify items in response to category cues in the study phase. Following free recall (FR) in the test phase, category cues are presented to assess cued recall for items not retrieved by FR. Total recall (TR) is the sum of FR and cued recall. FR and TR have been shown to identify prevalent dementia, incident dementia and AD, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and to be associated with AD biomarkers. Design/Methods: 119 participants from the prospective Einstein Aging Study clinicopathologic series were staged using the methods of Braak and Braak. The FR and TR scores from the test administration closest to death were used to predict AD neuropathology as defined by a Braak stage of IV or greater. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to assess FR and TR as screens for AD neuropathology. Youden’s index was used to select optimal cut scores. Results: The post-mortem sample had a mean age at death of 87, 60% were female and 27% had AD neuropathology. ROC analysis showed that both TR and FR predicted AD neuropathology with AUCs of 0.71 and 0.68 respectively. The AUC was not materially affected by adjustments for sex, education, age at death, or interval between last assessment and death for TR (0.72) or FR (0.70). The optimal cut score for TR was 43 (sen=0.69/spec=0.74), yielding an odds ratio of 8.1 (95% CI: 2.9,22.6). The optimal cut score for FR was 21 (sen=0.78/spec=0.55) yielding an odds ratio of 5.1 (95% CI: 1.8,14.5). Conclusions: Both FR and TR predict AD neuropathology. Disclosure: Dr. Grober has received royalty, license fees, or contractual rights payments from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Lipton has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with American Academy of Neurology, Alder Biopharmaceuticals, Allergan, American Headache Society, Amgen, Autonomic Technologies, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Biohaven, Biovision, Boston Scientific, Dr. Reddy’s, Electrocore, Eli Lilly, eNeura Therapeutics, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pernix, Pfizer, Supernus, Teva, Trigemina, Vector, and Vedanta. Dr. Lipton holds stock and/or stock options in Biohaven. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose.
Knowledge Spillovers, Trade, and Foreign Direct Investment

This paper studies knowledge spillovers, positive externalities that augment the information set of an economic agent, and reviews the evidence on such spillovers in the context of international economic transactions. The entry discusses trade channels of knowledge transfer associated with purchases from abroad (imports) and sales to abroad (exports). Another focus is on the foreign direct investment (FDI) channel through purchases from abroad (inward FDI) and sales to abroad (outward FDI). The entry also distinguishes knowledge flows from foreign to domestic agents and from domestic to foreign agents. The entry underlines the importance of empirical methodology and data characteristics that determine the quality of econometric identification. Even though spillovers are by their very nature–as externalities–difficult to identify, over recent decades a number of advances have produced robust evidence that both trade and foreign direct investment lead to sizable knowledge spillovers. These advances have been both conceptual as well as in the areas of empirical methodology and new data.
Usefulness of Postnatal Echocardiograms in Patients with Omphaloceles Who Previously Had a Normal Fetal Echocardiogram.

Neonates with omphaloceles routinely have a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed due to a high association with congenital heart defects (CHD). The utility of a TTE in these patients with a normal fetal echocardiogram is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a critical CHD diagnosis was missed in patients with an omphalocele who had a normal fetal echocardiogram. The secondary objective of the study was to determine whether any CHD diagnosis was missed postnatally when a fetal echocardiogram was read as normal. A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with omphaloceles born between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2020. Patients were included if they had a fetal echocardiogram that was read as normal and had a postnatal echocardiogram performed. Baseline demographics, postnatal data echocardiographic findings, and hospital course were collected. Critical CHD was defined as CHD requiring neonatal cardiac intervention. Fifty-six fetal echocardiograms on patients with omphaloceles were performed, of which 24 patients met the inclusion criteria. No patient was diagnosed with a critical CHD postnatally (negative predictive value [NPV] = 100%). Two patients were diagnosed with ventricular septal defects (VSD) postnatally (NPV = 91.7%). One of the VSDs required closure with a patch at 4 months of life, while the other, a small muscular VSD, closed spontaneously within the first year of life. Both patients had a murmur on exam during their initial hospital stay. The patient that required surgery also had an abnormal electrocardiogram and chest X-ray. There were no mortalities due to cardiac causes in these patients. Critical CHD was not missed on any patient with an omphalocele who had a normal fetal echocardiogram. All other patients with omphaloceles who had CHD diagnosed postnatally had an abnormal clinical finding on postnatal evaluation. The routine performance of a postnatal TTE in patients with an omphalocele who had a normal fetal echocardiogram may not be needed in those with a normal clinical workup. Further studies evaluating echocardiographic imaging recommendations are needed to maximize care and optimize resource allocation in this complex patient population.
Parametric study of notch geometry in standardized chevron notched fracture test specimens for advanced ceramics

