cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Middle Ear Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Outcomes Following Tympanoplasty and Stapes Surgery.

Objective This meta-analysis compares the efficacy and safety of endoscopic and microscopic approaches to tympanoplasty and stapes surgery, two common middle ear procedures. Data sources A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted for studies published from the year 1960 through June 2018. Article selection and screening proceeded according to the strategies outlined in the standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. Methods Studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Jadad scale depending on the presence of randomization. Bias was analyzed using funnel plots. For each outcome measure, a forest plot was generated and a pooled relative risk or risk difference was calculated to assess significance. Results Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, 16 tympanoplasty (1,323 ears) and 5 stapes surgery (283 ears). The nonrandomized studies scored moderately well but the randomized studies were of low quality with respect to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Jadad Scale, respectively. With respect to tympanoplasty, statistical analysis demonstrated that the endoscopic approach had significantly lower canalplasty rates, better cosmetic outcomes, and shorter operative times. Furthermore, endoscopic compared to microscopic methods were similar in terms of audiological outcome, graft success rate, and complication rate. Among stapes surgeries, the endoscopic approach demonstrated a significantly decreased incidence of postoperative pain and chorda tympani injury but was similar to the microscopic approach with respect to audiological outcome, postoperative dizziness, and operative time. Conclusions Though the merits of endoscopic techniques are becoming more well known, there are still concerns regarding their efficacy and safety. An analysis of the current literature suggests that audiological, functional, and safety outcomes are similar, if not superior, for the endoscopic approach to both tympanoplasty and stapes surgery compared to the microscopic approach. With respect to tympanoplasty, patients undergoing the endoscopic approach had lower canalplasty rates, better cosmetic outcomes, and shorter operative times. Among stapes surgeries, patients in the endoscopic group had a lower incidence of postoperative pain and injury to the chorda tympani. This meta-analysis of the current evidence supports the use of endoscopic techniques for tympanoplasty and stapes surgery.
Leveraging NADAC to Steer Drug Formularies in Resource-Limited Clinics

Objectives: Free medical clinics provide healthcare to populations with limited options for insurance coverage and are thus key medical safety nets. Such clinics have limited operating budgets due in part to their lack of revenue streams through insurance reimbursements. Thus, pharmaceutical acquisitions can impose significant financial burdens in light of rising and volatile prices [1]. The goal of this study was to provide clinics with a real-time comparison of national retail pharmacy acquisition prices against clinic purchasing prices to determine potentially overpriced drugs. Methods: Historical ledger data from the East Harlem Health Outreach Program (EHHOP) at Mount Sinai was used to determine the clinic’s average price and volatility for specific drugs over time. Average prices were cross-referenced against the publicly available National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) database, which outlines the average acquisition cost of drugs by retail pharmacies across the United States. Results: This analysis demonstrated that 36% (16/45) of EHHOP drug price averages were significantly different than relative NADAC values, with 9% (4/45) more expensive and 27% (12/45) cheaper. Price volatility between EHHOP and NADAC acquisition prices varied. Assuming the NADAC benchmark for significantly more expensive EHHOP purchases resulted in potential savings of $4,424 (6% of budget) over the projected period. Conclusions: Clinic drug acquisition price comparison to NADAC database prices serves as an effective benchmark for cost reduction. In order to implement change after expensive drug identification, we developed a decision-tree model that outlines several steps that can reduce drug expenditures. Using this process can potentially save financial resources for medical clinics.
Promoting Student Problem-Identification Skills via a Jeopardy-Inspired Game within the Renaissance Foundry

Abstract As societal challenges grow in complexity, it is important that engineers possess deep disciplinary knowledge, coupled with cross-disciplinary skills, to work within a multidimensional context to both identify and solve problems. The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to innovation-driven learning that is focused on a Jeopardy®-inspired game embedded within a novel pedagogical framework (i.e., The Renaissance Foundry) and implemented in a senior level chemical engineering course in biotransport phenomena. Though the game is envisioned to serve multiple purposes, a major intention is that it can be used to aid students in identifying problems that might be encountered in the field of biotransport. Thus, the primary research question focuses on the relationship between the pedagogical approach and the problems identified and prototype solutions developed by student teams within the course. Data was collected from survey responses indicating whether projects were indirectly, directly, or not linked to Jeopardy categories. A Spearman correlation coefficient and Fisher’s Exact Test were calculated with the analysis indicating a moderate, statistically significant relationship between the game categories and projects. Student reflections were also collected and likewise suggested that a pedagogical approach including the game is useful in helping students identify and solve problems.
A laboratory test method to realistically simulate air side fouling of condensers (RP-1705)

This paper describes the development of a method that can be used to simulate in a laboratory the effects of air side fouling of condensers from split system air conditioners. The method includes a...
School-Based Resources as Protective Factors from the Influence of Parental Incarceration on Depressive Symptoms:

Although research on the deleterious effects of parental incarceration is extensive, few studies have examined factors that may attenuate these consequences. This study uses data from the National ...
Coronary Artery Fistula: An Unexpected Cause of Heart Failure in a 58-Year-Old Woman.

