cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skeletal manifestations of ectopic or inappropriate endocrine and metabolic syndromes.

A variety of tumors and nontumorous lesions were used to illustrate some of the biologic, clinical, and pathologic aspects of inappropriate or ectopic endocrine and metabolic syndromes that have musculoskeletal repercussions. It is clear, both from the discussion and case material, that many mechanisms of ectopic endocrine syndromes have yet to be clarified. Elaborate techniques are available for hormonal estimations, but their routine use is prohibitively expensive and relatively unrewarding. Cells of a given lesion may be functionally heterogeneous or may fail to elaborate active products in substantial amounts. Different cells may produce similar peptides, while the same cells can produce more than one. Despite these difficulties, recognition of ectopic endocrine syndromes remains crucial to diagnosis and patient management, and thus corroboration or correlation must often rest on a cruder basis. In fact, the clinical significance of basic laboratory data, e.g., PTH elevation, may vary, as PTH may be immunoreactive but biologically inactive. As another example, hypercalcemia associated with myeloma may be variously related to coexistent hyperparathyroidism, renal disease, dehydration, or humoral osteolysis. Therefore, roentgenographic evidence of bone destruction or skeletal stigmata of hyperparathyroidism imbues laboratory data with greater significance. Paraneoplastic syndromes are of particular concern to the radiologist, as multiple systemic manifestations, occurring either synchronously or metachronously, may suggest the presence of an underlying or unifying lesion or even of a specific type of neoplasm. They may precede detection of neoplasms by months to years and can develop at any time during their course. Paraneoplastic syndromes may, furthermore, parallel the course of a lesion and be used as indicators of remission or recurrence. Conversely, those unassociated with overt symptoms possess endocrine markers that can reinforce sometimes silent skeletal stigmata. Familiarity with representative secretory products influencing the musculoskeletal system per se may often clarify seemingly innocuous and sometimes asymptomatic skeletal findings. Alert imagers may, therefore, detect, infer, or suspect particular syndromes when they present in a specific sequence or mosaic. Conversely, when apprised of their existence, imagers should know where their related effects may be sought or anticipated. Such relationships, sometimes serendipitously discovered, may be valuable assets in clinical diagnosis and patient management in both suspected and unsuspected cases.
Preplanning prediction of the left anterior descending artery maximum dose based on patient, dosimetric, and treatment planning parameters

Abstract Purpose Maximum dose to the left anterior descending artery (LADmax) is an important physical constraint to reduce the risk of cardiovascular toxicity. We generated a simple algorithm to guide the positioning of the tangent fields to reliably maintain LADmax Methods and materials Dosimetric plans from 146 consecutive women treated prone to the left breast enrolled in prospective protocols of accelerated whole breast radiation therapy, with a concomitant daily boost to the tumor bed (40.5 Gy/15 fraction to the whole breast and 48 Gy to the tumor bed), provided the training set for algorithm development. Scatter plots and correlation coefficients were used to describe the bivariate relationships between LADmax and several parameters: distance from the tumor cavity to the tangent field edge, cavity size, breast separation, field size, and distance from the tangent field. A logistic sigmoid curve was used to model the relationship of LADmax and the distance from the tangent field. Furthermore, we tested this prediction model on a validation data set of 53 consecutive similar patients. Results A lack of linear relationships between LADmax and distance from cavity to LAD (−0.47), cavity size (−0.18), breast separation (−0.02), or field size (−0.28) was observed. In contrast, distance from the tangent field was highly negatively correlated to LADmax (-0.84) and was used in the models to predict LADmax. From a logistic sigmoid model we selected a cut-point of 2.46 mm (95% confidence interval, 2.19-2.74 mm) greater than which LADmax is Conclusions Placing the edge of the tangents at least 2.5 mm from the closest point of the contoured LAD is likely to assure LADmax is
Beyond Simple Inoculation: Examining the Persuasive Value of Inoculation for Audiences with Initially Neutral or Opposing Attitudes

It is well established that—among individuals who hold an attitude toward a topic—inoculation messages can help promote resistance to counterattitudinal attacks. Yet, the utility of inoculation theory for communication campaigns may ultimately depend upon the effects inoculation messages have on individuals who are initially opposed or neutral regarding the topic. A three-phase experiment (N = 282) was conducted to examine the effects of inoculation and supportive messages among individuals with neutral and opposing attitudes. The results revealed that, compared to the control groups, inoculation and supportive messages moved neutral and opposing attitudes in the message-advocated direction. Moreover, inoculation and supportive messages protected these attitudinal gains from attack-message-induced slippage. Since inoculation messages outperformed supportive messages, inoculation has potential utility for communication campaigns.
SIRT1 overexpression in cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions and invasive squamous cell carcinoma

