cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
T9 versus T10 as the upper instrumented vertebra for correction of adult deformity—rationale and recommendations

Abstract Background Context Adult spinal deformity correction sometimes involves long posterior pedicle screw constructs extending from the lumbosacral spine to the thoracic vertebra. As fusion obliterates motion and places supraphysiological stress on adjacent spinal segments, it is crucial to ascertain the ideal upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) to minimize risk of proximal junctional failure (PJF). The T10 vertebra is often chosen to allow bridging of the thoracolumbar junction into the immobile thoracic vertebrae on the basis that it is the lowest immobile thoracic vertebra strut by the rib cage. Purpose This study aimed to characterize the range of motion (ROM) of each vertebral segment from T7 to S1 to determine if T10 is truly the lowest immobile thoracic vertebra. Study Design/Setting This is a prospective, comparative study. Patient Sample Seventy-nine adults (mean age of 45.4 years) presenting with low back pain or lower limb radiculopathy or both, without previous spinal intervention, metastases, fractures, infection, or congenital deformities of the spine, were included in the study. Outcome Measures A ROM >5° across two vertebral segments as determined by the Cobb method from radiographs. Methods Lumbar flexion-extension and neutral erect radiographs were obtained in randomized order using a slot scanner. Segmental ROM was measured from T7–T8 to L5–S1 and analyzed for significant differences using t tests. Age, gender, radiographical indices such as standard spinopelvic parameters, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C7–T12 SVA, T1 slope, thoracic kyphosis (TK), and lumbar lordosis (LL) were studied via multivariate analysis to identify predictive factors for >5° change in ROM at the various segmental levels. There were no sources of funding and no conflicts of interest associated with this study. Results In the thoracolumbar spine, significant decreases in ROM when compared with the adjacent caudad segment occurs up to T9–T10, with mean total ROM of 1.98±1.47° (p 5°. Conclusions Lumbar spine flexion-extension ROM decreases as it approaches the thoracolumbar junction. T10 is indeed the lowest immobile thoracic vertebra strut by the rib cage, and the last significant decrease in ROM is observed at T9–T10, in relation to T10–T11. However, because this also implies that a UIV of T10 would mean there is only one level of fixation above the relatively mobile segment, while respecting other factors that influence UIV selection, we propose the T9 vertebra as a more ideal UIV to fulfill the biomechanical concept of bridge fixation. However, this decision should still be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Crystal structure of (perchlorato-κO)(1,4,7,10-tetra­aza­cyclo­dodecane-κ4N)copper(II) perchlorate

The crystal structure of the title salt, [Cu(ClO4)(C8H20N4)]ClO4, is reported. The CuII ion exhibits a square-pyramidal geometry and is coordinated by the four N atoms of the neutral 1,4,7,10-tetra­aza­cyclo­dodecane (cyclen) ligand and an O atom from one perchlorate anion, with the second perchlorate ion hydrogen-bonded to one of the amine N atoms of the cyclen ligand. Additional N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the amine H atoms and the coordinating and non-coordinating perchlorate groups create a three-dimensional network structure. Crystals were grown from a concentrated methanol solution at ambient temperature, resulting in no co-crystallization of solvent.
A Set Theoretic Study of Generic Strategies and Firm Performance Differences

A longstanding tradition of research in strategic management has been concerned with identifying key dimensions of firms’ competitive strategies that explain performance differences between firms. ...
Time to revisit 'Megace' for hot flushes in patients with breast cancer?

The NICE guidance on menopause management was eagerly awaited but when it was released in November 20151 it came as a disappointment to many patients with breast cancer struggling with menopausal symptoms, in particular those suffering with hot flushes. For this patient group, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is contraindicated, especially on the back of the HABITS study which demonstrated a threefold increased risk of a new breast cancer event with HRT,2 although interestingly only 21% of patients were on concurrent tamoxifen therapy at the time within this study. The new 2015 NICE guidance refers patients with breast cancer and their clinicians back to …
Obesity Prevention for Individuals with Spina Bifida

Obesity is a common comorbidity in individuals with spina bifida. Carrying excess weight exacerbates the inherent health challenges associated with spina bifida, impedes the individual’s ability to self-manage their condition, and creates further challenges for family members and caregivers. This manuscript provides a narrative review of key issues for understanding and prevention of obesity in persons with spina bifida within the context of the social ecological model. Specific variables related to obesity and spina bifida include individual factors (i.e., body composition and measurement issues, energy needs, eating patterns, physical activity, and sedentary activity) family factors (i.e., parenting/family, peers), community factors (i.e., culture, built environment, healthcare and healthcare providers, and school), and societal factors (i.e., policy issues). Due to the complex etiology of obesity and its increased prevalence in individuals with spina bifida, it is critical to initiate prevention efforts early with a multifactorial approach for this at-risk population. Increased research is warranted to support these efforts.
Expression invariant 3D face modeling from an RGB-D video

