cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness of Rubber and Polymer Modified Asphalt Mixtures

Load associated fatigue cracking is one of the major distress types occurring in flexible pavements. Flexural bending beam fatigue laboratory test has been used for several decades and is considered an integral part of the Superpave advanced characterization procedure. One of the most significant solutions to prolong the fatigue life for an asphaltic mixture is to add flexible materials such as rubber or polymers to the asphalt mixture. A laboratory testing program was performed on three gap-graded mixtures: unmodified, asphalt rubber (AR), and polymer-modified. Strain controlled fatigue tests were conducted according to the AASHTO T321-14 procedure. The results from the beam fatigue tests indicated that the AR and polymer-modified gap graded mixtures would have much longer fatigue lives compared to the reference (unmodified) mixture. In addition, a mechanistic analysis using 3D-Move software coupled with a cost-effectiveness analysis study based on the fatigue performance on the three mixtures were performed. Overall, the analysis showed that the AR and polymer-modified asphalt mixtures exhibited significantly higher cost-effectiveness compared to unmodified HMA mixture. Although AR and polymer-modification increases the cost of the material, the analysis showed that they are more cost effective than the unmodified mixture.
A preliminary report of cerebral white matter microstructural changes associated with adolescent sports concussion acutely and subacutely using diffusion tensor imaging

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has demonstrated its utility in detecting microscopic post-concussion cerebral white matter structural changes, which are not routinely evident on conventional neuroimaging modalities. In this study, we compared 10 adolescents with sports concussion (SC) to 12 orthopedically-injured (OI) individuals within 96 h and three months post injury to 12 typically-developing (TD) participants using DTI and volumetric analyses. In terms of volume, no group differences were noted between SC, OI and TD groups at both 96 h and three months post concussion. Results did not show significant differences between SC, OI, and TD groups for both fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in all regions of interest within 96 h post concussion. However, at three months post-injury, the SC group exhibited significantly lower FA than the TD group in various regions of interest. In terms of ADC, significant group differences between SC and TD groups were found in some regions, with SC group having higher ADC than TD. No group differences for FA and ADC were noted between SC and OI groups at three months post-injury. However, several moderate effect sizes on between-group analyses were noted such that FA was lower and ADC was higher in SC relative to OI. Longitudinally, the SC group demonstrated decreased FA and increased ADC in some areas. The findings highlight the fact that the brain continues to change during the post-injury recovery period, and raises the possibility that adverse changes may result from the neurometabolic cascade that purportedly ensues following SC. DTI may potentially be used to characterize the nature of brain changes that occur following sports-related concussions.
Reduced interhemispheric executive control network coupling in men during early cocaine abstinence: A pilot study

Abstract Background Individuals who use cocaine have fewer cognitive resources needed to maintain abstinence. This is evidenced by blunted brain function during cognitive control tasks and reduced communication between brain regions associated with cognitive function. For instance, relapse vulnerability is heightened in individuals with less communication between the right and left frontoparietal executive control network (ECN). Given that recent cocaine use enhances such communication, it is plausible that recency of cocaine use influences interhemispheric ECN communication. However, it is unclear whether ECN communication weakens over the course of early cocaine abstinence, which may then enhance relapse risk. Methods In ten men with cocaine use disorder, we conducted a preliminary assessment of the relationship between the number of days since last cocaine use (1–3 days) and interhemispheric ECN coupling using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results Reduced interhemispheric ECN coupling was associated with increasing days since last cocaine use; weaker coupling was also associated with lower urine cocaine metabolite concentrations. This association was more prominent in prefrontal than parietal ECN-subregions. Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that resting state interhemispheric ECN coupling weakens within the first few days following last cocaine use. Because of the known link between reduced ECN interhemispheric coupling and relapse vulnerability, these results suggest that relapse risk may increase the longer an individual abstains during an early quit attempt. Treatments focused on reversing this coupling deficit may facilitate abstinence.
Shoulder Soft Tissue Pathology

Shoulder pain is an extremely common presenting complaint to primary care physicians. The etiology is broad, and reaching the correct diagnosis can be challenging. Some of the more common causes of shoulder pain are adhesive capsulitis, biceps tendinopathy, acromioclavicular joint pain, and rotator cuff pathology. Here we review the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment algorithms for these familiar causes of shoulder pain. In many cases, a trial of conservative treatment is utilized and is often successful. Surgery is usually reserved for refractory cases, with some exceptions as discussed in this chapter.
Vaccine financing and billing in practices serving adult patients: A follow-up survey.