Summary Invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix involves the progression of premalignant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and is associated with persistent human papillomavirus infection. Most CINs will regress, and the challenge is to identify the lesions likely to progress to invasive cancer. We evaluated Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in nonneoplastic cervix, CINs, and SCCs as a potential biomarker to predict disease progression. A total of 101 cases were selected including 29 CIN 1s, 32 CIN 2s, 16 CIN 3s, 2 microinvasive SCCs, and 22 invasive SCCs. Cervical nonneoplastic squamous epithelium showed weak positivity of SIRT1 in the basal layer. SIRT1 cytoplasmic overexpression was found in 13.8% of CIN 1s (4/29), 40.6% of CIN 2s (13/32), and 50% of CIN 3s (8/16), and it was statistically significant between CIN 1 and CIN 2/3 lesions ( P =.01). All 24 cases of invasive and microinvasive SCC showed SIRT1 overexpression, with 25% (6/24) showing cytoplasmic staining only, 4.2% (1/24) showing nuclear staining only, and 70.8% (17/24) showing both nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. From CIN 1 to SCC, SIRT1 expression showed steady and statistically significant increase (CIN 1 versus CIN 2-3, P =.01; CIN 2-3 versus SCC, P =.0001). Thus, SIRT1 may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the progression of CIN to invasive SCC.
There is More to Smoking than the CNS Effects of Nicotine

Cigarette smoking presents a constellation of sensory and behavioral cues along with the CNS effects of nicotine. Several studies have shown that craving for cigarettes is difficult to alleviate with alternative nicotine delivery systems that do not provide these cues. Conversely, presentation of the sensory/behavioral cues of smoking using de-nicotinized cigarettes, effectively alleviates craving. The effects of de-nicotinized cigarette smoke and nicotine skin patches were compared in a sample of 20 cigarette smokers, who smoked ad lib for 2 hours while wearing nicotine or placebo skin patches that had been applied the previous night. Craving was substantially alleviated by the de-nicotinized cigarettes but only slightly affected by the nicotine patch. These results suggest that smoking cessation treatment strategies should provide replacements for the sensory/behavioral components of smoking.
Percutaneous Externally Assembled Laparoscopic vs Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Nephrectomy in a Porcine Model: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded, Study

Abstract Objective: To compare the outcomes between laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) and a novel percutaneous externally assembled laparoscopic (PEAL) nephrectomy in an in vivo porcine model. Materials and Methods: Ten female farm pigs were randomized to LESS nephrectomy (5) or PEAL nephrectomy (5). Operative times, estimated blood loss, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared. The surgeons used a Likert scale to grade difficulty of peritoneal access, port placement, tool assembly, hilar dissection, closure, and overall difficulty of surgery. Scar assessment was performed by a blinded plastic surgeon using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Descriptive statistics were reported as median and range. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for continuous and ordinal variables. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Median operative time was significantly shorter in the PEAL group vs the LESS group (85 minutes vs 127 minutes, p = 0.03). Median Likert scores showed overall hilar disse...
Thermal conductivity of 1D carbyne chains

Abstract Carbyne is a one-dimensional monoatomistic chain of carbon atoms, consisting of repeating sp-hybridized groups – the extreme minimalist molecular rod or chain. Due to their potential use in atomic-scale circuits, there has been particular interest in their novel electronic and thermal properties and are promising platforms for heat dissipation. Potential 1D thermal transport is advantageous as the heat conduction can theoretically be directed along the molecule. However, the thermal properties of carbyne, essential to their successful application in the design of novel devices, have yet to be rigorously determined. Here, using full atomistic molecular dynamics (MD), we explore the thermal conductivity (κ) of a system of carbyne chains to enable statistical averaging. Muller-Plathe reverse perturbation method was used to obtain κ along the chain direction. For a freestanding chain with a length of approximately 40 nm, we indicate an ultrahigh thermal conductivity of approximately 0.793 kW/m-K, on the similar order of carbon nanotubes and graphene. Also, when we look into the thermal conductivity by atomistic weight, the carbyne model we use obtains a higher value than (5, 5) CNT and is comparable to graphene nanoribbon, which indicates very promising thermal conduction. Moreover, chains of varying length and strain are simulated individually to systematically explore the accessible range of conductivities. The thermal conductivity decreases when more strain applied, while it is significantly enhanced when we add more atoms to the carbyne chains. Additionally, we reported a close-to-linear relationship between κ and chain length, which provided supportive evidence for the controlling of thermal conductivity of carbyne.
Clinical assessment of injuries in orthodontic movement of impacted teeth I. Methods of attachment

