cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A National Snapshot Detailing the Impact of Parkinson's Disease on the Cost and Outcome Profiles of Fusion Procedures for Cervical Myelopathy.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest a higher prevalence of cervical deformities in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients who predispose to cervical myelopathy (CM). Despite the profound effect of CM on function and quality of life, no study has assessed the influence of PD on costs and outcomes of fusion procedures for CM. OBJECTIVE To conduct the first national-level study that provides a snapshot of the current outcome and cost profiles for different fusion procedures for CM in PD and non-PD populations. METHODS Patients with or without PD who underwent cervical decompression and fusion anteriorly (ACDF), posteriorly (PCDF), or both (Frontback), for CM were identified from the 2013 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Disease codes. RESULTS A total of 75 870 CM patients were identified, with 535 patients (0.71%) also having PD. Although no difference existed between in-hospital mortality rates, overall complication rates were higher in PD patients (38.32% vs 22.05%; P < .001). PD patients had higher odds of pulmonary (P = .002), circulatory (P = .020), and hematological complications (P = .035). Following ACDFs, PD patients had higher odds of complications (P = .035), extended hospitalization (P = .026), greater total charges (P = .003), and nonhome discharge (P = .006). Although PCDFs and Frontbacks produced higher overall complication rates for both populations than ACDFs, PD status did not affect complication odds for these procedures. CONCLUSION PD may increase risk for certain adverse outcomes depending on procedure type. This study provides data with implications in healthcare delivery, policy, and research regarding a patient population that will grow as our population ages and justifies further investigation in future prospective studies.
Research, action, activism: Critical solidarities & multi-scalar powers

In this essay, I draw upon my work with the Urban Research Based Action Network (URBAN) to argue for several key principles in research for social justice: reflexivity, especially regarding our work in fraught academic institutions, and engaging multiple ways of knowing. These principles are essential to forming critical solidarities across constituencies, to recognizing and addressing issues of power at multiple scales—local, national, global, and to imagining ourselves as protagonists in our collective futures.
Discourses of the Rural Rust Belt:: Schooling, Poverty, and Rurality

This article addresses the ways in which elementary teachers in the rural rust belt both reproduce and contest dominant discourses of schooling, rurality, and poverty in their particular local context. Situated within a 4-year postcritical ethnographic study, this analysis of teacher discourse took part during an embedded, 4-month-long teacher study group. Within this context, the authors examine how the groupâ€™s discourse on poverty claimed that inequity was the fault of those experiencing it, as well as that a neoliberal discourse of education emphasized a flattened accountability and growth-only perspective within teacherâ€™s professional interactions. However, through the addition of a spatial lens, they also situate these discourses within a particular rural and rust-belt context. This article teases apart the discursive threads within two teacher study groups, revealing the construction by teachers of their own rural, high-poverty communities as deficient, as well as exploring the complexities of the intersections of these discourses for teachers working in such settings. Their analysis contributes to a more robust understanding of the particular intersecting discourses currently circulating and producing a White-majority, high-poverty rural rust belt where children go to school and are taught by educators with their own complex orientations to schooling, rurality, and poverty.
Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes

This review discusses the current practice of evaluation and treatment of patellar tendinopathy with emphasis on rehabilitation. The latest studies revolve primarily around implementation of isometric and heavy slow resistance (HSR) exercises in the rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy rather than the traditional rehabilitation method of eccentric exercise. Patellar tendinopathy is a common injury of the inferior anterior knee seen in athletes but predominantly in jumping athletes. Onset is insidious and frequently noted in a loaded position with knee flexion. Physical exam finds tenderness along the patellar tendon with pain recreated while squatting. Treatment initially includes conservative measures such as guided physical therapy, medical therapy, and modalities. If recalcitrant, injections may be warranted, or rarely surgery may be considered.
Survey Assessing Medical Student and Physician Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Opioid Crisis.

Background There is a national opioid misuse and overdose crisis. Consensus guidelines seek to inform practice and reduce risk; however, effect on clinician attitudes and knowledge remains unclear. Methods We surveyed 228 medical students and physicians in Wisconsin to assess their knowledge regarding at-risk patients, alternatives to opioids, and best treatment practices for opioid addiction. We also assessed attitudes about prescribing naloxone, relapse likelihood, and responsibility for the crisis. Discussion Enhancement of opioid-related education is both necessary to address knowledge gaps and desired by students and physicians.
Using Texting Tools to Reinforce Communication in the Online Classroom

Texting tools are useful communication tools used by higher education instructors to send short messages to students or guardians. The tool can also be a vehicle for enhancing student engagement and communication by sending reminders, words of encouragement, and other announcements. Some texting tools are accessible to students with disabilities thanks to the voice-to-text feature, highlighted in this article. Challenges to using texting tools are addressed and best practices for implementation are described.
Using an Arbitrary Moment Predictor to Investigate the Optimal Choice of Prognostic Moments in Bulk Cloud Microphysics Schemes

