cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
R-Factors for Soil Loss Impact Prediction

A procedure has been developed to determine design R-values for use with the Universal Soil Loss Equation in soil-loss prediction during environmental impact analysis. The procedure brings together a new method of computing R-values, the concept of simple risk and the use of readily available precipitation data. A test of the procedure using precipitation data from Texas and Georgia showed that R-values calculated with the new method follow a log-normal probability distribution. A relationship was found between R-values computed using the new method and R-values published in Agriculture Handbook N0. 537.
Presence of the “Beaumont” protein in serum of oral contraceptive users *

The level of the "Beaumont" protein present in serum was measured by a population of 223 black and 76 Caucasian women with different exposures to oral contraceptives (OCs). No differences were found in the values in nonusers, past users, current users, or new users of OCs. The values were higher in black nonusers and users than in comparable Caucasian groups, suggesting a racial difference. A group of 55 thrombotic women were subclassified by type of thrombosis and exposure to OC therapy. No significant difference was seen between the values in thrombotic women exposed or not exposed to OCs. A similar result was obtained when the types of thrombosis (arterial or venous) were compared. These results do not confirm Beaumont's hypothesis that antibodies are induced by contraceptive steroids in a subgroup of women on OC therapy.
Statins reduce spirochetal burden and modulate immune responses in the C3H/HeN mouse model of Lyme disease

Lyme disease (LD) is a systemic disorder caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme spirochetes encode for a functional 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR EC 1.1.1.88) serving as a rate limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway that contribute to components critical for cell wall biogenesis. Statins have been shown to inhibit B. burgdorferi in vitro. Using a mouse model of Lyme disease, we found that statins contribute to reducing bacterial burden and altering the murine immune response to favor clearance of spirochetes.
Importance of Temperature and Humidity Control in Rubber Testing. I—Stress-Strain and Tensile Properties

Abstract IN OCTOBER, 1926, R. P. Dinsmore, chairman of the Rubber Division of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, appointed a Physical Testing Committee to investigate the effect of variables such as temperature and relative humidity upon the physical properties of rubber. This committee was continued by Harry L. Fisher, present chairman of the Rubber Division. The committee chose the problem of determining the importance of controlling atmospheric temperature and relative humidity while conditioning rubber test samples at various stages of preparation and testing. This report deals with the first study made—that of the effect of the above two variables on the stress-strain and tensile properties of rubber. In reading this report it should be kept in mind that the problem of this committee is to determine the effect of variables on the physical properties of rubber so that we may know the relative importance of controlling the factors involved. It was not intended to make this work include the relative value o...
Antipsychotic agents used to augment clozapine during long-term inpatient hospitalizations.

Introduction: Literature assessing effective clozapine augmentation strategies is limited. The aim of this retrospective evaluation was to examine antipsychotics used to augment clozapine and assess whether an augmentation antipsychotic would continue at discharge. Methods: Demographic, clinical and pharmacy data were collected retrospectively if patients had received clozapine plus an antipsychotic used for augmentation. The dose of the augmentation agent, length of augmentation therapy, and concomitant medications were collected. Results: Of the 49 patients (mean age 45.3±12.1 years), 27 (55%) were male. The mean clozapine dose at discharge was 406.1±121.8 mg. When a first generation antipsychotic (FGA) was selected initially to augment clozapine there was a greater likelihood it would be continued until discharge compared to a second generation antipsychotic (SGA) (78 vs. 50%, OR=3.6, 95% CI 1.03–12.6). FGAs (3.2%) compared to SGAs (35%) were less likely to be discontinued due to a documented lack of benefit when first selected to augment clozapine (OR=16.2, 95% CI 2–131.3). Electroconvulsive therapy plus clozapine was found to be beneficial in several patients (n=14) who failed at least 1 augmentation strategy. Discussion: This real world data suggests that adding an antipsychotic to clozapine is a reasonable approach to those who do not fully respond to clozapine monotherapy. While comparisons of all agents could not be conducted from this small retrospective study, these data suggest FGAs should be investigated in future studies as potential agents to successfully augment clozapine therapy.
Improving Vibration Based Damage Detection With Optical Measurements

Damage detection and localization allow for automated real-time monitoring of engineered systems. The benefits of such a system include improved safety, lower maintenance costs, and higher reliability. Many of the early works focus almost exclusively on numerical simulations of real systems, with very little experimentally acquired data used in detection. Introducing real world data complicates the analysis significantly by requiring noise reducing techniques to acquire legitimate results. Further, the cost of obtaining enough data to fully define a damaged system can quickly become prohibitive. This paper focuses on damage detection schemes carried out through empirical means. First a concept proving scheme is used by which data about the system is collected through accelerometer data. The damage detection scheme requires the reduction of a large set of data to one or two descriptive eigen parameters. Second, the scheme is repeated using optically gathered data through use of a high speed camera and software image manipulation tools. Damage detection is shown to be possible under the same conditions and initial parameters. Localization of the damage, however, is shown to require sensor information from multiple locations. Further still the optically based method is shown to supplement a failed detection by other means.© 2011 ASME
Direct determination of dissolved phosphate and silicate in seawater by ion exclusion chromatography sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A method is described for the direct determination of dissolved phosphate and silicate in seawater using ion exclusion chromatography (IEC) coupled with sector field inductively coupled plasma mass...
Pd-Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide Catalysts (Pd/PRGO): Laser Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles Supported on PRGO Nanosheets for Carbon–Carbon Cross Coupling Reactions

