cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of wearing a head-mounted display during a standard clinical test of dynamic balance.

Abstract Background The use of virtual reality (VR) in clinical settings has increased with the introduction of affordable, easy-to-use head-mounted displays (HMDs). However, some have raised concerns about the effects that HMDs have on posture and locomotion, even without the projection of a virtual scene, which may be different across ages. Research question How does HMD wear impact the kinematic measures in younger and older adults? Methods Twelve healthy young and sixteen older adults participated in two testing conditions: 1) TUG with no HMD and 2) TUG with an HMD displaying a scene of the actual environment (TUGHMD). The dependent variables were the pitch, yaw, and roll peak trunk velocities (PTVs) in each TUG component, turning cadence, and the time to complete the TUG and its components – SIT-TO-STAND, TURN, WALK, and STAND-TO-SIT. Results Wearing the HMD decreased turning cadence and pitch and yaw PTVs in all TUG components, decreased roll PTV in SIT-TO-STAND and TURN, and increased the time taken to complete all TUG components in all participants. Wearing the HMD decreased the pitch PTV in SIT-TO-STAND in older relative to younger adults. Wearing an HMD affected TUG performance in younger and older adults, which should be considered when an HMD is used for VR applications in rehabilitation. Significance Our findings highlight the importance of considering the physical effect of HMD wear in clinical testing, which may not be present with non-wearable VR technologies.
Not just a walk in the woods? Exploring the impact of individual characteristics and changing job roles on stress among conservation officers

Research relating to police stress has typically focused on officers working in urban areas, neglecting their rural counterparts. This is especially true of conservation officers, who are tasked wi...
Using Markov chain model to evaluate medical students' trajectory on progress tests and predict USMLE step 1 scores---a retrospective cohort study in one medical school.

Medical students must meet curricular expectations and pass national licensing examinations to become physicians. However, no previous studies explicitly modeled stages of medical students acquiring basic science knowledge. In this study, we employed an innovative statistical model to characterize students’ growth using progress testing results over time and predict licensing examination performance. All students matriculated from 2016 to 2017 in our medical school with USMLE Step 1 test scores were included in this retrospective cohort study (N = 358). Markov chain method was employed to: 1) identify latent states of acquiring scientific knowledge based on progress tests and 2) estimate students’ transition probabilities between states. The primary outcome of this study, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 performance, were predicted based on students’ estimated probabilities in each latent state identified by Markov chain model. Four latent states were identified based on students’ progress test results: Novice, Advanced Beginner I, Advanced Beginner II and Competent States. At the end of the first year, students predicted to remain in the Novice state had lower mean Step 1 scores compared to those in the Competent state (209, SD = 14.8 versus 255, SD = 10.8 respectively) and had more first attempt failures (11.5% versus 0%). On regression analysis, it is found that at the end of the first year, if there was 10% higher chance staying in Novice State, Step 1 scores will be predicted 2.0 points lower (95% CI: 0.85–2.81 with P < .01); while 10% higher chance in Competent State, Step 1scores will be predicted 4.3 points higher (95% CI: 2.92–5.19 with P < .01). Similar findings were also found at the end of second year medical school. Using the Markov chain model to analyze longitudinal progress test performance offers a flexible and effective estimation method to identify students’ transitions across latent stages for acquiring scientific knowledge. The results can help identify students who are at-risk for licensing examination failure and may benefit from targeted academic support.
'Luxury Branding,' in the Handbook of Brand Relationships

Unique and timely, this Research Handbook on Luxury Branding explores and takes stock of the current body of knowledge on luxury branding, as well as offering direction for future research and management in the field. Featuring contributions from an international team of top-level researchers, this Handbook offers analysis and discussion of the profound socioeconomic, psychological, technological and political changes that are affecting the luxury industry, and that will continue to shape its future.
Benesh: a Programming Model for Coupled Scientific Workflows

As scientific applications strive towards increasingly realistic modeling of complex phenomena, they are integrating multiple models and simulations into complex, coupled scientific workflows. As a result, ensuring that existing codes can be combined and recombined correctly and flexibly as part of these workflows is essential. In this paper, we propose Benesh, a programming system for creating in-situ scientific workflows. Benesh provides a domain-specific abstraction that enables a programmer to instrument an existing simulation code to be used as a building block in defining complex workflows. Using Benesh, developers define a workflow-level shared specification of data objects over common or partitioned data domains. This permits dependency-based execution to be specified at the workflow level, distinct from the independent operation of the component simulations. We additionally describe features of a scalable runtime that builds on a distributed data services layer to implement the Benesh programming system.
Gender moderates the association between acute alcohol intoxication and facial emotion recognition in a naturalistic field study setting

