cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformational Switch to a β-Turn in a Staphylococcal Quorum Sensing Signal Peptide Causes a Dramatic Increase in Potency

We report the solution-phase structures of native signal peptides and related analogs capable of either strongly agonizing or antagonizing the AgrC quorum sensing (QS) receptor in the emerging pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Chronic S. epidermidis infections are often recalcitrant to traditional therapies due to antibiotic resistance and formation of robust biofilms. The accessory gene regulator (agr) QS system plays an important role in biofilm formation in this opportunistic pathogen, and the binding of an autoinducing peptide (AIP) signal to its cognate transmembrane receptor (AgrC) is responsible for controlling agr. Small molecules or peptides capable of modulating this binding event are of significant interest as probes to investigate both the agr system and QS as a potential antivirulence target. We used NMR spectroscopy to characterize the structures of the three native S. epidermidis AIP signals and five non-native analogs with distinct activity profiles in the AgrC-I receptor from S. epider...
Iyengar Fuzzy Inequalities

Here we present fuzzy Iyengar type inequalities for continuous fuzzy number valued functions. These functions fulfill some type of Lipschitz conditions. See also [3].
Natural language processing with deep learning for medical adverse event detection from free-text medical narratives: A case study of detecting total hip replacement dislocation.

Abstract Background Accurate and timely detection of medical adverse events (AEs) from free-text medical narratives can be challenging. Natural language processing (NLP) with deep learning has already shown great potential for analyzing free-text data, but its application for medical AE detection has been limited. Method In this study, we developed deep learning based NLP (DL-NLP) models for efficient and accurate hip dislocation AE detection following primary total hip replacement from standard (radiology notes) and non-standard (follow-up telephone notes) free-text medical narratives. We benchmarked these proposed models with traditional machine learning based NLP (ML-NLP) models, and also assessed the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in capturing these hip dislocation AEs in a multi-center orthopaedic registry. Results All DL-NLP models outperformed all of the ML-NLP models, with a convolutional neural network (CNN) model achieving the best overall performance (Kappa = 0.97 for radiology notes, and Kappa = 1.00 for follow-up telephone notes). On the other hand, the ICD/CPT codes of the patients who sustained a hip dislocation AE were only 75.24% accurate. Conclusions We demonstrated that a DL-NLP model can be used in largescale orthopaedic registries for accurate and efficient detection of hip dislocation AEs. The NLP model in this study was developed with data from the most frequently used electronic medical record (EMR) system in the U.S., Epic. This NLP model could potentially be implemented in other Epic-based EMR systems to improve AE detection, and consequently, quality of care and patient outcomes.
Inverse Modeling in Ocean Wave Studies

A fundamental description of sea state is provided by the surface wave directional spectrum. Efforts to measure the directional spectrum with in situ instrumentation generally yield data which represent estimates of integral properties of the spectrum. Extracting an estimate of the full, two-dimensional spectrum from such data presents a typical example of the so-called “inverse problem.” The problem is solved by finding a model spectrum which is statistically consistent with the observations and, at the same time, satisfies a set of externally imposed constraints required to make the problem determinate. We review here the theory of the linear inverse problem and its application to the estimation of surface wave directional spectra. The principles developed are then used to investigate the optimal analysis procedure proposed by Long and Hasselmann (1979).
Exact analysis of mode-III cohesive fracture in layered elastic composites

This paper examines the mechanics of mode-III defect initiation and quasi-static growth in a composite consisting of N layers separated by nonuniform nonlinear cohesive surfaces. The exact analysis is based on the elasticity solution to the problem of a single layer of finite width and thickness subjected to arbitrary, nonuniform but equilibrated shear tractions on top and bottom surfaces. The formulation leads to a system of integral equations governing rigid body layer translations and cohesive surface slip fields (tangential jump discontinuities across layer interfaces). Cohesive surfaces are modelled by traction-slip relations (exponential, modified exponential) characterized by a cohesive strength, a force length and possibly friction parameters. Symmetric center, edge and array defects are modeled by cohesive strength functions that vary with surface coordinate. Infinitesimal strain equilibrium solutions are sought by eigenfunction approximation of the solution of the governing integral equations. Solutions indicate that quasi-static defect initiation/propagation occur under increasing applied shear traction. For small values of force length, brittle behavior occurs corresponding to sharp crack growth. At larger values of force length, ductile response occurs similar to linear “spring” cohesive surfaces. Both behaviors ultimately cause abrupt failure of the surface. Results for the stiff, strong cohesive surface with a center defect under a small applied traction agree well with static crack solutions taken from the literature. Detailed results are obtained for (i) an array of symmetric collinear defects accounting for defect–defect interaction, (ii) a symmetric defect in a bilayer with nonuniform material properties/thicknesses, (iii) a center defect accounting for decohesion and friction.
Do I Deserve to Spend? Online Social Support and Spending Pleasure:

