cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of an updated normative data table for hand grip and pinch strength: A pilot study.

Abstract Study design Pilot cross-sectional clinical measurement. Introduction Normative tables for assessment of grip and pinch strength were developed 30 years ago and are likely outdated. Purpose of study To assess suitability of current normative tables to evaluate hand and grip strength in clinical practice. Methods Hand grip strength (HGS) data were measured in 120 healthy subjects for comparison to normative values by gender, age, and handedness. Results: Statistically significant differences in HGS measurements (grip, key pinch, and palmar pinch) between our measurements and normative data were detected in males and females regardless of handedness. When the population was stratified by five year age groups per Mathiowetz Rating Scale and compared to Mathiowetz normal values, 23 out of 120 possible comparisons (19%) had associated p-values Conclusions: Normative hand strength values need to be further assessed in a larger study to update normative standards for use in clinical practice. Level of Evidence: 2c.
Factors Associated with Compliance to Increased Fluid Intake and Urine Volume Following Dietary Counseling in First-Time Kidney Stone Patients

Abstract Objective: Increasing fluid intake to achieve a urine volume (UV) of >2.5 L/day decreases stone events. We assessed compliance rates and demographic and clinical variables associated with increased fluid intake and UV in patients with urolithiasis following dietary counseling. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, patients with a low baseline UV ( 3 L/day and titrating it to achieve UV >2.5 L/day. A follow-up 24-hour urine collection was performed at 6 months (FU1) and 18 months (FU2) to assess compliance (UV >2.5 L/day) and predictors associated with it. Results: Our cohort contained 363 patients, 53.4% men and 46.6% women. The mean UV of baseline, FU1, and FU2 urine collections was 1.63, 2.52, and 2.48 L, respectively. The compliance rate of obtaining UV of >2.5 L wa...
Interactive voice response system compliance in chronic myeloid leukemia population.

e19589 Background: Recent advances in telecommunication technology have created sophisticated systems to support and evaluate chronic disease. The telephone-based interactive voice response system ...
Race, Menopausal Hormone Therapy, and Invasive Breast Cancer in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study

Abstract Purpose: The use of combined estrogen-progestin menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, however, recent observational studies have suggested that the association between MHT and breast cancer may be modified by race. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between MHT use and incidence of invasive breast cancer in Black and White women aged ≥40 years at diagnosis after accounting for racial differences in patterns of MHT use and formulation. Methods: Data from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based case–control study of Black and White women in North Carolina conducted between 1993 and 2001, was used to analyze 1474 invasive breast cancer cases and 1339 controls using unconditional logistic regression. Results: Black women were less likely than White women to use any MHT and were more likely to use an unopposed-estrogen formulation. Combined estrogen-progestin MHT use was associated with a greater odds of breast c...
Fatima Jinnah: Mother of the Nation

Although fifty years have passed since the death of Fatima Jinnah - author, activist and stateswoman known in Pakistan as the 'mother of the nation' - this is the first scholarly biography to tackle her life in full. Her background and contribution to Muslim nationalism under the British Raj, as well as her various efforts to consolidate the state, including a run for president in 1964, are told through previously untapped archival sources. Examining her life in the context of scholarship on South Asia and on women in Islam, Pirbhai assesses Fatima Jinnah's role through the theoretical lens of the colonial 'new woman'. This is essential reading for all those interested in modern South Asian and Islamic history, particularly the themes of gender and colonialism, the roots of Muslim nationalism and the early challenges facing the Pakistani state, as shown through the extraordinary lived experience of its most influential female activist.
Density, Viscosity, Speed of Sound, Bulk Modulus, Surface Tension, and Flash Point of Selected Ternary Mixtures of n-Butylcyclohexane + a Linear Alkane (n-Hexadcane or n-Dodecane) + an Aromatic Compound (Toluene, n-Butylbenzene, or n-Hexylbenzene)

Researchers seek to understand the combustion of petroleum fuel, which contains hundreds of compounds, by studying properties and oxidation behavior of less complex mixtures (surrogates) containing fuel components. In this study, viscosities and densities (293.15 to 343.15 K), speeds of sound (293.15 to 333.15 K), surface tensions (∼314 K) and flash points were measured for ternary mixtures of representative fuel components: n-alkanes, aromatic compounds, and n-butylcyclohexane. Mixture surface tensions and flashpoints fell between the pure component values. The speeds of sound for ternary mixtures containing n-dodecane and n-butylcyclohexane increased with increasing aromatic compound concentration. As the aromatic compound concentration in mixtures with n--hexadecane and n--butylcyclohexane increased, the mixtures’ speeds of sound remained level or decreased to a minimum before increasing to the value of the aromatic compound. The isentropic bulk moduli increased with increasing aromatic compound concen...
Salvage combination ipilimumab and nivolumab after failure of prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced melanoma.

e21009Background: The combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab is standard initial therapy in patients with advanced melanoma based on trials involving treatment-naive patients. The benefit in those...
Boys, Girls, or Unisex? An Analysis of the Title IX Arguments in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board

ABSTRACTThis article analyzes the arguments presented in recent federal court appeals concerning the rights of transgender students in America's public schools. Specifically, the applicability of T...
My year as a fed.