Abstract Background Financial concerns are often cited by physicians as a barrier to administering routinely recommended vaccines to adults. The purpose of this study was to assess perceived payments and profit from administering recommended adult vaccines and vaccine purchasing practices among general internal medicine (GIM) and family medicine (FM) practices in the United States. Methods We conducted an interviewer-administered survey from January-June 2014 of practices stratified by specialty (FM or GIM), affiliation (standalone or ≥ 2 practice sites), and level of financial decision-making (independent or larger system level) in FM and GIM practices that responded to a previous survey on adult vaccine financing and provided contact information for follow-up. Practice personnel identified as knowledgeable about vaccine financing and billing responded to questions about payments relative to vaccine purchase price and payment for vaccine administration, perceived profit on vaccination, claim denial, and utilization of various purchasing strategies for private vaccine stocks. Survey items on payment and perceived profit were assessed for various public and private payer types. Descriptive statistics were calculated and responses compared by physician specialty, practice affiliation, and level of financial decision-making. Results Of 242 practices approached, 43% (n = 104) completed the survey. Reported payment levels and perceived profit varied by payer type. Only for preferred provider organizations did a plurality of respondents report profiting on adult vaccination services. Over half of respondents reported losing money vaccinating adult Medicaid beneficiaries. One-quarter to one-third of respondents reported not knowing about Medicare Part D payment levels for vaccine purchase and vaccine administration, respectively. Few respondents reported negotiating with manufacturers or insurance plans on vaccine purchase prices or payments for vaccination. Conclusions Practices vaccinating adults may benefit from education and technical assistance related to vaccine financing and billing and greater use of purchasing strategies to decrease upfront vaccine cost.
Sociotechnical Reasons for the De-Evolution of Statistical Process Control

Increasing pressure on high-volume manufacturing companies competing in a global market may cause degradation in procedural compliance when compliance and production schedules conflict. With statistical process control (SPC), out-of-control conditions f..
The Potential Role of Topoisomerase II Inhibition in Hydroquinone-Induced Alterations in the Maturation of Mouse Myeloblasts

The mechanism by which exposure to the industrial solvent benzene (BZ) can result in aplastic anemia or leukemia (see Snyder and Kalf, 1994 for review) has been under intensive investigation. Topoisomerase (topo) II inhibitors are used clinically as cancer chemotherapeutic agents and can also lead to secondary AML (see Felix, 1998; Leone et al., 1999 for review). Hydroquinone (HQ), a hematotoxic metabolite of BZ, has been shown to inhibit purified human topo II (Hutt and Kalf, 1996; Frantz et al., 1996). It has therefore been suggested that some of the hematotoxic effects of BZ may be mediated by the ability of some of its metabolites to inhibit topo II activity (Whysner, 2000). In the studies presented here a normal, IL-3 dependent mouse myeloblast cell line (32D.3 (G)) was used to determine whether the hematotoxic effects of BZ may result from inhibition of topo II by HQ. The 32D.3 (G) myeloblasts undergo differentiation and maturation to neutrophils upon treatment with the physiological inducer, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (Metcalf, 1985; Valtieri et al., 1987). In this system HQ treatment inhibits apoptosis, induces differentiation of myeloblasts to the myelocyte stage, and blocks maturation to the neutrophil (Hazel et al., 1995), a series of events similar to those observed in AML, which is characterized by clonal expansion of immature granulocytes (Lowenberg and Delwel, 1991). There is evidence linking topo II activity to differentiation and maturation in the HL-60, human leukemia cell line. In this system 3-nitrobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium, an inhibitor of topo II activity, has been shown to induce incomplete myeloid differentiation (Baez and Sepulveda, 1992).
Analysis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Sequence Data Using BioEdit

In this experiment, the freeware Biological sequence editor (BioEdit) software or a similar software package will be used to analyze mitochondrial DNA or other sequence electropherograms. Initially, widely-available sequences will be used and may be supplemented by data from the instructor. Base assignments will be verified and any unassigned bases will be called. The readable sequence will be assigned and the presence of a mixture or heteroplasmy will be evaluated. For provided mitochondrial DNA sequences the sequences of the highly variable (HV) I, II, and III regions will be assigned and the differences in the nucleotide sequence will be compared to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS) and noted.
Syntactic Projection and Licensing

The development of X-bar theory and the subsequent elimination of phrase structure rules from the base component of the grammar came about as a direct result of investigations of properties of lexical items. As discoveries were made about lexical properties, information formerly thought to be explicitly stated in the syntactic component was found to be redundant with lexical information.
Erstes Kapitel. Die natürlichen Zahlen

Die Zahlen sind die Grundlage der modernen Mathematik. Aber was sind Zahlen? Was bedeutet etwa die Aussage \(\frac{1} {2} + \frac{1} {2}\) = 1, \(\frac{1} {2}\)·\(\frac{1} {2}\) = \(\frac{1} {4}\) oder (− 1) (− 1) = 1? Wir lernen in der Schule die mechanischen Rechenregeln fur Bruche und negative Zahlen, aber um das Zahlensystem wirklich zu verstehen, mussen wir auf einfachere Elemente zuruckgreifen. Wahrend die Griechen die geometrischen Begriffe Punkt und Gerade zur Grundlage ihrer Mathematik wahlten, ist es heute zum Leitprinzip geworden, das alle mathematischen Aussagen letzten Endes auf Aussagen uber die naturlichen Zahlen 1,2,3, … zuruckfuhrbar sein mussen. „Die ganzen Zahlen hat Gott gemacht, alles ubrige ist Menschenwerk.“ Mit diesen Worten bezeichnete LEOPOLD KRONECKER (1823–1891) den sicheren Grund, auf dem der Bau der Mathematik errichtet werden kann.
Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) on R0 resection rate for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreas cancer.

