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In the design of protected areas for cetaceans, spatial maps rarely take account of the life-history and behaviour of protected species relevant to their spatial ambit, which may be important for their management. In this study, we examined the distribution and feeding behaviours of adult versus juvenile minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) from long-term studies in the Moray Firth in northeast Scotland, where a Marine Protected Area (MPA) has recently been designated. Data were collected during dedicated boat surveys between 2001 and 2022 inclusive, from which 784 encounters with 964 whales of confirmed age-class (471 juveniles and 493 adults) were recorded from 56,263 km of survey effort, resulting in 238 focal follows. Adults and juveniles were occasionally seen together, but their distributions were not statistically correlated, and GIS revealed spatial separation / habitat partitioning by age-class―with juveniles preferring shallower, inshore waters with sandy-gravel sediments, and adults preferring deeper, offshore waters with greater bathymetric slope. GAMs suggested that the partitioning between age-classes was predominantly based on the differing proximity of animals to the shore, with juveniles showing a preference for the gentlest seabed slopes, and both adults and juveniles showing a similar preference for sandy gravel sediment types. However, the GAMs only used sightings data with available survey effort (2008 to 2022) and excluded depth due to collinearity issues. Whilst adult minkes employed a range of "active" prey-entrapment specialisations, showing inter-individual variation and seasonal plasticity in their targeted prey, juveniles almost exclusively used "passive" (low energy) feeding methods targeting low-density patches of inshore prey. These findings corroborate the need to incorporate demographic and behavioural data into spatial models when identifying priority areas for protected cetacean species. Not all areas within an MPA have equal value for a population and a better knowledge of the spatial preferences of these whales within the designated Scottish MPAs, appointed for their protection, is considered vital for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to offer huge improvements both to the performance and the efficiency of systems. When engineering any system, it is important to ensure that the user of the system can be confident that the behaviour and performance of that system is as needed. AI presents challenges to achieveing this confidence when introduced into a system. This paper broadly considers these challenges, including the new failure modes exhibited by AI, the unpredictable and evolving behaviour of AI systems and the inability to explicitly validate due the level of trust in the systems and its robustness to future environments. Traditional system assurance techniques have proved ineffective to address these challenges. The paper then looks at potential solutions that are currently being developed that have the potential to address this need and assist in the assurance of the performance of AI enabled systems throughout their lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between-female variation in reproductive output provides a strong measure of individual fitness and a quantifiable measure of the health of a population which may be highly informative to management. In the present study, we examined reproductive traits in female bottlenose dolphins from the east coast of Scotland using longitudinal sightings data collected over twenty years. From a total of 102 females identified between 1997 and 2016, 74 mothers produced a collective total of 193 calves. Females gave birth from 6 to 13 years of age with a mean age of 8. Calves were produced during all study months, May to October inclusive, but showed a seasonal birth pulse corresponding to the regional peak in summer water temperatures. Approximately 83% (n = 116) of the calves of established fate were successfully raised to year 2–3. Of the known mortalities, ~45% were first-born calves. Calf survival rates were also lower in multiparous females who had previously lost calves. A mean inter-birth interval (IBI) of 3.80 years (n = 110) and mean fecundity of 0.16 was estimated for the population. Calf loss resulted in shortened IBIs, whilst longer IBIs were observed in females assumed to be approaching reproductive senescence. Maternal age and size, breeding experience, dominance, individual associations, group size and other social factors, were all concluded to influence reproductive success (RS) in this population. Some females are likely more important than others for the future viability of the population. Consequently, a better knowledge of the demographic groups containing those females showing higher reproductive success would be highly desirable for conservation efforts aimed at their protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like the Republic of South Africa, the United States faces serious challenges regarding fitness to stand trial evaluations, including long waitlists for individuals awaiting such evaluations. Some similarities exist between the RSA and US evaluation systems, including an increasing number of referrals for fitness to stand trial evaluations, limited evaluator resources, and concerns about the significant restrictions on civil liberties for those awaiting evaluation. Recently, the United States has implemented several different solutions to address these issues. These have included broadening the eligibility requirements for fitness to stand trial evaluators, utilizing localized and short-term settings for fitness to stand trial evaluations, and a host of other ideas. This article examines these different solutions, discusses their relevance and potential effectiveness for the RSA evaluation system, and makes recommendations for consideration by policy makers and mental health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the killer whale, known as Orcinus orca and its occurrence in the Moray Firth, Northeast Scotland. Topics discussed include the incidental sightings of this species, its behavioural observations, and photo-identification. Also being discussed are the white-beaked dolphins called Lagenorhynchus albirostris, and annual pupping season of the common seal called Phoca vitulina.