A friend had warned me that the entire Washington, D.C., region is an ARE (Acronym Rich Environment). On the first day of my 1-year rotation as an NSF (National Science Foundation) program director, I was finding out just how true that was. After the NEW (New Employee Workshop), I felt my eyes glaze
Speech and society in turbulent times: Freedom of expression in comparative perspective

Speech and Society in Turbulent Times aims to identify “how different states, with different traditions and different political, economic, and social realities, conceptualize and practice the role ...
Insights into chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.

Cyclosporine has proven to be an invaluable immunosuppressive agent in solid organ transplantation. However, its major side effect is dose-related acute and chronic nephrotoxicity. The acute effects of cyclosporine are predominantly hemodynamic and mediated by a variety of vasoactive compounds, including endothelin, thromboxane A2, and/or inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. The chronic lesion of cyclosporine nephropathy which consists of afferent arteriolopathy combined with striped tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis has been much more difficult to understand. An experimental model using the salt-depleted rat has been developed which reproduces the structural and functional changes of chronic cyclosporine nephropathy. Furthermore, it has been shown in this animal model that the renin angiotensin system within the kidney is activated and is important in the pathogenesis of this lesion. Inhibition of the renin angiotensin system with angiotensin II receptor blockade or ACE inhibition markedly reduces the tubulointerstitial fibrosis and arteriolopathy while leaving the glomerular and hemodynamic effects of the drug unchanged. Thus, in the chronic animal model, the vascular and tubulointerstitial effect of cyclosporine can be dissociated. Recent studies have shown the involvement of TGF-β 2 and osteopontin in the scarring process. Interestingly, the TGF-β 2 and osteopontin response can also be markedly abrogated by inhibition of the renin angiotensin system. This is of great interest since recent information has suggested that the immunosuppressive effect of cyclosporine is at least partially mediated through TGF-β 2 . The therapeutic and clinical implications of further work in this area are obvious and may lead to better management strategies for the patient who must necessarily be on long-term cyclosporine therapy.
The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch: King of the Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestlers

Review of: "The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch: King of the Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestlers," by Mike Chapman.
Alterations in 90-day morbidity, mortality, and readmission rates following spine surgery in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (2009-2014).

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT The impact of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) on healthcare quality and outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and readmissions, has not been substantially investigated, especially following spine surgery. PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of ACO formation on postoperative outcomes in the 90-day period following spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of national Medicare claims data (2009–2014). PATIENT SAMPLE Patients who underwent one of four lumbar spine surgical procedures in an ACO or non-ACO. OUTCOME MEASURES The development of in-hospital mortality, complications or hospital readmission within 90 days of the surgical procedure. METHODS The primary outcome measures included postsurgical complications and readmissions at 90 days following surgery. In-hospital mortality and 30-day outcomes were considered secondarily. The primary predictor variable consisted of ACO enrollment designation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to adjust for confounders and determine the independent effect of ACO enrollment on postsurgical outcomes. The multivariable model included a propensity score adjustment that accounted for factors associated with the preferential enrollment of patients in ACOs, namely, sociodemographic characteristics, medical co-morbidities, hospital teaching status, bed size, and location. RESULTS In all, there were 344,813 patients identified for inclusion in this analysis with 97% (n = 332,890) treated in non-ACOs and 3% (n = 11,923) in an ACO. Although modest changes were apparent across both ACOs and non-ACOs over the time-period studied, improvements were slightly more dramatic in non-ACOs leading to statistically significant differences in both 90-day complications and readmissions. Specifically, in the period 2012–2014, ACOs demonstrated an 18% increase in the odds of 90-day complications and a 14% elevation in the odds of 90-day readmissions when compared to non-ACOs. There was no difference in hospital mortality between ACOs and non-ACOs. CONCLUSIONS Our study of Medicare data from 2009 to 2014 failed to demonstrate superior reductions in postoperative morbidity, mortality, and readmissions for beneficiaries treated in ACOs as compared to non-ACOs. These results indicate that meaningful changes in postoperative outcomes should not be anticipated based on organizational participation in ACOs at present.
Study Abroad’s Impact on U.S. Sport Management Students