Despite evidence of people posting their consumption experiences to online social networks to fulfill the needs of social support, an understanding of how online social support affects post-consump...
Pain sensitivity increases more in younger runners during an ultra-marathon

OBJECTIVES Ultra-endurance research interest has increased in parallel with an increased worldwide participation in these extreme activities. Pain-related data for the growing population of ultra-endurance athletes, however, is insufficient. More data is especially needed regarding the variation in the aging populations of these athletes. We have previously shown that peripheral and central pain sensitivity increases during an ultra-marathon. To further clarify these changes in pain sensitivity during ultra-endurance competition we investigated these variations in two age populations: Younger runners ≤ 39-year-old (younger) and an older group of runners being ≥ 40 years of age (older). METHODS Subjects were recruited from ultra-marathon competitions held over a three-year period in Florida, USA. All courses were flat with either hard macadam surface or soft sandy trails; run in hot, humid weather conditions. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured with a pressure algometer on the distal, dominant arm before and immediately after an ultra-marathon. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) was also measured pre and post, immediately after the PPT by placing the non-dominant hand in a cold-water bath maintained at 13.5 ± 1.5 °C. The difference between the pre and post measurements for both PPT and CPM were calculated and referred to as ΔPPT and ΔCPM, respectively for analysis. Data were analyzed with a Mixed 2 × 2 (Within X Between) MANOVA. RESULTS Both PPT and CPM decreased during the ultra-marathons (p<0.05) in the younger group of runners. In the older runners there was not a statistically significant decrease in PPT during the ultramarathons whereas CPM did significantly decrease statistically (p=0.031). The ΔPPT was less in the older group compared to the younger group (p=0.018). The difference between the younger and older groups ΔCPM approached statistical significance at p=0.093. CONCLUSIONS This statistical evidence suggests that the overall increase in peripheral and possibly central pain sensitivity was different between our age groups. Pain sensitivity during the ultra-marathon increased more in our younger group of runners than in our older group. This study suggests that there is an unidentified factor in an older population of ultra-marathon runners that results in an attenuated increase in pain sensitivity during an ultra-endurance activity. These factors may include a decreased innate immune response, lower fitness level, lower exertion during the ultra-marathon, variation in endorphin, enkephalin, endocannabinoid and psychological factors in the older age runners.
Choroidal nevus with retinal invasion, clinical and imaging features.

Abstract Purpose To report a clinically challenging case of a choroidal nevus with retinal invasion with accompanying ancillary testing. Observations A 60-year-old Caucasian female was referred for a suspicious melanocytic choroidal lesion in her left eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a melanocytic choroidal lesion, measuring 10 mm × 10 mm in basal diameter. The lesion had a clinically evident area of retinal invasion seen as a protruding choroidal mass at its center, darker in appearance compared to the rest of the lesion, obscuring retinal vessels. The choroidal nevus had associated chronic retinal changes and the absence of overlying orange pigment or subretinal fluid. On fundus autofluorescence, there was a hypoautofluorescent area showing the site of retinal invasion. Fluorescein angiography at the lesion site exhibited central blocked perfusion corresponding to the area of retinal invasion. Ultrasonography showed a dome-shaped choroidal lesion that was optically dense with a medium-high internal reflectivity measuring 3.3mm in thickness. The optical coherence tomography showed a choroidal mass extruding through a break in Bruch's membrane with inner retinal invasion. A watchful waiting strategy was adopted, and at 28 months follow-up, the choroidal lesion did not show growth or presence of new suspicious features of malignant transformation. Conclusion and importance This case highlights the importance of recognizing the key features of choroidal nevi with retinal invasion, which can prevent the treatment of a benign condition and assist in the arrival of a correct diagnosis. These lesions should be monitored for long-term.
Inspiratory airways resistance in respiratory failure due to COVID-19