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative influences of selected geometric parameters on the resulting stress intensity factor geometry correction factor, Y, for chevron notched fracture test specimens, stable crack propagation during the test and stability of the resulting fracture process. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to model test specimen geometries specialized in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Test Method C 1421 [1]. Geometric parameters studied include notch thickness, notch corner radius, notch symmetry, notch centering, test specimen width and test specimen thickness. The results showed that the allowed notch thickness should not be increased. The assumption that the influence of the test specimen width is small is correct. The calculations showed that the eccentricity of the notch has no influence on Y. The results for the symmetry were good for the lower limits, and the difference to the ASTM values was less than two percent. The biggest differences were for the changes in the specimen height. The differences of the FEA results compared to the ASTM values were up to five percent. The study of the crack stability showed that the notch can not be modeled ideal with a sharp notch and that the importance of the crack initiation.
Finding Golf Courses: The Ultra High Tech Approach

The search for a suitable golf course is a very important issue in the travel plans of any modern manager. Modern management is also infamous for its penchant for high-tech gadgetry. Here we combine these two facets of modern management life. We aim to provide the cutting-edge manager with a method of finding golf courses from space! In this paper, we present GENIE: a hybrid evolutionary algorithm-based system that tackles the general problem of finding features of interest in multi-spectral remotely-sensed images, including, but not limited to, golf courses. Using this system we are able to successfully locate golf courses in 10-channel satellite images of several desirable US locations.
Supernova Remnants as a Probe of Dust Grains in the Interstellar Medium

Interstellar dust grains play a crucial role in the evolution of the galactic interstellar medium (ISM). Despite its importance, however, dust remains poorly understood in terms of its origin, composition, and abundance throughout the universe. Supernova remnants (SNRs) provide a laboratory for studying the evolution of dust grains, as they are one of the only environments in the universe where it is possible to observe grains being both created and destroyed. SNRs exhibit collisionally heated dust, allowing dust to serve as a diagnostic both for grain physics and for the plasma conditions in the SNR. I present theoretical models of collisionally heated dust which calculate grain emission as well as destruction rates. In these models, I incorporate physics such as nonthermal sputtering caused by grain motions through the gas, a more realistic approach to sputtering for small grains, and arbitrary grain compositions porous and composite grains. I apply these models to infrared and X-ray observations of Kepler's supernova and the Cygnus Loop in the galaxy, and SNRs 0509-67.5, 0519-69.0, and 0540-69.3 in the LMC. X-ray observations characterize the hot plasma while IR observations constrain grain properties and destruction rates. Such a multi-wavelength approach is crucial for a complete understanding of gas and dust interaction and evolution. Modeling of both X-ray and IR spectra allows disentangling of parameters such as pre and postshock gas density, as well as swept-up masses of gas and dust, and can provide constraints on the shock compression ratio. Observations also show that the dust-to-gas mass ratio in the ISM is lower by a factor of several than what is inferred by extinction studies of starlight. Future observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the International X-ray Observatory, will allow testing of models far beyond what is possible now.
The West's Moral Obligation to Assist Developing Nations in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is increasingly a disease of the disadvantaged, a destroyer of nations, and a threat to global security and well-being. But this need not be so: the world has the scientific knowledge, technological innovations, and financial resources to significantly reduce the spread and suffering caused by the disease. This paper argues that the wealthy nations of the world, led by the United States, have a moral obligation to offer much greater assistance to developing countries where the epidemic is most severe. Using Zimbabwe as a case study, this essay examines the immediate and underlying factors behind the epidemic in order to make realistic and affordable policy recommendations that include new investments in global health care, debt relief, and long-term economic development. By demonstrating our ability to dramatically affect the future course and consequences of this unprecedented epidemic, the paper concludes that greater action is not only in the interest of public health, but is also a moral imperative. By investing the necessary resources to improve public health and to reduce global poverty, we promote and extend the fundamental rights and values that we profess to hold dear.
Identification and analysis of flagellar coexpressed determinants (Feds) of Campylobacter jejuni involved in colonization.

