cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated external defibrillation versus manual defibrillation for prolonged ventricular fibrillation: lethal delays of chest compressions before and after countershocks.

Abstract Study objective We sought to determine whether the delays in chest compressions and defibrillation associated with an automated external defibrillator would adversely affect outcome compared with manual defibrillation in a swine model of out-of-hospital prolonged ventricular fibrillation. Methods After 8 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation, 16 swine (33±4 kg) were randomly assigned to automated external defibrillator defibrillation or manual defibrillation with the same biphasic truncated exponential waveform 150-J shock through the same type of pads. Defibrillation with the automated external defibrillator was performed as recommended by the manufacturer, and manual defibrillation was provided per American Heart Association Guidelines. The primary outcome measure was 24-hour survival with good neurologic outcome. Data are described as means±SD. Results None of 8 animals in the automated external defibrillator group survived for 24 hours, whereas 5 of 8 animals in the manual defibrillation group survived 24 hours, all with good neurologic outcome ( P =.027). The time interval from simulated defibrillator arrival to first compressions was 98±18 seconds in the automated external defibrillator group versus 68±15 seconds in the manual defibrillation group. In particular, the interval from first shock to first chest compressions was 46±18 seconds versus 22±16 seconds, respectively. The mean percentage of time that chest compressions were performed in the first minute after the first countershock was 15%±13% versus 40%±15%, respectively. As a result, return of spontaneous circulation within 5 minutes of simulated defibrillator arrival occurred in only 1 of 8 animals in the automated external defibrillator group versus 6 of 8 animals in the manual defibrillation group. Conclusion The longer delays in chest compressions with automated external defibrillator defibrillation versus manual defibrillation can worsen the outcome from prolonged ventricular fibrillation.
Representations of Quivers

In this chapter, we introduce the concept of quiver representations and their morphisms, discuss direct sums, kernels, and cokernels, and study short exact sequences of quiver representations. We also introduce some basic notions of category theory.
Due Diligence and Gender Violence: Parsing its Power and its Perils

Human rights advocates increasingly invoke the due diligence standard to hold States responsible for their actions and omissions with respect to gender violence. This paper traces the development of the due diligence obligation and analyzes how the due diligence principle has been interpreted in key international policy documents and developing gender violence caselaw from the United Nations, European, and Inter-American human rights systems. On its face, the due diligence obligation calls on the State to take responsibility for preventing gender violence, prosecuting and punishing perpetrators, and protecting and providing redress for gender violence victims. The notion of State responsibility for gender violence offered by the due diligence obligation is foundational, and is appealing in many ways, particularly when considering the near-universal history of non-responsiveness, State approval of, and all-too-frequent participation in, gender violence. We argue that emerging interpretations of the due diligence obligation as applied to gender violence pay insufficient attention to the risks of State intervention. While State response is clearly needed, we should be cautious about the ramifications of the demand. A reflexive focus on State response can encourage an undue emphasis on criminal justice responses with adverse consequences such as arrests of survivors. It risks situating the State as the entity charged with program delivery when other entities would be more effective. An appropriate model of state responsiveness should explicitly grant the State discretion not to respond, or to delegate its response to other stakeholders such as community members, survivors, NGOs, and advocates. It should consider the impact of any intervention on those at the margins — particularly those from racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities — and should take into account the experiences and recommendations of both advocates and survivors. A careful balancing of the need for State accountability with the risk of over-intrusiveness can best advance foundational human rights principles, such as non-discrimination, equality, autonomy, and dignity, in service of ending gender violence and promoting justice.
Using wastewater-based analysis to monitor the effects of legalized retail sales on cannabis consumption in Washington State, USA.

Aims To perform a wastewater-based analysis to explore the impact of newly legalized retail cannabis sales on its use and to determine if this approach could estimate the size of the legal market place, which began 1 August 2014 in the study area. Design Laboratory study of raw wastewater samples collected and analyzed over the 3-year period from 2014 to 2016. Setting and participants Samples obtained from the two wastewater treatment plants that serviced a municipality of 200 000 people in the state of Washington, USA. Measurements Quantitative analysis of 24-hour composite influent samples for the metabolite of the active ingredient in cannabis, 11-nor-9-Carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Findings Wastewater estimates for THC-COOH increased by 9% per quarter, suggesting a doubling in cannabis consumption from 1 December 2013 to 31 December 2016. State-sold THC increased at nearly 70% per quarter, while stores operated from 1 August 2014 to 31 December 2016. Estimating the proportion of the total cannabis market supplied by state-regulated cannabis from these data is not currently achievable. Conclusion A wastewater-based measure of cannabis consumption suggests a significant increase in consumption in Washington, USA following legalization, and that legal sales appear to have displaced a large portion of the illicit market.
Factors Influencing Neonicotinoid Insecticide Concentrations in Floodplain Wetland Sediments across Missouri

Widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America has led to frequent detection of neonicotinoids in surface waters. Despite frequent surface water detection, few studies have evaluated underlying sediments for the presence of neonicotinoids. Thus, we sampled water and sediments for neonicotinoids during a one-year period at 40 floodplain wetlands throughout Missouri. Analyzed for six common neonicotinoids, sediment samples consistently (63% of samples) contained neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid and clothianidin) in all sampling periods. Mean sediment and aqueous neonicotinoid concentrations were 1.19 μg kg-1 (range: 0-17.99 μg kg-1) and 0.03 μg L-1 (0-0.97 μg L-1), respectively. We used boosted regression tree analysis to explain sediment neonicotinoid concentrations and ultimately identified six variables that accounted for 31.6% of concentration variability. Efforts to limit sediment neonicotinoid contamination could include reducing agriculture within a wetland below a threshold of 25% area planted. Also, prolonging periods of overlying water >25 cm deep when water temperatures reach/exceed 18 °C could promote conditions favorable for neonicotinoid degradation. Results of this study can be useful in determining potential routes and levels of neonicotinoid exposure experienced by nontarget benthic aquatic invertebrates as well as potential means to mitigate neonicotinoid concentrations in floodplain wetlands.
A superoxide scavenging coating for improving tissue response to neural implants.

Abstract The advancement of neural prostheses requires implantable neural electrodes capable of electrically stimulating or recording signals from neurons chronically. Unfortunately, the implantation injury and presence of foreign bodies lead to chronic inflammation, resulting in neuronal death in the vicinity of electrodes. A key mediator of inflammation and neuronal loss are reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). To mitigate the effect of RONS, a superoxide dismutase mimic compound, manganese(III) meso-tetrakis-(N-(2-aminoethyl)pyridinium-2-yl) porphyrin (iSODm), was synthesized to covalently attach to the neural probe surfaces. This new compound showed high catalytic superoxide scavenging activity. In microglia cell line cultures, the iSODm coating effectively reduced superoxide production and altered expression of iNOS, NADPH oxidase, and arginase. After 1 week of implantation, iSODm coated electrodes showed significantly lower expression of markers for oxidative stress immediately adjacent to the electrode surface, as well as significantly less neurons undergoing apoptosis. Statement of Significance One critical challenge in the translation of neural electrode technology to clinically viable devices for brain computer interface or deep brain stimulation applications is the chronic degradation of the device performance due to neuronal degeneration around the implants. One of the key mediators of inflammation and neuronal degeneration is reactive oxygen and nitrogen species released by injured neurons and inflammatory microglia. This research takes a biomimetic approach to synthesize a compound having similar reactivity as superoxide dismutase, which can catalytically scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress and decreasing neuronal degeneration. By immobilizing the compound covalently on the surface of neural implants, we show that the neuronal degeneration and oxidative stress around the implants is significantly reduced.
Signal Processing Techniques for Improving B-Mode Echoencephalography

In spite of many previous research efforts, B-mode echoencephalography is not used clinically for adults because of the poor quality of the images obtained with current, techniques. The intervening presence of the skull results in low sensitivity, reverberations, distortions in the range and lateral dimension, and, most importantly, poor lateral resolution (White, 1970). Lateral resolution, which can be described by the system point spread function (PSF), is a function of the relative phase variation introduced across the transducer aperture by the presence of the skull. A technique has been described (Phillips, et al., this volume) whereby this phase aberration can be measured by a secondary transducer and compensated for in a phased array imaging system, thus restoring the PSF to its unaberrated condition. An alternate technique will be described here which requires no such a priori knowledge of the skull phase variation. This is accompushed by optimizing the transducer frequency and size, and by signal processing the returning echoes. It has been shown (Phillips, et al., this volume) that if one accurately measures the relative phase variation across the transducer due to the skull, the point spread function can be calculated to a close approximation. A simple but accurate model of the skull predicts that the phase variation, \( \Delta \phi \), is a linear function of skull thickness, y, and ultrasound frequency, f.
Repeated Interaction in Teams: Tenure and Performance

Many of the activities performed in firms are done by teams, where a common output is observed, but outsiders cannot observe the individual contributions of each team member. This leads to the poss...
Surgical Disparities: Beyond Non-Modifiable Patient Factors

Over the past several years, there has been an explosion of publications describing disparities in virtually all aspects of our healthcare system. Surgery is no exception, with recent studies reporting inequities in surgical care and outcomes related to race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, education, and geographic location. Progress, however, has remained slow, likely due to an inadequate understanding of the mechanisms that lead to these disparities. To effectively address health care disparities, it is imperative to differentiate between modifiable and non-modifiable factors and focus primarily on addressing the former. Since most people who will be reading this chapter are current or future surgeons, we would strongly recommend you focus on identifying modifiable causes of disparities that affect your patient population, followed by devising and testing innovative approaches that can reduce them in your practice and the healthcare system as a whole.
Infant Health for Arab and Non-Arab Mothers Identifying as White, Black, or Other in Massachusetts.