Abstract Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an abnormal connection between a coronary artery and a heart chamber resulting in left-to-right shunt. A large CAF was an unexpected cause of heart failure in a 58-year-old woman who underwent transcatheter closure of the CAF with improvement in symptoms but complicated by myocardial infarction. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)
Prostate cancer screening and treatment: where have we come from and where are we going?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the current prostate cancer screening and treatment paradigm in light of recently published long-term results of major screening and treatment trials. METHODS Historical review of the evolution of the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer followed by a detailed summary of the findings and differences among the three major screening trials and the three major treatment trials. RESULTS Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing can identify clinically significant prostate cancer and has produced a significant stage shift and is the likely explanation for the decline in prostate cancer mortality. Unfortunately, PSA testing predominantly identifies low-grade disease that is unlikely to progress during a patient's lifetime leading to substantial diagnosis of indolent disease. Treatment with radical prostatectomy (RP) appears to benefit primarily younger men (aged <65 years) with intermediate-grade disease. Too few men with low-grade disease benefit from RP to justify intervening in all. Unfortunately, high-grade prostate cancer often progresses despite surgery and radiation. CONCLUSION The primary PSA testing paradigm is wrong. Rather than attempting to identify all prostate cancers as early as possible, testing objectives should shift towards identifying men likely to harbour clinically significant disease. These are the men who appear to benefit from early diagnosis and intervention, including the earlier use of antiandrogen therapy prior to widespread metastases.
A quantitative LC–MS/MS approach for monitoring 2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-D-glucose uptake in tumor tissue

Purpose: Develop a quantitative LC-MS/MS method for FDG, FDG-monophosphate, glucose and glucose-monophosphate in mouse tumor models to assist in validating the use of [18F]FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for anticancer therapies in a clinical setting. Methodology/results: Analytes were isolated from tumors by protein precipitation and detected on a Sciex API-5500 mass spectrometer. Improved assay robustness and selectivity were achieved through chromatographic separation of FDG-monophosphate from glucose-monophosphate, selection of a unique ion transition and incorporation of stable isotope labeled internal standards. In a mouse JIMT-1 tumor model, FDG-monophosphate levels measured by LC-MS/MS correlated with [18F]FDG-PET imaging results. Conclusion: LC-MS/MS analysis of FDG-monophosphate accumulation in tumors is a cost-effective tool to gauge the translational potential of [18F]FDG-PET imaging as a noninvasive biomarker in clinical studies.
The Process of Othering from the “Social Imaginaire” to Physical Acts: An Anthropological Approach

This article deals with the underlining aspects of Othering within the genocidal process of the Armenian genocide. It will emphasize that Othering is closely related to another process called Selfing, which gives an insight on the genocidal behavior of perpetrators. The article tries to combine these analytical processes with physical actions, and will thereby argue that these physical actions do not stand by themselves, but are indeed cultural expressions of Othering and Selfing; and that these processes are therefore not mere social imagnaire or abstract notions, but physical and thereby observable actions that gives an insight in genocidal intent. These abstract notions or cultural expressions of Othering and Selfing, which by themselves again will be expressed in the enormity of violence and the different dimensions of violence, have the underlining message that one can only solidify a “Self” by destroying the “Other” in all its aspects: cultural, social and physical.
Mechanisms of Cationic Liposome-Mediated Transfection of the Lung Endothelium

Publisher Summary Cationic liposomes have been successfully used to transfect lung endothelium by systemic administration. Cationic liposome technology has become well established for introducing DNA into cells and these liposomes have been considered to be among the most promising carriers for gene therapy. This chapter explores the mechanisms of cationic liposome. However, in spite of the effectiveness of cationic liposomes in transfecting cells in vitro, their transfection efficiency in vivo is still fairly low compared to that of viral vectors. The transfection efficiency of DNA/liposome complexes depends on various factors. These are the structure of the specific cationic lipid used, the ratio of cationic lipid to DNA, liposome composition, the particle diameter, and the injected dose. It is believed that these physicochemical parameters exert their effects on transfection efficiency by affecting the interactions between liposome/DNA complexes and the lung endothelium. This chapter explains how these physicochemical parameters affect the ultimate transfection activity of DNA/liposome complexes. The chapter focuses on transfection of the lung endothelium by systemically administered DNA and DNA/liposome complexes. Moreover, some thoughts are provided on means to further enhance the level of gene expression in lung endothelium through systemic gene delivery.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and reverse endocrinology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). Members of the nuclear receptor family, which includes the steroid, retinoid, and thyroid hormone receptors, function as ligand-activated transcription factors and have critical roles in nearly every aspect of vertebrate development and adult physiology. In addition to the receptors with known hormones, the nuclear receptor family includes many members that lack identified hormones. The identification of these so-called “orphan receptors” suggested that there might be additional hormones yet to be discovered and opened the era of “reverse endocrinology”. Historically, novel endocrine signaling pathways were discovered based upon their effects on physiological and developmental processes. The isolated hormone was then used to identify its partner receptor. In reverse endocrinology, this path is inverted. The orphan receptor is used to screen for novel small molecule ligands, either natural or synthetic, that modulate its transcriptional activity. The ligand, in turn, is used as a chemical tool to dissect the role of the receptor in physiology and pathophysiology. Over the past several years, reverse endocrinology has been used to link a number of orphan receptors to ligands and biological activities. Among the orphan nuclear receptors for which ligands have been identified and used to unravel their biology are the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) as fatty acid and eicosanoid receptors; the liver X receptors (LXR) as oxysterol receptors; the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) as a bile acid receptor; and, the pregnane X receptor (PXR) as a xenobiotic and bile acid receptor.
Lifting of an Object by Coordination of Two Planar Robots