This paper reports the development of a new family of highly active Pd nanoparticle catalysts supported on partially reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions. We report, for the first time, the synthesis of Pd nanoparticle catalysts supported on partially reduced graphene nanosheets (Pd/PRGO) by pulsed laser irradiation of aqueous solutions of graphene oxide and palladium ions without the use of chemical reducing or capping agents. The redox reactions initiated by the photoexcitation of GO using two 532 nm photons in different reducing environments of appropriate protic solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) result in the formation of Pd nanoparticles with different sizes supported on the PRGO nanosheets. The laser irradiation process leads to the formation of multiple defect sites on the surface of the PRGO nanosheets which provide an excellent environment for anchoring the Pd nanoparticles, thus impeding the particles’ migration and increasing the catalyst–support in...
Aspirational characteristics for effective leadership of improvement teams

Working on quality improvement has become an innate part of managing a pediatric radiology service. To help radiologists effectively lead improvement teams, eight aspirational characteristics are discussed. These are: 1) Be a good listener, 2) Effectively communicate around an accountability cycle, 3) Stress simplicity: Prioritization and pace, 4) Expend energy to optimize people development, 5) Lead with optimism, 6) Create a culture of wellness and sustainability, 7) Have a progressive attitude toward failure and 8) Project humility over arrogance.
Verification of Compartmental Epidemiological Models Using Metamorphic Testing, Model Checking and Visual Analytics

Compartmental models in epidemiology are widely used as a means to model disease spread mechanisms and understand how one can best control the disease in case an outbreak of a widespread epidemic occurs. However, a significant challenge within the community is in the development of approaches that can be used to rigorously verify and validate these models. In this paper, we present an approach to quantify and verify the behavioral properties of compartmental epidemiological models under several common modeling scenarios including: birth/death rates and multi-host/pathogen species. We build a workflow that uses metamorphic testing, novel visualization tools and model checking to gain insights into the functionality of compartmental epidemiological models. Our initial results indicate that metamorphic testing can be used to verify the implementation of these models and provide insights into special conditions where these mathematical models may fail. The visualization front-end allows the end-user to scan through a variety of parameters commonly used in these models to elucidate the conditions under which an epidemic can occur. Furthermore, specifying these models using a process algebra allows one to automatically construct behavioral properties that can be rigorously verified using model checking. Together, our approach allows for detecting implementation errors as well as handling conditions under which compartmental epidemiological models may fail to provide insights into disease spread dynamics.
Prostate Specific Antigen Testing after Radical Prostatectomy—Can We Stop at 20 Years?

Purpose: We examined the clinical features and outcomes associated with delayed biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, specifically among men with more than 20 years of followup.Materials and Methods: A total of 16,720 men underwent radical prostatectomy and 2,699 experienced biochemical recurrence. We determined predictors of delayed biochemical recurrence as well as metastasis-free and cancer specific survival rates for recurrence at various time points after radical prostatectomy. We performed subset analysis of the 732 men with 20 or more years of recurrence-free followup. Cumulative incidence curves for metastasis and prostate cancer death were calculated and stratified by biochemical recurrence time points.Results: Predictors of delayed biochemical recurrence included elevated prostate specific antigen at radical prostatectomy, higher clinical and pathological stage, and positive surgical margins. Delayed biochemical recurrence was associated with favorable cumulative incidence curves f...
Development and use of a clinical decision support tool for behavioral health screening in primary care clinics