Rationale: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) in COVID-19 (C19) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. To date, physiologic descriptions have largely focused on gas exchange and respiratory system compliance, however our anecdotal observations suggested that increased airways resistance also commonly contributed to ARF in C19. Normal inspiratory airways resistance (iRaw) has been reported to be 1 cm H2O/L/sec, while unselected patients with ARDS have been reported to have values closer to 5 cm H2O/L/sec (https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm/139.5.1169). Methods: We measured iRaw in a prospective convenience sample of 55 mechanically ventilated patients with C19 in 3 adult ICUs between March and September 2020. There were no exclusion criteria. We collected baseline demographics, date of first positive C19 test, days from intubation until the first captured waveform (see below), gas exchange parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, and 90-day mortality. All C19 medical care including sedation and neuromuscular blockade was determined by the primary team. During measurements of ventilatory mechanics, patients were placed on volume control ventilation 6 ml/kg/PBW, square flow at 60 L/min, and an end-inspiratory hold time of 0.3 seconds. Screen shots of flow-time and pressure-time scalars were captured for later review. iRaw was calculated as peak airway pressure-plateau airway pressure/flow. Results: Patient characteristics are shown in the table. The median iRaw was 12 cm H2O/L/sec (IQR 10-16). iRaw was not significantly different among patients with asthma or COPD compared to those without a history of obstructive airways disease (median 12.5 vs 12 cm H2O/L/sec, respectively, p=0.66). Survival to 90 days among patients with iRaw above 12 cm H2O/L/sec was 68% compared to 60% for patients below 12 cm H2O/L/sec (p=0.58). iRaw did not correlate with CRP, ferritin, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, or static compliance (Cstat). Conclusion: Waveform analysis using a convenience sample of mechanically ventilated patients with ARF due to C19 showed a significant increase in iRaw compared to prior studies done on unselected ARDS patients without C19. Increased iRaw was independent of a history of obstructive airways disease and did not correlate with biomarkers of disease severity nor did it predict mortality. Additional studies will be needed to determine if increased iRaw prolongs the duration of mechanical ventilation in C19.
P64. Impact of body mass index on opioid consumption in lumbar spine fusion surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT The prevalence of obesity continues to rise in the United States. The CDC published that from 1999-2000 through 2017-2018 the prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4% and the prevalence of severe obesity nearly doubled. In lumbar spine surgery, obesity is associated with increased complications, worse perioperative outcomes, and higher costs. Obesity is also linked to depression and anxiety, which have both been shown to increase the use of opioids. We hypothesize that patients who are obese require more opioids postoperatively. PURPOSE To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and opioid consumption in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective review. PATIENT SAMPLE Three hundred and six patients who underwent one- or two-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measure was opioid consumption across obesity classes both while in-patient and after discharge as determined by total morphine equivalent dose (MED). Secondary outcomes included operative time, length of stay, and discharge destination. METHODS This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent one- or two-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery between 2016 and 2020. Patients were stratified by BMI as follows: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), obese I (30.0–34.9 kg/m2), and obese II–III (≥ 35.0 kg/m2). Patient demographics and preoperative characteristics were compared across the BMI cohorts using one-way ANOVA and chi-square analysis. RESULTS Three hundred and six patients were included in the analysis, of whom 19.3% (N=59) were normal weight, 38.9% (N=119) were overweight, 24.5% (N=75) were obese I, and 17.3% (N=53) were obese II-III. Obesity is associated with significantly longer operative times and length of stay (p CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates that obesity is associated with longer operative times, longer length of stay, and increased use of postoperative opioids. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Combined Quantitative Phase Microscopy and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer for Analyzing Cell Ion Dynamics

We demonstrate the use of quantitative phase microscopy and Forster resonance energy transfer for analyzing molecular and structural information simultaneously. Specifically, we focus on effects of ion channel modulation on signaling pathways and sub-cellular structure.
Test parameters for evaluating toughness of glass-fiber reinforced concrete panels

The paper describes the ability of different test methods to measure the toughness of glass-fiber reinforced composites (GFRC). The three loading configurations used were: uniaxial tensile, third-point flexural, and instrumented impact. Fracture was observed to be dependent on the specimen geometry; gage length used; strain rate; and the extent of accelerated aging. Assuming that the local tensile stress-strain response can be expressed in the form of a bilinear ascending portion and an exponentially descending portion, both gage-length effects and loading geometry effects can be predicted. Using the analytical tensile stresss-strain responses, the experimentally observed flexural load-deflection and toughness were predicted. Possible methods to formulate aging mechanisms in the composites are also discussed. It is concluded that gage length, nonuniform strain distribution, geometry, and rate of loading must be carefully considered to characterize the toughness of GFRC.
RyRs: Their Disposition, Frequency, and Relationships with Other Proteins of Calcium Release Units.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the locations, positions, and interactions of the ryanodine receptors (RyRs). RyRs are located in junctional domains of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (jSR), where they form part of a large supramolecular complex and also interact with the voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channel (CaV) of transverse (T) tubules and plasmalemma. The cytoplasmic domains of RyRs are seen as feet in thin sections for electron microscopy (EM) and the position of CaV channels is detected by freeze-fracture. Similarities and differences between cardiac and skeletal muscle Ca 2+ release units (CRUs) abound and are useful in unraveling structure–function correlations. The formation of CRUs requires the segregation of the jSR proteins constituting the couplon's supramolecular complex and RyR associated proteins to the jSR cisternae and the association of the jSR with the surface membranes. Docking to surface membrane seems to be an essential step for the assembly of CRUs in skeletal muscle. In the absence of junctophilin expression and appropriate targeting to ER and plasmalemma of RyR1 and CaV1 is not sufﬁcient to form CRUs.
Creating Collaborative Community in Multidisciplinary Settings

This study examines part-time students' perceptions of collaborative community in a graduate, multidisciplinary, education department where courses are offered on multiple campuses. Perceptions of community are synonymous with friendship, involvement, cohesion, communication, and trust. These feelings are affected more by campus location, program area, and credits earned than by age, race or sex. The knowledge students gain fuels the trust, communication, and cohesiveness that in turn, facilitate the collaborative process. Students value this as part of their professionalization process, desire opportunities to build relationships with one another outside the classroom, and suggest ways to facilitate community.
Acceptance of amniocentesis by low-income patients in an urban hospital