Summary The flagellum of Campylobacter jejuni provides motility essential for commensal colonization of the intestinal tract of avian species and infection of humans resulting in diarrhoeal disease. Additionally, the flagellar type III secretion system has been reported to secrete proteins such as CiaI that influence invasion of human intestinal cells and possibly pathogenesis. The flagellar regulatory system ultimately influences σ28 activity required for expression of the FlaA major flagellin and other flagellar filament proteins. In this work, we discovered that transcription of ciaI and four genes we propose annotating as feds (for flagellar coexpressed determinants) is dependent upon σ28, but these genes are not required for motility. Instead, the Feds and CiaI are involved in commensal colonization of chicks, with FedA additionally involved in promoting invasion of human intestinal cells. We also discovered that the major flagellin influences production, stability or secretion of σ28-dependent proteins. Specific transcriptional and translational mechanisms affecting CiaI were identified and domains of CiaI were analysed for importance in commensalism or invasion. Our work broadens the genes controlled by the flagellar regulatory system and implicates this system in co-ordinating production of colonization and virulence determinants with flagella, which together are required for optimal interactions with diverse hosts.
Clustering of Blog Sites Using Collective Wisdom

The blogosphere is expanding at an unprecedented speed. A better understanding of the blogosphere can greatly facilitate the development of the social Web to serve the needs of users, service providers, and advertisers. One important task in this process is the clustering of blog sites. Although a good number of traditional clustering methods exist, they are not designed to take into account the blogosphere’s unique characteristics. Clustering blog sites presents new challenges. A prominent feature of the social Web is that many enthusiastic bloggers voluntarily write, tag, and catalog their posts in order to reach the widest possible audience who will share their thoughts and appreciate their ideas. In the process, a new kind of collective wisdom is generated. The objective of this work is to make use of this collective wisdom in the clustering of blog sites. As such, we study how clustering with collective wisdom can be achieved and compare its performance with respect to representative traditional clustering methods. Here contain, we will present statistical and visual results, report findings, opportunities for future research work, and estimated timeline, extending this work to many real-world applications.
Machine-Learning-Based Analysis in Genome-Edited Cells Reveals the Efficiency of Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

Cells internalize various molecules through clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Previous live-cell imaging studies suggested that CME is inefficient, with about half of the events terminated. These CME efficiency estimates may have been confounded by overexpression of fluorescently tagged proteins and inability to filter out false CME sites. Here, we employed genome editing and machine learning to identify and analyze authentic CME sites. We examined CME dynamics in cells that express fluorescent fusions of two defining CME proteins, AP2 and clathrin. Support vector machine classifiers were built to identify and analyze authentic CME sites. From inception until disappearance, authentic CME sites contain both AP2 and clathrin, have the same degree of limited mobility, continue to accumulate AP2 and clathrin over lifetimes >∼20 s, and almost always form vesicles as assessed by dynamin2 recruitment. Sites that contain only clathrin or AP2 show distinct dynamics, suggesting they are not part of the CME pathway.
Effect of Level of Intake and Other Factors on Digestibility of Climax Timothy Hay

Abstract Two total-collection digestion trials were employed to ascertain the influence of nitrogen fertilization rate, harvest date, and level of intake on the nutritive value of Climax timothy hay. Two plots of timothy were fertilized at two levels of nitrogen per acre, 34.1kg and 56.8kg, respectively. One half of each plot was harvested on June 15 and the remainder on June 25. The four hays were fed to wethers at two levels, limited and ad libitum plus 10% refusal. Intake levels and protein and energy digestibilities were determined for each of the treatment forages. Consistent results were found with respect to: 1) Nitrogen fertilization did not significantly influence forage composition. 2) Harvest date exerted a highly significant difference in forage crude protein content and energy digestibility. 3) Significant differences were found in forage intake levels between harvest dates. 4) The ad libitum feeding rate caused a significant depression in energy digestibility compared to the limited feeding rate.
Respiratory Pathogens in Monkeys

Respiratory disease in a dynamic colony of nonhuman primates during a 4-year period was due primarily to infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida, and Haemophilus influenzae. The principal secondary invaders were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and streptococci. A high fatality rate was associated with infections caused by each of the primary pathogens, and females appeared to be more susceptible than males. Incidence of respiratory disease was greatest in the fall and early winter; however, at all times newly colonized monkeys had a higher infection rate than conditioned monkeys. Infections were occasionally confined only to the lungs and were sometimes present without grossly observable lung lesions. The information given on susceptibility of 10 species of nonhuman primates to respiratory infections provides a basis for developing disease models.
Using Global Implicit Measurement Strategies to Assess Situation Awareness during the Training of Laparoscopic Surgical Skills

