cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Operative Behandlung der „early-onset“-Skoliose mit dem StarLock-Instrumentarium

Durch Implantation des StarLock-Instrumentariums bei fruhkindlichen Skoliosen sollen eine weitere Progredienz der Wirbelsaulenverkrummung verhindert und ein korrigierendes Wirbelsaulenwachstum ermoglicht werden. Hierfur werden uni- oder bilateral zwei Stabe, welche proximal bzw. distal mit Pedikelschrauben an der Wirbelsaule verankert werden, uber Parallelverbinder verschraubt. Das korrigierende Wachstum der Wirbelsaule wird durch einbis zweimaliges Nachspannen im Jahr erreicht. Kongenitale Skoliose. Idiopathische „early-onset“-Skoliose. Neurogene „early-onset“-Skoliose Osteoporose. Arthrogrypose. Hyperkyphose. Unter Bildverstarkerkontrolle im anterior-posterioren und seitlichen Strahlengang werden an zuvor festgelegten Wirbelkorpern am proximalen und distalen Ende der Verkrummung Pedikelschrauben gesetzt. Mit Hilfe unterschiedlicher Backen konnen die Stabe an diesen verankert und uber Parallelverbinder miteinander verschraubt werden. Bei den ein- bis zweimal jahrlich notwendigen Nachspannungen kann uber einen lediglich kleinen Zugang uber den Parallelverbindern eine Distraktion der Stabe durchgefuhrt und damit das gewunschte korrigierende Wirbelsaulenwachstum erreicht werden. Die Mobilisation der Kinder erfolgt ab dem 1. postoperativen Tag mit einem individuell nach Gipsabdruck angefertigten Korsett fur 6 Monate. Um ein weiteres korrigierendes Wachstum der Wirbelsaule zu ermoglichen, muss das eingesetzte Instrumentarium ein- bis zweimal jahrlich nachgespannt werden. Von Marz 2003 bis Oktober 2005 wurden insgesamt 14 Kinder, welche an einer fruhkindlichen Skoliose litten, mit dem StarLock-Implantat operiert. Bei funf Kindern wurde eine kurzstreckige (3–5 Segmente), bei neun eine langstreckige (6–12 Segmente) Instrumentation vorgenommen. Das durchschnittliche Alter bei der Implantation des StarLock-Instrumentariums betrug 3,5 Jahre (1–7 Jahre). Es handelte sich um zehn Madchen und vier Jungen. Nachspannungen erfolgten ein- bis zweimal pro Jahr. Die Verkrummung der Wirbelsaule betrug praoperativ im thorakalen Bereich 65° (42–80°) nach Cobb und im lumbalen Bereich 22° (18–55°). Durch die erste Operation konnten die Skoliosen thorakal auf 26,5° (18–45°) und lumbal auf 15° (10–32°) vermindert werden. Nachspannungen (lediglich bei langstreckigen Instrumentationen) erfolgten alle 6,8 Monate (5–9 Monate), wobei hier jeweils eine Korrektur um 8° (4–15°) erreicht werden konnte. Bei den kurzstreckigen Instrumentationen traten keine Komplikationen auf, bei den langstreckigen waren drei Schrauben- und zwei Stabbruche zu verzeichnen. Zu Infektionen oder neurologischen Defiziten kam es bei keinem der Kinder, einmal entwickelte sich eine Bursa. Zweimal musste eine Uminstrumentation bzw. Verlangerung der Instrumentationsstrecke durchgefuhrt werden. Die Nachuntersuchungszeit betrug 4,5 Jahre (3–6 Jahre).
Static electrification by electrolytic processes

If one regards a metal in contact with a liquid of high dielectric constant such as water, in which acids, bases or salts, i.e., electrolytes are soluble and dissociated, the metal immersed in the liquid will tend to go into solution in the form of ions. Depending on the nature of the dissolved substances in the liquid and the nature of the metal, the metal will tend to go into solution as positive ions, or reacting with the solution, it may go into solution in the form of complex negative ions. The action is most strongly pronounced in water, although liquified NH3 gas acts in an analogous fashion. When solution takes place, the process continues until under the action of the kinetic bombardment by the ions and of the field of the charge acquired by the charged metal, the metal takes on a specific potential leading to equilibrium between processes of solution and precipitation of ions on the surface. The potential depends on the nature of the metal and the concentration of ions, or dissolved salts, in the solution. Many metals like Zn or the alkali atoms are strongly metallic and tend to send their own positive ions into solution. Other metals, like Al will, in slightly acid solution, go in as positive metal ions, in this case as trivalent Al+++ ions, but in an alkaline NaOH solution will dissolve as Na3AlO3, sending the negative ions \({{H}_{2}}AlO_{3}^{-}\) , \(HAlO_{3}^{=}\) , and \(AlO_{3}^{\equiv }\) into solution. At a certain hydrogen ion concentration, e.g. pH, Al metal exposed to an aqueous solution is quite inert. This is called its iso-electric point at which it sends neither one ion nor the other into solution. Any neutral metal either at its iso-electric point, or that is inert to its environment while not contributing ions, may receive ions of the solution gaining charge until it is in equilibrium with its environment as regards liberation and resolution of the ions as influenced by the charge. For example, Cu in a dilute HC1 solution or Pt in the presence of H+ ions, will receive these, gaining a positive charge and leaving the liquid negative. It does not take a high concentration of dissolved acid to yield considerable charge.
New Media Storytelling in Drama for Conflict Transformation and as Experimental Ethnography: The 24-Picture Day Halloween Project