Introduction This study quantifies the differences in infant outcomes by mother's self-identified race among Arab Americans and by self-identified race and ethnicity for Arabs and non-Arabs. Methods This study used data from the Standard Certificate of Live Birth on 8,204 infants born to Arab and 325,354 infants born to non-Arab mothers between 2012 and 2016 in Massachusetts; data were analyzed between 2019 and 2020. Mothers’ race was categorized as White, Black, or Other. Mothers’ ethnicity was categorized as Arab or non-Arab. Outcomes included birth weight, preterm birth, low-birth weight, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age. Linear and logistic regression models assessed the association between race and infant health outcomes. Results Black Arab mothers had higher odds of preterm birth (AOR=1.37, 95% CI=1.07, 1.76) and low-birth weight (AOR=1.35, 95% CI=0.99, 1.84) than White Arab mothers. Arab mothers who self-identified as Other had babies that were 51.4 grams lighter than babies born to White Arab mothers. White Arab mothers had higher odds of low birth weight (AOR=1.19, 95% CI=1.06, 1.34) and small-for-gestational-age babies (AOR=1.22, 95% CI=1.11, 1.36) but lower odds of large-for-gestational-age babies (AOR=0.77, 95% CI=0.70, 0.86) than White non-Arab mothers. Conclusions Both ethnicity and race are important determinants of the health of Arab American infants. Arab ethnicity may play a negative role in the infant health of Arab Americans who identify as White. A better understanding of the lived experiences of Arab American mothers, with regard to their racial and ethnic identity, may help better inform clinical practice.
Craniocervical junction issues after infancy in achondroplasia.

More information is available concerning risks of craniocervical junction issues in infancy than at later ages. Therefore, we elected to quantify the risks at greater than 1 year of age through a retrospective analysis of 477 individuals with achondroplasia using a REDCap database. Evaluation of these 477 individuals revealed 77 (16.1%) who had pathologic neurologic manifestations after 1 year of age related to the craniocervical junction. Within this subpopulation of 77 individuals, 43 (55.8%) underwent craniocervical decompression surgery, or 9.0% of the total population. Whether decompressed or not, most individuals with craniocervical junction issues after infancy had a normal outcome, without long-term neurological sequelae (57/77, 74.0%). The remaining 20 had various long-term neurological issues. This is the first cohort based estimate of risks related to the upper cervical spine in individuals with achondroplasia specifically beyond infancy.
Strong purifying selection on codon usage bias

Codon usage bias (CUB), where certain codons are used more frequently than expected by chance, is a ubiquitous phenomenon and occurs across the tree of life. The dominant paradigm is that the proportion of preferred codons is set by weak selection. Though experimental changes in codon usage have shown large phenotypic effects, genome-wide population genetics estimates have generally been consistent with the weak selection model. Here we use site frequency spectrum and polymorphism- level data from deep Drosophila melanogaster population genomic sequencing to measure selection on synonymous sites. We find evidence that purifying selection on preferred codons varies in strength from weak to strong (Nes < −10). Our results suggest a new model where the level of CUB in a gene is determined by distribution of selection coefficients across sites. These results also indicate that the functional effect of CUB, and of synonymous sites in general, have been underestimated.
Glamour Among Value: P/E Ratios and Value Investor Attention

Price-earnings (P/E) ratios, the most popular value metrics, are widely reported using the last four quarters of earnings. Trailing-four-quarter P/E ratios have significantly greater return predictability than lagged P/E ratios or current market-to-book ratios. The role of attention is evident in return patterns across the long and short portfolios, day of the week, and time since formation. Returns are robust to fundamentals, price momentum, or earnings momentum. P/E ratios predict changes in volume, liquidity, and idiosyncratic volatility. Financial data providers only report P/E ratios for stocks with positive earnings; P/E ratios only predict trading activity for these stocks.
The Immediate Impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Adolescents with Severe Obesity - Another Pandemic

Background: The impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on the health and well-being of adolescents with obesity is currently unknown. The shelter-in place (SIP) orders imposed disruptions in everyday routines for all persons, including youth with obesity. Obtaining real-time data could offer important information about how youth with severe obesity are faring in the midst of this global crisis. Hence, this cross-sectional study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related behavior changes in adolescent patients with severe obesity. Methods: Fifteen adolescents with severe obesity (M ± SD: 16.40 ± 1.67 years; 66.7% female; 40% Hispanic) and 19 parents (45.83 ± 6.98 years; 94.7% female; 47.4% Hispanic) receiving care at an adolescent bariatric surgery clinic at a university medical center participated (20% response). Participants completed an online survey about the impact of COVID-19 and SIP on: eating habits, physical activity, sleep, screen time, mood, and motivation for behavior change. Parents completed similar questions regarding the impact of SIP on their child’s health. Results: Descriptive analyses revealed adolescents reported varied sleep quality and quantity, later bedtimes, increased home-cooked and family meals, decreased takeout food consumption, and increased anxiety levels. Almost half reported increased snacking. Changes in physical activity were noted. Parent and adolescent responses were mostly aligned, with the exception of self-reported weight change. Conclusions: Adolescents with severe obesity are facing challenges in maintaining health-related behavioral goals during SIP. Providers should be prepared to discuss and manage the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent patients with obesity.
Provider Network Structure and Black-to-White Disparity Gaps for Medicare Patients with Diabetes: County-Level Analysis of Cost, Utilization, and Clinical Care.

