cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemiparkinsonism secondary to an epidermoid cyst with complete recovery after surgical resection: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract Hemiparkinsonism is an exceptionally rare form of secondary Parkinsonism that manifests with unilateral symptoms and is often accompanied by ipsilateral body atrophy. Epidermoid cysts are benign, slow-growing tumors that can present with varying neurological symptoms. We report a case of a 30-year-old male who exhibited symptoms of Hemiparkinsonism secondary to a right-sided epidermoid cyst. The patient presented with three months of progressive resting left arm tremor and two weeks of left hand weakness. The patient exhibited a central left facial droop and left arm weakness with rigidity and bradykinesia. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III score was 13. Gross total resection was achieved using a right frontotemporal craniotomy via a preauricular, subtemporal approach. Complete reversal of symptoms occurred after surgical resection.
The Inner Nuclear Membrane Takes On Lipid Metabolism.

Challenging the idea of the inner nuclear membrane (INM) being an inert compartment, recent work in S. cerevisiae shows that the INM can metabolize lipids and that local lipid metabolism can regulate transcription in response to lipid availability, suggesting a functional role for the INM in cellular lipid homeostasis.
Encapsulation and networking of silicon nanoparticles using amorphous carbon and graphite for high performance Li-ion batteries

Abstract Considering the limited theoretical capacity of graphite (372 mAh g−1), graphite-Si (G-Si) composites have shown promise as high capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries during last few years. However, electrochemical reactions associated with a significant volume change of Si during repetitive cycles cause fatal technical issues (e.g. particle fragmentation, excessive solid electrolyte interface formation, electrode pulverization, etc.) and thus impede the practical use of Si electrodes. In this study, we used a commercially available wheat flour as a carbon source to improve the electrical conductivity and effectively accommodate the volume expansion of the G-Si electrode. The designed graphite-silicon-wheat carbon (GSiWh) composite architecture comprising 25 wt% Si nanoparticles delivered a high initial capacity of 804 mAh g−1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 74% and retained 595 mAh g−1 specific capacity after 200 cycles. The high performance and stability are attributed to the enhanced structural stability and improved electrochemical kinetics enabled by full coverage of the amorphous carbon. The proposed strategy of introducing an amorphous carbon into G-Si composites minimizes the intrinsic issues of Si electrode providing alternative solution to advance the development of Si-based anode electrode.
Arrest Rates during Natural Resource Development: Drilling, Drinking and Disorderly Conduct in the Marcellus Shale Region

Increased criminal activity has been linked to rapid natural resource development, particularly in rural areas. These “boomtowns” often experience rapid population growth, resulting in “social disr...
Asymptotic unavailability for an M-out-of-N system without testing

Abstract A simple closed form equation is presented for the asymptotic unavailability of a system consisting of N identical units of which M are required for operation. Nonoperating units can fail during standby, and at most R failed units can be under repair at any time. A Markov model is assumed, e.g. the units fail randomly and require a random time interval for repair; there are no periodic inspections or tests. The equation has useful pedagogical applications since there are six independent variables that can be changed.
Streptococcus Intermedius Lung Abscess in a 17-year-old Male

Streptococcus intermedius lung abscess and empyema is a chronic infectious process associated with a high morbidity and mortality. It is typically seen in adults, and is considered a rare disease process in the pediatric population. Our case describes a 17 year old male presenting with 3 months of cough associated with later development of chest and back pain. He was later found to have a severe empyema secondary to Streptococcus intermedius. This case underlines a rare diagnosis in the pediatric population, as well as a association with smoking and vaping.
The Spectrum of Nontraumatic Convexity Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Abstract Background: Nontraumatic convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) is a nonaneurysmal variant that is associated with diverse etiologies. Methods: With IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive nontraumatic cSAH from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2016. Data were abstracted on demographics, medical history, neuroimaging, etiology, and clinical presentation. Results: We identified 94 cases of cSAH. The cases were classified according to the following etiologies: reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) 17 (18%), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) 15 (16%), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome 16 (17%), cerebral venous thrombosis 10 (11%), large artery occlusion 7 (7%), endocarditis 6 (6%), and cryptogenic 25 (27%). Early rebleeding occurred in 9 (10%) patients. Time from initial imaging to CT rebleeding was 40 hours (range, 5-74). CAA was associated with the highest mean age at 75.8 and RCVS the lowest at 47.6 years (P
Deepening of response after completing rituximab‐containing therapy in patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Rituximab-containing regimens are commonly used for frontline therapy in patients with symptomatic Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). We had observed that a portion of WM patients experienced deepening of response months to years after therapy completion. We carried a retrospective study aimed at describing this phenomenon. We gathered baseline data, and responses at end of induction, end of maintenance and best response. Deepening of response was defined as ≥25% decrease in serum IgM achieved at a later time from therapy completion. Of 178 patients included, 116 (65%) received maintenance therapy and 62 (35%) were observed. In patients who received maintenance, 44 (38%) had ≥25% decrease in serum IgM level after the end of maintenance with a median time from end of maintenance to lowest IgM level of 1.6 years (range 0.1-7.9 years). In patients who were observed, 19 (31%) had ≥25% decrease in serum IgM level after the end of induction with a median time from end of induction to lowest IgM level of 1.6 years (range 0.2-5.1 years). Baseline hemoglobin <11.5 g/dL, bone marrow involvement ≥50%, CXCR4 mutations and serum IgM ≥4000 mg/dL were associated with lower odds of deepening of response after therapy completion. Deepening of response was associated with better progression-free survival (PFS; HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26-0.80; P = .006) and better survival after frontline treatment initiation (SAFTI; HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.73; P = .01). In conclusion, deepening of response occurs in one third of WM patients after completing rituximab-containing regimens and was associated with better PFS and SAFTI.
Purpose: Identifying the Right Use Cases