The author introduces a new paradigm for collecting visual ethnographic material in a dynamic and interactive fashion and describes how the same model can also be as a conflict mediation device to enhance understanding across cultural or political divides. The "24 Picture Day" paradigm uses mobile phone cameras or inexpensive, non - professional digital still cameras to let people on both sides of a conflict experience each other's point of view through a new media storytelling experience.
Learning RNA secondary structure (only) from structure probing data

We present CONTRAfold-SE, which extends CONTRAfold to model RNA structure-probing data as observations of possibly unknown secondary structures. This model can then be learned from datasets containing only structure-probing data, or a mix of known structures and probing data. We train CONTRAfold-SE on various combinations of structure probing data and complete structures and find that while genome-wide structure probing data provides modest improvement in prediction performance, with sufficiently dense probing data alone it is possible to learn a model that approaches the performance of energy-based methods. CONTRAfold-SE may be obtained from https://github.com/csfoo/contrafold-se.
The Biology of FoxP3: A Key Player in Immune Suppression during Infections, Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer

The Transcription factor FoxP3 belongs to the forkhead/winged-helix family of transcriptional regulators and shares general structural features with other FoxP family members. FoxP3 functions as a master of transcription for the development of regulatory T-cells (Treg cells) both in humans and in mice. Natural genetic mutations ofFoxP3 that disrupt its function in humans result in an autoimmune syndrome called Immune Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) and in mice, its deletion causes the Scurfy phenotype, with similar pathology. The finding that FoxP3 is required for the development and function of Tregs has led to an explosion of research in determining its regulation and function in the immune system. Understanding the biological properties of FoxP3 has a wide range of implications for immune tolerance, autoimmune disorders, inflammation and immune response to infectious diseases and cancer.
The Association of Aging With Von Willebrand Factor Levels and Bleeding Risk in Type 1 Von Willebrand Disease

Little is known about aging in von Willebrand disease (VWD). It is uncertain whether VWD patients experience an age-related increase in von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels, and if so, it is unknown whether normalization of VWF levels with aging ameliorates bleeding risk. We aimed to determine the association of age with VWF levels and bleeding risk in patients with type 1 VWD. This is a retrospective chart review of patients with type 1 VWD presenting to the Hemophilia Clinic of Western Pennsylvania for regularly scheduled clinic visits. Data collected included VWF antigen level and condensed molecular and clinical markers for the diagnosis and management of Type 1 (MCMDM-1) VWD bleeding assessment tool (BAT) bleeding score based on bleeding symptoms during the previous 3 years. Thirty-nine patients participated in the study, and 32 were female. The average age of participants was 41.8 ± 18.0 years. The mean VWF antigen level was 0.83 ± 0.37 IU/mL, and the mean bleeding score was 2.51 ± 2.90. The bleeding score was inversely associated with age, β = -0.080 (SE = 0.023), P < .01. There was a nonsignificant association between VWF antigen levels and age. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing an association between aging and decreased bleeding symptoms in patients with type 1 VWD. Determining whether or not bleeding risk is reduced in older patients with type 1 VWD is essential for optimal clinical management. Moreover, VWF concentrate is costly, and unwarranted use represents a significant waste of health-care dollars. These findings warrant further investigation.
Utilization of the Behavior Change Wheel framework to develop a model to improve cardiometabolic screening for people with severe mental illness

Individuals with severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) die 10–25 years earlier than the general population, primarily from premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Contributing factors are complex, but include systemic-related factors of poorly integrated primary care and mental health services. Although evidence-based models exist for integrating mental health care into primary care settings, the evidence base for integrating medical care into specialty mental health settings is limited. Such models are referred to as “reverse” integration. In this paper, we describe the application of an implementation science framework in designing a model to improve CVD outcomes for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) who receive services in a community mental health setting. Using principles from the theory of planned behavior, focus groups were conducted to understand stakeholder perspectives of barriers to CVD risk factor screening and treatment identify potential target behaviors. We then applied results to the overarching Behavior Change Wheel framework, a systematic and theory-driven approach that incorporates the COM-B model (capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior), to build an intervention to improve CVD risk factor screening and treatment for people with SMI. Following a stepped approach from the Behavior Change Wheel framework, a model to deliver primary preventive care for people that use community mental health settings as their de facto health home was developed. The CRANIUM (cardiometabolic risk assessment and treatment through a novel integration model for underserved populations with mental illness) model focuses on engaging community psychiatrists to expand their scope of practice to become responsible for CVD risk, with significant clinical decision support. The CRANIUM model was designed by integrating behavioral change theory and implementation theory. CRANIUM is feasible to implement, is highly acceptable to, and targets provider behavior change, and is replicable and efficient for helping to integrate primary preventive care services in community mental health settings. CRANIUM can be scaled up to increase CVD preventive care delivery and ultimately improve health outcomes among people with SMI served within a public mental health care system.
4.17 Weathering and Sediment Genesis