Objective: Screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBIRT) for behavioral health (BH) is a key clinical process. SBIRT tools in electronic health records (EHR) are infrequent and rarely studied. Our goals were 1) to design and implement SBIRT using clinical decision support (CDS) in a commercial EHR; and 2) to conduct a pragmatic evaluation of the impact of the tools on clinical outcomes. Methods: A multidisciplinary team designed SBIRT workflows and CDS tools. We analyzed the outcomes using a retrospective descriptive convenience cohort with age-matched comparison group. Data extracted from the EHR were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: There were 2 outcomes studied: 1) development and use of new BH screening tools and workflows; and 2) the results of use of those tools by a convenience sample of 866 encounters. The EHR tools developed included a flowsheet for documenting screens for 3 domains (depression, alcohol use, and prescription misuse); and 5 alerts with clinical recommendations based on screening; and reminders for annual screening. Positive screen rate was 21% (≥1 domain) with 60% of those positive for depression. Screening was rarely positive in 2 domains (11%), and never positive in 3 domains. Positive and negative screens led to higher rates of documentation of brief intervention (BI) compared with a matched sample who did not receive screening, including changes in psychotropic medications, updated BH terms on the problem list, or referral for BH intervention. Clinical process outcomes changed even when screening was negative. Conclusions: Modified workflows for BH screening and CDS tools with clinical recommendations can be deployed in the EHR. Using SBIRT tools changed clinical process metrics even when screening was negative, perhaps due to conversations about BH not captured in the screening flowsheet. Although there are limitations to the study, results support ongoing investigation.
β-Silyl-Assisted Tandem Diels–Alder/Nazarov Reaction of 1-Aryl-3-(trimethylsilyl) Ynones

A one-pot tandem Diels–Alder/Nazarov reaction of 1-aryl-3-(trimethylsilyl) ynones has been achieved to generate carbo- and heterocyclic fused ring systems in good to excellent yields. The β-silyl effect is instrumental in accessing this otherwise challenging cascade annulation reaction. The tandem reaction proceeds in the presence of BCl3 to generate three new carbon–carbon bonds, a quaternary carbon, and two stereogenic centers with excellent diastereocontrol. A variety of substituted arenes, and even heteroaromatics, are tolerated to provide tricyclic products that are of interest as advanced intermediates toward biologically relevant compounds.
A Review of Basics of International Intellectual Property Law by G. Gregory Letterman

In addition to providing a review of Letterman's work, this article provides an introduction to the complexities of international intellectual property protection in the post-TRIPS world to better analyze Letterman’s Basics of International Intellectual Property Law. Recognizing that trying to define the parameters and meaning of international intellectual property (IP) protection in the twenty-first century is “like trying to cross quicksand,” the reviewer finds that Gregory Letterman, in his book Basics of International Intellectual Property Law, has wisely chosen not to provide an all-inclusive look at the “complex, and rapidly expanding, field of international studies.” Instead, he has written what is essentially a road map, outlining the major treaties and issues and supplying the text of the more significant multinational agreements. Written in clear, concise language, the information in Letterman's book is readily accessible to the novice in the field of IP. While the reviewer finds that Letterman's book is a good introduction to the labyrinthine world of intellectual property rights and their defense, she criticizes its emphasis and scope coverage: “I would have spent more time discussing TRIPS, the EU, the technology challenge, and the cultural heritage debate, since I believe these topics will continue to inform future debates and trends.” But ultimately she opines that Letterman's work should serve as a handy reference and a valuable guide to those who take their first steps into this complex area.
Synergistic effects of influenza and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) can be eliminated by the use of influenza therapeutics: experimental evidence for the multi-hit hypothesis.

Central Nervous System inflammation has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (Ransohoff, Science 353: 777–783, 2016; Kannarkat et al. J. Parkinsons Dis. 3: 493–514, 2013). Here, we examined if the H1N1 influenza virus (Studahl et al. Drugs 73: 131–158, 2013) could synergize with the parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (Jackson-Lewis et al. in Mark LeDoux (ed) Movement Disorders: Genetics and Models: 287–306, Elsevier, 2015) to induce a greater microglial activation and loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons than either insult alone. H1N1-infected animals administered 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine exhibit a 20% greater loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons than occurs from the additive effects of H1N1 or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine alone (p < 0.001). No synergistic effects were found in microglial activation. The synergistic dopaminergic neuron loss is eliminated by influenza vaccination or treatment with oseltamivir carboxylate. This work shows that multiple insults can induce synergistic effects; and even these small changes can be significant as it might allow one to cross a phenotypic disease threshold that would not occur from individual non-interacting exposures. Our observations also have important implications for public health, providing impetus for influenza vaccination or prompt treatment with anti-viral medications upon influenza diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Management of Penetrating Cardiac Injury

During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, thoracic injuries accounted for 10% of combat casualties with truncal hemorrhage reported as the main cause of preventable death in 47–67% of cases. The mechanisms for cardiac injury in the civilian trauma environment are typically from stab wound and low-velocity gunshot wounds. While these also exist in the combat environment, there is the additional threat from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and high-velocity weapons. Recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the United States show that these injuries are possible on large scale in the civilian environment. Patients present on a spectrum from benign in appearance to lifeless, occasionally with rapid progression. Evaluation for these patients must be rapid and diligent, with immediate treatment before the development of pericardial tamponade.
Photoemission Studies of Molecular Adsorption on Oxide Surfaces