Purpose implies a clear understanding of what Process Mining shall be used for, i.e., which use case shall be investigated. Like for any other tool, an idea is to be formulated first: what shall be achieved and how the tool can contribute. The chapter starts with typical questions from functional departments and reflecting challenges from process owners along the value chain. Examples for purpose, which Process Mining can support, are explained with 22 standard use cases.
Scoping Review and Commentary on Prognostication for Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Advances in Surgical Techniques

The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score provides an estimate of 30-day mortality for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage in order to guide research protocols and clinical decision making. Several variations of such scoring systems have attempted to optimize its prognostic value. More recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly being used with promising results. As more patients become candidates for surgical intervention, there is a need to re-discuss the best methods for predicting outcomes with or without surgical intervention. We systematically performed a scoping review with a comprehensive literature search by two independent reviewers using the PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles pertaining to the “intracerebral hemorrhage score.” Relevant articles were selected for analysis and discussion of potential modifications to account for increasing surgical indications. A total of 64 articles were reviewed in depth and identified 37 clinical grading scales for prognostication of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. The original ICH score remains the most widely used and validated. Various authors proposed modifications for improved prognostic accuracy, though no single scale showed consistent superiority. Most recently, scales to account for advances in surgical techniques have been developed but lack external validation. We provide the most comprehensive review to date of prognostic grading scales for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Current prognostic tools for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage remain limited and may overestimate risk of a poor outcome. As minimally invasive surgical techniques are developed, prognostic scales should account for surgical candidacy and outcomes.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) Case Data for the Southwestern United States

We compiled a coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) case database for three states in the southwestern United States (US). Currently, county-level, monthly case counts are available from 2000–2015 for Arizona, California, and Nevada. We collected these data from each respective state public health agency. The Valley fever case database is available on GitHub, at https://github.com/valleyfever/valleyfevercasedata . This database may be used to examine relationships between the number of Valley fever cases and hypothesized explanatory variables such as environmental conditions, social determinants, human behavior, occupational activities, public policies, or other risk factors. We aim to provide regular updates to this database and include more states as data become available. Funding statement: M. E. Gorris received support from a Department of Defense (DoD), National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship (32 CFR 168a). M. E. Gorris, L. A. Cat, and M. Matlock thank the UC Irvine Data Science Initiative for their funding and support. L. A. Cat acknowledges funding and support from the UC-Mexico Initiative. M. Matlock is also supported by Water UCI and the UCI Graduate Division. K. K. Treseder is supported by US NSF (EAR-1411942 and DEB-1457160) and the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), under Award Numbers DE-PS02-09ER09-25 and DE-SC001641. J. T. Randerson received support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF#3269), NASA Soil Moisture and Interdisciplinary Science Program, and the U.S. Dept. of Energy Office of Science RUBISCO Science Focus Area. C. S. Zender acknowledges support from the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund and DOE ACME DE-SC0012998.
Physical activity and motor skill outcomes of a 10-week intervention for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 4–13: A pilot study

Abstract Background Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience increased barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA) which can stem from lack of gross motor function (GMF) development. Intervening on GMF at an early age can create better opportunities for children with IDD to engage in regular PA. In turn, increased PA can improve health outcomes and increase social skills. Objective The primary objective of this pilot study was to explore the effectiveness of a community-based GMF-focused PA intervention for improving overall motor skills and PA for children with IDD. Methods All study participants (n = 24) engaged in 10 weeks of programming for 1 h each week. A convenience sample was utilized. Results Results indicated no statistically significant changes pre to post for motor skill scores. However, a visual analysis of mean changes showed a consistent pattern of increased scores from pre to post on most skills. Additionally, we found that a change in participant locomotor skills significantly predicted change in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA), F (1,11) = 5.16, Adj R2 = .26, p = .04. Conclusions These results suggest individualized attention on GMF may help to increase motor skills for children with IDD. This study adds to the small but growing amount of research examining the efficacy of community based adapted PA interventions. Further, study results should support continued exploration of effective approaches to address the motor delays experienced by children with IDD.
State Laws and Regulations Addressing Nurse-Initiated Protocols and Use of Nurse-Initiated Protocols in Emergency Departments: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study:

