cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of a Mutation on the Normal and Promiscuous Activities of Orthologs: Implications for Natural and Directed Evolution

Neutral drift occurring over millions or billions of years results in substantial sequence divergence among enzymes that catalyze the same reaction. Although natural selection maintains the primary activity of orthologous enzymes, there is, by definition, no selective pressure to maintain physiologically irrelevant promiscuous activities. Thus, the levels and the evolvabilities of promiscuous activities may vary among orthologous enzymes. Consistent with this expectation, we have found that the levels of a promiscuous activity in nine gamma-glutamyl phosphate reductase (ProA) orthologs vary by about 50-fold. Remarkably, a single amino acid change from Glu to Ala near the active site appeared to be critical for improvement of the promiscuous activity in every ortholog. The effects of this change varied dramatically. The improvement in the promiscuous activity varied from 50- to 770-fold, and, importantly, was not correlated with the initial level of the promiscuous activity. The decrease in the original activity varied from 190- to 2,100-fold. These results suggest that evolution of a novel enzyme may be possible in some microbes, but not in others. Further, these results underscore the importance of using multiple orthologs as starting points for directed evolution of novel enzyme activities.
Efficient site-specific editing of the C. elegans genome

In just two years, genome editing with the CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas9 has transformed genetic analysis in conventional and emerging model organisms. The efficiency of this method varies among systems and continues to be optimized. Numerous strategies have been reported for editing the C. elegans genome. To date, these strategies do not provide a simple, rapid and inexpensive means to introduce and isolate arbitrary point mutants. Here, we report a strategy with all three of these desirable properties. It utilizes oligonucleotides as donor templates for homology-dependent repair and visible markers that are edited in parallel that markedly reduce the number of animals that must be molecularly screened in order to isolate mutants that lack visible phenotypes.
Gas Chromatographic Measurement of Peripheral Plasma 18-Hydroxydeoxycorticosterone in Adrenal Regeneration Hypertension

A gas chromatographic method was developed for estimating differences in plasma 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18OHDOC) between rats. The method involved isolation of 180H-D0C by paper chromatography, HIO4 oxidation to 180H-D0C γ-lactone and purification of this product by thin layer chromatography. This was followed by quantitative gas chromatography. The method gives accurate comparative results between experimental and control groups when combined with an appropriate experimental design incorporating statistical blocking. However, accurate absolute peripheral plasma 180H-D0C concentrations were not obtained for 2 reasons: 1) radioactive 180H-D0C for calculation of recovery up to the point of gas chromatography is unavailable; 2) crystalline 180H-D0C γ-lactone for calibrating the gas chromatograph is unavailable in quantities sufficient for routine preparation of standards. The effects of these deficiencies are discussed. Gas chromatographic comparison of peripheral plasma 18OH-DOC between adrenal regen...
The Contribution of Radiative Cooling to the Formation of Cold-Core Anticyclones

Abstract Cold-core anticyclones are a dominant feature of the circulation in the high latitudes during the cold half of the year. This paper focuses on how the radiative cooling associated with the formation of continental polar air masses contributes to the anticyclogenesis. The processes occurring in cold-core anticyclones are investigated with a nonlinear axisymmetric numerical model. The model experiments employ three different types of radiative cooling parameterization: 1) externally specified radiative cooling rates; 2) internally determined radiative cooling rates with all condensed water assumed to fall out immediately, not affecting the radiative transfer (after Wexler); and 3) fully interactive calculation, whereby the radiative effects of the condensate that forms in the cooling air are included (Curry). The following physical processes are considered in the fully interactive calculation: 1) condensation of water vapor and freezing of liquid water; 2) radiative transfer from water vapor, CO2, ...
A Turnstile Mechanism for the Controlled Growth of Biosynthetic Intermediates on Assembly Line Polyketide Synthases

Vectorial polyketide biosynthesis on an assembly line polyketide synthase is the most distinctive property of this family of biological machines, while providing the key conceptual tool for the bioinformatic decoding of new antibiotic pathways. We now show that the action of the entire assembly line is synchronized by a previously unrecognized turnstile mechanism that prevents the ketosynthase domain of each module from being acylated by a new polyketide chain until the product of the prior catalytic cycle has been passed to the downstream module from the corresponding acyl carrier protein domain. The turnstile is closed by virtue of tight coupling to the signature decarboxylative condensation reaction catalyzed by the ketosynthase domain of each polyketide synthase module. Reopening of the turnstile is coupled to the eventual chain translocation step that vacates the module. At the maximal rate of substrate turnover, one would expect the chain release step to initiate a cascade of chain translocation events that sequentially migrate back upstream, thereby repriming each module and setting up the assembly line for the next round of polyketide chain elongation.
Identification and classification of small molecule kinases: insights into substrate recognition and specificity