We aim to reconstruct an accurate neutral 3D face model from an RGB-D video in the presence of extreme expression changes. Since each depth frame, taken by a low-cost sensor, is noisy, point clouds from multiple frames can be registered and aggregated to build an accurate 3D model. However, direct aggregation of multiple data produces erroneous results in natural interaction (e.g., talking and showing expressions). We propose to analyze facial expression from an RGB frame and neutralize the corresponding 3D point cloud if needed. We first estimate the person's expression by fitting blendshape coefficients using 2D facial landmarks for each frame and calculate an expression deformity (expression score). With the estimated expression score, we determine whether an input face is neutral or non-neutral. If the face is non-neutral, we proceed to neutralize the expression of the 3D point cloud in that frame. To neutralize the 3D point cloud of a face, we deform our generic 3D face model by applying the estimated blendshape coefficients, find displacement vectors from the deformed generic face to a neutral generic face, and apply the displacement vectors to the input 3D point cloud. After preprocessing frames in a video, we rank frames based on the expression scores and register the ranked frames into a single 3D model. Our system produces a neutral 3D face model in the presence of extreme expression changes even when neutral faces do not exist in the video.
“We Are in the Feminine Aspect Now”: Women Artists, Prince, and Visions of Utopia

Prince’s 1978 debut album For You credits the artist with production, arrangement, composition, and performance. This signaled not only his inimitable musical mastery but also his singular clarity of vision. Central to this vision were Prince’s unique aspirations to Utopia—a thread that would run throughout his musical career. This imagined society was rooted in nonconformity and, among many other things, granted men and women, Black and white, rich and poor equal access to love, sexuality, success, and peace. Utopian aspirations existed within the creative production of Prince’s earliest incarnation as an artist until his untimely death. A fictitious and very real Paisley Park, backing bands such as The Revolution, and record titles such as The Rainbow Children all point to his reach for a different more egalitarian world. This utopia would include significant challenges to constructions of race, gender, and the composition of Blackness. Prince’s singular vision of utopia cast women as essential to its creation. This paper specifically explores Prince’s unwavering support of women artists as well as their function in building and sustaining this vision. This discussion confronts the media focus on women in Prince’s musical life as simply paramours/muses and reinterrogates his commitment to female artistry and, above all, a utopian world.
The Introduction of Classic Batik Motif to the Community Through Game

Batik is a wealth of Indonesian nation that became a cultural heritage and has been registered in the Representative of the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009 [1]. The appearance of a variety of batik would be a pleasure for batik lovers so often used as clothing, furniture, or other equipment in everyday life. But the lack of knowledge of meaning and philosophy in batik itself so that batik is often being used indiscriminately without knowing the intentions contained in the batik itself and being a mistake in its use [2], especially classic batik is a batik that is still thick with tradition and custom philosophy in it [3]. This report contains about the introduction of classic batik motifs and philosophies that are packaged in interactive educational games. This game is made by entering the element of trivia quiz as an evaluation material and equipped with batik information that can be read repeatedly outside the gameplay so as to enrich and give better understanding of the information in the game. From the results of a survey of 50 respondents from the age range between 13 - 30 years old located in Central Java and outside Central Java, shows that this educational game about batik can make respondents become richer with knowledge about the meaning and philosophy of classical batik. In addition, respondents also want to preserve batik as a nation's wealth.
Structural composite materials near a broadband Log-Periodic-Dipole-Array (LPDA)

This paper presents the effects of structural composite material loading on a broadband LPDA. The proposed antenna operates from 350–750 MHz and has a unique bi-layer design where the two antenna trace layers are disposed of on two separate fiberglass composite skin surfaces. The effects of the presence of a tubular structural member on the antenna performance are studied by considering various dielectric materials to mimic a structural support member, such as a spar. Measured VSWR results of the LPDA in the presence of Kevlar structural support member are presented.
Are Undergraduate Students Ready for Online Learning? A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Sections of a Course:

Online coursework is common across the United States, and many institutes of higher education include it in their strategic plans (Allen & Seaman, 2011). Special education has embraced distance edu...
Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Programs for Complex Trauma