Abstract Recent studies have indicated ankylosis, loss of attachment, and external resorption occurring as sequelae of orthodontic movement of impacted teeth when these teeth are ligated around the cervix with wire. The purpose of this study was to record the effects of two commonly employed methods of attachment to impacted teeth—the wire ligation and the direct bond. Twenty subjects who had previously undergone full-banded orthodontic treatment involving a unilateral impacted maxillary canine were studied. The contralateral non-impacted maxillary canine served as a control. In eight of the subjects the impacted canine was ligated at the cervix with wire at the time of surgical exposure. In the other twelve subjects the impacted tooth also was exposed surgically but then an orthodontic bracket was bonded directly to the tooth approximately 2 weeks after the surgical exposure. The criterion for the diagnosis of ankylosis was failure to move the tooth for at least 3 months. The diagnosis of external resorption was made from radiographs. Loss of periodontal attachment was measured by comparing the level of attachment on the previously impacted tooth with the contralateral canine 3 months after debanding. The results indicated that three of the eight patients in the group receiving wire ligation exhibited external resorption and ankylosis. Also, there was an average of 1.36 mm. greater loss of attachment in all four proximal and lingual probing measurements of teeth ligated with ligature wire but no significant differences in the direct buccal probing measurement.
Functional Imaging of Evaluation of Diabetic Gastroparesis.

Introduction Gastroparesis (a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus) is delayed gastric emptying in the absence of a mechanical obstruction. Overall prevalence of Gastroparesis is close to 5 % in type 1 diabetes and 1 % in type 2 diabetes. It is unclear if good glycemic control leads to the delay of development and progression of gastroparesis. Methods Gastric enteric neurons as well as Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) are depleted, truncated and are surrounded by immune infiltrates composed of macrophages. There are associated vagal nerve innervation abnormalities, smooth muscle and Fibroblast Like Cell (FLC) dysfunctions. There is s decrease in HO-1 macrophages and increase in proinflammatory macrophages. Gastric electrical rhythm abnormalities and channelopathies have been implicated in the pathology of gastrointestinal diseases. Results In patients with diabetes, the most common clinical symptoms include abdominal bloating and pain. Nuclear Medicine Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (NMGES) is considered the gold standard for evaluation of gastroparesis. Conventional imaging techniques such as fluoroscopic evaluation of gastric emptying can only evaluate the presence or absence of an obstruction. Historically, solid gastric emptying has been the method for evaluation although recent data suggests that liquid gastric emptying may be altered without solid gastric emptying abnormality. It is paramount that a radiotracer for evaluating gastric emptying be tightly bound to ingested food (solid). The most frequent radiotracer used is Tc99msulfur colloid bound to egg whites. In an effort to standardize normal values across institutions, a consensus recommendation published in 2008 called for a 4- hour study utilizing a standardized meal. Conclusion Nuclear Medicine Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (NMGES) is the test of choice for evaluation of diabetic gastroparesis. Standard guidelines have been established for the performance and interpretation of the test.
How and Why Polymer Glasses Lose Their Ductility Due to Plasticizers

Tensile extension tests have been carried out to examine mechanical responses of polymer glasses under the influence of small molecule additives that plasticize the polymers by lowering their glass transition temperatures Tg and speeding up their α relaxation times. It is shown that incorporation of 4% triphenyl phosphate (TPP) into poly(methyl methacrylate) turns a brittle PMMA at 70 °C into a ductile glass, capable of significant cold drawing, as expected according to the conventional wisdom. However, despite the evidence that the same TPP also reduces polystyrene’s Tg and increases the segmental mobility, the ductile PS turns brittle at 70 °C upon addition of 4% TPP at the same low drawing speed. This counterintuitive behavior is also found in the pair of TPP and poly(styrene–acrylonitrile). Thus, the present observations require us to incorporate new ingredients into the classical Eyring-type interpretation of plastic flow in a glassy polymer.
An automated snowball census of the political web

This paper solves a persistent methodological problem for social scientists studying the political web: representative sampling. Virtually all existing studies of the political web are based on incomplete samples, and therefore lack generalizability. In this paper, I combine methods from computer science and sampling theory to conduct an automated snowball census of the political web and constructs an all-but-complete index of English political websites. I check the robustness of this index, use it to generate descriptive statistics for the entire political web, and demonstrate that studies based on ad hoc sampling strategies are likely to be biased in important ways. In future research, this bias can be eliminated by using this index as a sampling universe. In addition, the methods and open-source software presented here can be used to creating similar sampling frames for other online content domains.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN NONLINEAR WAVES AND ARBITRARILY FLEXIBLE VEGETATION