BACKGROUND Alcohol intoxication is associated with significant negative social consequences. Social information processing theory provides a framework for understanding how the accurate decoding and interpretation of social cues are critical for effective social responding. Acute intoxication has the potential to disrupt facial emotion recognition. If alcohol impairs the processing and interpretation of emotional cues, then the resultant behavioral responses may be less effective. The current study tested the association between alcohol intoxication and facial emotion recognition in a naturalistic field study of intoxicated participants. METHODS 114 participants (59.4% men; Mage = 24.2 years) who had been consuming alcohol were recruited in the downtown area of a mid-size town surrounded by several drinking establishments in the mid-southern United States. Participants were shown images depicting 5 facial displays of emotions (happy, sad, anger, disgust, and no emotion) portrayed by 1 male and 1 female actor per emotion and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was measured by the field breathalyzer test (M = 0.078%, SD = 0.052). RESULTS BrAC was significantly negatively associated with emotion recognition accuracy when controlling for average alcohol use, B = -.35, t = -2.08, p < 0.05, F(3, 110) = 5.28, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.13. A significant BrAC × gender interaction was revealed, B = -0.39, t = -2.07, p = 0.04, ΔR2 = 0.033, p = 0.04, such that men (but not women) displayed a significant negative association between BrAC and emotion recognition accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Acute intoxication was associated with impaired facial emotion recognition, particularly for men, in a field study context. Findings support and extend some previous experimental laboratory-based research and suggest that intoxication can impair the decoding stage of social information processing.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes following salvage intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

ABSTRACT Purpose: We aimed to assess failure rates of salvage interventions and changes in split kidney function (SKF) following failed primary repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of adult patients at an academic medical center who underwent salvage intervention following primary treatment for UPJO was performed. Symptomatic failure was defined as significant flank pain. Radiographic failure was defined as no improvement in drainage or a decrease in SKF by ≥7%. Overall failure, the primary outcome, was defined as symptomatic failure, radiographic failure, or both. Results: Between 2008-2017, 34 patients (median age 38 years, 50% men) met study criteria. UPJO management was primary pyeloplasty/secondary endopyelotomy for 21/34 (62%), primary pyeloplasty/secondary pyeloplasty for 6/34 (18%), and primary endopyelotomy/secondary pyeloplasty for 7/34 (21%). Median follow-up was 3.3 years following secondary intervention. Patients undergoing primary pyeloplasty/secondary endopyelotomy had significantly higher overall failure than those undergoing primary pyeloplasty/secondary pyeloplasty (16/21 [76%] vs. 1/6 [17%], p=0.015). Among patients undergoing secondary endopyelotomy, presence of a stricture on retrograde pyelogram, stricture length, and SKF were not associated with symptomatic, radiographic, or overall failure. Serial renography was performed for 28/34 (82%) patients and 2/28 (7%) had a significant decline in SKF. Conclusions: Following failed primary pyeloplasty, secondary endopyelotomy had a greater overall failure rate than secondary pyeloplasty. No radiographic features assessed were associated with secondary endopyelotomy failure. Secondary intervention overall failure rates were higher than reported in the literature. Unique to this study, serial renography demonstrated that significant functional loss was overall infrequent.
The Assessment of COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes Among a Middle Eastern North African Community in Dearborn, Michigan.

In 2020, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 45–84 years (Woolf 325:123–124, 2021). However, systemic inequities and disparities exacerbated the pandemic’s effect on racial and ethnic groups (Tai 72:703–706, 2021). The exact impact of the pandemic within the Middle Eastern North African (MENA) community is not well documented or understood due to the lack of federal recognition of MENAs as an ethnic group. Given the lack of COVID-19 research among this community, this study was created to address COVID-19 needs, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviors regarding COVID-19 precautions, mask wearing, and routine healthcare appointments. Between June and July 2020, an anonymous survey was distributed in English and Arabic using a Community Participatory Based Research design in Dearborn, Michigan. Overall, 298 individuals were surveyed and their misconceptions regarding COVID-19 infections, spread, and precautions were identified. It is important to note that about 75% of survey respondents identified as female, while only 24% of survey participants identified as male. Survey participants slightly underestimated the distance in which COVID-19 can be transmitted as 5.5 ± 3.5. Participants severely underestimated COVID-19 deaths in the US, with 23% estimating that under 250,000 individuals would die from COVID-19. Overall, 60% of participants reported that they did not have any difficulty adhering to COVID-19 precautions and self-quarantine rules during Ramadan, while this number dropped to only 36% (87/238) after Ramadan. The goal of this study was to serve as a tool to better understand the misconceptions, difficulties, and needs regarding COVID-19 among this understudied population. The MENA community may be particularly vulnerable to the economic, medical, and social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Isolated bias power supply for IGBT gate drives using the fly-buck converter

For high power IGBTs in the AC motor drive and inverter applications, the reliable gate drive bias supply is critical to the robust performance of the system. This paper introduces the Fly-Buck DC/DC converter to generate isolated bias rails for the IGBT gate driver. Comparing to the traditional isolated switched power supply topologies, the Fly-Buck converter offers several advantages such as good cross regulation, line transient response and low EMI, whilst its design is kept simple and flexible for multiple output configuration. It is suitable to provide positive/negative voltage rails for single or multiple IGBTs to ensure the stable turn on/off of the IGBT. In the paper, the operation analysis and design of the Fly-Buck is presented, and its application and benefits in supplying IGBT gate drive are discussed.
Fetal mammary gland differentiation in vitro in response to hormones: I. Morphological findings