Many prokaryotic kinases that phosphorylate small molecule substrates, such as antibiotics, lipids and sugars, are evolutionarily related to Eukaryotic Protein Kinases (EPKs). These Eukaryotic-Like Kinases (ELKs) share the same overall structural fold as EPKs, but differ in their modes of regulation, substrate recognition and specificity—the sequence and structural determinants of which are poorly understood. To better understand the basis for ELK specificity, we applied a Bayesian classification procedure designed to identify sequence determinants responsible for functional divergence. This reveals that a large and diverse family of aminoglycoside kinases, characterized members of which are involved in antibiotic resistance, fall into major sub-groups based on differences in putative substrate recognition motifs. Aminoglycoside kinase substrate specificity follows simple rules of alternating hydroxyl and amino groups that is strongly correlated with variations at the DFG + 1 position. Substrate specificity determining features in small molecule kinases are mostly confined to the catalytic core and can be identified based on quantitative sequence and crystal structure comparisons.
Profitability and Risk Analysis of Soybean Planting Date by Maturity Group

2253 Yield and �uality responses to soybean planting date have been extensively evaluated for more than a century in Tennessee (Mooers, 1908; Cartter and Hartwig, 1963). Planting date is one of the most important and least expensive production decisions aff ecting soybean seed yields and quality, so it still receives considerable attention from soybean researchers in the southern United States (Egli and Cornelius, 2009; Hu and Wiatrak, 2012). Farmers in the upper mid-southern region have become increasingly interested in the early soybean production system where short-season maturity soybean is planted early to avoid frequent midor late-season droughts and to take advantage of abundant soil moisture available earlier in the growing season (Walker et al., 2010). Th is system may be particularly suitable for the rolling uplands of Kentucky, Tennessee, eastern Mississippi, and northern Alabama, where fi eld sizes are relatively small and irrigation is less feasible (Walker et al., 2010). Th us, several related factors such as location, year-to-year climate conditions, and maturity group (MG) selection make decisions regarding the optimum planting date for soybean complex (Egli and Cornelius, 2009; Hu and Wiatrak, 2012). Egli and Cornelius (2009) used data from 28 experiments located across the United States to analyze regional weather and soil type impacts on yield-maximizing planting dates. Th ey reviewed soybean planting date studies undertaken in the Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Ohio), Upper South (Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee), and Deep South (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina) and found that yield potential decreased when soybean was planted aft er late May in the Midwest and Deep South and aft er early June in the Upper South. Yields decreased at a faster rate in the Deep South and Upper South than in the Midwest aft er the optimal planting date, primarily because of decreased vegetative and reproductive growth that reduced the number of branches and pods, decreased plant height, and reduced photosynthesis (Popp et al., 2002; Pedersen and Lauer, 2003; Bastidas et al., 2008; De Bruin and Pedersen, 2008). Photoperiod, temperature, and precipitation were the primary factors responsible for reduced yield Crop economics, Production & Management
Calculation from First-Principles of Golden Rule Rate Constants for Photoinduced Subphthalocyanine/Fullerene Interfacial Charge Transfer and Recombination in Organic Photovoltaic Cells

The rates of interfacial charge transfer and recombination between the donor and acceptor layers play a key role in determining the performance of organic photovoltaic cells. The time scale and mechanism of these processes are expected to be impacted by the structure of the interface. In this paper we model the kinetics of those processes within the framework of a subphthalocyanine/fullerene donor/acceptor dimer model. Two likely configurations (on-top and hollow) in which the interfacial charge transfer and recombination may occur are studied. The corresponding rate constants are calculated within the fully quantum-mechanical framework of Fermi’s golden rule. All the input parameters (excitation energies, electronic coupling coefficients, normal-mode frequencies and coordinates, and Huang–Rhys factors) are obtained from density functional theory calculations with density functionals designed to yield accurate results in the case of noncovalently bound systems and charge transfer states. Multiple π–π* and...
Defense Mechanisms of Arthropods. XVI. Para-Benzoquinones in the Secretion of Spirostreptoid Millipedes

In previous papers of this series, we reported the identification of active principles in the defensive secretions of several spiroboloid, polydesmoid, and chordeumoid millipedes (H. E. Eisner et al. 1963, T. Eisner et al. 1963a, 1963b, Monro et al. 1962, Wheeler et al. 1964). This note deals with the secretions of 6 species belonging to yet another order, the Spirostreptida: Family: Cambalidae Cambala hubrichti Hoffman (Highlands, N. C.) Family: Spirostreptidae Orthoporus flavior Chamberlin and Mulaik (Dryden, Texas)
Adaptive morphology of song dialects in Darwin's finches

1. This study describes the structure and functional significance of numerous song dialects in island populations of Darwin's finches from the Galapagos Archipelago.
Creation and Assessment of a Bad News Delivery Simulation Curriculum for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellows.