We have used ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), LEED and Auger spectroscopy to study the interaction of adsorbed molecules with transition-metal-oxide surfaces. Comparison of the UPS spectra of free molecules with the UPS difference spectra for adsorbed molecules, makes it possible to observe changes in the molecular electronic structure induced by adsorption. We have studied the adsorption of O2 and H2O on both nearly perfect and ion-beam-damaged surfaces of TiO2 and SrTiO3. The interaction of O2 with all surfaces is similar for low exposures (≲ 100 L), with the difference spectra indicating strong, probably dissociative chemisorption. For O2 exposures, ≳100 L, a second adsorbed phase occurs on some surfaces. For low H2O exposures, the difference spectra give evidence for dissociative chemisorption in some cases. For high H2O exposures, the spectra indicate only a slight distortion of the free molecule. On TiO2, the a1 molecular orbital of H2O is shifted 0.5—1eV toward tighter binding, suggesting that H2O is bound to the surface via is O lone-pair orbital. On SrTiO3, both the a1 and the higher-lying b1 molecular orbitals are shifted, suggesting a more complicated bonding. The magnitude of the extramolecular relaxation-polarization shift of H2O on adsorption depends primarily on the presence or absence of defect electronic surface states in the bulk bandgap of the oxide.
Synthetic Infrared Spectra

The Sun is the star we can observe with the highest spectral resolution and signal-to-noise. From studying the infrared spectrum we can learn about the Sun, about stars in general, and about atomic and molecular spectroscopy. We discuss the computer programs for spectrum synthesis, the infrared flux and central intensity atlases of the solar spectrum, and the atomic and molecular line data. Considerable work is still required to improve the observations and to improve the line data.
Dual- and Polytobacco/Nicotine Product Use Trends in a National Sample of High School Students.

Purpose:The study purpose was to examine changes in patterns of ever and current dual- and polyproduct use over time and to examine demographic and modifiable risk factors including tobacco smoke e...
Turnover of Lipids

Lipids are a broad class of biomolecules which are important component of biological membranes. They serve as bio-synthetic intermediates in various life processes leading to the production of bioactive phospholipids or carriers of other biologically active compounds such as fatty acids.
Degradation of volatile hydrocarbons from steam-classified solid waste by a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria

Steam classification is a process for treatment of solid waste that allows recovery of volatile organic compounds from the waste via steam condensate and off-gases. A mixed culture of aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria was used to degrade the contaminants in the condensate, which contained approx. 60 hydrocarbons, of which 38 were degraded within 4 d. Many of the hydrocarbons, including styrene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, chloroform, 1,3-dichloropropene, were completely or nearly completely degraded within one day, while trichloroethylene and 1,2,3-trichloropropane were degraded more slowly.
Evaluation of oncologic outcomes in head and neck cancer patients ≥80 years old based on adherence to NCCN guideline for postoperative adjuvant treatment.

Background There is a paucity of literature characterizing outcomes in older adult patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aims to describe patients from this group, their adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adjuvant treatment guidelines, and the impact of guideline adherence on overall survival (OS). Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed all patients ≥80 years old with HNC who underwent surgery with curative intent from 2008 to 2016. Adherence to NCCN guidelines was determined in blinded fashion, and quality metrics and OS were compared. Results One hundred fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of patients (n = 94, 59%) underwent treatment in accordance with NCCN recommendations while 65 (41%) deviated from NCCN guidelines. The two cohorts did not demonstrate a difference in 2-year OS (62% vs 66%, P = .50). Conclusion Older adult patient outcomes were not different when treatment deviated from NCCN guidelines.
Investigation of Radiative Coupling from InGaAsP Quantum Wells for Improving End-of-Life (EOL) Efficiency in Multijunction Solar Cells

GaInP/(In)GaAs/Ge multijunction solar cells have been state-of-practice for power generation on spacecraft for over a decade but there are still potential improvements for endof-life (EOL) efficiency. Radiative coupling between GaInP and (In)GaAs subcells is not typically considered in the EOL design of space solar cells because radiative recombination in the GaInP is effectively quenched by radiation-induced damage. This paper shows that quantum well structures incorporated into a GaInP subcell may be less sensitive to radiation damage, thereby enabling radiative coupling between subcells at EOL and providing a current boost in the (In)GaAs subcell to improve EOL efficiency.
A Villin-Driven Fxr Transgene Modulates Enterohepatic Bile Acid Homeostasis and Response to an n-6-Enriched High-Fat Diet.