A number of studies deal with dynamics and control of one robot [1]–[4]. This paper deals with modeling, control, and simulation of the coordinated movement of two planar robotic arms in lifting and transporting an arbitrary load. Cases of holonomic and nonholonomic robot/load constrained interactions are detailed both kinematic ally and dynamically. The robot/load dynamics are coupled by constraint reaction forces. A maximal dimension state space model possessing both feedback and feedforward via constraint forces models all cases. The result is a single system block diagram on which the controller is designed.
Differential impairments of rat serial pattern learning and retention induced by MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist

Three experiments investigated the role of NMDA receptor dependent systems in sequential learning and memory. Rats tracked serial patterns after systemic administration of MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks plasticity in the hippocampus and other structures. Experiments 1 and 2 sought to describe the effects of MK-801 on acquisition and retention of serial patterns. Patterns were 24 elements long and highly organized, with some groups receiving a “violation” element that did not fit the organization of the rest of the pattern. Experiment 3 evaluated MK-801’s effects on the integration of new information that was either consistent or inconsistent with a previously learned pattern structure. The results of these experiments indicated that MK-801 interfered with serial pattern learning and, to a lesser degree, retention. Learning about structure was relatively spared, whereas learning about interruptions or violations of pattern structure was impaired. The latter differential effects are consistent with the contention in earlier literature that serial pattern learning is subserved by at least two learning/memory systems.
Synthesis of FPGAs and Testable ASICs

Industrial designers and educators who plan to design microelectronic systems (e.g. hardware accelerators, co-processors, etc.) are increasingly capturing their designs using hardware description languages such as VHDL and Verilog. The designs are then most often synthesized into programmable logic components such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) offered by Xilinx, Altera, Actel and others. This approach places the emphasis on high-level design which reduces time to market by relying on synthesis software and programmable logic to produce working prototypes rapidly. These prototypes may then be altered as requirements change or converted into high-volume mask gate arrays or other application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) when the demand is known to be sufficient. These ASICs, however, must be designed to be testable to screen out those with manufacturing defects. Hence, scan logic must be inserted, test vectors generated and fault grading performed to ensure a high level of testability. These efforts complicate and delay the conversion of FPGA designs to ASICs but must be considered by designers of microelectronic systems. Topics covered include: design flow; system partitioning; hardware description languages (HDLs); specifying behavioral control; specifying structural components; critical paths; placement and routing; technology choices; FPGA applications; rapid prototyping; retargeting; manufacturing defects; scan chain insertion; test vector generation; fault grading, and ASIC production
Helicobacter pylori infection in children

Helicobacter pylori is generally acquired in childhood, and the prevalence of this infection varies between and within populations and is decreasing in the developed world. The clinical manifestation of diseases is dependent on the interaction between host, environmental and bacterial factors. The mode of transmission is likely person to person. Strong evidence has accumulated, establishing the causal link between peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and mucosal associated lymphoma with H. pylori infection. The association with refractory iron deficiency anemia and idiopathic thrombocytosis purpura are compelling but need more studies. New indications for the eradication of H. pylori are emerging — such as those with strong family history of gastric cancer. Prevention of gastric cancer may require eradication of this bacterium in childhood prior to the development of precancerous lesions. A test-and-treat strategy is not indicated for those with recurrent abdominal pain. In addition, the rate of antibiotic resistance has increased in some populations. Novel eradication strategies need to be developed. Improving the children socioeconomic situation, such as better housing, sanitation and hygiene, remains one of the major pillars in reducing the prevalence of H. pylori children and its diseases burden.
Reply to Lyutikov's comments on Zhang & Kobayashi (2005)

