cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation associated with healthy aging of elderly twins

Variation in healthy aging and lifespan is ascribed more to various non-genetic factors than to inherited genetic determinants, and a major goal in aging research is to reveal the epigenetic basis of aging. One approach to this goal is to find genomic sites or regions where DNA methylation correlates with biological age. Using health data from 134 elderly twins, we calculated a frailty index as a quantitative indicator of biological age, and by applying the Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip technology to their leukocyte DNA samples, we obtained quantitative DNA methylation data on genome-wide CpG sites. We analyzed the health and epigenome data by taking two independent associative approaches: the parametric regression-based approach and a non-parametric machine learning approach followed by GO ontology analysis. Our results indicate that DNA methylation at CpG sites in the promoter region of PCDHGA3 is associated with biological age. PCDHGA3 belongs to clustered protocadherin genes, which are all located in a single locus on chromosome 5 in human. Previous studies of the clustered protocadherin genes showed that (1) DNA methylation is associated with age or age-related phenotypes; (2) DNA methylation can modulate gene expression; (3) dysregulated gene expression is associated with various pathologies; and (4) DNA methylation patterns at this locus are associated with adverse lifetime experiences. All these observations suggest that DNA methylation at the clustered protocadherin genes, including PCDHGA3, is a key mediator of healthy aging.
Solving multiagent constraint optimization problems on the constraint composite graph

We introduce the Constraint Composite Graph (CCG) for Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems (DCOPs), a popular paradigm used for the description and resolution of cooperative multi-agent problems. The CCG is a novel graphical representation of DCOPs on which agents can coordinate their assignments to solve the distributed problem suboptimally. By leveraging this representation, agents are able to reduce the size of the problem. We propose a novel variant of Max-Sum—a popular DCOP incomplete algorithm—called CCG-Max-Sum, which is applied to CCGs, and demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness on DCOP benchmarks based on several network topologies.
Scarcity and Safe Operating Spaces: The Example of Natural Forests

Scientists suggest placing planetary boundaries on human-induced threats to key Earth system sinks and resources. Such boundaries define a “safe operating space” on depletion and pollution. Treating any remaining “space” as a depletable economic asset allows derivation of optimal and actual rules for depletion. We apply this analysis to natural forests, and find that the critical asset is tropical forests. The size of the safe operating space and assumptions about the annual rate of tropical deforestation matter significantly. In the most critical scenario, actual depletion could occur in 11–21 years, whereas optimal depletion is 65 years. The optimal unit rental tax equates the actual price with the optimal price path. The tax rate and its amount vary with the depletion scenario and increases over time. However, if the environmental benefits of tropical forests are sufficiently large, the remaining safe operating space should be preserved indefinitely.
[Using TRM to Enhance the Accuracy of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Preventive Measures Implemented by Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Medical Staffs].

Background & problems Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common healthcare-associated infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The average VAP infection density was 4.7‰ in our unit between June and August 2015. The results of a status survey indicated that in-service education lacked specialization, leading to inadequate awareness among staffs regarding the proper care of newborns with VAP and a lack of related care guides. This, in turn, resulted in inconsistencies in care measures for newborns with VAP. Purpose To improve the accuracy of implementation of preventive measures for VAP among medical staffs and reduce the density of VAP infections in the NICU. Resolutions Conduct a literature search and adopt medical team resources management methods; establish effective team communication; establish monitoring mechanisms and incentives; establish mandatory in-service specialization education contents and a VAP preventive care guide exclusively for newborns as a reference for medical staffs during care execution; install additional equipment and aids and set reminders to ensure the implementation of VAP preventive measures. Results The accuracy rate of preventive measure execution by medical staffs improved from 70.1% to 97.9% and the VAP infection density in the NICU decreased from 4.7‰ to 0.52‰. Conclusions Team integration effectively improved the accuracy of implementation of VAP-prevention measures, reduced the density of VAP infections, enhanced quality of care, and ensured that newborns received care that was more in line with specialization needs.
Changes in bowel function following exoskeletal-assisted walking in persons with spinal cord injury: an observational pilot study.

Prospective, observational study. To explore the effects of exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) on bowel function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Ambulatory research facility located in a tertiary care hospital. Individuals 18–65 years of age, with thoracic vertebrae one (T1) to T11 motor-complete paraplegia of at least 12 months duration were enrolled. Pre- and post-EAW training, participants were asked to report on various aspects of their bowel function as well as on their overall quality of life (QOL) as related to their bowel function. Ten participants completed 25–63 sessions of EAW over a period of 12–14 weeks, one participant was lost to follow up due to early withdrawal after ten sessions. Due to the small sample size, each participant’s results were presented descriptively in a case series format. At least 5/10 participants reported improvements with frequency of bowel evacuations, less time spent on bowel management per bowel day, fewer bowel accidents per month, reduced laxative and/or stool softener use, and improved overall satisfaction with their bowel program post-EAW training. Furthermore, 8/10 reported improved stool consistency and 7/10 reported improved bowel function related QOL. One participant reported worsening of bowel function post-EAW. Between 50 and 80% of the participants studied reported improvements in bowel function and/or management post-EAW training. EAW training appeared to mitigate SCI-related bowel dysfunction and the potential benefits of EAW on bowel function after SCI is worthy or further study.
Low Tunnels Reduce Insect Populations, Insecticide Application, and Chewing Insect Damage on Brussels Sprouts