Background Bad news in the context of health care has been broadly defined as significant information that negatively alters people's perceptions of the present or future. Effectively delivering bad news (DBN) in the setting of the emergency department requires excellent communication skills. Evidence shows that bad news is frequently given inadequately. Studies show that trainees need to devote more time to developing this skill through formalized training. This program's objectives were to utilize trained standardized patients in a simulation setting to assist pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows in the development of effective, sensitive, and compassionate communication with patients and family members when conveying bad news, and to recognize and respond to the patient/parent's reaction to such news. Methods PEM fellows participated in a novel curriculum utilizing simulated patients (SPs) acting as the patient's parent and immersive techniques in a realistic and supportive environment. A baseline survey was conducted to ascertain participant demographics and previous experience with simulation and DBN. Experienced, multi-disciplinary faculty participated in a training workshop with the SPs one week prior to course delivery. Three scenarios were developed for bad news delivery. Instructors watched via remote video feed while the fellows individually interacted with the SPs and then participated in a confidential debriefing. Fellows later joined for group debriefing. Fellow characteristics, experience, and self-perceived comfort pre/post-course were collected. Results Baseline data demonstrated that 78% of fellows reported DBN two or more times per month. Ninety-three percent of fellows in this study were present during the delivery of news about the death of a child to a parent or family member in the six-month period preceding this course. Fellows' self-reported comfort level in DBN to a patient/family and dealing with patient and parent emotions improved significantly (p=0.034 and p=0.046, respectively). Conclusions Pediatric emergency medicine fellows frequently deliver bad news. A course using SPs was well received by trainees and resulted in improvement in self-assessed skills and comfort. This curriculum provides the opportunity for fellows to receive patient/parent feedback of their communication skills and observations from skilled instructors. This methodology should be considered when creating training curricula for bad news delivery skills.
Repeat Exposure to Leg Swing Perturbations During Treadmill Training Induces Long-Term Retention of Increased Step Length in Human SCI: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine whether repeat exposure to force perturbations during treadmill training can induce long-term retention of improved step length and overall improvements in locomotor function in persons with spinal cord injury.DesignFourteen patients with spinal cord injury were recruit
Ultrasound Ureterolithotripsy Utilizing a 10.5-French Rigid Ureteroscope and a 2.5 Wire-Probe Transducer

Between July, 1986 and July, 1987, 128 patients with large impacted ureteral stones or persistent Steinstrasse required ureterolithotripsy at UCLA (Table 1). Indications were: failed stone manipulation with or without ESWL for stones located a) above the iliac crest, b) in the true pelvis, c) in the “stonecracker’s nomansland” between the iliac crest and pelvic brim, and d) in the management of ureteral Steinstrasse when the debris did not pass spontaneously within eight weeks after insertion of a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN)-tube. Of the stones treated, 29% were located above the iliac crest, 24% in the stonecracker’s nomansland, and 47% in the lower third of the ureter (Table 2).
The Knowledge of God in the Old Testament

I propose in this chapter to examine some of the claims to know God made in the Old Testament. I shall do this in two ways (1) I shall take my previous analysis of the various uses of the word ‘know’ to the Old Testament to see whether the claims to know God correspond to any, or all, or none of these forms. (2) I shall concentrate my attention upon claims to knowledge using yada’ and da’at.
The Great American Gun Violence Lottery

Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting, this very short essay compares the experience of gun violence in America to the dystopian game of chance in Shirley Jackson’s classic American short story, "The Lottery." With references to the role of Constitutional law, media consumption, and cultural change, it urges an available, common-sense middle ground on gun policy. The essay was first published by the American Constitution Society (Dec. 17, 2013) and later appeared in the Huffington Post (Dec. 20, 2013).
A Man is a Man is a Man

Every field of human endeavor goes through a period of great anticipation in which the leading lights predict that the end of the discipline is near and that acquisition of new knowledge in the are...
Interferon beta-1b-induced postmenopausal bleeding in a patient with multiple sclerosis.