This book chapter explores the most commonly used evidenced-based psychotherapy programs for complex trauma. At the time this chapter was written, there were no evidence-based psychotherapies specifically designed to target distinct issues experienced by victims of sex trafficking. Research indicates that the majority of victims experienced another incident of sexual abuse unrelated to their sex trafficking histories. Psychotherapy treatment programs that are designed to treat complex trauma are the best fit for victims of sex trafficking. This chapter begins with a discussion surrounding the benefits and limitations of evidence-based treatments in psychotherapy. Evidence-based psychotherapies are research-based and considered to be the gold standard for treatment. This chapter also discusses what factors are necessary for a program to be deemed as evidence-based. While it is important for a therapist to choose a treatment that is effective and research-based, it is also imperative that the therapist consider and integrate individual client characteristics into the therapeutic relationship. This chapter then explores the unique symptoms and research behind treating complex trauma. Recommendations on how evidence-based psychotherapy treatments can be modified to address the specific mental health needs for victims of sex trafficking are provided.
A Literature Review of CO2, Natural Gas, and Water-Based Fluids for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Unconventional Reservoirs

Primary oil recovery from fractured unconventional formations, such as shale or tight sands, is typically less than 10%. The development of an economically viable enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techni...
O-015 Comparison of image quality of liquid embolic agents

Introduction Liquid embolic agents (LEAs) play a major role in the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). Injection under subtracted fluoroscopy (Blank Road Map, RM) is the preferred technique, especially when using ethylene-vinyl-copolymer based agents. Optimal visual control during injection is crucially important to avoid catheter entrapment or non-target embolization and is strongly dependent on Road Map (RM) quality. Available LEAs differ in their radiopacity the main factor for visual control. We present a comparison study of radiographic visibility of various LEAs using a novel injectable angiographic phantom. Methods An injectable angiographic phantom was designed with parallel tubings between 313 and 1000 micron. Under RM, eight radiopaque liquid agents were injected: Onyx®18,34 (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland), SQUID®12,18 (Emboflu, Fribourg, Switzerland), PHIL®25,30 (MicroVention, Tustin, CA, USA), Trufill® (NBCA) (Cordis Neurovascular, Miami, FL, USA) 30% dilution and Omnipaque®300 (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA). The phantom was imaged using an Artis Zeego system (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) with consistent settings (‘RM Glue’, RM K40 EA3, 15 p/s). Image analysis was performed with ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, Maryland) and Matlab (MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA). Contrast resolution (CR) was evaluated as a contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and calculated as mean peak signal minus mean background signal divided by the standard deviation of the background signal. Results Omnipaque®300 and Trufill demonstrated significantly the highest CNR (CNR 11.3–11.4 at 500 micron and CNR 34.1–34.2 at 1000 micron). Onyx®18 and Onyx®34 (8.5–8.8 at 500 micron and 28.1–28.2 at 1000 micron) both showed significantly higher CNR than all SQUID® and PHIL® concentrations. There was no significant difference between SQUID ®12, SQUID®18, and PHIL®30 (CNR 6–6.4 at 500 micron and CNR 17.8–19 at 1000 micron). PHIL®25 (CNR 4.8 at 500 micron and CNR 15.4 at 1000 micron) demonstrated the lowest CNR for all measurements. CNR results were consistent across 1000 and 500 micron tubing sizes with minor variation at 313 micron. Conclusions There is significant variability in CR for the various LEAs under the RM conditions used in this study. Significantly different CR between most LEAs (except Trufill®) and iodinated contrast media was evident and should be considered prior to injection. Knowledge and understanding of different visualization performance among various LEAs are important to avoid non-target vessel embolization. Subsequent studies are needed to further establish this method for improving image quality and increase patient’s safety during EVT of cerebral AVMs and DAVFs. Disclosures J. Mason: 1; C; Balt.
Infected Aorto-bifemoral Graft

Infected aorto-bifemoral graft was treated with graft removal and autogenous venous reconstruction using spiral vein graft. Postoperative course was complicated by respiratory failure and surgical site infection at the site of harvesting of the greater saphenous vein. Patient was followed up for 5 years without any recurrence of infection.
MnasFPN: Learning Latency-Aware Pyramid Architecture for Object Detection on Mobile Devices

Despite the blooming success of architecture search for vision tasks in resource-constrained environments, the design of on-device object detection architectures have mostly been manual. The few automated search efforts are either centered around non-mobile-friendly search spaces or not guided by on-device latency. We propose MnasFPN, a mobile-friendly search space for the detection head, and combine it with latency-aware architecture search to produce efficient object detection models. The learned MnasFPN head, when paired with MobileNetV2 body, outperforms MobileNetV3+SSDLite by 1.8 mAP at similar latency on Pixel. It is both 1 mAP more accurate and 10\% faster than NAS-FPNLite. Ablation studies show that the majority of the performance gain comes from innovations in the search space. Further explorations reveal an interesting coupling between the search space design and the search algorithm, for which the complexity of MnasFPN search space is opportune.
Characterizing damage to a concrete liner during a tunnel fire