Lyutikov (astro-ph/0503505) raised a valid point that for shock deceleration of a highly magnetized outflow, the fate of the magnetic fields after shock crossing should be considered. However, his comment that the deceleration radius should be defined by the total energy rather than by the baryonic kinetic energy is incorrect. As strictly derived from the shock jump conditions in Zhang & Kobayashi (2005), during the reverse shock crossing process the magnetic energy is not tapped. As a result, the fireball deceleration radius is defined by the baryonic energy only. The magnetic energy is expected to be transferred to the circumburst medium after the reverse shock disappears. The evolution of the system then mimicks a continuously-fed fireball. As a result, Lyutikov's naive conclusion that the forward shock dynamics is independent on the ejecta content is also incorrect. The shock deceleration dynamics and the reverse shock calculation presented in Zhang & Kobayashi (2005) are robust and correct.
A Supply Chain Model for Library Quality and Service Improvement

The key to a library’s success is its ability to effectively and economically deliver services and information that users value. Additionally, the objective of supply chain management is to coordinate the focal firm’s processes and activities with those of its suppliers and customers, such that the firm’s delivered products and services meet or exceed customer requirements. It thus seemed appropriate to analyze a library from a supply chain perspective to assess and improve its ability to serve its users. Consequently, the authors employed an action research methodology to work with library personnel from two departments, User Services and Technical Services, as they merged into one division, to map the information resources supply chain of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Lied Library. Once the supply chain model was completed, key processes were analyzed and performance measures designed, with the goal of improving division products and services. This paper reviews the relevant literature, presents the Lied Library information resources supply chain model, and provides the performance measures along with several improvement examples.
Cancer incidence among massachusetts firefighters, 1982–1986

Previous investigations of cancer among firefighters have been limited to mortality data and have yielded inconsistent results. Case-control analyses were conducted in the present surveillance study in order to examine associations between firefighting and cancer incidence in Massachusetts. Subjects were identified through the Massachusetts Cancer Registry files for 1982-1986. Exposure status (firefighting) was determined from the usual occupation reported to the Registry. Nine different cancer types were examined among the 315 reported white male firefighters. Two "unexposed" reference populations were used: policemen and statewide males. Standardized morbidity odds ratios (SMORs) were statistically significantly elevated for melanoma (SMOR = 292; 95% C.I. = 170-503) and bladder cancer (SMOR = 159; 95% C.I. = 102-250) among firefighters compared with the state as a whole. When policemen were used as the reference group, the bladder cancer excess persisted (SMOR = 211; 95% C.I. = 107-414) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was elevated (SMOR = 327; 95% C.I. = 119-898); the melanoma excess was largely reduced (SMOR = 138; 95% C.I. = 60-319) but remained elevated among those aged 55-74 years (SMOR = 513; 95% C.I. = 150-1,750). Small number excesses (not significant) were also observed for pancreatic cancer and leukemia compared with police.
Errors Associated with Rate of Undrained Cyclic Testing of Clay Soils

A wide range of cyclic testing rates can be applied to specimens of clay soil depending on the particular test objective. A group of factors which influence the results of these tests is identified and the significance ofthese factors on test results is demonstrated. Undrained creep effects and air diffusion through membranes surrounding the test specimen are major factors, and methods are described to correct or control these errors. Nonuniform conditions within the test specimen are also significant in some tests. Illustrations of the potential errors and corrections are presented. There is no cyclic loading rate which has a clear advantage over other rates, although for particular purposes there is a clear preference.
AMPK regulates the vacuolar proton-ATPase via 14-3-3 proteins (1109.11)

The vacuolar proton-ATPase (V-ATPase) mediates proton transport across membranes. The V-ATPase is expressed at the apical membrane of kidney type A collecting duct intercalated cells (ICs). Defects...
Effects of large (0.9 μm) sulfuric acid aerosols on human pulmonary function

The effects of sulfuric acid particle concentration (mass/volume) and ambient temperatures on pulmonary function of young male nonsmokers were examined. Subjects (n = 11) thrice repeated a sequence of 20-min exercise (ventilation approximately 30 liters/min) and 20-min sitting rest. Pre- and postexposure pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity maneuvers, lung volumes, maximum voluntary ventilation, R/sub aw/, TGV, and helium-oxygen FVC) were measured. During the exposure and at 2 min after cessation of each exercise period, forced vital capacity tests (air and helium-oxygen) were performed. Each subject was exposed in random order to filtered air or 233, 418, or 939 ..mu..g/m/sub 3/ particulate sulfuric acid. Mass median diameter (MMD) was 0.90-0.93 ..mu..m, and geometric SD was 1.66-1.73. No major changes in pulmonary function related to sulfate were observed in these subjects. The only measurement to show a significant interaction across time (pre-post) and sulfate concentration was FEV /sub 1.0/, which was significantly decreased with exposure to 939 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/ sulfate. The magnitude of the decrease was not considered to be of physiological significance. These results indicate that, even with the added stress of the increased depth and volume of exercise ventilation, exposure to as much as 1 mg/m/sup 3/ of 1more » ..mu.. for ..mu..m sulfuric acid aerosol for 2 hr has little if any effect on standard tests of lung function.« less
The penetration of sodium into the brain following a cisternal injection of sodium chloride with particular emphasis on the area postrema.