Between 2010 and 2011, an arterial road was constructed within provincially significant wetlands in the South March Highlands (SMH) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The wetlands and adjacent upland areas were determined to be sensitive habitat for Blanding's Turtles ( Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838)) during the approval and permitting process, and a population study was required as part of the road construction project. The study consisted of a 4-year mark-recapture program and a movement study of radio-tagged adult turtles. General findings included the identification of 27 adult males and 55 females and a population estimate of 93 adults (95% Cl: 86-118). A 1:2.32 male to female sex bias was also found. Mean home-range size was 19.06 ha and tagged turtles moved, on average, more per observation in 2013 (191.40 m compared with 89.75 and 123.04 m in 2011 and 2012, respectively). Previously reported differences in movement patterns between males, females, and gravid females were not observed. The SMH Blanding's Turtle population should be closely monitored because urban development continues in the area, which may further reduce the population size. Understanding the biology of imperiled populations across species' ranges is necessary to promote conservation and adaptive wildlife management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental technique is demonstrated, in which the spatial variations of temperature inside a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) can be measured during an NEDC drive cycle. This leads to the development of a methodology which enables more scientific measurements to be performed on such a catalyst when it is connected to a live diesel engine. During hot and cold start NEDC drive cycles, measurements were performed on a Pt on alumina DOC connected to a Ford 2.0 litre diesel engine. Under these transient conditions, emission data was gathered (pre- and post-DOC), and this was also translated into cumulative emissions over the drive cycles. In addition, valuable data was gathered on the spatial temperature variations in the DOC during such a drive cycle and it is shown how, under certain conditions, the temperatures start to increase at the back-end of the catalyst and then move towards the front. This data, in combination with other measurements, helps to understand the performance of the DOC and can also be used to test the robustness of mathematical models of such systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the long distance movements in coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Great Britain and Ireland sites. The study uses photographs of natural markings to examine the potential of common bottlenose dolphins for long distance movements. It reveals evidence for connectivity between areas that have been regarded as discrete. It highlights the need to mitigate broader-scale anthropogenic impacts on dolphins in various sites across their coastal range, as well as the importance of creating wider conservation measures in British and Irish waters.

A descriptive-correlational study of biosolids recycling was conducted in the south-eastern United States to assess current knowledge, attitudes and risk perceptions of participants in two communities that land apply biosolids as part of their waste management programs. One community, Amelia County VA, has been outspoken against biosolids recycling in the past, whereas the second community, Knoxville, TN region, has voiced few concerns about biosolids recycling. Additionally, gender differences within the entire study population were assessed. A 45-question telephone survey, utilizing a 4-point Likert scale, was developed and administered to 311 randomly selected adults in the two regions. Commonalities identified during the study revealed key risk perceptions by the public regarding biosolids regulations, treatment, and application. Given current perceptions and knowledge, respondents felt that the benefits derived from biosolids recycling do not offset the perceived health and safety risks. However, as distance between application and personal property increased, a decrease in opposition of biosolids reuse became evident for all respondents. Survey participants were dissatisfied with the level of stakeholder involvement in research and decision-making processes concerning biosolids. The outspoken Amelia County residents perceived greater health risks due to inadequate treatment of biosolids and odorous emissions during the application process than the less engaged Knox Metro respondents. Significant gender differences were observed with sampled females perceiving greater risks to health and safety from biosolids recycling than males. There was also indication that decisions and risks were not sufficiently communicated to the public, leading to respondents being inadequately informed about biosolids land application in both communities. Community-specific outreach programs must address these public risk perceptions and the differences in perception caused by gender and issue awareness to assist solid waste managers in developing and implementing successful biosolids land application systems that are acceptable to the public. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Nitrobacter spp. ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and transcript (rRNAt) abundance were quantified in a bench scale nitrification reactor during baseline periods of high nitrification efficiency and an intervening staged inhibition event. The transcript to gene ratio (rRNAt/rDNA) was highly sensitive to changes in the reactor nitrite oxidation rate. During high nitrification efficiency, the rRNAt/rDNA metric displayed a range from 0.68 to 2.01 with one-sided (α =0.10) lower and upper prediction intervals of 0.70 and 1.78, respectively. When nitrification was inhibited by disabling the reactor pH control system, this activity metric declined an order of magnitude to ∼0.05, well below the lower prediction interval reflecting high nitrification efficiency. The decline was rapid (2h) and preceded a significant drop in reactor nitrification performance, which occurred as ammonia accumulated. The rRNAt/rDNA ratio remained low (∼0.05) for several days after the pH control system was re-enabled at a setpoint of 8.0, which otherwise induced rapid oxidation of accumulated ammonia and produced high free ammonia concentrations. The timing of a subsequent increase in the rRNAt/rDNA ratio, which transiently exceeded the upper prediction interval established during the baseline period of high nitrification efficiency, was not coincidental with resumption of pH control at 7.2 that lowered free ammonia concentrations to non-inhibitory levels. Rather, nitrite oxidation resumed and the rRNAt/rDNA ratio increased only after oxidation of accumulated ammonia was complete, which was coincidental with reduced reactor oxygen demand. In summary, the Nitrobacter rRNAt/rDNA activity metric reflected timely and easily recognizable changes in nitrite oxidation activity, illustrating that molecular data can be used to diagnose poor biological wastewater treatment performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A population shift of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was described within a bench-scale activated sludge process treating an industrial wastewater in a previous report (Kuo et al. in Environ Eng Sci 23:507–520, 2006). In this investigation, transcriptional levels ( amoA mRNA-based) of the three AOB groups (i.e., RI-27, B2-3, and Nitrosomonas nitrosa) identified in the treatment process were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (RT-PCR) assays to circuitously evaluate AOB ammonia-oxidizing activity and to assess the presumed correlation between cellular activity and the dominant (greatest number) AOB population. Results demonstrated that the AOB group with higher amoA mRNA levels dominated the overall AOB population in the wastewater treatment process. Although AOB population dominance did not correlate well with transcripts at a normalized cellular level ( amoA mRNA/DNA ratio), overall amoA mRNA levels did reflect the activity of distinct AOB groups under different N-loading conditions. Thus, an additional molecular parameter ( amoA mRNA) was successfully utilized to assess timely shifts in AOB population structure that may impact nitrification treatment performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Free ammonia has long been identified as a nitrite oxidation inhibitor. However, past attempts to use this compound to eliminate nitrite oxidation and thereby promote more efficient nitrogen removal strategies during biological wastewater treatment have often failed. Additionally, contradictory results exist in the literature where direct measurements of free ammonia inhibition of nitrite oxidation have been reported. In this study, suspended biomass samples (nitrifier enriched activated sludge) were collected from a bench scale nitrification reactor with Nitrobacter spp. as the dominant nitrite oxidizer and subjected to batch respirometric experiments designed to quantify free ammonia inhibition of nitrite oxidization. A variety of data including ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate conversion rates, oxygen consumption rates, and Nitrobacter ribosomal RNA transcript abundance, a molecular indicator of growth activity, were used to assess nitrite oxidation and growth activity. Both the traditional and molecular activity assessments indicated that free ammonia had a limited inhibitory effect on Nitrobacter spp. In fact, the pH changes necessary to induce high free ammonia concentrations (>10mg-N/L) had a demonstrably more important inhibiting effect on nitrite oxidation than free ammonia. In contrast, during high ammonia oxidizing activity (5.3mg-N/L/h), low nitrite oxidation rates (0.2mg-N/L/h) and severely impaired Nitrobacter spp. growth activity, indicated by a low abundance of the Nitrobacter spp. ribosomal gene transcript relative to the ribosomal gene (0.08), were measured. The findings suggest that pH changes and ammonia oxidizing bacteria activity are more important factors limiting Nitrobacter spp. mediated nitrite oxidation, rather than the free ammonia concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is regarded as notably rare or absent from the northern North Sea, but recent evidence suggests a rising frequency of the species in these waters with increasing regional sea temperatures. The following paper documents the presence of D. delphis in the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland and provides the first evidence for the sustained occurrence of these delphinids in this region during the warmer summer months at least. Sightings were collated during systematic surveys of the outer Moray Firth between 2001 and 2009 by independent research teams from the CRRU and WDCS. A total of 13 encounters (with group sizes ranging from 2 to 450+ animals) were recorded with the species across this period, the first of which was in June 2006, with annual encounters being logged thereafter between the months of May and August from 2007 to 2009 inclusive. The