Abstract There are no available guidelines or methodologies to design the concrete lining in a tunnel for loss of functionality following a fire event. Historical tunnel fires confirm that tunnel downtime following an extreme event can lead to major economic losses, while fire protection design of the concrete lining can be adjusted to minimize losses. This paper provides a framework to characterize fire damage in a tunnel structure, where spatial and temporal distributions of fire temperature within a tunnel structure are modeled, and statistics of the potential damaged volume of the concrete lining that would require repair are quantified. A simplified spalling model, considering an initiation time, rate of spalling, and finishing time, is incorporated within the analysis to provide a more realistic measure of the damage. The results show that incorporation of spalling makes a significant difference in the damage assessment. Structural stability of the tunnel is checked under an extreme fire scenario to verify that, while experiencing extensive damage, the structure does not collapse. This paper focuses on a passenger railway tunnel, and is a first step in establishing a risk-based framework to guide fire protection design of a tunnel lining. The proposed approach can be applied to other tunnel types.
Examining the extents of same/different processing in non-human animals

Several animal species have demonstrated same/different concept learning. In the case of the pigeon, that concept has been investigated through multiple distinct methodologies. These approaches to same/different learning have each been evaluated thoroughly for their support of concept transfer and the nature of their controlling features. This now extensive literature has the distinct limitation that the breadth of same/different concept learning has not been compared by looking at transfer between these methodologies. Towards this end of examining the general abstractness of same/different concepts, we discuss several methods for exploring relationships between the same/different concepts from these diverse paradigms and the possible existence of modality-independent same/different representations.
Air Traffic Controller Resource Management: An Approach for Reducing Cognitive Loading and Increasing Situational Awareness

Training and development for air traffic controllers operating newer technology lack sufficient focus on situation awareness. The authors previously identified significant potential for efficiency and safety gains in operations with digitized technology involving Terminal Radar Approach Control and Tower Team air traffic control operators, and, that NextGen technology also revealed the potential for adverse effects on cognitive processing of operators. Collaborative teamwork was identified as essential for success in effectively using NextGen equipment and systems to optimize safety and efficiency, supported by simulation technology and specialized training applications. Applying cognitive overlays from their SHELL 2017 model, variants for TRACON and Tower Team studies were combined and evaluated to identify multiple issues with cognitive processing and critical factors influencing situational awareness and potential cognitive overload. To reduce potential for cognitive overload for controllers using NextGen technology, the authors propose a Controller Resource Management approach to improve situational awareness and teamwork.
A Substrate-Agnostic, Submicron PSAS-to-PSAS Self-Alignment Technology for Heterogeneous Integration

This paper presents a novel substrate-agnostic self-alignment technology with submicron alignment accuracy targeted for heterogeneous integrated systems. This self-alignment technology, referred to as PSAS-to-PSAS self-alignment, incorporates positive self-alignment structures (PSAS) or reflowed patterned photoresist structures that couple with other PSAS to achieve submicron alignment accuracy without the need for an advanced placement tool. The PSAS-to-PSAS self-alignment technology is non-substrate invasive and hence does not consume any substrate real estate. These PSAS structures can also be fabricated atop any material substrate; hence, this technology is suitable for heterogeneous integrated systems where a variety of different material substrates may be incorporated. This paper discusses this PSAS-to-PSAS self-alignment technology and it provides a design analysis relating the inter-substrate gap between aligning substrates and the dimensions of the PSAS structures. The fabrication of the PSAS on two separate substrates is then performed, followed by a manual assembly process to couple the PSAS on one substrate to the PSAS on the other aligning substrate. Vernier scales are incorporated on these substrates to measure the misalignment between said substrates; submicron alignment is recorded. As these structures may also enable a non-permanent system configuration, alignment repeatability measurements were also performed.
Osteoporosis Care Gap After Hip Fracture - Worse With Low Healthcare Access and Quality.

Abstract Despite the burden of osteoporosis-related fractures and availability of effective treatment, a substantial osteoporosis care gap persists. We evaluated this gap following fragility hip fracture, testing the hypothesis that patients who live in areas with low health care access or quality are less likely to undergo evaluation or treatment following hip fragility fracture. This retrospective analysis quantified osteoporosis evaluation and treatment just prior and for 12 mo following fragility hip fracture at an academic medical center in the upper Midwest. Initiation of pharmacologic therapy, Vitamin D screening and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning were measured. Each patient was assigned a value for 3 metrics of regional healthcare access and quality: (1) population per PCP ratio, (2) percent un-insured 65 yrs old. Generalized estimating equations, with county as a random effect, were used to assess the association of patient characteristics and/or heath care metrics with osteoporosis treatment at the time of admission and/or osteoporosis evaluation and treatment during hospitalization and post-discharge. A total of 585 patients were 80.7 ± 8.4 yrs of age at the time of hip fragility fracture; 68% were women. In 12 mo post-fracture, 17% underwent vitamin D screening, 12% received a DXA scan and 17% began a new bone anti-resorptive medication. Only in-hospital Vitamin D screening was more common in patients from counties with low healthcare access; all other pre- and post-fracture care was more common for patients with greater healthcare access and quality. Overall rates of initiating pharmacologic treatment and/or obtaining a Vitamin D screen or DXA scan following hip fragility fracture were very low and were worse in patients from counties with low access and quality of healthcare. These results remind the practitioner to diagnose and treat osteoporosis following hip fracture and suggests a role for targeting high-risk groups.
The Mental Health Needs of Some Unique Groups Among African American Populations