Author(s): Igel, AL | Abstract: Most bulk cloud microphysics schemes predict up to three standard properties of hydrometeor size distributions, namely, the mass mixing ratio, number concentration, and reflectivity factor in order of increasing scheme complexity. However, it is unclear whether this combination of properties is optimal for obtaining the best simulation of clouds and precipitation in models. In this study, a bin microphysics scheme has been modified to act like a bulk microphysics scheme. The new scheme can predict an arbitrary combination of two or three moments of the hydrometeor size distributions. As a first test of the arbitrary moment predictor (AMP), box model simulations of condensation, evaporation, and collision-coalescence are conducted for a variety of initial cloud droplet distributions and for a variety of configurations of AMP. The performance of AMP is assessed relative to the bin scheme from which it was built. The results show that no double- or triple-moment configuration of AMP can simultaneously minimize the error of all cloud droplet distribution moments. In general, predicting low-order moments helps to minimize errors in the cloud droplet number concentration, but predicting high-order moments tends to minimize errors in the cloud mass mixing ratio. The results have implications for which moments should be predicted by bulk microphysics schemes for the cloud droplet category.
Disc1 Carrier Mice Exhibit Alterations in Neural pIGF-1Rβ and Related Kinase Expression

Mutation of the disc1 gene underlies a broad range of developmental neuropsychiatric defects, including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. The pathophysiological phenotypes linked with disc1 mutation are due to the truncation of the DISC1 primary protein structure. This leads to a defective post-synaptic scaffolding and kinase – GSK3 and Erk1/2 – signaling. As a result, synaptic function and maintenance are significantly impaired in the disc1 mutant brain. Among several other pathways, GSK3 and Erk1/2 are involved in insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) kinase signaling. Although disc1 mutation alters these kinases, it is unclear if the mutation impacts IGF-1R expression and activity in the brain. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of active IGF-1R (pIGF-1R) is altered in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of disc1 mutant mice and vary with the dose of the mutation (homozygous and heterozygous). The expression of pIGF-1Rβ decreased significantly in 129S (hom, disc1-/-) brains. In contrast, the 129S:B6 (het, disc1+/-) brains were characterized by an increase in pIGF-1R when compared with the C57BL/6 (control) level. The decrease in pIGF-1R level for the 129S brains was accompanied by the loss of Akt activity (S473 pAkt) and decreased Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK3 (increased basal GSK3β). Additionally, hippocampal and cortical pErk1/2 activity increased in the 129S hippocampus and cortex. Although 129S:B6 recorded alterations in pIGF-1Rβ-pAkt-GSK3β (like 129S, disc1+/+), there was no observable phenotypic change in pErk1/2 activity for the heterozygote (disc1+/-) mutant. In addition to GSK3β inhibition, we conclude that pIGF-1R, pAkt, and pErk1/2 are potential targets in disc1-/- (hom) mutant brain. On the other hand, pIGF-1R and pAkt can be further explored in disc1+/- (het) brain.
The parental experiences of caring for children with childhood cancers in Singapore: a pilot focus group study:

Background:Research on the parental experiences of caring for children diagnosed with cancer in Singapore are limited and not well understood.Objectives:We conducted a pilot focus group to understa...
Techno-economic assessment and deployment strategies for vertically-mounted photovoltaic panels

Abstract This study identifies potential future markets and deployment challenges for vertically mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels in the United States (U.S.). Target photovoltaic (PV) module metrics are determined for economically competitive installations comparable to the grid-supplied commercial electricity price in the contiguous U.S. The study is motivated by the emergence of third-generation PV materials that promise low cost modules with weight per unit area that are an order of magnitude lower than silicon panels, thereby enabling vertical installation of PV modules on existing structures with minimal mechanical reinforcement. Vertically-mounted PVs on building facades are the largest potential market, between 50 GWp and 550 GWp, with other smaller markets adding an additional 15 GWp of capacity. Conservatively, assuming that the third-generation lightweight and monofacial PV modules have 15% efficiency, cost $0.68/Wp and a 10-year lifetime, when mounted vertically facing south, their levelized cost of generated electricity is between 18.3 and 23.1 ¢/kWh, dependent on the region of the U.S. East or west facing monofacial modules result in a higher levelized cost between 24.1 and 28.4 ¢/kWh. Bifacial PV modules facing east–west achieve a grid-comparable cost between 11.8 and 14.2 ¢/kWh. With further improvement of the monofacial PV module performance to 19% efficiency, 10-year lifetime, and $0.20/Wp when vertically mounted facing south, the levelized cost of their generated electricity would be between 10.1 and 12.7 ¢/kWh, comparable to the average 2018 grid price in the U. S.
Plant silicon as a factor in medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) invasion

Medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is one of the most detrimental invasive annual grasses impacting the sustainability and function of rangeland in the western United States. This annual grass possesses high concentrations of tissue silicon (Si) that may facilitate invasion through key plant characteristics such as increased plant fitness, structure, and antinutritive qualities. These characteristics may affect known invasive processes such as increased plant productivity, slow litter decomposition, and decreased herbivory, facilitating a positive feedback cycle of invasion. However, Si is not considered an essential element and is often overlooked as a factor of T. caput-medusae invasion. Thus, this article provides a synthesis of plant Si, T. caput-medusae, and the self-reinforcing feedback cycle of invasion. We also discuss how current control strategies address plant characteristics determined by Si and suggest research avenues that may aid in novel or improved control strategies that target the T. caput-medusae–silica relationship.
Gender Differences in Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Among General Surgery Applicants.

