cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allowing a possible margin of error when assessing student skills in spinous process location.

INTRODUCTION Spinal palpation is subject to inconsistency between examiners. When testing students on the location of vertebral spinous processes, faculty examiners may wish to allow for a margin of error that is observed between experienced practitioners. This study attempts to determine such a margin of error for selected vertebral levels that could be allowed in testing situations at Sherman Chiropractic College. This could serve as a model for other chiropractic colleges in determining their margins of error. METHODS Two faculty clinicians palpated spinous processes at four different vertebral levels (C2, T3, T9, and L2) on 18 student volunteers. Differences for each vertebral level, along with one, two, and three standard deviations, were calculated. RESULTS AVERAGE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EXAMINERS INCREASED CAUDALLY, AS FOLLOWS: C2, 4.23 ± 3.77 mm; T3, 13.41 ± 10.53 mm; T9, 18.17 ± 17.62 mm; L2, 18.70 ± 16.58 mm. DISCUSSION In this study, faculty examiners exhibited variation in their locations of spinous processes for these vertebrae. These variations could be allowed when assessing student skills in locating these spinous processes at this chiropractic college. CONCLUSION In this study, differences between examiners plus or minus one standard deviation ranged from 4.23 ± 3.77 mm for C2 to 18.70 ± 16.58 mm for L2. The concept of margin of error should be considered by faculty examiners when assessing the skill of students in locating the spinous process of various vertebral levels.
Reactive‐Sinter‐Processing and Attractive Mechanical Properties of Bulk and Nanostructured Titanium Boride

An approach to synthesize bulk nanostructured titanium boride (TiB) ceramic material having a whisker-like microstructure with a very attractive combination of mechanical properties is presented. The material is made of a three-dimensional network of high aspect ratio TiB whiskers that are created in situ during reaction sintering of micron-sized component powders at pressures of 15–20 MPa and at relatively low temperatures (<1400°C). It is shown that the properties are sensitive to the amount of titanium used in the reaction-sintering process. The mechanism of formation of nanostructured TiB whiskers and the process of densification, both facilitated by tri-modal powder particle packing and liquid/β-phase regions, are illustrated. Mechanical property evaluations indicate that, unlike conventional nanoceramics, a good combination of hardness, strength, and toughness can be achieved by the control of microstructure. For example, the best TiB composition synthesized here resulted in a Vickers hardness of 16 GPa, an elastic modulus of 425 GPa, a mean flexural strength of 800 MPa, and a SEPB fracture toughness of 5.2 MPa√m. This combination of properties, from the perspective of room temperature applications, places the material on par with certain grades of silicon nitride (Si3N4) indicating that the material offers significant potential for further development.
Analysis of High-Frequency Electroencephalographic-Electromyographic Coherence Elicited by Speech and Oral Nonspeech Tasks in Parkinson's Disease.

Purpose Corticomuscular electroencephalographic-electromyographic (EEG-EMG) coherence elicited by speech and nonspeech oromotor tasks in healthy participants and those with Parkinson’s disease (PD)...
Photonic bound states in two-dimensional photonic crystals probed by coherent-microwave transient spectroscopy

The photonic analog of a semiconductor quantum well (QW) is constructed for the first time to our knowledge from two-dimensional periodic dielectric arrays. A sharp transmission peak is observed in the photonic band-gap spectral region of the barrier and is attributed to resonant transmission of an electromagnetic wave through a photonic bound state in this structure. In contrast with bound-state energy levels in semiconductor QW’s, the photonic bound state shifts to a higher frequency as the well width is increased, and a second bound state appears on the lower-frequency side.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Risk Preceding Crashes on Freeways

Research into the application of freeway loop detector data for traffic safety has gained momentum in recent years. The incompleteness of data from loop detectors has been a common problem in both the development and the implementation of models. The effect of individual crash precursors, obtained one at a time from a series of loop detectors, on relative risk of crash occurrence was examined through within-stratum one-covariate logistic regression models. The hazard ratio (resultant change in log odds of observing a crash by changing the covariate by one unit) was used as the measure of risk. The log of coefficient of variation in speed expressed as percentage, standard deviation of volume, and average occupancy expressed as percentage were found to be the most significant individual covariates affecting the odds of crash occurrence at a crash site. It was also observed that these parameters calculated at a 5-min level (as opposed to a 3-min level) are more significantly associated with crash occurrence. Hazard ratios corresponding to these covariates observed at a series of stations during six 5-min slices were plotted as a contour variable. The location and time of measurements of these parameters with respect to the location and time of the crash were used as ordinate and abscissa, respectively, in the contour plots depicting spatiotemporal variation of crash risk. The chart corresponding to the log of coefficient of variation in speed demonstrated the most clear patterns of increasing risk as the time and location of the crash are approached. On the basis of these spatiotemporal patterns, a methodology with which to identify freeway black spots in real time is proposed. This information could be used by traffic management centers to take preventive measures to avoid crashes or to prepare law enforcement and emergency vehicles for the impending situation.
Evolution, Ecology, and Multimodal Distributions of Body Size