The African American community is vibrant and complex. Mental health within the African American community mirrors this complexity and varies tremendously depending on the unique group within the African American community in which the individuals belong. This chapter discusses mental health issues that exist within the LGBTQ+, elderly, and youth populations of the African American community and the economically disadvantaged, single parents, and incarcerated individuals. This chapter also outlines specific issues pertinent to these populations as well as ways to support the mental health of individuals who identify with these populations.
The Character of Jury Exclusion

Encounters with the legal system are unevenly distributed throughout the American population, with Black and poor citizens targeted as disparate subjects of surveillance, arrest, and criminal conviction. At the same time, these encounters, as well as a stated belief in the unfairness of the legal system, are commonly viewed as legitimate grounds for excusal from jury service. This follows from an understanding of juror bias that assumes that people with negative experiences with legal actors—police and prosecutors, for example—will be less likely to trust and more likely to discount the contributions of those actors within the context of the jury trial. In practice, however, conclusory judgment of jurors’ presumed partiality in these cases does not reduce bias but instead reproduces it. Dismissing jurors with previous contact with— and negative experiences with— the legal system diminishes the diversity of our juries and contributes to the entrenchment of structural bias skewed along racial and socioeconomic lines. This Article elucidates this problem and outlines reform. It proposes the application of an evidentiary objection to the jury selection context, drawing on the principles of Federal Rule of Evidence 404(a)’s character propensity prohibition. By introducing a character propensity trial objection to voir dire, lawyers would gain a tool—one that complements but goes beyond the Batson challenge—to prevent the imputing of unfounded yet disqualifying character traits to otherwise eligible prospective jurors. In making the case for this reform, the Article demonstrates how targeting judicial discretion, rather than juror bias, can curtail the use of seemingly innocuous juror challenges—and with them, a source of perhaps unintended but no less pernicious exclusion from the jury system.
Complex Symmetric Root Square Locus with an Application to a Spinning Drag-Free Satellite

The parameters and relations associated with optimal systems are examined, taking into account a quadratic performance index and a root square locus plot, including the characteristic roots of the optimal system and its adjoint system as a function of the cost function weights. The calculation of the locus is described and the employment of the considered relations in studies of a drag-free satellite is discussed. Attention is given to weights regarding the initial states, questions of rotating integral control, approaches for experimental verification, and the performance of various methods for the reduction of fuel consumption due to center of spin offsets.
The Pathogenicity of Human Cytomegalovirus: An Overview

Defining causality between an agent- be it a virus, bacteria, or chemical — and a disease is the principal aim of biomedical research. Achievement of this lofty goal is hampered when the suspected agent is commonly found in the environment or in populations. Such is the case with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Its ubiquity diminishes the impact of its omnipresentation in many pathologies. Despite this lack of a direct cause-effect pattern between HCMV and most of the diseases it is associated with, the application of molecular biology technology has permitted us to begin to define basic underlying mechanisms by which this virus can influence, as well as cause, disease. Much of this chapter is an initial attempt at discerning important molecular biological features of HCMV which have the potential to play significant roles in the pathogenicity and oncogenicity of this virus. In so doing, patterns emerge between HCMV molecular biology and the types of pathological phenomena this virus is associated with directly or as a coetiological agent. Common themes include induction of transcriptional activators and the cell cycle, production of specific cytokines by HCMV infection, and hampering host immunities. The latter part of this chapter reviews many of the diseases and clinical features of HCMV infections. Both sections cross-reference subsequent chapters in this volume where more detailed analyses of these particular issues are provided.
Law, ethnicity and taxes in Ostrogothic Italy: a case for continuity, adaptation and departure

This article considers the relationship between the social status of Goths and Romans in Italy and the legal and administrative regime of the Ostrogothic state. It is argued that the distinctions made between Goths and Romans by the Ostrogothic state were based primarily upon economic conditions and circumstances of land tenure in Italy, rather than upon ‘ethnicity’. It is furthermore argued that the social and economic conditions that produced the status landscape of late fifth- and early sixth-century Italy were not innovations of the Amal rulers at Ravenna, but rather they represent adaptation to the previous imperial administration ongoing since the early fifth century. In examining this topic, the article touches upon issues of the legal difference between Goths and Romans, the manner of accommodating and administrating soldiers in Italy, and the fiscal resources available to the Ostrogothic court.
The Structure of Central Counterparty Clearing Networks and Network Stability