As society looks to identify globally minded citizens and leaders to move us forward, sport and education have a leading role to play. The sport industry is unique in how globally focused it is, and therefore, it is critical that sport management students be well prepared for this world. Study-abroad experiences for sport management students have the ability to aid in their development as world-minded individuals. The current study sampled students from four sport management programs participating in study-abroad programs over a 3-year time frame. The pre- and posttest results on a scale of global mindedness revealed no significant differences before and after studying abroad; however, there were significant differences between the five factors of global mindedness. Reasons for these potential findings, related to the theory of reasoned action, are discussed, as well as how this study can be built on in future iterations.
Computational and comparative molecular docking studies of the interactions of lavendamycin analogues with NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)

4823 NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a homodimeric flavoenzyme containing 273 residues and one molecule of FAD per monomer. This reductase catalyzes a NAD(P)H-dependent two-electron reduction and the bioactivation of many antitumor bioreductive agents. NQO1, expressed at high levels in many human solid tumors, can be used as a unique target for enzyme directed bioreductive cancer drug development. Lavendamycin, a quinolinedione antibiotic with significant antitumor activity, is structurally related to streptonigrin, a good substrate for and efficiently bioactivated by NQO1. Computational molecular modeling studies were performed on two lavendamycin analogues, MB-353 and -323, very good and poor substrates for NQO1, respectively. The molecular docking was performed using the FlexX module of SYBYL6.9.1. The minimized coordinates of the crystal structure of the NQO1 complex with ARH019, an indolequinone, obtained from the Protein Data Bank (ID code: 1H69) was used as a reference structure for docking experiments. The docked conformations of ligands were evaluated using the FlexX and CSCORE modules in SYBYL. CSCORE is the consensus score computed from FlexX, ChemScore, D-Score, G-Score and PMF-Score scoring functions where docked poses are ranked from 1 to 5; where 5 is the best fit to the model. Geometric post-analysis strategies that determine hydrogen-bonding interactions of the ligands with the key residues of the active site (Tyr 126, 128 and His 161), hydride ion transfer from the flavin to the ligands, and the angle between the planes of the ligands and the flavin were performed. Of 30 possible docked conformations of MB-353, 24 poses had orientations similar to the reference ligand (ARH019) and 19 had CSCORE ≥ 4 (4 with CSCORE = 5 and 15 with CSCORE = 4). All of the 19 poses were capable of forming the hydrogen-bonding interactions and hydride ion transfer, and the departure of their planes from an exact aromatic parallel stacking with the flavin closely resembled that of ARH019. However, of 30 possible docked poses of MB-323, no conformation had a CSCORE = 5 and only 4 poses had CSCORE = 4. The remaining poses with CSCOREs of 0 and 1 did not merit further considerations. Also, none of the 30 poses had orientations similar to the reference ligand. Therefore, an increased number of possible conformations of ligand MB-353 with acceptable orientations compared to ligand MB-323 can be considered as a potential contributing factor to substrate specificity. Supported by NIH grants R15 CA78232 and NCRR P20 RR15583.
The power of predictions: An emerging paradigm for psychological research

The last two decades of neuroscience research has produced a growing number of studies that suggest the various psychological phenomena are produced by predictive processes in the brain. When considered together, these studies form a coherent, neurobiologically-inspired research program for guiding psychological research about the mind and behavior. In this paper, we briefly consider the common assumptions and hypotheses that unify an emerging framework and discuss its ramifications, both for improving the replicability and robustness of psychological research and for innovating psychological theory by suggesting an alternative ontology of the human mind.
Etiologies of Extreme Thrombocytosis: A Contemporary Series

Abstract Objective To describe the multifactorial etiologies of extreme thrombocytosis (EXT) in different care settings and the frequency of finding an occult malignancy. Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review at Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2016. Adult patients who had at least 2 readings of platelet counts greater than 1000×109/L within 30 days of each other were included. We determined the causes of EXT on the basis of preset definitions of precipitating factors and identified the dominant causes on the basis of the trend of platelet counts. Results A total of 44,490 patients had thrombocytosis, and 305 patients (0.7%) had EXT. In 242 patients (79.3%), EXT was multifactorial. Surgical complications (54.1%) and hematologic malignancies (27.9%) were the 2 most dominant causes. Thirty-eight patients (12.5%) had new diagnoses of malignancies, mostly myeloproliferative neoplasms. In inpatients, surgical complications (71.9%), concurrent/previous splenectomy (50.5%), and infections (44.9%) were the most common causes, whereas hematologic malignancies (56.9%), iron deficiency (36.7%), and previous splenectomy (28.4%) were the most common causes in outpatients. Hematologic malignancy was 3.4 times more likely to be the cause of EXT in outpatients than in inpatients (56.9% vs 16.8%), and a new diagnosis of hematologic malignancy was 1.9 times more likely to be made in outpatients (15.6% vs 8.2%). Eighty-four percent of patients had resolution of EXT within 30 days. One patient died during the period of EXT. Nonsurgical patients with hematologic malignancies had the most prolonged period of EXT. Conclusion Extreme thrombocytosis is a multifactorial hematologic condition, and its etiology differs substantially between inpatients and outpatients. Occult hematologic malignancies are uncommon in EXT when other major causes are present.
You are not as Cute as you Think you are: Emotional Responses to Expectancy Violations in Heterosexual Online Dating Interactions