The genesis of detrital sediments could not take place without weathering. Both chemical and mechanical weathering processes work toward the fragmentation, disaggregation, and chemical alteration of rocks to form clastic particles (clay to boulder size) and solutes. Clastic particles are entrained into the sediment system by various geomorphic processes. Solutes indurate soils and near surface sediments as well as cementing buried sediments. The weathering genesis of particles and weathering of sediments becomes relevant to concerns within geomorphology and sedimentology, including the recognition of fine-grained particles derived from weathering, and the implications of sediment weathering on environmental factors and dating methods.
Knee Osteoarthritis with Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Rupture Treated with Total Knee Arthroplasty and Extensor Mechanism Allograft Reconstruction: A Case Report.

Case A 51-year-old male construction worker with a history of chronic quadriceps tendon rupture presented with no active knee extension and tricompartmental knee osteoarthritis. He underwent simultaneous total knee arthroplasty and extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction. At 4 years postoperatively, the patient had pain-free knee function and active extension. Conclusion The combination of a chronic quadriceps tendon rupture with lack of active knee extension and knee osteoarthritis is a rare and challenging problem. To our knowledge, this combined diagnosis and the treatment described in this case report have not been reported previously in the literature.
Linking Pixels and People

Integrated land-change science (Turner 2002) seeks to join remotely sensed (pixels), biophysical (terrestrial), and social science (people) data. The history of joining these three fundamentally different data types is remarkably short. The effort focused on the social science-remote sensing data beyond photogrammetrics has only emerged over the last decade or so. The organizers of the National Academy of Science volume People and Pixels (Liverman et al., 1998), which was designed to provide illustrations of studies that joined the two types of data, had to scramble to find a sufficient number of experts and research to fill a workshop and the resulting volume. Indeed the careful reader of that volume might wonder about the extent to which some chapters actually link social science and remotely sensed data. The paucity of robust pixel-people studies is unfortunate given the increasing need for such linkages as global environment change, biocomplexity, and sustainability science turn to questions of the coupled human-environment system.
A Comparative Study of GPU-Accelerated Multi-View Sequential Reconstruction Triangulation Methods for Large-Scale Scenes

The angular error-based triangulation method and the parallax path method are both high-performance methods for large-scale multi-view sequential reconstruction that can be parallelized on the GPU. We map parallax paths to the GPU and test its performance and accuracy as a triangulation method for the first time. To this end, we compare it with the angular method on the GPU for both performance and accuracy. Furthermore, we improve the recovery of path scales and perform more extensive analysis and testing compared with the original parallax paths method. Although parallax paths requires sequential and piecewise-planar camera positions, in such scenarios, we can achieve a speedup of up to 14x over angular triangulation, while maintaining comparable accuracy.
COGNITIVE STATE ESTIMATION FOR ADAPTIVE LEARNING SYSTEMS USING WEARABLE PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSORS

This paper presents a historical overview of intelligent tutoring systems and describes an adaptive instructional architecture based upon current instructional and adaptive design theories. The goal of such an endeavor is to create a training system that can dynamically change training content and presentation based upon an individual’s real-time measure of cognitive state changes. An array of physiological sensors is used to estimate the cognitive state of the learner. This estimate then drives the adaptive mitigation strategy, which is used as a feed-back and changes how the learning information is presented. The underlying assumptions are that real-time monitoring of the learners cognitive state and the subsequent adaptation of the system will maintain the learner in an overall state of optimal learning. The main issues concerning this approach are constructing cognitive state estimators from a multimodal array of physiological sensors and assessing initial baseline values, as well as changes in baseline. We discuss these issues in a data processing block wise structure, where the blocks include synchronization of different data streams, feature extraction, and forming a cognitive state metric by classification/clustering of the features. Initial results show our current capabilities of combining several data streams and determining baseline values. Given that this work is in its initial staged the work points to our ongoing research and future directions.
Characterization of products derived from the high temperature flash pyrolysis of microalgae and rice hulls