370Background: Management for borderline resectable pancreas cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreas cancer (LAPC) is controversial. Multiagent chemotherapy (CT) followed by SBRT may allow for ...
Automatic trajectory and instrument planning for robot-assisted spine surgery

Purpose. We report the initial implementation of an algorithm that automatically plans screw trajectories for spinal pedicle screw placement procedures to improve the workflow, accuracy, and reproducibility of screw placement in freehand navigated and robot-assisted spinal pedicle screw surgery. In this work, we evaluate the sensitivity of the algorithm to the settings of key parameters in simulation studies. Methods. Statistical shape models (SSMs) of the lumbar spine were constructed with segmentations of L1-L5 and bilateral screw trajectories of N=40 patients. Active-shape model (ASM) registration was devised to map the SSMs to the patient CT, initialized simply by alignment of (automatically annotated) single-point vertebral centroids. The atlas was augmented by definition of “ideal / reference” trajectories for each spinal pedicle, and the trajectories are deformably mapped to the patient CT. A parameter sensitivity analysis for the ASM method was performed on 3 parameters to determine robust operating points for ASM registration. The ASM method was evaluated by calculating the root-mean-square-error between the registered SSM and the ground-truth segmentation for the L1 vertebra, and the trajectory planning method was evaluated by performing a leave-one-out analysis and determining the entry point, end point, and angular differences between the automatically planned trajectories and the neurosurgeon-defined reference trajectories. Results. The parameter sensitivity analysis showed that the ASM registration algorithm was relatively insensitive to initial profile length (PLinitial) less than ~4 mm, above which runtime and registration error increased. Similarly stable performance was observed for a maximum number of principal components (PCmax) of at least 8. Registration error ~2 mm was evident with diminishing return beyond a number of iterations, Niter, ~2000. With these parameter settings, ASM registration of L1 achieved (2.0 ± 0.5) mm RMSE. Transpedicle trajectories for L1 agreed with reference definition by (2.6 ± 1.3) mm at the entry point, by (3.4 ± 1.8) mm at the end point, and within (4.9° ±2.8°) in angle. Conclusions. Initial results suggest that the algorithm yields accurate definition of pedicle trajectories in unsegmented CT images of the spine. The studies identified stable operating points for key algorithm parameters and support ongoing development and translation to clinical studies in free-hand navigated and robot-assisted spine surgery, where fast, accurate trajectory definition is essential to workflow.
An Evaluation of the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Speech/Language Variant

Background The Movement Disorder Society clinical criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) provide a framework for assessing the presence/severity of clinical symptoms and define a speech/language variant of PSP. Objectives To evaluate the clinical criteria in a cohort of speech/language patients with longitudinal follow-up. Methods A total of 52 patients presenting with progressive apraxia of speech and/or agrammatic aphasia were followed longitudinally for up to 6 visits with clinical assessments and magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed oculomotor, postural instability, and akinesia diagnostic levels and determined whether patients met criteria for possible PSP-speech/language or probable PSP at each visit. Kaplan-Meier curves assessed time-to-event probabilities according to age. Statistical parametric mapping and midbrain volume were assessed according to disease progression. Results Few PSP symptoms were observed early in the disease, with oculomotor abnormalities and falls first observed 2 years after onset. Falls were more common than vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. Bradykinesia and rigidity commonly developed but axial was rarely greater than appendicular rigidity. During follow-up, 54% met criteria for possible PSP-speech/language, 38% for probable PSP-Richardson's syndrome, and 38% for probable PSP-parkinsonism, most commonly 6 to 6.9 years after onset. The probability of developing PSP was greater when onset was at an age older than 70 years. Patients who progressed to probable PSP had more parkinsonism and oculomotor impairment at baseline and greater midbrain atrophy when compared with those who did not develop probable PSP. Conclusions Symptoms typical of PSP commonly develop in patients presenting with a progressive speech/language disorder. Older age appears to be an important prognostic factor in these patients.
Chapter 12 – Security

Historically, system security has received little attention in embedded systems. Now embedded systems play a huge role in the operation of our modern world; many of these devices expose their presence on the Internet or through other means. Security in embedded devices is a daunting task - the challenging problem of security is compounded by resource limits which are far more restrictive in embedded systems than in desktop systems. Security is defined according to the application. This chapter points to aspects of those applications and their security concerns.
Regenerative Endodontic Treatment as a Biologically Based Approach for Non-Surgical Retreatment of Immature Teeth.