Following an intracisternal injection of sodium chloride, sodium has been localized in paraventricular and subpial tissues of the posterior fossa by means of the pyroantimonate histochemical technique, with the use of a buffered pyroantimonate medium. The electron dense deposit is present in these tissues within 4 minutes after injection and is found only extracellularly except in the area postrema. This finding supports the contention that sodium is chiefly an extracellular ion and that the cerebrospinal fluid and the extracellular fluid are in equilibrium at these sites. In the area postrema, an intracellular precipitate is noted in the vesicular structures of the “atypical astrocytes” of this structure and in pinocytic vesicles of the large blood vessels. The intraglial localization of sodium in the area postrema is discussed in relation to a possible function of this structure as a regulator of cerebrospinal fluid ionic content.
The appetite suppressant, d-fenfluramine, decreases self-stimulation at a feeding site in the lateral hypothalamus

Abstract In prior studies rats showed a relative shift from self-stimulation to escape (i.e., from reward to aversion) following a large meal, obesity or anorectic doses of insulin. Racemic fenfluramine, on the other hand, decreased both self-stimulation and escape suggesting it had a general behavior suppressant property. To avoid the depressive, antidopaminergic effects of the l-isomer, this study tested the d-isomer which is primarily serotonergic. Rats were screened for stimulation-induced feeding and then trained to self-stimulate with one lever in 5-min periods that alternated with 5-min periods of automatic stimulation from which the animal could escape with a different lever. d-Fenfluramine (1.5–4.5 mg/kg IP) caused a dose-related decrease in self-stimulation. Stimulation-escape was relatively unaffected. This is interpreted as a decrease in feeding reward due to d-fenfluramine.
Novel self-calibrating recycling sensor using Schmitt-Trigger and voltage boosting for fine-grained detection

We propose Schmitt-Trigger (ST) based recycling sensor combined with self-calibration to mitigate process-variation induced sensing errors and to amplify the aging induced delay degradation. We also propose voltage boosting to enhance the aging mechanisms. The proposed sensor is able to detect fine grained recycling (0.1s usage with negligible error).
Rational fads in investor reactions to electronic commerce announcements: An explanation of the Internet bubble

This work proposes that information cascade theory can help to explain the formation of the Internet bubble. We propose that the bubble existed because a lack of good information about the potential value of electronic commerce led investors to rely on other investors' private valuations of electronic commerce. We use the event study methodology to estimate returns to company announcements of electronic commerce initiatives in 1999 and 2000. We find that after controlling for network externalities and time trends, investors' valuations of the returns to electronic commerce initiatives were significantly influenced by the market return from prior periods. Moreover, the relative weight placed on prior periods' returns decreased as the variance of the prior periods' returns increased. Both of the results are consistent with the behavior predicted by information cascade theory.
The sodium/calcium exchanger family—SLC8

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger gene family encompasses three distinct proteins, NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, which mediate cellular Ca2+ efflux and thus contribute to intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. NCX1 is expressed ubiquitously while NCX2 and NCX3 are limited to brain and skeletal muscle. NCX1 exchanges 3 extracellular Na+ for 1 intracellular Ca2+. In addition to transporting Na+ and Ca2+, NCX1 activity is also regulated by these cations. NCX1 is especially important in regulating cardiac contractility.
Evolution of interfacial curvatures of a bicontinuous structure generated via nonconserved dynamics

Abstract While coarsening of spherical particles has been well documented, our understanding of coarsening of complex microstructures is still limited. The first step in developing a theory of coarsening of microstructures with complex morphologies is to study coarsening of microstructures that evolve self-similarly. In this paper, we examine the morphological evolution of a self-similar two-phase bicontinuous structure generated via nonconserved dynamics (i.e., motion by mean curvature) to elucidate the complex dynamics of coarsening. We find that the evolution proceeds with some interfaces evolving toward topological singularities (pinching) while the majority of interfaces flatten. These two processes were also illustrated through the evolution equation for the mean curvature, which has a term that depends solely on the local curvatures, as well as a term that is proportional to the surface Laplacian of the mean curvature. The first term causes an increase in the magnitude of the mean curvature, while the second term causes smoothing of the mean curvature in a manner similar to diffusion of chemical species on a surface. The second term causes a large dispersion in the values of the time derivative of mean curvature at various locations in the structure, characterized neither by the mean curvature nor the Gaussian curvature.
Characterization of brain phosphatidylserine decarboxylase: localization in the mitochondrial inner membrane.