A study was made of increased accessibility of genetic services to low-income obstetric patients in Atlanta, Georgia. The proportion of black patients averaged 83%. Of 522 patients counseled from August, 1976, through 1978, 157 were offered amniocentesis, and 95 (61%) elected the procedure. For most of the patients (120, or 76%) who were eligible for amniocentesis, age (greater than or equal to 35 years at delivery) was an indication; and of these, only six (5%) had any prior knowledge of genetic risk. During the same time interval, 188 patients over 35 years of age who initiated prenatal care too late for prenatal diagnosis were counseled in the hospital after delivery; 101 (54%) indicated that they would have accepted amniocentesis. The conclusion was that (1) genetic services are acceptable to this socioeconomic group, and (2) accessibility and publicity are needed to promote utilization in this population.
The Application of the Unified Modeling Language in Object-Oriented Analysis of Healthcare Information Systems

This paper concerns itself with the beneficial effects of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), a nonproprietary object modeling standard, in specifying, visualizing, constructing, documenting, and communicating the model of a healthcare information system from the user's perspective. The author outlines the process of object-oriented analysis (OOA) using the UML and illustrates this with healthcare examples to demonstrate the practicality of application of the UML by healthcare personnel to real-world information system problems. The UML will accelerate advanced uses of object-orientation such as reuse technology, resulting in significantly higher software productivity. The UML is also applicable in the context of a component paradigm that promises to enhance the capabilities of healthcare information systems and simplify their management and maintenance.
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Abstract Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase was isolated and partially purified from nuclei from white blood cells of a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The terminal transferase has a sedimentation value of 3.4 S, a pH optimum of 7.5, a Mn2+ optimum of 0.1 mm, and a Mg2+ optimum of 5 to 7 mm. The purified enzyme efficiently utilizes a number of DNA primers but not RNA primers. The presence of this enzyme in human myelogenous leukemic cells suggests that its presence may be associated with a particular stage of the disease rather than being specific for a particular form of leukemia or for thymic cells.
Quantum Monte Carlo for Electronic Structure

It is anticipated that quantum Monte Carlo methods will experience a tremendous growth in usage with the need for high accuracy in the determination of the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, and solids in increasingly more complicated systems. Complexity arising in biological systems, nanosystems in a variety of geometries, and a range of chemical composition will dictate the use of these methods because they provide the capability of rapid adaptation to large multiprocessor computing environments.
Semistable Abelian Varieties with Small Division Fields

The conjecture of Shimura-Taniyama-Weil, now proved through the work of Wiles and disciples, is only part of the Langlands program. Based on a comparison of the local factors ([And], [Seri]), it also predicts that the L-series of an abelian surface defined over ℚ should be the L-series of a Hecke eigen cusp form of weight 2 on a suitable group commensurable with Sp4 (ℤ). The only decisive examples are related to lifts of automorphic representations of proper subgroups of Sp4, for example the beautiful work of Yoshida ([Yos], [BSP]).
Electrostatic Transportation of Dust on the Moon

The study of detailed photography of the lunar surface makes clear that some surface transportation process has been active. Theory and laboratory experiments indicate that electrostatic effects resulting from secondary electron emission are the dominant cause of movement of small grains on the surface. The various electrostatic actions are discussed, and a host of unexpected phenomena are described that have turned up in the course of the laboratory experiments.
Improving quality on the pediatric surgery service: Missed opportunities and making it happen

In surgery, quality improvement efforts have evolved from the traditional case-by-case review typical for morbidity and mortality conferences to more accurate and comprehensive data collection accomplished through participation in national registries such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Gaining administrative support to participate in these kinds of initiatives and commitment of the faculty and staff to make change in a data-driven manner rather than as a reaction to individual events can be a challenge. This article guides the reader through the process of interacting with administrative leadership to gain support for evidence-based quality improvement endeavors. General principles that are discussed include stakeholder engagement, taking advantage of preexisting resources, and the sharing of data in order to shape QI efforts and demonstrate their effectiveness.
The Affordable Care Act: unprecedented opportunities for family physicians and public health.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in March 2010 and held constitutional by the US Supreme Court in June 2012. It survived intact the November 2012 election. The blurry federal legislative provisions come into sharp focus as state executive branches implement
A low-frequency FDFD scheme based on the quasi-TEM approximation applied to non-segregated phase bus structures

The simulation of 60 Hz current distributions on non-segregated phase bus structures requires that both the skin effect and the proximity effect be modeled accurately, given the large currents flowing on the three-phase bus bars in close proximity, which are normally configured in a side-by-side configuration. The phase bus conductors are assumed to be air insulated and a conducting enclosure is assumed for the non-segregated phase bus system. The simultaneous impacts of skin effect and proximity effect on the bus bar current distributions preclude the use of simple skin effect approximations when analyzing the bus performance relative to conductor heating in an attempt to eliminate hot spots.
Cryopreservation of Human Lymphocytes: A Brief Review and Evaluation of an Automated Liquid Nitrogen Freezer