animals were recorded in water depths of 51 to 209 m (mean depth: 88.6+42.2 m) and at a distance from shore of 5 to 32 km (mean distance: 16.6 ± 8.0 km). New born calves were observed in June and July, and photographic recaptures of identifiable 'marked' adults were determined in 2009. The consistent presence of common dolphins in the outer firth post 2005 and the recapture of recognizable individuals suggest a comparatively recent colonization of these waters by the species over a relatively short period of time. The impacts resulting from such a range expansion upon the existing cetacean community and the subsequent implications for management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nitrobacter spp. rRNA gene (rDNA) and relative rRNA transcript abundance (rRNAt/rDNA ratio) were evaluated in response to sudden changes in the nitrite oxidation rate. The rDNA abundance poorly indicated sudden transitions in the rate, whereas the relative rRNAt abundance usually varied quickly and significantly. In response to changes in nitrite concentration, 8 h were required for the rRNAt/rDNA ratio to transition from a minimum value at nitrite starvation (∼0.07) to a maximum value with excess nitrite present (∼4), and 5 h were required for this metric to return to the minimum value after nitrite starvation re-ensued. Generally, the relative rRNAt abundance dropped significantly after 4.5 h of exposure to three different inhibitors. A sharp decline in the rRNAt/rDNA ratio occurred during exposure to 3,5-DCP (from 4 down to 0.2) even as the fractional inhibition level remained low (<0.10); the minimum ratio value was observed when nitrite oxidation was completely inhibited. The ratio decreased significantly during exposure to azide (from 4 to 0.5) and H+ (from 2 to 0.2), but only when the fractional inhibition levels were high (>0.8). Interestingly, when the pH was suddenly changed to 4.5, inhibiting nitrite oxidation completely, the rRNAt/rDNA metric did not decline suggesting that rRNAt processing was inhibited. This effect was not observed during severe inhibition with 3,5-DCP and azide. Overall, the findings indicate the relative rRNAt abundance can be used to closely track in situ Nitrobacter spp. activity and in most instances will reveal inhibition events with the potential to impact treatment performance in reactors where Nitrobacter spp. are dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bench-scale activated-sludge system, consisting of four treatment trains operating at solids retention times (SRTs) of 2, 5, 10, and 20 days, was used to study effects of SRT on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) population structure dynamics during industrial wastewater processing under two different influent ammonium levels (low-N: 20.2 ± 5.9 mg/L NH3-N, and high-N: 54.9 ± 10.0 mg/L NH3-N). Based on sequence analysis of the amoA gene, three distinct AOB groups including Nitrosomonas nitrosa[AJ238495], uncultured AOB RI-27 [AF532311], and uncultured AOB B2–3 [AF293067] were identified in the activated sludge from this experimental system. Specific real-time PCR assays using TaqMan® probes were used to quantify these three AOB groups. Results indicated that N. nitrosa (3.4 × 109 cells/L) and RI-27 (5.3 × 109 cells/L) were the dominant AOB in the activated sludge used to seed the reactors. The RI-27 group remained dominant in the 5-, 10-, and 20-day SRT trains (≍1.0–6.4 × 1010 cells/L) under both low-N and high-N conditions while the N. nitrosa group became a minor component of the AOB population. In contrast, the B2–3 group population in the 2-day SRT train significantly increased (5.8 ± 3.8 × 109 cells/L) under high-N condition, and thus dominated the overall AOB population. These results suggest that the operating parameters, SRT, and ammonium loading, may produce selective pressures on the AOB population structure during wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nitrobacter ribosomal RNA transcript (rRNAt) abundance reflected nitrite oxidizing activity in a bench-scale nitrification reactor (BSNR) biomass. A newly designed real-time PCR detection system targeting the Nitrobacter 16S–23S intergenic spacer region (ISR) was used to assess transcript levels. In a batch nitrite oxidation experiment, the Nitrobacter rRNAt abundance varied dramatically (32-fold) as the growth prospect changed from unfavorable (nitrite starvation: 4.21 ± 0.85 × 108 copies/L), to favorable (excess nitrite: 1.35 ± 0.24 × 1010 copies/L), and back to unfavorable (nitrite starvation: 5.88 ± 1.01 × 108 copies/L) over a 15-h time period. The Nitrobacter ribosomal gene (rDNA) abundance varied comparatively little (less than twofold) during this time. Further, when nitrifying activity was pH inhibited in the BSNR, the Nitrobacter rRNAt abundance varied significantly (35-fold) as the growth prospect changed from unfavorable (pH 6.2: 3.71 ± 1.35 × 108 copies/L) to favorable (pH 7.2: 1.29 ± 0.16 × 1010 copies/L), while the Nitrobacter rDNA abundance again varied comparatively little (less than twofold). The results indicate that real-time PCR is better suited to measure activity rather than population changes in slow growing bacteria such as nitrite oxidizers. Utilization of rRNAt as an in situ measure of nitrite oxidizing activity could be used to improve the implementation of traditional nitrification, where high NOB activity is promoted, as well as alternate N-conversion pathways which suppress nitrite oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Batch test were performed to assess nitrite removal, nitrate formation, CO2 fixation, gaseous