The sizes of organisms are determined by their interactions with their environment and related ecological and evolutionary processes. Recent studies of body size distributions across communities show evidence for multimodality. The multiple modes were originally explained as a consequence of textural discontinuities in habitat structure. Because communities consist of species that are drawn from lineages, body size patterns within lineages will affect those that are expressed in communities. We used a cellular automation model to argue that multimodality in body sizes within lineages can arise from a few fundamental evolutionary mechanisms alone. We tested the hypothesis using body size data for 138 fish genera and found strong support for the idea that evolution structures body size distributions. The results suggest, first, that we should expect the distribution of body sizes within lineages to be multimodal and second, that a coherent theory of community body size distributions will need to combine both evolutionary and ecological perspectives.
Good ridge estimators based on prior information

Ridge regression is re-examined and ridge estimators based on prior information are introduced. A necessary and sufficient condition is given for such ridge estimators to yield estimators of every nonnull linear combination of the regression coefficients with smaller mean square error than that of the Gauss-Markov best linear unbiased estimator.
Quaternary Ammonium Oxidative Demethylation: X-ray Crystallographic, Resonance Raman, and UV-Visible Spectroscopic Analysis of a Rieske-Type Demethylase.

Herein, the structure resulting from in situ turnover in a chemically challenging quaternary ammonium oxidative demethylation reaction was captured via crystallographic analysis and analyzed via single-crystal spectroscopy. Crystal structures were determined for the Rieske-type monooxygenase, stachydrine demethylase, in the unliganded state (at 1.6 A resolution) and in the product complex (at 2.2 A resolution). The ligand complex was obtained from enzyme aerobically cocrystallized with the substrate stachydrine (N,N-dimethylproline). The ligand electron density in the complex was interpreted as proline, generated within the active site at 100 K by the absorption of X-ray photon energy and two consecutive demethylation cycles. The oxidation state of the Rieske iron–sulfur cluster was characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy throughout X-ray data collection in conjunction with resonance Raman spectra collected before and after diffraction data. Shifts in the absorption band wavelength and intensity as a fun...
Comparison of the effects of ACTH and lysine vasopressin on avoidance-of-attack in mice.

Abstract Single injections of either ACTH or lysine vasopressin (LVP) were administered to mice at one of three times: either (1) prior to training in a passive avoidance situation where the aversive stimulus is attack by a trained fighter mouse, (2) just following acquisition of the passive avoidance response, or (3) just prior to a first retention test at 24 hr after acquisition. Retention of the avoidance response also was assessed at 48 and 240 hr postacquisition. Both ACTH and LVP enhanced retention of the response, although their effects were different in character. ACTH's effects were relatively short-lived: the facilitatory effect of ACTH treatment was evident at the first (24 hr) retention test but had disappeared by the 240 hr test. On the other hand, LVP's effects became apparent later (at 48 hr) but lasted through the 240 hr test. In addition, the critical times for their administration were different: ACTH treatment enhanced avoidance retention no matter when the hormone was administered, whereas LVP only enhanced retention if this hormone had been administered after acquisition or prior to the first retention test; LVP treatment before acquisition did not affect avoidance-of-attack. The effects of ACTH and LVP on avoidance-of-attack are basically similar in form to the effects of these hormones on avoidance-of-shock.
Developmental and physiologic roles of the nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 in the reproductive system

To characterize the unique features of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) among members of the steroid receptor superfamily of proteins and review its role in reproductive development and function. We reviewed all pertinent articles that describe structural or functional aspects of SF-1. We also introduced results obtained recently by our group. Unlike other steroid receptors, SF-1 binds as a monomer to a DNA response element, which is composed of an estrogen receptor “half site.” Furthermore, SF-1 lacks a specific ligand that is required for either interaction with DNA or modulation of its transactivation function. Steroidogenic factor-1 is highly expressed in steroid-producing tissues and in gonadotrophs and plays a pivotal role in regulating the expression of enzymes and hormones essential for steroid biosynthesis pathways. A dramatic phenotype was revealed using SF-1 deficient mice: these mice lack gonads and adrenal glands, establishing SF-1 as an essential embryonic regulator of steroidogenic organ development. While SF-1 is required for basal expression of steroidogenic enzymes, its role in hormone-dependent regulation of reproductive function in vivo is uncertain, but its function may be subject to modulation by coactivators or corespressors and hormones, as well as by post-translational modifications. Steroidogenic factor-1 plays a key role in the development and differentiation of the reproductive system. Understanding the mechanism of action of SF-1 is expected to provide new clues to the etiology of maldevelopment of the gonads and adrenal glands, and to dysfunctional associated with steroid biosynthesis during early embryonic development and throughout differentiation.
Transform coding for fast approximate nearest neighbor search in high dimensions