Successful cryopreservation of human lymphocytes has been previously described. Cryopreserved lymphocytes are useful for a variety of in vitro immunologic studies. This study was performed to determine the applicability and/or advantages of using a programmable freezing system, and compares glycerol versus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at varying concentrations on post-thaw viability, E-rosetting and immunoglobulin fluorescence. Prefreeze T and B lymphocyte percentages were determined. Cells were then frozen in varying concentrations of glycerol and DMSO. Optimum cryoprotectant type and concentration was determined. Lymphocytes from seven individuals were frozen by the batch method in a mechanical freezer and with the automated liquid nitrogen injection system. Data on post-thaw T and B percentages and viability revealed 10% DMSO and liquid nitrogen control freezing method at 1 C/minute as the best conditions for lymphocyte preservation as reflected by post-thaw in vitro testing.
Fusion Proteins and Select Lipids Cooperate as Membrane Receptors for the Soluble N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive Factor Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE) Vam7p

Vam7p, the vacuolar soluble Qc-SNARE, is essential for yeast vacuole fusion. The large tethering complex, homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting complex (HOPS), and phosphoinositides, which interact with the Vam7p PX domain, have each been proposed to serve as its membrane receptors. Studies with the isolated organelle cannot determine whether these receptor elements suffice and whether ligands or mutations act directly or indirectly on Vam7p binding to the membrane. Using pure components that are active in reconstituted vacuolar fusion, we now find that Vam7p binds to membranes through its combined affinities for several vacuolar membrane constituents: HOPS, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, SNAREs, and acidic phospholipids. Acidic lipids allow low concentrations of Vam7p to suffice for fusion; without acidic lipids, the block to fusion is partially bypassed by high concentrations of Vam7p.
The effect of substituents on the feasibility of azomethine-azomethine isomerization: New synthetic opportunities for biomimetic transamination

Abstract The azomethine-azomethine isomerization of the Schiff bases derived from fluoroalkyl carbonyl compounds and arylmethylamines has been studied as a function of substitution on the amine site. The present study indicates that regardless of the nature of the substitution, the position of the isomerization equilibrium is overwhelmingly controlled by the electron-withdrawing effect of the perfluoroalkyl group, while the reaction rate strongly dependsion both CH acidity and steric availability of the transferring proton. Specifically, we have found that the presence of electron-releasing substituent on the phenyl of the benzylamine site largely retards the isomerization of the corresponding imines. In contrary, azomethine-azomethine isomerizations of the imines derived from the benzylamines containing electron-withdrawing substituent on the phenyl ring or picolylamines, possessing electron-deficient pyridine ring, occur with remarkably higher reaction rates as compared with the established isomerizations of N -benzylimines. In particular, the use of 4-picolylamine allows for truly biomimetic one-stage transamination of fluorocarbonyl compounds to afford the Schiff bases of the corresponding amines. The exciting synthetic aspects of this finding are demonstrated by the improved procedure for transamination of certain fluoroalkyl carbonyl compounds representing aldehydes, ketones, and β-keto carboxylic acids.
Kinetics of the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose for sugar production offers advantages of higher conversion, minimal by-product formation, low energy requirements, and mild operating conditions over other chemical conversions. The development of a kinetic model, based on observable, macroscopic properties of the overall system, is helpful in design and economic evaluation of processes for sugar conversion and ethanol production. A kinetic model is presented, incorporating enzyme adsorption, product inhibition, and considers a multiple enzyme and substrate system. This model was capable of simulating saccharification of a lignocellulosic material, rice straw, at high substrate (up to 333 g/L) and enzyme concentrations (up to 9.2 FPU/mL) that are common to proposed process designs.
CYCLOPROPYL HALIDES. ELECTRON TRANSFER IN THE LITHIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE REDUCTION OF GEM‐DIBROMO‐ AND MONOBROMOCYCLOPROPANES

Abstract The stereochemistry of reduction of mixtures of r-1-bromo-1-deuterio-c- and t-2-phenylcyclopropane and the cyclized products from 1,1-dibromo-2-(3-butenyl cyclopropane upon reduction with lithium aluminum hydride give evidence of a configurationally equilibrated cyclopropyl radical as a reaction intermediate.
Truncated step response models for model predictive control

Abstract A method for deriving truncated step response models for model predictive control (MPC) is derived and demonstrated. Truncated step response models can result in a dramatic reduction in the number of step response coefficients needed, and can therefore significantly reduce the computational load on the control system. The truncated models are derived in a way which attempts to minimize the robustness degradation caused by the modelling error introduced by truncation. The truncation of the step response model only affects the state estimation part of the MPC. The algorithm for finding the control move is not affected as long as the prediction horizon is kept smaller than the truncation time.
Radiation-induced pseudotumor following therapy for soft tissue sarcoma.