Coastal wetlands are among the natural features with the capability to dissipate wave energy and reduce storm damage. Inadequate representation of wave and vegetation characteristics in numerical models may reduce their capability in predicting wave processes over wetlands. Previous numerical wave models have typically applied simplifications on vegetation behavior. For instance, vegetation stems were usually assumed to be rigid or semi-flexible and thus extreme stem deflections could not be captured. In this study, a time-domain nonlinear numerical model based on extended Boussinesq formulation is developed and coupled with a numerical model for vegetation blade dynamics that allows for arbitrary flexibility. Comparison with analytical and laboratory experiments show that the coupled model can adequately predict flow as well as vegetation blade dynamics without the need for any parameter tuning. The model is then used to obtain wave-induced forces on a stem and vegetation blade orientation. Model results indicate that the variation of the vegetative drag coefficient with wave frequency is non-monotonic.
An Unsupervised Approach to Inferring the Localness of People Using Incomplete Geotemporal Online Check-In Data

Inferring the localness of people is to classify people who are local residents in a city from people who visit the city by analyzing online check-in points that are contributed by online users. This information is critical for the urban planning, user profiling, and localized recommendation systems. Supervised learning approaches have been developed to infer the location of people in a city by assuming the availability of high-quality training datasets with complete geotemporal information. In this article, we develop an unsupervised model to accurately identify local people in a city by using the incomplete online check-in data that are publicly available. In particular, we develop an incomplete geotemporal expectation maximization (IGT-EM) scheme, which incorporates a set of hidden variables to represent the localness of people and a set of estimation parameters to represent the likelihood of venues to attract local and nonlocal people, respectively. Our solution can accurately classify local people from nonlocal nones without requiring any training data. We also implement a parallel IGT-EM algorithm by leveraging the computing power of a graphic processing unit (GPU) that consists of 2,496 cores. In the evaluation, we compare our new approach with the existing solutions through four real-world case studies using data from the New York City, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, DC. The results show that our approach can identify the local people and significantly outperform the compared baselines in estimation accuracy and execution time.
Lineage- and developmental stage-specific mechanomodulation of induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation

To maximize the translational utility of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the ability to precisely modulate the differentiation of iPSCs to target phenotypes is critical. Although the effects of the physical cell niche on stem cell differentiation are well documented, current approaches to direct step-wise differentiation of iPSCs have been typically limited to the optimization of soluble factors. In this regard, we investigated how temporally varied substrate stiffness affects the step-wise differentiation of iPSCs towards various lineages/phenotypes. Electrospun nanofibrous substrates with different reduced Young’s modulus were utilized to subject cells to different mechanical environments during the differentiation process towards representative phenotypes from each of three germ layer derivatives including motor neuron, pancreatic endoderm, and chondrocyte. Phenotype-specific markers of each lineage/stage were utilized to determine differentiation efficiency by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence imaging for gene and protein expression analysis, respectively. The results presented in this proof-of-concept study are the first to systematically demonstrate the significant role of the temporally varied mechanical microenvironment on the differentiation of stem cells. Our results demonstrate that the process of differentiation from pluripotent cells to functional end-phenotypes is mechanoresponsive in a lineage- and differentiation stage-specific manner. Lineage/developmental stage-dependent optimization of electrospun substrate stiffness provides a unique opportunity to enhance differentiation efficiency of iPSCs for their facilitated therapeutic applications.
Automated sequence impedance modeling of three-phase converters based on computer algebra

Sequence impedance models have been accepted as an effective method for resonance and stability analysis of renewable energy, high-voltage dc transmission and other three-phase power electronics systems. While such impedance models can be obtained in numerical form by simulation or measurement, the analytical models such as those presented in [2, 3] provide invaluable insight into how impedance behavior relates to circuit and control design. Developing such analytical models, however, requires special skills and has been limited to few specialists. To facilitate the application of the method, this paper presents automated generation of sequence impedance models using computer algebra. The preliminary program that is capable of performing this function is developed based on a new matrix formulation of the underlying harmonic linearization method [7] and is implemented in Mathematica. Applications in two-level voltage-source converter and modular multilevel converters are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.
The Aging Astrocyte Transcriptome from Multiple Regions of the Mouse Brain.

Aging brains undergo cognitive decline, associated with decreased neuronal synapse number and function and altered metabolism. Astrocytes regulate neuronal synapse formation and function in development and adulthood, but whether these properties change during aging, contributing to neuronal dysfunction, is unknown. We addressed this by generating aged and adult astrocyte transcriptomes from multiple mouse brain regions. These data provide a comprehensive RNA-seq database of adult and aged astrocyte gene expression, available online as a resource. We identify astrocyte genes altered by aging across brain regions and regionally unique aging changes. Aging astrocytes show minimal alteration of homeostatic and neurotransmission-regulating genes. However, aging astrocytes upregulate genes that eliminate synapses and partially resemble reactive astrocytes. We further identified heterogeneous expression of synapse-regulating genes between astrocytes from different cortical regions. We find that alterations to astrocytes in aging create an environment permissive to synapse elimination and neuronal damage, potentially contributing to aging-associated cognitive decline.
Perspectives on Eastern European retailing and consumption