Abstract A biochemical parameter of secretory activity: the production of casein, was used to study mammary analage differentiation. Sixteen days after conception mammary analagen were exposed during the last 3 days of a 6-day incubation period with hormones to radioactive phosphate. Caseinlike material synthetized by the anlagen and labeled by the tracer was later separated and studied qualitatively and quantitatively. Insulin induced the synthesis of caseinlike material in the anlagen. This material is precipitable by rennin and Ca++, incorporates 32P, and runs in acrylamide-gel electrophoresis as a single band together with the fastest component of adult rat casein. Insulin plus prolactin plus aldosterone plus progesterone induce the synthesis of a caseinlike material which separates in three bands that run together with components of rat casein. The synthesis of caseinlike material increased with time and was inhibited by testosterone. Quantification of the caseinlike material synthesis permitted establishment of the following: insulin plus aldosterone stimulate caseinlike material synthesis above the basal levels obtained with insulin; insulin plus prolactin plus aldosterone increase the synthesis even further; and insulin plus prolactin plus aldosterone plus progesterone is the most effective hormone combination in stimulating caseinlike material synthesis of those tested to date. There was good agreement between the extent of morphological development and the amount of caseinlike material synthesized. The largest quantities of caseinlike material were obtained in the presence of insulin plus prolactin plus aldosterone, with or without progesterone; these were the same combinations which produced highly developed anlagen with profuse secretory activity.
Thinking outside the bun: the manager's role in sensemaking

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to alert managers to the importance of managing employee sensemaking during organizational change.Design/methodology/approach – The author uses her personal experience as a manager to discuss the importance of managing employee sensemaking during organizational change.Findings – Managers and employees must learn to understand their sensemaking assumptions, biases, and perceptions to do a better job of implementing organizational change.Practical implications – By understanding and managing employee thought processes and communicating the story of an organizational change to meet employee needs, managers can make organizational change less risky.Originality/value – This study informs managers about how employee perceptions can inhibit organizational change success.
Sulfur dioxide insertion: XIX. SO2 insertion and cycloaddition reactions of some h5-C5H5W(CO)3R complexes

Abstract Reaction of h5-C5H5W(CO)3R (R = CH3, C2H5, and CH2C6H5) with neat sulfur dioxide at 50 - 55° for 72 h affords the corresponding S-sulfinates, h5-C5H5W(CO)3S(O)2R, as isolable, stable solids. In contrast, reaction between h5-C5H5W(CO)3CH2CCR (R = CH3 and C6H5) and sulfur dioxide proceeds very readily at 25° in pentane or hexane to yield the cycloaddition products h5-C5H5W(CO)3 CC(R)S(O)OC H2. These sultine-ring complexes undergo desulfination to h5-C5H5W(CO)3CH2CCR upon contact with alumina.
The equity-productivity tradeoff:: Public school resources in Brazil

Abstract A governmental welfare function is specified to explore the equity-productivity tradeoff in the allocation of governmental schooling resources. The constrained maximization model is estimated for Brazil using expected incomes in each geographical area as the outcome of interest and governmental resources for each area as the input. The equity-productivity tradeoff in Brazillian governmental preferences is estimated to be considerable, with a welfare curvature close neither to the utilitarian nor to the Rawlsian extremes, but close to the intermediate Cobb-Douglas value. This implies neutral rather than reinforcing or compensating behavior in the allocation of governmental resources, with the result that the distribution of such resources across areas is more equal than is that of expected incomes.
Unsettling the Normative: Articulations of Masculinity in Victorian Literature and Culture

This article provides an overview of the academic study of Victorian masculinity. It argues that the pioneering work of feminist and sexuality studies scholars in Victorian studies during the 1970s and 1980s made it possible to discuss manhood critically as a historical and cultural phenomenon. It then presents a reading of major works on Victorian masculinity from the 1990s, organized around two major themes: studies that brought to light and analyzed a suppressed history of masculinities that departed from cultural norms (especially homosexual masculinity), and studies devoted to the reassessment of mainstream Victorian manhood. It concludes by looking at a selection of work from the past decade in order to outline recent developments in the field. These studies, which have been able to take for granted that manhood is a valid and coherent subject of inquiry, have been able to integrate the study of masculinity into a variety of Victorian topics, even though there are now fewer works devoted exclusively to masculinity.
THE USE OF AN ASPHALT POLYMER/GLASS FIBER REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM FOR MINIMIZING REFLECTION CRACKS IN OVERLAYS AND REDUCING EXCAVATION BEFORE OVERLAYING