Low tunnels covered with spun-bonded fabric (row covers) provide season extension for vegetable production and also afford a physical barrier against airborne insects and other non-soil pests. Brussels sprouts, Brassica oleracea L. group Gemmifera (Brassicaceae), is a popular vegetable in local markets in Virginia; however, unprotected field production is severely affected by insect pest infestation. This study's objective was to determine the level of protection low tunnels provide against insect infestation and leaf herbivory injury. The experiment was conducted at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Painter, Virginia. The experimental design was split-plot with polyethylene soil mulches (white or black) as whole plot factors and production systems (low tunnel or open field) as subplot factors. In this study, low tunnels reduced insect infestation and chewing herbivory leaf injury to Brussels sprouts. Compared to an unprotected open field, infestations of lepidopteran insects and harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were reduced on plants under low tunnels. However, aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidae) infestation occurred under low tunnels in fall. There was no effect of color mulches (white or black) and no interaction between tunnel and mulch color on insect infestation and chewing injury. Fewer insect infestations and feeding injury indicate that low tunnels can be an effective management tool for sustainable vegetable production.
Underground Phased Arrays and Beamforming Applications

This chapter presents a framework for adaptive beamforming in underground communication. The wireless propagation is thoroughly analyzed to develop a model using the soil moisture as an input parameter to provide feedback mechanism while enhancing the system performance. The working of array element in the soil is analyzed. Moreover, the effect of soil texture and soil moisture on the resonant frequency and return loss is studied in detail. The wave refraction from the soil–air interface highly degrades the performance of the system. Furthermore, to beam steering is done to achieve high gain for lateral component improving the UG communication. The angle enhancing the lateral wave depends upon dielectric properties and usually ranges from 0∘ to 16∘. These dielectric properties change with the change in soil moisture and soil texture. It is shown from the experiments that optimal UG lateral angle is high at lower soil moisture readings and decreases with decrease in soil moisture. A planar structure of antenna array and different techniques for optimization are proposed for enhanced soil moisture adaptive beamforming. UG channel impulse response is studied from the beamforming aspect to identify the components of EM waves propagating through the soil. An optimum steering method for beamforming is presented which adapts to the changing values of soil moisture. Finally, the limitations of UG beamforming are presented along with the motivation to use it.
Absent Words, Present Person

Hundreds of distinct epilepsy-causing genes have been identified.1 The vitamin B6-dependent epilepsies are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders due to incomplete formation, transport, or inactivation of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP).2 The ALDH7A1 , PNPO , ALPL , ALDH4A1 , and more recently PLPBP genes have been implicated.3 Characteristic presentation of vitamin B6-dependent epilepsies includes neonatal onset of encephalopathy and seizures refractory to first-line antiseizure medications (ASMs) followed by cessation or dramatic improvement of seizures after administration of pyridoxine or PLP. Because initiation of proper treatment is essential for seizure control, timely diagnosis is critical to optimizing clinical outcome. We describe the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with progressively worsening refractory seizures starting at 14 months of age and was subsequently diagnosed with pyridoxal phosphate homeostasis protein (PLPHP) deficiency via rapid genome sequencing during a critical care hospitalization for status epilepticus. He was started on pyridoxine with immediate cessation of seizure activity and has remained seizure-free. We review the diagnosis, management, and outcome of PLPHP deficiency, as well as implications for use of rapid genetic testing in the acute care setting.
Radiomic features predict local failure-free survival in stage III NSCLC adenocarcinoma treated with chemoradiation

Prognosis plays a crucial role in the customization of lung cancer care. The effective prediction of treatment response is essential to tailor treatment decisions to lung cancer patients. Molecular characterization of tumors using genomics-based approaches is important for personalized treatment planning, however, repeated tumor biopsies should be performed to capture their molecular heterogeneity, putting patients at risk of procedural complications such as a pneumothorax. Furthermore, the recent addition of immunotherapy after chemoradiotherapy for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC can improve survival outcomes. The survival benefit achieved by stage III NSCLC patients undergoing chemoradiation is of interest since currently available biomarkers are inadequate to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy for first-line treatment along with chemoradiation. In this study, we investigate the association between local failure-free survival and radiomic features extracted from CT scans of stage III NSCLC adenocarcinoma patients. We retrospectively analyzed a well-curated cohort of 89 non-contrast enhanced CT scans from patients receiving homogeneous chemoradiation treatment. A set of 107 radiomic features was extracted using the pyradiomics package. In univariate analysis we performed log-rank tests per feature to predict risk of local failure. In multivariate analysis we applied principal component analysis to fit a Cox model to predict local failure-free survival. Univariate analysis showed that no individual radiomic feature can predict local failure-free survival, while multivariate analysis gave a C-index = 0.70, 95% CI = [0.56,0.85]. We conclude that radiomic features from CT scans, can predict local failure-free survival in stage III NSCLC.
A prospective study of patient-reported xerostomia-related outcomes after parotidectomy.