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and imaging appearance of radiation induced pseudotumors in patients following radiation therapy for extremity soft tissue sarcomas. We retrospectively reviewed the serial magnetic resonance (MR) images of 24 patients following radiation therapy for extremity soft tissue sarcomas. A total of 208 exams were reviewed (mean, 8.7 exams per patient) and included all available studies following the start of radiation therapy. Exams were analyzed for the identification of focal signal abnormalities within the surgical bed suggesting local tumor recurrence. Histopathologic correlation was available in nine patients suspected of having local tumor recurrence. Additional information recorded included patient demographics, tumor type and location, radiation type, and dose. The study group consisted of 12 men and 12 women, having an average age of 63 years (range, 39–88 years). Primary tumors were malignant fibrous histiocytoma (n = 13), leiomyosarcoma (n = 6), liposarcoma (n = 3), synovial sarcoma (n = 1), and extraskeletal chondrosarcoma (n = 1). All lesions were high-grade sarcomas, except for two myxoid liposarcomas. Average patient radiation dose was 5,658 cGy (range, 4,500–8,040 cGy). Average follow-up time was 63 months (range, 3–204 months). Focal signal abnormalities suggesting local recurrence were seen in nine (38%) patients. Three of the nine patients with these signal abnormalities were surgically proven to have radiation-induced pseudotumor. The pseudotumors developed between 11 and 61 months following the initiation of radiation therapy (mean, 38 months), with an average radiation dose of 5,527 cGy (range, 5,040–6,500 cGy). MR imaging demonstrated a relatively ill-defined ovoid focus of abnormal signal and intense heterogeneous enhancement with little or no associated mass effect. MR imaging of radiation-induced pseudotumor typically demonstrates a relatively ill-defined ovoid mass-like focus of intense heterogeneous enhancement with little or no associated mass effect. Imaging follow-up or biopsy may be an alternative course of action to surgical re-exploration if this diagnosis is considered. The study revealed radiation-induced pseudotumor in 12.5% of patients in our extremity study group, suggesting that radiation-induced pseudotumor may be more prevalent than previously reported.
Vestibular vertigo and comorbid cognitive and psychiatric impairment: the 2008 National Health Interview Survey

Background/aims Patients with vestibular disease have been observed to have concomitant cognitive and psychiatric dysfunction. We evaluated the association between vestibular vertigo, cognitive impairment and psychiatric conditions in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis using the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which included a Balance and Dizziness Supplement, and questions about cognitive function and psychiatric comorbidity. We evaluated the association between vestibular vertigo, cognitive impairment (memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion) and psychiatric diagnoses (depression, anxiety and panic disorder). Results We observed an 8.4% 1-year prevalence of vestibular vertigo among US adults. In adjusted analyses, individuals with vestibular vertigo had an eightfold increased odds of ‘serious difficulty concentrating or remembering’ (OR 8.3, 95% CI 4.8 to 14.6) and a fourfold increased odds of activity limitation due to difficulty remembering or confusion (OR 3.9, 95% CI 3.1 to 5.0) relative to the rest of the US adults. Individuals with vestibular vertigo also had a threefold increased odds of depression (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.9 to 3.9), anxiety (OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.6) and panic disorder (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.9 to 4.0). Conclusions Our findings indicate that vestibular impairment is associated with increased risk of cognitive and psychiatric comorbidity. The vestibular system is anatomically connected with widespread regions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. Loss of vestibular inputs may lead to impairment of these cognitive and affective circuits. Further longitudinal research is required to determine if these associations are causal.
TH-A-9A-11: Single-Isocenter Multiple-Target SRS: Risk of Compromised Coverage

Purpose: To characterize the risks of compromised coverage in single-isocenter multiple-lesion VMAT SRS. Methods: Fifty patients were selected retrospectively from our SRS program. Each patient had two lesions treated to ≥ 21 Gy. Single-isocenter VMAT SRS plans were created in Eclipse. PTV volumes and distances from isocenter were recorded. PTV coverage (D95 and V95) was evaluated across rotational setup errors of 0.5, 1.0, or 2° applied to three axes. Coverage rates were analyzed versus volume, distance, and rotation. For a rotational error of 2°, lesion size and separation distance were compared across coverage rate levels using ANOVA. A multivariate logistic regression model was fit using generalized estimating equations (GEE), modeling the probability of a 95% V95/D95 rate or higher given lesion size and separation distance while accounting for intra-patient correlation. The estimated probabilities from the GEE model were used to capture the operating conditions in a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; area under the curve (AUC) was estimated. Results: Mean lesion volume and distance to isocenter are 0.96±1.25cc and 3.53±1.61cm. V95/D95 proportions above 95% range from 92-100% when rotational errors are ≤1°. At 2.0° rotation, V95/D95 are >95% in only 62–64% of cases; V95 falls to 75% for 90% up to 6cm for lesions >0.9cc. V95 is 4cm from isocenter. Statistical analysis suggests that lesion volume and distance to isocenter could be used to select patients who are good candidates for single-isocenter multiple-lesion SRS.
Summer sedimentation in six shallow arctic lakes