IntroductionState regulations may impede the use of nurse-initiated protocols to begin life-saving treatments when patients arrive to the emergency department. In crowding and small-scale disaster ...
Predictive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy With Segmented Traffic Information

This paper proposes a predictive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (P-ECMS) for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), assuming the availability of two levels of traffic information. The two levels of traffic information include 1) segmented traffic information available from mobile mapping applications, and 2) detailed velocity information, possibly obtained by short-term speed forecasting. Battery state-of-charge (SOC) reference waypoints are obtained by a simplified speed profile constructed from that segmented traffic information. The proposed P-ECMS adjusts its co-state or equivalence factor based on the difference between the future SOC obtained from short-horizon prediction and a future reference SOC. The benefits of the proposed P-ECMS are evaluated through vehicle simulations on a specified trip, compared against an adaptive ECMS (A-ECMS) with the same control parameters minus prediction. Simulation results on the trip demonstrate that the proposed P-ECMS can achieve a 9.7% reduction in the corresponding fuel consumption on average, compared to the A-ECMS across different combinations of initial co-state and control gain. Moreover, its performance is robust to variations in the initial co-state, the co-state update rate, and the prediction horizon, as well as to inaccuracies in the velocity prediction. Compared to the A-ECMS, the standard deviation in fuel consumption with the P-ECMS can be reduced by 96% from 84.1 to 3.4 grams.
The Educational Philosophy of Luis Emilio Recabarren: Pioneering Working-Class Education in Latin America

This text offers a unique philosophical and historical inquiry into the educational vision of Luis Emilio Recabarren, and his pivotal role in securing independent education for Chile’s working classes in the early 20th century. Through close analysis of the textual archives and press writings, The Educational Philosophy of Luis Emilio Recabarren offers comprehensive insight into Recabarren’s belief in education as essential to the empowerment, emancipation, and political independence of the working class, and emphasises the importance he placed on the education of workers through experiential learning in their organizations and press. By situating his work amongst broader political and educational movements occurring in Latin America in an era of imperialism, the text also demonstrates the progressive nature of Recabarren’s work and maps the development of his philosophy amid Socialist, Marxist, and Communist movements. Making an important contribution to our understanding of the aims and value of adult education in light of neoliberalism today, this text will be of interest to scholars, researchers, activists, and post-graduate students with an interest in education, social movements, and Latin America. The text also addresses key issues raised in studies of Recabarren and the history of education in Chile.
Improved Compartment Balancing Using a Robot-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Robot-assisted surgery was developed to improve accuracy and outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One important determinant of TKA success is a well-balanced knee throughout the range of motion. The purpose of this study is to determine if robot-assisted TKA (RA-TKA) results in improved intracompartmental ligament balance compared with conventional jig-based instrumentation (CM-TKA). Methods This retrospective cohort study included 2 cohorts—a CM-TKA (n = 49) vs RA-TKA (n = 37) cohort. Demographic and intraoperative data, including intraoperative compartment loads, were measured after final implant implantation in extension (10°), mid-flexion (45°), and full flexion (90°), using an intraoperative compartment pressure sensor. An a priori power analysis revealed our study exhibited >80% power in detecting a 5-pound (lb) difference in compartment loads in the 2 cohorts. Results There was no difference between medial and lateral compartment loads in extension, mid-flexion, and full flexion for the conventional (15.1 lbs, 15.9 lbs, and 13.4 lbs, respectively) vs RA-TKA (14.2 lbs, 15.1 lbs, and 10.3 lbs, respectively). The percentage of patients with high load compartment pressure in flexion (>40 lbs) by the conclusion of the surgery was significantly greater for the conventional (18%) vs the robotic TKA cohort (3%, P = .025). The percentage of patients with unbalanced knees (>20 lbs differential between medial and lateral compartments) in flexion was significantly greater in the conventional (24%) vs robotic TKA cohort (5%, P = .018). Conclusions In this series, RA-TKA resulted in improved intraoperative compartment balancing in flexion with no observed difference in mid-flexion and extension compared with CM-TKA.
Clinical Laboratory Testing

In this chapter, we review pertinent laboratory testing for assessing older adults with psychiatric disorders.
Mentoring as a Buffer for the Syndemic Impact of Racism and COVID-19 among Diverse Faculty within Academic Medicine

Within this article, we explore the dual impact of two pandemics, racism and COVID-19, on the career and psychological well-being of diverse faculty within academic medicine. First, we present a discussion of the history of racism in academic medicine and the intensification of racial disparities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the syndemic of racism and COVID-19, the outlook for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse faculty and leaders within academic medicine is at risk. While mentoring is known to have benefits for career and personal development, we focus on the unique and often unacknowledged role that mentoring can play as a buffer for women and people of color, especially when working in institutions that lack diversity and are now struggling with the syndemic of racism and COVID-19. We also discuss the implications of acknowledging mentoring as a buffer for future leadership development, research, and programs within academic medicine and health professions.
Diagnosing Renal Artery Stenosis in Children: Counterpoint-Angiography Is the Order of the Day.