Objective There is a paucity of data on patient-reported outcome measures regarding xerostomia after parotidectomy surgery. Although salivary flow rates after parotidectomy have been previously studied, they do not correlate with subjective xerostomia. This study was designed to evaluate if unilateral parotidectomy increases patient-reported xerostomia. Methods A prospective cohort of patients undergoing unilateral partial, superficial, or total parotidectomy for benign or low-grade malignant pathology without postoperative radiation at a tertiary care academic center was studied. We analyzed patient-reported outcome measures of xerostomia using the Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) preoperatively and postoperatively. We compared pre- and postoperative cumulative and individual XQ scores using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. We stratified patients by the weight in grams (g) of the parotid tissue excised, pathology, smoking status, and xerostomia-related medication use. Results Twenty-two adults with benign or low grade malignant unilateral parotid tumors were included. Postoperative questionnaires were completed at a median of 10.2 months (interquartile range [IQR] 8.6-11.9) after unilateral parotidectomy. Mean preoperative and postoperative cumulative XQ scores, on a 100-point scale, with higher scores representing worse symptoms, were 10.33 (95% CI: 4.46-16.20) and 10.54 (95% CI: 5.10-15.98), respectively, with a mean change of +0.21 (p = 0.472). There were no statistically significant changes in individual XQ symptom scores. Neither type of parotidectomy, resection specimens weighing over 10 g, smoking habits, xerostomia-related medication use, nor malignant pathology were associated with worse symptom scores. Conclusion Based on these data, unilateral parotidectomy does not appear to definitely, or at least consistently, increase xerostomia per patient reporting. More extensive parotid resections are not associated with worse symptom scores. These data can help guide preoperative counseling and postoperative expectations for parotidectomy. Level of Evidence 2b.
Nociceptor subtypes are born continuously over DRG development.

Abstract Sensory neurogenesis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) occurs in two waves of differentiation with larger, myelinated proprioceptive and low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) neurons differentiating before smaller, unmyelinated (C) nociceptive neurons. This temporal difference was established from early birthdating studies based on DRG soma cell size. However, distinctions in birthdates between molecular subtypes of sensory neurons, particularly nociceptors, is unknown. Here, we assess the birthdate of lumbar DRG neurons in mice using a thymidine analog, EdU, to label developing neurons exiting mitosis combined with co-labeling of known sensory neuron markers. We find that different nociceptor subtypes are born on similar timescales, with continuous births between E9.5 to E13.5, and peak births from E10.5 to E11.5. Notably, we find that thinly myelinated Aδ-fiber nociceptors and peptidergic C-fibers are born more broadly between E10.5 and E11.5 than previously thought and that non-peptidergic C-fibers and C-LTMRs are born with a peak birth date of E11.5. Moreover, we find that the percentages of nociceptor subtypes born at a particular timepoint are the same for any given nociceptor cell type marker, indicating that intrinsic or extrinsic influences on cell type diversity are occurring similarly across developmental time. Overall, the patterns of birth still fit within the classical “two wave” description, as touch and proprioceptive fibers are born primarily at E10.5, but suggest that nociceptors have a slightly broader wave of birthdates with different nociceptor subtypes continually differentiating throughout sensory neurogenesis irrespective of myelination.
Evaluation of Radioactivity in Patient Specimens Received in the Core Laboratory at a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Cancer Center.

Background Biological specimens from patients who have received radiopharmaceuticals are often collected for diagnostic testing and sent to clinical laboratories. Residual radiation has long been assumed to be minimal. However, literature is sparse and may not represent the specimen volumes or spectrum of radionuclides currently seen at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. This study examined the radiopharmaceuticals associated with patient specimens received in the hospital core laboratory and assessed the potential risk of external radiation exposure to laboratory personnel. Methods The types and amounts of radiopharmaceuticals administered in a large metropolitan hospital system were retrospectively examined over a 20-month study period. The associated biological specimens sent to the largest core laboratory in the system for testing were evaluated. In addition, manual survey meter assessment of random clinical specimens and weekly wipe tests were performed for 44 weeks, and wearable and environmental dosimeters were placed for 6 months. Results Over 11 000 specimens, collected within 5 physical half-lives of radiopharmaceutical administration, were processed by our laboratory. Manual survey meter assessment of random clinical specimens routinely identified radioactive specimens. If held in a closed palm for >2 min, many samples could potentially deliver a 0.02 mSv effective dose of radiation. Conclusions The laboratory regularly receives radioactive patient specimens without radioactive labels. Although the vast majority of these are blood specimens associated with low-dose diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, some samples may be capable of delivering a significant amount of radiation. Recommendations for laboratories associated with NCI cancer centers are given.
COVID-19 Risk Factors and Mortality Outcomes Among Medicare Patients Receiving Long-term Dialysis.