This paper measures central counterparty (CCP) clearing-network risk as the probability that the maximum cleared exposure of a CCP to an individual clearing member is atypically large. Our analytical derivation of this probability uses the large deviations theory of rare events, and shows that the probability depends on the topology (i.e., the levels of tiering and concentration) of the clearing network. We also derive and compute a CCP's Maximum-Exposure-at-Risk and relate it to the rate function in the expression for the probability of the CCP's maximum exposure. Based on our analysis, we provide insight into how network structure affects the stability of CCP clearing networks, and show that the riskiness of a clearing network can be characterized by the levels of tiering and concentration in conjunction with the rate function of the maximum-exposure probability. We find that there does not exist a monotonic positive or negative association, however, between the rate function and tiering and concentration.
Diagnostic and therapeutic value of apomorphine in Parkinsonian patients.

Summary Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist administered subcutaneously for the management of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with Parkinsonian syndrome underwent an apomorphine challenge for therapeutic efficacy, a positive response being a reduction of >15% score on motor unified PD rating scale. Of the 42 patients, aged 37–81, disease duration 12 months to 20 years, 36 had a positive response. Six non-responders were later diagnosed as non-PD as compared with only two of the 36 responders. Tremor-predominant patients obtained higher motor response. Few patients demonstrated a delayed positive response. Seven (three idiopathic PD (iPD), four non-PD) suffered adverse reactions of nausea, vomiting or ill-sustained symptomatic fall in BP. Majority of the patients who continued with apomorphine therapy were able to reduce levodopa and achieved an improvement in dyskinesia and motor symptoms. Thirteen responding patients were managed by increasing dopamine agonists. Five patients, intolerant of oral dopamine agonists, were able to beneficially tolerate apomorphine. Age and disease duration did not influence tolerability or efficacy. The patients treated with apomorphine were able to significantly reduce the dose of levodopa, and there was a reduction in dyskinesia, hallucinations and fluctuations (all p < 0.05). In some patients, apomorphine prevented admission to institutions. We also describe the use of apomorphine in acutely ill patients unable to ingest oral medication. Apomorphine seems to have a diagnostic element for iPD. Its use leads to a reduction in dyskinesia, improvement in motor symptoms and prevention of institutional care. Apomorphine test also identifies patients likely to benefit with an increase in oral medication. Age and disease duration should not prevent the use of this valuable drug. Apomorphine also has a role in acutely ill PD patients.
Assessing the Effect of a Polypharmacy Medication Adherence Simulation Project in a Geriatrics Course in a College of Pharmacy

The Geriatric Pharmacy elective course at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy uses a simulated medication adherence project to increase awareness of adherence concerns facing older adults who take multiple medications. This study evaluated the effect of this project. Students enrolled in this 3-credit hour course in 2002 to 2007 participated in the 10-day project followed by a live classroom discussion and a reflective assignment. Evaluations of the project were administered to the students on Blackboard. Two hundred thirty-seven health professional students (99% pharmacy) participated in the course project. Open-ended comments in the evaluations and reflective assignments were retrospectively analyzed using a qualitative research method known as thematic analysis. The majority (83%) of comments were positive. Students indicated the greatest learning experiences in the categories of empathy and adherence. This simulated medication adherence project is one tool that may be used to increase students' awareness of the difficulties with medication adherence that their patients may encounter.
Wavelength conversion through the spectrum separation of higher-order solitons

A wavelength conversion method using the spectrum separation of higher-order solitons is shown to generate stable dual wavelength channels whose wavelengths are shifted to either side of the input wavelength.
Viruses of Entamoeba histolytica III. Properties of the Polyhedral Virus of the HB-301 Strain

Some biological characteristics and bioassay of a polyhedral virus isolated from normal-appearing strain HB-301 of Entamoeba histolytica are described. The virus produced lysis of susceptible strains of E. histolytica, yet it caused no cytopathological effect in the host strain, HB-301. The virus and host amoeba existed in an equilibrium; approximately 10(4) mean infective dose units of virus were produced per million HB-301 amoebae. Superinfection and antiviral antiserum treatment failed to disturb this equilibrium permanently. The mechanism of viral persistence in strain HB-301 amoebae remains to be determined. Purification of the virus was attempted. Ninety-nine percent of the viral infectivity was associated with a low-speed pellet which consisted of complexes of virus and cellular membranes. Various treatments of this low-speed pellet failed to release virus. Biologically active, membrane-free virus of low titer was prepared by differential centrifugation of supernatant solutions and employed in electron microscopy and other studies.
Regulation of glyoxylate metabolism in Escherichia coli K-12.