We examine the problem of large scale nearest neighbor search in high dimensional spaces and propose a new approach based on the close relationship between nearest neighbor search and that of signal representation and quantization. Our contribution is a very simple and efficient quantization technique using transform coding and product quantization. We demonstrate its effectiveness in several settings, including large-scale retrieval, nearest neighbor classification, feature matching, and similarity search based on the bag-of-words representation. Through experiments on standard data sets we show it is competitive with state-of-the-art methods, with greater speed, simplicity, and generality. The resulting compact representation can be the basis for more elaborate hierarchical search structures for sub-linear approximate search. However, we demonstrate that optimized linear search using the quantized representation is extremely fast and trivially parallelizable on modern computer architectures, with further acceleration possible by way of GPU implementation.
Real-Time Pricing of Mutual Funds

This paper presents a methodology for estimating net asset value (NAV) of domestic mutual funds, using major stock market indices as inputs in a statistical model. The results of this study suggest that such an accurate estimation is possible, and this raises questions about the effectiveness of restrictions on frequent trading (aka market timing) recently introduced in the mutual fund industry.
A hypolimnetic mass balance of mercury from a dimictic lake: Results from the METAALICUS project

The ability to determine the fate and transport of newly deposited mercury, from that of historically deposited mercury, was recently demonstrated by the Mercury Experiment To Assess Atmospheric Loading In Canada and the United States (METAALICUS). The METAALICUS project is a whole-watershed amendment study where different stable isotopes of mercury were applied to three watershed compartments totaling ∼53 Hectares: the upland, the wetland, and the surface of a dimictic lake in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Each compartment received approximately 5 times the annual background atmospheric deposition for the region. In the lake, the spike was divided into 9 bi-weekly injections administered over several hours through the wash of a trolling motor while circling the lake. The spike was added at dusk to limit photoreduction and evasion of elemental mercury. Results from two years of data show that new mercury is extremely particle reactive. Implications for the availability of newly deposited mercury for methylation, and a well-constrained mass balance of the hypolimnetic mercury cycle, will be presented.
Detailed protocol for evaluation of dynamic perifusion of human islets to assess β-cell function.

The definitive measure of β-cell quality in an islet is the measurement of β-cell function, i.e., the ability of the islets to release insulin in a controlled manner in response to minute changes in ambient glucose levels. Continuous flow or dynamic perifusion of the solution containing glucose and secretagogues through the islets is the most accurate assessment of regulated insulin release in vitro. Here, we describe in detail a low cost, mini-perifusion system that can be adapted to any laboratory to assess islet function by examining dynamic insulin release in response to elevated glucose concentrations and addition of secretagogues. Human islets with purity >80% and viability >90% were perifused with low glucose (1 mM) and subsequently challenged with high glucose (16.8 mM ± KCl, 25 mM). A prototypical biphasic response to elevated glucose concentrations was observed with an average 8-fold (above basal) increase in insulin concentration at peak values. Similarly, perifusion with carbachol or exendin-4...
RANKING MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE PROJECTS: THE ROLE OF DURATION

This paper develops a new measure of cash-flow timing called “return duration.” Numerically quite close to Macaulay duration, return duration is a straightforward function of a project's net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). When comparing mutually exclusive projects, differences in return duration can explain ranking conflicts between NPV and IRR. The paper also clarifies the conditions under which a manager should consider duration or generalized NPV before making investment decisions when faced with such ranking conflicts.
Secretion of human epidermal growth factor by Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Aims: To examine the secretion of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) by Corynebacterium glutamicum. Methods and Results: We recently showed that a novel protein-secretion system in C. glutamicum could produce Streptomyces mobaraensis transglutaminase. In the present study, the industrially important protein hEGF was secreted into the culture medium in a fully active form by C. glutamicum and accumulated at a rate of up to 156 mg l−1 day−1. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the hEGF protein could be secreted in an active form by C. glutamicum. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our data confirmed that the pharmaceutically important human protein hEGF could be efficiently secreted in an active form by the C. glutamicum protein-expression system. Moreover, we demonstrated that this bacterium has potential as a host for the industrial-scale production of human proteins.
Reaction-matrix calculations of the Λ-particle binding in nuclear matter for central ΛN potentials