This article does not include an abstract. Please see the accompanying Point by Siddharth P. Jadhav and Prakash M. Masand.
Constraint-Driven Optimal Control of Multi-Agent Systems: A Highway Platooning Case Study.

Platooning has been exploited as a method for vehicles to minimize energy consumption. In this article, we present a constraint-driven optimal control framework that yields emergent platooning behavior for connected and automated vehicles operating in an open transportation system. Our approach combines recent insights in constraint-driven optimal control with the physical aerodynamic interactions between vehicles in a highway setting. The result is a set of equations that describes when platooning is an appropriate strategy, as well as a descriptive optimal control law that yields emergent platooning behavior. Finally, we demonstrate these properties in simulation and with a real-time experiment in a scaled testbed.
ADJUVANT THERAPIES IN METASTATIC BONE DISEASE

ABSTRACT Bone is a common site of metastatic disease in both solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. Skeletal involvement of cancer and the complications from these metastases can produce significant morbidity including, but not limited to, pathologic fractures and pain, hypercalcemia, and spinal cord or nerve root compression with neurologic compromise. Modern therapeutic advances have been developed towards the preservation of independence and improvement in quality of life, specifically with loss of mobility and social functioning in patients with metastatic bone disease. As such, the management of bone metastases is often complex, requiring an interdisciplinary and multimodal approach among surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. The aim of this discussion is to highlight the current recommendations regarding adjuvant treatments – local and systemic – in metastatic bone disease, including both radiotherapy and pharmaceutical interventions.
Ungrading Learner Participation in a Student-Centered Learning Experience

Although using specific guidelines to structure course participation in online courses can boost learner engagement, research suggests that learners’ overreliance on these standards can lead to superficial participation. As a result, alternative methods for participation assessment, such as ungrading or self-assessment, are increasingly being explored. Using a self-regulated learning lens, this ethnographic case study investigated how graduate students navigated participation self-assessment in an online advanced instructional design (ID) theory course. Results suggest that participation represented a unique construct across learners who did not always embrace technology affordances to support their learning and struggled to lead the monitoring process for their participation. Additionally, learners created goals that were incomplete and did not demonstrate an explicit awareness of the connections between course participation and learning. Implications for creating an effective ungraded approach for course participation in online settings are discussed.
Growth of Streptococcal Protoplasts and L-Colonies on Membrane Filters

Membrane filters (Millipore Corp.; pore sizes 1.2 to 0.22 μm) were placed on the surface of L-phase growth medium solidified with agar. The filter and the surrounding medium were inoculated with either protoplasts or stable broth-grown L-phase variants obtained from Streptococcus faecium strain F24. The L-phase inoculum gave rise to viable L-colonies on the filters and on the medium, whereas protoplasts gave colony formation only on the medium. However, when the Millipore filters were covered by a layer of solid L-phase medium, 75 μm or greater in depth, before inoculation with protoplasts, colony formation resulted but with atypical morphology. In contrast, inoculation of protoplasts on Nuclepore and Sartorius membrane filters did give rise to L-colonies on the surface and underneath the filters after 2 days of incubation at 37 C. Submicroscopic, viable L-phase elements produced during colony formation were capable of passing through membrane filters with pore channels as small as 0.22 μm; these elements required transfer from underneath the filters to fresh agar medium in order to develop into L-phase colonies. Membrane filters were also placed on the surface of L-phase growth medium solidified with gelatin. Inoculation of the filters and surrounding medium with a lysozyme-prepared protoplast suspension gave rise to streptococci on the surface of the filters and on the medium. However, inoculation with the stable broth-grown L-phase variants gave rise to atypical colonies on the medium and only small patches of abortive growth on the filters. Images
Estimation of parameters for stochastic differential equations with state dependent noise

The problem of estimation of parameters for a class of stochastic differential equations is studied. The estimators are known for the case in which there is continuous observation of the state, and are given in this paper for the case in which the state is observed only at discrete moments. >
Dissipative Coefficients of Spin-Polarized Superfluid 3He

The attenuation of second sound (spin-entropy) wave in superfluid A 1 -phase has been measured in magnetic fields up to 11 tesla and to sufficiently high frequency to observe the bulk attenuation proportional to the square of frequency. A comprehensive test on the existing theories of hydrodynamics and dissipative coefficients can be made with the measured attenuation coefficient. The spin diffusion coefficient plays a major role in the attenuation. The observed “excess” attenuation is discussed in terms of the temperature dependent spin diffusion coefficient in the superfluid.
AASM President's viewpoint: planning for a challenging yet promising future.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the 24th American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) President, a role that I take extremely seriously and assume with enthusiasm and dedication. The objectives of this editorial are to highlight my personal view of challenges to our field and to discuss key goals for my tenure as President; the points that I discuss in this editorial were previewed in my President's Remarks at the SLEEP 2009 General Membership Meeting.
Proteolytic degradation of IgD and its relation to molecular conformation.