Abstract Introduction The goal of regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) is to regenerate the pulp-dentin complex in immature teeth with pulp necrosis. There is no consensus in using RET in previously treated teeth. This article reports on long-term outcomes of RET in previously treated immature teeth. Methods Previously treated immature teeth with signs/symptoms of failure were included. After local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation, the root canal filling material was removed without the use of chemical solvents. The root canals were irrigated with 6% sodium hypochlorite using an EndoVac (Kerr Endodontics, Culver City, CA), and a creamy mix of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin was placed in the canals for 4 weeks. At the second visit, the antibiotic dressing was removed using 17% EDTA. Bleeding was induced into the root canal space, and SynOss Putty (Collagen Matrix Inc, Oakland, NJ) was placed. Bioceramic putty was placed over the SynOss Putty, and the teeth were restored at a subsequent visit. Results Five teeth in 4 patients were included. The patients’ ages ranged from 14–46 years. Recall examinations were performed from 20 to 72 months with an average of 54.4 months. The apical openings of the teeth ranged from 1–3.7 mm. All teeth were functional and asymptomatic at the recall visits. All periapical lesions resolved with partial or complete mineralization of the root canals, and all teeth showed partial to complete apical closure at the follow-up visits. Conclusions RET can be a viable option for nonsurgical retreatment of immature teeth. This article adds a new perspective to the field of regenerative endodontics.
Telemedicine Evaluations for Low-Acuity Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department: Implications for Safety and Patient Satisfaction.

Background: Telemedicine is being rapidly adopted by traditional health care systems. We have used telemedicine in a program we call Express Care to allow a single physician to remotely perform eva...
The Fate of Nitrogen Applied to Florida Turfgrass

The quality of Florida’s surface and ground waters is of utmost importance to the flora and fauna living in them, as their growth is directly related to the amount of nutrients in these waters. In order to make informed decisions regarding nitrogen (N) applications to turfgrass, it is important to understand the N cycle in the soil/turfgrass system. The objective of this 8-page publication is to identify and describe the sources and potential fates of N applied to Florida turfgrass. Written by T.W. Shaddox and J.B. Unruh and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep546
Athletic Trainers' Competence, Education, and Perceptions Regarding Transgender Student-Athlete Patient Care.

Context Transgender student-athletes are increasingly participating in sport, requiring athletic trainer (AT) preparedness to care for their needs. Objective To measure ATs' (1) perceived definition of transgender, (2) comfort and competence working with transgender student-athletes, (3) sources of education, (4) perceived legal concerns, and (5) perception of competitive advantage. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Mixed-methods survey. Patients or other participants Collegiate or university ATs (n = 5537) received an email invitation to participate; the data of 667 ATs were included in the analysis. Main outcome measure(s) A multipart 43-item questionnaire addressing the primary objectives of the study, with other factors that were explored in relation to these objectives to uncover potential influences on their responses. We calculated descriptive statistics, and for open-ended responses, we used the consensual qualitative research tradition. Results About half (48.1%, n = 321) of the participants agreed they were competent in treating transgender patients, but only 36.0% (n = 240) believed they were competent in practicing collaboratively with an endocrinologist in the drug-screening processes. Fewer than half (45.6%, n = 304) of participants felt they were competent in using appropriate terminology relating to transgender patients. The ATs disagreed when asked if they were competent regarding counseling transgender patients about the effects of hormone replacement therapy on sport participation (48.1%, n = 321) or on mental health concerns (40.3%, n = 269). Participants learned most frequently from media outlets (35.2%, n = 235) or personal experiences with family, friends, or themselves (33.7%, n = 225), yet 35.1% (n = 243) received no education in caring for transgender patients. Many ATs (41.2%, n = 278) believed that transgender female student-athletes had a competitive advantage. In contrast, 6.6% (n = 44) of participants indicated that transgender male student-athletes had a competitive advantage. Conclusions Although collegiate ATs generally felt competent in treating transgender patients, they did not feel capable of addressing specific aspects of transgender patients' health care needs. Regardless of the resulting perceived unfair advantage, ATs must be aware of the regulations and therapeutic effects associated with hormone-related therapy for transgender student-athletes.
Corporate Hiring under COVID-19: Worker Downskilling, Job Flexibility, and Income Inequality