Importance: There is a need for studies to evaluate the risk factors for COVID-19 and mortality among the entire Medicare long-term dialysis population using Medicare claims data. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with COVID-19 and mortality in Medicare patients undergoing long-term dialysis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, claims-based cohort study compared mortality trends of patients receiving long-term dialysis in 2020 with previous years (2013-2019) and fit Cox regression models to identify risk factors for contracting COVID-19 and postdiagnosis mortality. The cohort included the national population of Medicare patients receiving long-term dialysis in 2020, derived from clinical and administrative databases. COVID-19 was identified through Medicare claims sources. Data were analyzed on May 17, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The 2 main outcomes were COVID-19 and all-cause mortality. Associations of claims-based risk factors with COVID-19 and mortality were investigated prediagnosis and postdiagnosis. Results: Among a total of 498â¯169 Medicare patients undergoing dialysis (median [IQR] age, 66 [56-74] years; 215â¯935 [43.1%] women and 283â¯227 [56.9%] men), 60â¯090 (12.1%) had COVID-19, among whom 15â¯612 patients (26.0%) died. COVID-19 rates were significantly higher among Black (21â¯787 of 165â¯830 patients [13.1%]) and Hispanic (13â¯530 of 86â¯871 patients [15.6%]) patients compared with non-Black patients (38â¯303 of 332â¯339 [11.5%]), as well as patients with short (ie, 1-89 days; 7738 of 55â¯184 patients [14.0%]) and extended (ie, ≥90 days; 10â¯737 of 30â¯196 patients [35.6%]) nursing home stays in the prior year. Adjusting for all other risk factors, residing in a nursing home 1 to 89 days in the prior year was associated with a higher hazard for COVID-19 (hazard ratio [HR] vs 0 days, 1.60; 95% CI 1.56-1.65) and for postdiagnosis mortality (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.25-1.37), as was residing in a nursing home for an extended stay (COVID-19: HR, 4.48; 95% CI, 4.37-4.59; mortality: HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.16). Black race (HR vs non-Black: HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.23-1.28) and Hispanic ethnicity (HR vs non-Hispanic: HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.64-1.72) were associated with significantly higher hazards of COVID-19. Although home dialysis was associated with lower COVID-19 rates (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.75-0.80), it was associated with higher mortality (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.11-1.25). Conclusions and Relevance: These results shed light on COVID-19 risk factors and outcomes among Medicare patients receiving long-term chronic dialysis and could inform policy decisions to mitigate the significant extra burden of COVID-19 and death in this population.
The Village of Old Children: A Theological Fable

ABSTRACT This fable explores the theological, spiritual, and pastoral questions that are involved with the care of Alzheimer's patients. A pilgrim figure, Japac, comes upon a village where people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers come when their own home communities are no longer safe for them. She encounters representatives from the church, then caregivers, and finally walks among those who are in the late stages of Alzheimer's, coming to an unexpected experience of God at their center. The fable draws upon current research and dialogue about the social, ecclesial, and spiritual implications of Alzheimer's.
The Ubiquity of Performance: Theory and Practice in Expressive Genres

Performance and performativity occupy a significant place in anthropological analytics. In this review, I examine recent publications that address, document, and analyze how different performance genres and practices, enacted across a variety of socio-cultural domains, can be productively mined to establish how pervasively they contribute to our understanding of human behavior. These publications, moreover, range across anthropological fields as well as multiple societies and historical periods, further underscoring that performance has been crucial for human cultures and in our own discipline.
A PCS terminal architecture to access multiple networks

Emerging US personal communication services (PCS) networks are centered around seven air-interface standards and two network infrastructure standards. Due to the expected fragmentation of the US PCS market among different air-interfaces and fixed networks, the ability of providing US-wide roaming becomes a challenging problem to solve. One aspect of roaming among different networks with a single user terminal is the ability of communicating with different radios. This requires that the terminal includes the entire protocol stack needed for the communication between the user terminal and the base transceiver stations (BTSs). The other aspect of roaming is the ability of communicating with different types of fixed network entities which provide end-to-end call control, supplementary services provision and any new future service. In order to provide this ability, the terminal has to include the protocol stack(s) implemented at the network for the relevant service. In this paper, the terminal architecture for a US PCS trial standard, i.e. composite CDMA/TDMA (CCT) IS-661 is described. It is shown that an IS-661 terminal can be used to access various networks. A number of unique problems are identified as related to roaming among different types of networks.
A Spirituality that Inspires Ontology: The Discovery of God-Love and the Renewal of Ontology