Dating initiation is a challenging phase of heterosexual romantic relationship development, with men and women often having different expectations and interpretations of communicative cues. With online dating becoming increasingly popular, the challenges of relationship initiation are more apparent and may even lead to negative interpersonal interactions, such as online harassment. The present investigation employed expectancy violations theory to understand and explain perceptions of women’s responses to compliments in an online dating context. We predicted that due to general as well as gender-specific expectations for compliments and responses, when such expectations are violated, conflict and emotional reactions would arise. Using a sample of 413 U.S. undergraduate students, results indicated that women who negatively violate expectations by responding to a compliment using self-praise and agreement were generally evaluated more negatively than women who violated expectations in a positive way by disagreeing with the compliment and women who conformed to expectations by responding with “thank you.” Additionally, results showed that women who positively violated expectations were evaluated more negatively compared to women who conformed to expectations. Implications for expectancy violations theory and power in gendered online interactions are discussed.
A Reflective Thrive-Oriented Community Resilience Scale.

There is substantial societal, policy, and research interest in community resilience as a way to better understand and enhance community thriving in the face of natural hazards, economic disruption, and other challenges. However, partly or fully formative community resilience measures potentially conflate resilience predictors and indicators, thereby constraining the assessment of factors promoting resilience. Based on a general population survey (N = 1,072) in rural, coastal Oregon, USA, we evaluated a 6-item reflective thrive-oriented scale of perceived community resilience that provides a stronger foundation for assessing the contribution of resilience predictors such as community leadership or social capital. Exploratory factor analysis of the scale indicated a single-factor solution that explained 55% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha was .83, which showed good internal consistency. Scale factor scores correlated with related constructs, with coefficients having signs and magnitudes consistent with prior research. The scale also provides a foundation for assessing general relative to specific (specified) resilience. In the present case, there was an indication of general resilience across the range of changes captured by the scale items.
Quantum coherence in ergodic and many-body localized systems

Quantum coherence quantifies the amount of superposition a quantum state can have in a given basis. Since there is a difference in the structure of eigenstates of the ergodic and many-body localized systems, we expect them also to differ in terms of their coherences in a given basis. Here, we numerically calculate different measures of quantum coherence in the excited eigenstates of an interacting disordered Hamiltonian as a function of the disorder. We show that quantum coherence can be used as an order parameter to detect the well-studied ergodic to many-body localized phase transition. We also perform quantum quench studies to distinguish the behavior of coherence in thermalized and localized phases. We then present a protocol to calculate measurement-based localizable coherence to investigate the thermal and many-body localized phases. The protocol allows one to investigate quantum correlations experimentally in a nondestructive way, in contrast to measures that require tracing out a subsystem, which always destroys coherence and correlation.
Biomaterial-Driven Immunomodulation: Cell Biology-Based Strategies to Mitigate Severe Inflammation and Sepsis

Inflammation is an essential component of a wide variety of disease processes and oftentimes can increase the deleterious effects of a disease. Finding ways to modulate this essential immune process is the basis for many therapeutics under development and is a burgeoning area of research for both basic and translational immunology. In addition to developing therapeutics for cellular and molecular targets, the use of biomaterials to modify innate and adaptive immune responses is an area that has recently sparked significant interest. In particular, immunomodulatory activity can be engineered into biomaterials to elicit heightened or dampened immune responses for use in vaccines, immune tolerance, or anti-inflammatory applications. Importantly, the inherent physicochemical properties of the biomaterials play a significant role in determining the observed effects. Properties including composition, molecular weight, size, surface charge, and others affect interactions with immune cells (i.e., nano-bio interactions) and allow for differential biological responses such as activation or inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways, surface molecule expression, and antigen presentation to be encoded. Numerous opportunities to open new avenues of research to understand the ways in which immune cells interact with and integrate information from their environment may provide critical solutions needed to treat a variety of disorders and diseases where immune dysregulation is a key inciting event. However, to elicit predictable immune responses there is a great need for a thorough understanding of how the biomaterial properties can be tuned to harness a designed immunological outcome. This review aims to systematically describe the biological effects of nanoparticle properties-separate from additional small molecule or biologic delivery-on modulating innate immune cell responses in the context of severe inflammation and sepsis. We propose that nanoparticles represent a potential polypharmacological strategy to simultaneously modify multiple aspects of dysregulated immune responses where single target therapies have fallen short for these applications. This review intends to serve as a resource for immunology labs and other associated fields that would like to apply the growing field of rationally designed biomaterials into their work.
Although Surgical Techniques Differ, Similar Outcomes Can Be Obtained When Operating After Single Versus Multiple Anterior Shoulder Dislocations.