This paper describes the successful development of the use of glass fibre reinforcement in conjunction with an asphalt polymer to minimize reflection cracks in an asphalt overlay. The system is also used to reduce excavation of deteriorated cracks and joints before overlaying. The glass fibre reinforcement is a high strength woven glass with a tensile strength of 1750 n/cm (1000 lb/in) width. The asphalt polymer was specially designed for use with the glass fibre reinforcement and has excellent properties of adhesion, low-temperature flexibility, and high softening point. The asphalt polymer adheres to the old road, the glass fibre reinforcement, and the new overlay, protects the glass fibre reinforcement, acts as a stress relieving membrane, and transfers the stresses to the reinforcement. The glass fibre reinforcement distributes the stress over the width of the repair to a level below the fracture point of the overlay. Over a five-year period 150 field trials were set up in 21 states. It was found that the reinforcement system was 89% effective in reducing reflection cracks. The average age of the trials was 21 months. All trials were exposed to a minimum of one winter. For the covering abstract of the symposium see IRRD 286635. (TRRL)
Methodological errors in radioisotope flux measurements

We examined several sources of error in isotopic flux measurements in a commonly used experimental model: the study of 22Na and 36Cl fluxes across rat ileal tissue mounted in the Ussing flux chamber. The experiment revealed three important sources of error: the absolute counts per minute, the difference in counts per minute between serial samples, and averaging of serial samples. By computer manipulation, we then applied hypothetical changes in the experimental protocol to generalize these findings and assess the effect and interaction of the absolute counts per minute, the sampling interval, and the counting time on the magnitude of the error. We found that the error of a flux measurement will vary inversely with the counting time and the difference between the consecutive sample counts per minute used in the flux calculations and will vary directly with the absolute counts per minute of each sample. Alteration of the "hot" side specific activity, the surface area of the tissue across which flux is measu...
Raman amplification using high-power incoherent semiconductor pump sources

We have demonstrated 7 dB of C-band amplification from a DRA; pumped using novel incoherent high-power (>450 mW) semiconductor sources with a broad spectral bandwidth (>35 nm). The low-frequency RIN of these sources can be suppressed below -140 dB/Hz.
Carbon Monoxide-Induced Arterial Hypoxemia

Inhalation of carbon monoxide produces an increase in the alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient in the presence of veno-arterial shunts or ventilation-perfusion imbalance but has no such effect in normal subjects. The increase in the alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient with rising concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin results from changes induced by carbon monoxide in the shape of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
Improved extraction of zirconium and molybdenum beams from a penning discharge ion source

Abstract Modifications to a Penning discharge type ion source have made it possible to increase significantly the yield and lifetime of the refractory metal ion beams zirconium and molybdenum.
EPISCHURA FLUVIATILIS HERRICK, 1883 (COPEPODA: CALANOIDA: TEMORIDAE), FIRST REPORT FROM SOUTH CAROLINA, WITH NOTES ON SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE CAUDAL RAMI AND ITS POSSIBLE ROLE IN MATING

ABSTRACT Epischurafluviatilis is reported from L Lake, near Aiken, South Carolina. Its diagnostic features are described and illustrated. Excavations on one caudal ramus surface, left dorsal in female, right ventral in male, could fit together during copulation and help to secure the copulatory position.
The Religious Thought of Chu Hsi

Recognized as one of the greatest philosophers in classical China, Chu Hsi (1130-1200) is known in the West primarily through translations of one of his many works, the Chin-ssu Lu. In this book, Julia Ching offers the first book-length examination of Chu Hsi's religious thought, based on extensive reading of both primary and secondary sources. Ching begins by providing an introduction to Chu's twelfth-century intellectual context. She then examines Chu's natural philosophy, looking in particular at the ideas of the Great Ultimate and at spirits and deities and the rituals that honor them. Next, Ching considers Chu's interpretation of human nature and the emotions, highlighting the mystical thrust of the theoretical and practical teachings of spiritual cultivation and meditation. She discusses Chu's philosophical disputes with his contemporariesin particular Lu Chiu-yuanand examines his relationship to Buddhism and Taoism. In the final chapters, Ching looks at critiques of Chu during his lifetime and after and evaluates the relevance of his thinking in terms of contemporary needs and problems. This clearly written and highly accessible study also offers translations of some of Chu's most important philosophical poems, filling a major gap in the fields of both Chinese philosophy and religion.
Correlated Denominators in Multiple Regression and Change Analyses.