Charisms lie at the root of great spiritualities, and great spiritualities not only provide ways of living the gospel in harmony with the tradition of the church but also inspire and renew cultures. Chiara Lubich and her companions discovered God-Love under the bombs pulverizing Trent between 1943 and 1945, the pearl of the gospel in the new commandment, and the reality of Jesus present among those united in his name. This article reflects on the insights emerging from those discoveries for philosophy, in particular, for ontology. The result is a Trinitarian ontology that highlights the centrality of relationship.
A Tale of Prosecutorial Indiscretion: Ramsey Clark and the Selective Non-Prosecution of Stokely Carmichael

During the height of the Vietnam War and one of the most volatile periods of the civil rights movement, then-Attorney General Ramsey Clark controversially resisted intense political pressure to prosecute Black Power originator and antiwar activist Stokely Carmichael. Taken in isolation, this decision may seem courageous and praiseworthy, but when considered against the backdrop of Clark’s contemporaneous prosecution of an all-white group of similarly situated anti-draft leaders (the so-called Boston Five), his exercise of prosecutorial discretion becomes suspect. Specifically, the Boston Five were prosecuted in 1968 for conspiracy to aid and abet draft evasion, a charge for which the evidence against Carmichael seemed markedly stronger.This article critically examines the propriety of Clark’s decision to forego the prosecution of Carmichael, and concludes that it was most likely the product of an earnest and unwavering commitment to the civil rights movement, generally, and the legally oppressed, specifically. Though objectively improper when analyzed alongside the prosecution of the Boston Five, Clark’s chosen course, which I ascribe to the exercise of "prosecutorial indiscretion," is virtually impossible to condemn given his worthy motives and the singularly complex sociopolitical milieu within which he had to operate.
Local inhibition and long-range enhancement of Dpp signal transduction by Sog.

Extracellular gradients of signalling molecules can specify different thresholds of gene activity in development. A gradient of Decapentaplegic (Dpp) activity subdivides the dorsal ectoderm of the Drosophila embryo into amnioserosa and dorsal epidermis1,2. The proteins Short gastrulation3 (Sog) and Tolloid4 (Tld) are required to shape this gradient. Sog has been proposed to form an inhibitory complex with either Dpp5 or the related ligand Screw6,7, and is subsequently processed by the protease Tld5. Paradoxically, Sog appears to be required for amnioserosa formation8, which is specified by peak Dpp signalling activity1,2. Here we show that the misexpression of sog using the even-skipped stripe-2 enhancer9 redistributes Dpp signalling in a mutant background in which dpp is expressed throughout the embryo. Dpp activity is diminished near the Sog stripe and peak Dpp signalling is detected far from this stripe. However, a tethered form of Sog suppresses local Dpp activity without augmenting Dpp activity at a distance, indicating that diffusion of Sog may be required for enhanced Dpp activity and consequent amnioserosa formation. The long-distance stimulation of Dpp activity by Sog requires Tld, whereas Sog-mediated inhibition of Dpp does not. The heterologous Dpp inhibitor Noggin10 inhibits Dpp signalling but fails to augment Dpp activity. These results suggest an unusual strategy for generating a gradient threshold of growth-factor activity, whereby Sog and its protease specify peak Dpp signalling far from a localized source of Sog.
Methods for the Localization of Electrical Sources in the Human Brain

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods for the localization of electrical sources in the human brain. Although there has not been general agreement about the mechanism of evoked scalp potential generation, most investigators have proceeded from the belief that these potentials in some way directly or indirectly reflect the neuroelectric activity of the brain in the processing of sensory stimuli. As such, numerous authors have attempted to interpret evoked scalp potentials in terms of their neuroelectric sources in the brain. In strictly mathematical terms, this problem has long been known to be ill-posed and thus to possess no unique solution. Even with complete knowledge of the electrical and geometrical characteristics of the head itself, it is impossible to convert surface potential information alone into information concerning the actual distribution of sources in the brain. In spite of the limitations imposed by theoretical non-uniqueness, it is possible that useful information about the origin of evoked scalp potentials may be obtained by the solution of a less general problem that restricts the form of neural activity which might lead to scalp potentials.
Socrates and St. Ignatius: The Madman, the Monk, and the Philology of Liberation

