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Abstract: A fast random walk (FRW) algorithm is adapted to compute diffusion-weighted NMR signals in a Menger sponge which is formed by multiple channels of broadly distributed sizes and often considered as a model for soils and porous materials. The self-similar structure of a Menger sponge allows for rapid simulations that were not feasible by other numerical techniques. The role of multiple length scales on diffusion-weighted NMR signals is investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The genetically modified maize MON89034 × MON88017 expresses different crystal (Cry) proteins with pesticidal activity against the European corn borer (Cry1.105; Cry2Ab2) and the Western corn root worm (Cry3Bb1). Non-target organisms, such as soil nematodes, might be exposed to the Cry proteins that enter the soil in course of crop growing. Therefore, the risk of those proteins for nematodes was assessed by testing their toxic effects on Caenorhabditis elegans. All three insecticidal Cry proteins showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on C. elegans reproduction (EC50: 0.12–0.38 μmol L−1), however, at concentrations that were far above the expected soil concentrations. Moreover, a reduced toxicity was observed when Cry proteins were added jointly. A C. elegans mutant strain deficient for receptors for the nematicidal Cry5B was also resistant against Cry1.105 and Cry2Ab2, suggesting that these Cry proteins bound to the same or similar receptors as nematicidal Cry proteins and thereby affect the reproduction of C. elegans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents some forecasting techniques for energy demand and price prediction, one day ahead. These techniques combine wavelet transform (WT) with fixed and adaptive machine learning/time series models (multi-layer perceptron (MLP), radial basis functions, linear regression, or GARCH). To create an adaptive model, we use an extended Kalman filter or particle filter to update the parameters continuously on the test set. The adaptive GARCH model is a new contribution, broadening the applicability of GARCH methods. We empirically compared two approaches of combining the WT with prediction models: multicomponent forecasts and direct forecasts. These techniques are applied to large sets of real data (both stationary and non-stationary) from the UK energy markets, so as to provide comparative results that are statistically stronger than those previously reported. The results showed that the forecasting accuracy is significantly improved by using the WT and adaptive models. The best models on the electricity demand/gas price forecast are the adaptive MLP/GARCH with the multicomponent forecast; their NMSEs are 0.02314 and 0.15384 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the case of a patient with a first rib fracture discovered with advanced imaging once the patient did not respond to an initial course of care. Clinical Features: A 24-year-old otherwise healthy male electrician had medial scapular, upper thoracic, and sternal pain while using a power drill in the overhead position. Intervention and Outcome: An initial trial of treatments consisting of spinal manipulation and modalities failed to alleviate the patient's symptoms. Chiropractic treatment was discontinued and further diagnostic testing with advanced imaging was performed. Once the pathology was identified, the patient was placed on light duty at work with restrictions limiting overhead activities. No other treatment was rendered. The patient was symptom-free approximately 10 months after the onset of pain. Conclusions: Patients with complaints of spine and scapular pain may commonly present to a chiropractor for care. When these types of symptoms do not respond to conservative therapy, other causes should be investigated. In this case, the patient's symptoms resulted from a nontraumatic fracture of the first rib. First rib fractures should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with upper quadrant pain that is not responsive to conservative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Small-scale laboratory microcosms (30g soil in 50ml tubes) were evaluated for their suitability to assess the impact of chemicals on in situ soil nematode communities. For this purpose, appropriate conditions in the microcosms were explored to ensure stable conditions and a homogenous distribution of the nematodes. Then, the microcosms were used to assess the toxicity of insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry3Bb1) present in genetically modified maize (MON89034×MON88017) on in situ nematode communities. Highly abundant and genus rich nematode communities could be maintained over a period of 12weeks. Due to a low variance between the replicates of the treatments, low detection limits could be achieved. Using meaningful stress indices, such as the maturity indices, the microcosm study revealed dose-dependent effects of the insecticidal Cry proteins that could be verified as toxic effects by comparing with effects of two positive controls (Cu, nematicidal Cry5B). Moreover, toxic effects could be differentiated from organic enrichment effects that were induced by the addition of plant material. With a NOECCommunity of 0.1mgkg−1 dry wt, the nematode communities reacted considerably more sensitive to the Cry proteins than a single-species nematode toxicity test (NOEC: 29mgl−1). The small-scale microcosm set-up turned out to be a suitable, low-budget tool for assessing the toxicity of chemicals on soil nematodes on community level, representing a link between single-species toxicity tests and large scale outdoor mesocosms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]