Prior work has shown that provider network structures correlate with outcomes such as patient costs, utilization, and care. However, it remains unknown whether certain provider networks are associated with reduced disparity gaps. We study the population of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes who were continuously enrolled in Medicare FFS in 2016. Using multivariable regression analysis of county-level risk adjusted cost, hospitalization, emergency department visits, A1c testing, and preventable diabetes-related hospitalizations, we measure the effect that the relative network connectivity of primary care providers (PCPs) in relation to medical and surgical specialists (PCP/Specialist degree centrality ratio), derived from Medicare patient sharing data, has on non-Hispanic black-to-white disparity gaps controlling for county-level socioeconomic and demographic variables and state fixed effects. Relative to non-Hispanic white, our adjusted results show that non-Hispanic black beneficiaries have $1673 (p<0.001) higher risk adjusted total costs, 2.6 (p<0.001) more hospitalizations (per 1000 beneficiaries), 11.6 (p<0.001) more ED visits (per 1000 beneficiaries), receive 2.2% (p<0.001) less A1c testing, and have 69.4 (p<0.01) more (per 100,000) avoidable diabetes-related hospital admissions. Our main results show that increasing the PCP/Specialist degree centrality ratio by one standard deviation is associated with a disparity gap decrease of 25.3% (p<0.01) in hospitalizations, 8.3% (p<0.05) in ED visits, 2.8% (p<0.01) in A1c testing, and 26.9% (p<0.1) in the volume of preventable diabetes-related hospital admissions. Network structures where PCPs are more central relative to medical and surgical specialists are associated with reduced non-Hispanic black-to-white disparity gaps, suggesting that how we organize and structure our health systems has implications for disparity gaps between non-Hispanic black and white Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes.
Direct brainstem somatosensory evoked potentials for cavernous malformations

Objective Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) often require resection due to their aggressive natural history causing hemorrhage and progressive neurological deficits. The authors report a novel intraoperative neuromonitoring technique of direct brainstem somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) for functional mapping intended to help guide surgery and subsequently prevent and minimize postoperative sensory deficits. Methods Between 2013 and 2019 at the Stanford University Hospital, intraoperative direct brainstem stimulation of primary somatosensory pathways was attempted in 11 patients with CMs. Stimulation identified nucleus fasciculus, nucleus cuneatus, medial lemniscus, or safe corridors for incisions. SSEPs were recorded from standard scalp subdermal electrodes. Stimulation intensities required to evoke potentials ranged from 0.3 to 3.0 mA or V. Results There were a total of 1 midbrain, 6 pontine, and 4 medullary CMs-all with surrounding hemorrhage. In 7/11 cases, brainstem SSEPs were recorded and reproducible. In cases 1 and 11, peripheral median nerve and posterior tibial nerve stimulations did not produce reliable SSEPs but direct brainstem stimulation did. In 4/11 cases, stimulation around the areas of hemosiderin did not evoke reliable SSEPs. The direct brainstem SSEP technique allowed the surgeon to find safe corridors to incise the brainstem and resect the lesions. Conclusions Direct stimulation of brainstem sensory structures with successful recording of scalp SSEPs is feasible at low stimulation intensities. This innovative technique can help the neurosurgeon clarify distorted anatomy, identify safer incision sites from which to evacuate clots and CMs, and may help reduce postoperative neurological deficits. The technique needs further refinement, but could potentially be useful to map other brainstem lesions.
Conceptualizing the curse: two views on our responsibility for the ‘resource curse’

This essay critically engages proposals by Thomas Pogge and Leif Wenar meant to combat ‘the resource curse.’ Pogge and Wenar call for boycotts against stealing oppressors, sharing the expectation that the boycotts will significantly contribute to economic and political reform in the target countries. In contrast, I argue that liberal democracies should indeed stop trading with dictators and civil warriors, but for inward rather than outward looking reasons. We, the citizens of liberal democracies through our elected governments, ought to boycott severely oppressive regimes for the sake of our own moral integrity*simply in order to stop being complicit in what is effectively massive scale armed robbery. This inward looking thesis is distinctive in three ways. First, it contrasts with the dominant assumption that global reform must be grounded in the achievement of better political and economic outcomes for others. Second, the inward look manages to avoid the profound empirical uncertainty associated with any attempt to predict the direct effects of global rule changes on domestic institutions. Third, by isolating each democracy’s responsibility for each case of illicit trade, the inward looking strategy deals more adequately than the outward view with collective action problems, and therefore has a greater chance of grounding actual reforms, with whatever prospects for better outcomes they may entail. Keywords: resource curse; boycotts; democratic trade; Thomas Pogge; Leif Wenar (Published: 22 June 2011) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 4 , No. 2, 2011, pp. 103-124. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v4i2.7274
Multibody motion estimation and segmentation from multiple central panoramic views