A diet high in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage associated with obesity and pathologies of the colon and liver. One contributing factor may be dysregulation by n-6 fatty acids of enterohepatic bile acid (BA) metabolism. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor that regulates BA homeostasis in the liver and intestine. This study aims to compare the effects on FXR regulation and BA metabolism of a palm oil-based diet providing 28% energy (28%E) from fat and low n-6 linoleic acid (LA, 2.5%E) (CNTL) with those of a soybean oil-based diet providing 50%E from fat and high (28%E) in LA (n-6HFD). Wild-type (WT) littermates and a transgenic mouse line overexpressing the Fxrα1 isoform under the control of the intestine-specific Villin promoter (Fxrα1TG) were fed the CNTL or n-6HFD starting at weaning through 16 weeks of age. Compared to the CNTL diet, the n-6HFD supports higher weight gain in both WT and FxrαTG littermates; increases the expression of Fxrα1/2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ1 (Pparγ1) in the small intestine, Fxrα1/2 in the colon, and cytochrome P4507A1 (Cyp7a1) and small heterodimer protein (Shp) in the liver; and augments the levels of total BA in the liver, and primary chenodeoxycholic (CDCA), cholic (CA), and β-muricholic (βMCA) acid in the cecum. Intestinal overexpression of the Fxra1TG augments expression of Shp and ileal bile acid-binding protein (Ibabp) in the small intestine and Ibabp in the proximal colon. Conversely, it antagonizes n-6HFD-dependent accumulation of intestinal and hepatic CDCA and CA; hepatic levels of Cyp7a1; and expression of Pparγ in the small intestine. We conclude that intestinal Fxrα1 overexpression represses hepatic de novo BA synthesis and protects against n-6HFD-induced accumulation of human-specific primary bile acids in the cecum.
Comparison of Protein Extraction Methods from Seeds of Three Opuntia (Cactaceae) Species

Cactus seeds have unusual properties that resist protein extraction, e.g. a thick testa (seed coat) and a high amount of mucilage within the cells. This study was performed to determine which method (phenol extraction, TCA/acetone extraction, or phosphate-TCA/acetone extraction) is optimal for extracting protein from seeds of three species of Opuntia: Opuntia robusta, Opuntia phaeacantha, and Opuntia engelmannii. Extracted protein was analyzed using a Bradford assay and SDS-PAGE with silver staining. Overall results revealed that the TCA/acetone and phosphate-TCA/acetone methods were far more effective at extracting protein compared to the phenol extraction method. These protein extraction results can be applied to future studies of proteins important for Opuntia seed germination and conservation.
Thumb Metacarpal-Trapezoid Impingement as an Etiology of Pain After Trapeziectomy and Basal Joint Soft Tissue Arthroplasty: A Case Series

Purpose To report a poorly described etiology for pain after trapeziectomy and soft tissue basal joint arthroplasty , diagnosed with the aid of nuclear imaging . Methods Five patients (4 women and 1 man), average age 62 years (range, 59–65 years) presented with pain an average of 7 months (range, 2–11 months) after basal joint arthroplasty. The dominant hand was involved in all cases. Advanced imaging including 25 mCi 99m Tc methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (CT) showed intense tracer uptake between the base of the thumb metacarpal and residual trapezoid. Computed tomography scans confirmed abutment between these bones. The symptoms were attributed to this finding, and revision surgery consisting of excision of the trapezoid and arthrodesis of the index and middle finger carpometacarpal joints was performed. Results Mean follow-up was 40 months (range, 12–60 months). Grip strength improved from a mean of 10.5 to 23 kg, and lateral pinch strength improved from a mean of 3 to 6.75 kg. Radiographic fusion of the index finger metacarpal to capitate was confirmed in 4 of 5 patients; it was indeterminate in one patient who was completely pain-free. Radiographic fusion of long finger carpometacarpal joints was indeterminate in 3 patients. Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation pain scores improved from 35 to 6, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation function scores from 78 to 14, and Quick–Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores from 37 to 18. Conclusions Impingement between the base of the thumb metacarpal and remaining trapezoid should be considered a potential source of pain after trapeziectomy and soft tissue arthroplasty. Advanced imaging (bone scintigraphy and single-photon emission CT and standard CT) are helpful to confirm the diagnosis. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic V.
An Analysis of In Vivo Hip Kinematics in Elite Baseball Batters Using a Markerless Motion-Capture System

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the kinematics of the asymptomatic baseball batter’s hips by comparing passive range of motion (PROM) and real-time active hip range of motion (AROM) and determine whether differences in ROM exist between lead and trail hips. Methods Parameters of passive hip ROM were obtained using a goniometer and physical examination standards. Active hip ROM during batting swings was captured with the Dynamic Athletic Research Institute’s markerless motion-capture system. Results Twenty-nine elite-level baseball players were recruited for participation. Comparison of lead and trail hips showed no significant differences in PROM. Statistically significant differences in AROM were found between lead and trail legs with large effect sizes for flexion (mean difference [MD°], 11.22), extension (MD°, 30.30), abduction (MD°, 6.24), adduction (MD°, 18.63), external rotation (MD°, 14.87) and total arc of rotation (MD°, 17.17) (P Conclusion There is a significant difference in the AROM of the lead and trail hips during the batting swing, with active extension in the trail hip, active external rotation of the lead hip, and total arc of rotation of the lead hip nearing their respective passive endpoints and suggesting a potential for bony interaction in the hips of baseball batters. Level of Evidence Level 3, Cross-Sectional Study.
Cancer detection through Electrical Impedance Tomography and optimal control theory: theoretical and computational analysis.