Jesuit education is founded upon the traditions of both Ignatian spirituality and Humanism, which can be traced back to classical antiquity. The lives of St. Ignatius and Socrates are thus fundamental to learning at Jesuit institutions, because they represent two pedagogical models by which we can come to know ourselves and our place in the world: self-reflection through the application of the senses and philosophic inquiry in dialogue with others. When these methods are applied to works of philosophy, literature, and art, they provide a reflective space for self-transformation and produce a philology that is liberating.
The Extended Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach for Concurrent Carpal Tunnel Release and Volar Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Radius Fracture

Purpose To determine the relative benefits of an extended flexor carpi radialis (FCR) (eFCR) approach with prophylactic carpal tunnel release at the time of volar plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fracture via a single incision into the traditional volar Henry (VH) approach. Methods This was a prospective cohort comparison of preoperative and postoperative median nerve function of 27 patients (15 eFCR and 12 VH) with unilateral, isolated distal radius fractures requiring open reduction internal fixation without preoperative acute carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients were operated on via either the eFCR or VH approach. The validated Levine-Katz Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (symptom and functional severity scores) was administered and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and 2-point discrimination testing were conducted preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Grip and pinch strength were measured at 6 weeks and 3 months. The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, and fracture type and displacement. Results Comparing across groups, there were no statistically significant differences in any outcome measured preoperatively or postoperatively. The eFCR and VH groups demonstrated significant improvement in functional severity scores, symptom severity, and grip strength. The symptom severity score improved to statistical significance at 6 weeks in the eFCR group and at 3 months in the VH group. Conclusions In this small comparative study, the eFCR approach was found to be safe and efficacious. There was no increased surgical morbidity, which suggests that this technique can be used safely for all patients undergoing volar plating and not just in cases of concurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. It allows easier retraction of carpal tunnel contents; therefore, it is our preferred approach. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Observation of Buoyant Plumes in Countercurrent Displacement: Influence of Local Capillary Trapping in a Bench Scale Experiment

Abstract A bench scale experiment is established to determine the extent of CO 2 immobilization beneath small- scale capillary barriers, which can be expected in typical heterogeneous storage formations. The bench scale environment allows fluids analogous to CO 2 and brine to migrate under gravity in a quasi-two dimensional domain packed with a range of sizes of beads/grains. A fluid pair is developed to mimic the phase densities and viscosities at pressure and temperature typical of storage aquifers. Domains are built with different types of heterogeneity that establish local capillary barriers, and hence possible local traps. Extent of trapping in a closed domain is qualitatively consistent with theoretical results and those from previous works. Persistence of local trapping after forced imbibition is also observed in line with theory.
Phospholipid Acyl Chain and Phospholipase Dynamics during Cold Acclimation of Winter Wheat

on the phospholipid profiles. It has been suggested that alterations in concentration of specific phospholipids Phospholipid (PL) composition is known to change in plants explay a role in cold acclimation. Horvath et al. (1979) posed to cold temperature. The dynamics of PL acyl chain pairs and genes encoding phospholipase enzymes were studied in winter wheat observed an inverse relationship between survival and (Triticum aestivum L.) during cold acclimation. Mass spectrometry thelossof phosphatidylcholinebyconversionto thecorwas used to characterize PL dynamics, and quantitative real-time responding phosphatidic acid in field-grown wheat PCR was used to characterize phospholipase gene mRNA transcript plants. A similar conversion of phosphatidylcholine to dynamics during cold acclimation. The proportion of PLs with mis- phosphatidic acid was reported by De La Roche and matched acyl chains decreased concomitantly with an increase in total Andrews (1973) in plants grown at 2C and morphologiPLsduringthefirstweekofcoldexposure.Proportionsofmismatched cally equivalent plants grown at 24C, again suggesting acyl chains then increased, while total PLs varied little. Numbers of thesephospholipiddynamicsareafunctionofplantphemRNAtranscriptsofphospholipase(PL)D,PLC,andPLA2increased nology rather than cold acclimation. in response to cold and remained at elevated levels throughout a 4-wk
Fuel-optimal direction-cosine attitude control for spin-stabilized axisymmetric spacecraft

Spin stabilized spacecraft fuel optimal direction cosine attitude control, considering relation to inertial system
Coupled-cluster methods correct through sixth order

Abstract Several coupled-cluster approximations to the full CCSDTQ model, correct through sixth order, are presented and illustrated by numerical comparions to full CI. Both iterative and non-iterative methods built upon underlying CCSDT solutions are considered. Unlike CCSDTQ, which is an ∼ n 10 computational procedure, the computational dependence of all approximations is no worse than ∼ n 9 . The latter follows use of the 2 n rule of perturbation theory. The average errors compared to full CI for different methods are 0.1 to 0.3 mhartree, compared to 0.05 mhartree for CCSDTQ.
Alkaloid delta Agonist Bw373u86 Increases Hypoxic Tolerance