AbstractObjective: Postmenopausal bleeding must always be evaluated to rule out endometrial carcinoma, although there are many benign etiologies. There have been rare reports of premenopausal bleeding with interferon beta-1b, used to treat multiple sclerosis, but no prior reports in postmenopausal women.Methods: Literature searches were performed using PubMed and Medline for articles with content related to premenopausal and postmenopausal bleeding while taking interferon beta-1b. The searches were restricted to the English language. Search terms included interferon beta-1b and/or uterine hemorrhage and/or vaginal bleeding and/or postmenopausal and/or menopause.Results: The literature review found no related articles for postmenopausal bleeding while taking interferon beta-1b. We present a case of a patient with postmenopausal bleeding attributed to elevation of serum estradiol in association with interferon beta-1b therapy.Conclusion: It is important for patients and providers to be aware of the associat...
Calibration of a food frequency questionnaire in a Korean population

B57 Objective: The aim of this study was to assess how well a food frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) performed usual nutrient intakes in comparison with three-day dietary records (DRs) in Koreans who visited National Cancer Center, Korea. >Method: A total of 210 Koreans aged 25 years and above participated in the first phase from June till September, 2007, which was conducted using the three-day dietary record method. One hundred and ninety six of those who completed the first phase were then interviewed to test FFQ against dietary records as a reference. The mean absolute nutrient intakes estimated by the dietary records were statistically compared with those estimated by the FFQ using paired t -tests. We calculated log-transformed and de-attenuated Pearson9s correlation coefficients and energy-adjusted, log-transformed and de-attenuated Pearson9s correlation coefficients between intakes of nutrients based on the FFQ and DRs. Cross-classification was also calculated to evaluate the overall degree of agreement between the FFQs and DRs. >Result: The intakes of energy, carbohydrate and protein were higher in FFQ than in DRs, while fat intake was higher in DRs than in FFQ. The corrected correlations for attenuation varied from 0.13(s-carotene) to 0.67(cholesterol) and the energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients ranged between 0.10(s-carotene) and 0.67(cholesterol). The degree of good agreement by cross-classification between the DRs and the FFQ by quartile ranged from 65.8% (sodium) to 80.6% (caloric intake). >Conclusion: This calibration study indicates that the FFQ gives acceptable estimates of the usual dietary intakes among the study population. The results may verify that it is possible to use the FFQ with the benefit of being relatively easy and convenient in a large-scale epidemiological study of relationships between nutrient intakes of diseases in Korean population.
Tracking Antibody Distribution with Near-Infrared Fluorescent Dyes: Impact of Dye Structure and Degree of Labeling on Plasma Clearance

Monoclonal antibodies labeled with near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores have potential use in disease detection, intraoperative imaging, and pharmacokinetic characterization of therapeutic antibodies in both the preclinical and clinical setting. Recent work has shown conjugation of NIR fluorophores to antibodies can potentially alter antibody disposition at a sufficiently high degree of labeling (DoL); however, other reports show minimal impact after labeling with NIR fluorophores. In this work, we label two clinically approved antibodies, Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab), with NIR dyes IRDye 800CW (800CW) or Alexa Fluor 680 (AF680), at 1.2 and 0.3 dyes/antibody and examine the impact of fluorophore conjugation on antibody plasma clearance and tissue distribution. At 0.3 DoL, AF680 conjugates exhibited similar clearance to unlabeled antibody over 17 days while 800CW conjugates diverged after 4 days, suggesting AF680 is a more suitable choice for long-term pharmacokinetic studies. At the 1.2 D...
Risk Factors and Time to Recurrent Ipsilateral and Contralateral Patellar Dislocations.

Background:Previous studies have reported variable rates of recurrent lateral patellar instability mainly because of limited cohort sizes. In addition, there is currently a lack of information on contralateral patellar instability.Purpose:To evaluate the rate of recurrent ipsilateral patellar dislocations and contralateral patellar dislocations after a first-time lateral patellar dislocation. Additionally, risk factors associated with recurrent dislocations (ipsilateral or contralateral) and time to recurrence were investigated.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This population-based study included 584 patients with a first-time lateral patellar dislocation occurring between 1990 and 2010. A retrospective review was conducted to gather information about the injury, subsequent dislocations (ipsilateral or contralateral), and structural characteristics including trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Risk factors were assessed to del...
A technique for the removal of a wedged implant abutment fragment or debonded titanium base

A technique for the retrieval of wedged implant fragments is described. The technique is suitable for fractured zirconia and metal abutments and titanium bases left behind after fracture or debonding of the custom zirconia abutment from the titanium base of an implant-supported prosthesis. This straightforward, noninvasive, technique facilitates the removal of the fragments or titanium bases without risking damage to the implant, surrounding bone, or soft tissues.
Analytical and Experimental Analysis of Rocking Columns Subject to Seismic Excitation

Structures of ancient Mediterranean cultures that have survived numerous earthquakes over the span of millennia relied on multifaceted rocking columns to dissipate seismic energy. Rocking columns are again emerging as an effective mechanism in modern structural systems; understanding the rocking behavior can provide insight into how to best design this type of system. This study examines the analytical and experimental rocking behavior of a rectangular column. Equations of motion that describe the rocking behavior of the polygonal columns are derived and analytical energy dissipation methods compared. A high-speed 3D motion capture system, providing noncontact measurement of the column motion, is used in a series of experiments on a uniaxial shake table to validate the analytical model. These experiments show variation indicating stochastic behavior during the excitation phase. The damping ratio and coefficient of restitution are calculated from the experimental results. The experimental results and analytical solution are compared.
Effects of Community Volunteer Children on Student Pediatric Assessment Behaviors