The relative contributions of the dicarboxylic acid and the tricarboxylic acid cycles to the oxidative catabolism of glyoxylate in Escherichia coli K-12 were deduced by analysis of mutant strains that were blocked in the formation of glyoxylate carboligase and of malate synthase G (the “glycolate form” of malate synthase). Mutant strains unable to form malate synthase G were unimpaired in their ability to oxidize glyoxylate. Hence, the dicarboxylic acid cycle does not appear to play an essential role in this process. Organisms blocked in the synthesis of glyoxylate carboligase did not oxidize glyoxylate at a detectable rate, indicating that wild-type organisms convert glyoxylate to acetyl-coenzyme A and oxidize it via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The foregoing evidence indicates that malate synthase G plays an anaplerotic role during growth with glycolate or acetate as the carbon source. The in vivo activity of malate synthase G was not detectable when the intracellular concentration of acetyl-coenzyme A was low, suggesting that this substrate or a closely related metabolite exerts a sensitive positive control over the enzyme. The synthesis of malate synthase G appears to be induced directly by glycolate which may be formed by a constitutive reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent glyoxylate reductase in glyoxylate- or acetate-grown cells.
Ecological and economic impacts of forest policies: interactions across forestry and agriculture

Abstract A linked model of the US forest and agriculture sectors was used to examine the economic and ecological impacts of two forest policies: a minimum harvest age limitation and a reduced public harvest policy. Simulated private responses to both policies indicate that landowners could undertake a range of adjustments to minimize their welfare impacts, but imposition of constraints on the management of existing timber stocks have particularly potent effects. Environmental changes associated with the responses include: (1) impacts on biodiversity trends and wildlife habitat conditions when economic incentives prompt afforestation of cropland in the North and less conversion of hardwood forest types to softwood plantations in the South; (2) age class distributions in all regions are `shortened', compressing a larger inventory volume into fewer, younger age classes; (3) reductions in the area of the earliest forest successional stages, despite the concentration of inventory in the earlier ages, because of rising timber management intensity in some regions; and (4) sequestered carbon in all parts of the forest system may continue to rise even after total product volumes have begun to fall. Interregional economic impacts include higher prices for private forest land and timber products in the southern US, due to a reduced public harvest policy concentrated in the West.
CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells control induction of autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is the result of increased destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) due to the production of autoantibodies, and it can be life-threatening. To study the mechanisms that trigger AIHA, we used the Marshall-Clarke and Playfair model of murine AIHA, in which mice repeatedly immunized with rat RBCs develop erythrocyte autoantibodies as well as rat-specific alloantibodies. We analyzed the role of CD25(+) T-regulatory subsets in controlling AIHA in C57/Bl6 mice using antibody depletion studies. Treatment with anti-CD25 antibody but not isotype control prior to immunization with rat RBCs increased the incidence of AIHA from 30% to 90%. Adoptive transfer of purified splenic population of CD4(+)CD25(+) but not CD4(+)CD25(-) cells from immunized mice into naive recipients prevented the induction of autoantibody production. Altogether, our data establish a critical role for CD4(+)CD25(+) cells for control of AIHA, which may help to establish therapeutic strategies for treatment of AIHA.
Multiple TORC1-Associated Proteins Regulate Nitrogen Starvation-Dependent Cellular Differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoes differentiation into filamentous-like forms and invades the growth medium as a foraging response to nutrient and environmental stresses. These developmental responses are under the downstream control of effectors regulated by the cAMP/PKA and MAPK pathways. However, the upstream sensors and signals that induce filamentous growth through these signaling pathways are not fully understood. Herein, through a biochemical purification of the yeast TORC1 (Target of Rapamycin Complex 1), we identify several proteins implicated in yeast filamentous growth that directly associate with the TORC1 and investigate their roles in nitrogen starvation-dependent or independent differentiation in yeast. Methodology: We isolated the endogenous TORC1 by purifying tagged, endogenous Kog1p, and identified associated proteins by mass spectrometry. We established invasive and pseudohyphal growth conditions in two S. cerevisiae genetic backgrounds (S1278b and CEN.PK). Using wild type and mutant strains from these genetic backgrounds, we investigated the roles of TORC1 and associated proteins in nitrogen starvation-dependent diploid pseudohyphal growth as well as nitrogen starvation-independent haploid invasive growth. Conclusions: We show that several proteins identified as associated with the TORC1 are important for nitrogen starvationdependent diploid pseudohyphal growth. In contrast, invasive growth due to other nutritional stresses was generally not affected in mutant strains of these TORC1-associated proteins. Our studies suggest a role for TORC1 in yeast differentiation upon nitrogen starvation. Our studies also suggest the CEN.PK strain background of S. cerevisiae may be particularly useful for investigations of nitrogen starvation-induced diploid pseudohyphal growth.
Patterns of adult stepping cadence in the 2005-2006 NHANES.