Sociological and demographic research often uses variables computed as ratios. When the denominators are highly correlated, or identical, and the ratios are used in correlation or regression analys...
Transboundary Environmental Assessment: Lessons from OTAG

The nature and role of assessments in creating policy for transboundary environmental problems is discussed. Transboundary environmental problems are particularly difficult to deal with because the...
Specific inhibition of receptors for angiotensin II and angiotensin III in adrenal glomerulosa

Abstract The binding of angiotensin II and des-asp 1 -angiotensin II (angiotensin III) to homogenates of bovine adrenal glomerulosa was inhibited by agents best known for their effects on prostaglandin systems. Three of the agents, eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid and arachidonic acid, demonstrated a greater potency against angiotensin 11 than against angiotensin 111. Selective inhibition by ETYA was qualitatively reproduced in experiments which measured binding of angiotensins to rabbit adrenal glomerulosa cell suspensions. ETYA demonstrated the same increased potency against angiotensin II when stimulated aldosterone production was measured in these cells. Binding parameters in the bovine adrenal homogenate were not different for the two angiotensins. There was no difference in the degradation rates of the two peptides. Therefore, selective inhibition of angiotensin II cannot be explained by differences in binding affinities or degradation rates. There was no detectable prostaglandin synthetase activity in the bovine adrenal homogenate preparation. This makes it unlikely that the inhibitors exerted their effects on angiotensin via their actions on prostaglandin metabolism. It is postulated that the agents selectively inhibit the binding and biological action of angiotensins by acting directly on the receptors for the two peptides, and that the receptors for angiotensin II and III are distinct from one another.
C-H bond activation at palladium(IV) centers.

This communication describes the first observation and study of C–H activation at a PdIV center. This transformation was achieved by designing model complexes in which the rate of reductive elimination is slowed relative to that of the desired C–H activation process. Remarkably, the C–H activation reaction can proceed under mild conditions and with complementary site selectivity to analogous transformations at PdII. These results provide a platform for incorporating this new reaction as a step in catalytic processes.
Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza A/Udorn/72 (H3N2) virus I. Isolation of temperature-sensitive mutants some of which exhibit host-dependent temperature sensitivity

Abstract Influenza A/Udorn/72 virus was mutagenized to induce temperature-sensitive ( ts ) and host range mutations. The mutagenized virus was tested on both rhesus monkey kidney (RMK) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) tissue culture at permissive and restrictive temperatures. One hundred thirty-six ts mjtants were isolated from 6185 clones tested. Eighty-three of these were ts on RMK tissue and 133 were ts on MDCK. Each clone replicated at 34° on both RMK and MCDK tissue and thus failed to exhibit a difference in host range in these two tissues at permissive temperature. However, 32 clones were 1000-fold or more restricted in plaque formation on MDCK cultures compared to RMK culture at 38, 39, and/or 40°. Conversely, four clones were more restricted on RMK cultures. These clones represent temperature-dependent host range ( td-hr ) mutants. The ts and td-hr mutants may be useful in exploring certain biological, genetic, biochemical, and pathogenic properties of influenza A virus.
Effect of breed and milking method on somatic cell count, standard plate count and composition of goat milk

Abstract This study was conducted on three commercial dairy goat farms (A, B, C), on which does were milked using pipeline milking machines, milking buckets and by hand, respectively. Six to eight mastitis-free milking does of Alpine and Nubian breeds were selected from each farm. Composite samples, made of equal volumes of evening and morning milk, were collected monthly throughout the lactation (March–October). Milk samples were analyzed for somatic cell count (SCC), standard plate count (SPC), and percentages of fat, protein, lactose and solids-non-fat (SNF). The overall means were 9.3 × 105 SCC ml−1, 9.1 × 10−2 cfu ml−1 SPC, 4.08% fat, 3.20% protein, 4.41 % lactose and 8.28% SNF, respectively. There was no significant effect of breed or milking method on SCC. Overall monthly mean SCC increased as lactation advanced. During the entire lactation period, 51% of the milk samples contained above 1 million SCC ml−1. However, only traces (under 5 cfu ml−1) of mastitis-related pathogens were found in these high SCC samples. Nubian does produced milk with higher SPC, percent fat, protein and SNF than Alpine does (P
William Stewart Halsted. Our surgical heritage.

There is perhaps no story in medical science over the past 100 years more fascinating than the life of Dr. William Stewart Halsted, generally regarded as the most innovative and influential surgeon the United States has produced. The number and magnitude of Dr. Halsted's contributions to surg
Electrostatic Interactions in the Denatured State and in the Transition State for Protein Folding: Effects of Denatured State Interactions on the Analysis of Transition State Structure

Abstract The development of electrostatic interactions during the folding of the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9 (NTL9) is investigated by pH-dependent rate equilibrium free energy relationships. We show that Asp8, among six acidic residues, is involved in non-native, electrostatic interactions with K12 in the transition state for folding as well as in the denatured state. The perturbed native state p K a of D8 (p K a = 3.0) appears to be maintained through non-native interactions in both the transition state and the denatured state. Mutational effects on the stability of the transition state for protein (un)folding are often analyzed in respect to change in ground states. Thus, the interpretation of transition state analysis critically depends on an understanding of mutational effects on both the native and denatured state. Increasing evidence for structurally biased denatured states under physiological conditions raises concerns about possible denatured state effects on folding studies. We show that the structural interpretation of transition state analysis can be altered dramatically by denatured state effects.
Acne therapy: old wine in new vessels – the promise (and pitfalls) of new drug deliveries and regimens