How well does a global implicit measure assess situation awareness in an elementary laparoscopic training scenario? Nine volunteers threaded as many orange, purple, and blue foam rings as possible onto a pegboard during 2-minute trials. They used a pair of 5mm laparoscopic surgical graspers in an endoscopy training simulator to perform the task. Ring sizes were identical for all colors in the first three trials but were of different inner diameters for the remaining six trials. This switch was never mentioned to participants. Workload measures were collected for each trial and included a subjective measure (NASA-TLX) and a secondary-task method (interval productions). Results indicated that interval productions, but not the NASA-TLX, showed evidence of a workload spike at the time that situation awareness was first manifested in performance. These preliminary data suggest that a global implicit measure can be used for evaluating SA in a relatively simple environment.
Both Sides Now: Examining Transformative Learning and Professional Development of Educators

The purpose of this mixed method research is to understand and support educators' continuing learning and growth better by using a lens of transformative learning to examine their experience and professional development practice and responsibility. Data from 58 participants and the course professor are analyzed to consider the occurrence of transformative learning and the related needs that emerged. This article also presents trends across the learning experiences and recommendations for practice and responsibility. Additionally, there are implications of the research for higher education professors, administrators, and developers reflecting on their concepts and planning of formal professional development.
Intracellular proteolytic processing of the two-chain vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor X

Abstract The vitamin K-dependent clotting factors require posttranslational proteolytic processing before they are secreted by the liver into blood as mature zymogens. For most of these proteins, the sequences around the cleavage sites show a common motif (Arg-X-Lys/Arg-Arg) which define the substrate specificity for the endoprotease furin/PACE of the Golgi apparatus. In this paper, we present data which suggest that an additional Ca++-dependent endoprotease(s) is located in the endoplasmic reticulum, and may participate in processing of the two-chain vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor X. The single-chain 70 kDa factor X precursor in microsomes from rat liver was labeled by 14C-γ-carboxylation and its conversion to a two-chain form followed in an incubation system with microsomal membrane fragments. A Ca++-dependent endoprotease(s) converted the factor X precursor to a two-chain form with a light-chain of 21 kDa. The endoprotease(s) showed little reactivity towards release of the factor X propeptide. The data provide new information about the endoprotease system in liver which participates in clotting factor proteolytic processing.
EFFECTS OF LEAN MEAT SOURCE AND LEVELS OF FAT AND SOY PROTEIN ON THE PROPERTIES OF WIENER‐TYPE PRODUCTS

The effects of different meat sources (beef, pork, beef hearts) and of varying fat and textured soy protein (TSP) levels on properties of wiener-type products were studied. Beef was found to give a more stable emulsion than pork and beef hearts in high fat (30%) and TSP (25%) formulations. High levels (45%) of hydrated TSP did not adversely affect emulsion stability of formulations low in fat (10%). Toughness, caused by lowering the fat levels, was improved by inclusion of pork without causing adverse effects on emulsion stability when low levels (5%) of soy protein isolate (SPI) were used. By lowering the fat and increasing the soy level, a high-protein, low-fat wiener was produced. Shrink and moisture content of this wiener were also higher. A lean content of 40–45% was adequate for good color formation in soy-containing wieners.
Review essay: Minerva's ‘owl dizzy with success’

Richard H. Ullman (ed.) The World and Yugoslavia's Wars (NY: Council of Foreign Relations Book, 1996). Pp.230, index $18.95. ISBN 0–8760–191–5.
Tooth pulp-evoked potentials in the trigeminal brainstem nuclear complex

The surface and depth distributions of mandibular canine, tooth pulp-evoked potentials (TPEPs) in the trigeminal brainstem nuclear complex were studied in anesthetized cats. Three pairs of positive-negative waves or components were elicited from each trigeminal brainstem nucleus (main sensory, MSN; oralis, NO; interpolaris, NI; caudalis or medullary dorsal horn, NC). The location and dipole orientation of the current generator source for each pair of components in each nucleus were determined by using the topographic amplitude distribution of TPEPs in both their normal-reference and inverted polarities and the isoelectric contour line. The current sources for all components were the following: MSN--dorsomedial subnucleus; NO--dorsolateral portion; NI--dorsomedial portion; NC--medial part of superficial and intermediate laminae. These loci are consistent with the central terminal zones of mandibular tooth pulp afferents reported in previous neuroanatomical studies. Measurements of mean peak latencies suggest that tooth pulp A beta afferents contribute to the putatively presynaptic (P1-N1) and monosynaptic (P2-N2) components found in all trigeminal brainstem nuclei and that A delta afferents contribute to the later and possibly polysynaptic components (P3-N3) in the same nuclei. The pertinence of these findings to the theory that both non-nociceptive and nociceptive intradental inputs project to rostral and caudal nuclei are discussed.
Echocardiographic characteristics of professional football players