Big data on job vacancy postings reveal multiple dimensions of the impact of Covid-19 on corporate hiring. Firms disproportionately cut hiring for high-skill jobs (within-firm downskilling). Financially-constrained firms scaled back high-skill hiring most, as did firms with workforces more adaptable to "working-from-home." Applying machine learning to job-ad texts, we show that firms have skewed hiring towards operationally-core positions. New positions take longer to fill, displaying greater flexibility regarding schedules, tasks, and requirements. Financing constraints amplify pandemic-induced changes to the nature of positions firms seek to fill, with constrained firms' new hires witnessing larger adjustments to job roles and employment arrangements.
Interlude A. Statistical Analysis

The main challenge in experimental particle physics, after performing the measurements, is the interpretation of the measured observables in terms of the parameters of a theory.
Comparing Student Attitudes to Spreadsheet and Advanced Statistical Packages

The statistical package chosen to aid in teaching quantitative methods is at the instructor’s discretion, but little research has investigated student attitude toward these different packages. This...
Coordination of the upper and lower extremities during walking in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract Background Children with cerebral palsy indicate poor continuous gait inter-limb coordination compared to typically developing children. Limited research exists in the understanding of the coordinative relationship between the arms and legs of these children and if the phasing relationships between limbs can be improved. Research Question Which motor control factors impact coordination in children with cerebral palsy and can coordination improve with intervention? Methods This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of continuous coordination in a pediatric, pathologic population with an emphasis on inter-limb coordination. Peer-reviewed research articles related to inter-limb coordination, with a focus on gait, were reviewed to identify relevant research and any gaps in the literature which could inform future study design. Consideration of the most appropriate analysis for evaluation of such movement is also presented. Results The coordinative difficulties experienced by children with cerebral palsy may originate from the deficits in motor control, muscle tone, and weakness caused by damage to the central nervous system, which is vital in motor control of inter-limb coordination. Continuous inter-limb coordination in children with cerebral palsy may be improved with enhanced function of the upper extremities through intensive motor-learning based rehabilitation or botulinum toxin injection of the more-affected arm. Importantly, analysis of limb movements should include continuous measures of relative phase, as it provides a more detailed description of coordination compared to discrete measures. Significance Improved upper extremity function may produce a positive change in the phasing relationship between the arms and legs. This type of coordination should be analyzed using relative phase analysis, as this type of analysis can provide more information compared to traditional spatiotemporal parameters. However, more research is required to fully understand the connection between improved upper extremity function and its positive impact on gait coordination in children with cerebral palsy.
Storying Educational Leadership in Challenging Contexts

How does our “new normal” in 2021 demand that we make brave adjustments to our work in educational leadership to promote justice in policy and in public health, while continuing to focus on young children and their families? I met some muses in a graduate seminar created around an intensive 2-week Study Abroad Program in which participants were master-level students majoring in early childhood education, international education, or bilingual education. In the 2-week experience, I saw students’ potential for risk taking and professionalism in their current and future careers blossom. The course contained information, experience, and transformational perspectives regarding issues of refugee and migrating families and children. The stories connected graduate students from New Jersey, Ecuador, Jamaica, Alabama, and Korea to their experiences with asylum-seekers from around the world. Another teacher education program combined core curricula and fieldwork in early childhood education while highlighting the contextual influences of family, culture, language, and society in California from 2016 to the present. In every class, there is information to prepare graduates with knowledge and dispositions to work with dual language learners—even when teachers are not bilingual. Fieldwork is required in different communities. Many of the participants, both children and adult student teachers bring family history, knowledge, linguistic perspectives, and lived experiences from Mexico and Central America. These histories may influence better learning journeys in our world of families caught up in world migrations, our striving for justice for all world citizens as seen through the Black Lives Matter movement and ending the terror of a world health pandemic.
Complex mixture analysis by two-dimensional mass spectrometry using a miniature ion trap