Over the last two decades, as research on retailing and consumption in socialist Eastern Europe has expanded, scholars have challenged the idea that the history of ‘consumer culture’ is defined by ...
Adverse Impact: History and Evolution

A major step in employment discrimination legal cases is the establishment of adverse impact due to the use of a selection or promotion device. The purpose of this volume is to explore the concept of adverse impact, in particular its measurement, underpinnings, relationship to traditional concepts in selection theory and to particular aspects of selection decisions, and the means by which it can be reduced. The purpose of this chapter is to provide some historical basis for the concept, to put it into perspective, and to demonstrate its role in a number of aspects that involve developing and establishing the validity and usefulness of selection and promotion procedures.
The way of the world: How heterosexism shapes and distorts male same-sexuality, a thesis

This article develops a thesis about heterosexism and how it may function to shape and distort the sexuality of men who have sex with men. It is based on observations of cultural portrayals and bel...
Methods and Ethics in a Life History Study of Teacher Thinking

During the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the use of life history and narrative approaches to study teacher thinking and teacher development. Unlike other forms of educational research, in which relationships between researchers and participants are characterized by business-like transactions that rarely extend into the realm of the personal, life history and narrative research can involve relationships that are personal and complex. Such research can also generate massive amounts of data--in the form of field notes, interview transcripts, and other documents--which are very difficult to synthesize. This article presents some of the methodological and ethical issues encountered by the author during a five-year life history study of an experienced urban high school English teacher.
Direct Variational Assimilation of Radar Reflectivity and Radial Velocity Data: Issues with Nonlinear Reflectivity Operator and Solutions

AbstractRadar reflectivity (Z) data are either directly assimilated using 3DVar, 4DVar, or ensemble Kalman filter, or indirectly assimilated using, for example, cloud analysis that preretrieves hyd...
From prophecy to projection: the New York Metropolitan Region Study and the rescaling of the urban future, 1956–1968

Between 1956 and 1959, amid far-flung residential and industrial suburbanization and with the joint backing of the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Twentieth Century Fund, an in...
A Comparison of Diagnostic Stability of the ASIA Impairment Scale Versus Frankel Classification Systems for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract Objective To determine whether the “sacral sparing” definition for completeness of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a more stable definition than the previously used Frankel Classification. Design Retrospective analysis of individuals enrolled in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database between 2011 and 2018. Setting SCIMS centers. Participants Individuals (N=804) with traumatic SCI who were at least 16 years old at time of injury, were admitted to rehabilitation within 30 days, had American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grades A-D at admission, and had complete neurologic data at the time of admission and 1 year. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Frankel and AIS scores were computed for a cohort of 804 eligible cases. Stability was compared between the 2 classification systems by calculating the proportions of cases in which regression (conversion to a more severe impairment level) was observed. Results A larger proportion of individuals classified with “incomplete” injuries (grades B-D) at the time of admission using the Frankel system regressed to complete status at 1 year compared with the AIS criteria (9.4% vs 2.0%). Those with grade B injuries regressed to grade A more often using the Frankel system compared with the AIS system (19.7% to 5.4%). A larger proportion of people diagnosed as Frankel grade C or D regressed to Frankel grade A compared with individuals diagnosed as AIS grade C or D who regressed to AIS grade A (5.0% to 1.1%). Conclusions More individuals diagnosed with neurologically incomplete SCI regressed to complete status at 1 year when using the Frankel system compared with AIS classification, which is based on sacral sparing. This reinforces the finding that the “sacral sparing” definition is a more stable classification in traumatic SCI.
A Foundational Study for Normal F8-Containing Mouse Models for the miRNA Regulation of Hemophilia A: Identification and Analysis of Mouse miRNAs that Downregulate the Murine F8 Gene.

Hemophilia A (HA) is associated with defects in the F8 gene, encoding coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Our previous studies show that F8-targeting micro RNAs (miRNAs), a group of small RNAs involved in gene regulation, can downregulate F8 expression causing HA in individuals with normal F8-genotypes and increased HA severity in patients with mutations in F8. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of human genetic diseases caused or modulated by miRNAs require a small animal model, such as a mouse model. Here, we report a foundational study to develop such a model system. We identified the mouse 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) on murine F8-mRNA (muF8-mRNA) that can bind to murine miRNAs. We then selected three miRNAs for evaluation: miR-208a, miR-351 and miR-125a. We first demonstrate that these three miRNAs directly target the 3′UTR of muF8-mRNA and reduce the expression of a reporter gene (luciferase) mRNA fused to the muF8-3′ UTR in mammalian cells. Furthermore, in mouse cells that endogenously express the F8 gene and produce FVIII protein, the ectopic expression of these miRNAs downregulated F8-mRNA and FVIII protein. These results provide proof-of-concept and reagents as a foundation for using a normal F8-containing mouse as a model for the miRNA regulation of normal F8 in causing or aggravating the genetic disease HA.
DEVELOPMENTS IN FORMULATION AND APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR SAFE USE OF AGRICHEMICALS