We present an algorithm for infinitesimal motion estimation and segmentation from multiple central panoramic views. We first show that the central panoramic optical flows corresponding to independent motions lie in orthogonal ten-dimensional subspaces of a higher-dimensional linear space. We then propose a factorization-based technique that estimates the number of independent motions, the segmentation of the image measurements and the motion of each object relative to the camera from a set of image points and their optical flows in multiple frames. Finally, we present the experimental results on motion estimation and segmentation for a real image sequence with two independently moving mobile robots, and evaluate the performance of our algorithm by comparing the vision estimates with GPS measurements gathered by the mobile robots.
Agraphia selective for written spelling: An experimental case study

Abstract A 56-year-old right-handed man suffered left posterior parieto-temporal ischemia leading to mild aphasia, Gerstmann syndrome, and a novel variant of agraphia. This variant compromised his spelling by writing and manual sorting of letters more than his oral spelling. The dissociation was experimentally documented. It principally involved the intrusion of extraneous letters, independent of input modality. It did not generalized to numbers or an arbitrary code. Postoperatively the disability disappeared. It was concluded that the programs which translate letter choice into visual terms for purposes of written (as distinct from oral) spelling either originate or are transmitted in a distinct cerebral location. This location, which may be the left posterior parasagittal parietal area, can be selectively impaired by a focal lesion.
A Semiparametric Method for Valuing Residential Location: Application to Automated Valuation

This paper is motivated by automated valuation systems, which would benefit from an ability to estimate spatial variation in location value. It develops theory for the LRM, a semiparametric approach to estimating a location value surface. There are two parts to the LRM: 1) an OLS model to hold constant for interior square footage, land area, bathrooms, and other structural characteristics; and 2) a non-parametric smoother (local polynomial regression, LPR) which calculates location value as a function of latitude and longitude. Several methods are used to consistently estimate both parts of the model. The LRM was fit to geocoded hedonic sales data for six towns in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. The estimates yield substantial, significant and plausible spatial patterns in location values. Using the LRM as an exploratory tool, local peaks and valleys in location value identified by the model are close to points identified by the tax assessor, and they are shown to add to the explanatory power of an OLS model. Out-of-sample MSE shows that the LRM with a first-degree polynomial (local linear smoothing) is somewhat better than polynomials of degree zero or degree two. Future applications might use degree zero (the well-known NW estimator) because this is available in popular commercial software. The optimized LRM reduces MSE from the OLS model by between 5% and 11% while adding information on statistically significant variations in location value. models
Short versus long gamma-ray bursts: a comprehensive study of energetics and prompt gamma-ray correlations

We present the results of a comprehensive study of the luminosity function, energetics, prompt gamma-ray correlations, and classification methodology of short-hard and long-soft GRBs (SGRBs and LGRBs), based on observational data in the largest catalog of GRBs available to this date: BATSE catalog of 2702 GRBs. We find that: 1. The least-biased classification method of GRBs into short and long, solely based on prompt-emission properties, appears to be the ratio of the observed spectral peak energy to the observed duration ($R=E_p/T_{90}$) with the dividing line at $R\simeq50[keV~s^{-1}]$. 2. Once data is carefully corrected for the effects of the detection threshold of gamma-ray instruments, the population distribution of SGRBs and LGRBs can be individually well described as multivariate log-normal distribution in the $4$--dimensional space of the isotropic peak gamma-ray luminosity, total isotropic gamma-ray emission, the intrinsic spectral peak energy, and the intrinsic duration. 3. Relatively large fractions of SGRBs and LGRBs with moderate-to-low spectral peak energies have been missed by BATSE detectors. 4. Relatively strong and highly significant intrinsic hardness--brightness and duration--brightness correlations likely exist in both populations of SGRBs and LGRBs, once data is corrected for selection effects. The strengths of these correlations are very similar in both populations, implying similar mechanisms at work in both GRB classes, leading to the emergence of these prompt gamma-ray correlations.
A new 3-dimensional method for measuring precision in surgical navigation and methods to optimize navigation accuracy