nitrogen production and microbial density in activated sludge exposed to volatile fatty acid (VFA) mixtures. Nitrite removal and nitrate formation were both affected by the presence of VFAs, but to different degrees. Nitrate formation rates were reduced to a greater extent (79%) than nitrite removal rates (36%) resulting in an apparent unbalanced nitrite oxidation reaction. Since the total bacterial density and the nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB, Nitrospira) concentration remained essentially constant under all test conditions, the reduction in rates was not due to heterotrophic uptake of nitrogen or to a decrease in the NOB population. In contrast to the nitrogen results, VFAs were not found to impact CO2 fixation efficiency. It appeared that nitrite oxidation occurred when VFAs were present since the oxidation of nitrite provides energy for CO2 fixation. However, nitrate produced from the oxidation of nitrite was reduced to gaseous nitrogen products. N2O gas was detected in the presence of VFAs which was a clear indication that VFAs stimulated an alternative pathway, such as aerobic denitrification, during biotransformation of nitrogen in activated sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Frequently MRI data is characterised by a relatively low signal to noise ratio (SNR) or contrast to noise ratio (CNR). When developing automated Computer Assisted Diagnostic (CAD) techniques the errors introduced by the image noise are not acceptable. Thus, to limit these errors, a solution is to filter the data in order to increase the SNR. More importantly, the image filtering technique should be able to reduce the level of noise, but not at the expense of feature preservation. In this paper we detail the implementation of a number of 3D diffusion-based filtering techniques and we analyse their performance when they are applied to a large collection of MR datasets of varying type and quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The downhill filter is an elegant and efficient single pass reconstruction algorithm which demonstrates fast and consistent performance. It operates through a controlled process of region growing by ordered aggregation of surface pixels onto an expanding shell. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses the U.S. constitutional rule that require the government to prove beyond reasonable doubt every element of the crime with which a defendant is charged or else, the defendant must be acquitted. Description of how a legislature defines the element of a crime; Purpose of the use of a presumption in a prosecution; Review of some court cases.

Evaluates the biodegradation of toluene and cometabolism of trichloroethylene (TCE) in batch systems. Extent of TCE cometabolism; Relationship between toluene-TCE degradation and bioluminescence production for P; Microbial oxidation.

Focuses on the evaluation of organic-hexavalent-uranium [U(VI) complexation on U(VI) reduction by a sulfate-reduction bacterium (Desulfovibrio desulfuricans) and an iron-reducing bacterium (Shewanella alga). Identification of the ligands which were used to study complexed-uranium bioavailability; Variation of the trends in uranium reduction; Description of the reduction from multidentate aliphatic complexes.

This article describes an architecture flow optimization (AFO) method for naval ship system design. AFO is a network-based method. It is used to design and analyze naval ship Mission, Power, and Energy Systems (MPES) in a naval ship Concept and Requirements Exploration (C&RE) process at a sufficient level of detail to better understand system energy flow, define MPES architecture and sizing, reduce system vulnerability, and improve system reliability. This method decomposes MPES into three architectures: logical, physical, and operational which describe the system's spatial, functional, and temporal characteristics, respectively. Using this framework, the AFO incorporates system topologies, input/output energy coefficient component models, preliminary arrangements, and (nominal and damaged) steady-state operational scenarios into a linear optimization method to minimize the energy flow cost required to satisfy all operational scenario demands and constraints. AFO results are used to inform system topology design and assess the feasibly and survivability of representative designs in the C&RE process. AFO results may also be used in physicsbased vital component sizing, calculation of vulnerability/effectiveness metrics in the C&RE process, and subsequent linear optimization formulations to assess recoverability and operational effectiveness in the time domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a summary of the article `Reconstruction of the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments After Knee Dislocation: Use of Early Protected Postoperative Motion to Decrease Arthrofibrosis,' by F.R. Noyes and S.D. Barber-Westin which was published in the `American Journal of Sports Medicine' dated 1997.

Presents an abstract of the article `Arthroscopic Evaluation of Meniscal Repairs: Factors That Effect Healing,' by J. Tenuta and R. Arciero in a 1994 issue of `American Journal of Sports Medicine'.

Presents an abstract of the article `The Effect of Physiotherapy on Standing Balance in Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Insufficiency,' by R. Zatterstrom, T. Friden and A. Lindstrand that appeared in the `The American Journal of Sports Medicine' periodical. Deterioration of standing balance after training period; Clinical signs of meniscal or collateral ligament injuries.