The movement of sediment between the lake bottom and water column of shallow lakes can be sizeable due to the large potential for resuspension in these systems. Resuspended sediments have been shown to alter phytoplankton community composition and elevate water column production and nutrient concentrations. We measured the summer sedimentation rates of two lakes in 2003 and six lakes in 2004. All lakes were shallow and located in the Alaskan Arctic. In 2004, turbidity, light attenuation, total sediment:chlorophyll a mass in the sediment traps, and thermal stratification were also measured in each of the lakes. The sediment:chlorophyll a mass was much greater than if the sediment was derived from phytoplankton production in all of the lakes, indicating that the source of the sedimenting material was resuspension and allochthonous inputs. Consistent with these findings, the temporal variation in sedimentation rate was synchronous between most lakes, and sedimentation rate was positively related to wind speed and rainfall suggesting that sedimentation rate was strongly influenced by landscape-scale factors (e.g., wind and rain events). Two of the lakes are located on deposits of loess that accumulated during past glacial periods. These two lakes had sedimentation rates that were significantly greater and more variable than any of the other lakes in the study, as well as high turbidity and light attenuation. Our results indicate that sedimentation in these shallow arctic lakes is supported primarily by allochthonous inputs and resuspension and that landscape-scale factors (e.g., weather and geology) impact on the transport of materials between the lake bottom and water column.
Comment on breakup densities of hot nuclei

In [V.E. Viola et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 93 (2004) 132701, D.S. Bracken et al., Phys. Rev. C 69 (2004) 034612] the observed decrease in spectral peak energies of IMFs emitted from hot nuclei was interpreted in terms of a breakup density that decreased with increasing excitation energy. Subsequently, Raduta et al. [Ad. Raduta et al., Phys. Lett. B 623 (2005) 43] performed MMM simulations that showed decreasing spectral peaks could be obtained at constant density. In this Letter we point out that this apparent inconsistency is due to a selective comparison of theory and data that overlooks the evolution of the fragment multiplicities as a function of excitation energy.
Effects of reactor retention on the spread of brucellosis in strain 19 adult vaccinated herds

Abstract Large herds of cattle are ranged on the marsh lands of southwestern Louisiana. These cattle are heavily infected with brucellosis. Cattlemen work their herds twice a year as they come from or go to the marsh ranges. This form of marsh range cattle management is not compatible with the frequent retesting schedule utilized in clearing conventional brucella-infected herds. Producers are further hampered by their inability to purchase replacement cattle to replace the reactor cattle removed from their herds. In response to these concerns, a 5 year field study was initiated and is currently in progress to determine and compare the spread of brucellosis in strain 19 adult-vaccinated herds in which either reactor cows were removed from or allowed to remain within the herds. The study will also attempt to compare the cost effectiveness of these two programs as they relate to both the producers and to regulatory agencies. The rate of spread of brucellosis in the conventional whole herd vaccination program over a period of 17 to 29 months was 4.8% as compared to a 3.6% rate of spread in 24 months in the vaccinated herds with retained reactors. While these differences are slight, the modified program demonstrated that testing twice a year tests was as successful in limiting disease spread as 60 or 90 day tests in the conventional program. It also demonstrates that there is little additional risk in keeping reproductively active reactor cows within the herds. Reactor cow retention thus eliminated the producers need to purchase replacement animals to maintain acceptable stocking rates.
Teaching the Bible along the Devotional/Academic Faultline: An Incarnational Approach to the Quarrel between Love and Knowledge

. There seem to be two irreconcilable approaches to reading the Bible, and these often collide in an undergraduate's first college class in religion. Students from a devotional background find the scholarly approach a disappointment compared with their preferred way of reading. Yet upon closer examination the limits of an exclusively devotional way or an exclusively academic way soon become apparent. A way beyond this impasse is described as an incarnational approach, which seeks to honor the integrity of the literary, cultural, and historical features of the Bible while also taking seriously the personal faith of both student and instructor. This strategy is not original of course, but is a case study of a way in which the Christian tradition may address the quarrel between two competing ways of reading and turn it into a conversation.
Optical power limiting for eye protection from tunable lasers

Reversible saturable absorption of C{sub 60} and sacrificial mirrors with double path were examined for eye protection from laser beams of picosecond and nanosecond lasers. Both approaches can achieve significant attenuation to protect eyes from serious or permanent damage although the clamped energy is still higher than the permissible values of ANSI standards. The combination of these two approaches can eliminate the need to replace sacrificial mirrors. The phenomena of absorbing 100 photons in a single picosecond pulse definitely deserves further study for its mechanism.
Structure–property relationships along the Fe-substituted CuInS2 series: Tuning of thermoelectric and magnetic properties