Abstract "Spontaneous" degradation of IgD into Fc and Fab fragments frequently occurs during purification and storage. Because proteolysis is the likely mechanism for cleavage of IgD under these conditions, the susceptibility of IgD and other immunoglobulins to digestion with trypsin, plasmin, and papain was analyzed. IgD was much more susceptible to proteolysis than the other immunoglobulins studied. The fast fragments, Fc, obtained after spontaneous degradation and after proteolysis were immunologically identical and this was also true of the slow fragments, Fab. The sedimentation coefficients and Stokes radii of the intact protein and fragments were determined and the frictional coefficient ratios and molecular weights calculated. Both the intact IgD and the Fc fragment appear to be less compact than other intact immunoglobulins or the Fc fragment of IgG. We propose that this apparent difference in conformation may account in part for the increased susceptibility of IgD to proteolysis. Finally, attention is drawn to the potential contamination of IgD preparations with the fifth component of complement (C5).
It's a Wrap! Reviewing the 1997 Outdoor Season

The 100m world rankings of the 1997 outdoor track and field competition season are reviewed, subject to corrections for wind effects and atmospheric drag. The rankings and times are compared with those of 1996, and the improvements of each athlete over the course of a year are discussed. Additionally, the athletes' wind-corrected 50m and 60m splits from the 1997 IAAF World Championships are compared to the 1997 indoor world rankings over the same distances, as an attempt to predict possible performances for the coming 1998 indoor season.
Large scale leach testing of DWPF canister sections

A Large-Scale Leach Test Facility (LSLTF) has been constructed at the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) to perform static leach tests on 24-inch (610 mm)-diameter canister sections cut from simulated (nonradioactive) waste forms cast under reference conditions. The equipment and test procedures are designed to closely correspond to MCC-l leach test criteria. Less than a factor of 3 increase in leachability results from combined scale-up, glass-cracking, leached surface area estimation, and surface roughness effects. This factor is dominated by surface roughness of saw cut surfaces. The factor is negligible when compared to the 200,000/l ratio of glass sample masses. The MCC-l, and other small-scale leach tests have been valuable in determining the relative merits of alternative waste form compositions. However, the actual waste glass to be stored in repositories is subject to fracture, devitrifiction, and container/glass interactions, which are difficult to simulate on a laboratory scale. Large-scale leach tests integrate these and other possible waste form characteristics that are not represented in typical small samples. The facility, equipment, test method and results of one-year leach testing are discussed. These results substantiate the applicability of small scale test data which precede this work, and the use of smallmore » scale tests to simulate leaching of the Defense Waste Processing Facility's borosilicate glass product. Exceptionally good sampling statistics make the large scale data particularly well suited for verification of models of leachability rates.« less
Glucuronides in bile of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) injected with [3H]aflatoxin B1 and the effects of dietary β-naphthoflavone

Rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri were fed a diet containing the mixed-function oxidase system inducer, beta-naphthoflavone or were fed a control diet. For the two respective diets, as much as 50 and 12% of an i.p.-injected dose of [3H]aflatoxin B1 was recovered in the bile. The major product in the bile of beta-naphthoflavone-fed trout was an aflatoxicol-M1 glucuronide, whereas the major product in the control bile was an aflatoxicol glucuronide.
Can the Hip Joint be Modeled Accurately Using Simplified Geometry

Simplified analytical approaches to estimate hip joint contact pressures using perfectly spherical geometry have been described in the literature (rigid body spring models); however, estimations based on these simulations have not corresponded well with experimental in vitro data. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests that finite element (FE) models of the hip joint that incorporate detailed geometry for cartilage and bone can predict cartilage pressures in good agreement with experimental data [1]. However, it is unknown whether this degree of model complexity is necessary. The objective of this study was to compare cartilage contact pressure predictions from FE models with varying degrees of simplicity to elucidate which aspects of hip morphology are required to obtain accurate predictions of cartilage contact pressure. Models based on 1) subject-specific (SS) geometry, 2) spheres, and 3) rotational conchoids were analyzed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Uncovering the features of spin dynamics in hadronic physics

We summarize the program pursued by Michael J. Moravcsik and the authors on spin amplitude analyses and interpretation. We present the recent observations that “phase histograms” reveal striking peaks corresponding to spin amplitudes that tend to have definite simple phase relations. An interpretation is proposed in which the spin amplitudes receive a coherent and an incoherent contribution over large ranges of energies and angles. Continuing research directions are reported.
Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from intact triacylglycerols by genetically engineered Pseudomonas.