Background Although the overall gender gap in medicine is narrowing, significant gender disparities remain in the cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) field; women represent only 7% of practicing surgeons and 20% of residents. The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in CTS exposure and interest among fourth year medical students applying to general surgery residency. Methods An anonymous survey was emailed to general surgery residency applicants at a major academic program for the 2019 and 2020 application cycles. Data were stratified by gender and analyzed using the χ2 and t tests. Results Of the 303 responders to the survey, 44% were women. A total of 58% of women were unlikely to be interested in or were definitely not interested in pursuing a career in CTS compared with 35% of men (P Conclusions Interest in CTS is disappointingly low among women and represents a troublesome disparity that must be addressed. Early exposure to CTS and more mentorship from cardiothoracic surgeons are critical to reverse the current trend. Further studies are necessary to determine factors limiting female exposure to CTS rotations and dissuading female applicants from pursuing careers in CTS.
Addressing race, ethnicity, and poverty in policy assignments: students’ opportunities and constraints

Policy practice is central to social work and has particular potential for furthering social justice. This paper presents and analyzes data collected as part of an assessment of a project aimed at ...
High-resolution in situ observations of atmospheric thermodynamics using dropsondes during the Organization of Tropical East Pacific Convection (OTREC) field campaign

Abstract. The Organization of Tropical East Pacific Convection (OTREC) field campaign investigated the dynamical structure of convection in the tropical east Pacific and Caribbean. One of the central data sets for this field campaign is the thermodynamic structure of the atmosphere measured by dropsondes released from the NSF/NCAR G-V research aircraft. Between 7 August and 2 October 2019, 648 dropsondes were successfully released from 22 research flights. Soundings were launched in a grid pattern with a typical spacing of 1 ∘ longitude and 1.2 ∘ latitude and provided profiles of pressure, temperature, humidity, and winds between the surface and on average 13.3 km . Of these soundings, 636 provided complete vertical profiles of all parameters with a nominal vertical resolution between 6 to 12 m from the surface to almost flight altitude. OTREC deployed the new NRD41 dropsonde, which is the most advanced model that has been developed at NCAR. Here, we describe the data set, the processing of the measurements, and general statistics of all dropsonde observations. The data set is available at https://doi.org/10.26023/EHRT-TN96-9W04 (UCAR/NCAR and Vomel, 2019).
Return to Sport in Athletes With Borderline Hip Dysplasia After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

Background:Data on outcomes in patients with borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) who undergo hip arthroscopy remain limited, particularly in regard to return to sport (RTS).Purpose:To evaluate outcomes ...
Transient diffusion and reaction in solids immersed in poorly-stirred fluids—II: Numerical aspects

Abstract A general computational strategy for the use of the formal solutions obtained in Part I of this paper is presented, and the numerical implementation of this strategy is described in detail for the right circular cylinder. Certain subtleties of the computational procedure are emphasized in order to facilitate similar numerical work for other geometries. Detailed numerical results are presented for a range of physically interesting but previously inaccessible parameter values. Limiting cases of our solution are shown to be in good agreement with the results of simpler analyses. The numerical solutions demonstrate that our techniques combine the classical advantages of eigenfunction expansions with good convergence properties at zero time and minimal computational overhead. In addition, our method is seen to be most efficient in those regimes where other theoretical treatments are unavailable. They thus provide computational and conceptual advantages over competing methods.
Value of Solar Array Technology Advancement

In making investment decisions for spacecraft technology development, it is critical to understand how such advances impact spacecraft budgets such as mass, volume, and power. Beneficial effects on spacecraft budgets translate into improved payload capability and/or reduced spacecraft cost. Reduced cost and improved capability are central goals for the space enterprise, including both military and commercial entities. This work systematically evaluates the effect of increasing solar array performance on spacecraft mass, volume, power, and cost budgets for three assumed missions: low Earth orbit (3 kW), medium Earth orbit (10 kW), and geostationary Earth orbit (20 kW). Solar array metrics used to quantify improved solar array performance are specific power (watts per kilogram), stowed power density (kilowatts per cubic meter), and solar cell efficiency (percent). Changes in solar array metrics are translated into the effect on spacecraft mass, volume, power, and cost budgets for the three assumed missions....
Historical Analysis: Marketing