The Inverse Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) problem on recovering electrical conductivity tensor and potential in the body based on the measurement of the boundary voltages on the $ m $ electrodes for a given electrode current is analyzed. A PDE constrained optimal control framework in Besov space is developed, where the electrical conductivity tensor and boundary voltages are control parameters, and the cost functional is the norm difference of the boundary electrode current from the given current pattern and boundary electrode voltages from the measurements. The novelty of the control-theoretic model is its adaptation to the clinical situation when additional "voltage-to-current" measurements can increase the size of the input data from $ m $ up to $ m! $ while keeping the size of the unknown parameters fixed. The existence of the optimal control and Frechet differentiability in the Besov space along with optimality condition is proved. Numerical analysis of the simulated model example in the 2D case demonstrates that by increasing the number of input boundary electrode currents from $ m $ to $ m^2 $ through additional "voltage-to-current" measurements the resolution of the electrical conductivity of the body identified via gradient method in Besov space framework is significantly improved.
Health Knowledge and the Use of Health-Related Products

After reviewing the literature dealing with the relationship between health knowledge and health behavior, this paper presents the results of a survey of sunbathers. Each sunbather was asked to complete the Suntanning Knowledge Scale as well as to provide behavioral, attitudinal, and demographic information. The data were analyzed to determine the extent to which the predictor variables -suntanning knowledge, tan importance, sunbathing frequency, sunbathing duration, sunburn experienced, skin color, sex, income, education, and age - are related to the use of items designed to protect the skin from sun damage. The results revealed that the criterion variables are directly related to suntanning knowledge and indirectly related to sunbathing duration.
Topologically Adaptive Models Based on Blending

We will now extend and generalize the shape coverage of our deformable models in order to recover and abstract the shape of more complex shapes.
cGMP Signaling through cAMP- and cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinases

Publisher Summary The signaling pathways by which nitric oxide (NO) affects cell function, are by no means limited to the stimulation of guanylate cyclase. Concentrations of NO that activate guanylate cyclase may also have other effects on cells. This is because, at least in part, of the fact that NO binds with high affinity to heme moieties in proteins—guanylate cyclase being the only example of a heme-containing enzyme. At high concentrations of NO, that is, those that might be realized as a consequence of the induction on NO synthase by cytokines and other biological modifier molecules, enzymes containing iron-sulfur groups bind NO. One of the recently described mechanisms of NO signaling, at least in terms of its pathophysiological effects on cells, is the formation of peroxynitrite. NO reacts with superoxide generated in response to cellular responses to oxidative injury to form the free radical peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite, in turn, may have a variety of effects on cells, including orthonitration of tyrosine residues on proteins. The significance of this effect of NO is not clear at this time, but peroxynitrite production and protein “nitration” have been correlated with tissue injury and pathological responses of the tissues to insult.
Converging on Proline: The Mechanism of WW Domain Peptide Recognition

Two new structures reveal the general rules of proline-rich motif recognition by WW domains and show that they are strikingly similar to those used by SH3 domains.
Cleaved prolactin increases activity of amiloride-sensitive sodium channels in mouse collecting duct principal cells (893.3)

In the renal collecting duct, sodium reabsorption through the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) creates an osmotic driving force for water reabsorption resulting in increased blood volume and pressu...
Nocturnal Flow on a Western Colorado Slope

The Department of Energy sponsored Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) program has conducted a research program designed to increase our knowledge and understanding of terrain-dominated flows with specific emphasis on nocturnal flows within mountain valleys. ASCOT has sponsored both field studies and numerical modeling efforts to improve our understanding of the wind, temperature and turbulence structure of nocturnal drainage flows. One of the most recent ASCOT sponsored field studies involves a study within the Mesa Creek Basin in western Colorado to investigate the seasonal frequency of occurrence of drainage flows along the sloped surfaces and within the basin, and to evaluate the effect of the ambient meteorology on their development.
Virtual teams: managerial behavior control's impact on team effectiveness

Virtual teams, enabled by information technology, represent a new organizational form that has the potential to change the workplace and provide organizations with increased levels of flexibility and responsiveness. A gap exists in the current information systems literature. Previous studies seem to implicitly assume that virtual teams will be self-directed—i.e., that managerial control mechanisms are not required in this setting. This study makes this assumption explicit and tests it. Propositions are developed and tested based on an extension of team effectiveness research in a colocated environment. The contribution of managerial behavior control practices to virtual team effectiveness is also evaluated by juxtaposing self-directed teams with virtual teams where managerial behavior control is enforced.
Simulation based analysis of regenerative DC motor drives for vehicular power systems