Pseudomonas putida and P. oleovorans have been extensively studied for their production of medium-chain-length (mcl)-polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). These bacteria are incapable of metabolizing triacylglycerols (TAGs). We have constructed recombinant P. putida and P. oleovorans that can utilize TAGs as substrates for growth and mcl-PHA synthesis. A recombinant plasmid, pCN51lip-1, carrying Pseudomonas lipase genes was used to electrotransform these organisms. The transformants expressed TAG-hydrolyzing activity as shown by a rhodamine B fluorescence plate assay. The genetically modified organisms grew in TAG-containing medium to a cell dry weight of 2–4 g/l. The recombinant P. putida produced mcl-PHA at a crude yield of 0.9–1.6 g/l with lard or coconut oil (Co) as substrate. While P. oleovorans transformant did not produce mcl-PHA, a mixed-culture fermentation approach with the wild-type and recombinant strains afforded polymer production from Co at a crude yield of 0.5 g/l. Compositional analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry showed that β-hydroxyoctanoate (31–45 mol %) and β-hydroxydecanoate (28–35 mol %) were the dominant repeat units of the TAG-based PHA. The number-average and weight-average molecular masses of the PHAs as determined by gel permeation chromatography were 82–170×103 g/mol and 464–693×103 g/mol, respectively. The recombinant approach can greatly increase the number of organisms that can be used to produce PHA from fat and oil substrates.
The market valuation implications of net periodic pension cost components

Abstract This paper examines whether market participants implicitly assign different coefficients to pension cost components when determining security prices. The major findings are: (1) The pension cost components' coefficients generally differ from one another. As predicted, the transition asset amortization coefficient is lower than other pension coefficients, and is insignificantly different from zero. (2) Consistent with the market viewing pension-related income streams as less risky, the pension coefficients are generally larger than the nonpension coefficients. Additional specification tests permitting nonpension coefficients to vary with risk, tax-payer status, and industry membership, generally support the basic findings, although the significance levels are generally higher.
Patients lost to follow-up after metacarpal fractures

Purpose To determine factors associated with non-attendance at scheduled follow-up visits for treatment of metacarpal fractures, to improve subject retention in prospective investigations. Methods This study included adult patients with metacarpal fractures seen in an outpatient hand clinic between 2004 and 2009. We assessed a number of variables (demographic, social, and injury-specific) that might be associated with failure to return for follow-up. The statistical analysis included both bivariate and multivariable models. Results In a cohort of 335 patients (228 men and 107 women) with a mean age of 40 years (range, 18–88 y), independent factors associated with non-attendance were unmarried status (single or divorced), having no insurance, having an unemployed or disabled status, having an unknown work status, and having a small finger metacarpal neck fracture. Conclusions Patients who do not attend a scheduled 1-month follow-up after a single isolated metacarpal fracture are sociologically distinct from those who do attend. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic IV.
Homogeneous transitions in an inflating universe

Abstract We consider homogeneous field transitions in a background de Sitter space by reducing the field theory to an equivalent quantum-mechanics problem. These transitions prevent spontaneous symmetry breaking from occuring in de Sitter space. We apply our formalism to the Hawking-Moss transition in the new inflationary cosmology.
Thiol-selective fluorogenic probes for labeling and release.

Thiol alkylation is a powerful technique for the labeling of proteins. We report a new class of highly reactive, selective, and fluorogenic probes for thiols in aqueous solution at neutral pH, based on the 7-oxanorbornadiene (OND) framework. The maleate moiety in 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid esters serves as both a tunable electrophile and an intramolecular quencher of an attached dansyl fluorophore. Thiols have been found to add with high rates (second-order rate constants of 40−200 M−1 s−1) to give adducts that exhibit enhancements of fluorescence intensity up to 180-fold. The resulting adducts are also versatile with respect to cleavage (release) reactions by two mechanisms. First, retro-Diels−Alder fragmentation occurs with half-lives from days to weeks at room temperature, and an epoxide derivative is also reported that is incapable of cycloreversion cleavage. Second, monoamide OND derivatives undergo rapid closure to succinimides upon thiol addition, providing a thiol-trig...
Mapping of the two overlapping genes for polypeptides NS1 and NS2 on RNA segment 8 of influenza virus genome.