Abstract Performance, convenience and safety of crop protection chemicals are affected by the way the product is formulated and packaged and by the equipment and techniques of application. A few years ago, the predominant formulations were dusts, granules, emulsifiable concentrates, solutions and wettable powders which were applied by dusting or spraying from simple equipment. These techniques had adequate biological effectiveness but also had high potential for applicator exposure and drift. There has been a shift to new product forms, new packaging and new application techniques for greater safety. Powders in water-soluble film, or nondusty water-dispersible granules (dry flowables) prevent or alleviate dust exposure during the preparation of the spray slurry and provide convenience in dosing. Drift-reduction polymers or foam-promoting surfactants are available. There is intensive development to improve droplet-generation towards a narrow size spectrum for drift reduction as well as economy. Formulations and equipment for electrostatic application are under development. Recently introduced methods such as wiper applicators avoid spraying altogether. The application of crop-protection chemicals in solid forms of controlled particle size also promises to provide safety in use, and equipment to apply low-weight dosage is becoming available. The design of new crop protection products and application techniques requires a systems approach to achieve the goals of effectiveness, economy, safety and convenience. Scientists with versatility and ingenuity are needed to solve these problems.
Characterizing the Expenditure Uncertainties of Industrial Countries in the 21st Century1

A number of uncertainties about long-term expenditure commitments in industrial countries are examined: (i) the assumptions underlying the projections, (ii) the potential to further reduce non-age-related expenditures, (iii) the implicitly assumed absence of “shocks,” and (iv) the potential for raising revenue. This paper concludes that (i) there is scope, but within narrow limits, to reduce non-age-related expenditures; (ii) fiscal policy frameworks tend to understate risks; and (iii) prevailing tax rates leave little room for increasing taxation in the countries facing the strongest aging pressures. In sum, governments will have to adopt a much more ambitious fiscal policy stance to cope with aging populations.
Whole and Isolated Protein Fractions Differentially Affect Gastrointestinal Integrity Markers in C57Bl/6 Mice Fed Diets with a Moderate-Fat Content.

Various proteins or protein fractions reportedly positively affect gastrointestinal integrity and inflammation in diets providing >45% energy as fat. This study tested whether benefits were seen in diets providing 30% of energy as fat. Purified diets (PD) with isolated soy protein (ISP), dried whole milk powder (DWMP), milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), or milk protein concentrate (MPC) as protein sources were fed to C57BL/6J mice (n = 15/diet group) for 13 weeks. MFGM-fed mice were heaviest (p 370%, (p < 0.006) increase in colonic myeloperoxidase activity indicative of tissue neutrophil infiltration. Surprisingly, FITC-dextran and endotoxin outcomes were many folds better in PD-fed mice than mice (strain, vendor, age and sex matched) fed a “chow-type” nutritionally adequate non-PD. Additional variables within a diet’s matrix appear to affect routine indicators or gastrointestinal health.
Re-chunking the Federal Rules of Evidence

The rules governing the admissibility of evidence can be a confounding maze of directives. To say the Federal Rules of Evidence are confusing begs the question of why the current arrangement of Articles and Rules is used. Despite multiple amendments, many organizational questions remain. For example, why is impeachment included in multiple articles in the rules, and not given its own article? Why is witness memory left to multiple areas as well? Why is hearsay parsed the way it is, where the rules designate some utterances that meet the hearsay elements as not hearsay, and other utterances as reliable hearsay, but in multiple ways? This commentary reimagines a new iteration of some of the Articles and Rules using a different organizing structure or schema. The purpose of the re-chunking is not to change substantive outcomes – although that is very tempting as well – but to allow for better understanding and application. The reconfiguration is rooted in neuroscience. According to neuroscientists, memory and recall are neither photographic nor permanent. Given these limitations, learning strategies are needed, especially given the number of rules and their organization. Chunking is a useful tool, especially when dealing with learning and applying knowledge. As one commentator has noted, “Chunking refers to the strategy of breaking down information into bite-sized pieces so the brain can more easily digest new information.” Chunking is often used to organize large amounts of information. Acquiring deep, chunked knowledge is emblematic of how learners become expert in a subject. Such expert learners use chunking to create more effective schemas or structures to facilitate learning and application. In fact, experts and novices use schemas alike throughout each day and in all areas of life. The new evidentiary schema below regroups the Articles and Rules specifically to create alignments for better affinity, memory and flow. The revisions apply to both the overall ‘forest’ and the specific ‘trees’ of Evidence Law. A deep understanding of the rules requires knowledge of the big picture as well as the details. The big picture generally is a good place to start when analyzing evidence issues. This Introduction is followed by background information about educational neuroscience and the history of the Rules of Evidence. A realignment of some of the Articles and Rules is then offered, as well as a brief conclusion.
More than Verbs: An Introduction to Transitivity in Legal Argument