Abstract Background According to undergraduate nursing students, clinical experiences produce a high degree of stress and anxiety, especially when those experiences involve children. Simulation has been shown to teach assessment skills, and allow experiential and active learning resulting in an increase in the level of a student's comfort with performance of these skills. However, even with the practice of simulation, only a small number of students report feeling comfortable with assessment. Other experiential opportunities involving standardized patients have been widely used with adult populations; however, there is very little literature describing the use of children as standardized patients. One study with nursing assessment students found that students reported more self-efficacy with community volunteers than high-fidelity simulators. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of using community volunteer children on physical assessment abilities and comfort levels among undergraduate pediatric nursing students. Methods Students were administered the Pediatric Student Comfort and Worry Assessment Tool at the beginning of the semester and following intervention. After a didactic class, students were randomly assigned to two groups. One group practiced assessment on high-fidelity simulators programmed to provide verbal feedback to allow for interaction. The second group practiced assessment on community volunteer children. Students were self-evaluated and faculty-evaluated completing a pediatric assessment using the Effective Noticing and Responding domains of the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric. Results Overall, students had similar worry and comfort scores regardless of group; additionally, assessment performances were similar. However, students in both groups significantly rated their observations higher than faculty members. Conclusions The use of simulation to practice pediatric assessment prior to exposure in the clinical setting is beneficial in reducing student anxiety and stress; however, there may be no difference between practicing assessment on high-fidelity manikins versus community volunteer children. Although one modality did not seem to affect student stress and anxiety over another modality, student satisfaction was positively influenced by working with community volunteers.
Plasticity of Conduction Processes in Demyelinated Nerve Fibers: Implications for Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Until fairly recently it had always been assumed that the complete loss of myelin over one or more internodes must necessarily produce an irreversible block of impulse conduction in myelinated nerve fibers. This view is a consequence of experimental observations showing that the essential ingredients for generation of nervous activity — voltage dependent channels selective for Na ions — are normally only present at the nodes of Ranvier in mammalian and non-mammalian myelinated nerve fibers. Thus, the exposure of the internodal axon membrane which follows demyelination reveals a structure incapable of producing action potentials. A second obstacle to conduction following demyelination arises from the fact that, even if the internode were in principle excitable, the physiological function of the myelin sheath is to reduce the capacitance, and thus the amount of current necessary to charge the internodal membrane. Removal of this material, in the absence of any other changes, simply represents too great an electrical “load” on the excitation process to allow the continuation of conduction from the last normal node to the distal demyelinated segment(s).
Technology for processing of potato chips impregnated with red rootbeet phenolic compounds

Abstract The objective of this study was to produce healthy snacks using vacuum impregnation (VI) and vacuum frying (VF) technology. Potato slices were pre-treated with different concentration of beetroot solution (3, 5, and 7% w/w), vacuum pressures (300 mmHg, 450 mmHg, 600 mmHg), and vacuum and restoration times (5, 10, 15 min). The optimum VI conditions were 7 w/w red-beet extract concentration solution, 600 mm Hg vacuum pressure for 10 min and 60 min of restoration time. The potato slices were vacuum fried at 110, 120, and 140 °C. Moisture loss of potato chips during vacuum frying was faster at higher temperatures and was successfully modeled with a modified equation for moisture diffusion in a flat plate. The diffusion coefficient values varied from 1.65 × 10−8to 4.99 × 10−8 for temperature ranging from 110 °C to 140 °C, respectively. The influence of the frying oil temperature on the moisture diffusion coefficient during vacuum frying was describe using an Arrhenius equation, where the pre-exponential factor (A) was 3.57 × 10−2 s−1, and the activation energy (Ea) was 4.61 × 105 J/mol for the temperature range from 110 °C to 140 °C. For the oil content, two regions (120 °C and 140 °C) were defined for the kinetic model considering that each curve presents different behaviors before and after the maximum oil content reached during frying. Chips fried at 110 °C and 120 °C had a maximum total phenolic content (TPC) of only 11% and 20% higher than the initial TPC values of the VI slices, respectively, while the TPC of slices fried at 140 °C was 27% higher. Vacuum impregnated potato slices fried were also fried using different flying methods (vacuum at 140 °C, dual stage at 140 °C, and traditional frying at 165 °C). The VI chips fried by traditional frying (TF) had 9% reduction in TPC after frying, while those fried under vacuum and dual-stage frying (DSF) had a 38% and 23% increase in TPC, respectively. Compared to the impregnated potato slices, the color of the chips fried under TF deteriorated more (higher b* value) than the chips fried under vacuum or in the DSF method. The chips fried by the TF method were harder to break than the chips fried by the other two methods. A consumer test panel found the potato chips fried under vacuum and dual-stage frying more acceptable than the potato chips fried under atmospheric pressure. Vacuum frying at 140 °C for 120 s after vacuum impregnation is a potential technology to produce healthier functional snacks with desired quality attributes.
Pulsatile tinnitus. A 15-year experience.