Abstract Flash heating and high temperature processing of two biomass feed materials is presented as a sustainable thermochemical technique to leverage the entire carbon content of the starting material for various end-uses. Microalgae and rice hulls were flash pyrolyzed in a drop-tube reactor to form exclusively gas and solid products in the temperature range 1573–1873 K at gas residence times of 3–5 s. Product gas yields and compositions approached thermodynamic equilibrium predictions with increasing temperature, which were used in calculations for a conceptual solarthermal processing framework. The derived carbonaceous residue was further characterized for composition (atomic mass and crystalline structures), morphology (surface area, pore volume, surface roughness), and reactivity (via CO2 thermogravimetry). Solid residues generated under flash conditions tended to become nearly indistinguishable, becoming spherical with high macroporosities and similar apparent reactivities. These results were contrasted with slow-pyrolyzed chars of the same starting materials, whose characteristics were markedly opposite for microalgae and rice hulls, further evidencing the importance of char particle thermal history. Results from solarthermal operation show a high calorific value syngas, especially for microalgae at 1873 K. The applicability of carbonaceous residue in a particular downstream use requires further characterization and study.
The Alternative Public Sphere in China: a Cultural Sociology of the 2008 Tainted Baby Milk Scandal

This article studies critical news reports about the 2008 Chinese tainted baby milk scandal, which the World Health Organization identified as one of the largest food safety crises in recent years. Examining the discursive practices adopted to legitimize journalistic criticism in authoritarian China, it reveals that critical-minded journalists avoid criticizing the state during the period of heavy censorship, preferring instead to target local governments. Journalists develop more explicit criticisms of the state as censorship becomes loosened, but they continue to rely on the strategic use of official statement and a heavy dose of praise to appear complimentary. Findings indicate that while critical journalism is constrained by political censorship, the Chinese critical press has managed to circulate counter-hegemonic interpretations of the scandal through strategic discursive practices.
Integrated High-Efficiency Single-Inductor CCM Boost Converter for Multi-Junction PV Energy Harvesting

This paper presents a dual-input, single inductor boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM) for multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting. The proposed inductor current regulation and inductor time-sharing scheme reduces the cross-regulation between the inputs caused by sharing the CCM converter between multi-junction PV (MJ-PV) sources. The existing hill-climbing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is modified for MJ-PV sources to ensure the maximum power point (MPP) operation of both PV sources. A dual-path architecture using hysteresis control is implemented to provide a regulated output voltage. The power switches and control circuits are designed and fabricated in standard 0.18-µm CMOS technology. Measured results show that the proposed converter achieves peak power efficiency of 85%.
δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthetase Activity in Human Plasma: Relation to Erythropoiesis and Evidence of Induction in Erythropoietic Porphyria

Measurement of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase (ALA-S) activity in human plasma has been carried out with samples from normal individuals, cases of erythropoietic porphyria (EP) and erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), and of the three principal forms of hepatic porphyria—acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, and porphyria cutanea tarda. The method of measurement depends on formation of 14C-ALA when the plasma is incubated with 14C-succinic acid, succinyl-Co A synthetase, glycine, and other essential substances. The normal samples, as well as those from the hepatic porphyria cases, had small but significant activity of the same extent; those from the erythropoietic group showed consistently higher values, especially in the two cases of congenital type. A remarkably high value in one of these cases in which there was outspoken erythropoiesis was believed to be related to the presence of many fluorescing normoblasts in the peripheral blood. Following multiple transfusions these disappeared concomitantly with striking reduction of the porphyria. The plasma ALA-S activity declined to 1.4% of the pretransfusion value. These results are considered in respect to the question of induction of ALA-S in the developing red cells of the disease, special attention being given to the minor increase of ALA-S activity in the plasma of a nonporphyric individual whose peripheral blood contained large numbers of circulating normoblasts.
Hypanthropos: On Apprehending and Approaching That Which is in Excess of Monstrosity, with Special Consideration given to the Photography of Edward Burtynsky

Offering a more precise epithet for that which has emerged under the provisional label of the “Anthropocene”, this article trains its lens on some of the more-than-monstrous things that have revealed themselves in our calamitous times. It raises questions about how archaeologists are to apprehend and approach objects that differ in scale, speed, makeup, and efficacy from anything our field has ever dealt with. But rather than honing its analytical edge exclusively with the latest science, it also ventures in another direction to explore some of the powers of art by considering the work of the Canadian photographer Edward Burtynksy. Finally, it makes a few closing remarks on the role of our profession in this new archaeological era.
Survey of bioaccessible pyrethroid insecticides and sediment toxicity in urban streams of the northeast United States.

Abstract Pyrethroids are a class of widely-used insecticides that can be transported from terrestrial applications to aquatic systems via runoff and tend to sorb to organic carbon in sediments. Pyrethroid occurrence is detrimental to stream ecosystems due to toxicity to sediment-dwelling invertebrates which are particularly at risk of pyrethroid exposure in urban streams. In this work, 49 streams located in watersheds in the northeastern United States were surveyed for nine current-use pyrethroids using two extraction methods. Total sediment concentrations were determined by exhaustive chemical extraction, while bioaccessible concentrations were determined by single-point Tenax extraction. Total and bioaccessible pyrethroid concentrations were detected in 76% and 67% of the sites, and the average sum of pyrethroids was 232 ng/g organic carbon (OC) for total and 43.8 ng/g OC for bioaccessible pyrethroids. Bifenthrin was the most commonly detected pyrethroid in streambed sediments. Sediment toxicity was assessed using 10-d Hyalella azteca bioassays, and 28% and 15% of sediments caused a decrease in H. azteca biomass and survival, respectively. A temperature-based focused toxicity identification evaluation was used to assess pyrethroids as the causal factor for toxicity. The concentrations of pyrethroids was only weakly correlated with the degree of urban land use. Sediment toxicity was predicted by total and bioaccessible pyrethroid concentrations expressed as toxic units. This work suggests that bioaccessibility-based methods, such as Tenax extraction, can be a valuable tool in assessing sediment toxicity.
Incidental finding of renal pseudoaneurysm in child with tuberous sclerosis presenting with atypical clinical symptoms.