CuIn1-xFexS2 (x = 0–0.15) was synthesized via high-temperature, solid-state synthesis. Rietveld refinements using the neutron and synchrotron powder diffraction data indicate that all Fe-substituted materials are phase pure with the exception of the CuIn0.85Fe0.15S2 sample, which contains a minute secondary phase. These refinements also verify that iron resides on the indium site in the CuIn1-xFexS2 materials. CuIn0.875Fe0.125S2 displayed the lowest total thermal conductivity of the series, 1.37 W m-1 K-1 at 570 K, as well as the highest thermopower, -172 μV K-1 at 560 K. The electrical conductivity increases over six times upon going from CuInS2 to CuIn0.875Fe0.125S2. These improved properties result in an increase in the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of CuInS2 by over an order of magnitude for the x = 0.125 sample. Magnetic measurements reveal the x = 0–0.10 samples to be paramagnetic, while the sample in which x = 0.125 displays ferromagnetic ordering below 95 K.
Effects of Biological Activity on the Entrainment of Marine Sediments

Abstract Nowell, A.R.M., Jumars, P.A. and Eckman, J.E., 1981. Effects of biological activity on the entrainment of marine sediments. Mar. Geol., 42: 133-153. The effects of animal tracks and fecal pellet production on the critical entrainment velocity of marine sediments were examined experimentally. Laboratory measurements in a free-surface, seawater flume were made using three sediment sizes. Effects of three species of polychaetes and two species of bivalves were tested. Boundary shear velocity was calculated from the mean velocity profile in the logarithmic region of the boundary layer. Measurements were made with a hot film anemometer. Tracking doubled the boundary roughness and decreased the critical entrainment velocity by 20%. Ambient or “free” sediments were more easily entrained than fecal mounds, which were restrained from movement by mucous adhesion between the fecal coils. Isolated pellets, such as those egested by Amphicteis scaphobranchiata, transported readily as bedload over a cohesive sediment surface.
Operator splitting and time accuracy in Lagrange plus remap solution methods

Operator splitting and time accuracy in Lagrange plus remap solution methods for the hydrodynamics equations are investigated. The time accuracy of the common solution approach is shown, both analytically and numerically, to be limited to first order due to operator splitting errors, low-order time integration of the remap terms, and other postulated first-order errors, even if the Lagrange step is second-order accurate in time. Additional numerical studies are used to demonstrate how these errors can be eliminated with an unsplit treatment that solves the remap terms directly. The Discontinuous Remap Method, in which a new mesh is generated during the remap step, also is shown to be first-order accurate in time.
A Pulsar Wind Nebula in the Oxygen-Rich Supernova Remnant G292.0+1.8

Using the Chandra X-ray Observatory we have discovered a diffuse, center-filled region of hard X-ray emission within the young, oxygen-rich supernova remnant (SNR) G292.0+1.8. Near the peak of this diffuse emission lies a point-like source of X-ray emission that is well described by an absorbed power-law spectrum with photon index $1.72\pm0.09$. This source appears to be marginally extended; its extent of 1.3$^{\prime\prime}$ (FWHM) is greater than that of a nearby serendipitous X-ray source with FWHM = $1.1^{\prime\prime}$. This is strong evidence for the presence within SNR G292.0+1.8 of a young rapidly-rotating pulsar and its associated pulsar wind nebula. From the unabsorbed, 0.2-4 keV band X-ray luminosity of the pulsar wind nebula ($L_X\sim 4\times 10^{34} \rm ergs s^{-1}$), we infer a spin-down energy loss rate of $\dot E \sim 7\times 10^{36} \rm ergs s^{-1}$ for the still undetected pulsar. The pulsar candidate is $0.9^\prime$ from the geometric center of the SNR which implies a transverse velocity of $\sim$$770 (D/4.8 {\rm kpc}) (t/1600 {\rm yr})^{-1} \rm km s^{-1}$ assuming currently accepted values for the distance and age of G292.0+1.8.
Political Markets, Bond Markets, and the Effects of Uncertainty: A Cross-National Analysis

One of the critical challenges of contemporary democracy is securing a balance between the markets of representation and the markets of exchange and capital within democracies. This article explores the effect that political markets have upon capital markets' performance as measured by the market risks within the long-term government bond markets in nineteen democracies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) between 1955 and 1992. Our theory linking political markets and capital markets will be developed around the logic of transaction cost economics. We will argue that critical aspects of transaction costs within political markets generate corresponding transaction costs and risks within capital markets thereby reducing market efficiency. Specifically, we demonstrate that, based on cross-national evidence drawn from three panels over the time period 1955–1992, stochastic political markets generate transaction costs within long-term government bond markets, the consequences of which are reflected in rising market risk within these capital markets. Our pooled cross-sectional sample confirms that stochasticity in institutional structure presents trade-offs for democracy. Stochasticity may reflect more responsive and generally sensitive representative institutions, but often at the price of risk-laden capital markets. We consider the implications of these findings at the conclusion of the article.