Motor drive control circuitry is now potentially being explored for its immense importance in the design of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with regards to their integration in a smart grid environment. Both AC and DC drives have been studied for vehicular propulsion systems with DC drives being more active in the sense of their simplicity, reliability and low cost design. The goal of this paper is to attempt a simulation based analysis to highlight the usefulness of regenerative (multi-quadrant) DC motor drives based propulsion systems for applications in electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The paper, with the help of simulations, also discusses useful dimensions of torque control of DC motor in order to make it an effective asset for electric vehicle applications.
ENZYMIC SYNTHESIS OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID. 18. THE REPAIR OF PARTIALLY SINGLE-STRANDED DNA TEMPLATES BY DNA POLYMERASE.

A partially single-stranded DNA, prepared by limited digestion of each strand with exonuclease III, can be restored to its native, fully double-stranded structure by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase. The rate of synthesis observed in the repair of such a partially degraded primer in the polymerase system is faster than that seen with a native DNA. The newly synthesized DNA is covalently attached to the primer. The fully repaired DNA resembles the original native DNA as judged by its appearance in electron micrographs, CsCl density-gradient analysis, denaturability and genetic activity. DNA synthesis which follows the repair phase produces a structure that is not covalently linked to the primer and resembles, in its nondenaturability, branched appearance, and lack of genetic activity, the product obtained with a native DNA primer (Schildkraut, Richardson & Kornberg, 1964).
Supernatural, and Occasionally Queer, Youth

Battis's edited volume Supernatural Youth: The Rise of the Teen Hero in Popular Culture argues that supernatural youth in novels, television shows, and comics offer inspiration for marginalized adolescents, particularly those marginalized by heteronormativity. This argument is well supported by almost half of the chapters; those chapters are discussed in most detail in this review. Most of the remaining chapters are also discussed, albeit more briefly, in terms of their potential support of Battis's argument.
Can Unlicensed Bands Be Used by Unlicensed Usage

Since their introduction, unlicensed ISM bands have resulted in a wide range of new wireless devices and services. The success of ISM resulted in the opening of the TV white space for unlicensed access. Further bands (e.g., 3550-3650 MHz) are being studied to support unlicensed access. Expansion of the unlicensed bands may well address one of the principle disadvantages of unlicensed frequency (variable quality of service) which could result in a vibrant new group companies providing innovative services and better prices. However, given that many commercial mobile telephone operators are relying heavily on the unlicensed bands to manage growth in data traffic through the “offloading” strategy, the promise of these bands may be more limited than might otherwise be expected. Wireless data traffic has exploded in the past several years due to more capable devices and faster network technologies. While there is some debate the trajectory of data growth, some notable reports include ATT further, the “flat-rate” pricing strategy has led to declining Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The challenge for mobile operators is how to satisfy the service demand with acceptable additional expenditures on infrastructure and spectrum utilization. A common response to this challenge has been to offload data traffic onto unlicensed (usually WiFi) networks. This can be accomplished either by establishing infrastructure (WiFi hotspots) or to use existing private networks. This phenomenon leads to two potential risks for spectrum entrants: (1) the use of offloading may overwhelm unlicensed spectrum and leave little access opportunities for newcomers; (2) the intensity of the traffic may increase interference and degrade innovative services. Consequently, open more unlicensed frequency bands alone may not necessarily lead to more unlicensed usage. The particular goals of this paper are: Quantifying unlicensed spectrum capacity under traffic offloading from primary mobile providers; Assessing the impact of additional bands on overall unlicensed capacity; Identify potential risks for unlicensed users in ISM and TV white space. We will accomplish these goals by (1) adopting a Markov based model to calculate spectrum capacity for unlicensed users considering the potential traffic offloading from mobile providers and quantifying the extra capacity that will be given by additional spectrum; (2) building a real option based engineering economic model to illustrate the monetary risks in unlicensed frequency and also capturing the value of risk mitigation strategies. Since there are two unlicensed bands that are suitable for data communications, the capacity and economic model will be evaluated in two different cases. In case 1, mobile operators use WLAN in ISM bands, and in case 2 TV white space is chosen to provide wireless services.
A multi-purpose optical microsystem for static and dynamic tactile sensing