Abstract Objectives We examined the echocardiographic characteristics of highly trained American football players. Background Intense physical training is associated with morphologic and physiologic cardiac changes often referred to as the “athlete’s heart.” Echocardiographic features peculiar to elite football players have not been described. Methods We studied cardiac morphology and function as assessed by rest and stress echocardiography in 156 asymptomatic National Football League players. Resting and stress ejection fraction (EF), wall thickness, and diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) were measured. Left ventricular (LV) mass was calculated, as was relative wall thickness (RWT) defined as septal and posterior wall thickness divided by LVID. Control data were obtained from published studies. Results The mean LVID (53 ± 0.5 mm) and maximal wall thickness (11.2 ± 0.2 mm) were increased over normal reported control subjects. There was a correlation between LVID and body weight (p = 0.01) and body surface area (BSA) (p = 0.01). The average LVID indexed to BSA was 23 ± 2 mm/M2. There was also a correlation between maximal wall thickness and body weight (p = 0.01) and BSA (p = 0.01). The average wall thickness indexed to BSA was 5.05 ± 0.88 mm/M2. Of the players, 23% had evidence of LV hypertrophy. Two players had an increased septal-to-posterior-wall-thickness ratio (≥1.3), although no player had an outflow gradient. The RWT for the players was 0.424 (± 0.1). The mean resting EF was 58% (± 4.4%), and every player undergoing exercise testing had an appropriate hyperdynamic response in cardiac function. Conclusions Both wall thickness and LVID of elite American football players are increased and correlate with body size. There is a high RWT, reflecting an emphasis on strength training. The LV EF was normal and not supranormal, as is sometimes believed. Regardless of the resting EF, all players had hyperdynamic cardiac responses with exercise.
An algebraic characterization of projective-planar graphs

We give a detailed algebraic characterization of when a graph G can be imbedded in the projective plane. The characterization is in terms of the existence of a dual graph G* on the same edge set as G, which satisfies algebraic conditions inspired by homology groups and intersection products in homology groups. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 320–331, 2003
Ligand-independent redistribution of Fas (CD95) into lipid rafts mediates clonotypic T cell death

Clonotypic elimination of activated T cells through Fas-Fas ligand (CD95-CD95L) interactions is one mechanism of peripheral self-tolerance. T cell receptor (TCR) stimuli trigger FasL synthesis but also sensitize activated T cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis through an unknown mechanism. Here we show that TCR restimulation of activated human CD4(+) T cells resulted in Fas translocation into lipid raft microdomains before binding FasL, rendering these cells sensitive to apoptosis after stimulation with bivalent antibody or FasL. Disruption of lipid rafts reduced sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis after TCR restimulation. Thus, the redistribution of Fas and other tumor necrosis factor family receptors into and out of lipid rafts may dynamically regulate the efficiency and outcomes of signaling by these receptors.
A note on the isolation of the bacteriumVibrio parahaemolyticus from estuarine North Carolina

The potentially pathogenic bacterium,Vibrio parahaemolyticus, was isolated from water, sediment, and oyster samples collected from estuarine North Carolina. In October, when water temperatures were 15–18°C,V. parahaemolyticus was still detected in all substrates. However, the organism was detected only in one sediment sample in January when water temperatures were 4–5°C. No correlation was observed between the occurrence of the bacterium and domestic wastewater contamination.
Literature Update: A critical review

Abstract Have We Been Treating the Wrong Partner? KAPLAN, H.S.(1988) Intimacy disorders and sexual panic states, Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 14, pp. 3–12.
The diphenyliodonium-2-carboxylates: An NMR structure investigation

Diphenyliodonium-2-carboxylate, phenyl 4-methylphenyliodonium-2-carboxylate and phenyl 5-methyl-phenyliodonium-2-carboxylate have been examined by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Each compound showed one proton considerably upfield from the others. From the two substituted compounds this was deduced to be H-6 on the ring containing the carboxylate group. Shift reagents and relaxation measurements were used to make the 13C chemical shift assignments. These data are most consistent with a cyclic, neutral structure for these iodonium carboxylates. The iodine is in the center of a trigonal bipyramid with the unsubstituted phenyl and carboxylate group apical, which places the C-6 proton in the shielding region of the adjacent phenyl group.
Literacy-Enriched Play Centers: Trying Them Out in “The Real World”