Therapy in acne vulgaris has undergone significant advances in the new millennium. While the standard menu of therapeutic options has changed little, the delivery/application options have steadily ...
Correlation of double Rayleigh scattering in single-mode optical fibers

We demonstrate that double-Rayleigh-scattering-induced optical-intensity noise in separate fibers is only partially correlated. Hence, double-Rayleigh-scattering contributes to the uncorrelated fiber-induced noise that limits the performance of active feedback cancellation in two-way unidirectional RF-photonic links.
Contribution of ergot alkaloids to suppression of a grass-feeding caterpillar assessed with gene knockout endophytes in perennial ryegrass

Neotyphodium and Epichloe species (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) are fungal symbionts (endophytes) of grasses. Many of these endophytes produce alkaloids that enhance their hosts' resistance to insects or are toxic to grazing mammals. The goals of eliminating from forage grasses factors such as ergot alkaloids that are responsible for livestock disorders, while retaining pasture sustainability, and of developing resistant turf grasses, require better understanding of how particular alkaloids affect insect herbivores. We used perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne L. (Poaceae) symbiotic with Neotyphodium lolii x Epichloe typhina isolate Lp1 (a natural interspecific hybrid), as well as with genetically modified strains of Lp1 with altered ergot alkaloid profiles, to test effects of ergot alkaloids on feeding, growth, and survival of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a generalist grass-feeding caterpillar. Neonates or late instars were provided clippings from glasshouse-grown plants in choice and rearing trials. Wild-type endophytic grass showed strong antixenosis and antibiosis, especially to neonates. Plant-endophyte symbiota from which complex ergot alkaloids (ergovaline and lysergic acid amides such as ergine) or all ergot alkaloids were eliminated by endophyte gene knockout retained significant resistance against neonates. However, this activity was reduced compared to that of wild-type Lp1, providing the first direct genetic evidence that ergot alkaloids contribute to insect resistance of endophytic grasses. Similarity of larval response to the two mutants suggested that ergovaline and/or ergine account for the somewhat greater potency of wild-type Lp1 compared to the knockouts, whereas simpler ergot alkaloids contribute little to that added resistance. All of the endophyte strains also produced peramine, which was probably their primary resistance component. This study suggests that ergot alkaloids can be eliminated from an endophyte of perennial ryegrass while retaining significant insect resistance.
Dynamic competition as an exploratory model of healthcare policy for the antihypertensive market.

Dynamic competition based on innovation, rather than classical competition based on price, may better explain the research-intensive pharmaceutical market. In an exploratory comparison of these models, economic indicators of annual change in price and price elasticity of demand were tested in a repeated-measures design by analysis of variance.
SNAP II index: an alternative to the COMFORT scale in assessing the level of sedation in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients.

Sedation monitoring is essential in pediatric patients on ventilatory support to achieve comfort and safety. The COMFORT scale was designed and validated to assess the level of sedation in intubated pediatric patients. However, it remains unreliable in pharmacologically paralyzed patients. The SNAP II index is calculated using an algorithm that incorporates high-frequency (80-420 Hz) electroencephalogram (EEG) components, known to be useful in discriminating between awake and unconscious states, unlike other measurements that only include low-frequency EEG segments such as the bispectral index score. Previous studies suggested that the SNAP II index is a reliable and sensitive indicator of the level of consciousness in adult patients. Despite its potential, no data are currently available in the pediatric critically ill population on ventilatory support. This is the first pilot study assessing the potential application of the SNAP II index in critically ill pediatric patients by comparing it to the common...
Daptomycin-Resistant, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

We describe a patient who developed daptomycin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) during an episode of presumed septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein. Although daptomycin is an alternative agent for treatment of drug-resistant gram-positive bacterial infections, development of resistance during prolonged use may occur with MRSA bacteremia from a persistent focus.
Health problems are more common, but less severe when measured using newer EQ-5D versions.

Abstract Objectives The EuroQol Group recently released youth (Y) and 5-level (5L) versions of its 3-level EQ-5D instrument (3L) that measures health-related quality of life. In this study, we (1) compare 3L, Y, and 5L responses among US adults and (2) assess construct validity. Study Design and Setting Using a nationally representative sample of US adults ( N = 2,619), we collected 3L, Y, and 5L responses in random order and estimated their associations and their relationship with a 0 to 100 numerical visual analog scale. Results The prevalence of US adults in the best possible EQ-5D state (i.e., 11111) was lower for the Y (38%) and 5L (35%) than for the 3L (44%), capturing more health problems. However, the prevalence of extreme responses in pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression decreased substantially between the 3L and 5L (from 44% to 17% and from 29% to 13%, respectively). Conclusion Compared with the 3L, the Y and 5L versions describe population health as having more, yet milder, health problems. Although the 5L may have advantages in patient populations in which extreme problems are more prevalent, population studies or studies that follow patients from childhood may consider using the Y.
Left main coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva and coursing between the aorta and pulmonary trunk.