Purpose: This study aimed to report the author's 15-year experience with the systematic evaluation and treatment of patients with pulsatile tinnitus. Methods: Between August 1981 and August 1996, 145 patients with pulsatile tinnitus were evaluated. The diagnostic protocol was individualized according to the clinical findings and included appropriate radiologic testing, ultrasonography studies, and lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement. Treatment was directed toward the etiology of the tinnitus. Results: Benign intracranial hypertension syndrome (pseudo-tumor cerebri) was the most common diagnosis (56 patients), followed by atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (24 patients) and glomus tumors (17 patients). In 13 patients, no specific diagnosis could be reached. Conclusions: Thorough history and physical examination are the two most important factors in evaluating patients with pulsatile tinnitus. Evaluation should be individualized and may include radiologic testing, ultrasonography studies, and lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurements. The majority of patients have a treatable underlying etiology.
Inciting Terrorism on the Internet: The Limits of Tolerating Intolerance

The Internet is a limitless platform for information and data sharing. It is, in addition, however, a low-cost, high-speed dissemination mechanism that facilitates the spreading of hate speech, including violent and virtual threats. Indictment and prosecution for social media posts that transgress from opinion to incitable hate speech are appropriate in limited circumstances. Several real-world examples discussed here help to explore when limitations on Internet-based hate speech are appropriate. In October 2015, twenty thousand Israelis joined a civil lawsuit filed against Facebook in the Supreme Court for the State of New York. Led by the civil rights organization Shurat HaDin, the suit alleges Facebook allows Palestinian extremists to openly recruit and train terrorists to plan violent attacks calling for the murder of Israeli Jews through their Facebook pages. The suit raises important questions, including: When should the government initiate similar suits to impose criminal sanctions for targeted hate speech posted to Facebook? What constitute effective restrictions on social media that also balance society’s need for robust dialogue and free communication, subject to limitations reflecting a need for order and respect among people? There is a lack of resolution in the ongoing free speech discussion, particularly as it relates to social media. This is quickly becoming a critical focal point given the range, power and impact of the Internet. Social media is how and where contentious public issues are played out. Sometimes, the tone is ugly; numerous examples abound of posts that are racist, hurtful, and deeply insulting. Civil discourse is rare; anonymity enables hatred and calls for violence and harm to others, whether individuals or groups. The essence of democracy is guaranteeing—and protecting—civil and political rights. Foremost among these rights is freedom of speech. Liberal, democratic governments recognize the right to free speech. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to free speech. International conventions such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) similarly recognize it. Free speech is essential for vibrant, robust and rigorous debate, disagreement and contention. It reflects a healthy society, facilitating differences of opinion while respecting tolerance of diversity and creativity. Speech can make us uncomfortable, challenge us, and push us out of our comfort zones.
Intelligent instruments: discovering how to turn spectral data into information

The Optical Plume Anomaly Detection (OPAD) program at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is using plume spectroscopy for the diagnosis of the Space Shuttle Main Engines. A challenging part of this program is matching high resolution spectral data with a physicist's model of spectroscopy to produce estimates of metallic erosion through the plume. This paper describes the discovery process used in doing this. The physicist's model had to be debugged in order to discover the various instrument characteristics, discover critical elements of the data, and in general perform exploratory analysis to understand the instrument and the data it produces. This model gives us strong prior knowledge, however, this needs to be incorporated with care. We had to use a range of statistical techniques in our analysis, including one-dimensional super-resolution to determine the instrument response function. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of discovery in building intelligent instruments that turn real-time data into useful information.
Case Analysis of Restraint Deaths in Law Enforcement and Corrections

The sudden death of an arrestee after a violent restraint altercation with the police or detention officers has emerged as a vexing problem, not only for the responding officers but also for the involved criminal justice agency, health care professionals, medical examiners, pathologists, the community, and the legal system. Such deaths have also occurred in psychiatric hospitals when staff members have been required to restrain a violent, mentally impaired patient. Although sudden in-custody death is rare in occurrence, the incident comprises a myriad of potential contributing factors that can make determining a cause of death problematic. Numerous questions of what contributed to the sudden death arise. These include the following: 1. Did the deceased contribute to his or her own death. 2. Did the individual die of a heart attack, heart abnormality, acute exhaustive mania, or asphyxiation? 3. Did the officers contribute to the death by use of the prolonged struggle and restraint procedures? 4. Had the subject been taking medication or abusing drugs, which over time rendered his or her heart more susceptible to cardiac arrest and sudden death? 5. Did the overwhelming emotional stress of the incident contribute to the individual’s death?
Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology: Reflections on the Past, the Present, and the Future