Purpose To compare the differences in preoperative pathology, surgical technique, and overall outcomes between patients treated surgically after a single anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation and those undergoing surgery after multiple dislocations. Methods An epidemiologic database was used to identify all patients younger than 40 years undergoing surgery for anterior shoulder instability between January 1, 1994, and July 31, 2016, in a defined geographic area. Patient medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic information, patient history, physical examination findings, imaging findings, clinical progression, surgical details, and outcomes. Comparative analysis was performed between patients who underwent surgery after a single dislocation and those who underwent surgery after multiple preoperative dislocations. Results The study population consisted of 187 patients who had a single anterior shoulder dislocation (n = 55) or multiple anterior shoulder dislocations (n = 132) prior to surgery. The mean follow-up period was 103.3 months (range, 0.3-328.4 months). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between groups. Although the presence of Hill-Sachs lesions on radiographs was more common in the multiple-dislocation group (42.1%) than in the single-dislocation group (18.8%, P = .005), there were no other significant differences in concomitant pathology between groups. Latarjet procedures were more commonly performed in the multiple-dislocation group (12.5% vs 2.1% in the single-dislocation group, P = .04). There were no other significant differences in surgical techniques and characteristics between groups. Rates of survival free from recurrent instability (P = .790), revision surgery (P = .726), and progression to symptomatic osteoarthritis (P = .588) were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions Although patients with multiple dislocations prior to surgery were more likely to show radiographic evidence of Hill-Sachs lesions and undergo the Latarjet procedure than those who received surgery after a single dislocation, no significant differences in outcomes with respect to recurrent instability, revision surgery, or progression to symptomatic osteoarthritis were found between these 2 groups at long-term follow-up. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Radio Emission Associated with the ULX in Holmberg II

We report the detection of radio emission coincident with the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) in Holmberg II. The radio emission is diffuse and resolved, covering an area ~60 by 40 pc in extent and well-matched to the recently discovered HeII nebula surrounding the X-ray source. Comparison of the radio and optical properties of this extended radio emission argue against its association with either an HII region or supernova remnant. This is additional evidence that this ULX is not powered by a stellar-mass object whose emission is relativistically beamed towards the observer, and thus is either a super-Eddington source or intermediate mass black hole as suggested by optical observations. Implications of this result to future and existing radio studies of ULXs are discussed.
Changes without Exchanges: Modification of Native Custom Glycolic Ligands on Colloidal Cadmium Chalcogenide Quantum Dots

Alteration of surface-bound molecules (ligands) in colloidal quantum dot (QD) samples has traditionally relied on removal and replacement of native ligands with new moieties tailored for a specific...
Big-Data Analytics for Electric Grid and Demand-Side Management

Author(s): Yin, Rongxin; Ghatikar, Girish; Piette, Mary | Abstract: This report describes research to characterize the status of, and trends in, big-data analytics for the electricity grid. The research focused on 1) identifying power-grid big-data sources, types, and characteristics; and 2) characterizing big-data architecture, analytic methods, technology applications, and challenges. The first part of this report describes the main sources and characteristics of big data for the smart grid and comprehensively reviews big-data architecture, technologies, and applications in the power sector. The second part of this report presents case studies of big data applications in the power industry: (1) a smart-meter data and predictive analytics method for demand response (DR), (2) synchrophasor data analytics for the distribution grid, and (3) utility data for peak-demand management. For the predictive analytics case study, smart-meter-data-driven and physical models were developed to predict the potential kilowatt (kW) capacity reduction from DR. The DR estimation framework that was developed works for both small and large-scale customers. The synchrophasor case study demonstrates use of an algorithm applied to time-series data to detect events that appear as significant changes, known as “edges,” in voltage magnitude measurements. The synchrophasor case study also introduces an approach for clustering sets of events to reveal unique features that distinguish them (e.g., distinguishing capacitor bank switching from transformer tap changes). The peak-demand management case study describes the use of the data analytics to enable DR programs to limit forecasted peak demand, resulting in cost savings to the utility. The findings from the research described in this report support identification of opportunities and technologies for big-data and analytics applications for demand-side management in the power sector as well as other approaches to modernizing the electricity grid.
Implementation of the Principles: Getting Down to Earth

While even a detailed implementation plan will require further discussion between the parties, the participants in our study, who are significant members of the Israeli and Palestinian communities, believe that the level of detail presented below will facilitate agreement on these issues, even if some modifications are required. To develop each of the principles into a working model, we follow the same process used to arrive at the principles described in Chap. 7.
5.3 hrp Genes and Their Function