Abstract Extensive results, obtained in the G -matrix approximation for a wide range of central ΛN Yukawa potentials both with hard cores (HC) and soft repulsive cores, are presented for the Λ well depth (binding energy of a Λ-particle in nuclear matter) and related quantities. The HC results, in particular, span a wide range of scattering lengths a , effective ranges r 0 and hard-core radii c , sufficient to include any potentials likely to be proposed. The s-state well depth D s is to a good approximation determined by a , r 0 and the s-state correlation volume (wound integral) κ s NM which characterizes the core in an effectively shape-independent way. The depth D s decreases with κ s NM for given a , r 0 . A successful search was made for a “scattering” parameter κ s SC which also characterizes the core in a shape-independent way but which is determined only by (low-energy) s-wave scattering calculations; κ s SC is the (zero-energy) scattering correlation volume up to the separation distance d . The parameterization of D s in terms of a , r 0 and κ s SC is then effectively universal for local potentials, permitting one to obtain D s for any reasonable local potential by use only of s-wave scattering calculations. The p-wave depth D p is generally quite large with only a moderate dependence on c for given a and r 0 but a strong dependence on r 0 . The p-wave correlation volume is not a useful shape-independent parameter for D p . The d-wave depth is quite small although not negligible. Limited results are obtained for the dependence on density. The implications of a comparison of the calculated and the phenomenological well depths for the ΛN interaction are discussed.
Analysis and design of dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract This paper presents a methodology to numerically investigate the influence of design and operating parameters on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). A one-dimensional steady-state model of the DSSC coupled with a model to predict global irradiance on a terrestrial surface is utilized to analyze the performance of a DSSC installation. Hourly, daily, monthly and annual performance of a DSSC installation is systematically analyzed over a wide range of design and operating parameters and the optimum configuration is identified with the objective of maximizing the power density. Overall, this paper illustrates a methodology to ascertain the optimal design and operating configurations of a DSSC which can be extended to any terrain.
Social Promotion: Problem or Solution?:

Social promotion is accomplishing what it was in tended to do; it is relieving the various grades of over-age, floundering students. If we are to help these potential failures, the authors contend, we must devise new educational systems.
Commentary: What affect produces

Rheana Parrenas's examination of orangutan–human encounters suggests how cultural anthropologists might pioneer a bolder approach to the analysis of social interactions of all sorts. All interactions, however closely acquainted the parties involved, require the interpretation of more or less inscrutable sounds and gestures. Engaging with this strangeness incites intensely felt bodily experiences that people only imperfectly translate into passions like love, fear, shock, and relief. Parrenas points the way both to a fuller understanding of the role of this sort of affect in neoliberalism and to richer alliances among the subfields of anthropology and between anthropology and the humanities and natural and physical sciences. These new alliances promise to provide us with new ways of understanding our entanglements with others who are always both familiar and strange.
Gamma Ray Bursts

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are bright flashes of gamma rays coming from the cosmos. They occur roughly once per day, typically last for tens of seconds, and are the most luminous events in the universe. More than three decades after their discovery, and after pioneering advances from space and ground experiments, they still remain mysterious. The launch of the Swift and Fermi satellites in 2004 and 2008 brought in a trove of qualitatively new data. In this Review, we survey the interplay between these recent observations and the theoretical models of the prompt GRB emission and the subsequent afterglow.
Occurrence of uncommon polyamines in cultured tissues of maize

The uncommon polyamines, norspermidine and norspermine, were detected in maizein vitro cultures of three different genotypes. The common polyamines, spermidine and spermine, along with the diamine, putrescine, were also observed. The total amounts of the uncommon polyamines, norspermidine and norspermine, were comparable to the total amounts of the common polyamines, spermidine and spermine, in the maize tissues. The titer for norspermidine was 6- to 15-fold greater than that of its common counterpart (spermidine) in the three genotypes. Norspermidine was the predominant polyamine among all triamines and tetramines detected in cell cultures of two of the three genotypes of maize examined and was predominant along with spermine in the third genotype. Enzyme assays performed with extracts from callus of one of the genotypes suggested a likely mechanism to account for the biosynthesis of the uncommon polyamines in cultured maize cells, through the actions of putrescine aminopropyltransferase, polyamine oxidase, and Schiff-base reductase/decarboxylase enzyme activities. This is the first report of the detection of uncommon polyamines in maize tissues, as well as the first report of these uncommon polyamines in a monocotyledonous plant.
Capacity and Buffer Trade-offs in a Remanufacturing System

In this paper, we examine the tradeoffs between increasing the number of buffers and increasing the capacity at the remanufacturing stations under numerous circumstances on such performance measures as expected total cost, average WIP inventory, throughput and average processing (remanufacturing) time when the remanufacturing stations are operating in uncertain environments. We model the remanufacturing system using an open queueing network with finite buffers and unreliable servers. In order to analyze the queueing network, we use the decomposition principle and expansion methodology. Each server in the system is subject to breakdown and has a finite buffer capacity.
Progress in Favre-Reynolds Stress Closures for Compressible Flows