The clinical application of bronchoscopy has been available for over a century (Jackson C, N Engl J Med 199:758–763, 1928). In its infancy at the tail end of the nineteenth century, the technique was used on an infrequent basis. As it has matured over the years, bronchoscopy is now frequently utilized to diagnose and treat a vast range of pulmonary disorders. Significant advances in the instrumentation, techniques, and ever-increasing indications over the past century have established bronchoscopy as an essential tool not only in the practice of pulmonary medicine but also in critical care medicine, thoracic surgery, rhinolaryngology, and pediatric pulmonology. Currently, bronchoscopy is perhaps the most commonly employed minimally invasive diagnostic procedure in pulmonary diseases.
Microscopic Electronic Holographic Moiré

The basic theory behind microscopic electronic holographic moire is presented. Conditions of observation are discussed, and optimal parameters are established. An application is presented as an example where experimental results are statistically analyzed and successfully correlated with an independent method of measurement of the same quantity.
Steam Reforming, Partial Oxidation, and Autothermal Reforming of Ethanol for Hydrogen Production in Conventional Reactors

Abstract The hydrogen production from ethanol by conventional steam reforming, partial oxidation, and autothermal reforming processes is investigated. A comparable analysis of processes configuration, reforming reactors, and catalyst features is provided. The processes are analyzed from theoretical and practical point of view, outlining the process efficiency for distributed application. The role of the catalyst and the process conditions in determining the ethanol conversion and the hydrogen yield is also elucidated.
Procedural justice perceptions, legitimacy beliefs, and compliance with the law: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to compare procedural justice and legitimacy as correlates and predictors of compliance with the law. A literature review produced 64 studies, 95 samples, and 196 effect sizes from studies published or conducted sometime between 1990 and February 2018 in which procedural justice was correlated with legitimacy and/or compliance, or legitimacy was correlated with compliance. Fifty samples included all 3 correlations, 3 samples included 2 correlations, and the remaining 42 samples included a single correlation. Two random effects meta-analyses were performed. Pooled univariate effects for all three correlations achieved significance. Although there was a high degree of heterogeneity in the results and modest evidence of publication bias in one of the subsamples, sensitivity testing indicated that no one study had an undue influence over the results. Using a generalized least squares (GLS) multivariate approach, a path analysis revealed a significant a path from procedural justice to legitimacy, a significant b path from legitimacy to compliance, and a significant c’ path from procedural justice to compliance, but only the a and b paths were significant when the analysis was restricted to studies with longitudinal data. The current findings suggest that legitimacy beliefs are instrumental in promoting compliance with the law and that while procedural justice perceptions also appear to predict compliance, the effect was relatively weak in this meta-analysis and could not be reliably established in longitudinal datasets.
Stochastic Population Models

Abstract In this chapter, we introduce stochastic population processes, and more specifically Markov population processes. We give basic definitions and examples from the scientific literature to illustrate the process of building these stochastic models. We then discuss approximations to these stochastic processes when the population is large and review numerical schemes for stochastic simulation that rely on these approximations. We then review and suggest practical statistical inference methods for observations that arise from these stochastic population models, including when these models are generalized to a spatio-temporal framework.
Hypolithic Photosynthesis in Hydrothermal Areas and Implications for Cryptic Oxygen Oases on Archean Continental Surfaces

Mounting geochemical evidence suggests microorganisms capable of oxygenic photosynthesis (e.g., Cyanobacteria) colonized Archean continental surfaces, driving oxidative weathering of detrital pyrites prior to the 2.5 Ga Great Oxidation Event (e.g., Stueken et al., 2012; Reinhard et al., 2013; Lalonde and Konhauser, 2015; Havig et al., 2017a). Modern terrestrial environments dominated by biofilms comprised of phototrophs include hydrothermal systems (e.g., Yellowstone National Park) and hypolithic communities found in arid to hyper-arid deserts (e.g., McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, Atacama Desert of Chile). Here, we explore phototrophic communities in both hypolithic and hot spring environments in Yellowstone National Park as potential analogs to Archean continental surfaces. Hypolithic communities in geothermal settings were similar in both composition and carbon uptake rates to proximal hot spring communities. It is our opinion that hydrothermal area hypolithic communities represent modern analogs of communities that colonized Archean continental surfaces, producing oxygen locally and facilitating microbially-mediated pyrite oxidation prior to the presence of free oxygen in the global atmosphere.
Correlation of Thromboelastography Parameters with Bleeding Episodes of Post-LVAD Surgery