Description of a novel method for evaluation of pedicle screws in 3 dimensions utilizing O-arm® and StealthStation® navigation; identifying sources of error, and pearls for more precise screw placement. O-arm and StealthStation navigation were utilized to place pedicle screws. Initial and final O-arm scans were performed, and the projected pedicle probe track, projected pedicle screw track, and final screw position were saved for evaluation. They were compared to evaluate the precision of the system as well as overall accuracy of final screw placement. Thoracolumbar deformity patients were analyzed, with 153 of 158 screws in adequate position. Only 5 screws were malpositioned, requiring replacement or removal. All 5 were breached laterally and no neurologic or other complications were noted in any of these patients. This resulted in 97 % accuracy using the navigation system, and no neurological injuries or deficits. The average distance of the screw tip and angle of separation for the predicted path versus the final pedicle screw position were analyzed for precision. The mean screw tip distance from the projected tip was 6.43 mm, with a standard deviation of 3.49 mm when utilizing a navigated probe alone and 5.92 mm with a standard deviation of 3.50 mm using a navigated probe and navigated screwdriver (p = 0.23). Mean angle differences were 4.02° and 3.09° respectively (p < 0.01), with standard deviations of 2.63° and 2.12°. This new technique evaluating precision of screw placement in 3 dimensions improves the ability to define screw placement. Pedicle screw position at final imaging showed the use of StealthStation navigation to be accurate and safe. As this is a preliminary evaluation, we have identified several factors affecting the precision of pedicle screw final position relative to that predicted with navigation.
“That’s Just How It Is” A Gendered Analysis of Masculinity and Femininity Ideologies in Adolescent Girls’ and Boys’ Heterosexual Relationships

In this mixed-methods study, we adopted a feminist theoretical lens in conceptualizing gender as hierarchical and complementary ideologies—femininity and masculinity—that are fundamental constituen...
Another look at NEAR.

I would like to set the record straight about the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission, which was discussed in Richard A. Kerr's article “NASA's new road to faster, cheaper, better exploration” (News Focus, 15 Nov., p. 1320). Although generally accurate, the article contained some technical errors and omissions. NEAR's near-infrared spectrometer actually failed after 3 months in orbit and 4 years in flight, and the article did not note that it successfully accomplished its primary science objectives. It was not significantly hampered by NEAR's fixed solar panels and nonsteerable antenna, because it had (and used) a scan mirror. The article stated that NEAR's gamma ray spectrometer did not return useful data from orbit, which is correct, but that was because the asteroid emitted a lower gamma ray flux than was predicted, not because of the absence of a boom for the instrument. The instrument had an active anticoincidence shield that effectively removed the contaminating spacecraft background. In the end, the NEAR gamma ray spectrometer did return a spectacular data set, but from the surface of Eros after the spacecraft landed—something neither the instrument nor the spacecraft was originally designed to do.
The functional role of tyrosine-200 in human testis angiotensin-converting enzyme

Abstract The active site of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been shown by chemical modification to contain a critical tyrosine residue, identified as Tyr-200 in human testis ACE (hTACE). We have expressed a mutant hTACE containing a Tyr-200 to Phe mutation. The mutant exhibits a marked decrease in k cat : 15-fold and 7-fold for the hydrolysis of furanacryloyl-Phe-Gly-Gly and angiotensin I, respectively, whereas its K m increases by only 1.6- and 2.2-fold, respectively. We conclude that Tyr-200 is not required for substrate binding. Instead, the effect on k cat together with a 100-fold decrease in affinity for the ACE inhibitor lisinopril indicates that Tyr-200 may participate in catalysis by stabilizing the transition state complex. Thus, Tyr-200 in hTACE has a role analogous to that of Tyr-198 in car☐ypeptidase A.
Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Diazepam, Nitroglycerin, or Both for Treatment of Patients with Potential Cocaine-associated Acute Coronary Syndromes

INTRODUCTION To the authors' knowledge, treatment of patients with cocaine-associated acute coronary syndromes has not been rigorously investigated in symptomatic patients. OBJECTIVE To perform a randomized double-blind trial of diazepam, nitroglycerin, or both for treatment of patients with potential cocaine-associated acute coronary syndromes. METHODS Patients with potential cocaine-associated acute coronary syndromes were randomized to treatment with either diazepam, nitroglycerin, or both every 5 minutes or until symptom resolution. Outcomes were chest pain resolution (measured by visual analog scale), and changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, cardiac output (L/min), cardiac index (L/min/m2), stroke volume (mL/beat), and stroke index (mL/beat/m2) over the 15-minute treatment period. To adjust for seven outcomes using the Bonferroni correction, alpha was set at 0.007. RESULTS Forty patients were enrolled (diazepam, 12; nitroglycerin, 13; both, 15). Patients had a mean age (+/-SD) of 35.4 (+/-7.5) years; 75% were male. They presented a mean of 5 hours and 37 minutes after cocaine use. Baseline demographics, cocaine use patterns, chest pain characteristics, and initial electrocardiograms were similar for all groups. Chest pain severity improved similarly in the three groups [-33.3 mm (+/-8.0); -30.7 mm (+/-7.1); -33.0 mm (+/-7.9); p = 0.6]. The stroke index decreased during the 15-minute treatment period for all groups (diazepam, -8.7 (+/-3.3); nitroglycerin, -3.1 +/- 2.8; both, -1.8 (+/-3.1) mL/beat/m2; p = 0.03). After adjustment for differences between baseline hemodynamic and cardiac profiles and multiple comparisons, there was no difference in any response to therapy over time for the different treatments. CONCLUSIONS For treatment of patients with potential cocaine-associated acute coronary syndromes, chest pain resolutions and changes in cardiac performance are not different in patients treated with diazepam or nitroglycerin. In this study, the use of both agents did not offer any advantage over either agent alone.
Structural Analysis of Cartilage Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Cartilage extracellular matrix molecules synthesized and maintained by chondrocytes form a strong, elastic tissue functioning to cushion and protect the subchondral bone. Osteoarthritis is characterized by degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix molecules resulting in fibrillation, irreversible erosion, and eventual failure of the tissue. With recent interest in the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix molecules, a need for more detailed structural information exists. Posttranslational modifications are believed to play a role in determining the susceptibility of these molecules to proteolytic degradation during the development of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this paper is to show how the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry to extracellular matrix protein and proteoglycan structure will help elucidate problems in extracellular matrix biochemistry. Methodological issues relating to the high molecular weight, polydispersity, and high degree of posttranslational modification of these molecules are discussed. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry provides an improved level of detail for extracellular matrix protein and proteoglycan structure and is useful in addressing issues surrounding the causes of degradation during osteoarthritis.
SU-E-I-95: Multiscale Normalized Metal Artifact Reduction (MS-NMAR) in Computed Tomography.