Abstract Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a complex medical disorder with multisystemic clinical manifestations. Although the renal manifestations of this disease are well researched, the complexities of clinical diagnosis are raised significantly in patients with cognitive impairments, particularly in the pediatric population. We present a case of a 12-year-old male with intellectual disabilities and renal angiomyolipomas associated with his TS complex presenting with subtle cognitive and behavioral changes leading to the eventual diagnosis of a renal pseudoaneurysm. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the subtleties of diagnosis and management of patients with TS and cognitive impairments and maintaining a high clinical index of suspicion for life threatening complications when presenting symptoms are nonspecific. This case also demonstrates the importance of obtaining a thorough clinical history from parents and caregivers of these children and educating them on significance of recognizing changing behavior patterns. The healthcare responsibility for diagnosis and management must be shared by all levels of personnel that participate in the care to allow for improved morbidity, mortality, and quality of lives for these patients.
Dispersive estimates for Klein-Gordon equations via a physical space approach.

Building on the hyperboloidal foliation approach of Lefloch and Ma, we extend Klainerman's physical-space approach to dispersive estimates to recover the frequency-restricted $L^1$--$L^\infty$ dispersive estimates for Klein-Gordon equations. The hyperboloidal foliation approach naturally only provide estimates within a fixed forward light-cone, and is based on an initial data norm that is not translation invariant. Both of these problems can be handled with frequency-dependent physical-space truncations. To handle the lack of scaling symmetry for the Klein-Gordon equation and complete the argument, we also need to keep track of the effectiveness of our estimates in the vanishing mass limit.
One-Shot Induction of Generalized Logical Concepts via Human Guidance

We consider the problem of learning generalized first-order representations of concepts from a single example. To address this challenging problem, we augment an inductive logic programming learner with two novel algorithmic contributions. First, we define a distance measure between candidate concept representations that improves the efficiency of search for target concept and generalization. Second, we leverage richer human inputs in the form of advice to improve the sample-efficiency of learning. We prove that the proposed distance measure is semantically valid and use that to derive a PAC bound. Our experimental analysis on diverse concept learning tasks demonstrates both the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach over a first-order concept learner using only examples.
Existence of $$C^\alpha $$ C α solutions to integro-PDEs

This paper is concerned with existence of a $$C^{\alpha }$$ viscosity solution of a second order non-translation invariant integro-PDE. We first obtain a weak Harnack inequality for such integro-PDE. We then use the weak Harnack inequality to prove Holder regularity and existence of solutions of the integro-PDEs.
Photon Production in √ s NN = 200 GeV Au+Au Collisions Measured by the PHENIX Experiment at RHIC

Direct photon production in Au+Au collisions at √sNN=200 GeV has been measured in the pTrange of 1<pT<5 GeV/c. The yield as a function of centrality is in agreement with published data of the RHIC 2002 run, and with results from a new method that explores very low mass dileptons. The result is compared to several theoretical calculations, and it is found that the measurement is not inconsistent with calculations including thermal photon contributions.
Importance of transition metal modified graphene-based non-enzymatic blood glucose sensors

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a growing area of concern worldwide. An accurate and timely detection can lead to a normal life of a patient. The existing enzyme-based method for blood glucose detection suffers from poor sensitivity and interference with other blood constituents. Hence, the nano-material synthesis for sensitive and stable non-enzyme based sensors for blood glucose measurement is a worldwide frontline emerging area of research. In this study, the significance of transition metal nano-particle decorated graphene film as a non-enzymatic sensor is discussed. A scheme for synthesizing this sensor materials with detection mechanism is also proposed. The Biomedical and Bioprocess Engineering will be immensely benefitted by the outcome of such research on non-enzymatic glucose sensor material.
A Ratio-Dependent Model of Replicator-Genetic Parasite Coevolution Demonstrates Instability of the Parasite-Free State

Abstract Nearly all organisms on earth are hosts to diverse genetic parasites including viruses and various types of mobile genetic elements. The emergence and persistence of genetic parasites was hypothesized to be an intrinsic feature of biological evolution. Here we examine this proposition by analysis of a ratio-dependent Lotka-Volterra type model of replicator(host)-parasite coevolution where the evolutionary outcome depends on the ratio of the host and parasite numbers. In a large, unbounded domain of the space of the model parameters, which include the replicator carrying capacity, the damage inflicted by the parasite, the replicative advantage of the parasites, and its mortality rate, the parasite-free equilibrium takes the form of a saddle and accordingly is unstable. Therefore, the evolutionary outcome is either the stable coexistence of the replicator and the parasite or extinction of both. Thus, the results of ratio-dependent model analysis are compatible with the hypothesis that genetic parasites are inherent to life.
Vascularized Bone Grafts for Spinal Fusion-Part 2: The Rib.