Purpose Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is considered as an alternative treatment for patients with refractory end-stage heart failure. Perioperative bleeding is one of the most common adverse events of LVAD surgery. Thromboelastography (TEG; Haemoscope, Niles, IL, USA), a commercial assay that assesses clot formation, has been shown to reduce blood product use in cardiac surgeries. However, the information in LVAD surgery is very minimal. We aim to assess the statistical correlation between TEG parameters and bleeding during perioperative period. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent LVAD implantation at University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas from July 1st, 2016 to July 31st, 2018. We excluded the patients whose TEG was not checked prior to LVAD surgery. We collected maximal amplitude of clot formation in response to arachidonic acid (MAAA), clot strength (GAA) and bleeding outcomes. Results Sixteen LVAD patients were included in the study with mean age of 57.2±8.2 years old (see table 1 for baseline characteristics and lab values). MAAA and GAA showed significant negative correlation with surgical drain output, number of packed red cell units and number of platelet units (p = 0.04, 0.04 and 0.01 respectively for MAAA and p = 0.04, 0.03 and 0.01 respectively for GAA). MAAA and GAA also showed moderate negative correlation with length of hospital stay and episodes of surgical re-exploration due to bleeding (r = -0.47 and -0.42 for MAAA and r = -0.43 and -0.42 for GAA) although without statistical significance (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion Our study found that TEG parameters correlated significantly with drain output, number of packed red cell and platelet units used during perioperative period. They also tended to correlate with the hospital length of stay and surgical re-exploration but were likely limited by small number of study population. Further studies with larger population are needed for validation of the results.
Radiation-Induced Swelling in an Austenitic Alloy: Observations and Interpretation of the Effects of Helium

Microstructural damage is measured in a stable austenitic alloy after nickel-ion bombardment to doses of 1 to 70 dpa at temperatures in the range of 840 to 1100 K. The influence of helium, both pre...
An emulation model in critical thinking used to develop learning outcomes in inter professional practice

Abstract Interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional practice (IPP) are essential for the comprehensive care of patients. A goal of this paper is to articulate learning outcomes likely to improve patient outcomes. Yet learning outcomes in IPE are "systematically lacking" in consistency. Objective An approach offered here and the main purpose of this paper is to develop and implement an IPE learning outcome by applying emulation concepts from the education literature. In dental situations, emulation has been used to derive the thought process of the expert succinctly enough for the novice to apply to the next patient. Methods The expert's thought process thus becomes the learning outcome, the learning guide, and the assessment instrument. In IPE/IPP, several experts make up the team. The resulting learning outcome is the collection of key questions from respective health care team members. Team members are primary care, pharmacy, nursing, social work, nutrition, and dentistry. The resulting list of questions has not been reported and was applied to patient planning in a geriatric/special needs clinic. Results Students were more likely to apply questions from disciplines that were preceded by didactic instruction-primary care, pharmacy, nutrition, and dentistry-and less likely to apply questions from nursing and social work. Conclusions Although still in the early stages, the model is viable to guide learning and assess performance to a level of grasping the concept. The exercise is student led. For the practitioner, the learning outcome becomes the performance outcome. Further model development is ongoing with limited models for comparison.
Vulnerability identified in clinical practice: a qualitative analysis

Although it is the moral duty of physicians to protect vulnerable patients, there are no data on how vulnerability is perceived in clinical practice. This study explores how physicians classify someone as “vulnerable”. Thirty-three physicians were initially questioned about resource allocation problems in their work. The results of these interviews were examined with qualitative study software to identify characteristics associated with vulnerability in patients. Data were conceptualized, classified and cross-linked to highlight the major determinants of vulnerability. The findings revealed the principal factors that make patients vulnerable in clinical practice, according to our definition of vulnerability: the likelihood of having one’s interests unjustly considered. Vulnerability can arise as a result of a mismatch between the characteristics of patients and physicians, the healthcare system, the treatment, or the communication between physicians and patients. Vulnerability appears as a gap between a patient’s needs and the means intended to meet them. Vulnerability can further be the result of doing too little or too much for patients. This result suggests that structures provided by healthcare systems are not as differentiated as they should be to cover all situations. Our initial definition of vulnerability was illustrated and supported by our results, showing that it encompasses all factors involved, not solely personal characteristics, indicating the need for a more pragmatic approach for use in clinical practice. Vulnerability is not due to a single factor but appears under certain circumstances when there is a discrepancy between a patient’s interests and the care provided, despite existing compensation systems.