Abstract The demand for miniaturized tactile sensing devices have greatly increased ever since the introduction of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures. In this work, a tactile sensor is presented that provides essential artificial fingertip perception during such procedures. The proposed sensor can measure tactile information under various static/dynamic loading conditions by precisely measuring the quantity and position of a concentrated force, the local variation in force distribution, relative hardness and local discontinuities in the hardness of soft objects. The sensor, which is fabricated using fiber-optics and microsystems technology, can be used for most MIS tasks since it meets the necessary requirements of being electrically passive and magnetic resonance compatible.
Brain parenchymal fraction predicts motor improvement following intensive task-oriented motor rehabilitation for chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Infarct volume and location have a weak relationship with motor deficit in patients with chronic stroke. Recent research has focused on the relationship between spared or seemingly "healthy" neural tissue and motor function. In this study we examined MRI scans of patients with chronic stroke to determine if characteristics of seemingly normal parenchyma could predict either response to different forms of upper extremity physical rehabilitation or to pre-treatment motor status. METHODS Individuals with chronic stroke (ages 60.6 ± 11.9 years) and mild/moderate upper extremity hemiparesis were administered either CI therapy (n = 14) or a comparison therapy (n = 29). The patients were assessed prior to and following therapy with MRI scans and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) Performance Time measure. Total voxels in combined grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) segments (parenchymal volume) were divided by total voxels in GM, WM, and cerebrospinal fluid segments (intracranial volume) to obtain the brain parenchymal fraction (BPF). RESULTS BPF correlated with treatment gains on the WMFT (r(43) = -0.31, p = 0.04). Significant correlations between pre-treatment motor function and BPF were not observed. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with greater BPFs after stroke show larger arm function gains after CI therapy, suggesting that reductions in volume of normal-appearing tissue may relate to ability to benefit from rehabilitation therapy in chronic stroke.
Fifty Fertile Years: Anthropologists' Studies of Reproduction in High Altitude Natives

Early European colonists of the Andes had difficulties in reproducing, a fact that underpins the hypothesis that reproduction is impaired amongst all humans at high altitudes. Yet a 16th century missionary wrote, “… the Indians are healthiest and where they multiply the most prolifically is in these same cold air-tempers, … [yet most children of the Spaniards] when born in such regions do not survive.” These observations suggest that humans at high altitudes are subjected to strong natural selection from hypoxia, cold and limited food sources and, furthermore, that human populations can and have adapted, and continue to adapt, to these conditions. Informed by multiple approaches and theoretical frameworks, anthropologists have investigated to what extent and precisely how high altitude environments impact human reproductive functioning and fertility. Analyses of the proximate determinants of natural fertility suggest that behaviors (breast/infant feeding practices in the Andes, and marriage practices and religious celibacy in the Himalaya) are major determinants of fertility in high altitude populations. Furthermore, data from Project REPA (Reproduction and Ecology in Provincia Aroma), a longitudinal study in rural Bolivia, demonstrate that fecundity is not impaired in this indigenous altiplano population, and that the risk for early pregnancy loss (EPL) is not elevated by environmental hypoxia but does vary seasonally with the agricultural cycle (contra to the assumption that EPLs are due almost entirely to genetically flawed concepti). This review discusses these and other findings that reveal the complex and dynamic adaptations of human reproductive functioning in high altitude environments. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:179–189, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blackhead disease in turkeys: direct transmission of Histomonas meleagridis from bird to bird in a laboratory model.

Abstract The spread of Histomonas meleagridis infections through groups of turkeys in the absence of the cecal worm vector (Heterakis gallinarum) was studied in a battery cage model. Battery-reared poults were exposed at 2 wk of age by commingling with infected birds into cages that had the floor lined with paper. One treatment received no exposure, whereas other birds were commingled with two, three, or four birds/cage (25%, 37.5%, or 50%) inoculated per cloaca with cultured H. meleagridis (200,000/bird). Inoculated birds died at 7–13 days postinoculation (DPI) showing typical liver and cecal lesions of histomoniasis. By 14 DPI, 87.5% of the directly inoculated birds died or had severe lesions of histomoniasis. Turkeys commingled with two, three, or four infected birds became infected at the rate of 72%, 80%, or 75%, respectively. In another experiment, two birds/cage (25%) were inoculated with Histomonas from culture and allowed to commingle with other birds for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. Two of 12 (16.7%) bir...
Ordering of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(propylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers in Condensed Films

Triblock copolymers of the form PEOαPPOβPEOα [where PEO is poly(ethylene oxide) and PPO is poly(propylene oxide)] form stable insoluble monolayers at both the air−water and solid−water interfaces. At the air−water interface, the nominal equilibrium spreading area of copolymers that have the same PPO content, or “core”, increases with increasing PEO content by an amount equivalent to the area of the hydrated ethylene ether subunits. With compression, a PEO-dependent transition from an expanded to a more condensed monolayer occurs at ∼10 dyn·cm-1, presumably because of condensation of PEO segments onto the core and out of the plane of the surface. Consistent with these results and interpretation, the thickness of adsorbed films of copolymers from series that have fixed cores increases approximately linearly with ethylene oxide content. At collapse of copolymer films, the nominal area per moleculeregardless of the number of ether functions in the PEO segmentis that of the hydrated PPO core. On the basis of t...