On 25 March 2008, a stranded Cuvier's beaked whale was discovered on the southern coast of the Moray Firth in north-east Scotland. Whilst strandings of the species are not uncommon in Scotland, the vast majority occur along the Atlantic coasts to the west of Scotland and Ireland. By comparison, records from the North Sea coast are notably absent, and this event is believed to be the first documented stranding of a Ziphius cavirostris from this mainland coastal region until now. Due to the severe state of decomposition of the specimen, no necropsy was made and therefore the cause of death could not be determined. However, this event may have been linked to a number of other beaked whale strandings in Scotland at this time. Whilst the North Sea region is considered to be an entrapment area for several species of oceanic whale, the Cuvier's beaked whale is rarely thought to travel far enough north to enter this trap. However, the phenology of these and other recent Cuvier's beaked whale strandings would suggest a possible northern range expansion for this species in UK waters, which may explain the increasing number of incidental events now being observed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on Humpback whales like other rorquals, possess ventral pleats that allow them to engulf large volumes of water, dense with prey through an efficient lunging action. Topics include examines this feeding method is implemented by humpback whales in various ways by different populations that show behavioral plasticity between geographical locations.

Presents a summary of the article `The Strain Behavior of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament During Squatting and Active Flexion-Extension: A Comparison of an Open and a Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise,' by B.D. Beynnon, R.J. Johnson and B.C. Fleming which was published in the `American Journal of Sports Medicine' dated 1997.

Presents an abstract of the article `Diagnosis of Glenoid Labral Tears: A Comparison Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Examinations,' by S.H. Liu, M.H. Henry et al originally published in `Am J Sports Med.' in 1996.

Presents an abstract on the report `Nonoperative Treatment of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in a Selected Group of Patients,' by D.D. Buss, R. Min, M. Skyhar et al, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Objectives: With the advent of new optical technologies, early pharyngolaryngeal cancerous lesions can be better visualized. Although the conventional transnasal approach offers great views of the hypopharynx and larynx, the visualization of the oropharynx and palatine tonsils is limited. Through the transoral insertion of a flexible video‐laryngoscope, direct views of the oropharynx and oral cavity can be obtained. Thus, transoral examination may contribute to primary detection of cancers of unknown primary (CUP). Methods: Eighty‐five CUP patients from Tokai University were included retrospectively in this study, from 2006 to 2017. Starting in 2010, we employed the transoral examination in addition to our conventional method. The primary detection rates were compared before and after 2010. Oropharyngeal primaries were further analyzed for tumor subsite and p16 status. Results: The overall primary detection rate did not improve with the addition of transoral examination. However, greater numbers of oropharyngeal primaries were detected. The oropharyngeal lesions detected by transoral examination were mainly p16 positive, located on the palatine tonsil. Conclusion: Transoral examination is a noninvasive, easy method to adopt in an outpatient setting, and a promising technique to improve tumor detection in this era of human papillomavirus‐associated head and neck cancers. Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: TP53 alterations portend extremely poor prognosis in patients with mantle cell lymphoma treated with standard treatment modalities. We reviewed outcomes of 42 patients with available TP53 status who had received a reduced‐intensity or non‐myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant at our institution. We demonstrated a 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival of 78% [95% confidence interval (CI) 60–88] and 61% (95% CI 43–75), respectively. The 2‐year cumulative incidences of relapse and non‐relapse mortality were 19% and 20%, respectively. Importantly, there is no significant difference among patients with and without TP53 alterations, suggesting for the first time a beneficial treatment modality for these high‐risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is relatively little research in the literature on insanity acquittees as compared with the large number of studies focused on the supervision and treatment of probationers and parolees with mental illness. Ideally, the latter literature could be successfully applied to insanity acquittees discharged from an inpatient hospital on "conditional release." This article describes the challenges faced by persons on conditional release as well as the gaps in extant conditional release literature. Then, five evidence-based models for the supervision and/or treatment of probationers and parolees with mental illness are applied to a theoretical conditionally released population (mental health courts, forensic assertive community treatment teams, the risk-need-responsivity model, informed supervision practices, and HOPE probation). Benefits and limitations are noted, and recommendations for such crossover are given. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which was conducted to investigate the effect performance jewelry embedded with a hologram and negative ions had on maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max), Vo2 at ventilatory threshold (Vo2VT), or heart rate at ventilatory threshold (HRVT) measured with metabolic gas exchange. Researchers evaluated the jewelry with eight male and 10 female subjects and found that it had no impact on any of the factors which they investigated or exercise endurance.