Activation of delta opioid receptors increases survival time during acute, lethal hypoxia in mice.delta Agonists therefore present a promising avenue for therapeutic application to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with clinical hypoxia in settings such as drowning, head injury apnea, and complicated childbirths. However, most delta agonists now available are peptides, and may have limited clinical utility. In the present study, we evaluate the neuroprotective ability of an alkaloid delta agonist, BW373U86. Alkaloid compounds, due to increased stability and increased systemic distribution, may be more favorable for clinical use. We found that BW373U86, like the peptide delta agonist, DPDPE ([D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin), increases survival time of mice during lethal hypoxia. The mechanism of neuroprotection induced by delta receptor activation appears to involve decreasing body temperature. Further, using selective opioid receptor antagonists, it appears that BW373U86 exerts these neuroprotective effects by acting at delta-opioid receptors. (Anesth Analg 1996;82:1237-41)
Correlation Estimates in the Anderson Model

We give a new proof of correlation estimates for arbitrary moments of the resolvent of random Schrodinger operators on the lattice that generalizes and extends the correlation estimate of Minami for the second moment. We apply this moment bound to obtain a new n-level Wegner-type estimate that measures eigenvalue correlations through an upper bound on the probability that a local Hamiltonian has at least n eigenvalues in a given energy interval. Another consequence of the correlation estimates is that the results on the Poisson statistics of energy level spacing and the simplicity of the eigenvalues in the strong localization regime hold for a wide class of translation-invariant, selfadjoint, lattice operators with decaying off-diagonal terms and random potentials.
Computer model of tetrahedral amorphous diamond.

We computer generate a model of amorphous diamond using the Wooten-Weaire method, with fourfold coordination everywhere. We investigate two models: one where four-membered rings are allowed and the other where the four-membered rings are forbidden; each model consisting of 4096 atoms. Starting from the perfect diamond crystalline structure, we first randomize the structure by introducing disorder through random bond switches at a sufficiently high temperature. Subsequently, the temperature is reduced in stages, and the topological and geometrical relaxation of the structure takes place using the Keating potential. After a long annealing process, a random network of comparatively low energy is obtained. We calculate the pair distribution function, mean bond angle, rms angular deviation, rms bond length, rms bond-length deviation, and ring statistics for the final relaxed structures. We minimize the total strain energy by adjusting the density of the sample. We compare our results with similar computer-generated models for amorphous silicon, and with experimental measurement of the structure factor for (predominantly tetrahedral) amorphous carbon.
The lag from money to prices

Abstract This note accepts Terry Seaks's critique of my earlier method of estimating the lag between monetary growth and inflation by using percent changes over time spans of three or four years. However, Seaks's critique does not impair the main findings of this early work, which have been confirmed by several recent studies that avoid the pitfalls emphasized by him. These findings are that monetary growth has been a major determinant of inflation in a large number of countries since the late 1950s, and that money typically influences prices with lags of a year and a half or more.
Stability of Ingested Methylcellulose in the Rat Determined by Polymer Molar Mass Measurements by Light Scattering

Methylcellulose (MC) is ingested by humans in food and pharmaceutical formulations. The functional properties of MC like those of other linear polymers depend primarily on polymer length or molar mass for largely linear polymers. Although many studies in animals and humans have shown complete excretion of MC, in vitro human fecal fermentation studies indicate that MC can be degraded and presumably lose some of its functionality. In this study, MC polymer distribution in the feces from rats fed a diet containing 8% methylcellulose were compared to the fed MC. The water-soluble polymers in the feces were separated by a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and the polymer distributions determined by multiple angle laser light scattering (MALLS). Detection of the fluorescent MC−calcofluor complex was used to confirm the identity of the eluting MC peak. All dietary MC was recovered in the feces. There is a small shift (P < 0.06) in the weight-averaged molecular weight of polymer distribution of MC extracted fro...
Fluent Reading as the Improvement of Stimulus Control: Additive Effects of Performance-Based Interventions to Repeated Reading on Students' Reading and Error Rates.

The impact of adding performance-based interventions to a skill-based intervention on oral reading fluency was examined with 3 elementary students identified as having difficulty with reading. Two performance-based interventions were combined with the skill-based intervention Repeated Reading (RR) to create the three instructional packages investigated. The packages included Repeated Readings (RR), Repeated Readings with Performance Feedback (RR/FB), and Repeated Readings with Performance Feedback and Contingent Reward (RR/FB/REW). Results suggested that Repeated Reading (RR) alone led to the greatest increase in reading fluency for participants with the highest reading rates and lowest error rates at baseline. In contrast, the participant who exhibited the lowest reading rate and highest error rate benefited the most when Repeated Readings was offered in conjunction with Performance Feedback (RR/FB) or Performance Feedback plus Contingent Reward (RR/FB/RW). Implications for blending skill- and performance-based interventions to develop stimulus control over fluent reading and future research directions are discussed.
Control-Type Selection at Isolated Intersections Based on Control Delay Under Various Demand Levels