Purpose:Medical x‐ray CT devices produce images of high quality; however, the metal artifacts may arise from the adverse effect of metal materials present in the imaged objects. Conventional methods for metal artifact reduction (MAR) substitute the contaminated projection data corresponding to metal traces by specific interpolations in the projection space. Nevertheless, these methods usually introduce new artifacts, because the prior information of the imaged object (i.e., the prior image) was not involved. Therefore, a normalized MAR (NMAR) has further been invented, in which the projection space interpolation was carried out with respect to the ratio (i.e., normalization) of projection raw data to re‐projection of the prior image. This feature renders NMAR a very high accuracy. However, the normalization in NMAR is more reasonable for the larger scale contents rather than for the smaller scale details. Methods: The proposed MS‐NMAR method is a generalization of NMAR with a dedicated multiscale framework. Both projection raw data and re‐projection of the prior image ill be decomposed into each scale. The normalization followed by the linear interpolation is performed in each scale, in which the larger the scale is the wider the interval the linear interpolation is operated with. Composite projection data are acquired by summing the projection components in all scales. MS‐NMAR corrected image is reconstructed from the composite projection data. Results: Real CT data are used to verify the efficiency of the proposed method, and to compare with conventional MAR and NMAR. The quality of reconstructed image after MAR is evaluated by inspecting the region around the metal material. Conclusions: Both NMAR and MS‐NMAR have a better performance as compared with the conventional MAR. Meanwhile, MS‐NMAR outperforms NMAR, considering it hinders the productions of new artifacts while reducing the original metal artifacts. This work is partially supported by the US National Institute of Health through grants P50‐AG025688 and 2P50AG025688.
Community control of resources and the challenge of improving local livelihoods: A critical examination of community forestry in Nepal

Community forestry in Nepal vests rights of access, use, exclusion, and management of national forestland to local user groups. There is strong potential for community forests to serve as the basis for improving the quality of life and the status of livelihoods in rural Nepal while conserving forest resources. Frequently, community forest user groups are dominated by local elites who choose to close access to community forestland for several years. As a result, forest conditions are improving, but the poorest households bear the cost of strict protection. In this paper I argue that community forestry is thus having rather limited success at improving rural livelihoods. Although community forestry is fairly successful at conservation, there remain huge wealth disparities between community forest member households, limited access to vital forest products, and significant power disparities within community forest user groups. Such conditions of inequity, reinforced by current community forestry policy and practice, severely challenge the development potential of community-controlled natural resources. In Nepal, overcoming these challenges may require a change in policy that mandates more inclusive local decision-making.
Resolution and resolution improvement of passive millimeter-wave images

Measured and simulated passive millimeter-wave images of a simple target pattern were processed with Two-Mu, a linear, noniterative restoration algorithm. Decisions about whether the RAM pattern objects were sufficiently visible against a metallic background to be recognized were made by visually inspecting the images. This allowed quantitative measures to be made of the resolution improvement afforded by Two-Mu, as a function of scene oversampling for various target ranges and radiometer apertures. improvements by factors up to 1.25 and 1.45 were found for images and analog plots, respectively, of cuts through images, respectively.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evaluating the performance of “seeded gel” grinding wheels