(1995). Literacy-Enriched Play Centers: Trying Them Out in “The Real World”. Childhood Education: Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 7-12.
Simulations of the solvent structure for macromolecules. I. Solvation of B-DNA double helix at T = 300 K†

Monte Carlo simulations are reported for a system of 447 water molecules enclosing a B-DNA double-helix fragment with 12 base pairs and the corresponding sugar and phosphate units. From a detailed analysis on the interaction energies and probability distributions (at a simulated temperature of 300 K), the water molecules can be partitioned into clusters strongly interacting with (1) the phosphates, (2) the sugars, (3) the sugars and the bases, and (4) the base pairs. In addition, transgroove and interphosphate filament of hydrogen-bonded water molecules have been detected. From simulations performed with variable numbers of water molecules, a theoretical isotherm has been obtained, with the characteristic sigmoidal shape, known from absorption–desorption experiments on related systems. The expected main features for the structure of water molecules solvating B-DNA with Na+ counterions are briefly discussed at the end of the paper.
ICFF: a new method to incorporate implicit flexibility into an internal coordinate force field.

OAK-B135 ICFF: A New Method to Incorporate Implicit Flexibility into an Internal Coordinate Force Field
Overview of insulin delivery pen devices.

Objectives To review currently available insulin delivery pen devices for use in diabetes and to describe their primary benefits and drawbacks in comparison with the traditional vial/syringe method of insulin administration. Data source Not applicable. Summary Insulin delivery pen devices are available for most types of insulin, including all insulin analog preparations and insulin premixes with rapid-acting insulin or regular insulin with neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin. Some devices have a replaceable insulin cartridge (categorized as reusable or durable); other devices are prefilled and are disposed of after the insulin reservoir is emptied. Insulin delivery pens offer several advantages over the vial and syringe method of injection, including greater ease and discretion of use and improved portability, adherence, and dosing accuracy. The tactile and auditory feedback provided by the dosing dial on insulin delivery pen devices may be particularly helpful for patients who have impaired manual dexterity or vision. Studies also show a strong preference among patients in favor of insulin delivery pen devices compared with the vial/syringe method. Finally, despite greater per-unit cost, insulin delivery pen devices have also been associated with reductions in health resource use and associated costs compared with vial/syringe therapy. Conclusion Insulin delivery pen devices offer another option to patients with diabetes for insulin administration. They are associated with not only improved ease of use but also improved dosing accuracy and adherence to therapy. To develop the most suitable insulin regimens for their patients, health providers should be informed about available insulin delivery pen devices.
WAIS practice effects in clinical neuropsychology

A recent review (Matarazzo, Carmody, & Jacobs, 1980) has focused attention on the issue of WAIS practice effects in clinical practice. Available literature suggests that WAIS practice effects in may samples of patients with neuropsychological dysfunction are minimal. Data relevant to this hypothesis are reviewed. Practical guidelines for the interpretation of test-retest changes on the WAIS in neuropsychological assessment are proposed, and the importance of considering the impact of WAIS practice effects in neuropsychological research is addressed.
Lifetimes and failure mechanisms of w/re hairpin filaments

A life test of tungsten hairpin filaments used in a high-reliability electron beam instrument has been carried out to improve knowledge of filament life and failure mechanisms as a function of temperature. These filaments are made of nonsag tungsten/3 pct rhenium (W/3 pct Re) wire. A steep reduction in filament life is observed at 2760 K, which is not predicted by models which assume thermal evaporation as the principal failure mechanism. Failure analysis of the filaments shows that the sudden loss of life at 2760 K is the result of localized hot-spot formation caused by the accumulation of voids at grain boundaries. Examination of the crystal growth and growth rates indicates that the recrystallization temperature, TRec, occurs near 2760 K for the nonsag W/3 pct Re wire used in these filaments. This suggests that void accumulation acts as the principal, life-limiting failure mechanism; spontaneous recrystallization at 2760 K increases the rate of void growth and causes a severe reduction of filament life.
Balancing Education: Let's Hear It More for the Humanities:

If the nation is at risk because too few students are studying science and math, it is also at risk because too few students are studying fields of knowledge that will focus their attention on the need for social justice, social values, and responsible behavior.
The Quasi-static Deformation, Failure, and Fracture Behavior of Titanium Alloy Gusset Plates Containing Bolt Holes