Publisher Summary This chapter briefly discusses the hrp genes and their functions. The presence of hrp genes appears to be the characteristic of phytopathogenic Erwinia, Pseudomonas, Xanthornonas, and Rulstoniu spp. These Gram-negative bacteria cause diseases in virtually all crop plants, although individual strains vary considerably in their host specificity. The most highly specific strains are found in Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthornonas campestris, two species that are subdivided into pathovars and then races based on their specificity for plant species and then cultivars. The hrp genes carried by these bacteria are so named, because mutations in them can abolish two important plant-related bacterial phenotypes: hypersensitive response (HR) elicitation in non-hosts and pathogenicity in hosts. The HR is a rapid localized active death of plant cells in contact with potentially pathogenic bacteria and is associated with the failure of these bacteria to continue multiplying or to produce disease symptoms. hrp genes direct the production and secretion of protein elicitors of the HR. The HR is a highly variable biological phenomenon, and even plants with the same genotype can vary in their response. Factors reducing responsiveness are low-light intensity, wilting, and previous infection by pathogens that trigger systemic-acquired resistance. The chapter also determines the functions of hrp genes in regulation.
Supporting Multiparadigm Programming on Actor Architectures

This paper discusses some intuitions about models of concurrency. Several examples of concurrent systems are presented to illustrate different kinds of concurrent computational structures. I argue that supporting large-scale concurrent systems requires building on some surprisingly simple programming primitives. However, some models of concurrency cannot support these primitives. I describe the actor model which incorporates these primitives and illustrate its potential use in supporting different programming paradigms. Developments in concurrent computers are briefly discussed; specifically, I argue that because of their scalability, multicomputers represent the most promising development in computer architecture. Multicomputers provide a powerful realization of the actor model. Finally, I sketch the relation between different programming paradigms and actors and argue for the advantages of multiparadigm programming systems obtained by embedding different programming languages in an actor base.
The Impact of HSAs on Health Care Reform: Preliminary Results after One Year

Over one year having passed since Congress authorized the creation of the first individual Health Savings Account (HSA), this article reviews the context, structure, promise, and impact of this new type of tax-advantaged accounts. Proponents of these accounts claim that, coupled with high-deductible health insurance policies, HSAs can increase access to and decrease cost of health care. Opponents counter that HSAs could decrease access and raise cost for some. The article begins by summarizing current trends in health-care access and cost. It then analyzes the HSA legislation itself, H.R. 2596 (2003), and how HSAs operate. After reviewed the claims made for HSAs when H.R. 2596 passed, the article takes a preliminary look at the impact of HSAs one year after their creation. The enactment of H.R. 2596 may benefit some individuals and families by providing an additional tax-subsidized health-insurance option that may better fit their needs than other options. For some, it may make the difference between having health insurance and not having health insurance. For others, it may result in lower costs or better quality. Despite the claims of proponents, however, the record so far suggests that HSAs will have little overall impact on rising health-care costs or on shrinking health-care access. Fundamental health-care reform will not be so easily or painlessly implemented.
Field-aligned current reconfiguration and magnetospheric response to an impulse in the interplanetary magnetic field BY component

[1] When the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is dawnward or duskward, magnetic merging between the IMF and the geomagnetic field occurs near the cusp on the dayside flanks of the magnetosphere. During these intervals, flow channels in the ionosphere with velocities in excess of 2 km/s have been observed, which can deposit large amounts of energy into the high-latitude thermosphere. In this study, we analyze an interval on 5 April 2010 where there was a strong dawnward impulse in the IMF, followed by a gradual decay in IMF magnitude at constant clock angle. Data from the Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft were used to investigate ionospheric convection during this interval, and data from the Active Magnetospheric and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) were used to investigate the associated Field-Aligned Current (FAC) system. Additionally, data from AMPERE were used to investigate the time response of the dawnside FAC pair. We find there is a delay of approximately 1.25 h between the arrival of the dawnward IMF impulse at the magnetopause and strength of the dawnward FAC pair, which is comparable to substorm growth and expansion time scales under southward IMF. Additionally, we find at the time of the peak FAC, there is evidence of a reconfiguring four-sheet FAC system in the morning local time sector of the ionosphere. Additionally, we find an inverse correlation between the dawn FAC strength and both the solar wind Alfvenic Mach number and the SYM-H index. No statistically significant correlation between the FAC strength and the solar wind dynamic pressure was found.
The New Class Action Landscape: Trends and Developments in Class Certification and Related Topics

In this memorandum, Professors Coffee and Lahav describe and assess the highlights of class certification rulings from 2005 to 2012, and track trends in approaches to certification.
Full spatial reuse multi-hop cooperative communication