Background Pseudoarthrosis, or failure to achieve bony union, is a well-known complication of spinal fusion operations. Rates range from 5% to 40% and are influenced by both patient and technical factors. Patients who do not achieve complete fusion may experience a return or worsening of their preoperative pain. For patients with complicated pathologies, vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) have been shown to provide better outcomes than nonvascularized bone grafts (N-VBGs). Objective To enhance an instrumented spinal fusion by the innovative technique presented herein that utilizes a rotated, pedicled VBG from the left eighth rib under the paraspinous musculature into the midlumbar posterolateral gutter. Methods For posterior approaches, the rib can be easily accessed and rotated into the appropriate strut position. The rib is dissected out, identifying and preserving the neurovascular bundle medially. The rib is then tunneled medially and appropriately positioned as the spinal graft, with the curve providing anatomic kyphosis or lordosis, depending on the surgical location. It is then successfully fixated with plates and spinal screws. Results In our limited experience to date, vascularized rib grafting procedures augment fusion and reduce operating room time and bleeding compared to free flap procedures. No patients have experienced complications related to these grafts. Conclusion Pedicled vascularized rib grafts can be utilized to provide the advantages of a vascularized bone flap in complicated pathologies requiring spinal fusion as far as the L2-L3 level, without the morbidity associated with free tissue transfer.
Electromagnetic Compatibility of Power Electronic Devices in Electric Vehicle Drive System

Most of the electromagnetic interference of electric vehicles comes from the electric drive system. In this paper, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of power components in electric vehicle (EV) drive system is studied, including its propagation path and the method of interference measurement. On this basis, the common methods to reduce electromagnetic interference are explored, and the future development of electromagnetic compatibility of electric vehicles is prospected.
The role of cell boundary orientation on mechanical behavior: A site-specific micro-pillar characterization study

Abstract The characteristic sub-grain cellular structures widely observed in additively manufactured metals and alloys play an important role during plastic deformation. In the present study, the influence of cell boundaries on the mechanical response of a directed energy deposited 316 L stainless steel was investigated using site-specific micro-compression tests of single and bi-crystal micro-pillars with various cell boundary orientations relative to the compression direction. In an effort to distinguish between grain boundary and cell boundary effects, single-crystal micro-pillars were fabricated from strategically selected regions within a single grain, but with variable cell boundary orientations. Bi-crystal pillars that cross grain boundaries were also investigated. While the stress-strain curves for single-crystal micro-pillars exhibit serrations and a mild strain hardening, those for bi-crystal micro-pillars are absent of serrations and show higher strain hardening rates. Moreover, despite differences in cell boundary orientation, single-crystal micro-pillars with the same crystal orientation (i.e., from the same grain) show similar yield strengths and strain hardening behavior, indicating a limited effect of cellular structure on plastic anisotropy. The results further demonstrate that although cell boundaries can temporarily impede the motion of dislocations, corresponding to a strengthening effect, they ultimately allow dislocation transmission when the applied stress is sufficiently high. While our results suggest that cell boundaries and grain boundaries have distinct interaction mechanisms with dislocations, they also indicate that manipulation of the cellular texture may provide a pathway to engineer the properties of additively manufactured metals and alloys.
Thermal Predictions of the AGR-2 Experiment with Variable Gas Gaps

A new daily as-run thermal analysis was performed at the Idaho National Laboratory for the advanced gas cooled reactor (AGR) test experiment number two (AGR-2) in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). T...
Spontaneous emergence of chirality in achiral lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals confined to cylinders

The presumed ground state of a nematic fluid confined in a cylindrical geometry with planar anchoring corresponds to that of an axial configuration, wherein the director, free of deformations, is along the long axis of the cylinder. However, upon confinement of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals in cylindrical geometries, here we uncover a surprising ground state corresponding to a doubly twisted director configuration. The stability of this ground state, which involves significant director deformations, can be rationalized by the saddle-splay contribution to the free energy. We show that sufficient anisotropy in the elastic constants drives the transition from a deformation-free ground state to a doubly twisted structure, and results in spontaneous symmetry breaking with equal probability for either handedness. Enabled by the twist angle measurements of the spontaneous twist, we determine the saddle-splay elastic constant for chromonic liquid crystals for the first time.
Utilization of Glutamine in the Developing Rat Jejunum