A closure for the compressible portion of the pressure-strain covariance is developed. It is shown that, within the context of a pressure-strain closure assumption linear in the Reynolds stresses, an expression for the pressure-dilatation can be used to construct a representation for the pressure-strain. Additional closures for the unclosed terms in the Favre–Reynolds stress equations involving the mean acceleration are also constructed. The closures accommodate compressibility corrections depending on the magnitude of the turbulent Mach number, the mean density gradient, the mean pressure gradient, the mean dilatation, and, of course, the mean velocity gradients. The effects of the compressibility corrections on the Favre–Reynolds stresses are consistent with current DNS results. Using the compressible pressure-strain and mean acceleration closures in the Favre–Reynolds stress equations an algebraic closure for the Favre–Reynolds stresses is constructed. Noteworthy is the fact that, in the absence of mean velocity gradients, the mean density gradient produces Favre–Reynolds stresses in accelerating mean flows. Computations of the mixing layer using the compressible closures developed are described. Favre–Reynolds stress closure and two-equation algebraic models are compared to laboratory data for the mixing layer. Experimental data from diverse laboratories for the Favre–Reynolds stresses appears inconsistent and, as a consequence, comparison of the Reynolds stress predictions to the data is not conclusive. Reductions of the kinetic energy and the spread rate are consistent with the sizable decreases seen in these classes of flows.
An Ab-Initio Multicenter Tight-Binding Model for Molecular Dynamics Simulations

A new, approximate method has been developed for computing total energies and forces for a variety of applications including molecular dynamics simulations of covalent materials. The method is tight-binding-like and is based on the local density approximation within the pseudopotential scheme. Slightly excited pseudo-atomic-orbitals are used, and the tight-binding Hamiltonian matrix is obtained in real space. The method is used to find the total energies for five crystalline phases of Si and the Si 2 molecule. Excellent agreement is found with experiment. A molecular dynamics simulated annealing study has been performed on the Si 3 molecule to determine the ground state configuration.
Masses of stable neon isotopes determined at parts per billion precision by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Abstract Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry has been used to determine the masses of the stable neon isotopes, 20 Ne and 22 Ne. From the mass difference, m ( 2 H 2 16 O + ) − m ( 20 Ne + ) = 0.030 677 480(67) u and previous accurate measurements of the masses of 16 O and 1 H, we have determined the atomic mass of 20 Ne as 19.992 440 691 (90) u. From the measured mass difference, m ( 22 Ne + − m ( 20 Ne + ) = 1.998 943 585(290) u, the atomic mass of 22 Ne has been calculated as 21.991 384 276(304) u. Both of these newly determined isotopic masses are significantly more precise (factor of 24 for 20 Ne and factor of 6 for 22 Ne), and deviate significantly (e.g. by more than 2σ accepted for 20 Ne) relative to the accepted values in the 1983 Atomic Mass Evaluation (based on nuclear reaction data), but are in excellent agreement with prior (less precise) magnetic sector-based mass-spectrometric measurements of these masses. The calculated two-neutron separation energy for 22 Ne/ 20 Ne is 17 126 662(270) eV.
Two-way Clustering using Fuzzy ASI for Knowledge Discovery in Microarrays

This paper presents two-way clustering of microarray data using fuzzy adaptive subspace iteration (ASI) based algorithm for knowledge discovery in microarrays. It is widely believed that each gene is involved in more than one cellular function or biological process. The proposed fuzzy ASI assigns a relevance value to each gene associated with each cluster. These functional categories are ranked based on their potential in providing maximal separation between the two tissues classes; which is an indication of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Empirical analyses on simulated, 100 artificial microarray datasets are used to quantify the results obtained using the fuzzy-ASI algorithm. Further analyses on different microarray cancer datasets revealed several important genes that are relevant with various cancers.
Structure and wear-resistance of an Fe-VC surface composite produced in situ

Abstract An iron base surface composite, reinforced with VC particles, with a thickness of 3–4 mm, consisting of (Fe,Cr) 7 C 3 and graphites on a Martensite matrix, was produced in situ on a surface of cast steel by means of metal-coated casting. The structure and wear-resistance of the Fe-VC surface composite were studied with the help of a SEM, electron probe and XRD. From the outside in, the quantity of VC particles and the concentration of alloy elements took on a gradient distribution and decreased gradually. In the subsurface layer of the surface composite, the volume fraction of VC particles was up to 39.5% with particle sizes in the range 1–3 μm. The Fe-VC surface composite possesses great wear-resistance under the condition of dry slipping with a heavy load.
Ethical issues in the neonatal intensive care unit