In this article, the influence of bolt holes, specifically their number and layout on strength, deformation, and final fracture behavior of titanium alloy gusset plates under the influence of an external load is presented and discussed. Several plates having differences in both the number and layout of the bolt holes were precision machined and then deformed under quasi-static loading. The specific influence of number of bolt holes and their layout on maximum load-carrying capability and even fracture load was determined. The conjoint influence of bolt number, bolt layout pattern, nature of loading, contribution from local stress concentration, and intrinsic microstructural effects in governing the macroscopic fracture mode and intrinsic microscopic mechanisms is presented and discussed.
Laser Direct Writing for the Electrical Wiring of Nanostructures and Applications in Electrically Detected Plasmon Resonance

We demonstrate laser direct writing for the electrical wiring of nanostructures. Multiphoton absorption polymerization (MAP) followed by selective metallization was used to wire gold nanorods, creating devices for the electrical detection of plasmon resonance.
SYSTEMATIC STATISTICAL THEORIES OF PLASMA TURBULENCE AND INTERMITTENCY : CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract A brief discussion is given of some current topics in the theory of plasma turbulence, including: simulation diagnostics and methodology; second-order statistical closures, with emphasis on realizability and applications to drift-wave paradigms; higher-order statistics, including the DIA-based kurtosis, PDF methods, and coherent structures; Onsager symmetries and entropy balances in the presence of turbulence; variational approaches to transport; renormalization-group techniques; nonlinearly self-sustained turbulence; and transport near marginal stability. Key areas for future research are indicated.
A Mechanism for Producing Short-Period Binaries

When three point masses form a hierarchical triple system, the short-period orbit can be severely modified by the long-period orbit if the two orbits are inclined to each other by more than about 39°deg (sin−1 √2/5). Such an inclination can induce ‘Kozai cycles’ (Kozai, 1962), in which the eccentricity of the inner orbit cycles by a large amount while its period and therefore semimajor axis remains roughly constant. During those periastra when the eccentricity is largest, tidal friction may become important, and this can result in a secular shrinkage of the orbit, until it becomes circularised at a period of a few days.
A Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Sealed Vial for Delivery of Bromine

An instructor can easily prepare an inexpensive polytetrafluoroethylene-sealed vial for delivery of bromine. The reaction design allows students to safely handle bromine outside a fume hood. Students are able to see and handle bromine and watch it being consumed in the course of a reaction without being directly exposed to it. Experiments take little time to carry out, there is no need for a solvent, and the crude product can be collected directly from the flask.
Modeling the influence of tectonic extrusion and volume loss on the geometry, displacement, vorticity, and strain compatibility of ductile shear zones

Oblate strains are often observed in meso-scale ductile shear zones and this is generally taken to indicate narrowing across the shear zone during formation. Volume loss is one mechanism that could produce shear zone narrowing. However, not all shear zones display characteristics consistent with volume loss, and in such cases, the narrowing must be accomplished by the extrusion of material from within the shear zone. To explore the relationship between shear zone geometry, volume loss, and extrusion, shear zones were mathematically modeled. Results demonstrate the important influence of pure shear and volume loss on controlling the geometry, displacement, and vorticity of ductile shear zones. Further, volume loss does not preclude extrusion unless, for a given volume loss, the strain is of a specific geometry. Extrusion is a likely mechanism important in shear zone development, even if volume loss occurs. Extrusion presents strain compatibility problems because, unlike crustal-scale shear zones, meso-scale ductile shear zones do not possess a free surface. If extrusion occurs, bulk strain compatibility can be maintained if shear zones interlink in anastomosing arrays or change in thickness, though not all shear zone systems display such characteristics. Modeling results elucidate the deformation style of shear zone in the northwest Adirondacks in NY and in the Kebnekaise region in northern Sweden.
Factor analyzed hidden Markov models for estimating prosthetic limb motions using premotor cortical ensembles

Research is underway to develop neural control of prosthetic limbs. Here we propose a quantitative framework based on factor analyzed hidden Markov models (HMM) to estimate the limb motion states from cortical neuron ensembles. Limb motion states are the movement steps in the execution of a behavioral task including baseline, pre-movement planning, movement execution, and final fixation on the target peripheral object. In order to model complex motion states, we use neural recordings from ventral premotor (PMv) and dorsal premotor (PMd) neurons in a non-human primate executing instructed reach-to-grasp behavioral tasks following visual cues including pushing a button, pulling a mallet, grasping a sphere and pulling a cylinder. We estimate a factor analyzed HMM to represent the motion states, which are also called as epochs, between baseline, pre-movement planning, movement execution, and final fixation on the target peripheral object. As an extension of standard HMMs, a factor analyzed HMM has a continuous hidden layer besides the common discrete hidden layers as seen in HMMs. The continuous hidden layer is composed of a low-dimensional representation of observations obtained via the factor analysis. We find that not only our framework can achieve high decoding accuracies for different epochs of four different behavioral tasks, namely, 0.88 (±0.006) for the 1st epoch, 0.96 (±0.002) for the 2nd epoch, 0.79 (±0.015) for the 3rd epoch, and 0.89 (±0.005) for the 4th epoch, it can also estimate the latencies between epoch transitions (<150 ms). Our framework may be useful in neural decoding complex movements of prosthetic limbs.
Self-intersection in elasticity