The activity of glutaminase was measured in the jejunum of rats during the suckling period. Activity increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from 2.37 +/- 0.31 mol glutamate/(mg jejunal protein.h) (X +/- SD) in the first week to 3.50 +/- 0.99 in the second week and 4.75 +/- 0.96 during the third week. The quantity of the glutaminase protein, measured with a dot immunobinding assay, remained constant during the first (592 +/- 174 cpm bound/g protein) and second (599 +/- 125) weeks and then increased significantly by the third week (784 +/- 270) after birth. These results indicate that the activity of glutaminase is regulated by alterations in both the quantity and activity of glutaminase protein. The oxidation of [U-14C]glutamine to 14CO2 in vitro also increased during the suckling period, with significantly (P less than 0.05) higher rates of oxidation observed by the third week after birth. The capacity of the developing rat jejunum to utilize both glutamine and -hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as fuel sources to support [methyl-3H]thymidine (3HTdR) incorporation was also determined. Addition of glutamine to jejunal homogenates in vitro resulted in a significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher rate of 3HTdR incorporation than was observed with either glucose or BHB as a fuel source during the early suckling period. In the late suckling period, the addition of BHB and glutamine together resulted in significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher rates of 3HTdR incorporation than that found with glucose as a fuel source. These data suggest that both glutamine and BHB are important fuel sources in the jejunum during the suckling period.
Commentary: Reflections from a teenage programme contemplating its next 20 years

(2007). Commentary: Reflections from a teenage programme contemplating its next 20 years. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-2.
Metabolism of phenanthrene by the marine cyanobacterium Agmenellum quadruplicatum PR-6

Under photoautotrophic growth conditions, the marine cyanobacterium Agmenellum quadruplicatum PR-6 metabolized phenanthrene to form trans-9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (phenanthrene trans-9,10-dihydrodiol) and 1-methoxyphenanthrene as the major ethyl acetate-extractable metabolites. Small amounts of phenanthrols were also formed. The metabolites were purified by high-pressure liquid chromatography and identified from their UV, infrared, mass, and proton magnetic resonance spectral properties. A. quadruplicatum PR-6 formed phenanthrene trans-9,10-dihydrodiol with a 22% enantiomeric excess of the (-)-9S,10S-enantiomer. Incorporation experiments with 18O2 showed that one atom of oxygen from O2 was incorporated into the dihydrodiol. Toxicity studies, using an algal lawn bioassay, indicated that 9-phenanthrol and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone inhibit the growth of A. quadruplicatum PR-6.
Kin distribution of amphibian larvae in the wild

According to kin selection theory, the location of an individual with respect to its relatives can have important ramifications for its fitness. Perhaps more than any other vertebrate group, anuran amphibian larvae have been the subject of many experiments on this topic. Some anuran species have been shown in the laboratory to recognize and associate with their siblings and half-siblings. However, due to the difficulty of identifying sibships, no kinship studies with anuran larvae have been conducted in the wild. Here, we use microsatellite analysis to show that wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles were nonrandomly distributed in two ponds with respect to their relatives. In one pond, the tadpoles were significantly clumped with their siblings or half-siblings as expected from other published laboratory studies on this species. However, in another pond, the tadpoles were significantly nonrandomly dispersed from their siblings or half-siblings. This is the first example of kin repulsion of nonreproductive animals in the wild and the first time a species has been shown to display both aggregation and repulsion under different circumstances. These results suggest that kin distribution is context dependent and demonstrate the importance of testing kin selection hypotheses under natural conditions.
The Heavy-Duty Gasoline Engine - An Alternative to Meet Emissions Standards of Tomorrow

A technology path has been identified for development of a high efficiency, durable, gasoline engine, targeted at achieving performance and emissions levels necessary to meet heavy-duty, on-road standards of the foreseeable, future. Initial experimental and numerical results for the proposed technology concept are presented. This work summarizes internal research efforts conducted at Southwest Research Institute. An alternative combustion system has been numerically and experimentally examined. The engine utilizes gasoline as the fuel, with a combination of enabling technologies to provide high efficiency operation at ultra-low emissions levels. The concept is based upon very highly-dilute combustion of gasoline at high compression ratio and boost levels. Results from the experimental program have demonstrated engine-out NO x emissions of 0.06 g/hp/hr, at single-cylinder brake thermal efficiencies (BTE) above thirty-four percent. Multi-cylinder, 3-way catalyst equipped versions of this engine are estimated to provide NO x emissions of approximately 0.003 g/hp/hr at efficiencies approaching thirty-nine percent.
A Cell Surface Receptor Complex for Fibrillar β-Amyloid Mediates Microglial Activation