Historical analysis involves the study of past developments in marketing to inform current academic research and business practice. Historical investigations are typically categorized into the history of marketing thought or the history of marketing practice. The former focuses on the evolution of marketing concepts and theories, such as the product life cycle (PLC), the Consumer Goods Classification System, or the Theory of Retail Gravitation. In contrast, the history of marketing practice involves business developments in marketing, such as the evolution of Macy's merchandising strategies or Ford's automobile pricing strategy. Often developments in marketing thought and practice are iterative –successful ideas influence practice and vice versa. Historical analysis reveals that great marketing insights are frequently, and sometimes unknowingly, recycled through history. For example, two of the world's most renowned technological innovators, Henry Ford and Steve Jobs, bookmarking the beginning and end of the twentieth century, developed their business philosophies with a similar customer oriented marketing strategy. These lessons from the past often offer profound insights for the future. Such is the value added by historical analysis in marketing. Keywords: marketing history; marketing theory; history of marketing thought; history of marketing practice; marketing strategy; marketing segmentation; target marketing
Moving Pictures? Experimental Evidence of Cinematic Influence on Political Attitudes†

Objectives Media effects research has generally ignored the possibility that popular films can affect political attitudes. This omission is puzzling for two reasons. First, research on public opinion finds the potential for persuasion is highest when respondents are unaware that political messages are being communicated. Second, multiple studies have found that entertainment media can alter public opinion. Together, this suggests that popular films containing political messages should possess the potential to influence attitudes. Methods We develop a laboratory experiment where subjects were randomly assigned to watch a control movie with no political messages, a movie with subtle political messages, or a movie with strong and explicit political messages. Results We find that popular movies possess the ability to change political attitudes, especially on issues that are unframed by the media. Furthermore, we show such influence persists over time and is not moderated by partisanship, ideology, or political knowledge. Conclusions Our key findings suggest that a renewed scholarly interest in the political influence of popular movies is clearly warranted.
A sensitivity analysis of pollen-dispensing schedules

Without changing their allocation to male function, plants can increase male fitness by increasing the number of visits they receive, attracting more efficient pollinators, or by changing their schedule of dispensing of pollen to floral visitors. We explore the strength of selection on the different components of pollen-dispensing schedules using sensitivity analysis. We find that changes in both the efficiency of pollinators and the expected mean number of visits produce large changes in male fitness. Our results suggest there may be strong selection on features that allow pollen to be available to multiple visitors and that selection is probably weak for mechanisms that would promote near optimal dispensing schedules.
Is sentinel lymph node biopsy the standard of care for cutaneous head and neck melanoma

Objectives/Hypothesis Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is considered one of the most important melanoma advancements to date. Since its inception in 1992, a plethora of data and associated controversies has emerged leading to the question: Is SLNB considered the standard of care for head and neck (HN) cutaneous melanoma? Study Design English literature (1990–2014) review. Methods The PubMed database search was conducted using key terms “melanoma” and “sentinel node.” This review included both dedicated HN SLNB studies and larger prospective SLNB studies, in which HN patients were included among the cohort. Bibliography cross-referencing was conducted to ensure a comprehensive search. Results SLNB is safe and accurate in the HN region. Review of large prospective SLNB trials identified the pathologic status of the SLN as the most important prognostic factor for recurrence and survival. Early lymphadenectomy following a positive SLNB imparts a survival benefit. Conclusions Our review of the current literature suggests that SLNB is the standard of care for selected cases of HN cutaneous melanoma. It is now incorporated into the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines, and numerous national and international consensus statements. Laryngoscope, 125:153–160, 2015
Robust 2.5D visual servoing for robot manipulators

In this paper, the 3-dimensional (3D) position and orientation of a camera held by the end-effector of a robot manipulator is regulated to a constant desired position and orientation despite (i) the lack of depth information of the actual or desired camera position from a target, (ii) the lack of a geometric model of the target object, and (iii) uncertainty regarding both the angle and axis of rotation of the camera with respect to the robot end-effector (i.e., the orientation extrinsic camera parameters). By fusing 2D image-space and projected 3D task-space information (i.e., 2.5D visual servoing), a robust controller is developed that ensures exponential regulation of the position and orientation of the camera. The stability of the controller is proven through a Lyapunov-based analysis.
Hardware verification: techniques, methodology and solutions