Abstract RNA segment 8 of the influenza virus genome is unique in coding for two polypeptides, NS1 (Mr, approximately 25,000) and NS2 (Mr, approximately 11,000). These polypeptides are synthesized from separate mRNA species. By using cloned DNA derived from RNA segment 8 (NS DNA) the two mRNAs have been mapped on segment 8 by hybridization of mRNAs with restriction endonuclease fragments of the DNA and nuclease S1 digestion methods. These data indicate that the body of the NS1 mRNA (approximately 850 nucleotides) maps at 0.05-0.95 units of the cloned NS DNA and the body of the NS2 mRNA (approximately 340 nucleotides) maps at 0.59-0.95 unitssuggesting that the two mRNAs are 3' coterminal and share the same poly(A) addition site. These positions of the mRNAs on the viral genome segment were confirmed in hybrid-arrested translation experiments using fragments of the cloned NS DNA to inhibit the synthesis in vitro of NS1 or NS2 polypeptides. In addition, in these translation experiments the use of certain DNA fragments resulted in premature termination of the NS1 polypeptide. From these data, it could be estimated that the termination of translation of NS1 is at approximately 0.76 map unit. Thus, the coding regions of the two mRNAs overlap by approximately 144-159 nucleotides, the equivalent of approximately 48-53 amino acids. Peptide mapping experiments indicated that polypeptides NS1 and NS2 do not share methionine- or leucine-containing tryptic peptides. The results obtained indicate the translation of the NS2 mRNA occurs in a reading frame different from that used for NS1.
Demosclerosis: Implications for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Analysis

If economists are to participate in the policy process, they must combine analytical skill with an understanding of the political process. Demosclerosis: The Silent Killer of American Government is a highly acclaimed new book by Jonathan Rauch that suggests that many interpretations of the political process are flawed. Using concepts borrowed from Mancur Olson (Olson 1965, 1982), Rauch seeks to show that interest groups form and multiply to capture rents from the political process. Interest groups, asserts Rauch, have multiplied in both number and effectiveness to the point that they literally "clog the arteries" of government. Thus, demosclerosis-defined by Rauch as the progressive loss of government's ability to adapt (p. 123)-is the political equivalent of arteriosclerosis. Both are silent killers. Olson (1982) argued that political stability nurtures the development of special interest groups that eventually reduce the efficiency of the market economy and the rate of economic growth. Rauch uses the same arguments to assert that American government is increasingly immobilized by a hyperpluralism of conflicting demands among the public. In Demosclerosis, Rauch argues that, once established, government programs prove difficult or impossible to terminate: "It is scarcely an exaggeration to say that, in Washington, every program lasts forever" (Rauch, p. 132, italics in original). As a result, flexible government funds are nonexistent, and there are few resources for existing or new programs. Meaningful, fundamental changes of policy are almost impossible. It will come as no surprise to note that Rauch (and Olson) used agricultural policy as a prime example of this thesis. While popular criticisms of the federal political process include the accusation that politicians are unresponsive to their constituents, Rauch argues that the problem is precisely the reverse. Government is too responsive, too democratic. That is, as Congress increasingly engages in "constituency politics" as opposed to "representative politics" (Stark), it is inundated with lobbying pressure enhanced by electronic faxes, e-mail messages, published public polls, 800-number phone calls, and call-in shows. Responsiveness to these constituent demands raises the economic return to lobbying and encourages yet more groups with more (and more narrowly defined) demands. As evidence of the validity of his thesis, Rauch notes the phenomenal growth in the interest group "industry" and the public's demand for the services supplied by interest groups (Rauch, pp. 11, 55-58). Despite the public's protestations that interest groups somehow exist separate from voters, surveys indicate that seven of ten Americans Sandra S. Batie is the Elton R. Smith Professor in food and agricultural policy, and David B. Schweikhardt is associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, both at Michigan State University.
Relationship between alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and behavioral response to environmental alcohol in five Drosophila species.

FiveDrosophila species were tested for larval alcohol preference behavior (LAPB) over a range of ethanol concentrations. Four general conclusions came out of the study. (1) Significant interspecific variation in LAPB exists withinDrosophila. (2) The behavioral response is environmentally dependent. (3) Interspecific differences inDrosophila LAPB result from an interplay between two biological factors: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)-mediated alcohol catabolism and aldehyde sensitivity. (4) Larval preference for low concentrations of alcohol is independent of relative ADH activity levels.
Effects of religious stigma and harm on perceived psychopathology

Prior research suggests that assessment of the pathology of religious beliefs is influenced by conventionality and harm, with less conventional and more harmful beliefs resulting in higher pathology ratings. This study, involving 313 participants, investigated levels of pathology assigned to religious beliefs when the beliefs were either helpful or less severely harmful than those used in prior research, and when the associated religion was either stigmatised (Islam) or non-stigmatised (Christianity). Results indicate that an attenuated form of harm results in elevated pathology ratings. Furthermore, religious stigma impacts these perceptions when beliefs are harmful but not when beliefs are helpful. Ratings in the harm condition were higher for Christianity than for Islam, suggesting that perceived pathology of religious beliefs may depend less on general stigma assumptions and more on perceived consistency between harmful beliefs and assumed religious schemata.
Construction of full-length cDNA clones of cucumber mosaic virus RNAs 1, 2 and 3: Generation of infectious RNA transcripts