Abstract Quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometers are robust instruments that can perform tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) while being operated under moderate vacuum conditions. These features make quadrupole ion traps an attractive option as miniature mass spectrometers, particularly because the sensitivity and selectivity gained from employing MS/MS does not decrease with reduced instrument size. Recent developments in scan methodology have allowed quadrupole ion traps to be used to perform two-dimensional MS/MS (2D MS/MS) experiments which identify all precursor ions and their dissociation products. This study describes the implementation of this single scan in a miniature mass spectrometer where sample amount is limited, and time is prioritized. Remarkably, the miniature instrument 2D MS/MS experiment demonstrated greater sensitivity than a benchtop ion trap mass spectrometer utilizing the 2D MS/MS scan. Even more notably, the 2D MS/MS experiment performed using the miniature instrument achieved higher mass resolution than the benchtop instrument in both precursor and product ion dimensions. The miniature instrument's performance was tested on mixtures of drugs of abuse in the presence of a matrix as well as on a mixture of phospholipids.
Original contributionResults of long-term ursodiol treatment for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE: When ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, it has been associated with biochemical improvement, histological stability, reduced risk of esophageal varices, and increased survival free of transplantation. There is limited information available about the long-term outcome of these patients with primary biliary cirrhosis on UDCA treatment. To address this, we reviewed the long-term results from patients enrolled in our original randomized study with up to 12 yr of follow-up. METHODS: From April 1988 to March 1992, a total of 180 patients were enrolled into a randomized, controlled trial evaluating UDCA (n = 89) versus placebo (n = 91). When the randomized portion of the study concluded in May 1992, patients were switched to active medication and followed for up to an additional 8 yr. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients originally assigned to UDCA and 42 patients originally assigned to placebo have died or undergone transplantation. The patients who died or were transplanted were more histologically advanced at entry (p < 0.001). Seventy-six of the remaining 110 patients return for regular follow-up; mailed questionnaires were returned by an additional 25 patients, and nine patients have been lost to follow-up. Twenty-two of the 76 patients we follow have normal liver tests (ALP, bilirubin, and AST). Patients with normal liver tests had significantly lower levels of ALP and AST at baseline (p < 0.05), but did not differ in histological stage or total bilirubin from those with persistently abnormal tests. CONCLUSIONS: UDCA appears to be of most benefit when instituted in early stage disease. Although a substantial percentage of patients will achieve biochemical normalization on UDCA alone, there is a continued need for therapeutic options for others who have less complete biochemical responses.
The Development and Future of Microsurgical Tissue Welding with Low-Power CO2 Laser

For some years neurosurgeons have used laser energy for ablative or destructive purposes, and the CO2 laser has emerged as the workhorse in the removal of central nervous system neoplasms. Recently, investigators have explored the use of CO2 laser energy for constructive purposes to bond tissues. This technique has become known as “tissue welding.”
Holoprosencephaly: A Review

ABSTRACT.Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a brain malformation characterized by incomplete cleavage of the cerebral hemispheres and deep brain structures. Epilepsy is a common problem in children with HPE and a vast majority will have abnormal EEGs. A variety of EEG findings, including spike-and-slow-wave complexes, hypsarrhythmia, isoelectric patterns, periodic discharges, fast anterior rhythms, posterior gradient flattening, asynchronous high amplitude rhythmic activity, and paroxysmal hypersynchronous patterns, are reported in the literature. About half of the children with HPE evaluated at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children have epilepsy. These children have various seizure types; however, there are some consistent EEG findings such as hypersynchronous theta during sleep, hypersynchronous theta while awake, hypersynchronous beta during sleep, and episodic attenuation of cerebral activity, in addition to a spectrum of epileptiform discharges. This article is a review of the clinical and neuroimaging f...
TH-CD-304-07: Chamber Volume Effect On Absolute Dosimetry in A Magnetic Field

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of ionization chamber volume size and orientation on dosimetric accuracy in the presence of a magnetic field. Methods: The magnetic resonance image-guided radiotherapy (MR-IGRT) system (ViewRay, Inc., Oakwood, OH) was placed into clinical use after extensive calibration measurements with ionization chambers and verification tests using thermo-and opti-luminescent dosimeters. To further investigate the effect of the magnetic field on the ionization chamber results, measurements were made using four orientations and two different chambers with significantly different volumes: the Standard Imaging (Middleton, WI) A18 and the PTW N30013 Farmer chamber, with collecting volumes of 0.123 and 0.6 cc, respectively. High-resolution computed tomography scans were obtained of the chambers to ensure accurate modeling in the Monte Carlo (MC) calculations with EGSnrc. The four different orientations of the chambers relative to the magnetic field direction were achieved by having the chambers parallel to the magnetic field (pointing into the bore) and perpendicular to the magnetic field (pointing down), using a 10.5×10.5 cm 2 open field incident on the chambers from either 90 or 270 degrees (IEC). Results: MC calculations and measured data showed dependence on both orientation and volume in the presence of magnetic field. The greatest differences for both chambers were at 270 degrees pointing down, with A18 at 3.2% and Farmer at 4.4% as compared to the same setup with no magnetic field. The difference to zero magnetic field is minimized when the chamber axis is oriented parallel to the field. The measured and simulated chamber doses showed reasonable agreement. The MC simulations demonstrated a strong dependence of results when small air gaps between the chamber and build-up cup are present in the perpendicular orientation. Conclusion: Accurate absolute dosimetry is possible in presence of low-strength magnetic fields, but care must be taken in chamber selection and orientation. Drs. Green & Mutic served as non-compensated consultants for ViewRay, Inc., and have received honoraria and travel reimbursement.
Comparative Cognition: What Measures of Capacities Can Apply to Diverse Species?