The distribution, movements and abundance of highly mobile marine species such as bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are best studied at large spatial scales, but previous research effort has generally been focused on relatively small areas, occupied by populations with high site fidelity., We aimed to characterize the distribution, movements and abundance of bottlenose dolphins around the coasts of Scotland, exploring how data from multiple sources could be integrated to build a broader-scale picture of their ecology., We reviewed existing historical data, integrated data from ongoing studies and developed new collaborative studies to describe distribution patterns. We adopted a Bayesian multi-site mark-recapture model to estimate abundance of bottlenose dolphins throughout Scottish coastal waters and quantified movements of individuals between study areas., The majority of sightings of bottlenose dolphins around the Scottish coastline are concentrated on the east and west coasts, but records are rare before the 1990s. Dedicated photo-identification studies in 2006 and 2007 were used to estimate the size of two resident populations: one on the east coast from the Moray Firth to Fife, population estimate 195 [95% highest posterior density intervals ( HPDI): 162-253] and the second in the Hebrides, population estimate 45 (95% HPDI: 33-66). Interaction parameters demonstrated that the dolphins off the east coast of Scotland are highly mobile, whereas those off the west coast form two discrete communities., We provide the first comprehensive assessment of the abundance of bottlenose dolphins in the inshore waters of Scotland. The combination of dedicated photo-identification studies and opportunistic sightings suggest that a relatively small number of bottlenose dolphins (200-300 individuals) occur regularly in Scottish coastal waters. On both east and west coasts, re-sightings of identifiable individuals indicate that the animals have been using these coastal areas since studies began. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology was developed, which helped to investigate the 'light-oft' characteristics of a real diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) while it was connected to a diesel engine. As a demonstration of the technique, trials were performed on a Ford 2.0 L engine, with a Pt on -γalumina DOC (o.d.=106 mm; length=114 mm). By operating the engine at a constant speed (e.g. 2000 rpm), it was shown that when the engine torque was varied (e.g. from 5 to 47 N m), the gas inlet temperature to the DOC could also be varied (e.g. from 146 to 285 °C), while the gas composition and the mass flow of gas remained relatively constant-this enabled more scientific studies of catalyst 'light-off' to be performed on a real exhaust system. Experiments were also performed with higher background levels of a reactant (e.g. CO concentrations = 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm), and hysteresis between 'light-off and 'light-down' was observed. It was also shown how valuable additional information may be obtained from experiments using a thin-slice DOC (o.d. = 106 mm; length = 5 mm), and the CO inhibition effect was demonstrated on a real engine exhaust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African American faith-based institutions are not necessarily equipped to balance their moral and spiritual missions and interpretation of religious doctrine with complex health issues such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). YOUR Blessed Health (YBH) is a faith-based, six-month pilot project designed to increase the capacity of faith-based institutions and faith leaders to address HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STls) in 11- to 19-year-old African Americans. In addition to increasing the knowledge and skills of young people, the intervention seeks to change churches' norms to provide more open settings where young people can talk with faith leaders about sex, relationships, STIs, and HIV/AIDS. YBH expands the roles of adult faith leaders, particularly pastors' spouses, to include health education as they implement the intervention in their congregations and communities. The intervention includes a flexible menu of activities for faith leaders to select from according to their institutional beliefs, doctrines, and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first seven months of 2008, eighteen Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), four Sowerby's beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens), five unidentified beaked whales and twenty-nine long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) were reported stranded in the UK and Ireland. Decomposition of those animals investigated puts the predicted time of death at mid-January. Concerns that an unusual mortality event had taken place prompted further investigations. Most carcasses were too decomposed for necropsy. A summary of findings is presented here. Although the initial stranding of five Cuvier's beaked whales in Scotland shared some similarities with atypical mass stranding events linked in time and space to mid-frequency naval sonars, there were two important differences with the remaining strandings during this period. First, the geographical range of the event was very wide and second, the strandings occurred over a prolonged period of several months. Both of these factors could be related to the fact that the mortalities occurred offshore and the carcasses drifted ashore. The cause(s) of this high number of strandings of mixed offshore cetacean species during this period remain undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two alloyed ohmic contact structures for AlGaN/GaN–Ti/Al/Ti/Au and Ti/Al/Mo/Au were studied. Both structures were optimized for minimum ohmic contact resistance. Structures grown on sapphire and SiC substrates were used to investigate structural properties of ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN. Ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN on SiC showed higher contact resistance values compared to contacts to AlGaN/GaN on sapphire. Ohmic contact metals were etched on samples after annealing. The alloyed interface was studied with backside illumination under an optical microscope. Alloyed inclusions associated with threading dislocations were observed on the surface. For the AlGaN/GaN on SiC sample the inclusion density was an order of magnitude lower than for the sample on sapphire. Conductive atomic force microscopy with carbon nanotube tip was used to investigate topography and conductivity profile of the surface after ohmic contact metal removal by etching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ammonia-oxidizing bacterial populations in an industrial wastewater treatment plant were investigated with amoA and 16S rRNA gene real-time PCR assays. Nitrosomonas nitrosa initially dominated, but over time RI-27-type ammonia oxidizers, also within the Nitrosomonas communis lineage, increased from below detection to codominance. This shift occurred even though nitrification remained constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to determine the power of discrimination of the real-time PCR assay for monitoring fluctuations in microbial populations within activated sludge and to identify sample processing points where methodological changes are needed to minimize the variability in target quantification. DNA was extracted using a commercially available kit from mixed liquor samples taken from the aeration tank of four bench-scale activated-sludge reactors operating at 2-, 5-, 10-, and 20-day solid retention times, with mixedliquor volatile suspended solid (MLVSS) values ranging from 260 to 2,610 mg/liter. Real-time PCR assays for bacterial and Nitrospira 16S rRNA genes were chosen because they represent, respectively, a highly abundant and a less-abundant bacterial target subject to clustering within the activated sludge matrix. The mean coefficient of variation in DNA yields (measured as microgram of DNA per milligram of MLVSS) in triplicate extractions of 12 different samples was 12.2%. Based on power analyses, the variability associated with DNA extraction had a small impact on the overall variability of the real-time PCR assay. Instead, a larger variability was associated with the PCR assay. The less-abundant target (Nitrospira 16S rRNA gene) had more variability than the highly abundant target (bacterial 16S rRNA gene), and samples from the lower-biomass reactors had more variability than samples from the higher-biomass reactors. Power analysis of real-time PCR assays indicated that three to five samples were necessary to detect a twofold increase in bacterial 16S rRNA genes, whereas three to five samples were required to detect a fivefold increase in Nitrospira 16S rRNA genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time PCR assays using TaqMan or Molecular Beacon probes were developed and optimized for the quantification of total bacteria, the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Nitrospira, and Nitrosomonas oligotropha-like ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) using a single-sludge nitrification process. The targets for the real-time PCR assays were the 16S rRNA genes (16S rDNA) for bacteria and Nitrospira spp. and the amoA gene for N. oligotropha. A previously reported assay for AOB 16S rDNA was also tested for its application to activated sludge. The Nitrospira 16S rDNA, AOB 16S rDNA, and N. oligotropha-like amoA assays were loglinear over 6 orders of magnitude and the bacterial 16S rDNA real-time PCR assay was log-linear over 4 orders of magnitude with DNA standards. When these real-time PCR assays were applied to DNA extracted from MLSS, dilution of the DNA extracts was necessary to prevent PCR inhibition. The optimal DNA dilution range was broad for the bacterial 16S rDNA (1000-fold) and Nitrospira 16S rDNA assays (2500-fold) but narrow for the AOB 16S rDNA assay (10-fold) and N. oligotrophalike amoA real-time PCR assay (5-fold). In twelve MLSS samples collected over one year, mean cell per L values were 4.3 ± 2.0 × 10[sup 11] for bacteria, 3.7 ± 3.2 × 10[sup 10] for Nitrospira, 1.2 ± 0.9 × 10[sup 10] for all AOB, and 7.5 ± 6.0 × 10[sup 9] for N. oligotropha-like AOB. The percent of the nitrifying population was 1.7% N. oligotropha-like AOB based on the N. oligotropha amoA assay, 2.9% total AOB based on the AOB 16S rDNA assay, and 8.6% nitriteoxidizing bacteria based on the Nitrospira 16S rDNA assay. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in the wastewater treatment plant were estimated to oxidize 7.7 ± 6.8 fmol/hr/cell based on the AOB 16S rDNA assay and 12.4 ± 7.3 fmol/hr/cell based on the N. oligotropha amoA assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the quantification of Nitrosomonas oligotropha-like ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Verification of Nitrospira 16S ribosomal DNA by DNA sequencing; Assessment on the comparative compositions of nitrifying bacterial populations in wastewater treatment systems; Efforts to alleviate aquatic toxicity and high oxygen demand in water.