In this paper, we present multi-hop relay communication strategies for half-duplex decode-and-forward relay networks. The model for the channel that we consider includes pathloss, shadowing, and fast fading. For this channel model, we propose a full spatial reuse multi-hop (FSRM) relay communication scheme, which allows relays to transmit their data using every other time slot. With the FSRM scheme, the end-to-end rate reduction factor of multi-hop relay communication is fixed at 1/2, regardless of the number of hops. We analyze the outage probability of the proposed scheme for a directional antenna system and an omnidirectional antenna system. For a directional antenna system, the analysis reveals that the FSRM scheme achieves a lower outage probability than the traditional orthogonal multi-hop relaying scheme. For an omnidirectional antenna system, we find the SNR region of the proposed scheme that achieves better performance. We further analyze various power allocation methods to manage interference and determine the optimal operation scheme in terms of the SINR.
Return of the painful leg ulcers

A31-year-old man who worked as a landscape gardener was seen because of painful ulcers on his left lower leg that had been recurrent for 3 years. His history included multiple episodes of bilateral deep venous thrombosis in his upper and lower extremities and two episodes of pulmonary embolism during the previous 6 years. His father had a history of recurrent deep venous thrombosis, cerebrovascular accident at the age of 47 years, and seropositivity for lupus anticoagulant. On physical examination, several painful ulcers ranging in diameter from a few millimeters to 2 cm were seen on his left lower leg. A purplish area of livedo over the left fifth toe and scars from previous ulcers also were noted. Laboratory results included: platelets 118×10 3 /μL, a negative antinuclear antibody screen, and a positive antiphospholipid antibody test (138 IgG phospholipid [GPL] units [normal, <15 GPL units]). Factor V Leiden, cryofibrinogen, and cryoglobulin were not detected. A duplex ultrasound scan showed residual deep venous thrombosis extending from the left popliteal vein down through the left peroneal veins. Biopsy of tissue from the left lateral calf revealed a superficial and deep perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and scattered eosinophils and fibrin thrombi in the deep dermal vessels.
Cervical and cervicomedullary spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain: efficacy and outcomes.

Abstract Background The role for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the management of chronic spinal cord forms of pain involving cervical dermatomes or the cervicomedullary junction (CMJ) for facial pain remains largely uncharted. Objective To review outcomes with cervical and CMJ SCS performed by a single surgeon, with particular emphasis on complications and efficacy. Methods All patients that underwent cervical or CMJ SCS by the lead author were identified and follow-up obtained by telephone questionnaires. Patient demographics, surgical details, outcomes and complications for all patients identified were critically reviewed. Results Of 121 patients identified that underwent at least trial SCS, 100 underwent permanent lead implantation. Indications for cervical SCS included brachial plexus lesions (8), complex regional pain syndrome (33), degenerative disc disease (4), failed neck surgery syndrome (23), chronic radiculopathy (6) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) (1); for CMJ SCS, indications included trigeminal deafferetiation pain (10), trigeminal neuropathic pain (4), PHN (4) and occipital neuralgia (7). Pain relief was greater along the extremities than axially, and less in the occipital area than in the head or face. Mean pain reduction averaged 56.6% at a mean follow-up of 4.2 years. Of 24 revision surgeries required, 8 were for presumed lead migration or fracture. Complications included 4 CSF leaks, 5 wound infections, and 4 cases of persistent numbness or pain. Pain relief lasted an average of 3.6 years. Conclusion Cervical and CMJ SCS are safe and efficacious and may provide greater relief along the upper extremities than axially, and in the head rather than in the occipital region.
THE POLLS-A REVIEW THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE: THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL LIFE SURVEY

The National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS)-perhaps better known as "the Sex Survey"-is remarkable in many ways. A groundbreaking study of sexual behavior, a forceful demonstration of the value of free scientific inquiry, a tribute to individual and organizational courage and tenacity, the NHSLS sets a kind of standard for the conduct of survey research. But the standard set by the NHSLS owes more to the study's subject matter, the societal knowledge vacuum in which it was conducted, and the kafkaesque political adversities it overcame than to its methodological innovativeness. In many respects, the NHSLS is a consciously old-fashioned survey. To the extent that it contributes to our understanding of sexual behavior, the study reinforces belief in "tried-andtrue" survey practices applied in a novel setting. To the extent that there is doubt about its findings, the NHSLS highlights perennial gaps in our knowledge of how surveys ought to be done. This review examines the NHSLS in a number of contextshistorical, political, and methodological-and offers comparisons between it and other sex surveys. In keeping with the purpose of the Poll Review section, its focus is on lessons of the study for the practice of survey research, rather than on its contribution to sexology (although the two are not always possible to separate).
System identification method for monitoring impact events