Hardware verification has been one of the biggest drivers of formal verification research, and has seen the greatest practical impact of its results. The use of formal techniques has not been uniformly successful here -- with equivalence checking widely used, assertion-based verification seeing increased adoption, and general property checking and theorem proving seeing only limited use. I will first examine the reasons for this varied success and show that for efficient techniques to translate to solutions they must be part of an efficient methodology and be scalable. Next I will describe specific efforts addressing each of these critical requirements for the verification of emerging computing systems. A significant barrier in enabling efficient techniques to flow into efficient methodology is the need for human intervention in this process. I argue that in large part this is due to the gap between functional design specification, which is still largely in natural language, and structural design description at the register-transfer level (RTL). This gap is largely filled by humans, leading to a methodology which is error-prone, incomplete and inefficient. To overcome this, we need formal functional specification and a way to bridge the gap from this specification to structural RTL. In this direction I will present a modeling framework with design models at two levels -- architectural and microarchitectural. The architectural model provides for a functional specification, and the microarchitectural model connects this to a physical implementation. I will illustrate how this enables greater automation in verification. A major challenge in verification techniques providing scalable solutions is the inherent intractability of the problem. This is only getting worse with increasing complexity and is reflected in the increasing number of bug escapes into silicon. I argue that existing verification solutions need to be augmented with runtime validation techniques, through online error-checking and recovery in hardware. I will illustrate this with examples from emerging multi-core architectures. I will also discuss the complementary roles of formal techniques and runtime validation in a cooperative methodology.
Antroduodenal resistance to flow in the control of duodenogastric bile reflux during fasting.

Abstract Our objectives in this study were (a) to determine the role of antroduodenal resistance in the control of fasting duodenogastric bile reflux in the dog and (b) to elucidate the contribution of the pylorus both to resistance and to reflux. Thus, we measured simultaneously throughout the interdigestive motor cycle (a) antroduodenal pressure activity by manometry, (b) antroduodenal resistance by a pneumatic resistometer, and (c) bile acid concentrations in duodenal and gastric juices. Experiments were performed in 15 conscious dogs (9 with pylorus intact and 6 with extramucosal pyloric myotomy). We found that antroduodenal resistance was lowest during phase I, increased gradually during phase II, and peaked during phase III (linear trend, p
PASTORAL CARE IN A NEW PUBLIC: LESSONS LEARNED IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE

This is how I started my testimony to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee in June 2005. I was asked to testify as an author of a report reflecting the work that I did from 2003-2005 as a pastoral care consultant at the United States Air Force Academy. Along with a general who headed the Pentagon's investigation of the Academy and a retired Navy chaplain who oversaw the credentialing of military chaplains, my testimony became part of the investigation by Congress to explore allegations of religious intolerance and Christian proselytizing at the United States Air Force Academy. This work in progress stems from my time at the Academy, the subsequent public responses to that engagement, and my own questions about moving pastoral theology and care into this or any public arena.
A circularly polarized, electrically scanned slotted waveguide array suitable for high temperature environments

A technique using parasitic monopoles has been developed which generates circular polarization directly from a planar array of narrow wall waveguide slots. Good scanning performance has been demonstrated with an array capable of operating under extreme temperature conditions.
Tuning hydrogel properties and function using substituent effects.

The physical properties and function of hydrogels are shown to depend on the substituents present in three novel 1,3,5-triazaadamantane (TAA) cross-linkers. Gel stiffness and degradation rate at varied pHs could be predictably tuned with the cross-linker substituents used to form the gel. Subsequently, protein release from the hydrogel were controlled with chemical structure of the cross-linker.
Haemagglutinins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

IT is known that erythrocytes from some fowls are agglutinated by certain lipid preparations and by components of vaccinia and ectromelia viruses. The vaccinia haemagglutination is inhibited by sera of rabbits infected with the virus, but not significantly by those of normal rabbits. In contrast, agglutination by common lipid preparations, such as those used by Stone1, is inhibited by normal rabbit sera to a relatively high titre.
The buffering capacities of allantoic and amniotic fluids of the chick

Abstract Aliquots of chick amniotic and allantoic fluids at 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 days of age were titrated with 0.1-ml. additions of 0.0985 N HCl and 0.0982 N NaOH. The amniotic fluid exhibited no buffer capacity on the 8th, 10th, and 12th days. The observed buffer capacity of amniotic fluid on the 14th and 16th days was attributed to proteins from the albumin sac. Allantoic fluid exhibited weak to moderate buffer capacity at all ages examined. In the region of pH 6.5–7.0 the calculated buffer value was 0.008–0.010.
Seismic structure of the Charlotte and Carolina slate belts of Georgia and South Carolina

The seismic structure of the Charlotte and Carolina Slate belts was investigated by synthetic seismogram analysis. Using generalized ray theory and the Cagniardde Hoop method, synthetic seismograms were calculated for the first few seconds of reflected and refracted P-wave arrivals and compared with observed seismograms recorded within the area being studied. A model has been obtained of the detailed velocity structure of the crust which provider a good fit for two sets of seismograms up to an epicentral distance of 210 km. This model is in agreement with reflections at 11.0 to 11.5 sec two-way vertical reflection time seen on the COCORP Georgia lines 1 and 4, and is also in agreement with results from seismic refraction data assembled by Kean (1978). The model shows compressional wave velocities increasing from 5.1 km/sec to 6.0 km/sec in the upper 6 km of the crust. The average velocity of the crust is 6.0 km/sec and total crustal thickness is 33 km based on the analysis of reflections from the crust-mantle boundary, which is sharp in this area. There is a high velocity (6.6 km/sec) layer 4 km thick at the base of the crust.
Exclusion statistics : density matrix and its implications