Findings are described in five patients who at necropsy were found to have origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva and coursing of the anomalously arising artery between aorta and pulmonary trunk to reach the left side of the heart. Three of the five patients were boys and died suddenly at ages 13, 14 and 19 years, respectively: two of them had had one or more episodes of syncope and the third had an abnormal electrocardiogram. The fourth patient, a 64 year old woman, died of chronic congestive heart failure 1 year after an acute myocardial infarction. She had insignificant coronary atherosclerosis. The fifth patient, an 81 year old man, died of chronic alcoholism, having been free of symptoms of cardiac dysfunction during life. Additionally, clinical and necropsy findings are summarized in 38 previously reported necropsy patients with the coronary anomaly. Of these 38 (34 male [89%]), 23 (61 %) died suddenly in the first two decades of life; death in 6 others (16%) appears to have been related to coronary atherosclerosis and 9 patients (24%) died from noncoronary causes. Thus, this anomaly is life-threatening. Why it frequently causes fatal cardiac arrest in some young individuals and allows a normal life span in others remains unclear.
Semiconductor diode lasers in the canine prostate: laser-tissue interaction

We have studied 810 nm (Diomed, Cambridge England), 950 nm (Diolase, Endocare, Irvine CA), 980 nm (Dornier, Munich Germany), and 1000 nm (Cynosure, Bedford MA) using free beam right angle firing fibers in the canine prostate. Because some lasers only accept specific fibers, and each wavelength has its own divergence properties, standardization of fiber and power density was not possible. Power was studied in increments to the maximum output for each laser. Laser-tissue interaction was studied by video endoscopy during lasing, pathology, and real time interstitial thermometry at 3, 7, and 11 mm deep from the prostatic urethra. We found that using the Dornier Sidefocus fiber at 25 W, 810 nm created a small vaporized cavity surrounded by a zone of necrosis, whereas 980 nm at 25 W caused more necrosis but little vaporization. Irradiation with 950 nm and the Prolase II fiber created deeper lesions at 40 W than 25 W. At 1000 nm with the angle delivery device produced by Cynosure, popcorn with the formation of carbonized cavities occurred at both 25 and 40 W. The lesions were only slightly deeper at the higher wattage. We conclude that the high power diode lasers are capable of producing volume lesions in the prostate. The different wavelengths, fibers and power densities lead to different laser-tissue interaction, and thus each wavelength needs to be considered separately.
Prevalence and Association of Ventricular Tachycardia and Complex Ventricular Arrhythmias With New Coronary Events in Older Men and Women With and Without Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND We report the prevalence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and of complex ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and their association with new coronary events in older men and women. METHODS The prevalence of VT and of complex VA detected by 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms and the incidence of new coronary events in older persons with coronary artery disease (CAD), with hypertension, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy without CAD, and with no cardiovascular disease was investigated in 915 men (mean age 80 +/- 8 years) and in 1,874 women (mean age 81 +/- 8 years) in a long-term health care facility. Follow-up was 45 +/- 30 months in men and 47 +/- 30 months in women. RESULTS The prevalence of VT was 16% in men and 15% in women with CAD, 9% in men and 8% in women with hypertension, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy without CAD, and 3% in men and 2% in women with no cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of complex VA was 69% in men and 68% in women with CAD, 54% in men and 55% in women with hypertension, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy without CAD, and 31% in men and 30% in women with no cardiovascular disease. In men and in women with CAD or with hypertension, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy, VT and complex VA increased the incidence of new coronary events (p <.0001). Within each of the groups of patients, the incidences of new coronary events in men and in women with and without VT or complex VA were similar. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of VT and of complex VA were similar in older men and women. VT and complex VA were associated with a higher incidence of new coronary events in men and women with CAD or with hypertension, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy without CAD, but not in men and women with no cardiovascular disease.
Protein composition of human submandibular secretions

Abstract The protein composition of human submandibular saliva obtained from a single donor has been investigated, and 21 proteins have been resolved. On Sephadex G-100, submandibular secretions (unstimulated) separated into four fractions, I, II, III, and IV. Each fraction was analyzed further by isoelectric focusing and disc gel electrophoresis. The major components detected in each fraction along with their isoelectric point (p I ) are as follows: I, blood group specific substance (2.3), immunoglobulin A (5.0–6.0), and immunoglobulin G (4.5–6.5); II, albumin (4.9), two glycoproteins (5.0), and acid phosphatase (5.2); III, three phosphoproteins (4.3–4.4), isoamylase 1A (5.9), isoamylase 1B (6.4), unidentified protein (7.1), lysozyme (>10), and a basic protein (>10); and IV, isoamylase 2A (5.9) and isoamylase 2B (6.4). Isoamylase 1A and IB are glycoproteins. Stimulated submandibular secretions were also resolved into four protein fractions by gel filtration. Fraction III, compared with unstimulated secretions, showed the greatest percent increase in protein. Analysis of this fraction by disc gel electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of four protein bands which were not detected in the unstimulated secretion. One of these proteins is tentatively identified as a phosphoprotein and two as basic proteins (p I > 10). The protein composition of submandibular, parotid, and sublingual secretions is compared.
The determinants of medical malpractice incidents: Theory of contingency fees and empirical evidence