Abstract A membranous fraction from calf brain, sedimenting at 10,000g, catalyzes the decarboxylation of exogenous phosphatidyl[ 14 C]serine presented in an aqueous dispersion in detergent. The product formed by the enzymatic decarboxylation reaction is chemically and chromatographically identical to phosphatidyl[ 14 C]ethanolamine. The calf brain decarboxylase activity: (1) did not require divalent cations; (2) was optimally active at neutral pH; (3) exhibited maximal activity in the presence of 0.1% Cutscum or sodium taurocholate; (4) was inhibited by hydroxylamine or p -hydroxymercuribenzoate; and (5) has an apparent K m = 2.4 mm for the phospholipid substrate. Initial subcellular fractionation studies with rat brain showed that the highest level of decarboxylase activity was present in the mitochondrial-lysosomal fraction. When this fraction was further separated by metrizamide density centrifugation, 90% of the phosphatidylserine decarboxylase activity was associated with the mitochondria. Resolution of the inner and outer membranes of the mitochondria revealed that greater than 99% of the decarboxylase activity was bound to the inner membrane. In contrast to this result, diacylglycerol ethanolaminephosphotransferase, another enzyme responsible for phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis in brain, was greatly enriched in the microsomal fraction. The highest level of phospholipid N -methyltransferase activity was also localized in the microsomal fraction. Thus, phosphatidylethanolamine formation via cytidine diphosphate ethanolamine in brain occurs at a membrane site where it should be available for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine by stepwise methylation. In order for phosphatidylethanolamine formed by the decarboxylation reaction to be available for N-methylation, translocation from mitochondria to the microsomal site would be required.
Advances in Hand Dysfunction

An orthosis is defined as an apparatus that is applied to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities and/or improve the function of movable parts of the body. By the strictest definition of an orthosis, the freehand system is not an orthosis but is a neuroprosthetic device. This neuroprosthesis is a logical extension of a traditional upper extremity orthosis and functional electrical stimulation in that the freehand system provides many of the same functions as these two devices. This article expands on the development and utility of the freehand system that is being used to combat hand dysfunction in the high tetraplegic individual.
A Death Awareness Workshop: Theory, Application and Results:

A death awareness workshop is described which is experimental in nature and based on Kubler-Ross' theory [1]. Exercises have been developed which parallel the five stages of acceptance of dying for terminally ill patients. An encounter group format is utilized in order to facilitate group process. An approach which effectively integrated both the existential framework for this workshop and the behavioral techniques utilized is discussed. The research design testing the effectiveness of the workshop is presented. The effects of the workshop reveal cognitive and emotional changes indicating participants in the workshop to be moving towards an “acceptance of death.”
The coupling of radiation and convection in detached shock layers

Abstract Recent studies have shown that for sufficiently high re-entry speeds, radiation energy transfer from high temperature air becomes an appreciable part of the total energy transfer to the nose of the re-entry body. This note is concerned with the effects of this fluid energy loss on the energy distribution in the shock layer and, therefore, on the convective and radiative fluxes at the wall. A nondimensional parameter is shown to govern the resulting coupling between radiative and convective fluxes. The first approximation which consists in assuming a constant stagnation temperature layer is shown to be acceptable for most ballistic and earth satellite re-entry problems. For larger velocities or dimensions (e.g., planetary probes and heavy meteors), radiation losses become important and it is necessary to include the radiation terms into the equations which determine the flow field.
Restoring Ambiguity to Achinstein's Account of Evidence

In The Book of Evidence, Peter Achinstein argues against the long-standing claim that 'evidence' is ambiguous in possessing a sense of confirming evidence and a sense of supporting evidence. He argues that explications of supporting evidence will necessarily violate his contentions that evidence is a discontinuous 'threshold concept' and that any philosophical account of supporting evidence will be too weak to be useful to working scientists. But an account of supporting evidence may be formulated which includes Achinstein's notion of epistemic thresholds that finds examples in Achinstein's own historical case studies.
Observers' ability to judge the similarity of clustered calcifications on mammograms

We are comparing two different methods for obtaining the radiologists’ subjective impression of similarity, for application in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. Thirty pairs of mammographic clustered calcifications were used in this study. These 30 pairs were rated on a 5-point scale as to their similarity, where 1 was nearly identical and 5 was not at all similar. After this, all possible combinations of pairs of pairs were shown to the reader (n=435) and the reader selected which pair was most similar. This experiment was repeated by the observers with at least a week between reading sessions. Using analysis of variance, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for both absolute scoring method and paired comparison method. In addition, for the paired comparison method, the coefficient of consistency within each reader was calculated. The average coefficient of consistence for the 4 readers was 0.88 (range 0.49-0.97). These results were statistically significant different from guessing at p << 0.0001. The ICC for intra-reader agreement was 0.51 (0.37-0.66 95% CI) for the absolute method and 0.82 (0.73-0.91 95% CI) for the paired comparison method. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). For the inter-reader agreement, the ICC for the absolute method was 0.39 (0.21-0.57 95% CI) and 0.37 (0.18-0.56 95% CI) for the paired comparison method. We conclude that humans are able to judge similarity of clustered calcifications in a meaningful way. Further, radiologists had greater intra-reader agreement when using the paired comparison method than when using an absolute rating scale. Differences in the criteria used by different observers to judge similarity and differences in interpreting which calcifications comprise the cluster can lead to low ICC values for inter-reader agreement for both methods.
Uncertainty in biomass supply estimates: Lessons from a Yakama Nation case study