Abstract This study represents a contribution to the local behavior of the solutions of the governing equations of elastostatics in the vicinity of corners. It contains an asymptotic investigation – within both the linear and two special nonlinear theories of plane strain – of the deformation field near a corner point that separates a free and a fixed part of the boundary. Our computations confirm that the asymptotic solutions represent the local behaviors of equilibrium states very close to the corner. In this neighborhood the linear and nonlinear theories predict very different behavior. Away from the corner the deformation gradient becomes small and the asymptotic solution in the nonlinear theory becomes – expectedly – not valid. However, in an intermediate region our numerical results obtained from both the linear and nonlinear theories show striking similarities and predict a novel behavior of the free surface.
A simple fluorescent biosensor for theophylline based on its RNA aptamer.

Theophylline is a potent bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic index. A simple fluorescent biosensor that detects clinically relevant theophylline concentrations has been developed using the well-characterized theophylline binding RNA aptamer. Hybridization of the RNA aptamer to a fluorescently labeled DNA strand (FL-DNA) yields a fluorescent RNA:DNA hybrid that is sensitive to theophylline. The biosensor retains the remarkable selectivity of the RNA aptamer for theophylline over caffeine and is sensitive to 0–2 μM theophylline, well below the clinically relevant concentration (5–20 mg/L or ∼10–50 μM). Adding a dabcyl quenching dye to the 3′-terminus of the fluorescently labeled DNA strand yielded a dual-labeled DNA strand (FL-DNA-Q) and increased the dynamic range of this simple biosensor from 1.5-fold to 4-fold.
A phenotypic culture system for the molecular analysis of CNS myelination in the spinal cord.

Studies of central nervous system myelination lack defined in vitro models which would effectively dissect molecular mechanisms of myelination that contain cells of the correct phenotype. Here we describe a co-culture of purified motoneurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, isolated from rat embryonic spinal cord using a combination of immunopanning techniques. This model illustrates differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors into fully functional mature oligodendrocytes that myelinate axons. It also illustrates a contribution of axons to the rate of oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin gene expression. The defined conditions used allow molecular analysis of distinct stages of myelination and precise manipulation of inductive cues affecting axonal–oligodendrocyte interactions. This phenotypic in vitro myelination model can provide valuable insight into our understanding of demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic diseases such as spinal cord injury where demyelination represents a contributing factor to the pathology of the disorder.
Inequalities are Unhealthy

The growing inequalities we are witnessing in the world today are having a very negative impact on the health and quality of life of its populations. It is true, as many conservatives and neoliberal authors continue to stress, that health indicators are improving in many parts of the world, including in many underdeveloped countries. But what these authors are not saying is that the rate of improvements in these indicators have slowed down in most countries that have experienced a growth of inequalities, and in many of them, including the United States, these indicators have even reversed. According to the last report of the National Center for Health and Vital Statistics, infant mortality in the United States has increased, reversing the decline that had occurred since 1953. The growth of inequalities is thus bad for people’s health. But why?This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Habituation Theory and Environment-Aging Research: Ennui to Joie De Vivre?.

Robert Kastenbaum posits that functional aging results in the overadaptation to our own routines and expectations, producing "hyperhabituation," mental stagnation, and novaphobic response orientations. This article examines the promise and implications of this notion for two areas of environment-aging research: psychological control and environmental comprehension. Possible causal and mediating links between control and habituation are considered, as well as the impact of habituation on environmental perception, cognition, and appraisal. Personal and situational characteristics of older people likely to be at risk for habituated responses are suggested. The article also speculates about individually- and environmentally-targeted interventions which might prevent and/or ameliorate tendencies toward hyperhabituated responses among older people who reside in highly ritualized and constant environments such as long-term care institutions. Interventions subject to future evaluations include modifications for the social, physical, and policy milieux and desensitization of novaphobic responses.