We obtain the density matrix associated with the Haldane exclusion statistics with parameter g in terms of the mean occupation number, n. From this we obtain the second- and third-order fluctuations in the occupation numbers for arbitrary g. The von Neumann entropy is explicitly constructed. An elegant general duality relationship between the n-factor associated with the particle for a given g and that associated with that of the hole at the reciprocal g is deduced along with attendant relationship between the two respective entropies. This duality is more general than the one given in the literature, albeit equivalent to it in the special case of thermodynamic equilibrium. We also give similar results within the Tsallis entropy formalism which is expected to be useful when the particles are in nanostructures whose spatial dimensions are small compared to the range of interactions, and the system is not expected to be extensive.
Androgen receptor action in hormone‐dependent and recurrent prostate cancer

The importance of androgens and androgen receptors (AR) in primary prostate cancer is well established. Metastatic disease is usually treated with some form of androgen ablation, which is effective for a limited amount of time. The role of AR in prostate cancers that recur despite androgen ablation therapy is less certain. Most of these tumors express prostate specific antigen (PSA), an androgen-regulated gene; moreover, AR is generally highly expressed in recurrent prostate cancer. We propose that AR continues to play a role in many of these tumors and that it is not only the levels of AR, ligands, and co-regulators, but also the changes in cell signaling that induce AR action in recurrent prostate cancer. These pathways are, therefore, potential therapeutic targets.
Age-related dedifferentiation of visuospatial abilities.

Forty-eight older adults were tested on a battery of seven speeded visuospatial tasks that were developed by Chen et al. [4] to measure the functions of the ventral and dorsal neural processing streams. Principal components analysis revealed only one factor with an eigenvalue greater than 1.0, and all of the tasks loaded heavily on this general factor. These results are in contrast to those reported in a previous study of young adults in which principal components analysis revealed two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0 [4]. Importantly, for young adults the second principal component was a bipolar factor which grouped the tasks based on the neural processing stream (i.e. ventral versus dorsal) whose function they had been designed to assess. The age-related difference in the factor structure of visuospatial abilities apparent from the present results may be interpreted as reflecting an age-related dedifferentiation of the neural processing streams consistent with the results of recent neuroimaging studies [12,13].
Malignant Gastric Teratoma: Case Report

Gastric teratomas are rare and usually benign. A 4 month old boy presented with an abdominal mass and computed tomographic and ultrasound examination demonstrated a large multi-loculated tumour which was totally excised. The pathological diagnosis was of a malignant gastric teratoma and 12-month follow-up was uneventful.
Sexual activity and egg fertility of the peach tree borer.

Moths of Sanninoidea exitiosa (Say) were obtained by collecting pupae and prepupae from utreated orchards and allowing the adults to emerge in the laboratory. Female moths normally mated soon after emerging. Some were held 4 days without their fertility being affected. Under laboratory conditions moths mated any time during the day or night if the lights were on. The coital period was 15 to 155 minutes, average 90 minutes, and it had to continue 18 to 20 minutes for successful transfer of the sperm. Males mated 12 times and females 2 times without affecting the fertility of the eggs.
Mold and Alternaria skin test reactivity and asthma in children in Connecticut.

Background Sensitivity to mold has been associated with asthma incidence, persistence, and severity. Objective To examine the relationship between skin test reactivity (STR) to molds and specifically to Alternaria and asthma severity in a group of ethnically diverse children in Connecticut. Methods Demographics and STR to 14 local allergens, including Alternaria , Penicillium , and mold mix, were obtained for 914 Puerto Rican, African American, and non-Hispanic white children. Results A total of 126 children (14%) had a positive skin test result to mold, and 58 (6%) demonstrated STR to Alternaria . Compared with non-Hispanic white children, there was no difference in the likelihood of being sensitized to Alternaria for Puerto Rican and African American children (odds ratio [OR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–1.5; and OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.4–2.2; respectively). In an adjusted analysis, Alternaria STR was associated with severe, persistent asthma (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2–8.6) but did not predict increasing asthma severity. STR to cat (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3–4.9) and dog (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.0) was also associated with severe persistent asthma. Alternaria STR was associated with severe persistent asthma independent of the total number of positive skin test results. Conclusions Mold and Alternaria STR were uncommon among children in Connecticut. Alternaria STR was not associated with increasing asthma severity but was associated with severe, persistent asthma independent of the total number of positive skin test results. There was no association between ethnicity and Alternaria STR.
MK-329 : a non-peptide cholecystokinin A antagonist