Abstract This investigation was undertaken to compare the performance of grinding wheels containing newly developed “seeded gel” aluminum oxide abrasive with wheels containing conventional monocrystalline aluminum oxide. Experiments were conducted on a computer-controlled instrumented internal grinder over a wide range of removal rates with two dressing conditions on hardened bearing-steel specimens. It was found that wheels containing “seeded gel” abrasive required less grinding power and gave higher grinding ratios than monocrystalline abrasive wheels of the same grade with no significant difference in surface roughness. The potential improvement in productivity using “seeded gel” abrasive wheels was estimated using an optimization program which predicts the maximum possible removal rate subject to constraints on workpiece burn and surface roughness. As compared with monocrystalline abrasive wheels of the same grade, estimated optimal removal rates for “seeded gel” wheels were 15–30% higher while also providing 40–80% higher grinding ratios. With harder grade monocrystalline wheels to obtain comparable grinding ratios, estimated optimal removal rates with “seeded gel” were 40–60% higher. For comparable optimal removal rates obtained by using softer monocrystalline wheels, estimated grinding ratios with “seeded gel” wheels were as much as four times higher.
Death-effector Filaments: Novel Cytoplasmic Structures that Recruit Caspases and Trigger Apoptosis

The death-effector domain (DED) is a critical protein interaction domain that recruits caspases into complexes with members of the TNF-receptor superfamily. Apoptosis can also be induced by expressing certain DED-containing proteins without surface receptor cross-linking. Using Green Fluorescent Protein to examine DED-containing proteins in living cells, we show that these proteins cause apoptosis by forming novel cytoplasmic filaments that recruit and activate pro-caspase zymogens. Formation of these filaments, which we term death-effector filaments, was blocked by coexpression of viral antiapoptotic DED-containing proteins, but not by bcl-2 family proteins. Thus, formation of death-effector filaments allows a regulated intracellular assembly of apoptosis-signaling complexes that can initiate or amplify apoptotic stimuli independently of receptors at the plasma membrane.
The function of the anal vesicle in respiration and excretion in the braconid wasp, Microplitis croceipes☆

Abstract An investigation into the function of the anal vesicle of the larval braconid wasp, Microplitis croceipes demonstrated that the anal vesicle has no significant role in respiration. The experimental evidence also suggested that these larvae are falculatively anerobic. The anal vesicle does appear to function in the excretion of ammonia, HCO 3 − and possibly the excretion of arginine and alanine. Although the anal vesicle does function in the absorption of salts and is permeable to water it does not function as an effective osmoregulator.
Antisense Oligonucleotides to Differentiation-Specific Element Binding Protein (DSEB) mRNA Inhibit Adipocyte Differentiation

Abstract The Differentiation-Specific Element Binding Protein (DSEB) was identified by binding to a specific cis-acting DNA element (DSE) responsible for the irreversible continued expression of the angiotensinogen gene after differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipoblasts to adipocytes. It was also identified as the large subunit of the Replication Factor C complex. During 3T3-L1 adipoblast differentiation, DSEB is induced early and interacts with the DSE that is essential for the sustained transcriptional activation of the angiotensinogen gene. Here we describe loss of function studies in 3T3-L1 cells performed with antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides that hybridize to DSEB mRNA. Treatment with 15, 25, and 50 μM antisense DSEB resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of differentiation-specific lipid accumulation after 3 days of hormonal stimulation. Similar treatment also markedly reduced differentiation-dependent expression of mRNAs encoding angiotensinogen and the fat-specific fatty acid binding protein, aP2. Further, 50 μM antisense DSEB treatment resulted in a significant ∼50% inhibition of the cell proliferation that occurs early in 3T3-L1 adipogenesis. Control experiments using the DSEB sense oligonucleotide had no effect on hormonal-stimulated adipocyte differentiation. Combined, these results suggest that DSEB serves an important role during the proliferative phase of 3T3-L1 adipoblast differentiation.
Forced Convection Heat Transfer Enhancement Using a Self-Oscillating Impinging Planar Jet

Impinging jets are widely used in the local enhancement of heat removed from internal passages of gas turbine blades. Arrays of stationary jets are usually impinged on surfaces of internal cooling passages. The current practice is to benefit from the high heat transfer coefficients existing in the vicinity of the jet impingement region on a target wall. The present study shows that a self-oscillating impinging-jet configuration is extremely beneficial in enhancing the heat removal performance of a conventional (stationary) impinging jet. In addition to a highly elevated stagnation line Nusselt number, the area coverage of the impingement zone is significantly enhanced because of the inherent sweeping motion of the oscillating coolant jet. When an oscillating jet (Re=14,000) is impinged on a plate normal to the jet axis (x/d =24 hole to plate distance), a typical enhancement of Nu number on the stagnation line is about 70 percent. The present paper explains detailed fluid dynamics structure of the self-oscillating jet by using a triple decomposition technique on a crossed hot wire signal
Oligomeric state affects oxygen dissociation and diguanylate cyclase activity of globin coupled sensors

Bacterial biofilm formation is regulated by enzymes, such as diguanylate cyclases, that respond to environmental signals and alter c-di-GMP levels. Diguanylate cyclase activity of two globin coupled sensors is shown to be regulated by gaseous ligands, with cyclase activity and O2 dissociation affected by protein oligomeric state.