This paper presents a new method for identifying impact events using a built-in diagnostic technique. The identification includes the impact location and force time history. The proposed technique does not rely on a mathematical model to predict the behavior of a structure: instead system transfer functions are obtained from experimental tests. An experimental system identification technique was used to establish system transfer functions capable of reproducing the system's physical behavior. This technique simplifies the monitoring procedure not only because there is no need for a complex structure model, but also because there is no need of the evaluating procedure for sensors to get accurate strain/stress values. This paper summarizes the monitoring technique and presents examples from several impact tests on complicated structures including stiffened panels.
Volume Testing Microwave Devices

The proliferation of emerging RF standards that increase transmission data rates for many different applications is upon us. The volume of RFIC devices needed to meet demands for these applications is enormous. In order to keep up with this volume, ATE suppliers are required to improve the performance and increase the density of baseband instrumentation. Integrating compliant signal generation software and bench-top measurement software into ATE systems is reducing the time it takes to get these devices into production and is helping test engineers keep pace with ever-evolving standards. Current and future trends in integration are combing RF, digital baseband cores and power management functions into a single package. Device fabrication processes dictate that each function (RF, digital cores, power management) are on separate silicon die. These dies are then packaged together to form a System in a Package (SiP). Methods of fabricating the whole system on a single die is called System on a Chip (SoC). ATE systems available today not only cover the RF front end test requirements, but also complete SiP/SoC test plans. The RF, baseband, digital, and dc instruments that are used to test RF front ends also have the horsepower and synchronization necessary to support RF SiP/SoC testing. Expanding the density of these instruments is making it easier to test multiple devices or SiPs, in parallel, on a single tester. This multisite aspect of RF SoC testing is reducing the cost of testing these high demand devices.
TU‐A‐BRC‐09: Feasibility Study of MRI in Assessing in Vivo Proton End‐Of‐Range for Liver Cancer

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of using MRI to verify proton beam range in distal regions for livertumortreatment. Methods: In the treatment of livertumors with proton beams, the dose range uncertainty in the distal region can lead to reduced dose in tumor and/or increased dose in the surrounding normal tissue. Due to the increased extracellular fluid after radiation treatment, the irradiated areas in liver usually appear hypo‐intense on T1‐weighted MR images, and hyper‐intense on T2‐weighted MR images. This change of MR signal intensity (SI) allows for a quantitative verification of dose range in vivo. To achieve this goal, follow‐up T1/T2‐weighted MR images are firstly registered to the planning CT images. Then MR SI is correlated to the radiationdose at the superior/inferior penumbra dose fall‐ off, which includes two penumbrae in two proton beams. This SI‐dose correlation is finally employed on MR images to estimate the proton end‐of‐ range. This methodology is being evaluated on a 15‐patients database, which is being collected in our institute. Results: The preliminary results were based on three patients who received protonlivertreatment. We observed correlations between MR SI and radiationprotondose in superior/inferior penumbra regions, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.86, 0.97, and 0.97, respectively. By applying the SI‐dose correlation to the distal region of proton beam, the mean distances from the MRI‐estimated dose range to the prescribed dose range were −0.4 mm, 2.6 mm, and 2.4 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The preliminary results demonstrate that the protondose range can be verified in vivo to within 2.6 mm by follow‐up MR images after protonlivertreatment. This IRB‐approved study is being extended to 15 patients with livercancertreated by proton radiotherapy.
Association of adipose tissue deposition and beta-2 adrenergic receptor variants: the IRAS family study

Adipose tissue distribution (visceral vs subcutaneous) has been shown to be an important predictor of insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, independent of body mass index. The beta-2 adrenergic receptor is a major lipolytic receptor in human fat cells and the gene that codes for this protein is an important candidate gene for measures of adiposity and fat deposition. We examined whether two common polymorphisms in codons 16 (Arg16Gly) and 27 (Gln27Glu) are associated with measures of fat distribution in participants of the IRAS Family Study. We recruited African-American (AA) and Hispanic-American (HA) families from Los Angeles, CA, USA (18 pedigrees, 272 AA individuals), San Antonio, TX, USA (33 pedigrees, 448 HA individuals) and San Luis Valley, CO, USA (12 pedigrees, 272 HA individuals). We estimated adipose tissue distribution via computed tomography. To test for an association between adiposity measures and these polymorphisms, we used generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, gender, clinical site (ethnicity), body mass index, and familial correlation. Of the 992 individuals genotyped for these polymorphisms, 57% were female and 15% had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean age was 42.7±14.6 y. The Glu27 allele of the Gln27Glu polymorphism was positively associated with (P-value for recessive model): body mass index (0.025), visceral adipose tissue (<0.0001) and visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose ratio (0.009), but not with subcutaneous adipose tissue (0.952). The Arg16Gly polymorphism was not associated with any of the adiposity measures. These findings suggest that genetic variation in the beta-2 adrenergic receptor gene influences fat deposition and body size in AAs and HAs. In particular, these results support a role for the gene in the distribution of visceral adipose tissue but not subcutaneous adipose tissue.