This article provides a brief introduction to transitivity and its importance to legal discourse from the perspective of functional linguistics. The article assumes the necessity of multiple participants and actions rather than states as a foundation for transitive events. But it separately examines aspect, punctuality, volition, affirmation, realis, agency, affectedness, and individuation as important components of legal argument, illustrating how each is used in legal contexts with examples drawn from legal complaints, trial transcripts, judicial opinions, and lawyering manuals. Understanding transitivity from a functional perspective not only provides legal advocates with the tools to use verbs more precisely, but illustrates how other linguistic resources attribute transitivity and offers unique insights into the structure of legal reasoning.
Ab initio phasing macromolecular structures using electron-counted MicroED data

Structures of two globular proteins were determined ab initio using microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) data that was collected on a direct electron detector in counting mode. Microcrystals were identified using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thinned with a focused ion-beam (FIB) to produce crystalline lamellae of ideal thickness. Continuous rotation data were collected using an ultra-low exposure rate on a Falcon 4 direct electron detector in electron-counting mode. For the first sample, triclinic lysozyme extending to 0.87 A resolution, an ideal helical fragment of only three alanine residues provided initial phases. These phases were improved using density modification, allowing the entire atomic structure to be built automatically. A similar approach was successful on a second macromolecular sample, proteinase K, which is much larger and diffracted to a modest 1.5 A resolution. These results demonstrate that macromolecules can be determined to sub-Angstrom resolution by MicroED and that ab initio phasing can be successfully applied to counting data collected on a direct electron detector.
The relationship between fracture and quality of life in Korean adults receiving treatment for osteoporosis based on the 2010 Korean Community Health Survey.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fracture and quality of life in Korean adults receiving treatment for osteoporosis based on the 2010 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS). [Subjects and Methods] This study utilized the raw data of the 2010 KCHS. In the survey, osteoporosis was assessed in 228,903 subjects, excluding 326 for whom there was insufficient data. There were 17,387 subjects with osteoporosis confirmed by a doctor’s diagnosis and 9,419 of them were being treated for osteoporosis at the time of the survey. [Results] Among the patients being treated, those with fractures had a significantly lower QOL than patients who did not experience fractures. The lower QOL scores were caused by hip, vertebral and wrist fractures, and in all cases, QOL was significantly lower. Greater numbers of fractures significantly lowered QOL scores compared to participants without fractures. [Conclusion] Fractures in patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis have a direct impact on QOL. Among the different types of fractures, hip fractures resulted in the lowest scores. Therefore, to avoid additional fractures caused by inappropriate management of osteoporosis, we suggest that there is a need to improve fall related self-efficacy and prevention programs.
Independence Proofs in Set Theory

The following statements are known to be undecidable in the system ZFC. (Though they are all decidable in constructible set theory, by the way.) (A) The Whitehead Problem (see V.1 for a statement of the problem) (B) The Souslin Problem (ditto) (C) Borel’s Conjecture Let X ⊂ℝ and suppose that whenever {en} is a sequence of positive reals there is a sequence {In} of open intervals such that length In < en for each n and \({\text{X}} \subseteq \bigcup\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {I_n }\). Then X is countable. (D) The union of fewer than \({\text{2}}^{\aleph _{\text{0}} }\) many sets of reals of (Lebesgue) measure zero has measure zero. (E) The Continuum Hypothesis If X ⊂ ℝ is not equinumerous with ℝ then X is countable. (F) There is a well-ordering of ℝ which is definable in analysis.
Splicing Systems, Aqueous Computing, and Beyond

The origin of the splicing system concept is reviewed and the original motivation for the concept is given. The concept of an aqueous computing architecture is sketched in a manner independent of specific implementations. Wet lab computations made using biomolecular implementations are reported. Hopes for future non-biomolecular realizations are confided.
Antigenic Determinants of Infective and Inactivated Human Rhinovirus Type 2

Treatment of human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV 2) virions at pH 5, at 56 C or in 2 M urea, produces one or both of two types of subviral particles. These subviral particles sediment at 135S or at 80S and both share what have been designated as C-antigenic determinants; the determinants of native virions have been designated D. These sets of determinants have been contrasted by the techniques of immunodiffusion, complement fixation, and serum blocking, and the results indicate that many or most of the D-determinants are lost in the conversion to C antigenicity. Some of the HRV 2 C-determinants also react, in immunodiffusion and in complement fixation tests, with antisera produced against HRV 1A virions. The inverse reaction has also been detected by complement fixation. Purified natural top component (NTC) of HRV 2 contains C- and, to a lesser extent, D-determinants. The D-determinants of NTC are also, like those of virions, lost upon treatment at pH 5. These results are discussed in terms of a conformational model for the D- to C-antigenic conversion.
STUDIES ON THE STABILITY OF THE NORMAL HUMAN FECAL FLORA.