Peptide receptors represent important targets for a variety of potentially important disease modifying drugs. Over the past 20 years, considerable effort has been spent on modifying the natural ligands for peptide receptors, the peptides themselves, with limited success. Using a targeted screen, namely cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor binding, the Merck group in 1984 discovered asperlicin, a potent non-peptide cholecystokinin antagonist selective for peripheral tissues, that was isolated from Aspergillus alliaceaus. This compound was used as a lead to develop MK-329, a CCK-A receptor antagonist, the evolution of which is discussed within the context of the drug discovery process and receptor modeling strategies. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Biomimetic polyene cyclizations. The synthesis and cyclization of 2-(4-pentenyl)-2-cyclohexenol

Abstract This aim of this study was to ascertain whether the dienol 3 would undergo cyclization to yield products derived from the cation 4 in a manner similar to that of the lower homolog, 1 → 2 . The dienol 3 was synthesized by the sequence outlined in Scheme 1. Thus alkylation of the potassium salt of 5 with 1-bromo-4-pentene ( 6 ) gave the bisenol ether 7 . Hydrolysis of 7 followed by reduction of the resulting β-diketone afforded the desired dienol 3 . On treatment with anhydrous formic acid at 23°C, dienol 3 underwent cyclization to give as the major product the tricyclic alcohol 8 , evidently formed via further cyclization of the cation 4 (see Scheme 2). The structure 8 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The corresponding tricyclic chloride 9 could be obtained either directly from 8 upon treatment with thionyl chloride or by cyclization of 3 with stannic chloride in benzene. Pyrolysis of 9 with triphenyltin hydride gave the parent hydrocarbon 10 .
Proflavin: an unusual mutagen

In the Salmonella typhimurium mutagenicity assay, proflavin (PF), in the dark, was shown to possess some direct-acting frameshift mutagenic activity for strains TA1537 and TA98. In the presence of microsomal enzymes from mouse, hamster and rat livers, frameshift mutagenic activity for strain TA1538 and enhanced mutagenicity for strain TA1537 was observed. Exposure of bacteria to PF in the presence of visible light resulted in base substitution (strain TA1535) as well as frameshift (TA1537, TA1538, TA98) genetic activities. The findings are taken to indicate that PF possesses direct-acting frameshift activity (TA1537 and TA98) by virtue of its ability to intercalate between DNA base-pairs. The frameshift activity (TA1538, TA98 and enhanced TA1537) seen following metabolic or photo-activation may be due to the formation of chemical adducts between the cellular DNA and oxidation products of PF (a base-displacement effect). The light-induced base-substitution activity probably results from the generation of singlet oxygen which reacts with the guanine moiety of DNA. The mutagenic photoproduct of PF appears to be stable.
Targeted Deletion of the Ileal Bile Acid Transporter Eliminates Enterohepatic Cycling of Bile Acids in Mice

The ileal apical sodium bile acid cotransporter participates in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. In patients with primary bile acid malabsorption, mutations in the ileal bile acid transporter gene (Slc10a2) lead to congenital diarrhea, steatorrhea, and reduced plasma cholesterol levels. To elucidate the quantitative role of Slc10a2 in intestinal bile acid absorption, the Slc10a2 gene was disrupted by homologous recombination in mice. Animals heterozygous (Slc10a2 + / –) and homozygous (Slc10a2 – / –) for this mutation were physically indistinguishable from wild type mice. In the Slc10a2 – / – mice, fecal bile acid excretion was elevated 10- to 20-fold and was not further increased by feeding a bile acid binding resin. Despite increased bile acid synthesis, the bile acid pool size was decreased by 80% and selectively enriched in cholic acid in the Slc10a2 – / – mice. On a low fat diet, the Slc10a2 – / – mice did not have steatorrhea. Fecal neutral sterol excretion was increased only 3-fold, and intestinal cholesterol absorption was reduced only 20%, indicating that the smaller cholic acid-enriched bile acid pool was sufficient to facilitate intestinal lipid absorption. Liver cholesteryl ester content was reduced by 50% in Slc10a2 – / – mice, and unexpectedly plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were slightly elevated. These data indicate that Slc10a2 is essential for efficient intestinal absorption of bile acids and that alternative absorptive mechanisms are unable to compensate for loss of Slc10a2 function.
Radiation Damage to Proteins

PHYSICOCHEMICAL work shows that ionizing radiations cause fragmentation and aggregation of protein molecules1–3. When protein molecules are degraded there is a variety of products and also many amino-acids are degraded. However, the mechanisms by which these changes occur are still obscure. In our experiments, we define the radiation damage to cyto-chrome c, haemoglobin, catalase, and egg albumin in terms of radiation-lability of amino-acids and loss of biological properties of the three haemoproteins. The amino-acid pattern of scission products and insoluble protein aggregates was also determined.
Use of ionophoretic mobility equilibria in fractionation of mixtures containing indoles.