Comparative cognition is badly in need of an expanded information base on the capacities of a variety of taxa, both for its intrinsic intellectual significance and because of urgent social pressures. As a comparative neurologist and neuroethologist, I feel keenly the need of summary statements on the special qualities and on the degree of advancement of the highest achievements of the brains of various species, classes and phyla, in order to attempt correlations with the differences in their brains.
The hidden Serengeti—Mycorrhizal fungi respond to environmental gradients

Abstract Mycorrhizas influence plant productivity, community composition, nutrient dynamics and soil structure, yet the factors determining the abundance and diversity of these symbioses in natural ecosystems are poorly understood. We studied arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomeromycota) in long-term grazed and un-grazed plots at eight sites forming natural gradients of soil properties and rainfall in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Four metrics of AM fungal abundance and diversity were examined: (1) abundance and species composition of spores, (2) standing crop of AM hyphae in the soil, (3) production of new AM hyphae in buried mesh bags and (4) a bioassay of AM fungal inoculum potential. Our first goal was to test the predictions of the Functional Equilibrium Model that AM fungi should be most abundant in grazed plots (because of increased nutrient demands caused by overcompensation) and at sites with the lowest soil phosphorus (P) and rainfall. Our second goal was to use multi-group structural equation models (SEMs) to investigate the interrelated influences of grazing, soil properties, rainfall and root biomass on the abundance and species composition of AM fungal communities. Two multi-group SEMs were generated: one to examine abundance patterns of AM fungi and another to examine patterns in the spores or auxiliary cells of different families of AM fungi. We observed an extremely high abundance and diversity of AM fungal spores. Only one prediction of the Functional Equilibrium Model was supported; production of new hyphae was highest in the lowest P soils. The abundance and species composition of AM fungi varied across sites but the only variable that responded to grazing was the abundance of Glomeraceae spores, with higher abundance in fenced (un-grazed) plots. Multi-group SEMs revealed that rainfall, total soil P, soil organic matter and soil texture were all important predictors, but the relative importance of each factor varied depending upon the AM metric or taxon observed. Our findings suggest niche differentiation among AM fungal taxa and demonstrate that climate and soil properties are important predictors of the abundance and community composition of these important, hidden components in the Serengeti ecosystem.
Deregulation of Caspase 8 and 10 Expression in Pediatric Tumors and Cell Lines

Methylation of the promoter regions of CpG-rich sites in genes is the major mechanism for the silencing of many genes in tumors. Methylation of the key apoptosis-related gene caspase 8 (CASP8) has been reported in some childhood tumors and in neuroendocrine lung tumors. We examined the methylation status of 181 pediatric tumors and found frequent methylation in rhabdomyosarcomas (83%), medulloblastomas (81%), retinoblastomas (59%), and neuroblastomas (52%). Methylation frequencies were low in Wilms’ tumors (19%) and absent in hepatoblastomas, acute leukemias, osteosarcomas, Ewing’s sarcomas, and ganglioneuromas and in normal tissues. Methylation of CASP8 and the tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A were highly significantly correlated in all tumor types by both the χ2 and the Fisher’s exact tests (P
Why There Can't Be a Logic of Induction

In this paper I offer a criticism of Carnap's inductive logic which also applies to other formal methods of inductive inference. Criticisms of Carnap's views have typically centered upon the justification of his particular choice of inductive method. I argue that the real problem is not that there is an agreed upon method for which no justification can be found, but that different methods are justified in different circumstances.
The Politics of Literature and Literacy: Popular Song Writing and Proletarian Poetry in Post-Revolutionary France

This essay examines the politics of song writing and singing in working-class singing societies in Paris, known as "goguettes," in the early nineteenth century. The practices of writing and singing songs in these societies defined the relationships among participants by equality and good feelings, resisting the hierarchy and domination of the laissez-faire social order. At the same time, these song-writing and singing practices also produced symbolic forms of masculine authority and domination – placing working-class women in positions of subordination. By analyzing this complex politics of writing in this particular case of the "goguettes," this essay argues for recovering working-class writings as significant sources for historians of literacy and for examining the historically specific social and political contexts for the production of specific forms of writing and reading as a way of studying the historical meanings of literacy.
Using shared-packed forests in a GB parser

By utilizing structure sharing among its parse trees, a GB parser can increase its efficiency dramatically. Using a GB parser which has as its phrase structure recovery component an implementation of Tomita's natural language algorithm (M. Tomita, 1986), we investigate how a GB parser can preserve the structure sharing output by Tomita's algorithm. We give some details of the structure-sharing parser currently under construction. Our approach to preserving sharing within a shared-packed forest is applicable not only to GB parsing, but anytime we want to preserve structure sharing in a parse forest in the presence of features. >
Therapeutic Scrapbooking: A Technique to Promote Positive Coping and Emotional Strength in Parents of Pediatric Oncology Patients