The case of Baby Y presented a difficult and complex ethical dilemma for the family and the staff involved. The issues of religious beliefs and law, up-holding these beliefs in the center of a religious community, financial concerns, and health care workers disagreeing about carrying out treatments made this case one that few will forget. When asked after Baby Y died how they felt, many members of the staff answered that it should not have gone on as long as it did and that they learned a lot from the family and the experience. Palliative care has been well associated with the adult cancer population in the form of hospice care. It is the hope that this well-integrated aspect of care crosses over to the NICU population. Many of the patients in the types of cases mentioned previously stay in the NICU for extended periods of time until a decision is made clear or the infant expires on his own time. The hustle and bustle of a busy, open, and not-so-private NICU is not the place for this to take place. The NICU should have a designated place where these infants can be cared for better in a more family-centered and staff-friendly environment. Pain management is another important aspect of palliative care. Comfort of the infant is of utmost importance, as it helps the family believe the suffering is under control. During the last few days or weeks of life, the family should have time that is peaceful and restful, and, eventually, the infant should have a pain-free death.Lastly, a part of the palliative care philosophy and approach includes providing treatments that may ap-pear to prolong the inevitable but in fact help the process along to resolution. In the case of Baby Y, surgery to repair some of the defects may have allowed her to go home with her family and spend her short life with them. This was the wish of the mother,especially, and it never happened. It may well be the"what if" she continues to ask for the rest of her life.
Gliding resistance after repair of partially lacerated human flexor digitorum profundus tendon in vitro.

Abstract Objective. This study reports the gliding resistance between repaired, partially lacerated tendon and pulley in human cadaver digits, using several commonly employed repair techniques. Background. Suture techniques with multi-strands and locking loops have been recommended to reduce the risk of rupture of the repair tendon with early active motion. Such sutures may increase the gliding resistance, and the gliding resistance after tendon repair is also an important factor influencing the rehabilitation. Method. 105 specimens of second, third, or fourth fingers from 36 adult human hands were tested for the gliding resistance between flexor digitorum profundus tendon and A2 pulley in the normal condition. After an 80% laceration, each tendon was repaired with one of the following suture techniques: (1) Kessler; (2) modified Kessler; (3) Savage; (4) Lee; (5) Tsuge; and (6) Becker. All suture techniques were reinforced with a circumferential epitenon simple running suture. After tendon repair, the gliding resistance was remeasured. Results. The gliding resistance of the Becker repair was significantly greater than each of the other four repairs (P Conclusions. We conclude that the type of tendon repair can significantly affect the gliding resistance between the tendon and pulley system after tendon repair. Relevance The design of the tendon repair, through its effect on friction, may have an adverse effect on the clinical results of tendon mobilization.
Omalizumab for pediatric asthma

Importance to the field: Omalizumab is of proven efficacy in the treatment of severe allergic bronchial asthma and works through inhibiting the activity of IgE and the allergic immune mechanism IgE mediates. It has been demonstrated to be efficacious in children with asthma but is not approved by the FDA for use in children below 12 years of age. Areas covered in this review: Omalizumab is a 95% humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to circulating IgE at the same site on the Fc domain as the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcϵRI. This blocks the interaction between IgE and mast cells and basophils, thereby preventing the release of inflammatory mediators that cause allergic signs and symptoms. What the reader will gain: From the review of the literatures and statements from the FDA, Genentec and Novartis, the reader will gain a better appreciation of the value of omalizumab in treatment of severe asthma and the current status of its reported side effects. Take home message: Omalizumab is of proven efficacy...
An iterated integral representation for a multivariate normal integral having block covariance structure

SUMMARY It is shown that a km-variate normal probability integral over a rectangular region can be expressed as an iterated k-variate normal integral when the k sets of m variates each have a certain commonly realized block covariance structure. The latter representation is much easier to evaluate numerically than is the former. This result generalizes previous results for k = 1 of Dunnett & Sobel and Steck & Owen.
A Compact Dual-Channel Transceiver for Long-Range Passive Embedded Monitoring

A compact 3-D dual-channel transceiver for passive wireless sensor node design is described herein. The transceiver contains two harmonic repeaters, one to be connected to a sensor and one to provide a reference signal for remote channel calibration and node identification (ID). Each repeater consists of a diode-based frequency doubler and conjugate-matched receive and transmit meandered monopole antennas. The sensing repeater operates by receiving a 2.4-GHz signal and reradiating a modulated 4.8-GHz return signal. The reference and sensing repeaters are optimized for RF input power level ranges from $-{\hbox{30}}$ to $-{\hbox{20 dBm}}$ with zero dc power. The diagonal of the transceiver measures 0.25 $\lambda $ at the fundamental frequency of 2.4 GHz and its measured conversion gain (CG) is $-{\hbox {12.4 dB}}$ with a 2% 3-dB CG bandwidth at $-{\hbox{20-dBm}}$ input power. With this performance, the communication range using an interrogator with a 2-W effective isotropic radiated power is $> {\hbox{40 m}}$ in a free-space environment. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the presented transceiver is the first completely passive design with built-in passive remote channel calibration and ID capability. The performance and size of the proposed design compare well with previously published passive single-channel harmonic repeaters.
A study of the mechanisms of vanillin pyrolysis by mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis

Abstract The pyrolysis of vanillin (3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde) was studied to determine the reaction pathways that lead to the formation of aromatics and to establish an empirical kinetic model. Molecular beam mass spectrometry and multivariate data analysis were used to follow the complicated pyrolysis chemistry and to determine quantitative kinetic parameters of aromatic hydrocarbon formation. The pyrolysis of vanillin is modeled as a lumped, two-step, sequential process. Possible identification of reaction intermediates is discussed utilizing known reaction mechanisms and thermochemistry for anisole (C6H5OCH3), phenol (C6H5OH), and benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO).
Changes in the tinnitus handicap questionnaire after cochlear implantation.

Purpose To determine (a) changes in the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ) for patients using cochlear implants, (b) differences between patients who receive total or partial relief, and (c) ide...
Effect of phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment on the hepatotoxicity of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane.

Abstract Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital potentiated the hepatotoxicity of both 1,1,1- and 1,1,2-trichloroethane given by inhalation. The toxicity of the 1,1,2-isomer was increased to a greater extent than that of the 1,1,1-isomer. 3-Methylcholanthrene pretreatment did not result in increased hepatotoxicity.
Fast nearfield to farfield conversion algorithm for circular synthetic aperture sonar

Monostatic circular synthetic aperture sonar (CSAS) images are formed by processing azimuthal angle dependent backscattering from a target at a fixed distance from a collocated source/receiver. Typical CSAS imaging algorithms [Ferguson and Wyber, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117, 2915–2928 (2005)] assume scattering data are taken in the farfield. Experimental constraints may make farfield measurements impractical and thus require objects to be scanned in the nearfield. Left uncorrected this results in distortions of the target image and in the angular dependence of features. A fast approximate Hankel function based algorithm is presented to convert nearfield data to the farfield. Images and spectrograms of an extended target are compared for both cases.
On the function Z(t) associated with the Riemann zeta-function

On etudie l'entrelacement des zeros de Z'(t) et de sa derivee, Z(t) etant la fonction associee a la fonction zeta de Riemann
Breaking Out of the CTR Mold

Canada’s recent biosecurity partnership with Kyrgyzstan could create a new model for preventing brain drain, showing it has learned a lot from the Cooperative Threat Reduction program—both good and bad.
More on subgradient duality

Abstract A duality theorem of P. Wolfe for nonlinear differential programming has been extended by the author to the non-differentiable case by replacing gradients by subgradients. In this paper this extended result is improved by allowing additional types of constraints. Also a converse duality theorem is proved.
Modification of the Neutral Detergent Fiber Procedure for Hays

Abstract Eight hays (two each of alfalfa, bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and digitgrass) were used in three experiments to evaluate effects on neutral detergent fiber of 1) eliminating sodium sulfite and decalin from the refluxing reagent, 2) replacing sintered glass crucibles during filtration with Gooch crucibles containing glass wool mats, and 3) eliminating final acetone washes of residues. Sodium sulfite and decalin should be eliminated from the refluxing reagent. Sodium sulfite often decreased neutral detergent fiber by important amounts (more than 3%). Decalin may cause significant over-estimation of neutral detergent fiber. Decalin is not required as an antifoam agent if rate of boiling is controlled during refluxing. Gooch crucibles (40 ml) with mats of glass wool should replace sintered glass crucibles for recovery of residues. Sintered glass crucibles may cause significant overestimation of neutral detergent fiber when sodium sulfite is eliminated from the refluxing reagent. Filters of sintered glass crucibles may lose mass when residues are ashed. Final acetone washes of residues should be continued until possible interactions among acetone washes, crucible type, and hay are investigated.
In Vivo Fluorescence Reflectance Imaging of Protease Activity in a Mouse Model of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

Summary Objective Joint injuries initiate a surge of inflammatory cytokines and proteases that contribute to cartilage and subchondral bone degeneration. Detecting these early processes in animal models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) typically involves ex vivo analysis of blood serum or synovial fluid biomarkers, or histological analysis of the joint. In this study, we used in vivo fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) to quantify protease, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and Cathepsin K activity in mice following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. We hypothesized that these processes would be elevated at early time points following joint injury, but would return to control levels at later time points. Design Mice were injured via tibial compression overload, and FRI was performed at time points from 1 to 56 days after injury using commercially available activatable fluorescent tracers to quantify protease, MMP, and cathepsin K activity in injured vs uninjured knees. PTOA was assessed at 56 days post-injury using micro-computed tomography and whole-joint histology. Results Protease activity, MMP activity, and cathepsin K activity were all significantly increased in injured knees relative to uninjured knees at all time points, peaking at 1–7 days post-injury, then decreasing at later time points while still remaining elevated relative to controls. Conclusions This study establishes FRI as a reliable method for in vivo quantification of early biological processes in a translatable mouse model of PTOA, and provides crucial information about the time course of inflammation and biological activity following joint injury. These data may inform future studies aimed at targeting these early processes to inhibit PTOA development.
Visitation at capacity-constrained tourism destinations: exploring revenue management at a national park.