A common criticism of the contingent fee arrangement is that it increases the total number of claims [Dietzet al., 1973, pp. 87–167]. This is true. But without contingent fees, risk averse plaintiffs would not offer the fair value of an incident and, as a consequence, would bear more of the cost of medical malpractice. This conclusion was reached in Section II by examining an expected utility model of plaintiff's decision-making. Section III presented empirical evidence on the determinants of malpractice incidentsper capita. High income, exposure to surgical operations, and a favorable legal system encourage incidents. The supply price of lawyers' time is negative and significant.
Mn/Al2O3 and Mn/ZrO2 as selective catalysts for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes: The role of surface acidity and particle morphology

Abstract Mn/Al 2 O 3 and Mn/ZrO 2 were prepared by precipitation method. Their catalytic activity was investigated in the synthesis of biologically important bis(indolyl)methanes via, a condensation reaction between an indole and different aldehydes. The materials exhibited excellent catalytic activity (TOF in the range 180–380 h −1 ) and produced the expected product in good yield and selectivity. Isolation of product from the reaction mixture was simple and neat. The catalysts were found to be recyclable and used up to five cycles without any loss in their catalytic activity. Mn/ZrO 2 was also found to be a better catalyst than Mn/Al 2 O 3 in terms of isolated yield of the product and recyclability. Mn/ZrO 2 catalyst was found to be selective for aldehydes and not for ketones. In order to investigate the relationship between the catalytic activity and physico-chemical properties, Mn/Al 2 O 3 and Mn/ZrO 2 were characterized for their surface and bulk properties by PXRD, BET, TPD-NH 3 and SEM techniques. A good correlation between the catalytic activity of the materials and the concentration of the acid sites with intermediate strength was observed. Mn/ZrO 2 exhibited rod like structure. This material was found to be a general catalyst for the synthesis of a number of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives with good yield and selectivity.
Bacterial Transcription Terminators: The RNA 3′-End Chronicles

The process of transcription termination is essential to proper expression of bacterial genes and, in many cases, to the regulation of bacterial gene expression. Two types of bacterial transcriptional terminators are known to control gene expression. Intrinsic terminators dissociate transcription complexes without the assistance of auxiliary factors. Rho-dependent terminators are sites of dissociation mediated by an RNA helicase called Rho. Despite decades of study, the molecular mechanisms of both intrinsic and Rho-dependent termination remain uncertain in key details. Most knowledge is based on the study of a small number of model terminators. The extent of sequence diversity among functional terminators and the extent of mechanistic variation as a function of sequence diversity are largely unknown. In this review, we consider the current state of knowledge about bacterial termination mechanisms and the relationship between terminator sequence and steps in the termination mechanism.
Sequential regional phase mapping of radionuclide gated biventriculograms in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia: close correlation with electrophysiologic characteristics.

Abstract Radionuclide (RNA) gated studies were performed during sinus rhythm and during spontaneous or induced sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in six patients with clinical VT. Fourier analysis of time-activity variation was used to calculate a RNA phase value for each pixel in the image. Color coding of each pixel according to its calculated phase resulted in a RNA phase map of the ventricles. The following results were considered to be consistent with the known electrophysiology of VT: (1) the phase map correlated with QRS morphology and axis in most but not all tachycardias; (2) earliest phase usually demonstrated the VT origin to be at the border of the ventricular wall motion abnormality; (3) endocardial mapping (available in one patient) showed close correlation with RNA phase mapping; (4) in three patients with ischemic heart disease, VT with left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern had earliest LV phase along the septum; and (S) tornone patient imaged during two different VT morphologies, the tachycardias had earliest phase at different borders of the same wall motion abnormality with differing progression of phase across the ventricles. RNA phase mapping of VT is feasible and appears to provide data consistent with the electrophysiology of this arrhythmia.
Direct observation of adsorbate-adsorbate repulsions along a one-dimensional array: CO on the steps of Pt(112)

Abstract The orientation of CO on the steps of Pt(112) (Pt(S)-[3(111)×(001)]) was studied by digital electron stimulated desorption - ion angular distribution (ESDIAD), monitoring the a 3 π-CO state. At low coverages, CO is adsorbed exclusively on step sites. At higher coverages, one-dimensional COCO repulsions result in tilting along the steps. When the steps are filled, all step CO molecules reorient orthogonally with new tilt angles up and down the steps. The selection of orthogonal tilt directions at various coverages has not been observed previously. These CO tilting effects are primarily due to steric repulsions rather than static dipole-dipole interactions.