Summary(1) A method for rapidly determining the mobility equilibrium of a compound is described. The procedure provides an analytical rather than the conventional trial and error method for determining paper electrophoretic characteristics of the components in a mixture. (2) Some factors affecting ion movement and mobility equilibria in open-type paper electrophoresis units are discussed. (3) An application of the method in separating urea and several indole derivatives is presented.
Cr-diamondlike carbon nanocomposite films: Synthesis, characterization and properties

Abstract Diamondlike carbon (DLC) films, known for exhibiting attractive combination of properties, have been extensively studied in the recent past. The inherent, internal compressive stresses affecting their adhesion and their relatively low thermal stability above 400 °C are two major drawbacks preventing wide usage of these films. Carbide formers incorporated into the carbon network have the potential to stabilize the film structure, relax internal stresses and improve their performance. The present work focuses on the synthesis, structure and mechanical and tribological property characterization of Cr-containing nanocomposite DLC films. The films were synthesized using a plasma-enhanced hybrid chemical vapor and physical vapor deposition process in a discharge composed of a mixture of CH 4 and Ar gases. The Cr content in the films varied up to 18 at.%. The film morphology and composition were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nuclear reaction analysis. The mechanical and tribological behavior of the films was studied as a function of Cr concentration by conducting nanoindentation and pin-on-disc experiments, respectively. The results showed that the films can be either amorphous with dispersed metallic-like Cr (at low Cr content) or nanocomposite consisting of face-centered cubic metastable CrC nanoparticles dispersed in the DLC matrix. Films with low Cr content ( 12 at.%) results in larger chromium carbide particles that have an adverse effect on wear resistance. The films with the low Cr content offer the opportunity to combine the excellent tribological behavior with other desirable properties deriving from the presence of the second phase.
Resonating to the music of ubiquitination

Beyond protein destruction: a new real-time assay to measure dynamic changes in ubiquitination promises to highlight the many other roles of this critical protein modification.
Functional evolution of Erg potassium channel gating reveals an ancient origin for IKr

Mammalian Ether-a-go-go related gene (Erg) family voltage-gated K+ channels possess an unusual gating phenotype that specializes them for a role in delayed repolarization. Mammalian Erg currents rectify during depolarization due to rapid, voltage-dependent inactivation, but rebound during repolarization due to a combination of rapid recovery from inactivation and slow deactivation. This is exemplified by the mammalian Erg1 channel, which is responsible for IKr, a current that repolarizes cardiac action potential plateaus. The Drosophila Erg channel does not inactivate and closes rapidly upon repolarization. The dramatically different properties observed in mammalian and Drosophila Erg homologs bring into question the evolutionary origins of distinct Erg K+ channel functions. Erg channels are highly conserved in eumetazoans and first evolved in a common ancestor of the placozoans, cnidarians, and bilaterians. To address the ancestral function of Erg channels, we identified and characterized Erg channel paralogs in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. N. vectensis Erg1 (NvErg1) is highly conserved with respect to bilaterian homologs and shares the IKr-like gating phenotype with mammalian Erg channels. Thus, the IKr phenotype predates the divergence of cnidarians and bilaterians. NvErg4 and Caenorhabditis elegans Erg (unc-103) share the divergent Drosophila Erg gating phenotype. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis surprisingly indicates that this alternate gating phenotype arose independently in protosomes and cnidarians. Conversion from an ancestral IKr-like gating phenotype to a Drosophila Erg-like phenotype correlates with loss of the cytoplasmic Ether-a-go-go domain. This domain is required for slow deactivation in mammalian Erg1 channels, and thus its loss may partially explain the change in gating phenotype.
Recent Trends in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Practices and Outcomes

As health care has evolved in the United States, so has the acute care, rehabilitation, and postdischarge treatment of acutely spinal cord-injured persons. Advances in trauma care and the arrival of managed care health insurance plans have impacted inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation practices. This article examines the changes in inpatient rehabilitation, length of stay, use of outpatient rehabilitation services, and treatment outcomes between 1995 and 2000. Inpatient lengths of stay have been stable, but use of outpatient rehabilitation therapy has increased in recent years. However, this has not produced any demonstrable improvement in treatment outcomes. Speculation is offered as to why this may be the case.
Cardiac delay optimization for MR angiograms

A technique is described which excites a bolus of spins in a central location of the vessel of interest and measures the distance it travels in a given time. Average velocity is then easily calculated as distance divided by time. Velocity measurements are made at 8-12 point during the cardiac cycle and plotted against time. The delay for optimal velocity can then be selected and programmed into the angiographic sequence. The total time for the time-of-flight velocity measuring technique and angiogram is approximately 8 min. >
Keeping the old name: Derrida and the deconstructive foundations of democracy

This article explores Jacques Derrida’s notion of ‘democracy to come’, showing how democracy generates what might be described as a ‘deconstructive’ relation to foundational ideas. This article ope...