Zubrzycki, Leonard (Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa.) and Earle H. Spaulding. Studies on the stability of the normal human fecal flora. J. Bacteriol. 83:968–974. 1962.—The results of two series of stool cultures show that members of the genus Bacteriodes constitute the most numerous group of bacteria in the normal human adult fecal flora. Together with the enterococci, coliform bacilli, diphtheroids, and lactobacilli, these major components account for more than 99% of the total counts. Wide fluctuations in the number and types of minor organisms observed suggest the probability that they are held in check by these major components which may also possess mechanisms for preventing pathogens from establishing themselves in the large bowel.
Interstitial cells of Cajal in diabetic gastroenteropathy

Gastroenteropathy causes considerable morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus and represents a major healthcare burden. Current treatments are largely symptomatic and frequently ineffective. Development of new therapeutic options is hampered by poor understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms. Experimental studies and sparse human data indicate that diabetic gastroenteropathy is multifactorial and involves not only parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nerves, but also enteric neurons, smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). ICC are mesenchymal cells that occur throughout the muscular coat of the gastrointestinal tract and provide functions critical for normal gastrointestinal motility including generation and propagation of electrical slow waves and mediation of bidirectional communication between the autonomic nervous system and smooth muscle cells. Through these functions, and in concert with other cell types of the gastrointestinal muscles, ICC support basic gastrointestinal functions such as digestion, absorption and waste removal. Loss or dysfunction of ICC in various dysmotilities and their animal models has been shown to lead to gastric dysrhythmias, gastroparesis, slow intestinal transit, impaired neuroeffector mechanisms and altered visceral afferent signalling that are considered hallmarks of diabetic gastroenteropathy. These findings and an increasing body of evidence indicating disruptions of ICC networks in diabetes suggest that the loss of ICC in this disorder is probably of functional significance and could even be a major pathogenetic factor. Future research should focus on the identification of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ICC loss in diabetes and the translation of the experimental findings into treatments.
Helicobacter pylori-associated exaggerated gastrin release in duodenal ulcer patients

Abstract Recent studies have shown that the exaggerated meal-stimulated gastrin release in patients with duodenal ulcer abates after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. Bombesin-stimulated gastrin release was compared in 11 H. pylori -infected patients with chronic duodenal ulcer and 8 uninfected healthy volunteers both before and after therapy to eradicate H. pylori . Bombesin infusion significantly increased the gastrin release both in control subjects and in patients with duodenal ulcer. Antimicrobial therapy (bismuth, tetracycline, and metronidazole) to eradicate the H. pylori infection was associated with a significant reduction in bombesin-stimulated gastrin release in patients with duodenal ulcer (from 116.9 ± 19 pg/mL to 69.5 ± 7 pg/mL following 50 pmol · kg −1 · h −1 bombesin; and from 158 ± 29 to 83.4 ± 10 following 200 pmol · kg −1 · h −1 bombesin: P = 0.01 for each). Antimicrobial therapy had no effect on gastrin release in uninfected volunteers, thus excluding a nonspecific effect of antimicrobial therapy on antral G-cell function. Serum gastrin was also not increased by feeding 500 mg of urea to 5 H. pylori -infected volunteers. This suggests that access of hydrogen ion to the pH-sensitive sites governing gastrin release by mucosal ammonia produced by H. pylori urease is not a critical factor. These data suggest that exaggerated gastrin release present in patients with duodenal ulcer disease is secondary to H. pylori infection.
Intradural lipomas of the spinal cord: A clinicopathological correlation

Nine original cases of intradural spinal cord lipomas have been examined from a clinical and pathological standpoint. These tumors occur more commonly in men in the second to fourth decade and are found most frequently in the thoracic spinal cord. Paraparesis, sensory changes, urinary incontinence, and pain are frequent presenting complaints. Myelography is the diagnostic study of choice. All lipomas in this series were located primarily within the cord; four of these also presented an extramedullary extension. Admixed nerve bundles were present in five cases with associated hypertrophic onion-bulb formation in three. Decompression with biopsy or subtotal resection is the operative procedure of choice.
A patient guide to brain stent placement.

“You are going to put what in my head?” It might seem like science fiction, but stents are a reality and prove helpful to many people. Health care professionals may find it an amazing concept to grasp; just imagine the patient perspective. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and nurses often encounter many questions from patients and their families. How do you get that object in my brain? Can I still have X-Rays or an MRI? Am I doomed to set off alarms every time I pass through airport security? The information that follows serves to answer frequently asked questions about brain stent placement.