The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2000) displayed the figure Exhibit 10-15 for the purpose of forecasting the likely intersection control types for future facilities. Because this figure is from a source external to HCM, to verify it, this paper employs HCM methodologies for the estimation and comparison of control delay, the choice measure of effectiveness at intersections controlled by signal, all-way stop signs, and two-way stop signs. After detailed analyses of more than 5,000 cases using Highway Capacity Software, results of control delay with various control types under a wide range of demand conditions were charted for comparison with Exhibit 10-15. It is found that Exhibit 10-15 is inconsistent with the results from HCM methodologies and, perhaps, should be replaced with the figures developed in this paper. On the basis of the criterion of minimizing delay alone, it is found that if demand is unbalanced between major and minor streets and if the traffic is low on minor streets, two-way-stop control...
Microhabitat of Anthopotamus verticis (Ephemeroptera: Potamanthidae)

A field and laboratory study was designed to elucidate the microhabitat of the North American riverine mayfly Anthopotamus verticis (Say). Previous reports have suggested that these mayflies are surface sprawlers or clingers; but despite a flattened body shape that is often associated with sprawling or clinging benthos, our investigation showed that larvae of A. verticis burrow and inhabit the hyporheic biotope. Substrate particle size was found to be a primary limiting factor in the microdistribution of the larvae. When homogeneous substrates (either fine, medium, or coarse gravel, or small or large pebbles) were provided, small, mid-sized, and large larvae significantly preferred coarse gravel or small pebbles. Small larvae were better represented in coarse gravel, and large larvae were better represented in small pebbles. Vertical distribution was deeper in coarse gravel than in medium gravel, and smaller larvae were generally found deeper than large larvae. In the field, larvae occur in gravel or pebbles (excluding coarse sand or smaller particles) or mixed substrates, often at the interface of large rocks and finer substrates. Videomacroscopic examination also indicated larvae to be interstitial dwellers. Although relatively crude burrowers, larvae do use their tusks to excavate substrate, and their gills to generate interstitial current. We distinguish the fossorial behavior of Anthopotamus from most other ephemeroid mayflies because tube burrows are not formed. Minimum-sized interstices may be required for filter feeding and/or adequate ventilation, and may explain a deeper penetration of smaller larvae in finer substrates.
Exploring the trade-off between greenhouse gas emissions and travel time in daily travel decisions: Route and departure time choices

Abstract This study analyzes the problem of conflicting travel time and emissions minimization in context of daily travel decisions. The conflict occurs because the least travel time option does not always lead to least emissions for the trip. Experiments are designed and conducted to collect data on daily trips. Random parameter (mixed) logit models accounting for correlations among repeated observations are estimated to find the trade-off between emissions and travel time. Our results show that the trade-off values vary with contexts such as route and departure time choice scenarios. Further, we find that the trade-off values are different for population groups representing male, female, individuals from high income households, and individuals who prefer bike for daily commute. Based on the findings, several policies are proposed that can help to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation networks. This is one of the first exploratory studies that analyzes travel decisions and the corresponding trade-off when emissions related information are provided to the road users.
Angular dependence of the critical currents in magnetic fields of superconducting/insulating Mo77Ge23/Ge multilayers

Abstract We report on the critical currents of amorphous superconducting/insulating Mo 77 Ge 23 /Ge multilayers in magnetic fields applied at various angles with respect to the superconducting layers. Multilayers with different insulating thicknesses have been measured. We demonstrate the existence of a threshold field below which the critical current is governed only by the perpendicular component of the applied field. Also, we observe that there exists a critical angle that separates two different regimes of pinning. Both features depend on the insulating thickness of the multilayers.
Understanding Locally, Culturally, and Contextually Relevant Mental Health Problems among Rwandan Children and Adolescents Affected by HIV/AIDS

In assessing the mental health of HIV/AIDS-affected children and adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers often employ mental health measures developed in other settings. However, measures derived from standard Western psychiatric criteria are frequently based on conceptual models of illness or terminology that may or may not be an appropriate for diverse populations. Understanding local perceptions of mental health problems can aid in the selection or creation of appropriate measures. This study used qualitative methodologies (Free Listing, Key Informant interviews, and Clinician Interviews) to understand local perceptions of mental health problems facing HIV/AIDS-affected youth in Rwinkwavu, Rwanda. Several syndrome terms were identified by participants: agahinda kenshi, kwiheba, guhangayika, ihahamuka, umushiha, and uburara. While these local syndromes share some similarities with Western mood, anxiety, and conduct disorders, they also contain important culture-specific features and gradations of severity. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding local manifestations of mental health syndromes when conducting mental health assessments and when planning interventions for HIV/AIDS-affected children and adolescents in diverse settings.