Abstract The increasing demand for bioenergy in the United States necessitates detailed case studies of cost and supply to assess its feasibility. We have developed supply curves based on six feedstocks in five counties surrounding the Yakama Nation in central Washington using spatially explicit estimates of supply and transportation cost. The supply curves were used to examine a base case supply for a bioenergy plant, to analyze the effects of land ownership, and examine the impacts of uncertainty in parameters used to determine cost and supply. The results show that existing industries produce the cheapest supply of feedstock as a byproduct of their operations, while supplies harvested specifically for bioenergy are considerably more expensive. Fragmented land ownerships lead to the necessity of cooperation between owners and highlight the importance of a strong anchor supply close to the plant. Lastly, uncertainty in supply and cost parameters leads to larger ranges in available biomass, leading to reluctant investment in large plants.
On the design and evaluation of robust head pose for visual user interfaces: algorithms, databases, and comparisons

An important goal in automotive user interface research is to predict a user's reactions and behaviors in a driving environment. The behavior of both drivers and passengers can be studied by analyzing eye gaze, head, hand, and foot movement, upper body posture, etc. In this paper, we focus on estimating head pose, which has been shown to be a good predictor of driver intent and a good proxy for gaze estimation, and provide a valuable head pose database for future comparative studies. Most existing head pose estimation algorithms are still struggling under large spatial head turns. Our method, however, relies on using facial features that are visible even during large spatial head turns to estimate head pose. The method is evaluated on the LISA-P Head Pose database, which has head pose data from on-road daytime and nighttime drivers of varying age, race, and gender; ground truth for head pose is provided using a motion capture system. In special regards to eye gaze estimation for automotive user interface study, the automatic head pose estimation technique presented in this paper can replace previous eye gaze estimation methods that rely on manual data annotation or be used in conjunction with them when necessary.
Tense, the Dynamic Lexicon, and the Flow of Time

One of the most gripping intuitions that people have about time is that it, in some sense “flows.” This sense of flow has been articulated in a number of ways, ranging from us moving into the future or the future rushing towards us, and there has been no shortage of metaphors and descriptions to characterize this sense of passage. Despite the many forms of the metaphor and its widespread occurrence, it has been argued that there is a deep conceptual problem in any assumption that time “passes” or “flows.” The idea expressed by the metaphor is supposed to be incoherent. But is the idea expressed by this metaphor really incoherent? In this essay I will argue that, on one understanding of the metaphor, it is not. I’ll argue that the metaphor can be unpacked as representing three features of temporal experience, and while these features together appear to lead to paradox, I will argue that correctly handled they do not.
Management of parapneumonic effusions.

The annual incidence of bacterial pneumonia in the United States is estimated at 4 million and approximately 20% of those cases require hospitalization. 32 The incidence of parapneumonic effusion in patients hospitalized with pneumonia is about 40%. 25 The morbidity and mortality rates in patients with pneumonia and pleural effusions are greater than in patients with pneumonia alone. In one recent study, 16 the relative risk of mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia was 7.0 times higher for patients with bilateral pleural effusions and 3.4 times higher for patients with unilateral-pleural effusion of moderate or greater size compared with other patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Delay in instituting proper therapy for effusions is responsible for much of the increased morbidity and mortality.
Factors associated with early study discontinuation in AACTG studies, DACS 200.

Abstract Background: When participants in a clinical trial are lost to follow-up, the validity of the results and resource utilization may be seriously affected. Identification of factors associated with loss is essential to inform efforts to minimize early study discontinuation (ESD). Few studies examine subject-specific factors that predict ESD. This large, multi-study, multi-center database allows not only evaluation of the effect of subject-specific factors on ESD, but also of study-specific factors as well as the site of enrollment. Methods: We retrospectively examined the retention of 5605 study entries of 5037 individuals who were enrolled at 30 sites within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) from July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1999. Variables examined included: enrollment year, prior enrollment on a study, sex, race, drug use, CD4 count, age, and use of antidepressants, other prescription psychotrophic drugs, or methadone; site location and the proportion of primary care given at a site; and study complexity and type (immunology, complications of HIV, or antiretroviral). Prior antiretroviral experience and baseline viral load were examined in antiretroviral studies. Results: The ESD rate for sites varied considerably from 5.70 to 33.10 per 100 person years of follow-up. Variables associated with higher ESD included complexity of the study, no previous enrollment on a study, black race, female sex, previous intravenous drug use, CD4
The Evolution of Elements and Isotopes