Senile plaques found in the Alzheimer's disease brain are foci of local inflammatory reactions mediated by plaque-associated microglia. The interaction of microglia with compacted deposits of beta-amyloid (Abeta) fibrils results in the stimulation of intracellular Tyr kinase-based signaling cascades and cellular activation, leading to the secretion of proinflammatory molecules. This study identifies a cell surface receptor complex that mediates the binding of microglia to Abeta fibrils and the subsequent activation of intracellular signaling pathways leading to a proinflammatory response. The receptor complex includes the B-class scavenger receptor CD36, the integrin-associated protein/CD47, and the alpha(6)beta(1)-integrin. Antagonists of scavenger receptors, CD36, CD47, and alpha(6)beta(1) inhibited the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to Abeta fibrils. In addition, peptide competitors of Abeta fibril interactions with CD36, scavenger receptors, CD47, and the alpha(6)beta(1)-integrin inhibited Abeta stimulation of Tyr kinase-based signaling cascades in both THP-1 monocytes and murine microglia as well as interleukin 1beta production. A scavenger receptor antagonist and antibodies specific for CD36 and the beta(1)-integrin subunit also inhibited the Abeta-stimulated generation of reactive oxygen species. Importantly, the principal components of this receptor complex are shared with those for other fibrillar proteins and thus represent general elements through which myeloid lineage cells recognize complex fibrillar proteins. Identification of the cell surface molecules that interact with Abeta fibrils and mediate their activation of intracellular signaling cascades represents a potential intervention point in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A Closer Look at Errors in Variables Methods for Use in Regression Models with Spatially Misaligned Data

Publicly available data are increasingly combined for subsequent statistical analyses. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Program is based almost entirely on the use of existing data. Because the data are frequently measured or associated with different geographic or spatial units, combing them for analysis usually requires prediction of one or more of the variables of interest. In this article, the effects of regressing health outcomes on a predicted environmental exposure is explored. We evaluate several statistical methods for regression with spatially misaligned data, including naive kriging approaches and parametric bootstrap methods. First, the case where health outcomes are observed at points and environmental exposure is measured at other points resulting in spatial misalignment is considered both analytically and through simulation. In EPHT, the association between health outcomes and environmental exposure is often studi...
Optimal PMU placement for fault observability in distributed power system by using simultaneous voltage and current measurements

This paper proposes a new strategy to achieve fault observability of power systems while aiming minimum required number of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) in the network. The proposed method exploits the nodal voltage and mesh current analyses where the impedance and admittance matrices of the network and its dual circuit are developed and utilized for fault location. The criterion of determining the number and the places of PMUs is to be able to obtain the fault location and impedance in a unique manner (i.e., without multi estimation.) In addition, the method considers faults along the lines as opposed to the faults only on system buses available in the literature. The proposed approach provides an economical solution to decrease measurement costs for large power networks, distributed generation networks, and micro grids. Simulation results for IEEE 7-bus, 14-bus, and 30-bus systems verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Control of phase in phosphide nanoparticles produced by metal nanoparticle transformation: Fe2P and FeP.

The transformation of Fe nanoparticles by trioctylphosphine (TOP) to phase-pure samples of either Fe2P or FeP is reported. Fe nanoparticles were synthesized by the decomposition of Fe(CO)5 in a mixture of octadecene and oleylamine at 200 °C and were subsequently reacted with TOP at temperatures in the region of 350−385 °C to yield iron phosphide nanoparticles. Shorter reaction times favored an iron-rich product (Fe2P), and longer reaction times favored a phosphorus-rich product (FeP). The reaction temperature was also a crucial factor in determining the phase of the final product, with higher temperatures favoring FeP and lower temperatures Fe2P. We also observe the formation of hollow structures in both FeP spherical nanoparticles and Fe2P nanorods, which can be attributed to the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. Magnetic measurements conducted on phase-pure samples suggest that ∼8 × 70 nm Fe2P rods are ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature between 215 and 220 K and exhibit a blocking temperature of 179 K, w...
Persistence of complexed acidic phospholipids in rapidly mineralizing tissues is due to affinity for mineral and resistance to hydrolytic attack: in vitro data.

Acidic phospholipids, complexed with calcium and inorganic phosphate, are components of extracellular matrix vesicles. Both the complexed acidic phospholipids and matrix vesicles have previously been shown to serve as hydroxyapatite (HA) nucleators in solution and when implanted in a muscle pouch. The present study supplies evidence that complexed acidic phospholipids can persist in mineralizing tissues both because of their affinity for HA and because of their resistance to hydrolysis by phospholipase A2. Calcium-phosphatidylserine-phosphate complex (CPLX-PS) synthesized with14C-labeled phosphatidylserine (PS) was used to measure CPLX-PS affinity for HA using a Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The affinity was shown to be higher and more specific than that of PS itself (K=8.66 ml/μmol; N, the number of binding sites =20.4 μmol/m2 as compared with previously reported values for PS of K=3.33 ml/μmol, and N=4.87 μmol/m2). Incorporated into synthetic liposomes and incubated in a calcium phosphate solution in which mineralization is induced by an ionophore, CPLX-PS showed behavior distinct from free PS. As previously reported, PS in these liposomes totally blocked HA formation. On the other hand, CPLX-PS in similar concentrations had a varied response, having no effect, slightly inhibiting, or actually promoting HA formation. CPLX-PS was also shown to be a poorer substrate for phospholipase A2 than PS, with Km=4.63 mM for CPLX-PS and Km=0.27 mM for PS; and Vmax=0.029 ml/minute for CPLX-PS and Vmax=0.066 ml/minute for PS. These data explain how complexed acidic phospholipids may persist in the growth plate and facilitate initial mineral deposition.