Therapeutic scrapbooking is an intervention being used with parents and caregivers of children with cancer. The purpose of the group is to promote hopefulness, mobilize internal strengths, and thereby enhance the parents' and caregivers' coping abilities to benefit pediatric oncology patients. Facilitators, licensed in medical social work, provide a safe environment for participants to verbalize their stories and share their distress. Scrapbooking is a "normal" activity without the negative stigma that a "support group" may carry, minimizing the reluctance to attend this supportive group. Outcome measurements indicate this therapeutic intervention achieves positive results.
On solar geoengineering and climate uncertainty

Uncertain climate system response has been raised as a concern regarding solar geoengineering. We explore the effects of geoengineering on one source of climate system uncertainty by evaluating the intermodel spread across 12 climate models participating in the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison project. The model spread in simulations of climate change and the model spread in the response to solar geoengineering are not additive but rather partially cancel. That is, the model spread in regional temperature and precipitation changes is reduced with CO_2 and a solar reduction, in comparison to the case with increased CO_2 alone. Furthermore, differences between models in their efficacy (the relative global mean temperature effect of solar versus CO_2 radiative forcing) explain most of the regional differences between models in their response to an increased CO_2 concentration that is offset by a solar reduction. These conclusions are important for clarifying geoengineering risks regarding uncertainty.
Midbrain distribution of neurons with strong, sustained responses to lordosis trigger stimuli in the female golden hamster

Abstract Midbrain single units in anesthetized female hamsters were examined for pronounced, sustained responses to types of somatic stimuli which control the display of lordosis during periods of sexual receptivity. Units showing strong responses to lordosis trigger stimuli were widely distributed, but tended to be most concentrated in the deep superior colliculus, ventromedial midbrain and central gray, brain regions previously implicated, by other methods, in the control of hamster lordosis.
Non-target effects of an introduced biological control agent on deer mouse ecology

Release of exotic insects as biological control agents is a common approach to controlling exotic plants. Though controversy has ensued regarding the deleterious direct effects of biological control agents to non-target species, few have examined the indirect effects of a ”well-behaved” biological control agent on native fauna. We studied a grassland in west-central Montana infested with spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) to examine the effects of knapweed invasion and two gall flybiological control agents (Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata) on the native deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). Stomach-content analysis revealed that Urophora were the primary food item in Peromyscus diets for most of the year and made up 84–86% of the winter diet. Stomach contents indicated that wild-caught mice consumed on average up to 247 Urophora larvae mouse–1 day–1, while feeding trials revealed that deer mice could depredate nearly 5 times as many larvae under laboratory conditions. In feeding trials, deer mice selected knapweed seedheads with greater numbers of galls while avoiding uninfested seedheads. When Urophora larvae were present in knapweed seedheads, deer mice selected microhabitats with moderately high (31–45% cover) and high knapweed infestation (≥46% cover). After Urophora emerged and larvae were unavailable to Peromyscus, mice reversed habitat selection to favor sites dominated by native-prairie with low knapweed infestation (0–15%). Establishment of the biological control agent, Urophora spp., has altered deer mouse diets and habitat selection by effecting changes in foraging strategies. Deer mice and other predators may reduce Urophora populations below a threshold necessary to effectively control spotted knapweed.
Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures in evaluation of liver disease

Evaluation of liver disease can be a difficult and imposing problem for general internists and noninternists alike. Physicians are often faced with a confusing array of what are commonly referred to as "liver function tests"; indeed, with the advent of and commonplace use of automated serum testing batteries, these findings are increasingly frequent in asymptomatic persons. Abnormalities in liver function are occasionally discovered incidentally when the testing battery is performed without suggestion of liver disease. There are numerous examples of algorithms and flow diagrams designed with an aim toward aiding clinicians in completion of an adequate diagnostic evaluation when faced with a particular set of abnormalities on "liver function tests." However, a clearer understanding of these tests and others, which are in a broader sense tests of liver function, might be of greater value than such a systematic and regimented approach to the evaluation of liver disease.
Quantitative analysis of Fermi resonances by harmonic derivatives of perturbation theory corrections

Vibrational perturbation theory has proven to be a highly accurate and efficient method for extending the harmonic approximation in the treatment of polyatomic molecular vibrations. Unfortunately, accidental near-degeneracies of the harmonic vibrational levels can lead to resonance and a breakdown of the perturbation approximation. These resonances can be resolved by the diagonalization of a small effective Hamiltonian derived from either of the usual Rayleigh–Schrodinger or van Vleck perturbation theories. However, the proper choice of states for inclusion in the effective Hamiltonian is crucial to the accuracy of the results, and is not often clearly evident. It is proposed that the analytical partial derivatives of the anharmonic vibrational correction with respect to the various harmonic frequencies, called ‘Harmonic Derivatives’ in this work, can be used as a tool to quantitatively assess the existence and strength of first-order, or Fermi, resonances. These derivatives are shown to concisely and cle...