Abstract This study explores issues related to the introduction of revenue management principles in the mechanism of allocating permits to visitors. Specifically, the study looks at ways in which backcountry hikers in Grand Canyon National Park, a World Heritage Site listed among America’s most visited tourism attractions, value a particular allocation mechanism for a permit application. From a stratified random sampling scheme with a 76% response rate, over 1400 overnight backcountry hikers reported the potential for considerable increased revenues. At the same time the findings indicate that certain demographics and user groups will not participate in the modifications, and thus, may be less likely to get a permit when they apply for one. Any policy implementation from such an analysis needs to consider the implications of privileging those who are both willing and able to pay more for access, and effectively excluding others from the same opportunity.
Contrasting the Hassles Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale: Who's really measuring appraised stress?

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Economics of strategic defense and the global public good

To deserve serious consideration, a strategic defense system must pass four tests: (1) it must be technically feasible. (2) It must preserve the war avoidance stability of mutual deterrence. (3) It cannot be so expensive that an adversary can cheaply overwhelm it. (4) It must be politically feasible. Historically, proposed strategic defenses have failed all four tests. But recent changes could make strategic defense prospectively viable if provided as a global public good. Rather than defense to advance individual national interests, universal missile defense to limit damage globally may pass all four tests. Historically, Mutual Assured Survival has been postulated as a substitute for MAD deterrence. But a global defensive system would mean we can have both mutual survival and mutual deterrence.
Inverse transport theory and applications

Inverse transport consists of reconstructing the optical properties of a domain from measurements performed at the domain's boundary. This review concerns several types of measurements: time-dependent, time-independent, angularly resolved and angularly averaged measurements. We review recent results on the reconstruction of the optical parameters from such measurements and the stability of such reconstructions. Inverse transport finds applications e.g. in medical imaging (optical tomography, optical molecular imaging) and in geophysical imaging (remote sensing in the Earth's atmosphere).
ACUTE EFFECTS OF CALCITONIN ON OSTEOCLASTS IN MAN

SUMMARY To determine the mechanism by which calcitonin acutely decreses bone resorption in man, salmon or human calcitonin was administered intravenously to five patients with Paget's disease of bone immediately after an iliac crest bone biopsy. After 30 min an adjacent bone biopsy was taken and both were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The results indicated that calcitonin both decreases the number of osteoclasts and alters the ultrastructure of these cells. These acute effects of calcitonin on osteociasts confirm findings in other species and provide evidence in man that calcitonin, at least in part, retards bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastic activity.
Priority setting in family change and clinical practice: the Family FIRO Model.

We update a theoretical framework for understanding priority setting for the management of family change, with special emphasis on developmental change. We propose that three core dimensions of family interaction—inclusion, control, and intimacy—constitute an optimal priority sequence for managing major family change stemming from life-cycle transitions and other stressful experiences. In the next section of the article, we compare the Family FIRO Model and other models of family change. Finally, we suggest that therapists can benefit from an explicit, clinical decision-making model for setting priorities in treatment: issues of inclusion take precedence over issues of control, which in turn take precedence over issues of intimacy.
PEG as a tool to gain insight into membrane fusion

Thirty years ago, Klaus Arnold and others showed that the action of PEG in promoting cell–cell fusion was not due to such effects as surface absorption, cross-linking, solubilization, etc. Instead PEG acted simply by volume exclusion, resulting in an osmotic force driving membranes into close contact in a dehydrated region. This simple observation, based on a number of physical measurements and the use of PEG-based detergents that insert into membranes, spawned several important areas of research. One such area is the use of PEG to bring membranes into contact so that the role of different lipids and fusion proteins in membrane fusion can be examined in detail. We have summarized here insights into the fusion mechanism that have been obtained by this approach. This evidence indicates that fusion of model membranes (and probably cell membranes) occurs via severely bent lipidic structures formed at the point of sufficiently close contact between membranes of appropriate lipid composition. This line of research has also suggested that fusion proteins seem to catalyze fusion in part by reducing the free energy of hydrophobic interstices inherent to the lipidic fusion intermediate structures.