Abstract Objective Laboratory studies of adult walking behavior have consistently found that a cadence of 100 steps/min is a reasonable threshold for moderate intensity. The purpose of this study was to determine cadence patterns in free-living adults, and in particular, time spent at increasing cadence increments including 100 steps/min and beyond. Method 3744 adults ≥ 20 years provided at least one valid day (minimally 10/24 h of wear) of minute-by-minute accelerometer-determined step data during the 2005–2006 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Means for time spent (min/day) and steps/day were calculated for 8 cadence categories including zero and each incremental cadence band thereafter beginning with 1–19 through 100–119, and beyond to 120+ steps/min. Results U.S. adults accumulate ≅ 4.8 h/day of zero cadence during wearing time, ≅ 8.7 h between 1 and 59 steps/min, ≅ 16 min/day at cadences of 60–79 steps/min, ≅ 8 min at 80–99 steps/min, ≅ 5 min at 100–119 steps/min, and ≅ 2 min at 120+ steps/min. Conclusion Self-selected walking at 100+ steps/min was a rare phenomenon in this large free-living sample of the U.S. population, but study participants did accumulate ≅ 30 min/day at cadences of 60+ steps/min.
INTERACTIONS OF METAL IONS WITH LACTOSE

Binding between lactose and metal salts was investigated. When lactose combines with a salt in aqueous solution, a complex is formed with a specific rotation different from that of pure lactose. Lactose combined with the metal salts in a ratio of one to one for all the cations studied (Ca++, Ba++, Sr++, Fe++, Mg++, Mn++, Zn++, Na+ and Li+) except for K+ and NH+4 where there is no apparent binding. The specific rotation of complexes was determined by saturating a lactose solution with salts until 100% of complex was formed, then the amount of complex in various mixtures was calculated from the observed rotation. Equilibrium constants were found to be 0.205 for lactose with Ca++, 0.379 for lactose with Li+, and 0.527 for lactose with Na+. Variation in pH from 2.0–6.5 had no effect on the amount of complex formed. Complex formation decreased with increased ionic strength.
An intuitive review of methods for observational studies of comparative effectiveness

I use diagrams to illustrate the sources of potential selection bias in observational studies of comparative effectiveness. I adapt these diagrams for three hypothetical scenarios that clarify the strengths and weaknesses of two prominent methods used to account for potential selection bias: propensity scores and instrumental variables. After reviewing the fundamentals of how to apply each method, including new developments that make implementation easier, I refer to some recent studies that illustrate how choice of method can affect estimates. I conclude by emphasizing that many studies with apparently rich sources of data are nevertheless unlikely to produce unbiased estimates and that conceptual modeling can help identify these problems in advance.
Formaldehyde removal from air during membrane air humidification evaporative cooling: Effects of contactor design and operating conditions

Counter-current parallel flow membrane contactors were studied to estimate likely formaldehyde removal rates from air occurring during membrane air humidification and evaporative cooling applications. A mathematical model and experimental measurements of formaldehyde removal are presented to assess the impact of possible operating conditions and contactor configurations on expected formaldehyde removal rates. Removal efficiencies were predominately controlled by shell side mass transfer coefficients. However, removals decrease when water velocity within the fiber lumens is low and water supplied to the modules approach module evaporative losses. While removal rates were found to be adequate to control formaldehyde emissions in most space air-conditioning applications, large volumes of water usage appear to be necessary.
The interaction between CtIP and BRCA1 is not essential for resection-mediated DNA repair or tumor suppression

The CtIP protein facilitates homology-directed repair (HDR) of double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) by initiating DNA resection, a process in which DSB ends are converted into 3′-ssDNA overhangs. The BRCA1 tumor suppressor, which interacts with CtIP in a phospho-dependent manner, has also been implicated in DSB repair through the HDR pathway. It was recently reported that the BRCA1–CtIP interaction is essential for HDR in chicken DT40 cells. To examine the role of this interaction in mammalian cells, we generated cells and mice that express Ctip polypeptides (Ctip-S326A) that fail to bind BRCA1. Surprisingly, isogenic lines of Ctip-S326A mutant and wild-type cells displayed comparable levels of HDR function and chromosomal stability. Although Ctip-S326A mutant cells were modestly sensitive to topoisomerase inhibitors, mice expressing Ctip-S326A polypeptides developed normally and did not exhibit a predisposition to cancer. Thus, in mammals, the phospho-dependent BRCA1–CtIP interaction is not essential for HDR-mediated DSB repair or for tumor suppression.