The basic building blocks of all minerals are the approximately 290 stable or long-lived isotopes of 84 elements. Yet, when the universe began and nuclear reactions ceased after about 15 minutes, the only elements present were hydrogen, helium, and traces of lithium. After the groundbreaking work by Cameron and Burbidge and coworkers in the 1950s, it is now understood that all the other elements are made in stars in an ongoing cycle of nucleosynthesis. Stars form, create new elements via nuclear reactions, and finally disperse the new elements into space via winds and explosions, forming the seeds for new stars.
Influence of the Departing Group on the Electrophilic Cleavage of Silicon−Carbon Bonds Adjacent to Zirconocene Dichloride. Preparation of Electrophile-Functionalized Zirconocene Dibromides

(EtMe2SiC5H4)CpZrCl2 (5) reacts with BBr3 in 1,2-dichloroethane (reflux, 24 h) to afford a 4:1 mixture of (EtMeBrSiC5H4)CpZrBr2 (10) and (BrMe2SiC5H4)CpZrBr2 (11) in a nearly quantitative conversion. Similarly, (tBuMe2SiC5H4)CpZrCl2 (6) reacts with BBr3 to afford a 15:1 mixture of (tBuMeBrSiC5H4)CpZrBr2 (13) and 11. The product 11 is obtained independently by treating (Me3SiC5H4)CpZrCl2 (12) with BBr3. In contrast, Si−Ph bonds are cleaved with complete selectivity in the presence of Si−Me groups. (PhMe2SiC5H4)2ZrCl2 (8) reacts with excess BCl3 in dichloromethane (reflux, 15 h) to afford (ClMe2SiC5H4)2ZrCl2 (14) in 72% yield. (Ph2MeSiC5H4)2ZrCl2 (9) reacts with excess BBr3 in 1,2-dichloroethane (reflux, 15 h) to afford (Br2MeSiC5H4)2ZrBr2 (15) in 79% yield. Complexes 9 and 15 were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystalline 9 adopts a pseudo-C2 conformation in which the face of the Ph group of one ligand shows a weak interaction with a C−H bond of the other ligand. Crystalline 15 also adopts ...
Limited role of parental dna in replication during infection by Bacillus subtilis phage SP01

When bacteria, growing in light medium, are infected with heavy phage, progeny DNA molecules band in the hybrid position only if they were synthesized using parental DNA as template. Thus, the rate of incorporation of radioactive precursors into hybrid DNA measures the use of parental template. This rate decreases with time during SPO1 infection, arguing against certain models for the control of SPOT replication.
Double isotope assay of nanogram quantities of peptides as their dinitrophenyl derivatives: Angiotensin and related compounds

Abstract A double-isotope derivative assay has been developed which allows quantitation of angiotensin II on a nanogram scale. The peptide is reacted with 3H-labeled 1-fluoro-2,4 dinitrobenzene (3H-FDNB) to yield a trisubstituted dinitrophenyl (DNP) derivative under conditions in which it has been shown that reaction of the peptide with FDNB is quantitative. Separately prepared 14C-DNP-angiotensin is added as indicator and nonlabeled DNP peptide as carrier. Excess reagent is removed by extraction with toluene, and the peptide is extracted into ethyl acetate and subjected to TLC on silica gel. The yellow DNP derivative is eluted, converted to its methyl ester with methanol-HCl, rechromatographed, eluted, and its 3H and 14C radioactivity determined in a liquid scintillation spectrometer. The reagent blank is zero. Yields of derivative are quantitative. Recoveries are variable (20–40%) but accurate correction is provided by use of the 14C indicator. With 3H-FDNB of specific activity of 200 μC/μ m two or more nanograms can be accurately determined. Angiotensin II has also been assayed on a nanogram scale after carboxypeptidase degradation to its des-phenylalanine heptapeptide, using appropriate heptapeptide 14C indicator and carrier. The DNP derivatives of several peptides related to angiotensin I and II have been prepared and shown to be separable by TLC. The 3H-DNP derivative method should be readily adaptable to the measurement of a variety of other peptides, including angiotensin I, and may provide the basis for an assay of renin in plasma.
Iguanas and Salmonella Marina Infection in Children: A Reflection of the Increasing Incidence of Reptile-associated Salmonellosis in the United States

Objective. To investigate clinical aspects and risk factors for Salmonella serotype Marina infection in the United States. Methods. We identified all isolates of SMarina reported in 1994 to the NationalSalmonella Surveillance System. Patients were interviewed about demographic information, clinical course, diet, travel history, and contact with reptiles before illness. Results. Twenty-six (81%) of 32 patients were infants ( Conclusion. S Marina infection is a potentially serious illness associated with iguana exposure, and it reflects the larger problem of reptile-associated salmonellosis. Many parents do not know that owning an iguana puts their children at risk forSalmonella infection. Pediatricians, veterinarians, and pet store owners should inform their patients and customers of the potential risks of owning reptiles and provide appropriate preventive education.