Full-length cDNA copies of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) RNAs 1 and 2 of the Fny strain were constructed from partial cDNA clones and were cloned downstream of bacteriophage T7 promoters. In one pair of clones, transcription proceeded from an unaltered T7 promoter such that in vitro transcripts representing RNAs 1 and 2 contained an additional 17 nucleotides at their 5' termini. In a second pair of clones, the T7 promoter/cDNA junction was altered by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis such that the in vitro transcripts contained only an additional G residue at their 5' ends. In addition, a full-length cDNA copy of Fny-CMV RNA 3 was constructed from two overlapping cDNA clones and was cloned downstream of an altered T7 promoter such that the resultant in vitro transcripts also contained only an additional G residue at their 5' ends. In vitro transcripts derived from all clones contained an additional C residue at their 3' ends. In vitro transcripts representing RNAs 1, 2 and 3 which contained an additional residue at each terminus were shown to be infectious together in several hosts of CMV.
Seven New Keck Planets Orbiting G and K Dwarfs

Planetary mass companions orbiting seven nearby G and K dwarfs have been found from the Keck Precision Doppler Survey. A "51 Peg-like" planet orbiting HD 49674 has the smallest mass yet found, M sin i = 0.12 MJ. This system does not transit. A double-planet system orbits HD 37124, with periods of 153 days and 6 yr and minimum masses of 0.91 and 1.70 MJ. Single companions with moderate eccentricity have been found orbiting HD 108874, HD 72659, HD 114729, and HD 145675 with orbital periods ranging from 1.09 to 5.98 yr, yielding minimum masses ranging from 0.90 to 4.87 MJ. Periodic Doppler velocity variations, consistent with a mildly eccentric planet in a 1 AU orbit, are reported for the chromospherically active K0 dwarf HD 128311. It remains plausible that these velocity variations are due to stellar photospheric "jitter."
Behaviour and sensory physiology of Atlantic menhaden larvae, Brevoortia tyrannus, during horizontal transport

Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, spawn on the continental shelf off North Carolina in the late fall and winter. Larvae are transported shoreward where they enter and migrate up estuaries to the juvenile habitat. In this paper, we synthesize behavioural and sensory physiological studies of the ontogeny of biological rhythms, responses to temperature, salinity and light, and swimbladder inflation and deflation of this species, to develop descriptive models of larval behaviour in ocean and estuarine areas that contribute to horizontal transport. Young (postyoke sac, <9 mm total length, TL) larvae occur primarily offshore, have an endogenous rhythm in nocturnal diel vertical migration, and are predicted to remain at depths above the pycnocline, if present, due to responses to light, temperature and salinity. They ascend in response to a salinity increase and temperature decrease, which frequently occur at the pycnocline. Intermediate age (9–17 mm TL) and older (18–27 mm TL) larvae are found in inshore and estuarine areas. They have an endogenous activity rhythm that suggests they will remain at moderate depths during the day in the ocean. At sunset, they swim up to surface to engulf air to fill their swimbladders and then sink due to inactivity and negative buoyancy. Thus, at night the majority of larvae are deeper than during the day. The swimbladder is deflated at sunrise in response to light and larvae are predicted to swim up to their daytime depth. They have the same responses to a temperature decrease and salinity increase as younger larvae, which should keep them above a pycnocline. The ascent to fill the swimbladder is not impeded by responses to temperature or salinity change. Chemical cues in ocean and estuarine waters induce different behavioural responses. Larvae use selective tidal stream transport for up-estuary movement in which they are in the water column on rising tides at night and not abundant at other times. Larvae lack an endogenous tidal rhythm in vertical migration upon entering an estuary, and swimming during the day is reduced by light. The ascent into the water column during flood tides may be cued by the rate of increase in salinity at this time. Collectively, these behaviours contribute to feeding, predator avoidance and transport from the spawning area to the juvenile habitat.
Energy loss of nuclear fragments in partially ionized materials of high atomic number

Methods used for the computation of the stopping power of high-atomic-number media to light and heavy nuclear fragments in un-ionized and completely ionized states are reasonably well developed. This is not the case for partially ionized states. We propose a method that bridges these two extremes and discuss applications of the method to \ensuremath{\alpha} particles and fission fragments in uranium at extreme temperatures and densities.
Advances in the treatment of microtia.

Purpose of reviewCreating the fine details of the ear in a patient with a congenital absent ear is extremely challenging. Each component of the multidisciplinary team that manages the ear reconstruction, hearing restoration, and associated craniofacial anomalies of these patients has seen recent pro
Late solitary colonic recurrence of renal carcinoma

Summary A case of late metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the left kidney presenting as a primary lesion of the transverse colon is presented. Although the intestinal mucosa is rarely the site of metastasis, the adjacent colon or duodenum may be the site of the renal metastasis.